Reppin

Disclaimer: This episode contains violence and graphic content. Listener descretion is advised.

What happens when you bring two very different people together, with opposite backgrounds and beliefs? Can something powerful and positive come out of a violent act and devastating loss? You're going to hear an inspiring story of perspective and transformation.

Today, Pardeep Kaleka is a first-generation immigrant from Punjab, India. His father, a visionary, made the courageous decision to uproot their lives and embark on a new journey in America. As one of the first Sikh families in their Milwaukee neighborhood, they faced unique challenges. Undeterred, his father's unwavering belief in the American Dream became their guiding light. Pardeep's father built a temple so the Sikh community would have a place to congregate. 

But on Aug 5, 2012 In a devastating act of violence, a white supremacist stormed their sick temple, tragically taking the lives of seven innocent people, including Pardeep's beloved father. But here's the thing—Pardeep didn't let darkness consume him. Instead, he embarked on a mission of rebuilding, and community building. He said, "In the aftermath of tragedy, I refused to let darkness consume me. Instead, I embarked on a mission of rebuilding, community building, and spreading hope and unity.” We'll hear his heartfelt account of the trauma and the emotional journey of reconciling conflicting emotions. You’ll learn about his father’s final moments and the impact of his final acts to leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and sacrifice.

Through my father's final acts, he left behind a legacy of love, strength, and sacrifice that continues to inspire and guide me." - 

But there's a twist! Pardeep challenges us to rethink how we perceive "monsters." He invites us to empathize and understand the societal failures that contribute to their creation. Get ready to be inspired by the transformative power of community as we explore our shared responsibility in shaping a brighter future.

This is part 1 of an amazing two part conversation. You'll witness firsthand how tragedy brought him to the doors of another white supremacist and how that grief ultimately forged an unlikely friendship.

The Gifts Of Our Wounds:

https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Our-Wounds-Supremacist-Forgiveness/dp/1250107547

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The American Dream is a globally revered ideology. But have you ever stopped to break down what that actually means or includes? Well, my guest today dives into that with first hand experience.

David Siev, the director behind the powerful documentary "Bad Axe," has made a significant impact in the film industry by earning a coveted spot on the prestigious Oscar shortlist for Best Feature Documentary. Through the lens of his multicultural background, with a Mexican mother and Cambodian father, David skillfully turns the camera towards his family's struggles amidst the pandemic.

"Bad Axe" illuminates a turbulent time in America, where a blend of conflicts, including COVID-19 and racial issues, threaten to either fracture families or bring them closer together. Witness their bravery as they confront ignorance, racism, and AAPI hate while fiercely fighting to preserve their family restaurant.

As the film unfolds, it raises profound questions about the ever-evolving American dream. What truly encompasses this cherished ideal, and who is included within its embrace? Has the concept transformed over time, or has it vanished altogether? Through David's compelling storytelling, we are invited to ponder the essence of the American dream and its significance in today's society.

Join me as I take you behind the scenes, offering unique perspectives on the making of "Bad Axe" and providing a deeper understanding of the multifaceted American dream. Together, we will explore the resilience displayed by David's family and many others, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage even amidst adversity.

As David Siev shares, "Through 'Bad Axe,' I aim to shed light on the struggles faced by my own family and countless others during these turbulent times." Let's uncover the true essence of the American dream and discover how it intertwines with our heritage and aspirations, as emphasized by David: "Our heritage and dreams are intertwined, and it is essential to fight for them."

This is a story about family, identity, race, perspective and the American Dream.

Get ready to explore all of this and ask yourself, what is your definition of the American Dream and who does it belong to?

David's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidsiev/

BAD AXE Documentary: https://www.badaxefilm.com/

David's Family Restaurant: Rachel's https://www.rachelsofbadaxe.com/

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Romina D'Ugo, a Canadian actress and dancer known for her roles in Designated Survivor, Nurses, and Rookie Blue, shares her powerful journey in this episode. Listen in on my conversations as Romina shares a deeply personal story of tending to her ailing father, which then inspired her to be a hospice volunteer. She shares the pressures and guilt she struggled with while balancing her own aspirations and family responsibilities.

This an emotional rollercoaster that's intimate and transformative. Through Romina's experiences, you'll gain a perspective on mortality and discover invaluable life lessons -even in times of grief. Witness the extraordinary power of vulnerability, healing, and genuine human connection.

As Romina poignantly reflects on her experiences, she shares this heartfelt quote that encapsulates the essence of those profound moments: "I would sit there with him... We had no walls. We had no words... And that's what those moments can offer you is there is nothing egocentric that you need to take with you. You can leave everything at the door because nothing else matters."

