Explorez tous les épisodes de Voice Hugs
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| 20 Nov 2024 | #71 - If you're feeling behind, remember we're exactly where we are meant to be 🥹 (solo ep) | 00:21:31 | |
Beeeeep, you got a new voicemail ☎️✨ Hi besties, Ro here ~ something I've been reflecting on in light of recent life updates 👀 is this feeling of falling behind in life. In the overly digitized world we live in, it's so easy to compare ourselves with our friends, peers, and strangers online so here's just a little reminder that we are exactly where we are meant to be, and that we're in this twogether *SENDING BIG BIG HUGS* Voice Hugs:
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| 14 Mar 2023 | #42 - Dealing with FOMO & comparing yourself to others | 00:41:21 | |
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 out) and the affects it has on us when we compare our lives to others; and it’s not just through social media! FOMO can come in many avenues such as not being included in an inside joke among your friends, being excluded from a hangout, and not getting invited to an event. We dive into the psychology of FOMO and talk about the causes, symptoms, and consequences it can bring but we also talk about some ways you can overcome those negative feelings! We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| 11 Apr 2023 | #45 - It's okay to not be okay | grief & loss | 00:52:45 | |
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 parent. They both talk about how they coped with their loss and the challenges of adjusting to a new reality. They also offer ways to be there for a friend who may be grieving. Grief is a personal journey, and everyone processes it differently and on their own timeline. It can be a difficult time, and your brain is occupied with trying to reorganize a reality that no longer makes sense. While grief may never fully leave you, it is possible to integrate it into your life in a beautiful way. So grab some tissues and a sweater hug, and join us as we talk about the five stages of grief, making sense of loss, and being kind and patient with yourself on your journey of grieving. A gentle reminder that it’s okay to be not okay. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| 09 May 2023 | #49 - Opening up to people is hard | 00:38:01 | |
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 to connect, we must first want to connect and be ready to do so! Ro shares how experiencing loss at a young age led to her fear of disappointment which kept her away from forming connections in her 20s. Viv shares her realization that her fear of abandonment may stem from a deeply rooted belief that she's a "bad" person. They explore the concept of learning to judge the “bad” or “less desirable” parts of ourselves less, and instead try to see why it exists so that instead we can turn it into a superpower! (rather than something we’re guilty or ashamed of). Finally, the duo discuss the importance of creating a safe and intimate space for ourselves because the fear of intimacy isn't just with others, but also within you. Thanks for staying with us til the end on this one! It was a harder episode for Viv to record and the resistance was real hehe We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| 31 Dec 2021 | #2 - Let's talk about our insecurities | 00:42:58 | |
What are our current insecurities? Where do they stem from? How is insecurity the root of jealousy? And how does cancel culture fit into all of this?? This week Rowena (@rowenatsai) and Vivian (@vivianxvan) get very honest about all things insecurities from body image to creating content on Youtube, and reveal how you can overcome your insecurities through something as simple as changing how you dress. 😬 Send us an email at hello@voicehugspodcast.com | |||
| 17 Nov 2022 | #32 - Finding light in darkness (the power of gratitude) | 00:38:09 | |
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 cultivate gratitude into your 2023? Share how you’re cultivating this for the rest of 2022 into the new year, and let’s be each other’s guiding light 🕯 We believe in you 💛 As always, thank you for being here! We appreciate you and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes!
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| 30 Mar 2022 | #14 - Forgiving your past self | 00:37:06 | |
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 over the years resulted in an era of overcompensating our “bad” by becoming borderline obsessed with being “good” (aka: addiction to self-improvement until burnout. SOS). We’ve learned that the only way to forgive our past is to accept all parts of the story. Tune in to find out what has helped us over the years ;) If there’s anything you’ve been pondering, specific scenarios you’d love us to chat about, or if you just want to say hello (!!), send us a DM @voicehugspodcast or email us hello@voicehugspodcast.com! | |||
| 10 Jun 2022 | #19 - Giving ourselves permission to rest | 00:42:32 | |
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 these experiences of stepping away from our fast paced life that we can truly revel in moments of joy with those around us. Permission to rest granted. Thank you Notion for sponsoring this episode! https://ntn.so/voicehugs Mentions:
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| 14 Feb 2023 | #38 - Self-love, self-acceptance, self-everything episode (Happy Valentine's Day!) | 00:41:21 | |
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 themselves in their early 20s (or lack there of). They share stories of breakups (uhh do we cancel him?? hehe jk) and how their lonely single era led them closer to self love. The conversation journeys from self-love and acceptance to questions of what does it means to be happy? How do we find inner peace? Where can we find hope when you’re at your absolute lowest? And how DO we truly embrace all seasons of life? At the end of the day, all we can do is put our best foot forward (hint: in any direction), and sooner or later, we can look back and appreciate all the highs and lows that have led us to becoming who we are today. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| 30 Oct 2024 | #69 - No more people pleasing | 00:48:43 | |
