Explore every episode of the podcast Voice Hugs
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| #60 - Let's talk anxiety | 28 Aug 2024 | 00:58:57 | |
Do you ever get anxious? Cause we do. Often 🙂 Cozy up with us as we deep dive into a feeling we all know too well: anxiety. Inspired by our recent movie night watching Inside Out 2 (spoilers alert!!), we chat about how the heartwarming film mirrors our own experiences with those oh-so-familiar chest/stomach/full body flutters 🦋✨ While anxiety often has negative connotations surrounding it, can it ever serve a positive role in our lives? In today's episode, we open up about our personal anxiety journeys, along with how it has shown up, and still shows up, in our lives. You'll hear about Ro's middle school boys & friendship drama that led to a surprising case of shingles 👀, and how Viv's generalized anxiety shows up in her daily struggle, like an irrational fear of losing her furbaby Charlie 🐶 Join us in grabbing a comfy blanket, and maybe your favorite stress ball, while we explore the fine line between anxiety that gives us a helpful nudge and the kind that leaves us frozen. And as always, we’ll share how we've learned to cope with anxiety, over the years, that was previously more crippling than helpful ❤️🩹️🩹
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| #59 - Stop being so hard on yourself (solo ep) | 21 Aug 2024 | 00:30:02 | |
Our first ever solo episode with Viv is here! ◡̈ Ro and I wanted to experiment with new episode formats in season 2 so we’ll be bringing these solo ones to the poddy once a month! This week’s chat, while deeply personal, is on a topic that sooo many of us can relate to :’) It’s about that little voice within that tells you “you’re not good enough,” “you can’t do it” “you’re not worth it”… sound familiar? No matter how loud or frequent that inner critic—or sometimes what feels more like an inner bully—shows up in our heads, we can all find ways to better understand how our upbringing, past life experiences, or relationships have influenced that negative narrative. We can learn to lean more into the support of our trusted care team (see episode 33 😉) and create a nurturing environment that fosters a more loving and encouraging voice within! In other words, we can all learn how to give bigger and warmer ~hugs~ to ourselves using our ~voice~! In this episode, Viv reflects on her earliest memories with feuding parents and the impact their divorce had on shaping her inner critic. She also shares four tips and tricks that have helped her become more kind and compassionate toward herself. While the first three can be implemented as early as today, stay tuned for the final tip, which has been the most impactful of the four :) So, if you’ve been a bit hard on yourself lately or if your inner bully is louder than usual, this one’s for you ♡ As always, thank you so much for being here. Big, big voice hugs!!
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| #50 - Jealousy: what it's really showing us & how to embrace it | 06 Jun 2023 | 00:39:49 | |
What is your jealousy trying to tell you? We’ve all experienced it firsthand. Whether in romantic, platonic, or familial relationships, jealousy can show up in various facets of our lives often bringing forth complex emotions and challenging our sense of self. In this episode, Ro and Viv explore the origins of their jealousy and how it may be more closely related to other emotions such as fear and sadness. After all, jealousy tends to arise as a response to a perceived or threatened loss or sense of inadequacy. The duo talk about the difference between feeling jealous versus acting jealous, and how embracing the emotion can help us understand ourselves a little more. A friendly reminder that you’re not “crazy” for feeling jealous 😇 We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| #49 - Opening up to people is hard | 09 May 2023 | 00:38:01 | |
Fear of intimacy can show up in our lives in many different and unexpected ways. Connection is so important to our human experience, yet we are often afraid of it. In this episode, Ro and Viv dive into a listener’s question of why it's difficult to truly open up, and why it's often harder to open up to strangers than it is with ourselves. In order to connect, we must first want to connect and be ready to do so! Ro shares how experiencing loss at a young age led to her fear of disappointment which kept her away from forming connections in her 20s. Viv shares her realization that her fear of abandonment may stem from a deeply rooted belief that she's a "bad" person. They explore the concept of learning to judge the “bad” or “less desirable” parts of ourselves less, and instead try to see why it exists so that instead we can turn it into a superpower! (rather than something we’re guilty or ashamed of). Finally, the duo discuss the importance of creating a safe and intimate space for ourselves because the fear of intimacy isn't just with others, but also within you. Thanks for staying with us til the end on this one! It was a harder episode for Viv to record and the resistance was real hehe We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| #48 - The Art of Nonviolent Communication: Building empathy & connection | 03 May 2023 | 00:49:01 | |
