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Born and raised in the Philippines, Alma spent much of her life repeating patterns she couldn’t fully understand, patterns shaped by childhood experiences, cultural conditioning, relationships, and subconscious beliefs formed early in life. For years, she searched for change through external circumstances, believing a new environment, relationship, or achievement might finally bring the freedom she was looking for. Yet the same emotional struggles and recurring patterns continued to surface. In this episode of Back At It, Alma shares her journey from growing up in the Philippines, to building a life abroad in Dubai and later Poland, and how those experiences ultimately led her toward deeper trauma-informed healing and Root Cause Therapy. Tune in on the latest episode of Back At It as Alma and David explore how childhood environments shape adult relationships, the hidden impact of subconscious beliefs, the patterns many Filipinos silently carry through generations, and what becomes possible when we begin addressing challenges at their roots rather than only managing the symptoms. Today, Alma is a trauma-informed coach and Root Cause Therapy practitioner who helps people uncover the subconscious beliefs, emotional conditioning, and survival patterns shaping how they show up in life, from self-abandonment and people-pleasing to emotional suppression and difficulty trusting themselves, so they can break recurring patterns and create meaningful change in their relationships, decisions, and lives. TIMESTAMPS: (00:00): Intro (01:30): In-depth to her conditioning growing up in the Philippines (08:08): How childhood memories would lead to limiting beliefs played out in adulthood (16:31): Mother & Father Wound (22:44): Moving to Dubai and trying to seek validation (30:43): Moving to Poland and confronting her trauma (36:27): Discovery of Root Cause Therapy (47:37): The changes in her life as a result of root cause therapy: digging into the root of her emotions and behavior (56:09): First steps to apply root cause therapy into your own life (59:39): Her goal using root cause therapy as a means to help Filipinos break multi-generational behavior and be themselves (1:07:10): The habits to build to be proud of who you are (1:12:11): Where does Alma see herself in the next 5 years? (1:16:29): Not regretting learning root cause therapy later rather than sooner (1:18:58): The main lesson she wants her children to learn as they grow up (1:21:39): Closing Remarks

Almost everyone grew up believing that if you made good grades, get into a good school, and get a good job, then you'd finally be considered successful. Then why are so many "successful" people anxious and depressed? What happens when "success" becomes your identity and your worth is tied to constant performance? In this episode of Back At It, David sits down with Hannah Fan, author of "Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me", to have a conversation on identity, subconscious beliefs, and the emotional toll of constantly trying to be “enough.” What is the emotional cost of high achievement, immigrant parental pressure, and identity built on productivity? Hannah shares the pivotal moments that led her to examine her subconscious beliefs around fear, self-worth, and emotional survival and how years of suppressing her inner world shaped her anxiety, burnout, and sense of disconnection. This episode is for anyone feeling stuck in survival mode and looking for a healthier, more sustainable way to live and succeed. You can order her book Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me through this link: https://a.co/d/dasnwgr TIMESTAMPS: (00:00): Intro (00:41): Hannah's upbringing (03:56): Being raised in a gender-based household, having alot of responsibilities as a woman (06:48): Being ingrained with the mindset to always do more (09:08): Self confidence vs. Self worth (12:18): Realizations in therapy that she's been bottling up her feelings her entire life (15:43): Realizing her toxicity through dating, leading to her resolve to find out who she is (18:13): Emphasizing the load women have to carry from the past to present (22:12): Using her book 'Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me' as a platform for others to process their emotions (24:19): How many people build their identities on what they do, not who they are (28:24): How to start conversations with your parents about having a healthy relationship with them (31:31): Leading by example (32:44): Meeting her husband at the perfect time (34:34): Practicing boundaries while being in community with people (39:05): Advice for avoidant people to be a good communicator (42:42): A step one for people to get in a restful mindset amidst a heightened state (46:29): The importance of nature in our physical bodies (48:37): How movement helps us get out in a mental and physical rut (52:58): Her high school friends being a big foundation in her life (58:46): The main takeaway Hannah hopes everyone would receive from her hook (1:02:30): How she views her release of 'Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me' as a new beginning for her (1:04:29): Reassuring herself she is enough

