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Voice Hugs

Voice Hugs

By Rowena Tsai & Vivian Van

Voice Hugs is a podcast hosted by Vivian Van and Rowena Tsai on the journey to becoming our best selves and embracing all seasons of life with open arms. Join us as we share our reflections on cultivating a more meaningful relationship with ourselves and others. Tune in every week for stories, giggles, and sometimes tears! Free voice hugs all around 🥰 Say hi & send us your questions: hello@voicehugspodcast.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/voicehugspodcast/
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#55 - Season 1 Finale: Lessons learned and how we've changed :')

Voice HugsDec 06, 2023

00:00
43:49
#55 - Season 1 Finale: Lessons learned and how we've changed :')
Dec 06, 202343:49
#54 - Vivian Van on People Pleasing, Lonliness, and Self-Love
Nov 22, 202349:37
#53 - Rowena Tsai on Mental Health, Purpose, and Content Creation
Nov 15, 202356:19
#52 - Season of healing & a very overdue catchup 🫶
Nov 08, 202329:53
#51 - Between Cultures: Growing up Asian-American

#51 - Between Cultures: Growing up Asian-American

Kicking off this week with a sweet little story time: Viv meets a listener for the first time IRL! 🥰

In this episode, ⁠Rowena⁠ and ⁠Vivian⁠ share about their experience growing up Asian-American and the influence that culture and ethnicity have on various aspect of their lives. From navigating between two cultures, to redefining success and forging their own paths, the duo each share their own unique stories from childhood to present time.

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!

Jun 13, 202342:24
#50 - Jealousy: what it's really showing us & how to embrace it

#50 - Jealousy: what it's really showing us & how to embrace it

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!

Jun 06, 202339:49
#49 - Opening up to people is hard

#49 - Opening up to people is hard

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!

May 09, 202338:01
#48 - The Art of Nonviolent Communication: Building empathy & connection

#48 - The Art of Nonviolent Communication: Building empathy & connection

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.

Mentions:

May 03, 202349:01
#47 - Why is it so hard to say “I’m sorry” ft. 5 Apology Languages
Apr 26, 202329:52
#46 - Talking about someone behind their back (can gossip ever be good?)
Apr 19, 202340:21
#45 - It's okay to not be okay | grief & loss

#45 - It's okay to not be okay | grief & loss

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!

Apr 11, 202352:45
#44 - Navigating big life transitions: moving, kids, asking for help
Apr 04, 202335:00
#43 - Do you ever get angry? cause we do 😇 (POPPING OFF!!!)
Mar 28, 202339:10
#42 - Dealing with FOMO & comparing yourself to others
Mar 14, 202341:22
#41 - Care Team 101 (how to create support systems!)

#41 - Care Team 101 (how to create support systems!)

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!


Mar 07, 202337:54
#40 - Navigating, maintaining, & outgrowing friendships
Feb 28, 202339:18
#39 - What to do when lacking motivation

#39 - What to do when lacking motivation

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:

  • Being productive, pushing yourself, striving to be the best = good
  • Lacking motivation, wasting time, staying in bed = bad

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!

Mentions:

Feb 28, 202339:40
#38 - Self-love, self-acceptance, self-everything episode (Happy Valentine's Day!)

#38 - Self-love, self-acceptance, self-everything episode (Happy Valentine's Day!)

Feb 14, 202341:22
#37 - Doctor's order: less burnout, more PLAY!
Feb 07, 202342:48
#36 - Best way to get to know yourself (Listener Q&A)
Jan 31, 202335:28
#35 - The need to be "perfect" & how to accept yourself
Jan 24, 202340:08
#34 - Less in our heads, more in our hearts (intentions for 2023)
Jan 17, 202339:10
#33 - Power of setting intentions & creating care teams (2022 reflections)
Dec 15, 202243:42
#32 - Finding light in darkness (the power of gratitude)
Nov 17, 202238:09
#31 - Overcoming the fear of judgement
Nov 10, 202239:14
#30 - Knowing your limits & setting boundaries
Nov 03, 202238:56
#29 - Ro's engaged: how it happened!
Oct 30, 202249:50
#28 - Not feeling motivated? us too
Sep 29, 202247:53
#27 - Finding the courage to start | Catch up with us
Sep 23, 202241:44
#26 - When does the inner work journey end?
Sep 07, 202248:01
#25 - Lessons we've learned in 2022 (so far): work, rest, & play
Sep 01, 202239:59
#24 - Before they became our parents
Aug 10, 202240:55
#23 - Feeling insecure? You're not alone.
Jul 20, 202239:51
#22 - Comparing yourself & seeking approval (ft. bubbles)