Do you find it difficult setting boundaries? How about saying “no” without feeling guilty? Or are you constantly thinking about what others are thinking about you? People pleasers, put your hand up 🙋♀️🙋♀️ From best friendships to romantic relationships, it’s easy to overextend ourselves and sacrifice our own needs in the name of “being a good friend” or “being a fantastic girlfriend.” But are we really doing all that we’re doing to be a “good” person? 👀 In today’s episode, we share when such people pleasing tendencies tend to pop up, how they manifest in our lives, and what we’ve been doing to try to live more authentically true to ourselves, while still being absolute angels, ofc ~ All aboard the sunset cruise ⛵️😉✨ Voice Hugs:
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| 28 Feb 2023 | #39 - What to do when lacking motivation | 00:39:40 | |
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 in 2022!). The dynamic duo share how their approach to motivation has changed over time and the hacks they’ve used to help maintain more consistent energy levels. As humans, it’s easy for us to compartmentalize things into “good or bad”, “wrong or right”, “all or nothing.” For example:
But these labels aren’t true, life isn’t black and white, and living this way is not sustainable in the long run. Tune in to find out how they have learned to be more gentle with themselves through embracing periods of low energy, and how they have turned to curiosity and hacking habits to help spark motivation in their daily lives. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| 23 Oct 2024 | #68 - How do you feel about growing up & getting older? | 00:47:32 | |
Was it just us, or were we the only ones SO ready and excited to grow up 🐣 We couldn’t wait to get our drivers license, make our own money, and taste that sweet independence. Isn’t it interesting how when we’re young, we can’t wait for time to move faster, but as we grow older, we often wish we could slow it down? There is a delicate balance ~ a dance if you will 🩰 ~ between striving for the future and cherishing the present. How do we stay grounded and grateful for the here & now and the age we are at, while still dreaming big? What started as a playful comparison of our younger years to today’s “youth” quickly turned into a classic voice hugs episode with big reflections on time, mindfulness, and appreciation of life. P.S. the way this convo journeys is a true peek into the kind of chats we often have off-camera! Mentions:
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| 07 Feb 2023 | #37 - Doctor's order: less burnout, more PLAY! | 00:42:47 | |
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 stress, and prevent overthinking. It’s easy to get stuck in our everyday routines, and while we all value self-care, we often forget that allowing yourself to have fun is a method of self-care worth prioritizing. Give yourself a chance to experience new things (life can surprise you 😊) and tune in for inspiration on how you can incorporate play into your life! We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| 17 Jun 2022 | #20 - Our favorite shows, books, & podcasts | 00:39:58 | |
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 episode to find out Ro & Viv’s favorite podcasts, Kdramas, and dating shows...you don't want to miss this one! Thank you Notion for sponsoring this episode! https://ntn.so/voicehugs Say hello :)
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| 08 Jan 2022 | #3 - No more burnouts for 2022 (New Year reflections) | 00:47:47 | |
*Blink* a new year already?? To wrap up 2021, Rowena (@rowenatsai) and Vivian (@vivianxvan) chose 10 fun, thoughtful, and quirky questions they answer in this episode. Their findings? Despite how relentless, slow, in their feels, and “unproductive” 2021 may have been, it was still a year filled with many learnings and reassuring reminders to be gentle with ourselves, stay present, and live a more ~balanced~ existence. Here’s to less burning out and pendulum swinging from extremes in the new year! 🥂 Send us an email at hello@voicehugspodcast.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/voicehugspodcast/ Questions:
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| 21 Aug 2024 | #59 - Stop being so hard on yourself (solo ep) | 00:30:02 | |
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,” “you can’t do it” “you’re not worth it”… sound familiar? No matter how loud or frequent that inner critic—or sometimes what feels more like an inner bully—shows up in our heads, we can all find ways to better understand how our upbringing, past life experiences, or relationships have influenced that negative narrative. We can learn to lean more into the support of our trusted care team (see episode 33 😉) and create a nurturing environment that fosters a more loving and encouraging voice within! In other words, we can all learn how to give bigger and warmer ~hugs~ to ourselves using our ~voice~! In this episode, Viv reflects on her earliest memories with feuding parents and the impact their divorce had on shaping her inner critic. She also shares four tips and tricks that have helped her become more kind and compassionate toward herself. While the first three can be implemented as early as today, stay tuned for the final tip, which has been the most impactful of the four :) So, if you’ve been a bit hard on yourself lately or if your inner bully is louder than usual, this one’s for you ♡ As always, thank you so much for being here. Big, big voice hugs!!
