Maggie Q Is A Badass

Apr 19, 2021

Maggie Q, an accomplished actress, athlete, and fierce environmental activist, shares her inspiring journey from a childhood in Hawaii to standout roles in blockbuster films. She discusses the impact of animal rights advocacy, sparked by her emotional connection to the documentary 'Earthlings.' Maggie also dives into sustainable fashion through her brand QEEP UP, made from recycled materials, and highlights the significance of personal accountability in activism. Her stories of resilience and determination make this conversation both uplifting and thought-provoking.

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ANECDOTE

Training with Jackie Chan

Maggie Q was trained by Jackie Chan's team in Hong Kong.
This provided her with protection from studio exploitation and prepared her for Hollywood.

ANECDOTE

Early Modeling Career

Maggie Q's early career involved modeling in Tokyo and Taipei.
She faced challenges and rejection due to industry preferences.

ANECDOTE

Rejection in Taipei

Maggie Q's friend got her a modeling contract in Taipei, but it did not go well.
This rejection pushed her to move to Hong Kong.

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Actress. Athlete. Activist. Entrepreneur. Fashion designer. Environmentalist & Plant-based icon.

Maggie Q is the hero we all need.

If you’re a fan of Mission Impossible, the Divergent films, Nikita, Live Free or Die Hard, Designated Survivor, and a slew of other films, then you’re already well-acquainted with this Hawaii native’s kick-ass, action screen presence.

What you might not know is that she cut her thespian teeth in Hong Kong under the tutelage of martial arts master Jackie Chan. To this day, she’s known for performing all her own stunts.

Off-screen Maggie is a passionate plant-based, animal rights activist and environmental activist. She’s a board member of Social Compassion in Legislation, a policy advocacy group fighting for animal welfare protection laws in California, such as the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act. And her work has been recognized and awarded by the City of Los Angeles, the State Senate of California, the California Assembly, PETA, Wild Aid, and many more organizations.

In addition, Maggie is the creator of QEEP UP, an apparel brand made from entirely recycled and pre-consumer waste materials, and ActivatedYou a nutrition company and wellness resource that combines her passion for health with the expertise of podcast alum Dr. Frank Lipman (RRP #370), a renowned integrative medicine doctor.

The question isn’t what can Maggie do — it’s what can’t she.

Today, we walk through Maggie’s unique upbringing.

We dissect her crazy career arc. Her work as an activist. And her passion for animals, human rights, and the ocean.

She shares some epic Hollywood stories, including an epic, previously untold Tom Cruise yarn that gave me chills.

We also discuss the importance of finding your cause. Fighting for it. And supporting others along their respective journeys.

But more than anything, the lesson Maggie imparts today is the power of holding space for others—and why forgiveness is paramount to personal freedom.

FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll596

YouTube: bit.ly/maggieq596

Maggie is someone who is committed to self-growth and someone who knows a thing or two about catalyzing internal and external change. Wise and funny, she’s an excellent conversationalist. She brought her German Shepard, Romeo. By the end, our conversation turned into a therapy session. And for reasons you will soon discover, everyone here at the studio basically fell in love with her.

Peace + Plants,

Rich