Voice Hugs

Hi friends! First thing's first, we want to apologize for the unannounced hiatus… one week turned into two weeks turned into a few months, and all of a sudden they're now serving pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks :') Friends don't ghost friends, and we should have done better! Even though we've been MIA, we have not stopped thinking about you

Kicking off this week with a sweet little story time: Viv meets a listener for the first time IRL!

What is your jealousy trying to tell you? We've all experienced it firsthand. Whether in romantic, platonic, or familial relationships, jealousy can show up in various facets of our lives often bringing forth complex emotions and challenging our sense of self. In this episode, Ro and Viv explore the origins of their jealousy and how it may be more closely related to other emotions such as fear and sadness. After all, jealousy tends to arise as a response to a perceived or threatened loss or sense of inadequacy. The duo talk about the difference between feeling jealous versus acting jealous, and how embracing the emotion can help us understand ourselves a little more. A friendly reminder that you're not “crazy” for feeling jealous

Fear of intimacy can show up in our lives in many different and unexpected ways. Connection is so important to our human experience, yet we are often afraid of it. In this episode, Ro and Viv dive into a listener's question of why it's difficult to truly open up, and why it's often harder to open up to strangers than it is with ourselves. In order to connect, we must first want to connect and be ready to do so! Ro shares how experiencing loss at a young age led to her fear of disappointment which kept her away from forming connections in her 20s. Viv shares her realization that her fear of abandonment may stem from a deeply rooted belief that she's a "bad" person. They explore the concept of learning to judge the “bad” or “less desirable” parts of ourselves less, and instead try to see why it exists so that instead we can turn it into a superpower! (rather than something we're guilty or ashamed of). Finally, the duo discuss the importance of creating a safe and intimate space for ourselves because the fear of intimacy isn't just with others, but also within you. Thanks for staying with us til the end on this one! It was a harder episode for Viv to record and the resistance was real hehe We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!

Having trouble communicating with your loved ones? Are you tired of feeling misunderstood? Do you ever feel like your words get lost in translation? This week, Ro and Viv explore the world of nonviolent communication (NVC), a method of communication that promotes understanding, empathy, and connection between people. The foundation of NVC encourages us to focus on our needs and emotions and to express them in a way that is respectful and empathetic towards others. They discuss the four components of NVC - observation, feeling, need and request - and how each one contributes to effective communication. Whether it's expressing to your partner you've been wanting to spend more quality time or letting a friend know something that has been bothering you, NVC can be applied in our daily lives to help us listen empathetically, express ourselves clearly, and seek common ground with others. We hope this episode sheds light on the art of nonviolent communication and how it can help us build more empathetic and connected relationships. By practicing the principles of nonviolent communication, we can create a more harmonious and peaceful world, one conversation at a time.

We've all heard of the 5 love languages, but have you heard of the 5 apology languages? In this episode, Ro and Viv explore the intricacies of apologizing and dive into the 5 different apology languages. Discover why it can be difficult to apologize and how understanding the different apology languages can improve communication and relationships. Tune in for insights on how personality types and individual preferences can influence the way we give and receive apologies. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!

On this episode of Gossip, Viv and Ro take a deep dive into the world of gossip and its impact on our daily lives. They explore the power of words and the importance of being mindful of how we use them. Tune in as they discuss whether gossip can ever be good, the act of talking about someone behind their back, and the allure of spilling tea. Along the way, they share their past experiences with gossip and the impact it had on them. This thought-provoking conversation will make you question your own relationship with gossip. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!

Grief is a universal feeling that comes in many shapes and sizes. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, the loss of who you used to be, or what could have been, grief is a difficult emotion that we all experience. In this episode, Ro and Viv share their personal experiences with grief. Ro lost her sibling at the age of 17, and Viv recently lost a parent. They both talk about how they coped with their loss and the challenges of adjusting to a new reality. They also offer ways to be there for a friend who may be grieving. Grief is a personal journey, and everyone processes it differently and on their own timeline. It can be a difficult time, and your brain is occupied with trying to reorganize a reality that no longer makes sense. While grief may never fully leave you, it is possible to integrate it into your life in a beautiful way. So grab some tissues and a sweater hug, and join us as we talk about the five stages of grief, making sense of loss, and being kind and patient with yourself on your journey of grieving. A gentle reminder that it's okay to be not okay. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!

