Welcome To The New AAPIHM Red Carpet!

Summary

Podcast Summary: Add to Cart with Kulap Vilaysack & SuChin Pak Episode: Welcome To The New AAPIHM Red Carpet! Release Date: May 6, 2025

In this vibrant and introspective episode of Add to Cart, hosts Kulap Vilaysack and SuChin Pak delve deep into the nuances of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM), exploring personal experiences, community dynamics, media representation, and the evolving landscape of identity among Asian Americans. Through candid conversations, humor, and poignant reflections, they unpack what it means to celebrate heritage in contemporary society.

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1. Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM)

The episode kicks off with Kulap and SuChin acknowledging the significance of May as AAPIHM. They humorously declare it, emphasizing its importance while playfully questioning its permanence.

Kulap Vilaysack: "It is our month. So unless somebody writes an executive order that officially cancels it, it is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month." (02:15)

2. Navigating Personal Experiences and Community Support

The conversation shifts to personal struggles and the role of community in overcoming feelings of isolation and despair. SuChin shares her battles with intense emotions, oscillating between anger and fear, and highlights the importance of supportive communities in navigating these challenges.

Sujin Pak: "There is no remedy to any of that... sitting with people, other people that understand your point of view, that can help you process some of it will get you to a point where you can do something." (04:25)

Kulap echoes these sentiments, stressing the loneliness that comes with feeling othered and the essential nature of community support.

3. Mental Health Awareness and the Importance of Therapy

Midway through the episode, the hosts touch upon mental health, emphasizing the stigma that prevents many from seeking help. They advocate for therapy as a tool for building better boundaries and setting positive goals, underscoring its impact not just on individuals but on families and communities.

Sujin Pak: "When people hesitate to get help, it doesn't just affect them. It impacts families, workplaces, and entire communities." (11:25)

4. Representation in Media: Analyzing "White Lotus"

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting the HBO series White Lotus. SuChin expresses discomfort with a particular scene involving Sam Rockwell's character, questioning the portrayal and underlying messages.

Sujin Pak: "I'm like, where is this going? Is this some esoteric thing?" (16:25)

Kulap offers a different perspective, appreciating the show's bold exploration of flawed, misogynistic characters while acknowledging the discomfort it evokes. They debate whether the show's portrayal reinforces harmful stereotypes or serves as a critical examination of problematic behaviors.

Kulap Vilaysack: "It's an artistic expression, too, of how certain white men... consume and take over." (20:11)

5. The Role of K-Pop and Social Media in Shaping Identity

Transitioning to popular culture, the hosts discuss the global influence of K-Pop, particularly focusing on Blackpink members like Lisa and Jenny. They highlight how these artists serve as cultural ambassadors, bridging gaps and fostering a sense of pride among Asian Americans.

Kulap Vilaysack: "Lisa... she is the number 1 K-Pop star and she's from Thailand." (25:21)

Sujin Pak: "My daughter loves Blackpink... she's hungry for it." (25:14)

They further explore how social media platforms enable better representation, allowing Asian Americans to connect, share their stories, and celebrate their heritage without traditional gatekeepers.

6. Exploring Identity and Biculturalism

A central theme of the episode is the fluidity of identity among Asian Americans, especially those navigating multiple cultures. Sujin reflects on her children's experiences, contrasting them with her own, and discusses the complexities of embracing a multifaceted identity.

Sujin Pak: "What is identity? What is race? What is anything?" (40:53)

Kulap Vilaysack: "To be biracial and to live in multiple worlds, but to be able to have the full experience of your being." (42:20)

7. Creating a Lao American Hall of Fame: A Tributary Tribute

In a lighthearted yet meaningful segment, the hosts announce their initiative to establish a Lao American Hall of Fame. This fictional red carpet event aims to honor and celebrate influential figures within the Lao American community, blending humor with genuine appreciation for cultural contributions.

Kulap Vilaysack: "I am creating a new hall of Fame... the Lao American hall of Fame." (44:14)

Sujin Pak: "All Asians are invited to walk that carpet. Absolutely." (46:07)

This creative endeavor underscores their commitment to fostering a sense of pride and recognition within the community.

8. Embracing Representation and Cultural Connection

The conversation concludes with a reflection on how representation through media and social platforms allows Asian Americans to connect with their heritage in diverse and personal ways. Sujin shares her admiration for content creators like Max not Beer, who bridge cultural gaps and inspire both their children and themselves.

Sujin Pak: "Watching and learning about Korean culture through a millennial white man living there." (38:24)

Kulap Vilaysack: "Starved for representation... the good shit is that you can have without the gatekeepers." (40:39)

Conclusion: Strengthening Community and Celebrating Heritage

In wrapping up, Kulap and Sujin reaffirm the importance of community, representation, and embracing one's multifaceted identity. They express excitement for future episodes that will continue to celebrate Asian American heritage and support their listeners in their personal and cultural journeys.

Sujin Pak: "Your identity is what you embrace. And who you are and that you're free to express that in any way you want and that you'll be loved." (41:59)

Kulap Vilaysack: "Keep sticking it to the man, whenever, wherever you can. And remember, you are fucking beautiful." (48:30)

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Notable Quotes:

• Kulap Vilaysack: "It is our month..." (02:15)
• Sujin Pak: "There is no remedy to any of that..." (04:25)
• Kulap Vilaysack: "It's an artistic expression..." (20:11)
• Sujin Pak: "What is identity? What is race? What is anything?" (40:53)
• Kulap Vilaysack: "Starved for representation..." (40:39)
• Sujin Pak: "Your identity is what you embrace..." (41:59)

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Key Takeaways:

• Community Support: Essential for navigating personal struggles and combating feelings of isolation.
• Representation Matters: Media and social platforms play a crucial role in shaping and affirming Asian American identities.
• Cultural Pride: Embracing multifaceted identities fosters a stronger sense of self and community.
• Creative Initiatives: Innovative projects like the Lao American Hall of Fame highlight the importance of celebrating cultural contributions.