Having trouble communicating with your loved ones? Are you tired of feeling misunderstood? Do you ever feel like your words get lost in translation? This week, Ro and Viv explore the world of nonviolent communication (NVC), a method of communication that promotes understanding, empathy, and connection between people. The foundation of NVC encourages us to focus on our needs and emotions and to express them in a way that is respectful and empathetic towards others. They discuss the four components of NVC - observation, feeling, need and request - and how each one contributes to effective communication. Whether it’s expressing to your partner you’ve been wanting to spend more quality time or letting a friend know something that has been bothering you, NVC can be applied in our daily lives to help us listen empathetically, express ourselves clearly, and seek common ground with others. We hope this episode sheds light on the art of nonviolent communication and how it can help us build more empathetic and connected relationships. By practicing the principles of nonviolent communication, we can create a more harmonious and peaceful world, one conversation at a time.
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| #47 - Why is it so hard to say “I’m sorry” ft. 5 Apology Languages | 26 Apr 2023 | 00:29:51 | |
We've all heard of the 5 love languages, but have you heard of the 5 apology languages? In this episode, Ro and Viv explore the intricacies of apologizing and dive into the 5 different apology languages. Discover why it can be difficult to apologize and how understanding the different apology languages can improve communication and relationships. Tune in for insights on how personality types and individual preferences can influence the way we give and receive apologies. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| #46 - Talking about someone behind their back (can gossip ever be good?) | 19 Apr 2023 | 00:40:20 | |
On this episode of Gossip, Viv and Ro take a deep dive into the world of gossip and its impact on our daily lives. They explore the power of words and the importance of being mindful of how we use them. Tune in as they discuss whether gossip can ever be good, the act of talking about someone behind their back, and the allure of spilling tea. Along the way, they share their past experiences with gossip and the impact it had on them. This thought-provoking conversation will make you question your own relationship with gossip. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| #45 - It's okay to not be okay | grief & loss | 11 Apr 2023 | 00:52:45 | |
Grief is a universal feeling that comes in many shapes and sizes. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, the loss of who you used to be, or what could have been, grief is a difficult emotion that we all experience. In this episode, Ro and Viv share their personal experiences with grief. Ro lost her sibling at the age of 17, and Viv recently lost a parent. They both talk about how they coped with their loss and the challenges of adjusting to a new reality. They also offer ways to be there for a friend who may be grieving. Grief is a personal journey, and everyone processes it differently and on their own timeline. It can be a difficult time, and your brain is occupied with trying to reorganize a reality that no longer makes sense. While grief may never fully leave you, it is possible to integrate it into your life in a beautiful way. So grab some tissues and a sweater hug, and join us as we talk about the five stages of grief, making sense of loss, and being kind and patient with yourself on your journey of grieving. A gentle reminder that it’s okay to be not okay. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| #44 - Navigating big life transitions: moving, kids, asking for help | 04 Apr 2023 | 00:35:00 | |
