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/

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/

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 4.2: Brandon Victor Dixon

Brandon Victor Dixon

Brandon Victor Dixon has an expansive list of credits that range from Broadway’s Hamilton, The Color Purple to television’s Rent Live, Jesus Christ Superstar to STARZ’s Power.

Brandon has also appeared in concert with various artists such as Burnt Sugar: The Arkestra Chamber, Jennifer Hudson, Nathan Lane, Wynton Marsalis, Chita Rivera, Liza Minnelli, David Hyde Pierce,  and Tony winners Levi Kries, Kelli O'hara, and Brian Stokes Mitchell. Other Credits include: ABC's One Life To Live, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, ABC's The Good Wife, and NETFLIX’s “She’s Gotta Have It”.

His talent doesn’t end there, h'e’s also a producer! His company WalkRunFly has produced multiple works including the Tony Award winning Hedwig and the Angry Inch starring Neil Patrick Harris, He is co-founder of The WeAre Foundation, a non-profit “Turning Art into Action.”

Millions have seen and heard his voice and talent-but here, you’ll learn what motivates this talented man and what he’s fighting for.

Brandon’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonVDixon

Brandon’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonvdixon/?hl=en

We Are Foundation: https://weare.org/

Reppin 4.1: David Harewood

David Harewood

David Harewood is an incredible actor, producer and director. You’ve seen him starring alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Connolly in the film Blood Diamond, in Showtimes’s hit Homeland with with Claire Danes and Damian Lewis, he’s also been in The Night Manager, Man In The High Castle and most recently, he is the martian manhunter, Hank Henshaw, J'onn J'onzz in the CW fan favorite Supergirl.

He may seem like he’s lived a charmed life--but his personal journey has been filled with tremendous challenges. When he was a young actor in his twenties he faced intense racism from critics and audiences alike. The racism was so extreme that it undermined his sense of identity and ultimately triggered a psychotic break. He was hospitalized, treated and thankfully recovered.

In 2019, in an effort to help destigmatize mental illness, David and the BBC produced a powerful documentary called Psychosis and Me. In the film, David retraced his steps and learned for the first time, as the cameras rolled-what actually happened to him vs what he thought happened. He saw his medical records and how serious his mental condition really was.

Because of his personal experiences, he’s incredible advocate for countless charities, from mental health to fighting for more realistic representation in the arts for all ethnic backgrounds to encouraging minorities to vote.

David shares how facing his past and seeing his fault lines have made him a stronger, better man. And now, he’s fighting to help others. An incredible story of courage, strength and love.

A remarkably talented actor who is an even more remarkable human being. Meet him on Reppin.

David’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidHarewood

David’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidharewood/?hl=en

Reppin 3.8: Benjamin Von Wong

Benjamin Von Wong

Benjamin Von Wong is a talented innovative, creative, artist, photographer and activist. His work has been described as a mix of fantasy and photography and combines everyday objects with shocking statistics. It has attracted the attention of corporations, like Starbucks, Dell, and Nike and has generated over 100 million views for causes like ocean plastics, electronic waste, and fashion pollution. Most recently, he was named one of Adweek’s 11 content branded masterminds.

He is also the host of the Impact Everywhere Podcast.

Meet this incredible talent as he shares what he’s learned and how he infuses his creativity with purpose and how he’s working to make a change.

Benjamin’s website: https://www.vonwong.com/

Benjamin’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/thevonwong?s=20

Benjamin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vonwong/?hl=en

Impact Everywhere: https://impacteverywhere.org/

Photo Courtesy: Benjamin Von Wong

Photo Courtesy: Benjamin Von Wong

Reppin 3.1: Nathalie Kelley

Nathalie Kelley

Nathalie Kelley, a Peruvian born actress known for her leading roles from the mega movie Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift, Vampire Diaries, Dynasty, UnREAL, Body Of Proof and Baker And The Beauty has a powerful discussion on REPPIN! She shares what devastated her, the awakening she had experienced, what she’s learned, how it’s changed her life and all the ways she’s giving back. Nathalie breaks down her project Ritual Community-how it’s set up to represent and serve underrepresented groups, honor ancient traditions and lineages and help enrich your life. This is an insightful and inspiring conversation with a talented actress and fierce activist who is out in front to preserve our earth, heritage and ultimately, make an impact on this world.

