Curiosity Over Fear

It’s World Kindness Day, so I decided to do something a little different.
Inspired by a whimsical love poem about a sandwich (yes, really) and a friend’s creative story about an upside-down world, I wrote a sonnet — a playful little love letter to kindness itself.

In this episode, we explore how kindness doesn’t have to be perfect, polished, or performative. Sometimes it’s awkward, quiet, or weirdly human — and that’s exactly wha...

Last time, we explored why we wear emotional masks and how curiosity helps us begin to lift them.
In this follow-up episode, Sharmaine unpacks what happens next — when curiosity turns into vulnerability.
Drawing from Brené Brown, Carl Rogers, and self-compassion research, she explores why showing our true selves feels so risky, how the “beautiful mess effect” reframes vulnerability as strength, and why acceptance — not self-c...

A Halloween-season reflection on fear, curiosity, and the courage to be real.

This Halloween season, Curiosity Over Fear explores the real masks we wear — the ones that hide our insecurities, fears, and needs. In part one of this two-part series, Sharmaine unpacks why we hide, how early conditioning shapes our emotional armor, and how curiosity can transform self-judgment into compassion. Featuring insights from Brené Brown, Car...

In this episode of Curiosity Over Fear, we explore the 80+ year Harvard study that revealed the biggest predictor of well-being: the quality of your relationships. But in a culture that praises independence and hustle, many of us are more disconnected than ever.

We unpack the rising loneliness epidemic, how social media impacts connection, and why meaningful friendships don’t just happen—they take intention. If you’ve ever felt like...

Self-care isn’t always cute—and it’s definitely not always relaxing. In this episode, we get real about what self-care actually looks like, beyond the bubble baths and beach walks. I share how working night shift wrecked my routine (and my hormones), why burnout is more than just feeling tired, and how discipline, curiosity, and small daily choices are some of the most loving things you can do for yourself.

We talk about the overloo...

In this episode, we dive into the unspoken realities of mental health in minority families—especially within Asian, Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities. From cultural stigma and generational trauma to the silent pressure to “hold it together,” we explore how emotional wounds often get passed down when there’s no space to talk about them. Using powerful statistics and personal reflection, Sharmaine unpacks how silence is mista...

Not all fatherhood stories come wrapped in warmth—and for many, Father’s Day can stir up feelings of grief, confusion, or emotional distance. In this deeply personal episode, Sharmaine explores what it means to grow up with a father who was physically present but emotionally unavailable.

Through vulnerable storytelling, she unpacks how early family dynamics shaped her views on love, trust, and masculinity—and how curiosity became th...

What starts as a reflection on Juneteenth unfolds into a powerful exploration of truth, justice, and the importance of staying awake to what’s happening around us. In this episode, Sharmaine attends the Vision 2025 Community Summit in San Diego and is confronted with the weight of our current political climate—ICE raids in local neighborhoods, the rollback of DEI initiatives, child labor laws unraveling, and immigrant communities b...

When we think of exploration, we picture mountaintops, ocean depths, or far-off galaxies. But what if the wildest terrain is actually within us?

What if mental health isn’t about fixing something broken… but exploring something unknown?

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I reflect on why I see healing as a modern expedition. I share how freediving taught me to stay curious in the face of fear, and how curiosity is one of the ...

Have you ever realized someone’s been saying “I love you” your whole life… just not with words?

In this special Mother’s Day episode, I share a beautifully written story by my sister, Therese Joan, that captures the quiet, everyday ways love shows up—especially in Filipino families. Not through hugs or “I love yous,” but through food, patience, and a plate of hotdogs and rice you didn’t ask for (but were definitely expected to eat).

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In this episode, Sharmaine reflects on the rarity of being present in today's fast-paced world, emphasizing the importance of creativity and care for the Earth. The solo episode explores how creativity can be a tool for reimagining our habits and systems, and how nature serves as a powerful teacher in this process. The host encourages listeners to embrace curiosity as a means to foster creativity and connection, both with thems...

In this episode of Curiosity Over Fear, Sharmaine explores the intersection of curiosity and stress management. The discussion emphasizes how curiosity can help individuals understand their emotions better, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. She shares personal experiences and insights on how curiosity can lead to healthier coping mechanisms, both personally and in broader societal contexts, including environmental poli...

Summary

In this reflective solo episode, the host explores the essence of womanhood, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, strength, and the power of female friendships. Through personal anecdotes and a heartfelt poem, the host highlights how women support each other through life's challenges and the significance of celebrating these bonds, especially during International Women's Month. The discussion encourages listeners to ...

In this conversation, Juliana Rogers shares her journey of redefining success through a feminine lens, emphasizing the importance of peace, joy, and creativity over traditional hustle culture. She discusses the shift from discipline to devotion, the role of play in business, and the need for collaboration rather than competition. Juliana also highlights the significance of embracing one's authentic self and the lessons learned ...

Summary

In this episode of Curiosity Over Fear, Sharmaine dives into the often divisive topic of politics, emphasizing the importance of curiosity over fear in understanding complex issues like immigration and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). The conversation highlights how fear can lead to division, while curiosity fosters connection and understanding. Through various examples, Sharmaine encourages listeners to engage in res...

Summary

This episode delves into the dynamics of relationships, focusing on the importance of curiosity in communication. It highlights the Four Horsemen of communication—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling—that can erode relationships over time. The discussion emphasizes the need for self-awareness and the impact of our internal dialogue on our relationships with others. Ultimately, it advocates for choosing curios...

summary

In this episode, Sharmaine shares her transformative experience of cave diving, illustrating how she overcame her fears and embraced curiosity. Through her journey from a near-drowning incident to becoming a freediver, she emphasizes the importance of trust, both in oneself and in others, and how facing fears can lead to personal growth and self-discovery.

takeaways

• The initial fear of the cave dive was overwhelming.
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