It's time for some life updates! This week, Ro and Viv talk about entering new life stages and navigating the in-between period between seasons. We all go through many transitions in life—naturally as we grow older, whether you’ve moved to another city, started a new job, or you have made a lifestyle change. Whatever it may be, these transitionary periods can tend to be turbulent as we adjust to our new "normal," but the duo share that these transitions, are in a lot of ways, life's way of helping you level up and grow. Instead of trying to be in control or coming up with the perfect playbook for your life, know that within us there are multiple great lives to be lived and it’s a matter of picking which one to move towards for now. Let's enjoy the ride together! We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| #43 - Do you ever get angry? cause we do 😇 (POPPING OFF!!!) | 28 Mar 2023 | 00:39:10 | |
What do you do when you get angry? Do you bottle it up and let is pass? Or do you see red and explode with rage? Or maybe it comes out in the form of passive aggression? Whichever way your anger comes out, we’ve all been there. This week Viv and Ro discuss how anger comes out in many forms in different people, the differences between anger and aggression, and share stories of personal anger—from throwing tantrums as kids to how they deal with anger as adults. As unpleasant as being angry can be, it’s not always a “bad” feeling. As a matter of fact, anger is a healthy emotion that often times signals to you that a boundary has been crossed in your life or that something needs to change. The control comes in how you react to your anger, and the duo share some ways you can calm down and soothe before *popping off* the next time you find yourself in an episode of anger. Tune in to find out which one of the two threw bamboo dining chairs and which got their shoe stuck on top of a bungalow! 🤭🤭 We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| #42 - Dealing with FOMO & comparing yourself to others | 14 Mar 2023 | 00:41:21 | |
After scrolling on Instagram or TikTok for three hours, you feel rejuvenated, refreshed, supported, and you’re ready to take on the day…. said no ever lol. Why do we obsessively check social media to see what others are doing only to feel crappy about ourselves when comparing your life to theirs? This week we talk all about FOMO (fear of missing out) and the affects it has on us when we compare our lives to others; and it’s not just through social media! FOMO can come in many avenues such as not being included in an inside joke among your friends, being excluded from a hangout, and not getting invited to an event. We dive into the psychology of FOMO and talk about the causes, symptoms, and consequences it can bring but we also talk about some ways you can overcome those negative feelings! We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| #41 - Care Team 101 (how to create support systems!) | 07 Mar 2023 | 00:37:54 | |
What is a "care team", and how do you create one? In this episode, Vivian and Rowena revisit "care teams" (a concept introduced in episode 33) and discuss in depth the definition, composition, and importance of having one - how can you create your own or find your role in the care teams of those around you? While people often form the foundation of a support system, your care team can also consists of different resources including books, podcasts (like this one 😉), spirituality, and pets! Please share with us what your care team consists of! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| #58 - Overcoming dark times, taking risks, & betting on yourself w/ Liah Yoo (@liahyoo) | 15 Aug 2024 | 00:55:00 | |
Voice Hugs fam, please give the warmest welcome to our second guest of the season: Liah Yoo!! 🌴🍇🍵🥳 Liah started her career at one of the biggest South Korean beauty conglomerates, went on to become the first YouTuber in Korea (!!), and built a literal skincare empire, KraveBeauty, while simultaneously taking on the whole beauty industry. From sharing her journey of taking significant risks in a society where there’s only one path to success, leaving a comfortable job to commit to YouTube full-time, to navigating her darkest days and eventually founding and becoming the CEO of her own company, which of course came with its fair share of risks, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome, this episode was incredibly inspirational, vulnerable, and heartbreaking in the most beautiful way—a true testament to her resilient, grounded, and badass nature. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we loved chatting with Liah :’) Liah Yoo:
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| #40 - Navigating, maintaining, & outgrowing friendships | 28 Feb 2023 | 00:39:18 | |