It's time for some life updates! This week, Ro and Viv talk about entering new life stages and navigating the in-between period between seasons. We all go through many transitions in life—naturally as we grow older, whether you've moved to another city, started a new job, or you have made a lifestyle change. Whatever it may be, these transitionary periods can tend to be turbulent as we adjust to our new "normal," but the duo share that these transitions, are in a lot of ways, life's way of helping you level up and grow. Instead of trying to be in control or coming up with the perfect playbook for your life, know that within us there are multiple great lives to be lived and it's a matter of picking which one to move towards for now. Let's enjoy the ride together! We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!

What do you do when you get angry? Do you bottle it up and let is pass? Or do you see red and explode with rage? Or maybe it comes out in the form of passive aggression? Whichever way your anger comes out, we've all been there. This week Viv and Ro discuss how anger comes out in many forms in different people, the differences between anger and aggression, and share stories of personal anger—from throwing tantrums as kids to how they deal with anger as adults. As unpleasant as being angry can be, it's not always a “bad” feeling. As a matter of fact, anger is a healthy emotion that often times signals to you that a boundary has been crossed in your life or that something needs to change. The control comes in how you react to your anger, and the duo share some ways you can calm down and soothe before *popping off* the next time you find yourself in an episode of anger. Tune in to find out which one of the two threw bamboo dining chairs and which got their shoe stuck on top of a bungalow!

After scrolling on Instagram or TikTok for three hours, you feel rejuvenated, refreshed, supported, and you're ready to take on the day…. said no ever lol. Why do we obsessively check social media to see what others are doing only to feel crappy about ourselves when comparing your life to theirs? This week we talk all about FOMO (fear of missing out) and the affects it has on us when we compare our lives to others; and it's not just through social media! FOMO can come in many avenues such as not being included in an inside joke among your friends, being excluded from a hangout, and not getting invited to an event. We dive into the psychology of FOMO and talk about the causes, symptoms, and consequences it can bring but we also talk about some ways you can overcome those negative feelings! We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!

What is a "care team", and how do you create one? In this episode, Vivian and Rowena revisit "care teams" (a concept introduced in episode 33) and discuss in depth the definition, composition, and importance of having one - how can you create your own or find your role in the care teams of those around you? While people often form the foundation of a support system, your care team can also consists of different resources including books, podcasts (like this one

Like any relationship, friendships take work if you want them to last. Whether it's making new friends, maintaining current ones, or outgrowing friendships, this week the duo dive into all things friendships

So you're feeling unmotivated: it's hard to get anything done let alone get out of bed, and the voice in your head is telling you “get your butt up,” “stop wasting your precious time,” “why are you sleeping in AGAIN”… what do you do?? This week's episode is a part two to motivation (check out eps. 28 for part one, one of our most popular episodes in 2022!). The dynamic duo share how their approach to motivation has changed over time and the hacks they've used to help maintain more consistent energy levels. As humans, it's easy for us to compartmentalize things into “good or bad”, “wrong or right”, “all or nothing.” For example: Being productive, pushing yourself, striving to be the best = good Lacking motivation, wasting time, staying in bed = bad But these labels aren't true, life isn't black and white, and living this way is not sustainable in the long run. Tune in to find out how they have learned to be more gentle with themselves through embracing periods of low energy, and how they have turned to curiosity and hacking habits to help spark motivation in their daily lives. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!

How do you learn to love yourself? Whether you're snuggling up with a SO or livin' that Single Pringle life this Valentine's day, a friendly reminder that the most important and greatest love at the end of the day is the love you have for yourself! This week, Viv and Ro time travel back to ~2013 and paint a picture of the relationship they had with themselves in their early 20s (or lack there of). They share stories of breakups (uhh do we cancel him?? hehe jk) and how their lonely single era led them closer to self love. The conversation journeys from self-love and acceptance to questions of what does it means to be happy? How do we find inner peace? Where can we find hope when you're at your absolute lowest? And how DO we truly embrace all seasons of life? At the end of the day, all we can do is put our best foot forward (hint: in any direction), and sooner or later, we can look back and appreciate all the highs and lows that have led us to becoming who we are today. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much!

