Citizen Sister

Send a text Start the Lunar New Year with a reset that actually means something. I’m pulling back the curtain on why I paused Citizen Sister, how the word citizen changed under our feet, and what it takes to build a show that holds both connection and discomfort with honesty. This is a candid look at belonging in 2026—where passports once felt like keys, where perception can override documents, and where safety is felt in the body long before it’s written in law. I share a personal shift that reframed the entire season: an everyday interaction that stung, the story I told myself about it, and the new information that turned judgment into compassion. That three-second pause—choosing not to take it personally, imagining a life I couldn’t see—has become my most practical tool for global citizenship. It doesn’t excuse harm; it widens context. And it’s the spirit I’ll bring to future interviews, music, and community stories: asking each guest what belonging means to them, where fear shows up, and how art and culture can create room for all of us. You’ll also hear what’s ahead: the Asian Arts and Heritage Festival on Bainbridge Island this May, from karaoke in a theater to heritage nights, film and panel storytelling, language classes, and a bigger finale at Waterfront Park. We’re inviting artists, vendors, food vendors, and performers to help shape a month of creative, inclusive celebration. If the question on your mind is who gets to feel safe and seen, you’re in the right place. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs a gentler lens, and leave a review with your definition of a global citizen—what does it mean to you? Support the show Follow me FacebookFollow me on YoutubeFollow me on Instagram

Send us a text Welcome to SEASON 3 of Citizen Sister!!! Such an exciting season ahead! For our first episode of season 3 we celebrate the last week of Filipino American History month with an extraordinary guest! Recorded at San Francisco’s Pistahan Parade & Festival, Stephanie does her first ever episode with a live audience as she spotlights Beverly Desuasido—three-time Emmy Award–winning producer behind standout lifestyle and travel storytelling. Hear about how she went from managing DJ Q Bert to becoming a celebrated producer. Special guest appearance by friend to the show and past CS guest and Pistahan Festival President Al Perez! Support the show Follow me FacebookFollow me on YoutubeFollow me on Instagram

Send us a text Citizen Brother flips the mic on host Stephanie Reese while Pistahan founder Al Perez joins in. Together they chart how Bainbridge’s Asian Arts & Heritage Festival and San Francisco’s 30-year Pistahan are linking arms as true sister celebrations of Asian culture. Support the show Follow me FacebookFollow me on YoutubeFollow me on Instagram

Send us a text Finally! Stephanie Welcomes to the podcast her dear friend Al Perez, who is the Filipino American Arts Exposition president and has held this position for 18 years! He is also a commissioner of the San Francisco Entertainment Commission. Find out how Al inspired and mentored Stephanie to create Bainbridge Island's first ever Asian Arts and Heritage Festival and all about the 5 amazing events they have in San Francisco including The Filipino Heritage Night, Filipino American History Night and their big gala fundraiser! Al shows us how his search for connection to his culture created a whole movement for his city and now beyond. Be inspired with his wisdom and learn how community building can be positive and invigorating! Also in this episode Stephanie talks about the comedy show they just held and the First ever Korean Heritage night that took place on May 8th! The Festival Season has BEGUN! Support the show Follow me FacebookFollow me on YoutubeFollow me on Instagram

Send us a text In this episode Stephanie interviews the incredible Rex Navarrete! He is not only an extraordinary human being but he is FUNNY....yup- Rex is the OG Filipino American comedian. Find out more about how he began, how he created a new genre of comedy and how that inspired Stephanie and others to embrace the 'funny' in their roots and culture! Rex is also just about to come to Bainbridge Island to share his amazing talents and launch AANHPI month and Bainbridge's Asian Arts and Heritage Festival with laughter and comedy on May 2 at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art Auditorium! There will be 2 shows 6 and 8pm and you can get tickets at https://givebutter.com/5bI6Ws And even if you can't come on May 2 you can laugh with us here on Citizen Sister! Support the show Follow me FacebookFollow me on YoutubeFollow me on Instagram

Send us a text In this episode Stephanie breaks down year 2 of the Asian Arts and Heritage Festival that she created last year with the many extraordinary people in the community. Find out how last year's 4 event festival turned into a 16 (and maybe more) events this year! So much heartfelt inspiration and love will be happening through the entire month of May from the first ever Korean Heritage Night celebration, to the first ever (in the entire State of Washington and perhaps the U.S.) Melanesian Heritage Night celebration to Stephanie's own show she is creating 'The Asian Monologues; True Stories of The Asian American Experience' and so much more. AND of course there is the grand Festival Finale Celebration on May 31st....Learn about it all on this special episode of Citizen Sister! Oh and let's not forget our incredible sponsors of the Festival- The Agency and Philippine Airlines! Support the show Follow me FacebookFollow me on YoutubeFollow me on Instagram

