Simmer Down with Viv

Episode 12: Stress Awareness and Tips to Cope

Did you know that April is Stress Awareness Month? Especially during this quarantine, stress can overtake our wellbeing. Believe it or not, stress can cause serious physical and mental health issues. That is why it is so important to recognize the signs and learn how to cope. I share the tips that have helped me during stressful times in my life, specifically these past few weeks. 

Featured recipe: New England Clam Chowder

Episode 11: Pandemic Supermarket Sweep.

With everyone in quarantine and the shelter in place in full effect. It is so important to stock up the pantry, fridge, and freezer with food that is versatile, filling and nourishing. That's why this week, I am focusing on the shopping list during those limited supermarket trips. Some items are known staples while others might be unknown and unfamiliar. I'll share budget-friendly tips, reasons why some items are an absolute must and more importantly how to make substitutions to items we love and trust. 

Featured recipe: Kimchi Spam Fried Rice

Episode 10: Being an Asian American in 2020.

In the past decade, Asian Americans have experienced highs and lows. Gaining momentum in Hollywood while battling stereotypes and everyday racism. This week, I am joined by my friend and cinematographer, Serena Kuo, to discuss what we have learned to help us grow from these issues while paving the way for future Asians Americans. 

Featured recipe: Ants Climbing a Tree

Episode 9: To Eat or Not to Eat.

With social media, today’s world is obsessed with looks and body image. However, to achieve the perfect figure, it may cost more than just the app you download. It may cost your life or serious long term side effects. This week, we dive into my personal battle with my past eating disorders. 

Featured recipe: Mapo Tofu

Episode 8: Mentorship. A mentor, a mentee and everything in between.

I have always searched for a mentorship that would enrich my professional life. I am lucky enough to say that I have a few mentors that guide me in both a professional and personal setting. Yet the most important part of being a mentee is to know the signs of a bad mentor. This week’s conversation is all mentorships, from why, who and what this relationship can mean? How to develop a solid bond with a mentor and what it means to be a good mentee.

Featured recipe: Stuffed Chicken Wings

Episode 7: Boss Lady Hustle - Eunice

Who is ready for a BRAND NEW episode of Boss Lady Hustle! This week, I had the privilege to sit down and chat with the co-founder of Material, Eunice Byun. She explains how an idea became a passion and finally a company. Trying to launch a brand from a grassroots level and balancing life as a full-time corporate executive, a mom, and a wife! Eunice is the definition of a true lady who hustled until she became the boss of an incredibly successful and meaningful brand. 

Boss Lady Hustle is a series all about inspiring ladies and queens that hustle through challenging obstacles to rise up and become a boss of their own destiny. They designed a life they wanted, they love and they are now living it! 

Featured recipe: Spaghetti and Meatballs

Episode 6: Love is...

Happy Valentine's Day gals and guys! There are so many different types of love. This week's conversation is all about the many forms of love I have in my life and how each kind helps me grow on a daily basis. Which one will you connect most with? 

Featured recipe: Rosy Chocolate Fudge

Episode 5: What birthdays mean to me?

Happy birthday to me! I can say that now but it wasn’t always like that. I have experienced good, bad and some just plain extra birthdays. Is there truth to the saying, another year older, another year wiser? 

Featured recipe: Longevity Peach Buns

Episode 4: Happy Lunar New Year!

Gong Hey Fat Choy! Let’s celebrate the Year of the Rat together. This week it’s all about the things to eat, the history of the Chinese Zodiac Signs, the preparation leading up to the new year and most importantly where the festivities are going to be! 

Featured recipe: Longevity Mushroom Noodles

Episode 3: Boss Lady Hustle - Traci

NEW SERIES DEBUT! Welcome to the FIRST episode of Boss Lady Hustle! As promised, 2020 will be filled with women empowerment. This series is all about inspiring ladies and queens that hustle through challenging obstacles to rise up and become a boss of their own destiny. They designed a life they wanted, they love and they are now living it! Our first boss lady is Traci Gushiken. Below is a little taste of who she is:

“As founder of With You Media, I am a strong believer in making genuine work that moves the world forward. With an adaptable skill set honed from 12 years in the media industry and a keen eye for story, I feel at home behind the lens. Whether as producer, videographer, or editor, I strive to make uplifting, culturally resonant work that leaves the world just a little bit brighter.”

Featured recipe: Everything Bagel Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Schmear

Episode 2: Moneys.

Budgets. Debts. Savings. It can all be very overwhelming especially when it's all at once! No one really talks about money because it's a sensitive topic. But what if I told you, that it really shouldn't be! This week, we are going to figure out how to turn money into moneys $$$!

Featured recipe: Classic Roast Chicken and Leftover Stock

Episode 1: Goals for 2020.

Happy new year and happy season 2! As I welcome this new decade with open arms, I am also entering 2020 with big goals and changes. I share my resolutions and my plans to make dreams into reality. 

Featured recipe: Matzo Ball Soup for the Soul

Season Finale is here! 
This week is all about being vulnerable and how one person inspired me to start this podcast. We made it through Season 1 together! 

Featured recipe: The Perfect Fried Chicken Sandwich

He loves me. He loves me not. 
Relationships are filled with ups and downs. The important thing is to learn from them. I share my experience with past loves and how it has changed me for the better. My broken heart ignited a path to self-love. 

Featured recipe: Better Than Takeout Pork Fried Rice

Episode 13: NYC Holiday Top Sights and Bites

Nothing beats New York City during the holiday season. There is something in that air that is extraordinary. This week it's all about my 5 places to visit, 5 places to eat, and a secret 5 secret spots that is close to my heart. Listen and be inspired to come visit during the most magical time of the year. Trust me I'm a native New Yorker!

Featured recipe: NYC Black and White Cookies

Episode 12: Going Greener

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. This week it’s all about taking steps to make a smaller carbon footprint! I was inspired by a field trip to the SIMS Municipal Recycling Center. Let’s bust some of the most common recycling myths and learn 5 easy ways to reduce everyday waste together. 

Featured recipe: Carrot Top Pesto

Friend or Foe? How can you tell apart a genuine friend vs a frenemy? I share the 5 signs to look out for and how to turn those negative experiences into positive ones. 

Featured recipe: Mini Doughnut Cakes

Episode 10: Meet the Parents

They are the people who have known me the longest, my parents. The evolution of this strong bond is this week’s topic. It was a long and bumpy road but without the bad, I would have never known and understood why. They loved me the best way they knew how to. Meet Mama and Papa Chan. 

Featured recipe: Mama’s Garlicky & Tangy Spare Rib Tips

Episode 9: Work-Life Balance

One week has 168 hours. My work schedule averages out to be 75 hours each week. I try to sleep for at least 6+ hours a night, but what about everything else? This week’s conversation is about finding a balance between life, work and me time. 

Featured recipe: Shrimp and Kale Salad

Episode 8: Hello God, it’s me.

My relationship with God is a unique one. We met when I was an adult and it has changed my life. Join me as I share my journey through this week’s conversation.

Featured recipe: Avocado Deviled Eggs