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| 16 Feb 2022 | #9 - Are you anxious or avoidant? | 00:34:48 | |
Whether you’re an anxious type like Viv (@vivianxvan), or tend to lean more avoidant like Ro (@rowenatsai), there are many challenges that both of us went through because of our attachment styles. In this week's episode, we chat about attachment theory and share stories on our struggles (from sweaty palms and panic attacks to a six-year single streak lol) and how we’ve learned to move towards to becoming more secure in ourselves and our relationships. We also touch on the topic of ‘toxic independence’ (is marriage a trap? is being self-reliant = strong woman? how much independence is a good thing?) to close out the episode. Thank you Anna for submitting this week’s question! If there’s anything you’ve been pondering or specific scenarios you’d love us to chat about, send us a DM @voicehugspodast or an email to hello@voicehugspodcast.com | |||
| 19 Apr 2023 | #46 - Talking about someone behind their back (can gossip ever be good?) | 00:40:20 | |
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 the way, they share their past experiences with gossip and the impact it had on them. This thought-provoking conversation will make you question your own relationship with gossip. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| 04 Sep 2024 | #61 - Life changing magic of choosing yourself w/ Remy Morimoto Park (@veggiekins) | 00:53:10 | |
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 one. Having grappled with addiction and disordered eating from a very young age, she completely changed her life when she entered college through being honest with herself, becoming sober, and discovering veganism which ultimately kickstarted her almost decade-long journey of healing her relationship with food, family, and most importantly herself. We hope you enjoy this very beautiful and & conversation as much as we did 💕 And as always, you can watch this episode with video on Spotify and Youtube! Quick note on audio quality: our mics battery dies half way into recording so there will be a noticeable difference in sound :’) Thank you for bearing with us as we continually learn and improve to create the best podcasting experience for you!!! Remy Morimoto Park:
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| 24 Jan 2023 | #35 - The need to be "perfect" & how to accept yourself | 00:40:07 | |
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 - we can likely find a link back to our tendencies as children. What did we yearn for? How did our world look and feel like growing up? Tune in to this episode for part two of how Viv and Ro identified the origins of their perfectionistic patterns. Because when we acknowledge our inner child, hold their hand, we can finally begin to heal from our past. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| 28 Apr 2022 | #17 - What it's like to date a Youtuber (ft. Jams) | 00:43:25 | |
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 the importance of communication and adapting to each others’ communication styles (16:15) in order to maintain a healthy, supportive LDR. Jams also gives us the exclusive behind-the-scenes look into what it's like to date a YouTuber and content creator (21:15). If there’s anything you’ve been pondering, specific scenarios you’d love us to chat about, or if you just want to say hello (!!), send us a DM @voicehugspodcast or an email to hello@voicehugspodcast.com | |||
| 28 Aug 2024 | #60 - Let's talk anxiety | 00:58:57 | |
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 has negative connotations surrounding it, can it ever serve a positive role in our lives? In today's episode, we open up about our personal anxiety journeys, along with how it has shown up, and still shows up, in our lives. You'll hear about Ro's middle school boys & friendship drama that led to a surprising case of shingles 👀, and how Viv's generalized anxiety shows up in her daily struggle, like an irrational fear of losing her furbaby Charlie 🐶 Join us in grabbing a comfy blanket, and maybe your favorite stress ball, while we explore the fine line between anxiety that gives us a helpful nudge and the kind that leaves us frozen. And as always, we’ll share how we've learned to cope with anxiety, over the years, that was previously more crippling than helpful ❤️🩹️🩹
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| 06 Apr 2022 | #15 - Learning to go with the flow (podcast journey) | 00:32:40 | |
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 near death has become a guiding force in how they choose to spend their time and decide what type of content they want to create, be it podcast or YouTube (8:25). This episode is full of lessons learned - letting go of control, learning to go with the flow, and pivoting as a way to grow and expand (21:51). They wrap up the episode sharing what they're looking forward to in the upcoming months - all things podcast related (hint: merchhhh?? 😉) (26:00). As always, thank you for being here <3 we appreciate you! If there’s anything you’ve been pondering, specific scenarios you’d love us to chat about, or if you just want to say hello (!!), send us a DM @voicehugspodcast or an email to hello@voicehugspodcast.com | |||
| 09 Oct 2024 | #66 - I just want to be happy & successful........? 🫠 (solo ep) | 00:23:16 | |
Hi friends ◡̈ Viv here with an October voicemail. Sharing my recent thoughts on (what feels like) this never ending chase for success & happiness and how it often stems from deeper issues - like tying our self-worth on external validation and possessions 🙃 They say it's not about the destination, it's about the journey ~ but embracing the art of living in the moment can be pretty dang hard sometimes. Regardless, time doesn't stop and what we do have is the here and now. I hope this voice note inspires you to look within and find more moments to truly live in the present ♡ Mentions:
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| 09 Feb 2022 | #8 - Spiraling with social anxiety & shame (ft. shrimp chips) | 00:35:52 | |
Have you ever questioned your existence after social outings or interactions? That’s vulnerability hangover for ya friends. Something Viv (@vivianxvan) and Ro (@rowenatsai) are fortunately or unfortunately very well acquainted with 😬 In this week’s episode, there’s story time galore ft. Vulnerability Hangover in the form of swearing off eating shrimp chips forever, drunken competitiveness, cringe text messages sent to a DJ crush 👀, and saying ‘I love you’ first. Thank you A. for submitting this week’s question! If there’s anything you’ve been pondering or specific scenarios you’d love us to chat about, send us a DM @voicehugspodcast or email hello@voicehugspodcast.com | |||
| 03 May 2023 | #48 - The Art of Nonviolent Communication: Building empathy & connection | 00:49:01 | |
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 encourages us to focus on our needs and emotions and to express them in a way that is respectful and empathetic towards others. They discuss the four components of NVC - observation, feeling, need and request - and how each one contributes to effective communication. Whether it’s expressing to your partner you’ve been wanting to spend more quality time or letting a friend know something that has been bothering you, NVC can be applied in our daily lives to help us listen empathetically, express ourselves clearly, and seek common ground with others. We hope this episode sheds light on the art of nonviolent communication and how it can help us build more empathetic and connected relationships. By practicing the principles of nonviolent communication, we can create a more harmonious and peaceful world, one conversation at a time.
