Dolly de Leon

S5 Ep. 5: Breaking Generational Poverty with PAGA & The Filipino Amerasian Story

Welcome to Season 5, Episode 5 of The Loida Lewis Podcast! Today, we uncover a vital, deeply emotional piece of US-Philippine history: the reality of Filipino Amerasians. Tita Loida welcomes the leadership and beneficiaries of the Philippine American Guardian Association (PAGA), an organization founded in 1921 to support the children of US military personnel left behind in the Philippines. Alongside PAGA Chair Lisa Kircher and Executive Director Jill Cortes, we hear real, raw stories of hope and survival from scholars who are breaking the cycle of generational poverty. From young students navigating life without their parents, to former Executive Director Deanna Bajar using DNA testing at 80 years old to finally locate her American family, these stories will stay with you forever. We also dive into PAGA’s 2026 goals, the structural impact of EDCA, and the crucial push for the US government to provide justice and humanitarian aid to the Amerasian community. ✨ What we discuss in this episode: A Century-Old Mission for Filipino Amerasians Stories of Resilience from PAGA Beneficiaries and Staff Breaking Generational Poverty Through Education The Power of DNA Testing: Finding Family After 50+ Years The Impact of EDCA and the Search for Recognition 📚 Empower yourself with books by Tita Loida and Tito Reggie: How to Get a Green Card (HTGAGC): https://amzn.to/4vuXzrw #ad Why Should Guys Have All the Fun? (WSGHATF): https://amzn.to/4xbKx3B #ad Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun? (WSWGHATF): https://amzn.to/4oaaRao #ad Rate and review us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for a chance to be featured on a future episode! Email your questions to askloidalewis@gmail.com. Let’s live, love, laugh, and learn together.

Surviving 23 Years on Death Row: Nick Yarris on Healing, Forgiveness & 'The Fear of 13' | S5 E4

How do you survive 8,057 days in solitary confinement for a crime you didn’t commit, only to emerge with a heart full of love instead of anger? In this unforgettable episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, Mrs. Loida sits down with the extraordinary Nick Yarris. Nick spent 23 years on death row before DNA evidence finally proved his innocence. He opens up about finding his humanity through literature, his philosophy of "neuroplasticity healing" to erase PTSD, and a surprising, deeply moving connection to a pen pal in the Philippines. Nick also talks about what it’s like to have his life adapted into the hit Broadway play, The Fear of 13, starring Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson, and shares his ultimate lesson: “You forgive to the level of love you give a human being.” Don't forget to follow the podcast and share this episode with someone who needs a little hope today. 📖 Explore books by Loida Nicolas Lewis and Reginald F. Lewis (HTGAGC, WSGHATF, WSWGHATF) How to Get a Green Card (HTGAGC): https://amzn.to/4vuXzrw #ad Why Should Guys Have All the Fun? (WSGHATF): https://amzn.to/4xbKx3B #ad Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun? (WSWGHATF): https://amzn.to/4oaaRao #ad Support Nick Yarris: https://nickyarrisofficial.com/ https://amzn.to/4vme1Kk #ad https://amzn.to/4vzvXSa #ad https://innocenceproject.org/cases/nicholas-yarris/ Learn more about his Broadway show The Fear of 13, his books (The Fear of 13, Seven Days to Live, etc), and the Innocence Project.

Dr. Raul Sunico: The Math Genius Who Became a World-Renowned Pianist

How does a mathematics teacher go on to conquer the world’s greatest concert halls? Today, Mrs. Loida Lewis sits down with Dr. Raul Sunico, an internationally celebrated concert pianist with an incredible five degrees - ranging from a Master’s in Statistics to a PhD in Piano Performance from NYU. Dr. Sunico shares his extraordinary journey, from getting accepted into Juilliard while recovering from illness, to the night he memorized a 40-page piece in just a few hours. He also reveals how his mathematical mind helps him perform feats no other pianist dares to try, like playing all four Rachmaninoff concertos in a single three-hour performance. Listen in for a masterclass on discipline, memory, and the power of representing the Philippines on the global stage. 🌐 Links: Learn more about Dr. Sunico: raulsunico.com Send your questions for Mrs. Loida: askloidalewis@gmail.com What is a massive goal in your life that you need to start tackling "page by page" using Dr. Sunico's advice?

🎬 Season 5, Episode 2 - Aimee Hofmann: Finding Peace Through Art & Redefining Resilience

For our second episode of Season 5, Mrs. Loida Lewis sits down with Aimee Hofmann, a remarkable abstract painter and visual artist whose path to success was born out of an unimaginable life pivot. After a sudden onset of a rare neurological condition left her paralyzed from the waist down, Aimee found profound healing and a new voice through painting. In this deeply moving conversation, Aimee shares her journey from the high-stress world of corporate marketing to becoming a self-taught, world-renowned artist. Through her vibrant and expressive work, Aimee reclaims the narrative around her identity as an Asian-American woman and disability advocate, proving that true resilience isn't about erasing challenges, but leaning into them. ✨ In this episode, Aimee shares: • The life-altering moment she was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis and her journey of grieving, healing, and practicing daily gratitude • How painting in the hospital rehab center gave her a sense of peace and sparked a thriving new career • Her incredible physical achievements, including swimming and completing two marathons on a handcycle bike • How she built a successful art business, partnering with ArtLifting to place massive installations in Fortune 500 companies like Google, Verizon, and Amazon • Why she believes "self-care must come first" when balancing life as an artist, advocate, and mother of two 🎙️ A powerful testament to the human spirit, this episode will inspire you to embrace life's beautiful imperfections and keep an open heart to new opportunities. 🌐 Learn more about Aimee and view her stunning portfolio: Website: aimeehofmannfineart.com Instagram: @aimeehofmannfineart 📺 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 #AimeeHofmann #AimeeHofmannFineArt #AbstractArtist #FilAmExcellence #Resilience #DisabilityAdvocate #WomenInArt #SuccessStory #ArtTherapy #TheLoidaLewisPodcast

🎬 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