Episode 279: Hot Takes - Shoes Off on Airplanes, Inviting Kids to Weddings, & Stanley Cups

When you’re on an airplane, is it okay to take off your shoes? Depending on who you ask, you’ll probably get some opposing viewpoints. As humans, we all have our personal opinions and preferences, but some topics are particularly polarizing. So today, we’re sharing (and debating) our own hot takes: Should kids be invited to weddings? Is Timothée Chalamet hot? Is age just a number? and more! Let us know where you fall on these hot takes in the comments (but please be sure to be respectful of everyone’s opinions)! Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA videos, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Hosts: Melody Cheng, Janet Wang, Helen Wu Contributing Editor: Haemee Kang __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • OneSkin: Get started with 15% off your order using code “ABG” at OneSkin.co • Pampers: Check out the new Pampers Free and Gentle wipes today! • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Email: [email protected] __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Middle age is usually defined as age 40-60. Some say it begins as early as our mid-30s. I am at the beginning of that period - this year I turn 39 and I’m on the precipice of my 4th decade. As I contend with midlife and all it means in relation to my health, my relationships, and my purpose in life - I’ve been referencing how others have navigated this period before me. Mimi is a midlife pro-age motivator who created Hey Middle Age to change how we feel about aging and to counter ageist stereotypes. On her platforms, Mimi explores both the comfortable and uncomfortable aspects of mid-life. Listen in as we chat about lessons she's learned as someone who has navigated mid-life with incredible joy, celebration, and zest! I'll be traveling to Bali for the first time this September - a little Birthday gift to myself :) If you'd like to join, more details and sign up here: Bali 2024 Trip Page. Deadline is fast approaching! Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA videos, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Host: Janet Wang Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Email: [email protected] __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We often say that your 20’s are a time for exploration and new experiences, and today’s guest has certainly proven that! You might recognize Ashley Chen from her incredible work as our former Social Media Coordinator or Episode 160 when she was on the pod to talk about transitions in your early 20’s. Now in her mid-20’s, she recently made big steps to quit her corporate job and move to Taiwan for six months. In between that time, she also went on tour with NIKI! We’re so excited to welcome Ashley back to the country and hear all the details of living in her motherland, traveling the world with her favorite artist, and what the next chapter looks like for her. Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA videos, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Hosts: Melody Cheng and Janet Wang Guest: Ashley Chen Editor: Michelle Hsieh Contributing Editor: Haemee Kang __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • OneSkin: Get started with 15% off your order using code “ABG” at OneSkin.co • Pampers: Check out the new Pampers Free and Gentle wipes today! • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Join our Discord channel: https://discord.com/invite/4HxZgwFbhg  • Email: [email protected] __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raise your hand if you know Jay Chou? Jolin Tsai? F4? lol One of the most common questions we get asked is “How do you stay connected to your culture?” or “Have you always been connected to your cultural identity?” In this episode, I’ll share why I’m so proud to be Taiwanese-American and how I stay connected with my cultural identity. Trust me, it’s more fun than you think! Join me for an inspiring conversation about cultural pride, personal stories, and the little ways I celebrate my heritage every day. Whether you're reconnecting with your roots or curious about what it means to embrace your cultural background, this episode is for you! Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA videos, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Host: Melody Cheng Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Email: [email protected] __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest will likely be a familiar face - Steven Lim is known for his work as a co-host of Buzzfeed’s “Worth It” series and for being a co-founder/CEO of Watcher Entertainment. But before that, he was just a kid from Ohio, who went from being a chemical engineer to the creator and AAPI community advocate we know him as today! And with the launch of his new food show Travel Season, there’s sure to be even more exciting things in store. We’re so excited to get a deep dive into Steven’s journey as a creative, Watcher’s exciting future, and how he sees food & travel as a way of creating cultural connections. Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA videos, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Hosts: Melody Cheng and Janet Wang Guest: Steven Lim Contributing Editor: Haemee Kang __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/abg • ZocDoc: Download the ZocDoc app for FREE at ZocDoc.com/ABG • Skims: Find your next go-to t-shirt at Skims.com/abg and let them know ABG sent you! • Pampers: Check out the new Pampers Free and Gentle wipes today! • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Join our Discord channel: https://discord.com/invite/4HxZgwFbhg  • Email: [email protected] __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this enlightening episode, we explore the powerful intersection of acupuncture and fertility with Michelle Oravitz, a licensed acupuncturist and author of "The Way of Fertility." Michelle shares her personal journey from struggling with irregular periods to finding healing through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Her experiences led her to transition from a career in architecture to becoming a fertility health expert. We dive deep into how acupuncture works, especially in the context of reproductive health, and discuss the synergies between Eastern and Western medicine. Michelle also provides practical advice on improving fertility and overall well-being, including key acupressure points listeners can use today at home! (Who knew the ears were an access point to the entire body??) Tune in to discover how ancient wisdom can help awaken your reproductive potential and transform your health. AsianBossGirl’s latest Instagram post for comments/interactions, linked here.  #SpillTheBabyTea Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA videos, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Host: Helen Wu Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Email: [email protected] __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In celebration of Father’s Day and all the different ways fatherhood can look, we’ve brought Sam Tsui and Casey Breves on the show to share about their journey and outlook on parenting. Sam and Casey are OG YouTubers, incredibly talented musicians, and fathers to their beautiful daughter Elaia. It’s clear that music and creativity are core values in their lives, and they’re passing it onto Elaia as well through their latest book, Why Do We Sing? We’re so excited to hear Sam and Casey’s perspectives on parenting through music, celebrating their diverse family cultures through activities like a Mandarin dance class (sign us up too!), and what it means to be girl dads. Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA videos, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Hosts: Janet Wang and Helen Wu Guests: Sam Tsui and Casey Breves Editor: Michelle Hsieh Contributing Editor: Haemee Kang __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • McDonald’s: Try the new Grandma McFlurry at a McDonald’s near you, and send your grandma a message at sweetconnections.ai • OUAI: Receive 15% off any product using code “ABG” at TheOUAI.com • Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at Quince.com/abg • Pampers: Check out the new Pampers Free and Gentle wipes today! • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Join our Discord channel: https://discord.com/invite/4HxZgwFbhg  • Email: [email protected] __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’ve been feeling really sensitive lately and got curious about this quality. I went down a rabbit hole of research, and it turns out that there is such a thing as highly sensitive people, or HSPs. In this episode, I talk about examples of sensitivity, explore a framework from psychologist Elaine Aron, and share ways I manage sensitivity. And yes, there is a test you can take to gauge whether you are a highly sensitive person and I share my results in the episode. Whether you’ve recently experienced a significant life event(s) that warrants sensitivity, or you’re just a human trying to life in an increasingly hostile world - the state of political, social, environmental affairs and overstimulation from an exponentially fast-paced lifestyle due to technological advancement is causing overall stress and fatigue for everyone - I hope this episode serves as some form of validation, information, and comfort.  If you’re curious about whether you’re a highly sensitive person, you can take the test here: highly sensitive person test I'll be traveling to Bali for the first time this September - a little Birthday gift to myself :) If you'd like to join, more details and sign up here: Bali 2024 Trip Page. Deadline is fast approaching! Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA videos, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Host: Janet Wang Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Email: [email protected] __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve talked a lot about healthy communication in relationships, but when it comes to the topic of sex, partners often shy away from talking about it directly. On top of that, our experience of pleasure as women is often not prioritized, and some may even wonder: Is it possible for me to reach “the big O”?  To help guide these conversations, we’ve brought on Sex & Relationship expert Dr. Tara. As an award-winning researcher and tenured professor, she has so many insights to share, and the evidence to back it up! How can you build sexual esteem? What are ways that personal & environmental factors can affect your libido? Should I try sexual meditation or tantra sex? Get comfortable, because Dr. Tara has answers to all these questions and more! Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA videos, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Hosts: Melody Cheng and Janet Wang Guest: Dr. Tara Contributing Editor: Haemee Kang __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • McDonald’s: Try the new Grandma McFlurry at a McDonald’s near you, and send your grandma a message at sweetconnections.ai • HommeFace: Get your Father's Day gifts today at hommeface.com and use code “ABGFATHERSDAY” for 30% off • Honeylove: Get 20% OFF by going to honeylove.com/ABG  • Seed: Check out Seed’s DS-01 Daily Synbiotic & get 25% off your first month with code “25ABG” at Seed.com/ABG • Lumen: Get $100 off your Lumen with code “ABG” at Lumen.Me • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Join our Discord channel: https://discord.com/invite/4HxZgwFbhg  • Email: [email protected] __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know I never took the SAT? Yet I still earned a Bachelor's Degree from a four-year university! And guess what? I saved $27,000 on college tuition! How? I started at my local community college for two years before transferring to UC San Diego. In today's episode, I’ll share why I chose community college despite having a 3.8 GPA in high school, what the experience was like (did I feel behind compared to my peers?), and why it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. Grab your headphones and dive into this episode of "No Dumb Questions with Mel"! Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA videos, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Host: Melody Cheng Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • McDonald’s: Try the new Grandma McFlurry at a McDonald’s near you, and send your grandma a message at sweetconnections.ai • Pampers: Check out the new Pampers Free and Gentle wipes today! • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Email: [email protected] __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices