In one of her most open conversations yet, award-winning actress Rebecca Lim reflects on the lessons she’s learned from heartbreak, motherhood, and life in the public eye.
From childhood dreams and early imposter syndrome to the role that changed everything, Rebecca shares the sacrifices, self-doubt, and resilience it’s taken to sustain a career under constant scrutiny. She opens up about friendship changes, public criticism, and the private grief of losing her father, and how each chapter shaped the woman she is today.
We also explore motherhood’s transformative impact, the realities of ‘mom guilt,’ and her evolving definitions of beauty, success, and boundaries.
This is Rebecca Lim as you’ve never heard her before; honest, deeply human, and full of wisdom for anyone learning to let go, start again, and find peace.
00:00 Introduction
01:17 Rapid Fire with Rebecca Lim
05:24 Meet Rebecca: Childhood, School Days & First Acting Dreams
09:39 Battling Imposter Syndrome in the Early Years
14:43 Facing Negativity, Criticism & Self-Doubt
15:53 The Quiet Sacrifices Behind the Success
16:52 The Career-Changing Role That Defined Her
19:31 If She Could Go Back: Advice to Her Younger Self
20:40 Running on Empty: Motherhood’s First Impact
23:44 Rediscovering Herself After Becoming a Mother
26:50 Weathering Public Scrutiny & Staying True
29:16 Choosing Silence & Protecting Her Peace
33:04 Navigating Friendship Changes & Building Healthy Boundaries
35:57 Losing Her Father: A Silent Grief
42:24 Her Hardest Role Yet: Motherhood
49:14 Post-Maternity Comeback to Acting
52:04 Managing ‘Mom Guilt’ After Returning to Work
55:58 Redefining Success on Her Own Terms
57:56 Rethinking Beauty Standards in Entertainment
01:01:21 To My Younger Self: You Don’t Have to Be a Shooting Star
01:02:39 The Non-Negotiable Boundaries She Lives By
01:03:43 Learning from Past Mistakes
01:05:14 Final Reflections & Takeaways
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow Rebecca here: https://www.instagram.com/limrebecca/
In this soulful and wide-ranging conversation, Rodrigo Kede Lima, President of Microsoft Asia, reflects on the people, places, and pivotal lessons that have shaped who he is today. From the quiet strength of his trailblazing mother to the humbling experience of starting over in Asia, and the responsibility of leading 30,000 people across cultures, Rodrigo shares what it truly means to lead with purpose, humility, and heart.
We discuss:
00:00 Introduction
01:08 Meet Rodrigo: Childhood, Curiosity & Dreams of Medicine
05:14 The Legacy of His Mother and Grandfather
07:13 Core Beliefs That Shaped Rodrigo’s Leadership
10:00 Bold Career Moves & Embracing Discomfort
12:35 Starting Over in Asia: Humility, Curiosity & Reinvention
14:59 Wellness Routines That Keep Rodrigo Grounded
20:07 Leading 30,000 People: Culture, Connection & Systems
24:07 Asia’s Rise: From Manufacturing Hub to Innovation Powerhouse
26:44 The Values We Must Hold Onto in the AI Era
29:07 What Fatherhood Taught Rodrigo About Learning & Letting Go
32:49 Where to Begin: Practical Steps for Embracing AI
36:40 Beyond Boardrooms: Lessons from Parenting
39:40 Redefining Purpose: Rodrigo on Legacy, Joy & Giving Back
41:15 The Message Rodrigo Hopes to Leave Behind
42:27 Closing Reflections
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow Rodrigo here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigo-kede-lima-51941129/
You may know him as “Xiao Ming”, the funny guy behind the shades, the face of SGAG. But in this conversation, I sat with Adrian Ang, the man behind the persona.
Adrian and I go way back to our school days. And over the past few years, we’ve reconnected, not over memes or milestones, but over the messy, honest work of untangling who we are from what we’ve built.
In this episode, Adrian opens up about the cost of becoming someone the world applauds, and the quiet courage it took to start unbecoming what no longer served him.
