In Episode 73 of the Permission to Flow podcast, hosted by career transition coach Jessica Hwang, we dive into the life-changing concept of redefining our career journeys to serve our true purpose. Many first- and second-generation women find themselves trapped in the cycle of fulfilling basic needs while sacrificing their dreams. Jessica challenges listeners to shift their perspectives and place their passions at the center, transforming these "side quests" into the main quests of their lives. If you're questioning whether your current job truly aligns with your calling, Jessica's insights into time, energy, and attention management offer a roadmap to prioritizing what matters most.

Throughout the episode, Jessica unpacks the idea that while some are fortunate to find purpose in their 9 to 5 jobs, others may feel a significant disconnect between their daily grind and their greater goals. By sharing her personal journey from the finance world to a fulfilling coaching career, Jessica illustrates how you can choose to align your professional life in service of your passions and build a career that supports your dreams. With practical advice on assessing job roles and opportunities, Jessica empowers listeners to make conscious choices that support their life's calling.

Join Jessica as she emphasizes that reclaiming your time, energy, and focus can lead to a rewarding alignment of career with passion. The episode is a powerful reminder for ambitious women that purpose isn’t a peripheral goal—it's the core around which the rest of your career and life should revolve. Subscribe to Permission to Flow to start sculpting a life where your job supports your true purpose.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

00:00 "Make Passion the Main Quest"

04:49 Balancing Job and Passion Projects

09:42 Prioritize Purpose Over Traditional Job

13:49 "Assessing Job Impact on Energy"

17:16 Understanding Job Energy Commitment

20:46 "Purpose Over Promotion: Focus Shift"

24:09 "Prioritize Your Calling Over Promotions"

26:08 "Curiosity and Skill Development"

29:52 "Join Me: Start Creating Now"

Quotes from the episode: "Is your time, energy and attention going towards where you actually want to go?"

"What if that thing that you think of as a potential or an active side quest is actually the main quest? Quest? Why don't you sit with that?"

"The sense I got from it was this is the kind of job where it's going to take up a lot of my energy and it might be time and energy for that matter."

Connect with Jessica:

Join the email list (https://jessicahwangcoaching.com/email-list)

Book a free sales call (https://jessicahwangcoaching.com/private-coaching) Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching (https://www.instagram.com/jessicahwangcoaching/)

Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching (https://www.facebook.com/jessicahwangcoaching)

Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching (https://jessicahwangcoaching.com/) Credits: Music co-written by Steven Murillo (https://www.instagram.com/someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (https://www.instagram.com/jessicahwangcoaching/)

Edit by Corey Stein (https://coreystein.studio)

In this compelling episode of the Permission to Flow podcast, host Jessica Hwang welcomes Gabrielle Kali Om, a Dharma Yoga instructor and owner of Ojas Retreat Center. This episode delves deep into Gabrielle's journey of transformation and resilience, capturing her inspiring path from living a dream on a sailboat to the realization of opening a sanctuary for healing and growth – the Ojas Retreat Center. With over 20 years of yoga practice and mentorship under her belt, Gabrielle shares her insights into embracing life’s unexpected turns, the courage to dream beyond conventional paths, and the emotional strength found through her yoga practice.

Jessica and Gabrielle explore what it truly means to live with purpose and the power of being present in your journey. Gabrielle reflects on her challenges, from the pressures of a traditional career in yacht financing to the profound personal growth sparked by her mother's illness. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that the road to manifesting your vision is rarely linear and often requires embracing vulnerability and showing up for oneself and others. This episode will resonate with anyone seeking to reconcile their career paths with creative, purpose-driven futures.

Listen in as Gabrielle offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and yogis, revealing the significance of patience, fortitude, and planning when working towards your dreams. The episode concludes with Gabrielle urging listeners to remain grounded, embody their unique journeys, and consistently take steps, no matter how small, toward the realization of their own dreams.

Topics Discussed in this Episode:

00:00 Seeking Purpose Beyond Dreams

09:38 Exploring New Paths

14:19 Finding Purpose Through Yoga Teaching

20:57 Overcoming Self-Doubt

25:03 "Striving for Inner Peace"

27:22 "What Do I Really Want?"