#22 - Comparing yourself & seeking approval (ft. bubbles)

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:


Jul 01, 202235:52
#21 - Can you feel two emotions at once?
Jun 23, 202239:46
#20 - Our favorite shows, books, & podcasts
Jun 17, 202239:59
#19 - Giving ourselves permission to rest
Jun 10, 202242:32
#18 - Overcoming resistance & perfectionism (The Making of Voice Hugs)
May 04, 202245:13
#17 - What it's like to date a Youtuber (ft. Jams)
Apr 28, 202243:26
#16 - Secretly judging & projecting onto others

#16 - Secretly judging & projecting onto others

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):

  1. I’ve noticed that whenever my partner goes for a night out, I immediately feel judgmental, neglected, and anxious. How do I be mindful of projecting my expectations and judgement onto others? (1:54)
  2. Where and how do I start my self-help, living a mindful life, productivity journey? There is so much information out there and I’m overwhelmed! (15:57)
  3. I’m seeing someone new. How early is too early to open up to them? (25:46)

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.

Apr 13, 202232:22
#15 - Learning to go with the flow (podcast journey)

#15 - Learning to go with the flow (podcast journey)

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

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

Apr 06, 202232:41
#14 - Forgiving your past self
Mar 30, 202237:06
#13 - Get to know us! (13 questions ~ Listener Q&A)

#13 - Get to know us! (13 questions ~ Listener Q&A)

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: 

  • Do you shower in the mornings or evenings (3:44) 
  • Would you rather live by the beach or in the mountains (7:23) 
  • Would you rather always be 10 minutes late or 20 minutes early (11:39) 
  • What is your favorite thing to do together (14:28) 
  • Is there something you really want to learn, if so what (17:40) 
  • Have you gone to therapy (21:14) 
  • Would you rather have a pause button or a rewind button (25:34) 
  • Do you prefer meeting with friends on weekday evenings or on the weekend (27:55) 
  • Meditation after waking up or before going to bed (30:36)
  • Describe the other person as a candle scent (32:53) 
  • What is your biggest pet peeve (36:33) 
  • Who is your goal special guest for the podcast (39:31) 
  • What is something you wish you did before turning 30 (42:45)
Mar 23, 202245:45
#12 - We used to be best friends

#12 - We used to be best friends

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

Mar 10, 202247:21
#11 - I keep getting ghosted, is it me??

#11 - I keep getting ghosted, is it me??

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

Mar 03, 202237:20
#10 - He's "not ready" to commit, what do I do?

#10 - He's "not ready" to commit, what do I do?

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


Feb 23, 202236:24
#9 - Are you anxious or avoidant?

#9 - Are you anxious or avoidant?

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

Feb 16, 202234:48
#8 - Spiraling with social anxiety & shame (ft. shrimp chips)

#8 - Spiraling with social anxiety & shame (ft. shrimp chips)

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


Feb 09, 202235:52
#7 - Casually pondering the meaning of life

#7 - Casually pondering the meaning of life

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

IG: https://www.instagram.com/voicehugspodcast/

Feb 03, 202231:15
#6 - When do you know that a relationship is over? (relationship Q&A)

#6 - When do you know that a relationship is over? (relationship Q&A)

How do you get over your first love? Should you live together before marriage? Do you think guys or girls should make the first move? In this week’s episode, Viv (@vivianxvan) and Ro (@rowenatsai) picked out 13 relationship questions submitted by you lovely humans and share some candid advice on looooove! Thank you for sending in all the submissions - twas a really fun episode to record. :) 

Are there questions we missed, or specific relationship troubles you’d like advice on? Drop us an email hello@voicehugspodcast.com or DM our IG @voicehugspodcast 

Questions: 

  • Do you think guys or girls should make the first move? 
  • What advice do you have for long-distance relationships? 
  • Getting over your first love, ex fiance and soulmate?
  • Do you think people can change when they love someone? 
  • Do you think a partner can change while in a relationship? 
  • What’s the best relationship advice that someone has ever given you? 
  • I've caught feelings for a close friend now what? Make a move and risk not having that person in my life at all? 
  • Is it ever too late to say “I love you”? 
  • Is anyone ever too good or not good enough for someone else? 
  • Is your “first love” overrated? 
  • 2021/Instagram trend of “soft-launching” a partner (basically posting IG stories without showing their face) 
  • Do you think it’s necessary for a couple to have the same love languages? 
  • Thoughts on living together before getting married? 
  • When do you know that a relationship is over?
Jan 27, 202231:39