A Journey Shared Podcast

01/02/2022

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới / Happy Lunar New Year! 🐯

Getting back into the ol' brush pens. 🥰 It was always my favourite tool, but I stopped using it for years after being told by multiple authority figures in the creative industry that my work was 'Too Asian' (in a derogatory way). 'It only looks one way'. 'It won't sell'. Essentially: Stop it - nobody cares or wants it.

That was ten years ago. At the time, I was a young artist trying to break into the industry (games, illustration, fashion illustration) over the course of a few years, so I heeded their words...I'm sad they had that sort of impact on me, as it's the only tool that consistently brings me joy, but I spent years trying to distance myself from it in order to make a living. I tried to artistically assimilate in order to fit in and be accepted...and it made me so unhappy.

We're living in interesting times. We've been seeing more ESEA* representation in films, drama and music (Shang Chi, Squid Games, BTS from last year alone), whilst simultaneously being hated on more than ever due to COVID-related Anti-Asian Hate Crimes.

It's scary and unsafe in one way, but also uplifting in another, as we've been actively seeking each other for support and finding ourselves in our journeys of discovering our identities. There's a greater sense of pride for our culture, and comradery amongst online and offline voices that for once, speak our stories.

Honestly, it still feels like it's an uphill battle. The glazed eyes and apathy when trying to bring this up is disheartening. I've learned that a few of you are quietly listening though, so that's cool. Thanks. 🙂

I've been going through some stuff lately but really want to progress with the podcast and have some great guests lined up~ 🤩

* East & South East Asian

15/11/2021

The lotus is the National Flower of Vietnam, the home country of my parents, who were escorted to Britain after escaping the Vietnam War.

It's a flower that is seeded in mud and pushes its way through murky water to bloom beautifully on the surface. You cannot see its struggles - only its beauty. It's for this reason, that the lotus flower represents rebirth, enlightenment and overcoming adversity.

The podcast went on hiatus for 10 months as I recollected myself, and although I'm not in the headspace to share more of my personal journey, I have been granted a new lease of life to continue the conversation of race, identity, mental health and more via interviews and stand-alone episodes.

The trailer for Season 02 is live and ready, and I hope to see you soon for more. 🙏
https://ajourneysharedpodcast.com/season-02-trailer/

Photo by Nong Vang via Unsplash.

09/11/2021

Hey, folks~ Sorry I've been absent for most of this year - it's been a full one working on my mental health whilst keeping NAOHOA afloat.

Just letting you know that I've posted a lil' update on the situation and am looking forward to making more episodes soon!
https://ajourneysharedpodcast.com/season-01-update/

Thanks for sticking by and I hope you're keeping well. 😊
Naomi x

P.S. Here are some podcasts I've been binging lately, that have inspired me to pick this up again. 💛
highexpectasianspodcast , chinesechippygirl (IG), yellowbeepod (IG), Rice to Meet You



P.P.S. Life Update: This is an old photo and I've gotten married since, so now there's an extra ring~! 💍✨

26/03/2021

The world is crazy right now. We're all hurting one way or another. It's hard to find a balance between staying informed but also protect our mental health from all the chaos that has been unravelling - especially over the past year.

The next episode was meant to be a respite from deep introspection, in form of a light-hearted Q&A. This will no longer be the case.

Instead, I'm here writing notes to discuss in Britain (because there's already lots of content regarding America), whilst my kitty Jiji ('jee-jee') snoozes on my lap and helps me stay calm.

This is draining. All of it is exhausting and painful, but we must keep talking about these difficult topics. We must speak up and use our voices for those who cannot.

My platform is tiny. If you value this podcast, please rate it on iTunes so more people can find it. This is a passion project that I don't expect monetary return from. What I want instead, is for people to listen to experiences and perspectives other from their own. I want to amplify Asian voices, from my humble spot in Wales. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

I'll be sharing resources via the website over the next few days, as well as the shownotes.

