A Colorful Life with Keiko Roy-Carey: Recent Episodes
Keiko Roy-Carey
7+ billion humans equals 7+ billion ways to live a life. Curiosity led me to create this podcast that explores what it means to be human with some of the most interesting and reflective people I’ve met along my journey. There is so much complexity, beauty and knowledge that we can glean from each life story. My hope is that, in listening to these stories, you'll begin to see life as a canvas and you, the artist who chooses the colors. You don't just live a life, you can create it. Why not make it colorful? Listen anywhere you get your podcasts, and share your review if you enjoy it.
How does one begin to write a description of something you truly have to experience for yourself? In this conversation with David Gaberle, a Czech photographer and artist, we discuss intentional living communities, westernization, life in Czech Republic under communism, micro dosing and mental health, planting roots and reconnecting with heritage, unlearning hyper-individualism, becoming more connected to body and how art can improve your life if you stick with it. This episode is truly for everyone, so listen and be soothed by David's buttery voice.
Follow David and his work below:
David | Instagram
David | AI2EYE photography course
David Gaberle "The Whisper of Soil" Film- GFX Challenge Grant Program 2022/ FUJIFILM
This next guest needs no flowery introduction, as he is always in full bloom. James is my surrogate brother and very best of friends. In this episode, we laugh. James and I reminisce on our most magical time in the Appalachian mountains of Boone, NC. We laugh some more. Through his childhood stories, James reminds us all that our inner child is always present and ready to come out and reteach us how fun it is to play. Why did we ever stop playing? James shares his "why" behind serving and how his upbringing informed his choice to keep volunteering and mentoring youth. We also chat all things dating in your 30s and the journey to meeting a partner. Then we laugh some more! This conversation will leave you feeling lighter, medicated by laughter.
Need life insurance? Email James: jt3ins@gmail.com
Join the Inyeon AI waitlist!
A Colorful Life Retreat
In this episode I speak with a friend who, many years ago, opened my eyes to the wonders of living abroad. The mystery of life is a wondrous thing because a decade later, I learn than Fielding was inspired to move to Taiwan after seeing my journey in Korea. We discuss unlearning societal expectations of adulthood and discovering what truly makes us happy. Fielding opens up about his childhood in Japan and moving back to the States after his father was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Fielding's resilience to live audaciously bleeds through this conversation. From building his own travel company, to writing music and exploring creative ways of living authentically, Fielding generously offers vulnerability as he shares his inner world with us. It is truly an honor to know such a magnificent human. This episode is for you because you're alive and breathing.Travel with Fielding!
NY Times ArticleTik Tok | @fieldingrussell
A Colorful Life Retreat“Never apologize for burning too brightly or collapsing into yourself every night. That is how galaxies are made.”― Tyler Kent White
This is a conversation with one of my favorite humans on planet Earth. Dominic and I reminisce on meeting in university, his British nationality, our serendipitous connections and cultivating a life that feels magical. As described by a friend, Dominic shares what it means to be "a new soul": someone who experiences life as if they're truly here for the very first time. He then retraces core memories of his youth, from his shy disposition to traveling cross-country as a teenager and unearthing a love of the natural world. Dominic is one of those people who make you feel alive in a single conversation-- this one is no different. We discuss the beauty and struggle in choosing vulnerability, doing scary things like singing at an open mic night, and taking risks in India. While sharing his love of nature with us, Dominic introduces the term solastalgia: the emotional or existential distress caused by environmental change. There's so much in this episode that will beckon you to explore the depth of your external and inner world. What an honor it is for us to exist at the same time as such a beautiful and inspirational soul.
Dominic | Instagram
Dominic | Photography
A Colorful Life Retreat
This is a conversation with a Bumble BFF date turned dear friend. Rachel and I share how we met online, our journey of building a friendship as adults and falling in platonic love. Rachel walks us through her childhood and the journey she took to not just love herself, but like herself. She discusses growing up with divorced parents and the resilience that experience birthed in her. Rachel's introspection from a very young age has served as the gift that keeps on giving; she's become a natural mentor to many, while continuously excavating new depths within herself. Rachel graciously opens up about her journey to embrace her Native American heritage and the impact identifying as Native has made in her life and those who experience her. This conversation is a celebration of self, platonic love, friendship in all it's forms and the different seasons of life.
