Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast

by Andrea Rios McMillian

Self-Improvement Society & Culture Technology

Season 4

#64 “Pain tried to break me, but I turned it into purpose” with Abbey Tiu, owner, Leilani Asian Fusion

She had every reason to quit—grief, financial struggles, and the challenge of protecting her late partner’s dream. But instead of giving up, Abbey Tiu built Leilani Asian Fusion, a restaurant that honors Jason Morales’ legacy. She also runs a successful mental health practice dedicated to helping others heal. How did she turn tragedy into success, and what can you learn from her journey? Watch until the end to find out. Abbey Tiu is a restaurateur and entrepreneur based in Aurora, Illinois. She is the owner of Leilani Asian Fusion, a dining establishment located in the historic Hobbs Building at 2 N. River St. in downtown Aurora. The restaurant, which opened on August 9, 2024, offers a diverse menu featuring inventive takes on sushi, steak, vegetarian dishes, boba (bubble tea), and signature cocktails. Leilani Asian Fusion also houses an underground lounge called Forbidden City, inspired by Southeast Asian nightclubs, offering rum-inspired craft cocktails, beer, and wine. The name "Leilani" honors Abbey's daughter and serves as a tribute to her late partner, Jason Morales, an exceptional restaurateur, entrepreneur, and engineer who was a longtime supporter of Aurora's revitalization. His giving spirit and zest for life are integral to the restaurant's ethos. Outline 00:00 Kicking Off Season Four of Tuesdays with Andrea 1:00 Abbey Intro and Bio 5:22 From the Phillipines to the United States 7:06 Joining a gang 10:24 Transition from Gang Life to Mentorship 14:06 Dropping out of high school 19:05 Dealing with a troubled marriage 20:12 Building a Mental Health Practice 26:26 Leaving an unhealthy relationship 32:49 Meeting Jason Morales 34:39 Building Leilani Asian Fusion 36:59 Jason's Passing and the Impact on Abby's Life 42:00 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 45:46 Not Missing an Opportunity 49:27 Leilani Asian Fusion 1:02:45 Advice and Insights for Listeners 1:11:08 Faith in the Universe and Vision Board Goals 1:13:00 Connection and Support from a Distance

S4 · E64

Feb 25, 2025

1:16:30

Season 3

#63 “Everything I Create Sounds Badass To Me” with Tony Guerrero, lead vocalist for legendary Tejano band, La Sombra

Grammy-nominated Tejano musician and home-town legend: You're just as good The evolution of a major recording artist in the 80s- 90s and his present influence on Tejano music. In this episode, Tony Guerrero, lead singer from the legendary Tejano band, La Sombra, shares his experience being a Tejano superstar in the 80s and 90s, singing from the heart, creating his own musical style, and his mother's inspiration. Watch: https://youtu.be/IWsOkHkk4go Listen: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/audio About La Sombra: La Sombra, known as “The Windy City Boys” because of their hometown of Aurora, Illinois near Chicago, released over twenty full-length studio albums featuring songs in both Spanish and English. The group has been credited with influencing the Tejano and Cumbia music fields in terms of musical style, dress, and concert performances as well as a generation of newer artists including the Kumbia Kings, according to Wikipedia. This episode was recorded on May 28, 2022. The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/ Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3j17MWCWe_oreTCuyYf4Q. NIGHTLIGHTS She Could Sing La Sombra’s lead singer on his musical inspiration https://youtube.com/shorts/Pa4LX5W8wtA You’re Just as Good What every artist needs to know https://youtu.be/J0DzpTk6P4k Making One of a Kind Music La Sombra's unique contribution to Tejano music https://youtu.be/produj_vEhA The Mexican Michael Jackson La Sombra's crossover into Mexican markets https://youtu.be/T_mc9c7X8-M QUOTES I see myself as an ordinary person My mom would sing to me You are nobody’s shadow I loved music I was playing music out of heart I did it out of love It just happened You’re just as good as they are Let’s just record something just out of love for the music We took a chance with the music Nothing was out of luck I believe in God Take that first step keep going forward Everything I create sounds badass to me Create your own style of music Be yourself

S3 · E63

Jun 21, 2022

1:02:16

#62 “Who has Guts?” with Sally Delgado, Vice President of Operations at Realty of Chicago

