What happens when success still feels empty?

In this transformative episode of asian, like me..., Dr. Sohee Jun sits down with therapist, author, and digital mental health expert Israa Nasir to unpack the silent epidemic of toxic productivity among high-achieving women—especially those from immigrant and Asian backgrounds.

Israa Nasir, the author of Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More, shares how unchecked hustle culture often masks deeper unresolved emotions like shame, guilt, fear of not being good enough, and comparison. Together, Sohee and Israa explore how internalized expectations, generational trauma, and social media amplify the pressure to “do it all.”

Through vulnerable storytelling, clinical insight, and actionable guidance, Israa invites us to redefine our relationship with success, set meaningful boundaries, and embrace the soft life—one built on agency, emotional clarity, and intentional rest.

Inspirational Quotes from this episode:

“Children benefit from moms who feel balanced and happy—not perfect.” – Sohee Jun

"Unhealthy productivity is driven by unresolved emotions we don’t want to face." – Israa Nasir

“I used to hold my breath through things. Now I stretch and breathe.” – Sohee Jun

"Culture is made up—and we are allowed to redefine our own traditions." – Israa Nasir

“It’s a continual relearning—reaffirming my boundaries every season.” – Sohee Jun

“You don’t have to do everything someone else is doing just because you can.” – Israa Nasir

“Getting curious allows us to explore what’s possible and what’s underneath.” – Sohee Jun

"Boundaries are seasonal, just like productivity—and that’s okay." – Israa Nasir

“We are so much more connected than we are different.” – Sohee Jun

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to heal from overachievement, find alignment with their true values, and create space for joy without guilt.

#asianlikeme #ToxicProductivity #ModernAsianWoman #HighAchievingWomen #MentalHealthMatters #RestIsProductive #SoftLifeMovement #RedefineSuccess #EmotionalWellness #BoundariesAreHealthy #CulturalIdentity #ImmigrantDaughter #WomenWhoLead #UndoTheHustle #BurnoutRecovery #AsianAmericanVoices

In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Sohee Jun sits down with Susanna Peace Lovell, author of "Your True Self is Enough Lessons Learned On My Journey Parenting a Child with Autism" for a raw conversation about motherhood, cultural identity, and finding joy amidst life's greatest challenges. Susanna shares her powerful journey raising her daughter Arizona, who has multiple diagnoses including autism spectrum disorder, and how this experience transformed her life purpose. From postpartum depression to discovering her own path of self-care, Susanna's story illuminates how pain can lead to purpose and how letting go of control opens doors to unexpected joy. As a mixed Taiwanese-Swiss woman, Susanna also discusses the complexities of cultural identity and the importance of Asian women embracing their authentic selves.

Inspirational Quotes from this episode:

"Pain pushes until a vision pulls. We can look back at all of the pain and the discomfort and realize it was because I had to hit rock bottom." – Susanna Peace Lovell

"Kids teach us so much. They are either presenting us with things that are still very raw in us, or things that we need to look at or pivot around our mindset, our heart, our soul." – Sohee Jun

"What's good for me is good for the universe. What's great for me is great for Arizona. Instead of just being this sacrificial lamb at every turn." – Susanna Peace Lovell

"When we can give to ourselves and do real self care that is meaningful for us, and when we can invite in more joy and expansiveness and a mindset around those two things, then we can be in greater service to those that we love." – Sohee Jun

"If our kiddos did not see us enjoying and thriving, what do you think they would lean into for themselves?" – Susanna Peace Lovell

That 1% different makes all the difference." – Sohee Jun

This conversation offers profound insights for parents of children with special needs and anyone navigating life's unexpected challenges while trying to maintain their sense of self.

#AsianLikeMe #SpecialNeedsParenting #AutismAwareness #AsianAmericanWomen #AsianAmericanVoices #MotherhoodJourney #FindingJoy #SelfCare #CulturalIdentity #AsianRepresentation #WomenEmpowerment #ParentingWithPurpose #NeurodivergentParenting #MentalHealthAwareness #PostpartumJourney #DisabilityAdvocate

In this profound conversation, of "asian, like me..." host Dr. Sohee Jun sits down with Angela Cheng-Cimini, former Chief Human Resources Officer at Harvard Business Publishing, who made the courageous decision to step away from her career pinnacle after 30 years in HR. Prompted by witnessing friends diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Angela shares her journey of redefining success beyond corporate achievements. The episode explores the unique challenges Asian women face in corporate America, from breaking the bamboo ceiling to learning self-advocacy. Angela offers powerful insights on intentional living, marriage resilience, parenting adult children, and the urgency of making purposeful choices. Her mantra "tomorrow is a day to be better" serves as a compass for navigating life's failures and setbacks. 

