Beyond Friends

Hello and welcome to an episode of Beyond Friends.. Our last one.  In this episode, we reflect on our podcasting journey and our lives since we've started the podcast - so much has happened! Beyond Friends started as a passion project in the thick of the pandemic and we've been so grateful to share this space with you all. ❤ As time has gone by, our capacities have shifted and we've collectively agreed that this podcast has served us in the ways it's needed to. Alas, the last episode of Beyond Friends has come. We thank you all SO, SO much for joining this adventure. Who knows, we may be back one day. If so, till next time! — Hosts: Mai Xee Vang, Pang Xiong, Sunny Thao Music produced by Pang Xiong Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @teambeyondfriends https://www.facebook.com/teambeyondfriends https://www.instagram.com/teambeyondfriends Email us at teambeyondfriends@gmail.com

We're ready to get down and maybe a bit dirty.

The Song Poet, a memoir written by Hmong author, Kao Kalia Yang, becomes the first Hmong story adapted for the operatic stage. It's a story about a Hmong father's hope, art, and grief. In this episode, we talk about the stories in The Song Poet and how we relate to them. A few tears were shed as we thought about our parents and their journeys. What are your parents' stories? — Hosts: Mai Xee Vang, Pang Xiong, Sunny Thao Music produced by Pang Xiong Lofi music by Lasfm Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @teambeyondfriends https://www.facebook.com/teambeyondfriends https://www.instagram.com/teambeyondfriends Email us at teambeyondfriends@gmail.com

We've all been there - messy, sticky, and sh*tty situations. In this episode, we dive into some stories from the Am I the Asshole (AITA) Reddit thread, Hmong Talk Facebook page, and submissions from listeners. Join us on these roller coaster of emotions, as we talk through these scenarios. Maybe it's time to let that sh*t go… — Hosts: Mai Xee Vang, Pang Xiong, Sunny Thao Music produced by Pang Xiong Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @teambeyondfriends https://www.facebook.com/teambeyondfriends https://www.instagram.com/teambeyondfriends Email us at teambeyondfriends@gmail.com

All aboard the ship to parenthood! Whoa.. sounds exciting but scary. As we grow older, more and more of our peers are entering new chapters of their lives - for many, it's marriage and having kids. In this episode, we explore new parenthood by picking the brains of our friends, Alexis and Chewmeng, the first couple in our friend group to welcome a bundle of joy. We had a lot of questions on the journey of becoming new parents, mental health during these transitions, and how marriage dynamics might change. What raging waters have other parents sailed through and what tips do you have? — Hosts: Mai Xee Vang, Pang Xiong, Sunny Thao Guests: Alexis & Chewmeng Intro & outro music produced by Pang Xiong Intermission Music by RomanBelov from Pixabay Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @teambeyondfriends https://www.facebook.com/teambeyondfriends https://www.instagram.com/teambeyondfriends Email us at teambeyondfriends@gmail.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

New year, same trio! To start off the new year, Mai Xee, Pang, and Sunny got together and decided it's time to spice things up! We asked you to send some spicy questions and they were hot.

You've probably heard of the many diets people could follow, or the workouts they can try. You've probably also heard about the concepts and language to use when talking about bodies - like body positivity and body neutrality. How much should you think positively about your body and love it? Or should you simply embrace your body for what it is: a body? In this episode, we talk about our bodies - our experiences with body image, weight, and self-acceptance. What's your journey been like? — Book referenced: The Body is not an Apology, Sonya Renee Taylor Foreword by Ijeoma Oluo Hosts: Mai Xee Vang, Pang Xiong, Sunny Thao Intro & outro music produced by Pang Xiong Interval music produced by: Sleepy Cat by Lofi Hour and Calm Study Lofi by SoulProdMusic on Pixabay.com Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @teambeyondfriends https://www.facebook.com/teambeyondfriends https://www.instagram.com/teambeyondfriends Email us at teambeyondfriends@gmail.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

“If there's something weird and don't look good who you gonna call, Ghost Busters! Just kidding, us - Beyond Friends.”

The last time we talked with Bert, we explored what our values were and how to leverage them. Today, Bert joins us again to share other great opportunities he has to offer from his work and additional life updates. What's a masterclass? Has Bert told his parents about his significant life change? And how has Beyond Friends gone into depth with their values in themselves and dating? Tune in to hear more! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

As “Little Miss Got Bills”, sometimes it can feel like “we're livin' on a prayer” with all this adulting. In today's episode, the trio explores their spiritual journeys and expore the question: “How does growing up in a Christian household and a traditional Shaman household differ?” Tune in to this unexpected turn of events and share snippets of your spiritual journey with us as well!

