🎙️ Season 2, Episode 6: From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood: The Journey of Ruben Nepales

In this episode, Loida Nicolas Lewis sits down with Ruben Nepales, an award-winning journalist and Hollywood correspondent. Ruben takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings in the Philippines to becoming one of the most respected voices in entertainment journalism.

Ruben shares the story of his early years, his breakthrough into the industry, and how his dedication to storytelling paved the way for his success. He also opens up about his experiences interviewing A-list celebrities and the lessons he learned along the way. His coffee table book, Through a Writer's Lens, released during the pandemic, is a collection of candid photos with some of Hollywood's biggest stars he has chronicled throughout his career.

In this episode, Ruben also discusses the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), which he and his wife, Janet, founded to celebrate Filipino cinema and strengthen ties between Hollywood and the Philippines. His passion for Filipino culture and film continues to shine through in both his journalistic work and his efforts to elevate the Filipino film industry on the global stage.

Learn more about Ruben Nepales:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RubenNepales

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubenvnepales

Through a Writer’s Lens: https://www.amazon.com/Through-Writers-Lens-Ruben-Nepales/dp/B08XXY3VP4

Loida Nicolas Lewis’s memoir, Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?, is available now:

https://www.amazon.com/Should-Guys-Have-Asian-American-Billion-Dollar/dp/1119989833

Tune in now:

YouTube: youtube.com/@TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod

Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com

#LoidaLewis #RubenNepales #HollywoodJournalist #FilipinoCinema #ManilaInternationalFilmFestival #MIFF #ThroughAWritersLens #TheLoidaLewisPodcast #FilipinoJournalists #MrHollywood #HollywoodReporter #Rappler

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 5: The Power of Representation with Lou Diamond Phillips

In this insightful episode, Loida Nicolas Lewis sits down with the acclaimed actor, director, and author Lou Diamond Phillips. Born at the Subic Bay Naval Station in the Philippines to a Filipino mother and an American father of Scots-Irish and Cherokee descent, Lou has forged a path as a powerful advocate for diverse representation in Hollywood. Known for his iconic roles in La Bamba, Stand and Deliver, and Young Guns, Lou has been a trailblazer for Asian and Indigenous representation in film and television.

Lou shares the inspiration behind his recent literary work, including his sci-fi novels Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira and The Tinderbox: Underground Movement. He opens up about his creative journey, the importance of authentic storytelling, and his dedication to breaking down cultural barriers through his work.

Learn more about Lou Diamond Phillips:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087526065669

Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira: https://www.amazon.com/Tinderbox-Soldier-Lou-Diamond-Phillips/dp/1949890538

The Tinderbox: Underground Movement: https://www.amazon.com/Tinderbox-Underground-Lou-Diamond-Phillips/dp/1964505003

Loida Nicolas Lewis’s memoir, Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?, is available now:

https://www.amazon.com/Should-Guys-Have-Asian-American-Billion-Dollar/dp/1119989833

Tune in now:

YouTube: youtube.com/@TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod

Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com

#LoidaLewis #LouDiamondPhillips #FilipinoRepresentation #HollywoodDiversity #TheLoidaLewisPodcast #StandAndDeliver #LaBamba #RepresentationMatters #Tinderbox

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 4: Empowering the Asian Diaspora with Anla Cheng, Founder of Serica Initiative

In this insightful episode, Loida Nicolas Lewis sits down with Anla Cheng, the visionary Founder and CEO of Serica Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the Asian diaspora in America. Anla’s remarkable career spans leadership roles at global financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and Citi, but her true passion lies in storytelling, advocacy, and creating social change.

Together, Loida and Anla explore the important work of the Serica Initiative, which focuses on using storytelling and multimedia to foster dialogue and bring attention to the AAPI community. Anla shares her inspiring journey, from her early years to her impressive career in finance, and how she transitioned into the nonprofit world with a mission to empower Asian Americans and women in leadership roles.

The conversation also touches on Anla's experiences as the former Chair of The China Project and her commitment to bridging cultural gaps through education, social impact, and philanthropy.

Join this compelling discussion on the power of narrative, the importance of cross-cultural empathy, and how leadership within the AAPI community can shape a more inclusive society.

