3 MAY 2024 · Von interviews James Evans, the host of the No More Dead Friends podcast, about his journey to sobriety. James discusses the feeling of relief and escape that substance abuse provided him, as well as the external factors that contributed to his addiction. James also talks about his experience in treatment and the importance of building a foundation in recovery. Both Von and James reflect on the challenges and rewards of maintaining sobriety. The conversation explores the importance of addiction recovery and the challenges faced by individuals in maintaining sobriety. The hosts discuss their personal experiences with addiction and the role of support systems, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), in their recovery journeys. They emphasize the need for education and understanding of addiction as a disease and the importance of treating it as such. The conversation also delves into the power of cognitive behavioral therapy in changing distorted thinking patterns and building self-worth. The hosts discuss the No More Dead Friends podcast and its mission to share stories of recovery and promote awareness about addiction. Chapters   (00:00) Introduction and Background (08:50) James' Experience with Alteration and Medication (25:10) The Challenges and Rewards of Maintaining Sobriety (32:43) The Role of Support Systems (49:33) Introducing the No More Dead Friends Podcast https://nomoredeadfriends.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.etsy.com/shop/nomoredeadfriends/?etsrc=sdt https://www.instagram.com/nomoredeadfriends24/ Follow Me on Social Media:  https://www.instagram.com/thevoncastshow/  https://www.instagram.com/shibavon/   https://www.tiktok.com/@wowshibavon Website: https://iamvon.net

26 APR 2024 · On today's episode, Von has a profound conversation with Channy Crossfire who is a South-East Asian multifaceted adult content creator. Channy bravely opened up about the personal struggles, that propelled her towards this path, such as mental health challenges and a desire to pursue her passions. Delving deeper into the conversation, they explore exploitation, personal agency, situational awareness, and consent in the adult industry. As the dialogue unfolded, Channy Crossfire shared personal experiences from the adult industry, shedding light on the challenges and risks encountered in more extreme scenes. Crossfire underscores the importance of mentorship, accountability, and maintaining a balance between personal and professional life. Her insights on transparency, empowerment, and self-advocacy shed light on the significance of establishing support systems and promoting a culture of safety within the industry. Their dialogue expands into the realm of mental health awareness and healing within Asian American communities. In a raw and insightful culmination of our discussion, they explore the deeply personal journey of breaking toxic cycles, healing from past traumas, embracing self-discovery. Von and Channy share vulnerabilities around struggles with self-hatred, trauma, addictive behaviors, emphasizing the importance of accountability, self-forgiveness, moving towards a path of self-love and acceptance. Navigating the impact of family dynamics and inherited toxic habits, they unearth the significance of breaking the cycle of shame and trauma to cultivate emotional resilience and maturity. Chapters: (0:00) Introduction to Channy Crossfire (8:36) Reflections on Recovery and Mental Health Awareness (14:25) Challenges in the Adult Content Industry (19:36) Importance of Safe Words and Safety Protocols (22:07)Experience with Hardcore Scenes and Setting Boundaries (26:53) Embracing Authenticity and Intensity (27:45) Journey to Mental Health Advocacy (28:59) Life Changes and Epiphanies (47:15) Breaking Toxic Family Cycles (49:18) Fighting for Future Generations (50:57) Bridging Generational Perspectives https://linktr.ee/channycrossfire?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZAgd0Q2_qlZdLs8LIm37mu6UJyOFkx1O5z8GUQcQsrYhmR2imI9Q3dMBo_aem_AdYycvPxegbxqII5a7oNGud8RrYzeEgMdw3eUe-KgZIXSUaQz6XX-ayq0HsDnoDzrlC2Urd7AIF2QCms3cu5rJsC Follow Me on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/thevoncastshow/ https://www.instagram.com/shibavon/  https://www.tiktok.com/@wowshibavon

