Our Podcast Mission
The Spilling Our Tea podcast is all about amplifying the voices of Asian women—because let’s be real, we’ve been quiet for way too long. We dive into the highs, the lows, and everything in between to normalize those “wait, is it just me?” moments and get real about mental health. We hope you laugh, cry, feel inspired, and find your joy—because honestly, that’s what being human is all about.
Hey! I'm
Sandy Kusano,
founder of Joyful Optimist Coaching. I guide people wake up each day feeling more joy, more presence, and fully aligned with the person they were always meant to be. My coaching practice is rooted in the belief that joy is the most powerful currency in life—it’s what fuels us, connects us, and keeps us moving forward.
I created Spilling Our Tea as a passion project that brings me immense joy. This podcast is my way of celebrating and amplifying the voices of incredible Asian women, creating a space where we can laugh, cry, learn, inspire, and connect over the shared experiences of being human.
Because when we lean into joy, everything else falls into place.
Work With Me
Mental Fitness
Strengthen your mental muscles to respond to life’s challenges with clarity, creativity, and calm. Build Resilience and Inner Strength.
Somatic Awareness
Reconnect with your physical self to uncover insights and release stress stored within. Listen to Your Body’s Wisdom.
Ikigai
Uncover the sweet spot where your passions, skills, and values align to create a meaningful life. Discover Your Life’s True Purpose.
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Neuroscience
Leverage brain science to transform limiting beliefs and create new pathways for joy and achievement. Rewire Your Brain for Success
3 Brains Integration
Tap into the wisdom of your head, heart, and gut to make aligned decisions and lead with authenticity. Align Mind, Heart, and Gut Intelligence
EFT Tapping
Use this powerful technique to clear emotional stress and create space for peace and possibility. Release Emotional Blocks, Fast
A Life Across Cultures
Japanese-Korean-American Roots and a Global Journey
I am Japanese-Korean-American, growing up navigating cultures and continents. Born in Japan, raised Korean, and moving to California at age 4, I embraced the blend of my heritage and American upbringing. My journey took me to Boston University, hospitality work, and a 15-year career in Educational Travel. Living in London for five years was a dream I intentionally manifested, adding another layer to my multicultural story.
A Traveler at Heart
Backpacking Asia & Dancing in Budapest
Travel is my greatest joy! In 2019, I resigned from my career and backpacked through Asia, working on a strawberry farm in Korea, teaching in Mongolia and Nepal, and volunteering at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. My latest thrill? A 48-hour trip to Budapest to dance to my favorite DJ.
When I Majorly Messed Up
From College Rejections to a Hail Mary Acceptance
I was rejected by every college I applied to—my family panicked, and my grandmother and mom prayed in the car during my interviews. A last-minute acceptance to BU changed everything, where I studied Journalism, proving failure is just a plot twist, not the end.
