Reppin

Reppin

By Evelien KongSociety & CultureDocumentaryArts
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Reppin episodes

  • K-Pop: The Rose Finding Success On Your Own Terms

    🎙️ How The Rose Broke the K-Pop System | Behind the Music, Mental Health & Friendship | Full Interview

    Go behind the scenes of The Rose: Come Back to Me — the new documentary about the Korean indie rock band who defied the K-pop industry to stay true to themselves. This in-depth conversation with award-winning filmmakers Eugene Yi and Diane Quon explores the real story behind The Rose’s rise, their fight for creative freedom, and the universal themes of identity, resilience, and friendship.
    🎬 The Rose: Come Back to Me isn’t just a K-pop documentary — it’s a story of courage, loyalty, and the power of choosing your own path in a system built to control it.
    🔥 In this exclusive interview, we dive into:
    Why The Rose left the K-pop trainee system to pursue their own sound
    How they fought back after being exploited by their record label
    What it means to be a Korean rock band in a K-pop world
    How the film champions mental health, masculinity & vulnerability
    Why Asian artists are still being boxed in — and how this story breaks that mold
    The personal journeys of filmmakers Eugene Yi and Diane Quon, and how they walked away from neuroscience and corporate media to chase their own creative dreams
    🎧 Whether you’re a fan of K-pop, The Rose, indie documentaries, or stories about mental health, immigrant identity, and artistic defiance, this episode is for you.
    ✨ This isn’t just a Korean music story — it’s a universal story. A story about what it means to stand up for your truth, honor your friends, heal from grief, and stay grounded in your purpose even when the world pushes back.
    👊🏼 Like, comment, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to subscribe for more interviews that spotlight the power of storytelling and representation.
    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reppin/id1480913421

    The Gram: https://www.instagram.com/reppin_podcast/?hl=en

    If you've seen the film post your review on Letterboxed and IMDB! Here are the links!
    https://letterboxd.com/film/the-rose-come-back-to-me/
    https://m.imdb.com/title/tt36589890/
    🌹 Follow The Rose:
    📸 Instagram: @official_therose
    REPPIN
    📢 Listen to the full podcast episode:
    🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reppin/id1480913421

    FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM:

    https://www.instagram.com/reppin_podcast/?hl=en

    Reppin's website: https://www.reppin.tv/



    #TheRose #ComeBackToMe #TheRoseDocumentary #KpopBand #KoreanRockBand #MentalHealthInMusic #AsianRepresentation #BreakingTheSystem #IndieDocumentary #AsianAmericanFilmmakers #MusicIndustryTruth #FriendshipAndLoyalty #CreativeFreedom #UniversalStory #RockNotKpop

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    43 min
  • Sonia Manzano: The Latina Legend Who OWNED Sesame Street

    The Maria From Sesame Street Who BROKE TV’s Mold & Changed EVERYTHING for Latino Kids

    You think representation in media is new? Nah. This episode hits DIFFERENT. We’re talking to the OG — the legendary talent who defined Maria on Sesame Street for 40+ years. She wasn’t just a character. She was a MOVEMENT.

    Sonia Manzano isn’t just “Maria” — she’s a trailblazer, an Emmy-winning writer, and a cultural icon who paved the way for Latino voices on TV. Growing up in the Bronx, Sonia broke barriers as one of the first Latina actresses on national television. Beyond acting, she shaped stories behind the scenes, winning multiple Emmys as a Sesame Street writer and creator of Alma’s Way, a groundbreaking animated series empowering Latino kids to embrace their identity and think critically. Sonia’s work has been a beacon of representation, education, and cultural pride for generations.

    Back in the 50s and 60s, there was ZERO space for people of color on TV. ZERO. She grew up in the Bronx, a young Latina with ZERO examples on screen to look up to — until she became one. This isn’t just nostalgia. This is the foundation of how Latino kids started seeing themselves on TV. Period.

    We get into:

    • How she owned her identity while holding down one of the most beloved kids’ shows EVER

      • Breaking generational trauma and building cultural pride through media

      • Why representation isn’t just nice to have — it’s ESSENTIAL for the future

        Here’s the deal — we all face challenges in breaking through the noise, the stereotypes, and the limitations people try to put on us. Whether it’s your culture, your background, or your dreams, this episode is a reminder that YOU have the power to create your own space. To tell your own story. To be the voice that others desperately need. If she could do it, so can you.

