We’re back with a special episode straight from Hawai‘i! 🌺 In this one, we dive into what makes the islands so special to us, open up about dealing with haters, and share all the details on how you can see us live on our upcoming Christmas tour. A little bit of travel, a little bit of real talk, and a lot of music — tune in for the vibes!
This week, @justineyweeny joins us back on the pod! If you haven’t listened to our previous episodes Can You Be Friends With Your Ex? or Millennial vs. Gen Z, go back and catch those because Justine made appearances there — but this is her first time as a featured guest.We dive into what it was like growing up in a musical family, how she found her way from dance to musical theatre, and some traumatizing (but funny) stories from childhood — including the infamous one about how she lost her middle finger.Justine and Alyssa also bond over their love for pop culture and reality TV — from The Bachelor to Love Island to The Summer I Turned Pretty. Is she Team Jeremiah or Team Conrad? Her answer might surprise you.
This week on Sweet or Savory, we’re joined by the incredibly talented Ashley Argota Torres — actor, singer, writer, and producer.Ashley takes us back to the very beginning of her journey in entertainment, from competing in talent shows to booking her first national tour in The Lion King at age 11, where she even met Kobe Bryant. She went on to star in Nickelodeon’s True Jackson VP alongside Keke Palmer, Bucket & Skinner’s Epic Adventures, Disney Channel’s How to Build a Better Boy, and is now writing and producing her own projects.We talk about the differences between life as a child actor and navigating the industry today, and Ashley opens up about her exclusive People article, where she shared the truth about her toxic relationship with her mom. She reflects on how becoming a mother gave her the courage to reclaim and tell her story and how that perspective continues to shape both her artistry and her life.
What if we told you that behind some of the greatest musicians in the world is a Filipino music director?This week, we’re joined by the incredibly talented Troy Laureta: musical director, arranger, producer, and musician for some of the biggest names in the business — from Ariana Grande, David Foster, Katy Perry, and Andrea Bocelli to Filipino icons like Regine Velasquez.Troy shares his journey as a Filipino American artist, including how his whole family moved from Hawaii to California to pursue the Hollywood dream. He opens up about what it’s really like working at the highest levels of the music industry, how his heritage continues to inspire his work, and the journey of embracing his identity and truly finding himself in his 30s.We also dive into the creative process behind arranging and producing, the unforgettable moments from his career, and his new album Harana: The Sound of Us — a heartfelt tribute to Filipino music (featuring AJ!).
It’s just us this week! 🎙 For the first time in a while, we’re doing a solo pod to catch you up on everything we’ve been up to — and we’re so glad you’ve been loving all of our incredible guests lately.We recap about how we got to moderate Kaila Yu’s Fetishized book launch at Barnes & Noble, discuss the update on Maybe Happy Ending casting, and we open up about our own journeys with therapy. We also tease our upcoming Christmas tour… please come!!!🎄🎶
This week, we’re joined by the powerhouse band Siren Society — who you might recognize from Netflix’s Building the Band! 🎶 We chat about how we first met, the epic jam session we hosted at our house, and all the behind-the-scenes tea on what it was really like filming the show.They share how each of them was cast, what it’s like stepping into this new chapter together, and their big plans for the future. And don’t miss our PJB sandwich segment… Vegemite sandwiches made their debut and it was unlike anything we’ve ever done before.Stream their debut single “If It Was Me” now, and pre-save their brand-new single “Stand” dropping August 22!
This week, we’re joined by our friend Francis Dominic - a Filipino American content creator, Lorcana champion, and Labubu lover who you may have seen lighting up red carpets at movie premieres.We talk about his growth as a creator, advice he has for aspiring creators, how he stays present while living life online, and what it’s like to blend work and passion. Francis also shares the story of how he was trusted to manage socials for the biggest event in our lives… our wedding!http://instagram.com/francisdominiic
n this episode, we sit down with singer, actor, and former U-KISS K-pop star Kevin Woo to talk about his incredible journey — from leaving the U.S. as a teenager to train as a K-pop idol in Korea, to starring in KPOP: The Musical on Broadway, to voicing Mystery Saja in K-pop Demon Hunters on Netflix, which hit #1 in 26 countries and topped 93 charts. Kevin opens up about the pressures of the K-pop industry, the culture shock of moving across the world so young, and how he’s evolved personally and professionally through each chapter of his life.We also ask the question: What’s harder — K-pop training or Broadway training? His answer might surprise you. 👀
In this episode, we’re joined by our French Pinay friend HeyoLeah 🇫🇷🇵🇭🇩🇿We dive into her experience growing up between two cultures, what it’s like living between France and the Philippines, and how she stays deeply connected to both sides of her identity.She also teaches us some French slang (you’ll wanna take notes), tells the hilarious story of her first visit to our house, and how she helped AJ save a squirrel.And for the classic Sweet or Savory moment… Leah skips the sandwich altogether and makes the first-ever peanut butter charcuterie board on the pod 🥜🧀✨http://instagram.com/heyoleahhttp://instagram.com/sweetorsavorypod
In this episode, we sit down with artist Jesse Barrera — Grammy winning writer, guitarist from My American Heart, multi-platinum producer, and lowkey fashion icon — to talk about the wild ride of being in a band, stepping behind the board, and stepping back out as an artist again. We get real about flops, staying inspired, and finding your voice in every era of your career.And in a special (and delicious) moment, Jesse’s wife Gracie joins us to settle one of life’s most important debates: what is the perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich?Jesse Barrera's new album, Gentle Noise, is OUT NOW on all streaming platforms!
