In this daily show, Mika Yeap reflects on his most unusual and meaningful experiences as a Malaysian writer, poet, and watch collector. Recurring topics include relationships, productivity, and motivation. Real-life stories form the centerpiece of each episode, making it casual yet authentic. Check out similar stories on Medium: https://medium.com/@mikayeap
The stereotype of a creative person isn't pretty, but what does sadness have to do with ingenuity? In this episode, we explore how pain can be turned into art. Poetry mentioned in the episode: https://medium.com/changing-the-narrative
A small, little=known fact about creative people turns into a clear message for all. Dissatisfaction is sometimes constructive, but most of the time it indicates time for change. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
Creativity is a constant thirst for the unexpected, except you need to find things you don't know you're looking for, My favorite way to stay creative is to lose myself since it has always led to me finding things, ironically enough. This episode explores this paradoxical aspect of creating which I feel is largely unknown. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
This episode is about fear and decision making. Creating is all about choosing, but sometimes fear works in the background, causing unexpected results, In this episode, I explore different ways fear has played a role in my journey. Ending thought: Chase fear instead of letting it chase you. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
People rarely talk about money, and even less so in the context of creative work. In this episode, metaphors like the "starving artist" are explored as we discuss the intersection of creativity and money. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this episode!
Curiosity is an integral part of creativity, but the connection is often misunderstood. This episode is a collection of stories about the thirst for discovery and where it leads. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
In this episode, I wanted to break down the mysterious process of creation. There's a common assumption that creating is messy business, so I explored that concept. My poem mentioned in this episode: https://medium.com/@mikayeap/chasing-clouds-poem-covid19-quarantine-fc8ba8883a5c?source=friends_link&sk=e65b0b9333f2f8414498656357e2bddc Reach out on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
Meeting big goals requires focus, and focus has a way of giving you tunnel vision. When you see the world at large again, things can sometimes surprise you. This episode is a compilation of positive surprises. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
One weird thing I discovered when I started this line of work is that you get the best creative juice flowing when switching between work and play. This has implications in the current tense context of the world, so I decided to turn it into an episode. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
Talent is usually a big factor in determining the direction we take in life, but in most cases it's irrelevant as a requirement. Real talent is almost nonexistent, thus it's impractical to use it as a guide. This means the ball is in your court. It's not about the chemicals in your brain, it's all in the blood, sweat, and tears you put in. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
Focus is responsible for creative impact, which is something that's difficult to understand from the outside. This episode explores this strange serenity responsible for all the hits. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
Challenging yourself is trendy these days, but most of us miss the fact that there's a limit. You're incredibly capable of adapting, but there's a threshold you shouldn't cross. This episode tells the story of a few real stumbles and what they taught me about mortality and weakness. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
Everyone has quirks of some kind, it's just a matter of finding them. In this episode, I recount several stories of unexpected quirks to inspire you to dig for some of your own. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
This casual episode explores the link between a nomadic lifestyle and creativity. Featured in this episode: Living out of a supercar. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
Loneliness is clearly a relevant topic right now since billions of people around the world are under some form of quarantine. So in this episode, I recount some tales of loneliness with happy endings. You can overcome it if you play your cards right. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one. Also, check out my writing: https://medium.com/@mikayeap
Minimalism is a hot topic on this show, but we hardly talk about wanting more. This episode fills in that gap, building a case for grand aspirations. I shed plenty of light on the "scattered" aspect of my creativity, so you'll certainly like this if you like loopy talk. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this episode!