Inspirational Quotes from this episode:

"I think we could learn so much from what advice we would give our younger selves, because others can benefit from that wisdom too." – Sohee Jun

"I realized that my ego had to be set aside so that I could take care of myself, because your ego's not gonna help you when you're dead." – Angela Cheng-Cimini

"I've always believed that the way to move through fear is through it. You have to be willing to sit in the muck, in the murky, in the scary, in all of the feelings." – Sohee Jun 

"Tomorrow is a day to be better. That's all you can do - learn from your mistakes and be better. At some point, the written and verbal apologies don't matter. It's how you show up differently the next time." – Angela Cheng-Cimini

"My philosophy is that my kids are on loan to me. It's my job to develop them, give them opportunities, get out of their way, and support them." – Sohee Jun 

"Don't waste your time in a toxic job. Don't waste your time working for someone who doesn't value you. Time is the thing for me." – Angela Cheng-Cimini

"Thriving for me now looks different than it did when I was in my twenties and thirties. Even in my forties as I enter another decade soon.Thriving is all about quality and lots of space to explore what I'm curious about and less about rushing." – Sohee Jun 

"A modern Asian female is taking the best of all the progressive rights that women have accumulated and matching that with our Asian values of hard work, teammanship, collaboration, and humility to make the best version of ourselves for this generation and next." – Angela Cheng-Cimini

This conversation presents a masterclass in defining personal thriving, embracing authenticity, and creating a legacy that honors both cultural heritage and personal ambitions.

#asianlikeme #AsianVoices #RedefiningSuccess #IntentionalLiving #PersonalThriving #CorporateChallenges #SelfAdvocacy #AsianWomenInLeadership #PurposefulChoices #AuthenticLiving #LegacyBuilding #WorkLifeBalance #ParentingAdultChildren #CulturalHeritage #LeadershipJourney #OvercomingFear #PurposeDrivenLife #WellnessJourney #WomenInCorporate #WomenEmpowerment #ModernAsianWomen #WorkplaceInclusion #CareerTransitions

In this powerful episode of "asian, like me..." Dr. Sohee Jun sits down with Selena Yuan, a global talent development leader, to explore her journey of self-advocacy, embracing her greatness, and stepping into courageous conversations.

From moving to the U.S. in her early twenties to becoming a respected voice in leadership and workplace dynamics, Selena shares the pivotal moments that shaped her confidence. She opens up about navigating self-doubt, quieting her inner critic, and ultimately redefining what it means to be a modern Asian woman in leadership.

This conversation dives deep into the power of sponsorship, the importance of being seen and heard in professional spaces, and how Asian women can turn cultural perspectives into leadership superpowers. Selena’s insights will inspire you to advocate for yourself, own your identity unapologetically, and reframe your narrative from limitation to strength.

Inspirational Quotes from this episode:

"What lights me up is this newer version of me. I feel not only confident, but more importantly, I feel very comfortable with who I am, especially comfortable with my flaws." – Selena Yuan

"For me, it's about enjoying the journey much more than the outcome. It's like the reframe is focusing less on the outcome and just being in the moment and the process, which helps you learn." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"I will not be treated disrespectfully. I will not be talked over or completely dismissed. Once I have that clarity, then who cares? It's a failure, mistake, or success. It doesn't matter. I stayed true to myself, and I did what I think is right." – Selena Yuan

"It's really about shifting perspectives, which is a muscle that many of us need to strengthen. And I love to use the analogy of a muscle that's atrophied." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"What I admire most about modern Asian women is someone who's clear about her self-identity. I am unapologetically Chinese. Our culture and values made me who I am today. What I'm advocating for is a 2.0 version that fully embraces culture and values while also accepting and celebrating you." – Selena Yuan

"You can control your action and reaction. And by the way, it builds self-trust, so much more self-trust, which is beautiful." – Dr. Sohee Jun

Selena’s journey is a masterclass in self-advocacy, owning your voice, and redefining success on your terms. If you’ve ever questioned your place in the room or held back from speaking up, this episode will give you the courage to take up space—unapologetically.

