Empowered Human Academy

If you follow @abelopez on Instagram, you’ve probably seen me post about my #abeminus100 journey. Four years ago, I set a goal to lose 100 pounds, and it set me on a path that has changed my life forever. And in any journey that involves venturing beyond what you’ve known, you’ll meet guides along the way. Today we’re in conversation with one of my guides, Taryn Van Brennan, the registered dietician I’ve worked with for over three years and who has supported me as I’ve shifted into a new way of being in my body. Rather than prescribing a quick fix to shed pounds, Taryn creates space for people to learn how to take control of their own health and wellness by teaching them the skills to properly fuel and trust their bodies for the long game.

Throughout this conversation we explore slowing down, optimizing your survival with food and nutrition, behavioral change, burnout, and sustainability. One of the many reasons why Taryn’s approach is so transformative is because of her emphasis on incremental change. She’s taught me how to celebrate the small wins as new patterns take root over time. We’re so thrilled to share Taryn’s expertise with you here—the way she’s using her knowledge to empower others is truly a gift.

Full show notes, downloadables, and links are also available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/33

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: What’s something that once felt like an insurmountable challenge that now feels approachable? How does your approach to challenge feel different than before?

Journal Prompt: Given that change is always happening, and that we have agency in unlocking that change—what’s something you want to hold the keys to, better?

Action Step: Take a walk outside this week to slow down and see your surroundings.

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

April Gustafson is a data engineer at Spotify and is opening doors to better worlds through math and science. After working as a science teacher for both middle and high school students, April went to grad school for computer science and has kept the throughline of her purpose clear even as she’s pivoted careers. Fueled by the desire to make science accessible to those who have typically been shut out of the equation, April is holding the door open for a more diverse range of perspectives.

Throughout this conversation we explore redefining your purpose, grounding your identity in spiritual reality, examining false narratives, and daring yourself to start something new.  As you’ll soon hear for yourself, April has a big heart and with it she’s dreaming up better worlds—for both herself and others. We’re grateful for how April shared herself with us here and hope this conversation might spark some curiosity about how your own unique path might be opening up doors for those coming up behind you, too.

Full show notes, downloadables, and links are also available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/32

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: Have you ever had a memorable spiritual experience? What did it feel like in your body?

Journal Prompt: What’s a false narrative that often returns as a loop inside your head?

Action Step: Hold that false narrative up to the light, examine it, and now write out a counter to it. What might be true instead? Dare to imagine a better world for yourself.

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Watch April’s YouTube series: The Scientific Implications of Taking Song Lyrics Literally

Start With Why by Simon Sinek

Beginner’s Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now by Liz Forkin Bohannon

Surrender To Love by David G. Benner

This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Today we’re diving into all the feelings with our guest—the artist, writer, and singer known as Trace. Based in LA, Trace has been releasing songs since 2016 when she brought her first project, the Low EP, to life through a Kickstarter campaign. Low garnered over 20 million streams and opened the door to her first record deal with Ultra Records. Now shifting into releasing music independently, Trace continues to evolve with each new release, lending her voice to raise awareness for anxiety in the music industry and to stop Asian hate. She’s been featured in Refinery 29, Teen Vogue, NYLON, Forbes, and has over 55 million streams across her catalog. She has a brand new song out called “Sucker Punch” that we’ve linked in the show notes— so go listen as soon as you finish this episode.

Throughout this conversation we discuss Asian-American identity, the relationship between anxiety and control, staying soft alongside ambition, and creating art from a place of love and calm. We really loved getting to learn from Trace’s insights and wisdom—both just as beautiful and resonant as the music she creates.

Full show notes, downloadables, and links are also available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/31

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: Inspired by Trace’s reflection that tension can be a sign that you’re doing it right, what’s a current tension that you’re holding space for in your life?

Journal Prompt: What does “flow” feel like to you?

Action Step: Record a voice note for your future self and title it “Listen To On A Shitty Day”. What would you want to tell yourself on a day when the truth of who you are feels harder to access?

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Follow TRACE on Instagram: @trace

Listen to Sucker Punch on Spotify

Learn more about Trace’s work: listentotrace.com

Dope AF Spotify playlist

@asianmentalhealthcollective

Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Introducing our very first BONUS EPISODE of a series we've titled "On AIR w/ Abe, Isaac, & Rebekah" (hence the acronym). After each week's Empowered Human Academy interview, join us here for an even deeper dive for reflection, integration, and fun with Abe, Isaac, and Rebekah (EHA writer/producer). In these bonus episodes we'll share how we're digesting this week's conversation and also swap art recommendations. These weekly bonus episodes will soon be available only with a paid subscription, but we wanted to give you a feel for the magic here first! 

In this inaugural episode we're discussing the themes from this week's interview w/ Jing Gao. 

Table Question: Share about a time of realignment in your life. What did that time of shifting look like and how does that self-discovery now inform the way you engage with life, work, and the world?

Art recommendations:

Abe—@philchester on Instagram 

Isaac—Nurture by Porter Robinson & Good Faith by Madeon 

Rebekah—Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong

This is a production of Lightward, Inc 

Jing Gao is the founder and CEO of Fly By Jing, a modern Asian food brand that’s on a mission to bring diversity to the natural food space. After being featured in the New York Times right as quarantine began last year, Fly By Jing skyrocketed and has been growing at a rapid pace—and it’s the kind of growth that feels so grounded that we couldn’t help but feel curious about the soul behind the magic. And that’s just what this conversation is: an exploration of the relationship between soul and its expression.

Throughout this conversation we discuss listening for inner truth and alignment, Jing’s journey of reclaiming her birth name, carving out solitary time for deep work, and the role of intuition in making business decisions. We talk Enneagram, Human Design, spiritual guides, and what it’s like to embody a public-facing role as an introvert. There’s nothing more magnetic than a human who’s truly claiming all of who they are, and Jing is an inspiring example of someone who’s doing that sacred work. We truly loved this conversation and hope you’ll find some resonance here, too.

Full show notes, downloadables, and links are also available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/30

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: Share about a time of realignment in your life. What did that time of shifting look like and how does that self-discovery now inform the way you engage with life, work, and the world?

Journal Prompt: Who do you consider to be your spiritual guides? What have you learned from them?

Action Step: Identify a recently-discovered inner truth and if it feels good to do so, make a point to communicate it to a trusted friend.

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Follow Jing on Instagram: @flybyjing

Learn more about Fly By Jing 

Shop Fly By Jing

Fly By Jing featured in the New York Times

Pre-order a Take Care Tote in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month

Learn more about your Human Design chart

This is a production of Lightward, Inc.