How do we prevent burnout in 2023? (hint: the answer is a lot more fun than you think!) This week's episode is all about PLAY and the benefits of “losing yourself in play.” Whether it's throwing clay in a ceramics class like Viv or swimming with sharks in Hawaii like Ro (ooo story time!), “play” can help bring us to the present moment, relieve stress, and prevent overthinking. It's easy to get stuck in our everyday routines, and while we all value self-care, we often forget that allowing yourself to have fun is a method of self-care worth prioritizing. Give yourself a chance to experience new things (life can surprise you

Grab some Takis or shrimp chips and have a fun Q&A with us this week! Our wonderful community of listeners have some questions, and Viv and Ro have got the answers! Are there any new things you've implemented into your routine? Go to comfort food? Favorite thing at the moment (clothing piece, food, activity, etc.)? What has been the best way to get to know yourself? When was the last time you did something for the first time? What theme do you have in mind for 2023? As much as you've gotten to know US in the last year, we also would love to know YOU! Share your answers with us @voicehugspodcast We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much! Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com IG: @voicehugspodcast Viv's IG: @vivianxvan Ro's IG: @rowenatsai --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/support

What would you say to your inner child? What thoughts come up as you remember yourself at that age? Many of us may relate to varying extremes of perfectionism (we know our VH community can relate! EP18 “Overcoming resistance and perfectionism” was one of our top episodes!) Whether it's curating the perfect IG feed or crafting the perfect persona - we can likely find a link back to our tendencies as children. What did we yearn for? How did our world look and feel like growing up? Tune in to this episode for part two of how Viv and Ro identified the origins of their perfectionistic patterns. Because when we acknowledge our inner child, hold their hand, we can finally begin to heal from our past. We appreciate all of you for being here! ❤️ Say hello, give us feedback, or share any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify or Apple - it really helps and your support means so much! Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com IG: @voicehugspodcast Viv's IG: @vivianxvan Ro's IG: @rowenatsai Mentions: EP18: Overcoming resistance & perfectionism (The Making of Voice Hugs) EP31: Everybody's judging me --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/support

It's 2023!!! And we're so excited to start a brand new year with you! Dive into this episode with Vivian and Rowena as they each share three words highlighting their intentions for 2023. Rooted from much of the same thoughts, they share the process of picking their three words and why. ✨ Vivian: Consistent, Connection, Create ✨ Rowena: Discipline, Supported, Growth These words serve as reminders for us throughout the year to stay grounded in ourselves, and we invite you to share YOUR three words with us. We'd love to read about them! Giving you a big VOICE HUG as we kick off 2023! We appreciate you and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes! Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com IG: @voicehugspodcast Viv's IG: @vivianxvan Ro's IG: @rowenatsai Mentions: Notion Template - 2023: Reflect & Plan for Your Best Year Yet 24:44 unconventional habits that bettered our lives ft. @leahsfieldnotes --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/support

Can't believe it's already the end of 2022! In this special, last episode of the year, Vivian and Rowena reflect on lessons learned and memorable experiences they each had. Ro shares how setting intentions at the beginning of the year allowed her to experience feeling free despite going through a transitional period in her professional and personal life. Vivian talks about the challenges that this year brought her and how she got through some of those times because of her support system. She shares the importance of creating a “care team” and how she internalized the voices of loved ones to pull her out of some of her lowest lows. While they had very different years, Viv and Ro talk about how they both realize the importance of leaning into your feelings, listening to your body (it's always communicating its needs to you!), and how to bring these ideas into the new year. Thank you SO MUCH for being here!! We're thankful that you are on this journey with us and for all the support and messages throughout this year. You are what keeps us going

What moments or experiences sweep your mind when thinking about gratitude? Who or what immediately comes to focus? As we head into Thanksgiving next week, Viv and Ro spotlight the powerful emotion we call: gratitude. In our darkest moments, gratitude can be the pathway out and into “the state of being free” - as Ro would vividly describe. Ready to cultivate gratitude into your 2023? Share how you're cultivating this for the rest of 2022 into the new year, and let's be each other's guiding light

