Digest

This episode of Tiger Belly features a conversation between Bobby Lee and Randall Park, two prominent Asian-American actors in Hollywood. The episode delves into their experiences navigating the industry, discussing the perceived "two types of Asians" in Hollywood, the feeling of being an outsider despite success, and the importance of learning to stand up for yourself. Lee and Park share personal anecdotes about their careers, including Lee's encounter with Michael Bay and Park's experience on a set where he felt inadequate. They discuss the heightened sensitivity of performers, particularly in the early stages of their careers, and how a single critique can feel devastating. The conversation also touches on the power of narrative and memory, with Lee sharing a story about how he exaggerated an experience in his mind and later realized his memory wasn't entirely accurate. Throughout the episode, Lee and Park reflect on their personal growth and change, acknowledging that they've learned to stand up for themselves and not let the industry's pressures define their self-worth. They also discuss the fleeting nature of relationships formed on set and the challenges of maintaining those connections after a project ends.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Shoutout, Discussing a Show with Bobby Lee's Wife, Bobby Lee's Podcast Guest: Randall Park

The podcast begins with a casual greeting and a shoutout to the audience, urging them to subscribe to the channel. Bobby Lee's guest expresses admiration for his wife's acting in a show with Keegan, highlighting her comedic talent. Bobby Lee introduces his guest, Randall Park, and shares his initial hesitation to invite him on the podcast due to his perception of Park's success and popularity.

00:03:51

The "Two Types of Asians" in Hollywood, Feeling Like an Outsider in Hollywood

Bobby Lee and Randall Park discuss the perceived "two types of Asians" in Hollywood, with Lee suggesting a difference in prestige and recognition between those in mainstream movies/TV and those in more niche or comedic roles. They share their experiences of feeling like they don't belong to a specific "cool group" in Hollywood, despite their success, and how they've created narratives in their own minds that may not be true.

00:07:51

Bobby Lee's Appreciation for Randall Park, Bobby Lee's Intense Energy, Honesty and Past Perceptions

Bobby Lee expresses his genuine appreciation for Randall Park, highlighting his longevity in the industry and his willingness to help others. Randall Park observes Bobby Lee's intense energy and how it might be perceived as a positive or negative trait, leading to a discussion about Lee's desire to change this aspect of himself. Bobby Lee and Randall Park discuss their past perceptions of each other, with Lee admitting that he initially didn't think Park liked him, and Park revealing a moment of scarcity mentality during the early days of Tiger Belly.

00:16:47

Mando Deodorant Advertisement, Personal Growth and Change, The Power of Narrative and Memory

The podcast features an advertisement for Mando whole body deodorant. Bobby Lee reflects on his personal growth over the years, acknowledging that he's not the same person he used to be and that he's no longer jealous of others' success. Bobby Lee shares a story about a commercial he filmed with Michael Bay, revealing how he exaggerated the experience in his mind and how he later encountered Bay again, leading to a realization that his memory wasn't entirely accurate.

00:28:38

Similar Experiences of Feeling Inadequate, Sensitivity and the Performer's Mindset, Learning to Stand Up for Yourself

Randall Park shares a similar experience of feeling inadequate on a set, where a director criticized his performance, leading to a breakdown and a sense of self-doubt. Bobby Lee and Randall Park discuss the heightened sensitivity of performers, particularly in the early stages of their careers, and how a single critique can feel devastating when so much is at stake. Bobby Lee and Randall Park discuss the importance of learning to stand up for yourself in the entertainment industry, particularly as you gain experience and confidence.

00:38:55

Zock-Dock Advertisement, A Chance Encounter with Adam Sandler, The "Sandler" Moment

The podcast features an advertisement for Zock-Dock. Bobby Lee shares a story about a chance encounter with Adam Sandler in a Malibu mall, where Sandler expressed his appreciation for Lee's comedic talent. The conversation starts with a discussion about a "Sandler" moment, a term used to describe an easy, effortless success. The speaker shares a story about a time when he felt like he was being treated like a big star, even though he felt like he was struggling.