We talked about:
00:00 Introduction: The Man Behind the Persona
01:37 Adrian Today: Diving Beneath the Surface
04:54 Kampung Childhood & Free-Spirited Beginnings
06:50 Becoming “Xiao Ming”: The Internet Persona Is Born
09:20 When the Character Overshadows the Creator
11:22 The Cost of Compartmentalising Who We Are
16:17 Chasing Impact, Validation & Approval
22:37 What Success Really Cost Him
25:56 Breaking Point: The Spiral He Couldn’t Ignore
30:31 Shutting Down, Pushing Love Away
34:53 Reclaiming Himself, One Layer at a Time
38:58 The Practice of Healing & Rewiring
44:12 The Hardest Work: Sitting With Discomfort
48:54 Learning to Find Peace Within
51:29 Redefining Success, Impact & Enoughness
56:58 To My Younger Self: It’s Okay to Feel
01:02:58 If His Eyes Could Speak…
01:04:08 Closing Reflections: The Journey Back to Self
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow Adrian here: https://www.instagram.com/adrian.xiaoming/
Best known for The Art of Thinking Clearly, Rolf Dobelli has helped millions of readers sharpen their thinking and sidestep the traps that cloud our judgment. In his latest book The Not-To-Do List, he flips traditional self-help on its head; arguing that the key to a good life isn’t doing more, but doing less of what doesn’t serve us.
In this candid conversation, Rolf shares practical ways to reclaim your attention and energy: how to stop overcommitting, why reliability matters more than talent, when to quit (and why it’s not a failure), and what he’s learned from consciously stepping away from the news cycle.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stretched thin, trapped in a productivity loop, or simply ready to cut through the noise.
00:00 Introduction
01:04 Rolf Dobelli’s Not-To-Do Habit: Overconfidence
02:44 Rolf’s Study on Cognitive Biases
05:14 The Sunk-Cost Fallacy’s Impact on Our Decisions
07:22 How to Avoid the Manipulation of Reciprocity
10:12 Rolf’s Inspiration Behind ‘The Not-To-Do List’
12:44 Why Reliability Outweighs Brilliance
14:46 Knowing When to Quit or Persevere
18:33 Why To-Do-Lists Don’t Work
20:12 The Magic of Setting Low Expectations
23:54 Why Rolf Stopped Reading the News
27:25 Rolf Dobelli’s Mission to Sharpen the Quality of Our Thoughts
29:15 The Billboard Question: Rolf Dobelli’s Message
30:22 Episode Closing
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Stay up to date with Rolf Dobelli here: https://www.dobelli.com/en/
Purchase 'The Art of Thinking Clearly: Better Thinking, Better Decisions' online here.Purchase 'The Not to Do List: The Surprisingly Simple Art of Success' online here.
Tan Su Shan’s story is more than a career trajectory; it’s a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and redefining what it means to lead. In this special and intimate conversation during Love, Bonito's IWD event, Su Shan, now the CEO of DBS, reflects on her journey from intern to the top of one of Asia’s most influential banks.
She opens up about the moments of self-doubt, the lessons learned from “demotions,” and how she learned to command a room without changing who she is. From cultivating clarity and conviction, to breaking through the “sticky floor” that holds many women back, Su Shan shares powerful truths about ambition, presence, and the price of leadership.
Whether you're a rising leader, a seasoned professional, or simply navigating what it means to take up space in your own life, this conversation is filled with wisdom, warmth, and actionable insight.
00:00 Introduction
00:38 From Intern to CEO: Su Shan’s Early Days at DBS
02:04 When a “Demotion” Becomes a Turning Point
07:16 Facing Self-Doubt and Leading Through Discomfort
08:57 Learning to Command the Room with Confidence
12:02 Grounding Leadership in Customer-Centricity
14:08 How “WRECKOON” Shaped Her Perspective as a Leader
15:41 The One Leadership Skill That Will Define the Next Decade
17:57 The Best Investments Su Shan Has Made in Life
19:28 Q&A: Building Clarity and Communicating with Impact
21:07 Q&A: Finding the Right Mentors and Sponsors
23:59 Q&A: What It Really Takes to Build Great Teams
26:15 Final Reflections: What Leadership Means Today
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow Su Shan here: linkedin.com/in/tan-su-shan-50296732
What’s really going on inside the minds and hearts of today’s teenagers?