Learn more about Anla Cheng and the Serica Initiative:

Serica Initiative: https://www.sericainitiative.org

The China Project: https://thechinaproject.com

Loida Nicolas Lewis’s memoir, Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?, is available now: https://www.amazon.com/Should-Guys-Have-Asian-American-Billion-Dollar/dp/1119989833

Tune in now:

YouTube: youtube.com/@TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod

Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com

#LoidaLewis #AnlaCheng #SericaInitiative #AAPI #AsianEmpowerment #TheLoidaLewisPodcast #ChinaProject #CrossCulturalEmpathy #Leadership

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 3: Elevating Wellness in Sports and Beyond with Erwin Benedict Valencia

In this inspiring episode, Loida Nicolas Lewis sits down with Erwin Benedict Valencia, a Filipino-American wellness expert who has made a transformative impact on professional sports, most notably as the Wellness Lead for the New York Knicks. During his nearly decade-long tenure with the team, Erwin introduced groundbreaking wellness programs that prioritized mindfulness, meditation, and holistic health, contributing significantly to both players' performance and well-being.

But Erwin’s journey took a pivotal turn in 2023, when a severe back injury while stretching forced him to pause and reflect on his life. This moment of vulnerability became a turning point, leading him to reevaluate his priorities. In his words, "It’s time for a sabbatical," as he realized the importance of rest, recovery, and gratitude in his own life. He took this time to focus on what matters most: his family, well-being, and his commitment to giving back. Now, Erwin’s new initiative, Gratitude Gang, promotes wellness and positivity through gratitude practices, with a mission to uplift communities, starting with his home country, the Philippines.

Erwin’s journey from elite sports performance to holistic wellness is a testament to the power of balance and self-care. Join Loida and Erwin as they explore how mindfulness can transform not only athletes but anyone striving for personal and professional fulfillment.

Learn more about Erwin Benedict Valencia’s work and journey:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erwinbvalencia/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erwinbvalencia/

Gratitude Gang: https://www.gratitudegang.org/

Loida Nicolas Lewis’s memoir, Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?, is available now:

https://www.amazon.com/Should-Guys-Have-Asian-American-Billion-Dollar/dp/1119989833

Tune in now:

YouTube: youtube.com/@TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod

Email us your thoughts and reviews:

askloidalewis@gmail.com

#LoidaLewis #ErwinValencia #ErwinBenedictValencia #Gratitude #GratitudeGang #NYKnicks #FilipinoExcellence #Wellness #Mindfulness #TheLoidaLewisPodcast

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 2: Uplifting Filipino Excellence: Elton Lugay and The Outstanding Filipino Awards

In this inspiring episode, Loida Nicolas Lewis speaks with the trailblazing journalist and founder of The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA), Elton Lugay. TOFA, now recognized as one of the most prestigious events in the Filipino community, celebrates its 14th year in 2024 with an exciting ceremony on October 27 in Waikiki, Hawaii, honoring Filipinos excelling in various fields.

Elton shares his journey in establishing TOFA as a platform that highlights Filipino achievements in arts, business, community, healthcare, and more. They also discuss the challenges and triumphs of representing Filipinos on the world stage.

Join this enriching conversation as Elton and Loida explore the significance of TOFA in promoting Filipino pride and legacy, and how it continues to inspire new generations to aim for excellence.

Discover more about Elton Lugay’s work:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elton_lugay/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TOFAINY/

Event details: https://allevents.in/waikiki/the-outstanding-filipino-awards-2024/200027267639954

Loida Nicolas Lewis’s memoir, Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?, is available now: https://www.amazon.com/Should-Guys-Have-Asian-American-Billion-Dollar/dp/1119989833

Tune in now:

YouTube: youtube.com/@TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod

Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com

#LoidaLewis #EltonLugay #TOFA2024 #FilipinoPride #BoyAbunda #4thImpact #ParangalDanceCompany #TheLoidaLewisPodcast

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 1: Celebrating Filipino Heritage Through Film: Michele Josue on Nurse Unseen Kicking off Season 2, Loida Nicolas Lewis sits down with Emmy Award-winning director Michele Josue to discuss her powerful new documentary, Nurse Unseen. In this deeply moving film, Michele highlights the untold stories of Filipino nurses on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic and their significant contributions to the American healthcare system. Michele shares her inspiration behind Nurse Unseen and emphasizes the importance of promoting this film, especially during Filipino American History Month. The conversation delves into the historical and colonial ties that have shaped the role of Filipino nurses in the U.S., as well as the personal narratives that brought this documentary to life. The episode also revisits Michele’s previous acclaimed projects, including Happy Jail, her Netflix documentary series on the world-famous dancing inmates in the Philippines, and Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine, her heart-wrenching, award-winning feature on the life and legacy of Matthew Shepard. Listen as Michele opens up about her journey as a filmmaker and how her work continues to shed light on underrepresented communities. Discover more about Michele Josue’s work: Michele Josue's Nurse Unseen: Official Site: nurseunseen.com Michele’s award-winning film Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine: IMDb: imdb.com/title/tt2416154/ Follow Michele: Instagram: instagram.com/michelejosue Loida Nicolas Lewis’s memoir, Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?, available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Should-Guys-Have-Asian-American-Billion-Dollar/dp/1119989833 Tune in now: YouTube: youtube.com/@TheLoidaLewisPodcast Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com #LoidaLewis #MicheleJosue #NurseUnseen #Filmmaking #FilipinoNurses #HappyJail #MattShepard #Podcast #TheLoidaLewisPodcast

