In this deeply introspective episode of Mindful & Mighty, Amanda and Huan unlock the mysterious world of dreams—and how they led to the very birth of this podcast. 🌙 From a strange dream that brought them together to an exploration of Carl Jung’s shadow work, they dive into the hidden messages of the subconscious mind and what it really means to integrate all parts of yourself.
Amanda opens up about her “instruction manual” moment—when her dreams revealed patterns, healing, and self-compassion born from reflection. Huan shares how journaling brought her similar clarity through everyday triggers and positive psychology. Together, they explore how dreams, emotions, and memories help us grow into our truest selves.
✨ Highlights:
The telepathic dream that started Mindful & Mighty 💭
Jung’s shadow work and the journey to wholeness 🌓
When the rational meets the spiritual 🧠💫
Why reflection, journaling, and curiosity build self-awareness 🪞
Letting go of mental “baggage” and loving your whole self 💛
Whether you’re a vivid dreamer or a devoted journaler, this conversation will remind you that understanding yourself may just be the real key to the universe. 🔑🌌
#MindfulAndMighty #DreamWork #ShadowWork #SelfAwareness #SelfLove #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #Psychology #Jungian #Reflection #InnerWork #PositivePsychology #EmotionalIntelligence #MindfulLiving
From VIFF (Vancouver International Film Festival) queues to cozy reading nooks, we swap notes on the stories shaping us right now. Huan shares festival standouts—an Argentinian poet’s messy brilliance, a glamorous Moroccan grandma rewriting life at 70+, and a Chinese rural saga of rapid change—while Amanda riffs on rom-com lessons (Holidate, Maintenance Required), why love is cultivated (not “found”), and the dreams we inherit.
We also dig into a smart, myth-busting menopause guide (Women on Fire), laugh-learn with David Sedaris’ Me Talk Pretty One Day, and gush over People We Meet on Vacation. Expect empathy for imperfect artists, respect for elder wisdom, language-learning humility, and practical self-care for women’s health.
Grab tea, press play, and feel seen. 🫖🎬📚
🎥 VIFF takeaways: empathy, accountability & why some artists need scaffolding
👵🏽 Aging out loud: romance, friendships, and making new rules at 70+
🧭 China’s generational shifts through a village family’s lens
💘 Rom-com reflections: boundaries, rejection, and choosing courage
🔧 Dream-chasing: closing old chapters to restore what you truly love
🧪 Menopause truths: testing, options, and advocating for your body
🇫🇷 Learning French (and feeling delightfully clueless)
Films and Books Mentioned:
A Poet — directed by Simón Mesa Soto 🇦🇷
(Argentinian–Spanish drama about a misunderstood poet navigating life and purpose)
Calle Málaga — directed by Maryam Touzani 🇲🇦
(A Moroccan story of a 70-year-old woman reclaiming joy, friendship, and independence)
Living the Land (生息之地) — directed by Huo Meng 🇨🇳
(A poignant multi-generation rural Chinese tale through decades of change)
Holidate — directed by John Whitesell (Netflix)
Maintenance Required — directed by Mark Jean (Prime Video)
Women on Fire — Dr. Sheila de Liz 🔥
Me Talk Pretty One Day — David Sedaris 🎧
People We Meet on Vacation — Emily Henry 🌴
#MindfulAndMighty #VIFF #FilmFestival #BookClub #WomenOnFire #SheilaDeLiz #SimónMesaSoto #MaryamTouzani #HuoMeng #生息之地 #WomensHealth #AgingWell #Empathy #Vancouver #Creativity #ReadingLife #SelfCare
Stargazing makes us feel small—in the best way. 🌌 In this cozy cosmic chat, we swap stories from Chile’s desert skies to Iceland’s aurora, unpack how exoplanets are found, why “spaghettification” is a thing, and what quantum entanglement says about connection. It’s a reminder to unlearn what we think we know… and fall back in love with Earth while dreaming of the stars. ✨
Highlights:
🎧 Stay to the end for our take on living off-planet—and why curiosity still belongs right here at home.
