By JV Valino
The first thing you notice about Loida Nicolas Lewis in a conversation or when she interviews guests, is not what she says, not even her questions, not even her fabulous clothes or jewelry, but it’s how she listens. It’s the way she waits.
In an era of short video clips, rapid-fire questions and memes, the Filipino American business leader practices an art form that feels both old-fashioned and radical, intentional attention. She lets her guests breathe. She listens closely, reflects back what she’s heard, and often repeats a striking phrase, inviting them and the listeners to linger on it. In those pauses, something rare happens: people share stories and truths they might otherwise keep to themselves. As if to ensure that hard-earned wisdom, sometimes painful, takes root.
It’s this deliberate, unique, and almost old-world pacing that has given The Loida Lewis Podcast its quiet authority. It stands as proof and testament of Lewis’s belief that the most profound legacies are not measured in titles or wealth, but in the stories we choose to carry forward and choose to preserve.
Her own story, of course, is the stuff of biographies. A Filipina immigrant who became the first Asian woman to pass the New York State Bar without a U.S. law degree, she would later lead the billion-dollar TLC Beatrice empire after the untimely passing of her husband, Reginald F. Lewis, the visionary who was the first African American to build a billion-dollar company. His legacy, built on a foundation of vision and a fierce commitment to excellence, is an integral part of her own, it remains inseparable from her own journey, shaping the way she thinks about ambition, leadership, and legacy.
In her podcast, she chooses to step out of the spotlight, she always resists making herself the center of the narrative, and passes down the microphone to others.
To live, love, laugh, and learn
“I want to make memories visible, while the storytellers are still with us,” Lewis says.
Lewis often closes each episode with a guiding principle for her audience: “Let’s live, love, laugh, and learn together.” This is not just a tagline, but the philosophy that underpins every conversation, from tales of corporate success to moments of personal heartbreak.
Lewis’s own life has been a powerful example of this philosophy in action, and her wisdom is a direct extension of the lessons learned from her memoir, Why Should Guys Have All the Fun? She has used her platform to offer hard-won wisdom, not just as a host, but as a trusted mentor. To women striving in male-dominated fields, she shares a core belief from her book: that women possess “inner powers that men do not have” – like common sense, listening, and compassion, which are essential for true success. To young people searching for their identity, she often says, “Begin with integrity.” And to immigrants navigating a new life, she offers a powerful reminder drawn from her own experiences: “You are not here by accident. We are here to claim our space and to share our truths.”
This commitment to mentorship finds its most compelling expression in a recent episode with Sofronio Vasquez, the first Filipino and Asian American winner of The Voice USA. While the episode celebrates his historic victory, Lewis delves into the emotional landscape of his journey, revealing the profound truth that his success is rooted in love, gratitude, and a promise to his parents. On the verge of tears, Vasquez shares a deeply personal memory: “I used to see shoes in the mall and wish I could buy them for my dad… Now when I see shoes in the mall, it reminds me of him. I can afford them now, I can buy all the shoes that he wants, but I’m filled with regret because he’s gone.”
The moment of raw emotion brought tears to the eyes of the entire studio. It was a story of a son’s gratitude and a promise kept, for as Vasquez shared, his father’s final request was, “Don’t ever leave Mama behind.” Through Lewis’s thoughtful guidance, this personal story becomes a powerful reminder of hope, family, and perseverance for anyone who has ever faced a setback, connecting deeply with his large and loyal fan base.
A collection of trailblazing characters
The podcast’s back catalog is a treasure trove of inspiration, a rich collection of characters, voices, and experiences that goes beyond any single community. It features an impressive array of Asian American trailblazers and Filipino American icons who have redefined what success looks like. Podcast listeners can find timeless lessons in the artistic journeys of Emmy-award winner BD Wong and Hollywood legend Lou Diamond Phillips, both of whom share their experiences breaking stereotypes and finding their voices. BD Wong, known for his work in both television and on Broadway, expanded his career into directing and has a long history of teaching and mentorship, while Phillips, has continued his iconic acting career in films like “La Bamba” and “Young Guns” with major roles in hit series like “Longmire” and voice work for Disney, while also publishing a novel in his science-fantasy series, The Tinderbox.
Finance titan Anla Cheng, founder of the Serica Initiative, joined the conversation to discuss her organization’s mission of amplifying AAPI voices through dialogue and storytelling. The Serica Initiative has become a crucial force in fostering cross-cultural understanding and empowering the next generation of Asian American leaders. Similarly, Bing Chen, CEO of Gold House, revealed his work in building a leading cultural ecosystem for Asian Pacific creators and companies.
The podcast also delves into the worlds of fashion and identity, trailblazers who have made their mark in the industry. It featured renowned designer Rajo Laurel and Kenneth Barlis, a former Project Runway contestant who has built a successful global brand. The conversation also extends to fellow designer Bessie Besana, a co-founder of the historic FILIPINXT platform, who discussed his work and the recent milestone of earning a spot on the official New York Fashion Week calendar.
From politics to media, the podcast brings together some of the most respected figures in the Philippines. Listeners hear from former Senator Leila de Lima on her story of perseverance and Cris Comerford, a former White House chef who has served multiple U.S. presidents. The series is also filled with wisdom from media personalities Boy Abunda and Karen Davila, who offered insights from their decades at the center of Filipino media.
The podcast also featured celebrated singer and actress Rachel Alejandro and veteran actress Tessie Tomas on their storied careers. It also explores the journeys of Filipino-American actors who have found success on the global stage, including Vincent Rodriguez III and Red Concepcion, a theater actor known for his role as the Engineer in “Miss Saigon.”
Finally, the podcast uncovers inspiring stories from specialized fields. It highlighted Erwin Benedict Valencia, a physical therapist who has worked with elite athletes and teams, including the New York Knicks. Valencia shared his expertise not just in physical wellness, but in the mental discipline that underpins success. The series also featured prominent immigration lawyer Michael J. Gurfinkel, offering invaluable advice to the Filipino community.
For anyone seeking inspiration, encouragement, and a fresh perspective on what it means to lead with both strength and grace, the first three seasons offer a wealth of stories. Listeners are invited to catch up on these conversations and be ready to be captivated by the new voices and untold stories that will debut this September, 2025.
The Loida Lewis Podcast is produced by the creators of Over A Glass Or Two Podcast, Jessy Daing and JV Valino, and executive-produced by Lora Nicolas Olaes. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Facebook, and YouTube. New episodes return this September 14, 2025.
