On this powerful episode of Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T., host Linda Mitchell welcomes Lea Salonga, Tony Award winner, Disney Legend, and iconic vocalist whose career spans Broadway and film. From Miss Saigon to Les Misérables, and from voicing Disney Princesses Jasmine and Mulan to her current Broadway and TV work (Old Friends, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, Yellow Rose), Lea’s artistry has inspired generations.
Now, she takes her fans on a musical journey with her Stage, Screen & Everything in Between tour — a celebration of her landmark roles, timeless songs, and evolving creative voice. Join us as Lea reflects on groundbreaking moments, the power of representation in theater, and what it means to sustain a legendary career across decades.
Breaking barriers & representation — being the first Asian actress in key Broadway roles and using her platform to open doors
Legacy through voice — Disney roles, Broadway, and how her voice has resonated across generations
Balancing evolution & roots — staying relevant while honoring one’s musical and cultural foundations
Touring & reinvention — how to keep performances fresh and meaningful through a long career
Advice for the next generation — guidance, resilience, and navigating the arts with purpose
Part 1: Legacy & Milestones
Looking back on your Tony-winning Miss Saigon, how did that role shape your journey?
You broke ground as the first Asian actress to play Eponine (and later Fantine) on Broadway — what did those milestones mean to you personally?
Among your many iconic roles, which one stretched you the most as a performer?
Part 2: Disney, Voice & Cultural Impact
4. Hundreds of millions heard your singing voice as Jasmine and Mulan — did you ever imagine those roles would become so defining?
5. Being named a Disney Legend is a rare honor — what was that moment like for you?
6. How does performing as a voice actor for animation compare to performing live on stage?
Part 3: The Tour & Current Projects
7. You’re touring 30+ North American cities with Stage, Screen & Everything in Between — what can fans expect from these concerts?
8. Having toured globally over many years, how do you keep performances fresh and exciting for yourself and your audiences?
9. How does working on screen today (with Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, Yellow Rose, etc.) excite you compared to stage work?
10. With such a storied career, what advice would you offer the next generation of artists dreaming of stage or screen?
Official Website / Tour Info: leasalonga.com/tour Lea Salonga
Tour Details / Announcement: “Stage, Screen & Everything In Between” is visiting 30+ cities across North America in fall 2025. Press
Lea Salonga — Disney Legend profile (D23): her recognition as a Disney Legend, and her roles voicing Jasmine & Mulan D23
About Lea & Broadway milestones: she was the first Asian actress to play Eponine on Broadway and later played Fantine; her numerous awards and impact on representation Lea Salonga
In this episode, two-time Emmy Award winner Mike Manning joins us to talk about his latest project — the fun, campy indie sci-fi adventure Unexpected Treasures, premiering September 19 exclusively on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+.
Audiences know Mike from his powerful roles on This Is Us, Days of Our Lives, Teen Wolf, The Bay, and films like Son of the South and God’s Not Dead. Now, he takes on an entirely new kind of character: Sam, a charming alien fugitive who crash-lands in the Mojave Desert and teams up with Hartley (Olivia Blue) to outrun bounty hunters, unlock prophecies, and explore the magic of unexpected connections.
From filming under the mystical skies of Joshua Tree to the Comic-Con buzz surrounding the premiere, Mike opens up about why sci-fi resonates with audiences, how this role stretches his creativity, and how his passion for activism shapes the projects he chooses.
Behind the scenes of Unexpected Treasures
Shifting from dramatic roles to quirky sci-fi comedy
Filming in Yucca Valley & Joshua Tree
Why “aliens among us” stories remain timeless
Balancing acting, producing, and activism
What’s next for Mike Manning’s career
What drew you to Unexpected Treasures and to playing Sam?
How different was this quirky, campy role from your past dramatic work?
Did the Mojave Desert and Joshua Tree feel like characters in the film?
Do you have a favorite on-set story from filming?
Why do you think alien comedies and adventures have lasting appeal?
What sets Unexpected Treasures apart from other sci-fi stories?
How did fans at San Diego Comic-Con respond to the premiere?
