LOCAL GODZ

Asian American pioneer Tim Chantarangsu talks about being a different kind of Asian on YouTube, his 9-season run on Wild 'N Out, how his comedy and podcast persona differs from his music persona Traphik, and his top priorities now that he has reached the next level of life: being a dad.

Portrait photographer and content creator David Suh discusses the secrets behind self-acceptance, taking selfies you love, the difference between being an artist and a designer, how somatics transform the mind-body connection, and why he believes that no one can possibly be unphotogenic.

Content creator and fitness influencer Rebecca Benedict talks about growing up as an adoptee from China in a white family, her speedrun through Asian American identity, and what it's like being abducted as a teenager and surviving a wilderness therapy program.

Chef, owner, and James Beard Foundation 2024 Best Chef: California award winner Lord Maynard Llera shares what it was like to win the "Oscars of the food world", explains his unique regional take on Filipino food, reflects on being an overripe restaurateur, and goes into detail about the origin story behind his highly lauded first dining concept in Los Angeles: Kuya Lord.

Restaurateur and serial entrepreneur Andy Nguyen breaks down the secrets behind successful enterprises like Afters Ice Cream and Trill Burgers, why Little Saigon in Orange County has some of the best Vietnamese food in the world, his experience pioneering food concepts across the country, and what we should learn from the era of Web3 and NFTs.

Rapper, content creator, and idea architect Jason Chu talks about making Asian American history fun for audiences both young and old, why Asian adoptees may have the deepest understanding of what it means to be Asian American, the global shift toward Asia and what that means for America, and the complexities behind being a professional Asian American.

Arika Sato dishes on the early days of YouTube, being a pioneer in social media content creation, how her background in broadcast journalism makes her a better storyteller, and how practicing and teaching yoga and pilates keeps her calm and balanced in the midst of her fast-paced, glamorous life.

Actor and singer-songwriter Kevin Woo talks about being developed in the K-Pop system as a member of the Korean boy band U-KISS, making his Broadway debut in the musical KPOP, his upcoming role in Anderson Paak's K-Pops! feature film, and how his singular role as a Korean American cross-cultural ambassador is turning K-Pop into Kevin-Pop.

DJ and producer Tim Wu aka Elephante reflects on his Michigan roots, going to Harvard with Jeremy Lin, taking the leap from corporate consultant to full-time artist, introducing his parents to EDM, the inspiration behind his latest album COPE, and his ongoing mission of mentoring young Asian artists through his Hidden Horizon collective and label.

Chef, author, and content creator Tue Nguyen aka Twaydabae gives us her take on modern Vietnamese cuisine, opening a restaurant in the Asian food desert of West Hollywood, and why 50 years after the Fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War it's more important than ever for Vietnamese Americans to visit Vietnam.

Fashion designer Vivian Chan, founder and creative director of her own eponymous label VIVIANCHAN, talks about finding beauty in the broken, honoring her mother, and celebrating women for every occasion in life through her designs.

Your Korean Dad aka Nick Cho shares the story behind his viral TikTok content, his beginnings as a coffee guru, ideas on how to foster a more complete masculinity, and our collective responsibility toward one another both as Americans and as human beings.

Actor and content creator Ryan Alexander Holmes breaks down his Blasian identity, the importance of advocating for both Black and Chinese cultural narratives, mediating complex racial dynamics in sexual politics, and how to really Stop Asian Hate.

Tigerbelly referee and The Casuals MMA host Gilbert Galon discusses his career in entertainment, growing up Filipino across the country, mall theology, and why he is to blame for the LOCAL GODZ podcast.

Johan Lam talks Japanese Denim, developing a personal sense of style, making things that get better with time, and the craft behind 3sixteen, Self Edge, and MAAPS.

Superstar actor Sung Kang and legendary rapper Lyrics Born talk masculinity, being pioneers, and the challenges of staying creative throughout their careers.