Everybody is thriving. Everybody has the perfect life. Everybody is so happy. Ah, that inner voice of ours speaking our insecurities into reality. Who is this elusive “everybody” that we all seem to know? Whose voices are we listening to? This episode highlights the book “Finding Your Own North Star” by Martha Beck. Viv and Ro explore a concept in Chapter 4 about an “other” voice guiding our every decision and how to strengthen our own inner voice, so that we live fully and authentically ourselves. The next time you catch yourself thinking “Everybody is…” or “I should…” - pause for a moment, and change the dialogue

This week we chat about boundaries: The invisible line we draw between work, play, family, friends, you name it - and ourselves to protect our headspace

The beautiful part of any friendship is experiencing special milestones together. And if the title didn't already give it away… RO IS

Feeling unmotivated? Indifferent? Meh? Good, because we are too. Let's unpack that. This week is all about motivation, or lack thereof. These periods drain our energy and our head space. Whether it's lack of motivation in our career or finally pursuing a hobby, sometimes our situation gets the best of us. Viv and Ro share in how they each cope with low motivation and how to regain that spark again ✨  Pro-tip: When you're feeling low, reach out to a friend

We're baaackk! Although this time around it wasn't an intentional break. Maybe it's the transition from Summer to Fall, mercury in retrograde, or the slow shift back to “normalcy” pre-COVID… But we're so glad you're here again as we catch up on life happenings! Viv and Ro spent some time with family and reminisce on the boundless spirit and joy of being a kid. Still, as 30-somethings trying to emulate the fearless spirit of a 2 year old, they also chat about what's been holding them back and pushing through a rough patch. As we step into the new Fall season (and approaching our 1 year anniversary!), we just want to say Thank You for sticking with us through all the seasons

When does the inner work journey end? This week we answer a listener question about protecting others from yourself because you are not “fully healed” in your inner work journey or “not good enough” yet. Truth is that the inner work journey never ends. We're in a constant state of evolution while dancing through each season of life. Sharing their take on being a “good/bad” person and being your best self 100% of the time, Viv and Ro remind us that it's OK to be with someone AND continue to grow in your own respect. It's true what they say, “We accept the love we think we deserve.” As always, thank you for being here! We appreciate you and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes :) Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com IG: @voicehugspodcast Viv's IG: @vivianxvan Ro's IG: @rowenatsai --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/support

Whether you felt 2022 went by fast or slow, here we are. August. More than half way through the year, Viv and Ro share some experiences that capture what it means to “live in the moment.” The simple joys of life can be found right in front of you (beyond your computer screen). And once we slow down to see it, we can revel in the kind of growth we never thought possible. Do that thing that you've always wanted to do. Go on that trip to Paris, and forgo your work laptop. Buy that bubble machine labeled: Suggested Age 3+. Do your own at-home gel manicure and save $50. Sit on the park bench and use the bubble machine you just bought to put on a bubble show for the kids. Gentle reminder to not take life too seriously

As children of immigrants, the relationship with our parents can be multi-layered and very complex. Often the first relationship we form as children, this bond proves pivotal in our development into adulthood. Now in their 30s, Viv and Ro recall experiences that continually challenge the role parents play for their (now adult) children. And with it comes its own evolution of unraveling trapped emotions, wrestling with time (or lack of), and seeing our parents as actual human beings. Time with our parents is finite. And in the face of mortality, we just might give both ourselves and parents some grace for the past, present, and future. As always, thank you for being here! We appreciate you and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes :) Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com IG: @voicehugspodcast Viv's IG: @vivianxvan Ro's IG: @rowenatsai Mentions: Book: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/support

We all have it, but we rarely talk about it. In this episode, Viv and Ro expand on one of the most popular topics to date: Insecurities (Episode 2). It's neither a glamorous topic, nor is it easy to talk about. Insecurity can highlight additional feelings of shame, guilt, and anger. Viv and Ro explore how everyday encounters, both work and personal (ahem: social media), can trigger insecurity and send them spiraling. And while insecurity doesn't disappear overnight, the more we practice being kinder to ourselves, the more we rewrite our internal narrative. Similarly, by sharing our insecurities we enter new levels of self-awareness and connection with others. Brené Brown says it best, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage.” As always, thank you for being here! We appreciate youuuu and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes :) Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com IG: @voicehugspodcast Viv's IG: @vivianxvan Ro's IG: @rowenatsai --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/support

