Hello hi. We haven’t been on a coffee date in a while. Today seemed like a good day to reconnect over the surprisingly surprising realisation that I am only human and, to discuss movement as a metaphor for life. Thanks for sticking around. I tried the feature that allows me to create a chat room for an episode. click on “join chat’ so we can try it together. Also, my daughter really wanted to help me record so stand by to be introduced to this week’s episode enthusiastically by her little big voice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chioneso.substack.com
In this unusual episode, we are spreading into the full breadth of “wholistic success” by discussing a very interesting thread from threads on what people have experienced when they do not partner effectively in marital finances. Partnership in this context is not the same as contribution. It is to say functioning as a team driven by the desire for a joint outcome and with the understanding that one might need to step in for the other. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chioneso.substack.com
Inspired by Oprah’s book of the same title, here is what your podcaster next door knows for sure about life, career, and the big question. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chioneso.substack.com
In our coffee date this week, I take you through a thought-provoking essay by Brianna Wiest from her book 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think titled 101 Things More Worth Thinking About Than Whatever Is Consuming You. This essay is a powerful reminder of how our thoughts shape our reality.If you’ve ever found yourself trapped in an endless loop of overthinking—whether about a past mistake, a lost opportunity, or a person who didn’t choose you—this episode is for you. Wiest’s words gently shift our focus to the infinite possibilities, curiosities, and wonders that deserve our attention instead. From the randomness of life’s breakthroughs to the beauty of a single moment, this essay offers a fresh perspective on what truly matters. More than that, it provides nuggets with which to build new ways of thinking. Pour yourself a cup of something warm, settle in, and let’s redirect our thoughts toward something far more fulfilling.4o This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chioneso.substack.com
Nothing like a life-and-death scare to get you thinking hard about life, right? So, let’s talk about it so we can think about it meaningfully. Just a heart to heart. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chioneso.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chioneso.substack.com
What if your fears are sign posts and not just stop signs. What age old wisdom about money remains true. What is a healthy state of panic around money? source: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chioneso.substack.com
They say when the student is ready, the teacher appears. Putting my theme for the year into the universe seems to be directing my eyes and ears to precisely what I need to read, listen to, and do left, right, and centre…just like the science says it will. This talk by Simon Sinek, building on his iconic Ted Talk, “Start with Why,” is one of those things. Sometimes, I share what I have learnt in my own words. At other times, it is best to let the masters speak for themselves…like now. “Dive into Simon Sinek’s powerful 27-minute motivational speech, Focus Only on Yourself in 2025. This inspiring talk emphasizes self-growth, resilience, and the importance of focusing on your goals without being distracted by negativity or external pressures. Simon shares actionable strategies to prioritize yourself, overcome challenges, and stay committed to your personal and professional growth in the upcoming year. Why listen?* Learn how to make 2025 your most focused and productive year yet * Discover practical tools to overcome criticism and negativity * Gain insights from Simon Sinek on how to build a resilient mindset * Find inspiration to prioritize your personal goals over distractions * Unlock strategies to stay consistent and aligned with your purpose” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chioneso.substack.com
Two of my favourite authors meet and chat about what shapes financial choices and spending patterns. The conversation is available on the Prof G Pod. Listen to the original episode by clicking on this link: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chioneso.substack.com
Hello hi. In episode 80, we talked about what self-sabotage looks like. In Episodes 81 and 82 we focused on what to do about it. In this 4th and last installment, we focus on emotional intelligence as a foundational way to manage self-sabotage. Whether you know your self-sabotaging tendencies or are just beginning to recognize them, this episode offers valuable insights to help you manage them and master yourself.Key Topics:* How to resolve self-sabotage using Emotional IntelligenceResources Mentioned:* The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest* Atomic Habits by James Clear* Atlas of the Heart by Brene BrownHave a listen. If you enjoy the episode, please like, share, subscribe, or leave a comment. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chioneso.substack.com
Hello hi. In episode 80, we talked about what self-sabotage looks like. This installment is part 2 of what to do about it. How do you navigate self-sabotage now that you know what it is?Whether you know your self-sabotaging tendencies or are just beginning to recognize them, this episode offers valuable insights to help you manage them and master yourself.Key Topics:* How to resolve self-sabotage’s different formsResources Mentioned:* The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest* Atomic Habits by James ClearHave a listen. If you enjoy the episode, please like, share, subscribe, or leave a comment. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chioneso.substack.com
Hello hi. In the last episode, we talked about what self-sabotage looks like. In this installment, we talk about what to do about it. How do you navigate self-sabotage now that you know what it is? Whether you know your self-sabotaging tendencies or are just beginning to recognize them, this episode offers valuable insights to help you manage them and master yourself.Key Topics:* How to resolve self-sabotage’s different formsResources Mentioned:* The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest* Atlas of the Heart by Brené BrownHave a listen. If you enjoy the episode, please like, share, subscribe, or leave a comment. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chioneso.substack.com
Hello hi. Welcome to our coffee date. Thank you for being so patient after my laptop died and I had to figure out how to replace it. Perhaps ironically, the episode was already scheduled to be on how we self-sabotage. You would think you know all the ways but Brianna Wiest had a few surprises on her list in her book The Mountain is You. In this enlightening episode, we delve into the intricate patterns of self-sabotage and examine the subconscious behaviors that hinder our progress. We also reference Brené Brown's insightful work, Daring Greatly, which emphasizes the power of vulnerability in personal growth.Whether you're aware of your self-sabotaging tendencies or just beginning to recognize them, this episode offers valuable insights to guide you toward a more fulfilling and empowered life.Key Topics:* Understanding self-sabotage and its origins* Identifying hidden self-sabotaging behaviors* The role of vulnerability in personal developmentResources Mentioned:* The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest* Daring Greatly by Brené BrownHave a listen to gain a deeper understanding of self-sabotaging behaviors and embracing vulnerability as a strength on your journey to self-improvement.For a deeper dive into Brené Brown's insights on vulnerability, you might find her TED Talk enlightening: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chioneso.substack.com
Episode Description:Join me for our last coffee date of the year as I delve into my 2025 theme: Refinement. Drawing from my personal experiences and inspired by Brianna Wiest's transformative book, The Mountain Is You, I explore the journey from mere survival to a state of healing and thriving, both personally and professionally. Tune in for candid conversations, reflections, and actionable steps as we discuss how I came to this point, why, and where I would like to be exactly a year from now.About the Podcast:"Dirty Chai with Chio" is your career's podcast bestie. It's a business and career mindset podcast where I connect books with reality through candid and authentic conversations as we explore the essential elements of career triumphs, share research-backed habits to achieve different types of success, and embrace transformative mindset shifts. Whether you are in corporate, an entrepreneur, a mindfulness advocate, embracing the challenges of parenting and personal growth, or all of the above, like me, we unravel the threads that unite these diverse experiences under the common traits that define success.About the relevant Book:The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest is a profound exploration into why we do it, when we do it, and how to stop doing it—for good. The book delves into the conflicting needs that create self-sabotaging behaviors and offers insights into transforming internal obstacles into opportunities for growth.Listen Now:Tune in to this episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to embark on a journey of refinement and transformation.Connect with Me:Stay updated with my latest insights and episodes by subscribing to my Substack via chioneso.substack.comJoin the Conversation:Share your thoughts and experiences on this episode by leaving a review or connecting on social media. Let's refine our journeys together. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chioneso.substack.com
Hello hi. Welcome to our coffee date. What we talking about today: Don’t let the why drown in the what and how. Why do you want to get fit? Why do the holidays matter? Why do we come together in this season? Who is telling us what the why is? How do we tie the feelings economy into James Clear’s thoughts on Identity, Greg McKeown’s doing less but doing it better, and Rupi Kaur’s poetry. It’s a foundational episode with Christmas overtones. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chioneso.substack.com
I have been consistent about setting a vision or theme for each year since I hit 30.I’m currently 39. I learned in my 20s that making many resolutions just doesn’t work for me. I make a long list and then I forget about it as soon as life does what life does. Yet, I firmly believe in vision, direction, and intention. Setting a vision is more than popular culture or modern spirituality. It is also biblical.Enter my annual reference to this particular bible verse:“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.Habakkuk 2:2-3 NKJVI have found that setting a theme for the year is something I can stay true to. It’s a promise to myself I can actually keep. A promise to make decisions that are aligned with the vision in every area. That’s all. 2021’s theme was “Be Still and Know.” This was one of the more difficult themes I have ever set for myself. 2021 was, consequently, a necessary but painful growth experience. I’m sure there is something about it here somewhere. 2022 was Year of Yes (Book Reference: Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes). I had uprooted a lot of old and new and saying yes scattered new seeds. 2023 was Rooting my Touch Tree (Book Reference: Untamed by Glennon Doyle). The seeds were planted and many. Which would be the ones to tend and keep while they took root. 2024 was Big Magic (Book Reference: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert)—the beginning of learning to reach for more. Learning to thrive, learning to step out despite fear. We are reviewing the meaning of this last one before I tell you what the 2025 one is next week or the week after. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chioneso.substack.com
In this week’s instalment I share a Ted Talk by Caroline McHugh which I found remarkable. She touches on all the vital bases required to remind us how to root ourselves and to make meaning of this existence while trying to live the fullest versions of ourselves. Too many of us are unintentional pale imitations or patchwork quilts of others when we could be so much more within and without. The link to the Ted Talk is below. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chioneso.substack.com
Try the ATM! There. I said it. I explain in this episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chioneso.substack.com
Sometimes you get derailed in big and small ways and you need to have a toolkit to help you restore your mindset and focus. To trip or fall is human. Wisdom is buying an umbrella when the weather is sunny knowing the rain is inevitable from time to time. This speech from Shonda Rhimes given at Dartmouth in 2014 is one of my go-tos. Like she says, while the dreamers dream, the world belongs to the doers. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chioneso.substack.com
My subconscious decided to fire shots at me. This is my first experience with a personal attack from myself to me. So you were wronged… are you going to play victim for the rest of eternity? Stop it. Don’t @ me when I say I’m never getting married again tomorrow. I told you I’m personally attacking myself… and you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chioneso.substack.com