Rachel's Exuberant Paws | For dog lovers
In this conversation with my university friend, Jalil, we discuss the necessity to make money stretch, the romance in friendship, and civic engagement. Jalil shares how his time at our alma mater impacted the trajectory of his life, specifically the relationships he was able to establish during those years. He opens up about his childhood and how he learned the meaning of 'no te dejas' from his siblings; we decided in the context of our conversation it translates to "don't let anyone play you". We also talk about learning to play as adults and figuring out what is actually fun and healthy play. Jalil has started grad school and is set on a path to serve in public office. He tells us what the journey has been like for him and the many ways he intentionally builds community with his neighbors. Calling all community builders, activist, social workers and people who care about the humanity around them-- this episode is for you!
Jalil | LinkedIn
A Colorful Life Retreat
This is a conversation with my former colleague turned friend, Jesse. Jesse shares how he's carried his calm and laidback disposition with him throughout his life and the strong women who molded him into the compassionate human he is today. We discuss the importance of making time for our curiosities, interests and passions outside of the work. You'll hear me quote The Rock: "It's either day one or one day." Throughout our conversation, it's apparent Jesse leans into the "day one" mindset, as he is consistently evolving and creating. You'll hear him share his journey of building his first business: Dwindle Student Debt. Jesse also talks about anticipatory parenthood and how he's preparing to be the best dad he can. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, are an expecting parent or want to cultivate authentic work relationships-- this is the episode for you!
Jesse | Dwindle
Jesse | LinkedIn
This is an episode with a university acquaintance turned friend, Jayna. We share how we recently reconnected after a Facebook message and began cultivating a friendship in our adulthood. We discuss the different versions of ourselves from college to now and the beauty of experiencing each other in a more authentic way. Jayna tells of her imaginative childhood and her propensity to create stories and the journey she's been on to share them with the world. She talks about how writing has been a way for her to understand the world around her and to unearth her own inner-knowing. Jayna shares how her religious upbringing permeated through all areas of her life and her journey of deconstructing her worldview and moving in the direction of self-acceptance and inner peace. Her authenticity, self-reflection and openness to new ideas and ways of living is absolutely inspiring. This is an episode for any and everyone on a journey towards self-liberation.
Jayna's Children's Book | Humbleton
Jayna | Instagram
A Colorful Life Retreat
This is a conversation with my baby cousin, Brieanna. She is the most optimistic human I know and her positive outlook on life is so contagious. Brieanna shares where her optimism developed and how it's impacted the forward movement in her life. As someone who values family and community, she provides tangible advice for cultivating relationships. We chat about the supporting and main character roles each of us play in life and why it's so important for our mental health to acknowledge this fact. You'll hear us discuss how we've gone from cousins to friends over time and the effort it takes to nurture platonic love. If you're feeling lonely, pessimistic, stuck or desire to release judgmental thinking - this is the one for you!
A Colorful Life Retreat
In this episode, Simon shares his experiences living in the UK, Belgium, Australia, Korea and Canada. A true global citizen! He reflects on a long season in his childhood where he stopped speaking altogether, which led him to speech therapy. Simon shares how relearning his mother tongue gave him a deeper empathy for language learners, which is a beautiful connection point as an educator. There's a part in our conversation where Simon introduces a concept of "not dropping anchors" in life and learning to go with the flow of experiences, fully embracing our journeys. His life journey is a beautiful depiction of just that. We discuss our time working together in Korea and what we've learned about ourselves during that season. This is an episode you don't want to miss, especially if you'd like to embrace living inside of your journey.