In this powerful and eye-opening episode, I sit down with Dr Cheryl Loh, one of Singapore’s leading adolescent psychiatrists and a mother to two teens, to explore the inner emotional world of adolescence: a time of searching, shaping, and often silent struggle.
We unpack what teens are truly longing for, not just connection, but a deep sense of belonging, identity, and emotional safety. Dr Cheryl shares why so many adolescents turn to the digital world to cope, why shame is such a potent and often misunderstood force during these years, and how adults can begin to show up in ways that don’t just manage behaviour, but meet real emotional needs.
What makes this conversation truly special is that it doesn’t stop at insight. Dr Cheryl offers practical, actionable ways for parents, caregivers, and educators to reconnect, rebuild trust, and offer teens the safe, anchored presence they may not know how to ask for.
00:00 Introduction
01:28 Dr Cheryl Loh on Championing Adolescent Mental Health in Singapore
04:24 Why Teen Mental Health Deserves More Attention
10:13 Are Our Teens Simply Misunderstood?
14:37 Parent Guilt, Anxious Parenting & the Pressure to Get It Right
17:33 Teens vs the Internet: Navigating Influence, Shame & Identity
22:37 How to Stay Present in Your Teen’s Life — Without Pushing Them Away
27:16 Seeing the Good: Shifting from Fixing to Connecting
30:03 What Increases the Risk of Mental Health Struggles in Adolescents?
34:36 The Role Educators & Schools Play in Teen Emotional Safety
37:55 The Social Media Trap: Why Teens Seek Validation Online
39:42 Showing Up for Your Teen & Playing the Long Game
44:17 Netflix’s Adolescence: When Emotional Needs Go Unmet
46:45 Why Healthy Parent-Teen Relationships Matter More Than Ever
48:53 Helping Teens Build an Inner Compass in a Noisy World
50:52 The Power of Good-Enough Parenting
52:57 What Gives Dr Cheryl Hope About This Generation
54:40 The Billboard Question: “Say Hello to Your Kid Today”
56:07 Episode Closing
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
You can book an appointment with Dr. Cheryl Loh at Garden Grove Clinic. Find out more here: https://gardengroveclinic.sg/about-us/
In this powerful episode, Wes Kao; co-founder of Maven and pioneer of cohort-based learning, joins us to explore what separates good leaders from great ones, and why intentional communication is at the heart of it all.
We dive into everything from how to sharpen your judgment and make faster, better decisions, to why concise communication isn't just efficient, it's essential. Wes unpacks her signature concept of “avoiding negative inception” and shows how certain well-meaning phrases can actually sabotage your message and plant doubt.
We also talk about how to turn worries into action, why owning your strengths is a quiet superpower, and what it looks like to challenge your own thoughts with intention. Wes shares her biggest leadership challenge to date, and how she learned to balance transparency with confidence, especially when leading through uncertainty.
If you're a leader, creator, or communicator of any kind, this conversation is packed with tactical wisdom that will shift how you speak, lead, and show up.
Topics we cover:
Tune in and learn how to lead not just with vision, but with voice.
00:00 Introduction
00:55 Wes Kao’s Passion for Education
02:08 Good vs Great Leadership: What Sets Them Apart?
04:12 How to Sharpen Your Judgement and Make Better Decisions
08:28 The Importance of Concise Communication
10:24 Stop Incepting Negative Ideas: How to Protect Your Message
14:41 Turning Your Worries Into Action
18:54 The Beauty of Owning Your Strengths
22:53 Saying ‘No’ to Unproductive Struggles
26:33 The Art of Challenging Your Own Thoughts
29:51 Wes Kao’s Biggest Leadership Challenge and Lessons Learned
31:59 Transparency vs. Confidence: Communication as Leaders
35:05 The Importance of Personalising Your Communication
36:25 Episode Closing
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow Wes Kao here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weskao
Subscribe to her newsletter here: https://newsletter.weskao.com/
After Leo’s episode, I was deeply moved by the messages that poured in, not just about his story, but about the unspoken weight many of you are carrying in your own lives. So many asked: How do you support someone you love when they’re struggling? How do you stay steady for them without losing yourself in the process?