Nathalie’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/natkelley

Nathalie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natkelley/

Ritual Community: https://ritualcommunity.mn.co/

Reppin: Season 1 Behind The Scenes

Nelson Pinero

Reppin is coming back from hiatus. But before we premiere Season 2, we have my technical director and musical composer Nelson Pinero as a guest. Together, we take you behind the scenes, we give you a glimpse of what it’s like to produce this podcast, and share some of our thoughts and favorite moments.

Reppin 1.10: Mitra Memari

Mitra Memari

Meet Mitra Memari- she’s one of the very few POC who is also a woman and a partner at major US, award-winning architecture and interior design firm. Born in Iran, Mitra shares stories of her childhood where she experienced trauma, how she coped and how those obstacles shaped her. She details how she broke into a male dominated field, found her voice and how she evolved into being one of the leaders. This episode of Reppin is about being an immigrant, a woman, what it means to be a leader, it’s about shattering barriers—it’s about being a bad ass.

Reppin 1.9: Zabryna Guevara

Zabryna Guevara

Currently, she’s on ABC’s hit show Emergence as Dr. Abby Frasier, some of her other credits include Gotham, Twilight Zone, Tell Me A Story, The Get Down to New Amsterdam! The talented and lovely Zabryna Guevara comes to hang out! She gets personal and details how she went from “disappearing” in crowds to finding her voice and strength then evolving into a successful actress on some of the most popular television shows. She shares intimate stories about growing up in New York City, challenges she’s overcome and how much family means to her. Get to know this talented actress and amazing woman on this episode of Reppin.

Zabryna’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZabrynaGuevara

Zabryna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zabrynaguevara/?hl=en

Reppin 1.8: Danny Pino

Danny Pino

You’ve seen him as Detective Nick Amaro on NBC’s Law and Order SVU, he’s been on Cold Case, Brain Dead, Gone, Scandal, The Shield and his credits go on and on. Currently, he plays cartel boss Miguel Galindo on FX’s hit Mayans M.C. Danny Pino comes to Reppin and gets personal. He shares some powerful experiences, you’ll gain insight on what and who has inspired him, how he carries all of those lessons with him and how he hopes to pay it forward. Get to know the man behind all of these amazing performances.

Danny’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheDannyPino

Danny’s Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/eldannypino/?hl=en

Reppin 1.7: Joanna Hausmann

Joanna Hausmann

Joanna Hausmann is a Venezuelan-American comedian, writer, actor and social media personality. She has garnered over 70 million views virally and her biweekly show “Joanna Rants” has collectively reached over 50 million views. Joanna comes to Reppin opens up about the challenges of being a media personality, the confusion she receives when people find out she’s Latina and spills the beans on her grievances with Snow White. Hilarious and insightful—this is a conversation you don’t want to miss! Meet this dynamic woman behind all of the viral videos.

Joanna’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/Joannahausmann

Joanna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johaus/?hl=en

Joanna’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGY8qSl98_5ehQ66zs0ZoaQ

Reppin 1.6: Benjamin Melzer

Benjamin Melzer

Meet Benjamin Melzer, a model based in Germany. On Instagram, along with 114k followers, you’ll see his fantastic portfolio, work out regimen and his washboard abs. What you don’t see is the inner turmoil he experienced. Born Yvonne Melzer, Benjamin says “I was a boy for as long as I can think.” Struggling for years with never feeling like he was in the right body and never having any sense of inner comfort or peace. But at 23 yrs old, he took the steps towards gender reassignment. After many painful surgeries he became Benjamin. Listen to his journey, how he went from feeling scared and alone to becoming the first transgender model on the cover of Men’s Health Magazine in Germany, see how he’s making a difference and if he’s been able to find peace.

Benjamin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjaminryanmelzer/?hl=en