Comic News Insider

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By: ComicNewsInsider.com

The podcast for everything comic book, animation, sci-fi and pop culture. Hosted by Jimmy Aquino & a rotating panel of co-hosts, CNI is your weekly dose of industry news, reviews and interviews. Past guests include: Stan Lee, John Romita, Sr., Jerry Robinson, Brian K. Vaughan, Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, John Cassaday, Paul Pope, Darwyne Cooke, JM Dematteis, Steve Niles, Garth Ennis, Steve Rude, Kyle Baker, Jim Lee, James Jean, Alison Bechdel, Arthur Suydam, Jonathan Hickman, Greg Pak, John McCrea, Zoe Bell, Ted Raimi, David Tennant, Russel T. Davies, Felicia Day, Seth Green, Rob Zombie, Brian Pulido, Olivia Munn, Michael Rooker, Ben...

Episode 1648 - SPX Recap! Interview w/ Ngozi Ukazu!
Today at 5:36 AM

Comic News Insider: Episode 1648 is now available for free download! Click on the link or follow on Spotify/subscribe on iTunes!

Jimmy went to Small Press Expo (SPX) the weekend of September 13th/14th in Bethesda, MD. He got 10 interviews overall with Ngozi Ukazu, Nicole Goux, Maria & Peter Hoey, Jonathan Baylis, Deb JJ Lee, Stepanka Jislova, Briana Loewinsohn, Natalie Norris, Kit Anderson and Juniper Kim. In this episode, you'll hear his delightful talk with Ngozi Ukazu about her new book FLIP, love of Blue Beetle, stand-up comedy & more! Jimmy also gives his overall recap of t...


Episode 1647 - Going SPXing!
09/08/2025

Jimmy is off to Small Press Expo (SPX) this weekend in Bethesda, MD. As usual, he has several interviews lined up and will tell you all about them! In an extended Top 3, he also does some mini-reviews of many graphic novels/comics/zines he read to prep for those interviews. 

Jimmy also gives a brief bit about the current CNI website woes. Our current host, Typepad, is shutting down and has given subscribers 30 days. So we are moving to Squarespace. More details in the episode. As always, thanks for listening!

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Episode 1646 - Anime NYC Recap!
09/02/2025

Reviews: Peacemaker s2, Twisted Metal s2 finale, Fixed, Red Sonja

All the San Diego Comic Con coverage is done! In this episode, you'll hear Jimmy's recap of the awesome Anime NYC show held at the Javits Center over a week ago. How has it continued to grow? What was the crowd like? Does it really have the best food options inside the con? Tune in to find out! 

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Thanks for listening! 


Episode 1639 - Flame Con Recap! Interview w/ JP Karliak!
08/18/2025

Reviews: Kevin Smith Presents: Archie Meets Jay and Silent Bob, Alien: Earth, Revival s1 finale

It's Flame Con time again! Jimmy attended the annual LGBTQ+ comic show over the weekend and gives his recap on it all from the exhibitors, crowd, spacing, panels, guests, organization and more. He also interviews voice over actor extraordinaire JP Karliak. They talk about his work in the recent SMURFS, film, voicing Morph in X-MEN '97, Wile E. Coyote, Boss Baby, Queer Vox, why Skeletor is his white whale and more.

We will continue our massive San Diego Comic Con c...


Episode 1645 - SDCC: Hazbin Hotel/Helluva Boss w/ Vivienne Medrano/Erika Henningsen/Brandon Rogers/Richard Horvitz​/Amir Talai!
08/14/2025

Jimmy survived another San Diego Comic Con! 14 interviews and 2 press rooms. Phew! In this final episode from SDCC, you'll hear from some of the cast/creatives behind HAZBIN HOTEL & HELLUVA BOSS. Creator/showrunner Vivienne Medrano shares her thoughts on the upcoming seasons, how they got picked up and if she'd like to see them as live musicals. Erika and Amir talk about their roles on  Hazbin Hotel and the musicality of it all. Brandon and Richard chat about their roles on Helluva Boss and what to expect with the move to Prime Video. 

That is it for ou...


