REPPIN remains on your favorite podcast platforms and it can be found on MEGAPHONE:
https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/LAV5292937504
Reppin: Learned Lessons
Evelien & Zach Smadu
Zach Smadu by Photo Credit: Richie Lubaton
Actor Zach Smadu from CW’s Family Law shared how his father’s battle with cancer reshaped his life and perspectives. Today, on my time with you, I’m going to share what I connected with and my personal reflections. So, let’s get to know one another as I let you into my own takeaways and see if you agree!
I’ve also made my donation to support Zach and to help the brilliant researchers do what they need to to help further along cancer research. Pitch in if you’re able to.
Donate to the organizations Zach works with:
Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan: cancerfoundationsask.ca
Canadian Cancer Society: cancer.ca
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada:
www.bloodcancers.ca
REPPIN SERIES DIRECTORY: Check out everyone who has come by!! SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE!
Zach Smadu: Family First
Zach Smadu
Photo Credit: Richie Lubaton
What can you learn when you and your loved ones are faced with a life threatening illness? Actor Zach Smadu from CW’s Family Law a show featuring a dysfunctional family law firm operating to help other families navigate a host of legal problems.
Zach maybe on a show that details a complicated, dysfunctional family-but in real life, his family is anything but that. Zach talks about how he and his family struggled and fought through cancer, how that impacted him -how that terrible experience made his life better and how you can salvage invaluable perspectives and lessons in spite of a devastating experience that can make your life better.
Zach’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zachsmadu?lang=en
Zach’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachsmadu/To
Donate to the organizations Zach works with:
Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan: cancerfoundationsask.ca
Canadian Cancer Society: cancer.ca
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada:
www.bloodcancers.ca
Reppin’s Reintroduction
A reintroduction
Start doin your warm ups and get ready -because Reppin is comin back! Yes, the podcast has been on hiatus. This is a really good time to catch up on past episodes because there will be a new lineup of shows and awesome guests comin at ya soon!! Check out what I’ve been working on!
Series Directory:
https://campsite.bio/reppinpodcast
The Blacklist’s Laura Sohn
Laura Sohn
Actress Laura Sohn broke onto television screens as Agent Alina Park on NBC’s mega hit The Blacklist with James Spader. Her other credits include NCIS and God Friended Me.
Like many of us, Laura has a jam packed schedule—especially being in the entertainment industry which is known to have many, many long hours. Self care and really anything else usually has to take a backseat.
Regardless of what your profession is or where you are—the need to have a job and really the demands of everyday life make it extremely hard to slow down and think about the life you want to carve out for yourself. It’s a universal struggle.
So, you may be surprised to hear that Laura recently stepped back wrapping up a thrilling run on a hugely successful show so she can take a break. This is even tougher to do being that minority roles in entertainment are still very hard to come by.
Today, you can learn more about this talented actress, the values she shows up for and the responsibility she has as an Asian American and how she’s working to open doors.
Laura also shares what she’s doing to prioritize her self care, how she’s using her voice to help others and how you can do it too.
Laura’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurastellasohn/
J.R. Martinez’s Rebirth: Priorities Purpose & Positivity
J.R. Martinez
J.R. Martinez is an Army Veteran, Burn Survivor, Actor, New York Times Best Selling Author, Motivational Speaker, Dancing the Stars Winner & Host of the podcast Rebirth. He has faced death and come out on the other side finding hope, defining his own path, priorities & identity. The hard learned lessons, about life, value, and worth are what he’s sharing with you. My conversation with J.R. was an incredibly powerful, positive and absolutely inspiring one. it’s not just about facing challenges, it’s about loving yourself and your life.
This truly is not a conversation you want to miss.
J.R.’s website: https://jrmartinez.com/
J.R.’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamjrmartinez
J.R.’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjrmartinez/?hl=en
Rebirth: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebirth-with-j-r-martinez/id1514640056
Hiro Kanagawa: Identity, Fighting Stereotypes, and opening the doors for others.
Hiro Kanagawa
All of the opportunities we enjoy today—everything from civil liberties to social standings to professional opportunities are made possible because of all those who preceded us. But what did they have to overcome to make this possible?