16 APR 2024 · In this conversation, Von interviews Justin, a breakdancer, registered nurse, and founder of Hi-Fi Kitchen. They discuss their past experiences in the open mic and music scene, as well as Justin's journey into breakdancing and nursing. They also touch on Von's fear of needles, their love for food, and the inspiration behind starting Hi-Fi Kitchen. Justin shares his journey from nursing to starting his own restaurant, Hi-Fi Kitchen, in Historic Filipinotown. He talks about his passion for food and creativity, and how he decided to take a leap and pursue his dream. Justin also discusses the LA spin on Filipino classics that Hi-Fi Kitchen offers, and the importance of celebrating the Filipino culture through food. He mentions two upcoming events: an art exhibit highlighting the Filipino Angelino diaspora and Historic Illipinos, an event celebrating the impact of Filipinos in Hip-Hop. Chapters (00:00) Introduction and Reconnecting (07:24) Balancing Nursing and Music (15:08) The Birth of Hi-Fi Kitchen (38:45) Upcoming Events: Art Exhibit and Historic Illipinos Buy Historic Illipino Tickets Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/historic-illipinos-iv-moving-the-needle-tickets-876812167797?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0BMQABpjE25BL5z2FjbdRPyPTLegDYBCZaL_lne-9jjp3LbpCgBqxYqN82zeN_4g_aem_AVVVLaaTbtx0NkxNJJhBRcMpN_2A9c8XXqlU3TEZbNceDGlF9-nmWnTwBbvTxx9R6hY Hi-Fi Kitchen IG: https://www.instagram.com/hifikitchen/ Historic Illipinos IG: https://www.instagram.com/historicillipinos?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Follow Me on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/thevoncastshow/ https://www.instagram.com/shibavon/  https://www.tiktok.com/@wowshibavon

12 APR 2024 · Von discusses his recent illness, his experience with insomnia due to medication, and his decision to prioritize rest. He also shares his excitement about finally interviewing a guest he has been wanting to have on the podcast for two years. Von celebrates his 18 months of sobriety and reflects on the positive changes he has experienced during this time. He acknowledges the transfer of addictive behavior to other areas of his life, such as excessive spending on shoes and clothes, and the importance of being mindful of these tendencies. Von emphasizes the importance of talking to trusted individuals who can relate to his experiences and provide support.   Chapters: (0:44) Got sick last week (3:32) Comfort zone story (7:12) Celebrating 18 months of clean time (10:27) The urge to use and drink has gone away (12:43) Addiction transferring to other activities Follow Me on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/thevoncastshow/ https://www.instagram.com/shibavon/  https://www.tiktok.com/@wowshibavon

5 APR 2024 · Happy Friday everyone! No new episode today, I have been feeling under the weather the past few days. Here is an episode from 2018, When I did podcast episodes in person!  Richie Hardcore is from New Zealand and he was in So-Cal for a few days. I met him up in his hotel room and we had this conversation. Hope you enjoy!  Richie Hardcore has been a community worker in New Zealand as an advocate for alcohol and drug harm reduction. A public speaker speaking on many topics that regard mental health, campaigner against domestic and sexual violence. Richie is also a Muay Thai coach and former fighter himself. I had the honor of meeting up with Richie to discuss topics about harm reduction, problematic masculinity and consent. While this conversation is very heavy, we light hearted topics about his affiliation with The Amity Affliction, Deez Nuts, Louie Knuxx. Website: http://richiehardcore.com/ IG:https://www.instagram.com/richiehardcore/

29 MAR 2024 · In this episode of Casual Fridays, Von shares his experiences and reflections from the past week. He talks about leading a meeting and speaking at a class, sharing his personal story and recovery journey. Von also discusses his first session with a new therapist and the importance of reaching out for help and seeking resources. He shares his struggles with managing anxiety and ADHD, as well as dealing with noisy neighbors. Von contemplates a job transfer and reflects on Easter weekend and triggers. He emphasizes the need for rest and a laid-back approach. (00:00) Introduction and Casual Fridays  (01:31) Leading a Meeting and Speaking at a Class (05:23) First Session with a New Therapist (06:23) Managing Anxiety and ADHD (07:49) Reaching Out for Help and Seeking Resources (09:16) Dealing with Noisy Neighbors  (11:24) Considering a Job Transfer (13:57) Easter Weekend and Triggers (20:08) Embracing Rest and Laid-back Approach  Follow Me on Social Media:  https://www.instagram.com/thevoncastshow/ https://www.instagram.com/shibavon/  https://www.tiktok.com/@wowshibavon

