How would you feel if you were diagnosed with a life-threatening illness at the prime of your life? One minute you’re at the top of the world, and the next thing you know, you’re about to undergo two brain surgeries. Do you get bitter? Scared? No one could blame you if you did. Yet some people manage to see the silver lining and continue to appreciate life in any situation. That’s the story we have for you today.

Welcome to another episode of The Gift of Failure Podcast. Today’s guest is Jennifer Lee, known professionally as TOKiMONSTA. She is a Korean-American record producer and DJ based in Los Angeles. While at the peak of her career, TOKiMONSTA was diagnosed with the debilitating disease Moyamoya, which affected her ability to speak, understand language, and make music. She then had two delicate surgeries and a tough time recovering. But she did it and came back stronger with more appreciation for life.

Join us today as we discuss how to find strength and inspiration in a difficult situation. This episode will give you a glimpse into TOKiMONSTA’s incredible battle with a rare brain disease and how the experience changed her.

“If you listen to a song of mine and it touches you in some kind of way, there’s some unspoken bond that we already have.”

- TOKiMONSTA

In This Episode:

- What does the word FAILURE mean to TOKi?

- TOKi talks about her battle with the Moyamoya disease and its effect on her abilities as a musician.

- How did TOKi find inspiration in life for the difficulties she had to endure every day while battling the disease?

- What does TOKi define as SUCCESS? Would she see things differently if she didn't have the challenges of having a rare disease?

- Is there a universal truth to the belief that every difficulty has a silver lining? What does TOKi have to say about this?

- What’s one thing TOKi wishes everyone knew about?

And more…

Connect with TOKiMONSTA:

- Website

- Instagram

Connect with Ari:

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- Facebook

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