15 Must-Listen Podcasts From AAPI Creators

Hosted by comedians Jenny Arimoto and Mic Nguyen, this podcast is undeniably hilarious, tongue-in-cheek and irreverent. In March, the podcast was facetiously renamed the “[REDACTED] not [REDACTED]” podcast given the federal government’s termination of DEI programs earlier this year. “Well, there’s no easy way to say this, but we’ve been cancelled, deadpans Nguyen. “In America in 2025, diversity and inclusion are illegal, and being that we have the word Asian twice in the name of this podcast, so we immediately got no knock warranted by the FBI and they made me pinkie swear not to be Vietnamese anymore.” It’s current, chic, and you’re not cool if you don’t listen. I don’t make the rules.

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The award for best podcast title goes to host John Wang’s podcast: Big Asian Energy. Powerfully positive and psychologically-oriented, this podcast is made for Asians and Asian-Americans looking to thrive and grow. Episodes include topics on overcoming mental health stigma in the Asian community, breaking free from perfectionism, career growth, dating and identity politics. Wang skillfully interviews experts and leads listeners through empowering dialogue.

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If you’re craving a case of the creepies, check out the Asian Madness Podcast, which covers true crime, superstitions, urban legends and all things haunting and spooky with respect to Asian-Americans and Asia. Case in point, one episode covers the story of Suya Park, a Korean woman who was abducted, murdered and ditched in a dumpster in New York City in 1991. Host Jessica spouts the details and explores why the killer has never been identified, even providing the phone number of the NYPD in case anyone has current intel on the crime.

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Sensitive and soulful, the Inner Child Podcast is hosted by therapist and healing coach Gloria Zhang. Tackling necessary topics like breaking free of toxic relationships, understanding the absent father/depressed mother dynamic, emotional hangovers and the secret behind the abundance mindset, this podcast is like getting a hug and lying on a pink velvet couch while being handed a glass of sparkling water and a cupcake. Need I say more?

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Hosted by legendary Korean American comedian Bobby Lee and his best friend Khalyla, this hilarious podcast has been running every week since 2015. Featuring an impressive slate of celebrities as guests, including Daniel Dae Kim and Keke Palmer, and centering Lee’s trademark irreverent humor, the show talks about it all, from celebrity gossip to sex to where to find the best Korean groceries in Los Angeles.

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Based on an important and omnipresent question, this "edutaining" podcast hosted by creator and blogger Andrew Yi and co-host Tawny Newsome takes a humorous yet critical look at listener submissions and answers whether and how something is or is not racist. Usually, the answer is a resounding “Yes.” In an interview about the podcast, Yi says “It’s really easy to answer these questions…If you have to ask, it’s racist.” If you’ve been wondering if and how something is racist, make sure to call in and leave a voicemail for the hosts to discuss in a future episode at 323-389-RACE.

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Hosted by Saturday Night Live headliner Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, this award-winning podcast covers all aspects of pop culture. Marked by the hosts’ tongue-in-cheek commentary and their proficiency in industry knowledge and analysis, the podcast welcomes powerhouse guests like Michelle Yeoh, Margaret Cho and Stephanie Hsu and comments on awards ceremonies like the Oscars, recent film releases, and buzzy cultural moments in need of the hosts’ insights.

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A podcast—hosted by author and illustrator Grace Lin and editor Alvina Ling—that discusses hot topics in the children’s literature world? “Yes, please,” say AAPI parents and kids lit fans everywhere. Listen to conversations about aging, happiness, the meaning of home, self-care and the intricacies of the publishing scene with these knowledgeable and thoughtful industry leaders. One reviewer says, “This podcast is like your favorite sweatpants–comfy, cozy, and perfect to put on while making dinner.”

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Formerly The May Lee Show, this podcast has expanded from its singular host cast to a dynamic trio of Asian American female media stars: award-winning journalist May Lee and actresses Kelly Hu and Tamlyn Tomito–collectively known as “MKT.” The hosts self-identify as “50+ and fabulous so they got nothing to hide,” which makes for incisive and humorous commentary on current events, pop culture and AAPI issues. Transitioning from The May Lee show’s topical focus on the impact of AAPI people on local and national platforms, this podcast offers open, honest, and fun commentary that questions stale stereotypes about race, age, sex and culture.

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Created by writers from Plan A Magazine, this podcast aims to encourage critical thought, discussion and action amongst the Asian diaspora to collectively empower the AAPI community. The show alternates between group commentary and interviews on issues like anti-Asian violence, politics and pop culture. Started in 2017 and on its way to its 500th episode, this prolific and long-running podcast continues to examine critical issues relevant to the AAPI community.

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Hosted by two powerhouse Asian women in media, journalist SuChin Pak and comedian-writer-director Kulap Vilaysack, this podcast offers a subversive take on consumer culture and the objects, trends, philosophies and people that we “buy into.” Each week, the hosts chat about what they are adding or removing from their metaphorical and literal carts, taking home things that are worth the emotional and monetary investment and returning the others.

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Daughter and father podcasting team Gen and Ted Lai lead listeners through deep dives into critical and sometimes overlooked moments and figures in Asian American history. The hosts have covered tasty topics like the history of Ketchup and Vietnamese food and serious ones like the impact of anti-miscegenation laws on AAPI communities. They also shed light on important but neglected figures in AAPI history, like Wataru Misaka, the first nonwhite and first person of Asian descent to play in the NBA. Come for the wholesome family banter and leave with unforgettable moments in AAPI history.

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Writer Phil Yu, creator of Angry Asian Man, and journalist Jeff Yang tackle notable and controversial subjects in contemporary Asian America in this energetic podcast. They’ve explored topics like what it means to be “very Asian,” the significance of the first Asian superhero movie, and how to battle anti-Asian racism. The hosts interview notable AAPI figures like Your Korean Dad, Jon Chu and Domee Shi to talk about racism, representation and revelation.

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Hosted by Sara and Misasha, two half-Asian women and mothers of multi-racial children, this podcast aims to reveal and uproot systemic racism and center conversations relating to social justice, equal rights and community organizing. Talking about the intersections of race, class and gender, the hosts share their experiences as biracial women straddling the color line between Asian and white identities. Join in on these productive and challenging dialogues about colorism, anti-racism and reclaiming and refashioning AAPI identity.

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Hosted by a trio of Asian creators, Jay Caspian Kang, Tammy Kim and Andy Liu, this podcast opens each episode with a round of applause and a snippet of the overture of the Italian ballad “Time to Say Goodbye.” The eclectic show interviews an AAPI guest each week to talk about a wide range of topics relating to the Asian diaspora like identity politics, gender roles and grief.

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