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!
- 💌 Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- 📷 IG: https://www.instagram.com/voicehugspodcast
- 🙋🏻♀️ Viv's IG: https://www.instagram.com/vivianxvan
- 🙋🏻♀️ Ro's IG: https://www.instagram.com/rowenatsai
Mentions:
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/supportHow 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!
- 💌 Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- 📷 IG: https://www.instagram.com/voicehugspodcast
- 🙋🏻♀️ Viv's IG: https://www.instagram.com/vivianxvan
- 🙋🏻♀️ Ro's IG: https://www.instagram.com/rowenatsai
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!
- Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- IG: @voicehugspodcast
- Viv's IG: @vivianxvan
- Ro's IG: @rowenatsai
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!
- Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- IG: @voicehugspodcast
- Viv's IG: @vivianxvan
- Ro's IG: @rowenatsai
Mentions:
- EP18: Overcoming resistance & perfectionism (The Making of Voice Hugs)
- EP31: Everybody's judging me
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!
- Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- IG: @voicehugspodcast
- Viv's IG: @vivianxvan
- Ro's IG: @rowenatsai
Mentions:
- Notion Template - 2023: Reflect & Plan for Your Best Year Yet
- 24:44 unconventional habits that bettered our lives ft. @leahsfieldnotes
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!
- Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- IG: @voicehugspodcast
- Viv's IG: @vivianxvan
- Ro's IG: @rowenatsai
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!
- Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- IG: @voicehugspodcast
- Viv's IG: @vivianxvan
- Ro's IG: @rowenatsai
Mentions:
- The Five-Minute Journal
- Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman (Book)
- EP3 No more burnouts for 2022
- EP31 Everybody is judging me
- EP29 Ro’s engaged! how it happened
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 :)
- Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- IG: @voicehugspodcast
- Viv's IG: @vivianxvan
- Ro's IG: @rowenatsai
Mentions:
- Finding Your North Star by Martha Beck (Book)
- EP4: Career Chat: feeling lost, redefining success & trusting yourself
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 :)
- Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- IG: @voicehugspodcast
- Viv's IG: @vivianxvan
- Ro's IG: @rowenatsai
Mentions:
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/supportThe 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 :)
- Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- IG: @voicehugspodcast
- Viv's IG: @vivianxvan
- Ro's IG: @rowenatsai
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 :)
- Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- IG: @voicehugspodcast
- Viv's IG: @vivianxvan
- Ro's IG: @rowenatsai
Mentions:
- Kinto Water Bottle
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl (Book)
- Finding Your North Star by Martha Beck (Book)
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 :)
- Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- IG: @voicehugspodcast
- Viv's IG: @vivianxvan
- Ro's IG: @rowenatsai
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 :)
- Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- IG: @voicehugspodcast
- Viv's IG: @vivianxvan
- Ro's IG: @rowenatsai
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 :)
- Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- IG: @voicehugspodcast
- Viv's IG: @vivianxvan
- Ro's IG: @rowenatsai
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 :)
- Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- IG: @voicehugspodcast
- Viv's IG: @vivianxvan
- Ro's IG: @rowenatsai
Mentions:
- Book: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
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 :)
- Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- IG: @voicehugspodcast
- Viv's IG: @vivianxvan
- Ro's IG: @rowenatsai
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 :)
- Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- IG: @voicehugspodcast
- Viv's IG: @vivianxvan
- Ro's IG: @rowenatsai
Thank you Notion for sponsoring this episode! https://ntn.so/voicehugs
Check out Rowena's 2022 Notion Worksheets: https://ntn.so/rowenastemplate
Mentions:
- Drink Poppi
- Bubble Machine (Target) - Note: Item got not-so-hot reviews so linking another one from Amazon here)
- Rug/Picnic Blanket (Ikea)
- Polarbox Cooler
- Life Purpose - YouTube
- Slow Productivity - YouTube
- 10 lessons I learned in my 20s - YouTube
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:
- Psychology Today Article: "Can You Fee Two Emotions At Once?"
Say hello :)
- Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- IG: @voicehugspodcast
- Viv's IG: @vivianxvan
- Ro's IG: @rowenatsai
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 :)
- Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- IG: @voicehugspodcast
- Ro's IG: @rowenatsai
- Viv's IG: @vivianxvan
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:
- Article: The Tail End - Wait But Why
Say hello :)
- Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- IG: @voicehugspodcast
- Ro's IG: @rowenatsai
- Viv's IG: @vivianxvan
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 :)
- Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com
- IG: @voicehugspodcast
- Ro's IG: @rowenatsai
- Viv's IG: @vivianxvan
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
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/supportThis 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.
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/supportTaking 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
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/supportDid 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!
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/supportAfter 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)
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
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/supportSwiping 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
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/supportSo 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
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
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/supportHave 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
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
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--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/supportHow 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?
With the rise of social media within the past decade, how often would you say you compare yourself to someone else’s “perfect” life? In this week’s episode, Viv (@vivianxvan) and Ro (@rowenatsai) get real about social media and its impact on their personal, and our collective, mental health. From how to be more mindful about the content we consume to self-censoring in fear of saying the “wrong” thing, let’s explore the dopamine-driven, pixelated world of likes, shares, and follows.
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/voicehugspodcast/
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/supportDo you need to choose an unconventional career path to find happiness or can a conventional one bring you the same peace of mind? In this episode, we talked about college struggles, feeling absolutely lost, the pressure to follow our peers’ career paths, and how we eventually found peace within it all. Would you guys like more convos around college & careers? Let us know if you’d like us to turn any topics we’ve covered into series. 😊
Send us an email at hello@voicehugspodcast.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/voicehugspodcast/
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/support*Blink* a new year already?? To wrap up 2021, Rowena (@rowenatsai) and Vivian (@vivianxvan) chose 10 fun, thoughtful, and quirky questions they answer in this episode. Their findings? Despite how relentless, slow, in their feels, and “unproductive” 2021 may have been, it was still a year filled with many learnings and reassuring reminders to be gentle with ourselves, stay present, and live a more ~balanced~ existence. Here’s to less burning out and pendulum swinging from extremes in the new year! 🥂
Send us an email at hello@voicehugspodcast.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/voicehugspodcast/
Questions:
- Describe your 2021 in three words.
- If you had to describe your year as an animal, what would it be & why?
- Reflecting on 2021, what was the single best thing that happened?
- Which difficult challenges did you meet, instead of walking away from them?
- Which habit were you 1% better at every day?
- If you had to break down what you spent your time thinking about this year this year into a pie chart, what would the breakdown look like?
- What were you most resistant towards in 2021?
- Describe your favorite/fondest memory from this year. Why was it your favorite?
- If you could go back in time to January 1, 2021 knowing all that has happened and the lessons you’ve learned, what advice and reminders would you tell your one year younger self?
- Intention/Reminder going into 2022
What are our current insecurities? Where do they stem from? How is insecurity the root of jealousy? And how does cancel culture fit into all of this?? This week Rowena (@rowenatsai) and Vivian (@vivianxvan) get very honest about all things insecurities from body image to creating content on Youtube, and reveal how you can overcome your insecurities through something as simple as changing how you dress. 😬
Send us an email at hello@voicehugspodcast.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/voicehugspodcast/
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/supportEpisode 1 is finally here!! Viv (@vivianxvan) & Ro (@rowenatsai) share hopes for the podcast, the importance of human connection, a little trip down memory lane of their decade long friendship, how to open up to friends and let others in, as well as navigating seasons where we feel like we don’t have any friends.
Send us an email at hello@voicehugspodcast.com
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/support