Charting your own path and creating a successful living in real estate and entrepreneurship. In this episode, we talk about growing up with a Latino single dad raising daughters. The early career grind and finding success with Realty of Chicago. Sally also talks about having the guts to chart your own path and breaking out of fear and promoting yourself while focusing on the next chapter. Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/umfp3sM9W4M Listen to the episode: https://rss.com/podcasts/tuesdayswithandrea/ This episode was recorded on March 11, 2022. More information about Sally can be found at: realtyofchicago.com, Careers@realtyofchicago.com, Sally@realtyofchicago.com The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/ Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3j17MWCWe_oreTCuyYf4Q. NIGHTLIGHTS Who has Guts? https://youtu.be/Ap3RrnSZKgE Making a successful living in today’s times with Sally Delgado, VP of Operations at Realty of Chicago Promote Yourself https://youtube.com/shorts/548LOqfVKkI Don’t wait for someone to give you a hall pass with Sally Delgado, VP of Operations at Realty of Chicago Onto the Next https://youtube.com/shorts/VjPgiJlrdYM What to do when facing doubt or rejection with Sally Delgado, VP of Operations at Realty of Chicago

S3 · E62

May 24, 2022

51:29

#61 "Find Your Happiness” with Ana Tredrea, Spots on the Fox co-founder with a mission to Shop Local & Support Small Businesses

In the episode, we talk about opening up her e-commerce local shopping platform, supporting small businesses, living and working in organized chaos, power moves for women, and getting out of the comparison trap. This episode was recorded on February 22, 2022. The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/ More information about Ana Tredreaand Spots on the Fox can be found at: www.spotsonthefox.com Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3j17MWCWe_oreTCuyYf4Q. NIGHTLIGHTS Don’t Compare https://youtu.be/xF1MVxvkKMs Find Your Happiness https://youtu.be/Ang1FeRMN4g Organized Chaos https://youtu.be/xt0YhBncx2Q Power Moves https://youtu.be/G05Caa647zg Spots on the Fox https://youtu.be/Xjitm77atfY

S3 · E61

May 10, 2022

38:01

#60 “I Decided to Skill Up” IT Solutions Architect Johnny Hernandez on using the gift of technology and recognizing moments that spark opportunity

"I Decided to Skill Up” IT Solutions Architect: Skill Up & Use the Gift of Technology He went from GED to retail to corporate and is now a leading cloud operations technologist. Learn about the moments that sparked Johnny's career in tech and the mentor who changed his life. This episode was recorded on March 9, 2022. The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/ Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3j17MWCWe_oreTCuyYf4Q. NIGHTLIGHTS Learn the new thing https://youtube.com/shorts/972qVU3E1CQ Using the gift of technology https://youtu.be/aGKW9Nqbga8 From retail to corporate https://youtu.be/297lJnuyUzE Moments of spark and women in leadership https://youtu.be/vmSKpFvmqBk

S3 · E60

Apr 26, 2022

49:08

#59 Creating purpose through passion with women in business, Jen Mendoza, S. Aurora WESOS chapter leader and nonprofit cofounder, Moms4Moms Vendor Events

“Women Supporting Women” Mompreneur: Creating Purpose through Passion Marketing and business development professional on growing a thriving network of empowered women in business. Watch episode: https://youtu.be/N4g6JDrarPE Listen to episode: This episode was recorded on February 9, 2022. More information about Jen and her business endeavors can be found at: www.wesossouthaurora.com www.multiprintanddigital.com www.facebook.com/Moms4MomsVendors The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/ Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3j17MWCWe_oreTCuyYf4Q. NIGHTLIGHTS Changing the Cycle https://youtu.be/-vQkiYRk59k Mompreneur on using the burden of her past to empower women today. Getting Out https://youtu.be/BDgTGQ5Xi-M Why economic empowerment for women is so important. What Stops Women https://youtu.be/y6yIXjxfDQc What stops women from connecting with each other. WESOS & Moms4Moms Vendor Events https://youtu.be/WjjtT5hhAcU Women Entrepreneurs secrets of success & event planning services for women in Aurora, IL. QUOTES ‘I need to get out’ type of situation I just knew it would be better I knew my time would come Creating purpose through passion Aurora is a hub for women entrepreneurs Collaborations that happen Membership is for the woman not the business No mean girls allowed You can do it

S3 · E59

Apr 5, 2022

#58 “We All Have Soft Hearts” Connecting People through Art with Eric Lodin, mystery novel author

