Loose Change

EARLY RELEASE: I don’t know why I bother trying to plan out this season in advance. I got on Facebook and read the news about Breonna Taylor and how Brett Hankison, John Mattingly, and Myles Cosgrove will not face any indictment for her murder. And though we saw the signs and we’re learning our history, once again we were reminded of our place in this world in the eyes of men. And I couldn’t help but think, here we go again. There is no right way or wrong way to grieve. There is no proper way to go through this. There isn’t even one way to walk with you through this. So the music is just going to play. I won’t speak, but you can. Take this time to feel the depths of your feelings in a safe space. Cry if need. Scream. Sing. Laugh. Close your eyes. Hug yourself. Pray. Question. Rage. Dance. Breakdown. Let it out in this space. Know that I’m furiously grieving with you. Today’s episode is dedicated to you Breonna Taylor. Additional Notes: The music from this week's episode was produced by RalphReal, Underbelly, and The Brothers Records. The prayer was from Cole Arthur Riley. You can find more of her black liturgies on Instagram. Also support her Patreon. The work she is doing is important and necessary. To listen to the entire Grief Series, please visit loosechangepodcast.com. We talk about why it's okay to grieve, how it's okay to not be okay and what not to say to a friend that is going through the hard work of grief. I hope it helps. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loose-change-pod/message

When I wrote the episode Please Don't Ask Me if I'm Okay, it came as a response to the amount of people asking me and many of my black friends about their mental state without fully understanding what they were asking for. I followed up that episode with What Not to Say When You Don't Know What to Say. That was a totally practical interview with Oliver Ip, pastoral scholar and psychologist in training. In that episode, Ollie and I went over things one should avoid saying to a friend that is grieving or in pain. I asked Ollie, how do you tell someone that you don't see them as 'safe.' That they are not who you would like to give access to your grief or pain for the sake of your mental stability or  because you're not looking for advice or whatever. So listen to hear his response.  Loose Change was produced and hosted by me. The music featured on this episode was created by Anno Domini, Birocratic, and Bad Snacks and the segment intro was mixed by me. A special thanks to Oliver Ip for your continued support and really easy interviewing style. For episode transcripts and cover art, please visit loosechangepodcast.com/episodes Don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and a review. And check out the Patreon. Be back next week for another new episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loose-change-pod/message

If you've listened to the last season of this podcast, you'll know that my husband lost his job here in Hong Kong and with two kids and two sets of student loan debt, we have to be a two income household. Paying $2400 US for our 600 sq ft flat doesn't help either. But we were hopeful, optimistic. We believe that after 10 years of working for the same company, it was time for David to find something new, something better, that this was a chance to flex these skills elsewhere. That was back in March. And here we are in September. And 6 months of rejections has really taken its toll on us, on him. So with the money we have left and our daughters by our side, we prepare to leave. Loose Change was produced and hosted by me. The music featured on this episode was created by Underbelly, Birocratic, and Otis MacDonald and the segment intro was mixed by me. A special thank you to Emmanuella for letting me cry on the phone until I could create this episode and my uncle Alex for encouraging me with the music. For full transcripts and cover art, please visit loosechangepodcast.com/episodes This episode was a little different than what I told you was coming for the new season, but I hope you understand the circumstances. New episode next week. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loose-change-pod/message

Welcome to Season 3 of the Loose Change podcast. My name is Deanna and today is my birthday! As this podcast evolves and starts to take form, I want to make sure that you feel like it's really made for you. During the break, I took a step back to listen to what you are talking about in your day to day lives, the transitions you are going through, the hard work you are doing, the triumphs you've celebrated. And I find that we are a lot alike and so very different. And that, above all else makes me encouraged for us to go through change together. Season 3 of the Loose Change Podcast is coming soon. Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss it. You can find me on Stitcher, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RadioPublic, Overbreaker, and of course on my brand new website, loosechangepodcast.com. I'll see you there. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loose-change-pod/message

