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 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 4.6: Dr. Cornelia Griggs

Dr. Cornelia Griggs

As the world continues to be gripped by the pandemic, it’s the hundreds of thousands of front line heroes that continue to pull us through. One of those first responders is Dr. Cornelia Griggs. She’s a Pediatric Surgeon & Critical Care Specialist and mother.

She came to national attention when her tweet went viral. “My babies are too young to read this now. And they’d barely recognize me in my gear. But if they lose me to COVID I want them to know Mommy tried really hard to do her job.” Hear the story behind this tweet , was she ready to say goodbye? And hear how she grappled with doing her job to try and save others at the risk of her own safety.

The number patients pouring in and the devastation by covid 19 was punishing enough. But what was also exposed was the stark racial disparities that exist in an already broken healthcare system. Learn how Dr. Griggs’ personal background helped her understand her own privilege, how close that injustice hits home for her and how she’s reconciling her position. Despite the enormity and severity of the pandemic, how is she able to sustain the fight for others? How did she combat that sense of helplessness?

Each of these heroes have their own stories and we must remember the sacrifices they are making on our behalf. Here’s one of those stories…

Dr. Griggs’ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CorneliaLG

Reppin 4.5: Dr. Chen Fu

Dr. Chen Fu

Dr. Chen Fu is a front line hero. He’s been battling to save lives as hospitals were busting at the seams as patients poured in all desperately sick with Covid-19. Working exhaustively for days that bled into nights and back again, he fought to help as many as possible. Witnessing staggering numbers of devastating loss and gutting goodbyes, often multiple times a day was punishing. Proving time and again, despite his best efforts —they were futile.

While he struggled to help the sick, as a front line responder he was celebrated for what he was doing but the also vilified for what he is— Asian. The duality of this position compounded the situation he was in.

How does it impact him as a doctor? As a person? Did his faith in humanity diminish or has it been renewed?

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 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 2.8: Osric Chau

Osric Chau

Osric Chau is a Canadian actor and martial artist who starred as Kevin Tran on the CW’s mega hit Supernatural! Some of his other credits include Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, Blood and Water, Demon X, Arrow and The Flash. Osric shares some personal stories about self identity and discovery, you’ll find out what risks he’s taken, if they have paid off, what he’s learned and what he’s doing be the change he wants to see. This is an incredibly insightful conversation with this amazing talent.

Osric’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/OsricChau

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 1.9: 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 1.5: Tiffany Persons

Tiffany Persons

Representation in Hollywood is seeing some dramatic changes in the last several years and our next guest is someone who is working to ensuring that we continue that movement. Tiffany Persons is a prominent casting director in Hollywood with clients like Apple, Google to Nike. She’s also the Founder and Executive Director of a highly respected non profit organization called Shine On in Sierra Leone-an organization that provides educational programs, food to wellness for children. Tiffany shares some of her experiences as a casting director, how some of her personal experiences has shaped her and her work. See how she’s using her personal experiences and platform to transform children’s lives. You’ll be blown away by her work, dedication and heart.

Shine On: http://shineonsierraleone.org/

Reppin 1.4: Mahdis Keshavarz

Mahdis Keshavarz

A leader in the PR world and founder of The Make Agency, Mahdis Keshavarz has built an incredible firm with prestigious clients that include the United Nations, BBC, MTV and UNICEF to name a few. Mahdis shares her personal experiences, challenges she’s had to overcome and some defining moments that ultimately empowered her. Mahdis also built a sister company called Polite Society -where you can purchase beautiful gifts and every purchase dedicates a portion of their sales towards human rights causes. You’ll also hear about her personal humanitarian efforts that will leave you absolutely inspired.

The Make Agency: https://www.themakeagency.com/

Polite Society: https://www.sopolite.com/

Reppin 1.3: Jon Huertas

Jon Huertas

He has an impressive list of credits that include HBO’s Generation Kill, he was Detective Javier Esposito on ABC’s long running, fan favorite series Castle and now he is Miguel Rivas on NBC’s huge hit and critic’s darling This is Us. Jon Huertas comes to Reppin to share his experiences and thoughts-so get to know this amazing actor and see what he is doing to further representation.

Jon’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jon_Huertas

Jon’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jon_huertas/?hl=en

Reppin Premiere with Angie Thomas

Angie Thomas

Reppin Premiere: Angie Thomas

Her award-winning, acclaimed debut novel, The Hate U Give, is a #1 New York Times bestseller and major motion picture from Fox 2000, starring Amandla Stenberg and directed by George Tillman, Jr and her second novel, On the Come Up also on the NYT best seller’s list comes by to kick off the premiere episode of Reppin.

Angie’s Website: https://angiethomas.com/

Angie’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/angiecthomas