        Ready to stop waiting for someone else to represent you? Ready to break barriers and build your legacy? Hit play and get inspired!


        Subscribe, share, and drop a review — because every time you do, you’re helping us push this mission further. Let’s grow this community and show the world what REAL representation looks like.


        Real Stories. Real Identity. Real Power.

        🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts →https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
        📸 Follow us on IG → @reppin_podcast
        🌐 Explore more stories → www.Reppin.tv
        YOUTUBE:    / @reppinpodcast  

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        50 min
      • Julie Kim is bothered and unapologetic

        She’s Bothered. She’s Unapologetic. And She’s Saying What We’re All Thinking.

        Award-winning comedian, national headliner, and writer Julie Kim is done shrinking herself to make others comfortable. In this sharp, funny, and deeply real conversation, she unpacks the everyday microaggressions and quiet biases women—especially women of color—deal with constantly.
        From confronting manspreaders in premium class to shutting down a heckler mid-joke about childbirth, Julie’s turning these moments into something powerful, hilarious, and true.
        🎤 Seen on Just for Laughs, The Debaters, and sold-out stages across North America, Julie is done and speaking up.

        We’re not overreacting. We’re just done being quiet. We’re bothered—and unapologetic.

        Learn more about this powerhouse! Julie's site: https://www.juliekimcomedy.com/


        Follow Julie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliekimcomedy/

        🎧 Listen now on Reppin – the podcast that amplifies identity, courage, and unapologetic truth.

        👉 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Reppinpodcast
        📲 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reppin_podcast

        Reppin's website: https://www.reppin.tv/https://www.reppin.tv/

        🙌 Subscribe for bold stories, big laughs, and real conversations with people who’ve had enough—and are using their voices to change the game.
        #JulieKim #ReppinPodcast #BotheredAndUnapologetic #WomenInComedy #AsianVoices #ClapBackCulture #JustifiedRage #SpeakUp #FeministComedy #Microaggressions #empower #inspire #community

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        50 min
      • One Dog. One Addict. One Last Chance.

        He lost everything. Then a dog knocked on his door. Now he's saving lives across America.


        Let that sink in. Steven Knight was battling addiction, homelessness, trauma, and shame. He was out of options, out of hope—until one tiny, black dog named Jayde showed up and changed everything.

        This isn’t your average redemption story. This is about connection, purpose, and how a foster dog became the reason a man chose to live—and how that one moment sparked Dogs Matter, the ONLY organization in the U.S. that fosters dogs for people going into rehab.

        💡 WHY THIS MATTERS:
        Here’s the brutal truth: Thousands of people are ready to get clean but don’t go to rehab—because they have no one to care for their dog. That hesitation? It can be a death sentence. But Dogs Matter flips the script. They foster your dog so you can focus on recovery. Then, when you’re back on your feet? You’re reunited.

        This episode dives deep with Steven Knight, CNN’s 2024 Hero of the Year, and founder of Dogs Matter. We talk:

        • His decades-long battle with addiction

        • Being rejected by his own therapist for being gay

        • The power of unconditional love from a dog

        • Why connection is the opposite of addiction

        • What it really means to rebuild your life from nothing

          If you’ve ever felt lost, if you’ve ever needed a sign, if you’ve ever underestimated the power of a pet—this is your episode.


          🔥QUOTES TO LIVE BY:

          “The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety. It’s connection.”
          “Jade didn’t just save me. She gave me a reason to stay alive.”
          “Dogs teach us everything we forget: be present, love hard, judge less.”
          “We foster dogs. We save lives. Full stop.”


          🎙️About Reppin’
          Reppin’ is where real ones rise. We spotlight the unapologetic, the underestimated, and the unbreakable. We dive deep into identity, purpose, and power—unfiltered. No fluff. Just fuel.


          🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES:
          🐾 Learn more about Dogs Matter: www.dogsmatter.org
          📲 Follow Steven Knight on Instagram: @DogsMatter
          🐶 Support Dogs Matter with a donation → Save lives. Reunite families.

          🔊 Don’t just scroll. Press play.
          Because sometimes, a second chance doesn’t bark—it knocks.
          And sometimes, a dog saves the human.