Who lost their virginity to AJ's music?!?! And why did someone get kicked off of Love Island for anti-Asian slurs? We also talk family reunions and quality time with some of our besties. Excited for next week's episode with The Barreras! http://instagram.com/sweetorsavorypod
In this episode of Sweet or Savory, we chat with the amazing Cathy Nguyen about the OG YouTube days, going viral with Strangers Again, and her early grind at Boiling Crab. She opens up about navigating divorce and being a mamacita. And we are making peanut butter sandwiches with her daughter Isla!!! Enjoy!http://instagram.com/sweetorsavorypodhttp://instagram.com/yeeitscathy
In this episode of Sweet or Savory, recap Love Island chaos (we finally get the hype, introduce our Labubus, and unpacking some of the internet’s favorite theories around love, relationships, and the age-old question: are soulmates real? 💭Stick around ’til the end for an exciting announcement… 👀
In this episode, we’re joined by Ryan Alexander Holmes, actor, athlete, and activist, who gets real about what it means to be 100% Chinese, 100% Black, and fully himself in an industry that often tries to simplify identity.We talk about his upbringing with a Chinese mother and Black father, navigating Hollywood as a biracial actor, and how he’s using his platform to shift culture and build community. He also shares what he’s diving into for his upcoming doctorate at UCLA (every Asian parent’s dream), and surprises us with a totally unexpected twist on the classic PB&J that no guest has done before.It’s one of our most raw, inspiring, and deep conversations we’ve had on the podcast. Click here to follow Ryan on IG
In this episode, we’re catching up on all the latest— including a full Tony Awards recap (including our fave moments and historic wins) and the current events happening in LA. AJ opens up about his recent plastic surgery and Alyssa reveals her childhood celebrity crush… including the embarrassing things she used to do with his poster.It’s unhinged and honest. It’s peak Sweet or Savory. ;)Resources on 🧊activity and how to help:https://immigrantjustice.org/for-immigrants/know-your-rights/ice-encounter/https://www.immigrantdefenseproject.orghttps://www.ilrc.org/community-resources
In this episode, we’re getting real with Kimiko Glenn— actor, singer, and voiceover queen. You’ve seen her in Orange Is the New Black, heard her in Baby Shark, Centaurworld, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and more…We talk about her journey from Broadway to Hollywood, how she became one of the most recognizable faces during the SAG-AFTRA strike, and her own original music!And yes, she takes on our signature Sweet or Savory questions— and even walks us through her cooking show-style method of making the perfect PB&J. Kimiko Glenn on Instagram: http://instagram.com/kimikoglenn
In this episode, we sit down with Leah Lewis - actor and singer you might recognize from The Half of It, Nancy Drew, Pixar’s Elemental, and now the new CBS series Matlock.We get deep and talk about her journey from starring in a hit Netflix film to voicing the lead character Ember in Pixar movie, and what it means to fully embrace her artistry as a musician.Plus, Leah takes on some of our signature Sweet or Savory questions like… Can you be friends with your ex? and Is peanut butter sweet or savory? Her answers might surprise you.Leah Lewis on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/leahmlewis)Interact with us on social media @sweetorsavorypod and check out past episodes where we debate life’s most fun and polarizing questions.
In this episode, we sit down with AJ's incredible sister, Jasmine Rafael, Broadway performer, choreographer, artist, and proud queer Filipino-American! We talk queer relationships, identity, and their journey to the stage. Honest, heartfelt, and full of sibling love. 🌈Jasmine Rafael on InstagramInteract with us on social media @sweetorsavorypod (https://www.instagram.com/sweetorsavorypod) and check out past episodes where we debate whether peanut butter is sweet or savory, or if you can really be friends with your ex.
We’re back with another unhinged episode where we attempt to decide who belongs on the Disney Channel Mount Rushmore. And surprise surprise !!! Ours are different. Then we spiral into TikTok’s latest debate: Who would win… 100 men or 1 gorilla?Interact with us on social media @sweetorsavorypod (https://www.instagram.com/sweetorsavorypod) and check out past episodes where we debate whether peanut butter is sweet or savory, or if you can really be friends with your ex.
We took a break… and a lot happened. In this comeback episode, we catch you up on everything— from going on tour and booking two lead roles back-to-back, to AJ’s mom’s health scare, AJ’s anxiety and new therapist, to building our brand new podcast studio (shoutout to Wood Veneer Hub for making it gorgeous 🥹). We’re back, we’re grateful, and we’re finally ready to talk about it all— plus what’s coming next for Sweet or Savory this season.Interact with us on social media @sweetorsavorypod (https://www.instagram.com/sweetorsavorypod) and check out past episodes where we debate whether peanut butter is sweet or savory, or if you can really be friends with your ex.