Episode 1644 - SDCC: The Cosplay Crew!
08/14/2025

Jimmy survived another San Diego Comic Con! 14 interviews and 2 press rooms. Phew! In this episode, you'll hear some of Jimmy's cosplay friends. Marta, Steph, Courtney, Heidi and Mary hung with Jimmy on the last night of Comic Con to give their overall thoughts of the show. Attendance, panels, activation sites, exhibitors, celebrities, hotels and of course, cosplay! They also give some great advice on some needed improvements for the show. Always a delight to hang with these wonderful friends! Only one more SDCC interview special left. Come back and hear them all! 

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Episode 1643 - SDCC: Rita Vandergaw (Comic-Con Museum Exec. Director)!
08/14/2025

Jimmy survived another San Diego Comic Con! 14 interviews and 2 press rooms. Phew! In this episode, you'll hear from Comic-Con Museum Executive Director Rita Vandergaw. Rita talks about the goals of the museum, exhibitions, favorite movies and more. Only a couple of more SDCC interview specials including the press room he did for TV shows HAZBIN HOTEL & HELLUVA BOSS. Come back and hear them all! 

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Thanks for listening! 


Episode 1642 - SDCC: Henry Barajas/Adam Rose!
08/14/2025

Jimmy survived another San Diego Comic Con! 14 interviews and 2 press rooms. Phew! In this episode, you'll hear from filmmaker Ashley Maria. Ashley talks about her short films, anxiety, musicals and more. Over the next week, you'll hear Jimmy's talk with Rita Vandergaw. You'll also hear the press room he did for TV shows HAZBIN HOTEL & HELLUVA BOSS. Come back and hear them all! 

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Thanks for listening! 


Episode 1641 - SDCC: Ashley Maria!
08/14/2025

Jimmy survived another San Diego Comic Con! 14 interviews and 2 press rooms. Phew! In this episode, you'll hear from filmmaker Ashley Maria. Ashley talks about her short films, anxiety, musicals and more. Over the next few weeks, you'll hear Jimmy's talks with Ashley Maria, Henry Barajas and Rita Vandergaw. You'll also hear the press room he did for TV shows HAZBIN HOTEL & HELLUVA BOSS. Come back and hear them all! 

Also, get a hold of us!

Thanks for listening! 


Episode 1640 - SDCC: Filip Sablik!
08/14/2025

Jimmy survived another San Diego Comic Con! 14 interviews and 2 press rooms. Phew! In this episode, you'll hear from his friend Filip Sablik. Filip talks about his new publishing venture Ignition Press, what creators and titles they have coming, unique collecting initiatives and more. Over the next few weeks, you'll hear Jimmy's talks with Ashley Maria, Henry Barajas and Rita Vandergaw. You'll also hear the press room he did for TV shows HAZBIN HOTEL & HELLUVA BOSS. Come back and hear them all! 

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Thanks for listening! 


Episode 1638 - SDCC: Dave Dwonch!
08/14/2025

Jimmy survived another San Diego Comic Con! 14 interviews and 2 press rooms. Phew! In this episode, you'll hear from his good friend and fellow Filipino Dave Dwonch. They talk THE LOOSE END, THE AUTOMATON, favorite whiskeys, Filipino food and more. Over the next few weeks, you'll hear Jimmy's talks with Filip Sablik, Ashley Maria, Henry Barajas and Rita Vandergaw. You'll also hear the press room he did for TV shows HAZBIN HOTEL & HELLUVA BOSS. Come back and hear them all! 

Also, get a hold of us!

Thanks for listening! 


Episode 1637 - SDCC: John Layman!
08/13/2025

Jimmy survived another San Diego Comic Con! 14 interviews and 2 press rooms. Phew! In this episode, you'll hear from good pal John Layman. They talk TITANS, SCORCHED, CHEW, K-POP DEMON HUNTERS, fave K-pop bands and more. Over the next few weeks, you'll hear Jimmy's talks with Dave Dwonch, Filip Sablik, Ashley Maria, Henry Barajas and Rita Vandergaw. You'll also hear the press room he did for TV shows HAZBIN HOTEL & HELLUVA BOSS. Come back and hear them all! 

