Rico Hizon goes ‘rated r,’ teases unexpected conversations
A viral internet sensation and a veteran award-winning global news anchor in one interview?
Who would have expected Toni Fowler to be sitting down with Rico Hizon? But yes, it happened.
The unlikely duo kicked off the premiere of “Rated R: The Rico Hizon Podcast” last Wednesday (Jan. 28) at 8 p.m. on the ABS-CBN News YouTube channel.
And that unexpected pairing is exactly the point of Rico’s new digital show.
After decades of interviewing world leaders and corporate executives for prestigious international news organizations like BBC and CNBC, and now on ANC, Rico is entering a new chapter of his illustrious career.
He’ll still do what he does best, that is asking questions that matter. But this time, the conversations are freer and the guests, well, very different from his usual.
The new podcast shows a different side of Rico Hizon. He’s open to new things and ready to talk to personalities far outside the usual newsroom lineup. If Toni Fowler appeared on the first episode, imagine his line-up of guests in the coming weeks.
In this exclusive chat with Kapamilya Day, Rico talks about his new project, why long-form conversations matter at a time when audiences consume shorts and viral clips, and who audiences can expect to see on his podcast in the weeks ahead.
What inspired you to do “Rated R: The Rico Hizon Podcast?” Why is now the right time for it?
Rico: “After decades in newsrooms, I realized I’ve asked thousands of questions but there were still many I never got to ask. ‘Rated R’ was born out of curiosity and maybe a little rebellion. Now feels right because people want meaning and fun again, not just headlines. Also, I finally get to ask follow-up questions without a producer waving frantically at me.”
What does the “R” in “Rated R” stand for? How can we see it reflected in your podcast?
Rico: “‘R’ stands for Real. As in real conversations, real stories, real people. We don’t follow a script. We go off on tangents, but it leads to some exciting moments. Sometimes reflective, sometimes revealing, occasionally uncomfortable, but it’s always respectful.”
How is this podcast different from the work you’ve done at ANC, BBC, CNN, CNBC and other global newsrooms?
Rico: “In news interviews, time is king. In ‘Rated R,’ time is my friend. There’s no clock screaming ‘wrap it up!’ I can pause, listen and let silence do some of the talking. I also get to talk to personalities I would never have the opportunity to encounter in a traditional newsroom.”
What kinds of stories and guests can listeners expect? What makes a conversation “Rated R-worthy”?
Rico: “You’ll hear from social media influencers, larger-than-life personalities and people whose stories rarely make headlines. A conversation becomes ‘Rated R-worthy’ when the guest drops their guard and says something honest, surprising, sometimes deeply human.”
Will we expect a different interview style?
Rico: “Yes and no. I’ll still ask tough questions, but I’ll ask them with curiosity, not confrontation. This is also more of a conversation and not a one-way interview. As I’ve said earlier, the conversations usually go off on tangents, but that’s the point of the podcast. We let the conversations flow.”
You’ve covered global leaders, CEOs, artists and everyday heroes. How will “Rated R” present them differently?
Rico: “On ‘Rated R,’ titles matter less. I want to know who they are, and what they do. What keeps them awake at night? What shapes them? What did they fail at before they succeeded? We hope to share those stories and lessons with our audience while having fun along the way.”
With people hooked on short clips and viral content, how will “Rated R” stay relevant digitally?
“I think the unfiltered nature of the conversations makes them naturally clip-worthy. Those clips are going to be available online. And when people catch it, hopefully they’ll find time to watch the full episodes.”
What do you think short-form, viral culture does to audiences — and why should long conversations still matter today?
“Short-form content is exciting, but it also trains us to react quickly to stories and content. Long-form content gives us the time to reflect. It gives us the space to provide context and nuance. Understanding still takes time, and I think audiences are craving that again, even if they don’t always realize it yet.”
Who are three people you’d love to have on “Rated R”?
“People who shape everyday life, whether controversial or not. An individual who has reshaped culture, and whose quiet courage changed lives — but if you’re asking for names, let’s just say the wish list is long — Filipinos whose story deserves the world’s attention.”
Can you tease one upcoming episode or conversation that excites you the most?
“Honestly? I’m excited — and slightly terrified — with these convos.
“We have Toni Fowler, which means at some point I will clutch my pearls, learn new slang and ask myself, ‘Is this still a podcast or a cultural education?’
“Then there’s Macoy Dubs — expect chaos, quick wit and me trying very hard to keep a straight face while he casually outsmarts me.
“With Ogie Diaz, it’s going to be part interview, part therapy session, part ‘Teka, pwede bang i-clip ‘yan?’
“And then there’s Charo Santos-Concio — the woman who made an entire nation cry with one line.”
What do you hope audiences here and abroad will take away from “Rated R”?
“I hope they leave with a sense of curiosity and openness. They don’t have to agree with every guest or even like them, for that matter. But I hope they will come away with a better understanding of who the person is sitting across from me after watching an episode. Oftentimes, these personalities are defined by their viral clips, but we sometimes forget that behind these viral moments is a real person. We want to show that in every episode.”
“Rated R: The Rico Hizon Podcast” drops every Wednesday, 8 p.m. only on the ABS-CBN News YouTube channel.
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