The Loida Lewis Podcast

🎬 Season 5, Episode 1 - Steven Raga: The First Fil-Am NY Assemblymember on Politics, Arrests & Activism

We are kicking off Season 5 with Assemblymember Steven Raga, the history-making first Filipino American elected to the New York State Legislature. His journey from a dedicated student leader to a legislative powerhouse is an incredible story of success, grounded in community service and the courage to stand up for what's right. In this candid conversation with Mrs. Loida Lewis, Steven opens up about the realities of New York politics, including his recent arrest at 26 Federal Plaza while protesting unjust ICE detentions. He shares practical advice for aspiring leaders, detailing how volunteering, leaving ego at the door, and building consensus are the true keys to political impact. Steven also breaks down his major legislative victories, and explains the immense pressure and pride of representing the diverse neighborhoods of Queens. This episode is a powerful exploration of what it means to be a true public servant and a champion for human rights. Learn more about Steven’s work and his campaign: Follow on social media: @ragaforqueens Connect with us: YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast Send your questions for Mrs. Loida: askloidalewis@gmail.com

Dolly de Leon

🎬 Season 4 Finale - Episode 14: Dolly de Leon - From Local Theater Stages to Global Spotlight For our Season 4 finale, Mrs. Loida Lewis sits down with the incomparable Dolly de Leon - the internationally acclaimed Filipina actress whose rise from theater student to Golden Globe and BAFTA nominee has inspired audiences around the world. In this intimate and energizing conversation, Dolly opens up about her beginnings in the University of the Philippines theater program, the grind of early roles, and the breakthrough performance that changed everything: Ruben Östlund’s Triangle of Sadness - the film that catapulted her onto the global stage and earned her historic international awards recognition. ✨ In this episode, Dolly shares: • How Triangle of Sadness transformed her career - and why working with Ruben Östlund was “a masterclass” • The difference between Philippine and international film productions • What it was like acting alongside Nicole Kidman in Nine Perfect Strangers • Her bonding moments with the cast on set • Behind-the-scenes stories from her newest project with Tatiana Maslany, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed on Apple TV+ • How she stays grounded as a single mom 🎥 Where to Watch Dolly’s Work: • Triangle of Sadness - Streaming on Hulu • Nine Perfect Strangers - Hulu • Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed - Coming soon on Apple TV+ • Avatar: The Last Airbender - Netflix 🎙️ This finale is a celebration of craft, grit, late-blooming success, and the unstoppable power of Filipino talent on the world stage. 📺 Watch or listen now: YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod 💌 Send your questions for Mrs. Loida: askloidalewis@gmail.com #LoidaLewis #DollyDeLeon #TriangleOfSadness #NinePerfectStrangers #TatianaMaslany #NicoleKidman #MaximumPleasureGuaranteed #FilipinoActress #FilAm #TheaterToHollywood #ActingJourney #WomenInFilm #FilipinoPride #TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Veejay Floresca

🎬 Season 4, Episode 13 - Veejay Floresca: Breaking Barriers, Winning Project Runway & Redefining Modern Fashion In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode, Mrs. Loida Lewis sits down with Veejay Floresca - the history-making winner of Project Runway Season 21, a trailblazing Filipino American designer whose journey is defined by courage, craftsmanship, and unstoppable passion. From her early years sketching and sewing in the Philippines to earning her master’s degree in San Francisco, training in London, and rising to victory on one of fashion’s biggest stages, Veejay’s story is a masterclass in perseverance and reinvention. ✨ In this episode, Veejay opens up about: • Her winning journey on Project Runway Season 21 - and what it took to finally claim the crown after years of near-misses • How her beginnings in the Philippines shaped her discipline, taste level, and devotion to quality • The influence of her father - her biggest supporter, inspiration, and guiding voice • How being a Filipino American trans woman fuels her purpose, identity, and commitment to visibility • Her belief in slow fashion, intentional design, and truly seeing the client • What she hopes to build next - from inclusive fashion to uplifting future designers 🎙️ A celebration of resilience, identity, artistry, and the courage to keep showing up - even when the world says no. 🌐 Learn more about Veejay’s work: IG: @veejayfloresca Website: veejayfloresca.com 📺 Watch or listen now: YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod 💌 Send your questions for Mrs. Loida: askloidalewis@gmail.com #LoidaLewis #VeejayFloresca #ProjectRunway #ProjectRunwaySeason21 #FilipinoDesigner #FilAm #FashionDesign #TransExcellence #SustainableFashion #SlowFashion #ArchitecturalFashion #FilipinoPride #RepresentationMatters #WomenInFashion #CreativeJourney #TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Mon Abrea

