The EWB Podcast

This may not age well - but Warriors end it tonight! James and I talk Wiggins vs Tatum, rotational pieces, Kerr's coaching, and finally how game 6 will be won.  Also some fun facts about Brian Windhorst and Danny Granger in there. Enjoy!

Yes I know it's been a while, but there's no way I would sit out a GSW return to the finals. So I've dusted off the mic and called up my boy James! Hear us (unedited) chat about the legacy that's on the line (yes I know that KD was pretty good), the Celtics offensive woes (other than game 1 4th Quarter of course), defensive schemes, and what we should do about Klay. Hope we can roll out a few more during the finals for you guys - it really is a special time! 

Chase Center finally has something to be pumped about! Apologies to the faithful, after a very long hiatus, the pod is back! The pod hits the restart by addressing the incredible GSW start to the 2021 season! Join us for some throwback discussions on Alliyah, Mookie Blaylock, and Jason Terry before diving into what factors of this new roster have contributed to the success. Is it JP's improvement, or is it the additions of Bjelica and Porter Junior? Finally we wrap it up with a discussion of the Box 1 defense, and how/why it could work against us and why we could implement it now. It's great to be back! *note - this was recorded before the 1-1 start to the roadtrip. James and I will have even more to chat about next time...

An episode recorded shortly after it was determined the Grizz/Warriors showdown Sunday would be significant! No fancy cuts - just straight to the point. Join James and I as we talk through our thoughts on the playin format, what the next few days look like for GSW (rest!), discussion about the rotation, and finally predictions for our showdown for play-in seeding against a very young Grizzlies team. Something to get you hyped up Friday before the big showdown!

Jeff Liu is back for some reviews! The episode starts with us talking about how hyped we are for Mortal Kombat, and then at get into the meat of reviewing the first two episodes of Kung Fu. Hear us discuss how this show can work with a CW formula and take this as an opportunity to tackle diverse subjects (10:55), the talents of Tzi Ma and the family dynamics (23:10), a very special Tony corner where we predict his character's role (29:30), and finally our thoughts on how the action sequences will develop within the show (36:30). Enjoy! *Editor's note: I qualified the Mortal Kombat actors as being Asian Americans - I recognize I am incorrect as Lewis Tan is from England, and Ludi Lin is Canadian. Apologies!

Why would this episode have a picture of Tobias Funke? No reason at all really, other than for the first 30 seconds of the episode! The Warriors have some interesting decisions to make with Kelly Oubre and James Wiseman, and how much they want to commit to this small ball identify. Join James and me in discussing how we see this season unfolding, and more importantly how to approach the offseason with these two players.

From the dapper photo you can see that the EWB podcast is getting some additional star power! Actor Tony Chung stops in to share his journey, from pursuing his dream of being a singer in Taiwan (9:40), to life as a model in New York City (25:10), and finally the opportunity for him to become a series regular on the CW show "Kung Fu" (37:20). It was awesome to hear Tony reflect on lessons learned in various industries abroad, as well as share insight into some of the series' stars (Olivia Liang's awesomeness and Tzi Ma's wisdom) and the opportunity the show has to address some very relevant issues to the world today. Whether you're curious about a wide range of industries Tony's been involved with, or you're an old friend that just wants to hear about what he's been up to - check it out! *small editor's note: Tony had incorrectly referenced Carly Fiorina as the former CEO of EBay during the recording - he told me after the recording he'd meant to say Hewlett Packard!

Will this happen a third time? James and I check in on the first 1/4 of this nba season - Steph MVP chatter, rotation challenges, James Wiseman, and finally where we picture this team ending up record wise. Enjoy!

Jeff and Alex join me for an incredibly fun podcast/adventure experience - Dani and Bill of Escape This Podcast were kind enough to guide us in an audio escape experience! The episode starts with a brief intro of what their podcast is all about, before transitioning into an escape game akin to the experiences they host on their pod. It's a fairly long episode but certainly a fun one - join us for this very innovative puzzle solving experience! And certainly keep your eyes/ears open, as this is part of a beginning of a larger experience for yours truly! *note if you want the visual clue for the puzzle that took us about 3 days to solve, you can find it here. 

At least we don't have to watch this roster again. A raw uncut episode ahead of the season opener! Join James and I as we discuss the addition of Oubre, the roles of Wiggins/Wiseman/Green, the importance of Steph, pick and roll strategy, and finally a bit of why the Linsanity Exhibit 10 never worked out. We wrap this up with some predictions for the season - find out if we think we're going to be world champs again!  Hint - that's a no. Go Dubs!