In the meantime, please speak up when you witness racism. Listen to and share work by ethnic minorities and credit them. We need solidarity. We need hope. We need you. ✊✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

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P.S. A Journey Shared reached over 200 downloads today! Thank you for your support~ 🙏

13/03/2021

The next episode will be a Question & Answer session!

Do you have any Q’s regarding the last few episodes or the themes discusssed? 🤔 Comment below~

12/02/2021

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới !

Today marks Chinese New Year, Year of the Ox/Buffalo (element: metal). Normally we'd have a family feast full of delectable treats only made for this event, but due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, that's on hold for yet another year.

Violence against the Asian community has been on the rise since the pandemic began. People attacked (verbally and physically), buildings and stock burned down and goodness knows what else. People are scared for many reasons - don't let racism be one of them.

Here, I'm holding a card I illustrated, which is printed on recycled paper and has a line art version on the back to colour in! 🎨 Naomi Hoang Art NAOHOA

Fun Fact: The wax seal stamp is one of the first things I bought myself after getting a 'proper job', many years ago. 🤣

Stay safe, be kind and make art. 👩🏻‍🎨🎨🖌️

13/01/2021

https://ajourneysharedpodcast.com/03-silent-depression/

This episode explores the turbulent, relentless rollercoaster of living with Depression. Mine went on for the best part of a decade, with particularly bad spells lasting months on end. Everyone’s experience is different, though I hope my story brings some comfort to those going through this, and understanding to the lucky ones who aren’t.

I sought professional aid after a bout of Labrynthitis tipped me over the edge, resulting in months of CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), which helped immensely.

Warning: Refers to self harm and suicidal thoughts.

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Helpful Content:

- https://www.naohoa.com/keeping-a-calm-mind/
- https://www.naohoa.com/mind-over-matter/
- https://www.naohoa.com/mental-health-awareness-week-2020/
- https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/ondemand/video/2050099/
- https://www.superbetter.com/

Hosted and edited by Naomi Hoang.
Music by Yaiza Varona.

If you find value in this podcast, please consider sharing with others, leaving a review and/or make a donation (page also includes affiliate links):
https://ajourneysharedpodcast.com/donate/

Thank you for your support,
Naomi

05/01/2021

The first two episodes and trailer have been listened to 150 times collectively~ 😯✨ Considering I don't really advertise this podcast, that's pretty cool!

Many thanks to those who have been supporting this project. 💗 I'm editing the third episode atm, which is about Depression. If you're suffering with mental health issues, please don't be afraid to seek help - whether it's through a loved one, calling a Samaritan or professional therapist.

I'll admit, I'm not sure what the symbols inside the heart mean. 😅 I picked the image because it's Asian* and features a dragon (my Chinese Zodiac) and a Phoenix (the meaning of my surname). 🐉

Photography by via

*...wedding cake topper lol

#150

02/12/2020

The not-at-all-glamorous reality of podcasting at home. 😂 This is a little wardrobe in (what will be) my Hobby Room. Eventually, I intend on lining the inner walls with yarn I use for knitting and crocheting - this will act as soundproofing whilst recording...and storage! In the meantime, cushions are in place to absorb the sound. 🎙

Given that the story episodes are scripted, they’re read out from the iPad on the left, and the sound is recorded via a mic on a boom arm (to avoid noises from the desk), connected to my laptop, where I also keep track on the recording. The big round thing in front of the mic is called a Pop Filter, which diffuses bursts of air when making plosive sounds such as ‘p’ or ‘k’, so the audio doesn’t distort and sound abrasive.

Even though I’m not making an income on this, I invested in additional tech needed so it would sound good...’cause it would really bother me (and probably you too) if I didn’t, hah.

What are you passionate about?

25/11/2020

The next episode will be about my experiences with Depression. It’ll be different to previous episodes, and I'm a little nervous, but hope you'll appreciate it all the same...

(lavender helped me sleep when I was suffering)

18/11/2020

Love books or know someone who does? 📖📚💕 .org recently launched in the UK and is doing a wonderful job in supporting local book stores, whilst being an alternative to Amazon.