Life brings us a lot of unexpected things but never something we can't overcome. In this episode, Mai Xee, Pang, and Sunny discuss their first big girl job, when to apply, how to negotiate salary, and much more. They will share what it was like for them as first-generation students and women of color exploring the realm of post-college. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Did you say DATING? You heard it right! Join us as we unpack some of our dating stories and struggles as women in their mid-twenties looking for our future someone. We'll talk about what the “talking stage” is to us as well as some of our ickss. What time span for the “talking stage” is considered too long? Which of the co-host is currently talking to someone? Why doesn't Sunny want to date a friend? Tune in to find out! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Another year older… another year around the sun~ In this episode, we're celebrating our amazing birthday girl, Sunny. You'll get to hear reflections of turning a year wiser and the peaks and valleys of being 25 - along with a few surprises! Did Mai Xee and Pang accomplish catching Sunny off guard? Would Sunny like what Mai Xee and Pang have in store for her? Tune in to hear all about it! Content Warning: Mentions of depressive state and mindsets, if this part of our story doesn't align with your journey today, please skip (25:24-27:00) and take care of yourself.

Partnership with Ana Luisa - shop quality carbon-neutral jewelry: https://shop.analuisa.com/beyondfriends ---------------- Besties, our seasonal depression is finally dormant for another winter and you know what this means! HOT GIRL SUMMER is among us!

Partnership with Ana Luisa - shop quality carbon-neutral jewelry: https://shop.analuisa.com/beyondfriends ---------------- Break-ups can be hard and difficult to navigate. The one person you spent so much time with, is suddenly gone and you're not understanding how this all came to be. Who's to blame - wait, can you even blame anyone? From those few sentences, you might have envisioned that we're talking about romantic break-ups, but actually, in this episode - we're talking about friends. No one prepares you for friendship breakups and the recovery process, so we're going to try our best. If you're going through a break-up or planning one right now - just know that it'll be okay. We got you. Take a breath, drink some tea, and grab a blanket. We're going on another healing journey together.

Partnership with Ana Luisa - shop quality carbon-neutral jewelry: https://shop.analuisa.com/beyondfriends ---------------- Is it just us or is it getting a bit stuffy in here? Maybe let's crack a window to let in some Cua Tshiab? ✨ In today's episode, the trio sits down with all-star, Yayoua Yang, the creative director of the hottest Hmong American girl group, Cua Tshiab (New Air). We'll be peeling back the layers of Yayoua - by diving into her upbringing and inspirations to learn who she is - beyond her work and calling. So get cozy and grab something to write on - just in case you've been wanting to start your own girl group or learn how to dream big! ❤️‍

In this era, to be a man “written by a woman” is the highest form of a compliment or at least that's what Tiktok says. But what about being a woman written by a man; or let's put it this way, to be a woman seen through the eyes of a man. In today's episode, you'll hear the besties' experiences as women through their eyes and how the social construct of the male gaze shaped their upbringing - from their clothing choices and beauty ideals. This episode is a long one and it barely touches the ripples of this construct rooted in patriarchal values. So grab a notebook, jot some questions, and let's see where this conversation is heading to. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Ahhh... our first dances. The awkward glances, sweaty palms, boys on one side of the gym wall and girls on the other. The room is a mixture of AXE body spray and Bath & Body Works Cherry Blossom mist. In this episode, the besties are taking a trip to memory lane and reminiscing their most memorable school dance. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It's 2002, the biggest boyband is coming to town, and all your friends are going. They ask if you'll be joining and you have to choose, be a good daughter or a good friend? Oh, you're also a red panda. In this episode, the besties watched Turning Red and are sharing their favorite moments. Listen carefully to catch moments when they've turned red as a teen. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Happiest birthday to our hopeless romantic co-host, Pang Chai! This episode is dedicated to her and her impact on us. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Get in bestie, we're going on a healing journey! In our last episode, we read anonymous letters from the website Letter to my Ex - now it's our turn. (*anxiety activated*) We'll be sharing our letters and reflecting on how these relationships shaped us into who we are today. Laughs will be shared and tears will be shed. So get cozy, grab a box of tissue, and pour yourself another glass of wine. And if we're feeling spicy - we might even invite one of these ex's on a future episode~ ;) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Ah, January came and gone, and now we're in February. The month of love

