Welcome back to Relationships with Ericka Ush! In this episode, host Ericka Ushliyanage sits down with Tressa Yonekawa, a keynote speaker, consultant, and coach who helps organizations, leaders, and couples strengthen relationships, improve communication, and build healthy, thriving cultures.

With decades of experience and a unique background as a female half-Asian, former dominatrix entrepreneur, multimillion-dollar healthcare agency founder, and adoptive mom of three amazing daughters from the US foster care system, Tressa brings unique, eye-opening perspectives on what's truly possible in connection and inclusion for all of us.

In this episode, Ericka and Tressa discuss the powerful personal practices of highly successful leaders, partners, and parents, exploring how self-awareness, presence, and emotional safety create the foundation for extraordinary relationships—both romantic and professional.

Tressa shares insights on:

• The role of childhood patterns in shaping our adult relationships and how recognizing these patterns is the first step toward breaking free from cycles that keep us stuck
• Self-awareness and self-worth as the cornerstone of all healthy relationships, and practical exercises to cultivate both
• The Presence Pyramid framework: Why trust isn't the foundation of relationships (it's actually the pinnacle!) and the five essential layers that build lasting connection
• Redefining vulnerability as full presence with your truth, and why simply "being vulnerable" isn't enough without the right tools
• Nonviolent communication techniques, including the powerful "I have a story" framework that eliminates blame, shame, and explosive fights
• Online dating in the modern age: The benefits and pitfalls of dating apps, the importance of boundaries, and how to navigate the desire to "be chosen" while requiring someone who meets you at your highest level
• Bringing back in-person connection in the age of instant gratification, including the most powerful (and awkward) practice for building authentic relating
• How to stop repeating the same relationship patterns by getting present, creating emotional safety, and using curiosity to illuminate unmet needs

This episode is for you if you:

• Keep repeating unhealthy relationship patterns and want to understand the root cause
• Struggle with self-worth, people-pleasing, or being performative instead of authentic in relationships
• Want practical tools for healthy communication, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation
• Feel overwhelmed by online dating and the culture of instant gratification
• Desire deeper, more meaningful in-person connections beyond screens
• Are a leader, entrepreneur, or public figure navigating relationship challenges in silence
• Want to understand how childhood experiences shape adult relationship dynamics
• Are ready to build emotionally safe, present, and trust-centered relationships

Tune in for a deeply moving and practical conversation that will shift how you show up in every relationship in your life — romantic, professional, and most importantly, with yourself.

If you enjoyed this conversation, kindly subscribe to Relationships with Ericka Ush for more episodes filled with real, thought-provoking, and empowering insights to help you heal, grow, and thrive in love and life.

Episode Chapters:

01:10 Introduction to the Guest: Tressa Yonekawa

03:54 The Power of Self-Awareness and Meditation

15:22 Building Trust and Emotional Safety

19:36 Crafting Online Dating Profiles and Algorithms

20:08 Challenges and Opportunities in Online Dating

22:47 Building Authentic In-Person Connections

25:47 Tools for Nonviolent Communication

Connect with Ericka Ush:

Share your feedback, suggest new topics, or join the conversation on Instagram: relationships.with.ericka

Connect with Tressa Ana Kawa:

Learn more about The Soul of Connection events, upcoming YouTube series, and podcast with Duke Entertainment

Instagram: Tressa Yonekawa