I’ve signed up to their Affiliate Scheme, so anyone who buys a book from my ‘shop’ will also be helping the podcast, as I’d receive 10% of sales!
https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/naohoa

So far, I’ve listed my favs under the following categories: Art, Mental Health, Fantasy, Business and Lifestyle.
..a lot of my art suggestions are a bit too niche to be in stock yet lol. I’ll keep the page updated. 🙂

(Photography by Olga Tutunaru via Unsplash)

11/11/2020

This episode highlights the struggles and pressures of adhering to multiple, opposing cultures and how lapses in logic - teamed with mob mentality - condenses already difficult challenges, such as racism.

https://ajourneysharedpodcast.com/02-teen-years

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Mentioned:
The Bottom Line:
In psychology, the Bottom Line describes the core - if not simplified - belief that is normally formed during childhood, based on their experiences and surroundings. This ‘core belief’ sticks with us throughout our lives, influencing our actions and decisions. If it’s negative, then it can lead to unhealthy or unhelpful behaviour that further perpetuate this belief (e.g., “I’m not good enough”), thus becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. Unless identified and challenged, negative Bottom Line(s) continue to affect one’s life - for better or for worse.
This is explained clearly and with many examples by Dr. Melanie Fennell, in her book, “Overcoming Low Self-Esteem”
(Affiliate Link: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/naohoa Proceeds go towards funding the podcast).

(COVID-19 Special)(https://thedoctorskitchen.com/podcasts/covid19-special-episode-what-you-need-to-know-opportunities-for-compassion-and-dealing-with-media-anxiety)

BLM: Ways to Help (https://www.naohoa.com/black-lives-matter/)

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Written, hosted, edited and illustrated by Naomi Hoang.
Music by Yaiza Varona.
If you find value in this podcast, please consider sharing with others, leaving a review or making a donation: https://ajourneysharedpodcast.com/donate/

Thank you for your support,
Naomi

06/11/2020

Thanks so much for your donation, Misook! 🥰🙏✨

This is a , so I'm currently not making money from the podcast. I might consider ads for complimentary businesses, such as Audible , but in the meantime, costs of running all this comes out of my pocket or via kind donations such as this one.

I invested in tech up-front and will be paying a monthly subscription for hosting once my free trial runs out, so contributions like these are super helpful - thank you! 🤗

Naomi ###

01/11/2020

Music for the podcast was written and performed by Yaiza Varona~ 🎶 Her work has featured in films, TV, installations, games and more. She has real skill in curating unusual sounds to create something truly rich and wonderful.

Yaiza and I have wanted to work together for years, and I was thrilled that she was on board for this project! We almost met in London for a Women in Games Conference (I think she was to drop by between appointments?), but despite not seeing each other in person, we kept in touch online. She grasped the brief so succinctly, and I knew she'd deliver something beautiful and unique. It was a real joy to work together and catch up!

Her thoughts on the podcast shared an angle I hadn't considered and really appreciate:

"This day and age when everything seems to scream and people often are on the verge of being burnt out it’s more important (and sought after) than ever to provide with hope, perspective, gentleness and purpose"

Thank you for your hard work, Yaiza! I love the intro and outro music for A Journey Shared Podcast and am happy to have supported a fellow artist~ 🤗💖

Links to her work: https://ajourneysharedpodcast.com/about/

29/10/2020

It takes a while, but as I tell my story via this podcast, the whole thing is scripted. This is to keep things concise, as I want to share these messages clearly, without fumbling through and maybe having to re-clarify in later episodes. I also personally hate waffle and don't wanna put you through that. 🤣

Eventually, I'll be doing interviews with people of different cultures to share their journey. These will be more casual and conversational, but for the meantime...this is how is put together. 😊

This month's episode will be pushed back to November, as I've had a lot on lately. Moving home, workplace and revamping my new tattoo studio during a pandemic has been a lot to deal with! 😂 Quality over quantity. Instead of rushing the second episode, I'm giving myself enough time to do it properly.

