Interview with "EMOTIONAL DAMAGE" Steven He | HAIYAA #18

A very special guest joins Nigel on the show this week. Steven He has been killing it with his KZbin channel and blew up around the same time as Nigel. They catch up about the difficulties of breaking into acting, whether or not they should do their “Asian” accents for entertainment and why Uncle Roger is the superhero stopping Western chefs from fucking up Asian food.
Subscribe to Steven's channel: / stevenhe
0:00 - Where emotional damage came from
9:25 - What it was like Steven growing up in Ireland and breaking into acting
19:37 - Reflecting on Asia perceptions across social media and faking sponsorships
24:10 - Current living situations and is it ok to do the “Asian” accent?
32:00 - Blowing up online at the same time
42:22 - Using KZbin fame to produce content and Nigel wants Jamie Oliver to take him to court
47:30 - What it was like for Nigel to be cancelled and is Steven retiring Asian dad?
56:35 - How an Uncle Roger video is made and starting an Asian TikTok house
01:01:00 - Nigel appearing on British TV and teasing the Uncle Roger and Asian Dad collaboration
Go see Nigel on tour: nigelngcomedy.com/#shows
--------------------------------------------------
Send an email and tell me about your big disappointments. Whether you’ve disappointed people, or the world’s disappointed you: [e-mail]
Or DM me a voice note on instagram: / haiyaapod
Leave the podcast a 5 star rating and review on Apple podcasts and Spotify. Screenshot the pod and share it in your insta stories! It's listeners like you who help the pod grow.
--------------------------------------------------
Follow HAIYAA Podcast:
Twitter: / haiyaapod
Instagram: / haiyaapod
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1iMy1ai...
Google Podcasts: podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...

[@StevenHe]

Just an hour of me trying not to get cancelled HAHAHAHA Just kidding it was an absolute blast. Love you Nigel 👑💖

[@joogaloo929]

Steven you haven’t done the dishes why are you a failure lah 😂

[@leun88]

my man!

[@mikio2570]

Steven he

[@haiyaapod]

Thanks for coming on the pod Steven! Can’t wait for our collab

[@Corupxion]

AYYYY

[@davidepannone6021]

This is probably the most anticipated crossover ever.

[@ethanizdabest7006]

yes

[@ShiroPlayGames5]

true

[@jessicachan6858]

I hope nobody else likes this comment so it stays at 666 😜

[@SomeRandoAlmond2001]

But now we need this collab with them in character!

[@robinlondrow9263]

@@SomeRandoAlmond2001 yes good idea.

[@yogsenforfoth5948]

I would pay good money to see a proper “in character” collab between these two hilarious guys.

[@UnopinionatedBystander2393]

YESSSSSS!!!

[@chickenagent5124]

i'm number 2

[@hefeibao]

Wouldn't we all?

[@BLAKEEATS1988]

Oh for sure and I'm a cheap bastard but for these two definitely worth paying!

[@jasnam3955]

I would pay $90 for that but not for Uncle Roger's rice cooker figurine

[@kenxunguyen]

My company is so inspired by “Emotional Damage”, that we create “Professional Damage” and “Financial Damage” to use inside the company LOL.

[@daapraty7161]

no way💀💀💀

[@SwaziPrince]

Okay name dropper, you could have just said at work

[@kenxunguyen]

@@SwaziPrince thanks grammarly

[@SwaziPrince]

@@kenxunguyen I meant he was boasting he is a business owner and has employees. Jkthing to do with his spelling, or grammar

[@kenxunguyen]

@@SwaziPrince i am an employee

[@fallinangels]

I love that when steven talks about ireland he gets an irish accent. And when he talks about England he gets a slight british accent. Then he switches back to his "American" accent without realizing it.

[@89ludeawakening1]

Haha yep, but the Irish is always there a little.

[@zharifaidan6276]

Wow I didn't notice that

[@cheeromatic]

i dont know if its just me but somehow when i hear nigel talks without watching it, i can picture a black person doing podcast.Or maybe its just how comedian talk

[@torunsmok5890]

@@cheeromatic its the nasality to his voice, when his accent isn't super present it sounds like the nasally voice a lot of black comedians will put on

[@thumbwitch4607]

Yep, that Irish accent really comes out when he's talking about Ireland!