When asked what is one word to describe who she is at the end of our discussion, Toni Liu eventually settled with the word rainbow. Born into an overly strict parental upbringing, Toni grew up feeling suppressed; that all of her identity and self-worth was tied into how obedient she is to her parents. As a result, she did everything her parents commanded her to: from school, to lifestyle, eventually becoming a physician as a career; specifically a gynecologist fighting for women's rights and social justice. On the outside, it seemed that she succeeded and made her parents happy. However, even though she was working for a cause she deeply cared about, she couldn't bear to live that type of life anymore. As a result, she packed her belongings and traveled all over the world, eventually becoming a nomad in Asia. It was in her travels where she learned who she really is, and eventually grew the capacity to love herself and those around her, while still advocating for women's rights and social justice for marginalized groups. Tune in on the latest episode of Back At It as David and Toni discuss her past, and how she channeled all of the trauma she encountered into love through her newfound experiences and the techniques she learned along the way. Now helping others who also felt like they didn’t belong nor fit any boxes, she provides a safe space for those who may never felt safe before to be themselves for the first time, providing love and support along the way; unlocking their rainbow after a tumultuous beginning, just as she unlocked hers. Resource Recommendations: Running on Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect - Christine Musello and Jonice Webb Man's Search For Meaning - Viktor Frankl Why You No Doctor Anymore?! Honoring Your Family AND Yourself Too - Toni Liu MD

Making multiple six-figures in his mid-20s, getting married, and living comfortably in NYC, Young seemingly had it all; especially in the midst of so many others trying so hard to level up their lives and gain such milestones. However beneath the surface level appearance lie a web of mental health issues and insecurities that appeared since childhood, which eventually caught up to him and led to his absolute rock bottom. At that moment in his apartment with absolutely no direction and no one to turn to, Young shouted out for a God to help him. It was there where he experienced a strange but calming presence in his life, and it was at this moment where he was able to build back his life, and live in peace and stability. Go beyond this description and tune in to learn more about Younghyeon's unique journey in our latest episode of Back At It.

She was winning at the corporate game—money, social respect, leadership—until the game started costing her more than it gave. So Amy Zhou walked away. Now as a certified ICF life and career coach, she wants to help others realize and live their authentic selves through 1:1 coaching and workshops; ultimately intending that others break free of their own destructive patterns and live a life they truly deserve. Tune in on the latest episode of Back At It as the conversation starts from Amy's past lifestyle and what she describes as authenticity, to an unexpected twist that neither Amy nor David anticipated...an impromptu coaching session digging into David's values and anchors of life; a culmination of connecting one's own values to another's, helping David positively transform the ways he views his circumstances. You can learn more about Amy at https://amyzhou.me TIMESTAMPS: (00:00): Intro (00:38): How she found out what authenticity really means (08:40): Systems being revolved around rules and obedience, some are not meant to be confined in that mold (16:29): How Amy found who she really is in the midst of all her life changes (20:39): Choosing herself over her career (22:25): Listening to others through their words, body language, and past interactions (28:00): Where the tables turn: Amy inquires about David's "pettiness" (32:05): Digging deeper into how David's actions connect to his tiger parent upbringing (37:34): Exploring what David's life anchor is (43:51): David's loneliness factor (53:54): Amy explaining the anchor actually within David: "why isn't that anchor within you?" (1:07:42): David's future outlook with this new church taking over this obedience model (1:14:01): David's loneliness tied to his inner dialogue (1:22:19): David's realization of his yearning to be in the next transformation of life (1:27:14): Amy's next era (1:33:46): What David learned and his message to himself (1:36:45): Amy's closing words

