We are officially back! To celebrate the Winter Olympics kicking off next month, we’re opening the season with a deep dive into the journey of a true icon: Kristi Yamaguchi.
This isn’t just a highlight reel of her 1992 Gold Medal win. We’re heading into the archives of the Japanese American National Museum to uncover the stories of resilience and heritage that happened “beyond the rink”.
In this episode, we discuss:
The “Reading Rule”: Why Kristi had to master her ABCs before she was allowed to skate.
Hidden Hurdles: Her childhood battle with clubfoot and how corrective braces led her to the ice.
The Silence of the Camps: A moving look at her family’s experience during WWII and why it was rarely discussed at home.
The Secret Win: The hilarious behind-the-scenes story of how she found out she won Gold before the world did.
Whether you’re a die-hard Olympics fan or love a good story about cultural identity and family legacy, this episode is for you.
When we launched Season 1 of Elucidity, it was a question: in a world of constant surveillance, is our inner world still our own? Because of your support, that “small” independent project hit #1 on the Apple Podcast thriller charts. We proved that we didn’t need a giant studio or a corporate marketing budget to strike a nerve; we just needed a story that felt urgent.
But as any of our listeners know, the conspiracy wasn’t finished.
The Evolution of the Protocol
In Season 2, the stakes move from our pockets and into the classroom. The “Lucidity” protocol has evolved, and the architects of this system are now targeting the minds of the next generation before they even have a chance to think for themselves. It is a story about the battle for free will in an age of algorithmic optimization.
Why Independence Matters: Story Over Studio
We’ve had offers to take this show to larger networks, but we’ve consistently said no. To keep the narrative raw and the “truth” unfiltered, we have to stay independent. This is why our mission for this season is Story Over Studio.
I am incredibly proud of the team we’ve assembled:
Arsal is stepping into the Director’s chair to give this season a raw, cinematic edge.
Arianna and Emily have spent months crafting scripts that are even more twisted than the first.
I am back as Producer, ensuring we keep the microphones on and the production quality at the highest level.
Join the Resistance on Seed & Spark
Today, we are officially launching our Seed & Spark crowdfunding campaign. Our goal is to raise $1,500, every cent of which goes directly to our professional voice actors—the heart and soul of the show.
We aren’t selling physical merchandise; we are selling access. By backing us, you can unlock:
The Inner Circle ($50): Every episode 48 hours early, plus the Digital Supporter Pack featuring exclusive concept art and script excerpts with our commentary.
Voice Actor Cameo ($100): A scripted speaking role in Season 2, becoming a permanent part of the Elucidity universe.
The Access Pass ($10): A digital thank-you in the official show notes.
Whether you’ve followed my work in film, podcasting, or even seen me coaching on the baseball field, you know that I believe in the power of independent voices.
Pledge. Follow. Share. Let’s turn the microphones back on and expose the truth together.
In this episode of The Unofficial Official Story, hosts Cat Alvarado, Dwayne Perkins, and Koji Steven Sakai are joined by comedian and actor Chris Bowers to tackle the biggest sporting event of the year: The Super Bowl.
Is the “Big Game” actually a fair contest, or is it just high-budget theater scripted by “Big League” for maximum ratings? The team dives into the most enduring gridiron conspiracies, from the infamous “Blackout Bowl” (Super Bowl XLVII) to the theory that referees are just actors with whistles. They discuss whether dynasties are built or bought, if the halftime shows are filled with secret symbols, and finally determine the official unofficial story behind who really controls the scoreboard.
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Chris Bowers is a former motivational speaker at high schools turned comedian. His comedy style can be described as a magic trick for your brain. He has toured the country, owned comedy clubs, hosted the Social Distancing Social Club during Covid and currently tours as Jeff Dye’s opener all over the country.
RESEARCH
We do most of our research online… because why not? Here are the links we quoted from or used for background or inspiration.
What are “they” not telling us? We’ll find out, figure out, and, when all else fails, make up the missing pieces to some of the most scandalous, unexplained phenomena, and true crime affecting our world today. Join comedian Dwayne Perkins, writer Koji Steven Sakai, and comedian/actor/writer Cat Alvarado on The Unofficial Official Story Podcast every month, and by the end of each episode, we’ll tell you what’s really…maybe…happening.
“Mortal Kombat II” actor Ludi Lin is joining the cast of “Comedy InvAsian III,” alongside comedians Juno Men, Erik Escobar, Trevor Jang, Michelle MaliZaki, Shivaan Nadan, Kitty Pine and Vanja Renee.
