Heart Open ConversAsians

Hey treasured ones. I hope you’re enjoying some respite and relaxation during these last days before a new year ushers in. Sticking with the theme of newness and beginnings, I thought it would be fitting to dust off my recording nook and share a raw and unedited minisode on the podcast via a bit of a back story of this podcast and the journey it has embarked me on thus far. I also wanted to express my gratitude and appreciation for the love and encouragement numerous of you extended to me via the video I shared here a couple of posts back. Friends and family of this show, thank you for sticking around and carrying me and this passion project of mine along with you on our shared hard yet imperfectly beautiful lives. Onward, bravely, boldly, truly, kindly.I’ll meet you back here in the new year with a brand new season on the podcast. Support the showI can't thank you enough for making space in your life and spending your precious time hanging out on the pod with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you and would love the opportunity to connect with you, so please, I invite you to come find me on Instagram and say hello @heartopenconvers_asians! If you love and relate to the show, I hope you can take a few seconds to support the show by: Rate and Review the show via Apple Podcasts or via https://ratethispodcast.com/hocpodcast Sharing the show or specific episodes with your treasured circles or a friend; you may be extending just the support they need by doing so Share/Repost an episode on your Stories and tag me on Instagram @ heartopenconvers_asians. I’ll send you a small gift as a token of my appreciation for supporting the show! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

One thing that almost never fails to uplift me every time I’m in a rut or feeling discouraged is to be in community with fellow allies and like-minded creatives who embrace not just the well and shiny parts of human-ing, but also the darker and trying parts. My guest on the pod today may just know more than a thing or two about human-ing and healing and I couldn’t fathom a more timely moment to be in conversation with her as I navigate through a season that’s feeling heavier than usual. Victoria Duffy is a first-generation Asian American who resides in Seattle, Washington. Growing up as a child of immigrants who had little to their names and their pockets to make ends meet, Victoria’s childhood was more arduous than most her age. She is passionate about holding space and being in community with others like her and found her calling and start her entrepreneurial journey as a coach and more recently, a full-time podcaster, sharing insights into her journey of healing from generational trauma and doing life through the lens of an Asian-American in today’s times.I invite you to cosy up and join us as we share our individually learned yet shared experiences around: Our LOVE for podcasting as our chosen medium to hone our creativity and cultivate connectionWhat generational trauma can look like and the intrinsically nuanced parent-child relationship, andThe beautiful irony between accountability and freedom This was pure therapy and nourishment for my current soul. I hope you’ll enjoy this one and walk away with downloads that fuels and feeds your insides as well. Stick around towards the end if you will, to listen to an announcement I’ll be making. Connect with Victoria:Instagram: @victorieswithvictoriapodcastListen to her podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/victories-with-victoria/id1644163258https://open.spotify.com/show/6NrmafvLr1bYWalRFwh6yd?si=5fcbec172127425eSupport the showI can't thank you enough for making space in your life and spending your precious time hanging out on the pod with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you and would love the opportunity to connect with you, so please, I invite you to come find me on Instagram and say hello @heartopenconvers_asians! If you love and relate to the show, I hope you can take a few seconds to support the show by: Rate and Review the show via Apple Podcasts or via https://ratethispodcast.com/hocpodcast Sharing the show or specific episodes with your treasured circles or a friend; you may be extending just the support they need by doing so Share/Repost an episode on your Stories and tag me on Instagram @ heartopenconvers_asians. I’ll send you a small gift as a token of my appreciation for supporting the show! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

I’m going to try my very best not to fan-girl too much as I introduce today’s guest who’s joining me on the pod today. Bold, resilient, wise, and a heck of a trailblazer are but some of the words that I would use to describe her. Today’s guest is none other than the one and only, Sheena Yap-Chan. Sheena’s a keynote speaker, a consultant, and a freshly minted best-selling author at Wall Street Journal for her first book, The Tao of Self-Confidence. She is also the founder and host of the award-winning podcast of the same name, where she has since interviewed over 700 Asian women to exchange stories on their inner journey to self-confidence.A combination of an unexpected encounter, or more accurately, a query, and Sheena’s deep desire to better comprehend the Asian dysphoria and the almost born-this-way incapacity to feel confident and own our place and voice were the triggers that started her down the path in search of stories of other who look like her and felt the same way as she did then. Her stellar accolades aside, what I especially adored about this conversation we shared was how expansive, minus-the-fluff-honest, and validating it was. We covered: The importance of representation and how it affects change The creative journey while writing this book (in 3 months) The essentiality and impact of stories that are “specific” He atypical career path and how she navigated that decision with her family that came full circle in the sweetest way Why progress is better than perfectionYou know it’s a satisfyingly good one when you hear me attempt to say so much in too little time to the point that I thought I was listening to myself at