Curiosity Over Fear

In this episode of Curiosity Over Fear, Sharmaine reflects on her first pottery class and the unexpected life lessons she learned while working with clay. What began as a simple creative activity quickly turned into a deeper exploration of perfectionism, control, impatience, and the fear of failure. Through stories from class, reflections on the creative process, and the famous pottery experiment...

More people are quietly admitting they feel more understood by AI than by the people in their lives. This episode sits with that confession and asks what it actually reveals about us... not about the technology.

Sharmaine gets honest about being in the gap between who she said she'd be and who she's actually showing up as right now. If you've ever felt like you're not making progress, this one's for you. https://www.instagram.com/p/DXcJYwiEdZE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

You've been showing up for everyone and everything. Your job, your responsibilities, your to-do list. But when's the last time you actually showed up for yourself? In this episode, I'm getting honest about what it looks like when self-responsibility quietly slips through the cracks, and what I'm doing about it. We're talking 90 days, blank pages, and the question that's bee...

A girls' night conversation about Joe Rogan turned into an uncomfortable mirror moment. This episode is about responsibility, platforms, and the audacity it takes to show up when people don't think you should.

A simple question changes everything: What are you grateful for? In this episode, Sharmaine explores how gratitude isn’t about getting life right… it’s about becoming someone who’s ready to receive more.

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 weird...

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, an...

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. Featurin...

October is Filipino American History Month — but how much of that history were we actually taught? In this episode, Sharmaine unpacks the forgotten stories of the first Filipinos in America, the roots of migration, and how colonial history still shapes our identity today. Through curiosity and reflection, she explores what it really means to be Filipino American — and why reclaiming our history ma...

Happiness doesn’t just happen — it’s already all around us, in tiny “glimmer” moments that we often miss.  In this episode, I share how my sister’s words about her newborn and an afternoon at the Mermaid Caves reminded me that curiosity is what slows us down enough to catch joy before it slips by. Plus, how you can go on your own “glimmer hunt” this month for Happiness Happens Month.

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 ta...

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 fo...

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, Sha...

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 mas...

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 unra...

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 f...

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 (b...

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 creativ...

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 con...

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...

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 auth...

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 e...

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. Ultimate...

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...