Tackling Minds

In episode #37 I have the privilege to share time with my guest Vita Henderson Chan, we explore Vita's journey with ADHD and Autism, witnessing how these unique perspectives fuel creative processes. Dive into the intricate pathways of Vita's mind and witness the extraordinary outlets of self-expression that have been cultivated. Uncover the transformative power of intentional communication as Vita forges profound connections through the scope of art. Tune in for a remarkable episode where neurodiversity, creativity, and intentional communication intersect to create something truly magical.About the guest:VMSCH, the moniker of Vita Henderson Chan, is a dynamic Digital Artist whose work combines Photography, Graphic Design, Digital Illustration, and Photo Manipulation to craft immersive visual experiences. With a multicultural background and roots in London, VMSCH embraces and celebrates Asian beauty in their captivating artworks. As the founder of the esteemed content creation agency "Light of Prometheus," Vita's talent as a Creative Director has garnered recognition, having collaborated with renowned brands like Nomad Caviar, Tatler, Diageo, and Allianz. Beyond their professional pursuits, Vita's creative endeavors extend to being a Web 3.0 enthusiast, Jazz Musician, Cabaret Producer, and creator of interactive comics that shed light on living with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and High Functioning Autism. More on Vita here: www.tacklingminds.comConnect with Vita on Instagram—About Emily:Emily's WebsiteEmily's InstagramTackling Minds Podcast Website | Tackling Minds InstagramHow to support the podcast:Buy Emily a MatchaApple Ratings and Review | Spotify RatingsSubscribe to Emily's newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In episode #36, we delve into the delicate balance of living purposefully with the people we choose, while also acknowledging that life has its easy and hard moments, and that living with anxiety can be managed in a healthier manner.Jon shares personal experiences about navigating friendships in the context of anxiety, including discussions around **suicide and the importance of being the friend who is willing to talk about the hard stuff. We discuss the concept of "bargaining chips" in relationships and how transactional interactions can impact our mental health. Along with handling constructive feedback, the tendency to take every negative comment as criticism, and finding ways to thrive despite life's challengesTune in to this episode for a candid exploration in the dichotomy between emotional and logical responses to anxiety and other emotions, and how they affects our decision-making within relationships and work.  It's a true pleasure to share this authentic conversation with a fellow health and fitness coach / cancer survivor / all around bad a**!**Trigger Warning. timestamp 22:52 mentions suicideAbout The Guest:Jon Bond is the president and co-founder at Hybrid Personal Training, MMA & Fitness, currently based out of Los Angeles, California. His experience in the fitness started when he was 13 years old and have since grew with his love for everything that has to do with gyms. From building communities to building businesses globally, Jon isn't afraid to care fiercely about what he does.  Jon's business in Hong Kong Connect with Jon on Instagram—About Emily:Emily's WebsiteEmily's InstagramTackling Minds Podcast Website | Tackling Minds InstagramHow to support the podcast:Buy Emily a MatchaApple Ratings and ReviewSpotify RatingsSubscribe to the Podcast ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In episode #35, we discuss the caveats of vulnerability and how to navigate it in the workspace, especially in a corporation like Microsoft, where she works. I ask Vera about her journey in accepting her challenges to living this advocacy, throughout her personal and professional experience from different parts of the world, and how podcasting is used as a way to give back to the community.  Her passion for people has led her to 'State of Mind', a podcast in which Vera Siertsema talks to guests about their stories of strength and well-being. Powered by Microsoft, with the main goal to normalize mental health conversations. "Because we all have a story, and every story matters."About Vera:Vera Siertsema is passionate about people. She loves learning from others and spreading empathy, authenticity and energy. In her perspective, people are our greatest asset; with the right mindset, you can achieve anything.  She is a highly motivated leader and technology professional with experience in multiple regions covering roles in Sales, Marketing and Operations. Vera worked in The Netherlands, Australia and Singapore where she learned to quickly build relationships with clients, partners and colleagues. Vera has been recognized multiple times for her ability to understand organizational challenges & opportunities and bring people together to work towards a common goal.About the guest:Vera's LinkedInVera's PodcastConnect with Vera on Instagram—About Emily:Emily's WebsiteEmily's InstagramTackling Minds Podcast Website | Tackling Minds InstagramHow to support the podcast:PatreonApple Ratings and ReviewSpotify RatingsSubscribe to the Podcast ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Karina Calver is an author and Trauma & Relationship Counselor. She founded Hukam Healing where she helps people through intuitive coaching. As a mindfulness and meditation practitioner, Karina helps others outside of 1-on-1 coaching as a motivational speaker, a Tedx speaker and through her podcast “To Brown” - a platform to not just celebrate all things about Brown culture, people and food but also to address and break free from certain stigmas many have had to or are having to still live with.In episode #34, we go on a journey of why supporting men is important to the both of us, how we unknowingly carry damaging behaviours into our relationships, what holding space for someone can look like, how to forgive someone who hurt you and Karina expands on the power of forgiveness, which was the title of her ted talk.About the guest:Karina's WebsiteConnect with Karina on Instagram—About Emily:Emily's WebsiteEmily's InstagramTackling Minds Podcast Website | Tackling Minds InstagramHow to support the podcast:PatreonApple Ratings and ReviewSpotify RatingsSubscribe to the Podcast ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

