Self-care isn’t always cute—and it’s definitely not always relaxing. In this episode, we get real about what self-care actually looks like, beyond the bubble baths and beach walks. I share how working night shift wrecked my routine (and my hormones), why burnout is more than just feeling tired, and how discipline, curiosity, and small daily choices are some of the most loving things you can do for yourself.

We talk about the overlooked forms of self-care—like doing your laundry, fixing your car before it breaks, or finally replying to that one email. I also explore how curiosity helps you uncover what you really need instead of going on autopilot.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re just surviving—or like self-care is just one more thing on your to-do list—this one’s for you.

takeaways

• Self-care is not a picture-perfect idea; it's gritty and uncomfortable.
• Only 3% of the day feels relaxed for most adults.
• Burnout is recognized as a public health issue by the WHO.
• Self-care is essential for survival, not indulgence.
• Night shifts can severely impact self-care and health.
• Chronic stress can lead to serious health issues.
• Self-care requires discipline and proactive choices.
• Taking care of yourself is responsible, not selfish.
• Curiosity helps build emotional intelligence and aids self-care.
• Self-care should be honest and tailored to individual needs.

In this episode, we dive into the unspoken realities of mental health in minority families—especially within Asian, Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities. From cultural stigma and generational trauma to the silent pressure to “hold it together,” we explore how emotional wounds often get passed down when there’s no space to talk about them. Using powerful statistics and personal reflection, Sharmaine unpacks how silence is mistaken for strength, how trauma hides in family dynamics, and why real self-care sometimes means being the first to break that silence. This episode is a call to gently disrupt the cycle—with curiosity, courage, and truth.

Not all fatherhood stories come wrapped in warmth—and for many, Father’s Day can stir up feelings of grief, confusion, or emotional distance. In this deeply personal episode, Sharmaine explores what it means to grow up with a father who was physically present but emotionally unavailable.

Through vulnerable storytelling, she unpacks how early family dynamics shaped her views on love, trust, and masculinity—and how curiosity became the tool that helped her break the cycle. This episode dives into reparenting, emotional healing, and the power of rewriting inherited stories with compassion and intention.

A must-listen for anyone navigating complicated family legacies, or learning to give themselves what they never received.

#CuriosityOverFear #FatherhoodReflections #EmotionalHealing #ReparentingJourney #BreakingTheCycle #HealingTheInnerChild #HealthyMasculinity #InnerWork #GenerationalHealing #VulnerabilityIsStrength #SelfParenting #FatherWounds #GentleStrength #ComplexFamily #RedefiningLove

What starts as a reflection on Juneteenth unfolds into a powerful exploration of truth, justice, and the importance of staying awake to what’s happening around us. In this episode, Sharmaine attends the Vision 2025 Community Summit in San Diego and is confronted with the weight of our current political climate—ICE raids in local neighborhoods, the rollback of DEI initiatives, child labor laws unraveling, and immigrant communities being silenced.

Through storytelling, reflection, and lived experience, she unpacks what it means to witness history repeating itself—not in textbooks, but in real time. This episode invites listeners to slow down, to sit with the discomfort, and to rekindle a deeper kind of curiosity—the kind that challenges, protects, and refuses to look away.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed, disheartened, or unsure where to begin, this conversation offers a gentle but honest reminder: when we stop asking questions, people fall through the cracks. And staying curious might just be one of the most important things we can do.

When we think of exploration, we picture mountaintops, ocean depths, or far-off galaxies. But what if the wildest terrain is actually within us?

What if mental health isn’t about fixing something broken… but exploring something unknown?

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I reflect on why I see healing as a modern expedition. I share how freediving taught me to stay curious in the face of fear, and how curiosity is one of the most powerful tools we have for navigating our emotional world.

Because the inner world? That’s the last great frontier.And it’s time we explored it—with wonder, not judgment.

Whether you’re deep in your own journey or just beginning, this episode is your reminder: curiosity is the compass, and you’re not alone on the path.