Also, get a hold of us!

Thanks for listening! 


Episode 1636 - SDCC Disruption!
08/12/2025

Reviews: Eyes of Wakanda, Resident Alien series finale, South Park, Twisted Metal, Wednesday, Wylde Pak, The Bad Guys 2, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Smurfs

We interrupt the San Diego Comic Con coverage to bring some reviews of TV and film. Did you watch any of these? What did you think? Let us know! If you haven't checked out the SDCC interviews we've done, please do. And lots more to come so check back and hear them all! 

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Thanks for listening! 


Episode 1635 - SDCC: David F. Walker/Marcus Kwame Anderson!
08/07/2025

Jimmy survived another San Diego Comic Con! 14 interviews and 2 press rooms. Phew! In this episode, you'll hear from David F. Walker and Marcus Kwame Anderson, the creative team behind BIG JIM AND THE WHITE BOY: AN AMERICAN CLASSIC REIMAGINED. They discuss the reason why they decided to change the story, the historical importance of it, giving new origins to the characters and more. Over the next few weeks, you'll hear Jimmy's talks with Dave Dwonch, John Layman, Filip Sablik, Ashley Maria, Henry Barajas and Rita Vandergaw. You'll also hear the press room he did for TV shows HAZBIN HOTEL...


Episode 1634 - SDCC: AJ LoCascio/Hannah Rose May!
08/06/2025

Jimmy survived another San Diego Comic Con! 14 interviews and 2 press rooms. Phew! In this episode, you'll hear from voice actor/writer AJ LoCascio and writer/actress Hannah Rose May. AJ talks about his first children's book SPOOPS: THE LITTLE SPIRITS OF HALLOWEEN and how he came up with the little characters. We also delve into his voice over career. Jimmy wonders if he knows the power his Gambit voice has over everyone, if he ever did his Harrison Ford in front of the actor, sounding like Michael J. Fox and more. Hannah discusses her new series THE EXORCISM AT 1600...


Episode 1633 - SDCC: Dr. Andrea Letamendi!
08/04/2025

Jimmy survived another San Diego Comic Con! 14 interviews and 2 press rooms. Phew! In this episode, you'll hear from psychologist Dr. Andrea Letamendi. Jimmy has his annual therapy session, uh, interview with Drea. They talk about her nerdy podcast, Batman, Star Wars, sci-fi and more. Jimmy also relates some personal struggles and Drea gives great advice as usual. Drea also introduces Jimmy to the Sleepless Grumpipi, a new collectable that seems based on Jimmy's life. Over the next few weeks, you'll hear his talks with Dave Dwonch, Hannah Rose May, AJ Locascio, John Layman, Filip Sablik, David F. Walker, Marcus...


Episode 1632 - SDCC: Revival w/ Melanie Scrofano/Romy Weltman/David James Elliott/Andy McQueen!
08/01/2025

Jimmy survived another San Diego Comic Con! 14 interviews and 2 press rooms. Phew! In this episode, you'll hear from some of the cast of SyFy's new show REVIVAL! Melanie Scrofano, Romy Weltman, David James Elliot and Andy McQueen talk about what's happening in the first season, how close to the comic book series it is, how powerful the "revivers" are and more. Over the next few weeks, you'll hear his talks with Dr. Andrea Letamendi, Dave Dwonch, Hannah Rose May, AJ Locascio, John Layman, Filip Sablik, David F. Walker, Marcus Kwame Anderson, Ashley Maria, Henry Barajas and Rita Vandergaw. You'll...


Episode 1631 - SDCC: Chris Sheridan!
07/31/2025

Jimmy survived another San Diego Comic Con! 14 interviews and 2 press rooms. Phew! In this episode, he chatted with friend Chris Sheridan, showrunner for RESIDENT ALIEN! They talked about what's happening in season 4, the journeys the characters take, cancellation and more. Over the next few weeks, you'll hear his talks with Dr. Andrea Letamendi, Dave Dwonch, Hannah Rose May, AJ Locascio, John Layman, Filip Sablik, David F. Walker, Marcus Kwame Anderson, Ashley Maria, Henry Barajas and Rita Vandergaw. You'll also hear the 2 press rooms he did for TV shows REVIVAL, HAZBIN HOTEL & HELLUVA BOSS. Come back and hear them all! 