Being the youngest of 7 children of immigrant refugee parents, Tou Ger Lee grew up feeling like an outcast. It wasn't until he got into dancing where he began to find his own sense of belonging in this world; tying his identity into his craft.  However, despite immersing himself in dance and making a career out of it, even winning a national dance competition, he still felt stuck as a person; no matter how much he dedicated to dance and how much he reaffirmed to himself that dancing is his passion. This realization has led to him making a massive shift into rediscovering who he really is, finding out that he really enjoys helping others. This newfound purpose led to him becoming a mental health coach helping others in the workforce find value in their work, and eventually opening his own practice alongside his wife called The Good Life Mental Health Services, helping people break free of their own destructive patterns and rediscovering themselves, just like how he rediscovered himself. Tune in on this newest episode of Back At It as Tou Ger explains to David the highs and lows of this self-development journey into helping others be their best selves. P.S. here is his linktree which contains his website for The Good Life Mental Health Services, as well as his socials to connect with him - https://dot.cards/tougerlee TIMESTAMPS: (00:00): Intro (01:52):  Journey into becoming a mental health professional (08:58): Having dance as a former identity (12:36): Challenging himself to find life beyond dancing (15:14): Making changes with unwavering support from his wife (18:24): Why we tend to stay away from opinions coming from those close to us (22:34): How to properly take in negative feedback instead of completely blocking it out (27:14): "Metaphorical Chainsaw Man" to get through phases in life (29:59): Helping people get out of a "woe is me" mentality as a coach (34:12): Making people see their value not being tied into their job nor achievements (40:18): How to really enjoy the journey in the midst of a results driven society (43:43): How he feels when his clients breakthrough their old patterns and find value in themselves (47:36): Biggest accomplishment in his dancing endeavor (49:31): Favorite dance style (50:33): Dancing to natural sound (51:32): Looking forward to his next phase in life with his wife (53:27): Advice for people wanting to get unstuck and better themselves (56:04): Where you can learn more about him and Good Life Mental Health

Lisa is community organizer, mental health advocate, and proud daughter of Chinese immigrants. As a cofounder of the Asian Mental Health Collective, she's helped raise over $3 million for mental health in her community. As the CEO of Project EmpowerHER, Lisa uplifts the next generation of Asian women leaders through mentorship and funding. On top of all of that, Lisa is aiming for the crown at the Miss Asian Global Pageant in August.  But behind all of these accolades is someone who had a harsh upbringing with no direction, someone who experienced discrimination based on her looks, and someone who is just trying her best day after day to see a better future.  In commemoration of AAPI and Mental Health Awareness Month, tune in on this newest episode of Back At It as David and Lisa converse about her tramautic past, and instead of using it as a barrier, is turning it as an opportunity for change within herself and future generations of Asian women. TIMESTAMPS: (00:00): Intro (03:17): Why she's so committed to empowering Asians, especially Asian women (08:54): The importance of having safe spaces and resources for Asian mental health (14:05): Her parents finding a better life in America from the cultural revolution in China (18:12): The cycle of resentment to accepting and understanding your parents (25:25): Using the experience of harsh Asian parenting into change for future generations through AMHC and Project EmpowerHER (30:17): Uplifting Asian women by showing how to lead and achieve what they want in life (35:55): Having a strained relationship with her sister growing up (37:47): Being the role model she never had for thr next generation through Project EmpowerHER (41:07): Guiding her mentees without holding their hand (47:26): The Bamboo Ceiling  (52:34): Using past generations of women, especially her mother, as motivation to help spur change (57:24): Using pageantry for personal growth and to be an inspiration that narratives change (1:00:11): Reflecting on how hard her life was, yet using the past as an opportunity (1:05:38): What she envisions in the next generation, especially for Asian women (1:09:28): How groups like Asian Mental Health Collective opened the door for Asians to be communicative about their mental health (1:14:20): How competing in Miss Houston Chinatown led to audience members open up about their mental health for the first time (1:19:02): Predicting what problems the next generations will face (1:23:56): Preparing for the coming months (1:25:57): What would previous versions of Lisa think about what you're currently doing? (1:27:28): Socials and wrapping up

"You're gonna get into every space that you want in this life, but you're gonna get in through the backdoor" These are the words that Anna Gordon heard from her high school guidance counselor, which ended up being the cornerstone of her life. Tune in on the newest episode of Back At It as David digs deeper into Anna's roots from the Soviet Union and how that shaped her growing up in America, to embracing her unique path and becoming a successful storyteller and content creator for small businesses and nonprofits. TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (01:02)  Being born during the final years of the Soviet Union and migrating to New York (04:49) Assimilating into America (10:39) Being raised by a single parent (15:44) Growing up with no direction, not understanding the "why" (19:34) The impact of her high school guidance counselor in shaping her outlook in life (25:20) Fighting comparison with others who are in the same age (30:59) Be honest with yourself (33:11) How her partner complements her personality and inspires her (36:43) What does it mean to "make it" in life? (44:57) Reflecting on how she was unmotivated to living her ideal life (47:16) The toll of the Russia-Ukraine conflict over her own life and her family dynamic (53:44) Scenarios in the past where she could've responded with joy and not anger (57:17) Does being authentic always mean being joyful? (1:03:44) Embracing the human more than the skillset in a professional environment (1:07:17) Tips on how to use the internet to empower yourself and others, compared to doom scrolling (1:11:10) What she wants to be known for in the later years of her life (1:13:53) What is the last thing you want to do before you die? (1:15:21) Showing off her doodles drawn during the recording (1:16:33) Wrapping Up