Simon | Blog
Simon | LinkedIn
In this episode, Corey oozes vulnerability as she shares her journey as an offering to us all. It was truly an honor to spend this time retracing the steps Corey has taken to reimagine her life. Corey discusses her former work with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and how it led way to her current journey as an end of life doula. Corey shares how she has integrated her professional experience, what can feel like a windy road of corporate life, to meaningfully position her career around service. In this conversation, we break apart the stigma of plant medicine and share a mini history lesson on it's historical and cultural impact in the US. Corey explains the work she does in helping people transition more mindfully, as well as how the knowledge of death can empower us all to live more deeply. This jam packed, raw and real conversation has the potential to expand your perspective if you let it. Corey | LinkedInDoorway Into Light: Facing Death, Nourishing Life Training
How To Change Your Mind Netflix Series
This is an episode with my dear friend, Farah. She shares how her nomadic childhood influenced the way she moves through the world. Farah's life journey has taken her from a career as a writer, blogger, journalist, english teacher and back to journalism. She opens up about how the passing of her sister led to her moving abroad under the realization that nothing is promised. Though she thought she'd be giving up on a career as a writer, Farah shares how moving to Korea ended up leading her back to her dream of writing and now working for the famed NY Times. Farah's is a remarkable story of how detours can turn into magical new beginnings. It is a reminder to trust the journey. This is an episode for those close to giving up, those fearing that getting older means it's too late or anyone seeking some inspiration.
Farah | NY Times
A Colorful Life Retreat
In this episode, Olivia and I recall how we met online to soon discover we live in the same city. Olivia shares her experience being an outsider, growing up and possessing a natural inner confidence in her interests. She talks about how not really caring what others thought of her, allowed her to connect more authentically. We both discuss how marriage has been a tool for personal growth and learning to communicate in healthier ways. Olivia opens up about her grief journey as she came to terms with reality versus the dreams she had for her own mother and daughters' relationship. Olivia shares how she never lost herself in motherhood and continues to make a conscious effort to maintain her life apart from being a mom. This is an episode for anyone who's ever felt like they don't "fit in" or for anyone coming to terms with their own mortality.
This is an episode with one of the most peaceful, inspiring and creative humans I know. Luna talks about growing up in South Korea, the origin story of her love of the great outdoors and her healing journey to self acceptance. She walks us through the path she took to begin living in her natural gifts and passions. Luna is a well of knowledge when it comes to travel, culture, Seoul neighborhoods and the most beautiful destinations in Korea. She talks about the path she took to fill her life with purpose and meaning: from hiking, teaching meditation, travel blogging and vlogging and more. We both share how meditation has allowed us to live more peacefully and less anxiously. This is an episode for those on the path to self acceptance, doubtful that meditation works or anyone seeking tools for a more peaceful and calm mind.
Luna | Instagram
Luna | Youtube
Urban Hiking Seoul Tour
More of Luna
A Colorful Life Retreat
This is an episode with my Instagram connection turned life-long friend. Naja and I recount how we met in Seoul years ago and built a friendship that lives on. She shares how her father instilled discipline and self-determination as a foundation for her and her siblings. Naja is probably the most studious, healthy, driven and passionate person I know. In this conversation she talks about the tools she’s carried with her into adulthood that continue to serve her in achieving her ambitious goals and dreams of contributing to the South Korean society. We recount our time in Korea, discuss where and how to choose friends, as Naja opens up about her experience being bullied as a kid. There are so many gems in this episode for people trying to become more disciplined, live healthier and happier lives or are in search of meaningful friendships. Naja gives us a well-rounded master class!
Naja | Instagram
A Colorful Life Retreat
This is an episode with a dear friend of mine, Geoffrey Seale from South Africa. Ours was a magnetic friendship from the very beginning and this connection has kept us over a decade and continents apart. Geoff shares his experiences living in the USA, South Korea, Germany, and now China. He's had an insatiable desire to fill his life with as many adventures and experience as much as possible. He walks us through his childhood in Bloemfontein, South Africa, and the pivotal moments that shaped his world view. We touch on the importance of choosing friendships wisely and the manner in which our friendships impact the trajectory of our life. Geoff talks about his love and admiration for South African in all of it's complexity. He even shares about living in China, teaching English and German, and his lock-down experience during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. This was a walk down memory lane as much as it was a conversation about charting your own path and creating a life that feels as good as it may look. Geoff's deep faith, openness and unapologetic surrender to his curiosities and passions has been inspirational for me in so many ways. This episode is for anyone and everyone seeking adventure.
A Colorful Life Retreat
In this episode, I chat with my friend Phil who shares his experience growing up in the States as a child of Korean immigrants. We retrace his childhood and how it shaped his independence and perspective on family and life. Phil and I talk about how the Korean wave has taken the world by storm and our shared love of K dramas. He takes us down memory lane during a season where he moonlighted as a student and rock star. Phil shares an alternative path he could have chosen as a performer with his punk rock band, "Hooking Up". His intentional way of living is a beautiful example of how a colorful life looks different for everyone. There isn't just one way to create a life that feels good in the midst of a very real and tough human experience. We touch on the journey of grieving the loss of a parent (#deadparentclub) and provide helpful ways to support a loved one who is grieving. This episode is for you if you're trying to live more intentionally, value being present, are interested in Korean culture or are learning to embrace the fallibility of being human.