#MindfulAndMighty #Podcast #Space #Stargazing #NorthernLights #Aurora #Exoplanets #BlackHoles #Spaghettification #Quantum #QuantumEntanglement #Curiosity #Awe #UnlearnToLearn
In this episode of Mindful & Mighty, we sit down with our MBA friend Susana, whose life has been shaped by bold transitions—from moving across countries as a teen, to rebuilding her identity in new cultures, to carving out a career in marketing driven by psychology and curiosity.
🌏 She opens up about:
This candid coffee shop conversation is about embracing change, reinventing yourself, and listening—whether to your consumers, your friends, or your own inner voice.
#MindfulAndMighty #PodcastLife #MarketingJourney #ConsumerPsychology #AuthenticityMatters #WomenInBusiness #MBALife #CareerTransitions #MarketingTips #GlobalJourney #ResilientMindset #PersonalGrowth #LifeTransitions #MarketingStrategy #Adaptability #StorytellingThroughMarketing #WomenWhoLead #LeadershipJourney #BusinessAndPsychology #MarketingCareer #FromCoffeeToCareer
Amanda just had the best concert of her life — and she’s been to over 200 shows! 🎤 From front-row sweat to surround-sound magic, we dive into why Steven Wilson’s music feels like an orchestra in a rock show 🎸🎻 and what it means to truly be in flow on stage.
We compare the intimacy of small venues with big stadium routines 🎶, explore the perfectionism vs. joy in performance 🌟, and share how long songs (yes, even 23 minutes!) can take you on an emotional rollercoaster 🎢.
💡 Plus: why discovering new music is like finding treasure, from Vancouver drum circles 🥁 to Sofar Sounds rooftop shows 🌆.
Highlights:
🎶 The case for 23-minute songs
🔊 Why sound engineering matters
🎨 Art vs. “greatest hits”
🧘 How to listen deeply (lyrics up, phone down)
👉 Join us to rediscover why music still has the power to move, heal, and inspire.
🎶 Songs & Albums Mentioned
Steven Wilson – The Overview (album) Spotify
Steven Wilson – “Ancestral” Spotify
Steven Wilson – “The Raven that Refused to Sing” Spotify
Pink Floyd – “Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Pts. 1-5)” Spotify
Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here (album) Spotify
Linkin Park – From Zero (2024, album) Spotify
Brian O’Brien – Artist Page Spotify
🌃 Vancouver Music + Drum Activity Links
Sofar Sounds Vancouver — small, intimate secret concerts in Vancouver 🎶 Sofar Sounds
Brahm’s Tams Drum Circle at 3rd Beach — free Tuesday drum circle in Stanley Park, Vancouver Facebook+1
Instagram reel showing Third Beach Drum Circle vibes: “Drum Circle @ Third Beach” Instagram
#MindfulAndMighty #MusicThatMoves #LiveMusicMagic #FlowState #ProgressiveRock #StevenWilson #LongFormMusic #ConcertVibes #MusicJourney #BeyondTheHits #ListenWithIntention #Soundscapes #EmotionalJourney #OrchestraInARockShow #MusicForTheSoul #RediscoverMusic
In this Mindful & Mighty conversation, we dive deeper into positive psychology and what it really takes to build happiness that lasts. From love to learning, curiosity to cardio—here are the keys we explore:
💛 Love is work — movies end where love begins, the real story is nurturing relationships every day.
❓ Curiosity opens worlds — asking better questions leads to growth, creativity, and resilience.
🧠 Mind–body basics — sleep, food, and movement are non-negotiable for happiness.
🧘 Simple tools — micro-breaks, gratitude, meditation, and humor help anchor joy.
✨ Tune in for stories, reflections, and practical tools you can try today.
