WELCOME TO THE NOW

Women were never meant to be “stronger.” They were always powerful . In this episode of Welcome to the Now , I sit down with Dr. Rasha Sulman to break the myths around feminine strength, burnout, and success — and to tell the truth about why women carry more than they’re ever acknowledged for. We talk about: Why women’s power isn’t hustle — it’s wisdom, intuition, and resilience How burnout hits w...

What does it look like to take off, literally and figuratively, when the rules don’t fit your vision? In this episode of Welcome to the Now , I sit down with Chezka Gonzales — Airbus A320 pilot, global entrepreneur, single mom, and founder of the Philippines’ premier blockchain conference and founding partner of Michael Cinco Auto Artistry. From Manila to Dubai and beyond, Chezka’s journey is proo...

What does life feel like when alignment finally meets courage? In this episode of Welcome to the Now , Chantel Elloway—entrepreneur, investor, media strategist, and one of the Middle East’s most influential voices—shares the raw, unfiltered truth behind her journey. From reinvention to resilience, from heartbreak to purpose, Chantel opens up about the moments that shaped her, the inner work that c...

What does greatness look like when you trade burnout for clarity and purpose? In this episode of Welcome to the Now , Erwin Benedict Valencia sits down with Maria Saab — internationally recognized high-performance coach and founder of Home of Greatness , with years of experience coaching entrepreneurs, athletes, and executives across more than ten countries. She shares how performance isn’t just a...

How far would you go to find your truth? In this powerful episode of Welcome to the NOW, I sit down with Calvin Castiel , who began his professional life with a stable career in mechanical engineering, only to find himself in an entirely new path — as a YouTube creator. From Angola to South Africa to the Philippines , Calvin’s journey redefines what high performance means in today’s world. It’s no...

When life falls apart, how do you find the strength to rise again? In this deeply moving episode of Welcome to the NOW , we sit down with Dr. Neeta Bhushan — bestselling author, emotional intelligence expert, and host of The Brave Table , to explore what it truly means to be brave when everything feels uncertain. Together, we unpack: - How resilience is not learned from books but from the experien...

The Many Lives of Erwin Benedict Valencia I’ve lived many lives before I ever arrived here with you. From being an MTV VJ in Asia, to a radio DJ for the Philippines’ top pop station, to touring as the MC for one of the country’s biggest R&B groups—my early years were all about chasing the spotlight. Later, I found myself in NBA locker rooms, serving as a high performance director and mindfulne...

What happens when the spotlight fades, and the real work of reinvention begins? I’m Erwin Benedict Valencia—award-winning multi-hyphenate who’s truly lived many lives and wears many hats: MTV VJ, pop radio DJ, NBA medical and performance director, non-profit founder, mindfulness coach, mentor, and many more. Along the way, I’ve learned that success without presence is a recipe for burnout. Welcome...

In this episode, I sit down with Mary Cristine—award-winning Middle East gut specialist and the founder of Be That Life, Beat That Dish, the Be That Life Summit, and the Be That Life Podcast. Mary shares her incredible journey of moving from clinical practice into holistic wellness and community building, where she empowers others to heal not just their bodies, but their entire lives. We talk abou...

In this conversation, I’m joined by Agustina Palma—singer, actress, and creative force who has grown up in front of the camera. From early fame to navigating transitions in both career and identity, Agustina shares her raw and real journey of stepping into presence and owning her voice in a new way. We talk about the challenges of being in the public eye, the courage it takes to reinvent yourself...