Is Kelly Oubre worth potentially 40 million a year of salary and tax combined? I feel like the NBA season just ended, but we are back! In order to stay relevant in a whirlwhind of trade talks ahead of the NBA draft, James and I touch base about the new-look Suns, Bucks, and soon-to-be gutted Rockets. We then move into what are potential GSW draft decisions, mid level targets, and most importantly who can we use the trade exception on given all of the tax challenges and current personnel. A good chance to get caught up on the NBA - enjoy!

Welcome to Part 2 of the Halloween Special!  Alex returns to join me in discussing the Blair Witch Project, a staple of the found footage genre (and something we should pay close attention to for inspiration!). Join us as we talk about what makes found footage special, the benefit of a crafty marketing campaign in the late 90s, the specific creepy elements of getting lost in the woods with dudes who decide a map is worthless, and finally hear if Alex and I have decided to quit our jobs to make a horror film. This is still a concept episode so the episode jumps right in, so enjoy!

I'd like to introduce a side project and new guest to the pod! Alex Shrode and I love horror films, and our dream is to one day quit our jobs and make our own. In the spirit of Halloween (and recent news of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre reboot), take a listen to a concept episode where Alex and I review this classic horror film. Hear us talk about why we love slashers, old school scream queens, family dynamics, and why a little bit of film lore can take you a long way. And keep your eyes and ears peeled, because found footage and haunted houses are coming up!

Thank that man right there for the gift of another NBA game! James drops by to discuss the struggles of the Lakers in game 5, some impressive Heat stats and shooting from Duncan Robinson, and finally some shades of the 2016 NBA Finals. Let's hope we get one more game (and maybe one more episode!). Enjoy!

Jared Dudley game 5 MVP. You heard it here first. Real quick solo episode ahead of what may be the final NBA game of the season. Short thoughts on the Miami defensive strategy holding up over 3 games, Lebron's impressive years of dominance (where are all the We Believe guys now?), and finally appreciating what could be the last game of professional basketball in a while. Enjoy!

Not sure how to caption this one other than... Heat gotta protect their balls? Laker superfan Lee Way Lan drops by to give some thoughts on the NBA (bubble) Finals! Hear him as he boasts about the King, and how he expects the Lakers to dominate this cute Heat team in the NBA Finals. As a bonus hear some predictions on offseason plans for Duncan Robinson, and also an excellent Doc Rivers impression. Enjoy!

Should've had the Clippers on for my social distancing series. James and I do a quick recap on the failure of the Clippers, Nuggets/Lakers matchup, and other predictions for the NBA Finals. Also some random trade ideas thrown around, with a bold bet that involves the integrity of this podcast. Enjoy!

The pod welcomes another new guest - join Austin Chiu and I as we discuss our experiences in a volunteer group that we were involved with back in my younger days. With extensive experience in the nonprofit world, Austin is able to shed some light on topics that I was once upon a time very pessimistic about. An honest discussion about the theory of change, personal egos/our own capabilities in making impacts, selling an image to outsiders, and finally the kind of impression we hope to leave on  in a time of tension. Enjoy! *And a big shoutout to all the people who were also part of my experience doing TC!

Now why would we have a picture of  K-Pop star Hyuna as this episode image? Listen and find out! The NBA is back, and that means the Genio James Liao makes his return to talk about bubble basketball! Listen as we talk about the important (?) seeding games, potential 8-9 "playoff" elimination matchups, challenges that some of the favorites are facing, some thoughts on the basketball product itself, and finally the effectiveness of the bubble in both a safety standpoint and as a social justice platform. It's so good to be back talking hoops again (even if it's not GSW) - enjoy!

I guess those from Vegas come in pairs! New guests Andy Kao and Cindy Sun join me to share their incredible experience operating Las Vegas' first Slaters' 50/50! A very interesting episode as they discuss surviving the pandemic as a small business, a glimpse into what the future holds for dining experiences, and finally a thoughtful discussion on the importance of building a good company culture and staying involved in the community. So grateful I had this chance to catch up with these two as my final guests in this series. Enjoy!

Finally another city on the Street Fighter map! The pod gets yet another new guest in the form of Jesse Rushworth, a former coworker of mine surviving the madness in New York City. Join us as we discuss the initial response to the government orders, the importance of masks, the attitude of New Yorkers to adjusting to these new norms, and finally an interesting discussion on where our the architecture/construction industry is heading. A really good episode with a fresh perspective from the heart of the pandemic in the US. Take a listen!

