Studio Hours

OAK THEORY

Studio Hours is a podcast hosted by Hannah Ryu, cofounder of Oak Theory, our boutique creative technology studio. Together with her cofounder, they have grown a startup from zero to seven figures, working with brands like Google, Optum, and Vanderbilt. But this show isn’t just about business. It’s about the soil underneath it: the ideas, stories, and perspectives that shape how we live, create, and connect. From solo reflections to conversations that inspire Hannah, each episode creates space to think differently, stretch creatively, and explore openly.

Episodes

  1. 09/02/2025

    Untangling Self-Worth from Results

    In this episode of Studio Hours, Hannah unpacks the cultural obsession with outcomes and how it can distort our sense of self-worth—especially in a tough market for businesses and job seekers. Drawing from her past life as a competitive Muay Thai fighter and inspired by great athletes like Kobe, Serena, and Muhammad Ali, she explores how focusing on the process, preparation, and mental stamina helps us endure uncertainty. She also weaves in lessons from Annie Duke’s Thinking in Bets to remind us that results are often about probabilities, not personal value. If you’re job searching, building a business, or navigating a hard season, this episode is your reminder to focus on what you can control—and to be proud of your effort, not just the outcomes. Thanks for tuning into Studio Hours. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro & why this topic matters now 0:40 – Tough job market & business landscape in 2025 1:20 – The danger of tying worth to results 2:05 – Doomscrolling and comparison culture 2:45 – Muay Thai lessons on focus & control 3:30 – Athlete mindset: Kobe, Serena, Ali, and the power of process 4:15 – What’s in your control vs. outside it 5:00 – Mental strength, self-talk, and endurance in sports & life 6:05 – Thinking in Bets: decisions vs. probabilities 7:20 – Closing reminder: your worth is in the process 8:10 – Final thoughts & book recommendations Stay connected:👉 Oak Theory – https://oaktheory.co👉 Under the Oak – https://undertheoak.co👉 Instagram – https://instagram.com/hannah.ryu

    9 min

About

Studio Hours is a podcast hosted by Hannah Ryu, cofounder of Oak Theory, our boutique creative technology studio. Together with her cofounder, they have grown a startup from zero to seven figures, working with brands like Google, Optum, and Vanderbilt. But this show isn’t just about business. It’s about the soil underneath it: the ideas, stories, and perspectives that shape how we live, create, and connect. From solo reflections to conversations that inspire Hannah, each episode creates space to think differently, stretch creatively, and explore openly.