🎙️ Episode 13: Charting Her Own Course: Beverly Johnson's Trailblazing Journey in Fashion

Join Loida Nicolas Lewis as she explores the fascinating life and career of Beverly Johnson, the first Black model to appear on the cover of Vogue magazine. From her early days in Buffalo, New York, to her rise as a fashion icon, Beverly shares her groundbreaking journey in the fashion industry.

In this episode, Beverly discusses her historic Vogue cover and its impact on her career and the fashion world at large. She reflects on her personal growth, her ventures into acting and business, and how she has managed to remain a prominent figure in fashion over the decades. Beverly also opens up about her family life, including her relationship with her daughter and her role as a loving grandmother.

Hear how Beverly's resilience and commitment to breaking barriers have inspired generations. She also shares insights into her one-woman show in NYC, which highlights her life's story with honesty and emotion. Additionally, Beverly talks about her recent marriage and the joys it has brought into her life.

Discover more about Beverly Johnson’s enduring influence and her ongoing efforts to advocate for diversity and inclusion within the fashion industry. Explore her work and legacy at https://beverlyjohnson.com/

Check out Loida Nicolas Lewis's memoir, "Why Should Guys Have All The Fun?", available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Should-Guys-Have-Asian-American-Billion-Dollar/dp/1119989833

Tune in for a dose of inspiration:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod

Extra listening platforms:

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/AmazonMusic-TheLoidaLewisPod

iHeartRadio: https://tinyurl.com/iheart-TheLoidaLewisPod

For more details and to leave a review:

Email us at askloidalewis@gmail.com

#LoidaLewis #BeverlyJohnson #Vogue #FashionIcon #Podcast #Inspiration #TheLoidaLewisPodcast

🎙️ Episode 12: Charting Her Own Course: Jannelle So-Perkins' Journey in Media

Join Loida Nicolas Lewis as she explores the dynamic journey of Jannelle So-Perkins, the force behind So Jannelle TV. From her beginnings as a sports broadcaster in the Philippines to forging a unique path in Filipino-American media in the United States, Jannelle's story is a vivid narrative of ambition, adaptation, and authenticity.

In this episode, Jannelle shares her transition from covering high-profile sports events to navigating the challenges of media sales in the U.S. She discusses the strategic moves that led to her pioneering role in media, including her decisive shift from employment to creating and owning her media platform, underscoring the importance of ownership and control in crafting one's destiny.

With humor and heart, Jannelle recounts her no-nonsense approach to online dating that led to finding her husband—highlighting a pivotal moment on their first date that set the tone for their future. This relationship became a cornerstone, supporting her through the trials of motherhood, career breaks, and even a global pandemic, allowing her to continue her passion for media while balancing family life.

Jannelle's story is a testament to her determination and resourcefulness, showcasing how she navigates the complexities of life and career with a clear vision. In this episode, she shares how her commitment to her values and her drive to achieve her goals have allowed her to continuously find success, whether in transitioning careers, building a family, or managing challenges like the pandemic. This conversation with Jannelle So-Perkins offers insights into her ability to adapt and thrive, providing a relatable and motivational narrative for anyone striving to balance personal aspirations with professional commitments.

Discover more about Jannelle's inspiring work:

https://www.sojannelletv.com

Don't miss Loida Nicolas Lewis's memoir, "Why Should Guys Have All The Fun?", available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Should-Guys-Have-Asian-American-Billion-Dollar/dp/1119989833

Tune in for a dose of inspiration:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod

Extra listening platforms:

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/AmazonMusic-TheLoidaLewisPod

iHeartRadio: https://tinyurl.com/iheart-TheLoidaLewisPod

For inquiries, email us at askloidalewis@gmail.com

Rate & Review us for a chance to be featured on a future episode!

#LoidaLewis #JannelleSoPerkins #FilipinoAmericanMedia #MediaPioneer #Podcast #Inspiration #TheLoidaLewisPodcast