Hey if the episode photo is of the Taiwanese countryside, does this make it a good podcast episode? Ja and I do a deep dive into the highly anticipated "Tigertail", which tells the tale (no pun intended) of a Taiwanese immigrant. Join us as we discuss what is important to be shared in an immigrant story, poor accents (and not the ones that come with speaking English), and finally whether or not this was way too ambitious of a story to tell for a PG film. Find out if we give this film two Wangs up! 

My former back court runningmate Ja joins me for some thoughts on living in Taiwan at the initial onset of the COVID pandemic, discussions about how culture impacts the approach toward flattening the curve, winners and losers of this newfound freetime, and finally some thoughts on NBA Basketball. Another great episode with a new guest. Enjoy! *And stay tuned for a bonus episode where Ja and I review the newly released Taiwanese (?) film Tigertail.

He's a grown-ass man who can play video games when he wants to! Javier Pordoy rejoins the pod to talk about social distancing in New Orleans. Join us as we discuss challenges the city is facing, living with informed mothers during a crisis, and as usual some personal reflections on the situation. Fun episode to hear about what Pretty Boy Pordoy is doing these days in the Big Easy, as well as an episode cap that is a good reflection back to our early days of being envelope consultants worrying about job security. Enjoy!

Look at banner, Michael! The rewatch party is finally here! James and I rewatch Game 6 of the incredible "We Believe" Warriors 1st round upset over the Mavs in 2007. Join us as we discuss the highlights of the Warriors roster, the unraveling of Dirk, and a whole bunch of "oh sh*t that's ______!" moments!  Seriously a fun experience to look back on a very fond memory, and I'm glad (without an NBA season) we were able to do this. For those that want to sync up the watch party, video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2c3BNc-nLw&t=3825s

Without NBA basketball, what ARE we doing with our time? A quick episode ahead of our We Believe Game 6 upset of the Mavericks Rewatch Party, as James and I talk about what we've seen from Andrew Wiggins (what we remember anyway), the not-so-talented draft class, and finally salary implications on the NBA as a result of this pandemic.  Stay tuned as I anticipate releasing the full episode of our Game 6 Rewatch Party in early May!

Hey, a city that's actually on the Street Fighter 2 map! I head from Singapore to Las Vegas, where I catch up with former contributor Eric Suen and new guest Chee Lim! Join us as we talk about the disasters and social distancing in Sin City, thoughts on how tourism may bounce back, and a little bit of education for yours truly on what "bat soup" is. Also included are some more personal reflections, including risky Seattle trips, unfortunate wedding celebration cancellations, and some callbacks to when a grown ass man used to drive a 15 year old boy to watch summer league games. Enjoy! 

With a name like his, he NEEDS to stay in Asia! (Just kidding man, hope you come back soon!) The EWB pod gets a new guest Yen Min Chu! Join us as he shares his experience living in Singapore amid this pandemic, including discussions about government oversight and information sharing, citizens buying into the process, his own personal thoughts as someone in finance, and finally some NBA basketball thoughts.  A fun episode that shares a unique perspective from halfway around the world, with a personal intro that gives a nod to a personal favorite moment during Linsanity. Enjoy! *note this episode was taped a week ago, so a few things have changed since then.

Lifetime Films presents - New Asian Doc, starring nobody from Crazy Rich Asians.  Previous contributor Tan Nguyen shares his experience as a physician during this pandemic. Join us as Tan sheds light on the challenges of working with limited test kits, what kind of medical advice people should expect, challenges with managing fellow peers given the safety concerns, and finally some personal reflections. A really good episode that provides a more in-depth look at some of the challenges our health care professionals are facing, and I'm super grateful he was able to take the time while at work to talk. Enjoy!

Hide yo kids, hide yo wife, George is raising some panic! A very informative episode where I check in with story-teller/bio-statistician/investment enthusiast George Wu. Join us as we discuss the spread of viruses, how our bodies are affected, possible treatments, and the concept of flattening the curve. George also shares knowledge about the financial implications of the virus, how small businesses are being affected, and how our bailouts will benefit the larger businesses.  For those of you who know George, it's rare to see this kind of excitement when discussing something. This is a super educational episode that provides the perspective from a close friend who is very passionate about the issue. Enjoy! *note - since reporting this episode more information has come out about the proposed stimulus package. George recommends listeners take a look at this article to see what's in store - https://mattstoller.substack.com/p/stop-the-6-trillion-coronavirus-corporate  

It haaaaaas begun!!!! (OK wrong game, but still super proud of the Microsoft Paint work) As the majority of us begin our lives home sheltering (large kudos to those in the medical field), join me as I check in with all members of the EWB family and see how they are handling the pandemic. Listen to part 1 of the series as Jeff and I discuss the mishandling of information (

Hey - a movie about crazy rich Asians that doesn't suck! Jeff Liu and I talk the Oscar winner "Parasite", the first foreign language film to win Best Picture. Join as as we discuss previous South Korean cinema, the comedy/thriller elements of this film, each of the family members' motivations (what was the son going to do with the rock at the end?), and finally thoughts on how this moves the needle for Asian Americans in Hollywood (spoiler - that's a big, proud, f*ck yes from your host). Enjoy!

