Choi Says Podcast

Happy New Year Choisters! Oh How I've missed you!! 'Tis a new season of Choi Says!! So excited! I hope you all had a great time with your loved ones and got to relax a little and get away from the daily hustle… We are back full force! This week, I talk about the importance of gratitude and the benefits it can have on you. _*****Sorry about the Robot Voice in TWO SPOTS on this episode! Please excuse my robot voice on 3:24-3:38 and at the VERY END!!! Just trying to keep you on your toes!*****_ Below are a couple of great articles I mention in the episode. Please make sure you take the time to read it! [](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_gratitude_is_good)[Robert Emmons - Why Gratitude is Good [Greater Good]](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_gratitude_is_good) [](ttps://www.forbes.com/sites/amymorin/2014/11/23/7-scientifically-proven-benefits-of-gratitude-that-will-motivate-you-to-give-thanks-year-round/#79073b21183c)[Amy Morin - 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude [Forbes]](https://www.forbes.com/sites/amymorin/2014/11/23/7-scientifically-proven-benefits-of-gratitude-that-will-motivate-you-to-give-thanks-year-round/#79073b21183c) I am so extremely thankful for all of you and your support. Let's have an AMAZING and FULFILLING 2019 with LOTS OF GRATITUDE!!!!

She's baaaack!!! Hello lovely Choisters! Sorry I haven't been able to post for a couple of weeks. But don't worry, I'm back full force! Here is the third and final episode of the #MeToo. Our Stories Series!!! Once again, I want to thank every woman who shared their stories with me here on Choi Says. I also want to thank all the women out there who are sharing their stories and standing up and standing together. I learned so much and felt so much pride in being a woman while I made this series. so just in general. Thanks you to all of you beautiful souls. We are all sisters on this big round thing we call Earth. Love you all so much! **CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT AND LANGUAGE** In this episode, we talk about what kind of effects sexual assault can have on the victims' mental health. I'm really hoping that beyond sharing these amazing and brave women's stories, that we can bring about some awareness of the aftereffect of the abuse. Sources: Brand, Bethany. (2014). Dissociative identity disorder. 439-458.  [National Alliance on Mental Illness](https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Dissociative-Disorders) [Mental Health America](http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/sexual-assault-and-mental-health) [Psychological Medicine](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/domestic-and-sexual-violence-against-patients-with-severe-mental-illness/A7787F698B3B2FBAEA8172A34F3CF246) [Good Therapy](https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/sexual-abuse) [Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/when-your-adult-child-breaks-your-heart/201711/metoo-sexual-assault-and-mental-health) Thank you

We're back with stories from more brave women. Thank you to all of you amazing women for sharing your stories. I stand with you.

I've put together an amazing series of episodes of some amazing brave women and their stories. **_CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT AND LANGUAGE_** Stories of their sexual assault. Stories of sexual harassment. Stories of shame, fear, and everything else that comes with it. Through this series, I hope to reach as many women as possible to encourage them to speak up. Tell their stories. Own your body. Own your past. Own your assault. I also hope to reach men to understand the movement a little more and understand the importance of talking about this for the future of the world and for our children. Please listen up and tune in to the rest of the series as more courageous women come forward about their experiences with sexual assault and harassment. Thank you

Whoa Nelly...! In this episode I get real up close and personal. I had quite the journey in my mental health. I think the biggest chunk of it was rather I accepted my mental illness or not. I credit all you lovely people listening to this for allowing me to be open and vulnerable about something I am learning to become OK with myself. I sincerely hope that this episode reaches someone and helps someone. In feeling like you're not alone. In feeling that you can talk about your mental illness. In seeking help for something that's new to you. Just in knowing that we're all in this together. Here's an article I mention in the episode that I'd love for you to check out. READ IT!!! [ADHD Looks Different In Women. Here’s How — and Why. - ADDitude](https://www.additudemag.com/add-in-women/) Alrighty! that's all! Thanks as always. KTHANKSBYE