Send us a text Stephanie comes back to the pod after a long hiatus - find out WHY? From a family health crisis, family in the Palisades Fire and sad news about her fur baby Obi, Stephanie breaks down where she has been, why she took a pod break and finally makes a comeback to one of her biggest loves: Citizen Sister! Her 4th installment of the Travel Series takes us to Lake Garda! Find out which famous opera singer once had a home there, how 24 hours is enough to fall in love with a town and how an addiction to cell phones might just be an American thing! Support the show Follow me FacebookFollow me on YoutubeFollow me on Instagram

Send us a text Where is Tyrol? It’s the border between Austria and Italy and absolutely stunning! In this episode learn about this unique travel destination! The beautiful town of San Lorenzen is home to several spa and wellness hotels tucked into the mountains. Listen to how Stephanie learns how doing what you actually want to do on a vacation and not what you feel obligated to do can be challenging and ultimately so rewarding! Plus travel tips, Citizen Sister questions for every episode and find out where they will be headed next! Support the show Follow me FacebookFollow me on YoutubeFollow me on Instagram

Send us a text In this special mini episode Stephanie and Matthew talk about the short time they had in Munich when everything was closed! Find out how they spent their day and how being a non pressured tourist is the way to go! The best food of their trip? Would you believe it was Asian? What was the most extraordinary ordinary thing about Munich? Listen and find out! And stay tuned for the next episode ‘The extraordinary small town of San Lorenzen in the region of Tyrol. Set in the Alps on the border of Italy and Austria! Where they stayed: The Do and Co Hotel Munich https://www.docohotel.com/munich/en/home/ Where they ate: The Do and Co Restaurant- Contemporary Asian Cuisine https://www.docohotel.com/media/tcul5axu/doco_munich_restaurant_menu202312.pdf Haufbrauhaus Munich https://www.hofbraeuhaus.de Where Stephanie got her nails done in Munich: https://www.tubeauty.de/ Support the show Follow me FacebookFollow me on YoutubeFollow me on Instagram

Send us a text If you love travel as much as Stephanie does you will love this series! After a six week journey to through Europe Stephanie is back! And of course she wants to share this amazing journey with all of you with this travel series of episodes! In each episode Stephanie and her husband Matthew talk to us from their car and deep dive into where they just were as they drive to their next destination. Episodes in this series will include travel tips, stories, what they saw, tasted and were inspired by and of course the Citizen Sister questions we have in every episode at the end (except this time they will be about the city they just visited!) Also links to their favorite shopping spots and restaurants below! Enjoy this truly amazing 6 week journey across Europe! Find pictures that go with the episode on our Instagram page @citizen.sister or our Facebook page Citizen Sister! Restaurant links from the trip mentioned in the show! Maximillian’s Berlin - https://www.maximilians-berlin.de https://facil.de/de/https://facil.de/de/ https://www.https://www.https://www.amrit.de https://kamphttps://kamphttps://kampapark.com/ehttps://kampapark.com/en/ Support the show Follow me FacebookFollow me on YoutubeFollow me on Instagram

Send us a text In this episode Stephanie interviews the Extraordinary Qi Gong master, healer, artist, musician, performer and TEDx speaker Anna Choi! Find out how this incredible and dynamic woman went from being an accomplished musician and successful financial planning business owner to losing it all due to burn out and physical exhaustion and how she healed her life and turned it all around through Qi Gong. They discuss how Anna helped Stephanie with a healing session before the episode and their launching of Bainbridge Island’s first ever flash mob to celebrate World Peace Day! Website: https://soljoy.life/ Business Card: https://linktr.ee/annasunchoi Connect on LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annasunchoi Free Resources / Videos on Energy TV: https://www.youtube.com/annasunchoi To see the flash mob for World Peace Day click here! World Peace Flash Mob to Anthems One Day Matisyahu and KNaan Wavin Flag Support the show Follow me FacebookFollow me on YoutubeFollow me on Instagram

Send us a text As a fan of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Stephanie was familiar with The Agency, a fancy Beverly Hills real estate company that decided to branch out to Bainbridge Island! In this episode, Stephanie deep dives into all things real estate with an extraordinary power couple, Mark Middleton and Suzy Legier, who are the managing partners of this new company. Having just opened The Agency Bainbridge Island in January, they have already become #4 in sales in an incredibly competitive market. Not only that, but Mark is the number one broker in Kitsap County! All this aside, you will hear how their down-to-earth, honest, and genuine hearts are the pulse of why they are successful both in their business and their relationship with the community and with one another, and how this has made them thrive. BONUS: At the end of this episode, Stephanie asked Mark to explain the new real estate laws that just passed in the U.S. and what it means for buyers, sellers, and the agents representing them! Bainbridge Island | Luxury Homes for Sale and Rent | The Agency Global Boutique Real Estate Brokerage Support the show Follow me FacebookFollow me on YoutubeFollow me on Instagram