double speed/tempo. I hope you’ll be able to find time any our day to soak in this one - I promise it’ll be worth it. Connect with Sheena: Website: www.sheenayapchan.com , where you’ll find links to all the social mediums you can find and follow Sheena’s content, buy her book that is already available at all major book retailers to get!Access her Free Quiz on uncovering your self-confidence profile here: https://www.sheenayapchan.com/quiz Support the showI can't thank you enough for making space in your life and spending your precious time hanging out on the pod with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you and would love the opportunity to connect with you, so please, I invite you to come find me on Instagram and say hello @heartopenconvers_asians! If you love and relate to the show, I hope you can take a few seconds to support the show by: Rate and Review the show via Apple Podcasts or via https://ratethispodcast.com/hocpodcast Sharing the show or specific episodes with your treasured circles or a friend; you may be extending just the support they need by doing so Share/Repost an episode on your Stories and tag me on Instagram @ heartopenconvers_asians. I’ll send you a small gift as a token of my appreciation for supporting the show! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Have you ever had those conversations where you’re connecting with them for the first time, but yet it feels like you could talk to them until the end of time, in a way that feels spacious energetic yet easy? My guest joining me on the pod today was all that, and then some for me. This unicorn of a human on the pod today is Clara Nah. A fellow Singaporean, Clara is a solo-preneur as a fitness and transformation coach who’s passionate about helping others show up every day as the most fulfilled version of themselves by shedding the weight of self-doubt and insecurity and step boldly into their power to create the life and body they desire. With a spirit full of zest, enthusiasm, and courage, coupled with some calculated planning and support through peers and mentors, Clara took the leap of faith to embark on her coaching journey full-time after walking away from her hard-earned law degree and the opportunity to practice law. An unconventional decision some might say (and by some I meant our loving but more traditionalistic older Asian generations aka our Asian parents), but one that by the end of this conversation, takes little to witness and realize how much doing this work means to Clara. We spent this time together diving into: Her WHY for embarking on this journey Why we all could use help from a coach to improve our relationship with fitnessThe real key to effecting lasting change in our lives How a clarity call with one person (who would eventually become her mentor) altered her decision to give up on her coaching business This was a conversation that was an absolute delight and a serotonin boost like no other. I could chat with this gal FOREVER. Connect with Clara: Instagram: @shredthatcheese LinkedIn: Clara Nah P.S:  Shoot Clara a DM on Instagram to say hello to her and get free access to her free 3-day gym workout program! Support the showI can't thank you enough for making space in your life and spending your precious time hanging out on the pod with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you and would love the opportunity to connect with you, so please, I invite you to come find me on Instagram and say hello @heartopenconvers_asians! If you love and relate to the show, I hope you can take a few seconds to support the show by: Rate and Review the show via Apple Podcasts or via https://ratethispodcast.com/hocpodcast Sharing the show or specific episodes with your treasured circles or a friend; you may be extending just the support they need by doing so Share/Repost an episode on your Stories and tag me on Instagram @ heartopenconvers_asians. I’ll send you a small gift as a token of my appreciation for supporting the show! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Today’s episode is home to Part 2 of the conversation with Denise. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to Part 1 and if discussions on suicide do not cause extreme triggers and trauma for you, I encourage you to tune in. Then, join us back here for this one, where Denise and I expanded on how her new life in Bali - the uprooting, transition, and all the in between’s, how she developed a healthy relationship with fear, and how learning to love and trust ourselves is the key to us finding love, connection, and purpose with others and in our lives. The honor is truly mine to be in conversation and community with this big-hearted and deep-feeling human, and I hope you took away as much insight and value that serves you as you join us for a seat around the table for this evergreen and essential conversation. Ways to connect with Denise: Website: BridgeTheLove.comInstagram: @denisemichellexoxo Facebook: www.facebook.com/denisemichelleloveFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theselflovetribebtl/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisemichellelove/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeniseMxoxoYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DeniseMichelleSupport the showI can't thank you enough for making space in your life and spending your precious time hanging out on the pod with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you and would love the opportunity to connect with you, so please, I invite you to come find me on Instagram and say hello @heartopenconvers_asians! If you love and relate to the show, I hope you can take a few seconds to support the show by: Rate and Review the show via Apple Podcasts or via https://ratethispodcast.com/hocpodcast Sharing the show or specific episodes with your treasured circles or a friend; you may be extending just the support they need by doing so Share/Repost an episode on your Stories and tag me on Instagram @ heartopenconvers_asians. I’ll send you a small gift as a token of my appreciation for supporting the show! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Today's story on the pod is one that belongs to a very dear friend, both to me and also to this community, Denise Michelle. Denise is The SelfLove Alchemist®, an Award-Winning Transformational Life Coach, Rapid Transformation Hypnotherapist, #1 International Best Selling Author, creator of HypnoHealing®, Think and Grow Rich Instructor, and Self Love Expert with a background in the healing arts and spiritual entrepreneurship. In her 20-year personal healing journey, she has beaten the odds with mental illness, sexual abuse, addiction, anxiety, suicidal depression, and bankruptcy. It was through navigating those events that she learned that living a vision-driven life is the ultimate practice of SelfLove, the place where dreams come alive and transformation is made, and led her to where she gets to dedicate her deep connection with spirit and education on SelfLove Mastery to help soulful leaders in their path to serve the collective. I'm beyond honored to hold the space for Denise's story on the pod once again as she shares openly what these past couple of years looked like for her grieving through 5 deaths in the family, welcoming travels back into her life again, then ultimately and almost serendipitously, leaving her dream home and moved across the country to follow a calling in her heart that led her through deep surrenderings and refueled empowerment towards her life's work and legacy. This was packed to the brim with all the feels and insights that it was impossible (nor was it meant to) be contained in one episode so here's Part 1 of it. This was a magical and deeply moving one for me, you guys. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did having the conversation and that perhaps it’ll nudge you to take a moment to sit with yourself, have gratitude for what's here, and learn to take tiny strides to trust and love yourself again. Deep breaths always, dear ones. Stay with us to catch Part 2! P.S: This episode contains triggering content relating to suicide and should this feels too much for you right now, please take care of yourself and sit out on this one. For assistance and help, you're at liberty to contact the healthcare experts available to you at 988 Suicide. You're not alone, dear one. Connect with Denise: Website: BridgeTheLove.comInstagram: @denisemichellexoxo Facebook: www.facebook.com/denisemichelleloveFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theselflovetribebtl/LinkedIn: Support the showI can't thank you enough for making space in your life and spending your precious time hanging out on the pod with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you and would love the opportunity to connect with you, so please, I invite you to come find me on Instagram and say hello @heartopenconvers_asians! If you love and relate to the show, I hope you can take a few seconds to support the show by: Rate and Review the show via Apple Podcasts or via https://ratethispodcast.com/hocpodcast Sharing the show or specific episodes with your treasured circles or a friend; you may be extending just the support they need by doing so Share/Repost an episode on your Stories and tag me on Instagram @ heartopenconvers_asians. I’ll send you a small gift as a token of my appreciation for supporting the show! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

On this week’s HOC podcast, I’m joined by a repeat guest on the pod, the vivacious and endearing Claire for a light-hearted and candid conversation around topics that still bears forms of stigma in society today - anxiety, burnout, and rest. Claire is a holistic business and mindset coach by profession and passion and a physiotherapist and movement expert by trade. After spending 15 years healing from her toxic family and environment, she has since successfully launched multiple ventures and investments. In her business coaching, she blends her expertise in body and movement to help her clients take their businesses to the next level without overwhelm and burnout. In this catch-up sesh, we checked in, both with each other and within ourselves, and discussed: Her newfound practice and passion for conscious breathing and the business idea that came to life along with it What burnout can feel and look like and what simple actions you can take today to combat it The essentiality and unspoken benefits of resting I enjoyed how candidly Claire delivered the important message of rest for us, one I know for certain I’m going to need this weekend. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did having the conversation and that perhaps it’ll encourage you to prioritize rest for yourself this weekend. Connect with Claire: IG: @breatheintopeaceTo learn more about the mindful breathing necklace: www.breatheintopeace.comFor more information on Claire’s private coaching + how to enjoy a 50% off by being 1 of the first 5 peeps to sign up: https://breatheintopeace.kartra.com/page/privatecoachingSupport the showI can't thank you enough for making space in your life and spending your precious time hanging out on the pod with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you and would love the opportunity to connect with you, so please, I invite you to come find me on Instagram and say hello @heartopenconvers_asians! If you love and relate to the show, I hope you can take a few seconds to support the show by: Rate and Review the show via Apple Podcasts or via https://ratethispodcast.com/hocpodcast Sharing the show or specific episodes with your treasured circles or a friend; you may be extending just the support they need by doing so Share/Repost an episode on your Stories and tag me on Instagram @ heartopenconvers_asians. I’ll send you a small gift as a token of my appreciation for supporting the show! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