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| 27 Nov 2024 | #72 - Learning to accept love ~ annual gratitude episode! | 00:47:43 | |
GIVEAWAY BELOW 🫶 Welcome to our annual gratitude episode bbs! It’s no secret that being in a state of gratefulness can be transformative, so today we’re taking a deep dive into our personal journeys of learning to embrace gratitude—which surprisingly (or unsurprisingly) comes hand in hand with, yes, vulnerability. From highkey gushing over our significant others to sharing how we’re both opening up ourselves to love again, this episode is a truly special one that had us giggling and grinning ear to ear throughout the whole recording and beyond 🥹 ⭐ To enter the giveaway for our greeting cards (short feedback survey!): https://forms.gle/UcGq9AqYDXd1YWfXA Voice Hugs:
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| 04 May 2022 | #18 - Overcoming resistance & perfectionism (The Making of Voice Hugs) | 00:45:12 | |
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 pushing forward and building confidence through practice and patience (20:40), the duo emphasize the importance of having a strong support system at each step of the way (since the feelings of resistance never really go away)! (33:50) If you have been entertaining the idea of starting a side project or creating something new and are currently met with resistance, this is the episode for you! Stay tuned for a fun behind-the-scenes making of episode #1 (hint: it involves multiple recordings). Say hello :)
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| 01 Sep 2022 | #25 - Lessons we've learned in 2022 (so far): work, rest, & play | 00:39:58 | |
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 never thought possible. Do that thing that you’ve always wanted to do. Go on that trip to Paris, and forgo your work laptop. Buy that bubble machine labeled: Suggested Age 3+. Do your own at-home gel manicure and save $50. Sit on the park bench and use the bubble machine you just bought to put on a bubble show for the kids. Gentle reminder to not take life too seriously 🙃 As always, thank you for being here! We appreciate you and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes :)
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| 06 Dec 2023 | #55 - Season 1 Finale: Lessons learned and how we've changed :') | 00:43:48 | |
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 which episode was stitched together with multiple recordings! Here are the top 5 most listened to episodes in season 1:
We also pick out some personal favorites! Stay tuned to hear more about the reason why ~
Lastly, we want to say thank you SO much for being here on this journey with us. Whether you've been listening since day 1 or recently tuned in, we are so happy to have crossed paths with you today. We love you and appreciate you!! Sending you the biggest virtual hug wherever you are in the world! See you in Season 2 ☺️ | |||
| 29 Sep 2022 | #28 - Not feeling motivated? us too | 00:47:53 | |
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 low motivation and how to regain that spark again ✨ Pro-tip: When you’re feeling low, reach out to a friend 🙂 As always, thank you for being here! We appreciate you and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes :)
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| 15 Nov 2023 | #53 - Rowena Tsai on Mental Health, Purpose, and Content Creation | 00:56:18 | |
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 share a fuller picture of our story (next week will be all about Viv!) We hope these next two episodes will help you understand us more as people, friends, partners, and hosts and discover how our life journeys have brought us together to create Voice Hugs today. As always, thank you so much for being here ❤️ We are so grateful to be on this journey together with you and so so excited for what’s to come. LOVE YOU ALL SM!
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| 10 Aug 2022 | #24 - Before they became our parents | 00:40:55 | |
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 comes its own evolution of unraveling trapped emotions, wrestling with time (or lack of), and seeing our parents as actual human beings. Time with our parents is finite. And in the face of mortality, we just might give both ourselves and parents some grace for the past, present, and future. As always, thank you for being here! We appreciate you and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes :)
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| 27 Jan 2022 | #6 - When do you know that a relationship is over? (relationship Q&A) | 00:31:39 | |
How do you get over your first love? Should you live together before marriage? Do you think guys or girls should make the first move? In this week’s episode, Viv (@vivianxvan) and Ro (@rowenatsai) picked out 13 relationship questions submitted by you lovely humans and share some candid advice on looooove! Thank you for sending in all the submissions - twas a really fun episode to record. :) Are there questions we missed, or specific relationship troubles you’d like advice on? Drop us an email hello@voicehugspodcast.com or DM our IG @voicehugspodcast Questions:
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| 07 Mar 2023 | #41 - Care Team 101 (how to create support systems!) | 00:37:54 | |
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 a support system, your care team can also consists of different resources including books, podcasts (like this one 😉), spirituality, and pets! Please share with us what your care team consists of! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| 16 Oct 2024 | #67 - Societal expectations in your 20s vs 30s: marriage, motherhood, & career | 00:39:21 | |
Ever found yourself trying to dodge questions like, “when are you getting married?” or “when are you having kids?” at family gatherings? You’re definitely not alone! While we’ve touched on societal expectations before, hitting your 30s brings a whole new level of pressure that we now have to navigate ✌🏼 This week, we dive into how our views on marriage, motherhood, and career have changed since our 20s and how to maneuver through the expectations surrounding these big life pillars ~wooo! A little reminder that personal growth and life decisions aren’t defined by age (ps. age is just a number!!) but by self-awareness and authenticity 🐣🌟🌼 friends, it’s time to redefine what it means to thrive in your 30s—because your journey is uniquely yours! ♡ Mentions: Voice Hugs:
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| 23 Sep 2022 | #27 - Finding the courage to start | Catch up with us | 00:41:43 | |
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 being a kid. Still, as 30-somethings trying to emulate the fearless spirit of a 2 year old, they also chat about what’s been holding them back and pushing through a rough patch. As we step into the new Fall season (and approaching our 1 year anniversary!), we just want to say Thank You for sticking with us through all the seasons 💛 We appreciate you and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes :)
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| 28 Feb 2023 | #40 - Navigating, maintaining, & outgrowing friendships | 00:39:18 | |
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 good friend? Is it necessary to have a formal breakup conversation? Tune in this week to hear more on the duo's experiences with friendships in the past and present. They also share some tips on how to have those uncomfortable conversations when things get sticky. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| 17 Jan 2023 | #34 - Less in our heads, more in our hearts (intentions for 2023) | 00:39:09 | |
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, Supported, Growth These words serve as reminders for us throughout the year to stay grounded in ourselves, and we invite you to share YOUR three words with us. We’d love to read about them! Giving you a big VOICE HUG as we kick off 2023! We appreciate you and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes!