This episode of Add to Cart offers a heartfelt exploration of Asian American experiences, blending humor with critical analysis, and invites listeners to reflect on their own relationships with community, identity, and representation.

Transcript

[Meredith Hayden]

The Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook is the debut cookbook from chef and content creator Meredith Hayden, filled with a hundred seasonal recipes to elevate your everyday cooking. Inspired by years working as a chef in New York City and the Hamptons, Meredith Hayden makes food that is both unfussy and elegant. From 20 minute meals to show stopping centerpieces, you will learn how to cook, host and eat like a private chef and. And have fun doing it. Find inspiration to celebrate every season in life with the Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook, available wherever books are sold.

[Hasan Minhaj]

I'm Hasan Minhaj, and I have been lying to you. I only pretended to be a comedian so I could trick important people into coming on my podcast. Hasan Minhaj doesn't know to ask them the tough questions that real journalists are way too afraid to ask. People like Senator Elizabeth Warren. Is America too dumb for democracy?

[Sujin Park]

Outrageous.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Parenting expert Dr. Becky. How do you skip consequences without raising a psychopath?

[Coolop V. Lysak]

That's a good question.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Listen to Hasan Minhaj doesn't know. From Lemonada Media, wherever you get your podcasts.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Lemonada.

[Meredith Hayden]

Also with that fire boy.

[Sujin Park]

Lemon, you forgot your bling.

[Meredith Hayden]

Bling.

[Sujin Park]

Wait.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Welcome to another episode of Add to Cart. I'm your auntie Cool Op V. Lysak.

[Sujin Park]

And I'm your other auntie, Sujin Park Sus.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

We are in the month of May.

[Sujin Park]

That's right. It's our month.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

It is our month. So unless somebody writes an executive order that officially cancels it, it is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

[Meredith Hayden]

For now.

[Sujin Park]

For now.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

TBD stands for now.

[Sujin Park]

We shall see this recording.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Look, where are we, Sue? What's the state? I'm not gonna even pretend that we're going to speak of the state of Asian Americans. No, we're gonna talk about where you and I are.

[Sujin Park]

Oh, okay, okay. I'm like, are we gonna talk about America?

[Coolop V. Lysak]

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. That's not why you're here. Go to my Daily Touch or whatever that podcast is.

[Sujin Park]

Go to whatever.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yeah, that's not why you're here.

[Sujin Park]

On past episodes recently, I've talked about how insane I've been feeling.

[Meredith Hayden]

And I do have to say, as I'm sitting here today at this moment.

[Sujin Park]

You know, when people talk about. I just.

[Meredith Hayden]

You know, I sit in community.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

First of all, I love this character from you.

[Sujin Park]

And I say that having you and I being part of organizing community. Okay, so I understand that's where we fell in love. Yes, that's where we fell in love.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

That's our origin story.

[Sujin Park]

But Then the story side of me tosses our origin story aside and says, ugh, Community. Who cares at this point? Like, community's not helping anyone now. You know, like, where's community? Because we're all fucked. You know, like, that's the cynical side of me that I wake up to. And then I do have to say, I sit here with you and you talk me off of the ledge of doom every week or when we record at least twice a month, and I do feel better. And then I think, God damn it, it's community.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Look, you literally ran out of LA to one of the whitest communities in Santa Barbara, and I force you to be in community.

[Meredith Hayden]

Yeah.

[Sujin Park]

And God damn it, this works. I don't believe it. And yet it's happening in real time, so try it if you're feeling insane right now and you don't know what to do. When I look up from my. My coffin and I look around, I. I vacillate between such extreme fire starter burning rage and such fear.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yeah.

[Sujin Park]

Like paralyzing fear. Like, you know, looping at night fear. I can only say, like, there is no remedy to any of that. I don't have any good advice for you right now, but I do have to say this notion of sitting with people, other people that understand your point of view, that can help you process some of it will get you to a point where you can do something. You know, it's like you have to get through that molasses.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yeah.

[Sujin Park]

You know, and. And it's a constant struggle.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Right.

[Sujin Park]

Cause I thought, I'm on the other side of it. Cause I. I brought a game changer. That was amazing.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Five calls.

[Sujin Park]

The five calls. Yeah. And it was. It's game changer, right?

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yeah.

[Sujin Park]

But then I get sucked back in right into like, I can't move out of this molasses. So it's a constant battle.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

That's by design. Yes, that is a. Yeah.

[Sujin Park]

And I think in that time of, like, frozenness, you know, you need to take care of yourself. And then I think that first step out has to be a really warm hot tub. And that warm hot tub has to be filled with. With your community. People who know. Whoever that is.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yeah. Whoever that may be. People who know people you don't have to explain yourself to.

[Sujin Park]

Yes.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Because when you're being othered, to also be isolated is incredibly lonely and alienating.

[Meredith Hayden]

Yeah.

[Sujin Park]

It's just a. It's a dark time.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

We are back to race coding. Instead of being explicit about it, you know, about dei, those words, you know, are Kind of like, struck. They're verboten at this time, officially, but it's like, oh, okay. So we're just coding it like we always did. Like, oh, all right. That's. I'm from Minnesota. Like, my third language is Lao. My second language is, like, code switching. Oh, okay. Yeah. So we can't openly talk about differences, but we're gonna have to code switch. Got it. All right. That's what we have to do.