What started out as a keen curiosity to learn more about his own strength and conditioning goals led to a career change from accounting to fitness. Andy once aspired to be a professional soccer player. While I don't doubt he would've been a committed professional athlete, I'm grateful that he has found another way to make a tremendous positive impact. In addition to years devoted to fitness education and coaching, he is also now the co-author of Dynamic Balance - an insightful tour of “Integrating Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine into Strength and Conditioning”.Drawing on his master's degree in exercise science and influenced by his 10-year stay in the United States, Andy has a unique outlook on health and athletic performance. You'll find hints of traditional Chinese medicine integrated into his training philosophy, where harmony between all aspects of life is a prerequisite to optimal health and human performanceIn this episode, we discuss Andy's own background growing up with sports, his career change journey, how writing his book has influenced his own outlook, and more. Andy also shares his battle with anxiety, in hopes that it would help others who might be going through something similar.About the guest:Andy's WebsiteConnect with Andy on Instagram | LinkedIn—About Emily:Emily's WebsiteEmily's InstagramEmily's Projects: Mental Muscle Website | Mental Muscle InstagramTackling Minds Podcast Website | Tackling Minds InstagramHow to support the podcast:PatreonApple Ratings and ReviewSpotify RatingsSubscribe to the Podcast ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Steph founded Body Banter in 2016 after realizing the powerful role that discussion and advocacy played in her own eating disorder recovery journey. Through providing opportunities for community-building, advocacy and open discussion, she hopes that Body Banter can amplify the voices of individuals and empower them to be the driving forces behind creating a more accepting and accommodating world.  Her fascination with the relationship between language and mental health has led her to her current PhD studies in a joint program between the University of Hong Kong and local mental health charity Mind HK, where she is exploring how cultural context and conversations shape the ways we view mental health issues in our community.  Her work is internationally recognized, and has been featured on media platforms such as BBC, Channel NewsAsia, NowTV, and Deutsche Welle.  (www.bodybanter.com )In this episode, we discuss topics around cultural and gender differences in body image, the power of language that shapes our attitude towards mental health and illness, how we develop healthy identity with fitness and more.About the guest:Steph's LinkedInSteph's InstagramBody BanterAbout Emily:Emily's WebsiteEmily's InstagramEmily's Projects: Mental Muscle Website | Mental Muscle InstagramTackling Minds Podcast Website | Tackling Minds InstagramMusic credit:DanyaVodovoz ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Andrew Cox is more than just a businessman-- he's also a trainer, lifestyle coach, and educator in health and fitness. His ultimate goal? To lead others towards proactive health so that they can experience sustainable levels of vitality and performance. Something Andrew knows quite well from his own experiences playing sports as a youngster and continuing his movement practice into adulthood with capoeira training. In addition to being Joint Dynamics Ltd.'s Co-Founder and Director, Andrew positively impacts Hong Kong's wellness industry by modeling compassionate leadership within both his family unit and social circles.In this episode, we explore male friendships - how to do friendships after marriage and making new ones as adults. We also talk about ways to stay connected through fitness routines and share some laughs along the way.If you want to know more about what we're tackling in life, or if you just want to contact us, all the links are in the show notes.Tune in atwww.tacklingminds.com