Episode 1630 - SDCC: George Takei! Convention Recap!
07/29/2025

Jimmy survived another San Diego Comic Con! 14 interviews and 2 press rooms. Phew! Jimmy gives his overall recap of the convention from attendance to cosplay to highlights and more. In this episode, he had the privilege to again sit down with legendary George Takei! They talked about his new graphic novel IT RHYMES WITH TAKEI. An amazing tale of George discovering his sexuality, hiding it in Hollywood, world travels, meeting his husband, hanging with Howard Stern, Star Trek and so much more. Over the next few weeks, you'll hear his talks with Chris Sheridan, Dr. Andrea Letamendi, Dave Dwonch, Hannah...


Episode 1629 - SDCC Bound!
07/21/2025

Jimmy is off to San Diego Comic Con and gives you a preview of what his planned coverage is going to be. Lots of interviews and a few press rooms for sure. He also has some new comic recommendations for you as well. And as a bonus, he'll be interviewing some of the people at SDCC involved in the comics he mentions!

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Thanks for listening!

 


Episode 1628 - More Recs to Check!
07/17/2025

Jimmy does another catch-up on things he's read and watched recently that he has enjoyed. From comics to TV to music and more. Did you check any of these out? If not, DO IT! 

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Thanks for listening!


Episode 1627 - Superman News Insider!
07/17/2025

Since the new SUPERMAN film was highly anticipated by all, Jimmy decided to do a quick special about it. Sort of waxing on in an off the cuff more stream of conscious way. Maybe he should have taken notes because he rambled on solo for about 20(ish) minutes. Yes, THERE WILL BE SPOILERS throughout. Did the movie live up to the hype? Did too many characters make the film seem overcrowded? Has James Gunn reinvigorated the DC Universe? Tune in to find out what Jimmy thinks! 

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Thanks for listening!


Episode 1626 - A Conversation w/ Jeff Lemire & Paul Pope!
07/11/2025

Comic News Insider: Episode 1626 is now available for free download! Click on the link or follow on Spotify/subscribe on iTunes!

Producer Joe had a great idea of bringing together legendary cartoonists Jeff Lemire and Paul Pope for a fun conversation. In Jeff's new memoir, 10,000 INK STAINS, he talks of how Pope was an inspiration. Jimmy and Joe helped guide the conversation as they talk about Jeff's book, Paul's PULPHOPE 2, early cartooning days, other inspirations, tools, styles, living in Toronto and more. Informative, fascinating and fun! 

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...


Episode 1622 - Interrupting w/ Reviews!
07/06/2025

Reviews: Iron Heart s1, Lazarus s1, Nautilus s1 premiere, Squid Game s3, The Walking Dead: Dead City s2, Elio, How to Train Your Dragon, Jurassic World Rebirth, KPop Demon Hunters, The Old Guard 2, 28 Years Later

We interrupt this Heroes Con coverage with a review catch up! Jimmy watches A LOT of shows & films and brings you his thoughts on it all. Did the Squid Game finale satisfy? Is the rage virus still scary 28 years later? Does KPop Demon Hunters deserve all the hype? Tune in to find out! Come back later this week and the next few w...


Episode 1625 - Heroes Con: Sukesha Ray!
07/02/2025

Jimmy went down to Charlotte, NC for Heroes Con. One of the best comic conventions around! A great weekend of friends, interviews, auctions, food, drinks and fun. He got 11 interviews total! In this episode, you'll hear Sukesha Ray. Jimmy met Sukesha at Heroes and had a great talk about her cover work for DC, how she got into art, her singing career and more! 

And that is it for all of the Heroes Con interviews. Please go back and listen to any you may have missed. Thanks to all of the interviewees for taking the time. And t...