Like any relationship, friendships take work if you want them to last. Whether it's making new friends, maintaining current ones, or outgrowing friendships, this week the duo dive into all things friendships 🤓 How do you navigate the ebbs & flows of a close relationship? What do you do when you have differing expectations of what it means to be a good friend? Is it necessary to have a formal breakup conversation? Tune in this week to hear more on the duo's experiences with friendships in the past and present. They also share some tips on how to have those uncomfortable conversations when things get sticky. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| #39 - What to do when lacking motivation | 28 Feb 2023 | 00:39:40 | |
So you’re feeling unmotivated: it’s hard to get anything done let alone get out of bed, and the voice in your head is telling you “get your butt up,” “stop wasting your precious time,” “why are you sleeping in AGAIN”… what do you do?? This week’s episode is a part two to motivation (check out eps. 28 for part one, one of our most popular episodes in 2022!). The dynamic duo share how their approach to motivation has changed over time and the hacks they’ve used to help maintain more consistent energy levels. As humans, it’s easy for us to compartmentalize things into “good or bad”, “wrong or right”, “all or nothing.” For example:
But these labels aren’t true, life isn’t black and white, and living this way is not sustainable in the long run. Tune in to find out how they have learned to be more gentle with themselves through embracing periods of low energy, and how they have turned to curiosity and hacking habits to help spark motivation in their daily lives. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| #38 - Self-love, self-acceptance, self-everything episode (Happy Valentine's Day!) | 14 Feb 2023 | 00:41:21 | |
How do you learn to love yourself? Whether you’re snuggling up with a SO or livin’ that Single Pringle life this Valentine’s day, a friendly reminder that the most important and greatest love at the end of the day is the love you have for yourself! This week, Viv and Ro time travel back to ~2013 and paint a picture of the relationship they had with themselves in their early 20s (or lack there of). They share stories of breakups (uhh do we cancel him?? hehe jk) and how their lonely single era led them closer to self love. The conversation journeys from self-love and acceptance to questions of what does it means to be happy? How do we find inner peace? Where can we find hope when you’re at your absolute lowest? And how DO we truly embrace all seasons of life? At the end of the day, all we can do is put our best foot forward (hint: in any direction), and sooner or later, we can look back and appreciate all the highs and lows that have led us to becoming who we are today. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| #37 - Doctor's order: less burnout, more PLAY! | 07 Feb 2023 | 00:42:47 | |
How do we prevent burnout in 2023? (hint: the answer is a lot more fun than you think!) This week’s episode is all about PLAY and the benefits of “losing yourself in play.” Whether it’s throwing clay in a ceramics class like Viv or swimming with sharks in Hawaii like Ro (ooo story time!), “play” can help bring us to the present moment, relieve stress, and prevent overthinking. It’s easy to get stuck in our everyday routines, and while we all value self-care, we often forget that allowing yourself to have fun is a method of self-care worth prioritizing. Give yourself a chance to experience new things (life can surprise you 😊) and tune in for inspiration on how you can incorporate play into your life! We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| #36 - Best way to get to know yourself (Listener Q&A) | 31 Jan 2023 | 00:35:27 | |
Grab some Takis or shrimp chips and have a fun Q&A with us this week! Our wonderful community of listeners have some questions, and Viv and Ro have got the answers!
As much as you’ve gotten to know US in the last year, we also would love to know YOU! Share your answers with us @voicehugspodcast We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| #35 - The need to be "perfect" & how to accept yourself | 24 Jan 2023 | 00:40:07 | |
What would you say to your inner child? What thoughts come up as you remember yourself at that age? Many of us may relate to varying extremes of perfectionism (we know our VH community can relate! EP18 “Overcoming resistance and perfectionism” was one of our top episodes!) Whether it’s curating the perfect IG feed or crafting the perfect persona - we can likely find a link back to our tendencies as children. What did we yearn for? How did our world look and feel like growing up? Tune in to this episode for part two of how Viv and Ro identified the origins of their perfectionistic patterns. Because when we acknowledge our inner child, hold their hand, we can finally begin to heal from our past. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you’d like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!