[Sujin Park]

Like, what are people talking about it?

[Meredith Hayden]

But now it's like a different language.

[Sujin Park]

Like, what. What's going on?

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Like, meaning that, like, whatever you have to do to make it okay to get your money from the government or whatever. But we're still. We're still who we are. We still, as I am about to, like, you know, take out another project and try to sell it, and I just have to keep thinking, we're still a capitalist country. Right. So, sure, it's best. It's always been awesome to be white CIS male. But, like, you're still trying to make money, so you can't just have every project. Can't be that. Like, that's actually just not good for money. And at the end of the day, that's what I feel Elon is telling you he's all about money. So, like, you know what I mean? At the end of the day, you're trying to reach people who do have money to spend. So. Okay. So however you need to, you know, like, market it. Sure. You know, sell it internally. Yeah, whatever. We need to. So we'll just go back to before, where we spoke openly about our differences.

[Sujin Park]

Is that really what you're feeling?

[Coolop V. Lysak]

That's how I feel. Not just in talking about Hollywood, but just like, oh, in this country, period. Yeah.

[Meredith Hayden]

Oh, boy.

[Julia Louis-Dreyfus]

Yeah.

[Sujin Park]

I cannot believe at this point in time, in April, as we're recording this in 2025, year 2025, that, like, my brother, who came to this country when he was three years old and has been a permanent resident green card holder his entire life, like, we're wondering if he can try if he should travel with us to Korea this summer.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

No. Yeah, he shouldn't.

[Meredith Hayden]

That's insane to me.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

No, don't. Don't.

[Sujin Park]

And he's so, like, you know, on the other side, he's like, then I won't come back if they don't. And I'm like, what? What do you mean? This is our choice. These are our choices. Either you never. You don't travel, you know, for the next four years and beyond, however long this whole thing Lasts, who knows? Or there's a possibility that you're going to get deported for reasons that they can make up and come up with anything, you know.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

How old is he? Is he.

[Sujin Park]

He's 40? Let me think. 47.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

47.

[Sujin Park]

All right.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

So he doesn't have to do his compulsory military. But that's.

[Sujin Park]

No, but that's like, that's one of the.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

That's a thing.

[Sujin Park]

Yeah. Well, that's the flag that keeps getting flagged when. And he has always had that flag. And so. But then he'll. They'll pull him aside to customs and then he'll explain to them, you know, because it's just like a glitch in the filing system. It's not, it's not. There's nothing illegal that he did. He just was here since he was three years old. So he didn't do military service in Korea.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yeah.

[Sujin Park]

And it flags it every time. And usually it's like a two minute conversation. But he gets pulled aside every time. Every time. And now we're like, well, could that turn into something bigger? Like. No. And then it just as we're sitting here. Yes. It's terrifying.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

So I don't think he should go to Mexican, though. And I'm gonna be really honest, I would be worried about even domestic travel.

[Sujin Park]

Well, this is crazy.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

I know. It is crazy.

[Sujin Park]

I mean, this is all. We're all sitting around. This is what we say.

[Meredith Hayden]

This is what we say to each other.

[Sujin Park]

This is crazy. This is crazy. You know, I do feel like. I feel like constantly I'm waking up.

[Meredith Hayden]

In a new world.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yeah.

[Sujin Park]

And that has been just like. I keep thinking that it will pass that like this kind of crescendo. But I don't think we're even close to the peak.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Oddly, when we look back, we'll go, oh, wow. Election day was pretty tame. That first month was kind of okay. It was like, ah. That was like calmer, actually. That is the truth.

[Sujin Park]

That is how I'm feeling. I'm feeling like. I do feel a sense of foreboding. Like this is a horror movie and we're just in act one. Oh, boy, this is dark. Maybe we turn this ship around.

[Julia Louis-Dreyfus]

I mean, but that's.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

We're just having to hold so much.

[Sujin Park]

Yeah.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

And you know, I don't know if we're even gonna get to. There's different ways to be revolutionary and one of the ways is gonna be through our carts, you know, that's one way. Of course, there's just straight up revolution. But you know, look there's just different ways. We're just. We're just being real to where we are. You know us, we're your aunties. We're spouting off some things we have lived in, experience about. Some things are just raw, simply raw. So strap in.

[Sujin Park]

Raw, unfiltered honey.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

That thick.

[Sujin Park]

Good for you.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

That's thick.

[Sujin Park]

Yeah, but you have too much of it. Manuka could kill ya.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Let's take a quick break and we'll get into some carts.

[Meredith Hayden]

This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Many of you already know that Ku and I are big supporters of therapy in our lives and we're spotlighting Mental.

[Sujin Park]

Health Awareness Month because while it's a.

[Meredith Hayden]

Topic that is much more talked about lately, Studies show that 26% of Americans don't seek mental health support because they fear judgment. And when people hesitate to get help, it doesn't just affect them. It impacts families, workplaces, and entire communities. Therapy is great if you want to build better boundaries or set positive goals for yourself. Or maybe you feel like you're kind of stuck in a loop and you need more guidance. For me, having that weekly time to check in with myself helps me focus on what is is working in my life. And then I expand on that. Better Help is fully online, making therapy affordable and convenient. Serving over 5 million people worldwide. We're all better with help. Visit betterhelp.com add to cart to get 10% off your first month. That's better help. H lp.com addtocart carters. We get sent a lot of things to try. And when I get my little grubby.

[Sujin Park]

Hands on something I love and is.

[Meredith Hayden]

Affordable, I get absolutely giddy thinking about.