The lessons that Romina shares --reminds us to cherish precious moments with loved ones and that there can be beauty even in terrible times. Through her experiences, Romina shows that if you embrace ALL parts, ALL experiences, you gain a much richer tapestry of your life--and a more authentic self.

This is a story about #love, #connection #family #compassion #personalgrowth and so much more.

#RominaDUgo #HospiceVolunteer #LifeLessons #GenuineConnection #Inspiration #Transformation #Representation #ReppinPodcast

Romina's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rominadugo/

Link to volunteer for hospice care: https://www.silveradohospice.com/location/silverado-hospice-los-angeles/

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They say nice guys finish last and there is some truth to that. Life isn’t easy and no matter who you are or where you live, we all have to deal with difficult situations and people. This is certainly true in a wonderful but often times volatile industry like entertainment. But my guest, Allison Kluger has been able to do just that. Throughout her time in media, she has been able to navigate through a maze of chaos and sometimes explosive situations with class and integrity. She’s had a very successful career in television with credits that include Good Morning America, she was one of the original hires and worked alongside Barbara Walters on The View, and then with Al Gore on his start up, Current TV. Now, she she’s a lecturer at Standford University and has her own consulting firm.

Allison shares how she’s been able to succeed without compromising her integrity, character and goodness. She’s an award winning media expert that major power players like Alex Rodriguez and Tyra Banks call upon and have on their team to consult them on their business ventures.

This is a story about how create new opportunities for yourself, how to be resolute in your character, and how empathy and kindness are incredible strengths.

So grab a pen and get ready to take some notes on how to succeed with compassion and how to navigate the high stakes game of life.

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Have you ever had a great idea, wanted to try something new or had something you believed in-but the world said you couldn’t do it or it won’t work? Ever struggled with uncertainty or self doubt?? Well so did 3x Emmy winning talent Crystal Chappell. 

Crystal is a powerhouse actress you’ve seen on Days Of Our Lives. She was Dr. Carly Manning - 1 part of the super couple Bo and Carly. She was also on Guiding Light as Olivia Spencer, trailblazing as one of daytimes first lesbian characters with a ground breaking storyline featuring a same sex love story with Jessica Leccia’s character Natalia Rivera —also lovingly nicknamed Otalia. 

At a time when web series and streaming weren’t terms anyone knew about or understood. Crystal wanted to bring a whole Daytime series onto the web. Bringing ANY show onto the web was unheard of-let alone a traditional soap . It simply hadn't been done before. Also, creating a series from scratch and taking it all the way to fruition was not something Crystal had done before.

Crystal was faced doubters and some who would even try and take her down. On top of that she had a long list of challenges —everything from learning the legal procedures of putting a show together, technical know how to the endless challenges and rules of production--all the while she was a full time actress. These are staggering mountains to climb but she believed in her concept so much she took it on. What became of her vision was a digital series called Venice, in which she created, wrote, produced and end up taking multiple awards like the prestigious Emmy.

Today, our conversation takes us beyond the daytime arena, and you'll hear some of the herculean challenges that Crystal faced. She will share how she created new pathways not only for herself but for an entire genre. And she talks about some of the moments that made her realize her body of work had transcended into something impactful and life changing for others. 

Listen in and you’ll be inspired and empowered by what Crystal has accomplished but also how you can also take on new challenges and overcome the doubters. 

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** Disclaimer: This episode contains graphic content, sexual abuse, violence and other mature themes and is not intended for children. Some listeners may find the material disturbing, triggering and offensive. Listener discretion is advised.

In the previous episode of Reppin, I had the opportunity to speak with Sara Kruzan, a survivor of child sex trafficking. Sara was only 11 years old when she met a man who groomed and sold her for sex. From the time she was 13 to 16 years old, Sara was systematically trafficked and violated. When she finally managed to escape from this vicious cycle, Sara was manipulated by a local criminal who used her as bait to rob and, ultimately, kill the man who had trafficked her. Sara went to trial, where the history of abuse with her trafficker was not admitted into court as evidence. Despite being a juvenile, she was sentenced as an adult to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Sara's experience as a child was one of repeated victimization by the adults in her life, from her abusive mother to the school authorities and doctors who failed to adequately follow up on obvious signs of violence, to the justice system and society as a whole. Cori Thomas is an award-winning playwright, an advocate for the incarcerated, and the co-author of Sara’s gripping memoir, I Cried to Dream Again: Trafficking, Murder, and Deliverance (Pantheon Press.) Cori was front and center, walking beside Sara as they collaborated to recap her past. As my guest on the show, Cori takes us behind the scenes to describe what they had to do to tell this powerful story with honesty and heart. The episode brings you all the details of Sara’s experience, what it was like to work together, and how Sara's story impacted and inspired Cori. Don’t miss the conclusion of this powerful and uplifting conversation.