A Colorful Life Retreat
This is an episode with Tim who immigrated to the States from the Netherlands. He talks about growing up in an European village and the mysterious unfolding of his life journey to find love on another continent. He opens up about the mindset shifts he experienced as he allowed himself the space to evolve. Tim is an incredibly creative human, from playing the bagpipe, to beekeeping and even working as a pastry chef! He shares how he's been rediscovering parts of himself that were lost along the way to adulthood. In his beautiful words, "Don't lose your dreams and don't be afraid to get them back." This is the episode for you if you're in or have been in a long distance relationship, you're feeling like life just isn't going your way or you need some perspective today.
A Colorful Life Retreat
In this episode I speak with a colleague turned friend, another kindred spirit. Stephanie shares how her outgoing personality, discipline and self-confidence have been a part of her magic ever since she was a kid. We discuss the ways her eclectic interests and forms of creative expression have opened doors for her to collect life-shifting experiences, like an internship in Beijing for the summer Olympics. An athlete, poet, writer, singer, world-traveler; Stephanie lives life to the fullest! She shares practical ways she takes care of her full self through bullet journaling, meditation, travel and other forms of self-care. This is an episode for all humans wanting to live life more colorfully in their day-to-day. Listen all the way through for a special spoken word performance by my talented friend.
Stephanie | Instagram
More of Stephanie
A Colorful Life Retreat
This is a special episode from a virtual symposium I hosted this summer on Creating Radical Community. As someone dedicated to innovative and transformative community building, I wanted to invite my friends in this space to join in on a curated conversation. Our guest of honor is my dear friend and community organiser, Denzil Dean (had to spell organizer with a “s” to respect the British!!).
He is a leader in radical politics and creating spaces of belonging. Denzil shares insights from his work in the UK and participants discuss new ideas, strategies and the questions we grapple with in this important work of building community. I am continuously amazed by the colorful people I've been blessed to cross paths with. *There are a few adult words, warning if you're listening with little ones.
Listen to Denzil's episode from season 1.
A heartfelt thank you to my dear friends for joining in on this discussion and for sharing your perspectives, questions and dreams for a better world. May we start anywhere and go everywhere. Kelsey Gaude, Tobi Olofintuyi, Janea Brown, Jalil Cantarero, Samantha Bagood, Orlando Dobbin and Sumera Syed
A Colorful Life Retreat
In this episode, I chat with my friend Sophia aka Little Fuji. She shares how her Buddhist faith has guided her as she navigates the ups and downs of life. There was point where she felt she hit rock bottom and took action to "change in her inner transformation." She shares how her deepest desire is to become as solid as Mount Fuji, to see things more clearly with an unshakable spirit. Sophia describes her journey of building her inner strength and the impact of her time in Japan. We discuss the windy road to uncover purpose and the beauty of experimenting through creative projects. Sophia's alter eager, ASMR with Little Fuji joins us during the rapid fire segment titled, "The Great School of Life." Listen to this conversation if you're on a journey towards your own personal revolution, are feeling depressed, are spiritually curious or need a giggle because, at times, life just feels like one big joke.
ASMR with Little Fuji YouTube
ASMR with Little Fuji Instagram
A Colorful Life Retreat
This is an episode with my cousin and New Yorker, Jared Cameron. Jared and I discuss our propensity to dream, his continuous journey to unearth all of his creative gifts and discovering ways he can use them to serve others. A model, actor, gamer, director, tech entrepreneur, life coach, and author; Jared is the epitome of reinventing yourself and following your curiosities and interests, while remaining present. In this conversation, we both touch on our struggle to build a mediation practice and how it has helped us cultivate awareness and presence. We’ve known each other since we were kids, so to share this experience of adulthood together is so special. If you’re a dreamer chasing the bright lights, are a creative with what seems like an overwhelming amount of interests or have had a difficult time learning meditation- this episode is packed with so much life wisdom!