          YOUTUBE:

          https://www.youtube.com/@Reppinpodcast/featured

          APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reppin/id1480913421

          INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/reppin_podcast/


          👉 LISTEN NOW.
          👉 SHARE this with someone who needs hope.
          👉 SUBSCRIBE for more real stories that hit deep.



          #AddictionRecovery #DogsMatter #ReppinPodcast #StevenKnight #SobrietyStory #AnimalRescue #DogFoster #MentalHealthAwareness #ConnectionIsHealing #CNNHero2024 #Reppin #LGBTQVoices #PetTherapy #SecondChances #RecoveryIsPossible #podcast #dogs #animals #petlovers #inspire #empower #positive #humanfirst #authenticity #podcast


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          53 min
        • From the Police Beat to Street Beats-Meet DJ ACE

          🎧 From Bed-Stuy to the Badge: DJ ACE’s Unfiltered Journey Through the Streets, the System & the Sound

          What do you call someone who grew up in tough neighborhoods in Brooklyn, rose through the ranks of the NYPD with empathy and grit, and rocks the turntables like a pro? You call him DJ ACE the Cut Lieutenant.

          He’s got one of the dopest sounds I’ve ever heard, and he's the man who helped me revamp the Reppin theme song into what you hear today.

          ACE takes us through his life growing up in Brooklyn Bed-Stuy during one of NYC’s most dangerous chapters, navigating the complexities of being Black and blue, and finding purpose through music, mentorship, and service.

          • Growing up street-smart in 1980s Brooklyn

          • Life lessons from his parents that helped him survive and thrive

          • The truth about community policing, empathy, and high-stakes decision making

          • Behind-the-scenes of being a cop in NYC — from partner dynamics to EDP calls

          • His lifelong love of DJing, and how it became a bridge to community connection


            Follow DJ ACE on Instagram:

            https://www.instagram.com/djace78/


            ACE'S website:

            https://www.djace78.com/abouthttps://www.djace78.com/about

            🎧 Listen now on Reppin – the podcast that amplifies identity, courage, and unapologetic truth.


            🎥 👉 Watch the full episode on YouTube: youtube.com/@Reppinpodcast
            📲 Follow the journey on Instagram: @reppin_podcast
            🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Reppin on Apple







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            48 min
          • The Heiress Who Said ‘Tax Me More!'

            What if the person with everything decided the system was broken—and then put her money where her mouth is?

            That’s not a headline. That’s Marlene Engelhorn’s real life.

            In this episode of Reppin, Marlene—yes, a multi-millionaire heiress from Vienna—breaks down why growing up rich wasn’t the dream everyone assumes… and how waking up to her privilege pushed her to become one of the most outspoken voices for wealth redistribution, tax reform, and economic justice.

            This isn’t performative philanthropy. It’s not guilt. It’s ACTION. REAL action. She literally gave away her inheritance. She co-founded Tax Me Now. She’s building a citizens' assembly to decide how to redistribute her wealth—democratically.

            If you’re someone who cares about social justice, economic inequality, wealth privilege, or what real accountability looks like, this episode is basically a masterclass.

            And if you’ve ever wondered why the system feels rigged—or what actual allyship looks like when someone with power steps up—this conversation is going to hit hard.

            You’ll hear Marlene get real about:

            • The emotional and social cost of extreme wealth
            • The moment she realized her “normal” wasn’t normal at all
            • The awkward truth about privilege, friendships, and trust
            • How relationships, care, and humanity drive real social change

              • This is the kind of episode people talk about. Share. Replay. Because it's not just a story—it’s a blueprint for a better world.

              🔥 If you want an episode that challenges your thinking, expands your empathy, and shows what real responsibility looks like—hit play now.

              Listen, share, and subscribe to Reppin for more raw, game-changing stories that redefine identity and impact.


              Instgram:

              https://www.instagram.com/reppin_podcast/


              Youtube:

              https://www.youtube.com/@Reppinpodcast


              Apple Podcasts:

              https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reppin/id1480913421

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              1 hr 13 min
            • Osric Chau : When The World Tells You No.

              🔥 “I didn’t want to change myself—I wanted to change the world around me.”

