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NEW PODCAST EPISODE: Mental Health Awareness with Maricres Castro! Check out this new episode of Kiss My Mike! Maricres Castro is a Mental Health Program Manager at the Asia Pacific Cultural Center in Washington State. In her role, she works closely with community members to help manage programs focused on mental health and wellness. APCC provides free and low-cost therapy sessions for community members, while also hosting programs such as meal clubs, cultural activities, youth programs, and more. During our conversation, Maricres also shares her personal background, including her early work as a molecular biologist and how her experience caring for her father eventually led her toward community service. Most importantly, we talk about mental health, why these conversations matter, and how communities can better support one another. Check it out here:  BUZZSPROUT: https://kissmymike.buzzsprout.com/ SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/4XD5gPK3JEBtdUSeLrpeIi APPLE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1553801731

New podcast episode featuring Filipino American filmmaker, ANDREW ACEDO! BIO: Beyond being an avid Letterboxd user, Andrew Acedo is a Filipino American filmmaker whose shorts have been selected by numerous festivals - including a few Academy-qualifying ones - and nominated for or won several awards. He currently serves as the Manager of Community and Impact at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures where he bridges his passions for cinema and activism. In filmmaking, Andrew is interested in making dramedies that explore his Filipino culture and empathize with characters struggling to define their identities. In his community work for the Academy Museum, he seeks to foster a sense of belonging for historically excluded groups and challenge the film industry’s dominant narratives. He’s currently developing a short film/proof-of-concept entitled “Sugar Free Dreams,” a Filipino family dramedy that explores intergenerational connections. Only on KISS MY MIKE!

Check out this new podcast episode featuring guest Zeus Oira.  Zeus plays Luis in my upcoming feature directorial debut, In This Moment. In this episode, we talk about Zeus’s background, his process in preparing for the role, and what he hopes audiences will take away from the film. We also dive into some fun and random topics, including his cat, Spotify playlists, and more. Now streaming, only on Kiss My Mike. #KissMyMike #Podcast #ZeusOira #InThisMomentFilm #IndieFilm #Filmmaking #LGBTQFilm #FilmmakerLife #ActorInterview #IndieCinema

🎙️ NEW PODCAST EPISODE OUT NOW! March is International Women’s Month, and in this special episode, I had the honor of sitting down with two incredible Filipino moms: my dear friend Jocy Walla (my very first podcast guest ever!) and a new friend, Fe Gonzaga. We all met here in the Pacific Northwest, connected by friendship, faith, motherhood, and our shared journey as Filipino immigrants. In this heartfelt and honest conversation, we talk about: ✨ How we’re celebrating International Women’s Month  ✨ The beauty and challenges of womanhood  ✨ Motherhood in a different country  ✨ Cultural expectations and “Catholic guilt”  ✨ Divorce, marriage struggles, and navigating relationships  ✨ Parenting while honoring both heritage and individuality  ✨ And so much more… This episode is raw, reflective, and full of laughter, wisdom, and real talk. As immigrant women raising families away from home, our stories are layered with strength, sacrifice, faith, and growth. Women deserve to be celebrated—not just this month, but every single day of the year. 💛 Dive in and join the conversation. #InternationalWomensMonth #CelebrateWomen #FilipinoMoms #FilipinoImmigrants #PNWCommunity #Womanhood #MotherhoodUnfiltered #CatholicGuilt #MarriageTalk #ParentingJourney #WomenSupportingWomen #PodcastLife #NewEpisode #FilipinaVoices

New Podcast Episode: I spent 25 years working in technology before shifting into a creative life as a screenwriter and filmmaker. Hearing Daniel Kwan speak about AI reminded me that this moment is not just about tools. It’s about ethics, jobs, storytelling, and what it means to stay human in a rapidly changing world. AI is already here. The question is whether we shape it with care, responsibility, and community—or let others decide for us. If you’re a creator trying to make sense of all this, you’re not alone. Let’s keep learning, adapting, and protecting the heart of storytelling together. #kissmymike #podcast #AI #filmmaking

