Episode 55 with Jenny Gao 🔮
The Box, the Ocean and the Psychic
We’re baaaaaaaack!
Back in Tāmaki after a gorgeous 2+ weeks in crisp, exquisite Japan. While I’m extremely fortunate to go back regularly, this was the first trip in a long time that had me feeling like I’d maybe like to live there again. Will let that feeing simmer in the background…
Meanwhile, we are well and truly into the swing of things. A brand new episode with Jenny Gao is out TODAY. If you thought the episode with Fazerdaze was a bit “out there”, perhaps a tad “too woo-woo” - this one’s on another planet. Jenny described this as the kind of conversation one might have locked away in a friend’s living room at 11pm. 🪐
I go through phases of feeling good and not so good about the pod - so when this came up, Jenny curiously went in with some questions about it. About half way through, she asked how I was feeling about the pod and how I wanted it to be, and if I could, describe it in shapes/sensation. My answers? The podcast was feeling like a box. 📦 Rigid. Contained. How do I want it to be? Like the ocean. 🌊 Ok, so the ocean isn’t a shape as suuuuch, BUT the ocean is expansive. Flowing. Limitless. You get me?
So, we pull some oracle cards, have a laugh and an electric chat. We trade stories about psychics we’ve seen. (Yes, plural). Jenny shares an experience with a specific psychic she found on Instagram. Of course I, the ever-curious, then proceed to book a session with said psychic soon after. I mean, why not? I go in with a positive and open attitude of, “what the hell, let’s just see what this person says”.
One recent sunny Sunday morning, I jump on an Instagram video call with the psychic. They’re young, energetic, funny - I know instantly that this is going to be a fun time. Whereas Jenny had experienced a longer session specifically designed for creatives, I opted for a shorter oracle card session. A taster, if you will.
Sceptics, please note, that I didn’t know what kind of cards were going to be used or the structure the reading would take. But, I will share two cards that flipped out of the deck during this session. I laughed:
What I’m saying here is that in this episode, Jenny and I had a chat about my relationship with the podcast and I used the words, “box” and “ocean” to describe it. Then these cards appear in a reading with a psychic a few weeks later. HELLOOO?!?!
There’s a lot I could specifically say about how I feel about things now, how these words and cards relate to the podcast (and my life tbh), but that’s not the point here really.
My point is: daaaamn, The Universe works in mysterious ways.
How fun.
Happy New Year 🎊
Jenna x
🎧 Listen: Episode 55 with Jenny Gao
Jenny Gao is a documentary maker and writer, deeply immersed in human relationships and spirituality. Here she shares her experiences with Vipassana meditation, psychic insights, and working outside conventional creative fields to nurture inspiration. We discuss embracing spontaneity, adventure, and playfulness in life and creative pursuits, giving you a glimpse into navigating personal and artistic challenges.
Follow Jenny on Instagram: @iennygao
🎟️ LIVE panel & podcast recording at Auckland Art Gallery
Join us on the 1st of February as we celebrate Lunar New Year and Pride month.
I’m excited to have these guests return to chat about their current creative process, inspiration, growth – and what Year of the Snake might look like for them!
Meet the Panel:
Steven Junil Park 박준일 (he/they): Korean-born artist handcrafting functional objects and clothing under the label, 6x4.
Mariadelle ‘Abbey’ Gamit (they/she): Pinay artist, DJ and co-director of Asia and Pasifika-led arts organisation, All My Friends.
Nathan Joe 周润豪 (he/him): Chinese-Kiwi multi-award-winning playwright, dramaturg and performance poet.
They’re all brilliant, so do not miss this.
This event is FREE and part of the Lunar New Year celebration, hosted by the gallery - there will be lion dancers, workshops, bubble tea, music and poetry too!
Register below and see you there:
https://www.aucklandartgallery.com/whats-on/event/asian-in-aotearoa-or-year-of-the-snake-panel-and-podcast-recording
Find the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all good pod places or visit asianinaotearoa.com.