Episode 269: Our Glow Ups & Glow Downs - From Bad Haircuts to Landing Our First Big Jobs

Happy AANHPI Heritage Month! Every year, we love to highlight our personal stories and connections with our heritage. In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into specific topics we’ve always been curious about: Why did most early immigrants from China to the US come from the Toisan region? What’s the history & symbolism behind the familiar Chinese knot artistry often used to decorate homes & clothing? And why was the Taiwanese language banned for some time? By bringing attention to these topics, we hope to preserve memories of these practices and appreciate parts of our heritage that we sometimes take for granted. What practices & traditions are unique to your heritage? Please share with us in the comments! __________________________________________ Hosts: Melody Cheng, Janet Wang, Helen Wu Editor: Michelle Hsieh Contributing Editor: Haemee Kang __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • OSEA: Receive 10% off your order with code ABG at OSEAMalibu.com • TaiwanPlus: Access English-language news, educational content, and entertainment from Taiwan at TaiwanPlus.com • Pampers: For trusted protection, trust Pampers, the #1 pediatrician recommended brand. • 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 • Shoutouts: Give a shoutout 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

I really love minimal living. Whether it’s from moving around and traveling a lot in my adult years sampling life in different cities, a desire to leave less of a negative footprint on the planet, a real resonance with the Marie Condo mindset, or a combination of all of the above - the less stuff, the better, and the more minimal and efficient the design, the more I’m drawn to it. That’s why I was so impressed when I saw Sung Yoo’s interview on CNBC about her essentialist approach to life. Sung is a designer and entrepreneur who, in 2022 after living in NY for 18 years, moved to Santa Monica into a 140 sq ft home. Listen in on our conversation about how some major life events (including a breakup and the death of a parent) lead her to her current practices of minimal living and essentialism. Find her @sungsation on Instagram and TikTok and @sungyooquietude on YouTube. 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 __________________________________________ 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 • Shoutouts: Give a shoutout 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

As people grow and change, you might find yourself in your 30s as a very different person than you were in your 20s. Teenage you might not have even imagined who you are today. So while it may be slightly embarrassing to look back at those old versions of ourselves, in this episode we’re reflecting on all the glow ups (and even glow downs) that brought us here. From puberty and bad haircuts, to finding our self-confidence post-college, it’s fun to reflect on how far we’ve come and how our definition of glow ups has changed over the years. __________________________________________ Hosts: Melody Cheng, Janet Wang, Helen Wu Editor: Michelle Hsieh Contributing Editor: Haemee Kang __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • Skims: Find your next go-to basics at Skims.com/abg and let them know ABG sent you! • Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at Quince.com/abg • Clarins: Receive 10% off Multi-Active Day & Night Cream + a free welcome gift + free shipping on your first order using code “ABG” at Clarins.com/ABG • Pampers: For trusted protection, trust Pampers, the #1 pediatrician recommended brand. • 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 • Shoutouts: Give a shoutout 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

For today’s episode, it falls a bit after my 2 year anniversary with Ray. The last time I was in this long of a relationship was in high school and that was a very different time. With us moving in together, in a new city, we are definitely in a different stage in our relationship. Today, I reflect back on our relationship, compare year 1 & 2, chat through the other insights I discovered in our relationship, and what else needs to happen before embarking on the next stage. __________________________________________ Host: Melody Cheng Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • Miracle Made: Save over 40% off and receive 3 free towels with code “ABG” at TryMiracle.com/ABG • 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 • Shoutouts: Give a shoutout 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

Oof, no one likes to look back on past failures, even if it’s been years since then. But making mistakes is a part of life, and none of them define who you are or what the rest of your life will look like. Today, we share our biggest academic, relationship, and career failures – from getting a D+ on a final, to facing negative performance reviews at work. These moments often felt like they closed so many doors, but now we realize that they only redirected us onto a different, better path. Ultimately, what matters is not the mistake you made, but how you walk through the fire.  __________________________________________ Hosts: Melody Cheng, Janet Wang, Helen Wu Editor: Michelle Hsieh __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • Lumen: Get $50 off your Lumen with code “ABG” at Lumen.Me • ZocDoc: Download the ZocDoc app for FREE at ZocDoc.com/ABG • OUAI: Receive 15% off any product using code “ABG” at TheOUAI.com • Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/abg • 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 • Shoutouts: Give a shoutout 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