This week, my guest, Michael Lomas and I talk about how depression affected his life. How the stigma people had about depression made Michael stop seeking treatment at a young age. It wasn't until fairly recently, that he went back to getting treatment again and started being able to be more open about this. I connected with Michael's story in many ways and the brief conversation I had with him after the interview has helped me in a big way. Mostly in feeling less afraid to be open about my mental health and being less ashamed of it. Work in progress, though, right? Here's an article from the Harvard Medical School about the science behind depression so you can familiarize yourself with it a little. [What Causes Depression?](https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-causes-depression) - Harvard Health Publishing And here's a short 3-minute video with great visual to explain how the treatments work in relation to there receptors in the brain. [What Causes Depression](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InNhDfDfl5c) - Depression Outreach - YouTube If you are suffering through depression and don't have someone around that you feel you can talk to, please callone of the following hotlines. **SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Admin.)** 1-800-662-HELP (4357) **National Hopeline Network** 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) **National Suicide Prevention Lifeline** 1-800-273-TALK (8255) **National Youth Crisis Hotline** 1-800-448-4663

Happy 6-month anniversary to Choi Says Podcast!! Or is it a 6-month birthday? I'm not sure!! ANYWAY!!! I am so happy that I started this podcast. This podcast has brought me closer to my friends and helped me look deeper into myself. I've truly become a better person because of this podcast. In honor of hitting the 6-month mark, I did a little solo episode about Choi Says Podcast. How it came about, how it's affected me, and how I believe and hope it's affecting others. I hope you enjoy it. KTHANKSBYE

In this episode, my guest, Danny Longdon talks about the tragic death of his parents and how he's been dealing with it for the past 7 years. He talks about the great support system he had in his brother and his friends and how focusing on bettering himself has been greatly helpful in moving forward with his life. Danny does some work with [Next Door Solutions](www.nextdoor.org), an organization in Santa Clara County that helps victims of domestic violence. They offer housing, support groups, and other programs that help the victims in many ways. If you ever find yourself in a domestic violence situation or know someone who might be, please check out Next Door Solutions, help might just be one click away. Next Door Solutions is a Santa Clara County specific organization, but if you're in other areas and find yourself in a domestic violence situation, please call the [Domestic Violence Hotline](www.thehotline.org) at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

***Before I begin, there's a weird glitch between 8:17-8:36 but it does stop and it does not come back!!! Sorry about it!!*** HELLO! If you follow my personal social media, you must know how much Burning Man FOMO I've been feeling this past week. So I thought it was  only fitting to do an episode about it as well. I truly grew so much as a person from going to Burning Man ONE TIME. Sadly, I did not go this year, but will be there next year. But while we're all here, and not in Black Rock City, I wanted to share with you the 10 Principles of Burning Man. These 10 principles truly speak to me, and I think everyone should try to live by these principles all the time, on or off the playa.  I want to tell you which one my favorite is, but I can't, because I truly love so many of them. But I will tell you which one I miss the most right now. It's Radical Self-Expression. Be yourself. Do you. Just go for it. I feel like the playa brought the full "me" out. I try to channel that version of me daily, but it's been pretty difficult to find, lately... I think all this reminiscing has been helping me cope, at least.. hehe Anyway! I hope you all enjoy the episode! KTHANKSBYE

This week's guest, Raya Belmonte, and I talk about the many adversities she experienced in her life. Beginning in her childhood with lack of positive attention from the people in her life. This led to her causing a lot of trouble in her younger years and struggling with her self-worth. Raya opens up about the ways she's wronged others in her life because of how low she was feeling. Also, about how she ended up with significant others who treated her horribly, also due to how low she felt. She also talks about the amazing people she's met along the way who have been huge supports for her and her growth & healing process. This interview is definitely a story of an ongoing journey that Raya was so generous to share with us so openly. I say this in the intro, but I just want it in writing as well. If Raya were a color, she'd be glitter. You'll feel her energy immediately when you hear her voice. I hope you guys enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it with Raya.