Kobe/Kanye were great marketers for Nike! Ahead of the All-Star Game, which I'm sure will be riddled with Kobe Bryant tributes, take a listen as I have a discussion with longtime Kobe/Laker fan (and former EWB contributor!) Leeway Lan. Hear his thoughts on his initial reactions to the news, some self reflection, and some of his favorite memories. We also discuss questionable gametime decisions (game 7 against Phoenix), a streak of airballs as a rookie, some stellar Mamba Mentality advertising, and finally some thoughts on the Lakers for the 2019-2020 season (and a Leeway Barkley-esque "guaaarranteeee"!). 

Meet the man who brings us back to basketball relevancy, Andrew Wiggins! James and I regroup to discuss a very active trade deadline, focusing in on the very controversial D-Lo for Wiggins trade. While what happens on the basketball is still a part of this episode, James also does a great job of explaining why the financial implications were just as critical, and how getting out of the repeater tax put us in a better position despite the contract we took on. Sprinkled in there are some great names of Warriors lore, as well as a Kobe/GSW memory. Enjoy!

A little bit of a different episode for the EWB fanbase, but I think this podcast would be doing a disservice to the sport if I did not reflect on the passing of Kobe.  Join me as I reflect on his legacy - including how he willed one of the most garbage teams in NBA history to the playoffs, his status as a villain, and ultimately how in my eyes I felt like part of me matured with him. Sprinkled in there is a hot take on Linsanity, my displeasure with the use of the Charlie Puth song, and my thoughts on the Mamba Mentality. I want to note that I do address how people grieve, and one touchy subject I address is the passing of his daughter Gianna Bryant. As a father now, losing a child is something unfathomable, and (while I do present a conflicting take on how the community is remembering her) I do want to make sure that what isn't lost in my rambling is my understanding that her death is incredibly heartbreaking.

A pregnancy hasn't stopped the Ewangbang team from recording episodes (though may have delayed the release of them!). James and I recorded an episode right before the Christmas Day Miracle (and now 4 game win streak), however the episode still remains relevant to the current state of the Warriors. Despite being far from playoff contention the team still has some interesting roster decisions, particularly D-Lo's trade value (for who and when), current vets (keep GR3 or Burks), and some other random tidbits. Enjoy!

Come see my new baby, hee-hai! The Ewangbang team has a very special holiday season treat, as we have TWO fatherhood announcements. Both Jeff Liu and I have little bundles of joy on the way, and we decided to take some time to reflect. A very cool episode where one of my best friends of 25 years and I sit down to discuss why we never talked much about children, our fears of parenting, and how grateful we are to be married to our wives. This one has been particularly memorable for me as we move forward into this next huge stage of our lives. Hope you all enjoy!

Star Wars reminds us that we can all Rebel! After a high-production intro to the episode, join Jeff and I for a movie palooza where we share thoughts ahead of the new Star Wars film, discuss Six Underground (terrible) and Us (questionable), talk about why we don't get the "Let it Go" phenomenon, and finally our differing expectations on the live action "Mulan". This is part 1 of a very long pod session with Jeff - stay tuned for a very exciting part 2 that discusses something entirely different!

The current status of the Warriors reminds us of the glory days when Thunder was our mascot. James and I surprisingly have a lot to talk about, despite the 2-6 record! Hear our thoughts on Steph's injury, new pieces to the team (placed our orders for Paschall and Bowman jerseys already!), and finally some super-legitimate trade ideas that involve Karl Anthony Towns. Enjoy!

What do you get when 3 EWangBanger's descend the Joker staircase? A review of a terrible movie. Previous contributor Dan Luddy joins Jeff Liu and I as we review this trainwreck of a movie, that somehow is receiving a lot of buzz. There were positives (acting and cinematography), however the bonkers story,  absurdity of citizens of Gotham (aka South Park), ridiculous attempt at social commentary, and finally the lack of any resemblance of who the Joker is makes this a movie that is Liu rant-worthy. A fun episode review that hopefully makes listeners reflect - "what was the punchline of this Joker movie?" For listeners who missed the movie preview, check out episode 60 for part 1.

