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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?

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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