Pop Culture

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!

https://campsite.bio/reppinpodcast

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

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

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

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 4.9: Nancy Lee Grahn

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 SabonguiPhoto Credit: Brick Patrick

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 4.4: Yvonne Chapman

Yvonne ChapmanPhoto credit: Laura Baldwinson

Yvonne Chapman

Photo credit: Laura Baldwinson

Yvonne Chapman is a talented Chinese Canadian actress. She’s currently on CW’s hit Kung Fu as the complicated, alluring, sometimes heartbreaking but always lethal villain Zhilan. Her other credits have also included CBC’s Street Legal, CW’s “The 100”, ABC’s “The Crossing.”

Before she was kicking ass on screen, she was doing well in the world of corporate finance! On Reppin, Yvonne shares how she had to overcome her fears, break away from her family’s expectations, all sense of stability to take a giant leap of faith in an effort to make the life and career she wanted. Find out how she found her voice and her footing. And find out how her diverse upbringing, the challenges she faced and her ”late” start in entertainment actually HELPED her.

She reveals the lessons she’s learned and pays it forward here.

Yvonne’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/yvonne__chapman

Yvonne’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ypchapman/

Reppin 4.1: David Harewood

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