[@89ludeawakening1]

I can definitely still hear Steven's Irish accent a little, even when he's not talking about Ireland. There's some words and the cadence that's so hard to lose.

[@simonmichael6814]

"no Irish accent".. are you kidding me ? It's as clear as day, and I love it. :)

[@SmokeyTheBandit]

@@simonmichael6814 ...why make up a quote?

[@ars6187]

Gd willing he’ll never lose it ❤️ 🇮🇪 🍀

[@telysajackson4368]

He's a Chinese-Irish guy

[@showregular111]

​@@SmokeyTheBandit ratio

[@theswedishbeard]

Steven's dialectal transitions are FLAWLESS. Talking abour Ireland - irish. Talking abour London - english and so on. It's magical.

[@dvolsung1527]

I'm not Asian, grew up in a Hispanic household, but I was raised so similar to Steven's sketches that his content just kills me everytime. Absolutely look forward to his videos.

[@radublaga7424]

Same for Romanian parents 😁 EMOTIONAL DAMAGE! 😂

[@sherylk.muliadie6169]

Steven is a great presenter. It's pleasant to hear him talk.

[@satah5045]

He seems like such a sweet , genuine person

[@josephharwood4226]

The Accent thing was really weird. As soon as Steven said he lived in Ireland the accent switched almost instantly and stayed for a while. Very cool

[@jaimand4753]

Haha 🤣 that kinda stunned me

[@Jinwoo.]

fuiyoh

[@WSShooter85]

Fuiyoo! Uncle Steven O'He!

[@alst4817]

@@WSShooter85 😂😂

[@eillem123]

Chinese intelligence showing

[@anjbum]

Your Irish accent is actually quite strong. It's really fun to hear you both talk.

[@EscargoTouChaud]

Every time Steven says the words "but" and "Ireland", the Irish accent is so evident. Steven imitating his mum fatshaming was cruel, but fantastic at the same time. Nigel didn't talk enough about the culinary diamond (MSG) :(

[@amystarke3317]

I can't wait to see Steven and Nigel with TwoSet Violin.

[@princessyanina]

Just what I thought!!! yes please!!!

[@luckyman4906]

Just fyi kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5jKf5qfds6fq9E

[@User-ii2qr]

Agreed

[@arashinobi]

TwoSet Emotional Haiyaaa

[@FH-cn3mg]

Uncle Roger, Asian Dad, and Ling Ling...Asian Avengers Assemble!

[@marcusv8617]

Could hear his accent wavering back and forth when talking about Ireland and China. It was subtle but still interesting to hear. Happy you guys finally got to collab and can't wait for Uncle Roger and Asian Dad! 😁

[@adamibnousman647]

it wasnt subtle lol, his irish accent was quite obvious lol

[@evangelionl0vr857]

Yeah I was thinking the same thing, he said he doesn't have it anymore but the second he started talking about Ireland he sounded like he was born there lol Gaelic is a really unique language so I assume the accent is super easy to fall into.

[@pingin1717]

@@evangelionl0vr857 Irish isn't really ever spoken in Ireland, so I doubt he picked up the accent from the language , also Gaelic is rarely used to refer to the language, it's more commonly called Irish or Gaeilge

[@effiehan7528]

@@adamibnousman647 hhhhhhhhh bank

[@mattiemathis9549]

I grew up all over the US. Get me around someone from the south and I sound born and bred…😂. I loved hearing him with that accent!!!

[@jerseyboy315]

Just the fact that both Steven and Nigel got this far is amazing, shows how much work and how persistent they are. How even Steven got to meet Nigel, just amazing how far you two got and I hope you two keep on getting prosperous and continue the great work. I know this is cliche, I watch you two through my rough days before, your videos make me a get a smile and chuckle. I hope more and more people get to see your contents and instead of being 70%+ of non subscribers of views, it goes down to atmost 1%. You two definitely deserve it :).

[@TurKishsoulja]

Hard work? lol both of their careers are based off white racism.

[@cks2020693]

Funny how when I was a kid in China about 20 years ago, kids would joke about "ah you hurt me emotionally, Im gonna sue you for emotional damage."

