🎙️ 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