Set The Stage w/ Viv J

Vivienne J
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Set the Stage is my podcast/series on YouTube where we discuss topics ranging from Asian American experiences from neurodivergence to creative practices, wellness, and communication, to name a few. Vivienne J is based in Chicago, IL, specifically the North Shore suburbs. She is passionate about filmmaking, documenting lifestyle content, and event recaps. She emphasizes in her media work, stating that she thinks outside the box and gravitates toward stories and perspectives that aren’t often seen. Most of her work subverts expectations and explores identity, belonging, and transformation.

  1. Aug 6

    let's talk: when your identity is your work (with Scott)

    In this episode, I talk with Scott Proposki, a former National Geographic and White House event photographer who lost a seven-figure business overnight, rebuilt from zero, and now teaches photographers with ADHD how to use their camera as a superpower. Scott shares how losing the business he had spent decades building forced him to rethink everything — his career, his identity, and the way he approached business. Our conversation explores the creative process, neurodivergence, starting over, and how the camera can become a tool for confidence, focus, and growth. Eventually, Scott has also talked about how starting over has made him rethink it all — his career, identity, and the way of doing business. We also talked about using the camera not just as a tool, but also as a system for confidence, focus, and growth. I hope you enjoy hearing this meaningful conversation based on what we can connect upon that relates to neurodivergence in everyday situations. Thank you for tuning in!

  2. Jun 23

    from Brazil to belonging

    Hello, glitter angels.  I sit down with Patricia, whom I met at VASA, to talk about her journey from Brazil to the States, culture shock, language, community, and the traditions she still carries with her. We also talk about Brazilian culture, learning Portuguese, and ideas of how immigrant stories can teach us about belonging and resilience. This conversation means a lot to me because I’ve been reflecting on culture, identity, and the immigrant experience in my own life, too.  I hope this episode brightens your day and reminds you to keep going, wherever you are in your journey. Here is a reminder for our immigrant families and friends that no matter how many years you’ve lived and come to the States, your experiences have continued to make an impact in our society, which I love for you. This is a reminder to never give up, even when things get tough, and you are more than your status, job title, gender, skin color, size, and so on.  Namaste, glitter angels. Have a wonderful day.

  3. Jun 19

    just start, even if it feels scary. [SEASON 2 IS HERE!]

    Hello angels! I introduce the new season and rebrand, and talk about why waiting for the “perfect time” to create is holding you back. I share my unorthodox process for coming up with concepts in under an hour, how visual storytelling shapes our perceptions, and why it’s okay if your methods seem a little strange to other people. It’s about time I provide additional tips that have helped me on generating more creative ideas as an artist, even if it gets scary.  Even as an aspiring filmmaker representing females and Asian culture, I am still known for my “thinking outside the box” methods. I remember watching the movie, Robots (2005), which was released when I was 3 years old. As a little girl, Bigweld pointed out, “You can shine no matter what you’re made of,” and “See a need, fill a need.” Those lines have resonated with me as it still does today.  As I said before, you never know unless you try. Please grab yourself some food and coffee, and try this brainstorming activity that I highly suggest. You never know what you’re capable of and what your brain can come up with. Cheers to a new season, glitter angels! Namaste, have a beautiful day.  https://youtu.be/vNiZZhMF30A?si=Q9k-EeOzrm0zM6DI [Jazzy Anne's video] https://youtu.be/NJIuc1itVhM?si=ScbgmXAjq2EG5nuF [Chris White - Indiana Authors] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erGDbkGwbX8 [Bigweld Show scene from Robots]

    just start, even if it feels scary. [SEASON 2 IS HERE!]

  4. May 24

    how I found self-healing in post grad

    This episode dives into talking about how things have changed over the past year. As you know, at this moment, it has been twelve months since I graduated from college. Do I even remember it like it’s yesterday… I would have to say that I felt like I had suffered a lot, issues that include long distance, uncertainty, greater transition, anxiety, fears, and so on. On top of that, I felt that all my life, I would not be able to self-heal. At the age of 22, I have started to take action to know myself better, as well as being aware of what’s been happening with my mind and body. I do provide additional tips for post-grads, individuals who may be on a self-healing journey, like myself, and anecdotes about not joining a sorority, finding true belonging, accepting, and many more. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I took the time to think through this prompt and answer such complex questions I had no response to. Namaste, have a wonderful day.