#MindfulAndMighty #PositivePsychology #Relationships #Curiosity #HappinessHabits #Gratitude #Mindfulness
Episode Summary
What if happiness isn’t something you achieve at the finish line, but something you practice every day? 🌱 In this episode of Mindful & Mighty, we dive into positive psychology—a field that flips the focus from fixing what’s broken to growing what’s working.
We talk about practical tools like the five-minute rule ⏱️ to overcome inertia, the science of flow 🌊 (that sweet spot just 4–5% beyond your skill level), and why gratitude 🙏 and reframing challenges can completely shift your perspective. You’ll also hear inspiring stories, from Marva Collins’ belief in “unteachable” kids to Roger Bannister, the first runner who broke the four-minute mile—proof that belief fuels possibility.
We unpack perfectionism, the trap of chasing external goals, and the simple but powerful truth: you have to learn to fail, or you’ll fail to learn. Whether you’re looking for more joy at work, in creative projects, or in daily life, these insights remind us that meaning, growth, and happiness are already within reach.
#PositivePsychology #FlowState #Gratitude #GrowthMindset #MindfulAndMighty #FailToLearn #SelfCompassion #PerspectiveShift #ScienceOfWellbeing #HarvardHappiness #FiveMinuteRule #Visualization #Mindfulness #PurposeDriven #Resilience #EmotionalWellbeing #Perfectionism #BeliefPower #LearnThroughFailure #QualityOfLife #InnerStrength #EverydayHappiness #FocusAndFlow #HappinessPractice
🌟 Episode Summary
In this episode of Mindful & Mighty, Amanda, Huan, and special guest Pablo Zacarias 🎤 — an artist, stand-up comedian, musician, and storyteller — dive deep into how comedy can heal, inspire, and connect us. Pablo shares his journey of turning insecurities into jokes, finding his flow state on stage, and seeing life through a comedy lens to make everything feel lighter. 🌈
✨ What you’ll hear:
How comedy helps us survive life’s ups & downs 🎭
Pablo’s creative process: turning chaos into punchlines 📝
Why embracing imperfections makes us more human & connected 🤝
Using a “comedy lens” to find joy in everyday life 🪞
Pablo’s tips on creating, performing, and living authentically 🎶
🔗 Explore Pablo’s World 🎧🎸
🎵 Spotify Album → The Dark Side of the Office
📺 “Casual Friday” (Music Video) → Watch on YouTube
🎬 Live Stand-Up Performance → Watch on YouTube
▶️ Pablo’s YouTube Channel → @pablozacariasmx
🎶 Ápatrida (Band) on Spotify → Listen Here📸 Instagram → pablozacariasmx
💼 LinkedIn → Pablo Zacarías
#MindfulAndMighty #ComedyHealing #FlowState #StandUpLife #MindfulLiving #LaughterTherapy #PodcastCommunity #CreativityUnlocked #PositiveVibes
In this candid episode, Amanda and Huan get real about the awkward, surprisingly complex act of asking for help—at work, at home, and everywhere in between🤝. Why is it so hard to reach out, even to closest friends and partners? Are we secretly driven by perfectionism🧩, fear of rejection💔, or just don’t want to feel like a burden?
Join us as we explore:
How independence (and childhood habits) shape our willingness to ask for help🧒
The difference between accepting help and actually asking for it🙌
Professionals, perfectionists, and the myth that “doing it all yourself” equals competence🏆
Personal stories—when not asking for help backfires, and the rare moments it brings us closer to others🫂
Technology and isolation: Why it’s easier than ever to “DIY” (and why that may hurt real connection)📱
Practical wisdom: Letting friends help, giving people a graceful “out,” and designing rituals that encourage community🎉
Whether you’re fiercely self-reliant or longing for more support, this episode is a permission slip to rethink your default, reflect on what connection really means, and maybe, just maybe, ask for help next time💡.
