What happens when adults are taught that play is childish, joy is indulgent, and rest must be earned?

In this powerful episode of Conversations Spoken in the Dark, Hermence sits down with Tina O’Hoang—researcher, writer, and host of The Courageous Inner Beast podcast—for a raw and reflective conversation about reclaiming joy and challenging the invisible rules that govern how we show up in the world.

We’re talking about the societal, cultural norms, and personal weight many adults carry when it comes to the concept of play, joy, and simply being allowed to let go. In a world—and within communities—where achievement, responsibility, and quiet strength are often prioritized, play can feel… indulgent. Even selfish. Or completely out of reach.

We discuss what gets suppressed, what gets passed down, and what it takes to reclaim joy on your own terms. We’re unpacking generational patterns, expectations around seriousness, and the invisible scripts that tell adults who they should be… and who they’re not allowed to be.

✨ This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt like joy had to be earned or delayed—and is finally ready to rewrite that story.

Guest Bio -Tina O’Hoang

Tina O’Hoang is a brilliant researcher, writer, and voice in the space of cultural identity, healing, and reclaiming joy. Her work explores how cultural norms shape Asian women’s relationship to play—what gets suppressed, what gets passed down, and what it takes to reclaim joy on your own terms.

She is the host of The Courageous Inner Beast podcast, where she creates space for honest, often uncomfortable conversations around mental health, creativity, and breaking free from generational and cultural expectations.

🔗 Connect with Tina:

• Podcast: The Courageous Inner Beast — Listen on Spotify

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tina-o-hoang

Conversations Spoken in the Dark is Hosted by Hermence Matsotsa, Founder of uBuntuSpeaks® , Transformational Leadership Strategist and Workforce Development Speaker and Positive Intelligence Coach for high-performing professionals and entrepreneurs. Hermence creates powerful spaces for raw, honest conversations on leadership, identity, healing, and the parts of our lives we rarely speak out loud—until now.

🌐 www.ubuntuworkforce.com

📧 [email protected]
📸 Instagram: @ubuntuspeaks_hermence

💼 LinkedIn: Hermence Matsotsa

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