Asian Pacific American Q&A Series

We began interviewing noteworthy Asian Americans as a way to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May 2013. We enjoyed it so much that we decided to continue the series indefinitely. You can find our complete archive below.

'Never Have I Ever' Star Poorna Jagannathan on Saying No to Roles Portraying Indian Caricatures

The acclaimed actress discusses what attracted her to the role of Nalini Vishnakumar and why much more needs to be done in promoting gender equality.
CBS News' Weijia Jiang on Newsroom Diversity, COVID-19 Racism, and Covering President Trump

The White House correspondent, who was recently subjected to a racially-tinged remark from President Trump at the White House, spoke to Asia Blog about why diversity in newsrooms has never been more urgent.
'Mulan' Actor Ron Yuan on Reimagining a Classic Film

Actor Ron Yuan discusses being part of a project with big expectations.
Meet The Woman Shattering Stereotypes in New York's Competitive Lion Dancing Scene

One of Chinatown's few female lion dancers, Sara Lai, discusses the often forgotten art of training to be a "lion head."
The Increasing Challenge of Foreign Correspondence in China

BuzzFeed correspondent Megha Rajagopalan discusses how reporting in China has evolved and the particular challenges she faces there as an Indian-American journalist.
Satica on Pop Music's Inclusiveness Problem

The Cambodian-American native of Long Beach, CA explains why a lack of diversity in music persists despite movements toward inclusiveness in other industries.
How Banana Magazine Captures New York's Asian American Creative Community

Founders Kathleen Tso and Vicki Ho tell Asia Blog how their publication fills a much-needed gap.
Author Celeste Ng Believes That Cultural Visibility Should Include Everyone

The 'Little Fires Everywhere' scribe on the increased visibility of Asian-Americans on screen, the TV adaptation of her book starring Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington, and why she needs silence to write.
First 'DREAMer' Tereza Lee on the Importance of Listening to the Next Generation

The original inspiration for the DREAM Act shares advice on staying hopeful in uncertain times.
Stephanie Ji Won Park: Undocumented Immigrants Should Be 'Unashamed and Empowered'

The DACA activist says that she wishes that her parents were "not taught by our society to feel shame and to feel at fault for our status."
'Chemistry' Writer Weike Wang on Redefining the Coming of Age Novel

The novelist talks about the word chemistry, her writing process, and the universality of "Asian American" themes.
Four Questions for Sean Manaea, Baseball's Samoan-American No-Hit Man

The Oakland Athletics pitcher tells Asia Blog about his recent on-field accomplishment and discusses his upbringing in Indiana.
How Mission Chinese Chef Danny Bowien Defines Authenticity

The celebrated restaurateur discusses his boundary-pushing take on Sichuan food.
Peter Som's Quest: Making Clothes That 'Deliver Joy'

The fashion designer reflects on his Asian American upbringing and relates what interior design and food have to do with fashion.
Kathy Fang Wants To Teach America About Real Chinese Food

The restaurateur and frequent Food Network contestant talks about why Chinese cuisine is so misunderstood in the United States.
David Henry Hwang: How the Trump Presidency Gave 'M. Butterfly' Fresh Relevance

The playwright discusses the revival of his celebrated play in an interview with Asia Blog.
'Gook' Director Justin Chon's Quest To Ignite Conversations

An interview with the actor, writer, and director whose film explores relations between Koreans and African Americans during the 1992 Los Angeles riots.
Growing Up Asian, Gay, and Religious

Jeff Chu: “I'm not just gay, I'm also Chinese. I'm not just Chinese, I'm also Christian.”
Novelist Min Jin Lee on the 'Eternal Foreignness' of Being Asian American

The Korean-American writer discusses her work profiling Japan's marginalized Korean population.
Six Questions for Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers

The prolific and popular classical musician discusses her prized instrument, her diverse repertoire, and the importance of a great lunch.