Jake Elliott Glibbery spent most of his life in unusual relationship with circadian rhythm, light and wake/sleep cycle.  Having previously worked in finance for over 10 years, that exacerbated sleep issues, burning the candle at both ends and struggling to adapt body to a “9-5” schedule.The unique sleep pattern led to an interest in maximising sleep length and quality, eventually creating Dormu with his co-creator who has a background in neuroscience, to collectively level-up the sleep quality Hong Kong, Asia, and beyond.In this episode, I talk to Jake about the advantages of physical touch like boosting neurotransmitters positively, why some people are not comfortable with human touch, the interesting history of weighted blankets and the power of comfort transmitted through weighted blankets and more.About the guest:Jake's LinkedInAbout Dormu—About Emily:Emily's WebsiteEmily's InstagramEmily's Projects: Mental Muscle Website | Mental Muscle InstagramTackling Minds Podcast Website | Tackling Minds Instagram___How to support the podcast:PatreonApple Ratings and Review Spotify RatingsSubscribe to the Podcast★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Saed Alami is a a health coach who specializes in wellness transformation with a passion.  Born to transform the health and wellness industry, Saed is dedicated to elevating everyone he works with to create real energy, vitality, and personal health, through a process he coins “Body alchemy”. Transforming unhealthy beliefs, and habits into a uniquely designed personal way of living.  His ultimate vision is to inspire people to embody their authentic selves and live healthy and meaningful lives in harmony with others and the planet.In this episode, I talk to Saed about where we are with masculinity, how did we get here and how can men and women start understanding each other better.About the guest:Saed's LinkedInSaed's Instagram—About Emily:Emily's WebsiteEmily's InstagramEmily's Projects: Mental Muscle Website | Mental Muscle InstagramTackling Minds Podcast Website | Tackling Minds Instagram___How to support the podcast:PatreonApple Ratings and Review Spotify RatingsSubscribe to the Podcast★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Ross Eathorne is an accolade of achievements, being well known as a performance trainer, international athlete, mentor, presenter, author, and to borrow his words - a recovering perfectionist. In the world of training and education, his scope's emphasis are around Corrective Exercise, Strength & Conditioning, Sports Specific Periodisation, Wellness, Sports psychology, Performance and “Building your Personal Best”His time spent embodying fitness resilience shows for itself, includes competing in 10 World Sports Aerobics Championships, played Premier level Rugby, completed not one but two 250km Ultramarathons in the Sahara and Atacama deserts, practices Qi Gong and incorporated its wisdom in his books, competed in 3 Crossfit opens and 3 spartan events … his entire list of “doings” would take up all the space on this page.  It makes sense that he wrote 3 books, not about his accomplishments but a collection of true wisdom and knowledge accumulated over sweat and effort.In this episode, he shares some insights on coaching girls vs boys, the hard soft skills, our pursuit for doing and that men need healing too.If you're interested in diving deeper into what we're doing, check out the links below.#TacklingMindsPodcast