Jared's book | Ocean Dreams
Never Give Up Documentary
A Colorful Life Retreat
I'm baaaaaaaack! Welcome to Season 2! I couldn't imagine a better conversation to share as the first episode. I sat down with my friend, Gabriela, whom I met in university. Gabriela shares her beautiful heart with us and the journey she traveled on to build a life she imagined for herself. She talks about growing up in Mexico, serendipitously studying abroad in the States and moving to Europe after a backpacking journey that led to expanding her career as a Montessori educator. We also discuss how one can become addicted to the extremes in life and how to find the balance of accepting constant change while remaining present. If you feel you're losing hope in humankind, need a reminder that there's much to be grateful for or are learning to embrace change-- this is the one for you. Listen as Gabriela shares the path she's on.
Gabriela | LinkedIn
A Colorful Life Retreat
Twenty conversations later and a life made more colorful, I hope. My British friend Mario, is the perfect bookend to this season. It seems we've come full circle as her and I share mutual friends in Jieun and Abdellah (both featured in this season). Mario is a powerhouse of a human who has been creating the life she desires since her adolescence. You'll hear her recount her journey into falling-in-love with documenting human stories through her photography. She tells how studying abroad at Hong Kong University opened up new creative avenues for her to explore the intersections of psychology and art. We also reminisce on meeting each other during a photo walk in Seoul. Mario then schools us on how to discover your Ikigai (生き甲斐); translated into English as, 'a reason for being.' From her Nigerian heritage to living in London, traveling the world, to telling cultural stories found in her local community; Mario's episode felt like the perfect way to wrap up this season on an inspirational, yet practical note. If you're reading this right now, then this episode is for you.
Mario| Website
Mario| Instagram
I just shared my next heart project. Eeeek! Right now, it's just an idea I have for this community we're building of regular degular folk who are making the most out of their life (in whatever way that looks like). It only feels natural to connect all of us colorful-life-creators IRL (in-real-life) for an immersive, hands-on, inspirational, networking, creative living and lifestyle design experience. Intrigued? Let me know here.
Connect with Keiko | Instagram, Website
A Colorful Life Retreat | Interest page
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In this episode with my friend, Athena Ramsey, we reminisce on the early days of our friendship and the community that brought us together. She shares how her abuela, mother and a family she met while in university, impacted her life and inspired her to pay it forward to generations after her. Athena opens up about her journey into parenthood through adoption, and then healing her body from early menopause. She didn't expect to become a mother of four boys, but life rarely turns out how we expect and Athena speaks on the many ways her children open up her heart and capacity to dream. She continues to explore new parts of herself and resurrect old dreams; from writing to coaching basketball, Athena has never stopped building a life that is colorful. If you have mentors in your life who were pivotal in your journey, desire to become a parent someday or wonder how in the world your life turned out the way it did, then this is a conversation for you. Athena is yet another example of how life can surprise you in the most beautiful of ways.
Athena | Blog
Athena | Podcast: Go check out Torn: Finding a Mom Life Balance
This is a conversation with my friend Ish, who was diagnosed with kidney failure during his senior year in university. In this episode, he walks us through what that experience was like and how he didn't allow it to get in the way of graduating and pursuing the life he imagined for himself. Ish shares how his family, friends and faculty at App State supported him so that he could put his health first, while still achieving his goal. This is not only a story of overcoming, but also one that highlights the importance of community and paying it forward. Now an assistant principal, Ish is able to give back to students in ways that he experienced firsthand. May his story serve as an example and inspiration for us all. Only you can read your life as poetry by making something beautiful out of the cards you are dealt. Cheers to never giving up!
Ismael | LinkedIn
If you enjoyed this episode and others, please tap 5 stars and leave a review. I'd love to hear from you! x
In this episode, Samantha shares her story of immigrating from the Philippines to the U.S. and being tossed between two cultures with their own expectations placed on her. She reflects on the intentional way her parents surrounded her with Filipino culture to make sure she could experience that part of her heritage. Sam retells her journey of building community for Asian students at Appalachian State University and how her gift of connecting others birthed many of the relationships in our friend group today. She speaks of her journey into motherhood and unlearning the toxic belief that she had to be everything to everyone at the expense of no one but herself. Sam opens up about how community was the buoy to guide her back to shore in that season of self-neglect. She also provides practical ways in which we can all build community wherever we are in this current season. You'll enjoy this episode if you're struggling to fight the anxiety around making friends, need help debunking the superwoman myth or love reading!