#MindfulAndMighty #AskingForHelp #Connection #Independence #Vulnerability #GrowthMindset
Are you a meticulous planner 📅 or a spontaneous free spirit 🌊? In this episode of Mindful & Mighty, Huan and Amanda dive into their very different approaches to planning vs. going with the flow — and how these mindsets shape their careers, relationships, wellness, and happiness.
💡 You’ll hear:
Why planning can reduce stress and create certainty
Why spontaneity can open the door to unexpected joy
How upbringing, personality, and even luck influence our habits
Tips for finding the perfect balance between structure and flexibility
If you’ve ever struggled between overplanning and letting go, this episode will inspire you to embrace your own rhythm — and maybe find happiness in the middle ground. 🌈
#MindfulAndMighty #PodcastEpisode #LifePlanning #GoWithTheFlow #Mindfulness #WorkLifeBalance #PersonalGrowth #WellnessJourney #HappinessMindset #CareerAndLife
Ready for a story of courage, resilience, and growth? 🌟In this episode of Mindful & Mighty, we sit down with Angelina for a powerful conversation:
If you’ve ever thought about starting fresh, changing careers, or chasing your dreams, this episode will inspire you to take action and believe in what’s possible. 🎧💛
#MindfulAndMighty #PodcastLife #CareerGrowth #MovingAbroad #WomenInBusiness #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipJourney #SuccessMindset #LifePlanning #Empowerment #GrowthMindset
In this episode of Mindful and Mighty, Amanda and Huan dive into the many meanings and emotions behind birthdays. From lifelong party planning and milestone celebrations 🎉 to introspective meditations 🧘♀️ and letting go of expectations 🍃, they share how birthdays can be joyful, stressful, or quietly transformative.
Amanda opens up about her evolving approach to marking her birthday—from year-long festivities 🥳 to this year's quiet self-reflection (and an unapologetic McDonald's feast 🍔). Huan reflects on growing up with low-key celebrations 🤝 and the importance of finding your own way to honor milestones.
Along the way, they explore:
🎂 The shifting meaning of birthdays through life’s stages
✨ Why celebration can be both social and deeply personal
🎁 The art of letting go—of traditions, expectations, and gifts
🌅 Birthday blues, gratitude, and feeling “reborn” every morning
🍟 Bloopers with birthday plans, embracing imperfect moments, and finding joy in small pleasures
If you’ve ever wondered how to make your birthday meaningful—or just want some inspiration to celebrate yourself more mindfully—this episode is for you.
Listen in, and discover how every year (and every day) can be a chance to reflect, restart, and celebrate in your own way.
#MindfulAndMighty #BirthdayVibes #LetGoAndLive #CelebrateYourWay #MindfulLiving #BirthdayReflections 🎈
In this honest, deeply relatable episode, Huan and Amanda trade stories and hard-won wisdom about life’s inevitable transitions—from changing jobs and countries to letting go of expectations and control.
We dive into:
🏙️ What it’s really like to leave a job (and an identity), say goodbye to coworkers, and start again—messy feelings included
🌎 The hidden gifts of forced transitions: when moving to new cities or new roles feels hard, but leads to unexpected growth
🧳 Why it’s tempting to blame everything on change—and how shifting your mindset makes all the difference
🤝 Practical tips for settling in: making friends as an adult, finding community in strange places, and why saying “I don’t know” is surprisingly powerful
🧘 The wisdom of knowing what you can change, accepting what you can’t, and having the courage to move forward
Plus: lessons from failed French lessons, friends made on train platforms, why perfectionism gets in the way, and how being open—even to awkward dinners—can turn strangers into friends.
Whether you’re navigating a new city, a new job, or just the growing pains of becoming someone new, this episode is your permission slip to feel all the feelings, learn as you go, and remember: your worth is never tied to a title, a company, or a place.