🎬 Season 4, Episode 12 - Mon Abrea: Unpacking Flood-Control Funds, Transparency & the Leadership We Deserve Why do we pour billions into flood-control projects, yet so many Filipino communities remain underwater? In this powerful episode, Mrs. Loida Lewis and Mon Abrea - "The Philippine Tax Whiz" - confront one of the country’s most pressing questions: Where do our funds go, and what must change for Filipinos to finally feel the results of the taxes they pay? Together, they dive into the real issues behind public spending, accountability, and civic responsibility - and what genuine leadership looks like in a time when the public is demanding clarity, honesty, and direction. ✨ In this episode, they discuss: • Why flood-control funding remains controversial - and what transparency actually requires • How taxpayers can be empowered to demand better governance and reporting • The role of community voices in shaping fair, effective public policies • The importance of ethical leadership in nation-building • Mrs. Loida’s reflections on courage, integrity, and what she believes the Filipino people truly deserve 🎙️ This conversation is timely, necessary, and deeply rooted in the belief that an informed public is the strongest force for progress. 📺 Watch or listen now: YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod 💌 Send your questions for Mrs. Loida: askloidalewis@gmail.com #LoidaLewis #MonAbrea #FloodControl #TaxTransparency #Governance #PublicFunds #PhilippineIssues #NationBuilding #Leadership #Accountability #TheLoidaLewisPodcast #FilipinoCommunity #CivicEducation #GoodGovernance #PhilippineTaxWhiz

Carmen Evelyn G. Nuyda

🎬 Season 4, Episode 11 - Carmen Evelyn G. Nuyda: From Couture to Mindfulness to Bringing Elizabeth Keckley’s Story to Life In this inspiring episode, Mrs. Loida Lewis sits down with Carmen Evelyn “Carlyn” Nuyda — dressmaker, artist, author, and the creative force behind Lizzy: The Elizabeth Keckley Story. Together, they explore Carmen’s creative journey and the remarkable life of Elizabeth Keckley, a historical figure whose story has shaped Carmen’s artistic path. ✨ How Carmen built her career in couture, designing gowns featured in major magazines like Martha Stewart Weddings and InStyle ✨ Her shift toward mindfulness and healing after a major health challenge ✨ How the story of Elizabeth Keckley became a source of strength and inspiration ✨ The years of research she dedicated to Keckley’s life, work, and legacy ✨ The real historical details she uncovered — from Keckley’s rise as a talented designer to the influential women she dressed ✨ How Carmen transformed this research into a novel now being adapted for the stage Carmen’s passion brings forward Elizabeth Keckley’s resilience, artistry, and impact — reminding us how powerful it is when untold stories are finally given a voice. 📚 Learn more about her book and work: 🔗 elizabethkeckley.com 🔗 IG: @the_elizabeth_keckley_story 📖 Get her book here: https://amzn.to/44ojVj0 #ad 📺 Watch or listen now: YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod 💌 Send your questions for Mrs. Loida: askloidalewis@gmail.com #LoidaLewis #CarmenEvelynNuyda #ElizabethKeckley #LizzyNovel #FashionAndHistory #MindfulnessJourney #CreativityAndHealing #TheLoidaLewisPodcast