Tony is someone who believes that compassion and empathy are values that we all should have. Born and raised in Australia, he is a management consultant and a life coach by trade based out of Hong Kong. Tony's a busy man! He loves nature, he loves boxing, he pursues self-development and spiritual practice, he loves being a father, a boxing coach, a mentor at The Shed (a hands-on, inquiry-based learning community for kids) and he's a facilitator for the Hong Kong arm of EVRYMAN (An online men's community that empowers you to become self-led.)In this episode, Tony and I talk about the male experience and mental health, varied experiences growing up in western cultures within an Asian upbringing, being human and more.SUBSCRIBE: https://tacklingminds.transistor.fm/subscribeApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tackling-minds/id1510074302Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2O53X7V17484FVpXUBKGZSSupport the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/tacklingminds___ Anthony's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-ko-4a801219/EVRYMAN website: https://evryman.com/—-About Emily: www.emilylolatan.comEmily's Instagram: www.instagram.com/theemilytanTackling Minds Instagram: www.instagram.com/tacklingmindsTackling Minds Website: www.tacklingminds.comMental Muscle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentalmuscle.coMental Muscle Website: www.mentalmuscle.co★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Aaron Stadlin-Robbie is known as a Hong Kong-Kiwi rugby player, media presenter, founder and host of Talking Mental Podcast, creator of “Walk and Talk” and a long-standing advocate for mental health awareness, like being appointment ambassador for the Movember 2020 campaign in Hong Kong. For me, I know him as all that AND someone who values passion in what he does, and as someone who takes pride in being a father and a husband.If you're listening from Hong Kong, I'm sure you would have heard Aaron's name in anything. mental. Health. He had and still is pushing the envelope on tackling the city's limited resources for mental health support.  What started since his own battle with anxiety and panic attacks years ago, led him to take a deeper look inwards and the start of Talking Mental podcast where he talks to leading experts on topics that he finds important to him.  In this episode, Aaron and I talk about Bromance.If you're interested in diving deeper into what we're doing, all links are in the show notes.  Tune in at www.tacklingminds.com

Skott Taylor is a wealth of experiences -as a public speaker, actor, trainer, facilitator, founded a boutique consultancy, NewSeed Creative, which specialized in purpose driven company culture and employee engagement consulting, co-founded the B Corp Consulting Group of Hong Kong.  What's Skott doing now?! He's a global department head at BRIDGE Partnerships, experts in organisational transformation & leadership development, and co-founder of EVRYMAN Hong Kong - a community that supports and pushes men to lead fulfilling lives being their fullest selves.Hailing from Vancouver Island, Canada, Skott first arrived in Hong Kong in 2013 after 10 years living in China.  His personal interests range from performing, acting, running, sea kayaking, producing, exploring and creating. Beyond that I'm a passionate husband and father that is trying to make this world a better place for our next generation.  This is where I know we are of the same kind of tribe.Skott travelled to the US when he first learned about EVRYMAN, invested in their MELT retreat (Men's Emotional Leadership Training) and came back to Hong Kong to start a group with his friends Mac Ling and Owen Montgomery.In this episode, Skott and I talk about PURPOSE.If you're interested in diving deeper into what we're doing, get in touch! Skott's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skotttaylor/EVRYMAN website: https://evryman.com/---Support the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/tacklingminds---About Emily: www.emilylolatan.comEmily's Instagram: www.instagram.com/theemilytanTackling Minds Instagram: www.instagram.com/tacklingmindsMental Muscle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentalmuscle.co★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Welcome back to Tackling Minds, Series 2 called “Sup, Man”.This series is dedicated to advocating mental muscle and emotional intelligence FOR men.  For those of you who are new to Tackling Minds and wondering why am I, as woman, doing this FOR men.  Well, if you already think that I have manipulating, insincere motives other than the work for humanity, then, this podcast is MOST CERTAINLY, for you. I believe we are more than our gender-based issues, that we, as humans are more similar than we are different in emotional needs like care, safety, desire, respect and also in feeling safe to SHOW love, to SHOW care, without the worry of being labelled as “intense” “too much” or the big one for guys, labelled as “sensitive” in a negative tone. Until we're able to whole heartedly move forward and build forward as a unit of amazing humans, there ARE gender-biased issues to address.Personally, men's work goes beyond altruism.  It pains me to see the men in my life struggle with long-standing patriarchal practices - yes, blind patriarchy is crushing for men too.   When I really thought about it, I realised that it is equal opportunities and equal choices that many of us really appreciate, regardless of gender.You're a woman and CHOOSE to want to raise your kids full time without the distraction of thinking you need to keep up a career and without being condemned by other people who think you're a "JUST A STAY AT HOME MOM"? YES! You're a man and CHOOSE to want to raise your kids full time without the distraction of thinking you need to keep up a career and without being condemned by other people who think you're a "JUST A STAY AT HOME DAD"? YES!That is just one example of how it's having the CHOICE that matters, and for us, within the social circles, to be supportive of our friends and families.  Too many people are doing things that feel wrong to them purely because they think they would be disappointing parents, partners or anyone else they feel pressured to be a certain way that isn't true to them being their full selves.There are definitely more significant ways to push forward in this kind of work, I only hope that my small contribution here on this podcast is enough to spark conversations.  Conversations that are catalysts for shifting perspectives that lead to change, no matter how small those changes are.  It's the small changes that amount to a big impact.So, enjoy this series where I invite men on the show for potentially uncomfortable but important topics.  The men on the show are already coaches themselves who work with other men in the mental health space, in health and wellness, in education and/or are in leadership roles at work and at home.I maintain an open invitation for you, the listeners, to contact me with suggestions on who you think would be a great fit for the show and our mission.  There are different topics on every episode, I hope the topics that resonate with you are on the show and if not, get in touch!Side Note: The in-person initiative of this work is called Mental Muscle Mafia.  Check us out on instagram @mentalmusclemafia and contact us if this is something you want to be a part of.Podcast Website: www.tacklingminds.comAbout Me: www.emilylolatan.comTackling Minds Instagram: www.instagram.com/tacklingmindsMental Muscle Mafia Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentalmusclemafia★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Kay Kay is a director for the Hong Kong Powerlifting Federation (HKPF), coaches and competes in weightlifting and powerlifting, and a Lululemon Hong Kong ambassador. In this episode, Kay Kay shares how she manages rotating between coaching her competitive athletes and competing herself, managing different physical skills all at the same time, organized and competed at the hardest event in her competing experience, women in weightlifting and powerlifting, and the interesting dynamic between her and her fiancé (now husband) where she’s his coach.