[Sujin Park]

Sharing it with you all.

[Meredith Hayden]

Today I'm going to hook you up with Goodr. These are a game changer. They sell sunglasses that start at just 25 bucks and they're so substantial. The pair I'm living in right now are the limited edition wristband Wanderlust.

[Sujin Park]

The frames, they kind of have this.

[Meredith Hayden]

Like almost slight rubbery coating that makes.

[Sujin Park]

Them anti slip and anti bounce. It's a cat eye shape, but not granny style. You know what I'm talking about. And I'm so past the point in.

[Meredith Hayden]

My life where I'm worried about scratches and dings on my overpriced sunglasses. These are durable.

[Sujin Park]

I can toss them in my bag.

[Meredith Hayden]

And I'm ready to go. They're polarized and they're so cute. And at these price points, you can.

[Sujin Park]

Get a different look for every outfit.

[Meredith Hayden]

If you need A new pair of sunnies. Goodr is giving Add to Cart listeners free shipping. You can go to goodr.com add to cart and use code add to cart for free shipping. Goodr offers a 30 day money back guarantee and 100% satisfaction. Again that Gooder addtocart and use code addtocart for free shipping.

[Reshma Saujani]

Hey, Julia Louis Dreyfus here. If you listen to me on my Wiser Than Me podcast, you probably already know that I'm an investor and an evangelist for the Mill Food Recycler. There are a lot of reasons to love mill, but for me it's all about the impact. Keeping food out of the garbage is one of the most powerful things we can do to help the planet every single day. We're talking banana peels, carrot tops, old takeout. When that stuff heads to the landfill, it becomes a huge, huge driver of climate change. If you already compost, great. But of course there's the smell, the flies, the running to the curb every day with a little leaking compost bag made of cornstarch. That's where mill comes in. It makes keeping food out of the trash as easy as dropping it in. It can handle nearly anything from a turkey carcass to like 20 avocado pits. It works automatically while you sleep. You can keep filling it for weeks and weeks and it never ever smells. Mill makes dry, nutrient rich grounds that you can use in your garden, add to your compost, feed to your chickens. Or mill can get them back to a small farm for you, but you kind of have to live with mill to really get it. And that's why they offer a risk free trial. Go to mill.com wiser for an exclusive offer.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

We're back on Add to cart such in. Shall you start? Cause I was so excited to discuss your hot, hot remove from cart thrill.

[Sujin Park]

We're just talking about carts. Let's dive in, have some fun. And yet I start my cart off with a remove from cart and this is a controversial take. And culotte maybe. There are a lot of times that I get really heated about something very myopic and then Koo will pull the camera back and I'm like, oh, that's the wide shot. Sorry, never mind. That's what I tend to do is I tend to hyper focus on something and so I would love it if you could tell me if I'm incorrect because I just cannot believe what I just saw. So I am talking about I'm watching White Lotus like a lot of my people are. White Lotus Episode 5 of this latest Season 3.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Set in Thailand.

[Meredith Hayden]

Set in Thailand.

[Sujin Park]

And you know this scene, it's Sam Rockwell, the actor, he plays his character Frank, and he goes on what feels like a 28 minute rant with no interruption. I mean, it really is a manologue where he basically gives a speech. The gist of it, after ranting and raving, I'm like, where is this going? Where he lands the plane at. Maybe I'm an Asian woman that wants to be railed by a white guy. And that's where the plane lands. It was so uncomfortable. It was so weird. It was so out of left field. Can you help me process what was that? And is anyone feeling the same way I am? Am I not getting something like, is this some esoteric thing? That one.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

I was just lighted that this was your reaction. Like, just because I think I want to say that, like, yeah, if you were like put off and disgusted by the contents of what this character was saying. I mean, like, yeah, absolutely. What I would say is that like this is a character that is deeply flawed, racist, misogynistic. But I feel that he, the, the show didn't present this character as if it wasn't. So I'll say that piece. I love White Lotus. And while I'm inside of it, I'm like, this is. Where is this going? But I will. I still enjoy the nuances, the character stuff, but there is sort of a theme this season about old washed up white men. You hear it earlier when a character kind of points out to three bald white men who are at the resort and calls them losers back home. Lbhs. And even, even the character that Frank is speaking to, Walter Goggins character, he's also sort of an old. All the men are old washed up white men. But in the conversation of a big prevalent population of tourists that go to Thailand and subsequently Laos as well, is these sort of sex tourists.

[Meredith Hayden]

Yeah.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

And so to me, it was this like everything you said, weird, long. Where is this going into the psyche of this type of man? And so I thought it was interesting and bold. And I don't. To me, it wasn't like the show wasn't saying like, this is awesome to be this way or that this was like this is a good point of view or that this is a celebrated character. It was about delving into this type of man. That was my take. I'm not telling you to feel any different. I think that reaction, I'm not saying it's wrong, you know what I mean? But I'm also saying in the context of. I think what my take of it was and what I think the intention of Mike White was to kind of. It makes me laugh at that idea that maybe. That maybe some kid will use this monologue to try to get into Juilliard or like Tish or something like that is also. It's just a very flawed, disgusting human. It is just. Yeah, I thought it was interesting and bold, so I had a different reaction. But I also honor your reaction to it.

[Sujin Park]

I knew that I was missing something because Mike White is. This is not who. You know what I mean? I know his point of view and his writing and his politics and what.

[Meredith Hayden]

He'S trying to say with this series.

