Voice Hugs is a podcast hosted by Vivian Van and Rowena Tsai on the journey to becoming our best selves and embracing all seasons of life with open arms. Join us as we share our reflections on cultivating a more meaningful relationship with ourselves and others. Tune in every week for stories, giggles, and sometimes tears! Free voice hugs all around 🥰 Say hi & send us your questions: hello@voicehugspodcast.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/voicehugspodcast/ Support this podcast: https://podc ...
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#61 - Life changing magic of choosing yourself w/ Remy Morimoto Park (@veggiekins)
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Hi friends, please welcome Remy Morimoto Park, also known as Veggiekins, to Voice Hugs!! 🌸🌿🎀🍵🌷 Remy’s a dear friend, an incredible vegan recipe developer, food photographer (her aesthetics is immaculate 🤌🏻), cookbook author, founder of an elevated matcha brand called Frauth, and an all-around amazing humanbean 🥹 Remy's story is a truly inspiring on…
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Do you ever get anxious? Cause we do. Often 🙂 Cozy up with us as we deep dive into a feeling we all know too well: anxiety. Inspired by our recent movie night watching Inside Out 2 (spoilers alert!!), we chat about how the heartwarming film mirrors our own experiences with those oh-so-familiar chest/stomach/full body flutters 🦋✨ While anxiety often…
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#59 - Stop being so hard on yourself | quiet that inner *bully* & negative self-talk (solo ep)
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Our first ever solo episode with Viv is here! ◡̈ Ro and I wanted to experiment with new episode formats in season 2 so we’ll be bringing these solo ones to the poddy once a month!This week’s chat, while deeply personal, is on a topic that sooo many of us can relate to :’) It’s about that little voice within that tells you “you’re not good enough,” …
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#58 - Overcoming dark times, taking risks, & betting on yourself w/ Liah Yoo (@liahyoo)
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Voice Hugs fam, please give the warmest welcome to our second guest of the season: Liah Yoo!! 🌴🍇🍵🥳 Liah started her career at one of the biggest South Korean beauty conglomerates, went on to become the first YouTuber in Korea (!!), and built a literal skincare empire, KraveBeauty, while simultaneously taking on the whole beauty industry. From shari…
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#57 - How to find your inner voice & heal parental relationships w/ Leah Wei (@leahsfieldnotes)
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Our first friend on the show!! Voice Hugs fam, please give Leah (@leahsfieldnotes) the warmest welcome 🥹 We’re so honored to be joined by one of our dearest & sweetest friends, better known as Leah’s Fieldnotes to her community of almost 1M subscribers on Youtube. In today’s episode, we dive into Leah’s many big life decisions that led her to where…
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#56 - Feeling lost is a very normal and human experience (+voice hugs shop launch!!)
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Welcome back for Season 2 besties 🥹🫂🫶 In this long overdue catch up, Viv and Ro chat about where they’ve been mentally, physically, and emotionally, which just so happens to be centered around the shared feeling of being lost, and the power that comes from acknowledging it. We also provide a sneak peek of what’s to come in Season 2, including speci…
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#55 - Season 1 Finale: Lessons learned and how we've changed :')
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Voice Hugs season 1 finale is here! 🎉 We made it to 55 episodes friends!! And we definitely could not have done this without *you* 🥰 In this episode, we talk about our lessons learned since starting Voice Hugs in 2021 and what has been the most challenging and rewarding parts of podcasting. We reveal some funnn behind-the-scenes moments including w…
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#54 - Vivian Van on People Pleasing, Lonliness, and Self-Love
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As promised, Ro interviews Viv on her life story in this week's episode ◡̈ We've shared bits and pieces of our experiences throughout the first 50 episodes, but as we wrap up season 1, we wanted to dedicate a get-to-know-you episode to each host to share a fuller picture of our story! We hope these episodes will help you understand us more as peopl…
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#53 - Rowena Tsai on Mental Health, Purpose, and Content Creation
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The day has finally come! Our first Voice Hugs episode recorded and filmed together in-person :') This week we try something new with Viv interviewing Ro on her life story. We’ve shared bits and pieces of our experiences throughout the first 50 episodes, but as we wrap up season 1, we wanted to dedicate a get-to-know-you episode to each host to sha…
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#52 - Season of healing & a very overdue catchup 🫶
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Hi friends! First thing’s first, we want to apologize for the unannounced hiatus… one week turned into two weeks turned into a few months, and all of a sudden they’re now serving pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks :’) Friends don’t ghost friends, and we should have done better! Even though we’ve been MIA, we have not stopped thinking about you <3 In…
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#51 - Between Cultures: Growing up Asian-American
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Kicking off this week with a sweet little story time: Viv meets a listener for the first time IRL! 🥰 In this episode, Rowena and Vivian share about their experience growing up Asian-American and the influence that culture and ethnicity have on various aspect of their lives. From navigating between two cultures, to redefining success and forging…