The third season of the AAPI stand-up comedy showcase comes from creator-showrunner Koji Steven Sakai of Little Nalu Pictures, executive producer Victor Elizalde of Viva Pictures and creator-showrunner Quentin Lee of Margin Films. Each episode features a different comedian performing a 30-minute set.
Produced by Little Nalu Pictures and distributed by Viva Pictures Distribution LLC, “Comedy InvAsian” premiered as a Hulu exclusive in 2018. Seasons 1 and 2 currently stream on Peacock, Tubi and Amazon Prime.
The series has launched the television careers of several AAPI comics, including Atsuko Okatsuka, Joey Guila, Robin Tran and Jiaoying Summers.
Season 3 will tape during four live performances on Valentine’s weekend, Feb. 14-15, at the Japanese American National Museum’s Tateuchi Democracy Forum in Los Angeles.
“Comedy InvAsian has proven itself as both a cultural platform and a discovery engine,” said Elizalde, president of Viva Pictures. “From its Hulu-exclusive Season 1 with Atsuko Okatsuka to Season 2’s breakout performances by Jiaoying Summers, the series has helped introduce audiences to the next generation of Asian comedy talent. Season 3 continues that mission with an extraordinary new lineup.”
Elizalde also produces “Entre Nos,” the LatinX stand-up comedy series currently in its fifth season as an HBO exclusive.
“We are thrilled to have assembled such a powerhouse of diverse talent for Season 3 of Comedy InvAsian,” said Sakai. “Seeing alumni like Atsuko Okatsuka and Robin Tran reach such heights proves how vital this platform is. This new group is incredibly sharp and ready to follow in those footsteps, bringing fresh, hilarious perspectives to the stage.”
“As a proud Television Academy member, we plan to premiere the series in May, in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, strategically timed for Emmy 2026 FYC consideration for outstanding variety series,” said Lee, whose spinoff “Comedy Invasion” won the 2024 Canadian Screen Award for best comedy special.
The Season 3 cast includes Erik Escobar, who has appeared on Prime Video’s “Beast Games” and NBC’s “Last Comic Standing”; Vancouver-based Trevor Jang, making his television debut; Lin, who returns as Liu Kang in “Mortal Kombat II” in May; Los Angeles-based Michelle MaliZaki; Seattle comedian Juno Men, who debuted in Lee’s 2024 special “Laugh Proud”; Bay Area comic Shivaan Nadan; Filipino American comedian Kitty Pine; and Vanja Renee, of Korean and Black heritage.
Viva Pictures will distribute the series on AAM.tv, Tubi and Prime Video. The company’s current comedy specials include Nick Swardson, Gary Owen and Craig Ferguson, while its original series “Entre Nos” airs on HBO. Viva has also featured early specials from Ralph Barbosa, Jiaoying Summers, Atsuko Okatsuka and Joey Guila.
Little Nalu Pictures, based in South Pasadena, California, specializes in diverse and inclusive narratives. The company’s projects appear on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and Peacock.
Margin Films was founded by Lee in 1996 and is incorporated in British Columbia, Canada, and California.
S5E8: Food Judgments, Broccoli Conspiracies, and Big Cancer
In this episode of the Unofficial Official Story podcast, hosts Cat Alvarado, Dwayne Perkins, and Koji Steven Sakai discuss foods they secretly judge people for disliking and delve into intriguing food-related conspiracies. They explore the suspicion around broccoli being poisonous and investigate whether big cancer and big meat industries are behind anti-broccoli narratives. The conversation spans various theories, personal anecdotes, and humorous tangents, leading to the conclusion that a balanced diet and skepticism towards industry-driven propaganda are crucial.
RESEARCH
We do most of our research online… because why not? Here are the links we quoted from or used for background or inspiration.
What are “they” not telling us? We’ll find out, figure out, and, when all else fails, make up the missing pieces to some of the most scandalous, unexplained phenomena, and true crime affecting our world today. Join comedian Dwayne Perkins, writer Koji Steven Sakai, and comedian/actor/writer Cat Alvarado on The Unofficial Official Story Podcast every month, and by the end of each episode, we’ll tell you what’s really…maybe…happening.
Celebrate the holidays through a Japanese American lens! 🎄🥢 From quirky Christmas traditions in Japan to the rich flavors of New Year’s osechi, this episode uncovers the meaning behind festive rituals. Featuring moving performances from Unforgotten Voices and the diary of Stanley Hayami, we honor resilience, gift‑giving in hard times, and the enduring legacy of the Japanese Americans.