  5. Apr 27

    puzzle pieces are meant to be broken

    This episode challenges the traditional “puzzle piece” symbol for autism and the idea that autistic people are mysterious or incomplete. Drawing from films like Kaleidoscope of the Plushies (from when I applied for film school), Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and The Croods, I suggest more colorful, dynamic ways of seeing neurodivergent identity. Autistic people are not missing pieces– they are meant to be seen and heard as whole, vibrant, and omnidirectional. A lot of people out there have got to do a cleanse for their words and educate themselves more about neurodivergence, along with being better allies. Picture this as if I am teaching a course that has a “Who Do You Think You Are” concept (imagine if writing, psychology, art, zoology came into play, along with fusions of etymology and creative analogy). Perhaps you might hear me say a lot of entertaining imagery– props to my fellow writing professor, Chris White. I also dug more into associations between autistic people and big cats, including how the new approach to ideas contributes to the comparison between objects and animals. Animals cannot be controlled like autism is. However, the puzzle piece must be permanently destroyed. Namaste, have a wonderful day.

  6. Apr 14

    post grad is not easy as an autistic girl

    Post‑grad life has not been easy. In this episode of Set the Stage, I open up about losing my sense of self after graduation, feeling stuck between my old life and my new one, and how all of this connects to being autistic. I talk about: What I’ve learned 6+ months after graduating Outgrowing my childhood home and old versions of myself Feeling lost and unsure how to build new relationships Common misconceptions about autism Practical allyship tips so you can better support autistic people Being vulnerable is not weakness—it’s heart‑level strength. I hope this episode helps you understand autism more deeply and support the autistic people in your life. Namaste, queers. Have a wonderful day.

  7. Apr 4

    so why didn't you?

    Perhaps you might have heard that line, as it comes from my favorite movie, How to Train Your Dragon. I figured, as April is known to be Autism Awareness + Acceptance Month, I decided to dig into some big topics regarding to that subject.  As much as it seems personal to share, I could not put into words as a young teen. In this episode, I refer to the question that Hiccup answers, “So Why Didn’t You?” – that line resonates very well with me and my autism for many reasons. As mentioned, I relate deeply to Hiccup in terms of feeling different from the group and not being like what is considered “typical.” Aside from talking about just personal struggles, I also dig into some anecdotes relevant to this huge essay-like topic.  If you or someone you know is autistic, remind them that they are not alone in that.  Namaste, queers. Keep supporting the autism community & bringing awareness and acceptance.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pe9Yu2YDlOI - scene with “So Why Didn’t You?” Astrid and Hiccuphttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5blM2CbeNYiMUVBvg9fImgtyNyjv-3uJ - autism acceptance playlist (resources to look over)

  8. Mar 24

    so you didn't get into the school you wanted.

    So you didn’t get into the school you wanted.  In this episode, I open up about my college application journey as a high school senior during the pandemic and my recent experience as a post-grad applying to film schools. I talk about coping with rejection, what was expected of me, and how I’ve been navigating it all. Honestly, out of all those experiences, as an autistic woman, it has been emotionally a lot for me to sort through and process (it is uncommon to do so). There might have been days thinking that I wouldn’t survive, but I did it anyway.  If you’re a high school senior or anyone facing admissions decisions, I hope this reminds you that you’re so much more than your rejections or waitlists. Namaste, and best of luck on finishing off strong, lovelies. Love y'all!

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About

Set the Stage is my podcast/series on YouTube where we discuss topics ranging from Asian American experiences from neurodivergence to creative practices, wellness, and communication, to name a few. Vivienne J is based in Chicago, IL, specifically the North Shore suburbs. She is passionate about filmmaking, documenting lifestyle content, and event recaps. She emphasizes in her media work, stating that she thinks outside the box and gravitates toward stories and perspectives that aren’t often seen. Most of her work subverts expectations and explores identity, belonging, and transformation.

Information

  • Creator
    Vivienne J
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Vivienne J
  • Show Website
    Set The Stage w/ Viv J