22 MAR 2024 · In our conversation, I delve into the fascinating journey of Minnie Scarlet and how she crafted the stage name. She shares her unconventional love for spiders and fishing. Minnie opens up about navigating the adult entertainment industry, from her first professional shoot to the challenges posed by her alternative appearance. Through it all, she emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and finding a supportive community.   Minnie made the conscious choice not to get an agent and pursue full-time work in the adult industry. Maintaining her artistic integrity and keeping her options open across different fields was essential to her. Shame should never control our actions; forgiveness and self-acceptance are crucial. We discuss how shame can detrimentally impact individuals, particularly those battling addiction, stressing the need for understanding and support in their recovery journeys. Furthermore, she sheds light on the stereotypes and fetishization prevalent in the adult industry, particularly for Asian performers like herself. Minnie Scarlet shares some of the challenging experiences she has faced, including pressure to conform to racial stereotypes. & ethical adult content is about giving people choices and being mindful of power dynamics. Art and creativity have been Minnie’s saving grace, providing coping mechanisms and outlets for expression. She advocates for finding balance and embracing calmness amidst life's chaos, rather than constantly chasing fleeting moments of happiness. Through Avril Heals, the nonprofit organization, she has helped create spaces for marginalized communities to heal creatively, underscoring the importance of community and support in overcoming trauma and addiction. Chapters (00:00) Introduction and Mini Scarlett's Origin Story  (04:04) Getting into the Adult Industry  (08:50) The Influence of Tumblr (12:11) Shooting for Mainstream Companies (26:40) Comparison to Other Jobs (28:11) Working at Panda Express and Dealing with Anxiety (29:13) Balancing Work and Personal Life (30:10) Reflecting on Past Experiences and YOLO Moments (31:36) Overcoming Shame and Guilt (32:59) Living Life Fully and Letting Go of Excessive Shame (33:23) Recovering from Addiction and Learning Self-Compassion (36:44) The Impact of Shame and the Importance of Forgiveness (37:14) The Role of Shame in Addiction and Recovery (38:22) The Pressure of Society and the Pursuit of Happiness (39:01) The Shame and Stigma Surrounding Sex Work (41:18) Racial Fetishization in the Adult Industry (43:19) Representation of Asian Men in the Adult Industry (46:37) Challenging Stereotypes and Misconceptions in the Adult Industry (49:12) The Importance of Representation and Diversity in Media (55:32) Exploring Ethical Porn and Giving Performers Choices (01:01:00) The Challenges of Online Platforms (01:02:21) Opportunities on Social Media (01:02:43) Getting a Role on Sons of Anarchy (01:05:02) Coping with Bad Days (01:07:21) Avril Heals: Creating Healing Spaces (01:15:37) The Power of Community (01:23:04) Creating Platforms for Underrepresented Voices Minnie Scarlet Links: https://twitter.com/minniescarlet https://www.instagram.com/minniescarlet/ https://linktr.ee/minniescarlet?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=5cd6f1f2-6f3e-4d42-951a-fcfea8f29f32 Avril Heals: https://lnk.bio/AvrilHeals Follow Me on Social Media: Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevoncastshow/ Music Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibavon/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wowshibavon

15 MAR 2024 · Vicky Khamvongsa, a massage therapist, discusses the benefits and techniques of massage therapy. She explains that massage can help with relaxation, pain relief, and improving circulation. Vicky also emphasizes the importance of stretching and hydration for maximizing the benefits of massage. She shares her personal journey and highlights the need for self-care and setting boundaries.  Takeaways - Massage therapy can provide relaxation, pain relief, and improved circulation - Stretching and hydration are essential for maximizing the benefits of massage. - Setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care are important. - Vicky offers various massage techniques, including Swedish, deep tissue, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction and Background (03:18) Working in a Chiropractic Office (03:54) Personal Experience with Massages (04:54) Benefits of Massage Therapy  (05:34) Understanding Knots in Muscles (06:30 Tension and Anxiety (07:49) Starting Knot Kneady Massage (09:21) Personal Challenges & Growth (13:44) Different Types of Massages (17:19) Debunking The Myth of Toxin Release (18:56) Proven Benefits of Massage (21:20) Setting Boundaries and Avoiding Burnout (23:34) Finding Balance in Life Knot Keady Massage Links: https://www.knotkneadymassage.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kneadme_/