37:33 Finding Personal Paths Beyond Norms

38:37 "Envious of Contentment in Others"

47:24 Simplistic Lifestyle, Complex Challenges

52:01 "Showing Up Aids Personal Healing"

54:34 Embracing Growth as a Yoga Teacher

01:04:49 Plant-Based Retreats Spark Demand

01:09:15 Shifting Focus to Yoga Teaching

01:16:05 Embracing Difficult Experiences

01:17:33 Embracing Authenticity in Yoga Teaching

01:23:03 Searching for Retreat Center Locations

01:31:47 Growth Through Challenges

01:35:39 Embracing Challenges in Yoga Retreats

01:41:01 "Steps to Achieve Life Goals"

01:44:20 "Align Actions with Purpose"

01:50:52 "Dreams and Sailing"

01:55:59 "Subscribe and Create"

Quotes from the episode:

"What I'm saying here is this isn't the truth. It's just what our experience is."

"So you just start putting in place these things step by step. It doesn't have to be fast. You know, you can enjoy your life while you're getting to this next thing."

Connect with Gabrielle:

Join the next Dharma Yoga Retreat on June 25-29, 2025! Sign up on the Ojas website below.

Instagram: Gabrielle Kali Om

Website: Ojas Retreat Center

Instagram: Ojas Retreat Center 

Connect with Jessica:

Join the email list 

Book a free sales call

Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching

YouTube: Jessica Hwang Coaching

Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching

Credits:

Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)

Edit by Corey Stein (https://coreystein.studio)

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Permission to Flow Podcast. Join me as I navigate through the challenges, decisions, and bursts of creativity that led to this vibrant studio. I'll share insights into the thought process behind the design, the hurdles of working with limited space, and the joy of bringing a vision to life. This isn't just about building a physical space, but also about allowing creative freedom to flow and embracing the unexpected moments that come with it. Whether you're contemplating your own creative project or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is sure to inspire and entertain. Let's dive into the making of our studio where imagination meets reality.

Topics Discussed in this Episode:

00:00 Overcoming Doubts to Create

04:42 Apartment Layout Experimentation

09:30 Letting Go of Design Constraints

11:48 Creative Freedom Beyond Wallpaper

14:45 "Always Gold, Always Divine"

19:38 "Exhilaration of Painting Murals"

22:55 Creating a Mural with Ribbon

27:02 Embracing Life's Creative Flow

28:31 "Gold Line Design Journey"

33:42 "Joyful Creation Amidst Large-Scale Art"

36:44 "Creating My Dream Podcast Studio"

Quotes from the episode:

"Even when we feel like we're going all over the place and it's looping and chaotic and whatever, we are still moving forward."

"It was just sitting in my imagination, watching it step by step, layer by layer, piece by piece build out and starting to see that come to life."

Connect with Jessica:

Join the email list 

Book a free sales call

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicahwangcoaching/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicahwangcoaching

Website: https://jessicahwangcoaching.com/

Credits:

Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)

Edit by Corey Stein (https://coreystein.studio)

In this heartfelt episode of "Permission to Flow," host Jessica Hwang sits down with a very special guest, her mother, Amy Hwang, in their family home in Portland, Oregon. The episode offers a touching exploration of their relationship, discussing how Amy has been a constant pillar of support throughout Jessica’s life and career transitions. They delve into Amy’s immigration story, her experiences working in the World Trade Center during critical events, and her unwavering belief in the importance of purpose and direction.

The conversation also covers Jessica’s career shift from finance to her current entrepreneurial pursuits, emphasizing the challenges and emotional complexities involved. For anyone navigating their own career paths or seeking a deeper understanding of familial support, this episode provides invaluable insights and a genuine mother-daughter bond that will resonate with listeners. Stay tuned as Jessica and Amy share candid stories, wisdom, and mutual respect in this memorable episode.

