We're Always In Retrograde: Recent Episodes

Michelle Hsia

No one ever said college students have little to say. Tune in to hear an especially talkative group dissect current events, strange circumstances, and their own personal experiences.

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On this episode, Michelle shares a passage from her new favorite novel, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Vietnamese-American author Ocean Vuong. Novel provided courtesy of Liliam Clavijo <3

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In this episode, I dive into a quick conversation about the rise in AAPI hate crimes, my own emotion associated with the "model minority" myth, and my fears going forward. I hope to use this moment to have my voice be heard - before the movement may end. 

stopAAPIhate #stopAsianAmericanhate

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Welcome to the first of the Embracing Identity Series - chats where I’ll be talking through categories of my favorite Asian creators. Today’s category is: YouTube stars/social media influencers.

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It's no secret - a lot of episodes I've recorded have never seen the light of day. But the truth is often in the first take, the moments of real, raw, emotion. I want to take the opportunity I have to share those words. So here's me - more unedited and real than ever before. 

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On this episode, Michelle points out the excellence of the 2001 film Spirited Away and the lessons that are undeniably applicable to our lives today.

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In this episode, Michelle & Ashley (athlete, future physician, and caffeine in human form) discuss growing up Christian, balancing science & art, and the pursuit of "the one". 

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2020 is ending, so it's time to bring it FULL CIRCLE. In this episode, Michelle & Hannah (the first-ever guest of We're Always in Retrograde) crack open a year of chaos and take the time to accept change for what it brings and for what it takes away. 

DISCLAIMER: This episode is titled to indicate that it's meant to be revisited as seasons pass and years fly by. Here's to listening again in 2021 and beyond :) 

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It's not Thursday...but it is thoughtful? Tune into this episode, brought to you by the stress of finals season and the strong desire to practice giving yourself grace. 

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Love is a complex topic, but how well do we really understand it? In this episode, Michelle dives into a new potential definition and how that may help us going into the future.

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In this episode, Michelle & Sabrina (graduate, mentor, & future physician) talk tough decisions throughout COVID-19, adapting to our new reality, and why they believe we can still move forward. 

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They say laughter is the best medicine, but a little time to yourself can do wonders as well. On this episode, Michelle leads her first mindfulness meditation and sinks into the present - if only for a few minutes.

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September 2020 has marked the death of Ruth Bader Ginsberg and a grand jury decision in the case of Breonna Taylor. In this episode, Michelle discusses catharsis, the future, and attempts to pay homage to the power of women. 

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In this episode, Michelle & Ally (future scientist, Christian, and host of the podcast "Semi-Question Mark") discuss the complicated relationship status of science and religion. 

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In this episode, Michelle addresses misconceptions about homelessness and tries to remain intentional in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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In this episode, Michelle dives into the existence of structural gaslighting in both UFC and systemic racism.

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Michelle and Martha Kendall have been friends for over 9 years, seeing each other through some of the strangest times of their lives. In this episode, they dive into a discussion about the humanities, the future, and what a cultural divide can look like within a relationship. 

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This year, the decisions voters make in November will reverberate for a generation to come, through all three branches of American government and across the world. Listen in as Michelle and Liliam (advocate, leader, and future law student) discuss their own experiences with politics and what they hope to see come to fruition following the upcoming election. 

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"Insanity is relative. It depends on who has who locked in what cage" ~ Ray Bradbury.

  • In this episode, Michelle makes a discovery & discusses how the two concepts of "insane" and "sane" may not be so separate after all.

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In this episode, find your favorite host tackling a quote that reminded her to live in the present and be here now... completely in Spanish.  (Grammar and vocab may not be perfect, but I was itching to keep practicing. Hope you enjoy!)

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On this episode, Michelle & Deepti (foodie, avid reader, and future physician) discuss the intertwined nature of physical, mental, and social health and what they hope to see change in the future of healthcare. 

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https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSrT26HMWX-_hlLfiyy9s95erjkOZVJdroXYkU-miaHRk58duAnJIUWKxImRkTITsYhwaFkghS8sfIF/pub 

  • Click the link for further information on how to contribute to the #blacklivesmatter movement. This week, Michelle addresses the question of "am I doing enough" when it comes to allyship and performative activism.

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¿Qué te gusta hacer durante la cuarentena? Let's talk empowering yourself, sustainability, and living life in the "middle way"

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Dreaming big is something we should never get tired of. On this episode, Michelle briefly discusses a multi-layered quote from the infamous novel "The Art of War".

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In the mood to relax? To meditate? To straight up just chill? Welcome to the first episode of Thoughtful Thursdays, folks. Today's episode features a short poem and a general discussion about the importance and practice of facilitating self love.

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Let's talk about love. On this episode, Michelle & Elly discuss all things romantic - their past experiences, their takeaways, and what they believe about what the future has in store. 

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Michelle & Dom (foodie, audio technical genius, and all-around advocate) discuss their backgrounds, how their identities have affected their experiences, and their philosophies for the future.

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Your relationship with yourself is the most important, and sometimes the most frustrating, relationship in your life. Sit back, relax, and listen to two individuals who love to reflect on their individual journeys do so in a conversation together.

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Bad breakups? Faulty friendships? The inequities of the higher education system? Tune in to hear it all from four long-time friends reflecting on their college journeys and the ways in which they met or diverted.

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The world just entered into an all-encompassing and unprecedented long-distance relationship. Listen in to two best friends talk about what social distancing has revealed to them about memes, advocacy, and true leadership in the face of crisis.