Highest Version

In a world where artificial intelligence is continuing to grow, creativity and authenticity are starting to dip. In today’s solo podcast episode, I break down why creativity is so important for our lives and how it can create transferable skills to our work life. I emphasize how important it is for our mental health and how it can free us from daily frustrations and sadness. 

Along this same theme, I strongly speak on letting your authentic self shine through. For us that were told to hide our true selves because of needing to be humble, we need to break out of our shell and show our true selves. Let people know who we are and what’s important to us because the right people will gravitate towards us and we can build that “village” that will propel us to success. 

Chapters:

0:00 - Episode Intro

2:18 - Creativity Brings Value to Life

12:23 - Aeza

12:42 - Prioritizing Physical Health

19:35 - Connieomg

20:09 - Don’t Downplay Yourself

Socials:

Highest Version: linkin.bio/highestversion

Jaimee’s Socials: 

https://www.instagram.com/journeywithjaimee/

https://www.instagram.com/jaimeedelpiano/

Aeza: https://shopaeza.com/

Connieomg: https://www.etsy.com/shop/connieomg/?etsrc=sdt&dd_referrer=

Music:

Music: 'Wave Lounge' by Nicolas Kluzek on #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/c/nicolas-kluzek

License code: PJKOVKDXHFQPQNEQ

Music: 'Nu Spirit' by Hartzmann on #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/c/hartzmann

License code: 7GP7DUIWNBHOR3QI

TW: Depression & Suicide

We welcome a new guest to the podcast, Jaimee Delpiano! Jaimee comes into the podcast with many stories of obstacles that have only made her stronger today! Going through periods of depression and then surviving a stroke in 2025, Jaimee has grown a lot. Going through therapy and learning coping mechanisms to get her out of her “crisis” mode. She shares with us what she has learned throughout the experience and shares her philosophy on getting through uncontrollable emotions or events in our life. This is an episode you won’t want to miss! 

Chapters:

0:00 - Episode Intro

2:03 - The Uncontrollable Happened

9:39 - Making the Come Back

19:11 - Aeza

19:31 - Coming Across Depression

34:07 - Connieomg

34:41 - Controlling the Uncontrollable Emotions

51:01 - Flowers to Guest

51:43 - Big 3 Questions

Socials:

Highest Version: linkin.bio/highestversion

Jaimee’s Socials: 

https://www.instagram.com/journeywithjaimee/

https://www.instagram.com/jaimeedelpiano/

Aeza: https://shopaeza.com/

Connieomg: https://www.etsy.com/shop/connieomg/?etsrc=sdt&dd_referrer=

Music:

Music: 'Wave Lounge' by Nicolas Kluzek on #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/c/nicolas-kluzek

License code: PJKOVKDXHFQPQNEQ

Music: 'Nu Spirit' by Hartzmann on #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/c/hartzmann

License code: 7GP7DUIWNBHOR3QI

Today’s episode is focused on being intentional about your “environment”. What does this mean? Your “environment” encompasses the people you surround yourself with, the habits you build, and how you even set up items around your house or set up your phone to help you towards your definition of success. If you want to eat healthier, that’s intentionally buying the right snacks or buying less of snacks, depending on your goal. If you want to improve your mental health, understand what in your environment is not helping you with it. There are so many little things we can change to help build our environment for our success. 

Lastly, I stress the importance of self-talk and how it plays a role in our mental health. The main key from therapy that has helped me overcome my depression. It’s another good one, so tune in!

Chapters:

0:00 – Episode Summary

1:23 – Episode Intro

2:13 – Find Your Core People

8:06 – Aeza 

8:25 - Build an Environment of Success

14:54 - Connieomg

15:28 – Creating Positive Self-Talk

Socials:

Highest Version Social: https://linkin.bio/highestversion

Aeza: https://shopaeza.com

Connieomg on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/connieomg/?etsrc=sdt

Intro Music: 

Wave Lounge – Nicolas Kluzek

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/nicolas-kluzek/wave-lounge

License code: PTINMJ0VQQIJQ9LN

We welcome back Jen Tan to the podcast to unpack on the topic of self-abandonment! Are you self-abandoning yourself? Do you know the tendencies? We have all the answers here! There are attachment styles, such as avoidant and anxious, that are not helping us become the best versions of ourselves! Jen breaks down what we can do to heal and navigate towards not self-abandoning our authentic selves.