🎧 Hit play now and start owning your greatness.

#AsianWomenLeaders #ModernAsianIdentity #StrategicLeadership #WomenInBusiness #AsianLikeMe #CulturalIdentity #LeadershipJourney #SelfAcceptance #AAPI

In this intentional episode of "asian, like me..." Dr. Sohee Jun sits down with Eva Lin, a top-selling real estate agent year after year who transformed childhood criticism into remarkable success. Eva shares her journey from being told she "wasn't good enough" to becoming Pasadena's leading realtor and a role model for her daughters. The conversation explores how Eva worked three jobs to fund her USC education, overcame constant rejection in her early career, and invested in herself through coaching and personal development.

Eva reveals her mission to provide her daughters with experiences different from her own upbringing, allowing them the freedom to discover their own strengths. The discussion dives deep into breaking free from family conditioning, developing resilience against rejection, and the importance of maintaining integrity in both business and personal growth. Eva shares her practical approaches to time blocking, consistency in fitness, and the mindset shifts that transformed her professional success rate from 30% to 90%.

Inspirational Quotes from this episode:

"If you believe it, it's true. If you don't believe it, it's also true. It's all about your beliefs. Right? And I think my second half of my life was a journey, my quest to get rid of the belief that I was given early on." – Eva Lin

"Whether we're Asian females, no matter what heritage, nationality, where we come from, there is that part of us that wants deep love from the most important person, whoever that is in our lives. And if that isn't provided, it is like our life's mission to undo that need and really give it to ourselves." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"The overnight success is after ten years of consistently doing the same thing and getting better at it to get to where I am." – Eva Lin

"I want people and women to know that you can, one, find the help if you look. It's probably closer in your orbit than you think. They're there for you, and you do deserve it." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"It's always the small things that make the biggest impact. And when you take these to heart, that's when you will see the biggest result and the biggest impact. And not just for you, but also for those that you love." – Eva Lin

"Isn't that what we're here on this planet to do is to not leave our traumas with our kids? That's the work." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"If I were not here tomorrow, how would I be remembered? Have I made an impact in their lives in a positive way? And those are the questions that I always have when I'm being intentional about doing things." – Eva Lin

This episode offers powerful insights for anyone looking to rewrite limiting beliefs, build authentic confidence, and define success on their own terms. Eva's journey exemplifies what it means to be a modern Asian woman—being an example of what's possible when you believe in yourself and take intentional action.

#AsianLikeMe #AAPI #FamilyConditioning #WomenInRealEstate #PersonalDevelopment #RepresentationMatters #WomenEmpowerment #IntentionalParenting #AsianSuccess #MindfulMotherhood

In this compelling episode of "asian, like me..." host Dr. Sohee Jun sits down with Zeena Koda, co-founder of Asian American Collective and seasoned entertainment marketing executive. Their candid conversation dives deep into the distinction between performative advocacy and meaningful action, exploring how genuine community-building often emerges from necessity rather than branding opportunities. Zeena shares her vulnerable journey through motherhood, body image challenges, and career evolution, emphasizing how embracing her Filipino heritage has become her professional superpower.

The discussion navigates the critical difference between mentorship and sponsorship, with both women offering practical insights on building a personal "board of directors" across career stages. They thoughtfully deconstruct the myth of work-life balance, especially for women, advocating instead for intentional choices and self-compassion. Zeena's raw honesty about age, career pivots, and finding purpose beyond accolades offers listeners a refreshing perspective on defining success on your own terms. 

Inspirational Quotes from this episode:

"You are not your accolades. Your value isn't defined by your achievements but by the integrity and authenticity you bring to everything you do." – Zeena Koda 

"Don't seek one mentor for everything. Build a tribe of advisors who each bring different strengths and perspectives to your journey."

– Dr. Sohee Jun

"Make it easy for people to help you. Be specific about what you need, and doors will open that you didn't even know existed." – Zeena Koda 

"Peer mentorship is undervalued but often most sustainable. The colleagues beside you today may be your greatest supporters tomorrow." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"Grit isn't about hustle culture – it's about showing up consistently, especially when it's difficult, and trusting that persistence creates breakthrough moments." – Zeena Koda 

"Toxic positivity masks the real struggles we all face. True empowerment comes from acknowledging challenges while still moving forward." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"Seeing someone who looked like me on television changed what I believed was possible. That's why representation isn't just symbolic – it's transformative." – Dr. Sohee Jun

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and the revolutionary power of showing up as your full self in spaces where representation matters.

