S5E8: Food Judgments, Broccoli Conspiracies, and Big Cancer In this episode of the Unofficial Official Story podcast, hosts Cat Alvarado, Dwayne Perkins, and Koji Steven Sakai discuss foods they secretly judge people for disliking and delve into intriguing food-related conspiracies. They explore the suspicion around broccoli being poisonous and investigate whether big cancer and big meat industries are behind anti-broccoli narratives.

Celebrate the holidays through a Japanese American lens! 🎄🥢 From quirky Christmas traditions in Japan to the rich flavors of New Year’s osechi, this episode uncovers the meaning behind festive rituals. Featuring moving performances from Unforgotten Voices and the diary of Stanley Hayami, we honor resilience, gift‑giving in hard times, and the enduring legacy of the Japanese Americans. Season 2 returns this February—don’t miss it!

In this exciting episode of the Unofficial Official Story Podcast, we kick things off with a lighthearted debate about who would believe us if we claimed to have seen Bigfoot, leading to a hilarious exploration of credibility among friends and family. Joined by our special guest, actress Jennifer Field, we dive into the quirky world of cryptids, focusing on the infamous Jersey Devil and its many origin stories, from Mother Leeds to gypsy curses.

Join hosts Koji and Michelle as they explore the fusion of Japanese and American cultures through food in the latest episode of the Japanese America Podcast. They delve into their Thanksgiving traditions, unique culinary experiences, and the impact of Japanese cuisine on identity. Koji shares a personal essay about his relationship with food, including his thoughts on natto, while Michelle reflects on her family's cooking.

Dive into a world where clones do your laundry, comedians crack conspiracy theories, and Taylor Swift might just be a time-traveling satanic princess. Join the hilarious Ally Noel as she juggles ADHD, creative chaos, and the cannabis industry, all while unraveling wild theories about pop icons and cloning mishaps. From awkward romantic escapades to whimsical prenup fantasies with billionaires, this episode promises more twists and turns than a soap opera written by AI chatbots on Adderall.

Cruising J-Town: Exploring Japanese American Car Culture and Community In this episode, we ride through the heart of Southern California’s Japanese American car culture with Dr. Oliver Wang, curator of the Cruising J-Town exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum. From the sleek lines of import tuners to the slow roll of classic cruisers through Little Tokyo, we explore how cars became more than machines—they became mirrors of identity, pride, and belonging.

In this rib-tickling episode, Koji, Dwayne, and Cat hilariously stumble into the bizarre and often sidesplitting world of cursed objects and superstitions, joined by guest writer and comedian Vanessa Graddick. They tackle the legendary tale of James Dean's Porsche 550 Spyder, ominously dubbed "Little Bastard" (because apparently, "Speedy McDeathtrap" was already taken), diving headfirst into the alleged curse that accompanied the iconic actor's tragic fate.

In this episode of the Japanese America Podcast titled "Legacy of Hope: Clara Breed's Letters and the Art of Compassion," hosts Koji and Michelle embark on a touching exploration of the enduring power of empathy and small acts of kindness. They begin by sharing personal anecdotes about the impactful teachers in their lives, setting the stage for the inspiring story of Clara Breed, a courageous children's librarian from San Diego during World War II.

Award-winning comedian Augie Smith takes us on a humorous journey through the whimsical worlds of quirky furniture and stand-up comedy. We explore imaginative furniture concepts, like a gaudy Trump chair and a multifunctional Allison coat rack, while also delving into Augie's comedic beginnings and his evolution in the stand-up scene. As we navigate through the eccentricities of retail conspiracy theories, we debunk myths about Wayfair's alleged involvement in child trafficking and ponder the curious clustering of Mattress Firm stores.

In this engaging episode of the Japanese America Podcast, hosts Michelle and Koji take listeners on a nostalgic journey through the vibrant summer festivities of Japanese American culture. They share delightful anecdotes from events like Obon and Nisei Week, highlighting the unique traditions and foods that make these celebrations special. The episode features a captivating interview with Helen Ota, the 2025 Nisei Week Foundation President, who discusses her leadership journey and contributions to the community, including her work with the Cold Tofu improv group.

Ever pondered if those infamous Roswell aliens were just misunderstood Soviet children on an intergalactic field trip? In this hilariously speculative episode, we dive headfirst into the absurd with hosts Koji, Dwayne, and Cat, as they debate who among them would be the most irresistible human for alien abduction. Between considering clever escape tactics and trying to annoy extraterrestrial captors into releasing them, the hosts promise plenty of laughs.