[Sujin Park]

You know what I mean? So I knew I was kind of missing something. Like this was like it had triggered something inside of me and I couldn't see outside of my trigger. So I was trying to, like, intellectualize it.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Well, but there's also something this. It is a artistic expression, too, of how certain white men go. They step into the world, how they view not just Asian women, but just how they view their own, consume and take over. And that's why I sort of enjoyed it. It was an exploration of just hedonism and excess. And even him deciding that that's what brought him to Buddhism, to me, is so, like, whitewashed. And so, you know what I mean? It's so flawed and disgusting. And so, you know, and I also kind of enjoyed that, like, moment for like, Wal Goggins and also disgusting man, when you kind of, like, are with a friend and you're like, hey, hey, what's going on?

[Sujin Park]

What's going on?

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Nothing. And then you push them a little bit and then you sit there and they unleash on you something that you can only go, huh, huh? Okay? And you can neither agree or disagree and stop it. And you're just. Yeah, you just have to ride.

[Sujin Park]

Yeah, right. And then shower and pretend that none of it ever happened. And you erase that person from your.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Contact and you're like, well, yeah, I mean, if I think about it, it is somebody who I needed to get a gun from, who owed me a favor. So I gu. Am I surprised he's so fucked up? Like, this is a fucked up individual. Like, not.

[Sujin Park]

Well, yeah. I mean, you know what. And that's, I guess art, you know, is that it's supposed to provoke something. And I think that it's supposed to be divisive and it's supposed to be uncomfortable. And so that's why I love the series.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

So I. Since we're talking about White Lotus. I want to add to cue the solo albums of members from blackpink. I'm loving the girls just like taking it over. They're gonna come back, you know, blinks worldwide know that they're coming back really soon for a comeback for, you know, an album. They've not broken up. But I am fully enjoying their individual solo albums. And Lisa, who you may recognize from White Lotus, also from the Oscars also she is the number 1k pop star and she's from Thailand. Her album out now is called Ultra Ego. And one song that I really am loving right now is Fuck up the World. It's featuring future. And in that, you know what Soojin was describing of like how you're waking up that sort of like anger and just like that sentiment of up the world. I think she goes really hard in the course is like, oh, woke up in that mode again. Please don't call my phone again. Walked in causing havoc. Yes. That is a habit. Bad, I'm bad. I'm tragic.

[Sujin Park]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Like it's just like fingers up you, you know, woke up feeling like up the world. Up the world.

[Sujin Park]

Again. Please don't call my phone again. Yeah.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

And I think in these moments where we just like people are being abducted in the streets, like, you know, it's just like we got to get up, we got to go. You know what? You're not going to.

[Sujin Park]

Not today.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Not today.

[Sujin Park]

I hope you don't grab me today. Tomorrow.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

If you do, I'm gonna tell you right now. You pick the wrong one.

[Sujin Park]

Yeah, you pick the wrong one on the wrong day.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

The wrong one. There's days when I just. Yeah, I. Sue Chin, I feel the same way you do. I feel scared. Where are we going? I feel at a loss. I'm hanging by a thread. I'm eating too many mood shoes. I'm over caffeinated. But I'm not down for long. I'm not down for long.

[Meredith Hayden]

That's true.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Rose has an album called Rosie, by the way. Sue is. I know that soe your daughter doesn't believe it's K pop unless there's Korean being sung. And I know she's not fluent in Korean, which also I just love. I love. But does she have any opinion about these by and large, primarily English speaking albums from the members of Blackpink?

[Sujin Park]

It's interesting because Blackpink to my daughter's age is like in vogue.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Absolutely. Yeah.

[Sujin Park]

It's like what? Destiny's Child. That's how old it is. You Know, for her, like, it's like blackpink.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

It's cool.

[Sujin Park]

And they. She loves them. Blah, blah, blah. But it's not, you know, it's not New Jeans. No, it's not, you know, whatever other band that, you know, other K pop groups. So she likes Blackpink and she likes the single stuff, but she's, you know, she's onto the B side of K pop.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Well, I mean, newjeans makes. There's a whole thing about newjeans, which I'm sure. So he knows about. But there's, you know, xg. There's, you know. Yeah, they're like the. Her.

[Sujin Park]

The Renegades.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yeah. Lisa. Lisa's cast members from White Lotus are like. They didn't understand that she's essentially the Beyonce of that world and especially the Beyonce of Thailand. So, like, they had no clue. They had no idea.

[Sujin Park]

Like, that's crazy. She's the most famous person in that entire cast by 100. Yeah.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

And Lisa's role in Blackpink is like, she's the lead dancer and she raps, like. And so Rose, she's the. She's like the lead vocalist.

[Sujin Park]

Right? She's like the singer songwriter.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

That's right. And her album, Rosie, of course, we've talked about huge, major Emmy, Aukerman single. Loves it. But what's charting right now is Toxic till the End. Have you heard this song, Sue?

[Sujin Park]

Of course.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Of course. It's giving. Taylor Swift. It's giving.

[Sujin Park]

It's giving. Olivia Rodrigo.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Thank you. Yeah. The chorus of toxic till the end is. Back then when I was running out of your place, I said, I never.

[Julia Louis-Dreyfus]

Want to see your face.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

I meant I couldn't wait to see it again. We were toxic till the end. You're right. Olivia Rodrigo. Yes. Yes. All of it. Yes. All of the song titles. There is no camel case. It's all lowercase. You know. You get it.

[Sujin Park]

Yeah.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

You get it.

[Sujin Park]

These are teen feelings.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Teen feelings. Early twenties feelings. I love it. And then my favorite. My favorite out of the bunch is Jenny's Ruby.

