Whether you felt 2022 went by fast or slow, here we are. August. More than half way through the year, Viv and Ro share some experiences that capture what it means to “live in the moment.”

The simple joys of life can be found right in front of you (beyond your computer screen). And once we slow down to see it, we can revel in the kind of growth we never thought possible.

Do that thing that you’ve always wanted to do. Go on that trip to Paris, and forgo your work laptop. Buy that bubble machine labeled: Suggested Age 3+. Do your own at-home gel manicure and save $50. Sit on the park bench and use the bubble machine you just bought to put on a bubble show for the kids.

Gentle reminder to not take life too seriously 🙃

As always, thank you for being here! We appreciate you and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes :)

As children of immigrants, the relationship with our parents can be multi-layered and very complex. Often the first relationship we form as children, this bond proves pivotal in our development into adulthood.

Now in their 30s, Viv and Ro recall experiences that continually challenge the role parents play for their (now adult) children. And with it comes its own evolution of unraveling trapped emotions, wrestling with time (or lack of), and seeing our parents as actual human beings.

Time with our parents is finite. And in the face of mortality, we just might give both ourselves and parents some grace for the past, present, and future.

As always, thank you for being here! We appreciate you and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes :)

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We all have it, but we rarely talk about it.

In this episode, Viv and Ro expand on one of the most popular topics to date: Insecurities (Episode 2). 

It’s neither a glamorous topic, nor is it easy to talk about. Insecurity can highlight additional feelings of shame, guilt, and anger. Viv and Ro explore how everyday encounters, both work and personal (ahem: social media), can trigger insecurity and send them spiraling.

And while insecurity doesn’t disappear overnight, the more we practice being kinder to ourselves, the more we rewrite our internal narrative.

Similarly, by sharing our insecurities we enter new levels of self-awareness and connection with others.

Brené Brown says it best, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage.”

As always, thank you for being here! We appreciate youuuu and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes :)

If you could be liberated from one thing in your life, what would it be? Whether it’s constantly seeking approval from others, or being trapped in the insecure cycle of comparison, Rowena and Viv found that answering this question helped them take inventory of what’s holding them back and what steps to take forward towards the right direction. Well... what did they find you ask? Sometimes the thing we need to liberate ourselves most from is that darn voice in our heads (sis needs to chillll!)

The two also catch up on current ways they are finding work-life harmony. While Rowena shares the struggle of incorporating quality time socializing with friends and family into her schedule and balancing the never-ending task list of work that needs to get done, Viv talks about the ways she’s made simple, yet impactful, decisions to bring herself to the present moment - from ordering fish at a restaurant, to adding a bubble machine to her ultimate picnic pack. 

As always, thank you for being here! We appreciate youuuu and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes :)

Thank you Notion for sponsoring this episode! https://ntn.so/voicehugs 

Check out Rowena's 2022 Notion Worksheets: https://ntn.so/rowenastemplate

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Have you ever felt happy and sad at the same time? Or maybe torn between two (or more) emotions? At some point in our lives, we have all found ourselves in a push and pull emotional state, and the contrasting feelings may have led to confusion, uncertainty, and maybe even ambivalence. 

A question from a Voice Hug listener on how to manage the experience of polarizing feelings inspired Vivian and Rowena to reflect on instances where they thought they should have felt a certain way (logically), but instead experienced a different feeling (emotionally). Could we hold space for more than one emotion at once? How do we make sense of this spectrum of emotions? Stay tuned for a reflective story-filled episode and a little takeaway tip involving the word "should" ;) 

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Content has evolved drastically to include all types of media—podcasts, YouTube videos, TV shows, streaming shows, books, movies and more. Wonder what kinds of content Ro and Viv love to consume? 

Ro and Viv share their favorite types of content in this episode. Although BFFs, the duo’s personal tastes are very different. Listen to the entire episode to find out Ro & Viv’s favorite podcasts, Kdramas, and dating shows...you don't want to miss this one!

Thank you Notion for sponsoring this episode! https://ntn.so/voicehugs 

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Back from Chicago and Korea/Taiwan, Viv and Ro return from a month-long break and share how some much needed rest (and travel!) allowed them to slow down, refresh, and recalibrate.

Listen as Viv recounts how ugly crying in public (twice) made space to feel her feelings, and how Ro saw two worlds collide with Jams and her family & friends.

It’s in these experiences of stepping away from our fast paced life that we can truly revel in moments of joy with those around us.

Permission to rest granted.

Thank you Notion for sponsoring this episode! https://ntn.so/voicehugs 

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Jams joins us again! In this week's episode, Jams interviews Vivian (@vivianxvan) and Rowena (@rowenatsai) on what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite podcast, Voice Hugs. They explore the resistance that builds as they move closer to their goals and the ongoing battle of perfectionism they face as content creators (6:15). As they reflect on pushing forward and building confidence through practice and patience (20:40), the duo emphasize the importance of having a strong support system at each step of the way (since the feelings of resistance never really go away)! (33:50) 

If you have been entertaining the idea of starting a side project or creating something new and are currently met with resistance, this is the episode for you! Stay tuned for a fun behind-the-scenes making of episode #1 (hint: it involves multiple recordings).

Say hello :) 

A very special episode this week welcoming our first podcast guest *drum roll please*... Jams!! (aka Rowena's boyfriend, VH Fan Club President).

From the beginning of their love story including first impressions of each other (4:27) to long distance relationship trials and learnings two years in (11:13), the couple shares it all! They reflect on the importance of communication and adapting to each others’ communication styles (16:15) in order to maintain a healthy, supportive LDR. 

Jams also gives us the exclusive behind-the-scenes look into what it's like to date a YouTuber and content creator (21:15).

If there’s anything you’ve been pondering, specific scenarios you’d love us to chat about, or if you just want to say hello (!!), send us a DM @voicehugspodcast or an email to [email protected]

This week, Viv (@vivianxvan) and Ro (@rowenatsai) explore 3 different listener scenarios instead of deeeep diving into one, starting with a very common experience of projecting expectations onto others. 

Listener scenarios (paraphrased):

The bicoastal duo share how it’s easier to fixate on something external (controlling others) as a way to subconsciously avoid facing something internal. They also talk about how altering your definition of love can help combat “neediness”, and knowing your "why" can serve as the starting point as you begin your self-care-productivity-living-a-mindful-life journey. To wrap up the episode, they share tips on the intricate dance of opening up to someone new.

The theme of this episode, not surprisingly, is the importance of communicating effectively with yourself and others. If there’s anything you’ve been pondering, specific scenarios you’d love us to chat about, or if you just want to say hello (!!), send us a DM @voicehugspodcast or an email to [email protected].