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| #34 - Less in our heads, more in our hearts (intentions for 2023) | 17 Jan 2023 | 00:39:09 | |
It’s 2023!!! And we’re so excited to start a brand new year with you! Dive into this episode with Vivian and Rowena as they each share three words highlighting their intentions for 2023. Rooted from much of the same thoughts, they share the process of picking their three words and why. ✨ Vivian: Consistent, Connection, Create ✨ Rowena: Discipline, Supported, Growth These words serve as reminders for us throughout the year to stay grounded in ourselves, and we invite you to share YOUR three words with us. We’d love to read about them! Giving you a big VOICE HUG as we kick off 2023! 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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| #33 - Power of setting intentions & creating care teams (2022 reflections) | 15 Dec 2022 | 00:43:42 | |
Can’t believe it’s already the end of 2022! In this special, last episode of the year, Vivian and Rowena reflect on lessons learned and memorable experiences they each had. Ro shares how setting intentions at the beginning of the year allowed her to experience feeling free despite going through a transitional period in her professional and personal life. Vivian talks about the challenges that this year brought her and how she got through some of those times because of her support system. She shares the importance of creating a “care team” and how she internalized the voices of loved ones to pull her out of some of her lowest lows. While they had very different years, Viv and Ro talk about how they both realize the importance of leaning into your feelings, listening to your body (it’s always communicating its needs to you!), and how to bring these ideas into the new year. Thank you SO MUCH for being here!! We're thankful that you are on this journey with us and for all the support and messages throughout this year. You are what keeps us going 💗 Cheers to year one and to another great year. ~VOICE HUGS!!!~ 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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| #32 - Finding light in darkness (the power of gratitude) | 17 Nov 2022 | 00:38:09 | |
What moments or experiences sweep your mind when thinking about gratitude? Who or what immediately comes to focus? As we head into Thanksgiving next week, Viv and Ro spotlight the powerful emotion we call: gratitude. In our darkest moments, gratitude can be the pathway out and into “the state of being free” - as Ro would vividly describe. Ready to cultivate gratitude into your 2023? Share how you’re cultivating this for the rest of 2022 into the new year, and let’s be each other’s guiding light 🕯 We believe in you 💛 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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| #31 - Overcoming the fear of judgement | 10 Nov 2022 | 00:39:14 | |
Everybody is thriving. Everybody has the perfect life. Everybody is so happy. Ah, that inner voice of ours speaking our insecurities into reality. Who is this elusive “everybody” that we all seem to know? Whose voices are we listening to? This episode highlights the book “Finding Your Own North Star” by Martha Beck. Viv and Ro explore a concept in Chapter 4 about an “other” voice guiding our every decision and how to strengthen our own inner voice, so that we live fully and authentically ourselves. The next time you catch yourself thinking “Everybody is…” or “I should…” - pause for a moment, and change the dialogue 💭 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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| #57 - How to find your inner voice & heal parental relationships w/ Leah Wei (@leahsfieldnotes) | 07 Aug 2024 | 01:02:30 | |
Our first friend on the show!! Voice Hugs fam, please give Leah (@leahsfieldnotes) the warmest welcome 🥹 We’re so honored to be joined by one of our dearest & sweetest friends, better known as Leah’s Fieldnotes to her community of almost 1M subscribers on Youtube. In today’s episode, we dive into Leah’s many big life decisions that led her to where she is today (from going to art school after having her mind set on business throughout high school to deciding to start YouTube), how she’s improved her relationships with her parents over time—many tears were shed here together :’) and the ways she’s able to come back to her truest self, time and again, to make said big decisions amidst the craziness of simply existing and the chaos that comes with the world of content creation. We hope you love this episode as much as we loved having this convo! This is definitely an episode we’d recommend watching with video on ♡
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| #30 - Knowing your limits & setting boundaries | 03 Nov 2022 | 00:38:56 | |
