Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.
What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.
In this episode, we welcome our friends, author/podcaster R Scott Okamoto and filmmaker/professor Renee Tajima-Pena, to share their reflections on the devastating wildfires that have ravaged parts of greater Los Angeles. Scott shares about the terrifying experience of evacuating from the approaching inferno, while Renee scrambled (and dodged road closures) to save her family's treasures and traditions. The discuss the profound loss for the history and community of Altadena and the incredible heart in Los Angeles's response to this moment.
1.17.2025
1.10.2025
They Call Us Extremely Unique Dynamic
Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.
What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.
In this episode, we welcome Harrison Xu and Ivan Leung, the directors/writers/producers/stars of Extremely Unique Dynamic, a "Meta-Asian-Stoner-Coming-of-Age-Bromantic Dramedy" about two best friends who decide to make a movie... about two guys making a movie... about two guys making a movie. They talk about making a buddy narrative to showcase their friendship and talent, how they managed to sneak in a celebrity cameo from Hudson Yang (as himself!) and the unanticipated low-budget/high-effort costs when you make an indie project. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Extremely Unique Dynamic.
In this episode, we welcome Harrison Xu and Ivan Leung, the directors/writers/producers/stars of Extremely Unique Dynamic, a "Meta-Asian-Stoner-Coming-of-Age-Bromantic Dramedy" about two best friends who decide to make a movie... about two guys making a movie... about two guys making a movie. They talk about making a buddy narrative to showcase their friendship and talent, how they managed to sneak in a celebrity cameo from Hudson Yang (as himself!) and the unanticipated low-budget/high-effort costs when you make an indie project. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Extremely Unique Dynamic.
1.09.2025
Squid Game: The Official Podcast - Friend of Foe: S2 E7
There's no stopping the game.
Squid Game is back! Season two of the worldwide phenomenon has dropped, and I'm pleased to share that I'm back as host of Squid Game: The Official Podcast, from Netflix and Mash-Up Americans. Join me and co-host Kiera Please as we suit up and dive into each episode of Squid Game season two. Along with a lineup of special guests, we'll unpack the deadly new challenges, explore the layered characters, and debate the moral dilemmas that will leave you questioning everything.
Spoiler alert! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 2 Episode 6 before listening on.
In the Season 2 finale, an explosive fight ignites between the remaining players and the game's architects. Kiera and I are joined by special guest Jason Concepcion to unpack the episode's most shocking moments, from Gi-hun's bloody "special game" revolt, to Player 001's masterclass in deception -- and ask: Can Gi-hun's heroism withstand the crushing weight of sacrifice? Plus, Phil and Kiera share their theories, reflections, and predictions for what Season 3 could bring.
Squid Game is back! Season two of the worldwide phenomenon has dropped, and I'm pleased to share that I'm back as host of Squid Game: The Official Podcast, from Netflix and Mash-Up Americans. Join me and co-host Kiera Please as we suit up and dive into each episode of Squid Game season two. Along with a lineup of special guests, we'll unpack the deadly new challenges, explore the layered characters, and debate the moral dilemmas that will leave you questioning everything.
Spoiler alert! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 2 Episode 6 before listening on.
In the Season 2 finale, an explosive fight ignites between the remaining players and the game's architects. Kiera and I are joined by special guest Jason Concepcion to unpack the episode's most shocking moments, from Gi-hun's bloody "special game" revolt, to Player 001's masterclass in deception -- and ask: Can Gi-hun's heroism withstand the crushing weight of sacrifice? Plus, Phil and Kiera share their theories, reflections, and predictions for what Season 3 could bring.
1.07.2025
Squid Game: The Official Podcast - O X: S2 E6
There's no stopping the game.
Squid Game is back! Season two of the worldwide phenomenon has dropped, and I'm pleased to share that I'm back as host of Squid Game: The Official Podcast, from Netflix and Mash-Up Americans. Join me and co-host Kiera Please as we suit up and dive into each episode of Squid Game season two. Along with a lineup of special guests, we'll unpack the deadly new challenges, explore the layered characters, and debate the moral dilemmas that will leave you questioning everything.
Spoiler alert! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 2 Episode 6 before listening on.
In episode six, Kiera and I dive into the shocking twists of "Round and Round," the carousel game. Special guest Dash Katz from Squid Game: The Challenge S1 joins the conversation to talk survival strategies and share their fiery takes on the season's most dramatic betrayals. Plus, we unpack the game makers' introduction of the O vs. X rivalry and its ripple effects, while delving into the factors that widen this growing divide. And for a much-needed laugh, Kiera and I face off in Chubby Bunny: Gimbap Edition.
Squid Game is back! Season two of the worldwide phenomenon has dropped, and I'm pleased to share that I'm back as host of Squid Game: The Official Podcast, from Netflix and Mash-Up Americans. Join me and co-host Kiera Please as we suit up and dive into each episode of Squid Game season two. Along with a lineup of special guests, we'll unpack the deadly new challenges, explore the layered characters, and debate the moral dilemmas that will leave you questioning everything.
Spoiler alert! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 2 Episode 6 before listening on.
In episode six, Kiera and I dive into the shocking twists of "Round and Round," the carousel game. Special guest Dash Katz from Squid Game: The Challenge S1 joins the conversation to talk survival strategies and share their fiery takes on the season's most dramatic betrayals. Plus, we unpack the game makers' introduction of the O vs. X rivalry and its ripple effects, while delving into the factors that widen this growing divide. And for a much-needed laugh, Kiera and I face off in Chubby Bunny: Gimbap Edition.
