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

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

🎬 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

🎬 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

🎬 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

🎬 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

🎬 Season 4, Episode 10 - Dr. Kenneth B. Morris, Jr.: Carrying the Legacy of Freedom Forward

Dr. Kenneth B. Morris, Jr. is the great-great-great-grandson of Frederick Douglass and the great-great-grandson of Booker T. Washington - two of the most influential voices for freedom, education, and human dignity in American history. Today, he continues their legacy as Founder and President of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives (FDFI), an organization dedicated to ending human trafficking and building a more equitable world.

In this enlightening and timely episode, Dr. Morris and Mrs. Loida Lewis discuss:

✨ The achievements and powerful stories of Frederick Douglass and how his teachings continue to guide the work of justice today.

✨ The mission of FDFI.org: educating young people, preventing human trafficking, and inspiring the next generation of abolitionists.

✨ How modern forms of exploitation persist, and why education remains the pathway to freedom.

✨ His reflections on today’s climate - and what his ancestors might think if they were alive to witness this moment in history.

✨ The responsibility of carrying a remarkable family lineage and transforming it into meaningful action.

🎙️ A profound conversation on history, humanity, and the ongoing fight for freedom - reminding us that the work of Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington is far from finished.

🌐 Learn more about the work of FDFI and Dr. Kenneth:

🔗 FDFI.org

🔗 www.kennethbmorrisjr.com

📺 Watch or listen now:

YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast

Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod

📩 Share your reflections or questions: askloidalewis@gmail.com

#LoidaLewis #KennethBMorrisJr #FDFI #FrederickDouglass #BookerTWashington #HumanTraffickingAwareness #EducationIsFreedom #AbolitionistMovement #LegacyOfLeadership #Inspiration #TheLoidaLewisPodcast

🎬 Season 4, Episode 9 - Jessy Daing: Love, Leadership & Building Over A Glass Or Two

From managing billion-dollar projects in New York to co-hosting the first Filipino podcast aired on The Filipino Channel (TFC), Jessy Daing’s story is one of passion, resilience, and heart.

In this heartwarming episode, Jessy sits down with Mrs. Loida Lewis to talk about:

✨ How Over A Glass Or Two began - from a small idea between friends to becoming a globally televised Filipino podcast.

✨ Her friendship with co-host JCAS and creative partnership with producer JV Valino, who would soon become her husband.

✨ Her professional journey with top institutions like the Port Authority of NY & NJ, NYPD, Goldman Sachs, and MTA.

✨ Asking Mrs. Lewis for advice on lasting love and a strong marriage - as this episode was recorded just before her wedding to JV.

✨ Parenting and values - including how she raised her son to become the young man he is today, and how she continues to guide him with love and purpose.

🎙️ An inspiring and joyful conversation about friendship, family, career, and finding love where passion meets purpose.

🌐 Learn more:

💡 www.gigilglobal.com

📺 YouTube: Over A Glass Or Two

📸 Instagram:

@jessy_daing

@oagot.usa

Watch or listen now:

📺 YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast

🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast

🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod

📩 Share your reflections: askloidalewis@gmail.com

#LoidaLewis #JessyDaing #OverAGlassOrTwo #OAGOT #TheFilipinoChannel #TFC #FilipinoPodcast #FilAmStories #GIGILNewYork #WomenInLeadership #FilipinoExcellence #FilipinoPride #LoveAndLeadership #MarriageAdvice #Parenting #Kaeden #FilAmCommunity #TheLoidaLewisPodcast