Episode 1624 - Heroes Con: Bobby Timony/Jay Kalagayan/Stephane Roux!
07/02/2025

Jimmy went down to Charlotte, NC for Heroes Con. One of the best comic conventions around! A great weekend of friends, interviews, auctions, food, drinks and fun. He got 11 interviews total! In this episode, you'll hear 3 interviews. Jimmy and pal Bobby Timony chat about his new work Misfit Island, working on Topps cards and dream projects. He also met fellow Filipino Jay Kalagayan and they talked about his comics with Filipino leads, working in theater and mutual friends. And finally, he and friend Stephane Roux have a great catchup to talk about Stephane's new Robostar 77 project, favorite giant robots...


Episode 1623 - Heroes Con: Monica Gallagher!
07/02/2025

Jimmy went down to Charlotte, NC for Heroes Con. One of the best comic conventions around! A great weekend of friends, interviews, auctions, food, drinks and fun. He got 11 interviews total! In this episode, you'll hear his talk with old pal Monica Gallagher. They talk her love of cryptids, more hot Ass Room, her new horror project The Matron and more! Come back later this week and the next few weeks to hear all of the Heroes Con interviews. 

Also, get a hold of us!

Thanks for listening!


Episode 1621 - Heroes Con: Elliana Esquivel!
07/02/2025

Jimmy went down to Charlotte, NC for Heroes Con. One of the best comic conventions around! A great weekend of friends, interviews, auctions, food, drinks and fun. He got 11 interviews total! In this episode, you'll hear his talk with new artist Elliana Esquivel. A fellow Filipino, they talked about how The Philippines influenced her, the significance of water in her work, views on AI, why lumpia is so good and more! Come back later this week and the next few weeks to hear all of the Heroes Con interviews. 

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T...


Episode 1620 - Heroes Con: Bridgit Connell!
06/26/2025

Jimmy went down to Charlotte, NC for Heroes Con. One of the best comic conventions around! A great weekend of friends, interviews, auctions, food, drinks and fun. He got 11 interviews total! In this episode, you'll hear his talk with old pal Bridgit Connell. Besides talking her new LADY BALTIMORE series, they derail and talk about squirrels, Bourbon Jimmy and just what is a Bo job. Come back later this week and the next few weeks to hear all of the Heroes Con interviews. 

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Thanks for listening!


Episode 1619 - Heroes Con: Jenna Cha!
06/24/2025

Jimmy went down to Charlotte, NC for Heroes Con. One of the best comic conventions around! A great weekend of friends, interviews, auctions, food, drinks and fun. He got 11 interviews total! In this episode, you'll hear his talk with soon to be superstar artist Jenna Cha. They talked about her horror comics including THE SICKNESS, drawing horror, the joy of being uncomfortable and more! Come back later this week and the next few weeks to hear all of the Heroes Con interviews. 

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Thanks for listening!


Episode 1618 - Heroes Con: Daniel Govar!
06/24/2025

Jimmy went down to Charlotte, NC for Heroes Con. One of the best comic conventions around! A great weekend of friends, interviews, auctions, food, drinks and fun. He got 11 interviews total! In this episode, you'll hear his talk with good pal Daniel Govar. They talked about his massive amount of work that involves elephants, dragons and Star Wars! Come back later this week and the next few weeks to hear all of the Heroes Con interviews. 

Also, get a hold of us!

Thanks for listening!


Episode 1617 - Heroes Con: Kayla E!
06/24/2025

Jimmy went down to Charlotte, NC for Heroes Con. One of the best comic conventions around! A great weekend of friends, interviews, auctions, food, drinks and fun. He got 11 interviews total! In this episode, you'll hear his talk with the amazingly talented Kayla E. We talk her incredible debut graphic novel PRECIOUS RUBBISH, childhood trauma, art style and more. Come back later this week and the next few weeks to hear all of the Heroes Con interviews. 

Also, get a hold of us!

Thanks for listening!


