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

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 5.6: 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 4.10: Georgina Pazcoguin

Georgina Paczoguin

The world of ballet is one of sophistication, beauty and high class culture. This is all true but it’s also complicated and the same social issues and inequities that exist in the “everyday” also lives in this elite world. Georgina Pazcoguin is the FIRST Asian-American female soloist at New York City Ballet (her father is Filipino and her mother is Italian). She’s also the author of Swan Dive: The Making Of A Rogue Ballerina where she takes you beyond the stage. Her memoir where she openly shares her love for dance is also where she risks all to expose and fight everything from racism to sexism.

What has she experienced to step up and publicly voice her position and beliefs? Why is she putting her career on the line? What is it costing her?

Meet this firebrand now on Reppin. And see how’s she fighting with grace and integrity to ensure that the art of ballet lives on for future generations and that it is world that is more inclusive and equal.

Georgina’s website: https://georginapazcoguin.com/

Georgina’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/GPazcoguin

Georgina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgina_pazcoguin/?hl=en

Swan Dive: The Making Of A Rogue Ballerina: https://www.amazon.com/Untitled-Holt-Author-Revealed-Fall/dp/1250244307/ref=sr_1_1?crid=14KMY3Q178B1H&dchild=1&keywords=swan+dive&qid=1633808398&sprefix=small+hat%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-1

Reppin 4.9: Nancy Lee Grahn

Nancy Lee Grahn

Nancy Lee Grahn is an Emmy winning actress and fan favorite. Known for her portrayals as the headstrong Julia Wainwright Capwell from Santa Barbara and now, Alexis Davis on General Hospital. Over the years, Nancy has garnered a huge fan base and is most recently celebrating her 25th year on General Hospital. Nancy is known for delivering powerful performances on screen. Off screen, Nancy is also a powerhouse. She’s an unapologetic, passionate, outspoken woman who is using her platform to advocate and fight for the things she believes in. Whether you agree or not—she embraces her position and voice. Meet the woman behind the talent, gain insight into her background, her values, understand what drives her and see what she represents.

Nancy’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/NancyLeeGrahn

Nancy’s website: https://www.nancyleegrahn.com/

Reppin 4.8: Patrick Sabongui

Patrick Sabongui

Photo Credit: Brick Patrick

Patrick Sabongui is a talented actor with a long list of impressive credits. He’s been in Netflix’s wildly popular shows Virgin River and Firefly Lane. You’ve also seen him CW’s The Flash and Showtime’s Homeland and Shameless.

He has a great body of work but throughout his career he has faced the challenges of being labeled and he’s struggled with playing and perpetuating stereotypes on screen.

Because of that, Patrick is a fierce advocate for anti-racism and representation in the arts, Patrick is co-chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee for the Union of British Columbia Performers and the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, TV and Radio Artists (UBCP/ACTRA) and on the Diversity Committee for the Jessie Richardson Awards (British Columbia’s Theatre Recognition Awards).

Patrick talks about the constant balancing act of keeping with his sense of integrity, being a good example to his community and his son with the practical needs of getting projects to provide for his family. His shares how he navigates this universal challenge and how he’s giving back.

Patrick’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/PatrickSabongui

Patrick’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricksabongui/?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 3.12: Angela Yee

Angela Yee

Angela Yee is best known as one of the hosts of the nationally syndicated show The Breakfast Club. She is the only female voice on the show which has been the number one radio program in “The Source” Power 30 issue for 5 years in a row. The NYS Broadcasters Association awarded “The Breakfast Club” the 2014 OUTSTANDING ON-AIR BROADCAST PERSONALITY OR TEAM award, and in 2017 the Breakfast Club was awarded the iHeartRadio Urban Personality of the Year Award.

Listeners can hear “Angela Yee’s Rumor Report,” her advice segment “Ask Yee,” and current events with “Front Page News.”  True to her personality, Angela has also continued to expand her brand with her popular podcast “Angela Yee’s Lip Service” and in 2019 she organized the first nationwide tour for “Lip Service Live” with Live Nation

When she’s not in front of the mic or hosting, Angela is also an entrepreneur and a philanthropist. She’s involved with numerous organizations that support everything from health, literacy to groups that promote diversity and inclusion. All of her efforts are varied—but have one thing in common—empathy and to build communities and people up.

Angela has received a WEEN Mission Award, the Shirley Chisholm Woman of Distinction Award, the Vice-Chancellor’s Achievement Award for the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI), a Gracie Award for National Radio Host/Personality, a Gracie Award for her Lip Service podcast, a Spirit of Detroit Award, the Airblazer Award from the Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group and Talentmasters Morning Show Bootcamp….to name a few.

What shapes this unstoppable woman? What’s it take to be the solo female voice on a hugely popular show? Where does this drive and commitment to community come from? Find out now. Meet this inspiring, incredible woman-right here on Reppin.

Angela’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/angelayee?s=20

Angela’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelayee/?hl=en

Angela’s Non Profit Well Read: http://wellread.org/

Angela’s Juices For Life: http://juicesforlife.nyc/

Reppin 3.11: Doug Elmets

Doug Elmets

Meet Doug Elmets, president of Elmets Communication. He is a high-profile media and crisis strategist known for his ability to defend and promote his clients through integrated communications. He’s also lifelong Republican who worked with Ronald Reagan during his Administration. Over the decades, he’s appeared on national programs speaking to promote the Republican agenda. But 2016, he was the FIRST Republican to step out onto the DNC stage to openly endorsed his political party’s opponent-Hillary Clinton for President. How did his appearance come to be? What compelled him to risk it all to be the LONE man to come forward and go against his political party? How did he sustain tremendous pressure to conform? And what was the fallout afterwards?

