Answers with Angela Sun

Answer 1

From news reporter, to documentary filmmaker, to television host and actress, you wear many hats. What do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy it all because I truly enjoy storytelling. So whether it is scripted, behind the camera, or unscripted/reality, to news and sports, there always a story to tell. I love learning about people, cultures, and helping share their journeys. I think being well rounded and having a diverse array of projects in this industry is necessary for growth, creativity, and constantly challenging yourself to be better than you were yesterday.

You were the first Asian American female to appear on ESPN, Fox Sports, and Yahoo Sports. Do you feel like you broke the glass ceiling for future generations?

No, I think we still have a long ways to go. As a woman in sports, I'm already a minority, add onto that being Asian, well that is just a double whammy. I've always gone against the grain though, and I since I have started, I have seen a few more women in the mix, but I can still count them on one hand. I hope that one day, sports media will truly reflect its fan base in America, since we are a diverse melting pot of cultures.

Before covering sporting events, you were an athlete yourself. Do you ever miss those days?

I get my competitive kick at times, but I really compete with myself more than anything. I am always striving for a Personal Record of some sort, and I work out almost daily running, yoga, biking, hiking, Surfing, pilates, paddleboarding, weight training, plyometrics cross training etc. I don't miss the scrutiny and pressure though.

Your show, The Yahoo Sports Minute, is the most popular sports show on the Internet, with 7 million viewers each week! How do you get your audience to come back every week?

We have a huge platform in Yahoo, and being the longest running online sports show as well, (6 years) viewers have made it a staple and daily habit. Yahoo Sports has always been at the forefront of breaking some of the biggest sports stories, and one of the oldest online entities, setting an example for online sports content. The format has changed a bit now, but I am proud to have helped make the show a success.

What is it about The Yahoo Sports Minute that makes it so different from anything else on the web?

The Yahoo Sports Minute curates the buzziest sports moments and must-see-and-share content. We shot late at night and waited for all the games to end so that it would be the most timely up-to-date information when you wake up in the morning. I like to think that i brought some flair to the show, I'm not sure what other sports host has dressed up as a Fantasy football, NBA lockout, Mrs Claus, or Princess Leia! I would always pushed the envelope by bringing in props to use and pitched different creative ways of interviewing athletes and guest hosts.

When you're not busy hosting or shooting, what are you up to?

Chasing sharks, sunsets, surf, and stories around the globe. I love traveling because you gain such a different perspective by immersing myself in different cultures and meeting people from all walks of life. I am pretty adventurous and up for anything, especially anything that involves the ocean. I recently flew to Mexico for the weekend to swim with whale sharks, and the prior month was diving with sharks in Hawaii. I'm usually working on documentaries, show ideas, or researching which country to travel to next, on a plane to somewhere new and writing about it, or just outside! I love to host dinner parties & also like to bake--which usually happen late at night- lately I have been perfecting the apple pie. Making desserts is my specialty but I don't really have a sweet tooth, so I usually drop off sweets for friends. I have not had any complaints about my homemade ice cream.

You maintain a very active lifestyle. What are your favorite sports and activities?

Surfing, scuba diving, paddle boarding, running, yoga, biking, tennis...I think I am happiest when I am in salt water.

What is your secret for staying in shape?

Eating clean whole foods and not drinking alcohol is sure fire way to get in shape quickly. I love food too much to restrict myself but I will work out so I can eat well. Everything in moderation. It's just about putting in the time and work and having the discipline to get out the door and work out. Changing up my routines helps and I see more results when I focus on core work but above all you should have fun. I sign up for adventure races and runs to have a goal to work towards & I usually run them in costumes!

Have you ever been starstruck by an athlete you're interviewing?

When I have a microphone or there are lights and cameras on, I am in professional zone, so I am focused on conducting the interview and creating an atmosphere where the athlete I'm interviewing is comfortable and opens up, so being starstruck wouldn't work. I have however been a little distracted OUTSIDE of work, when Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow came into my gym and worked out right next to where I was training. I went full geek mode and couldn't concentrate on my reps while my trainer kept telling me not to embarrass him. I never did say hi to them but I was totally distracted for good reason!

What's the funniest thing that's happened during an interview?

While hosting American Ninja Warrior for NBC, I was asked by the executive producers and network to kick a guy in the balls during our interview after he ran the course. He had just fallen in the water so he was all wet and in his tighty whities. Getting kicked in the balls was sort of his schtick, but it was still the oddest thing I have been asked to do, but I did it! It never made it to air but it's on YouTube.

Can you give us the elevator pitch for your acclaimed documentary Plastic Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch?

Plastic Paradise highlights Angela Sun's journey to one of the most remote places on Earth, Midway Atoll, uncovering the truth behind the mystery of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Along the way she encounters scientists, industry, legislators and activists who shed light on what our society's vast consumption of disposable plastic is doing to our oceans, and what it may be doing to our health. We have had an amazing reception thus far and its been great to have people like Al Gore, Bette Midler, Forest Whitaker, Jackson Browne, & more support and talk about the film. We have won over 5 awards so far, and continue to screen at Film Festivals. Plastic Paradise comes out Sept 16th in the US and Canada digitally on iTunes, Amazon, Google play, Target ticket, Cinema Now, Vudu, Vimeo on demand and www.plasticparadisemovie.com!

What motivated you to make the film?

I love telling stories, and wanted to keep up my producing/writing skills and showcase that I wasn't just a studio host or "talking head". I was hosting at Current TV at the time and my colleague brought this issue to my attention. As someone who scuba dives, surfs, and always in the ocean I will always strive to protect where I play.

How can interested parties help the Plastic Paradise cause?

We all vote with our wallets every day and in the choices we make. You can purchase a copy of the DVD/digital download directly from www.plasticparadisemovie.com where all proceeds go towards the fall school campus tour and $5 of every purchase goes towards 5gyres.org continuing research, education and action on the topic of plastic pollution! Also all merchandise goes towards our marketing and coordinating costs. We need help in sharing the message! Everyone can take part in our 2 week refuse single use pledge! It's easy and you can win