Junko and Ben kick off 2026 by breaking down one of the year’s most intriguing new thrillers, “The Copenhagen Test.” They unpack the show’s high-concept premise, its unnerving relevance to our current moment, and what it means to see Simu Liu leading a modern espionage series as Alexander Hale.

Then, in a true dream-guest moment, Simu Liu himself joins the conversation to talk about stepping into the role, shaping Alexander’s identity, and why the series resonated so deeply with him. Along the way, Junko and Ben dig into representation, binge culture versus weekly releases, the evolving realities of Hollywood marketing, and what awards season conversations reveal about where the industry is headed.

From personal reflections to big-picture industry insights, this episode sets the tone for the year ahead and why “The Copenhagen Test” is worth your attention.

Be sure to follow and subscribe to the podcast, and follow us on Instagram at @unitedbyricepodcast, @itsbenlei, and @gojunko.

On the 45th episode of United By Rice, Junko and Ben are joined by Lucy Liu and director Eric Lin in separate conversations to celebrate the release of the acclaimed new film "Rosemead." Inspired by a true story, the film takes an unflinching yet deeply empathetic look at mental health, family, and identity within the Asian American community. Eric Lin reflects on why the story resonated so personally with him, drawing parallels to his own family dynamics and his commitment to portraying its characters without judgment or sensationalism. Lucy Liu discusses her powerful turn in the film, a striking departure from her previous roles, and the responsibility she felt in portraying a mother navigating stigma, fear, and unconditional love. Together, the conversations unpack how "Rosemead" challenges long-held misconceptions around mental illness and violence, confronts the harmful narratives that surrounded the real-life events, and underscores the importance of nuanced Asian American representation in Hollywood.

Junko and Ben dive into a fun conversation with screenwriter Marilyn Fu as she discusses her latest film, "Rosemead," which explores themes of mental health and the immigrant experience. She reflects on her journey in the film industry, the significance of Lucy Liu's role, and the emotional depth of the story.

Marilyn also shares insights into her writing process, her upcoming project "The Copenhagen Test." The discussion highlights the importance of representation and the power of storytelling in addressing complex social issues.

In our final United By Rice episode of 2025, Junko and Ben celebrate the year by looking back on some of their favorite moments from the first 42 episodes of the podcast before welcoming filmmaker Rachel Michiko Whitney to discuss her powerful new film, "Yonsei." Rachel opens up about exploring generational trauma, identity, and the Japanese American experience through storytelling, and how family history continues to shape her creative voice. The conversation dives into the evolution of Asian and Asian American representation in Hollywood, the emotional responsibility of telling culturally rooted stories, and the balance between resilience and vulnerability onscreen. Along the way, they reflect on cultural heritage, the impact of women filmmakers, creative inspiration, and the future of more inclusive narratives in film and comedy.

In this episode of United by Rice, Ben interview's Sue Chan, the production designer for Apple TV's "Murderbot." They discuss Sue's journey from architecture to production design, the creative process behind "Murderbot," and the importance of research and collaboration in building the show's unique world.

The conversation also touches on the humor and character-driven elements of the series, as well as Sue's favorite rice dish!

In this engaging conversation, Dom Magwili shares his journey as an actor, author, and educator, highlighting the evolution of Asian American representation in the arts. He discusses the significance of East West Players in fostering talent and the impact of awards on visibility for Asian American artists. The dialogue also explores the challenges of navigating the acting industry, the role of technology in auditions, and the importance of storytelling in cultural expression. Dom's latest work, 'Scientific Dragons', is a reflection of historical contexts and personal experiences, aiming to inspire future generations of writers and artists.

Trailer for Scientific Dragons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVrVur5r93k

A congested Junko and Ben discuss "No Other Choice" and the potential acquisition of Warner Bros. by Netflix before welcoming Glenn Kaino, Director of Oscar-eligible Documentary Short, "Hoops, Hopes & Dreams".

In this engaging conversation, Glenn Kaino discusses his documentary which explores the lesser-known connection between basketball and civil rights activism, particularly focusing on figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and President Obama. Kaino shares insights into his artistic journey, the challenges of filmmaking without existing footage, and the importance of community and collaboration in the creative process. The discussion also touches on the role of athletes in social justice and the legacy of influential figures in history.

In this very special episode, just in time for Thanksgiving, Chef Kathy Fang, of famed restaurants "House of Nanking" and "Fang" in San Francisco, shares the stories behind the book and recipes of her new cookbook "House of Nanking".

For the first time, United By Rice shot on site at "Fang" where Kathy sat down with host, Ben Lei, and shared a few of the most popular dishes from the restaurant and the book including Garlic Eggplant and Sesame Chicken. Importantly, Kathy wrote the cookbook and chose specific dishes that are more accessible to home cooks so you don't have to be a James Beard award winning chef to try these recipes at home.

We had some recording challenges with street noise and a wandering camera but we continue to want to push our podcast to deliver the most interesting AANHPI stories to you we can.

The "House of Nanking" should be on your Christmas list for anyone who likes to make flavorful and inspired Chinese cuisine. You can purchase everywhere but hereis an Amazon link if you need it: https://www.amazon.com/House-Nanking-Franciscos-Favorite-Restaurant/dp/1419777874

More info: From a beloved San Francisco culinary landmark, a showstopper cookbook that honors a family legacy and celebrates ingredient-driven, multi-regional Chinese cooking in America
The 100-plus recipes in this beautiful book include all the greatest hits from three generations of Fang family cooking from Canton to Shanghai, and readers will learn how to pan-fry, steam, cook in a wok, shop for ingredients, and prep vegetables the Chinese way.
With accessible recipes that are adaptable to any type of home kitchen, anyone will be able to make these dishes, wherever they are.
Since it opened in 1988, House of Nanking has been a popular spot for countless tourists, honeymooners, celebrities, and everyday San Franciscans who have lined up for their legendary Shanghai and Chinese American dishes.
This book marks the first time their recipes have appeared in print and have been adapted for the home kitchen. But it’ll be the stories behind them, which few have heard—of Peter Fang’s ingenuity and his early adventures in the kitchen, how he imported and adapted his favorite Shanghai dishes for America, and Kathy’s experience growing up with parents who bet it all on the restaurant, under the tutelage of all these rich Chinese culinary traditions—that will capture the heart.