Mystery Novel Author: Connecting People through Art. In this episode, Andrea sits down with mystery novel author, Eric Lodin about his book, We All Have Soft Hearts. Learn about the writing process and rituals that create environments of flow and ways to activate the energy within by tuning in to our strengths. Publish Date: March 22, 2022. The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/ This episode was recorded on June 30, 2021. Since we recorded this episode, Eric has been working on a sequel to Soft Hearts. Look for Slumbering Beasts: A Rett Swinson Mystery by Eric Lodin, releasing sometime in May 2022, wherever you buy your books or ebooks. Visit the YouTube Channel to watch all Nightlight videos and full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3j17MWCWe_oreTCuyYf4Q TIMESTAMPS 05:37 The novel writing process 06:48 Writing from a woman’s viewpoint 09:55 Getting a book ready for publication 11:00 Getting in the flow 15:16 Connecting to people through art 21:15 Growing up in North Carolina and meeting his wife 23:37 Sparking writing talent at an early age 29:55 Writer’s Block and taking the first step 34:21 What every artist needs 41:25 Eric’s broader mission of helping young people discover their passion 46:26 The Leadership Challenge 48:13 Play to your strengths 50:26 The concept of guilty pleasure 51:52 Using a writing pseudonym 52:35 Bring something to fruition

S3 · E58

Mar 22, 2022

#57 Protecting the Vulnerable with Cassandra Ma, founder of Reclaim 13, a safe house dedicated to reclaiming the lives of children impacted by sex trafficking and exploitation

“Reclaiming Lives” Reclaim 13 Founder: Protect the Vulnerable and Don’t Look Away A clinical psychologist set out on a path of radical change to address the unmet needs of vulnerable children. Reclaim 13 is the only specialized “safe” house in Illinois for minor victims of sex trafficking and exploited youth. Topics -Spotting the vulnerable ones -Online predation and spotting the vulnerable -Teens and the grooming process -Sexual violations as a unique childhood trauma -Finding safe places -Reclaiming identity -Building a forever community -Getting involved in Reclaim 13 This episode was recorded on February 7, 2022.

S3 · E57

Mar 1, 2022

#56 Breaking Generational Cycles with Health, Education and Travel with Simon Rodriguez, Youth Services Manager, City of Aurora

“This Stops With Me” Educator and Leader: You Have Power to Break Cycles Former educator with a passion for sharing cultural experiences talks about healthy diet and anxiety, depression after losing a student, breaking generational cycles, travels abroad and molding next Gen leaders. TIMESTAMPS 04:35 It takes a village 6:35 Selfless people that impacted Simon: Father David, Chief Cross and Clayton Mohammed 8:38 Representation 11:22 What representation isn’t 14:51 Gut health 22:13 Extreme anxiety and holistic medicine 27:32 Home ownership and security 31:29 Being a new father 34:03 Defining moments 37:44 The power of history and breaking generational cycles 41:51 Travel abroad with students and immersive learning 48:13 Being an extrovert 49:25 Transitioning from teaching to city youth services manager 51:39 Fred Rogers 53:45 Supporting youth programs 1:00:51 Being kind

S3 · E56

Mar 21, 2022

1:02:51

#55 Early Web Pioneer: Motivating the World in Moments with Marlene Blaszczyk, founder, MotivateUs.com

"Everybody has something to share" Farm girl from Vermont taught herself to code and created a website that inspires millions of people around the globe. In this episode, we discuss being an early woman in tech, creating her website MotivateUs.com, meeting kindred spirits, lessons from bartending and honoring the stories of others. Here message: Be a Rebel with a Cause MotivateUs.Com is one of the oldest, largest, and most beloved websites of positive quotes, stories, poems, and articles since 1997. It offers the best of what the internet was made for: relevant stories about life for all ages. Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/zTXoMkd_bD4 TIMESTAMPS 03:49 Living library of wisdom 10:24 Selling vs buying 18:04 Meeting kindred spirits 20:00 Going through grief 30:10 Wandering rebel 33:22 Lessons from bartending 35:50 Bring something good to the world 38:09 Right or effective 39:32 Intuition and backstabbing 45:44 Help growing the website 48:36 Honoring the stories of others 53:00 Everybody has something to share 56:12 I believe in people and obliged to share

S3 · E55

Mar 21, 2022

1 of 7