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#50 - Jealousy: what it's really showing us & how to embrace it
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What is your jealousy trying to tell you? We’ve all experienced it firsthand. Whether in romantic, platonic, or familial relationships, jealousy can show up in various facets of our lives often bringing forth complex emotions and challenging our sense of self. In this episode, Ro and Viv explore the origins of their jealousy and how it may be more …
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Fear of intimacy can show up in our lives in many different and unexpected ways. Connection is so important to our human experience, yet we are often afraid of it. In this episode, Ro and Viv dive into a listener’s question of why it's difficult to truly open up, and why it's often harder to open up to strangers than it is with ourselves. In order …
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#48 - The Art of Nonviolent Communication: Building empathy & connection
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Having trouble communicating with your loved ones? Are you tired of feeling misunderstood? Do you ever feel like your words get lost in translation? This week, Ro and Viv explore the world of nonviolent communication (NVC), a method of communication that promotes understanding, empathy, and connection between people. The foundation of NVC encourage…
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#47 - Why is it so hard to say “I’m sorry” ft. 5 Apology Languages
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We've all heard of the 5 love languages, but have you heard of the 5 apology languages? In this episode, Ro and Viv explore the intricacies of apologizing and dive into the 5 different apology languages. Discover why it can be difficult to apologize and how understanding the different apology languages can improve communication and relationships. T…
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#46 - Talking about someone behind their back (can gossip ever be good?)
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On this episode of Gossip, Viv and Ro take a deep dive into the world of gossip and its impact on our daily lives. They explore the power of words and the importance of being mindful of how we use them. Tune in as they discuss whether gossip can ever be good, the act of talking about someone behind their back, and the allure of spilling tea. Along …
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#45 - It's okay to not be okay | grief & loss
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Grief is a universal feeling that comes in many shapes and sizes. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, the loss of who you used to be, or what could have been, grief is a difficult emotion that we all experience. In this episode, Ro and Viv share their personal experiences with grief. Ro lost her sibling at the age of 17, and Viv recently lost a p…
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#44 - Navigating big life transitions: moving, kids, asking for help
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It's time for some life updates! This week, Ro and Viv talk about entering new life stages and navigating the in-between period between seasons. We all go through many transitions in life—naturally as we grow older, whether you’ve moved to another city, started a new job, or you have made a lifestyle change. Whatever it may be, these transitionary …
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#43 - Do you ever get angry? cause we do 😇 (POPPING OFF!!!)
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What do you do when you get angry? Do you bottle it up and let is pass? Or do you see red and explode with rage? Or maybe it comes out in the form of passive aggression? Whichever way your anger comes out, we’ve all been there. This week Viv and Ro discuss how anger comes out in many forms in different people, the differences between anger and aggr…
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#42 - Dealing with FOMO & comparing yourself to others
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After scrolling on Instagram or TikTok for three hours, you feel rejuvenated, refreshed, supported, and you’re ready to take on the day…. said no ever lol. Why do we obsessively check social media to see what others are doing only to feel crappy about ourselves when comparing your life to theirs? This week we talk all about FOMO (fear of missing ou…
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#41 - Care Team 101 (how to create support systems!)
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What is a "care team", and how do you create one? In this episode, Vivian and Rowena revisit "care teams" (a concept introduced in episode 33) and discuss in depth the definition, composition, and importance of having one - how can you create your own or find your role in the care teams of those around you? While people often form the foundation of…
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#40 - Navigating, maintaining, & outgrowing friendships
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Like any relationship, friendships take work if you want them to last. Whether it's making new friends, maintaining current ones, or outgrowing friendships, this week the duo dive into all things friendships 🤓 How do you navigate the ebbs & flows of a close relationship? What do you do when you have differing expectations of what it means to be a g…
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So you’re feeling unmotivated: it’s hard to get anything done let alone get out of bed, and the voice in your head is telling you “get your butt up,” “stop wasting your precious time,” “why are you sleeping in AGAIN”… what do you do?? This week’s episode is a part two to motivation (check out eps. 28 for part one, one of our most popular episodes i…
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#38 - Self-love, self-acceptance, self-everything episode (Happy Valentine's Day!)