In this intimate solo episode, I share my personal experience; what it looked like to walk beside Leo during one of his hardest seasons. Not from a place of having it all figured out, but through the lens of the lessons it taught me.
I open up about what helped, what didn’t, and the truths I had to learn the hard way; like not taking his withdrawal personally, listening to understand (not to fix), and continuing to show up with love, even when I felt emptied out.
If you’re in that space right now, quietly holding it all together, I hope this conversation reminds you:
You are not alone. And you are allowed to be strong and tired at the same time 💛
00:00 Introduction: Why This Episode Matters
01:38 Q&A: Navigating Turbulent Seasons in Relationships
02:15 The Subtle Signs: Spotting Early Symptoms of Depression
05:16 Creating a Safe Space for Vulnerability
09:25 How to Stay Resilient When There’s No Timeline
12:49 What Support Really Looks Like: Small Acts, Big Impact
16:29 My Own Breaking Point: Personal Struggles and Lessons
19:15 The Hardest Truths I Had to Learn
21:45 If I Could Speak to Her: A Heart-to-Heart With My Younger Self
26:45 Final Reflections & Closing
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Listen to Leo's story here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7cfdJMK348KROmJzLJzKgo?si=iT5YgN0xRG6ATPEHFTvHjQ
Leadership is more than just strategy; it’s about self-awareness, emotional mastery, and the ability to lead from a place of integrity and presence. In this special live session, renowned leadership coach Joyce Chen joins a room full of entrepreneurs for a deep, unfiltered conversation on what it truly means to lead with consciousness.
This episode features four live coaching sessions, where Joyce guides participants through some of the most pressing leadership dilemmas:
🔹 How to hold yourself and your team accountable using the Teach the Class method.
🔹 Navigating burnout and knowing when to take a break; is it a whole-body yes or time to realign?
🔹 Leading by example; how to teach the Above-Below the Line framework through role modeling.
🔹 Overcoming overwhelm and uncertainty; learning to trust your instincts while staying open to growth.
Through raw, honest coaching and actionable insights, Joyce helps uncover the deeper patterns that shape how we lead and shows us how to shift into a more empowered, intentional way of showing up - both in business and in life.
00:00 Introduction
00:54 Understanding the ‘Above-Below the Line Framework’
03:42 Shifting from Contraction to Expansion
05:24 ‘Teaching The Class’ Method for Improved Accountability
12:00 ‘Whole Body Yes’ Framework: Navigating Burnout and Indecision
18:04 Role-modelling and Implementing Change as Leaders
20:41 The Importance of Joy and Celebrating Wins
24:55 Evaluating Progress from Above the Line / How to Know I’m Doing Things Right
26:46 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Get connected with Joyce: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-chen-coach/
This conversation with Gurmit Singh moved me deeply. It’s not just about a career; it’s about the constant pull between ambition and presence, the delicate balance between success and self-worth, and the courage it takes to step away and realign with what truly matters. Whether you’re in the thick of building your career, questioning your path, or seeking clarity in life’s transitions, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends. I can’t wait for you to hear it.
For over two decades, Gurmit Singh was a household name, bringing laughter to millions. But behind the scenes, he was giving everything; his time, his energy, and unknowingly, pieces of himself, to an industry that demanded more than it gave. Then, at the height of his fame, he made a decision few expected—he walked away. In this deeply personal conversation, Gurmit shares the story of why he left, the sacrifices he made along the way, and the hard-earned wisdom that reshaped his understanding of identity, purpose, and what it truly means to live a meaningful life.