 In addition, we briefly touch on the topic on the difference between nice and kind. The term “nice guys finish last” was a mindset of mine until I realized what that really did to me. Lots to unpack and lots to learn from in this episode! 

 Chapters: 

0:00 – Episode Summary

1:17 – Episode Intro

2:19 – Mental Health Status

10:06 – Connieomg

10:40 – Self-Abandonment in Culture

19:46 – Anxious vs Avoidant Attachment

34:28 – Aeza

34:49 – Self-Abandonment in Asian-American Culture

40:44 – Difference Between Nice & Kind

50:50 – Victim Mindset

56:44 – Flowers to Guest

57:04 – Big 3 Questions

Socials:

Highest Version Social: https://linkin.bio/highestversion

Jen Tan: https://www.youtube.com/@jentannn

Aeza: https://shopaeza.com

Connieomg on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/connieomg/?etsrc=sdt

Intro Music: 

Wave Lounge – Nicolas Kluzek

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/nicolas-kluzek/wave-lounge

License code: PTINMJ0VQQIJQ9LN

 Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/nu-spirit

License code: PK5XE73MSPYO4VHB

In today’s episode, we dive into the difference between “I am” and “I feel” when talking about yourself in a negative way. The power of “I am” has a much more meaning to your brain and attaches the words after “I am” to your self-worth no matter if it’s bad or good. Austin Butler’s quote on embarrassment may be my new mantra when filming content to get over my anxieties on filming in public. Lastly, I dive into the powerful skill of speaking up for yourself in a respectful manner and how I think that could have prevented my indecisiveness and lack of confidence within myself. This is one that you truly don’t want to miss!

 Chapters:

0:00 – Episode Summary

2:08 – Episode Intro

2:50 – “I am” vs. “I feel”

7:55 – Shop Aeza

8:15 – Embarassing Yourself More!

12:30 – Connieomg

13:04 – Learn how to Speak Up for Yourself ASAP!

 Socials:

Highest Version Social: https://linkin.bio/highestversion

Aeza: https://shopaeza.com

Connieomg on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/connieomg/?etsrc=sdt

 Intro Music: 

Wave Lounge – Nicolas Kluzek

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/nicolas-kluzek/wave-lounge

License code: PTINMJ0VQQIJQ9LN

Today’s episode is primarily focused on doing what makes you happy. I sit down with a great friend of mine to discuss the shift from thinking every decision through our parents to now, post-grad, living life for us and making memories for us. Narie describes her transition and how that has helped her to become the highest version of herself with some obstacles of course. As children of immigrant parents who want to give back, we have to understand that this is our life too and we need to stay strong to what we want. Not what our parents want. Narie and I also dive deep into our therapy experiences and how much that helped us in our journeys to become the highest version of ourselves! 

Chapters: 

0:00 – Episode Summary

1:35 – Episode Intro

3:11 – Featured Funko Pop

5:01 – Mental Health Status

9:27 – Living Life for You

19:42 – Realizing You Have Your Own Perspective

27:14 - Aeza

27:36 – Becoming the Highest Version of Ourselves

38:26 – Understanding What You Want

46:20 – Connieomg

46:54 – Therapy Experience

55:26 – Comparing Versions of Ourselves

1:03:40 – Flowers to Guest

1:05:05 – Big 3 Questions            

Socials:

Highest Version Social: https://linkin.bio/highestversion

Aeza: https://shopaeza.com

Connieomg on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/connieomg/?etsrc=sdt

 Intro Music: 

Wave Lounge – Nicolas Kluzek

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/nicolas-kluzek/wave-lounge

License code: PTINMJ0VQQIJQ9LN

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/nu-spirit

License code: PK5XE73MSPYO4VHB

What is up my community! We are back with another solo episode featuring topics I am super passionate about. I dive deep into my understanding of what is altering our brains to think low of ourselves or how it is setting us up for failure. These are called cognitive distortions and there are many of them that you may be surprised your brain is doing to you. Furthermore, I bring up the topic of time management and how the beginning of my journey to master it has really helped me with tools such as the Pomodoro Technique and Eisenhower Matrix. I elaborate even further on a type of cognitive distortion that keeps us from becoming the highest version of ourself and that is doubt. It is only part of our imagination, yet we let it run our life and I am here to give you mindset shifts that can combat that! You’re guys are going to love this one and thank you for tuning in! 

