Asians in Art

Karuna Shinsho/Szewah Chin
  • 5.0 (17)
  • Arts
  • Updated Bimonthly

Asian creatives are driving global culture in film, theater, music, visual art, food, and design, and Asians in Art brings their voices together to tell the full story of that creative force. Hosted by former CNN International anchor Karuna Shinsho and producer Szewah Chin — warm and candid conversations with working artists and icons alike. New episode every two weeks. Subscribe and never miss a story worth hearing. Producers: Szewah Chin and Karuna Shinsho Music: Justin Jen Social media: Karuna Shinsho Editor: Szewah Chin Executive Producers: Szewah Chin and Karuna Shinsho

  1. May 29

    Perry Yung — Bruce Lee's Warriors, the Three Body Problem & Working with Soderbergh

    In this episode we sit down with Perry Yung, a veteran actor, musician, and activist who embodies the essence of "Be water". The Oakland, California-native who grew up idolizing Bruce Lee, the martial artist renowned for his iconic quote, has navigated his career with remarkable flexibility and an open embrace of change. Originally destined for a career in modern dance after winning a scholarship to study at the esteemed Martha Graham Dance Company, Perry's curiosity for exploring diverse art forms led him to pivot towards acting. Perry's breakthrough came when he landed the role of opium den owner Ping Wu in Steven Soderbergh's critically acclaimed TV series, The Knick. This paved the way for other memorable roles, including Father Jun in Justin Lin's action-packed Warrior and Professor Ye Zhetai in the popular series Three-Body Problem, based on the sci-fi novel by Liu Cixin. Music also holds a significant place in Perry's artistic endeavors. As an accomplished craftsman of the Japanese flute, known as the shakuhachi, he not only performs it, but also lives it as a breathing mediation in motion. Despite his immense success, Perry remains dedicated to amplifying the voices of other Asian Americans through the SLANT Performance Group, which he co-founded in 1995.

    49 min

  2. May 15

    One Stage, Many Worlds — Aya Ogawa on Motherhood, Translation and Making Theatre With Many Dimensions

    Multi-award winning playwright, director, and translator, Aya Ogawa knows what it's like to live in many worlds and in between. Born in Tokyo and based in Brooklyn, their work centers women and non-binary perspectives and uses the stage as a space for exploring cultural identity and the immigrant experience. In this conversation, Aya opens up about the deeply personal journey behind their Obie Award-winning play The Nosebleed — and the profound emotion of bringing that story back to Tokyo. They talk candidly about motherhood as a glorious, chaotic shitshow, the inspiration behind their latest work Meat Suit, and what it truly means to translate — not just words, but entire worlds — from Japanese to English. Recipient of the 2025 Doris Duke Artist Award, the 2023 Helen Merrill Award for Playwriting, and the 2023 Obie Award for the conception, writing and direction of The Nosebleed, Aya Ogawa is one of the most energizing voices in US theatre today. Follow Aya at https://www.instagram.com/ayagwa/ Their next show and other works: https://www.ayaogawa.com/

    39 min

  3. May 1

    Following the Groove — Wen-Ting Wu on Jazz and Drumming

    Wen-Ting Wu is a drummer, composer, and educator from Taiwan, now at the heart of New York City's jazz scene. From the moment she felt the swing, she followed it — across genres, across oceans, and deep into the spiritual heart of the drum. She has performed at some of New York City's most iconic venues — including Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club, Smalls, Smoke, and at large festivals across the US and Taiwan. Wu’s diverse musical career also includes international tours with the indie-pop band Sunset Rollercoaster. She is a regular member of Frank Lacy's Septet & Classical Jazz Ensemble, and the AAPI Jazz Collective and has shared the stage with notable artists such as Ed Cherry, Mimi Jones, Charenee Wade, Helen Sung, and Lonnie Plaxico. For Wen-Ting, drumming is more than a career — it's something deeply spiritual. In this interview, she opens up about that profound connection to her craft, what it means to be a woman behind the kit in a male-dominated world, and what's next for one of jazz's most compelling drummers. Wen-Ting is part of a new generation of female jazz drummers stepping into the light — bringing not just extraordinary technique, but a depth of feeling and philosophy that is reshaping what it means to sit behind the kit. You can follow Wen-Ting at https://www.instagram.com/wentingating Subscribe to our Asians in Art's YouTube channel, Apple Podcast, Spotify or follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiashow/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581717263443 Music: Justin Jen Video Editor: Szewah Chin Social Producer: Karuna Shinsho Producers: Szewah Chin, Karuna Shinsho Exec Producers: Szewah Chin, Karuna Shinsho

    30 min

  4. Apr 17

    From Alaska to New York — Actor Ariel Estrada, Champion for Asian American Artists

