smile out loud

the art of asian heritage, christian faith & mental health

Hi friends! Can’t believe my last podcast episode was August 2021, oh how fast time flies! And now it’s May 2022 which is perfect because we get to remember, recognize, acknowledge, appreciate and celebrate AAPI heritage AND mental health awareness month… with a brand new episode!!! This time, I was joined by my lovely friend and art therapist @jennieyuart [https://www.instagram.com/jennieyuart/?hl=en] to discuss our journey of Asian and Christian identities as well as the importance of mental health and art therapy in our communities. Moreover, how our many identities can complement and conflict each other, and why support systems are necessary. It’s gonna be an amazing conversation ;)  subscribe / follow / review / comment / questions? / SMILE OUT LOUD & find me on Instagram @iamaggiechen [https://www.instagram.com/iamaggiechen/?hl=en] to stay up-to-date on new content!!!

bits & pieces | 25 life lessons in 25 years

Will Smith said it best. "Happiness is peace. It's not pleasure. Everybody thinks happiness is trying to get as much pleasure as you can get. There is nothing more agitating to your mind than extreme pleasure. It's peace."  Hey hey hey! It's been a minute! This summer, I chose to be completely present in life. Between working and resting, I also chased God, traveled out of NY, spent quality time with family/friends, found my life-purpose partner, and celebrated 25! They say 25 is a different world, and IT REALLY IS! Although life gets loud at times, 25 came with a sense of deep PEACE and uncontainable joy. In this episode, I'm sharing 25 life lessons in my 25 years of life. subscribe / follow / review / comment / questions? / SMILE OUT LOUD & find me on Instagram @iamaggiechen for more dope content!!!

E9: ugliness into beauty by faith

I love the woman that I am because I fought to become her.  I am the person that I am today because of my faith.  Check out this episode with my beautiful friend, Joy (@joyling.quality [https://www.instagram.com/joyling.quality/?hl=en]) as we talk about how our identity as Asian-American-Christian women influence the way we live all the uglies and beauties of life.  subscribe / follow / review / comment / questions? / SMILE OUT LOUD & find me on Instagram @iamaggiechen [https://www.instagram.com/iamaggiechen/] for more dope content!!!

E8: the modern day immigrant woman — through the lens of Asian & Latina women

To me, growing up in an immigrant home has been both a blessing and a curse. Born and bred in the melting pot of NYC, my upbringing and experiences have molded so much of what it takes to be a modern day immigrant woman. Navigating through life as a child with countless roles/responsibilities at home and school. Achieving in school and career as a first-generation Asian-American. Figuring out all these past, present and future relationships.  This episode breaks down all these ideas and concepts in a really raw, organic way between me and my friend, Whitney. These are the stories of the modern day immigrant woman, through the lens of Asian and Latina women. subscribe / follow / review / comment / questions? / SMILE OUT LOUD & find me on Instagram @iamaggiechen [https://www.instagram.com/iamaggiechen/] for more dope content!!!

E7: building a sustainable skincare brand (Melanie B, President of Versed)

Sustainability? Skincare? How to Build a Brand? My Women‘s History Month feature: the very intelligent and kind human being, Ms. Melanie Bender! As the President of Versed Skincare [https://versedskin.com] (aka the cleanest drugstore skincare brand), she has built a team and brand that strongly emphasize on clean, sustainable and quality products for every person and skin type. I simply adore their concept of formulas that are 100% people and planet-minded. We also chat about our skincare journeys and routines as well as what it means to build a business/brand for yourself. And of course as a PROUD Asian American, I took some time to not only rep my culture (Disney's fabulous Raya and the Last Dragon), but also to address the ongoing AAPI hate crimes and xenophobia (i.e. Atlanta shooting and fear). Never in my 24 years do I recall this kind of fear feeling so vulnerable in the outside world, but thank you to those standing with us. Here are some useful resources [https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fanti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co%2F&e=ATMPLu9s_WX0J4ew9QGnRJ0-XaOLF7opMkPLhM2XLtkdQbAq21NjSuc7121arMZeCPlVavqVKTnNR1UTEQRp-FQ&s=1] :) subscribe / follow / review / comment / questions? / SMILE OUT LOUD & find me on Instagram @iamaggiechen [https://www.instagram.com/iamaggiechen/] for more dope content!!!