Chapters: 

0:00 – Episode Summary

1:38 – Episode Intro

2:24 – Confronting Your Negative Thoughts

14:51 – Connieomg

15:25 – Importance of Time Management

23:13 – Doubt is Not Real

Socials:

Highest Version Social: https://linkin.bio/highestversion

Connieomg on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/connieomg/?etsrc=sdt

 Intro Music: 

Wave Lounge – Nicolas Kluzek

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/nicolas-kluzek/wave-lounge

License code: PTINMJ0VQQIJQ9LN

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/nu-spirit

License code: PK5XE73MSPYO4VHB

We welcome back Linh to the podcast! We catch up with Linh as she is further into her PhD journey and she picked up quite a few lessons on the way, including how to balance all different types of worries and anxieties in an intense environment. Linh also touches on what has kept her internal validation so strong all these years! If you are looking to increase your internal validation and understanding how to stay motivated, this is the episode you won’t want to miss!

Chapters: 
0:00 – Episode Summary
1:01 – Episode Intro
1:54 – Mental Health Status
4:36 – Reflecting on Growth
9:37 – How to Deal with Your Worries
14:23 – Balancing High Expectations and What is Enough
21:34 – Staying Motivated and Handling Pressure
28:50 – Strengthening Our Internal Validation
40:09 – Local Business Highlight
40:43 – Important Core Values
57:57 – Flowers to Guest
58:51 – Big 3 Questions

Socials:
Highest Version Social: https://linkin.bio/highestversion
Connieomg on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/connieomg/?etsrc=sdt 

Intro Music: 
Wave Lounge – Nicolas Kluzek
Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/nicolas-kluzek/wave-lounge
License code: PTINMJ0VQQIJQ9LN
Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/nu-spirit
License code: PK5XE73MSPYO4VHB

Bring back another solo episode with a new look! What do you guys think? I really loved the format of talking about what has helped me become the highest version of myself, what is something I am currently working on and something I wished I knew sooner. By sharing my experiences, both ongoing and in the past, there are lessons that I think can help you to become the highest version of yourself! In this episode, I elaborate on what complaining does to your brain and how to combat that. In addition, I go through trying to find belief within myself and understanding you can’t be the hero in everyone’s story. Love this one and I hope you will too!

Chapters: 

0:00 – Episode Summary

1:19 – Episode Intro

1:56 – Complaining Goes Nowhere

10:59 – Trusting Myself

19:13 – Hero & Villain

Socials:

Highest Version Social: https://linkin.bio/highestversion 

Intro Music: 

Wave Lounge – Nicolas Kluzek

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/nicolas-kluzek/wave-lounge

License code: PTINMJ0VQQIJQ9LN

Today’s vulnerable conversation features many great topics of ambition and compassion for oneself. I sit down with Jason Kung, a close member of the Highest Version community, to discuss what he has learned about constantly striving for something but realizing that right now may not be the right time. We can always be ambitious but is that what is important for our lives in the moment? Jason opens up about the difficulties of finding a healthy balance of striving who you want to be and how you’re going to achieve it. We also sit down to discuss:

• Bringing your “village” with you in your success
• How we build our narratives and the “why’s” behind it is important for our self-worth
• Failures are hard to deal with but we just need to learn from it and not take it too seriously to where that is our only focus

Tune into this vulnerable conversation to help YOU become the highest version of yourself!

Chapters: 
0:00 – Episode Highlight 
0:23 – Episode Intro
1:46 – Featured Funko Pop
3:43 – Mental Health Status
6:12 – Bringing a Community to the Top
11:24 – Changing Our Narratives
20:00 – What’s Reliable When Motivation Runs Out
23:42 – Getting Past Failures
35:55 – The Fear of Other People’s Perspective
40:56 – Battling Against High Expectations
51:08 – Flowers to Our Guest
52:19 – The Importance of Narrative 
1:03:53 – Big 3 Questions

Socials:
Highest Version Social: https://linkin.bio/highestversion

Intro Music: 
The Epic Hero – Keys of Moon Music
Great Days – Joakim Karud