12 episodes

Asians have long been ignored, fetishized or made the butt of the joke in America. Shoes Off: A Sexy Asians Podcast wants to put that to rest. Each week, we celebrate badass Asians who are making a mark on pop culture and entertainment. Co-hosts Esther Yoon-Ji Kang and Susie An hang out with trailblazers in comedy, film, music and other fields—inviting them to reflect on their identities and redefine “sexy” on their own terms.

Shoes Off: A Sexy Asians Podcast WBEZ Chicago

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.9 • 105 Ratings

Asians have long been ignored, fetishized or made the butt of the joke in America. Shoes Off: A Sexy Asians Podcast wants to put that to rest. Each week, we celebrate badass Asians who are making a mark on pop culture and entertainment. Co-hosts Esther Yoon-Ji Kang and Susie An hang out with trailblazers in comedy, film, music and other fields—inviting them to reflect on their identities and redefine “sexy” on their own terms.

    Special: Ten Thousand Things

    Special: Ten Thousand Things

    Today, we’re sharing a special episode from "Ten Thousand Things," produced by our friends at KUOW (Seattle’s NPR station). Think of "Ten Thousand Things" as "This (Asian) American Life," with sound-rich stories exploring commonplace objects and the incredible Asian American guests who transform them into something remarkable. In this episode, host and award-winning poet Shin Yu Pai discusses the power of names with transgender and non-binary poet/educator Ebo Barton, who shares their journey to change their name and reclaim their true identity.
    Listen to more episodes of "Ten Thousand Things" and follow the podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/WhiP9eul?sid=WBEZDrop.

    • 23 min
    Special: K-Pop Dreaming

    Special: K-Pop Dreaming

    Our friends at the LAist have a cool podcast called "K-Pop Dreaming," and we think you should check it out. The eight-episode, limited-run series talks about the rise and history of K-Pop in the United States, as told from the point-of-view of the Korean diaspora in Los Angeles. In this episode, host Vivian Yoon takes listeners on a journey of how three LA kids embraced R&B, went to South Korea and revolutionized K-Pop.

    • 38 min
    John Cho Won’t Call Himself Sexy, So We Will

    John Cho Won’t Call Himself Sexy, So We Will

    The veteran actor says there were stereotypical bit parts — but very few substantial roles — for Asians when he was coming up. He chats about taking a stand in the jobs he accepted, what it was like to write a young adult novel, and about that one time he got arrested.

    • 45 min
    Sameer Gadhia Could’ve Been Your Hot Doctor

    Sameer Gadhia Could’ve Been Your Hot Doctor

    Indie rock is often associated with white musicians. That’s why many fans of Young the Giant assumed the band’s lead singer was white at first. The talented Indian American talks about changing the narrative of indie rock and incorporating his South Asian culture into his music. He also dishes about dropping out of school, an encounter with respectful paparazzi and funny interactions with fans.

    • 37 min
    Alexander Hodge Is Our Bae

    Alexander Hodge Is Our Bae

    Growing up, the actor thought it was cool when people called him Jackie Chan — until he realized they meant it as a slur. Years later, when he got his breakout role on HBO’s Insecure, he didn't know how to handle people swooning over him or all the thirsty tweets and DMs. Alexander Hodge talks about getting into fights as a kid, learning to embrace his biracial identity, and warning his mom about his nude scenes.

    • 39 min
    Atsuko Okatsuka Wants Everyone To Feel Sexy

    Atsuko Okatsuka Wants Everyone To Feel Sexy

    The comedian says she didn’t feel sexy until a few years ago when she finally found her voice. She talks about how she learned English by watching Scooby-Doo, what it means to be named Margaret Cho’s comedy heir, and how she took her mom and grandma everywhere — including to her honeymoon.

    • 42 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
105 Ratings

105 Ratings

ORD Listener ,

I love this show!

As an Asian man who has long felt completely ignored in American society and pop culture, I’m grateful that Susie and Esther have created a show that addresses and challenges the stereotypes of what is considered “sexy” and invited guests representing the diaspora of the Asian experience. I’ve listened to every episode at least twice and can’t wait to hear more. Please bring us season two!

MMOO1123 ,

Best part of my week!!

This podcast has become the highlight of my week! Esther and Susie are deeply thoughtful, incredibly prepared and keep each guest on their toes! An amazing platform that simultaneously showcases the incredible diversity of Asian American talent and invites listeners to reflect on their own childhoods and identities. Love!!!

pamsterj ,

So impressed and so enjoyable

I’ve enjoyed so much listening to your podcast and getting to meet folks within the Asian American community. You have a great sense of humor! I’ve really enjoyed your 5 min banter before you even bring on the guest as we get a peek into your experiences as Asian American women. In addition, I’ve been so floored by the depth of your preparation and ability to help your guests share deeply and vulnerably. This came through especially in your most recent episode with Atsuko Okatsuka. I stand in awe of your work and your ability to connect with so many already. Looking forward to your next episode!!

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