This is a story that had me feeling deeply wrapped in hope, light and warmth at the end of it, the kind that leaves me in awe, admiration and respect, the kind that stirs and inspires you to reconsider and break open norms and boundaries, the kind that makes you think “Wow, she’s someone I want to emulate when I become a mother.”Joining me on the podcast today is Samantha Ong, founder and owner of Joeydolls, a company that creates diverse Asian cultural dolls for children. Samantha began her entrepreneurial journey with a successful photography and videography business before pivoting to Joeydolls in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate around the world during the pandemic lockdowns. As a mother of two young girls, she wanted to help young children feel proud of their heritage and feel valued in society. Samantha walks us through the intricacies of how caring for her young daughter during the Covid pandemic times led her to embark on this quest to make dolls that look like her daughter so that she doesn’t feel alone. We also dived into the juiciness of how the sheer strength of her WHY’s was what supported her through the trying moments when it seems there’s much more working against her than for her, her aspirations for the brand, before bringing us to a poignant yet gentle close as she shared with us a guiding principle that helped frame her mindset whenever she met with challenging situations.This is a truly hopeful and heartful one. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did having the conversation and that perhaps it’ll stir and encourage you to give that one wild idea that you’ve held in the depths of you a little nudge and take action to let it meet this world. Deep breaths always, dear ones. Connect with Samantha:Website: www.joeydolls.comIG: @joeydolls Tiktok: @joeydollsco Subscribe to her email list to stay informed of the upcoming launch (woohoo!!) Support the showI can't thank you enough for making space in your life and spending your precious time hanging out on the pod with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you and would love the opportunity to connect with you, so please, I invite you to come find me on Instagram and say hello @heartopenconvers_asians! If you love and relate to the show, I hope you can take a few seconds to support the show by: Rate and Review the show via Apple Podcasts or via https://ratethispodcast.com/hocpodcast Sharing the show or specific episodes with your treasured circles or a friend; you may be extending just the support they need by doing so Share/Repost an episode on your Stories and tag me on Instagram @ heartopenconvers_asians. I’ll send you a small gift as a token of my appreciation for supporting the show! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

In this Good Friday episode, I'm featuring a conversation with a special and sparkly individual, someone who's pivotal in the higher sound quality you've been hearing in this new season and by now, a close ally and family to my podcast and passion project, Anne Garcia. Anne is the Owner and Head Cheerleader of her agency, Dklutr. After leaving her corporate work due to a heart condition, she delved into the then “mysterious yet promising” world of virtual assistance. Her “get-things-done-no-matter-what” mindset and “loves-to-check-things-off-the-list” personality fit perfectly with the VA world and remote work. Anne’s first office was in the hallway of their home, with an office table upcycled from a thrift store. Fast forward to today, Anne loves working with collaborative, inspiring, and imaginative clients, and having a solid team of highly-skilled individuals with great personalities and strong work ethics has been the formula for the growth and success they now enjoy. In her free time, you will find Anne either reading books by Mitch Albom and Malcolm Gladwell or playing with her eight (!) cats, four dogs and a menagerie that she and her husband and business partner Carl have in their care. Sprinkle in a little muay Thai here and there plus binging on Succession on HBO and Schitt's Creek on Netflix and you're spelling out her ideal day. We dived into: Her journey from making a huge pivot into the VA world in her 30s and how that eventually led her to starting her company in 2020 during Covid with her husbandHer passion for alleviating stress and frustration for her clients from the more mundane elements of their small businesses so that they can focus on their zone of genius and what really lights them up A piece of golden yet relatable advice on how you too, can attempt that first step to try something new without judgment This is a grounding one, I hope you’ll enjoy it and then be stirred to take a small next step towards any project of yours. Deep breaths always, dear ones. Ways to connect with Anne and learn more about her, her amazing team, and the services they offer: Website: teamdklutr.comEmail: dklutrph@gmail.com Support the showI can't thank you enough for making space in your life and spending your precious time hanging out on the pod with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you and would love the opportunity to connect with you, so please, I invite you to come find me on Instagram and say hello @heartopenconvers_asians! If you love and relate to the show, I hope you can take a few seconds to support the show by: Rate and Review the show via Apple Podcasts or via https://ratethispodcast.com/hocpodcast Sharing the show or specific episodes with your treasured circles or a friend; you may be extending just the support they need by doing so Share/Repost an episode on your Stories and tag me on Instagram @ heartopenconvers_asians. I’ll send you a small gift as a token of my appreciation for supporting the show! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