Email questions, feedback or your experience with change to TodayonLooseChange@gmail.com On this episode of Loose Change, I only felt the need to reflect on what I learned about podcasting from producing these last two seasons. I wanted to talk to you about what I learned about interviewing, editing, and endurance, just being able to follow through and complete the season. But this season didn’t go the way that I planned it, but probably because these last six months did not go the way that we planned it. So today, on the second season finale of Loose Change, I want to celebrate you and me and us by reflecting a little bit on the journey to get this far. I’ll share a little bit on my thought process and the work process and what I see coming next and how you can be a part of it! As we move into the next season, here are 5 things you can do to support the podcast.  The most valuable thing you can do is to rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts or whatever platform you are listening on right now. If it doesn’t have a rating system, head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review there.  You can also follow the podcast on Instagram @loose_change_pod.  You can subscribe! That’s big! You can subscribe so you always know when a new episode is coming!  You can send feedback, let me know which episode has been your favorite so far or share your own experiences with change at the brand new Loose Change email. Send your thoughts to TodayOnLooseChange@gmail.com And finally...   You can share the podcast with your friends and family. Share it on social media, tell people about it, especially if you see they are going through change too. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loose-change-pod/message

Oliver Ip is (was) a pastor, a life coach and a theological scholar, but more importantly, he was the one who taught me how to practically care for others. I've finally got him on the podcast to share some of the best and worst things you can say to someone who is grieving. Today’s episode could be thought of as Part 3 of this series of What to Do When Your Friend is not okay. I took a lot away from this episode. I know you will too. Resources: Everything Happens Podcast with Kate Bowler Kate's Book The Nap Ministry Season finale next week! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loose-change-pod/message

I had to take a week off of the podcast to collect my thoughts and quite frankly grieve. A lot. I've had a few breakdowns, a few uplifting moments, but overall this year has been unbelievably overwhelming. But I'm sure I don't have to tell you that. I had one moment in particular where my grieving was kind of put on display, in public (without my consent) and it completely unravelled me. All my emotions and tragedies that I was still processing all fought at once for my immediate attention. And many of those who witnessed it decided to ask me if I'm okay. Instead of responding with, "Do I LOOK okay??" I recorded this episode.  If you are looking for a break, glimmers of hope, or simply more content, try these podcasts, all hosted by BIPOC: Toon Lore Done Right (TLDR) The Read Therapy for Black Girls NPR’s Code Switch Flourish in the Foreign --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loose-change-pod/message

I read a couple of articles in the Atlantic and the Wall Street Journal that talked about studies around why we rewatch movies and tv shows. Studies showed that there was a therapeutic benefit to the déja vu. Of course, there is the sense of nostalgia, visiting a happy place or moment that you’ve already been. Another point is that because you’ve seen it before, there will be no surprises. This can really lessen your sense of anxiety. And at this time in the world, I think we’re all feeling different levels of underlying stress and anxiety. But don’t worry, I’ve brought my husband Dave on this episode. David is an admissions advisor, an animator by trade, and a podcast host (shameless plug: check out his podcast Toon Lure Done Right) so I thought that he would be a great person to pull for this consultation. Together, we’ve come up with a playlist to get you through quarantine, protests, or the unfair murder of black people at the hands of police. Today, on Loose Change, what to watch when you don’t know what to watch --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loose-change-pod/message

On last week’s episode, I shared some thoughts on grief and how you and I can support our loved ones while they are grieving some sort of loss.  And that reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend of mine, let’s call her Yvette.* Yvette and her husband are a black couple living in Asia. Her husband is a pilot, well actually a captain, and often has to travel away from her and their two boys for weeks at a time. When it comes to her household, Yvette has it handled pretty well in my humble opinion. But when it comes to supporting her husband when he is faced with a major recurring problem at work, from micro-aggressions to full on racism, this is where Yvette feels like she wants to be able to do better. You see, we can find ways to support those around us when they are suffering nearby. But how do you support your loved one, when they are thousands of miles away? *All names have been changed. Except mine, of course. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loose-change-pod/message

Grief is the experience we go through when something or someone is taken away from us. It is a sense of loss, and it is a loss that is personal and individual. My original plan for this episode was very different. The title was different. The subject matter was about the same, I knew that I wanted to talk about grief and how to push through it. And like the rest of this season, I wanted to interview a friend about how they kept going even through the lowest moments of their lives. But then, their lows kept getting lower. And lower. So instead, I created something just for them. Because I can't make the pain go away. I can't pull them out of grief. But I can meet them where they are.  This episode is dedicated to you. If you'd like some additional resources on grief, check out these: How Do I Help a Hurting Friend? by Rod J. K. Wilson Daily Prayer with the Corrymeela Community A Letter To A Grieving Friend | What Does Grief Look Like by Katie Lei New episode next week.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loose-change-pod/message

