Permission to Flow

073 - 3 Things to Consider When Looking For a Job to Support Your Craft

In Episode 73 of the Permission to Flow podcast, hosted by career transition coach Jessica Hwang, we dive into the life-changing concept of redefining our career journeys to serve our true purpose. Many first- and second-generation women find themselves trapped in the cycle of fulfilling basic needs while sacrificing their dreams. Jessica challenges listeners to shift their perspectives and place their passions at the center, transforming these "side quests" into the main quests of their lives. If you're questioning whether your current job truly aligns with your calling, Jessica's insights into time, energy, and attention management offer a roadmap to prioritizing what matters most.
Throughout the episode, Jessica unpacks the idea that while some are fortunate to find purpose in their 9 to 5 jobs, others may feel a significant disconnect between their daily grind and their greater goals. By sharing her personal journey from the finance world to a fulfilling coaching career, Jessica illustrates how you can choose to align your professional life in service of your passions and build a career that supports your dreams. With practical advice on assessing job roles and opportunities, Jessica empowers listeners to make conscious choices that support their life's calling.
Join Jessica as she emphasizes that reclaiming your time, energy, and focus can lead to a rewarding alignment of career with passion. The episode is a powerful reminder for ambitious women that purpose isn’t a peripheral goal—it's the core around which the rest of your career and life should revolve. Subscribe to Permission to Flow to start sculpting a life where your job supports your true purpose.
Topics Discussed in the Episode:
00:00 "Make Passion the Main Quest"
04:49 Balancing Job and Passion Projects
09:42 Prioritize Purpose Over Traditional Job
13:49 "Assessing Job Impact on Energy"
17:16 Understanding Job Energy Commitment
20:46 "Purpose Over Promotion: Focus Shift"
24:09 "Prioritize Your Calling Over Promotions"
26:08 "Curiosity and Skill Development"
29:52 "Join Me: Start Creating Now"
Quotes from the episode: "Is your time, energy and attention going towards where you actually want to go?"
"What if that thing that you think of as a potential or an active side quest is actually the main quest? Quest? Why don't you sit with that?"
"The sense I got from it was this is the kind of job where it's going to take up a lot of my energy and it might be time and energy for that matter."
Connect with Jessica:
Join the email list (https://jessicahwangcoaching.com/email-list)
Book a free sales call (https://jessicahwangcoaching.com/private-coaching) Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching (https://www.instagram.com/jessicahwangcoaching/)
Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching (https://www.facebook.com/jessicahwangcoaching)
Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching (https://jessicahwangcoaching.com/) Credits: Music co-written by Steven Murillo (https://www.instagram.com/someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (https://www.instagram.com/jessicahwangcoaching/)
Edit by Corey Stein (https://coreystein.studio)

072 - Living the Dream: Gabrielle Kali Om's 10-Year Journey to Create Ojas Retreat Center

In this compelling episode of the Permission to Flow podcast, host Jessica Hwang welcomes Gabrielle Kali Om, a Dharma Yoga instructor and owner of Ojas Retreat Center. This episode delves deep into Gabrielle's journey of transformation and resilience, capturing her inspiring path from living a dream on a sailboat to the realization of opening a sanctuary for healing and growth – the Ojas Retreat Center. With over 20 years of yoga practice and mentorship under her belt, Gabrielle shares her insights into embracing life’s unexpected turns, the courage to dream beyond conventional paths, and the emotional strength found through her yoga practice.
Jessica and Gabrielle explore what it truly means to live with purpose and the power of being present in your journey. Gabrielle reflects on her challenges, from the pressures of a traditional career in yacht financing to the profound personal growth sparked by her mother's illness. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that the road to manifesting your vision is rarely linear and often requires embracing vulnerability and showing up for oneself and others. This episode will resonate with anyone seeking to reconcile their career paths with creative, purpose-driven futures.
Listen in as Gabrielle offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and yogis, revealing the significance of patience, fortitude, and planning when working towards your dreams. The episode concludes with Gabrielle urging listeners to remain grounded, embody their unique journeys, and consistently take steps, no matter how small, toward the realization of their own dreams.
Topics Discussed in this Episode:
00:00 Seeking Purpose Beyond Dreams
09:38 Exploring New Paths
14:19 Finding Purpose Through Yoga Teaching
20:57 Overcoming Self-Doubt
25:03 "Striving for Inner Peace"
27:22 "What Do I Really Want?"
37:33 Finding Personal Paths Beyond Norms
38:37 "Envious of Contentment in Others"
47:24 Simplistic Lifestyle, Complex Challenges
52:01 "Showing Up Aids Personal Healing"
54:34 Embracing Growth as a Yoga Teacher
01:04:49 Plant-Based Retreats Spark Demand
01:09:15 Shifting Focus to Yoga Teaching
01:16:05 Embracing Difficult Experiences
01:17:33 Embracing Authenticity in Yoga Teaching
01:23:03 Searching for Retreat Center Locations
01:31:47 Growth Through Challenges
01:35:39 Embracing Challenges in Yoga Retreats
01:41:01 "Steps to Achieve Life Goals"
01:44:20 "Align Actions with Purpose"
01:50:52 "Dreams and Sailing"
01:55:59 "Subscribe and Create"
Quotes from the episode:
"What I'm saying here is this isn't the truth. It's just what our experience is."
"So you just start putting in place these things step by step. It doesn't have to be fast. You know, you can enjoy your life while you're getting to this next thing."
 
