film / Sifu Mimi Chan

274. Johnny Yang shares how he became a stunt performer

Hi everyone! In this episode, Johnny Yang shares his experiences as a Hollywood stunt performer and coordinator. Johnny is another member of the wonderful Warrior HBOMAX tv series family. We had a great time talking about

his work with friend and stunt coordinator Brett Chan and being a part of the Hitz International team.

243. Brett Chan on fight choreography, stunts and Warrior

Brett Chan is a 20 year veteran of the film industry with a background in Kinesiology, human kinetics, and 30 years of experience in martial arts.

Brett has traveled the world as a stunt performer, stunt coordinator, and 2nd unit director. I enjoyed talking to Brett about his vision for some of the shows he has worked on like Warrior, Marco Polo, Snow Piercer, and Kung Fu.

206. Angela Cheng Caplan on entrepreneurship and Chinese culture

In this episode, Angela Cheng Caplan discusses the Chinese culture, music, food, entrepreneurship, and the importance of learning languages.

171. Greg Rucka on The Old Guard Movie

SPOILER ALERT – You might want to watch The Old Guard movie on Netflix before listening today. You can also read my film review to get hyped up for viewing – which is linked here.

161. Greg Rucka on writing, protests, and justice

Hi Everyone! Greg and I ditched the comforting conversation of last week and moved back into the darkness.

138. Director Trish Sie on how movement is a form of storytelling

Trish Sie is an award-winning director and choreographer. She recently directed Pitch Perfect 3 and Step Up: All In, and, is best known for her choreography on many of OK Go’s viral music videos. One of my favorites is where she choreographed the band dancing in zero gravity. Trish is also the creator, composer, and writer of the musical science-based children’s show, The Snark-a-Snoops. Trish and I go way back, so join us on our reunion, as we chat directing, film, and dance. It is an honor to talk with guests like Trish, and I hope to continue to bring these conversations to you. In order to help me do that, please share this podcast with others.

ICYMI. 122 James Hong on what he’s learned working on over 500 roles in tv and film

132. Matt Fraction on writing comics, hard work, and empathy

If you look up Matt Fraction, you will find a bio that sounds a little like this: Matt Fraction writer of: (writer): SEX CRIMINALS (Image), Jimmy Olsen (DC), CASANOVA (Image), HAWKEYE (Marvel), and NOVEMBER (Image) writes comic books out in the woods and lives with his wife, the writer Kelly Sue DeConnick, his two children, two dogs, a cat, a bearded dragon, and a yard full of coyotes and stags. Surely there is a metaphor there.

128. Brett Jones on rehabbing from injuries and the movement culture in America

Today I welcome back SFG Chief Brett Jones. Brett teaches Functional Movement Systems (FMS), and kettlebells as the Director of Education for StrongFirst. Today we talk about Rambo: Last Blood, The Boys… oh and fitness! Brett and I share a love for 80s movies and quotes. I somehow tie in Ferris Bueller and History of the World Part 1 to a discussion on anti-aging, rehabbing from injuries, and the history of movement.

127. John Fusco on script writing, music, and Mongolia on horseback

John Fusco is a screenwriter, producer, and television series creator. His work has included several successful films and tv shows such as Crossroads, Young Guns, Young Guns II, Thunderheart, Hidalgo and the Netflix series Marco Polo. John discusses his journey during his youth as a musician that led him to pursue his career in writing.

122. James Hong on working in tv and films

I feel fortunate that James Hong took time to interview with me today. He is an actor who has starred in over 500 film and tv roles during his 60+ year career. At age 90, he isn’t slowing down. It was great to have a little Mulan reunion with James, as we discussed our thoughts on the upcoming live-action film. James shared his stories on Hollywood through the years, and the challenges Asian Americans face in cinema. He is hopeful for the future after the success of Crazy Rich Asians, however, still feels we have a long way to go.

119. Jessi Fisher, stunt double

I had the pleasure of speaking with stunt woman Jessi Fisher, who recently doubled Linda Hamilton for Terminator: Dark Fate. We discuss her journey as a performer from Cirque du Soleil to working in Hollywood. We also candidly speak about the challenges that face women in the stunt industry. I enjoyed my conversation with Jessi, as it brought back memories of my good old stunt days! Today I live vicariously through incredible stunt performers like Jessi.