Add to Cart with Kulap Vilaysack & SuChin Pak Episode: Add It Again: Sit On It 2023 with Sherry Cola
Release Date: May 27, 2025

Add to Cart delves into the nuances of consumerism, exploring both the trivial and significant items we choose to invest in and what these choices reveal about our identities. In this episode, hosts Kulap Vilaysack (Auntie Cuckoo V. Lysack) and SuChin Pak (Auntie Susu) welcome comedian, actress, and writer Sherry Cola to discuss her latest projects, personal habits, and the broader implications of representation in media.

1. Spotlight on "Joyride" and Representation in Film

The episode opens with excitement surrounding the release of Joyride, a film featuring an all Asian American lead cast. Auntie Susu enthusiastically encourages listeners to watch the movie, highlighting its comedic take on reconnecting with one's birth mother in China.

Auntie Susu (01:22): "There's a brand new movie featuring an all Asian American lead cast. It's in theaters now. It's called Joyride. You guys like, run to the theater. The trailer alone will have you spitting milk out of your nose."

Auntie Cuckoo emphasizes the cultural significance of Joyride, noting that it marks a milestone in Asian representation in mainstream cinema.

Auntie Cuckoo V. Lysack (02:20): "Absolutely, Sue. And this movie has all of our faves, everybody involved. We love this movie so much that we're dedicating not one, but two episodes worth of guests from the film."

2. Sherry Cola's Journey and Upcoming Projects

Introducing Sherry Cola, the hosts express their admiration for her work and her role in Joyride. Sherry shares her excitement about the film's release and its impact on Asian representation, describing it as "juiciness and sexualness and Asianness."

Sherry Cola (03:26): "Joyride, it can touch all of the eyeballs in the world right now because we've been sitting on it for, you know, years, I guess. ... it's just funny first, you know, like, we're literally doing drugs on a train."

Sherry also discusses her upcoming project, Shortcomings, directed by Randall Park. She recounts her journey from auditioning to landing the role, highlighting the interconnectedness of her career with Randall Park.

Sherry Cola (07:05): "The first time I set my eyes on him was on the show Wild and Out on MTV. ... I decided to put his name there."

3. Exploring Personal Habits: Binge Buying of Asian Snacks and Hot Sauces

Transitioning to lighter topics, the conversation shifts to Sherry's penchant for binge buying, particularly of Asian snacks and hot sauces. She humorously admits to her "toxic trait" of stocking up on goodies that often remain unused.

Sherry Cola (19:48): "I have a problem. I am an addict. I have a toxic trait. And it is just binge buying. ... they're just sitting in my cabinet."

The hosts and Sherry discuss various favorite snacks, unboxing experiences, and the emotional connections tied to these purchases. Sherry reveals her latest obsession: a Hello Kitty collaboration with Bokksu.

Sherry Cola (20:48): "I fully added to cart for a monthly subscription of hello Kitty Bokksu snacks. It's important. I, I, this is how I do self care."

4. Delving Deeper: Mental Health and Self-Care Practices

The conversation takes a more introspective turn as Sherry opens up about her mental health journey. She emphasizes the importance of choosing "Zen" amidst life's unpredictabilities and the role of therapy in her self-care routine.

Sherry Cola (33:31): "Choosing Zen, especially in times where you have anxiety and you are riled up about something, ... I need to choose Zen and just live in my own sacred sanctuary."

Sherry discusses how therapy has become a cornerstone of her well-being, allowing her to process emotions and maintain mental clarity.

Sherry Cola (38:30): "It's being removed. You know, I'm just really doing the most. ... It was just not cute. And I'm like, how could I have avoided this?"

5. The Impact of Immigrant Parents and Growing Up in the Restaurant Industry

Addressing her personal background, Sherry shares insights into her upbringing as a child of immigrant parents who owned a restaurant. She highlights the resilience and work ethic instilled in her by observing her parents' dedication.

Sherry Cola (44:15): "My mom is the classic Asian immigrant woman who works from day to night. ... And that's her, like, other Baby, you know, she's doing catering gigs on Sundays."

Auntie Susu echoes similar sentiments, reminiscing about her own experiences growing up in a restaurant environment.

Auntie Susu (44:53): "Minneapolis and Oakland. SGV 66. Represent. Wow. ... We get three Asians together and, you know, it's a dry cleaner, a restaurant, you know, something like that."

6. Balancing Energy and Setting Boundaries

As the episode nears its conclusion, Sherry discusses the challenges of managing her energy and the importance of setting boundaries to avoid burnout. She reflects on learning to say no and prioritizing her well-being over constant hustle.

Sherry Cola (40:20): "I literally got sick, and I was just so tired. ... just removing from cart saying yes all the time."

Auntie Cuckoo ties this back to the earlier theme of choosing Zen, emphasizing that energy is finite and needs to be conserved.

Auntie Cuckoo V. Lysack (43:12): "We're trying to. These are. These are precious fluids, you guys. Let's not be expending them, you know, willy nilly, okay?"

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with heartfelt acknowledgments and reflections on the importance of representation, self-care, and community support. Sherry expresses gratitude for the platform to share her experiences and the collective effort to amplify diverse voices.

Sherry Cola (46:29): "Look at us. I will never take it for granted, you know, the fact that the three of us have the platforms to speak out in a world where they wanted us to. To shut up."

Auntie Cuckoo encourages listeners to follow Sherry's journey on social media, reinforcing the community-driven spirit of Add to Cart.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Auntie Susu (01:22): "There's a brand new movie featuring an all Asian American lead cast. It's in theaters now. It's called Joyride. ..."

• Sherry Cola (03:26): "Joyride, it can touch all of the eyeballs in the world right now because we've been sitting on it for, you know, years, I guess. ..."

• Sherry Cola (19:48): "I have a problem. I am an addict. I have a toxic trait. And it is just binge buying. ..."

• Sherry Cola (33:31): "Choosing Zen, especially in times where you have anxiety and you are riled up about something, ..."

• Sherry Cola (44:15): "My mom is the classic Asian immigrant woman who works from day to night. ..."

• Sherry Cola (40:20): "I literally got sick, and I was just so tired. ..."

• Sherry Cola (46:29): "Look at us. I will never take it for granted, you know, the fact that the three of us have the platforms to speak out ..."

This episode of Add to Cart offers a rich tapestry of discussions ranging from the significance of representation in film to personal growth and self-care. Sherry Cola's candid conversations provide listeners with both laughter and profound insights into navigating personal and professional landscapes as a multifaceted individual.