Be sure to purchase a copy of her powerful page-turner of a memoir: I Cried to Dream Again: Trafficking, Murder, and Deliverancehttps://bookshop.org/p/books/i-cried-to-dream-again-trafficking-murder-and-deliverance-a-memoir-sara-kruzan/17377464?ean=9780593315880

If you would like to learn more, help or TO GET HELP:

humanrightsforkids.org

rights4girls.org 

worldwithoutexploitation.org

SUBSCRIBE! SHARE! DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST!Reppin's FULL line up: https://campsite.bio/reppinpodcastReppin on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReppinPodcastInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/reppin_podc...Reppin's Youtube (Exclusive Extras, Behind The Scenes, Clips etc.)https://www.youtube.com/@Reppinpodcast

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** Disclaimer: This episode contains graphic content, sexual abuse, violence and other mature themes. Listener discretion is advised.

Sara Kruzan is a survivor. When Sara was only 11 years old, she met a man who groomed her to be exploited and sold for sex. From 13 to 16 years old, she was trafficked. And after years of systematic, dehumanizing rape and torture, she finally escaped, only to return a few days later and kill her trafficker on the orders of a local gangster who used her as bait to rob him. When Sara went to trial, the pain and trauma she experienced as a child was not admitted into evidence, nor was the fact that the victim was her trafficker. The mastermind of the crime was also not implicated. Without that evidence, the prosecution, the judge, and the media depicted Sara as a sophisticated killer – a far too common response for girls of color in our country, especially when sex or a murder is involved. Sara was tried as an adult and sentenced to life in prison without parole, plus four years. In 2013, after Human Rights Watch took up her case pro bono. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger reduced Sara’s sentence, making her eligible for a parole hearing. Sara left prison on October 31, 2013.

Since Sara’s release she has worked tirelessly to reform the way the criminal legal system treats children who have been abused and exploited. She has a fierce advocate working with the non-profit organization Human Rights for Kids to educate and has led to the creation and introduction of “Sara’s Law” in more than a half a dozen states and the U.S. Congress. These protections allow judges to depart from harsh mandatory minimums, suspend sentences, and keep child victims in juvenile court instead of adult court. Sara has also written a riveting memoir about her life experiences and advocacy work, entitled I Cried to Dream Again: Trafficking, Murder, and Deliverance, (Pantheon.)

Time and again, Sara had been victimized. She was let down by an abusive mother, by school authorities, social services, doctors, and the justice system. Through it all, Sara has remained a kind and compassionate woman. Although Sara's experiences are devastating and horrific -- hers is also one of the most powerful, inspiring stories of hope, persistence, grit, resilience, and unbelievable strength. Sara shows all of us that we CAN overcome, live with and move forward with unimaginable trauma. She sets an example of how to fight to create the changes the world needs-and how to be the champion you never had. 

This is very special set of Reppin episodes. Sara's discussion is part one of two. Please join us for part 2 as we continue this conversation with the co-author of Sara's book, Cori Thomas, an award-winning playwright and advocate for the incarcerated. Cori will bring us further into Sara's story, and describe what she learned from Sara.

Human trafficking is happening right in front of us. Exploitation and violation of all kinds are happening to people of all ages--even very young children. Ignoring it doesn't make it go away-it actually makes it more possible. Knowing that each of us has POWER to change how the world is--and to save another life is what we should embrace, own and exercise. Imagine the change you could make in another's life--just starts with one small step.

This is truly one of the most important and astonishing stories of our times —and Sara to me, is so amazingly inspiring. I’m privileged to have her on this podcast and to know her.

Be sure to purchase a copy of her powerful page-turner of a memoir: I Cried to Dream Again: Trafficking, Murder, and Deliverance

https://bookshop.org/p/books/i-cried-to-dream-again-trafficking-murder-and-deliverance-a-memoir-sara-kruzan/17377464?ean=9780593315880

If you would like to learn more, help or TO GET HELP:

humanrightsforkids.org

rights4girls.org 

worldwithoutexploitation.org

ecpatusa.org 

sharedhope.org 

polarisproject.org 

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Southern Progressive. That may sound as wild as spotting Big Foot at Starbucks ordering a latte-decaf with almond milk of course. But stand up comic, author, podcast host and content creator Trae Crowder is just that. Trae hails from the deep south from a tiny town and describes his style of comedy as being Jeff Foxworthy if he was a very verbose progressive. His videos like his perspective on transgender bathrooms have gone viral crushing the internet. You'll see him often in his car tackling sensitive issues like gun laws, student loan debt, Roe V Wade to the GOP to Biden. Trae is dismantling hypocrisies with laser precision, hilarity, heart --all with a southern twist.