Connect with Gabrielle:
Join the next Dharma Yoga Retreat on June 25-29, 2025! Sign up on the Ojas website below.
Instagram: Gabrielle Kali Om
Website: Ojas Retreat Center
Instagram: Ojas Retreat Center 
 
Connect with Jessica:
Join the email list 
Book a free sales call
Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching
YouTube: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching
 
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Edit by Corey Stein (https://coreystein.studio)

071- Behind the Scenes: Creating the Permission to Flow Podcast Studio

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Permission to Flow Podcast. Join me as I navigate through the challenges, decisions, and bursts of creativity that led to this vibrant studio. I'll share insights into the thought process behind the design, the hurdles of working with limited space, and the joy of bringing a vision to life. This isn't just about building a physical space, but also about allowing creative freedom to flow and embracing the unexpected moments that come with it. Whether you're contemplating your own creative project or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is sure to inspire and entertain. Let's dive into the making of our studio where imagination meets reality.
 
Topics Discussed in this Episode:
00:00 Overcoming Doubts to Create
04:42 Apartment Layout Experimentation
09:30 Letting Go of Design Constraints
11:48 Creative Freedom Beyond Wallpaper
14:45 "Always Gold, Always Divine"
19:38 "Exhilaration of Painting Murals"
22:55 Creating a Mural with Ribbon
27:02 Embracing Life's Creative Flow
28:31 "Gold Line Design Journey"
33:42 "Joyful Creation Amidst Large-Scale Art"
36:44 "Creating My Dream Podcast Studio"
 
Quotes from the episode:
"Even when we feel like we're going all over the place and it's looping and chaotic and whatever, we are still moving forward."
"It was just sitting in my imagination, watching it step by step, layer by layer, piece by piece build out and starting to see that come to life."
 
Connect with Jessica:
 
Join the email list 
 
Book a free sales call
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicahwangcoaching/
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicahwangcoaching
 
Website: https://jessicahwangcoaching.com/
 
 
Credits:
 
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
 
Edit by Corey Stein (https://coreystein.studio)

070 - Redefining Success: Amy Hwang (Jessica's Mom) on Purpose and Happiness

In this heartfelt episode of "Permission to Flow," host Jessica Hwang sits down with a very special guest, her mother, Amy Hwang, in their family home in Portland, Oregon. The episode offers a touching exploration of their relationship, discussing how Amy has been a constant pillar of support throughout Jessica’s life and career transitions. They delve into Amy’s immigration story, her experiences working in the World Trade Center during critical events, and her unwavering belief in the importance of purpose and direction.
The conversation also covers Jessica’s career shift from finance to her current entrepreneurial pursuits, emphasizing the challenges and emotional complexities involved. For anyone navigating their own career paths or seeking a deeper understanding of familial support, this episode provides invaluable insights and a genuine mother-daughter bond that will resonate with listeners. Stay tuned as Jessica and Amy share candid stories, wisdom, and mutual respect in this memorable episode.
 
Topics discussed in this episode:
00:00 Mother-Daughter Dialogue Insights
09:46 Mindset of Hard Work Model
13:14 Witness to Building Collapse
21:00 Choosing a College Major Guidance
24:29 Parental Influence on Career Choice
31:08 Realizing Different Paths and Appreciation
35:44 Prioritizing Happiness Over Wealth
42:27 Generational Workplace Incentive Shift
44:22 Relying on Financial Support Struggles
50:56 Parental Approval and Career Choices
55:47 "Yoga's Mental and Physical Benefits"
01:04:09 Parental Support is Essential
 
Connect with Jessica:
Join the email list 
Book a free sales call
Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching
YouTube: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching
 
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Edit by Corey Stein (https://coreystein.studio)

069 - How Yoga Shapes the Brain and Supports Mental Health with Dr. Jonathan Rosenthal

In this engaging episode of "Permission to Flow," host Jessica Hwang sits down with Jonathan Rosenthal to explore the profound impacts of yoga on mental health, particularly for younger individuals aged 12 to 29. Jonathan, a neurologist with a passion for yoga, shares fascinating insights into the ways yoga can benefit conditions like ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Jessica and Jonathan delve into the science behind yoga, discussing how practices like pranayama, meditation, and asana create a ripple effect that extends well beyond a mat, positively influencing stress management and overall mental well-being.
 