#AsianLikeMe #PodcastEpisode #AsianAmericanVoices #AAPI #AsianAmericanWomen #RepresentationMatters #WomenInLeadership #AsianAmericanCollective #CulturalIdentity

In this layered episode of "asian, like me..." Dr. Sohee Jun welcomes Jerry Won, the first Asian male guest on the podcast. As a keynote speaker, personal branding expert, and founder of Dear Asian Americans, Jerry shares his journey from corporate life to becoming a champion for Asian American storytelling.

Jerry reveals how losing his job in 2019 became the catalyst for creating content that amplifies Asian American voices, particularly during the challenging early pandemic period when anti-Asian sentiment was rising. The conversation explores how Jerry transformed personal crisis into opportunity by launching a podcast that eventually led to speaking engagements and a thriving business centered around authentic storytelling.

The episode delves into thought-provoking discussions about representation, the evolving landscape of DEI initiatives, and the unique experiences of Korean American men. Jerry emphasizes the importance of "showing up" in spaces where Asian Americans are traditionally underrepresented, from Little League coaching to PTA meetings, challenging listeners to redefine narratives through their visible presence.

With his upcoming book on storytelling and empowerment set for early 2026, Jerry offers powerful insights on personal branding that focus less on tactics and more on the mindset of service. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand how owning your story can create pathways for others and why representation matters now more than ever.

Inspirational Quotes from this episode:

"I had been allowing myself to be conditioned and to be taught all things about business and life and leadership through the lens of a whole bunch of people that knew nothing about what it was to live my life." – Jerry Won

"I've always said don't keep it a secret. That doesn't help anyone. Pass it along because it's in service of helping and empowering others." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"Your story, your perspective, your life, your everything is a hell of a lot more relatable than you ever think." – Jerry Won

"My job is to have my own responsible owner's mindset and do better or do differently in a way that resonates with me." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"If I can plant the conviction in your heart that your story matters, and every time you share it, you're helping somebody, you're gonna care less about how you actually do it." – Jerry Won

"I've also done the work of undoing blame and saying they did the best that they could, which I truly believe, in my hard parts, they really did the best." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"The more alone you feel in thinking that you've had a unique experience... the size of your audience may not be the entire Earth, but let me tell you... there are people who only you can help." – Jerry Won

#asianlikeme #AsianAmericanVoices #AuthenticStorytelling #RepresentationMatters #CulturalIdentity #AsianAmericanExperience #FatherhoodJourney #RedefiningSuccess #VoiceAndVisibility #DEILeadership #PersonalBrandingWithPurpose #FromSilenceToStory #OwnYourNarrative

In this enlightening episode of "asian, like me..." Dr. Sohee Jun welcomes Jessica Chen, global communication expert, author, and speaker who has taught over 2 million people how to sharpen their business communication skills. Jessica shares insights from her bestselling book "Smart Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons," which empowers professionals raised with "quiet culture" traits to succeed without abandoning their authentic selves.

From her journey as a television journalist to founding Soulcast Media, Jessica reveals powerful strategies for Asian women to advocate for themselves, celebrate their wins, and bridge cultural values with workplace expectations. The conversation explores how to transform traditional Asian values of humility and harmony into professional strengths, the importance of being your own cheerleader, and practical communication tactics for getting noticed at work for all the right reasons.

Inspirational Quotes from this episode:

"If it's something that you really care about, you gotta make sure that you keep talking about it. And if it's a decision that somebody needs to make, then you keep following up." – Jessica Chen

"It's a journey for me to continuously remind myself. I don't have to go full throttle. Just enjoy the process, which feels different." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"Doing good work is expected. Everybody has to do good work. You're hired to do good work. But the other half is your ability to make sure people know about it." – Jessica Chen

"One of the biggest lessons for me has been—and this is what I coach women around—is like, it is a season of your life. And it's not about balance because I know in my experience that if I try to balance something, I end up burning out." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"I call it building your credibility jar. You do a lot of good work, putting that into the jar, and one day, you gotta cash it in. You cash it in by asking for what you want."