If you could be liberated from one thing in your life, what would it be? Whether it's constantly seeking approval from others, or being trapped in the insecure cycle of comparison, Rowena and Viv found that answering this question helped them take inventory of what's holding them back and what steps to take forward towards the right direction. Well... what did they find you ask? Sometimes the thing we need to liberate ourselves most from is that darn voice in our heads (sis needs to chillll!) The two also catch up on current ways they are finding work-life harmony. While Rowena shares the struggle of incorporating quality time socializing with friends and family into her schedule and balancing the never-ending task list of work that needs to get done, Viv talks about the ways she's made simple, yet impactful, decisions to bring herself to the present moment - from ordering fish at a restaurant, to adding a bubble machine to her ultimate picnic pack. As always, thank you for being here! We appreciate youuuu and welcome your feedback ❤️ Please say hello and send over any topics/questions you'd like to hear in future episodes :) Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com IG: @voicehugspodcast Viv's IG: @vivianxvan Ro's IG: @rowenatsai Thank you Notion for sponsoring this episode! https://ntn.so/voicehugs Check out Rowena's 2022 Notion Worksheets: https://ntn.so/rowenastemplate Mentions: Bubble Machine (Target) - Note: Item got not-so-hot reviews so linking another one from Amazon here) Rug/Picnic Blanket (Ikea) Life Purpose - YouTube Slow Productivity - YouTube 10 lessons I learned in my 20s - YouTube --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/support

Have you ever felt happy and sad at the same time? Or maybe torn between two (or more) emotions? At some point in our lives, we have all found ourselves in a push and pull emotional state, and the contrasting feelings may have led to confusion, uncertainty, and maybe even ambivalence. A question from a Voice Hug listener on how to manage the experience of polarizing feelings inspired Vivian and Rowena to reflect on instances where they thought they should have felt a certain way (logically), but instead experienced a different feeling (emotionally). Could we hold space for more than one emotion at once? How do we make sense of this spectrum of emotions? Stay tuned for a reflective story-filled episode and a little takeaway tip involving the word "should" ;) Mentioned: Psychology Today Article "Can You Fee Two Emotions At Once?" Say hello :) Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com IG: @voicehugspodcast Viv's IG: @vivianxvan Ro's IG: @rowenatsai --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/support

An episode all about the different types of content we consume! Mentioned: Notion: https://ntn.so/voicehugs Say hello :) Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com IG: @voicehugspodcast Ro's IG: @rowenatsai Viv's IG: @vivianxvan --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/support

We've missed you! Vivian (@vivianxvan) and Rowena (@rowenatsai) catch up after a month-long hiatus. Each co-host talks about their recent trips and getaways from normal life. How does leaving your physical comfort zone affect you? How does your perspective change? Listen to the episode to find out how embracing deep rest has the ability to reset and refresh. Viv and Ro analyze how their recent travels have influenced them to realign with their internal intentions. Mentioned: Notion: https://ntn.so/voicehugs The Tail End - Wait But Why Say hello :) Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com IG: @voicehugspodcast Ro's IG: @rowenatsai Viv's IG: @vivianxvan --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/support

Jams joins us again! In this week's episode, Jams interviews Vivian (@vivianxvan) and Rowena (@rowenatsai) on what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite podcast, Voice Hugs. They explore the resistance that builds as they move closer to their goals and the ongoing battle of perfectionism they face as content creators (6:15). As they reflect on pushing forward and building confidence through practice and patience (20:40), the duo emphasize the importance of having a strong support system at each step of the way (since the feelings of resistance never really go away)! (33:50) If you have been entertaining the idea of starting a side project or creating something new and are currently met with resistance, this is the episode for you! Stay tuned for a fun behind-the-scenes making of episode #1 (hint: it involves multiple recordings). Say hello :) Email: hello@voicehugspodcast.com IG: @voicehugspodcast Ro's IG: @rowenatsai Viv's IG: @vivianxvan --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/support

A very special episode this week welcoming our first podcast guest *drum roll please*... Jams!! (aka Rowena's boyfriend, VH Fan Club President). If there's anything you've been pondering, specific scenarios you'd love us to chat about, or if you just want to say hello (!!), send us a DM @voicehugspodcast or an email to hello@voicehugspodcast.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/support