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| 03 Feb 2022 | #7 - Casually pondering the meaning of life | 00:31:15 | |
From never truly understanding our life’s impact on others to experiencing immense gratitude to the point of feeling reborn, catch up with Viv (@vivianxvan) and Ro (@rowenatsai) as they catch up with each other. With LNY upon us, we reminisce on childhood mems and our childlike wonder, share what we’ve been reading, and ponder what it means to live a meaningful life. Yes, if you’re wondering, this is indeed a very casual and normal convo between the two of us. 🙃 Say hello :) email us at hello@voicehugspodcast.com | |||
| 15 Aug 2024 | #58 - Overcoming dark times, taking risks, & betting on yourself w/ Liah Yoo (@liahyoo) | 00:55:00 | |
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 sharing her journey of taking significant risks in a society where there’s only one path to success, leaving a comfortable job to commit to YouTube full-time, to navigating her darkest days and eventually founding and becoming the CEO of her own company, which of course came with its fair share of risks, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome, this episode was incredibly inspirational, vulnerable, and heartbreaking in the most beautiful way—a true testament to her resilient, grounded, and badass nature. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we loved chatting with Liah :’) Liah Yoo:
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| 02 Oct 2024 | #65 - Maintaining friendships in adulthood | 00:51:08 | |
We’ve all faced moments of frustration with our friends, even with our best of friends. But why is it so hard to address those feelings and talk it out? This week, we share how it took us nearly 11 years into our friendship to have our first *conversation* with a capital C 🤯 Let’s be honest - these conversations can be super awkward and uncomfortable. What if they get mad? What if it ruins the friendship? Is it even worth bringing up? Whether it’s the fear of conflict, rejection, or just wanting to please others, we’ve discovered that with the right friend, tackling these tough talks is totally worth the discomfort. We've seen firsthand how open conversations, mutual acceptance, and vulnerability has transformed our friendship for the better, and we’re here to show you know that you can do it too! Mentions:
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| 18 Dec 2024 | #74 - Dealing with insecurities and social anxiety | 00:53:51 | |
Insecurities ~ yep, we all have them (ugh, right?) In this episode, we share moments that have made us feel insecure—from the fear of farting in public to stressing over what to wear to a party, and even the networking and small talk that make you want to hide. Whether it’s the fear of rejection or the constant pressure to fit in, we’re all navigating these uncomfortable, and sometimes overwhelming feelings that come with being human. But here’s the thing, what’s the worst that could happen? (it’s usually not as bad as we think!) We share ways you can you trick yourself into feeling more confident and why opening up to friends about your insecurities can be so helpful, because more likely than not… you’re probably not alone in feeling this way. At the end of the day, we’re all human, hardwired to crave love, acceptance, and connection. So if we can travel through life with that in mind, it can give us more peace in knowing that we're all trying our best and we're in this together friends! Let us overcome one insecurity at a time 💛 Mentions:
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| 08 Nov 2023 | #52 - Season of healing & a very overdue catchup 🫶 | 00:29:52 | |
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 fact, we’ve been working hard to gear up for Season 2 and we have a few special projects we can’t wait to share with you VERY soon!! hehe ~ In this episode, we share these updates and our plans to wrap up season 1 in the upcoming weeks. We also talk about where life has taken us during these past few months, recent reflections, and bittersweet interactions we’ve had with our inner child. And of course in Voice Hugs fashion, what started as an overdue catch up ended with the most existential question of what is the meaning of life? Stay tuned til the end for our theory.. perhaps the answer has been right in front of us this entire time (; As always, thank you so much for being here ❤️ We are so grateful to be on this journey together with you and so so excited for what’s to come. LOVE YOU ALL SM!