He's the co-author of The Liberal Redneck Manifesto: Draggin' Dixie Outta the Dark. Along with fellow comics, Corey Ryan Forrester and Drew Morgan they host a great podcast called WellRED.

In my conversation with Trae, you'll see how he became the "blue sheep" in a predominately conservative state, the challenges he faced growing up, how he managed being teased in his community for not following the norm and we explore the biases between the southern parts vs the northern parts of America.

You'll learn the origin story of his moniker The Liberal Redneck and what his goals were and continue to be. Trae will share how he's using his humor to look at difficult issues that are hard to talk about, how stereotypes, prejudices and how representation effects EVERYONE regardless of race, gender, and orientation. No matter who or what you are, what you do for a living all the way to where you live--biases and representation is something that we ALL have to contend with.

And through this conversation, you'll see that Trae isn't only super smart, tremendously talented and funny--but also incredibly passionate about making this world a better and inclusive place.

Trae's website and show dates: https://www.traecrowder.com/

Trae's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialtraecrowder/?hl=en

Trae's link tree: https://linktr.ee/traecrowder

SUBSCRIBE! SHARE! DOWNLOAD!

Reppin's FULL line up:

https://campsite.bio/reppinpodcast

Reppin on Apple Podcasts:

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

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/ReppinPodcast

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/reppin_podc...

Reppin's Youtube (Exclusive Extras, Behind The Scenes, Clips etc.)

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

Reppin's Website:

https://reppin.tv/

Reppin is a Suburban Outlaw Productions

www.SuburbanOutlawProductions.com

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved.

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Chinese Canadian, Actor, Martial Artist, Model Ludi Lin is comfortable and confident on screen. He's appeared on international press, major blockbusters like Aquaman, Mortal Kombat, Power Rangers and most recently he was bad boy Kerwin Tan on CW's Kung Fu. He's been kicking ass on screen for years and he is NOT someone you want to mess with. But what would you say if you learned he was bullied?

In this personal conversation, we learn that Ludi moved around a lot as a kid-felt "abandoned," was bullied mercilessly and how he had to fight every single day to try and stand up for himself. Through some of these early, tough moments, he realized some of the boxes he was put in--racism he faced but also stopped to question, how he -possibly could also be a conduit of the very same biases he was facing. "I guess my first experience with racism is at both ends of the spectrum do you know what I mean? To be taught that, it didn't feel good and to be at the receiving end and for something that I, that I didn't choose. And I just felt lost and casted aside. So I think everyone needs to ask themselves at what point where you first racist and at what point where you being racist toward?"

Ludi shares some of those reflections and life lessons he's earned from his childhood-the changes he's made and how he's become a voice for the voiceless. Lean in and her how he overcame those hardships, what inspired him and helped him grow--and find out what happened that made him tear up.

Ludi's Twitter: https://twitter.com/ludi_lin?lang=en

Ludi's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ludilin/?hl=en

Subscribe! Share! Download and Review!!

Reppin's FULL line up:

https://campsite.bio/reppinpodcast​

Reppin on Apple Podcasts:

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

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/ReppinPodcast​

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/reppin_podc...

Reppin's Youtube (Exclusive extras):

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

Reppin's Website:

https://reppin.tv/

Reppin is a Suburban Outlaw Productions

www.SuburbanOutlawProductions.com

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actor and content creator Mike Bow (CW's Kung Fu, ABC's The Company You Keep) shared his personal experiences of growing up in New York and his dreams of being an actor. Being half Korean, half Chinese, he had more diversity around him, but saw roles for Asians in entertainment were incredibly scarce and what little he did see, Asians were being portrayed as the undesirable, social outcasts. Knowing that the odds were stacked against him, he still went after his dreams. We talked about his journey from struggling for roles, to what it meant when he was brought back by popular demand as fan favorite Simon Lau on Kung Fu. Our conversation was very insightful, emotional and frankly, personally revealing. Mike made me realize the insidiousness of the messages that are being out there, how very damaging it can be--and how it shaped me. This is a conversation about having the heart, courage and persistence to pursue your dreams, staying positive, and being the change that is needed.

Come behind the scenes with me as I detailed my time with Mike and what I learned from my conversation with this positive, talented guy.

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