In this episode of Theo’s Coffee Break, Theo shares the real story behind walking away from a stable banking job, multiple promotions, and a clear path to financial security in order to pursue something far less certain but far more honest.

This is not a highlight reel. It is a conversation about nausea from burnout, friends disappearing, being called reckless, and still choosing to trust an inner peace that made no sense on paper.

Theo opens up about:

• The difference between faith and fear, and how both try to protect you in different ways
• Leaving a “respectable” job to build a podcast and a seven part music project without a safety net
• The loneliness that comes with choosing a path others do not understand
• Redefining success from titles and paychecks to peace, presence, and purpose
• How movement, journaling, reading, and collaboration help him move through fear instead of being ruled by it

If you have ever been made to feel foolish for wanting a life that feels like your own, this episode is for you. This is not homework, this is heartwork. You are invited to reflect on what faith over fear could look like in your own story and what it might mean to finally stop abandoning yourself.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and follow so you never miss out on one of our coffee break sessions!

Now that we are a listener supported show, you can buy me a coffee and join the Café Crew at buymeacoffee.com/theoscoffeebreak for $5/mon.

Every donation will directly impact our coffee table and our goal here is to build this coffee table together with you.

Do you want to join the coffee table, or know someone who would be a great guest? Send me an email to theoscoffeebreakpodcast@gmail.com

Your voice, input, and curiosity is what shapes this table, and I’m here ready to listen with an open mind. Feel free to reach out via email or find me on Instagram at @theoscoffeebreakpodcast

And if you ever need some background music or ambience, tap into the exclusive Theo’s Coffee Break Table playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/23li5Nn6IxBGv3pdoOojzY?si=5fec0a83ba9b4d22

Thank you for being here with me at our coffee table today. I’m so excited to keep growing this podcast with you: one story, one conversation, and one sip at a time.

Last thing, check out our official Shin Hoo Yong Music Enterprise website and learn more about this podcast there: www.shinhooyongmusicenterprise.com

Until next time, take good care of yourself and remember: the coffee’s always on and ready to pour here at Theo’s Coffee Break. But most importantly...

You are always welcome at our coffee table.

In this episode of Theo’s Coffee Break, Theo breaks down one of the most powerful truths in personal growth: consistency is what transforms your life. Not the big promises, not the perfect plans, nor the daily choices you honor even when conditions aren’t ideal.

Together, you’ll explore:

• Why consistency matters more than motivation
• How small actions compound into real change
• A simple practice that reveals what you’re not doing and why honesty creates accountability
• How your consistency becomes a blueprint for the people watching you
• What it feels like to show up for yourself, even on imperfect days

This is a soft but firm reminder that change doesn’t come from waiting for inspiration and how it comes from choosing one small thing and choosing it again tomorrow.

Pour a cup, take a breath, and let’s talk about the version of you that consistency is building.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and follow so you never miss out on one of our coffee break sessions!

Now that we are a listener supported show, you can buy me a coffee and join the Café Crew at buymeacoffee.com/theoscoffeebreak for $5/mon.

Every donation will directly impact our coffee table and our goal here is to build this coffee table together with you.

Do you want to join the coffee table, or know someone who would be a great guest? Send me an email to theoscoffeebreakpodcast@gmail.com

Your voice, input, and curiosity is what shapes this table, and I’m here ready to listen with an open mind. Feel free to reach out via email or find me on Instagram at @theoscoffeebreakpodcast

And if you ever need some background music or ambience, tap into the exclusive Theo’s Coffee Break Table playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/23li5Nn6IxBGv3pdoOojzY?si=5fec0a83ba9b4d22

Thank you for being here with me at our coffee table today. I’m so excited to keep growing this podcast with you: one story, one conversation, and one sip at a time.

Last thing, check out our official Shin Hoo Yong Music Enterprise website and learn more about this podcast there: www.shinhooyongmusicenterprise.com

Until next time, take good care of yourself and remember: the coffee’s always on and ready to pour here at Theo’s Coffee Break. But most importantly...

You are always welcome at our coffee table.

What does it actually mean to live in alignment? Like not just in quotes on a canvas, but in the real, messy, beautiful parts of life?

In this episode of Theo’s Coffee Break, Theo gets honest about the difference between looking “put together” and truly feeling aligned. Together, you’ll explore what happens when your inner and outer worlds finally match and why that shift can shake up your relationships, routines, and even your sense of self.

Theo shares personal reflections on:

• How to recognize when you’re out of alignment (and why it’s so draining)
• The difference between self-care and soul-care
• Why alignment doesn’t always feel peaceful and why that’s not a sign you’re doing it wrong
• Simple, everyday choices that gently bring you back home to yourself

Grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and use this episode as a soft check-in:
Where are you performing… and where are you ready to be real again?

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and follow so you never miss out on one of our coffee break sessions!

Now that we are a listener supported show, you can buy me a coffee and join the Café Crew at buymeacoffee.com/theoscoffeebreak for $5/mon.

Every donation will directly impact our coffee table and our goal here is to build this coffee table together with you.

