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.

Leadership isn’t glamorous. It’s not about applause, validation, or popularity. More often than not, it’s about carrying weight, facing criticism, and being misunderstood by the very people you’re trying to help.

In this solo episode of Theo’s Coffee Break, Theo shares a raw reflection on the true challenge of leadership: the loneliness, the opposition, and the rejection that can come when you choose to stand firm in your values.

☕ Why being liked isn’t the job of a leader
☕ How to anchor yourself in your core values when criticism comes
☕ The importance of having a circle who reminds you who you are
☕ Why leadership is about alignment, not ego

If you’ve ever felt the weight of choosing integrity over approval, this conversation is for you.

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 happens when passion feels more like a wildfire than a warm nurturing light?

In this deeply personal episode of Theo’s Coffee Break, I share my own journey with passion and how it once consumed me, left me burned out, and why I chose to lock it away. But lately, something has shifted. Passion wants to return but not as chaotic force, it wants to return as a youthful spark.

This conversation is about learning to hold passion differently: not as an enemy to fear, but as a companion that can walk beside us. Together, we’ll reflect on how to invite passion back into our lives with balance, grace, and heart.

So take a sip, settle in, and join me at the coffee table as we explore how to feel alive again without burning out.

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, we welcome Tim Harris who is a nonprofit leader, youth mentor, music coach, and freestyle artist whose passion sits right at the intersection of community and creativity.

Tim works with Escape Ministries in Holland, Michigan, where he helps suspended students reintegrate into public schools. His mission is to ensure that youth who often fall through the cracks of society encounter support, opportunity, and belonging.

At the same time, Tim is an artist and music coach who believes deeply in the power of words and rhythm to shape young lives. From freestyle sessions that unlock self-expression, to workshops that inspire confidence, Tim is using music as a tool for transformation.

Together, we talk about:
☕ His personal journey into nonprofit work and music
☕ The overlooked challenges (and potential) of suspended students
☕ Why music — especially freestyle — can be a bridge for healing and growth
☕ His past projects in schools, churches, and community events
☕ His upcoming live album recording and what listeners can expect

This conversation is equal parts inspiration and empowerment, reminding us that when we invest in youth and creativity, we invest in the future.

🎶 Connect with Tim on Instagram: @tim_harris05
🌐 Learn more about Escape Ministries: escapeministriesgr.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.