#MindfulAndMighty #Transitions #LifeChanges #LettingGo #GrowthMindset
In this sparkling episode, Amanda and Huan hand the mic to two visiting VIPs from Mexico—Amanda’s nephew and niece, ages 8 and 13. From presidential ambitions to piano prowess, and critical chats about “brain rot,” no subject is off-limits as the kids take the lead.
High points include:
• ✨ How being a kid means no bills, way less stress, and the freedom to imagine any future
• 🌟 Reflections on bilingual life, big dreams (future president or UN ambassador, anyone?), and why math, music, and curiosity matter more than ever
• 🌎 Model UN victories, debating free vs. paid education, and what it’s like to win every vote in class
• 🥋 TaeKwonDo journeys, piano exams, and dreams of mastering violin (and maybe someday, moving to Japan for udon and anime!)
• 🧠 The dangers of “brain rot” (advice for younger kids: skip nonsense content, keep devices in check, and whatever you do, don’t play certain Roblox games!)
• 🥢 McDonald’s breakfasts, birthday sushi, and a shared love for French, languages, and travel dreams
Plus: Shout-outs to the world’s coolest friends, gentle side-eye to junk food and TikTok, and honest chats about growing up, feeling proud, and the art of just being yourself.
Whether you’re raising a future world leader or just need a reminder that optimism is ageless, this episode is filled with insight, laughter, and hope—straight from “kids’ land,” where possibilities never run out.
#MindfulAndMighty #FamilyChats #KidsPerspective #StayCurious #BrainRotFree #DreamBig
Welcome to another episode of our series “What My Friend Does for a Living” – and this time, we’re thrilled to introduce our first female guest in the career series, Bessie! 🙌
Bessie’s story is a masterclass in career pivots:
From CPA to Product Manager – how accounting built her foundation to thrive at Amazon and now TikTok.
AI & the Future of Tech – what it takes to shift from traditional PM work to AI-driven innovation. 🤖
Networking Without the Awkwardness – why real conversations (not just small talk!) open doors.
The Growth Mindset – how she tackled steep learning curves and stayed resilient.
Friendship & Inspiration – we’re so proud to see our friends grow, evolve, and crush it. 💛
Whether you’re curious about product management, tech careers, or making bold transitions, Bessie’s story proves that your background doesn’t limit your future. 🚀
#WhatMyFriendDoesForALiving #CareerPivot #WomenInTech #MindfulAndMighty #AIRevolution #NetworkingTips #ProductManagement #CareerJourney
In this Mindful & Mighty episode, Huan and Amanda catch up on books, movies, music, and food, sharing lessons on living fully, finding joy in passion, and savoring life’s simple yet extraordinary moments.
Episode Highlights:
#MindfulAndMighty#LifeLessons #PassionAndPurpose #FoodieJourney #PositiveVibes #Gratitude#LiveFully #TruePassion
From family feasts to late-night cravings, food is so much more than just fuel—it’s a love language, a cultural passport, and a source of endless stories. In this episode, Amanda and Huan dig into their personal food journeys: from childhood celebrations in China and Mexico, to the joys and mishaps of cooking, and the sometimes complicated relationship with dieting and health. 🍲✨
Join us as we swap stories about the dishes that connect us to our roots, the weirdest foods we’ve dared to try (fermented shark, anyone? 🦈), and why food is at the heart of every celebration. We also get real about the pressures of healthy eating, evolving taste buds, and how our relationship with food changes as we grow. 🥗🔄
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed foodie, a takeout loyalist, or just someone who loves a good meal with friends, this episode will leave you hungry for more—stories, that is. Grab a snack and settle in for a conversation that’s equal parts heartwarming, hilarious, and deliciously honest. 😋🍴
Tune in for:
Childhood food memories and family traditions 👵🏽👨👩👧👦
Cultural connections through cuisine 🌏🍱
Adventures (and disasters) in cooking and eating out 🍳🔥
The love-hate dance with dieting and nutrition 🥦🍰
Why food really is a love language ❤️🍛
Let’s celebrate the messy, meaningful, and mouthwatering world of food—one bite at a time! 🎉🍽️
In this honest and wide-ranging episode of Mindful & Mighty, Huan and Amanda welcome their friend Kelsi, who is expecting her first child, for a deep conversation about the choice to have—or not have—children.
