Monomyth Diaries
Monomyth Diaries, hosted by Karen Liu and Mandi Jones, is a podcast where real stories inspire personal growth. Through honest and heartfelt experiences—free of advice or experts—we foster connection, validation, and new perspectives. Each episode invites you to listen, relate, and embrace your own journey.
Episodes
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Why didn’t anyone tell us about this part?
Most of us got “the talk” about periods—but no one mentioned what comes next. In this candid episode, Karen and Mandi open up about learning the words perimenopause and menopause much later than they needed to.
This conversation is an honest, validating look at a chapter too many women face in silence—and a reminder that we don’t have to go thro...
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What does it take to rebuild your life after unimaginable loss?
In this episode, Vianey Mann shares the next chapter of her story—her journey through grief, healing, and rediscovery after the death of her first husband. With honesty and grace, she opens up about surrendering to faith, finding resilience, and embracing new beginnings that ultimately led her to love, leadership, and co-foundi...
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What happens when faith collides with unthinkable loss?
In this episode, Vianey Mann shares her powerful story of a childhood rooted in faith, the joys of early adulthood, and the devastating loss of her first husband. That moment shattered her world and became the catalyst for transformation.
How do you rebuild when someone you love is gone? And where do you find hope when faith is shaken...
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What happens when we give without expecting anything in return?
In this heartfelt bonus episode, Mandi and Karen explore how acts of service—done for fun and for free—have not only impacted others but profoundly changed their own lives. From small gestures to meaningful commitments, they reflect on how serving from a place of joy and authenticity is one of the greatest “boons” on ...
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Can we run toward something and not just away?
In this second episode of Maaike’s monomyth, we explore the tools, moments, and connections that helped her begin the journey back to herself. From dedicating a marathon to her late father to reaching out during moments of deep loneliness, Maaike found small acts of courage that became turning points. She discovered meditation, nouris...
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What happens when the life you built leaves no room for who you truly are?
In this first episode of Maaike’s monomyth, she reflects on a time when her identity felt lost beneath the many roles she carried—mother, wife, caregiver, professional. Maaike opens up about the mounting pressure, the loneliness she felt, and the moment she realized she didn’t know who she was anymore. Desp...
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Why do we feel the need to “should” on ourselves and others?
In this reflective and thought-provoking bonus episode, Mandi and Karen unpack the subtle—but powerful—ways we impose expectations through the word “should.” Whether it’s “I should have known better” or “You should do this,” these judgments can disconnect us from growth.
At Monomyth Diaries, we intentionally avoid giving advice—not...
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Can healing begin where everything once felt broken?
In the second episode of Stephanie’s monomyth, we witness her powerful emergence from a season of grief, regret, and disconnection. After her unraveling, Stephanie shares how she began the brave work of rebuilding her life. From strenghtening her faith to reexamining her choices and rediscovering her purpose, Stephanie opens up ...
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What happens when the foundation you’ve built suddenly begins to shift?
In this heartfelt first episode with Stephanie, we explore her journey from a joyful, stable life to the emotional upheaval brought on by unexpected change. Stephanie shares how she built a loving home with her husband and children, embraced her daughter’s teenage pregnancy with strength, and found deep fulfil...
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In this compelling episode, Nikki reflects on the powerful gifts and lessons she has gained through her journey of self-discovery and faith. Nikki shares how embracing her story has allowed her to heal, grow, and positively impact her community. Her openness and insights remind us all of the transformative power of grace and perseverance.
Tune in to hear Nikki’s inspiring perspective on ho...
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What happens when the foundations you once trusted begin to shift?
In this heartfelt first episode of Nikki’s story, we explore how faith and transformation often begin in the cracks of uncertainty.
Though Nikki grew up in a loving home, the emotional weight of her mother’s battle with breast cancer and the quiet unraveling of her parents’ marriage left her feeling powerl...
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In this lighthearted short episode, Mandi and Karen step into the hot seat to practice some Monomyth Story Starters—just like the ones they ask their guests. Recorded before they started interviewing others, this episode captures their journey of growth as podcasters. From experimenting with recording and editing to fine-tuning their production skills, this behind-the-scenes moment highlig...
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What does life look like after the transformation? In the final chapter of Cyndi’s monomyth, we witness the power of purpose, love, and faith coming full circle.
In this uplifting conclusion to her three-part journey, Cyndi shares the “boons and gifts” that emerged from her deepest trials—revealing how resilience, faith, and inner healing led her to a fulfilling marriage rooted in...
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In this special episode, Karen and Mandi reflect on their journey through 2024, sharing how working on Monomyth Diaries has shaped them as individuals. From powerful moments of self-growth to the invaluable wisdom gained from their guests, they explore the lessons that have deepened their perspectives and transformed their lives.
Join us as Karen and Mandi share their heartfelt reflections ...
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What happens when the beliefs you were raised with no longer serve the life you’re trying to build?
In this powerful first episode of her three-part series, Cyndi shares her early life growing up in a traditional Vietnamese household, where cultural expectations demanded women remain silent and submissive. Through raw, heartfelt storytelling, she unpacks how those deeply rooted va...
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What does it take to break free from the story you were told and step into the one you were meant to live?
In this second episode of Cyndi’s transformative journey, we explore the mindset shift that changed everything. After years of living under cultural expectations that silenced her voice, Cyndi began to rewrite her life—this time on her own terms. She surrounded herself with a...
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How do you rebuild when everything you love feels lost?
In Christina’s second episode on The Monomyth Diaries, she opens up about the heartbreak that changed everything—the unimaginable grief of losing a child—and the quiet, courageous steps she took to begin again. With raw vulnerability and deep insight, Christina shares how that loss became the turning point that awakened her purpose, de...
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What does it take to grow up before you’re ready—and still find your way back to yourself?
Christina shares her powerful journey from becoming a mother at just 14 to rebuilding a life grounded in resilience, love, and personal growth. As a young teen, she navigated motherhood, family conflict, poverty, and loss—all without finishing high school. But Christina’s story didn’t end in struggle.
...
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How do we begin to heal when someone else’s addiction has left our lives in chaos?
In this bonus short, Karen and Mandi sit down for a heartfelt conversation about Al-Anon—a 12-step program for people affected by someone else’s drinking. Mandi opens up about her own experience discovering Al-Anon and how it quietly but profoundly transformed her monomyth.
What is Al-Anon really about? What h...
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How do stories of resilience and reflection shift the way we see our own lives?
In this bonus short, Mandi and Karen sit down to unpack the powerful ripple effects of Donnell and Weston’s journeys. One story offers a raw look at redemption and reclaiming your worth. The other reminds us that growth often shows up in the messiest, most unexpected moments.
What are we still carrying from these...
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