              That one of the many amazing insights from Osric Chau.
              In this powerful, deeply personal, and transformative episode of Reppin, I sit down with actor, producer, and changemaker Osric Chau—you know him from Supernatural, Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, and most recently, the history-making “Worth the Wait” on Tubi.
              But this conversation is different.
              For the first time ever, I share something I’ve never said out loud—how I struggled with my own identity, how I once wanted a nose job to “look more white,” and how hearing Osric's story helped me finally understand the depth of what representation really means—for all of us.
              💥 WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE:
              🎯 The Real Cost of Representation:
              Why not seeing yourself reflected in media isn’t just disappointing—it’s damaging. Osric and I unpack how these absences shaped our self-worth and cultural understanding.
              🎯 The Fearless Mindset:
              How Osric made the bold decision to take a one-way flight to the Philippines—no budget, no backup plan, just a script and relentless faith. (Spoiler: it changed his life—and career.)
              🎯 Lessons on Resilience, Identity & Grit:
              From navigating Hollywood as “one of the very few Asian guys” to becoming someone others now look up to, Osric opens up about leadership, legacy, and trusting his future self—even when the odds are stacked.
              🎯 Soft Power, Real Impact:
              Representation isn’t just about being seen. It’s about shaping perception, shifting culture, and reclaiming the narrative. Osric breaks down how normalizing our stories rewires what the world thinks is beautiful, capable, and powerful.
              🎯 Exclusive Insight Into “Worth The Wait”:
              Osric dishes on his new groundbreaking rom-dram anthology on Tubi—the platform’s first-ever original Asian-American film with an all-star cast (Ross Butler, Lana Condor, Andrew Koji). Spoiler: it’s changing the game.
              🧠 WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN:
              This is more than an interview—it’s a mirror. Whether you’ve struggled with identity, want to blaze your own path, or just need a reminder that your voice matters—this episode is for you.
              You’ll walk away feeling seen, heard, and empowered.
              OSRIC'S SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/osricchau/?hl=en

              🎧 STREAM NOW
              📲 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, or wherever you get your podcasts.
              🔗 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reppin/id1480913421
              WATCH THIS FULL INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE
              https://www.youtube.com/@Reppinpodcast
              INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/reppin_podcast/?hl=en
              👉 Don’t forget to rate, review, and share—your support helps amplify the voices and stories that matter.

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              55 min
            • Janet Yang & The Rose: The Power Of Being Seen

              What happens when one of Hollywood’s most iconic producers teams up with one of the world’s most beloved bands to tell a story about identity, resilience, and belonging?

              In this episode, we sit down with legendary producer Janet Yang — the force behind The Joy Luck Club and The People vs. Larry Flynt — to talk about her powerful new documentary The Rose: Come Back to Me, centered on the wildly popular global band The Rose and the community they’ve built around the world.

              Janet shares how her own journey — from navigating cultural challenges in childhood to pioneering Asian stories in Hollywood — shaped her passion for telling deeply human stories. We talk about the making of The Rose, why representation still matters, and how music, film, and culture can connect people across borders in ways that feel urgent and personal right now. The episode also highlights an inspiring story about friendship, success on your own terms, and honor, and what it means to stay true to who you are while building something meaningful.

              If you’ve ever wondered how stories shape who we are — or why The Rose resonates with millions of fans — this conversation pulls back the curtain. It’s about courage, creativity, and the power of seeing yourself reflected on screen in this must-listen Janet Yang interview and behind-the-scenes look at the documentary film The Rose: Come Back to Me.

              🎧 Tune in for a candid, inspiring conversation with a powerhouse producer about legacy, representation, and the film that celebrates one of today’s most influential bands in global music and pop culture.

              Episode highlights:
              • The inspiration behind The Rose: Come Back to Me documentary
              • Janet Yang’s groundbreaking path in Hollywood film and television
              • The role of representation in shaping identity
              • How film and music build lasting communities


              Learn more about the documentary: In theaters THIS weekend! Feb. 14

              The Rose: Come Back To Me

              https://www.therosedoc.com/


              🎧 LISTEN NOW
              📲 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, or wherever you get your podcasts.
              🔗 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...


              ▶️ WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE
              🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@Reppinpodcast


              📸 FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
              🔗 https://www.instagram.com/reppin_podc...



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              51 min
            • Far East Movement & the rise of The Rose

              Reppin: James Roh on The Rose Documentary, Far East Movement’s Historic Breakthrough & The Rose’s Rise

              What does it take to break barriers, top the charts, and still stay rooted in community?

