Fetishized: A Conversation with Kaila Yu

Fetishized: A Conversation with Kaila Yu

Author: Pop Culture Junkie August 21, 2025 Duration: 51:58
Shauna interviews author Kaila Yu, whose fascinating and deeply personal debut memoir Fetishized: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and Beauty was published on August 19th. Kaila, who is also a singer, travel and culture writer and model, discusses everything that led her to writing the book: the terrible lessons of The Little Mermaid (both versions), life as an import model, and experiencing society's stereotypes of Asian women, pervasive in everything from classic Hollywood films to rap music to porn to anime culture. Kaila and Shauna also bond over their youthful soul searching and feminist ideology, and Kaila tells of her career touring the world as the singer for the band Nylon Pink, writing for publications like Rolling Stone, The New York Times, National Geographic and more, as well as her memorable appearance in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. 

Order Fetishized: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and Beauty here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738645/fetishized-by-kaila-yu/ 
 
Follow Kaila Yu on Instagram: @kailayu and follow her book account: @fetishizedbook 

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Ever feel like you’re drowning in new releases, buzzy shows, and endless streaming options? Pop Culture Junkie® is that conversation with friends who are just as deep in it as you are, helping sort the must-see from the missable. Each week, the hosts dive into the vibrant chaos of movies, television, music, and the stories dominating the headlines, offering both thoughtful reviews and eager previews. This isn’t just a recap show; it’s a guided tour through the week’s entertainment landscape, delivered with the enthusiasm of true fans. You’ll hear genuine reactions, spirited debates, and a real sense of what’s worth your time. The Pop Culture Junkie® podcast thrives on that shared obsession-the details in a film’s soundtrack, the nuance in a season finale, the unexpected comeback. It’s built for anyone who loves to dissect a plot twist on Monday and hunt for Easter eggs on Tuesday. By focusing on both what’s happening now and what’s just over the horizon, the show keeps your playlist and watchlist perfectly stocked. So if your idea of a good time involves analyzing the latest trailer or championing an underrated series, you’ve found your weekly audio hangout.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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