How does this role fit into the bigger picture of your career?
How do you choose projects that align with your values in both acting and activism?
What upcoming projects should fans be looking forward to?
Instagram: @mikemanning83
Twitter/X: @MikeManning83
Facebook: Mike Manning Official
IMDb: Mike Manning
In this empowering episode of the Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T., Linda Mitchell sits down with Meredith Oke, a trailblazer in biohacking and quantum biology. Meredith helps people decode the signals of fatigue, stress, and brain fog to realign with their body’s natural rhythms. From her personal health journey to the cutting-edge science of light, circadian rhythms, and cellular health, she shares practical tools anyone can use to reclaim energy and clarity every single day.
Whether it’s grounding, morning sunlight, or shifting your mindset, Meredith shows us that thriving isn’t complicated — it’s about living in harmony with the biology we were designed for.
Meredith’s personal journey into biohacking & quantum biology
Why fatigue and brain fog are not “normal”
Understanding quantum biology in everyday terms
The role of light, circadian rhythms, and the environment in health
Free, practical biohacks anyone can start today
Balancing family, career, and vitality as a modern woman
The legacy of living in alignment with nature and purpose
What first drew you into biohacking and quantum biology?
How did your personal journey shift from health to life reclamation?
Why should we care about quantum biology?
What hidden factors are draining energy daily?
How do circadian rhythms and light shape our health?
What are the biggest myths in biohacking you’d love to bust?
What simple, free biohacks can listeners start today?
How do grounding, cold exposure, or sunrise viewing really help?
What advice do you give busy women balancing it all?
What legacy do you hope to leave with this movement?
Website: quantumbiotics.com
Instagram: @meredithoke
LinkedIn: Meredith Oke
How you can stay in touch with Linda:
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In this exciting episode, actor and filmmaker Jesse Kove—best known for Cobra Kai, On Wings of Eagles, and D-Day: Battle of Omaha—joins us to discuss his latest project, the Tubi Original thriller President Down. Directed by Nick Lyon, the film follows a chilling race against time after terrorists hack the U.S. President’s pacemaker and demand a $100M ransom before midnight. Jesse takes us inside the film’s heart-pounding intensity, his preparation for the role, and what it was like working under Lyon’s fast-paced direction.
Beyond his work in President Down, Jesse reflects on his career highlights—from stepping into his father Martin Kove’s Karate Kid legacy in Cobra Kai, to collaborating with Academy Award–winner Jon Voight, to producing films of his own. He also opens up about his passion for animal rescue, storytelling, and what excites him most about the future of streaming content.
Tune in for a conversation that blends Hollywood thrills, personal passion, and the lessons Jesse has carried forward in his career.
✨ Main Themes:
Behind the scenes of President Down and working with Nick Lyon
Jesse’s career path across acting and producing
Lessons from collaborations with iconic actors
His passion for animal rescue and activism
What’s next in his Hollywood journey
❓ Questions Asked:
What drew you to President Down and its ripped-from-the-headlines premise?
What was it like filming with such high-stakes urgency?
How did you prepare mentally and physically for the role?
What was it like collaborating with director Nick Lyon?
What did you take away from working with Jon Voight?
How did it feel to step into your father’s Karate Kid universe in Cobra Kai?
What excites you most about your future roles?
What do you hope audiences walk away with after watching President Down?
📲 Links to Find Jesse Kove:
Instagram: @jessekove
Twitter (X): @JesseKove
Facebook: Jesse Kove Official
IMDb: Jesse Kove
How you can stay in touch with Linda:
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In this compelling episode, actor David Chokachi discusses his role in President Down, a high-stakes political thriller now streaming on Tubi. Directed by Nick Lyon, the film presents a tense scenario where terrorists hack into the U.S. President's pacemaker, leading to a race against time to prevent a national crisis. Chokachi shares insights into the film's intense production, working alongside a talented cast, and the challenges of portraying such a high-pressure role.