Understanding yoga's effect on the brain, neuroplasticity, and mood regulation, the conversation sheds light on the transformative potential of incorporating yoga into daily life. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just curious about its benefits, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical tips to enrich your mental and physical health through yoga.
 
Jessica and Jonathan’s conversation is not just informative but also deeply personal, as they reflect on their own yoga journeys and the joy of sharing their passion with others. Tune in to discover how yoga could be the key to enhancing your mental health and emotional resilience, particularly during times of transition. Don't forget to subscribe and visit Jessica's website to stay updated on more insightful discussions!
 
Topics discussed in this episode:
00:00 Yoga provides calmness, presence, and lifelong benefits.
04:24 Yoga in education faces research and accessibility challenges.
08:04 Effect sizes: 30–50% improvement in symptoms.
10:10 Different yoga methods yield similar outcomes generally.
14:49 Adapt practice mindset to improve mental health.
16:39 Different yoga forms teach unique lessons.
21:02 Yoga helps ADHD, depression, anxiety, despite debate.
25:24 Deep breathing from yoga helps reduce anxiety. 27:09 Yoga-related adverse event requires further investigation.
31:35 Finding personal balance between tradition and preference. 33:13 Balance comfort with challenge for personal growth.
39:04 Moderate stress optimal for performance, yoga helps
42:27 Yoga helps manage optimal stress levels effectively.
45:50 Risk factors vary per disease; genetics influence.
47:09 MS risk increases further from equator.
50:55 Intense yoga increases neuroplasticity, hippocampus growth.
55:57 Ended recording after enjoying a lengthy conversation.
56:42 Subscribe for more from Jessica Hwang Coaching.
 
Quotes from the episode:
"Having an option like yoga to treat or at least help with the symptoms of these diseases is really powerful."
"I do think that people really do kind of fall into the right practices."
"Meaning that we don't perceive things as threatening or as stressful as a result of yoga practice. And if we do perceive them that way, people have the tools to self regulate and change that perception."
 
Connect with Jessica:
Join the email list 
Book a free sales call
 
Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching
Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching
 
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Edit by Corey Stein (https://coreystein.studio)

068 - How to Clear Obstacles with The Blank Slate Method

In today's solo episode of Permission to Flow, Jessica Hwang dives deep into the art of breaking through barriers and overcoming business challenges using the transformative Blank Slate Method. Whether you're in the midst of a career transition or tackling a persistent problem within your business, this episode offers a radical approach to help you move beyond those seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
 
Jessica explains how the Blank Slate Method involves wiping the slate clean, starting from scratch, and methodically building toward your end goal. By sharing her personal experiences—such as revamping her social media strategy and reimagining her podcast studio—Jessica illustrates how this powerful method can lead to breakthroughs when traditional problem-solving falls short. If you've been feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this episode will inspire you to embrace a fresh perspective and enter the new year with renewed energy and purpose.
 
Perfect for wellness business owners and aspiring creatives, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to challenge their status quo and unlock new potential. Tune in and discover how to create your own blank slate, focus on your desired outcomes, and add in necessary elements step-by-step to transform your vision into reality. Happy New Year, and welcome to the brave new world of possibility!
 
Topics discussed in this episode include:
00:00 - 04:00 - Intro
04:00 - 04:45 - 3 Steps to Blank Slate
04:45 - 06:35 - Why is the Blank Slate Method Important?
06:35 - 07:35 - Step 1
07:50 - 10:15 - Step 2
10:15 - 15:35 - Step 3
15:35 - End: Recap
 
Quotes from the Episode: "And it is when we take those steps back, actually, and quiet down and Let ourselves reassess things that I think a lot of magic can happen." "You're allowing yourself to experiment and move outside of what you thought it needed to look like." "I want you to start with the thing that you think has been impossible."
 