Hiro Kanagawa is an actor with over 200 credits that include everything from Smallville, NBC’s “Heroes Reborn” to Taishi Okamura in Amazon’s “Man in the High Castle” to Captain Tanaka in Netflix’s “Altered Carbon.” Now, he’ll be joining Star Trek Discovery. He’s also an award winning playwright. But these incredible achievements have been hard fought. At the start of his career, Hiro has struggled with the very limited opportunities that existed for Asians. He faced dilemmas like do you take the very few parts available but know that you are also reinforcing stereotypes?
It is a delicate negotiation between whether or not to take what was give-stay in that lane and the impact that it would have on your own personal self worth. Hiro has been at the forefront and shares how he navigated this process, what he had to do not only to build his own career but open the doors for all those who follow. And listen in on what his thoughts are on whether or not he thinks any progress has been made.
Hiro’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/hirokanagawatv
Hiro’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hirokanagawatv/
Dave Reichert: Chasing the Devil.
Dave Reichert
Disclaimer: This episode contains graphic content. Some listeners may find the material disturbing and offfensive.
In an ever changing and demanding world, very few things persist and endure. So when you meet Dave Reichert you’ll see he’s kind of a unicorn. He was an American politician, veteran, and former sheriff who served with King County beginning in 1972. Dave rose through the ranks and lead the Green River Task Force, formed to track down the so-called “Green River Killer” one of America’s most prolific serial killers. The task force was aided by the infamous Ted Bundy In 2001, DNA evidence identified Gary Ridgway as the Green River killer. He was convicted of murdering 49 people, but he also confessed and was suspected to have killed anywhere between 71-90 or more people.
Dave pursued this elusive killer for almost 20 years. Can you imagine almost 20 yrs of chasing frustrating dead end leads? Losing funding and staff? A mounting pile of other homicide cases that needed your attention? This is not to mention how much family time one would have to sacrifice?
Through it all, Dave was unwavering in his resolve in bringing justice to the victims and their families. What are the values hat define his foundation? And when you are completely exposed to these horrific, grizzly crime scenes, how do you retain humanity and hope?
The is an incredible story about persistence, faith and commitment that ultimately lead to the capture of the Green River Killer.
Kara Robinson Chamberlain: Surviving a Serial Killer.
Kara Robinson Chamberlain
Kara Robinson Chamberlain was kidnapped by a serial killer. Yes. You read that correctly. At 15, she was abducted by a serial killer, escaped AND helped authorities capture the man who kidnapped her. This horrific experience could traumatize anyone. But you’re going to hear how Kara escaped, how she not only survived and helped authorities capture this man but how she has transformed this nightmare into strength, and what she’s ultimately grateful for.
Now, Kara is out in front, spreading hope, encouragement to other survivors and to remind them they can heal—and they are stronger than what has happened to them.
This is a remarkable story of survival, composure and courage.
Find out what Kara’s learned that is universal and can help you in your life YOUR life, regardless of your situation.
Kara’s website: https://www.kararobinsonchamberlain.com/
Kara’s twitter: https://twitter.com/KR_Chamberlain
Kara’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kararobinsonchamberlain/?hl=en
Reppin 5.9: Leeza Gibbons
Leeza Gibbons
Emmy Winner Leeza Gibbons is a household name and media powerhouse. She’s a Host, Reporter, Producer, for shows such as Entertainment Tonight, My Generation on PBS and her own long running talk show, LEEZA. She’s covered the gamut of stories from A List celebrities to the everyday heroes. She’s also a NY Times Bestselling author, with Take 2: Your Guide to Happy Endings and New Beginnings; and Fierce Optimism: 7 Secrets for Playing Nice and Winning Big.
She’s also a fierce advocate for caregivers and has a non-profit called Leeza's Care Connection. She founded this organization when her family was touched by Alzheimer’s, first with her grandmother, then her mother who battled and lost. Knowing the herculean role of a caregiver—Leeza’s Care Connection offers free services and support to help families cope when facing a chronic illness or disease.