Beyond his acting career, Chokachi is a passionate advocate for animal rescue. He opens up about his journey in animal rescue, the emotional highs and lows, and the profound impact it has had on his life. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of his dedication to saving lives and the joy that comes from giving animals a second chance.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends the world of cinema with heartfelt activism.
Main Themes:
Insights into President Down and its production
David Chokachi's role and experiences on set
His passion for animal rescue and advocacy
The intersection of acting and activism
Questions Asked:
What drew you to the role in President Down?
How did you prepare for such a high-stakes character?
Can you share a memorable moment from filming?
What inspired your commitment to animal rescue?
How do you balance your acting career with your advocacy work?
Links to Find David Chokachi:
Instagram: @therealdavidchokachi
Twitter (X): @therealchokachi
Facebook: David Chokachi Official
IMDb: David Chokachi
“From the drum stool of Maroon 5 to the therapy room, Ryan Dusick’s journey is proof that transformation is possible. After founding Maroon 5, watching his career grind to a halt, and battling anxiety, addiction, and loss, Ryan reinvented himself. With a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, his book Harder to Breathe, and his Get Curious method, he now helps high performers stop riding shotgun in their lives—and start driving with purpose. This episode dives into resilience, recovery, and how curiosity (not avoidance) can change everything.”
Here are all the important links for Ryan Dusick:
Official website (Get Curious, coaching, speaking): ryandusick.com Ryan Dusick
Book Harder to Breathe: A Memoir of Making Maroon 5, Losing It All, and Finding Recovery Ryan Dusick+3Ryan Dusick+3Amazon+3
Podcast: The Harder to Breathe Podcast Ryan Dusick
Psychology Today profile (therapy practice) Psychology Today
Instagram: @ryan_michael_dusick Instagram
Facebook: Ryan Dusick profile Facebook
Here are the major themes listeners can expect:
Identity & Loss — founding Maroon 5, career success, then the unexpected end due to physical injury + anxiety.
Deep Struggle & Recovery — dealing with addiction, loss of purpose, mental health challenges.
Education & Reinvention — going back to school, becoming a therapist, transforming pain into purpose.
“Get Curious” Method — what this approach looks like in practice; using curiosity instead of avoidance to heal.
High Performers’ Mental Wellness — how people used to being “on” can find balance and agency.
Resilience & Purpose — how adversity shaped Ryan’s message, and how he channels that into coaching, speaking, and helping others.
Are you interested in your overall health and fitness? Have you been worried about your hormones? In this episode we dive into intuitive eating, balancing our hormones, and improving our sex lives. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Stephanie Estima. She is a Doctor of Chiropractic with a special interest in metabolism, body composition, functional neurology, and female physiology. Dr. Stephanie is changing the conversation around health, fitness, sex, intimacy, longevity, parenting, mindset, and pursuing excellence. Her life’s passion and mission are blending modern science with ancient wisdom to empower women’s health and healing. We discuss the role that sex plays in our overall health and the importance of good sex at any age. Dr. Stephanie shares how our belief system is holding us back in our lives, and so much more.

Questions I asked:
Topics Discussed:

Quotes from the show:

How you can stay in touch with Dr. Stephanie:
How you can stay in touch with Linda:
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Welcome to the Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T. Podcast—where we believe in strength, resilience, and stories that inspire. I’m your host, Linda Mitchell, and today we’re joined by Stephanie Ramos, ABC News correspondent and decorated military veteran.
Stephanie takes us inside the gripping season premiere of ABC’s 20/20, where decades-old DNA evidence cracked open the cold case murder of Leslie Pierre. With her fearless reporting, she shines a light not only on this case, but also on broader truths that remind us why justice matters.
If you’ve ever been fascinated by true crime, investigative journalism, or stories of perseverance, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
Instagram: @StephanieRamosABC
Twitter/X: @StephanieRamos
How decades-old DNA cracked open the Leslie Pierre case.
The behind-the-scenes process of reporting high-stakes investigations.
Why true crime stories captivate and educate us.
Stephanie’s perspective as both a journalist and military veteran.
What we can expect from the new season of 20/20.