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| 23 Jun 2022 | #21 - Can you feel two emotions at once? | 00:39:45 | |
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 experience of polarizing feelings inspired Vivian and Rowena to reflect on instances where they thought they should have felt a certain way (logically), but instead experienced a different feeling (emotionally). Could we hold space for more than one emotion at once? How do we make sense of this spectrum of emotions? Stay tuned for a reflective story-filled episode and a little takeaway tip involving the word "should" ;) Mentions:
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| 11 Sep 2024 | #62 - The reality of quitting your 9 to 5 w/ Chloe Shih (@chloe.shih) | 00:58:24 | |
Hi Voice Hugs fam, today we’re having an incredibly lovely conversation with Chloe Shih 🦄🧁👾👩🏻💻🍉, a brilliant content creator and product lead who has worked at Discord, Meta, Tiktok, and Google. Even before she was laid off from Discord (her 9-5) earlier this year, her thesis has always been that every one of us yearns to create something of our own (our 5-9s), and she’s made it her mission to share with the corporate girlies and boysies how to navigate, find, and balance their 9-5 with their 5-9s. We absolutely love this ✨ In this episode, we talk about overcoming workplace challenges whilst finding her own voice, the power of leaning into our strengths, turning “rock bottom” moments into opportunities for growth, creative bucket lists, and embracing uncertainty during her ‘adult gap year.’ We also nerd out over her Life PDR, or Product Requirement Documents, a concept she borrowed from the tech world to apply to her personal life to define her purpose, mission, and guiding principles. You all know how much Ro loves structure and planning, this Life PDR is on another LEVEL 🤯 We hope you feel just as inspired as we did having this convo with Chloe!! 🧸 Chloe Shih:
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| 30 Oct 2022 | #29 - Ro's engaged: how it happened! | 00:49:50 | |
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 she played in the planning process. Some mild scheming involved 😉 Tune in to find out how we fibbed about “The Washington Post” and who made a special appearance that had Ro ugly crying as James got down on one knee 😭🥲 As always, thank you for being here! We appreciate you and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes :)
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| 25 Sep 2024 | #64 - From girl boss to girl moss: Finding hobbies & interests as an adult | 00:46:38 | |
In case you haven’t heard, the hustle culture of being a "girl boss” is fading, and it’s time to welcome a more laid-back, organic approach to life. That’s right - we’re officially in our "girl moss" era! While the idea of slowing down, reconnecting with hobbies, and prioritizing fun and playfulness sounds straightforward, we have found that transitioning to “girl mossing” hasn’t been as easy as we expected. This episode was sparked by the question “what do you like to do for fun?”, and how trying to answer this led us to confront the uncomfortable truth that maybe we both struggle with embracing fun in our adult lives. Join us as we chat about how we can all begin to prioritize more joy and play by rethinking our relationship with time and tackling the mental blocks that keep us from starting or sticking with hobbies and interests! Mentions:
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| 18 Sep 2024 | #63 - Learning to see the world sparkle again, as it always has ✨ (solo ep) | 00:23:29 | |
Hi bbs, it’s Ro here for our second solo episode 🤭 We’re trying something new! We’re trying something different. Think of this episode as a long overdue voicemail from your bestie, catching you up on her life & recent learnings. In honor of this more lowkey format, we’ll also keep this description lowkey. Well, be on your way now. You just got a new voicemail ☎️ Mentions:
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| 08 Jan 2025 | #75 - Season 2 Finale: Embracing the Unknown in Marriage, Motherhood & Major Life Transitions | 00:49:53 | |
🎙️ And with that, the 2nd season of Voice Hugs has come to an end 🎵 As always, to wrap up another wonderful 365 days around the sun, we’re sharing upcoming big life changes, along with lessons we learned from the year from growing pains, our friendship, and the unexpected twists & turns 👀 With how uncertain life may seem at times, we’re grateful to be able to weather every season right alongside you 🥹 And while we take a little hiatus between the seasons, please know big things are coming for Season 3, and we wan’t wait to continue sharing this next chapter with you!! 🤭 PS, this episode was recorded early Dec ‘24 but life be life'n sometimes. we've made it to the finish line friends! thank you for your patience!! Season 2 guest interviews:
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| 01 Jul 2022 | #22 - Comparing yourself & seeking approval (ft. bubbles) | 00:35:51 | |
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... what did they find you ask? Sometimes the thing we need to liberate ourselves most from is that darn voice in our heads (sis needs to chillll!) The two also catch up on current ways they are finding work-life harmony. While Rowena shares the struggle of incorporating quality time socializing with friends and family into her schedule and balancing the never-ending task list of work that needs to get done, Viv talks about the ways she’s made simple, yet impactful, decisions to bring herself to the present moment - from ordering fish at a restaurant, to adding a bubble machine to her ultimate picnic pack. As always, thank you for being here! We appreciate youuuu and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes :)
Thank you Notion for sponsoring this episode! https://ntn.so/voicehugs Check out Rowena's 2022 Notion Worksheets: https://ntn.so/rowenastemplate Mentions:
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| 13 Jun 2023 | #51 - Between Cultures: Growing up Asian-American | 00:42:24 | |
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 their own paths, the duo each share their own unique stories from childhood to present time. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| 13 Nov 2024 | #70 - We’re having a baby! Pregnancy journey & all the feels | 00:54:11 | |
🎉 Voice hugs is having a baby!! 🎉 A very very special episode today, as we take you through one of our pregnancy journeys (can you guess who’s expecting?!) and all the feels that have come along the way. We hope you’re as excited as we are for bb & this next season! 🐣 🍼 Mentions:
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| 31 Jul 2024 | #56 - Feeling lost is a very normal and human experience (+voice hugs shop launch!!) | 00:30:43 | |