[Sujin Park]

Jenny has been doing things. Wow. And she doesn't stop. This girl has a single out every third day. Yeah. I'm still on the one with Charles Melton in the video. I haven't even moved on to the stochee one yet. I mean, I know the song, but I'm still obsessed with that.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

I mean, you're talking about love hangover.

[Sujin Park]

She's moving so fast.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Mantra slaps, slaps. That's also another. Like, I'm, you know, I need to Pulp Myself up. Like, I play football. That's how I'm gonna put Mantra on. But I'm really. I have to go pick up some dry cleaning. So that's the level. Like, Mantra is so good just in terms of, like, album as a whole. I. I just. One of my favorite albums of the year so far is Ruby and Yes, Extra Elle featuring Dochi, who, like, good on her for, like, having Dochi be on this album as Dochi's just, like, blowing up, like, to have, like, her team, man. Her team.

[Sujin Park]

The foresight, the energy I get from Jenny is now what and what? More.

[Meredith Hayden]

More.

[Sujin Park]

She's just, like, hungry for it.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

What I loved about the. It's years old now, but like the blackpink documentary on Netflix.

[Sujin Park]

Yeah.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Jenny was also kind of probably the most outspoken about, like, how hard and difficult her trainee days. And also just unabashedly, like, girls, like, I got to do pt and we see her do pt, she's like, my back hurts. I'm just like, you know what? Respect.

[Sujin Park]

No, Jenny's got main character energy. Jenny's got only child energy.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

She does, she does.

[Sujin Park]

Jenny's got pretty girl, mean girl energy. That's who Jenny is in that group. Love her or hate her.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yeah, she's the center. She's basically the center. She's rapper like, but she's pretty much the center, I would say, of that group, you know, Jisoo. Jisoo being the visual, that perfect model Korean face who's amazing, too. But I love Ruby. But this extra L like, same kind of vibes. Like, fuck your rules, you know, is the mood, is the mood. Walk into a room, I set the vibe. Get a pick. It'll last you long. Whole team, they gassing on us. Like, it's just like you.

[Sujin Park]

She just knows it.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yeah. Riding around foreign cars, top down, staring at the stars attitude. So don't start big moves only extra large, extra L, baby. That's how I'm coming through. Extra L, extra L. And you know what? This month, I'm going to be, you know, 45. That's how I. I'm extra L, okay? That's who I am. That's how I be Extra Elle such and Pak. I'm extra. Add to cart, add to cart, add to cart, add to cart. All these albums, add to cart. That make them the soundtrack of this month for you.

[Sujin Park]

Yeah. See if that doesn't get your little butt moving.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

All right, sue, before we get back into your cart, let's take a quick break and we'll be back on Add.

[Meredith Hayden]

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[Julia Louis-Dreyfus]

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[Coolop V. Lysak]

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[Julia Louis-Dreyfus]

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[Sujin Park]

I'll say it again for anyone who.

[Meredith Hayden]

Has missed it this year, consider me gone. I'm traveling and exploring the world every chance I get, so it's no surprise to anyone. I've been deep in my Rosetta Stone era. The biggest win to traveling is experiencing things that are different from your day to day and language is critical to that. Rosetta Stone has been the trusted leader in language learning for over 30 years. They offer immersive approach help you absorb and retain new language naturally. The best part? You can do it on your desktop or on the go with their app so it fits into your schedule whenever you want it.

[Sujin Park]

Don't wait.

[Meredith Hayden]

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[Sujin Park]

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[Meredith Hayden]

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[Julia Louis-Dreyfus]

Carter's the temps are getting hotter, but we gotta still keep our budgets cool in this economy.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

I mean. No.

[Julia Louis-Dreyfus]

You know what I'm saying. However, we gotta give our summer wardrobes a refresh. So how do we add to Cart? Auntie Style Quince baby I love their linen summer dresses starting at 30 bucks or real Italian leather sandals for $60. The quints I love the most is that their stuff is high quality. I mean gorgeous to the touch and premium. And they can do this because they cut out the middleman and pass the savings on to you and me. I'm talking 80% less than similar brands. Treat your closet to a little summer glow up with quince. Go to quince.com add to cart for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. That's Q-U-I-N C E.com add to cart to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quints.com add to cart.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

We'Re back on. Add to Cart, Sooch and poc. What are you adding?

[Sujin Park]

I want to add two accounts to follow on whatever social media platforms that you're doing. The first account I want to add to Cart is on's Kitchen and it's run by this lovely, lovely woman, Sarah Ahn. But it's really about her mother and her mother's cooking. And did you come across this video? One of the videos went viral and it's now like a regular thing where she documented what her mother feeds her dog. Have you seen this? And it is.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Oh, you can't sound very familiar.

[Sujin Park]

Jaw dropping. It's like collagen powder. She makes homemade Korean seaweed soup for the pup. She roasts sweet potatoes and then she peels the skin off of it. She has broccoli. She steams broccoli. She has this whole other post about how she makes this healthy snack for her dog and it's basically she goes to the Korean market and gets fish skin and then she air fries it and makes it crispy. I mean, like, wow. Account is so fun. It's obviously like food heaven. But I don't want to say it's just a food account because it's not. And there are lots of wonderful accounts that are. This one is food. Plus the way that this woman does videos. Every single video, I'm on the verge of tears.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Oh, wow.

[Sujin Park]

They're so beautiful. There's such a story in every single reel that she does. She has another one that I think went viral. It's basically what her mother packs for lunch for her dad, who's a house painter and is like a blue collar worker, 12 hours a day on his feet painting houses and what her mother packs for his lunch. I dare you. I dare you to watch this with zero Kleenex.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

I wow.