    Growing up Filipino American in rural Alaska, Ariel Estrada learned early that he existed at the edges. Raised in a strict Asian household, he carried those pressures with him when he set his sights on New York's acting scene, only to find new walls waiting: class barriers, industry gatekeeping. Searching for empowerment, he spent twenty years inside a brutal martial arts cult before finding his way out — and his way forward. Today, Ariel is an actor, theater maker, producer, and the founder of Leviathan Lab, an award-winning nonprofit creative studio dedicated to advancing Asian and Asian American performing artists. In this episode, Ariel talks about the journey that shaped him and the community he built because he needed it to exist. Learn more about Ariel at: https://www.arielestrada.com/ Follow Leviathan Lab for upcoming shows, events or how to support them: https://www.instagram.com/leviathanlab/ Subscribe to Asians in Art YouTube channel, Apple Podcast, Spotify or follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiashow/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581717263443 Music: Justin Jen Video Editor: Szewah Chin Social Producer: Karuna Shinsho Producers: Szewah Chin, Karuna Shinsho Exec Producers: Szewah Chin, Karuna Shinsho

    28 min

  5. Apr 10 ·  Bonus

    Bonus: Tharanga on teaching, valuing her creativity and creative barriers

    We couldn't fit everything into the main episode — so here's the bonus from the conversation where Tharanga Goonetilleke talks about her role as teacher, valuing her creativity and why issues should never have the final say on pushing artistic boundaries.

    6 min

  6. Apr 3

    The Voice that Crosses Worlds — Tharanga Goonetilleke on Opera and the Meaning of Art

    Tharanga Goonetilleke is one of opera's most distinctive voices — and one of its most thoughtful minds. We talk to her about her origins, the teachers who changed everything, taking her gift and passion to global audiences on stage, in TED talks and in classrooms, and a question that sits at the heart of art: what is the point of artistic expression? Artwork courtesy of Tharanga Goonetilleke Learn more about Tharanga at: https://www.tharangagoonetilleke.com Her music and TED Talks https://www.tharangagoonetilleke.com/listen Her artwork https://www.tharangagoonetilleke.com/art-gallery Subscribe to our YouTube channel, Apple Podcast, Spotify or follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiashow/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581717263443 Music: Justin Jen Video Editor: Szewah Chin Social Producer: Karuna Shinsho Producers: Szewah Chin, Karuna Shinsho Exec Producers: Szewah Chin, Karuna Shinsho

    37 min

  7. Mar 20

    Peter Lin — Jazz Trombonist, Teresa Teng, and Anime

    Peter Lin is a Taiwanese-American trombonist, producer, and educator based in New Jersey & New York City. He was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and raised in northern New Jersey. His parents love classical and Christian rock music. So how did he find his way into jazz? In this episode of Asians in Art, we unpack Peter's story – from school band to quartet – exploring what jazz means to him, his love of Anime and how his cultural heritage became a source of inspiration. Music courtesy of: Peter Lin - Sweet as Honey from the album With Respect. https://peterlin.bandcamp.com/album/with-respect Peter Lin with the AAPI Jazz Collective - Alishan from the album Identity. https://peterlin.bandcamp.com/album/identity You can listen to Peter's works or find out about his upcoming shows at https://www.peterlinmusic.com/ _______ Subscribe to our YouTube channel, Apple Podcast, Spotify or follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiashow/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581717263443 Music: Justin Jen Video Editor: Szewah Chin Social Producer: Karuna Shinsho Producers: Szewah Chin, Karuna Shinsho Exec Producers: Szewah Chin, Karuna Shinsho

    35 min

  8. Mar 6

    David Lee Huynh — From stage to DC's All-Star Superman and D&D: Encounter Party

    Tom Hanks called him “Mr. Badass”. He’s been described as a “bro-ish menace” as Lorenzo in The Merchant of Venice and an “actor of the first order” as Prince Hal in Henry IV I. This episode of Asians in Art features the award-winning actor, writer, and narrator David Lee Huynh. He talks about the challenges of growing up in Louisiana as a child of Vietnamese immigrants to acting in Shakespeare plays and lending his versatile voice to numerous characters in audiobooks, including Superman from the DC Comics franchise. _______ Subscribe to our YouTube channel, Apple Podcast, Spotify or follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiashow/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581717263443 Music: Justin Jen Video Editor: Szewah Chin Social Producer: Karuna Shinsho Producers: Szewah Chin, Karuna Shinsho Exec Producers: Szewah Chin, Karuna Shinsho

    41 min
See All (15)

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Asian creatives are driving global culture in film, theater, music, visual art, food, and design, and Asians in Art brings their voices together to tell the full story of that creative force. Hosted by former CNN International anchor Karuna Shinsho and producer Szewah Chin — warm and candid conversations with working artists and icons alike. New episode every two weeks. Subscribe and never miss a story worth hearing. Producers: Szewah Chin and Karuna Shinsho Music: Justin Jen Social media: Karuna Shinsho Editor: Szewah Chin Executive Producers: Szewah Chin and Karuna Shinsho

Information

  • Creator
    Karuna Shinsho/Szewah Chin
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Karuna Shinsho/Szewah Chin
  • Show Website
    Asians in Art

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