[@jtmcailin4522]

I’m an Army soldier and recently went through military language training for Chinese. The amount of times we would say “EMOTIONAL DAMAGE” and “I WILL SEND YOU TO JESUS” in class was RIDICULOUS lol it was like having Asian parents for nearly 2 years and I gained a deeper respect and empathy for people that grew up this way for sure! Though it was tough, I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world!

[@junyisgood]

That's nice bro :D

[@nicolesimonealexander4639]

As someone who loves learning languages, full respect for anyone who d goes through army language training!

[@jorgegonzalez-larramendi5491]

follow only the paths with heart.. : )

[@pisces2690]

lmao 🤣🤣🤣

[@Crossword131]

Tell Monterey I said hi.

[@aeyandarmch.9825]

Yesss this collabbbb i really want to see uncle roger and stevens dad too it will be the best collab ever in the history!

[@Hooklander]

Cool off when?

[@-Strike]

@@Hooklander I'm gonna put some chili jam in your eye

[@TooBadThatDidntKillMe]

Forget Emotional Damage... EMOTIONAL DEVASTATION.

[@JohnDoe-sx2ij]

I hope he does a podcast with all the Asian youtubers

[@r4iden_]

Nathan doan is in too 😯

[@thumbwitch4607]

Honestly Steven, you've not lost the Irish accent entirely at all. Can hear it throughout everything you say, BUT it does come out more when you talk about Ireland. Love it, love you both too.

[@shrekaboo7470]

I like the humility and care that shows through in Steven He’s character.

[@leafysoup501]

Uncle Roger and Steven's dad roasting poor 9 year old nephew Steven. Ultra emotional damage!

[@dangerayush7381]

Hi i am

[@shadowstrike2594]

Steven He: says he lived in Ireland Seconds later: Irish accent is all we hear

[@roblocks4896]

Hes asian

[@downfallofmankind]

"took me a while to get rid of it" - ya sure me lad? 😂

[@ayszhang]

@@downfallofmankind The moment Ireland was brought up, his accent changed to Irish :)

[@murphykc]

I totally heard Steven's Irish accent, just like he said, anytime he mentioned good, ole Ireldand it came out. Unexpected, but OMG so crazy awesome and evidense that my culture is now connected to an awesome KZbin creator whose culture I also have huge respect for.

[@jimpryor99]

I could honestly spend days listening to the two of you talking. This was so good

[@jinxed2090]

Yeah fr

[@kittyvicious6960]

Don’t downplay yourself Nigel! I couldn’t land tickets to your Houston show before it sold out, that doesn’t happen often around here!!

[@learntocode6205]

Imagine Steven He, Nigel Ng, Ronny Chieng, and Jimmy O Yang in one frame.

[@muazazman3999]

Nigel and Ronny will probably throw shade and try to one up with each other because both are Malaysian

[@suuud92]

Four Asian Tigers of comedy

[@user-pw7hy4ev8f]

Omg that would blow my mind

[@IloveElsaofArendelle]

I guess there will be a black hole forming out of sheer awesomeness

[@EscortaBayu]

Too much MSG

[@lukebrennan5780]

This was SO good. Thank you both!

[@Hadassah7000]

Uncle Roger didn't even go to fancy acting school. He still a comedy superstar. Raw talent. 😂 Love both of you guys.

[@Lil_asian56]

Anyone else think that Steven He could be a fantastic voice actor? His voice sounds sick asf...

[@gasolinelover2438]

He has been posting that he’s been casted for Something idk tho

[@SmileFlame3]

He is an actor but I think he would do well also as a voice actor

[@grlnexdoorable]

Absolutely!

[@toshamccarty5115]

I think he would do awesome as a audible book narrator.

[@edwarddawson7849]

Def

[@tubby-rex4162]

Okay I'm @10:27 my mind is blown how has this man mixed an American, Irish, and Asian accent together and make it sound amazing. That's the best accent I've ever heard!

[@xmubinax]

This was so insightful thank you!!

[@HiroVT]

To Steven's point about film-making 50 years ago, the whole culture in Hollywood at the time was a driving factor for George Lucas making his own production company. Paving your own path will always yield the best results because you can remain true to who you are without compromise.