Many of us can relate to the struggle of reaching our goals, but is that because they're wrongly placed? This episode explores the concept of enough, prompting you to reflect on your goals. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
The past is the best free source of education available to you, so study it. In this episode, I share some insights I've learned about people by looking back. You'll like this if you look for calmer, more thoughtful episodes with a more open-ended message. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
This episode offers reflections on several risky paths I've taken in the past. I mull over several unusual reactions to close encounters. If you like thinking about death, this is certainly an episode for you. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
Generally, we fear uncertainty. We face constant pressure to have things figured out, especially things about ourselves. What do you want to do with your life? What is your direction? What are you working on? These are all questions everyone expects you to know yet can't answer themselves. In this episode, I recount several decisions rife with uncertainty which actually turned out well. I also explore the benefits of not knowing. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
We tend to avoid things that are different out of instinct, which leaves a ton of potential upside on the table. In this episode, I recount a couple of times I went against the grain and reflect on its positive impact. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
Malaysian personal development author Mika Y. recounts some past tragedies and reflects on their overall positive impacts in the long run. This is the first episode to use stories as the centerpiece in order to bring authentic insights front and center. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
During these challenging times, motivation is at an all-time low. Few of us are well-equipped to work at home, so I decided to make this episode to address stalling willpower. You'll like this if you enjoy hearing a different take on a common topic. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one.
Most of us feel trapped sometimes. Some problems just never feel fixable, but in reality we merely inhabit a prison of the mind. This episode delivers a simple message: There's always a solution. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one. Read the written version of these insights: https://medium.com/@mikayeap
Many of us want an easy life but challenge ourselves anyway because that's what we think is right. However, seeking comfort is actually a viable approach to achieve genuine happiness and fulfillment. In this episode, we break down the stigma against comfort and build a case for the easy path. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one! Read the written version of these insights: https://medium.com/@mikayeap
An episode about the obsession with being special. Everyone thinks they have to be extraordinary to accomplish anything. Excellence is the baseline, and unfortunately this mindset leads many astray. In reality, happiness or success is not contingent on being special. You'll like this if you're tired of being "mediocre". DM me on Instagram !mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
This is an episode on gratitude, the best path to happiness during these challenging times.
Everyone wants people to like them, but sometimes seeking approval can be detrimental and painful. In this episode, we explore the roots of this impulse and seek ways to combat it. Self awareness is your best tool to combat the influence of disapproval. You've got to know yourself well enough so that people can't tell lies about yourself. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one. Read the written version of these insights: https://medium.com/@mikayeap
Everyone wants things, but we spend most of our lives keeping them in. There are many benefits to using you own dreams as a compass, and we explore them in this episode. I think you'll like this if you're a creator trying to narrow down a niche or even just a normal person figuring out how to make life more fulfilling. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one. Read the written insights: https://medium.com/@mikayeap
An absolutely horrid episode I attempted to make about surviving the quarantine. It's more like a comedy than a useful guide, listen at your own risk. Do NOT DM me about this.
Everyone knows focusing on material possessions to bring joy is bad, right? This episode challenges the negative perception of materialism by explaining its roots and painting an alternative picture of genuine materialism. You'll like this if you enjoy hearing different opinions on mainstream subjects that few people challenge. DM me on Instagram @mika,yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one. Read more insights on human nature: https://medium.com/@mikayeap
A fun exploration of what makes people distinguished at what they do. Everyone wants to be special, but I push against this by painting an accurate picture of what being special actually means. This episode is meant not to define anything, but rather to point out patterns through many examples so you can draw your own conclusions. You'll enjoy this if you like fun episodes that break the mold a little and stray from the typical format. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one. Read the written version of these insights: https://medium.com/@mikayeap
We often underestimate ourselves when we set goals, both consciously and subconsciously. So this is an uplifting episode encouraging you to dream bigger. You'll enjoy this if you like casual episodes about simple ideas. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one. Read the written version of these insights: https://medium.com/@mikayeap
