The Aliens Who Changed Culture | Jo Koy on Filipino Pride, Manny Pacquiao & Culture's Trailblazers

Jo Koy sits down with Taboo on Comics & Kicks for a wide-ranging conversation on culture, comedy, and representation. From his journey of resilience in stand-up to his takes on Hollywood, Jo Koy shares stories that will inspire, entertain, and spark debate.

This episode dives deep into the icons and cultural moments that shaped a generation: Manny Pacquiao’s Filipino pride, Eddie Murphy’s Raw and Delirious era, Michael Jordan’s “not human” dominance, Dante Basco’s Hook legacy as Rufio, Tia Carrere and Lou Diamond Phillips as Filipino trailblazers, and Michael Jackson’s influence on 80s culture. They also break down the rise of hip-hop and B-Boy culture, the importance of family and community support, and how multicultural voices reshaped Hollywood and comedy.

Whether you grew up on Nickelodeon, 80s music videos, or blockbuster films like Hook, this conversation connects the dots between comedy, sports, hip-hop, and Filipino representation in ways only Jo Koy and Taboo can.

00:00 Welcome to Comics & Kicks
00:14 Jo Koy’s Journey of Resilience
02:27 Early Comedy Hustles & Raw Stories
03:25 Why Teeth Changed Everything
06:14 Michael Jackson, 80s Nostalgia & Impersonations
10:20 Hollywood, Barriers & Representation
25:18 B-Boy Culture’s Rise and Missed Olympic Moment
35:10 How Representation Shapes Media
36:51 Dante Basco & A Filipino Family Legacy
37:27 Breaking “Crab Mentality” in the Community
38:30 Hip-Hop Inspirations & Cultural Unity
39:13 Cultural Icons Who Shaped Generations
39:25 Eddie Murphy’s Raw Influence on Comedy
45:15 Tia Carrere, Lou Diamond Phillips & Pinoy Icons
50:21 Michael Jordan: “Not Human” Legacy
59:25 Mixed Race Identity & Representation in Hollywood
01:05:50 Closing Thoughts & Gifts