Do you want to join the coffee table, or know someone who would be a great guest? Send me an email to theoscoffeebreakpodcast@gmail.com

Your voice, input, and curiosity is what shapes this table, and I’m here ready to listen with an open mind. Feel free to reach out via email or find me on Instagram at @theoscoffeebreakpodcast

And if you ever need some background music or ambience, tap into the exclusive Theo’s Coffee Break Table playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/23li5Nn6IxBGv3pdoOojzY?si=5fec0a83ba9b4d22

Thank you for being here with me at our coffee table today. I’m so excited to keep growing this podcast with you: one story, one conversation, and one sip at a time.

Last thing, check out our official Shin Hoo Yong Music Enterprise website and learn more about this podcast there: www.shinhooyongmusicenterprise.com

Until next time, take good care of yourself and remember: the coffee’s always on and ready to pour here at Theo’s Coffee Break. But most importantly...

You are always welcome at our coffee table.

In this powerful conversation, Theo sits down with Lariesha Lee (she/her), LLMSW who is a licensed social worker with 16 years across nonprofit, education, healthcare, and corporate spaces to talk about what it really takes to stay whole while doing the hard work of social justice.

From being “everything for everyone” to reclaiming rest, boundaries, and self-worth, Lariesha shares how she manages emotional labor, builds systems of support, and redefines success in purpose-driven work.

She also spotlights her upcoming nonprofit for high school girls in Grand Rapids and the healing-centered therapy she provides at LeadHERWell Village (adolescents 15+, young adults, college students, pregnant/parenting individuals, and seniors).

Highlights:

• Personal journey into social work and advocacy
• Emotional labor in her work and how to manage it
• Boundaries without guilt; rest as resistance
• Creating support systems inside advocacy spaces
• Redefining success and sustaining yourself for the long haul

Connect with Lariesha: https://linktr.ee/larieshalee
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/larieshalee
• Email: larieshalee@gmail.com

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and follow so you never miss out on one of our coffee break sessions!

Now that we are a listener supported show, you can buy me a coffee and join the Café Crew at buymeacoffee.com/theoscoffeebreak for $5/mon.

Every donation will directly impact our coffee table and our goal here is to build this coffee table together with you.

Do you want to join the coffee table, or know someone who would be a great guest? Send me an email to theoscoffeebreakpodcast@gmail.com

Your voice, input, and curiosity is what shapes this table, and I’m here ready to listen with an open mind. Feel free to reach out via email or find me on Instagram at @theoscoffeebreakpodcast

And if you ever need some background music or ambience, tap into the exclusive Theo’s Coffee Break Table playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/23li5Nn6IxBGv3pdoOojzY?si=5fec0a83ba9b4d22

Thank you for being here with me at our coffee table today. I’m so excited to keep growing this podcast with you: one story, one conversation, and one sip at a time.

Last thing, check out our official Shin Hoo Yong Music Enterprise website and learn more about this podcast there: www.shinhooyongmusicenterprise.com

Until next time, take good care of yourself and remember: the coffee’s always on and ready to pour here at Theo’s Coffee Break. But most importantly...

You are always welcome at our coffee table.

In this intimate solo episode, Theo unpacks the difference between performing and sharing whether it's on stage and/or in everyday life.

Performance can be a polished mask we build for safety or approval. Sharing is slower, tender, imperfect and to be quite frank, honest. Theo explores how survival-mode “performance” shows up in our lifestyle and relationships, what it costs us, and how returning to presence, boundaries, and truth creates real intimacy and legacy.

If you’ve ever felt you had to be perfect to be loved, this episode is a soft place to exhale and a gentle invitation to be seen. Preferably, no mask required.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and follow so you never miss out on one of our coffee break sessions!

Now that we are a listener supported show, you can buy me a coffee and join the Café Crew at buymeacoffee.com/theoscoffeebreak for $5/mon.

Every donation will directly impact our coffee table and our goal here is to build this coffee table together with you.

Do you want to join the coffee table, or know someone who would be a great guest? Send me an email to theoscoffeebreakpodcast@gmail.com

Your voice, input, and curiosity is what shapes this table, and I’m here ready to listen with an open mind. Feel free to reach out via email or find me on Instagram at @theoscoffeebreakpodcast

And if you ever need some background music or ambience, tap into the exclusive Theo’s Coffee Break Table playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/23li5Nn6IxBGv3pdoOojzY?si=5fec0a83ba9b4d22

Thank you for being here with me at our coffee table today. I’m so excited to keep growing this podcast with you: one story, one conversation, and one sip at a time.

Last thing, check out our official Shin Hoo Yong Music Enterprise website and learn more about this podcast there: www.shinhooyongmusicenterprise.com

Until next time, take good care of yourself and remember: the coffee’s always on and ready to pour here at Theo’s Coffee Break. But most importantly...

You are always welcome at our coffee table.

In this reflective solo episode of Theo’s Coffee Break, Theo explores what it truly means to be “like-minded.”

Too often, the phrase gets mistaken for sameness but in real community it ain't always about echo chambers or perfect agreement. It’s about shared foundations strong enough to hold healthy differences.

Theo invites listeners to rethink connection, individuality, and growth: how our unique perspectives can sharpen one another rather than divide us.