[Sujin Park]

Double dog dare you. And. And she has a new cookbook out. It's called a Korean Mom's Kitchen Wisdom. It's out and available. You know, it's one of those Accounts that I never miss an update from. So I highly recommend it.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

It's so beautiful following right now because of you.

[Sujin Park]

And another account that I love and I've loved and I can't believe I haven't added him to cart is Max not beer. So it's at Max not beer. He's this. I think he's somewhere from the middle Midwest. You know, he moved to Korea as an exchange student and then became a teacher there during COVID So I think he's been living there since 2017.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yeah, I'm a fan.

[Sujin Park]

Yes. Huge fan. And he is basically he just as a content creator now living full time in Korea. And, and he's so lovable and so wholesome. He's the anecdote to when I am filled with rage. I watch one of these videos and I am whole again. Where I'm like, it's not that bad. Okay? The world is full of love and curiosity and I think it's so interesting. I watch these videos with my kids and they love him too. And I think it's so interesting to me as a Korean American who moved here when I was five, never went to Korea until very recently. And you know, reconnecting to Korea in a way in my late 40s and you know, early 50s, watching and learning about Korean culture through a millennial white man living there. I mean, that is some meta identity shit.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

What an avatar. Yeah.

[Sujin Park]

Do you know what I'm saying? Because it's like in so many ways I relate to his experience of Korea even more than I relate to a Korean person living in Korea's experience.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Right.

[Sujin Park]

Like, we get that. Yeah.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

That's.

[Sujin Park]

So I watch these videos and then I like zoom out and I hover above as my kids are also experiencing and getting excited. You know, he goes, and a lot of it is about food and they learn about food and blah, blah, blah. And I'm, I'm seeing them process and embrace and like get excited about Korea through this guy's video. And I realized like how many different entry points that identity holds. Right? Like, it's never just the one linear way. I was born here. Then I, you know what I mean? It's like all these entry points, like, can my half Jewish, half Korean American born kids daughter obsessed with K pop, doesn't speak it, but knows all the Korean words, be obsessed with eating a Korean food that she's never encountered, that I don't know how to cook, that a. A white kid from the Midwest living in Korea is talking about what unravel that Rewind that.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yeah. The gymnastics in that.

[Sujin Park]

And slow that down.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

And yet.

[Sujin Park]

And yet here we are just, like, so proud and so excited. Excited to go to Korea every summer. And my kids, you know, they have such a different embracing relationship with their Korean identity than I did, which was something that I just wanted to hide. And I was so ashamed of, like, what my brain can't handle. Like, the shift, you know, that's happening in real time all the time that I have with myself and then with my kids. So anyway, he's just one of those. Yeah. Accounts.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Well, for us, as we were growing up, we were just starved for representation. Starved to the point where we had so little that we erased ourselves. And that was the norm. Whereas the good part, the positive, the high vibration of social media and creators in social media is that you can have without the gatekeepers of, like, corporate television or filmmaking. You direct to people, you get to see people as they are or as they present. Yep, that's the good shit. That's definitely the good shit.

[Sujin Park]

You know, I think this, like, a notion of identity. And I don't know, maybe I'm reaching a little bit too far here. Cause I'm just, like, articulating and processing this as it's happening, you know, our kids generation. Like, what is identity?

[Meredith Hayden]

What is gender?

[Sujin Park]

What is race? What is anything? And so can this kid from America living in Korea who, like, is Korean in so many ways, right? Like, is experiencing Korea on, like, a deep cellular level. Like, can he represent a side of Korea that my kids would never be able to access otherwise? And like, you know what I'm saying, like, it just. It folds into itself over and over again. And the beautiful side of it is, is that, like, there are no rules that there are, you know, that there are no boundaries. Like, you know, we talk about that. We've talked about that for how many decades and generations, right? Like, there are no rules. There are no boundaries that, like, you know, it. Love is all. You know, we all talk about this kind of airy fairy thing, and then it's, like, happening.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yeah.

[Sujin Park]

And I'm watching it, and it's really cool. I. I just. I'm fascinated by it. Because we grew up in a world.

[Meredith Hayden]

Where identity was so rigid and there.

[Sujin Park]

Were rules, and if you didn't follow the rules, then that's not.

[Meredith Hayden]

Wasn't your ident.

[Sujin Park]

And so what I love is that I get to have kids grow up in this version of identity, especially having kids who are half. For them to see that, like, your identity is what you embrace. And who you are and that you're free to express that in any fucking way you want and that you'll be loved.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yeah.

[Sujin Park]

You know what I mean?

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yeah. To be biracial and to live in multiple worlds, but to be able to have the full experience of your being.

[Julia Louis-Dreyfus]

Wow.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Isn't that a dream?

[Sujin Park]

Yeah.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yeah.

[Sujin Park]

Add to cart.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Add to cart. I'm adding to cart. Subscribing to your stylist says newsletter, which is by our past guest, celebrity style.

[Sujin Park]

We gotta have her back on.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yeah. We have to have Abby a red back on.

[Sujin Park]

She's blowing up since we last had her. By the way, she's doing so well.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

She's amazing. Friend of the show. Abby recently interviewed for her newsletter. Fellow Lao American. Of course, I'm speaking about myself per usual. Som sak Sikh mung. I hope I'm saying that right, because it be. It could be som. It could be som. Sam means three. Som is sour. Somsak. Somsak Sik hwanmoong. He's a designer and creative director, the co founder of alex mill, and was the former head designer of J. Crew. Who knew and madewell, by the way? I did.

