Advertise on podcast: Sweet or Savory with Alyssa and AJ Rafael

This week on Sweet or Savory, we sit down with Kay Sibal, who is just in SIX on Broadway! We talk about her journey from the Filipino community to the Broadway stage, what life is really like as a Broadway performer, auditions, representation in theatre, and of course — we had to ask the important question… is Broadway sweet or savory? Kay shares what it took to get to Broadway, the realities behind the scenes of a major production like SIX and The Voice, and what it means to represent on such a big stage. We’re so proud of Kay and all that she’s doing. This was such a fun conversation. Follow Kay: Follow Sweet or Savory: Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere podcasts are available.

We’re joined by guitarist Andrew Rhim for a fun debate on SoCal vs. the Bay Area. 🌴🌁 We get into the differences we grew up with—from the slang we use and the weather we’re used to, to the Mexican food, sports culture, and the way each region navigates their famous freeways. We also talk about the vibes of each place, the music scenes that shaped us, and the little cultural quirks that make Southern California and the Bay Area feel so different—even though we’re all from the same state. Whether you’re Team SoCal, Team Bay, or somewhere in between, this episode is a nostalgic and hilarious breakdown of California culture. 🌮🚗🏀 Andrew Rhim

This week’s episode of Sweet or Savory was recorded LIVE as we celebrated 4 years of the pod at Cafe 86 in West Covina! It was so cool finally meeting some of our sweets and savories in real life! We got real-time hot takes from guests on the questions that started it all… Is peanut butter sweet or savory? And can you really be friends with your ex? Thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated with us. Cheers to 4 more years of Sweet or Savory 🥂

This week we dive into the movie Eternity and let the game We’re Not Really Strangers take us somewhere real — asking questions like “What is hurting you right now?” and “How do our personalities actually mesh?” 🫶🏽 Sometimes the deepest conversations happen when you least expect them, and this episode definitely went there. Also… we’re celebrating 4 YEARS of the podcast 🥹🎉 Come hang with us at our Meet & Greet on Feb 22 at Cafe 86 in West Covina — we’d love to see your faces, take pics, and say thank you for being part of this journey. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts📍 Meet & Greet: Feb 22, 2PM-5PM — Cafe 86, West Covina

This week on Sweet or Savory, we’re joined by the incredible Josh Dela Cruz—actor, singer, Broadway performer, and the beloved host of Blue's Clues & You. One of our most wholesome episodes yet! Josh opens up about his journey from growing up Filipino American on the East Coast to starring on Broadway (Aladdin, Here Lies Love), and ultimately becoming the first Filipino American host of one of the most iconic children’s shows of all time. We talk about representation, family sacrifice, theater life, and what it means to unexpectedly become a role model for kids (and parents 👀) around the world. Plus, we get into Filipino culture, community, identity, and—of course—Josh weighs in on the ultimate debate: is peanut butter sweet or savory? This episode is heartfelt, funny, nostalgic, and full of moments that’ll make you smile. You’re going to fall in love with Josh all over again. 🎧 Tune in now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!

In this episode, we cover:• What not to say to a pregnant woman• The do’s and don’ts of pregnancy announcements• AJ’s appearance in Wonder Man If you’re expecting, supporting someone who is, or just trying not to be that person — this one’s for you.

In this episode of Sweet or Savory, we’re answering your most-asked questions after sharing our pregnancy announcement! Alyssa opens up about how she’s been feeling physically and emotionally, her first symptoms, cravings, and what traveling, touring, and being in Japan while pregnant was really like.We cover the questions everyone’s been asking: Was it planned or a surprise? How did we find out? Do we know the gender? Do we have names picked out? How are the dogs reacting?We also walk through telling our family and friends, and share some of the best reactions that we’ll be posting soon.Thank you for all the love, messages, and thoughtful questions. We’re so grateful to share this moment with you, sweets and savories.

In this episode of Sweet or Savory, we recap our recent trip to Japan! From Tokyo to Osaka, we break down our favorite foods, unforgettable experiences, Disney Sea, and even try some of the snacks we brought home right on the podcast. Alyssa teases her new job that she starts this week as well as some exciting announcements coming next week!