Topics discussed in this episode:

00:00 Mother-Daughter Dialogue Insights

09:46 Mindset of Hard Work Model

13:14 Witness to Building Collapse

21:00 Choosing a College Major Guidance

24:29 Parental Influence on Career Choice

31:08 Realizing Different Paths and Appreciation

35:44 Prioritizing Happiness Over Wealth

42:27 Generational Workplace Incentive Shift

44:22 Relying on Financial Support Struggles

50:56 Parental Approval and Career Choices

55:47 "Yoga's Mental and Physical Benefits"

01:04:09 Parental Support is Essential

Connect with Jessica:

Join the email list 

Book a free sales call

Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching

YouTube: Jessica Hwang Coaching

Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching

Credits:

Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)

Edit by Corey Stein (https://coreystein.studio)

In this engaging episode of "Permission to Flow," host Jessica Hwang sits down with Jonathan Rosenthal to explore the profound impacts of yoga on mental health, particularly for younger individuals aged 12 to 29. Jonathan, a neurologist with a passion for yoga, shares fascinating insights into the ways yoga can benefit conditions like ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Jessica and Jonathan delve into the science behind yoga, discussing how practices like pranayama, meditation, and asana create a ripple effect that extends well beyond a mat, positively influencing stress management and overall mental well-being.

Understanding yoga's effect on the brain, neuroplasticity, and mood regulation, the conversation sheds light on the transformative potential of incorporating yoga into daily life. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just curious about its benefits, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical tips to enrich your mental and physical health through yoga.

Jessica and Jonathan’s conversation is not just informative but also deeply personal, as they reflect on their own yoga journeys and the joy of sharing their passion with others. Tune in to discover how yoga could be the key to enhancing your mental health and emotional resilience, particularly during times of transition. Don't forget to subscribe and visit Jessica's website to stay updated on more insightful discussions!

Topics discussed in this episode:

00:00 Yoga provides calmness, presence, and lifelong benefits.

04:24 Yoga in education faces research and accessibility challenges.

08:04 Effect sizes: 30–50% improvement in symptoms.

10:10 Different yoga methods yield similar outcomes generally.

14:49 Adapt practice mindset to improve mental health.

16:39 Different yoga forms teach unique lessons.

21:02 Yoga helps ADHD, depression, anxiety, despite debate.

25:24 Deep breathing from yoga helps reduce anxiety. 27:09 Yoga-related adverse event requires further investigation.

31:35 Finding personal balance between tradition and preference. 33:13 Balance comfort with challenge for personal growth.

39:04 Moderate stress optimal for performance, yoga helps

42:27 Yoga helps manage optimal stress levels effectively.

45:50 Risk factors vary per disease; genetics influence.

47:09 MS risk increases further from equator.

50:55 Intense yoga increases neuroplasticity, hippocampus growth.

55:57 Ended recording after enjoying a lengthy conversation.

56:42 Subscribe for more from Jessica Hwang Coaching.

Quotes from the episode:

"Having an option like yoga to treat or at least help with the symptoms of these diseases is really powerful."

"I do think that people really do kind of fall into the right practices."

"Meaning that we don't perceive things as threatening or as stressful as a result of yoga practice. And if we do perceive them that way, people have the tools to self regulate and change that perception."

Connect with Jessica:

Join the email list 

Book a free sales call

Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching

Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching

Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching

Credits:

Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)

Edit by Corey Stein (https://coreystein.studio)

In today's solo episode of Permission to Flow, Jessica Hwang dives deep into the art of breaking through barriers and overcoming business challenges using the transformative Blank Slate Method. Whether you're in the midst of a career transition or tackling a persistent problem within your business, this episode offers a radical approach to help you move beyond those seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Jessica explains how the Blank Slate Method involves wiping the slate clean, starting from scratch, and methodically building toward your end goal. By sharing her personal experiences—such as revamping her social media strategy and reimagining her podcast studio—Jessica illustrates how this powerful method can lead to breakthroughs when traditional problem-solving falls short. If you've been feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this episode will inspire you to embrace a fresh perspective and enter the new year with renewed energy and purpose.

Perfect for wellness business owners and aspiring creatives, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to challenge their status quo and unlock new potential. Tune in and discover how to create your own blank slate, focus on your desired outcomes, and add in necessary elements step-by-step to transform your vision into reality. Happy New Year, and welcome to the brave new world of possibility!

Topics discussed in this episode include:

00:00 - 04:00 - Intro

04:00 - 04:45 - 3 Steps to Blank Slate

04:45 - 06:35 - Why is the Blank Slate Method Important?