[Sujin Park]

I didn't know this until Abby wrote about this. I had no idea. I've never heard of this guy. This guy has invented American, like, current fashion.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yeah. What I was gonna say. He was head designer of j. Crew and madewell when it was good. Like, when it was like when it was reinvigorated when J. That moment in time, you know, in the 2000s, like the mid-2000s, where, like, J. Crew meant something again, it was because of him. When madewell, like, came on the scene and was like, oh. Oh, wow. Like, that was him.

[Sujin Park]

We're a cooler J. Crew.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

That's right. That was him. So sujin for apam. I just want to voice my appreciation for him, for his work.

[Sujin Park]

Round of applause for his Lao ness.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

For his Asian ness. And formally today on this show. Oh, I'm going to induct him in my own personal Lao American hall of fame.

[Sujin Park]

Drumroll. Thank you. Cue applause.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

I mean, he joins a former guest, the gorgeous jujubee.

[Sujin Park]

That's right.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

I want to congrats to them both. For them both being in again, my never before mentioned Lao American hall of fame.

[Sujin Park]

Iconique. Already. Iconique.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Not only do I refuse not to celebrate apam, I am creating a sub holiday.

[Sujin Park]

Don't you dare say sub. Don't you dare say sub.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

I am double downing headlining. That's right. In appreciation and creating A new hall of Fame.

[Sujin Park]

Rock and roll hall of Fame.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Beware, beware.

[Sujin Park]

I'm asleep. I must sleep at the first sound of the R. This new hall of Fame.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

This never heard of Coolop V Lysox Lao American hall of Fame.

[Sujin Park]

I'm on that. That carpet now. Yeah, true. I'm paparazzi.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Oh my gosh.

[Sujin Park]

Let's do it.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Venerated. Suchin Pak of MTV to be had to be interviewing. I'm so sorry.

[Sujin Park]

Jujubee. Jujubee.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Can I get.

[Sujin Park]

Just get a quote. Some socks.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Some socks.

[Sujin Park]

Just, just one, one question. Do you know that like that feeling and you guys don't. Why would you. It's not a good feeling. But I would do it for you. I would do it for the Lao hall of Fame red carpet.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Well, it's a short hall of Fame and induction. So you'd be home, well, well within time to just get your.

[Sujin Park]

That's why it's bed sandwich.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Ready to go to do, baby.

[Sujin Park]

It' only gig that I booked in 2025 is red carpet. Live from the Lao American hall of Fame.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

It's happening in. In my living room. Oh, sue, sue, do you want to. Do you want to add any more to card? Do we. That's.

[Sujin Park]

I think we did it. I think we kicked off. We're going to have some warm, friendly, wonderful guests throughout this month celebrating our Asian ness. Celebrating this new red carpet that we've created. By the way, Lao American hall of Fame. All Asians are invited to walk that carpet. Absolutely. And we'll invite some of our favorites. I'm so excited and delighted. And some of our guests are going to bring conversations that I know that.

[Meredith Hayden]

Are going to embarrass me.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Oh, God.

[Sujin Park]

And then they're going to open this sandwich, you know, just all her spreads and her wares for the world to guffaw at.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

So it sounds like an open face sandwich.

[Sujin Park]

Some of our guests are going to bring open face sandwiches that hopefully you will consume and enjoy and I. At my expense. Stay tuned for that to the month.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

That's an offering.

[Sujin Park]

Sacrifice. Yes, that's an offering.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

That's an offering for you to put on the altar.

[Sujin Park]

That's right, the apam. And that's what I do. That's what I do as an Asian American.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yes. You're generous. Your generosity for lack of self. You offer up your dignity.

[Sujin Park]

My. Some would say my career. Myself. Self. Self not worth. No, nay. That's where I draw the line. I still feel worthy even. Even when we're talking about my most deplorable habits. I stand proud. Yes.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yes you should.

[Sujin Park]

My face to the sun.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Yes. Oh, oh. Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. And of course my birthday month to you. To yours. However you choose to celebrate, keep sticking it to the man, whenever, wherever you can. And remember, you are fucking beautiful.

[Sujin Park]

Yes.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Bye bye.

[Meredith Hayden]

Add to Cart is an Auntie's Unlimited production with sales and distribution by Lemonada Media. Executive producers are Cula Vilaisak and Sujum Pak. Tony Williams is our engineer.

[Sujin Park]

The music is by Wasabi and produced.

[Meredith Hayden]

By LA Made it and oh so familiar with additional music by APM Music.

[Sujin Park]

Be sure to check out all the.

[Meredith Hayden]

Items mentioned today on our Instagram dtocartpod follow. Add to Cart wherever you get your podcasts or listen. Ad free on Amazon Music with your prime membership. There's more. Add to Cart with Lemonada Premium subscribers get exclusive access to to bonus content. Subscribe now at Apple Podcasts.

[Coolop V. Lysak]

Hey, I'm.

[Unknown]

Reshmastajani, founder of Girls who Code and Moms First. I consider myself a pretty successful adult woman, so why is it that in midlife as I'm about to turn 50, I feel so stuck? Join me as I try to find the answer on my so called midlife from Lemonada Media. I talk to experts and extraordinary guests about divorce, exercise, menopause, sex, drugs and more to understand what we're going through and how to make the most of it. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Want more from your favorite Lemonada Media podcasts while supporting the shows that help make life suck less? Subscribe to Lemonada Premium today. As a subscriber, you'll unlock exclusive bonus content like never before heard interviews, behind the scenes moments, bonus episodes and so much more. It's easy to sign up no matter what podcast app you use on Apple. You can just click the Lemonada logo in the Apple Podcast app and hit subscribe. For all other podcast apps, head to Lemonada supportingcast FM to subscribe. That's Lemonada supportingcast FM.