00:43:44

Fresh Off the Boat: A Big Break?, The Monkey Show and Cultural Phenomenon, The Short-Lived Bonds of Set Life

The conversation shifts to the speaker's career and whether "Fresh Off the Boat" was his big break. The speaker acknowledges that the show put him on the map and was a significant moment in his career. The speaker recounts a time when he booked a show called "Animal Proctor" and was convinced it would be a cultural phenomenon. However, the show was canceled after only one episode, due to a controversy involving an Olympic commercial featuring a monkey. The speaker discusses the fleeting nature of relationships formed on set, where intense closeness can quickly fade once a project ends. He shares a personal experience of forming strong bonds with cast and crew members, only to lose contact with them after the show wrapped.

00:50:52

The Asian Accent Dilemma, The Florida Man Show, Podcast Potential and Guest Dynamics

The speaker shares a story about being offered a role in a vampire movie that required him to use an Asian accent. He discusses his girlfriend's disapproval of the role and his subsequent conversation with the director about the accent. The speaker reveals that he and the host are currently on the same show, "Florida Man," which reenacts real stories of crazy events in Florida. He describes the show's format and his experience working with the cast and crew. The host suggests that the speaker should start a podcast, praising his ability to extract information from guests. The speaker expresses self-doubt about his podcasting skills and his ability to be a good guest.

01:03:08

The "Always Be My Maybe" Audition, The "Nope" Audition and Inner Thoughts, Heart Talk and Promotion

The conversation returns to the speaker's audition for "Always Be My Maybe," where he believes he was brought in for a laugh and then passed over for the role. He expresses his feelings of being used and humiliated during the audition process. The speaker shares another audition story, this time for Jordan Peele's "Nope." He discusses his conversation with Jordan Peele about the role and his feelings of inadequacy. The conversation then explores the speaker's tendency to spiral into negative thoughts and feelings of inadequacy. The conversation concludes with the host inviting the speaker to return to the podcast and promote any projects he may have. The speaker expresses his gratitude and the episode ends with a lighthearted exchange about the show's format and the speaker's tendency to smile at George.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the "two types of Asians" that Bobby Lee refers to in Hollywood?

  Bobby Lee suggests that there's a perceived difference in prestige and recognition between Asian actors who are in mainstream movies and television, and those who are in more niche or comedic roles.

• How does Bobby Lee's perception of Randall Park change throughout the podcast?

  Initially, Bobby Lee expresses hesitation to invite Randall Park on the podcast due to his perception of Park's success and popularity. However, as the conversation progresses, Lee expresses genuine appreciation for Park's longevity in the industry and his willingness to help others.

• What is the main takeaway from Bobby Lee's story about his experience with Michael Bay?

  Bobby Lee's story highlights the power of narrative and memory, showing how our minds can exaggerate or distort experiences, particularly when we're feeling vulnerable or insecure.

• What is the significance of Randall Park's story about his experience on a set?

  Randall Park's story resonates with Bobby Lee's experience, demonstrating the commonality of feeling inadequate or insecure in the entertainment industry, particularly in the early stages of one's career.

• What is the message that Bobby Lee and Randall Park convey about personal growth and change?

  Both Bobby Lee and Randall Park acknowledge that they've changed over the years, learning to stand up for themselves and not letting the industry's pressures define their self-worth.

• What is a "Sandler" moment?

  A "Sandler" moment is a term used to describe an easy, effortless success, often associated with a layup or a simple task. It's a moment where things come easily and without much effort.

• What was the controversy surrounding the "Animal Proctor" show?

  The "Animal Proctor" show was canceled after one episode due to a controversy involving an Olympic commercial featuring a monkey. The commercial was released during the Olympics, and people felt it was insensitive to use a monkey in a commercial while real athletes were competing.

• What is the format of the "Florida Man" show?

  The "Florida Man" show reenacts real stories of crazy events in Florida, often involving bizarre or unusual incidents. Each episode features a different story, and the cast and crew recreate the events in a comedic and dramatic way.

• What was the speaker's experience like auditioning for "Always Be My Maybe"?

  The speaker believes he was brought in for a laugh and then passed over for the role in "Always Be My Maybe." He felt used and humiliated during the audition process, and he believes that the casting directors may have brought him in just to make fun of him.

• What is the speaker's tendency to spiral into negative thoughts and feelings of inadequacy?

  The speaker admits to having a tendency to spiral into negative thoughts and feelings of inadequacy, particularly after auditions or other situations where he feels like he has failed. He often tells himself that everyone hates him, even though he doesn't truly believe it.

Show Notes