Starting over in your 40s can feel terrifying, lonely, and uncertain. In this first episode of a new series on reinvention, creativity, and emotional growth in adulthood, I share what it really feels like to begin again—and why it might be more hopeful than we think. If you’re navigating change, questioning your path, or wondering if it’s too late, this conversation is for you  #newpodcastepisode #kissmymike #startingover #creativejourney

In this heartfelt short episode, I reflect on Mother’s Day and share personal memories of my mom, who passed away in 2018.  Growing up in the Philippines, we didn’t have much, but my mom understood the value of education and invested in our future the best way she could. Her sacrifices helped pave the way for my journey to the U.S., where I found career success and was able to help support my family through tough times. Our relationship wasn’t perfect, and like many Filipino families, we navigated the expectations of supporting one another—especially the cultural pressure for children to provide for their aging parents. I did what I could, but also had to find space for my own dreams. Before my mom passed, we were in the process of healing. I just wish we had more time. This episode is a reminder to cherish your loved ones, speak kindly, and never miss a chance to say “I love you.” Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms and those who carry their memories with them. 💐 #KissMyMike #MothersDay #FilipinoFamily #GriefAndHealing #ImmigrantJourney #Motherhood #LoveAndLoss #FilAmPodcast #PinoyPodcaster #FamilyMatters #PersonalReflections #FilipinoCulture

Why is May named after a Roman goddess? What’s the real story behind May Day? And did you know May wasn't always lucky for weddings? In this episode of Kiss My Mike, we uncover five surprising and fascinating facts about the month of May — plus a bonus fact you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a trivia fan, history lover, or just curious about the calendar, this one’s for you. 🎧 Hit play, subscribe, and join me for a fun dive into the magic and meaning of May. #KissMyMike #FunFacts #MonthOfMay #PodcastClip #HistoryFacts #MayDay

In this episode of Kiss My Mike, I dive into why Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has captured my heart and hope as a potential future pope. As a queer Filipino, seeing someone who not only shares my heritage but also speaks with compassion and inclusivity—especially toward the LGBTQ+ community—means the world. I talk about his powerful sermons where he calls out discriminatory language against LGBTQ people, his alignment with Pope Francis' spirit of openness, and why his leadership could be a continuation of the progress we've seen. Plus, how exciting (and historic!) would it be to have a Filipino pope? This is a personal reflection, a celebration of possibility, and a vision for a more inclusive Church. Please share your thoughts in the comments and feel free to share this with others!  #CardinalTagle #NextPope #FilipinoPope #QueerFaith #LGBTQandCatholic #InclusiveChurch #HopeInFaith #TagleForPope #CatholicProgress #QueerVoicesInFaith #FilipinoPride #SpiritualHope #ChurchAndLGBTQ #TagleTeachings #FaithForward

As a queer Filipino American who believes in Christ, I’ve had a complicated but deeply personal journey with faith. Today, I want to reflect on Pope Francis — what he’s done, what he represents, and what it all means to people like me. From his groundbreaking "Who am I to judge?" moment to his inclusive stance toward LGBTQ+ individuals—including trans people and gay priests—Pope Francis has made waves in a Church long resistant to change. I reflect on his legacy of compassion, progress, and quiet revolution within Catholicism.  While the journey toward full inclusion is far from over, Pope Francis has left an undeniable mark.  Join me as I honor his impact, share what it has meant for me as a queer person of faith, and express my hopes for the future and the next pope.  #PopeFrancis #LGBTQFaith #QueerAndCatholic #WhoAmIToJudge #FaithAndIdentity #ProgressInTheChurch #PopeFrancisLegacy #InclusivityInFaith #QueerVoices #SpiritualReflections #HopeAndChange #TransWelcome #CatholicChurchReform

In this episode, I open up about what Easter means to me as an LGBTQ Filipino American and a Christian.  How does being LGBTQ shape my experience of Christianity? What challenges and joys come with holding these identities together—especially around big holidays like Easter? I also reflect on the differences in how Easter is celebrated in the Philippines versus the U.S. — from the deeply religious traditions back home to the joyful, playful vibes here with Easter bunnies and egg hunts. Join me for some honest reflections, encouragement, and hope for anyone navigating the intersection of faith and queerness.  Let’s keep the conversation going—share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below! 🏳️‍🌈✝️🇵🇭 #LGBTQChristian #FilipinoAmerican #EasterReflections #QueerFaith #LGBTQPodcast #FaithAndIdentity #EasterInThePhilippines #ChristianAndQueer #LGBTQStories #FilipinoDiaspora #QueerAsianVoices