Being introduced to art by his grandmother at the age of 4, Robert ended up finding his passion very early in life. However, being an artist wasn't synchronous with his life journey; being exposed to constant changes as he grew up. Tune in on this new episode of Back At It as David unravels the various circumstances he was placed in, and how it all led to his thriving art gallery in NYC.  TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(01:15) Upbringing and Thought Process Into Making Art(10:30) Reflecting as an Artist by Travelling(15:50) Making Better Art vs. Trusting Your Own Process(21:00) Realization That He Wants to be an Artist Along with his Assimilation in New York(34:57) Navigating his path between finance and art in New York(53:28) Finding his right community(1:05:44) Community leading to his art gallery opening(1:15:17) Maintaining and growing his community(1:23:16) The Mandarin word for chaos is the exact same word for opportunity(1:30:15) Going through the 10,000 hour process to have fun in chaos(1:35:59) The perspective of always being a student(1:44:40) What a 4 year old Robert would think of the current Robert(1:46:40) What he would currently make with a blank space(1:49:38) Robert's socials and his art gallery

Still in denial that it's already February of 2024? Don't worry, we are too.  Tune in on the newest episode of Back At It as Anna, Miriam, and David reflect on the recent phases of their lives, and talk about what's in store for them in this new year. TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (00:51) Anna's 2021 - 2023 reflection (03:13) Miriam's 2021 - 2023 reflection (06:44) David's 2021 - 2023 reflection (09:13) Anna's word or phrase for 2023 (10:26) Miriam's word or phrase for 2023 (13:56) David's word or phrase for 2023 (17:11) Anna's themes for 2024 (21:19) Miriam's themes for 2024 (26:51) David's themes for 2024 (29:04) Miriam's new interests to try out (29:45) David's beatboxing fail (I swear it was the mic - David) (32:37) What's Anna looking forward to in 2024 (35:03) Anna's rapper name (35:55) Miriam's desire to make comics (36:57) Conclusion

On June 14, 2021, Jing Lin, the sister of Anna Lin, passed away to suicide. Tune in on this special episode of Back At It as Miriam and Anna celebrate the life of Jing Lin, and how Anna has dealt with this unexpected loss and tried her best to live courageously everyday. P.S. September is National Suicide Prevention Month. If you ever feel that your struggles are overwhelming and you have no one to turn to, please contact the suicide and crisis hotline at 988. No matter how dark it may seem, you are never alone. There will be better days ahead. TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (01:26) Who Jing Lin is (04:00) Her experiences with mental health issues (07:14) The family dynamic before and after Jing's passing (10:11) The importance of having a support system (13:43) Living in Staten Island as an Asian American woman (15:38) Jing's faith in God (16:44) How Anna was able to cope immediately following her death (18:40) Destigmatizing suicide and depressive thoughts (25:32) Anna's view of purpose and faith (28:25) The making of the film about Jing Lin (30:11) Celebrating Jing Lin (35:56) Advice on remaining positive while being vulnerable (43:11) Tips on making friends, being proactive, and final thoughts

Migrating from South Korea to America at the age of 10, Juno Roome was struggling to conform to American society while retaining everything that he learnt back in his homeland. Yet despite the difficult transition period and the trials associated with it, Juno found solace through one medium: music. Making music since a formative age, Juno was able to cultivate his own identity despite the cultural differences, and eventually forge his own path. Now as a full-fledged musician specializing in dream pop with a rapidly expanding audience, Juno has a singular objective in his craft: to connect and make others feel at home. Learn more about the journey of Juno Roome in our latest episode of Back At It. P.S. this episode is in collaboration with his own podcast, ryan gosling is gonna die before us, probably. This will also serve as their pilot episode. Congrats on the milestone and welcome to the podcasting space 🎉 TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro(00:28) Assimilation from Korea to America and introduction to music(05:46) Music as a safe space(08:31) Lowest points and self acceptance(12:40) Validation as an artist and person(17:43) First years in America and difference with Korean upbringing(21:54) Relationship with parents(23:54) Becoming a better version of self and methods of self improvement(30:31) Refining ourselves as we age(32:30) Love of Dwyane "The Rock" Johnson(38:35) His style of music(39:21) The last things we want to do before we die(41:59) Social and music streaming handles Where to find Juno Roome: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/75OmhmviEWTWkMBllWgdQv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junoroome/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3vZ4lCiYdKTgVygxmaYZU4?si=P2pFA66ST-SwrSyzUs6gvQ

