United By Rice

Welcome to United By Rice—the Podcast! At United By Rice, we celebrate the power of storytelling and the voices that bring our culture to life. As an online magazine dedicated to uplifting AANHPI talent in film, television and other mediums, we shine a spotlight on the creators, actors, and narratives reshaping the industry.Co-hosted by actress Junko Goda and TV/Film critic and interviewer Ben Lei

United By Rice is a tv podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 69 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts United By Rice, a tv show with 69 episodes published.

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  Episode #8

  S2E08 | Leonardo Nam - The Mad Hatter in Disney's The Descendants

  Aug 17, 20261h 19mS2

  This episode of United by Rice dives into a warm, wide-ranging conversation with actor Leonardo Nam, covering his breakout roles in Westworld and Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift, and his surprising first time singing on screen in Disney’s Descendants: Wicked Wonderland , and his journey into producing stories with deeper multicultural representation. The episode also reflects on balancing career, family, and creative growth in an ever-changing industry.

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  Episode #7

  S2E07 | Emmy Nominee Charles Melton on "Beef: Season 2," Self-Doubt and Finding Austin

  Aug 12, 202646 minS2

  Emmy-nominated actor Charles Melton joins United By Rice to talk about stepping into Season 2 of Netflix’s "Beef" and why creator Sonny Lee knew he wanted Melton for Austin after seeing his performance in "May December." Melton, currently nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for "Beef," opens up about building Austin from his own experiences with self-doubt, the influence of Korean cinema on his performance and why some of the show’s funniest moments only work when the actors refuse to play the joke. ( Netflix ) He also reflects on working alongside Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Cailee Spaeny and legendary Korean actor Song Kang-ho, including an emotional moment watching Song quietly prepare on set that left Melton in tears. The conversation becomes especially personal as Melton discusses his Korean American identity and what it meant to film the finale in Korea, where members of his Korean family were able to visit his set and watch him work. As Melton explains, returning to his roots affected him "spiritually, on like a DNA level" and ultimately helped inform his performance as Austin. Plus, Melton talks about what draws him to a role, authenticity and vulnerability as an actor, what may be ahead in his career, and the Korean comfort foods that immediately remind him of home.

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  Episode #5

  S2E05 | Costume Designer Vera Chow on Dressing Up the Hong Kong Elite for "The Season"

  Aug 1, 20261h 3mS2

  Costume designer Vera Chow joins United By Rice for one of our funniest and most candid conversations yet, calling in from Atlanta while working on Justin Chon's upcoming film "Tommy Karate." From dressing Hong Kong's elite in "The Season" to navigating Georgia's brutal summer humidity on set, Vera takes us behind the seams of costume design and explains how clothing helps define character, culture, and story. She shares her journey from Hong Kong to Hollywood, why authentic Asian representation matters behind the camera, and how even the smallest wardrobe choices can shape an audience's perception of a character. Along the way, we dive into the realities of working in film and television, the surprisingly few Asian costume designers working in Hollywood today, and the creative challenges of balancing fashion, storytelling, and production logistics. And because it wouldn't be a United By Rice episode without a few detours, Ben shamelessly takes advantage of having a professional costume designer on the show, asking Vera for dating and fashion advice that may (or may not) improve his wardrobe. Whether you're fascinated by filmmaking, love fashion, or simply enjoy hearing from talented AANHPI creatives working behind the scenes, this is an episode packed with laughs, insight, and plenty of style.

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  Episode #4

  S2E04 | Amanda Zhou Takes on Joo Dee in "Avatar: The Last Airbender" Season 2

  Jul 20, 20261h 6mS2

  <p>This week on United By Rice, Ben and Junko catch up on one of the biggest weekends in pop culture as they recap Anime Expo, discuss how conventions like San Diego Comic-Con continue to evolve, and explore the latest trends shaping entertainment.</p><p>The conversation ranges from Anime Expo's record-breaking crowds and the growing popularity of Pokémon card collecting to the future of streaming, Marvel's changing release strategy, and what the newest season of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" means for fans. Along the way, Ben also shares the story behind buying his very first Pokémon card.</p>...

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  Episode #4

  S2E04 | Amanda Zhou Takes on Joo Dee in "Avatar: The Last Airbender" Season 2

  Jul 20, 20261h 6mS2

  This week on United By Rice , Ben and Junko catch up on one of the biggest weekends in pop culture as they recap Anime Expo , discuss how conventions like San Diego Comic-Con continue to evolve, and explore the latest trends shaping entertainment. The conversation ranges from Anime Expo's record-breaking crowds and the growing popularity of Pokémon card collecting to the future of streaming, Marvel's changing release strategy, and what the newest season of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" means for fans. Along the way, Ben also shares the story behind buying his very first Pokémon card. Then, we're joined by actress Amanda Zhou , who portrays the fan-favorite character Joo Dee in Netflix's "Avatar: The Last Airbender." A former elite figure skater, Amanda reflects on her unconventional journey into acting, bringing one of the franchise's most recognizable characters to life, balancing humor and mystery in Ba Sing Se, and what it means to represent Asian stories on one of Netflix's biggest series. Whether you're an anime fan, convention regular, collector, or simply love hearing from rising AANHPI talent in Hollywood, this episode has something for you.

  ListenShow Notes

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