Happy 2026 🥂 We didn’t expect to start the new year like this — but here we are. In this episode, we talk about our recent podcast clips going viral from the power of Bretman Rock, how it feels watching conversations take on a life of their own online, and the wild differences in reactions across platforms. Then we shift gears and share our 2026 vision boards — what we’re manifesting, what we’re slowing down on, and what we’re prioritizing this year, from creativity and career goals to health, finances, and intentional living. It’s a shorter episode, but a real one. Thanks for being here, whether you’ve been listening since day one or just found us through a viral clip. Stay sweet or savory 💛

In our final episode of the year, we’re reflecting on it all. We talk about our New Year’s wishes and expectations, look back on our episode with Bretman Rock, and recap how our Christmas tour went—highs, lessons, and everything in between. We also dive into parasocial relationships and what it means to connect with an audience in the age of the internet. A cozy, honest way to close out the year. ❤️

DA BADDEST has entered the chat. And honestly, he needs no introduction but in case you’ve been living under a ROCK… Our guest on the pod is singer, songwriter, actor, athlete, activist, occasional scientist on the mf side, star of Crystal of the Day, coconut connoisseur, and cultural icon himself… Bretman Rock. Bretman been our most requested guest since we started this podcast. In this episode, Bretman gets real with us about childhood trauma, growth, healing, and the moments that shaped who he is today. He also spills some tea on the best and worst celebrities he’s ever met, and of course, we put him through all the classic Sweet or Savory questions. Including the ultimate one… can you be friends with your ex?

Podcast uploaded straight from our hotel room bed in Waikiki 🌺 We’re in Hawai‘i getting ready for the Our Little Christmas tour (Blue Note Hawaii on 12/4, Blue Note Napa on 12/11, and Dynasty Typewriter on 12/14), Huge thank you to Hawaiian Airlines for taking such good care of us for tour! In this episode, we reminisce about the times we’ve seen our moms experience rage (kinda), share some unhinged childhood stories, and AJ opens up about his most embarrassing fan interactions. Tune in!

The studio FLOODED… and survived! This week, we’re back in our space after AJ’s heroic battle with a hairline crack, one confused True Value employee, and a tube of black caulk he very confidently asked for out loud. From there, the chaos only escalates. Alyssa recaps Girls’ Night™️, where her PR shelf was raided with Olympic-level enthusiasm, while AJ explains how he accidentally gave away ✨seven✨ LabuBoos because the kids at Cousinsgiving kept winning (and because he has a soft heart and no self-control). We also break down everything that goes into self-producing a tour — the hotels, flights, commissions, merch, the budget stress, and why we do it anyway. And yes… we hint at some big Rafael family updates we can’t share yet. We wrap with excited updates about the new Christmas music we recorded this week (hello, Troy Laureta magic), and a reminder to grab tickets for Hawaii, Napa, and LA before the shows hit next week. It’s messy, it’s honest, and it’s very us.Stay sweet… or savory.

This week, AJ, Alyssa, and Justine recap our wild night at the Dancing With The Stars taping — and yes, it was Prince Night. 💜 We’re not in our usual studio (it semi-flooded from the rain 😭), but we still dive into the behind-the-scenes moments the cameras don’t show, what it’s really like sitting right behind the judges, and the hilarious shock of suddenly being on TV. Spoiler warning: we do talk about the dances and results! A quick, chaotic sibling breakdown of an unforgettable night in the ballroom. ✨

This week, we’re joined by the incredible Macy Schmidt — Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and Tony-nominated music director, orchestrator, and founder of The Broadway Sinfonietta, an all-women and majority women-of-color orchestra transforming the sound of Broadway and beyond. Macy shares how her dream began with a fireworks show at Disney World, the challenges of breaking into a historically male-dominated field, and the journey of building a business that uplifts and empowers women in music. We talk about her biggest career highlights, how leading massive productions all started with a cold-pitch email, and her surprising take on the question: can you be friends with your ex? http://instagram.com/macyjschmidt http://instagram.com/thesinfonietta