Legitimately Liana

In this episode, Victoria and I talk about the vast differences between working part-time in jobs that paid us pennies and working full-time at our new post-grad jobs, and our experiences with the seemingly inevitable soul-sucking time period between college graduation and employment. No longer broke college kids, we discussed the age-old question of whether or not money can actually make you happy, along with our plans for the future. Last but not least, we talked about being in long-term, committed relationships throughout college and whether or not we were affected by the expectations of casual dating and hookup culture, which are typical of a college environment. 

In this episode, I talk about getting discouraged and wanting to give up, and also practicing gratitude through appreciating the "little things" in life. Additionally, I share some affirmation exercises that have really helped me in times of (quarter-life) crisis and invite you to join me in doing the manifestation technique that is the "2 cup method"-- just for funsies.

In this episode, fellow Youtuber Backpack Barbs and I discuss some of the stereotypes and microaggressions that we have both been subjected to as Asian women living in the United States. Growing up in the complete melting pot that is the Bay Area, I have never felt like a minority, but it was completely different for Barbs, who was adopted into a white family living in Alabama, and often found herself as the only person of color in the room. In the second half, we talk about losing the religious beliefs we were raised on, the specific reasons why that happened for us, how people around us have affected us, and our perspectives on religion now.

Keiller (@keystraining on Instagram) and I talk for the first time since high school in a dedicated fitness episode! We begin by talking about his personal training journey, from getting his NASM certification to now teaching group fitness classes. As lovers of the gym, we discuss home workouts and how we've been managing without the gym-- Keiller with bodyweight exercises and I with my measly 5lb dumbbells. I pick his professional brain for exercise tips. We also touch on staying motivated and why staying fit is so important. Finally, we end the episode with some lighthearted chatter about gym pet peeves and a fun game of Never Have I Ever: Fitness Edition.

In this episode, Isabell and I discuss the inescapable societal pressures that we experience when it comes to making decisions in life, ranging from choosing a career path to altering your physical appearance. We touch on sexuality and how it comes into play in the dating world. We also talk about archaeology, Isabell's field of study, and what it has taught her about societal constructs. 

My best friend Emily (the very same one from Episode 3!) and I start out this episode by discussing our methods for staying productive and motivated. We then transition into talking about her experience with full time employment and my journey with self employment thus far, and why it's very attractive to me despite its instability. We talk about our experiences with past and current supervisors and what qualities we look for in an ideal boss. Finally, we delve into what we've managed to learn so far about Roth IRAs, index funds, stocks, filing taxes and more-- all things that we should have learned about in school but didn't, because, well, the education system kinda sucks.

In this episode, my boyfriend Josh and I take turns telling the story of how we met four years ago. Due to our age gap and the fact that we weren't in the same major at school, we seem like an unlikely couple, and that tends to spark a lot of curiosity from people, which means we get asked to tell this story a lot (this is for you curious kittens). We also recall the assumptions that several people have made about us in the past based solely on our outward appearances: for me, it's the makeup and the way I dress, and for Josh, it's his muscles and shoulder tattoo. Lastly, we touch on how we both feel socially anxious in various situations-- ranging from simply walking down the street to ordering food from a restaurant-- and Josh shares what he's done to actively combat that struggle.

In this undeniably self-indulgent birthday episode, I explain the title that I've chosen for this podcast, "Legitimately Liana", and what it means to me. I've gotten a lot of really nice messages in response to my content and it makes me so happy! I also get a lot of people commending me for being open, real, and just not really caring about what other people think (which, in my opinion, is only kinda true. I care a little!) I know there are a lot of people who want to create content as well, whether it be starting a YouTube channel or their own podcast, but are allowing their fear of judgement from others hinder them from actually going for it. This is just my perspective when it comes to tackling that, and it's also applicable to expressing yourself in your daily life the way you want to. So, what does it mean for me to be "legitimately" me? And what will it take for you to be legitimately you? 

Iris and I have known each other for several years now, but it was only fairly recently that we started talking on Instagram and discovered that we have quite a bit in common. After talking a bit about high school and our high school friendships, we discuss our thoughts on drugs, alcohol, and the party scene (which is associated with four-year universities, but not so much with community colleges). We also touch on our career goals for the future and our journeys leading up to this point in our lives. Lastly, we discuss the ongoing quarantine, reminisce about our lives pre-lockdown, mourn for some lost opportunities, and share what we've been doing to take care of ourselves and stay sane in isolation. 

My sister (@beanireen18 on Instagram) and I talk about her choice to attend art school, a little about the wide range of career choices in the art industry, and also some prospective backup careers (not that I think she'll need them LOL) including becoming a published author! We also talk about our individual experiences at one particular college prep academy and how their counseling services were somewhat helpful for me and my pursuit of an engineering degree, but not so much for Ireen who was discouraged from pursuing a career in art due to their traditional expectations. We also share some childhood anecdotes, reflect on giving our parents something called the "C+ treatment", and agree that Chinese school is probably the worst thing to ever happen-- ever.