This prayer was taken for the book Daily Prayer with the Corrymeela Community. I liked the way that it acknowledges our mourning for the way things used to be. If you are looking for more guided prayers, I’d recommend you check out the book Daily Prayer with the Corrymeela Community. Monday’s episode looks more in to mourning, grief, and loss. Talk to you then. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loose-change-pod/message

This virus season has been for some, a moment to slow down. For some, it’s been a stressful speed up especially for doctors and nurses. And then there are some people who have found the opportunity being shut in during this pandemic to create something new. But that’s the thing about creativity, it can flourish anywhere any time. On today’s episode of Loose Change, I wanted to introduce you to three friends of mine who are all starting their very own podcast. First we will hear from Christine Job from Barcelona, Spain. Her podcast is called Flourish in the Foreign and it archives stories from Black women living abroad from around the world. Then we will chat with Nsikan and Jules, two Christian twenty-somethings living in Hong Kong about how they will be sharing their failures and faith on their podcast, Derefinery. Starting something new is scary in the best of times. It takes a different kind of courage to try something outside of your comfort zone when you are already uncomfortable. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loose-change-pod/message

During my interview with Clare from the last episode, something that didn't make it into the edit was the use of pre-written prayers or prayers written by someone else. Sometimes using the words of others can resunate and help us when we can't find the words ourselves.  As a bonus episode, I decided to read the Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr. You may recognise the beginning as it is often used in 12-step programmes. And it's obvious to see why. Hope you enjoy. The next full episode is coming this Monday.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loose-change-pod/message

There are some moments in life when so much is happening and there is some much change going on that it can feel overwhelming. I know for me, I instantly feel the panic and the pain before I can sit down and unravel what’s going on. And maybe it’s the same for you. In those moments, when I feel like I’m losing control and the world is too heavy, I turn to prayer. On today’s episode of Loose Change, I wanted to introduce you to Clare, my Hong Kong born, Australia raised friend whose whole job is literally prayer. Clare doesn’t just pray for people, but helps them figure out what form of prayer works best for them. There are times when she has prayed for me without knowing what I’m personally going through and has either left me feeling challenged or like her words were specifically meant for me. Let’s see if Clare has some words for you. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loose-change-pod/message

To learn more about Derek Ma and Meridien Learning, visit his website: https://meridian-learning.com/ Last year, I asked Derek if he would coach me and I am not exaggerating when I say, it was life changing. So today on the podcast, I asked Derek if he would mind speaking to you. Because you’re going through a lot right now and your life has probably been directly or indirectly affected by the virus. Derek said that he’s able to coach anyone through anything, so right now, you and I are the clients. Let’s meet our new life coach! New episodes come out every Monday on your favorite podcast platforms. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loose-change-pod/message

Welcome back to Loose Change! I’m so excited to bring you the first episode of season 2. I’d like to introduce you to my friend Moon. We met here in Hong Kong through Facebook four years ago. But she’s also lived in New York and Atlanta where she’s recently moved back to. We had a conversation a few months ago, when the virus first hit Hong Kong. What I really liked about our talk was how Moon defined her “otherness” and how she was able to learn more about herself by moving to the other side of the world. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loose-change-pod/message

It’s been a minute, but I’m happy to tell you that season to will start on Monday. And since the world is in mass and unapologetic change, now seems like a really good time to get it started again. Prayers, tears, interviews, and honesty coming your way, this season on Loose Change. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loose-change-pod/message

Season Finale! For the final episode of the first season of Loose Change, I wanted to share with you a very special interview I did. I talk about my insecurities a lot on this show, so I wanted to talk with someone who consistently works at building up hers. So much so that she can battle through some of what the world throws at her. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loose-change-pod/message

This is a reupload, as it looks like the first time I published this episode, it didn’t make it passed the first segment. And honestly I was so in my feelings about a completely unrelated matter that I got overly angry about this and the lack of solutions I could find to fix it! But now, I’m tired and I realized I could just recreate the episode. Because duh. Let me know if it works by liking, commenting and subscribing! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loose-change-pod/message

I was disciplining my daughter in public and some woman decided (maybe just in my head) that I was being too mean to this little girl and just had to do something (albeit a very small something) but that set me off. And I want to (HAVE TO) talk about it.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loose-change-pod/message