On this episode, we kick off our 2026 Go Asian season with the return of Top Chef, our longtime favorite cooking competition show, with its 23rd season taking place in the Carolinas. We recap the first episode as well as take a look at this year's Asian cheftestants. But wait, there's more! Also making it's debut is a challenger for the crown of premier cooking competition show, Padma Lakshmi's new show America's Culinary Cup, which is promising even more high octane cookery with a murderer's row of cheftestants (and quite a few Asians as well)! We take a look at the premiere episode and what the show is doing to set itseld apart from Top Chef.

What's Popping? - Hoppers, Boyfriend on Demand, World Baseball Classic

Follow our hosts:

Marvin Yueh - @marvinyueh
Jess Ju - @jessjutweets
Hanh Nguyen - @hanhonymous

Follow the show and engage with us at @goodpopclub

Part of the Potluck Podcast Collective

Produced by HappyEcstatic Media

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Chinese Republicans, a new play from Alex Lin

Coming to the Roundabout Theatre Company this winter, Chinese Republicans is a biting new satirical drama from Alex Lin, directed by Chay Yew, following three high-powered businesswomen who meet for lunch every month to discuss their latest career triumphs, as they’ve done for decades. But the group is jolted when Katie, a bright-eyed 24-year-old new to the workforce, joins to navigate the world of corporate finance. As each of the women attempts to steer Katie towards what they’re certain is best, they’re forced to grapple with how much they already have and are willing to sacrifice to climb the corporate ladder.

Tickets for Chinese Republicans on sale now!

Go Asian - Top Chef & America's Culinary Cup

Good Pop | Culture Club

Go Asian - Top Chef & America's Culinary Cup