Before we get into the main points of this week’s podcast, Duana’s sharing her playlist. As in her own vocal playlist. This is how she self-cares: by taking vocal lessons – she’s learning how to perform from a list of songs she curated. If you could learn how to sing any five songs, what would they be?

 

Then, after last week’s shooting in Atlanta, Variety published this piece on “how Hollywood is complicit in the violence against Asians in America” by Caroline Framke - here’s a recently example: Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen. You can see it in the trailer for that movie – at the 1:10 mark here. That was just two years ago, and no one made any noise about it. 

On this episode, we discuss Hollywood’s perpetuation of Asian stereotypes and the ongoing challenges for Asians in media. Like news anchor Siemny Chhuon who shared this story: 

 

It’s already sh-tty that Siemny’s name was seen as a barrier to her career advancement, and even sh-ttier that she’s been carrying around the guilt about it. And yet another example of how names do matter and why we should all get more familiar with more of them. 

After that, we get into Sarah Ramos’s story. In a piece for the LA Times, Sarah writes about how she was almost cast on Gossip Girl: 

 

At least that’s what you think her essay is about. Gossip Girl is a misdirect though, because what Sarah’s talking about here is the reality of being an actor in Hollywood, how even the geography changes for you when you’re trying to work your way into the system. Duana and I discuss the untold side of the Hollywood pursuit, and what’s gained by not following the usual path. 

As always, thanks for listening and sharing your work stories. We appreciate your support!