Guilt. What a difficult thing to overcome, right? In this episode. I talk about the effects that guilt can cause psychologically as well as physiologically and how you can deal with guilt and turn it into a positive thing for your life. You're not alone. We've all been through it. We all go through it. Enjoy the episode! KTHANKSBYE

In this episode, guest, Bri and I talk about some of the ups and downs of growing up in a not-so-practical family structure. Also how the way she was raised shaped her into who she is today. Also we talk about a loss she experienced in a miscarriage and what her process of dealing with that and overcoming it was like. We discuss how not enough women talk about miscarriages and it really should be something that is talked about more openly. So many women blame themselves for the loss of a child but it is usually not the case, and hearing more of these women's experiences could help someone going through a miscarriage. For some more information on dealing with a miscarriage or learning how to talk to someone who has gone through such a loss, please visit the website below. [Through the Heart](http://www.throughtheheart.org)

In this super short and sweet mini episode, I talk about the fear of starting over. The fear of change. Inevitably, we all will need change in our lives in one or more aspects of our lives. Does it bring you joy? It's as simple as that. It's a tool that I try to use in my life each day. I hope it can come in handy for you as well. Enjoy! KTHANKSBYE

In this episode, guest, Chrissy and I talk about addiction, mental health, and loss. How her struggles with those in her own life gives her a great perspective on how to help her clients as she works toward her doctorate degree in counseling psychology. Chrissy also speaks at great lengths about the role of privilege in one's mental and physical health, as well as in how it affects addiction. If you are struggling with mental health issues or addiction, please know that you can talk to someone and that you're not alone. No matter how small or big it seems, someone is there to talk to you. For more information on organizations that can help you through tough times, please visit the below websites. [](www.nimh.nih.gov)[National Institute of Mental Health](https://www.nimh.nih.gov) [](samosa.gov)[](www.samhsa.gov)[Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration](https://www.samhsa.gov)

****Something very important that I forgot to include in the episode**** If someone you love is going through addiction and you don't know how to help them or how to deal with it emotionally, please look for an [al-anon meeting here](https://al-anon.org) or a [nar-anon meeting here](https://www.nar-anon.org). These meetings can help you tremendously through a hard time of being there for someone with a drug or alcohol problem and help you along the way of being there for your loved one. In this week's episode, I talk about addiction and relapse. What an addict might go through. What the process of recovery (successful or unsuccessful) might be like. What might be a good way to be there for a loved one who might be going through addiction. I'd love to hear your experiences and thoughts about this topic. Please email me at choisayspodcast@gmail.com with some personal stories. Hope you enjoy this episode! KTHANKSBYE

CHOISTERS!!!! This week, I speak with my friend, writer Amelia Lovelace. She is the creator and the writer of [She Made The Move](www.shemadethemove.com), a lifestyle blog, which is categorized into dating, food, and everything else. Amelia Lovelace is her writing name. She remains faceless for this interview as she does for her blog and published writing because of the nature of a her blog which can get quite personal and, well, pretty steamy. We had so much fun recording this episode, and I think you'll be able to tell by how much we laugh. But we talk about her big move out to New York and some of the struggles she's had along the way and some amazing times she's had starting her new life in NYC. Please make sure to check out her blog, it is truly a great read. Very sexy and such an easy read. You won't regret it! OKAY! Without further ado, happy listening!! KTHANKSBYE!

Happy Pride Month!!! I volunteered for the NYC Pride March this weekend and just wanted to share a few thoughts on it. I loved being surrounded by love and feeling the oneness of HUMANS of all walks in their lives marching for one cause! It was beautiful and I'm so glad my friend Marco asked me to volunteer! LOVE IS LOVE

This week, I talk to my non-blood brother, Mike Wang. We talk about his journey through life, growing up in a broken family, but making it work through the support of amazing family members and friends. Also assimilating to a new culture in moving to the States as a young boy without his parents and being a trouble maker through his adolescence and young adulthood. We talk about how he got out of a pattern of negative situations and got himself above all difficulties he faced as a young man. I am extremely proud of this guy and I'm hoping his story can relate to many people who have gone through some similar situations. Remember, everyone has something. We all go through something. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. As always, thank you for listening, enjoy this episode. KTHANKSBYE

