In this warm and heartfelt conversation, Amanda and Susan open up about their personal experiences with loss and grief, sharing how it has shaped their lives after losing loved ones at such a young age. They talk about the complicated emotions involved in grief, like feelings of regret, and the difficulties of being a caregiver. Their discussion also highlights the comforting spiritual connections they feel with those who have passed and the lasting importance of cherished memories. Ultimately, they lovingly explore how they want to be remembered and the legacy they hope to leave behind, emphasizing hope, connection, and the enduring power of love.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Life Changes

00:38 Experiencing Loss: Personal Stories

03:33 The Process of Grieving and Memory

05:44 Caretaking and Guilt

07:59 Unresolved Feelings and Connections

10:17 Spiritual Connections and Beliefs

12:22 Exploring Spiritual Practices and Beliefs

13:28 Cultural Perspectives on Grief and Loss

17:46 Navigating Consolation and Support in Grief

22:02 Reflections on Legacy and Memory

In this episode of Hello Ayi, Amanda and Susan take a walk down memory lane, reminiscing about how their friendship began and how it has evolved over the years. From first concerts and wild adventures to deep conversations about destiny, they explore what makes certain friendships last while others fade away. They also reflect on the idea of fated connections—are some people meant to be in our lives, no matter what?

The conversation touches on personal growth, the natural ebb and flow of friendships, and the ways we choose to show up for the people who matter. Plus, they share a hilarious story about an awkward airport run-in and debate whether roller skating is still in their future.

In This Episode:

🎤 The story of how Amanda and Susan met—by chance or fate?

🎤 Why some friendships stand the test of time while others fade

🎤 The unexpected ways people reconnect (including a surprise flight seatmate moment!)

🎤 How different friend groups serve different parts of our lives

Listener Questions: We want to hear from you!

💬Do you believe some friendships are destined?

💬Have you ever had to walk away from a friendship, and how did you know it was time?

💬 Have you made a close friend later in life?

Drop us a comment —we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Susan and Amanda explore the Asian-American experience, focusing on cultural identity, pressures, and the evolution of representation in America. The hosts share personal anecdotes about their upbringing, the challenges of balancing cultural heritage with American identity, and the impact of social media on perceptions of Asian culture. They discuss the complexities of language barriers and the feeling of not being 'Asian enough' in both America and Asia. It's complicated being a Chinese Texan.

As the Lunar New Year ushers in a season of renewal, Amanda and Susan explore what this time of change means for career shifts, personal growth, and cultural identity. In this episode, they dive into the symbolism of the Year of the Snake, sharing stories of resilience and reinvention amid unexpected career changes. They reflect on the pressures of work ethic in the Asian American experience, the challenges of midlife transitions, and the journey toward self-discovery. Tune in for an honest and heartfelt conversation about embracing change, redefining success, and finding fulfillment in the twists and turns of our professional lives.

This episode's listener poll: Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? Share your answer in Spotify polls!

Welcome to the very first episode of Hello Ayi! Join Amanda and Susan as they kick off their podcast with a lighthearted dive into what it means to be an Ayi (auntie) – and trust us, it’s a journey! From realizing you’ve suddenly reached the age of unsolicited advice to the joys of wearing mismatched patterns and socks with sandals, these two hilarious friends explore the everyday moments that confirm they have achieved Ayi status.

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