Marquese, our savior.  The GSW season starts Thursday, but first James and I must recap the preseason/playoff series vs the LA Lakers! Join us as we talk the play of our new acquisitions, the Criss for Zo swap, and finally some thoughts on Klay. Basketball's back and this is the best way to get back into it!

It's almost like Google made an image with this episode in mind! Jeff Liu joins me to talk the much-hyped "The Joker" film, starring Joaquin Phoenix. Join us as we talk the storied comic book history of The Clown Prince of Crime, a review of the 5 most notable Jokers before Joaquin Phoenix (we love you Jared Leto~~~~~!), reasons for why this movie will lead to disappointment regardless of how great it is, and finally Jeff Liu's ideal Joker film. An incredibly fun episode that recaps over fifty years of the portrayal of this timeless character, and a Jeff Liu table read at the very end that can not be topped in this lifetime. Enjoy!

Three guys + two balls = Another new guest with some new wisdom to share! Though originally intended to be a 2019 Miles Part 3 discussion, Michael Jin has an incredible story to share about losing 35 pounds over a year plus. Join Mike, myself, and former EWangBang contributor George Wu as we discuss the dedication it took, obstacles our lifestyles may pose to commit to that kind of weight loss, and finally a life changing experience that helped change Mike's perspective on life. A fun experience taped in person (over drinks) in my cozy living room with two of my best childhood friends. Enjoy!

An ode to Warrior great Treveon Graham who became a casualty of the NBA hard cap. Jsmes is back talking the NBA off-season, with this episode being a GSW focus. Hear our thoughts on Draymonds contract extension, Klays health, key additions, a good explanation of the hard cap from James, and finally a 17 million dollar reason why we should be excited for the 20-21 season. Enjoy!

Presenting the cast of Gone in 17 Seconds (in another epic microsoft paint job)! The pod welcomes a new guest - Leeway Lan! Jeff Liu and I get to interview someone with an amazing story that tells the trials and tribulations of someone trying to making it on the big screen. After an introduction of Leeway and his early beginnings in Taiwan, hear him discuss meeting the great David Tao (26:20), a memorable project in Aura Boroughs (32:10), his role on the FX show Legion (45:50), and finally some great thoughts on Asian Americans in Hollywood (1:02:15). A great episode talking about dedication, good relationships, and (most importantly) butts/stunt butts. A fun episode of those who are interested in hearing what it's like trying to succeed in entertainment, or for those of you who just want to hear what Leeway's been up to. Enjoy! A couple of links to Leeway's work discussed on the pod - Legion appearance Aura Boroughs David Tao Music Video  

If I had sacrificed myself for the world, would I have done it knowing this podcast was ok in Jeff Liu's hands? Join us as we talk "Spiderman Far from Home", as we discuss the supposedly great father/son bond between Iron Man and Spidey, and Emile Wang rant on how terrible high school comedy/romance/teen girl humor tied into this film, Mysterio's comic book backstory and movie portrayal, and finally some predictions for future MCU films (Spiderman: Homeward Bound?). Enjoy!!!

End of the season summarized in one photo. After a month hiatus I'm back with a solo episode! A few shoutouts to start the episode (in particular The Room Escape Divas!), and we go straight into my thoughts on the series-ending Game 6, thoughts on Kerr's coaching, past use of the mid-level exception, and finally some reasons for optimism in the coming year. Consider this episode a primer for what's to come - keep your eyes out for a part 2 in depth free agency/GSW roster construct with James Liao.

We'll get this for you KD. The Ewangbang podcast refuses to let significant events in these NBA finals slip through the cracks. James and I cover the wild game 5 finish, the play of the Splash brothers, defense on Kawhi, the Boogie Cousins roller coaster, roster construct/how we plan to find enough points in game 6, our predictions, and finally our thoughts on the KD injury. A can't miss episode as we go into the final Warrior game at Oracle Arena. Go Warriors!

Episode photo is a a hint for what's to come next time the EWangbang pod talks hoops...Let's go Phoenix Suns! Kidding aside (maybe?), no opening music, this episode is all business. James and I talk the success of the Raptors in this NBA Finals, gripes about coaching strategies and egos (damnit Boogie), some not so good load management in game 3, and finally predictions and an impact that #35 guy can have on this series. Really hope we'll have at least one more episode talking this series. Go Dubs!  

Jetlagged but was able to record before the start of the NBA Finals! Join James and I as we talk briefly on the Portland series, the effectiveness of the Raptor's D (how will they guard the pick and roll?), guard matchups, Kawhi's playmaking ability, and finally some predictions (spoiler alert, we didn't pick the same team to win). Enjoy!