This week we chat about boundaries: The invisible line we draw between work, play, family, friends, you name it - and ourselves to protect our headspace 💆🏻♀️ When too many people step into our headspace (the metaphorical “home”) due to poor boundaries, the effects can be felt as resentment, guilt, burnout, stress, anxiety, among others. Listen as Viv and Ro share their growing pains of learning how to set boundaries, breaking the people-pleasing cycle of always saying “Yes”, and what to do when others step into our “home” unannounced or uninvited. Boundary setting is an ongoing skill we practice with each relationship in our lives. With time, you’ll soon learn how to properly take care of your own little house and nurture it with love 🏡 ❤️ Thank you, S for sending in your question! 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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| #29 - Ro's engaged: how it happened! | 30 Oct 2022 | 00:49:50 | |
The beautiful part of any friendship is experiencing special milestones together. And if the title didn’t already give it away… RO IS 💍 E N G A G E D💍 ! So grab your coffee/tea/drink of choice because it’s story time! Ro gives a play by play of the five-stop scavenger hunt around New York City leading up to the big question, and Viv shares the role she played in the planning process. Some mild scheming involved 😉 Tune in to find out how we fibbed about “The Washington Post” and who made a special appearance that had Ro ugly crying as James got down on one knee 😭🥲 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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| #28 - Not feeling motivated? us too | 29 Sep 2022 | 00:47:53 | |
Feeling unmotivated? Indifferent? Meh? Good, because we are too. Let’s unpack that. This week is all about motivation, or lack thereof. These periods drain our energy and our head space. Whether it’s lack of motivation in our career or finally pursuing a hobby, sometimes our situation gets the best of us. Viv and Ro share in how they each cope with low motivation and how to regain that spark again ✨ Pro-tip: When you’re feeling low, reach out to a friend 🙂 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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| #27 - Finding the courage to start | Catch up with us | 23 Sep 2022 | 00:41:43 | |
We’re baaackk! Although this time around it wasn’t an intentional break. Maybe it’s the transition from Summer to Fall, mercury in retrograde, or the slow shift back to “normalcy” pre-COVID… But we’re so glad you’re here again as we catch up on life happenings! Viv and Ro spent some time with family and reminisce on the boundless spirit and joy of being a kid. Still, as 30-somethings trying to emulate the fearless spirit of a 2 year old, they also chat about what’s been holding them back and pushing through a rough patch. As we step into the new Fall season (and approaching our 1 year anniversary!), we just want to say Thank You for sticking with us through all the seasons 💛 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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| #26 - When does the inner work journey end? | 07 Sep 2022 | 00:48:01 | |
When does the inner work journey end? This week we answer a listener question about protecting others from yourself because you are not “fully healed” in your inner work journey or “not good enough” yet. Truth is that the inner work journey never ends. We’re in a constant state of evolution while dancing through each season of life. Sharing their take on being a “good/bad” person and being your best self 100% of the time, Viv and Ro remind us that it’s OK to be with someone AND continue to grow in your own respect. It’s true what they say, “We accept the love we think we deserve.” 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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| #25 - Lessons we've learned in 2022 (so far): work, rest, & play | 01 Sep 2022 | 00:39:58 | |
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 :)
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| #24 - Before they became our parents | 10 Aug 2022 | 00:40:55 | |
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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| #23 - Feeling insecure? You're not alone. | 20 Jul 2022 | 00:39:50 | |
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 :)
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| #22 - Comparing yourself & seeking approval (ft. bubbles) | 01 Jul 2022 | 00:35:51 | |
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 Mentions:
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| #21 - Can you feel two emotions at once? | 23 Jun 2022 | 00:39:45 | |
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" ;) Mentions:
Say hello :)