[@bimmingham]

nigel ng is like the top gear trio, he simply can't be cancelled

[@jpofgwynedd3878]

...yeah? The show was awful. Still is. Now, REAL Top Gear, the old half hour format from the 70s onwards - the one which BBC2 cancelled and the entire team legged it to Channel 5 and created 5th Gear - THAT was a show. Any time I want to watch fat old bastards having a midlife crisis, I'll just look in the mirror then go down the local pub!

[@Scooty_Scooty]

@@jpofgwynedd3878 cool story bro everyone clapped when you finished telling it.

[@natn41r]

He nearly was, once.

[@twennysebben]

I remember when Steven was begging people to follow his Instagram so he could finally get enough followers to message Nigel. So satisfying to finally see them together!

[@tracyr7948]

Thank you both for this collab. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for both of you. I hope it’s all great things🖤. You both bust ur asses for content and your craft & I appreciate u 🖤🤘.

[@kitkath4925]

I love listening to this podcast during my runs, the random bursts of laughter are the best. Keep it up!

[@teyhonghong7396]

Uncle Roger: I love stealing others people work, and claiming it as my own. Steven He: “AMAZING”

[@xionmemoria]

Steven He with an Irish accent is all I ever needed.

[@mamacrypto434]

Right!! 🤯🥰

[@Rjeda30]

As soon as they started talking about Ireland, Steven totally started rolling his letters! He even said feckin at one point. Hilarious. Uncle Roger and Stevens “dad” together, the emotional damage in that video will be epic!

[@dylansworldofyoutube9030]

It is so unusual seeing Nigel Ng and Steven He talking to each other!

[@Sxitou]

8:33 I like how he actually laughs about therapy… like a true Asian 👍

[@helenswan705]

what a great interview, kudos to you both

[@Stonekeep187]

So happy i found this, thanks guys

[@gaillewis5472]

In class while I was taking attendance, one of the kids yells out, "Emotional damage!" I let him know that I thought Steven He was hilarious. West Indian parents hand out the same verbal abuse and high expectations, so gentlemen we are kindred spirits.

[@eatdrinkstagger]

legit I still remember one time my dad paid me a compliment 30 yrs ago with no motive (he's West Indian) and was like, what the hell is happening

[@ihatepower4580]

Caribbean

[@Ixidora]

Holy shit, the moment Ireland comes up Steven drops that full Irish accent!! Completely blew my mind...

[@vivianidelacerda9708]

Great to see you guys together!!!!!

[@chippsterstephens6800]

Love both of these guys!

[@YasakaAlvavus0727]

FUIYOH! the collab we all waited for! Thx Nigel and Steven for making this collab happen!

[@joebenzz]

To be a meme is the greatest honor ever. You don't choose to become a meme, the meme chooses you 👍

[@nossta5242]

Then nobody likes you for your work, just that one meme

[@arifkarim4184]

@@nossta5242 also kinda apply to music also lmao

[@Innominatus911]

Becoming a meme. That should be a movie. Kind of like the emoji movie...

[@moonnugget4598]

😸🫶🏾 Great conversation and I wish you both all the success in the world! I’ve been a fan of both of you for a long while now and I look forward to your future projects!

[@jenlewis354]

Steven's Irish accent actually comes out every now and again when he's speaking...esp. how he pronounces "Ireland"

[@wholovesyababy5574]

I love Uncle Roger and Steven's Dad. Of Steven's videos, my favorites are "Why Ghosts Don't Haunt Asians" and "Why Scammers Don't Call Asians" - all parts. Great! For Uncle Roger's videos, I love when he works in places. But really, I enjoy all their videos!

[@AlexAustralis]

Pretty crazy how when Steven starts talking about Ireland the Irish accent just starts to slip back in so easily.

[@Steve-lq5bx]

Timestamp?

[@mjh179]

@9:40 and then more so @10:01

[@fubbingson]

I can here it quite a lot it certain moments and words he says. also he used the word feckin which is quintessential Irish

[@ROT695]

@@fubbingson I definitely now notice certain words he says definitely sounds more Irish.

[@fubbingson]

@@ROT695 I am Irish so its a lot more clear for me to recognise them when they slip out in his normal conversation

[@Deraliker]

Lovely talk ! I like Steven He so much more after watching all this. It's really nice and kind of him to share his experience

[@Spotth]

Amazing episode! Very interesting topics and it was also funny at the same time. Can't wait for the collab!