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How do you learn to love yourself? Whether you’re snuggling up with a SO or livin’ that Single Pringle life this Valentine’s day, a friendly reminder that the most important and greatest love at the end of the day is the love you have for yourself! This week, Viv and Ro time travel back to ~2013 and paint a picture of the relationship they had with…
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#37 - Doctor's order: less burnout, more PLAY!
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How do we prevent burnout in 2023? (hint: the answer is a lot more fun than you think!) This week’s episode is all about PLAY and the benefits of “losing yourself in play.” Whether it’s throwing clay in a ceramics class like Viv or swimming with sharks in Hawaii like Ro (ooo story time!), “play” can help bring us to the present moment, relieve stre…
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#36 - Best way to get to know yourself (Listener Q&A)
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Grab some Takis or shrimp chips and have a fun Q&A with us this week! Our wonderful community of listeners have some questions, and Viv and Ro have got the answers! Are there any new things you’ve implemented into your routine? Go to comfort food? Favorite thing at the moment (clothing piece, food, activity, etc.)? What has been the best way to get…
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#35 - The need to be "perfect" & how to accept yourself
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What would you say to your inner child? What thoughts come up as you remember yourself at that age? Many of us may relate to varying extremes of perfectionism (we know our VH community can relate! EP18 “Overcoming resistance and perfectionism” was one of our top episodes!) Whether it’s curating the perfect IG feed or crafting the perfect persona - …
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#34 - Less in our heads, more in our hearts (intentions for 2023)
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It’s 2023!!! And we’re so excited to start a brand new year with you! Dive into this episode with Vivian and Rowena as they each share three words highlighting their intentions for 2023. Rooted from much of the same thoughts, they share the process of picking their three words and why. ✨ Vivian: Consistent, Connection, Create ✨ Rowena: Discipline, …
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#33 - Power of setting intentions & creating care teams (2022 reflections)
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Can’t believe it’s already the end of 2022! In this special, last episode of the year, Vivian and Rowena reflect on lessons learned and memorable experiences they each had. Ro shares how setting intentions at the beginning of the year allowed her to experience feeling free despite going through a transitional period in her professional and personal…
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#32 - Finding light in darkness (the power of gratitude)
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What moments or experiences sweep your mind when thinking about gratitude? Who or what immediately comes to focus? As we head into Thanksgiving next week, Viv and Ro spotlight the powerful emotion we call: gratitude. In our darkest moments, gratitude can be the pathway out and into “the state of being free” - as Ro would vividly describe. Ready to …
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Everybody is thriving. Everybody has the perfect life. Everybody is so happy. Ah, that inner voice of ours speaking our insecurities into reality. Who is this elusive “everybody” that we all seem to know? Whose voices are we listening to? This episode highlights the book “Finding Your Own North Star” by Martha Beck. Viv and Ro explore a concept in …
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#30 - Knowing your limits & setting boundaries
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This week we chat about boundaries: The invisible line we draw between work, play, family, friends, you name it - and ourselves to protect our headspace 💆🏻♀️ When too many people step into our headspace (the metaphorical “home”) due to poor boundaries, the effects can be felt as resentment, guilt, burnout, stress, anxiety, among others. Listen as …
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The beautiful part of any friendship is experiencing special milestones together. And if the title didn’t already give it away… RO IS 💍 E N G A G E D💍 ! So grab your coffee/tea/drink of choice because it’s story time! Ro gives a play by play of the five-stop scavenger hunt around New York City leading up to the big question, and Viv shares the role…
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Feeling unmotivated? Indifferent? Meh? Good, because we are too. Let’s unpack that. This week is all about motivation, or lack thereof. These periods drain our energy and our head space. Whether it’s lack of motivation in our career or finally pursuing a hobby, sometimes our situation gets the best of us. Viv and Ro share in how they each cope with…
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#27 - Finding the courage to start | Catch up with us
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We’re baaackk! Although this time around it wasn’t an intentional break. Maybe it’s the transition from Summer to Fall, mercury in retrograde, or the slow shift back to “normalcy” pre-COVID… But we’re so glad you’re here again as we catch up on life happenings! Viv and Ro spent some time with family and reminisce on the boundless spirit and joy of …
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#26 - When does the inner work journey end?
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When does the inner work journey end? This week we answer a listener question about protecting others from yourself because you are not “fully healed” in your inner work journey or “not good enough” yet. Truth is that the inner work journey never ends. We’re in a constant state of evolution while dancing through each season of life. Sharing their t…
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#25 - Lessons we've learned in 2022 (so far): work, rest, & play
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Whether you felt 2022 went by fast or slow, here we are. August. More than half way through the year, Viv and Ro share some experiences that capture what it means to “live in the moment.” The simple joys of life can be found right in front of you (beyond your computer screen). And once we slow down to see it, we can revel in the kind of growth we n…
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As children of immigrants, the relationship with our parents can be multi-layered and very complex. Often the first relationship we form as children, this bond proves pivotal in our development into adulthood. Now in their 30s, Viv and Ro recall experiences that continually challenge the role parents play for their (now adult) children. And with it…
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#23 - Feeling insecure? You're not alone.
