Dear Nobody, with Sally Yapto

Dear Nobody, I feel like I’m drowning right now. Between a painful TFCC flare-up that has stalled practice and the mental marathon of prepping for a commencement speaker interview, the exhaustion of this final Master’s stretch is setting in. In this episode, Sally reflects on what it means to find an authentic voice for the podium—moving away from the pressure of being "motivational" to simply bei...

Dear Nobody, welcome to the side quest era. In this monthly check-in, Sally dives into a season of maximum experience and spontaneity in New York City. From leaning into her most extroverted self to socializing with strangers who become fast friends, this episode is a transparent look at what happens when you decide to say "yes" to the sub-quests of life. Sally shares the big updates on her upcomi...

Dear nobody, have you ever thought how life would be without Jesus? As we head into Good Friday and Easter weekend, this episode explores the "Holy" roots of these days and the traditions that bridge the gap between our lives on Earth and the world beyond. In this episode, we go on a global tour of the strange and beautiful ways humanity celebrates—from the "Easter witches" of Sweden and the water...

Dear Nobody, Is Humanity Still Here? In this episode, Sally takes us from the massive 70mm IMAX screen of Project Hail Mary to the quiet, complex questions of the human heart. After witnessing a story of ultimate sacrifice on the big screen, she reflects on the current state of our world—wondering if humanity is being restored or if we are losing our way in a cycle of cruelty and "survival mode."...

Dear Nobody, how are you? In this monthly check-in, Sally navigates the literal and emotional "weather" of life in New York—from sudden snowstorms to the high-energy glow of a red carpet. This episode explores the "plot twist" of finding joy in things we once dismissed, specifically how a documentary turned a skeptical first impression of Harry Styles' newest album into a non-stop dance party. Bey...

Dear Nobody, let's talk about the arts. Last week, a viral statement from Timothée Chalamet about the "irrelevance" of ballet and opera sent shockwaves through the classical music community. In this episode, Sally breaks down the hour-long interview that started it all and explores why these "ancient" art forms are anything but dead. From the magic of live performance that can never be replicated...

Dear Nobody, what do you do when the thing you love the most also causes you pain? In this episode, I’m sharing a very personal update on my journey with a TFCC tear —a ligament injury in my wrist that has redefined my relationship with the piano and my daily life. From the "suffocating" reality of wearing medical braces in a New York winter to the deep anxiety of overcompensating with my left han...

Dear Nobody, social media is not as it was before. After a long week of recovering from being sick, I’m back and reflecting on the love-hate relationship I have with being online. We’re diving into the major shift in my identity—moving away from the "influencer" life and reclaiming my place as an artist. I’m sharing the raw reality of what happens when you erase the fine line between your content...

Dear Nobody, stay healthy because everyone is sick, including me. In this monthly check-in, I’m talking about the unique struggle of being sick while living alone in New York. From the exhaustion that makes a simple doctor's visit feel impossible to the absolute lifeline that delivery services provide when you can't cook or clean for yourself, this is an honest look at a very difficult combination...

Dear Nobody, as one zodiac year ends and another begins, there is a distinct feeling of renewal in the air. In this episode, we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse and reflect on the "bad luck" of the passing year—from health struggles to the injuries that impacted my career in piano—and why I am so ready to start fresh. We dive into five staple traditions that define Lunar New Year, from the manda...

Dear Nobody, knowing your love language is a great asset in any relationship, but especially for the one you have with yourself. In this episode, we celebrate the "love month" by unpacking my latest quiz results—and it was a total shocker. I’m diving into why my preference for "Words of Affirmation" dropped from my #1 spot in high school to a mere 3% today, and why I now value Quality Time above e...

Dear Nobody, taking the time to do something is not a waste of time, especially if it's for yourself. It’s called an investment. I used to be the "rushed kid" who overbooked every second, always running to whatever was next on the schedule. But lately, I’ve realized that peace can be found in the simplest rituals, from the literal circular motions of washing my face to enjoying an undisturbed morn...