Bruninho Barbosa is a black belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach and competitor based in Malaysia. In this episode, we cover Bruno's history of growing up in the favelas of Brazil and how he evolved with resilience while living humbly in gratitude.

Fraser Quelch is one of the founders of the revolutionary TRX Training and an industry leader. He's a renowned fitness expert, published in journals & appeared in numerous fitness DVDs, while most of the world knows this TED speaker as a dynamic & high energy presenter.

Yiki Chan 是马来西亚首个马戏团舞展 Cre Arts Asia 的监制，舞蹈员与目前在 Viva Vertical 授课 Bungee Workout

Jay Horley is passionate about two things: leading a lifestyle of a diabetic carnivore and to elevate the standards of coaching. This BJJ athlete also leads as the Education Manager at ATP Fitness in Asia.

Chris Collins is a martial artist, an actor, an action director, and a known name in the Hong Kong martial arts club circle. You've seen this US marine veteran last in the movie Ip Man 4 and he is nothing short of a motivational influence for his students and followers.

Evie is a Seattle-based visual artist and co-creator of Exhale Movement. In this conversation, we talked about the practice of breath upon practicing our craft, mixing martial arts and pole dancing, the tricking effect of leadership within a dance studio, social media usage for progress tracking, our parents influences on our bravery, and what diversity and inclusion mean to her.

Christian Lee and Mark Choo are founders of Tribe boxing studio in Malaysia, packed with experience in professional sports and tech startup. Christian is a former tennis player and spin instructor, while Mark is a tech entrepreneur who gives it his all on the football field, go-kart track, or the Rave Cave at Tribe.

Ramona Pascual is Hong Kong's first professional mixed martial arts fighter signed to a regional promotion. This Tedx speaker was previously on the Hong Kong Women’s Rugby team and is also an active competitor in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai.