[@charlesward8196]

I guess I have been living under a rock. I had seen Steven He proclaiming “Emotional Damage” in Uncle Roger videos and had no idea who that was. The Steven He videos showed up on my feed and I subscribed. And then I see Steven with Julie Nolke, another one of my favorites. Now you mention Sandra Kwon, and I went over there and subscribed without seeing a video, have to watch later. It is great having access to comedy creators that will never play in my city. Thanks for posting this material. On Steven’s being rejected 3,000 times in a year: “Warriors don’t always win, but they NEVER quit fighting.”

[@thomasschmidt1836]

Comedy is best when it's relatable. The reason you guys get better reactions from Asian audiences is because it is relatable. There are percentages that come from mixed families or know someone or in some other way had contact with the personalities your humor/jokes/skits are drawn from. My mom was from Taiwan and I spent most of my life growing up in Hawaii. I find it difficult to breathe sometimes when you guys throw that one line out or describe something that hits the nail on the head. Wooden spoon beatings or "boomerang" slipper throwing or whatever it is at that moment. Relatability is the key and so you will always have that special connection with Asian audiences. "The Noodo Bowl"

[@roberthodgins8856]

Thank both of you for making life fun.

[@AnzaShadow]

Right after they start talking about Ireland, Steven's accent kicks in. That's cool 😄

[@mandmm3906]

Nigel is the guy that alway got me into detention in school . Steven is the guy that always got detention because of me . I am joyfully falling down this comedy rabbit hole! I am Latina and moved to USA as a middle school kid and can relate so much with this brand of comedy !

[@zhaowanduan]

Was so hyped to see Steven at the show! Nigel you were amazing and made me laugh my ass off. I managed to get a picture with Steven after the show and it made my day. My dad yelled emotional damage in the worst accent I’ve ever heard and I felt embarrassed af lol. Also, I’m half Italian half Chinese, so it made my dad doing the accent even weirder lol.

[@nica302]

I totally heard his Irish accent when talking about Ireland!!

[@LordFrieza]

As a content creator *behind the voice/character* I LOVE seeing WHO is behind the voice and character and getting to know them. My guy, you're awesome. I can see, hear, and feel the genuine vibe you offer! I love your content, and this podcast brought me here from two of my favorite creators... Your genuine vibe kept me here for future casts you upload! PS: Goku sucks - Frieza.

[@beebee32002]

I totally thought Steven was a full time software engineer or something. Didn't think he went to acting school! This just shows that there is high talent and hard work in everyone's success.

[@robinlondrow9263]

Very well said. I agree.

[@sghaxzor202]

as soon as he realised he could just speak with his natural accent, boom irish uncle, amazaing!

[@Fuzzawakka]

This was a great interview. I'm a yuuge fan of accents. They are fascanating and make life more interesting. Keep up the great content you two!

[@virginiahorvath5840]

I have become so delighted by Steven and his humor, I would love to see other projects by him, and Steven, you have introduced me to your host Nigel, I will make sure to watch his content on KZbin...altho from the sound of things, one more follower will not make much of an impact...but I certainly will pray that God bless you and your careers...you are BOTH funny, delightful, and soo sooo creative. Thank you

[@wholovesyababy5574]

Both of you have perfect accents. They're charming. What is funny to me is that you both have British and Irish background, but you both sound American.

[@YuSooKey]

34 of yall need to get your hearing checked. Neither one have American accents.

[@SiPakRubah]

Bruh, both are Asian accent

[@imgonnaputsomedirtinureyedabs]

@@SiPakRubah doesn’t sound completely Asian like idt we talk like this

[@muizzsiddique]

Once Steven said he migrated to Ireland, I couldn't stop hearing the Irish accent.

[@joerig96]

Nigel is Malaysian Chinese

[@arjunsathiaseelan5724]

The combination we always needed

[@kittyvicious6960]

Re watching this I wanna say thanks Nigel for the collab because I was introduced to such amazing channels I can’t get enough of. I watch two set daily, and Nathan’s videos blow my mind. Thank you!

[@barbarianlibertarian9200]

I don’t you, but I’m in love.