"**Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you… You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind**." -**Anthony Bourdain** You sure left some good behind. Thanks for allowing so many people to travel the world with you. Bon voyage. This week, instead of an interview episode, I record another solo episode in memory of the late Anthony Bourdain and to discuss suicide and depression/mental health (and I'm posting this a day earlier than usual). Anthony Bourdain was someone who this world desperately needs now. He truly stood for unity of mankind and justice. I'm sure he wasn't even aware that he had become this person, but he was. We were lucky to have him for the time we did. I'm sure many people had a similar experience as I did last Friday and a couple days following. I hope this episode brings some comfort or at least some organization of thoughts and feelings for you. I had a lot of trouble putting my feelings into words but I think I was able to in the end. My heart goes out to his family and friends and many others like myself who looked up to him. Please remember that you are not alone. We're all in this together. One world. One love. **Rest In Peace Anthony Bourdain**. **Thank you for the travel and the food and all the other good that came with them. I *_will_* see you some day and we will finally go on that food trip. :)** If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support: United States: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 across the US at 1 800 273 TALK (1 800 273 8255) Outside of US: [List Of Suicide Crisis Lines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines) Some of the information on this episode were gathered from [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p0607-suicide-prevention.html), [SAVE.org](https://save.org/about-suicide/suicide-facts/) and [Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-in-world/201004/the-six-reasons-people-attempt-suicide).

Today, I get a little personal, yet again. I talk about my struggle with mental health and finally getting some help with it. ADHD is a tricky condition that a lot of people think is made up and not taken seriously. I am finally starting to realize it can get better and taking action. Mental health is IMPORTANT. Mental health is REAL. Mental health makes you STRONG, not crazy. Talk to someone. Be heard. Be understood. You'd be surprised how big of an impact being heard can do. Thanks for listening and letting me be vulnerable with y'all. Happy Listening! KTHANKSBYE

This week, I talk to my amazing friend Melissa Meyer. Cover art photo - circa 2006? We laugh, we cry (ok, let's be honest… I CRY…), we just had the best conversation. Melissa opens up to me about an abusive relationship that she was in that caused her to cut people out of her life, myself included. We talk about at what moment she realized there was a problem and how she got through it. Below are some links and phone numbers to hotlines and support groups for anyone who may need a place to go, someone to call, or any other help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline [www.thehotline.org](www.thehotline.org) 1-800-799-7233 YWCA [https://www.ywca.org](https://www.ywca.org) Depending on where you're located, there will be different centers and organizations that can help you if you don't have a strong support system to help you immediately. Reach out. People are always waiting to help you. One world. One love. We are all in this together. Thanks, as always, for listening, and hope you enjoy. kthanksbye

This week, I talk about being an introvert. I found a great blog post by Lori Elliot on her blog [Redefining Quiet](redefiningquiet.com) called 10 Confusing Contradictions About Introverts. It was such a great read for me, so I break it all down in relation to my personal journey as an introvert. As some of you may be aware, I have a lot of extroverted tendencies, and I address that in this episode as well. Hope you find this to be helpful if you're an introvert and also helpful to those of you who have loved ones who are introverts. It really explains a lot. Happy Listening! KTHANKSBYE

Today, I talk to actor Elijah Guo about hardships he had to deal with to become more comfortable in his own skin and follow his dreams. Dealing with anxiety and working on becoming more centered within himself. I hope this helps you deal with your anxiety today as it did me. Happy Listening! KTHANKSBYE

Heyo! This week, I talk about the art of being yourself. I think so many of us worry more about impressing others or being viewed in a certain light rather than expecting to be loved for who we really are. Join me in being the true version of YOU. Of course, always thrive to be the best version of yourself FOR YOURSELF, and nobody else. Happy listening! KTHANKSBYE

This week, my guest Ashley and I talk about struggling in many different aspects of life. We talk a lot about mental health and the importance of knowing that you're not fighting the fight alone. There's always someone else walking that walk with you. Hope you enjoy this week's episode! KTHANKSBYE

Self discovery is a powerful thing. This journey so far has taught me so much about myself. I often feel weaker for these faults, but come to a realization that these self discovery is strengthening me as a person. I dive a little deeper about my stage fright in this episode through talking about my "failures" in my past. I truly believe that failures can be some of the best tools for future success. Hope you can relate to some of the stuff I talk about. Don't forget to send me comments or feedback about this episode to ChoiSaysPodcast@gmail.com! I would love to hear from you. Happy listening! KTHANKSBYE