00:00 Welcome & Introduction
01:47 Gurmit Singh: The Man Behind the Laughter
07:06 Fighting Inner Battles: Overcoming Inferiority Complex
10:45 The Legacy and Burden of Phua Chu Kang
13:31 Why Gurmit Walked Away from Fame for Family
17:22 The Power of Saying ‘No’: Guarding Time & Priorities
19:35 A Child’s Silent Plea: The Cost of a Father’s Absence
23:45 Parenting in a Changing World: Lessons & Challenges
26:40 Choosing Love Without Conditions: A Father’s Journey
30:03 Bridging Generational & Belief Gaps with Your Kids
35:27 A Near-Death Experience That Changed Everything
40:31 What Gurmit Would Tell His Younger Self Today
44:47 Beyond the Persona: Who Is Gurmit Singh, Really?
47:48 Final Reflections & Parting Wisdom
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow Gurmit Singh here: https://www.instagram.com/gurmit.65/
At 77, James Dyson is still inventing, still questioning, and still challenging the way things are done. His story is a testament to the power of persistence, the beauty of thinking differently, and the magic that happens when you refuse to give up.
James knows what it means to push through doubt, failure, and rejection. For years, no one believed in his vision of a bagless vacuum. He was rejected over 5,000 times, told that customers wouldn’t want to see the dirt they were cleaning, and advised by experts to follow industry norms. But he didn’t listen. Instead, he bet on his instincts, ignored focus groups, and built one of the most revolutionary companies of our time.
In this personal conversation, James Dyson shares the unconventional mindset that led to his greatest breakthroughs - why he believes naivety is an advantage, why failure is something to run toward, and how resilience is the real key to innovation.
We talk about:
If you’ve ever doubted yourself, faced rejection, or wondered if your idea was worth pursuing—this conversation is for you.
00:00 Introduction
01:58 How Dyson Fuels a Culture of Innovation
03:41 The Advantage of Naivety
05:43 James Dyson’s Leadership Approach
08:25 The Art of Trusting Your Instincts
10:26 Pivotal Figures in James Dyson’s Innovation Journey
12:53 Intuition vs. Data: When to Trust Your Gut Over the Numbers
14:45 Overcoming Your ‘Pain Barrier’ to Achieve Breakthroughs
16:14 How James Dyson Overcame Failure
21:29 The Evolution & Impact of the James Dyson Award
25:33 The Billboard Question: James Dyson’s Message
25:59 Closing
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Stay updated with the James Dyson Award here: https://www.instagram.com/jamesdysonaward/
Some stories carry more weight than others. This is one of them❤️🩹
When we sat down to reflect on 2024 and share our hopes for 2025, we had no idea just how deeply this conversation would unfold.
Leo opened up about his journey of rebuilding; navigating change, rediscovering purpose, and finding the courage to start fresh in his 50s. We knew it would be emotional.. but in that moment, we were reminded of just how much strength and growth this season has brought.
Life’s transitions are never easy, but they offer us a chance to redefine what truly matters. Letting go of what once defined us isn’t about loss; it’s about making space for something new.
So many of us walk through seasons of reinvention, uncertainty, and self-discovery. If you’ve ever been in that space, we hope this conversation reminds you that you’re not alone.
This is one of the most raw and heartfelt reflections we’ve shared - one that has shaped us deeply, and one we hope speaks to you, too.
00:26 Introduction: Welcome to 2025
01:23 Couple Q&A
01:43 Rachel and Leo’s 2025 Aspirations
04:14 Leo’s Big Announcement
08:17 Rachel’s 2025 Mission
10:26 The Power of Awe in Marriage
13:09 Navigating Depression as a Couple
17:34 Losing a Job After 25 Years: Grief, Identity & Reinvention
22:08 Finding Purpose in Closed Doors
29:47 Lessons From Our Kids That Changed Us
34:58 Leo’s Message to His Younger Self
36:25 Final Reflections
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow Leo here: https://www.instagram.com/mr_agleooleo/
As we close out 2024, I’m taking a moment to pause, reflect, and share the lessons that have shaped me this year - lessons about growth, grace, and becoming.
In this wrap-up episode, I open up about navigating change, embracing challenges, and leaning into the questions that carried me through some of my hardest yet most transformative moments. From asking “What is this here to teach me?” to “How did I co-create this?”, I share the mindset shifts that helped me move through discomfort and uncertainty with more clarity and intention.