In this month’s episode, we dive into the fascinating world of modern mind control theories, tracing their origins from the infamous MKUltra experiments to their potential reincarnations in today's digital age. The discussion raises thought-provoking questions about the role of digital platforms like TikTok and social media in shaping our perceptions and behaviors, speculating whether these trends are mere entertainment or sophisticated tools of psychological influence.

In this engaging podcast episode, hosts Michelle and Koji explore the unique journey of Japanese immigrants adapting to life in the U.S. They delve into the cultural crossroads and identity challenges faced by these individuals, from nostalgic childhood dreams influenced by American commercials to the bittersweet farewell to Japanese citizenship. Through humorous anecdotes and heartfelt stories, listeners gain insight into the resilience required to blend traditions and find a sense of home in a foreign land.

Dive into the hilariously outlandish world of science fiction and conspiracy theories with this side-splitting podcast episode that takes you on a joyride through the universe's quirkiest secrets. We kick off with a debate about the critical importance of lightsaber colors in Star Wars—because everyone knows picking the wrong color could turn your Jedi feng shui into a cosmic disaster.

In this poignant episode of the Japanese American Podcast, we explore the incredible journey of Holocaust survivor Solly Ganor and his unexpected salvation by Japanese American soldiers during World War II. Through Solly's harrowing experiences on a death march from the Dachau death camp, listeners are introduced to the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion—soldiers who defied prejudice and became beacons of hope for many.

EXCLUSIVE: Halo and Classified filmmaker Roel Reiné is set to direct American Smuggler, the upcoming action-drama starring 24, Major League and Far From Heaven actor Dennis Haysbert. The film will chart the relentless hunt for Craig Petties, an American drug trafficker best known for the criminal empire he led in Memphis while operating in collaboration with Mexico’s infamous drug cartels.

In the Season 5 opener of the "Unofficial Official Story Podcast," listeners embark on a rollicking and insightful adventure through the colorful world of sports, with a spotlight on the vibrant cultural identities of Asian athletes. The episode dives headfirst into the fascinating lives of sports superstars like Shohei Ohtani and Kobe Bryant, unraveling the quirky challenges and laugh-out-loud moments of cultural assimilation.

EXCLUSIVE: Canada‘s Quentin Lee has touched down at Series Mania this week with scripted show Morning, Paris! and a third season of their stand-up show Comedy InvAsian in their back pocket. The director-producer’s Margin Films has again teamed with Comedy InvAsian co-creator and showrunner Koji Steven Sakai from Little Nalu Pictures and exec producer Victor Elizade from Viva Pictures on the show, which spotlights AAPI comedians doing 30-minute sets in each episode.

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Take a joyful stroll down memory lane with us as we look back at the most hilarious and thought-provoking moments of season four. ABOUT US What are "they" not telling us? We'll find out, figure out, and, when all else fails, make up the missing pieces to some of the most scandalous, unexplained phenomena, and true crime affecting our world today.

Listen Here! New Episode drops! In this poignant episode of the Japanese America Podcast, hosts Koji and Michelle delve into the incredible story of Grace Obata-Amemiya, a Japanese American woman whose resilience during World War II serves as a testament to strength and hope. Grace's journey from an aspiring public health nurse to enduring the hardships of the concentration camps highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Japanese American women during the war.

In this engaging podcast episode, listeners are invited to explore the lighter side of dark themes with comedian Vanessa Graddick. The episode delves into humorous and unconventional survival strategies against serial killers, using comedic insights to tackle heavy topics such as Ted Bundy's possible demonic influence and the societal pressures surrounding true crime. Through witty discussions, the Unofficial Official Story hosts and Vanessa navigate the absurdities of human behavior, crafting tales of vigilante justice and questioning the "white devil" mentality.

In this engaging episode of the Japanese America podcast, hosts Michelle and Koji dive into the captivating world of Japanese stationery with special guest Mark Sakaguchi from Kinokuniya Bookstore and Yuri Aida from Design for America Inc. They explore the allure of Japanese pens, notebooks, and accessories, which have evolved from being perceived as cheap to becoming celebrated for their impeccable quality and craftsmanship.

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Ever found yourself inexplicably drawn to an animated lioness or a buffoonish cartoon villain? Join Cat, Koji, and Dwayne as they hilariously confess their cartoon crushes and what they might reveal about our twisted psyches. Meanwhile, they unravel the mental health allegories of Winnie the Pooh, proving that even honey-loving bears have their quirks. Special guest Adam Yanzer chimes in with tales of wildfire survival, blending heartfelt stories with absurd diagnoses for our beloved childhood characters.