Have you ever met someone by chance and fast forward to meeting them again? Did you ever feel so starstruck where the whole room feels empty and there's no such thing as time? Has someone ever held your hand to comfort you in a way to let you know “it's okay”? In this episode Mai Xee, Pang, and Sunny share their K-Drama moments that might make them want to sing, “Baby I'm falling, head over heels…” (It's You by Henry). --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Coming at you with another minisodes from Beyond Friends with our series of “Hey bestie!” In these episodes, you'll get 1:1 time with a host and we chat about topics that live in our heads (and hearts) rent free. In today's Hey Bestie-sode, Pang will give you all a quick update from her “break” of podcasting and share with you all her solo trip to South Korea in 2019 and why you should take a solo trip at least once in your life. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

"Cause I got issues, but you got 'em too, So give 'em all to me and I'll give mine to you" (yikes lol) In our last episode of Season 2, Mai Xee and Sunny reflect on Sunny's recent visit to Seattle and their late-night convos about attachment styles. Tune in as they share bits of their personal stories and how their upbringing as children of divorced, immigrant, and refugee parents shaped their attachment styles. Maybe you'll do some soul searching before the year ends and figure out which styles you have as well~ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Welcome back to our new series of minisodes from Beyond Friends: Hey bestie! In these episodes, you'll get 1:1 time with a host and we chat about topics that live in our heads rent free. In today's Hey Bestie-sode, Mai Xee relives her Head in the Clouds music & arts festival memories. She shares a review on the festival and talks about some of her favorite sets. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In some sort of way all of us have lived apart from our immediate family - whether it be for school or renting our first apartment as young adults. With Mai Xee's recent move to Seattle, it brought tears of comfort and joy to us all and made Sunny reminisce of her days in Japan. Tune in to hear Mai Xee and Sunny share their experiences of “living their best lives”. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Hey Bestie, welcome to a new series of minisodes from Beyond Friends. In these episodes, we'll be having 1 on 1 time with you and chatting about topics that's been living rent-free in our heads. In today's Hey Bestie-sode, Sunny's diving back into mental health, speaking about the power of storytelling, and how to manifest dreams into reality. So get cozy, grab a pen, and let's go! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We always hear “self care” this, and “self care” that… but what does that even mean? In this episode we talk about our nonlinear journeys with mental health, therapy and self care. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's episode - we got a special message from Pang and we're diving into our inner fashionista to judge outfits from the iconic Met Gala. We're asking each other if the guests of the gala understood the assignment, but the real question is - do we? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Our first guest, Bert Lee joins Beyond Friends and teaches us how to leverage values in relationships. We'll be learning more about ourselves and who Bert is beyond his platform, Bert Lee Speaks. Get ready to take some notes and grow with us! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

“And so we talked all night about the rest of our lives. Where we're gonna be when we turn 25” - Vitamin C As we approach our mid-twenties, we step into new chapters, in this episode we'll be giving you an update on our dares from episode 8 and transitions in our personal life. Stay tuned! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

"We're Not Really Strangers" is a purpose driven card game and movement all about empowering meaningful connections. There are three carefully crafted levels of questions and wildcards that allow you to deepen your existing relationships and create new ones. Join us as we dive into this game to learn more about each other, sing songs, and challenge one another to get out of our comfort zone. **Today's episode also features surprise guests! Thank you both for being the wonderful people you are and inspiring all the lives you've touched. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We're back! After a month-long break, we're back better than ever and ready to share exciting updates! We'll also be sharing some of our embarrassing moments with you and give you a snippet of what Episode 8 has to offer. So put your seatbelt on and enjoy the ride! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We're closing Season 1 off by going beyond the iceberg of US! Join us as we reflect on this 6-month journey and write love letters to a younger us. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Join us on the journey we call Life as we share with you our goals, how we found them, courage to pursue them, and role models. Every little piece of us is impacted by those in our lives, families, and even simple quotes. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

All throughout life, people are faced with the question: "who are you?" There are so many ways to answer that question, yet sometimes it can be difficult to articulate. In this episode, we take a look at different tools that can support self-awareness. The tools we used are the 16personalities NERIS Type Explorer and the horoscope app Co-Star. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In the wake of COVID-19, the demonization and xenophobia of Asians influenced a surge of attacks on the Asian American community. In this episode we discuss some of our personal experiences since 2020. We talk about the complexity of being Asian American, racial discrimination, and the desire to have our narratives amplified. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1i5qdrQM2waU6v2mF9YlDiOSsjruehPMLGhwIMDZCJ8k/edit?usp=sharing --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Our journey as a podcast just started and surprisingly so has our friendship! Listen to find out how we became friends and why we created Beyond Friends. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Welcome to Beyond Friends, a podcast through her eyes. This is our first episode and first time behind the mics. Join us as we talk about 2020 gratitudes and 2021 goals. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app