Take a deep breath, pour a cup of coffee, and join Theo for this heartfelt reminder that like-minded doesn’t mean we think the same... however, it can mean that we can still build together, even in our differences.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and follow so you never miss out on one of our coffee break sessions!

Now that we are a listener supported show, you can buy me a coffee and join the Café Crew at buymeacoffee.com/theoscoffeebreak for $5/mon.

Every donation will directly impact our coffee table and our goal here is to build this coffee table together with you.

Do you want to join the coffee table, or know someone who would be a great guest? Send me an email to theoscoffeebreakpodcast@gmail.com

Your voice, input, and curiosity is what shapes this table, and I’m here ready to listen with an open mind. Feel free to reach out via email or find me on Instagram at @theoscoffeebreakpodcast

And if you ever need some background music or ambience, tap into the exclusive Theo’s Coffee Break Table playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/23li5Nn6IxBGv3pdoOojzY?si=5fec0a83ba9b4d22

Thank you for being here with me at our coffee table today. I’m so excited to keep growing this podcast with you: one story, one conversation, and one sip at a time.

Last thing, check out our official Shin Hoo Yong Music Enterprise website and learn more about this podcast there: www.shinhooyongmusicenterprise.com

Until next time, take good care of yourself and remember: the coffee’s always on and ready to pour here at Theo’s Coffee Break. But most importantly...

You are always welcome at our coffee table.

In this inspiring episode of Theo’s Coffee Break, Theo sits down with Sam Spencer who is a gender-fluid, non-binary individual who found the courage to live authentically later in life.

Through decades of teaching, creating, and raising a family, Sam’s story reminds us that it’s never too late to rediscover who you are. Together, Theo and Sam explore what “freedom” really means from the point of view of liberation of self-expression to the power of chosen family and community support.

This conversation is a celebration of truth, resilience, and belonging. Whether you’re exploring your own identity or seeking to be a better ally, Sam’s wisdom offers warmth, clarity, understanding, and hope for us all.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and follow so you never miss out on one of our coffee break sessions!

Now that we are a listener supported show, you can buy me a coffee and join the Café Crew at buymeacoffee.com/theoscoffeebreak for $5/mon.

Every donation will directly impact our coffee table and our goal here is to build this coffee table together with you.

Do you want to join the coffee table, or know someone who would be a great guest? Send me an email to theoscoffeebreakpodcast@gmail.com

Your voice, input, and curiosity is what shapes this table, and I’m here ready to listen with an open mind. Feel free to reach out via email or find me on Instagram at @theoscoffeebreakpodcast

And if you ever need some background music or ambience, tap into the exclusive Theo’s Coffee Break Table playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/23li5Nn6IxBGv3pdoOojzY?si=5fec0a83ba9b4d22

Thank you for being here with me at our coffee table today. I’m so excited to keep growing this podcast with you: one story, one conversation, and one sip at a time.

Last thing, check out our official Shin Hoo Yong Music Enterprise website and learn more about this podcast there: www.shinhooyongmusicenterprise.com

Until next time, take good care of yourself and remember: the coffee’s always on and ready to pour here at Theo’s Coffee Break. But most importantly...

You are always welcome at our coffee table.

Sometimes the most healing words don’t come from a sermon or a friend. Sometimes the message you need to hear arrives in the quiet mornings, through tears, breath, and an honest prayer.

In this intimate episode of Theo’s Coffee Break, I share a message I received in a moment of deep exhaustion. A message that reminded me that my past is not my punishment, my pain is not my identity, and that it’s safe to rebuild and begin again. This is a love letter to my inner child, a gentle invitation to let go, choose peace with boundaries, and believe in a future I haven’t lived yet.

If you’re carrying what no longer belongs to you, this one’s for you.
Take a sip, settle in, and let’s breathe in and exhale together.

If this helped you, follow/subscribe so you don’t miss the next coffee break.

Share your thoughts: theoscoffeebreakpodcast@gmail.com

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and follow so you never miss out on one of our coffee break sessions!

Now that we are a listener supported show, you can buy me a coffee and join the Café Crew at buymeacoffee.com/theoscoffeebreak for $5/mon.

Every donation will directly impact our coffee table and our goal here is to build this coffee table together with you.

Do you want to join the coffee table, or know someone who would be a great guest? Send me an email to theoscoffeebreakpodcast@gmail.com

Your voice, input, and curiosity is what shapes this table, and I’m here ready to listen with an open mind. Feel free to reach out via email or find me on Instagram at @theoscoffeebreakpodcast

And if you ever need some background music or ambience, tap into the exclusive Theo’s Coffee Break Table playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/23li5Nn6IxBGv3pdoOojzY?si=5fec0a83ba9b4d22

Thank you for being here with me at our coffee table today. I’m so excited to keep growing this podcast with you: one story, one conversation, and one sip at a time.

Last thing, check out our official Shin Hoo Yong Music Enterprise website and learn more about this podcast there: www.shinhooyongmusicenterprise.com

Until next time, take good care of yourself and remember: the coffee’s always on and ready to pour here at Theo’s Coffee Break. But most importantly...

You are always welcome at our coffee table.