Doug’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/elmetspr?lang=e

Elmet’s Communication: https://www.elmets.com/

Reppin 3.7: AJ Mendez

AJ Mendez

Photo Courtesy: Cathy and David Photography

AJ Mendez is a former professional wrestling champion with the WWE under the ring name AJ Lee. Don’t let her diminutive stature fool you, she was a formidable opponent. She threw people around like a short order cook threw pancakes onto a plate. With her trademark black widow submission move, she easily took out her competitors. But in real life--nothing came easily for her.

In her autobiography, which was a New York Times best seller, Crazy Is My Super Power, she details what it was like being a petite Puerto Rican girl growing up in an unstable home, struggling with poverty, homelessness and mental illness to how comics, wrestling and her fans helped change her life. 

Because of her own personal struggles, she is a mental health advocate, and is an ambassador to The Jed Foundation and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

If that’s not enough, she also partnered with actress Aimee Garcia and founded Scrappy Heart Productions. Together, as Latin X storytellers, they want to create the change they want to see in the media and to tell stories that have universal themes.

She is a warrior. Meet this incredible woman, who is breaking boundaries, who has overcome so many personal challenges and now she’s out in front working to help others.

AJ’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheAJMendez

AJ’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theajmendez/

Mental Health Resources:

National Alliance on Mental Illness: NAMI.org

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

Reppin 3.5: Aydian Dowling

Aydian Dowling

Aydian Dowling is most known for being the First Transgender Man on the cover of Mens Health Magazine, and appearing on the Ellen Degeneres show, twice! Using his own personal struggles he has given voice to the trans community, documenting his personal transition and sharing it on line. Since then, Aydian has been creating content answering questions and offering insight to those who may still be struggling.

In 2016, Aydian launched PointofPride.org a non profit which helps Transgender individuals around the world through programming and funding to help Trans people live more authentically in their bodies. 

On Reppin, Aydian talks about how he went from hiding who he was, how he summoned the courage to being liberated to live his most authentic life and finding acceptance and love. His story is one about overcoming fears, other people’s expectations and labels to truly embracing who you are.

Aydian’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/AydianDowling

Aydian’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alionsfear/

Point Of Pride: https://pointofpride.org/

Aydian’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe5IabAzRyXqLpAib13Q2yw

Reppin 3.4: Mary Beth Evans

Mary Beth Evans

Mary Beth Evans is an 8 time Emmy winner! She’s an immensely talented actress, producer and entrepreneur. Since 1986, she has breathed life into the beloved character Kayla Brady and part of super couple, Steve and Kayla on Days Of Our Lives.

Mary Beth’s other credits include General Hospital, The Bay, Chasing Life, Body Of Proof and As the World Turns. She’s consistently in top form, hitting e-v-e-r-y beat and in e-v-e-r-y scene. Mary Beth has been a longtime favorite with audiences and has earned her spot as a daytime icon.

Going beyond television, she’s a successful entrepreneur with Mary Beth’s Apple Pie and she also has a lifestyle and inspirational blog called Plank.

Entertainment outlets have covered her career throughout the years so you may think you know her—but you have no idea. Mary Beth comes to Reppin and shares her personal stories, lessons learned and her sources of strength. This maybe an interview unlike any other, get to know this incredible woman behind the powerhouse talent.

Mary Beth’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/marybeth_evans1

Mary Beth’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marybeth.evans/

Mary Beth’s Blog Plank: http://www.plankblog.com/

Reppin 3.3: Tara Setmayer

Tara Setmayer

Tara Setmayer is a CNN Political Commentator, ABC News Political Contributor and former GOP communications director on Capitol Hill. Setmayer is a 2020 Harvard Institute of Politics Resident Fellow  and Senior Advisor for The Lincoln Project. She is currently the host of  "Honestly Speaking with Tara," podcast. She often appears on CNN's prime time programs and contributes to ABC's Good Morning America, Nightline and guest hosts The View. She's also made numerous appearances on HBO's Real Time w/Bill Maher. She’s a lifelong Republican, resolute in her beliefs with the TRADITIONAL values of the GOP, and an outspoken critic of the current administration. Tara comes to REPPIN and gives us insight into who she is outside the political ring, where she draws her grit from and how she withstands the pressures of politics and what it takes to stand up against her own political party in an effort to restore the true principles of the republican party.

Tara’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/TaraSetmayer

Tara’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetarasetmayer/?hl=en

Tara’s Podcast: Honestly Speaking With Tara: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/honestly-speaking-with-tara-setmayer/id1435680502

Reppin 2.12: Nicola Correia-Damude

Nicola Correia-Damude

Nicola Correia-Damude is an award winning actor and singer. You’ve seen her on Shadowhunters, Burden Of Truth, October Faction, The Strain, Coroner and My Spy. Nicola has also been nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for her Guest Starring performance on Remedy and received the Best Actress in a feature film award at the San Diego FilmOut Festival for her work in Margarita. Nicola comes to REPPIN and shares her personal challenges of being mixed race, self identification, body diversity, inequalities, what she’s learned and what she’s doing to open doors for others. You’ll see she’s not only a talented actress and singer-but she’s out in front working to open doors for others.

Nicola’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicolancd

Nicola’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolasummer/?hl=en

Reppin 2.11: Aarti Sequeria

Aarti Sequeira

Aarti Sequeira is a popular mainstay on Food Network after winning season six of Food Network Star with her trademark combination of an infectious giggle and a unique food signature: American favorites with an Indian soul. She steps out of the kitchen to hang out on Reppin. She talks about her upbringing and how those experiences have helped her move through the world. She reveals her first choice for a career, hardships she faced and her path to being one of the most popular and beloved food personalities.

Aarti’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/aartipaarti

Aarti’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aartipaartipics/?hl=en