Episode 58: How I Went From STRESSED Corporate Workaholic to RELAXED Pregnant Entrepreneur (TESTIMONY)
Grace grew up thinking it normal to work late nights (all the time), pack her schedule, push her body to its limits.
This kind of lifestyle had been glorified in the fast-paced, Ivy-League-striving Bay Area where she'd grown up.
And still... it was never enough. But she kept pushing through anyway, to "maximize" her life and impact.
But what she DIDN'T realize were all the HIDDEN costs she was incurring over the years...
Chronic stress from the endless to-do's.
Constant guilt for not doing more for more people.
Depletion, low energy, mood swings from sleep deprivation, stress eating, lack of self-care and TRUE, deep soul rest.
All the stress her body was storing.
The unexplainable itchy rashes, fainting spells, even a seizure.
Scary 9-1-1 calls and ER visits...
Fast forward to today...
We're both full-time entrepreneurs amidst a very different yet also very similar world of hustle culture, high stakes and even MORE pressure, opportunities to endlessly work and burn ourselves to the ground...
But thank God... we've learned a BETTER WAY to work - and LIVE.
If you've ever wondered:
"Is it NORMAL to wear busyness & perfectionism like a badge?"
"How do I get OUT of these cycles of chronic burnout, which my social events, hangouts, trips, PTO, Netflix, etc. just can't seem to fix?!"
"Why does Jesus tell us we can take his yoke AND live 'freely and lightly'? Is it too good to be true??"
We pray that this testimony episode encourages you. ❤️
Episode 57: Is Your "SELFLESSNESS" Actually Self-NEGLECT? Warning Signs & Practical Tips
In cultures where selflessness and sacrifice are often glorified, it's easy to confuse them with their unhealthy look-a-like: self-neglect.
Join us in this episode as we delve into:
The nuances and differences between selflessness vs. self-neglect and how we often see this show up in our Asian American Christian contexts
Why it's so common for Christians to overlook this difference
What makes us gravitate towards self-neglect without even knowing it
What it means to genuinely help and serve others WITHOUT neglecting, abandoning, or losing ourselves
The common signs of self-neglect to watch out for (and why it's dangerous)
How Jesus models how to practically live out true, biblical, healthy selflessness
We explore all of this and more based on Scriptural insights, our own struggles and stories, and practical tips you can apply in your own life.
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of serving others or struggled to prioritize your own needs without guilt - this episode is for you.
We pray this conversation helps you set boundaries that honor and protect your well-being, while better understanding God's heart for you to healthily love and serve others.
Episode 55: "Do We Need Therapy If GOD Can Heal?" | Therapy, Anxiety, & Faith with Dr. Courtney Miller
Does seeking out professional help imply we don't have enough faith?
What are the signs of anxiety to watch for, before it's too late?
Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Courtney Miller, a Christian therapist based in the SF Bay Area, as we unpack:
Common myths & misconceptions about therapy
The most common mental health challenges & trends today
What truly lies at the root of anxiety
How Christian therapy differs from secular approaches
Why it's important to "listen to our body" & what that actually looks like
How our relationship with eating & food affects anxiety, gut, & mental health
How the history of psychology impacts people of color
How the pandemic changed the Church's approach to mental health
Clear warning signs to notice before reaching a breaking point / health disaster
The role of community in our healing journeys
The unseen effects of capitalism & hustle culture on our whole being
Practical baby steps to begin healing from our inner pain & struggles
Dr. Courtney also shares POWERFUL testimonies of God working in her personal journal & therapy practice, including a major health scare and what she did to REVERSE her condition.
We pray this conversation inspires you and gives you the wisdom and tips you need to continue growing in holistic healing, and live in FREEDOM the way God designed you to!
Episode 50: "I'm Afraid To Be My REAL Self..." - Knowing & Thriving As Your AUTHENTIC Self!
What does it even mean to be our AUTHENTIC selves?
How do we know if we are (or aren't)?
What does NOT doing it really cost us?
And how do we PRACTICALLY navigate "self-discovery" God's way... and to live freely and fully as our TRUE selves?
We hope this conversation helps you know you're not alone; equips you to overcome the pressures to conform, social anxiety, and the temptations to hide; and empowers you to shine God's light BOLDLY and BRIGHTLY wherever you go!
Episode 47: EXCLUSIVE: Gabriel Lopez - How To Be God's Best Friend, Social Media Ministry, Divine Creativity
Today we sit down with our favorite Christian comedy creator: Gabriel Lopez! Known as @gods.best.friend with over 350,000 followers on social media, what led Gabriel to start this social media ministry and write his book (God's Best Friend: The Adventures of an Ordinary Man and an Extraordinary God) was far from what he had ever willed or expected.