Connect with Jessica:
Join the email list 
Book a free sales call
Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching
Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching
 
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Edit by Corey Stein (https://coreystein.studio)

067 - Breaking Free from the Mask: How Acting Shaped My Journey to Purpose

In this enlightening episode of Permission to Flow, join Jessica Hwang as she dives deep into the transformative experience of embracing vulnerability through an unexpected avenue—acting. Transitioning from corporate finance to a career centered on creativity and personal growth, Jessica shares how attending an acting workshop revealed her emotional blind spots and the power of professional vulnerability. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, she emphasizes the importance of receptivity, exploring how acknowledging and working through suppressed emotions can pave the way for genuine personal development.
Jessica's journey highlights the intersection of her Asian cultural background and her pursuit of a purpose-driven life. Growing up in an environment where her voice felt secondary to her brother's, she uniquely addresses the challenges many first- and second-generation women face in being seen and heard. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to step outside of your comfort zones, embrace discomfort, and accept failures as milestones on the path to growth. With references to Maya Angelou’s wisdom and the encouragement to connect with supportive mentors, Jessica’s insights provide a robust framework for navigating your own career transitions.
Whether you're contemplating a leap from corporate life to a creative career or seeking ways to push past ingrained beliefs, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and practical advice from Jessica, who courageously shares her ongoing journey towards authenticity and fulfillment. Don’t miss this opportunity to reflect, grow, and learn how to shine in your unique way.
 
Quotes from the episode:
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” - Maya Angelou
 
"What is something that will challenge you to shine a little brighter? What is something that will challenge you to embrace your imperfection but show up more as who you are?"
 
"I don't think that it is by accident that part of me stepping into my purpose has required me to challenge this deep inner wound around being seen and heard."
 
"If you want to move towards your purpose, your passions, I invite you to step in, commit to the bit, as I said in the last episode, do the thing that feels unnatural, but you know is going to help you move forward and be in service of your zone of genius, because it matters."
 
References:
Commit to the Bit -  065 – Commit to Create: Lessons Learned While Building the Podcast Studio
057 – Riding the Waves: Surfing and the Art of Continuous Learning
 
Connect with Jessica:
Join the email list 
Book a free sales call
Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching
Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching
 
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Travis Carr (@traviscarrphoto)

066 - Creativity, Collaboration, Chaos: A Real Conversation with my Editor, Travis Carr

In today's episode, join host Jessica Hwang and editor Travis Carr in an exciting, unscripted deep dive as they celebrate the completion of their new podcast studio and reflect on Jessica's incredible journey of transformation.
Jessica shares the joy of seeing her vision for the studio come to life—a dream realized despite numerous obstacles and delays. Travis and Jessica provide some behind-the-scenes insights into overcoming the challenges and achieving this new production environment.
Hear about Jessica's path from a corporate finance career to becoming a career transition coach and podcaster. She opens up about the pivotal moments that led her to prioritize meaningful work and self-kindness, ultimately launching the "Permission to Flow" podcast. Jessica's journey underscores the importance of trusting the process, even when it means pausing to build a solid foundation.
Together, they dive into the struggle of balancing ambition with the necessity of creating something meaningful. As Jessica and Travis discuss the ongoing evolution of their podcast and studio, they emphasize the power of self-belief, continuous improvement, and savoring the present moment.
Whether you're here for the inspiration or to celebrate the milestones, this episode promises a heartfelt exploration of perseverance, creativity, and the joy of pursuing one's passions. 
Topics discussed in this episode include:
Topics discussed in this episode include:00:00 - Intro06:08 - Thoughts on the New Studio!09:07 - Getting through the Creative Struggle11:35 - New Plans28:42 - Jessica's Journey 33:25 - Leaving Finance 53:15 - Why Coaching?01:22:37 - Travis' move to NYC01:27:05 - Self Love01:38:23 - Looking to the Future 01:44:38 - Parting Thoughts
 
Quotes from the episode:
"Those things that we overcame, those challenges, they do get easy, but then we get new challenges, and instead of looking at that as a problem, it's actually looking at that as a sign of success."
"Because getting me like beating myself up and tearing myself down was not getting me anywhere anymore. And I could feel that I was like, this is just not serving me anymore. And I just, I don't know, I just woke up in that moment, that moment where I was pushing myself down as hard as I could. It's, I guess you can equate it to those kind of like rock bottom moments. It's like I'd hit that, I'd hit that rock bottom. And I said, no, no more."
"Who is benefiting from me toiling at this job, from me burning out repeatedly? Who is really benefiting? And I was like, yeah, it's the shareholders, the CEO. And to me, I was like, this isn't worth it." 
Connect with Jessica:
Join the email list 
Book a free sales call
Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching
Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching
 
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Travis Carr (@traviscarrphoto)