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 special guest interviews (!!) and solo episodes, along with announcing our very first product launch—created with you & your loved ones in mind, to spread more hugs around the world ♡
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| 21 Dec 2021 | #1 - Welcome to Voice Hugs w/ Rowena Tsai & Vivian Van | 00:30:59 | |
Episode 1 is finally here!! Viv (@vivianxvan) & Ro (@rowenatsai) share hopes for the podcast, the importance of human connection, a little trip down memory lane of their decade long friendship, how to open up to friends and let others in, as well as navigating seasons where we feel like we don’t have any friends. Send us an email at hello@voicehugspodcast.com | |||
| 13 Apr 2022 | #16 - Secretly judging & projecting onto others | 00:32:22 | |
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):
The bicoastal duo share how it’s easier to fixate on something external (controlling others) as a way to subconsciously avoid facing something internal. They also talk about how altering your definition of love can help combat “neediness”, and knowing your "why" can serve as the starting point as you begin your self-care-productivity-living-a-mindful-life journey. To wrap up the episode, they share tips on the intricate dance of opening up to someone new. The theme of this episode, not surprisingly, is the importance of communicating effectively with yourself and others. If there’s anything you’ve been pondering, specific scenarios you’d love us to chat about, or if you just want to say hello (!!), send us a DM @voicehugspodcast or an email to hello@voicehugspodcast.com. | |||
| 28 Mar 2023 | #43 - Do you ever get angry? cause we do 😇 (POPPING OFF!!!) | 00:39:10 | |
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 aggression, and share stories of personal anger—from throwing tantrums as kids to how they deal with anger as adults. As unpleasant as being angry can be, it’s not always a “bad” feeling. As a matter of fact, anger is a healthy emotion that often times signals to you that a boundary has been crossed in your life or that something needs to change. The control comes in how you react to your anger, and the duo share some ways you can calm down and soothe before *popping off* the next time you find yourself in an episode of anger. Tune in to find out which one of the two threw bamboo dining chairs and which got their shoe stuck on top of a bungalow! 🤭🤭 We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| 21 Jan 2022 | #5 - Social media makes me feel insecure | 00:32:53 | |
With the rise of social media within the past decade, how often would you say you compare yourself to someone else’s “perfect” life? In this week’s episode, Viv (@vivianxvan) and Ro (@rowenatsai) get real about social media and its impact on their personal, and our collective, mental health. From how to be more mindful about the content we consume to self-censoring in fear of saying the “wrong” thing, let’s explore the dopamine-driven, pixelated world of likes, shares, and follows. Send us an email at hello@voicehugspodcast.com | |||
| 07 Sep 2022 | #26 - When does the inner work journey end? | 00:48:01 | |
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 take on being a “good/bad” person and being your best self 100% of the time, Viv and Ro remind us that it’s OK to be with someone AND continue to grow in your own respect. It’s true what they say, “We accept the love we think we deserve.” As always, thank you for being here! We appreciate you and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes :)
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| 10 Nov 2022 | #31 - Overcoming the fear of judgement | 00:39:14 | |
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 Chapter 4 about an “other” voice guiding our every decision and how to strengthen our own inner voice, so that we live fully and authentically ourselves. The next time you catch yourself thinking “Everybody is…” or “I should…” - pause for a moment, and change the dialogue 💭 As always, thank you for being here! We appreciate you and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes :)
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| 20 Jul 2022 | #23 - Feeling insecure? You're not alone. | 00:39:50 | |
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 (ahem: social media), can trigger insecurity and send them spiraling. And while insecurity doesn’t disappear overnight, the more we practice being kinder to ourselves, the more we rewrite our internal narrative. Similarly, by sharing our insecurities we enter new levels of self-awareness and connection with others. Brené Brown says it best, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage.” As always, thank you for being here! We appreciate youuuu and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes :)
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| 07 Aug 2024 | #57 - How to find your inner voice & heal parental relationships w/ Leah Wei (@leahsfieldnotes) | 01:02:30 | |
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 she is today (from going to art school after having her mind set on business throughout high school to deciding to start YouTube), how she’s improved her relationships with her parents over time—many tears were shed here together :’) and the ways she’s able to come back to her truest self, time and again, to make said big decisions amidst the craziness of simply existing and the chaos that comes with the world of content creation. We hope you love this episode as much as we loved having this convo! This is definitely an episode we’d recommend watching with video on ♡
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| 15 Jan 2022 | #4 - Career Chat: feeling lost, redefining success & trusting yourself | 00:35:10 | |
Do you need to choose an unconventional career path to find happiness or can a conventional one bring you the same peace of mind? In this episode, we talked about college struggles, feeling absolutely lost, the pressure to follow our peers’ career paths, and how we eventually found peace within it all. Would you guys like more convos around college & careers? Let us know if you’d like us to turn any topics we’ve covered into series. 😊 Send us an email at hello@voicehugspodcast.com | |||
| 03 Nov 2022 | #30 - Knowing your limits & setting boundaries | 00:38:56 | |
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 Viv and Ro share their growing pains of learning how to set boundaries, breaking the people-pleasing cycle of always saying “Yes”, and what to do when others step into our “home” unannounced or uninvited. Boundary setting is an ongoing skill we practice with each relationship in our lives. With time, you’ll soon learn how to properly take care of your own little house and nurture it with love 🏡 ❤️ Thank you, S for sending in your question! As always, thank you for being here! We appreciate you and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes :)