This week, Viv (@vivianxvan) and Ro (@rowenatsai) explore 3 different listener scenarios instead of deeeep diving into one, starting with a very common experience of projecting expectations onto others. Listener scenarios (paraphrased): I've noticed that whenever my partner goes for a night out, I immediately feel judgmental, neglected, and anxious. How do I be mindful of projecting my expectations and judgement onto others? (1:54) Where and how do I start my self-help, living a mindful life, productivity journey? There is so much information out there and I'm overwhelmed! (15:57) I'm seeing someone new. How early is too early to open up to them? (25:46) The bicoastal duo share how it's easier to fixate on something external (controlling others) as a way to subconsciously avoid facing something internal. They also talk about how altering your definition of love can help combat “neediness”, and knowing your "why" can serve as the starting point as you begin your self-care-productivity-living-a-mindful-life journey. To wrap up the episode, they share tips on the intricate dance of opening up to someone new. The theme of this episode, not surprisingly, is the importance of communicating effectively with yourself and others. If there's anything you've been pondering, specific scenarios you'd love us to chat about, or if you just want to say hello (!!), send us a DM @voicehugspodcast or an email to hello@voicehugspodcast.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/support

Taking a look back at the first quarter of 2022, Rowena (@rowenatsai) and Vivian (@vivianxvan) share reflections on their podcast journey - from finding a balance between friend mode and work mode (4:20) to focusing less on numbers and trusting the universe (14:48). They also share defining moments in their lives: how experiencing loss and coming near death has become a guiding force in how they choose to spend their time and decide what type of content they want to create, be it podcast or YouTube (8:25). This episode is full of lessons learned - letting go of control, learning to go with the flow, and pivoting as a way to grow and expand (21:51). They wrap up the episode sharing what they're looking forward to in the upcoming months - all things podcast related (hint: merchhhh??

Did you know the rational side of a human brain is not fully developed until around age 25? No wonder why we regret so many decisions made by our younger selves! This week, we share some not-so-proud moments of young Ro & Viv - from drinking and raving at a very early age to trash talking friends behind their backs. The build up of poor decisions over the years resulted in an era of overcompensating our “bad” by becoming borderline obsessed with being “good” (aka: addiction to self-improvement until burnout. SOS). We've learned that the only way to forgive our past is to accept all parts of the story. Tune in to find out what has helped us over the years ;) If there's anything you've been pondering, specific scenarios you'd love us to chat about, or if you just want to say hello (!!), send us a DM @voicehugspodcast or email us hello@voicehugspodcast.com! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/voicehugs/support

After a one-week hiatus, Rowena (@rowenatsai) and Vivian (@vivianxvan) are back with an even more intense recording schedule (Viv woke up at 4:30 a.m. for this episode

Breakups aren't just for romance. Oftentimes, the breakups that hurt the most are those with your friends. This week, Vivian (@vivianxvan) and Rowena (@rowenatsai) chat about heartache from friendship fallouts, and how to get closure when you're no longer on speaking terms. Through our stories, we explore why some friendships last while others fall apart, and how different life stages impact these experiences. If there's anything you've been pondering or specific scenarios you'd love us to chat about, send us a DM @voicehugspodast or an email to hello@voicehugspodcast.com

Swiping left and right on dating apps is thrilling, and sometimes feels like fun and games. But after getting ghosted for the 50th time, you might start to question... is it me? Am I the problem?? This week, Rowena (@rowenatsai) and Vivian (@vivianxvan) chat about finding love on dating apps, taking rejection personally, and overcoming the fear of putting yourself out there through deepening the most important relationship: the one with yourself. If there's anything you've been pondering or specific scenarios you'd love us to chat about, send us a DM @voicehugspodast or an email to hello@voicehugspodcast.com

So you've been hanging out for a while now and basically act like you're a couple, but they tell you they're "not ready" to commit or define the relationship status... sound familiar anyone? This anxiety inducing non-committal dynamic is no foreign concept to many of us, Rowena (@rowenatsai) and Vivian (@vivianxvan) included. This week, we share about the ups and downs of past non-committal relationships, how we justify that we're "okay" with the situation and convince ourselves that it's actually a good thing (!), and when it is finally time to say goodbye. Stay tuned for a read from Rowena's 2012 journal and a plot twist in Vivian's relationship story. If there's anything you've been pondering or specific scenarios you'd love us to chat about, send us a DM @voicehugspodast or an email to hello@voicehugspodcast.com