She’s experienced both incredible highs and unbelievable lows. Through it all, she’s remained true to who she is and unfailingly optimistic. She’s sharing some of her defining moments and how she’s continued to succeed—without ever compromising her values and she reveals how she’s been able to stay NICE in a world that often times—isn’t.
Leeza’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeezaGibbons
Leeza’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezagibbons/?hl=en
Leeza’s Care Connection: https://leezascareconnection.org/
Leeza’s Walking App: https://www.openfit.com/plans/leeza/
Leeza’s books: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=leeza+gibbons&sprefix=leeza+gi%2Caps%2C76&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_8
Yvonne Chapman Returns 2: Exceeding Expectations
Yvonne Chapman
Photo credit: Richie Lubaton
Yvonne Chapman gives a pitch perfect performance as the sophisticated, lethal and complicated assassin Zhilan on CW’s hit Kung Fu. Yvonne hits every beat whether it be during intricate fight sequences nailing the choreography with very step and strike or quietly grounding more tender, heartbreaking scenes that make her character nuanced, redeemable and has audiences rooting for her character.
We got to meet this talented actress on her first appearance Reppin 4.4: Yvonne Chapman where we learned about her personal background, also her first career in Corporate Finance, the sexism she had to face, to the fear and expectations she had to overcome before her leap into entertainment to the importance of community. We went deep and learned about this remarkable talent. We continue our conversation here, she shares even more important insights and lessons learned. And you will learn even more about who she is and what makes up her integrity and character.
Yvonne’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/yvonne__chapman
Yvonne’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ypchapman/?hl=en
Reppin 5.7: Ginger Zee
Ginger Zee
Photo Credit: Heidi Gutman
Ginger Zee is the Chief Meteorologist for ABC News, forecasting for and reporting on the nation's weather from Good Morning America to World News Tonight. Zee has been on the ground before, during and after almost every major weather event and dozens of historic storms including Hurricane Katrina. With every report, she never loses sight on the human toll these devastating storms has taken.
She’s highly respected and beloved by audiences across the United States. But what viewers may not have known was the amount of painful, trauma she has personally had to experience.
When Ginger opened her life to readers in Natural Disaster-her first best seller, the response was enormous. She put a very relatable if surprising face on depression and has helped lessen the stigma surrounding mental health issues. But Ginger tells us, Natural Disaster was "Ginger Lite" and only scratched the surface.
In this moving follow-up called A Little Closer To Home, Ginger shares her truest self. She spent most of her life shielding her vulnerabilities from the world all while being a professional people pleaser. Her stormy childhood, her ongoing struggles with crippling depression, being involved in dangerous relationships, sexual assault, her suicide attempts, and many other life experiences will resonate with readers who are likely to see themselves along the way.
In spite of its serious subject matter, Ginger is not only surviving—but thriving. On Reppin, meet this unbelievably courageous, strong woman who is sharing her lessons of healing and how you can also overcome your hardships.
Ginger’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ginger_Zee
Ginger’s Instagram: @ginger_zee
Ginger’s book A Little Closer To Home: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Closer-Home-Found-After/dp/1368042007
Reppin 5.6: Dr. Katherine Ramsland
**WARNING: Some content maybe graphic for sensitive listeners.
Dr. Katherine Ramsland
Dr. Katherine Ramsland has had extensive conversations with Dennis Rader, the convicted serial killer known as “BTK” Bind Torture Kill. She teaches forensic psychology at DeSales University, where she is the Assistant Provost. She’s also the author of more than 1,500 articles and 68 books, including How to Catch a Killer, The Psychology of Death Investigations, and Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, The BTK Killer.
She was co-executive producer for the A&E documentary based on the years she spent talking with Rader. Dr. Ramsland consults on death investigations and writes a fiction series based on a female forensic psychologist who manages an investigative team and accepts cases that include paranormal aspects. Going further, she has appeared on more than 200 crime documentaries and magazine shows, she’s an executive producer of Murder House Flip, consulted for CSI, Bones, and The Alienist.