Dan Edwardes is the Founder and CEO of Parkour Generations, A founding member of a national governing body called Parkour UK, creator of the global A.D.A.P.T qualification program, an author, presenter, he had choreographed and performed for movies and other forms of media and been awarded honors such as the Canary Wharf Business Innovation Award.

Creator of Gorilla Strong Kettlebell System, Muk Venkataraman catches more than cleans and snatches on a stand-up comedy stage. Transitioning career identities in your 40s but as Muk says, don't take anything too seriously. If you're not having fun with it, then don't do it. Simple

Having studied law, lived in the UK, spent a good chunk of her career in journalism, and loves pole dancing, Moon is not one to conform to societal expectations. She’s taken the bull by the horns throughout her life challenges, with the most recent being a cancer diagnosis.

Charis is a jill of all trades. From teaching kids up to people over 80, to singing and choreography work, Charis is passionate about community building and hopes to create a more inclusive industry, fostering mutual appreciation of different art forms among different individuals.

Eric Levine is an established name in the world of fitness enterprise. He was the first licensee of Gold's Gym, partnered with Ray Wilson Family Fitness Centers, founder of California Fitness in Asia, created Planet Yoga in Asia & 1Ride in Mexico, a partner in global companies 24Hour Fitness, Crunch, UFC and now in partnership with a new company called HiTT with Manny Pacquiao.

Tesa Ho is Hong Kong’s first female black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, has a black belt in Taekwondo, a trader by profession and is passionate about empowering others using BJJ as the medium, especially women.

Marcel Daane is the author of Headstrong Performance and an executive coach with a Master's Degree in Neuroscience of Leadership. He's deeply passionate about mindfulness, martial arts, and wellness, and spends his free time educating the public on the powerful link between those.

Tricia Yap is recognized as one of the most accomplished health and fitness experts in Hong Kong, with a background as a nutrition and strength coach, and qualified as a functional medicine health coach. As a speaker and presenter for TedxWomen, corporates, universities, and other events, she has addressed topics of sleep and stress, health hacking, leadership, gender equity, and more. In this episode, Tricia shares her personal experience on health, her approach to coaching, and standing firm on being honest with her clients.

Raul Tapia III, CEO at Maverix.Asia Fitness Business Consulting has been in the game all over Asia for almost 2 decades. In this episode, we talked about the culture of excellence in the fitness business, how that culture trumps nationality and race, overcoming doubt, comparison of work ethics, and ultimately why it’s important to invest in people

Vicki Chew is currently a rhythmic boxing coach at Tribe Malaysia, a personal trainer and holds the glamorously unpaid title of being a single working mother. I love this episode because it’s raw and honest about facing hardships and making them work in our favour. I hope you'll enjoy this as much as I did!

Andres Vesga has been leading the movement culture in Hong Kong under the name “HK movement practice”. We talked about what beliefs Andres had to remove throughout his entire career in the fitness industry, to now be known as a movement teacher, how he manages ego, struggles, and how his movement philosophy spills over to life philosophy.

I propose Hard Knock Questions in this mini series. Questions we’re all curious about but might possibly offend some when asked in person. Today’s question: What’s it been like fighting cancer?

In this episode, we talked about how Dr Kim herself handled being self-quarantined in Hong Kong, how to choose who to talk to when you need somebody to talk things out, the importance of physical touch, important skillsets to develop for relationships with family, friends and partners, establishing purpose, narcissism vs woke culture and making life adjustments.

On this show, I talk to folks who embody various skills to cultivate resilience. I wanna know how they rationalize, how they care for their physical health AND mental health, how they handle relationships, how someone leads a sex-positive life, how to be resourceful - HOW to thrive.

Vee Lea is currently a coach, creator of One Minute Mobility and co-founder of Trybe, a training center for gymnastics, weightlifting, acrobatics, and movement, in Hong Kong. Under her belt of co-founding and founding establishments, they include Aerial Arts Academy in Hong Kong Viva Vertical in Malaysia, Viva Circus performing troupe, Fly Yoga, and the International Pole Dance Fitness Association