Two Filipinos. One lasting friendship. In this episode, I catch up with my college best friend, Jocy Dollison-Walla. We met as student assistants in College at De La Salle University (Manila) and bonded during our shifts at work (while in school) —now years later, we reflect on how our friendship has stayed strong despite the distance. We talk about growing older, growing wiser, and what it really takes to keep a friendship going through all of life’s changes! 🎧 Listen up—it’s a fun, heartfelt look back down memory lane. #FilipinoPodcast #FriendshipGoals #PinoyPride #CollegeBesties #LongDistanceFriendship #KissMyMike #FilAmVoices #AdultingTogether #MemoryLane #FilipinoStories

New Episode of Kiss My Mike: "Art as an Act of Activism"  In this powerful episode, I sit down with Filipino American filmmaker GIO Espiritu, a groundbreaking storyteller whose creative vision is deeply shaped by her journey as a bisexual, once-undocumented immigrant Filipina mom and survivor of a Biblical doomsday cult. Her award-winning films like ALLY 3000 and Legacy tackle patriarchy, generational trauma, and societal bias—all with humor and heart. We also talk about her latest projects, including MAID TO SHINE, a romantic comedy set in Vegas, and her feature film LOVE & KARMA starring international and Filipino talent. 🌟 Topics we cover: 🎥 The state of the entertainment industry 🏳️‍🌈 Navigating Hollywood as a Filipino American and LGBTQ+ creative 💪 Turning art into activism 🎭 Gio's journey as a filmmaker and actor 🤝 How we can support Filipinos and marginalized communities in media 💡 Inspiring messages for the next generation This is a conversation you don’t want to miss—raw, inspiring, and real. 👉 Listen now on YouTube & Spotify! Link in bio! #KissMyMike #FilipinoAmerican #FilAmCreatives #Filmmaking #GioEspiritu #LGBTQFilmmakers #WomenInFilm #RepresentationMatters #FilAmPodcast #ArtAsActivism #Storytelling #Hollywood #FilipinoPride #SupportFilAm #IndieFilm #PodcastEpisode #NewPodcast

🔥 New Episode Alert! 🔥 In this powerful episode of Kiss My Mike, I sit down with trans filmmaker and artist, Jade Phoenix to discuss: ✨ The current political climate and how recent executive actions are attacking the trans community. ✨ The history of discrimination and how these tactics have been in place for a long time. ✨ How Jade and the community continue to thrive despite these challenges. ✨ Using art as activism—expressing identity, resistance, and resilience through creativity. ✨ Teaching queer youth about art and expression as tools for survival, empowerment, and healing. 💡 Jade’s message is clear: We are not voiceless. She encourages all of us to step into our power and thrive. 🎧 Listen now!  #KissMyMike #TransRightsAreHumanRights #QueerVoices #TransVisibility #LGBTQPodcast #StepIntoYourPower #ArtAsActivism #QueerCreatives #JadePhoenix #TransFilmmaker #WeWontBeSilenced #PodcastEpisode #LGBTQCommunity

Best Movies of 2024  Anora, Wicked, The Substance, Conclave, A Complete Unknown—these are just some of the critically acclaimed films from 2024! Check out the latest episode of Kiss My Mike, featuring special guest Charles Gray, a FilAm filmmaker based in California. We dive into our favorite movies and performances from last year, breaking down the most memorable cinematic moments—including the stunning cinematography in Conclave, Anora, and Dune: Part Two. We also share our thoughts on the actors and actresses nominated this year. Who are your top picks? Drop your favorites in the comments!  Listen now! Link in bio. #KissMyMike #BestMoviesOf2024 #Oscars2024 #FilAmFilmmakers #MovieLovers #FilmPodcast #Cinephile #MoviesOfTheYear #DunePartTwo #WickedMovie #AnoraFilm #ConclaveFilm #TheSubstanceMovie #PodcastEpisode