Dear Nobody, with Sally Yapto

Sally Yapto
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Personal Journals

A quiet space for honest thoughts and messy moments. Hosted by pianist Sally Yapto, Dear Nobody feels like a letter left unsent — a reflection of everything we don’t always say out loud, but probably should. Through personal stories, quiet confessions, and occasional guests, this podcast explores life behind the curtain — tender, complicated, and beautifully human.

  1. SOS

    Apr 17

    SOS

    Dear Nobody, I feel like I’m drowning right now. Between a painful TFCC flare-up that has stalled practice and the mental marathon of prepping for a commencement speaker interview, the exhaustion of this final Master’s stretch is setting in. In this episode, Sally reflects on what it means to find an authentic voice for the podium—moving away from the pressure of being "motivational" to simply being real. From the physical toll of hand-writing invitations for her upcoming recital to the simple, nerdy excitement of her first Record Store Day, this is a raw look at navigating a high-stakes season. It’s a reminder that even when you feel "fried," you can still make it to the finish line by taking things one by one.

    10 min
  2. The Side Quest Era

    Apr 10

    The Side Quest Era

    Dear Nobody, welcome to the side quest era. In this monthly check-in, Sally dives into a season of maximum experience and spontaneity in New York City. From leaning into her most extroverted self to socializing with strangers who become fast friends, this episode is a transparent look at what happens when you decide to say "yes" to the sub-quests of life. Sally shares the big updates on her upcoming "Left Hand Recital" and the overwhelming support she’s felt since announcing the program. She also opens up about a long-held dream coming true: being nominated as the graduation speaker for her class at Manhattan School of Music—a moment two years in the making that feels exactly like it's happening at the right time. From world movie premieres to "chickening out" while meeting LANY at an artist signing, this is a letter about growth, the revival of the romcom, and the beautiful, coincidental ways kindness brings the right people into our lives at the perfect moment.

    17 min
  3. Finding The Egg In Life

    Apr 3

    Finding The Egg In Life

    Dear nobody, have you ever thought how life would be without Jesus? As we head into Good Friday and Easter weekend, this episode explores the "Holy" roots of these days and the traditions that bridge the gap between our lives on Earth and the world beyond. In this episode, we go on a global tour of the strange and beautiful ways humanity celebrates—from the "Easter witches" of Sweden and the water-splashing of Poland to the endangered Bilbies of Australia. But beyond the egg rolling and the hot cross buns, there is a deeper question about the "test drive" of life. Comparing our time on Earth to a long road toward graduation, Sally reflects on the weight of our choices, the reality of the afterlife, and why finding the "egg" in life is really about finding a sense of eternal stability.

    16 min
  4. Is Humanity Still Here With Us?

    Mar 27

    Is Humanity Still Here With Us?

    Dear Nobody, Is Humanity Still Here? In this episode, Sally takes us from the massive 70mm IMAX screen of Project Hail Mary to the quiet, complex questions of the human heart. After witnessing a story of ultimate sacrifice on the big screen, she reflects on the current state of our world—wondering if humanity is being restored or if we are losing our way in a cycle of cruelty and "survival mode." From the age-old debate of nature vs. nurture to the profound parallels of sacrifice found in faith, this episode is a deep dive into what makes us different from the rest of the living world: our capacity for compassion, critical thought, and moral choice. Sally shares a personal "plot twist" from her day—a simple bag of popcorn and a smile on the street—as a reminder that while being the "higher person" isn't easy, light will always have the power to conquer the dark.

    15 min
  5. How Are You?

    Mar 20

    How Are You?

    Dear Nobody, how are you? In this monthly check-in, Sally navigates the literal and emotional "weather" of life in New York—from sudden snowstorms to the high-energy glow of a red carpet. This episode explores the "plot twist" of finding joy in things we once dismissed, specifically how a documentary turned a skeptical first impression of Harry Styles' newest album into a non-stop dance party. Beyond the music, Sally shares a raw "hot take" on modern communication and the importance of two-way friendships. From the sensory way children make sense of the world to the "magical" intuition of a best friend checking in from miles away, this is a letter about presence, connection, and the value of being offline in a high-speed world.

    15 min
  6. Not to Keep it Alive, But to Share It

    Mar 12

    Not to Keep it Alive, But to Share It

    Dear Nobody, let's talk about the arts. Last week, a viral statement from Timothée Chalamet about the "irrelevance" of ballet and opera sent shockwaves through the classical music community. In this episode, Sally breaks down the hour-long interview that started it all and explores why these "ancient" art forms are anything but dead. From the magic of live performance that can never be replicated to the harsh financial realities of modern concert halls, this is a deep dive into why we still do what we do. Sally also shares a personal update on her graduation recital prep, including how a piece she initially resisted became a source of unexpected joy and a reminder that exposure is often the key to resonance. This isn't just a response to a celebrity's comments—it’s a letter to everyone who creates because they have heart for their art, not just an eye for the money.

    20 min
  7. When Love Hurts (Injury Update)

    Mar 6

    When Love Hurts (Injury Update)

    Dear Nobody, what do you do when the thing you love the most also causes you pain? In this episode, I’m sharing a very personal update on my journey with a TFCC tear—a ligament injury in my wrist that has redefined my relationship with the piano and my daily life. From the "suffocating" reality of wearing medical braces in a New York winter to the deep anxiety of overcompensating with my left hand, I wanted to be honest about the identity crisis that comes with being an artist in recovery. But more importantly, this is about the breakthrough: deciding to stop feeling bad for myself and pivoting my entire graduation recital to a left-hand-only program. It’s a story of resilience, problem-solving, and finding the spark again when your "good hand" isn't an option.

    18 min
  8. Not For Public Consumption

    Feb 26

    Not For Public Consumption

    Dear Nobody, social media is not as it was before. After a long week of recovering from being sick, I’m back and reflecting on the love-hate relationship I have with being online. We’re diving into the major shift in my identity—moving away from the "influencer" life and reclaiming my place as an artist. I’m sharing the raw reality of what happens when you erase the fine line between your content and your safe zone, and why feeling "naked" in front of the world led me to value my privacy above everything else. We also talk about the frustration of a broken algorithm that makes us miss our friends' real-life milestones while feeding us a constant stream of narcissistic, millisecond-paced noise. I discuss the specific moment I realized that recording a memory was taking away from actually living it, and why I’ve decided that being "out of touch" is the ultimate relief. This is a conversation about finding the key to your own security, letting your brain finally breathe, and choosing a life that isn't for public consumption.

    15 min
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About

A quiet space for honest thoughts and messy moments. Hosted by pianist Sally Yapto, Dear Nobody feels like a letter left unsent — a reflection of everything we don’t always say out loud, but probably should. Through personal stories, quiet confessions, and occasional guests, this podcast explores life behind the curtain — tender, complicated, and beautifully human.

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