Samantha | Instagram
Samantha | LinkedIn
This is an episode with a super fan, and my dear friend, Orlando. He shares his passion for rural communities and how they've shaped him into the human he is today. Orlando brings an informed perspective on small towns that sheds light on the beauty and magic these communities possess. He dives into why he's felt drawn to them most of his life, even during his travels abroad, as well as the lessons he's learned about himself and the world around him. Orlando talks to us about his experience as a Black man in the U.S. and sorting through what this part of his identity means when it is reflected back to himself. He opens up about his time volunteering in South Africa and coming to terms with the challenging moments therein. This conversation delves into what we are all after: discovering parts of self that peel back the layers of who we really are. We're all in search of self-actualization and at the heart of the matter, the community around us informs this journey. You'll enjoy this episode if you have ever pondered: Who am I? Who do I want to be? What's my purpose?
Orlando| Instagram
Orlando | Blog
Orlando | Chatham county article
Share this episode with a friend and click 5 stars if you enjoyed it. There's four more episodes left in season 1. Follow Keiko to stay up to date on season 2 or reach out if you'd like to share how these conversations have inspired or challenged you. I'm so grateful to have an audience in you! x
This is a master class on creating friendship and being a friend, making life an adventure, accessible ways to reduce waste and how to ask the hard questions early on in a romantic relationship. Kelsey shares how she's grown into confidence in herself and the life choices she's made. I met Kelsey in university and here we retell our kindred travels through Europe and how those months together in foreign lands shaped the women we are today. Kelsey is passionate about sustainability, and provides practical ways we can all do our part in caring for the planet. There is something for everyone in this episode as we dive into the magic of platonic love, travel before the time of smart phones, and the often tumultuous journey to finding a partner. Kelsey shares how she lived her way into this current season of love and anticipation of what comes next. I mean come on, who doesn't love a good love story? *wink
Kelsey | Instagram
Kelsey | LinkedIn
In this episode with my friend Tobi, he shares his experience immigrating from Nigeria to the States at the age of 10. He even plays the talking drum for us as he explains its relation to the Yoruba language. Tobi opens up about his journey to find his place in a new culture and some of the moments he came head-to-head with the nuisances of what it means to be Black in America. This conversation is filled with so much wisdom from Tobi's lived experience, as he takes us into his curious mind and how he continues to follow his curiosities which more than often lead him to purpose. He talks about being an extrovert, starting a career in tech, friendship and finding the courage to keep a soft heart. This episode is for everyone because we are all seeking a purpose-driven life.
Tobi | Website
Tobi | Instagram
In this episode with my university friend, Blakeley, we discuss all things existential. Blakeley shares his experience of being forced to spend three months in silence due to breaking his jaw during a rugby game. He opens up about his journey of figuring out how to live a life of meaning and one where he continuously asks the question, "how can I be useful?" This exploration led him into teaching English in Chile, then backpacking through Peru and eventually moving to France. For the past few years, Blakeley has been living in New Orleans and teaching history. In this exchange, you'll hear us talk about the aura of nihilism that seems to surround today's youth as the world continues to change shape. Blakeley's story of asking difficult life questions and, at times, existing his way into a sense of purpose, is one we can all glean from. This conversation is for you if you're in search of purpose, enjoy stories of adventure, are raising youth or are ready to lean into some self-reflection.
This is a conversation with my Kiwi (New Zealander) friend, Jenny. I met Jenny in 2014 while she was on a three-year solo trip around the world. We found ourselves as roommates for a week volunteering in an English language immersion program in Poland, where we formed a deep connection which has carried our long-distance friendship all of these years. Jenny shares her heart with us as she recounts the end of a five year relationship. She talks about therapy, how her friends came to her rescue, feeling gratitude while heartbroken, and being in the thick of a spiritual journey. There are so many raw and vulnerable moments in this episode as Jenny so generously brings us into her experience of losing herself in a relationship, grieving it's end and then reclaiming her independence and zest for life. Heartbreak can feel like the world is closing in on us, it is a universal experience. This episode is for all of us because we all have a heart, and it is a rite of passage for it to break many times over. May you see yourself in Jenny and may her courage to choose to fall in love with herself and begin again serve as the sign you needed to do the same.