We often look around for footprints that match our own, and when we don’t find them, we assume we’ve taken a wrong turn. In this episode, I reflect on the "piano girl" identity I’ve carried my whole life and the quiet bravery it takes to walk away from what you’ve always known. If you feel like the odd one out in the flock, this is for you. Just because your path looks different doesn’t mean it’s...

In this episode of Dear Nobody , I’m doing another Monthly Check-In — sharing honestly what life has looked like lately since the last time we talked. From traveling to Canada, taking a real break from social media, and starting therapy for the first time, to locking in with piano practice, returning to movement, simplifying routines, and finding small moments of confidence and clarity — this epis...

In this episode of Dear Nobody , I talk about the quiet comfort of going back to things we already know — rewatching movies, replaying songs, revisiting stories — and why that doesn’t mean we’ve stopped growing. After a season of constantly chasing new experiences, I’ve realized that growth doesn’t always have to feel uncomfortable. Sometimes familiarity is how we recharge, reflect, and understand...

Every January, we’re told to become someone new. A new year, a new version, a clean slate. But what if growth doesn’t mean starting over? In this episode, I reflect on why “New Year, Improved Me” feels more honest than “New Year, New Me.” I talk about discipline, habit-building, and the quiet, unglamorous work that real change actually requires — not overnight transformation, but steady improvemen...

In this Christmas Day episode, I take a moment to slow down and look back on 2025. From personal growth and solo travels to unexpected wins, creative seasons, and becoming a full-on movie enthusiast, this episode is my own version of a “2025 Wrapped” — but for life. I reflect on how this year shaped me, the places I went, the things I tried for the first time, and the experiences that helped me gr...

In this December monthly check-in episode, I share a quiet season of happiness — the kind that comes from within. I talk about contentment, gratitude, faith, and what it feels like to finally feel at peace with where I am in life. I reflect on past moments where I searched for happiness outside of myself, how that shifted when I grew closer to God, and how changing my perspective has helped me app...

In this episode, I talk about the importance of letting go of control — especially during seasons when life feels overwhelming and unpredictable. As December gets busier with deadlines, finals, and expectations, I reflect on why we try so hard to control outcomes, and how exhausting that can be. I share personal experiences about surrendering plans, trusting timing, and giving my best while leavin...

In this pre-birthday episode, I talk about the strange in-between space of growing up — that feeling of being not old, but not young either. I reflect on what getting older means to me, how birthdays feel different as an adult, and why slowing down before entering a new age matters more than we think. I also share the cultural differences between celebrating birthdays in Indonesia vs. the U.S., my...

In this Thanksgiving episode, I talk about the quiet power of gratitude, and how noticing even the smallest blessings can genuinely change the way you see your life. From appreciating clean water and the air we breathe, to waking up with a healthy body, to the loved ones who support us — gratitude truly shifts your mindset. I also dive into the science behind gratitude and how it affects your brai...

In this episode, I talk openly about something I’ve been struggling with lately: self-discipline. That strange place where you know exactly what you need to do, but still can’t make yourself do it. I share how overwhelm, pressure, and fear of disappointing others can freeze you completely, and how easy it is to fall into the guilt cycle. I also talk about tiny wins, breaking unhealthy habits, and...

In this episode, I talk about the kind of solitude that helps you reset. Being alone used to feel uncomfortable, but I’ve learned it can also bring clarity, peace, and a sense of coming back to yourself. I also share when being alone becomes unhealthy and why balance matters. Maybe it's time to be alone for a while.

Dear Nobody, I think I’m getting tired of social media… but I also can’t let it go. In this first episode, I talk about how social media shaped my life, from my childhood Tumblr phase to the constant noise of comparison, validation, and burnout. This is a little reflection on how being online can both connect and consume us… and how stepping back sometimes helps us breathe again. Maybe we all have...

An overview of Dear Nobody, hosted by Sally Yapto— what this podcast is about, why it was created, and what to expect from future episodes. A space for honest reflections, quiet thoughts, and life behind the scenes. A new, exciting chapter is about to be unlocked.