The Loida Lewis Podcast

🎙️ Season 3, Episode 13 - Alex Calleja: The Power of Punchlines and Real Talk

In this laugh-out-loud episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we sit down with beloved Filipino comedian Alex Calleja to talk about his journey from writing for TV shows like Usapang Lalaki and Goin' Bulilit to performing on global stages - and now, topping Netflix charts with his hit stand-up special Tamang Panahon (The Right Time).

Alex opens up...

🎙️ Season 3, Episode 12 - Rajo Laurel: Fashioning Identity, Purpose, and Legacy

In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we sit down with the iconic Rajo Laurel, one of the Philippines’ most influential fashion designers, to talk about his journey from childhood sketches to global runways.

Rajo opens up about his inspirations, his training in New York, building the House of Laurel, and his vision for the future of Filipin...

🎙️ Season 3, Episode 11 - BD Wong: Legacy, Identity, and the Power of Visibility

In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we sit down with the legendary BD Wong - Tony Award-winning actor, director, activist, and pioneer for Asian American visibility in Hollywood.

From his early days in high school and college theater, to his groundbreaking Broadway debut in M. Butterfly, and iconic roles in Law & Order: SVU, Jurassic...

🎙️ Season 3, Episode 10 - Gregory Ho: Investing in a Better World, One Step at a Time

In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we sit down with Gregory Ho, founding partner of Spring Mountain Capital, to explore what it really means to make a social impact.

Greg shares how his career began at McKinsey and how he later helped launch Spring Mountain Capital to fund mission-driven ventures. But beyond the boardroom, we also ...

🎙️ Season 3, Episode 9 - Sofronio Vasquez III: From Small-Town Dreamer to The Voice Winner

In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we’re joined by Sofronio Vasquez III, the groundbreaking Filipino-American artist who won Season 26 of The Voice, making history as the first Filipino and Asian male to win a major American singing competition.

We talk about his journey - from humble beginnings to standing ovations - and how ...

🎙️ Season 3, Episode 8 - Chef Cris Comerford: Inside the White House Kitchen

In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we’re joined by Cris Comerford - the first Asian, first woman, and first Filipina to serve as Executive Chef at the White House, from 2005 to 2024.

She shares stories from nearly two decades of cooking for U.S. presidents, including her final state dinner for the Kenyan delegation - where Barack Obama surp...

🎙️ Season 3, Episode 7 - Ramona Diaz: Telling Truths Through Film

In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we sit down with Ramona Diaz, the acclaimed Filipino-American documentary filmmaker behind Imelda, Motherland, A Thousand Cuts, and her latest, And So It Begins.

She talks about the power of storytelling in holding truth to power, the making of And So It Begins - the Philippines’ official Oscar entry - and why she fo...

🎙️ Season 3, Episode 6 - Sandro Roco: Building Sanzo, the First Asian-Inspired Sparkling Water

In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we sit down with Sandro Roco, the trailblazing Filipino-American entrepreneur behind Sanzo - the first Asian-inspired sparkling water brand made with real fruit and no added sugar.

Sandro shares how his Filipino heritage, Wall Street background, and a chance trip to H Mart inspired the la...

🎙️ Season 3, Episode 5 - Jhett Tolentino: From Iloilo to Broadway and Beyond

In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we sit down with Jhett Tolentino - a three-time Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, Grammy winner, and proud Filipino creative force.

Jhett opens up about his journey from Iloilo to New York, breaking into the high-stakes world of Broadway and earning three Tonys and a Grammy along the way. He shares how...

🎙️ Season 3, Episode 4 – Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel: Fighting for the Filipino Immigrant Dream

In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we welcome Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel - renowned immigration lawyer, host of Citizen Pinoy on TFC, and one of the most trusted voices in U.S. immigration law for over 40 years.

Atty. Gurfinkel breaks down today’s most urgent immigration issues: the looming threat of mass deportations, the...

🎙️ Season 3, Episode 3 - Tessie Tomas: Queen of Comedy, Champion of Reinvention

In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we sit down with the iconic Tessie Tomas - trailblazing actress, creative powerhouse, and one of the Philippines’ most beloved comedians.

Tessie shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings as a radio voice talent at just 10 years old to becoming the first Filipina creative director of McCann Phi...

🎙️ Season 3, Episode 2 - Leila de Lima: A Fight for Justice and Freedom

In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we sit down with former Senator and former Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima, a human rights champion and staunch advocate for justice. She opens up about her years in detention, the political persecution she endured, and how she maintained her resolve despite adversity.

Leila shares that she communicated with...

🎙️ Season 3 Opener: Maica Teves - Empowering Women and Advocating for Change Across the Globe

To close out Women's Month and kick off Season 3, The Loida Lewis Podcast welcomes the incredible Maica Teves, Executive Director of SPARK Philippines. In this episode, Maica shares her inspiring journey and deep commitment to women’s empowerment, human rights, and sustainable development.

Maica takes us through her impactful wo...

🎙️ Season 2 Finale: Boy Abunda – The King of Talk Shares His Story

In this special season closer, Loida Nicolas Lewis welcomes the one and only Boy Abunda, Asia’s King of Talk, esteemed TV host, LGBTQ advocate, and Doctor of Philosophy in Social Development Education. As the final guest of Season 2, Tito Boy shares an unforgettable conversation filled with wisdom, passion, and heartfelt moments.

From his most memorable interview...

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 13: Dr. Calvin Sun – Healing and Exploring the World

In this episode, Loida Nicolas Lewis sits down with Dr. Calvin Sun, a trailblazing emergency medicine physician, founder and CEO of The Monsoon Diaries, author, speaker, and advocate for social justice. Dr. Sun’s incredible journey has taken him from the bustling emergency rooms of New York City to the far corners of the globe, inspiring countless individua...

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 12: Bessie Besana – Crafting Dreams in Fashion

In this episode, Loida Nicolas Lewis speaks with Bessie Besana, a remarkable Filipino entrepreneur whose inspiring journey took him from civil engineering to becoming a celebrated fashion designer and a multi-faceted visionary.

Bessie’s career began with a degree in Civil Engineering, but his passion for creativity led him to pivot into the world of fashion, whe...

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 11: Chynna Mamawal – Redefining Global Fashion with Filipino Excellence

In this episode, Loida Nicolas Lewis speaks with Chynna Mamawal, an inspiring Filipina fashion designer who has taken her craft from the Philippines to the global stage.

Chynna shares how her career journey started with corporate experience at SM, where she honed her skills in marketing, before pursuing her passion for fashion full-time....

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 10: Bing Chen – Building a New World for Multicultural Communities

In this episode, Loida Nicolas Lewis speaks with Bing Chen, the visionary CEO and Co-Founder of Gold House, about his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential multicultural leaders today.

Bing shares his dream of becoming the next Walt Disney and his decade-long project developing an IP like Marvel ...

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 9: DJ CherishTheLuv – Healing Through Music

In this episode, Loida Nicolas Lewis speaks with Reverend Cynthia Cherish Malaran, also known as DJ CherishTheLuv, a Filipino-American DJ, producer, ordained minister, and survivor whose incredible story is rooted in resilience and transformation.

After a head injury caused amnesia, DJ CherishTheLuv used music to restore her memories and rebuild her life. She also ...