– Jessica Chen

"One of the things that I believe was the beauty of having children is that it allowed me to get reintegrated into my culture, really just bringing that part out that I had lost for so many years." – Dr. Sohee Jun

This episode provides actionable advice for anyone navigating cultural expectations while building a successful career, from creating a "yay folder" to document achievements to mastering the art of strategic follow-up. Jessica and Sohee's candid discussion offers wisdom on embracing cultural identity, reframing mindsets, and defining success as a modern Asian woman in today's professional landscape.

#AsianLikeMe #WomenEmpowerment #CareerGrowth #AsianLeadership #CulturalIdentity #RepresentationMatters #CommunicationSkills #ExecutivePresence #CareerSuccess #SelfAdvocacy #OwnYourVoice #SpeakUp #VisibilityMatters #SmartNotSilent

In this inspiring episode of "asian, like me...", Dr. Sohee Jun sits down with Clarissa Reformina, a dynamic Filipina creative executive in the music industry. Through their authentic conversation, they explore how Clarissa Reformina's immigrant experience, cultural heritage, and passion for music guided her remarkable journey from freshman intern to industry powerhouse.

Clarissa Reformina shares her story of moving from the Philippines to America at age three, navigating the complexities of assimilation while maintaining her cultural identity. She reveals how her early passion for music led her to pursue a career in the industry, despite traditional family expectations to follow a more conventional path. Through unpacking her experiences with disruption—from Napster to streaming to AI—Clarissa Reformina offers powerful insights on resilience, opportunity-seeking, and maintaining curiosity in an ever-changing landscape.

The conversation dives deep into the importance of self-care practices during challenging times, overcoming fear, and the dangers of perfectionism ingrained in many Asian cultures. A journey that you can definitely relate to as it offers valuable lessons on courage, resilience, and finding joy in the process rather than just focusing on outcomes.

Inspirational Quotes from this episode:

"Comparison is the thief of joy. When you compare yourself to another person, you're questioning yourself really at the end of the day." – Clarissa Reformina

"If you don't process through by feeling it, acknowledging it, and then identifying how you move forward, it really will come back to bite you in different ways." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"Being able to see through the chaos, ground yourself, and find opportunity in those moments, that's really what's exciting for me." – Clarissa Reformina

"I love the process. Let me just loosen my grip on those things a little bit and be in the now and enjoy what is happening in the process, less focus on the outcome." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"If you find something you're passionate about and you work really hard—I'm not saying it's easy, it's never going to be easy—but if you're willing to figure it out, the opportunities do come to you. You just need to be resilient." – Clarissa Reformina

"Even if you are in a creative field, know how the business makes money. Be savvy about what's going on outside of the company in the industry." – Dr. Sohee Jun

Whether you're navigating career transitions, seeking to balance cultural expectations with personal ambitions, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation provides actionable wisdom on thriving through life's inevitable disruptions while staying true to yourself.

#AsianLikeMe #FilipinaPower #MusicIndustry #Resilience #CulturalIdentity #CareerGrowth #SelfCare #AsianWomen

In this episode of asian, like me..., Dr. Sohee Jun sits down with Son Kim—an operations executive, advisor, and fierce advocate for women in leadership. Together, they dive into the complexities of balancing career, motherhood, and cultural expectations, while challenging traditional norms and redefining success on their own terms.

Son Kim shares candid insights on navigating the startup world, the power of asking for help, and her passion for empowering women to take up space in leadership roles. As a member of Citrine Angels, she is committed to closing the gender funding gap, reminding us that less than 2% of VC funding goes to women—and even less to minority women.

Through honest storytelling, Sohee and Son discuss the evolving landscape for Asian women in business, the importance of supportive communities, and how cultural heritage shapes our perspectives. If you've ever felt the pressure to “do it all,” this conversation is a must-listen. This episode is a rallying cry for Asian women to pursue their dreams, break through barriers, and lift each other up.

Inspirational Quotes from this episode:

"Every person, if you're helping, you're moving the needle." – Son Kim

"If you're starting a business, don’t overthink it. Just start. If you're solving a need, it’s worth pursuing." – Son Kim

"Asking for help doesn’t make you weak. If anything, it makes you stronger because you’re putting aside your pride and ego." – Son Kim

"I don’t do it all. None of us do. It takes people, resources, and support behind the scenes." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"I knew that supermom with the superpower of being able to get super focused at work, then go home and do what she needs to. Because I was that person." – Dr. Sohee Jun