When you’ve interacted with the criminal mind and have encountered so much darkness, how does one process that information and insight? How can you not be overwhelmed or consumed by that? How do you find light and can you have faith in humanity? Meet the woman who is fearless and is exploring all avenues of the human psyche.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katramsland?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherineramsland/?hl=en
Dr. Ramsland’s books: https://www.amazon.com/Katherine-Ramsland/e/B000APFCQC?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_6&qid=1647030648&sr=8-6
Reppin 5.5: Russell Horsnby
Russell Hornsby
Photo credit: Benjo Arwas
Russell Hornsby is a talented actor who has a commanding presence on and off screen. You’ve seen him as Detective Hank Griffin on the NBC series Grimm, Carl Gatewood in the Showtime series The Affair, Edward "Eddie" Sutton on ABC Family’s Lincoln Heights, Luke on the HBO drama In Treatment and he gave a masterful performance as Maverick Carter in the film The Hate U Give.
I’ve had the opportunity to work with Russell on multiple projects. In between takes, I found myself in a corner of the room having deep conversations with him. His perspective and the insights shared always made reflect.
Here, he shares some of the lessons learned and what made him the man he is. He also shares the importance of mentorship, who he learned from and how he’s paying it forward.
This is a small sampling at what some of our conversations were like. Listen in!
Russell’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/russellhornsby
Russell’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russoulhornsby/?hl=en
Reppin 5.4: Genevieve Kang
Genevieve Kang
Photo credit: Rebecca Benoit
Genevieve Kang is a talented actress of Chinese and Portuguese descent. She’s has an impressive list of credits that include the Nickelodeon series “Romeo!”, Guillermo del Toro’s FX’s series “The Strain”, Global TV’s “Private Eyes” opposite Jason Priestley, HBO/Cinemax series “Jett” and the YouTube Premium series “Impulse” created by Doug Liman (EDGE OF TOMORROW, the Bourne series). Currently, you can see her in Netflix’s hit Locke and Key as Jackie Veda.
Genevieve is grounded, enigmatic and self aware. Here on Reppin, she talks about how mainly seeing blonde and blue eyed people in the media, deeply effected her sense of belonging and how that informed her that being who she was—wasn’t enough. We catch up with Genevieve at a transitional time in her life. Find out where where she is in her efforts to reconcile the struggles of her younger self and how she’s doing it.
Genevieve’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/genevieve_kang
Genevieve’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genevievekng/?hl=en
Reppin 5.3: Gina Yashere
Gina Yashere
Gina Yashere was born and raised in London to Nigerian Parents. She is an award winning stand up comic, author, co-creator, writer, co-executive producer and co-stars in the hit Bob Hearts Abishola on CBS.
Gina is well known as a comic and TV star in the UK for numerous years now, with appearances on iconic TV shows such as Live At The Apollo & Mock The Week, as well as creating & performing the hugely popular comedic characters, Tanya & Mrs. Omokerede on The Lenny Henry Show.
She broke onto the American comedy scene with her appearances on Last Comic Standing, you also know her for being the only British comedian to ever appear on the iconic Def Comedy Jam, as well as for her appearances on The Tonight Show & Crashing on HBO. She’s also regularly featured on Comedy Central as the British Correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.
Gina self produced 3 separate 1 hour Stand Up Specials, Skinny B*tch, Laughing To America, & Ticking Boxes, two of which are currently streaming on Netflix.
She’s entertained and made audiences around the world —but what did it take to get here? What kind of sacrifices or compromises did she have to make—or refuse to make? What kind of content does she want to create and why? Meet this amazing woman now.
Gina’s website: https://www.ginayashere.com/
Gina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginayashere/
Gina’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/ginayashere
Gina’s book Cack Handed: https://www.amazon.com/Cack-Handed-A-Memoir/dp/B08KYKH999/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2E7U25Y5DE6ZF&keywords=cack+handed&qid=1642785174&sprefix=better+life+%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-1
Reppin 5.2: Meegwun Fairbrother
Meegwun Fairbrother
Photo credit: Kevin McIntyre
Meegwun Fairbrother is an indigenous actor and screen writer in Canada. He’s has appeared in the role of Owen Beckbie on BURDEN OF TRUTH for four seasons. He has enjoyed performing in five seasons of the television series, Mohawk Girls for APTN. Additional television work to his credit includes two leading roles (twins) in Syfy series Helix; a recurring lead on Netflix’s Hemlock Grove and guest appearances on The Beaverton, Murdoch Mysteries and Haven. His feature film credits include roles in Beeba Boys for Deepa Mehta and Breakout for Damien Lee.