Coming from Chinese, Mexican, and Canadian cultural backgrounds, each shares her own story of navigating:
🎯 Societal and family pressure
🧠 Gentle parenting and emotional regulation
💪 Career ambition vs. motherhood expectations
🍼 The real (and raw) challenges of raising kids
🚫 The constant judgment—no matter what choice you make
Whether you're child-free by choice, a parent, or somewhere in between, this episode reminds us: people will judge no matter what—so live the life that’s true to you.
#MindfulAndMighty
#ModernParenting
#ChildFreeByChoice
#MotherhoodUnfiltered
#YouDoYou
#GentleParenting
#ParentingWithoutPressure
#WomenSupportingWomen
#FeminismInDailyLife
#CulturalExpectations
#RealTalkPodcast
#ParenthoodJourney
#MakeYourOwnPath
#AuthenticLiving
#LiveYourTruth
#ParentingChoices
#BreakingNorms
#NoMomShame
#CareerAndKids
#EmpoweredWomen
#MentalLoad
#ParentingPressure
#NewMotherhood
#ChoosingHappiness
#ParentingYourWay
In this heartwarming and honest chat, we dive into the joys (and chaos!) of life with pets 🛋️🦴. From Amanda’s sleepy yet spirited border terrier 🐕 — who flew solo across borders ✈️ — to Huan’s regal, low-maintenance exotic shorthair cat 🐈 — we explore how animals unexpectedly mirror our moods, habits, and even our parenting styles 🧘♀️👶.
We laugh over poop-scooping fails 💩, debate cat vs. dog personalities 🤔, and talk about what it’s like to live alone with a pet versus raising one with a partner 💬❤️. There’s also a tender reflection on what happens when we start thinking about the inevitable — losing them 😢 — and how that changes how we love them today 🕯️✨.
🎧 Tune in for cozy stories, funny confessions, and deep insights on the tiny animals that take up massive space in our hearts.
#MindfulAndMighty #PetEpisode #DogMomLife #CatDadChronicles #PetParenting #BorderTerrierLove #ExoticShorthairCat #COVIDPetStories #FurBabyFeels #PetLoveUnfiltered #LifeWithPets #CatVsDog #EmotionalSupportAnimal #PodcastForPetLovers #HeartwarmingStories #ModernParenting #PetsAreFamily #PetCompanion #SelfDiscoveryWithPets #DogVsCat #PetPodcast
What happens when your world stops — literally?
In this unforgettable episode of Mindful and Mighty, our friend and former classmate Richard opens up about a life-altering accident: a mountain biking crash that left him completely paralyzed from the neck down. 🚴♂️💥
What followed was a year of pain, rehab, resilience, and rediscovery. 🙏🏽 Through grit, gratitude, and the unwavering love of his family and community, Richard learned to walk again, reclaim his independence, and even land his dream role in finance — all while carrying a new, deeper perspective on life. 🌱
He shares powerful insights on:
💬 Leading with empathy after trauma
🧘🏽 Embracing the small wins (like walking the dog 🐶)
💡 Redefining success when your limits change
💓 The surprising power of community and unconditional support
If you’ve ever faced a setback, questioned your path, or needed a reminder of what truly matters — this story will stay with you.
🎧 Tune in to hear what it means to keep showing up, one step at a time.
#MindfulAndMighty #ComebackStory #SpinalCordInjury #ResilienceInAction #LifeAfterTrauma #GratitudeInMotion #HealingJourney #PurposeDrivenLife #BreakthroughMoments #PodcastWithHeart #WalkWithPurpose #FromParalyzedToPowerful