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Spilling Our Tea

Spilling Our Tea

Written by: Sandy Kusano
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Real stories, real healing — Asian women rewriting the narrative, one conversation at a time.

A powerful space where Asian women share real stories about identity, family, culture, and mental health — hosted by True Wealth Coach and mental fitness trainer Sandy Kusano.

Spilling Our Tea is where Asian women around the world bring their stories out of the shadows and into the spotlight. Hosted by Sandy Kusano — True Wealth Coach, mental fitness trainer, and storyteller — this podcast dives into the beautifully complex layers of Asian womanhood across cultures, generations, and continents.

Each episode features vibrant Asian women sharing raw, honest conversations about identity, family expectations, cultural pressures, career, code-switching, the model minority myth, relationships, generational healing, and of course, food.

Our mission is to normalize mental health, unravel cultural narratives we’ve carried for too long, and celebrate the richness of the Asian diaspora. Whether you’re an immigrant, a third-culture kid, or navigating life between worlds, this is your space to feel seen, supported, and understood.

Sip some tea, spill some truth, and come home to yourself — one conversation at a time.

Learn more about Sandy’s work: www.joyfuloptimist.com
Explore the podcast hub: www.spillingourteapodcast.com
Contact: sandy@joyfuloptimist.com

2025 Sandy Kusano
Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Rediscovering Happiness: Lucy Liu on Overcoming Societal Expectations & Embracing Authenticity
    Sep 25 2024

    Have you ever felt like you're just not enough or constantly lagging behind?

    Join us on the Spilling Our Tea Podcast as we sit down with Lucy Liu, a master life coach, who shares her transformative journey from feeling average to discovering genuine happiness right here, right now. Lucy opens up about growing up with a famous name and the pressures that come with it. We discuss her academic and professional pursuits and how she learned that happiness isn't a distant goal but something to embrace in the present. Lucy's insights on personal development and choosing joy in our work will inspire you to live life on your own terms!

    Together, we also navigate the unique challenges of the Asian-American experience. Lucy talks about the bravery it takes to start over in a new land and the sacrifices our parents made for better opportunities. We normalize struggles with identity, bullying, and racism, emphasizing that happiness stems from our choices and perspectives, not our socioeconomic status. Lucy further discusses the importance of representation and mutual support among Asian women in the coaching world. Don't miss this compelling conversation about mental fitness, overcoming societal expectations, and living authentically.

    Tune in to be inspired and empowered!

    Connect with Lucy Liu: https://www.lucyliucoaching.com

    Work with Sandy Kusano: https://www.joyfuloptimist.com

    Tune in every week for a new episode of Spilling Our Tea. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

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    34 mins
  • Breaking Barriers in Beauty for Asian Women with Jasmine Tran & Christine Nguyen
    Nov 13 2024

    Jasmine Tran and Christine Nguyen from Essence Skincare join us to reveal the captivating journey of blending modern skincare with time-honored plant wisdom, a journey deeply rooted in Asian heritage. Inspired by her mother's practice of using herbs and adaptogens in meal planning to align with nature's cycles, Jasmine crafts skincare that echoes these principles. As we explore their approach to clean beauty, you'll discover how Essence Skincare adapts to the skin's seasonal needs with their small-batch philosophy, ensuring alignment with the body's natural rhythms.

    Asian women's experiences in the beauty industry come to the forefront as we discuss challenges faced both as entrepreneurs and consumers. Jasmine and Christine open up about the hurdles of gaining trust and visibility for Asian-owned brands, and the struggle to find products that cater to diverse skin tones. Their insights shed light on the importance of representation and community support, encouraging a movement toward embracing natural beauty and authenticity amidst a market that has historically overlooked these nuances.

    Connect with Essence Skincare: https://essanceskincare.com

    Work with Sandy Kusano: https://www.joyfuloptimist.com

    Tune in every week for a new episode of Spilling Our Tea. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

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    50 mins
  • Adoption, Identity, & the Path to Healing and Empowerment with Grace Yung Foster
    Nov 27 2024

    Grace Young Foster, a trailblazer and the inspiring Founder and CEO of the Inclusion Initiative shares her extraordinary story of resilience and transformation. From her beginnings as a child abandoned in South Korea to her role as a formidable advocate for adoptees of color and foster care alumni, Grace's journey is nothing short of remarkable. She sheds light on the unique challenges faced by transracially adopted Asian Americans, a community often overlooked, and underscores the critical need for spaces of belonging and tailored career development resources.

    In this heartfelt episode, we peel back the layers of Grace's personal experiences with transracial adoption, exploring the profound disconnection from cultural heritage and identity that many in her shoes encounter. Grace candidly discusses the struggles of growing up in a predominantly white environment, emphasizing the vital role of mental health support in overcoming the cultural and familial voids adoptees often face. Her story highlights the power of community in achieving both personal and professional success, offering listeners a glimpse into the hurdles she has overcome and the strength it has taken to reclaim her narrative.

    Connect with Grace Young Foster: https://www.theinclusioninitiative.com

    Work with Sandy Kusano: https://www.joyfuloptimist.com

    Tune in every week for a new episode of Spilling Our Tea. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

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    41 mins
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