Mind in Movement

This episode is a doozy and I'm definitely practicing courage and vulnerability with this one. I talk about our current structures and social climate, which includes capitalism, racism, sexism, and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments. I talk about what I think the solution is, which is to understand the nuance of being a human being, to be the model for the change that you want to see, and to build community and solidarity. Thanks for being on the journey with me, especially with this one in particular.

In this episode of the podcast, I talk about my journey with my creative process and what I learned through it, what it means to "make" art, and how I'm learning to let go of control.

In this episode of the podcast, I talk about the path that I've been on, and what fulfillment and challenges I've felt being on this path. Come along for the journey~

Welcome to season 3 of Mind in Movement! I wanted to take this season to hold space for my own voice and story. In this episode, I talk about my reflections from my experiences in the past 2 years, discovering myself as an artist, and my concept video that I published recently.

In today's episode of the podcast, I have a conversation with Michele Byrd-McPhee about her journey, mission, and impact with Ladies of Hip Hop. She drops so many golden gems, from sharing her history, to about her community, her mission, and her outlook on our current world. 

A tireless advocate for girls and women, Michele Byrd-McPhee is the founder and Executive Director of Ladies of Hip-Hop. Michele has been working for over two decades to re-contextualize Hip-Hop spaces and conversations regarding sex, gender and race. Under her direction, LOHH cultivates dance environments that honor and acknowledge the roots of Hip-Hop and the many creative pioneers who have shaped them. This is especially important given the ways in which Black dance has been co-opted, appropriated without acknowledgement to its community cultural origins.

Below is a list of Instagram handles, be sure to check these people out!

@vivv1es

@mind.in.movement

@justine.wang_

Welcome back to the podcast! On this episode of the podcast, I have a conversation with Anthony Vibal, an amazing dancer that I met during my time at Voyage. Vibal has such a passion for dance and such a great, positive mentality that I really wanted to learn more about his approach to dance. In this episode, we talk about his motivation, passion, and journey currently in dance. 

Anthony Vibal is a 22 year old dancer and choreographer from Orange County. He has competed and choreographed with teams such as Underground Dance Team, Team Millennia and has trained with Voyage Training Team. Anthony is also an instructor at OFFSTAGE Dance Studio, and STEEZY.

Below is a list of Instagram handles, be sure to check these people out!

@anthonyvibal

@mind.in.movement

@justine.wang_

Welcome back to the podcast! On this episode of the podcast, I have a conversation with Vivian Lin, someone who has danced with Choreo Cookies and now resides in Berkeley, CA. We focus mainly on her life, from her dance journey to her transition as a mother. It was really insightful because we talked about so much -- from dance, to jobs, to relationships and family. It is a conversation that resides in my mind because of how peaceful it is. 

Vivian Lin is a human being who enjoys cooking, taking long walks, watching period dramas, and picking flowers (that sometimes aren't hers - much to her husband's dismay). For 10 years, she lived in San Diego and was a member of Choreo Cookies during that time. She currently resides in Berkeley, CA with her husband Chris, her son Teo, her two dogs and one cat; working full time as a software engineer and moonlighting as a florist on the weekends.

Below is a list of Instagram handles, be sure to check these people out!

@vivv1es

@mind.in.movement

@justine.wang_

Welcome back to the podcast! On this episode of the podcast, I have a conversation with Tawnya Nguyen, a strength and performance coach that I've been working with since October 2021. She has taught me a more sustainable way to approach fitness, to be more compassionate towards myself, and to see every moment as an opportunity instead of an obligation. I appreciate all that she does so much and highly recommend her to everyone. 

Tawnya is a strength + performance coach and co owner of Movement Society from Los Angeles. She is invested in helping people commit to a sustainable lifestyle while achieving  their greatest human potential through movement. One of her biggest missions is to create an safe and inclusive space for women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ community within the fitness industry.

Her love for movement started since she was dancing at the age of 7 with focuses in ballet, contemporary, and various choreography styles. From there, she was always seeking different ways to explore movement athletically and artistically. What gravitated her towards fitness was the ability to unlock one’s potential by utilizing different scientific systems and her favorite, the human connection. Training not only rehabilitated her chronic injuries, but it’s elevated her day to day and athletic performance. These experiences have shaped me into the coach that she is today and she hopes to be able to share her passion and knowledge with those she crossed paths with.

Below is a list of Instagram handles, be sure to check these people out!

@coachtawns

@movementsociety

@mind.in.movement

@justine.wang_

Welcome back to the podcast! On this episode of the podcast, I have a conversation with Jucel Andrin, someone I met during my collegiate team years. Jucel has danced with ACA, and has since transitioned to being a director of photography, focusing on dance films instead. In this episode, we talk about the difference between a dance concept video and a dance film, and he provides me with new insights on pursuring your passion as your career. 

Jucel is a Director of Photography based in the Greater Los Angeles area. Merging his extensive background in dance choreography with his professional filmmaking career, he brings a unique visual approach to his cinematography and movement direction. He believes in pushing artistic boundaries and values the power of sharing the human experience.

Below is a list of Instagram handles, be sure to check these people out!

@jucelandrin_

@mind.in.movement

@justine.wang_

Welcome back to the podcast! On this episode of the podcast, I have a conversation with Valerie Virgen, an absolutely amazing woman with a beautiful message and story. Her work has really inspired me, particularly her Doja Cat Woman concept video, and I had so much fun having this conversation with her about women, relationships, and love. 

Valerie Virgen is a 25 year old choreographer and dancer based in San Bernardino, California. She began studio training at the age of 3 in various styles such as ballet, jazz, tap, and more. Since 2014, she has been a part of teams such as GRaVy Babies, 909 dance troupe, and GRV. In 2018 she graduated from the University of Redlands with a B.S. in Global Business and a minor in Mathematics. Ever since her graduation, she has been developing a program within the San Bernardino School District that provides dance to ALL students in the elementary level. After years of working on her artistry, she now teaches at studios like Dance Dimensions Performing Arts Center in Grand Terrace, Offstage by GRV in Orange County, and Snowglobe Perspective in Glendale. She has a deep passion for sharing the joy and love that comes with dance, through her choreography and visuals. While balancing a full-time job, family, God, and friends; She hopes to continue connecting with and uplifting others through her movement.

Below is a list of Instagram handles, be sure to check these people out!

@valeriemariah_

@mind.in.movement

@justine.wang_