Episode 1616 - Heroes Con Recap w/ Bobby Timony! Interview w/ Laura Martin!
06/24/2025

Jimmy went down to Charlotte, NC for Heroes Con. One of the best comic conventions around! A great weekend of friends, interviews, auctions, food, drinks and fun. He got 11 interviews total w/ Laura Martin, Kayla E., Bobby Timony, Monica Gallagher, Bridgit Connell, Daniel Govar, Jenna Cha, Elliana Esquivel, Stephane Roux, Jay Kalagayan and Sukesha Ray. You'll hear them over the next few weeks. In this episode, Jimmy got his pal Bobby Timony to do a recap about the show with him. (You'll hear Bobby's interview in a few weeks). You'll also hear a great interview with legendary colorist Laura...


Episode 1615 - Hellbound For Heroes Con!
06/17/2025

Reviews: Batman H2SH, Giant Size-Xmen #1, Revival series premiere, Lilo & Stitch, Lost in Starlight, Predator: Killer of Killers

Jimmy is heading down to HEROES CON, one of his favorite conventions! He's got a load of interviews lined up as usual and can't wait to see friends, make new ones and have some delicious eats at Mert's! If you are doing there, be sure to say hi. Some quick reviews for you and big thanks to Melissa for sending in her review. Did you read/see any of these? What were your thoughts? Let us know!  

Al...


Episode 1614 - Season Finales & a Premiere!
06/09/2025

Jimmy decides to catch up on some season finales and even a premiere! He got regular reviewer Melissa, new reviewer Kirstie and even Producer Joe to send in their thoughts on one show each. SPOILERS abound in our reviews so be warned. Some had very controversial seasons. Some were just outstanding. Some were even just a big pile of fun. What did we all think? Did you see any of these? What were your thoughts? Let us know!  

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Thanks for listening!


Episode 1613 - 20th Anniversary Show w/ Michael Emerson/Greg Pak/Cynthia Von Buhler!
06/04/2025

Jimmy and Producer Joe celebrate their 20th anniversary with a special live recording with guests Michael Emerson, Greg Pak and Cynthia Von Buhler. While a bit last minute due to schedules & other glitches, it all came together nicely! As usual, Jimmy wrote some silly parody songs and sang them along with the CNI Chorus consisting of Sara Garfinkel, Kami Graves and Amy Wolk. Always funnier since we didn't really rehearse it much. We also get a very special news segment with Sara and Kami though make sure you check their sources. Thanks to the friends who came and even...


Episode 1612 - Check These Out!
05/27/2025

Jimmy has more recommendations for you! Some comic books, some TV, some film...maybe SOME things you might like! Let us know what you think if you've checked them out. And if you have any recommendations of your own. 

Also, get a hold of us!

Thanks for listening!


Episode 1611 - Mining Thunderbolt Sins in the Underworld Go!
05/12/2025

Reviews: Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld, Teen Titans Go!, The Walking Dead: Dead City s2 premiere, A Minecraft Movie, Sinners, Thunderbolts*

Some TV/film catch-ups! Jimmy crams in a bunch of things for his viewing pleasure and your listening delight. Did you see any of these? What were your thoughts? Let us know!  

Also, get a hold of us!

Thanks for listening!


Episode 1602-1610? - FCBD Random Reads!
05/12/2025

Reviews: All In 2025 Special Edition #1, Conan: Scourge of the Serpent #1, Fantastic Four/Giant-Size X-Men #1, Speed Racer #0, Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures/Avatar: The Last Airbender #1,Disney Stitch! #1

It's a Free Comic Book Day review special! Jimmy chose 6 random FCBD books to review. Some good lead ins into their upcoming series. But what's with the numbering of the episode? 1602-1610? What does it mean? Technically, this is episode 1610. Jimmy explains the number skip from last episode to this one. Trust! It makes sense. Did you check out any FCBD books? Which was your fave? 

Also, get a...


Episode 1601 - Kathleen Kim (Sesame Street's Ji-young)!
04/29/2025

Jimmy sat down with famed Sesame Street puppeteer Kathleen Kim! Kathleen is the voice/puppeteer for the first Asian-American puppet on Sesame Street, Ji-young. They talked about how she got into puppetry, her early love of muppets, working with Awkwafina, how she finds her character voices, growing up Korean-American, fave foods, K-pop and so much more! A delightful, fun and laid back conversation. Thanks to Kathy for taking the time! 

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Thanks for listening!