Whether you're an anxious type like Viv (@vivianxvan), or tend to lean more avoidant like Ro (@rowenatsai), there are many challenges that both of us went through because of our attachment styles. In this week's episode, we chat about attachment theory and share stories on our struggles (from sweaty palms and panic attacks to a six-year single streak lol) and how we've learned to move towards to becoming more secure in ourselves and our relationships. We also touch on the topic of ‘toxic independence' (is marriage a trap? is being self-reliant = strong woman? how much independence is a good thing?) to close out the episode. Thank you Anna for submitting this week's question! If there's anything you've been pondering or specific scenarios you'd love us to chat about, send us a DM @voicehugspodast or an email to hello@voicehugspodcast.com

Have you ever questioned your existence after social outings or interactions? That's vulnerability hangover for ya friends. Something Viv (@vivianxvan) and Ro (@rowenatsai) are fortunately or unfortunately very well acquainted with

From never truly understanding our life's impact on others to experiencing immense gratitude to the point of feeling reborn, catch up with Viv (@vivianxvan) and Ro (@rowenatsai) as they catch up with each other. With LNY upon us, we reminisce on childhood mems and our childlike wonder, share what we've been reading, and ponder what it means to live a meaningful life. Yes, if you're wondering, this is indeed a very casual and normal convo between the two of us.

How do you get over your first love? Should you live together before marriage? Do you think guys or girls should make the first move? In this week's episode, Viv (@vivianxvan) and Ro (@rowenatsai) picked out 13 relationship questions submitted by you lovely humans and share some candid advice on looooove! Thank you for sending in all the submissions - twas a really fun episode to record. :) Are there questions we missed, or specific relationship troubles you'd like advice on? Drop us an email hello@voicehugspodcast.com or DM our IG @voicehugspodcast Questions: Do you think guys or girls should make the first move? What advice do you have for long-distance relationships? Getting over your first love, ex fiance and soulmate? Do you think people can change when they love someone? Do you think a partner can change while in a relationship? What's the best relationship advice that someone has ever given you? I've caught feelings for a close friend now what? Make a move and risk not having that person in my life at all? Is it ever too late to say “I love you”? Is anyone ever too good or not good enough for someone else? Is your “first love” overrated? 2021/Instagram trend of “soft-launching” a partner (basically posting IG stories without showing their face) Do you think it's necessary for a couple to have the same love languages? Thoughts on living together before getting married? When do you know that a relationship is over?

With the rise of social media within the past decade, how often would you say you compare yourself to someone else's “perfect” life? In this week's episode, Viv (@vivianxvan) and Ro (@rowenatsai) get real about social media and its impact on their personal, and our collective, mental health. From how to be more mindful about the content we consume to self-censoring in fear of saying the “wrong” thing, let's explore the dopamine-driven, pixelated world of likes, shares, and follows. Send us an email at hello@voicehugspodcast.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/voicehugspodcast/

Do you need to choose an unconventional career path to find happiness or can a conventional one bring you the same peace of mind? In this episode, we talked about college struggles, feeling absolutely lost, the pressure to follow our peers' career paths, and how we eventually found peace within it all. Would you guys like more convos around college & careers? Let us know if you'd like us to turn any topics we've covered into series.

*Blink* a new year already?? To wrap up 2021, Rowena (@rowenatsai) and Vivian (@vivianxvan) chose 10 fun, thoughtful, and quirky questions they answer in this episode. Their findings? Despite how relentless, slow, in their feels, and “unproductive” 2021 may have been, it was still a year filled with many learnings and reassuring reminders to be gentle with ourselves, stay present, and live a more ~balanced~ existence. Here's to less burning out and pendulum swinging from extremes in the new year!

What are our current insecurities? Where do they stem from? How is insecurity the root of jealousy? And how does cancel culture fit into all of this?? This week Rowena (@rowenatsai) and Vivian (@vivianxvan) get very honest about all things insecurities from body image to creating content on Youtube, and reveal how you can overcome your insecurities through something as simple as changing how you dress.