How you can stay in touch with Linda:
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From spinal paralysis to global healer, Dan Metcalfe’s story is one you’ll never forget. After surviving a catastrophic spinal injury and later a traumatic brain injury, Dan refused to accept a life of limitation. Instead, he pioneered the Total Balance Program—helping over 70,000 people worldwide reconnect their brain and body, break free from pain, and unlock their natural ability to heal. In this episode, Dan shares his unbelievable journey, the 7 Pillars of Natural Health, and how you can move from survival to thriving—no matter what you’ve been through.
Total Balance Company: totalbalancecompany.com
Born SuperHuman: bornsuperhuman.com
Instagram: @dan_metcalfe
Surviving paralysis & traumatic brain injury—and defying medical odds.
How the 7 Pillars of Natural Health unlock true healing.
Why mindset and brain-body connection are the key to transformation.
The emotional root of physical pain and how to break past health plateaus.
Success stories from 70,000+ people worldwide using the Total Balance method.
Moving from survival mode to thriving with purpose.
What it means to live authentically and become “Born SuperHuman.”
On this week's motivation monday, we're discussing how to step into a place of authority in your life.
On this week's motivation monday, we're discussing how to step into a place of authority in your life.
Today, we’re joined by one of the most respected voices in American journalism—Pulitzer Prize winner Tim Weiner. You know him from his groundbreaking book Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA, which won the National Book Award and became the defining account of the Agency’s first 60 years. Now, Tim is back with THE MISSION: The CIA in the 21st Century—a riveting and urgent look at the CIA’s modern battles, from 9/11 to Russia, China, and the chaotic state of American intelligence today. Based on exclusive on-the-record interviews with top spymasters and undercover officers, THE MISSION is already a New York Times bestseller and one of the most talked-about books of 2025. Tim Weiner has appeared everywhere from Morning Joe to The New Yorker, and today he’s here to take us deep inside the world of secrets, power, and peril.
From maintaining fighter jets to leading billion-dollar innovations, Sara Blackmer has built her career on mission, discipline, and fearless leadership. A decorated U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel turned CEO, Managing Partner at Solyco Capital, and Senior Partner at FluidLogic, Sara has proven what’s possible in male-dominated industries like defense, tech, and venture capital. In this episode, she shares lessons on building high-performing cultures, scaling impact with purpose, and thriving as a woman in leadership where the odds aren’t always in your favor.
Solyco Capital: solycocapital.com
FluidLogic: fluidlogic.com
LinkedIn: Sara Blackmer on LinkedIn
From the Air Force to tech: how service became Sara’s lifelong mission.
Translating military discipline into boardroom leadership.
Building cultures of excellence and trust under pressure.
Turning setbacks into fuel for growth.
How Solyco Capital’s operator-led model changes the game in investing.
Scaling innovation at FluidLogic for athletes and tactical professionals.
Thriving as a woman in male-dominated industries.
Redefining success through service, impact, and vision.
How you can stay in touch with Linda:
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From a freak accident that left him with a stutter to earning the Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent, comedian Drew Lynch has turned adversity into his superpower. With millions of fans worldwide, three hit comedy specials, and a thriving YouTube channel, Drew proves that laughter can heal and setbacks can become your stage. In this episode, he shares his story of resilience, authenticity, and finding your voice no matter the odds.
Turning setbacks into strengths: why Drew’s stutter became his superpower.
The power of humor in healing and connecting with others.
Behind the scenes of his America’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer journey.
Building resilience and confidence through vulnerability.
Balancing comedy with personal truth and storytelling.
Creating authentic fan connections on YouTube, TikTok, and beyond.
Why your voice — no matter how imperfect — deserves to be heard.
Website: drewlynch.com
YouTube: youtube.com/drewlynch
TikTok: tiktok.com/@thedrewlynch
Instagram: instagram.com/thedrewlynch
Facebook: facebook.com/TheDrewLynch
Twitter/X: x.com/thedrewlynch
Comedy Specials: drewlynch.com/comedy-specials
Tour Dates: drewlynch.com/tour
How you can stay in touch with Linda:
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