I also take a look ahead to 2025 and share a powerful practice I’ll be trying - scripting. It’s a tool to help visualise and design the life you want to create, and I’ll guide you through how we can use it to set meaningful, aligned goals across every area of our lives.
Whether you’re celebrating wins, navigating storms, or somewhere in between, this episode is an invitation to reflect deeply, dream boldly, and step into the new year with courage and purpose.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I can’t wait to see what 2025 holds for all of us.❤️
00:00 Introduction
01:39 Rachel’s 2024 Lessons
03:19 Lesson 1: “What is this here to teach me?”
08:02 Lesson 2: “How did I co-create this?”
10:23 Reflections on Who We Are and CLOSER
15:10 The Art of Scripting for 2025
23:08 Final Reflections
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
In this inspiring episode, Yvon and Leon Bock, co-founders of Hegen, share the extraordinary yet challenging journey behind building their brand and family. They open up about the tough realities of entrepreneurship, the sacrifices made, and how they’ve supported each other through the dark days of self-doubt and struggle.
From Yvon’s breastfeeding journey to Leon’s leap of faith into entrepreneurship, they discuss the power of partnership in both business and life. Yvon also delves into her new book, ExtraOrdinary, offering insights into her entrepreneurial story. This episode is an inspiring conversation about resilience, trust, and the journey of overcoming obstacles together.
We discuss:
• Navigating the dark days of entrepreneurship
• Balancing business and family life
• The power of supporting each other as partners
• Yvon's breastfeeding experience as a driving force for Hegen
• Insights from Yvon's new book, ExtraOrdinary
00:00 Introduction
01:05 The Inspiration Behind Hegen
02:44 Leon Bock’s Journey and Transition into Hegen
06:05 Navigating Challenges and Differences as Partners
10:12 Leon’s Leap of Faith
12:38 Yvon’s Breastfeeding Journey with Four Kids
17:23 How To Stay Relevant as a Brand
19:02 The Fruit of Resilience
20:06 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Parenting
24:00 Doing Everything Together as a Couple
26:02 Practical Relationship Advice from The Bocks
29:57 Confronting Fears and Overcoming Struggles as a Couple
34:46 Being Each Other’s Cheerleader and Protector
39:08 Sacrifices Made as Entrepreneurial Parents
42:01 The Unseen Reality of Entrepreneurship
46:06 The Importance of Investing in Yourself
48:46 Our Biggest Lessons Learned from Each Other
52:14 The Billboard Question
53:15 Diving into Yvon’s First Book: Extraordinary
55:31 Episode Closing
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow Yvon Bock here: https://www.instagram.com/yvonbock/
Follow Leon Bock here: https://www.instagram.com/that.hegen.dad/
Get more details on: https://www.yvonbock.com/
Purchase ‘Extraordinary’ online here: https://singapore.kinokuniya.com/bw/9789819800544
In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Valentin and Hwee Keng Maeder, the inspiring parents behind Singapore’s young kitefoiling champion, Max Maeder. I was incredibly curious to learn how Max — a world-class athlete with remarkable character, mental strength, discipline, and resilience — was raised to be not only successful but also grounded and confident. From the interviews I’ve watched and read, Max strikes me as an exceptional athlete and a genuinely great person, someone clearly brought up with strong values.
His parents generously share their unique journey, revealing how they nurtured his independence, embraced failures as essential to growth, and created a safe space where their children could explore their passions without fear of judgement. With practical lessons on balancing personal expectations, resisting societal pressures, and fostering courage and authenticity, this conversation offers an inspiring glimpse into the values and insights that shaped Max and his siblings, providing guidance for parents everywhere striving to raise grounded, confident children.