Have you ever wondered what it’d be like to raise your child in another country? In today’s episode, I bring my old high school friend, Connie Ma, onto the podcast to chat about the unique experience of raising a family abroad, particularly in Taiwan. Connie shares her journey from the United States to Taiwan, highlighting the challenges and joys of integrating into Taiwanese society. We discuss language immersion, educational systems, parental support, and cultural differences in parenting practices. Connie also shares her experiences with postpartum confinement in Taiwan, providing insights into the benefits and drawbacks of this tradition. Throughout the episode, you’ll gain a valuable perspective on the complexities of expat parenthood and the enriching experiences it offers. Have you wondered what it’d be like to move your family abroad? Or are you someone who’s already made the bold decision to? If so, I’d love to hear your experience! Share in the comments of AsianBossGirl’s latest Instagram post, linked here.  #SpillTheBabyTea __________________________________________ Host: Helen Wu Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • Miracle Made: Save over 40% off and receive 3 free towels with code “ABG” at TryMiracle.com/ABG • Pampers: For trusted protection, trust Pampers, the #1 pediatrician recommended brand. • 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 • Shoutouts: Give a shoutout 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 a world filled with so many influences and voices, how do you return back to your core self and rediscover your life’s purpose? Or in the words of today’s guest, how do you start living from the inside out, rather than the outside in? We’re so excited to sit down with John Kim, known for his work as The Angry Therapist. After going through a divorce, John shared his self-development journey online, growing a community through his frankness and vulnerability. He brings the same to our podcast today, talking about everything from what it means to focus on yourself outside of a relationship to how something like riding a motorcycle can actually be a form of meditation. John is a licensed therapist and life coach, crossfit enthusiast, co-founder of TAT Lab & Lumia Coach Training, and best-selling author of books like I Used to Be A Miserable F*ck: An Everyman's Guide to a Meaningful Life, and Single On Purpose: Redefine Everything. Find Yourself First.  __________________________________________ Host: Janet Wang Guest: John Kim, The Angry Therapist Contributing Editor: Haemee Kang __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • Clarins: Receive 10% off Multi-Active Day & Night Cream + a free welcome gift + free shipping on your first order using code “ABG” at Clarins.com/ABG • Seed: Check out Seed’s DS-01 Daily Synbiotic & get 25% off your first month with code “25ABG” at Seed.com/ABG • Honeylove: Get 20% OFF by going to honeylove.com/ABG  • Pampers: For trusted protection, trust Pampers, the #1 pediatrician recommended brand. • 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 • Shoutouts: Give a shoutout 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 a previous episode, I talked about the importance of play and how I have been trying to incorporate more of it into my life. *Spoiler alert* In that episode (In My Play Era, I Took a Heels Class) I talked about how scheduling a playful activity like a dance class actually wasn’t the best way to get into a state of play. In this episode I share a moment when I unexpectedly, and without planning, found myself in a state of play. How and doing what? You’ll have to listen to find out :) Speaking of play, 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 __________________________________________ 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 • Shoutouts: Give a shoutout 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

When you go through big life changes, it can frequently feel like you’re unbalanced and losing control of your circumstances, even if the changes are good ones. This year, Mel’s taking big steps by moving cross-country, while Janet is stepping out of her comfort zone into a new era of carefree play. As we enter new chapters in life, what is the best way to measure progress and re-center ourselves? Are there books, practices, and self-help podcasts that we love to turn to, to help us navigate these transitions?  Share your favorite self-help podcasts with the community below! __________________________________________ Hosts: Melody Cheng and Janet Wang Editor: Michelle Hsieh __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • OSEA: Receive 10% off your order with code ABG at OSEAMalibu.com • Hiya: Get 50% off your first order at hiyahealth.com/ABG • Pampers: For trusted protection, trust Pampers, the #1 pediatrician recommended brand. • 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 • Shoutouts: Give a shoutout 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

Last time we chatted about New York, I announced I was moving. Now, it's been a few weeks moving to a new city and it's been tough! From all the emotional goodbyes in Cali, adjusting to living with a partner, to dealing with changes, it's been a roller coaster of a few weeks.  Tune in to see what the move has been like lately & what feelings I've been encountering while dealing with this change. __________________________________________ 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 • Shoutouts: Give a shoutout 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