Meegwun is of Ojibway and Scottish origin, from Grassy Narrows First Nation. From age two to thirteen, he lived up on many First Nations communities across Northern Ontario. He grew up hunting, fishing and enjoying the outdoors while taking part in many Ojibway cultural practices.
Belonging and identity is fundamental need for everyone. Finding and establishing a sense of self impacts how we navigate the world and the prism of how we view life and how we are seen by society. But what happens when all that you were taught, from practices, language, to rituals— all disappear? When your fundamental foundation is gone and you inherit the the collective pain, how does one go about finding their place?
Meegwun grappled with this experience, and he shares his insight here. Meet this talented actor and see how it impacted him and his work and find out if he’s been able to regain his footing.
Meegwun’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmeegwun
Meegwun’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meegwun_fairbrother/?hl=en
Reppin 5.1: Karen Olivo
Karen Olivo
I sign off every episode of Reppin with “Stand Up and Represent.” My next guest truly LIVES this mantra.
Karen Olivo is a powerhouse talent. They’re an American stage and television actor, theater educator, and singer.
In 2008 Karen originated the role of Vanessa in In The Heights on Broadway. The following year, they won the 2009 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress In A Musical for their performance as Anita in a revival of West Side Story. They are the first and only actor to win a Tony award for a performance in West Side Story. From 2016 to 2017, Olivo portrayed the role of Angelica Schuler in the Chicago production of Hamilton 2019, Olivo originated the lead role of Satine in the stage adaptation of Moulin Rouge on Broadway and was nominated for the 2020 Tony Award For Best Actress in a Musical.
With this incredible, illustrious career, Karen risked it ALL when they publicly spoke out against a very powerful and influential producer. We’ve all encountered bullies and difficult bosses-but would YOU have the courage, truth —and readiness to do what Karen did? Learn more about this talented, remarkable person and where they draw their strength from. Find out how they’re fighting to ensure civility, kindness and community is present today and for those who follow.
Karen’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenolivo
Karen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenolivo76/?hl=en
Reppin 4.12: Maysoon Zayid
Maysoon Zayid
Her TED talks was titled “I’ve got 99 problems …palsy is just one.” It was one of the MOST VIEWED TED talks E-V-E-R. But don’t you even dare to think of Maysoon Zayid as disabled. She is unstoppable, multifaceted talent. She is a brilliant comedian, disability activist and actor. She is of Palestinian descent, and known as one of America's first Muslim women comedians.
Daytime fans know her as Zahra Amir on General Hospital, she’s also has guested on Law and Order, NBC Nightly News and ABC’s 20/20. As a comic, she’s played the top New York clubs, like Carolines, Gotham and Stand Up NY. With hilarity and heart she tackles serious topics like the Israel-Palestine conflict, breaking cultural stereotypes and her having palsy.
Listen in on what she’s had to and continues to overcome. And find out how and why she is out in front working to make change.
Maysoon’s website: https://maysoon.com/
Maysoon’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/maysoonzayid
Maysoon’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maysoonzayid/
Reppin 4.11:Tony Giroux
Tony Giroux
Photo by: Richie Lubaton
Tony Giroux is a talented dancer and actor. He’s danced with Pitbull, Rhianna and Zendaya to name a few. As an actor, he has appeared in Descendants, Descendants 3, ABC’s Once Upon A Time. And he co-starred in Lifetime’s FIRST Asian American centered holiday special, Sugar and Spice Holiday. Currently you can see him as Adil in Freeforms’s supernatural hit, Motherland: Forth Salem.
With everything going for him, you maybe surprised how he struggled to find his identity and where he belonged. Tony is of French and Chinese descent and reveals how he relates to his characters and how grappled with finding connection.
This is a fiercely candid conversation. Find out IF he’s been able to reconcile his place and how he did it.
Tony’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/tkgiroux?lang=en
Tony’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tkgiroux/?hl=en