POP CULTURE / Sifu Mimi Chan

33. Alex Hernandez on space opera, biopunk, and the family genealogy

September 15 marks that start of National Hispanic heritage month, and I was happy to chat with Alex Hernandez, a Cuban-American science fiction writer based in South Florida. He blends the sub genres of space opera and biopunk into his stories. Many of his books often themes of migration due to his family history with immigrating from Cuba. We discuss his heritage, genealogy, and how his life influences his work. Don’t think you are a fan of the genre? Once I learned what it was, I was surprised to learn that I like space opera and biopunktoo, being a fan of Star Wars, Cowboy Bebop, and Orphan Black.

31. Game of Thrones Geek Out with Patrick Lugo

SPOILER ALERT. If you were trapped in a cave over the weekend and still have not watched the season finale of Game of Thrones, do not listen to this episode.

26. Tony Wolf on artistry and acting in NYC

Meet Tony Wolf! He is an actor, singer, and artist in New York. Tony shares his experiences with the struggles of show business. We also discuss his artistry and illustrations, as he has created some comics that have appeared in the New York Times. As you know I am a comic book geek, and always enjoy chatting comics with a fellow geek!

25. The San Diego Comic Con episode

It’s San Diego Comic Con week! In honor of this convention, I sit down with my occasional co-host Oscar, as well as other special guests to chat all things Comic Con. One of the guests is author and film critic Ric Meyers, known as the kung fu guy! He was a long-term columnist for Inside Kung Fu and Asian Cult Cinema magazines, and has consulted on numerous films, including one of my favorites, Kung Fu Panda. I sit down to talk with Ric about his 20th Kung Fu Extravaganza at San Diego Comic Con. Another guest is Lei Ann Resurreccion, who is a lover of cosplay. Lei Ann chats costumes and cosplay fun with me as we both plan on being at Comic Con next year!

21. Roger Garcia on Asian cinema, film festivals, and the scientific approach to filmmaking

Roger Garcia keeps busy: he is the executive director of the Hong Kong Film Festival, director of the Asian Film Awards Academy, a movie producer, and an expert on Hong Kong cinema. He’s also edited books on Asians in Film and is a renowned film critic. We chat about the time he spent on the famed Shaw Brothers film sets in the 1980s, the history of Asian film studios and the future of filmmaking in Asia. Roger also shares a fascinating theory on how films have adapted for different technological platforms during the end of our chat. For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan.. On with the show.

19. Ryan Watson, on training Gal Gadot for Wonder Woman

16. Robin Leong, a kung fu kid

Meet my friend Robin Leong and discover how he went from a kung fu kid in Seattle to a Singapore movie star. We discuss whitewashing in Hollywood, kung fu, and keeping traditions alive. Robin shares some of his philosophy on respect and the wisdom of Confucius.

14. Indie filmmaker Aaron Yamasato on Hawaii, ninjas, and camp films

Aaron is a Japanese American Indie filmmaker from Hawaii. We met 10 years ago working on a TV show together in Hong Kong. He is one of the most fun and lighthearted guys I know. Laugh along and learn about ‘camp’ films, and the inspiration behind his critically acclaimed hit Blood of the Samurai. We had some connection issues, so I apologize for the sound. Thank you for the feedback I have been receiving and please share the podcast with one person to help get the word out. Always feel free to send me show ideas or comments to mimi@culturechatpodcast.com or on socialmedia @sifumimichan – now on with the show.

12. Christopher Leps, Hollywood stuntman extraordinaire

Christopher Leps, stuntman extraordinaire. Christopher has worked in the film industry for over 20 years and has been the stunt double for Johnny Depp, Matt Damon, and worked on several major Hollywood films. He is an old friend from the Wah Lum Kung Fu family, and I have known him almost 30 years! We discuss stunt work, filmmaking, and some of our favorite films.

11. Pete Kreitchet, Comic books past, present, and future beyond Spiderman and super heroes

Pete Kretichet knows comics. I’ve known Pete for over 20 years through Wah Lum kung fu. He is my go to expert on comic book recommendations. Geek out with Pete and I on the evolution of comic book culture, good reads, and his new store Paper Asylum.