In this Thursday-ish episode, I’m showing up in my pretty worn-out, a tad jetlagged and sluggish (allergies season!) being, coming to you with an episode sharing a recent catch-up sesh with a dear friend, who also is a repeat guest on my podcast, Sylvia Cheng. The pull to share this conversation stemmed from my reach for reminders to notice and relish moments, things and people around me amidst the hustle and to slow down and make space for these fleeting yet meaningful moments. Sylvia Cheng is the founder & Creator of Davia Bouquet, a San Jose based online dried flower gift shop. There’s a really touching and sweet story behind how her brand and business started, one that was curated with love, purpose and hard work and therefore it’s no surprise that her business has received accolades, features and stellar reviews in a short span of two years. Sylvia and I spend this time catching up on life since the first conversation, creative pivots she made with her business, and how pouring into her business in turn became support and nourishment on her own self care. This is a heartwarming one, I hope you’ll enjoy it and then be stirred to connect with a loved one this week. Deep breathes always, dear ones. Ways to connect with Sylvia: Website: https://www.daviabouquet.com/Check out new creations, promotions and behind-the-scenes of her journey and business through: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DaviaBouquet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaviaBouquetIG: https://www.instagram.com/daviabouquetFeel free to DM or email her @ hello@daviabouquet.com to say hello or if you have any custom orders Support the showI can't thank you enough for making space in your life and spending your precious time hanging out on the pod with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you and would love the opportunity to connect with you, so please, I invite you to come find me on Instagram and say hello @heartopenconvers_asians! If you love and relate to the show, I hope you can take a few seconds to support the show by: Rate and Review the show via Apple Podcasts or via https://ratethispodcast.com/hocpodcast Sharing the show or specific episodes with your treasured circles or a friend; you may be extending just the support they need by doing so Share/Repost an episode on your Stories and tag me on Instagram @ heartopenconvers_asians. I’ll send you a small gift as a token of my appreciation for supporting the show! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Ever made connections because you chose to act on it then found yourself thinking after how remised you would have been if you haven’t, because you met yourself a kindred spirit in that experience? Yep, Leslie sits right in that category for me in more ways than one and I look forward to the next time we sit down in person over coffee or finally take her up on her offer to climb some indoor walls with her (Eeks!) Leslie Espino is a female environmental scientist working at NASA. She uses new and repurposed fiber and paper to make botanical art - imagine storybooks from your childhood but of places and forests that are endangered by climate change. By turning trash into art, Leslie hopes to inspire small lifestyle changes that empower you to rethink waste and to create lasting change. Come sit with Leslie and I as we deep dive and jammed about her unique art business, one through which she strives to educate others to rethink our relationship with waste and to join her in the quest to protect Mother Nature, followed by exchanging our individual yet shared experiences working in male dominant professional industries while sharing some tips we applied and learned along the way that supported us through situations and helped us thrive today. It’s a joyfully impactful one, you won’t want to miss it. Ways to connect with Leslie: Instagram & TikTok: @leslieespinoartWebsite: leslieespinoart.com Get in her email list to stay in touch with the latest ongoings of Leslie’s sustainable art business in general as well as where her next workshops are going to be popping up in the Texas area Support the showI can't thank you enough for making space in your life and spending your precious time hanging out on the pod with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you and would love the opportunity to connect with you, so please, I invite you to come find me on Instagram and say hello @heartopenconvers_asians! If you love and relate to the show, I hope you can take a few seconds to support the show by: Rate and Review the show via Apple Podcasts or via https://ratethispodcast.com/hocpodcast Sharing the show or specific episodes with your treasured circles or a friend; you may be extending just the support they need by doing so Share/Repost an episode on your Stories and tag me on Instagram @ heartopenconvers_asians. I’ll send you a small gift as a token of my appreciation for supporting the show! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

When it comes to the idea of embracing radical self love and self empathy as one of the essential steps to help us move through roadblocks and make attaining our desires and aspirations more accessible, I couldn’t think of a stronger advocator to join us on the podcast to enlighten us than Claudia. Claudia Chan is a Mindset Life Coach who works with women to help them explore what they want deep in their hearts, and go after their dreams with courage and confidence instead of worrying about other people’s voices. She is also an International Best Selling Author to the book Asian Women Who BossUp, a proud mom to a 5 year old boy, and wife to a handsome and supportive husband. She holds the strong belief that, if everyone can live the life they love, this world would be a much better place. In this conversation, Claudia empowered us to reframe what fear means in our lives and shed guidance on how we all have the ability to create safe spaces within ourselves that can eventually open doors towards possibilities and pursuing our passions even if it isn’t one that fits society’s definition of conventional and successful. This conversation is packed with so much heart and love; I’ve a feeling you’re going to relate to and enjoy much of this. Connect with Claudia: Website: https://claudiachan.co/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudiachan.co/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-chan-coaching/Extraordinary Asian Women Podcast: https://extraordinaryasianwomen.buzzsprout.com/Support the showI can't thank you enough for making space in your life and spending your precious time hanging out on the pod with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you and would love the opportunity to connect with you, so please, I invite you to come find me on Instagram and say hello @heartopenconvers_asians! If you love and relate to the show, I hope you can take a few seconds to support the show by: Rate and Review the show via Apple Podcasts or via https://ratethispodcast.com/hocpodcast Sharing the show or specific episodes with your treasured circles or a friend; you may be extending just the support they need by doing so Share/Repost an episode on your Stories and tag me on Instagram @ heartopenconvers_asians. I’ll send you a small gift as a token of my appreciation for supporting the show! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Hello, dear ones. Thanks for joining me back in here. I’m hanging with you here solo today to share my experience with these colder, darker, gloomier, and what many call hibernation months of winter, and along with that, 5 tips, practices, and tools that helped me maintain equilibrium physically, mentally and emotionally while at it. Also, since we’re at the dawn of Chinese New Year, I couldn’t help but express sentiments about the festival itself, some treasured memories of it, and how much I missed being home for it. I hope it brought both insights and warmth to you. Hop over to the gram or the link to my calendar and send me a message or schedule some time for a coffee chat with me, will you? Support the showI can't thank you enough for making space in your life and spending your precious time hanging out on the pod with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you and would love the opportunity to connect with you, so please, I invite you to come find me on Instagram and say hello @heartopenconvers_asians! If you love and relate to the show, I hope you can take a few seconds to support the show by: Rate and Review the show via Apple Podcasts or via https://ratethispodcast.com/hocpodcast Sharing the show or specific episodes with your treasured circles or a friend; you may be extending just the support they need by doing so Share/Repost an episode on your Stories and tag me on Instagram @ heartopenconvers_asians. I’ll send you a small gift as a token of my appreciation for supporting the show! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Hello, dear ones. Thanks for joining me back in here. As we inched towards the end of the first month in this new year, I hope you’ve managed to land yourself on a routine that’s easeful and gentle, and one that feels fitting for you and your heart. The introduction part was recorded during the early days into this new year, evident in my melancholy, so if you’re still working towards landing at that space, may the thought that you don’t have to tackle that alone brings about some serenity. My guest today couldn’t be more fitting to lend some light and guidance in the areas of compassion. Joining me today is a very dear friend of mine, and an ally in many a way, Kimberly Jane (KJ) Nazrul. KJ is a licensed trauma-focused psychotherapist, artist, and speaker with an obsession with words and a knack for making grilled cheese sandwiches. She helps essential frontline workers, healthcare providers, and educators recover their resiliency via expressive arts, EMDR Therapy, and methods of compassionate questioning to prevent burnout so that they can continue to heal their communities. We jammed about our shared podcasting journeys, her practices to protect her energy while showing up to serve communities that are important to her, the essentiality of leaning on our support systems to land and recharge, and finally, her one golden advice, or rather a question we can all ask ourselves to channel the courage towards following our passions. This conversation with KJ was everything. I already know it’s only just the beginning of many beautiful unions and collaborative work together. A series it will be! Connect with  KJ:  Website: https://BlissBeginsWithin.com Podcast: https://storiesofastonishinglight.buzzsprout.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/musingsonotherSupport the showI can't thank you enough for making space in your life and spending your precious time hanging out on the pod with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you and would love the opportunity to connect with you, so please, I invite you to come find me on Instagram and say hello @heartopenconvers_asians! If you love and relate to the show, I hope you can take a few seconds to support the show by: Rate and Review the show via Apple Podcasts or via https://ratethispodcast.com/hocpodcast Sharing the show or specific episodes with your treasured circles or a friend; you may be extending just the support they need by doing so Share/Repost an episode on your Stories and tag me on Instagram @ heartopenconvers_asians. I’ll send you a small gift as a token of my appreciation for supporting the show! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Hello, dear ones. Thank you for joining me back in here. Today, I'm meeting you here solo with an invitation for you to join me to explore a topic that's been weighing on my heart and mind of late - friendships, in particular, the ones we have, had, or are trying to develop whilst in this phase of our 30s. I shared thoughts, learnings, and observations, and wrapped up with curiosities and inquiries about what worked for you when you're looking to cope with and manage the emotional turmoils brought about by friendships? My hope is that you find resonance, a sense of comfort and perhaps some light and guidance through my sharing that you're not alone in your experiences and feelings, and that we're capable of landing on methods that can help us through these experiences. You know? Something in my gut tells me that this is only the beginning of an exploration that we'll be jamming about collectively on this pod for a long time to come. I hope you enjoy this one. Support the showI can't thank you enough for making space in your life and spending your precious time hanging out on the pod with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you and would love the opportunity to connect with you, so please, I invite you to come find me on Instagram and say hello @heartopenconvers_asians! If you love and relate to the show, I hope you can take a few seconds to support the show by: Rate and Review the show via Apple Podcasts or via https://ratethispodcast.com/hocpodcast Sharing the show or specific episodes with your treasured circles or a friend; you may be extending just the support they need by doing so Share/Repost an episode on your Stories and tag me on Instagram @ heartopenconvers_asians. I’ll send you a small gift as a token of my appreciation for supporting the show! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Hello, dear ones. Thanks for joining me back in here. I hope you've allowed doses of cocooning, indulgences, and rest into your days as you wrap 2022 up with a bow and are walking into 2023 feeling centered, nourished, and reignited. On this first interview on this new season of the podcast, I caught up with a dear friend, Mary, who also happens to be a former guest on the podcast a little more than a year ago. We took this space and time shared getting caught up on our on-goings this past year, including new self care methods Mary’s been incorporating in her life that’s been working wonders for her, and later, a vulnerable, tender update she’s sharing on a public forum for the first time, of a challenging decision she made, how she processed the accompanying emotions, and how this big life pivot shaped her new journey forward. Mary’s one special human being. This is a heartening and actually, unsurprisingly joyful one. I hope it’s as nourishing for you as it was for me. Mary Dee is an acclaimed International Keynote Speaker, Mentor & Business Advisor in Leadership and Operational Efficiency, Curator of Madloveology Retreats and co-author of the #1 Bestseller on Amazon, “Asian Women Who Boss Up.”. She’s also adored and known by many as the Joy Catalyst.In this episode: Connect with Mary and learn more about her services, upcoming retreats and media appearances on her website: www.MaryDee.com Other platforms to connect with Mary: https://www.facebook.com/themarydeehttps://www.facebook.com/marydee.net (Business Page)https://www.linkedin.com/in/marydee/https://www.instagram.com/themarydeeSupport the showI can't thank you enough for making space in your life and spending your precious time hanging out on the pod with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you and would love the opportunity to connect with you, so please, I invite you to come find me on Instagram and say hello @heartopenconvers_asians! If you love and relate to the show, I hope you can take a few seconds to support the show by: Rate and Review the show via Apple Podcasts or via https://ratethispodcast.com/hocpodcast Sharing the show or specific episodes with your treasured circles or a friend; you may be extending just the support they need by doing so Share/Repost an episode on your Stories and tag me on Instagram @ heartopenconvers_asians. I’ll send you a small gift as a token of my appreciation for supporting the show! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Well, hello dear ones. It's been a long pause on here, longer than I'd wanted. I've missed hanging out with you here in this sacred, honest container curated to hold and honor the tender, true and deepest parts of ourselves that can sometimes feel too heavy and difficult to process or carry on our own, a space where this shared journey towards living out our one wild, messy, nuanced life is held, examined, and honored. Consider this first episode a hello again, a re-ignition, and a permission to pause, to human, and to re-emerge.Thank you for hanging around and staying a while. Support the showI can't thank you enough for making space in your life and spending your precious time hanging out on the pod with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you and would love the opportunity to connect with you, so please, I invite you to come find me on Instagram and say hello @heartopenconvers_asians! If you love and relate to the show, I hope you can take a few seconds to support the show by: Rate and Review the show via Apple Podcasts or via https://ratethispodcast.com/hocpodcast Sharing the show or specific episodes with your treasured circles or a friend; you may be extending just the support they need by doing so Share/Repost an episode on your Stories and tag me on Instagram @ heartopenconvers_asians. I’ll send you a small gift as a token of my appreciation for supporting the show! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Beloved friends, thank you so much for joining me on this atypical Wednesday episode on the podcast. It's been a while, and I've missed meeting you here through this intimate, personal forum and space. In this episode, you'll hear me share with you recent ongoings in my life, what went down in this "rut" I've been in, some interesting development and nuances relating to my day job, and a necessary stock-taking and recalibration of my life and energy that calls for me to bring this season of the podcast to an end. In the meantime, there're several avenues you can continue to connect and stay in community with me, listeners of the podcast, and my guests: IG page of the podcast @heartopenconvers_asians podcast Facebook group I'm planning to start for the podcast community (stay tuned for updates through IG!) Reach me through my inbox at hello.resilientandrooted@gmail.comWhat is both fascinating and frustrating about life in itself is that it is not linear. Not all days and seasons of our life are sunshine-y all the time. Whenever life presents its challenges and curveballs, I hope you'll always remember to give yourself grace. All episodes on this podcast will continue to stay online and available for you whenever you need support, inspiration, or simply, a kind and warm embrace. I'll be seeing you later and soon, dear ones.Support the showI can't thank you enough for making space in your life and spending your precious time hanging out on the pod with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you and would love the opportunity to connect with you, so please, I invite you to come find me on Instagram and say hello @heartopenconvers_asians! If you love and relate to the show, I hope you can take a few seconds to support the show by: Rate and Review the show via Apple Podcasts or via https://ratethispodcast.com/hocpodcast Sharing the show or specific episodes with your treasured circles or a friend; you may be extending just the support they need by doing so Share/Repost an episode on your Stories and tag me on Instagram @ heartopenconvers_asians. I’ll send you a small gift as a token of my appreciation for supporting the show! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Justine is a storyteller and mamapreneur. She writes for both film and TV, and runs her own copywriting business, helping brands that want to have a positive impact on people and planet build trust and loyalty with their customers and clients. For over ten years, she has been an activist raising awareness and trying to put an end to sexual and relationship violence. When she’s not writing, you can find her momming, eating good food, and enjoying the ocean air.In our 45mins together, we shared stories amidst chuckles, and jammed about: - How she forged and defined her own path, life and business, through finding that sweet spot that taps into both her left/right brain - What having lived through a traumatic and abusive relationship at a tender age taught her, how it altered her outlook on life, and the unexpected doors that opened for her after - How motherhood brought more intention, purpose and conviction to live out the best version of her lifeJustine also quoted her favorite quote of all times that she read as a child, that which will later define the trajectory of her path forever: As Margaret Atwood says: “A word after a word after a word is power."How beautiful, how lovely, how true. Words have such power, dear friends. I love words, I love stories, and how blessed am I, to get the opportunity to hold and share the space with such inspiring and empowering storytellers like Justine. My heart’s full, warm, nourished. In this episode: Purchase and show your support for Justine’s book, Pocketfull of Dreams: https://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Full-Dreams-Turning-Nightmare/dp/1732202702/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1527883756&sr=8-3Connect with Justine and her #momlife and #screenwriterlife via: www.thejawesomelife.comIG/FB: @j.isforjawesomeTwitter: @j_isforjawesomeFor more about her #copywriting business, Red Balloon Station and the services she offers: Website: www.redballoonstation.com Sign up for her newsletters + get her free download on Persuasive & Personable Copy Checklist to help you build trust and conversion….amidst other fabulous nuggets on messaging, building your storyboard, and more IG/FB: @redballoonstationTwitter @redballoonstnSupport the showI can't thank you enough for making space in your life and spending your precious time hanging out on the pod with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you and would love the opportunity to connect with you, so please, I invite you to come find me on Instagram and say hello @heartopenconvers_asians! If you love and relate to the show, I hope you can take a few seconds to support the show by: Rate and Review the show via Apple Podcasts or via https://ratethispodcast.com/hocpodcast Sharing the show or specific episodes with your treasured circles or a friend; you may be extending just the support they need by doing so Share/Repost an episode on your Stories and tag me on Instagram @ heartopenconvers_asians. I’ll send you a small gift as a token of my appreciation for supporting the show! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

In this first interview post hiatus, I’m thrilled to bring you this heartwarming, nourishing conversation with the smart and sparkly Karen Chan. Karen is a children's book author, entrepreneur and attorney. She is the founder of Gloo Books, an independent publishing company making children's books for a more inclusive, just and compassionate future. After she became a parent, she noticed how few children's books had Asian characters in them. This inspired her to write her first children's book What's That?, which celebrates Asian American identity through food. This eventually turned into starting her own publishing company, Gloo Books, with the mission to create social change through children's literature. When she's not working on Gloo Books or practicing law, Karen is often cooking, wrangling her two young boys and enjoying life in the mostly sunny, Los Angeles.We jammed about: The essentiality of meditation to equip us with more power over our emotions and how it can in turn help us help gratitude from a more authentic space Karen’s golden and solid tips on what helped her take her first right step towards starting her creative business The concept of ‘just begin’, of trusting the small steps (while trying to eat an elephant), and of making space for imperfection This conversation was grounding, invigorating and one that I personally needed to listen and get goosebumps over it again as I talk through this season of seeking inspiration and channeling creative energy in my life. In this episode: Connect with Karen via: Email @ karen@gloobooks.comIG for Karen’s publishing company @gloobooks IG to see insights of Karen’s personal, quirky life as a mama and author @imkarenchanLearn more about the gloobooks brand, and support the 1st all-inclusive children’s book that Karen authored and published via website: gloobooks.comSupport the showI can't thank you enough for making space in your life and spending your precious time hanging out on the pod with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you and would love the opportunity to connect with you, so please, I invite you to come find me on Instagram and say hello @heartopenconvers_asians! If you love and relate to the show, I hope you can take a few seconds to support the show by: Rate and Review the show via Apple Podcasts or via https://ratethispodcast.com/hocpodcast Sharing the show or specific episodes with your treasured circles or a friend; you may be extending just the support they need by doing so Share/Repost an episode on your Stories and tag me on Instagram @ heartopenconvers_asians. I’ll send you a small gift as a token of my appreciation for supporting the show! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.