00:00 Introduction
01:25 Get To Know The Maeders
03:42 Nurturing Independence in Children
08:05 Addressing Fear with Probability
10:19 The Maeders' Unconventional Parenting Views
12:59 Creating Safe Spaces at Home
15:46 Parenting Through Different Stages
18:40 Family Rituals That Strengthen Bonds
20:14 Max’s Journey: Solo Travels at Age 11
22:58 Guiding Children Through Failure
26:36 The Myth of Perfect Parenting
30:13 Breaking Generational Patterns
35:13 The Maeder’s Approach on Discipline
37:47 Navigating Conflict and Reconciliation
38:43 Prioritising Yourself and Letting Go of Parental Expectations
41:02 Going Against Societal Norms and Pressure
45:09 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Yip Pin Xiu, Singapore’s most decorated Paralympian, shares the untold story behind her journey - her unseen battles, silent strength, and unbreakable spirit. From navigating life with muscular dystrophy to becoming a world-record-holding gold medalist, Yip reflects on the personal sacrifices, moments of self-doubt, and the powerful support that fueled her resilience. She opens up about redefining success, challenging misconceptions about para-athletes, and her hopes for the future of Singaporean sports.
This heartfelt conversation offers an intimate look into the life of a true champion who continues to defy limits and inspire a nation.
00:00 Introduction
02:09 Getting to Know Yip Pin Xiu
03:05 Reflecting on Diagnosis and Childhood Resilience
08:14 Discovering Strength and Overcoming Bullying
13:06 The Journey to Olympic Gold
15:38 Silent Battles and Unseen Challenges
21:35 Facing Self-Doubt and Post-Olympic Realities
25:27 Staying True Amidst the Spotlight
28:02 Hopes for the Future of Singaporean Sports
31:03 Challenging Misconceptions of Para-Athletes
32:04 Redefining Success: Pin Xiu’s Perspective
34:25 What Truly Fulfills Pin Xiu
36:34 The True Meaning of Resilience
38:03 The Billboard Question: A Message to the World
38:51 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow Yip Pin Xiu here: https://www.instagram.com/yippinxiu/
In this fast-paced world, we’re constantly pushed to do more, achieve more, and optimise every moment of our lives. But what if true fulfillment comes not from doing it all, but from choosing what truly matters? In this episode, I sit down with Oliver Burkeman, author of Four Thousand Weeks and Meditations for Mortals, to explore how we can live meaningfully in a world obsessed with productivity.
Oliver’s work challenges the cultural pressure to be endlessly efficient, encouraging us to embrace our limitations, face our mortality, and focus on what brings true purpose to our lives. We discuss practical ways to let go of the impossible pursuit of “doing it all” and instead prioritise depth, connection, and what truly counts.
I first discovered Oliver’s work when Four Thousand Weeks came highly recommended by Adam Grant, and it changed the way I approach my own life. Today, I’m excited to share this conversation with you — a conversation about slowing down, letting go, and living fully amidst the noise. I hope it inspires you as much as it did me.
00:00 Introduction
01:28 Getting to Know Oliver Burkeman
02:16 Rethinking Productivity Through Oliver’s Perspective
06:32 Navigating FOMO and Existential Overwhelm
09:51 Embracing Limitations and Making Meaningful Choices
14:10 Challenging Society’s Obsession with Optimization
16:30 Oliver’s Advice on Managing Tasks and Priorities
18:52 Exploring Meditations for Mortals
21:14 Staying Grounded and Present in a Distracted World
23:52 Understanding the Concept of Productivity Debt
25:32 The Power of Keeping a 'Done List'
26:43 Redefining Success Through Oliver’s Lens
28:56 The Billboard Question: What Message Would Oliver Share with the World?
31:19 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow Oliver Burkeman here: https://twitter.com/oliverburkeman
Purchase ‘Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals’ here: https://singapore.kinokuniya.com/bw/9781784704001
Purchase ‘Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts’ here: https://a.co/d/6Ut5bSt
In this episode, I sit down with Dr Anders Hansen, one of Sweden's top psychiatrists and the bestselling author of Mind-Body Method, to explore the intricate connection between the brain and physical health. We dive into his groundbreaking research, shedding light on the misunderstood nature of anxiety, and the vital role that physical activity plays in boosting mental well-being. Dr Anders debunks common exercise myths, reveals surprising brain discoveries, and shares simple lifestyle changes anyone can make to enhance their brain health.