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| #56 - Feeling lost is a very normal and human experience (+voice hugs shop launch!!) | 31 Jul 2024 | 00:30:43 | |
Welcome back for Season 2 besties 🥹🫂🫶 In this long overdue catch up, Viv and Ro chat about where they’ve been mentally, physically, and emotionally, which just so happens to be centered around the shared feeling of being lost, and the power that comes from acknowledging it. We also provide a sneak peek of what’s to come in Season 2, including special guest interviews (!!) and solo episodes, along with announcing our very first product launch—created with you & your loved ones in mind, to spread more hugs around the world ♡
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| #20 - Our favorite shows, books, & podcasts | 17 Jun 2022 | 00:39:58 | |
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 Say hello :)
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| #19 - Giving ourselves permission to rest | 10 Jun 2022 | 00:42:32 | |
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 Mentions:
Say hello :)
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| #18 - Overcoming resistance & perfectionism (The Making of Voice Hugs) | 04 May 2022 | 00:45:12 | |
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 :)
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| #17 - What it's like to date a Youtuber (ft. Jams) | 28 Apr 2022 | 00:43:25 | |
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 hello@voicehugspodcast.com | |||
| #16 - Secretly judging & projecting onto others | 13 Apr 2022 | 00:32:22 | |
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 hello@voicehugspodcast.com. | |||
| #15 - Learning to go with the flow (podcast journey) | 06 Apr 2022 | 00:32:40 | |
Taking a look back at the first quarter of 2022, Rowena (@rowenatsai) and Vivian (@vivianxvan) share reflections on their podcast journey - from finding a balance between friend mode and work mode (4:20) to focusing less on numbers and trusting the universe (14:48). They also share defining moments in their lives: how experiencing loss and coming near death has become a guiding force in how they choose to spend their time and decide what type of content they want to create, be it podcast or YouTube (8:25). This episode is full of lessons learned - letting go of control, learning to go with the flow, and pivoting as a way to grow and expand (21:51). They wrap up the episode sharing what they're looking forward to in the upcoming months - all things podcast related (hint: merchhhh?? 😉) (26:00). As always, thank you for being here <3 we appreciate you! 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 hello@voicehugspodcast.com | |||
| #14 - Forgiving your past self | 30 Mar 2022 | 00:37:06 | |
Did you know the rational side of a human brain is not fully developed until around age 25? No wonder why we regret so many decisions made by our younger selves! This week, we share some not-so-proud moments of young Ro & Viv - from drinking and raving at a very early age to trash talking friends behind their backs. The build up of poor decisions over the years resulted in an era of overcompensating our “bad” by becoming borderline obsessed with being “good” (aka: addiction to self-improvement until burnout. SOS). We’ve learned that the only way to forgive our past is to accept all parts of the story. Tune in to find out what has helped us over the years ;) 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 email us hello@voicehugspodcast.com! | |||
| #13 - Get to know us! (13 questions ~ Listener Q&A) | 23 Mar 2022 | 00:45:44 | |
After a one-week hiatus, Rowena (@rowenatsai) and Vivian (@vivianxvan) are back with an even more intense recording schedule (Viv woke up at 4:30 a.m. for this episode 🙃). Keeping it lighthearted this week, we answer a handful of fun get-to-know-you questions sent in from our listeners (see time stamps below). We also dropped our headphones like 10 times during this pod sorry! lol Let us know what you think about these lighter episodes and if you have more questions, send them our way to hello@voicehugspodcast.com or DM us @voicehugspodcast Listener Q&A:
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| #12 - We used to be best friends | 10 Mar 2022 | 00:47:20 | |
Breakups aren’t just for romance. Oftentimes, the breakups that hurt the most are those with your friends. This week, Vivian (@vivianxvan) and Rowena (@rowenatsai) chat about heartache from friendship fallouts, and how to get closure when you’re no longer on speaking terms. Through our stories, we explore why some friendships last while others fall apart, and how different life stages impact these experiences. If there’s anything you’ve been pondering or specific scenarios you’d love us to chat about, send us a DM @voicehugspodast or an email to hello@voicehugspodcast.com | |||