Join us as we dive into his personal journey of the unimaginable loss and grief that led him to where he is today... including POWERFUL testimonies that will ignite your faith and expand your perspective.
We also talk about what it looks like to invite God into the creative process, how to not be weighed down by pressure to "top yourself," and encouragement and wisdom for those of you who feel a tug to start a new endeavor or create with God!
Episode 45: 5 Tips for Navigating Singleness on Valentine's Day
If you're single and dreading "that" day coming around the corner... this episode is dedicated specifically to you.
This is also our first-ever "solo episode," in which I (Grace) share some of my own personal journey of navigating singleness (especially around Valentine's Day), including:
The very real challenges of being "content in singleness" in a world that glorifies romance
My own journey & reflections amidst so-called "waiting seasons" with God
5 Practical Tips for what to do with uncomfortable / mixed emotions that often come up
Biblical vs. secular self-love & why it matters
Managing the tensions of having longings AND trusting God
Episode 43: EXCLUSIVE: Ben Chung (Jabbawockeez, Kinjaz) on Purpose in Pain, Dance & Faith, God's Timing
Ben Chung has been a member of the world-famous dance crew the Jabbawockeez, (who rose to fame for winning the first season of ABDC) and later went on to co-found Kinjaz—both of which have become two of the biggest influences and leading innovators in the modern dance world.
He’s a dancer, podcaster, entrepreneur, and more… but more than all that, he’s a follower of Jesus who’s unafraid to use his real and raw stories and lessons learned to inspire others.
We pray it leaves you encouraged to see God’s purpose in your own story—no matter how unconventional, messy, or non-linear it may seem—and to not be held back by fear, but to boldly GO for the dreams and passions God’s leading you towards!
Episode 32: 5 Practical Tips to Break Free From Depression (“I’m Christian & I Have Depression” Pt. 2)
Today, we're diving into Part 2 of a topic that's been close to our hearts and highly requested by our listeners: the intersection of faith and depression.
Depression can often be an overwhelming, paralyzing, and isolating experience.
It's easy to feel so stuck in the darkness, tempted to believe that there is "no way out," and that we're powerless to our thoughts and emotions.
Our goal with this episode is not to add more weight to your burden - but simply to be your friends from afar, to come alongside you and encourage you with truth.
The truth that you aren't alone. The truth that there IS hope and light ahead of you. That there is absolutely nothing - not even the depths of depression and despair - that can separate you from God's presence, power, and unimaginable love for you.
Ultimately, we hope these 5 tangible tips equip and EMPOWER you to take a small, courageous, intentional step towards powerfully pursuing the freedom and healing AVAILABLE for you - even in the midst of your struggles.
Because your feelings are valid, but they are not the truth.
We pray that this conversation lovingly reminds you of what's true for you today.
Episode 31: 3 Myths About Depression + Our Personal Experiences ("I'm Christian & I Have Depression" Pt. 1)
Is it normal to have depression as a Christian? Did people in the Bible ever experience depression? And what do we do when we find ourselves in a dark and hopeless place, DESPITE knowing all the "Christian truths"?
Today we're sharing part 1 of 2 on the topic of faith and depression. We talk about our own personal experiences - from years ago, but also even more recently leading up to this episode release. We dive into the unspoken challenges so many of us (including biblical heroes and giants of faith) face, 3 common myths about depression that many people (including Christians) have, and what we've personally found to be helpful in how to view and think about depression - either for ourselves or for those around us suffering through it.
If you or someone you love struggle with depression: you are not alone.
You are valuable, worthy, and loved no matter what you're experiencing right now.
We pray that God uses this conversation to speak hope into your heart, and strength to keep on going.
Episode 30: What People Don't Tell You About Grieving - with Natasha Smith
How do we grieve healthily AND find real hope?
We often associate grief with the loss of a loved one, or perhaps a serious tragedy. But grief is much more common (and normal) than we think. It’s a natural part of life’s transitions, unexpected hurts, and a wide variety of challenges.
And yet, most of us were never taught how to grieve well. Instead, we default to pushing our hard emotions to the side and fight to stay “positive” and “have more faith.”
Because deep down, we’re afraid of being so overwhelmed by our losses - that we lose ourselves in the process.
