Open The Light

In this season finale, Abby goes solo, speaking on what she’s learned in therapy, recent attacks on the AAPI community, and what it means to stay hopeful in a crazy world. Plus, in her most vulnerable episode yet, listen to her open up about the first hate crime she experienced and how the pandemic has shifted her perspective. Closing out the first full season, Abby goes deep on growth and optimism and speaks good vibes for season 2 and beyond.Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social...

In this episode of Open The Light, Abby is joined again by Afro Latina, first-generation American, and licensed, mental health clinician, Akyla Joseph. With racial injustice and acts of violence against people of color at an unprecedented high, Abby and Akyla center on cultural pride -- why it’s important, how to instill it in children, and what it can do to one’s confidence. Plus, Abby talks about her relationship with her late, Filipino grandmother and Akyla dives deep into her Panamanian r...

In this episode of Open The Light, Abby is joined by college friend, Meko Thompson, a proud African-American gay man and educator with a background in political science. Together, Abby and Meko dive deep into the state of racial politics today and the effects it has on society. Meko and Abby also talk about current voter suppression laws, Black media entertainment, how people can stay informed, and what should be done in the classroom to combat racism. From COVID-19, George Floyd, microaggres...

In this episode of Open The Light, Abby welcomes back Danielle Guevarra, and together they share some starter and creative self-care ideas anyone can do in a pandemic and non-pandemic world. Danielle talks about getting up close and personal with Tyler The Creator and miscommunication with her mother about teaspoons while Abby shares an embarrassing moment from a solo woman dance party. Whether it’s as classic as yoga or as creative as a virtual museum visit, opportunities for self-care are f...

In this episode of Open The Light, Abby is joined again by friend and licensed mental health clinician, Akyla Joseph. This time, shining a light on self-care -- why it’s important, signs we need to look out for, and what we all get wrong about self-care. Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #OpenTheLight. Don't forget to follow Abby on Instagram (@abbysadoy) and the podcast on Instagram (@openthelightpodcast) and Facebook (@openthelightpodcast)! Email...

In this episode of Open The Light, Abby takes on the difficult topic that is the pandemic wall. She’s joined with friend, Afro Latina, first-generation American, and licensed, mental health clinician, Akyla Joseph. As a therapist, Akyla provides insight on the toll the pandemic has dealt on our mental health, signs that we should seek out a professional, and what she’s learned as a therapist. Akyla also speaks on what it’s like to help clients with differing political opinions. Have thou...

In this episode of Open The Light, Abby checks back in with Danielle Guevarra -- friend, proud Filpino-American woman, and grad student studying speech-language pathology. Danielle talks about the factors she considered when applying, family expectations with higher education, and what it was like to begin school during a global pandemic. Abby and Danielle also dive deep into the importance of self-care and therapy. Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social media using the hashta...

In this episode of Open The Light, Abby chats with Danielle Guevarra, a dear friend and a proud Filipino-American woman with the intention of understanding her roots and ethnic background. Danielle speaks on why it’s important for people to engage with culture, her experience with undergraduate college courses that center on culture, and how she’s been engaged during quarantine (bibingka, anyone?). Abby and Danielle also talk about different ways POC can engage with their own culture and the ...

In this episode of Open The Light, Abby is talking all about empathy with Jose Rodriguez, a close friend and avid empathizer. As the proud son of Mexican immigrant parents, Jose takes our conversation up a notch by discussing his experiences coming out to his parents, how he dealt with a friend who did him dirty, and why he keeps empathy at the forefront of his relationships. Abby and Jose also dive deep on how to become a more empathetic person, avoid self betrayal, and engage in some much n...

In this episode of Open The Light, Abby is diving deep in conversation with Dania Clarke, a friend and big advocate of vulnerability. A proud woman of color, Dania is a champion of deep connections -- implementing vulnerability workshops at a tech company in the heart of Austin, Texas. Dania talks about why she believes vulnerability in the workplace is essential, what she hopes people will get out of COVID-19 quarantine, and living life on your own terms. Abby and Dania also speak on having ...