Send us a text In this episode Stephanie interviews her dear friend and fellow UNICEF performer and Extraordinary singer Dorrey Lyles. They deep dive into Dorrey’s roots, how she ended up in Germany, her deep love for her family, and most of all, how faith and her family are the backbone for everything in her life. Hear Dorrey’s incredible voice at the beginning and the end of the episode and be prepared to be blown away! Also a funny bonus clip story from a special family member! Song: God Bless the Child - Billie Holiday/Arthur Herzog Jr. Singer: Dorrey Lyles Piano: John Florencio Special thanks to Farrin Lyles Support the show Follow me FacebookFollow me on YoutubeFollow me on Instagram

Send us a text In this episode we find out where Stephanie has been…? In Los Angeles doing a Filipino opera ‘Karim At Jasmin’ under the direction of her extraordinary guest: Dr. Ramon Geluz! Stephanie does a deep dive into the mind and background of this extraordinary man that she refers to as magical, because as you will hear, he channels all his work and has a spiritual tone to what has inspired him to write and create his music and stories. Find out how a medical doctor at the age of 50, woke up and one day started writing a vision that came to him in sound, story, and even costumes, and how this lead to him making history as the first composer of an original Filipino opera. Also a sneak peak at one of the arias Stephanie sings in the show! Also don’t forget to vote! Citizen Sister was once again nominated for ‘Best of Bainbridge’!!! Voting starts Jul 1-15, and you can vote once a day every day!!!! Please continue to support us, and make Citizen Sister the number one podcast on Bainbridge Island once again! Support the show Follow me FacebookFollow me on YoutubeFollow me on Instagram

Send us a text In celebration of AAHPI month, Stephanie highlights her favorite Asian American artist - her sister Melissa Reese! Hear how it all began because this is a re-release of Citizen Sister's first episode ever! A beautiful archived episode of humor, inspiration and love! Support the show Follow me FacebookFollow me on YoutubeFollow me on Instagram

Send us a text In this special Mother’s Day episode Stephanie interviews the extraordinary Gina Corpuz– producer, creator and narrator of her film Honor Thy Mother’. Stephanie learns the history of the Indipino (Filipino and indigenous mix) and the history and journey of Indigenous women and their journey to Bainbridge Island. Hear what made Stephanie spontaneously cry and the beautiful connection that makes us all realize that in honoring our mothers we honor our own roots and history. https://indipinocommunityofbainbridgeisland.org/ Support the show Follow me FacebookFollow me on YoutubeFollow me on Instagram

Send us a text In this episode Stephanie is interviewed by her dear friend ‘Really’ Denise Stoughton about her dream realized, Bainbridge Island’s first ever Asian Arts and Heritage Festival! Learn about how it came to be, why it’s important and what to expect! Stephanie introduces the episode with her thoughts about how this dream wasn’t about the final result of the festival but about the journey to get there and how the journey is the most beautiful gift. Happy AAHPI month everyone! Support the show Follow me FacebookFollow me on YoutubeFollow me on Instagram

Send us a text In this episode Stephanie introduces us to her dear friend, actress Shane LaLonde! Find out what her time with Bob Barker was like on the Price is Right- her audition, backstage stories and she even tells us what it felt like to spin the big wheel! Shane balanced being a mom, a wife to a famous rock musician (Ler LaLonde -guitarist in Primus) and being on the biggest game show with enthusiasm and grace. We learn how she got the job and how leaving the show gave her space to pursue her true passion of acting. Her sweet aura of positivity and light shine through this whole episode and will make you all smile! Support the show Follow me FacebookFollow me on YoutubeFollow me on Instagram

Send us a text She is fabulous, she is a fashionista, a designer and a writer and she LOVES mailboxes! Find out how this once upon a time club kid from NYC became Bainbridge Island’s mailbox lady! We deep dive into Denise’s background and how she and her fellow New York club kids influenced a nation in fashion, social acceptance and freedom of expression! Now a fellow Bainbridge Islander, Denise has found the extraordinary in something we might see as ordinary- mailboxes… and they are anything but! Cohosting on this episode are David A. Tobin, John Florencio and Fred Belda! Support the show Follow me FacebookFollow me on YoutubeFollow me on Instagram

Send us a text Rachel recently completed the feature film, ‘Ingress’ which she wrote, directed and starred in. Nominated for upward of 10 awards in international film festivals, it is slated for release in early 2024. Rachel is currently in production on the feature film ‘Inheritance’ as a writer, producer and lead actor. Filming October of 2023 on Bainbridge Island. Rachel’s message in this episode is clear- do what you love and remember the process is the magical place not the end result. Say yes to what you love and bet on yourself! INGRESS at Bainbridge Cinemas: Friday March 1st - Thursday March 7th Friday showing at 7:00PM (**Bonus filmmaker talk back after the screening) Saturday and Sunday showings at 1:00PM and 7:00PM Mon-Thurs showings at 3:30PM. https://www.farawayentertainment.com/movie/ingress Other INGRESS Screenings: www.emergencefilms.us/ingress Find Rachel on Instagram: @ranojay10 @emergencefilms "Space Jazz" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Iron Bacon" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Support the show Follow me FacebookFollow me on YoutubeFollow me on Instagram