Chocolate and Coffee Break

Episode 27: The Cost of Looking Away — Racism Stories With Stone Gye

In this deeply thought-provoking episode of Chocolate & Coffee Break, Andrea sits down with counselor, strategist, and neurodivergent advocate Stone Gye for a courageous conversation about racism, belonging, systems, and healing. Stone shares his lived experiences as an African American man raised in Japan, serving in the military, migrating to Australia, and later relocating to France after facing systemic challenges within healthcare and society. Together, they explore: * What racism actually is and what it is not * The hidden cost of systemic racism * Neurodivergence and intersectionality * Why belonging matters * How systems either help people thrive or marginalize them * The importance of difficult but compassionate conversations * What true societal healing could look like One powerful takeaway: “Racism isn’t being called in. Racism is when systems stay untouched while harm continues.” This episode challenges listeners to move beyond defensiveness and toward deeper understanding, accountability, compassion, and collective healing. 🍫☕ Grab your chocolate and your coffee and join a conversation that matters. Guest: Stone Gye- Counselor, strategist, and advocate working with neurodivergent professionals. Connect with Stone Gye: stonegye.agency A show, a movement, and a mission to break down the barriers that divide us. In a world growing louder with hate, division, and misunderstanding, we choose a different frequency: love, compassion, and the courageous power of connection.

Episode 26 | Linh Le — From Refugee to Purpose-Driven Leadership

Linh Le shares her incredible journey from escaping war-torn Vietnam by boat to becoming a leader focused on wisdom, happiness, and community impact. A powerful conversation about resilience, gratitude, and redefining success. A show, a movement, and a mission to break down the barriers that divide us. In a world growing louder with hate, division, and misunderstanding, we choose a different frequency: love, compassion, and the courageous power of connection.

Episode 24 | Shavita Kotak: The Power, Truth & Liberation of Menopause

Shavita Kotak shares a transformative perspective on menopause as a time of empowerment, truth, and liberation. This episode explores identity, intuition, and the deeper meaning of aging as a woman. A show, a movement, and a mission to break down the barriers that divide us. In a world growing louder with hate, division, and misunderstanding, we choose a different frequency: love, compassion, and the courageous power of connection.

Episode 25 | Andrea Pudding: What Are You Willing to Fight For?

In this solo episode, Andrea shares the origin story of Chocolate & Coffee Break and the powerful question that shaped her purpose. A moving reflection on compassion, belonging, and the power of human connection. A show, a movement, and a mission to break down the barriers that divide us. In a world growing louder with hate, division, and misunderstanding, we choose a different frequency: love, compassion, and the courageous power of connection.

Episode 23: Diagnosed With MS — Then She Became a 3-Time Paralympic Champion

Carol Cook shares her journey from an MS diagnosis to becoming a Paralympic champion. A powerful story about resilience, mindset, and redefining what’s possible. A show, a movement, and a mission to break down the barriers that divide us. In a world growing louder with hate, division, and misunderstanding, we choose a different frequency: love, compassion, and the courageous power of connection.