Episode 46: Yuko Kudo - Aneurism, Art, and Acceptance

Yuko Kudo is an artist and brain aneurysm survivor based in New York City.

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(00:00) From Japan to New York

(03:10) Childhood in Aomori

(05:22) First Impressions of America

(08:40) Broadway Dreams and Disney Inspirations

(12:15) Navigating Visas, Agents, and Auditions

(16:45) Finding Community with Asian Artists

(19:52) Early Passions: Piano, Singing, Acting

(23:35) A Sudden Brain Aneurysm

(27:50) Emergency Surgery and Survival Odds

(31:12) First Memories After the Operation

(35:00) Grappling with Mortality and Perspective

(39:20) Discovering Painting as Therapy

(43:05) Healing, Art, and Letting Go of Perfectionism

(47:22) Shifting Priorities After Near-Death

(50:05) Spirituality, God, and the Afterlife

(53:12) Facing Resurgence and New Procedures

(55:10) Life After Recovery: Art, Sound, and Goals

(57:02) Advice for Survivors and Closing Reflections