Jo Koy Talks New Book 'Mixed Plate: Chronicles of An All-American Combo & Stopping Asian Hate Crimes

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About this episode Comedian Joe Coy discusses his new autobiography, 'Mixed Plate Chronicles of an All-American Combo,' highlight… AI summary

Comedian Joe Coy discusses his new autobiography, 'Mixed Plate Chronicles of an All-American Combo,' highlighting his Filipino heritage, the joy found in Manila's poverty, and the systemic racism faced by Asian entertainers. He details how his Netflix special 'In His Elements' helped launch Filipino artists and how E40's promotion of Filipino food has become a source of cultural pride. Coy also shares personal anecdotes about his mother's immigrant struggles and his upcoming Spielberg-produced film project.

Key takeaways 6
  • Cultural Joy Amidst Poverty: Coy observed that people in Manila's shantytowns were happier than those in the metropolis because poverty forced them to find joy within themselves and their community, contrasting with the loneliness often found in wealth.
  • E40 as Cultural Ambassador: Rapper E40 (Coy's cousin) owns Olympia Company (lumpia brand), which has made him a 'king' in the Philippines; this business venture provides Coy and other Filipinos with a sense of identity and pride.
  • Filipino Influence in Hip-Hop: The Filipino community has deep roots in hip-hop culture, contributing significantly to b-boying, DJing (e.g., Cut Chemist, Eight Ball), and production (e.g., Chad Hugo, Illmind), though this influence is often overlooked.
  • Systemic Racism in Entertainment: Coy faced industry rejection based on the excuse that 'Middle America won't get it,' forcing him to self-produce his special. He notes that Asian actors often had to change names or face exclusion, citing Whoopi Goldberg's experience as a parallel.
  • Therapeutic Value of Storytelling: Writing his book helped Coy process PTSD related to his mother's immigrant struggles, specifically recalling traumatic moments of racism she endured while trying to integrate in the US.
  • Upcoming Spielberg Project: Coy has full creative control for a movie project with Steven Spielberg's company, aiming to cast many Filipinos and potentially feature E40 as a 'Filipino uncle that can rap.'
Notable quotes 5 AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
  • “I think that's what happens when you're hit with poverty right you reach within yourself to entertain yourself... the people with the most stuff in the world are usually the loneliest and not as happy.”
    ▶ 2:59 Coy explaining why he felt happy living in Manila's shantytowns despite the lack of resources.
  • “E40 is the king of the filipinos... he's putting our food on the map... it gives us a sense of pride and an identity too as well.”
    ▶ 5:45 Coy discussing how his cousin E40's business success with lumpia validates Filipino culture.
  • “I didn't know how much ptsd i actually had until i started pointing out my some of the stories... my mom had to deal with you know an immigrant woman coming to the states trying to raise their kids no friends.”
    ▶ 14:16 Coy reflecting on the emotional impact of writing his autobiography and realizing the trauma his mother endured.
  • “If I get one more note saying they don't get it I'm like well you know what Spielberg's get it together.”
    ▶ 17:18 Coy expressing frustration with industry gatekeepers who claimed Middle America wouldn't understand his comedy, contrasting them with Spielberg who supported his vision.
  • “The character description is a filipino uncle that can rap... he's got i'm telling you just show up yo you know how fun that would be if 40 was the filipino uncle that could rap.”
    ▶ 18:45 Coy joking about casting E40 in his upcoming Spielberg film.

Chapters & Sections (58)

0:00 Celebrity Interview with Comedian Joe Coy chapter 4
0:00 Celebrity Tribute to Michael Jackson
0:36 Joe Coy's First Autobiography Interview
1:05 Man Discusses Boxer Briefs vs Boxers
1:37 Comedian Discusses Uncomfortable Visuals and Career
2:20 Contrasting Urban and Rural Poverty Experiences chapter 3
2:20 Contrasting Urban and Rural Environments
2:48 Philippine Culture and Poverty
3:14 Comparing Privilege with Poverty
3:54 Cultural Exchange and Filipino Heritage chapter 2
3:54 Philippine Culture and Lifestyle Showcase
4:40 Conversation about E40 and Filipino Culture
5:28 E40's Influence on Filipino Food and Culture chapter 2
5:28 E40 Supports Filipino Food and Culture
6:16 E40 Discusses Bringing Netflix to the Philippines
6:51 Celebrating Filipino Influence in Hip-Hop Culture chapter 3
6:51 Celebrity Congratulates Signed Artist Philippines
7:27 Filipinos in Hip-Hop Music Scene
7:52 Filipino Influence in American Entertainment
8:16 Filipino Influence in the Entertainment Industry chapter 2
8:16 Celebrity Discusses Cultural Identity and Inspiration
8:50 Filipino Influence in the Entertainment Industry
9:41 Filipino Culture and Dance Heritage chapter 3
9:41 Filipino Dance and Music Heritage
10:09 Cultural Exchange through Dance and Music
10:46 Michael Jackson Impersonation at Party
11:10 Racism in the Entertainment Industry chapter 3
11:10 Philippines Loves Michael Jackson Music
11:44 Conversation about Whoopi Goldberg's Career
12:07 Auditioning for Coming to America
12:45 Facing Asian Stereotypes and Ignorance in America chapter 2
12:45 Racial Stereotypes in Middle America
13:23 Awareness and Support for Asian Community
14:08 Overcoming Trauma and Racial Microaggressions chapter 2
14:08 Personal Story of Overcoming PTSD
14:34 Racial Slurs and Childhood Trauma
15:27 Anti-Asian Hate and Importance of Education chapter 3
15:27 Anti-Asian Hate Must Be Educated Away
15:58 Dave Chappelle's Stand-up Comedy Routine
16:31 Discussing Career and Industry Expectations
17:29 Creative Control in Upcoming Movie Project chapter 2
17:29 Interview with Joe on Upcoming Movie
18:28 Filipino Uncle Rapper Movie Pitch
18:59 Filipino Uncle Rapper and Japanese Walker Jabberwockies chapter 2
18:59 Filipino Uncle Rapper and Japanese Walker Rumors
19:42 Company Ownership and Business Discussion
20:20 Cooking White Rice with Proper Technique chapter 3
20:20 Gratitude for Cooking White Rice Tutorial
21:00 Cooking and Home Cooking References
21:40 Perfect Rice Cooking Techniques Discussed
22:18 Importance of Proper Rice Preparation Techniques chapter 3
22:18 Conversational Tone and Rice Preparation
22:49 Phone Interview with Korean American Resident
23:21 Support for Sway and Appreciation for Discussion
23:48 Conversation about AAPI Community and Social Justice chapter 3
23:48 Appreciation and Support for AAPI Community
24:15 Warning Against Spiritual Trance State
24:53 Praise and Appreciation for Joe

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