*Profanity warning
Jenny | Instagram
Jenny | LinkedIn
The U.S. is home to more than 427,000 undocumented students, including DACA recipients, enrolled in higher education.* In this conversation with my Pakistani-American friend, Sumera, she opens up about her experience going through university undocumented. University is where we met, yet I had no idea that she was carrying a weight of uncertainty and the anxiety that surrounds many DREAMers. As we trace back the origin story of our friendship, Sumera being the reason I ended up studying abroad and thus traveling the world, we both relive the magic that dwells in connections and connecting people in your life to each other. Sumera's resilient spirit and passion for building community is apparent all throughout this episode. She took the hand that was dealt her and never let it stop her from creating her life over-and-over again through her career, marriage, and now motherhood. Life rarely turns out how we planned, but Sumera's story is yet another example of how it has a way of pleasantly surprising us. This conversation is for you if you're feeling like there just isn't a way through, are feeling anxious in the unknown of youth, have friends who are undocumented or need some inspiration.
Sumera |LinkedIn
Sumera |Blog Feature
*Higher Ed Immigration Data
In this episode, I sit down with my Canadian friend Mark who is currently living in Jeju (제주), South Korea. He shares how he found himself at a crossroads in his career and decided to choose his own happiness over slogging through life. He went from the film industry, to teaching English abroad, to coding, back to teaching English. In this conversation, he'll share his journey and perspective on what it means to create a life that feels good to YOU. Mark is a serial hobby collector, but in the most beautiful and interesting way. Since I've known him, he's learned photography, free diving, drawing, surfing, Korean and countless other skills. Mark talks about his recent hobby, free diving, which has become his form of meditation. Throughout this episode, he opens up about some of his insecurities, doubts, challenges and insatiable curiosities. You'll enjoy this chat if you are looking for tangible ways to introduce novelty in your life, feel as if happiness is or has been hard for you to obtain, or are in need of inspiration.
*A few F bombs. Not for little ears.
Mark | Instagram
Shot by Mark | engagement photo, two, three, four, five
Shot by Mark | A Colorful Life Promo
Have you heard of hikikomori? Frequently present in Japan, it's a form of severe social withdrawal. In this episode, I sit down with my Swedish friend, Aske who describes how learning about hikikomori influenced his art. Aske was a CouchSurfer of mine during his travels in South Korea at the age of 19. You'll hear about his journey through Korea, becoming the artist he is today, and what it was like growing up in an artistic household. Loneliness is a significant theme all throughout Aske's art and in this conversation, you'll hear the reason he fell so deeply in love with solitude. Aske's travels have taken him many places, but one of the most bizarre was a Korean jail. If you've ever felt lonely, possess many interests and dream of doing them all or are simply in need of a good story time, then this conversation is one you'll enjoy.
Aske | Website
Aske | Instagram
Aske | Blue Jacket
In Part 2, Jieun and I retell how we met one summer in Seoul and what caused us to continue nurturing our friendship throughout the years. She then shares how writing down what she refers to as frivolous thoughts, every day for half a year, paved way for her career as a journalist. This career took a striking turn; while she was covering a story about spycam porn culture in South Korea, she found herself victim to what turned into a high profile sex crime case. Jieun opens up about how this event changed her life, how it impacted her mental health and her ongoing journey to healing. Her story and the hope she shares after experiencing life-altering trauma, serves as a testament that we can always pick up the pen and write a new story.
Jieun | Blog
Jieun | Korea Exposé
Jieun | Open Shutters Documentary
Here in part 1 of a 2 part episode with my Korean friend Jieun, you'll hear my candid reaction upon learning she was the social media manager for President Moon Jae-in. Jieun takes us down memory lane as she shares stories of her time living in Spain alone at 19 and how she developed fluency in Spanish. As we all learn, life has it's ups and downs, and Jieun is certainly no stranger to the variety of life. She talks about growing up under Korea's rigorous education system and taking a detour in life that ended up working out better than she could have ever imagined. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all of the possibilities that exist and the potential lives you can live? Are you an over-thinker that struggles with intrusive thoughts? If you're human, you'll see yourself in Jieun's story. I hope this conversation will invite you to reflect on your own journey and see the potential in what is yet to come.
