Today I’m talking to Giovannie Espiritu. Gio is an actor, filmmaker/writer,  cult survivor and mother. She’s had recurring roles on ER, Trauma, Gilmore Girls, and Bones. You can see her as Melody in the Christmas film, Middleton Christmas and the series lead on DykeCentral on Amazon. 

Gio has been nominated alongside Academy Award Nominees for Best Supporting Actress at MethodFest. And as a 3-time Outfest Fusion Filmmaker, her short film, "Ultra-Feminist," was awarded Honorable Mention.

When I mention she was a cult survivor, no joke, the beginning of her life was made into a TV Movie in the Philippines. She was in fundamentalist Christian cult as a teenager, and discovered the TV industry and acting became kinda like her Savior.  We talk about this in this episode. But more importantly Gio’s story is one of true resilience and fighting for representation.

Gio also coaches teens & kids and was named one of the top 40 Audition Coaches in Los Angeles by the Hollywood Winners Circle. 

In this episode, we  talk about Gio’s journey, from immigrating from the Philippines, surviving a cult and domestic violence, to becoming an actor, award-winning filmmaker and top Hollywood Acting Coach.

• She talks about how to support and discover Filipino actors/creators/filmmakers/artists etc.
• And what it’s like being a Filipina woman in the entertainment industry
• We discuss the importance of advocating for Filipina experiences and telling the stories of those who are overlooked or pushed aside, And on Finding the best version of yourself even through difficult times 

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