Birdhouse Radio

In this episode of Birdhouse Radio, I’m joined by my partner Jeana for a deeply personal conversation about what it means to be a breadwinner. Between the two of us, we know the weight of supporting family, carrying financial responsibility, making hard decisions, and still trying to build a life of our own. So for this episode, we each wrote three little letters to a breadwinner — things we wish more people understood, things we wish someone would say to us, and reminders for those quietly carrying more than they show. We talk about gratitude, guilt, pressure, sacrifice, support, and the emotional cost of always being the strong one. If you’re a breadwinner, this one is for you. And if you love one, maybe this will help you see them more clearly.

So this one's a little heavy. Fair warning.This episode dropped right around my 37th birthday, and honestly, I was this close to recording a gratitude episode (which, you know, would've made a lot more sense given how good things have been lately). But something pulled me toward the darker side of the conversation instead. Because here's the thing: getting wiser doesn't mean the demons stop showing up. They still find their way to your front porch. They always do.In this episode, I talk about five inner visitors that most of us deal with but rarely name out loud — The Doubter, The Comparer, The Shamer, The Alarmist, and The Empty One. I get into where they come from, why they show up when they do, and how to actually host them without letting them take over the whole house.I also get a little vulnerable here (maybe more than I planned to). We're talking imposter syndrome, social media comparison spirals, Carl Jung's shadow self, a journal entry I wrote about a version of me I spent years trying to bury, and a mild PTSD diagnosis I haven't really talked about much.Quick disclaimer though: I'm not a therapist, I'm not a licensed anything. I'm just a person trying to get by and figure things out like everybody else. So take everything with a grain of salt, and if any of this hits a little too close to home, please do seek out a professional. It helped me, and it can help you too.But if one of these visitors has been around lately, this is just your reminder. You're not broken. And you're definitely not the only one.Pull up a chair. Let's talk about it.

Two months into Manila and I have thoughts.This episode is my honest diary entry about moving from the province: what I left behind, what I'm still figuring out, and what it feels like to finally have a little room to try on different versions of yourself without everyone watching.If you're thinking about moving, or if you've already moved and you're still somewhere in the middle of figuring it out, this one's for you.Also, fair warning: I speak in Tagalog this episode. More than usual. I'm practicing. Bear with me :)

Two big things happened recently: I met someone, and I’m moving to Manila. Both are exciting. Both are terrifying. And both have made me think a lot about change — how it shapes us, humbles us, and pushes us to grow.In this episode, we unpack the idea of change: why it’s necessary, why it’s scary, and how to navigate it — from the kind we prepare for to the kind that hits us out of nowhere. I also talk about what it means to navigate change together — in love, in partnership, and in life.If you’re in a season of transition, I hope this feels like sitting down with a friend who gets it.

We’ve been letting go since our first day of school. But somehow, it never gets easier.In this episode, I unpack the bittersweet art of letting go—from childhood homes and shifting friendships to those quiet, painful goodbyes we didn’t know would linger.I share two personal stories: one about moving out of a big house without warning, and another about the ache of being left behind when someone you love starts a new chapter. Through these, we reflect on why we struggle with change, and what it really means to release.This isn’t a self-help checklist. It’s a soft, honest conversation about identity, attachment, control, and trust. If you’re in a season of transition (or still processing one), I hope this helps you feel less alone.Sometimes letting go isn’t about forgetting—it’s about making space.

I went back to London to study design at the University of the Arts London—two short courses in Digital Typographic Design and Art Direction. It was a dream I’d been chasing for years. In this episode, I share what it was really like to study at a top design school, the surprising lessons that stuck with me, and how being in a first-world creative space changed my perspective on design.Not everything lived up to the hype, but some things went deeper than I expected. Let’s talk about first impressions, creative growth, and why the best lessons aren’t always the ones you signed up for.

January’s over—now it’s time to really start the year. In this episode, I’m sharing 10 thoughtful predictions for 2025—and more importantly, how you can turn them into real opportunities. Whether it’s launching that side hustle, using AI to lighten your workload, slowing down to live more intentionally, or building meaningful connections, this is your personal guide to making the most of what’s coming. You’re not here to let the year pass you by. You’re here to make it yours. ✨ Which of these feels right for you? Let me know on Instagram or tag me in your stories—I’d love to hear how you’re stepping into 2025.

Wrapping up Season One of Birdhouse Radio feels like a moment to pause, reflect, and say thank you. This episode dives into why I started this podcast, the lessons it’s taught me, and how it’s grown into something more—a space for connection and community. Join me as we look back on this journey and share a glimpse of what’s ahead in Season Two.

Who says you have to follow the timeline? In this episode, we’re breaking down the idea that starting late means missing out. Whether it’s learning to drive at 35, picking up a new hobby, or going back to school, we’re talking about why timelines are overrated and how every beginning—no matter when it happens—has its own kind of magic. If you’ve ever felt like you’re too old to try something new, this one’s for you.

This week on Birdhouse Radio, we’re having a heart-to-heart about people-pleasing—a habit that often feels like kindness but can quietly take more from us than we realize. I share my personal journey of untangling this behavior, from the moments I didn’t even know I was doing it, to the wake-up call that forced me to confront it. Together, we’ll reflect on how cultural influences like utang na loob and pakikisama shaped this part of me, and how even good intentions can blur into burnout and resentment. But it’s not all heavy—we’ll also talk about finding our way back to ourselves. From setting small boundaries (like saying no to that extra serving you really don’t want) to reframing guilt and learning to honor our own needs, this episode is about finding balance without losing our care for others. Pull up a chair, and let’s explore this together. It’s a story, a reflection, and maybe even a little guide to help us all live a little more honestly.

In this laid-back episode of Birdhouse Radio, we’re talking about what it’s like growing up as an only child. From creative solo adventures to navigating the world with a “main character” mindset, I share some personal stories and unexpected lessons. Whether you’re an only child, raising one, or just curious, this episode is all about the quirks, challenges, and quiet joys of growing up without siblings.

i really hate airline turbulence and i've got quite a bit to say about it.

an unexpected surprise had me thinking about low maintenance friendships and what makes them last

in this episode i said goodbye to the summer heat (at long last), finally reunited with my lost national ID and talked about revisiting old and forgotten dreams

finally started my podcast! talked about balance, navigating my 30s and moving to the countryside