GET TO KNOW THE PEOPLE BEHIND BACK AT IT: Anna Lin is a creative, passionate individual who has a huge heart to empower people to be challenged and grow in whatever life stage they’re in. Born from immigrant parents from Fuzhou, she has struggled with mental health, communication, and cultural barriers within family. From her trials, she has learned that in the darkest times, there is still a silver lining of hope. With Back At It, she desires to get to know and share stories of those who has experienced failure but did not give up.“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to face it.” Oh yeah, she’s also really derpy and loves to laugh 🤣 David Rafanan is a unique individual who believes that everyone has their own purpose in life. Having been through hard times and mental health issues himself, David has questioned whether life is meant to be full of struggles. However, he found out that as long as you found your purpose in life and work towards it, you can overcome whatever turmoil you face. This is why he along with Anna started this podcast: to show that even though you may experience hardship and seemingly the impossible, you can overcome these struggles and become a better version of yourself by facing it with a different mindset. You can find David either tinkering with something new or binge-watching The Office. Learn more about our co-hosts Anna and David in our latest episode of Back At It. P.S. The one moderating this episode is Miriam Yoo, our featured guest in episode 15. She is a passionate New York-based artist, and she will be joining us as our newest co-host of Back At It. Welcome to the team Miriam 🎉 TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(03:17) Know more about Anna & David(11:50) How Back At It was made(15:07) The impact of COVID(16:12) Why Back At It?(19:20) Episodes that stood out(24:17) What makes Back At It different?(28:48) How Anna and David got into podcasts(35:52) Dissecting Beef (TV show)(41:19) Cultural Identity: Asian or American?(49:04) Fun facts

Having a degree in exercise science, Jordan Biason originally started his career in the medical field. However, as many of his peers progressed in their respective careers and livelihood, Jordan found himself stuck and unhappy in his current position; ultimately feeling insecure in his own abilities. But eventually, he was able to realize his true passion in technology, and successfully transition into a career that he loves; serving as a foundation for further milestones in his life. Learn more about Jordan in our latest episode. Subscribe to Back At It to find out how people overcome limiting beliefs and achieve their potential. Timestamps: 0:00: Intro 1:01: Beginning of journey 4:51: Figuring out what to do 7:23: After discovery 10:40: Low points/mental health leave 12:12: Coding as a real interest 14:11: Comparison with others 15:54: Advice for people who are stuck/break into tech 20:26: Validation in what you really want to do 21:31: Favorite part of current job/side hobbies 26:39: Resetting 27:28: What's next

Cera is a full time physical therapist and part-time student born and raised in the Philippines. She moved to NY in 2019 to pursue her career and doctorate degree. Growing up, one of her biggest challenge was being hypersensitive to everything. Now, as an adult living independently, she still carries that burden with her at work, family, relationships and friendships. It's never been an easy process, but regardless of what she's been through, she was able to make it to where she is today. Learn more about Cera in our latest episode. Subscribe to Back At It to find out how people overcome limiting beliefs and achieve their potential. Timestamps:0:00: Introduction1:09: Introduction to HSP journey4:54: Growing up with emotions suppressed7:59: HSP as a factor in physical therapy career10:37: HSP challenges13:06: HSP depression15:17: Black Hole/cause of HSP17:44: Controlling emotions21:04: Migrating into America from the Philippines27:02: Personal transformation from moving out of Philippines to NYC29:19: How the book 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think changed her mindset33:01: You can only control your own emotions35:30: Comparing other people's lives to feel better and toxicity of social media37:10: Needing to feel validated40:06: Not being able to regulate emotions leading to suicidal thoughts42:36: Outlets to get out of negative HSP thoughts48:05: Still feeling your emotions while not getting into black hole51:47: Get professional help if you're in a black hole55:32: Resources for people with HSP and regulating emotions (grounding techniques: four square breathing, five senses, feeling circle chart, book: Atlas of the Heart)58:24: Looking forward to living life59:29: Last thing you want to do before you die1:00:48: Wanting to be a mother to love someone unconditionally