| #11 - I keep getting ghosted, is it me?? | 03 Mar 2022 | 00:37:20 | |
Swiping left and right on dating apps is thrilling, and sometimes feels like fun and games. But after getting ghosted for the 50th time, you might start to question... is it me? Am I the problem?? This week, Rowena (@rowenatsai) and Vivian (@vivianxvan) chat about finding love on dating apps, taking rejection personally, and overcoming the fear of putting yourself out there through deepening the most important relationship: the one with yourself. If there’s anything you’ve been pondering or specific scenarios you’d love us to chat about, send us a DM @voicehugspodcast or an email to hello@voicehugspodcast.com | |||
| #55 - Season 1 Finale: Lessons learned and how we've changed :') | 06 Dec 2023 | 00:43:48 | |
Voice Hugs season 1 finale is here! 🎉 We made it to 55 episodes friends!! And we definitely could not have done this without *you* 🥰 In this episode, we talk about our lessons learned since starting Voice Hugs in 2021 and what has been the most challenging and rewarding parts of podcasting. We reveal some funnn behind-the-scenes moments including which episode was stitched together with multiple recordings! Here are the top 5 most listened to episodes in season 1:
We also pick out some personal favorites! Stay tuned to hear more about the reason why ~
Lastly, we want to say thank you SO much for being here on this journey with us. Whether you've been listening since day 1 or recently tuned in, we are so happy to have crossed paths with you today. We love you and appreciate you!! Sending you the biggest virtual hug wherever you are in the world! See you in Season 2 ☺️ | |||
| #10 - He's "not ready" to commit, what do I do? | 23 Feb 2022 | 00:36:24 | |
So you've been hanging out for a while now and basically act like you're a couple, but they tell you they're "not ready" to commit or define the relationship status... sound familiar anyone? This anxiety inducing non-committal dynamic is no foreign concept to many of us, Rowena (@rowenatsai) and Vivian (@vivianxvan) included. This week, we share about the ups and downs of past non-committal relationships, how we justify that we're "okay" with the situation and convince ourselves that it's actually a good thing (!), and when it is finally time to say goodbye. Stay tuned for a read from Rowena's 2012 journal and a plot twist in Vivian's relationship story. If there’s anything you’ve been pondering or specific scenarios you’d love us to chat about, send us a DM @voicehugspodast or an email to hello@voicehugspodcast.com | |||
| #9 - Are you anxious or avoidant? | 16 Feb 2022 | 00:34:48 | |
Whether you’re an anxious type like Viv (@vivianxvan), or tend to lean more avoidant like Ro (@rowenatsai), there are many challenges that both of us went through because of our attachment styles. In this week's episode, we chat about attachment theory and share stories on our struggles (from sweaty palms and panic attacks to a six-year single streak lol) and how we’ve learned to move towards to becoming more secure in ourselves and our relationships. We also touch on the topic of ‘toxic independence’ (is marriage a trap? is being self-reliant = strong woman? how much independence is a good thing?) to close out the episode. Thank you Anna for submitting this week’s question! If there’s anything you’ve been pondering or specific scenarios you’d love us to chat about, send us a DM @voicehugspodast or an email to hello@voicehugspodcast.com | |||
| #8 - Spiraling with social anxiety & shame (ft. shrimp chips) | 09 Feb 2022 | 00:35:52 | |
Have you ever questioned your existence after social outings or interactions? That’s vulnerability hangover for ya friends. Something Viv (@vivianxvan) and Ro (@rowenatsai) are fortunately or unfortunately very well acquainted with 😬 In this week’s episode, there’s story time galore ft. Vulnerability Hangover in the form of swearing off eating shrimp chips forever, drunken competitiveness, cringe text messages sent to a DJ crush 👀, and saying ‘I love you’ first. Thank you A. for submitting this week’s question! If there’s anything you’ve been pondering or specific scenarios you’d love us to chat about, send us a DM @voicehugspodcast or email hello@voicehugspodcast.com | |||
| #7 - Casually pondering the meaning of life | 03 Feb 2022 | 00:31:15 | |
From never truly understanding our life’s impact on others to experiencing immense gratitude to the point of feeling reborn, catch up with Viv (@vivianxvan) and Ro (@rowenatsai) as they catch up with each other. With LNY upon us, we reminisce on childhood mems and our childlike wonder, share what we’ve been reading, and ponder what it means to live a meaningful life. Yes, if you’re wondering, this is indeed a very casual and normal convo between the two of us. 🙃 Say hello :) email us at hello@voicehugspodcast.com | |||