We all have choices to make, and early in life we are confronted with many big ones. This is the cause of much angst, so in this episode we'll explore how and why to make decisions swiftly. You'll enjoy this if you struggle under the weight of your choices. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one. Read these insights at: https://medium.com/@mikayeap
Uncertainty is the spice of life. There’s a great deal we don’t know about a great many things, so dealing with the shaky ground is important. This is a simple episode on uncertainty. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one. Read the written version of these insights: https://medium.com/@mikayeap
We often neglect the path of least resistance, but it works easily and quickly. You’ll like this casual episode on laziness if you like switching up your habits. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one. Read the written version of these insights: https://medium.com/@mikayeap
This episode takes a detour from the deep content and explores the high-level theory of how to find happiness. Obviously, we keep things pretty general in this one, simply listing several things you likely need to "win". You'll like this if you enjoy calmer, more casual episodes about lighter topics. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this episode. Read the written version of these insights: https://medium.com/@mikayeap
Trials and pain are obviously a common element of daily life for everyone listening, but why does it exist? This simple episode inspired by real events explains the value in suffering, showing that it can always become something you can use to your advantage. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one. Read the written version of these insights: https://medium.com/@mikayeap
Relationships are obviously a common part of everyday life, but sometimes they can cause stress when separation occurs. Separation anxiety is a common problem marked by unusual discomfort triggered by normal instances of separation. This episode breaks down the simple cause of this issue and offers a solution. You'll like this if you can relate to feeling abnormally nervous about not spending time with people you care about. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this episode. Read the written version of these insights: https://medium.com/@mikayeap
Few things are as annoying as not being heard, but unfortunately it's a common problem. This episode explores the simple cause of this and offers a straightforward solution. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this episode. Read the text version of these insights at: https://medium.com/@mikayeap
Everyone thinks they should have it all figured out, but in reality that’s usually a harmful mindset. In this episode, we explore why it’s important to be comfortable with uncertainty, even when it comes to important questions of purpose and desires. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one. Read the written version of these episodes: https://medium.com/@mikayeap
According to modern culture, harder is better. But in reality, choosing the easy way is a better default if you know how much is enough. Riddled with personal examples and short stories, this episode is the first with an updated format that focuses on solving a specific problem. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one. Read the written version of these insights on Medium: https://medium.com/@mikayeap
The root of all hypocrisy is fear. Facing yourself is tough since you often find things you aren’t pleased to see, and pretending or faking it is an easy antidote. This episode exposes pretending. DM me on Instagram @mikayeap or Twitter @mika.yeap to chat about this one! Read these insights on Medium: https://medium.com/@mikayeap
This is a classic episode on patience, the most underrated component of success. In this episode, I reveal the event that inspired yesterday's discussion on risk, as well. You'll like this if you enjoy classic episodes of the show with a regular structure and progression. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about these episodes!
This is a simple, punchy episode exploring risk. I use several personal examples to relate it to success and happiness, showing that it’s not just something to be avoided. DM me on Instagram @mikayeap or Twitter @mika.yeap to chat about this one!
This is an unusual episode format where I explain the main message using a poem. Essentially, I go through each verse and explain what it's about to build a complete picture. You'll like this if you enjoy working a little harder to get the message, or if you're interested in poetry. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one! Read the full poem: https://medium.com/@mikayeap/polaroids-of-us-2cb4828c51a4?source=friends_link&sk=c5931e99e8c20ff47a9ff9a9057bc0ba
In this episode, we explore the dark side of ambition. Putting the desire for more on a pedestal isn’t just foolish, but also depressing. You’ll like this if you enjoy deeper discussions of common, overwhelmingly positive concepts. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
This episode is an honest account from the trenches to paint a picture of hard work in the real world. It's not just you, the journey towards your goals is meant to be challenging. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
This episode is about a core aspect of human nature that I hardly talk about but always use in reasoning. We crave control as human beings, which causes us to act out in odd ways. This is an episode for the more theoretically-inclined. It's meant to be more entertaining than educational. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
A simple episode revolving around a single story. This one is about choices. You'll enjoy this if you like a slightly different episode format. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!
This is a simple, practical episode on work. Most of us don't understand how much effort it takes to achieve what we want. DM me on Instagram @mika.yeap or Twitter @mikayeap to chat about this one!