              In this episode of Reppin, I sit down with James Roh — artist, manager, and founder — to unpack the making of the The Rose Documentary and the remarkable rise of The Rose, a band that has built a fiercely loyal global fanbase through raw honesty, independence, and a commitment to authenticity.

              We trace the spark that led to the film — from a studio moment inspired by Michelle Yeoh to a key connection with Janet Yang — and why their story resonated so strongly when I saw it premiere at Tribeca Festival. The documentary captures a band navigating military service, label transitions, and creative rebirth while holding tight to friendship and mental health.

              James also dives deep into Far East Movement’s groundbreaking legacy as the first Asian American group to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with Like a G6. We talk about their decade-long grind, global touring, major collaborations, and the cultural impact of breaking into a space where Asian American artists were rarely seen — along with the backlash and pressure that came with that visibility. Their later album Identity marked a creative turning point, reconnecting the group to culture and community across Asia.

              You’ll hear how James channels those hard-earned lessons into active community building — using his experience to help boost The Rose and create sustainable paths for other artists. Through Transparent Arts, and collaborations with Wong Fu Productions and Gold House, he’s focused on building an ecosystem where Asian and Asian American creatives can thrive long term — and why that mission fuels everything he does.

              This episode is about chart-topping milestones, creative resilience, and the power of lifting others as you rise. If you care about music, identity, and building something bigger than yourself, this conversation is for you.


              In This Episode:

              • The story behind The Rose documentary and the band’s global rise

              • Far East Movement’s historic No. 1 hit and cultural impact

              • The realities of visibility, backlash, and redefining success

              • How James uses his journey to strengthen community and boost The Rose

              • Building a lasting Asian American creative ecosystem


                LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY:
                The Rose: Come Back To Me
                https://www.therosedoc.com/
                🎧 LISTEN NOW
                📲 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, or wherever you get your podcasts.

                https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reppin/id1480913421

                ▶️ WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE
                🔗 / @reppinpodcast
                📸 FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
                🔗 ⁠  / reppin_podc⁠.  .

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                44 min
              • From the Grind to Global Greatness: Chef Pam becoming the World’s Best

                Ever wondered what it really takes to rise from peeling potatoes to being named the World’s Best Female Chef?


                In this powerful episode of REPPIN, I sit down with Chef Pam Soontornyanakij aka Chef Pam— the culinary visionary behind Bangkok’s acclaimed restaurant Potong — and the 2024 winner of both Asia’s Best Female Chef and The World's Best Female Chef by 50 Best.

                Chef Pam shares her 15-year journey through the culinary trenches — from studying at Le Cordon Bleu, working in Michelin-starred kitchens in New York, to navigating burnout, cultural expectations, and industry pressures.

                Whether you’re:

                • Feeling stuck in a repetitive job

                • Battling burnout in a high-pressure industry

                • Trying to build a career from passion

                • Or just love inspiring underdog stories…

                  👉 This episode gives you the mindset, micro-habits, and motivation to keep going.

                  • How Chef Pam used small, measurable goals to fight burnout and stay motivated

                  • Why redefining success through passion and persistence leads to long-term impact

                  • How to stay true to your cultural identity while building a global brand

                  • The mental health strategies every creator, founder, and professional should adopt

                    Chef Pam’s story isn’t just about food — it’s about resilience, identity, shaking off societal pressures and building something meaningful when no one’s watching. Whether you’re in media, entrepreneurship, tech, or hospitality, this episode will hit home.


                    🎧 LISTEN NOW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you get your podcasts.

                    🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reppin/id1480913421

                    📸 Follow us on Instagram: @reppin_podcast
                    ▶️ Watch exclusive extras on YouTube: @ReppinPodcast
                    🌐 Explore more at: www.reppin.tv


                    POTONG'S WEBSITE:

                    https://www.restaurantpotong.com/


                    CHEF PAM'S GRAM:

                    https://www.instagram.com/chef.pam/?hl=en


                    POTONG'S GRAM:

                    https://www.instagram.com/restaurant.potong/?hl=en


                    📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share to help REPPIN keep telling stories that matter.

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                    53 min

                  About Reppin

                  From the publisher's feed

                  the world knows what they're known for. this show finds out who they are.