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| 23 Feb 2022 | #10 - He's "not ready" to commit, what do I do? | 00:36:24 | |
So you've been hanging out for a while now and basically act like you're a couple, but they tell you they're "not ready" to commit or define the relationship status... sound familiar anyone? This anxiety inducing non-committal dynamic is no foreign concept to many of us, Rowena (@rowenatsai) and Vivian (@vivianxvan) included. This week, we share about the ups and downs of past non-committal relationships, how we justify that we're "okay" with the situation and convince ourselves that it's actually a good thing (!), and when it is finally time to say goodbye. Stay tuned for a read from Rowena's 2012 journal and a plot twist in Vivian's relationship story. If there’s anything you’ve been pondering or specific scenarios you’d love us to chat about, send us a DM @voicehugspodast or an email to hello@voicehugspodcast.com | |||
| 06 Jun 2023 | #50 - Jealousy: what it's really showing us & how to embrace it | 00:39:49 | |
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 closely related to other emotions such as fear and sadness. After all, jealousy tends to arise as a response to a perceived or threatened loss or sense of inadequacy. The duo talk about the difference between feeling jealous versus acting jealous, and how embracing the emotion can help us understand ourselves a little more. A friendly reminder that you’re not “crazy” for feeling jealous 😇 We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| 03 Mar 2022 | #11 - I keep getting ghosted, is it me?? | 00:37:20 | |
Swiping left and right on dating apps is thrilling, and sometimes feels like fun and games. But after getting ghosted for the 50th time, you might start to question... is it me? Am I the problem?? This week, Rowena (@rowenatsai) and Vivian (@vivianxvan) chat about finding love on dating apps, taking rejection personally, and overcoming the fear of putting yourself out there through deepening the most important relationship: the one with yourself. If there’s anything you’ve been pondering or specific scenarios you’d love us to chat about, send us a DM @voicehugspodcast or an email to hello@voicehugspodcast.com | |||
| 26 Apr 2023 | #47 - Why is it so hard to say “I’m sorry” ft. 5 Apology Languages | 00:29:51 | |
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. Tune in for insights on how personality types and individual preferences can influence the way we give and receive apologies. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| 04 Dec 2024 | #73 - Lacking motivation *again* | 00:43:12 | |
Lacking motivation? This time of year got us feeling some type of way… Whether we’re beating ourselves over all the things we didn’t do this year, or brimming with hope for a fresh start that’s right around the corner, you’re not alone in feeling either or BOTH feelings at the same time. In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between mental health and motivation, hitting out limits, and how our our relationship with productivity has shifted over the years. Whether you're going through a temporary dip or a longer season of feeling unmotivated, remember that it's okay to not be okay, we’re all in this together, and that better days are ahead 🌤️🥹 🫶 We’re sending you all the biggest, warmest, cuddliest hug ~ p.s. we lost our mic's audio after recording so we apologize for the wonky audio quality on this episode! Mentions:
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| 23 Mar 2022 | #13 - Get to know us! (13 questions ~ Listener Q&A) | 00:45:44 | |
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 times during this pod sorry! lol Let us know what you think about these lighter episodes and if you have more questions, send them our way to hello@voicehugspodcast.com or DM us @voicehugspodcast Listener Q&A:
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| 04 Apr 2023 | #44 - Navigating big life transitions: moving, kids, asking for help | 00:35:00 | |
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 periods can tend to be turbulent as we adjust to our new "normal," but the duo share that these transitions, are in a lot of ways, life's way of helping you level up and grow. Instead of trying to be in control or coming up with the perfect playbook for your life, know that within us there are multiple great lives to be lived and it’s a matter of picking which one to move towards for now. Let's enjoy the ride together! We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| 31 Jan 2023 | #36 - Best way to get to know yourself (Listener Q&A) | 00:35:27 | |
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!
As much as you’ve gotten to know US in the last year, we also would love to know YOU! Share your answers with us @voicehugspodcast We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| 10 Mar 2022 | #12 - We used to be best friends | 00:47:20 | |
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 apart, and how different life stages impact these experiences. If there’s anything you’ve been pondering or specific scenarios you’d love us to chat about, send us a DM @voicehugspodast or an email to hello@voicehugspodcast.com | |||
| 22 Nov 2023 | #54 - Vivian Van on People Pleasing, Lonliness, and Self-Love | 00:49:37 | |
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 people, friends, partners, and hosts and discover how our life journeys have brought us together to create Voice Hugs today. As always, thank you so much for being here 💗 We are so grateful to be on this journey together with you and so so excited for what's to come. ONE MORE EPISODE TO WRAP UP SEASON 1!! Love you all so much!!
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| 15 Dec 2022 | #33 - Power of setting intentions & creating care teams (2022 reflections) | 00:43:42 | |
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 life. Vivian talks about the challenges that this year brought her and how she got through some of those times because of her support system. She shares the importance of creating a “care team” and how she internalized the voices of loved ones to pull her out of some of her lowest lows. While they had very different years, Viv and Ro talk about how they both realize the importance of leaning into your feelings, listening to your body (it’s always communicating its needs to you!), and how to bring these ideas into the new year. Thank you SO MUCH for being here!! We're thankful that you are on this journey with us and for all the support and messages throughout this year. You are what keeps us going 💗 Cheers to year one and to another great year. ~VOICE HUGS!!!~ We appreciate you and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes!
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