Season 2 returns this February—don’t miss it!
For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org.
In this exciting episode of the Unofficial Official Story Podcast, we kick things off with a lighthearted debate about who would believe us if we claimed to have seen Bigfoot, leading to a hilarious exploration of credibility among friends and family. Joined by our special guest, actress Jennifer Field, we dive into the quirky world of cryptids, focusing on the infamous Jersey Devil and its many origin stories, from Mother Leeds to gypsy curses. We share laughs over bizarre theories, including the idea that Frank Sinatra might be the Jersey Devil himself! As we unravel the legend, we also discuss other California cryptids, like the Fresno Nightcrawler and subterranean reptilians, all while keeping the conversation fun and engaging. Tune in for a wild ride filled with laughter, mystery, and a touch of the bizarre!
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Jennifer Field is an actress and California native, born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. A former Miss Asian America and current soccer mom of a tween, she has had recurring roles on General Hospital as the notorious Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Arden, and as the maniacal Dr. Ruby on the Primetime Emmy and Peabody Award winning series Artificial. She just wrapped filming an episode for an NBC procedural crime drama, and has a steamy thriller making the rounds on the film festival circuit. Jennifer loves anything sci-fi, the outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.
RESEARCH
We do most of our research online… because why not? Here are the links we quoted from or used for background or inspiration.
What are “they” not telling us? We’ll find out, figure out, and, when all else fails, make up the missing pieces to some of the most scandalous, unexplained phenomena, and true crime affecting our world today. Join comedian Dwayne Perkins, writer Koji Steven Sakai, and comedian/actor/writer Cat Alvarado on The Unofficial Official Story Podcast every month, and by the end of each episode, we’ll tell you what’s really…maybe…happening.
Join hosts Koji and Michelle as they explore the fusion of Japanese and American cultures through food in the latest episode of the Japanese America Podcast. They delve into their Thanksgiving traditions, unique culinary experiences, and the impact of Japanese cuisine on identity. Koji shares a personal essay about his relationship with food, including his thoughts on natto, while Michelle reflects on her family’s cooking. Discover the flavors that shape their stories and the connection between cuisine, culture, and belonging.
For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org.
Dive into a world where clones do your laundry, comedians crack conspiracy theories, and Taylor Swift might just be a time-traveling satanic princess. Join the hilarious Ally Noel as she juggles ADHD, creative chaos, and the cannabis industry, all while unraveling wild theories about pop icons and cloning mishaps. From awkward romantic escapades to whimsical prenup fantasies with billionaires, this episode promises more twists and turns than a soap opera written by AI chatbots on Adderall. So, grab your tinfoil hats and prepare for a laugh-out-loud exploration of creativity and chaos!
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Ally Noel is a Los Angeles native comedian and actress who brings her creative energy to every stage she steps on. Beyond comedy, she works in creative marketing, turning visions into reality for brands and productions. She’s also a partner at Birdleaves Productions, where she co-produces the Three 30s Comedy Show, taping specials that showcase three comics delivering 30-minute sets. A true multi-hyphenate, Ally is also a professional photographer, capturing stories on and off the stage.
RESEARCH
We do most of our research online… because why not? Here are the links we quoted from or used for background or inspiration.
What are “they” not telling us? We’ll find out, figure out, and, when all else fails, make up the missing pieces to some of the most scandalous, unexplained phenomena, and true crime affecting our world today. Join comedian Dwayne Perkins, writer Koji Steven Sakai, and comedian/actor/writer Cat Alvarado on The Unofficial Official Story Podcast every month, and by the end of each episode, we’ll tell you what’s really…maybe…happening.
In this episode, we ride through the heart of Southern California’s Japanese American car culture with Dr. Oliver Wang, curator of the Cruising J-Town exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum. From the sleek lines of import tuners to the slow roll of classic cruisers through Little Tokyo, we explore how cars became more than machines—they became mirrors of identity, pride, and belonging.
Through personal stories and historical snapshots, we uncover how Japanese American communities used car culture to carve out space, style, and self-expression. Whether it’s the legacy of lowriders or the rise of the JDM scene, this episode reveals how the road has always been a place to gather, to flex, and to remember.
For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org.
CREDITS
The music was created by Jalen Blank
Written by Koji Steven Sakai
Hosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven Sakai
Edited by Koji Steven Sakai
Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum
Koji Steven Sakai 