Have you ever realized someone’s been saying “I love you” your whole life… just not with words?

In this special Mother’s Day episode, I share a beautifully written story by my sister, Therese Joan, that captures the quiet, everyday ways love shows up—especially in Filipino families. Not through hugs or “I love yous,” but through food, patience, and a plate of hotdogs and rice you didn’t ask for (but were definitely expected to eat).

This one’s for anyone who’s ever been cared for in ways that didn’t look like love at the time—but were. If you’ve ever had a mom, grandma, or caregiver who showed love through acts, not affection, this story will bring them right back into the room with you.

It’s funny. It’s tender. And it might just change how you see love—especially the kind that doesn’t say its name out loud.

In this episode, Sharmaine reflects on the rarity of being present in today's fast-paced world, emphasizing the importance of creativity and care for the Earth. The solo episode explores how creativity can be a tool for reimagining our habits and systems, and how nature serves as a powerful teacher in this process. The host encourages listeners to embrace curiosity as a means to foster creativity and connection, both with themselves and the environment, ultimately leading to a more mindful and fulfilling life.

In this episode of Curiosity Over Fear, Sharmaine explores the intersection of curiosity and stress management. The discussion emphasizes how curiosity can help individuals understand their emotions better, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. She shares personal experiences and insights on how curiosity can lead to healthier coping mechanisms, both personally and in broader societal contexts, including environmental policies. The role of pets in emotional support and the importance of self-reflection are also highlighted, encouraging listeners to choose curiosity over fear in their daily lives.

00:00 Understanding Stress and Curiosity

02:42 The Broader Perspective on Health

04:20 Environmental Stress and Collective Anxiety

07:00 The Role of Pets in Emotional Well-being

08:44 Curiosity as a Tool for Self-Discovery

Takeaways

• Curiosity can help unpack emotions instead of judging them.
• Health encompasses physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects.
• Curiosity can reduce stress by bringing us into the present.
• Policies should reflect curiosity rather than urgency or fear.
• Our bodies communicate truths that we often ignore.
• Calm energy can influence our pets and our interactions.
• Pets can buffer stress and provide emotional support.
• Curiosity can lead to personal growth and healing.
• Choosing curiosity creates space for joy and growth.
• Asking better questions can lead to better self-understanding.

Summary

In this reflective solo episode, the host explores the essence of womanhood, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, strength, and the power of female friendships. Through personal anecdotes and a heartfelt poem, the host highlights how women support each other through life's challenges and the significance of celebrating these bonds, especially during International Women's Month. The discussion encourages listeners to appreciate the women in their lives and to recognize the ongoing need for connection and support.

In this conversation, Juliana Rogers shares her journey of redefining success through a feminine lens, emphasizing the importance of peace, joy, and creativity over traditional hustle culture. She discusses the shift from discipline to devotion, the role of play in business, and the need for collaboration rather than competition. Juliana also highlights the significance of embracing one's authentic self and the lessons learned from artists and creatives. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to find their own definition of success, rooted in personal fulfillment and peace.

Takeaways

• Success is peace, not just achievement.
• The shift from discipline to devotion is crucial.
• Feminine energy plays a vital role in business.
• Collaboration is more effective than competition.
• Play and joy are essential for creativity.
• Embracing one's authentic self leads to fulfillment.
• Artists teach us to be unapologetic in our expression.
• Noticing your energy can guide personal growth.
• Success is defined individually, not by societal standards.
• Mistakes are part of the journey to success.

00:00 Redefining Success: A New Perspective

03:16 The Influence of Feminine Energy in Business

05:43 Embracing Cycles: The Power of Rest and Reflection

06:30 Inspiration from Female Creatives

09:30 Collaboration vs. Competition in Business

12:27 Devotion Over Discipline: A Shift in Mindset

15:23 The Importance of Play and Joy in Creativity

18:03 Awareness and Authenticity in Defining Success

20:58 Final Thoughts on Success and Peace