[@CamKoudo]

Two legends at the same table xD Nigel & Steven are my absolute favourites! This was so insightful in both of their lives and careers :O

[@waituntilthebeep]

I always thought Steven had an Irish accent undertone to his speech and I find it hilarious I am not just imagining it!!! That's so awesome

[@Truckkundesu]

I don't care how much my parents beaten me. They really made me into a good person who respect and appreciate the things. I have seen kids in other countries taken for granted

[@slayer99199]

I was a bit slow finding this but it was awesome. Thank you both for the laughs!

[@kihaakui792]

See, here's the stories of the hard work behind the videos. Love it. Even more multi-cultural than I realized. I'd love to hear more of your Irish accent some day.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

THE COLLAB WE NEEDED IS HERE! 👏🏽

[@crazymatsuki]

When your Asian Dad and your Asian Uncle collab. As an asian guy, this is awesome! 😎👍

[@-KMA-]

Loved watching you two together. Learned so much about Stephen and you as well. Grew up watching comedy and love seeing more Asian comedians. Stephens Irish accent is a surprise but lovely, as I’m Scottish but it makes me happy. We love Asian people because they are as neurotic as we are lol. Comedians are amazing and I love them all but I love seeing Asian comedians because they are breaking out of the norm, I love it!

[@gracielarivera8768]

Thanks!

[@MajiMagic]

You know you've made it when you podcast with the CEO of Beijing Corn.

[@sydneyzwane7495]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Canaffle]

Yay Ireland! As soon as He mentioned he grew up in Ireland from 8 years old, the accent was released and all I could hear was an Irish twang ❤

[@tomeatshouston]

Loved this!

[@KayElayempea]

So happy to see a conversation between these comedy greats!

[@sarahdanvers1076]

Can't wait to see the collab!!! So glad to see comedic creators working with each other.

[@WillMiall]

I only knew Stephen through the emotional damage meme, yet I'm very happy to hear his story and will definitely be checking out his content. Great job as always Nigle!

[@emmajiang6565]

Love you two the best. Nigel you are so great and so brave about some political issue or speakings.

[@almartini700]

All of these podcasts and these gems I wish I could find sooner. What a golden find to make my day. Thank you for doing what your doing!! Your amazing, keep it up!!!

[@LoBoToM81]

It was such an awesome experience watching you two. The funny thing is how many experiences you share, having some extremely different ones at the same time.

[@achillies40]

My Girlfriend (Thai) and myself (Australian) use "Emotional Damage" all the time. It's AWESOME. Thank you for brightening our day Uncle Roger & Steve.

[@MikeR65]

I love hearing these incredibly intelligent successful funny gentleman conversing. I’ve been living under a rock but now I’ve seen the light!

[@muhammadbilaal7361]

This interview was made more interesting by the fact that it was a two way interview, Nigel interviewing Steven and vice versa. Really good

[@aikighost]

Have to say being a Dublin ExPat you can really tell Steven learned to speak english in Ireland, when I look away from the screen he sounds totally Irish to me a large proportion of the time.

[@DarthwRath]

Now make a roundtable collab with Brett & Eddy (TwoSetViolin) and Steven. 3 hours long and go insane. Make comedy bits featuring Ling Ling, Uncle Roger and Steven's Dad. Im not alone with this, we want it.

[@badk-wality6969]

YAAAS

[@kobyyehezkel9627]

That was an awesome interview - thank you for this one and I can’t wait to see more of you guys! You deserve your fans and more

[@eljoelo2459]

What a good episode man, congrats.

[@ChrisParayno]

awesome podcast guys! Collab that needed to happen. 26:26 Accurate about being Asian content creator but also expanding beyond the realm with your capabilities. a long time OG channel called "Wong Fu productions" come to mind and they are always pushing the idea about Asian Americans getting more roles in Hollywood but that's not the point. it's about recognition past the boundaries of just landing roles. that's why you both have blown up in the past couple years versus them. thank you guys for being you and keep up the good work.

[@degitoblue6783]

YES THE COLLAB WE ALL HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR

[@ReptilianTeaDrinker]

It's so cool to see the both of you interacting like this!

[@arfriedman4577]

This is a very lovely podcast. You both gave a lot of information.

[@WobblyWallaby]

Loved this podcast. I had wondered when they would come together. Looking forward to that collaboration!