From managing stress to understanding how our storytelling brains shape reality, this conversation offers practical insights into maintaining optimal mental health in today’s fast-paced world. Prepare to walk away with actionable takeaways to improve your overall well-being.
00:00 Introduction
01:26 Diving into Dr Anders Hansen’s Research
05:05 Common Misconceptions About Anxiety
06:46 The Impact of Physical Activity on Mental Health
09:41 Debunking Popular Exercise Myths
10:48 How to Maintain Optimal Brain Health
13:02 Surprising Discoveries of The Brain
15:31 Simple Lifestyle Changes for Mental Well-being
16:47 Managing Stress and Our Priorities
19:17 The Brain’s Connection to Human Nature
21:55 Our “Storytelling” Brain
23:15 The Billboard Question
23:54 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow Dr Anders Hansen here: https://www.instagram.com/andersehansen/
Purchase ‘The Mind-Body Method: How Moving Your Body Can Stop You Losing Your Mind' here: https://singapore.kinokuniya.com/bw/9781785044366
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening, and consider your well-being before proceeding.
Today, I have the honour of sitting down with Cassie, a remarkable survivor of cybersex trafficking. Her story is not just a tale of resilience; it shines a light on the dark realities of online sexual exploitation that many of us would rather ignore. Cassie's journey began in the remote mountains of the Philippines, where dreams of a brighter future led her to the bustling city of Manila. Tragically, what awaited her there was a harrowing nightmare — one woven by the hands of someone she trusted, plunging her into a world of abuse and manipulation.
Join me as we delve into Cassie's journey of recovery, hear her powerful voice, and learn about the vital work of International Justice Mission (IJM) in the fight against child exploitation. This episode will move you, inspire you, and call you to action, revealing the stark truths of cybersex trafficking that's prevalent today, and the courageous individuals who stand up against it.
00:00 Understanding the Cause
01:21 Meet Cassie
08:25 Cassie’s Story: The Reality of Cybersex Trafficking
13:54 The Silent Victims
16:36 Cassie’s Healing Journey
22:57 Reclaiming Her Power
26:11 A Call to Action
28:23 Looking Ahead: Hope for the Future
30:35 Final Reflections
Help rescue victims of sexual exploitation here: https://www.ijm.org/stories/cassie
Learn more about IJM here: https://www.ijm.org/about-ijm
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Have you ever felt like you’re on autopilot, going through your daily routine without a sense of purpose or excitement? Many of us find ourselves trapped in roles or tasks that leave us feeling unfulfilled. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone - there’s a transformative journey waiting for you.
In this episode, I chat with my coach, Joyce, about the incredible power of discovering our Zone of Genius. My experience with Joyce helped me gain clarity on how to spend my energy for maximum impact. It’s not just about feeling fulfilled; it’s about being more effective, impactful, and authentic in everything I do.
Finding our Zone of Genius is essential because it aligns your unique talents and passions with our everyday life. When we operate in this space, we experience greater joy and fulfillment while contributing to the world in a way that feels true to who we are, enhancing both our personal and professional lives.
PS: I’m so excited to announce that I will be bringing Joyce all the way from San Francisco to conduct a transformational 3.5-hour workshop in Singapore this November. This is your chance to dive deeper, engage in powerful exercises, and uncover your own Zone of Genius alongside like-minded individuals.
If you’re ready to embrace this journey of self-discovery, don’t miss out — sign up at the link below for the workshop today and take the first step toward a more fulfilling life ♥️
Sign up for 'Closer With Joyce Chen' here: https://forms.gle/Gqsxy6k2sZ7swTND9
00:00 Introduction
01:38 Discovering Our Zone of Genius
03:27 The Four Zones of Competence
07:28 Operating in Your Zone of Genius
08:46 Addressing Our Blind Spots and Distractions
10:17 Upcoming Workshop: Closer with Joyce Chen
12:51 Success Stories: Finding Your Zone of Genius
17:09 Join Us in The Room
18:20 The Importance of Unlocking Your Zone of Genius
20:28 Final Reflections
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