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We all have it, but we rarely talk about it. In this episode, Viv and Ro expand on one of the most popular topics to date: Insecurities (Episode 2). It’s neither a glamorous topic, nor is it easy to talk about. Insecurity can highlight additional feelings of shame, guilt, and anger. Viv and Ro explore how everyday encounters, both work and personal…
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#22 - Comparing yourself & seeking approval (ft. bubbles)
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If you could be liberated from one thing in your life, what would it be? Whether it’s constantly seeking approval from others, or being trapped in the insecure cycle of comparison, Rowena and Viv found that answering this question helped them take inventory of what’s holding them back and what steps to take forward towards the right direction. Well…
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Have you ever felt happy and sad at the same time? Or maybe torn between two (or more) emotions? At some point in our lives, we have all found ourselves in a push and pull emotional state, and the contrasting feelings may have led to confusion, uncertainty, and maybe even ambivalence. A question from a Voice Hug listener on how to manage the experi…
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#20 - Our favorite shows, books, & podcasts
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Content has evolved drastically to include all types of media—podcasts, YouTube videos, TV shows, streaming shows, books, movies and more. Wonder what kinds of content Ro and Viv love to consume? Ro and Viv share their favorite types of content in this episode. Although BFFs, the duo’s personal tastes are very different. Listen to the entire episod…
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#19 - Giving ourselves permission to rest
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Back from Chicago and Korea/Taiwan, Viv and Ro return from a month-long break and share how some much needed rest (and travel!) allowed them to slow down, refresh, and recalibrate. Listen as Viv recounts how ugly crying in public (twice) made space to feel her feelings, and how Ro saw two worlds collide with Jams and her family & friends. It’s in t…
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#18 - Overcoming resistance & perfectionism (The Making of Voice Hugs)
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Jams joins us again! In this week's episode, Jams interviews Vivian (@vivianxvan) and Rowena (@rowenatsai) on what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite podcast, Voice Hugs. They explore the resistance that builds as they move closer to their goals and the ongoing battle of perfectionism they face as content creators (6:15). As they reflect on…
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#17 - What it's like to date a Youtuber (ft. Jams)
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A very special episode this week welcoming our first podcast guest *drum roll please*... Jams!! (aka Rowena's boyfriend, VH Fan Club President). From the beginning of their love story including first impressions of each other (4:27) to long distance relationship trials and learnings two years in (11:13), the couple shares it all! They reflect on th…
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#16 - Secretly judging & projecting onto others
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This week, Viv (@vivianxvan) and Ro (@rowenatsai) explore 3 different listener scenarios instead of deeeep diving into one, starting with a very common experience of projecting expectations onto others. Listener scenarios (paraphrased): I’ve noticed that whenever my partner goes for a night out, I immediately feel judgmental, neglected, and anxious…
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#15 - Learning to go with the flow (podcast journey)
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Taking a look back at the first quarter of 2022, Rowena (@rowenatsai) and Vivian (@vivianxvan) share reflections on their podcast journey - from finding a balance between friend mode and work mode (4:20) to focusing less on numbers and trusting the universe (14:48). They also share defining moments in their lives: how experiencing loss and coming n…
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Did you know the rational side of a human brain is not fully developed until around age 25? No wonder why we regret so many decisions made by our younger selves! This week, we share some not-so-proud moments of young Ro & Viv - from drinking and raving at a very early age to trash talking friends behind their backs. The build up of poor decisions o…
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#13 - Get to know us! (13 questions ~ Listener Q&A)
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After a one-week hiatus, Rowena (@rowenatsai) and Vivian (@vivianxvan) are back with an even more intense recording schedule (Viv woke up at 4:30 a.m. for this episode 🙃). Keeping it lighthearted this week, we answer a handful of fun get-to-know-you questions sent in from our listeners (see time stamps below). We also dropped our headphones like 10…
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Breakups aren’t just for romance. Oftentimes, the breakups that hurt the most are those with your friends. This week, Vivian (@vivianxvan) and Rowena (@rowenatsai) chat about heartache from friendship fallouts, and how to get closure when you’re no longer on speaking terms. Through our stories, we explore why some friendships last while others fall…
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