9 MAR 2024 · Von and Laura discuss various topics related to content marketing, going viral, finding faith, and coping with bad days. Laura shares her insights as a content marketing expert and highlights the importance of relatability and emotional connection in marketing. They also discuss the challenges of social media burnout and provide tips for minimizing burnout as a content creator. Laura shares her experience with going viral and the pitfalls that can come with it, including hate and negative comments. They also touch on the impact of social media on mental health, particularly for younger generations who grow up with it. In this conversation, Laura and Von discuss the impact of social media on self-esteem, finding faith in God, dealing with bad days, personal journeys of faith, coping mechanisms, and surrendering control.   Takeaways:  Content marketing is about showing the world who you are and what you do through consistent and relatable content. Minimize social media burnout by utilizing AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Canva, to streamline content creation.  Going viral does not guarantee sales and can come with negative consequences, such as hate and criticism.  Social media can have a negative impact on self-esteem, especially for young people who compare themselves to others and seek validation through likes and comments.  Finding faith in God can provide a sense of peace and purpose, even for those who did not grow up in a religious household.  On bad days, it is important to reach out to others for support, engage in healthy coping mechanisms, and allow yourself to feel and process emotions.  Everyone's journey of faith is unique, and it is important to respect and learn from different religious beliefs and practices.  Surrendering control and trusting in a higher power can bring a sense of relief and help navigate challenging situations.  Maintaining healthy habits, such as getting enough sleep and exercising, can contribute to better mental and emotional well-being. Chapters (00:00) Introduction and Weekend Plans   (00:49) Background and Interest in Marketing   (03:10) Relatability and Emotional Connection in Marketing   (04:20) Personal Experiences with Water Bottles   (05:38) The Answers Podcast and Podcasting Experience   (07:45) Effective Communication and Guest Comfort   (08:41) Content Creation and Social Media Burnout   (09:58) Minimizing Burnout as a Content Creator   (11:55) AI Tools for Content Creation   (14:02) The Pitfalls of Going Viral   (16:23) Empathy for the Younger Generation and Social Media   (22:26) Growing Up Without Social Media   (23:44) The Impact of Social Media on Self-Esteem   (26:06) Finding Faith in God   (30:36) Dealing with Bad Days   (37:15) Personal Journeys of Faith   (38:08) Coping Mechanisms and Surrendering Control   Laura Mai Links: https://www.lauramaigainor.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauramaigainor/ https://www.tiktok.com/@lauramaimarketing https://www.instagram.com/lauramaimarketing Follow Me on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/thevoncastshow/ https://www.instagram.com/shibavon/  https://www.tiktok.com/@wowshibavon

2 MAR 2024 · In this conversation, Von and Jule discuss the topic of feeling lost in life and share their personal experiences. The conversation then delves into the pressure of family expectations and the comparison trap. They discuss coping mechanisms, such as self-medication, and the need to find oneself. The importance of living life one day at a time and being present is emphasized. They also explore the concept of imaginary arguments and overthinking. The conversation concludes with a discussion on dealing with failure, practicing self-compassion, and finding direction in life. In this conversation, Von and Jule discuss Von's journey of finding clarity and taking action to overcome addiction. They emphasize the importance of choosing to do something differently in order to create positive change in life. They also explore the idea of addressing the root cause of challenges rather than focusing on external solutions. The conversation concludes with a reminder to take it easy on oneself, make mistakes, and have faith in the future. Takeaways: Feeling lost in life is a common experience, and it's important to give yourself grace and accept that it's okay not to have all the answers. Comparing yourself to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and delay finding your true purpose. Coping mechanisms like self-medication may provide temporary relief but can hinder personal growth and self-discovery. Living life one day at a time and being present can help reduce anxiety and overwhelm. Practicing self-compassion and letting go of self-punishment is crucial for personal growth and well-being. Failure is a part of life, and it's important to learn from setbacks and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Finding direction in life requires self-reflection, courage, and the willingness to be honest with yourself and others. Finding clarity and taking action can lead to positive change in life. Choosing to do something differently is key to creating a different outcome. Addressing the root cause of challenges is more effective than focusing on external solutions. Taking it easy on oneself, making mistakes, and having faith in the future are important aspects of personal growth. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction and Personal Experiences with Feeling Lost (03:22) Feeling Lost in Life and Uncertainty (07:13) Family Pressure and Comparisons (11:17) Dealing with Family Expectations (16:10) Coping Mechanisms and Self-Medication (23:43) Expectations of the Younger Self (27:06) Living Life One Day at a Time (31:03) Imaginary Arguments and Overthinking (35:19) Dealing with Failure and Bouncing Back (42:10) Accepting Uncertainty and Embracing Challenges (45:21) Practicing Self-Compassion and Letting Go of Self-Punishment (49:13) Feeling Worthy and Deserving of Good Things (49:44) Symbolism of Tattoos and Finding Direction (50:14) Finding Clarity and Taking Action (51:01) Choosing to Do Something Differently (52:53) Addressing the Root Cause (54:02) Figuring It Out and Taking It Easy (55:19) Having Faith and Believing in the Future Listen to Part One Here: https://pod.link/1281106545/episode/c1f44610ba1a10bfa2c078e488894ab9 Follow Me on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/thevoncastshow/ https://www.instagram.com/shibavon/ https://www.tiktok.com/@wowshibavon Jule Kim Links: https://adviceactually.com/ https://www.instagram.com/itsjulekim/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@itsjulekim?_t=8cmz3bhHzd0&_r=1