Today, we sit down with Natasha Smith, author of Can You Just Sit with Me?: Healthy Grieving for the Losses of Life. Through her personal journey of navigating 30+ years of painful losses, she shares insights on why healthy grieving matters, as well as how to allow grief to draw us closer to God rather than pull us away.
We also dive into the unspoken aspects of grief and uncomfortable emotions, from "invisible grief" that usually gets overlooked, to managing the tension of grieving honestly WHILE putting our faith in God at the same time.
As Natasha writes, it’s not a matter of getting OVER grief - but of allowing God to help you THROUGH it.
Let’s dive into what that looks like - and step into practical ways of finding hope and healing, even in the midst of real pain and disappointment.
Episode 23: 3 REASONS Why You Haven't Been Able To Change (& How To Overcome Them)
This is probably one of the MOST IMPORTANT episodes we've recorded to date.
Ever wonder: What is it exactly that's keeping you STUCK?
Whether it's overcoming comparison, fear of people's opinions, imposter syndrome, financial anxiety, chronic stress, burnout, confusion and purposelessness, insert-your-own-struggle-here... today, we're unpacking (like, really unpacking) 3 common barriers to experiencing lasting transformation.
We talk about everything from the impact of our childhood experiences, to how to get out of toxic self-talk cycles, to our heart-mind connection and how to get authentically - and powerfully - connected with God and ourselves.
Join us as we dissect the invisible culprits that could very well be holding you back from seeing the changes you deeply desire, as well as give you practical examples of how to take steps forward.
Episode 14: NON-OBVIOUS Tactics That Have Helped Us Overcome COMPARISON
Comparison can be a silent thief, robbing us of joy, contentment, and SO much more.
In this episode, we dive into the complexities and nuances of comparison, sharing our own raw and honest (and ongoing) experiences with it - and what has been most helpful to us in overcoming it.
Join us as we explore the hidden ways that comparison seeps into our lives, affecting us in ways we often don't even realize... including our faith, relationships, and identity.
We pray that these unconventional tactics (that most people don't talk about) and our personal examples and stories empower you to break free from the comparison trap... and confidently become the person God's made you to be, and powerfully live out the unique purpose he's called you to fulfill!
Episode 11: Christian Mindset NeuroCoach: Overwhelmed by Work? How to Break Free From The Cycle of Doing - Alicia Michelle
Ever feel like work is swallowing you whole - or like you're just drowning in deadlines, responsibilities, and a constant pressure to do more than you might even be able to handle?
Alicia Michelle, certified Christian Mindset NeuroCoach and host of The Christian Mindset Coach Podcast, shares her personal journey of nearly losing her life to workaholism, what she’s learned and how she’s changed since then, and how her experiences ignited her mission to help others find LASTING FREEDOM.
We dive into the real reasons behind why many of us push ourselves to the brink - and practical ways to leverage tools from neuroscience AND lean on the power of the Holy Spirit and God's Word to break free from the trap of overworking.
It's a powerful combo that will revolutionize the way you approach work - and the rest of LIFE.
Episode 10: For The Person With A Complicated Relationship With Their Dad
We want to specifically dedicate this (very vulnerable) episode to those of you who have a complicated relationship with your dad.
In many cultures especially (such as ours as Asian Americans), it’s normal to feel unsure and ill-equipped to navigate the confusing and complex “love-hate” tensions we often feel with our parents... especially our dads. (Ever wonder why the term “daddy issues” exists?)
But it makes it that much harder, too, when your social media feed gets flooded with "I love you, Dad!" posts on Father's Day.
So, if you have a complicated relationship with your dad...
This one’s for you.
We hope that this very REAL and raw conversation brings you comfort - so you know that you are not alone.
We pray that this encourages and helps you to be able to better see your dad through Jesus’ eyes - and to love your dad with Jesus’ love for each and every one of us. ❤️
Episode 7: How to Heal From Generational Wounds & Set Healthy Boundaries - Bonnie Kim, M.Ed, Founder of Royal Telos Coaching
Are there things that seem to keep bothering you… like repeated mental patterns, trigger points, fears, anxieties, or insecurities that continue to hold you back from living out a place of FREEDOM?
In this episode, we sit down for an in-depth and vulnerable conversation with our good friend, Bonnie Kim, M.Ed., Founder of Royal Telos Coaching and Spirit-led certified life coach, on how to overcome generational wounds and set relational boundaries to stay healthy.
We pray that our personal stories of struggles and healing, along with practical keys and tips, ultimately help you step further into the powerful healing, freedom, authenticity, and deep peace that God desires for you. 🤍