Monomyth Diaries

Monomyth Diaries

Monomyth Diaries, hosted by Karen Liu and Mandi Jones, is a podcast where real stories inspire personal growth. Through honest and heartfelt experiences—free of advice or experts—we foster connection, validation, and new perspectives. Each episode invites you to listen, relate, and embrace your own journey.

Episodes

August 19, 2025 3 mins

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!

Why do we feel the need to “should” on ourselves and others?

In this reflective and thought-provoking bonus episode, Mandi and Karen unpack the subtle—but powerful—ways we impose expectations through the word “should.” Whether it’s “I should have known better” or “You should do this,” these judgments can disconnect us from growth.

At Monomyth Diaries, we intentionally avoid giving advice—not...

Mark as Played

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!

Can healing begin where everything once felt broken?

In the second episode of Stephanie’s monomyth, we witness her powerful emergence from a season of grief, regret, and disconnection. After her unraveling, Stephanie shares how she began the brave work of rebuilding her life. From strenghtening her faith to reexamining her choices and rediscovering her purpose, Stephanie opens up ...

Mark as Played

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!

What happens when the foundation you’ve built suddenly begins to shift?

In this heartfelt first episode with Stephanie, we explore her journey from a joyful, stable life to the emotional upheaval brought on by unexpected change. Stephanie shares how she built a loving home with her husband and children, embraced her daughter’s teenage pregnancy with strength, and found deep fulfil...

Mark as Played

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!

In this compelling episode, Nikki reflects on the powerful gifts and lessons she has gained through her journey of self-discovery and faith.  Nikki shares how embracing her story has allowed her to heal, grow, and positively impact her community. Her openness and insights remind us all of the transformative power of grace and perseverance.

Tune in to hear Nikki’s inspiring perspective on ho...

Mark as Played

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!

What happens when the foundations you once trusted begin to shift?

In this heartfelt first episode of Nikki’s story, we explore how faith and transformation often begin in the cracks of uncertainty.

Though Nikki grew up in a loving home, the emotional weight of her mother’s battle with breast cancer and the quiet unraveling of her parents’ marriage left her feeling powerl...

Mark as Played

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!

In this lighthearted short episode, Mandi and Karen step into the hot seat to practice some Monomyth Story Starters—just like the ones they ask their guests. Recorded before they started interviewing others, this episode captures their journey of growth as podcasters. From experimenting with recording and editing to fine-tuning their production skills, this behind-the-scenes moment highlig...

Mark as Played

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!

What does life look like after the transformation? In the final chapter of Cyndi’s monomyth, we witness the power of purpose, love, and faith coming full circle.

In this uplifting conclusion to her three-part journey, Cyndi shares the “boons and gifts” that emerged from her deepest trials—revealing how resilience, faith, and inner healing led her to a fulfilling marriage rooted in...

Mark as Played

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!

In this special episode, Karen and Mandi reflect on their journey through 2024, sharing how working on Monomyth Diaries has shaped them as individuals. From powerful moments of self-growth to the invaluable wisdom gained from their guests, they explore the lessons that have deepened their perspectives and transformed their lives.

Join us as Karen and Mandi share their heartfelt reflections ...

Mark as Played

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!

What happens when the beliefs you were raised with no longer serve the life you’re trying to build?

In this powerful first episode of her three-part series, Cyndi shares her early life growing up in a traditional Vietnamese household, where cultural expectations demanded women remain silent and submissive. Through raw, heartfelt storytelling, she unpacks how those deeply rooted va...

Mark as Played

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!

What does it take to break free from the story you were told and step into the one you were meant to live?

In this second episode of Cyndi’s transformative journey, we explore the mindset shift that changed everything. After years of living under cultural expectations that silenced her voice, Cyndi began to rewrite her life—this time on her own terms. She surrounded herself with a...

Mark as Played

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!

How do you rebuild when everything you love feels lost?

In Christina’s second episode on The Monomyth Diaries, she opens up about the heartbreak that changed everything—the unimaginable grief of losing a child—and the quiet, courageous steps she took to begin again. With raw vulnerability and deep insight, Christina shares how that loss became the turning point that awakened her purpose, de...

Mark as Played

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!

What does it take to grow up before you’re ready—and still find your way back to yourself?

Christina shares her powerful journey from becoming a mother at just 14 to rebuilding a life grounded in resilience, love, and personal growth. As a young teen, she navigated motherhood, family conflict, poverty, and loss—all without finishing high school. But Christina’s story didn’t end in struggle.

...

Mark as Played

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!

How do we begin to heal when someone else’s addiction has left our lives in chaos?

In this bonus short, Karen and Mandi sit down for a heartfelt conversation about Al-Anon—a 12-step program for people affected by someone else’s drinking. Mandi opens up about her own experience discovering Al-Anon and how it quietly but profoundly transformed her monomyth.

What is Al-Anon really about? What h...

Mark as Played

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!

How do stories of resilience and reflection shift the way we see our own lives?

In this bonus short, Mandi and Karen sit down to unpack the powerful ripple effects of Donnell and Weston’s journeys. One story offers a raw look at redemption and reclaiming your worth. The other reminds us that growth often shows up in the messiest, most unexpected moments.

What are we still carrying from these...

Mark as Played

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!

What happens when you sit with someone else’s story long enough to let it change you?

In this special bonus episode, Mandi and Karen revisit the unforgettable journeys of Nikki and Sarah—two women who faced life-altering pain and came out the other side with grit, grace, and purpose. 

Join us as we share the takeaways still echoing in our hearts, the moments that surprised us, and how these ...

Mark as Played

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!

In this short, Karen and Mandi unpack the meaning behind “Take what you like and leave the rest.” It’s all about keeping an open mind, focusing on the good, and knowing that not everything will resonate with everyone—and that’s totally okay! No judgment, no pressure, just an invitation to listen, learn, and take away what speaks to you. Join us and see what sticks!

Listen now on YouTube, Sp...

Mark as Played

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!

Donnell shares the gifts, lessons, and boons he’s gained through his transformation. He reflects on his role as a community leader, husband, father, and pastor. The episode highlights the foundation of his newest initiative, Your Story Church, and its impact on his life and his community.

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your favorite shows!🎙...

Mark as Played

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!

What does it take to truly change your life? In this episode, Donnell Mann shares his powerful journey from a life of violence and incarceration to one of faith, purpose, and redemption. Sentenced to 18 years in prison, Donnell faced the kind of rock bottom that forces a person to confront who they really are. But transformation doesn’t happen overnight. What were the moments that made him...

Mark as Played

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!

What happens when a life shaped by hardship, violence, and incarceration takes an unexpected turn? In this episode, Donnell Mann takes us through his early years—growing up in a turbulent environment, navigating struggles with incarceration, and the moments that set him on a path toward transformation. Before redemption came the chaos, but a catalyst for change was waiting.

Join us as Donne...

Mark as Played

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!

In this short episode, Karen and Mandi answer a fun listener question: If you could sit next to any celebrity on a three-hour flight and hear their monomyth, who would it be? Tune in to find out who they’d choose and why—plus, start thinking about who you’d want in the seat next to you!

We love hearing from you! Write in with your own questions, share insights, or tell us about your persona...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

    Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.