06:35 - 07:35 - Step 1

07:50 - 10:15 - Step 2

10:15 - 15:35 - Step 3

15:35 - End: Recap

Quotes from the Episode: "And it is when we take those steps back, actually, and quiet down and Let ourselves reassess things that I think a lot of magic can happen." "You're allowing yourself to experiment and move outside of what you thought it needed to look like." "I want you to start with the thing that you think has been impossible."

Connect with Jessica:

Join the email list 

Book a free sales call

Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching

Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching

Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching

Credits:

Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)

Edit by Corey Stein (https://coreystein.studio)

In this enlightening episode of Permission to Flow, join Jessica Hwang as she dives deep into the transformative experience of embracing vulnerability through an unexpected avenue—acting. Transitioning from corporate finance to a career centered on creativity and personal growth, Jessica shares how attending an acting workshop revealed her emotional blind spots and the power of professional vulnerability. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, she emphasizes the importance of receptivity, exploring how acknowledging and working through suppressed emotions can pave the way for genuine personal development.

Jessica's journey highlights the intersection of her Asian cultural background and her pursuit of a purpose-driven life. Growing up in an environment where her voice felt secondary to her brother's, she uniquely addresses the challenges many first- and second-generation women face in being seen and heard. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to step outside of your comfort zones, embrace discomfort, and accept failures as milestones on the path to growth. With references to Maya Angelou’s wisdom and the encouragement to connect with supportive mentors, Jessica’s insights provide a robust framework for navigating your own career transitions.

Whether you're contemplating a leap from corporate life to a creative career or seeking ways to push past ingrained beliefs, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and practical advice from Jessica, who courageously shares her ongoing journey towards authenticity and fulfillment. Don’t miss this opportunity to reflect, grow, and learn how to shine in your unique way.

Quotes from the episode:

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” - Maya Angelou

"What is something that will challenge you to shine a little brighter? What is something that will challenge you to embrace your imperfection but show up more as who you are?"

"I don't think that it is by accident that part of me stepping into my purpose has required me to challenge this deep inner wound around being seen and heard."

"If you want to move towards your purpose, your passions, I invite you to step in, commit to the bit, as I said in the last episode, do the thing that feels unnatural, but you know is going to help you move forward and be in service of your zone of genius, because it matters."

References:

Commit to the Bit -  065 – Commit to Create: Lessons Learned While Building the Podcast Studio

Connect with Jessica:

Join the email list 

Book a free sales call

Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching

Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching

Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching

Credits:

Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)

Production and audio engineering by Travis Carr (@traviscarrphoto)

In today's episode, join host Jessica Hwang and editor Travis Carr in an exciting, unscripted deep dive as they celebrate the completion of their new podcast studio and reflect on Jessica's incredible journey of transformation.

Jessica shares the joy of seeing her vision for the studio come to life—a dream realized despite numerous obstacles and delays. Travis and Jessica provide some behind-the-scenes insights into overcoming the challenges and achieving this new production environment.

Hear about Jessica's path from a corporate finance career to becoming a career transition coach and podcaster. She opens up about the pivotal moments that led her to prioritize meaningful work and self-kindness, ultimately launching the "Permission to Flow" podcast. Jessica's journey underscores the importance of trusting the process, even when it means pausing to build a solid foundation.

Together, they dive into the struggle of balancing ambition with the necessity of creating something meaningful. As Jessica and Travis discuss the ongoing evolution of their podcast and studio, they emphasize the power of self-belief, continuous improvement, and savoring the present moment.

Whether you're here for the inspiration or to celebrate the milestones, this episode promises a heartfelt exploration of perseverance, creativity, and the joy of pursuing one's passions. 

Topics discussed in this episode include:

Topics discussed in this episode include:

Quotes from the episode:

"Those things that we overcame, those challenges, they do get easy, but then we get new challenges, and instead of looking at that as a problem, it's actually looking at that as a sign of success."

"Because getting me like beating myself up and tearing myself down was not getting me anywhere anymore. And I could feel that I was like, this is just not serving me anymore. And I just, I don't know, I just woke up in that moment, that moment where I was pushing myself down as hard as I could. It's, I guess you can equate it to those kind of like rock bottom moments. It's like I'd hit that, I'd hit that rock bottom. And I said, no, no more."