*There's a F bomb. Not for little ears.
Jieun | Instagram
Jieun | Art
Jieun | K-pop and feminism
This conversation is with my Moroccan friend, Abdellah. I hosted him as a CouchSurfer when he traveled to Seoul in the summer of 2015. In this episode you'll hear Abdellah talk about his life in Morocco, studying in Europe and moving to Hong Kong where he's been living as an expat since 2014. He shares his career journey from engineering to photography and creative directing, as well as how he continues to hone his craft and reinvent himself as an artist. You'll hear about what it was like for him growing up in a little village in Morocco, speaking multiple languages and moving to the city only to be treated as an outsider. If you're an artist or want to make a living as one, interested in living a creative life, curious about starting over in another country or simply need some advice, inspiration and perspective--- listen to this one all the way through. Abdellah continuously drops gems!
Abdellah | Instagram
Abdellah | #AbdelaStyle
Abdellah | Website
In this episode I sit down with Gonzalo, a dear friend of mine from Spain. We became friends while he was studying abroad for a semester in 2011 at my university in the Blue Ridge mountains, Appalachian State University. After 11 years of friendship, we finally discuss in depth his journey of becoming a scientist and living his childhood dream. Gonzalo shares how studying abroad impacted the trajectory of his life, the path to getting his PhD in Paris and moving to Barcelona to work for the first time in his home country. If you're like me and know very little about a scientists' day-to-day or have never thought of science as a romantic field, then you'll leave this conversation with a new perspective.
Gonzalo | LinkedIn
I met Adrienna in Prague in 2014, years later, as it tends to do, life came full circle as we became colleagues in South Korea teaching ESL. In this episode, Adrienna opens up her world to us as she retells stories of feeling like an outsider in the country she was born in, her friendships that served as a force of nature in her life and her ongoing journey to unearth a life of meaning. You'll hear stories from her time living in Germany, traveling on a whim to the next country over, making friends on all corners of the planet and trying out just about every job there is. We also touch on grieving the loss of a parent and choosing to live again after. If you are in need of inspiration, feel society puts too much pressure on "adulthood," or think you've lucked out in love or life--- I believe you're supposed to hear this conversation.
Adrienna | Instagram
Adrienna | Blog
Do you remember Tumblr? 10+ years ago I came across the most enchanted European photo diary, only to soon discover a kindred spirit of mine was living in Austria. In this episode, Vicky talks about university in Austria, discovering new passions and finding meaning inside the pandemic. You’ll hear us talk a lot about falling in love with change and the art of embracing the unknown. I believe this conversation is a timely one as we sort through how the pandemic will have changed each and every one of us. It is a truth we will be forced to come to terms with. If you're feeling like you're at a precipice or trying to decide on a big life change, Vicky's story holds a lot of insight as she offers wisdom birthed from her lived experience.
Vicky | Instagram
Vicky & Keiko | Schönbrunn Palace
In this spicy episode, I chat with my British friend, Denzil Dean. There is a magic in how we met, and in this conversation, for the first time ever, we connect all the dots. Denzil talks about growing up in the countryside, his experience with loneliness and being made to feel insignificant. In this raw conversation, you'll hear about his story, his romantic worldview and his passion for community organizing. We also talk about what we learned about each other during our time in South Korea. You'll enjoy this chat if you're curious about travel, finding your tribe, unrequited love, human-centered politics, and personal development. *There is profanity and some sexy time talk in this episode. Not appropriate for little ears.
Denzil | https://denzildean.co.uk/
This conversation is with my Canadian friend, Sinan Leylak, CEO of Spark Rentals Inc. and Ice Cycles, Canada's first ice bike company. Sinan talks about CouchSurfing with 80+ strangers during his solo travels across Europe and Asia, why and how he decided on a life of entrepreneurship post university, as well as how he balances the stress that comes with running multiple businesses. The way he lives his life with ease was one of the reasons I was drawn to Sinan when we first met in Poland in 2014. If you're interested in owning your own business for the freedom that often comes with it, Sinan's story will inspire you.
Sinan | SparkRentals
Sinan | IceCycles
Sinan | World Tour eBook
Sinan | Blog Takeover