I hope you're well and keeping safe! Thanks for following. 🙏💕

16/09/2020

#01: Childhood

I think adults often underestimate what can affect a child and their world view. In this episode, I share my childhood experiences regarding race and privilege, whilst exploring how growing up with two different cultures affected how I saw myself.

https://ajourneysharedpodcast.com/listen

Mentioned:
5 Love Languages, Dr. Gary Chapman
https://www.5lovelanguages.com/

Hosted and edited by Naomi Hoang.
Music by Yaiza Varona.
https://ajourneysharedpodcast.com/about/

If you find value in this podcast, please consider sharing with others, leaving a review and/or make a donation:
https://ajourneysharedpodcast.com/donate

Thank you for your support,
Naomi

15/09/2020

Wheeee~ After hours of writing, recording and editing, I've finally finished my first episode of A Journey Shared, which will be released on iTunes and Spotify at 12pm tomorrow. 😍

It'll normally be released on the second Wednesday of the month, but I needed extra time to get this right...it's my first time doing all of these processes, so it's all a learning curve!

Thank you for your interest and words of encouragement - I hope you find it interesting and insightful...

See you soon~
Naomi ###

15/09/2020

*sigh*...😔

A great analysis of the films and how it goes backwards from empowering young girls; the meaning of the original poem; and Hollywood's total disregard to cultures other than their own, White experiences...all at a time when we really, really need the opposite.

This is why I've started my podcast. This is why I've been speaking about race more than ever before. Seeing our stories bastardised and disrespected is a constant disappointment and it's not okay to remain ignorant - especially when we have all the resources we need to educate ourselves.

Please, *listen*. Listen to stories different to your own and build empathy the world desperately needs.

The first episode of A Journey Shared will be released at 12pm tomorrow (Wed 15/09/2020).

For a limited time, use this link to get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: https://skl.sh/accentedcinema09201 ----------------------------------...

10/09/2020

Having a quick play with the mic. 😍 Will either record the first ep tonight or tomorrow morning.
I originally wanted it to be launched yesterday (second Wednesday of each month), but after discussing it with Zan, he came up with a much better structure idea than mine, so I ended up rewriting it. 😂 It's okay, it's for the best! I'm grateful people are around to help and support me with this passion project. 💖
Pictured is the Blue Yeti Blackout by ; pop filter (+ boom arm, not pictured) by Toner; on my laptop and an obligatory cup of tea. 😜🍵

31/08/2020

A tid-bit to get you by, while I record and edit the ART series... https://ajourneysharedpodcast.com/listen/ (links in bio)
Music by Yaiza Varona - links to her work on the website (via About page).

24/08/2020

Hi! I'm Naomi Hoang, writer and host of A Journey Shared Podcast. I'm passionate about learning people's stories and understanding what drives them through their ups and downs in life. I'm looking forward to sharing lessons I've learned from my own journey, in hope that they'll help others on theirs.

I'm also in the process of recovering from c-PTSD and hope this project will help me untangle those threads, in order to weave them into a cohesive story I can make peace with.

Career-wise, I'm a Tattoo Artist and founder of NAOHOA Luxury Bespoke Tattoos (), where I've been providing custom-designed tattoos and excellent customer service since 2015. Before that, I worked as an Illustrator and Concept Artist in the videogames industry for 2-3 years, where I worked in-house for studios such as The Creative Assembly (SEGA).

Personal work can be seen at (I'll be updating it over the next few months!)

Based in Wales, UK, after bouncing around different cities for work and study, I’m happy to call Cardiff my home.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy my new show, which will be launching in September~

Naomi x

19/08/2020

Welcome to A Journey Shared Podcast - a little nook of the internet full of life stories and insights gained along the way. I believe that knowledge is to be shared to make things easier for others, so they can spend time building their next step. ☺️
Watch this space...