"Who is benefiting from me toiling at this job, from me burning out repeatedly? Who is really benefiting? And I was like, yeah, it's the shareholders, the CEO. And to me, I was like, this isn't worth it."

Connect with Jessica:

Join the email list 

Book a free sales call

Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching

Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching

Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching

Credits:

Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)

Production and audio engineering by Travis Carr (@traviscarrphoto)

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Permission to Flow podcast! In this special installment, host Jessica Hwang welcomes listeners to the brand-new studio, marking a significant milestone in the show's journey. The episode delves into the importance of living in the present moment, drawing inspiration from spiritual practices and transformative books like "The Power of Now."

Jessica shares her journey of embracing each stage of the podcast's growth with gratitude, encouraging listeners to find beauty in their current situation, no matter where they are on their path. The episode explores the value of self-trust, committing fully to the creative process, and enjoying the "messy middle" of any endeavor.

Listeners will hear Jessica's thoughts on her increased commitment to the podcast, including the exciting move to video and YouTube, and why it's crucial to recommit and fully dedicate oneself to projects. She discusses the challenges and rewards of building the new studio space over the past two months and shares three key lessons: self-trust, committing to the bit, and enjoying the process.

Join Jessica as she explores how to live fully in the present, appreciate the journey, and make a positive impact through unique creations. This episode is all about flowing together and embracing the creative journey.

Quotes from the episode:

"I want you to think about what would that next level of commitment look like in the space of the time that you have? Because even when we are building it on the side, it doesn't mean that we cannot be committed to what we're doing."

"At the end of the day, when I went and checked out all these other studios, none of them felt quite right. And so I had to come home to that inner wisdom of mine and go, this is what I really want to do."

"I want to take a moment right here, right now and enjoy this moment, this moment where I, for the very first time, get to be shooting in a podcast studio that I created for myself for this thing that I love doing and I love creating."

Connect with Jessica:

Join the email list 

Book a free sales call

Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching

Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching

Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching

References:

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Credits:

Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)

Production and audio engineering by Travis Carr (@traviscarrphoto)

In this heartfelt episode of Permission to Flow, host Jessica Hwang delves into the intricate dynamics of having difficult conversations with parents—particularly around the topic of career changes. Drawing from her own journey of leaving a corporate finance job to pursue coaching and podcasting, Jessica provides invaluable insights on how to navigate these challenging discussions with empathy and understanding. Listeners will discover the importance of recognizing their parents' love despite potentially negative or unsupportive reactions, and how to interpret these responses as a form of care, albeit sometimes misguided.

Jessica emphasizes the need for compassionate boundaries, both for personal well-being and to foster healthier family dynamics. By sharing strategies like avoiding certain topics temporarily and being prepared to answer common parental concerns, she offers practical advice to help listeners communicate more effectively. The episode also taps into the wisdom of thought leaders like Jay Shetty, to reinforce the idea that it’s okay to be misunderstood and that finding a "chosen family" who supports your journey can be incredibly empowering.

For those feeling like they're swimming upstream against societal norms, Jessica's candid reflection on the challenges and rewards of pursuing a non-traditional career path will resonate deeply. She closes the episode by reinforcing the importance of courage, self-compassion, and trusting one’s instincts in these meaningful conversations. If you’re ready to take the brave step towards a creative career, this episode is an essential guide for communicating your vision and setting the boundaries necessary for your success.

Quotes from the episode:

"Communication is the best thing, even when it doesn't go well."

"Our parents are imperfect human beings. And I think that that is something really important to note, right? Like, they are not perfect beings, and they might not react well and they might say the wrong thing, but they're doing the best that they can."

"One of the biggest things that you want to be able to exemplify is your own safety, that you have kind of like a plan of action in terms of financial safety or like making sure that you have a roof over to your head and food on your table and all those basic needs that you have already thought through how to keep yourself safe."

Connect with Jessica:

Join the email list 

Book a free sales call

Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching

Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching

Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching

Credits:

Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)

Production and audio engineering by Travis Carr (@traviscarrphoto)