This week, I talk to my friend Lisa Nunes about struggles in life and letting go. Turning negative events in your life into positives and finding happiness in life by letting go of past events. I really think the message of this episode is making sure not to let bad things that happen in your life consume you. Realize that you have people around you who want the best for you and depend on them. Let go of any resentment and anger from the past for the person who you want to be - for yourself and for the people in your life. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, RATE, & REVIEW on Apple Podcast. Send in any comments, questions, and advice column letters/voice memos to ChoiSaysPodcast@gmail.com. Happy listening! KTHANKSBYE

Hi all, thank you for joining me again this week. This was a very difficult episode for me because it is extremely personal, and I've never been the best at sharing any hardships or my feelings. I wanted to share my past struggles with depression because I wanted to be transparent on this podcast BECAUSE I really want anyone else who has gone through this or who is going through this to know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. And this may sound cliche, but it does get better. It most definitely CAN get better. It may take time, effort, and maybe something else completely from left field. This was supposed to be an intro to my starting to go to see a therapist, but ended up digging much deeper. I hope to continue expanding on my progress with therapy and dealing with some deep rooted issues I might have. Thanks again for being here. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review. They really matter. kthanksbye

My lovely friend Nicole and I talk about hardships during childhood as well as struggles as an adult. We discuss the roadblocks she had getting to where she is now. The effects that drinking had on her life in a negative and a positive way and of how she rose above the shitty situation she created for herself. I want to stretch how serious driving under the influence is and how it can affect, not only your life, but lives of those around you. I hope this episode can bring some light to anyone who has been in a similar situation and hope that you will realize that there are brighter days ahead! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE on iTunes and please rate and review on iTunes!! Send in any comment, questions, or advice column letters to ChoiSaysPodcast@gmail.com Happy listening! KTHANKSBYE

Beginning my improv journey. Who knew I'd be taking an improv classes? Well, here I am, having finished two levels. At the moment, I'm waiting to find out if I passed or not, haha! Please listen to this episode about my experience so far in improv. Email me at ChoiSaysPodcast@gmail.com with any questions or feedback. Remember to subscribe on iTunes and leave 5 star reviews!! Also, please send voice letters or written letters to my email with some advice segment questions!! It can be about anything you're going through in life currently! Doesn't always have to be super serious either, let's just talk it out!! :) Ok, well, ENJOY!! KTHANKSBYE

I could not have asked for a better first guest! My dear friend Lisa Wiens. I'm so happy and proud to share our conversation with you. I just want to tell everyone out there struggling with something to know that you're not alone. Everybody's got something, Let's lean on each other. I hope each episode of Choi Says will bring some comfort and camaraderie to you. We're in this together. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE on iTunes and please rate and review on iTunes!! Send in any comment, questions, or advice column letters to ChoiSaysPodcast@gmail.com Can't wait to begin interacting with you and keep bringing you good and well produced shows!!! :) Thanks for hanging with me through any and all issues w/ the pod as I learn! LOVE YOU GUYS! Enjoy this episode!!! KTHANKSBYE

Hi all! Here's an overview of how I came to the conclusion that I will pursue acting. It was really 31 years in the making, I think I just didn't know it! First few solo episodes will be more about me than it will be down the line. Hope you all enjoy getting to know the side of me that no one really knows. As I'm writing for these, I'm discovering a lot of things about myself as well, old and new. Thank you for joining me on this journey!! Enjoy this episode, email me at ChoiSaysPodcast@gmail.com with any questions or feedback. Remember to subscribe on Apple Podcast, and leave 5 star reviews!! I'm really looking forward to my first interview episode with an amazing friend of mine!! We'll be on next Thursday!! KTHANKSBYE

Hi all! Here's a mini episode/trailer to layout what is to come… Very short and sweet, please be sure to SUBSCRIBE to Choi Talk with the Choi Face and I promise, you will not regret it! Episode 1 to come on Thursday, March 15! SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss it!!! Send your questions to ChoiTalkPodcast@gmail.com and I will be sure to answer!