1.05.2025
Squid Game: The Official Podcast - One More Game: S2 E5
There's no stopping the game.
Squid Game is back! Season two of the worldwide phenomenon has dropped, and I'm pleased to share that I'm back as host of Squid Game: The Official Podcast, from Netflix and Mash-Up Americans. Join me and co-host Kiera Please as we suit up and dive into each episode of Squid Game season two. Along with a lineup of special guests, we'll unpack the deadly new challenges, explore the layered characters, and debate the moral dilemmas that will leave you questioning everything.
Spoiler alert! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 2 Episode 5 before listening on.
In episode five, the surviving players rally together after an inspiring finish to the Six-Legged Pentathlon, only to face a pivotal vote: split the cash and leave now, or risk their lives in hopes of winning more? Kiera and I are joined by special guests Trey Plutnicki and LeAnn Wilcox Plutnicki from Squid Game: The Challenge S1 to reflect on chosen family -- and the remarkable women of the games who rise to the occasion.
Squid Game is back! Season two of the worldwide phenomenon has dropped, and I'm pleased to share that I'm back as host of Squid Game: The Official Podcast, from Netflix and Mash-Up Americans. Join me and co-host Kiera Please as we suit up and dive into each episode of Squid Game season two. Along with a lineup of special guests, we'll unpack the deadly new challenges, explore the layered characters, and debate the moral dilemmas that will leave you questioning everything.
Spoiler alert! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 2 Episode 5 before listening on.
In episode five, the surviving players rally together after an inspiring finish to the Six-Legged Pentathlon, only to face a pivotal vote: split the cash and leave now, or risk their lives in hopes of winning more? Kiera and I are joined by special guests Trey Plutnicki and LeAnn Wilcox Plutnicki from Squid Game: The Challenge S1 to reflect on chosen family -- and the remarkable women of the games who rise to the occasion.
1.03.2025
Squid Game: The Official Podcast - Six Legs: S2 E4
There's no stopping the game.
Squid Game is back! Season two of the worldwide phenomenon has dropped, and I'm pleased to share that I'm back as host of Squid Game: The Official Podcast, from Netflix and Mash-Up Americans. Join me and co-host Kiera Please as we suit up and dive into each episode of Squid Game season two. Along with a lineup of special guests, we'll unpack the deadly new challenges, explore the layered characters, and debate the moral dilemmas that will leave you questioning everything.
Spoiler alert! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 2 Episode 4 before listening on.
In episode four, alliances are formed as players are thrown into their first team game. Kiera and I unpack the heart-pounding moments as Gi-hun reluctantly steps into the role of leader as the players face a grueling six-legged pentathlon that demands far more than brute strength to survive. Meanwhile, Pink Guard 011 grapples with her own complex morality, further blurring the lines between mercy and brutality. We'll explore the unexpected strength of the "misfits" team, while Detective Jun-ho's rescue mission takes a darker turn. It all raises the pressing question: How far up the chain of command do the games truly go? Finally, Kiera and I try our hand at Gonggi, a classic Korean schoolyard game inspired by this episode, and my mom joins in to share her take on Season 2!
Squid Game is back! Season two of the worldwide phenomenon has dropped, and I'm pleased to share that I'm back as host of Squid Game: The Official Podcast, from Netflix and Mash-Up Americans. Join me and co-host Kiera Please as we suit up and dive into each episode of Squid Game season two. Along with a lineup of special guests, we'll unpack the deadly new challenges, explore the layered characters, and debate the moral dilemmas that will leave you questioning everything.
Spoiler alert! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 2 Episode 4 before listening on.
In episode four, alliances are formed as players are thrown into their first team game. Kiera and I unpack the heart-pounding moments as Gi-hun reluctantly steps into the role of leader as the players face a grueling six-legged pentathlon that demands far more than brute strength to survive. Meanwhile, Pink Guard 011 grapples with her own complex morality, further blurring the lines between mercy and brutality. We'll explore the unexpected strength of the "misfits" team, while Detective Jun-ho's rescue mission takes a darker turn. It all raises the pressing question: How far up the chain of command do the games truly go? Finally, Kiera and I try our hand at Gonggi, a classic Korean schoolyard game inspired by this episode, and my mom joins in to share her take on Season 2!
1.02.2025
They Call Us Squid Game Season 2
Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.
What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.
In this episode, we welcome back the crew — Rebecca Sun and Dino-Ray Ramos — to discuss season two of the global sensation Squid Game, which is officially Netflix's most watched show ever. In what is quite possibly this podcast's longest episode ever, they discuss the return and evolution of some fan-favorite characters, their least favorite new characters, the biggest new twists in the deadly game, and whether or not Gong Yoo gets worthwhile screen time in his return as the mysterious Recruiter. And of course: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of Squid Game Season 2.
What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.
In this episode, we welcome back the crew — Rebecca Sun and Dino-Ray Ramos — to discuss season two of the global sensation Squid Game, which is officially Netflix's most watched show ever. In what is quite possibly this podcast's longest episode ever, they discuss the return and evolution of some fan-favorite characters, their least favorite new characters, the biggest new twists in the deadly game, and whether or not Gong Yoo gets worthwhile screen time in his return as the mysterious Recruiter. And of course: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of Squid Game Season 2.
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