I wish I could just quit my job and travel the world.

How many times has that thought crossed your mind, just to be waved off as a daydream? It did too, for Ying, until she made her dream come true.

Ying is a Malaysian writer, ex-couch surfer and cruise lecturer, currently living in Hermsdorf, Germany with her husband and two kids. Her blog The Tiny Wanderer is an inspiration to dreamers who yearn to leave behind tired routines and venture out to truly see the world. Her writing has been featured in The Guardian and Roads & Kingdoms.

In this episode, Ying shares with us her origin story: how does one start a vagabond life? Her story is one of courage, adventure, and above all, kindness and love in unexpected places.

Follow Ying @whereisying on Instagram.

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Moving away from home is one of those defining moments that we would remember for the rest of our lives, but does moving a second time get easier? How about the third?

In this episode, my co-host Yee Lin and I reflect on the emotional highs and lows of moving: what we dread, what we look forward to, and how the unsung heroes who support us and make each transition that bit easier.

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Is there a “right” way to do it?

In this episode, we’re joined by Ayne Zarof — a Malaysian paediatrician, writer, and mother living in London — who has spent years navigating what it means to raise children away from home.

Ayne is also the author of Malaysia in You, a children’s book created to help Malaysian children growing up around the world see themselves reflected in the stories they read — something she felt was missing for kids like her own.

On the show, Ayne helps us explore the delicate balance: how do you give your children strong cultural roots, while also giving them the freedom to grow into their own identity?

Order her book "Malaysia in You" here!

Follow her work on
Instagram @aynezarof
Medium @ayne.zarof

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Finding a job is challenging enough. Doing it in another country can feel overwhelming. From crafting the perfect CV and preparing for interviews, to navigating foreign languages, work permits, and unfamiliar cultural expectations… Where do we even begin?

In this episode, we unpack the ins and outs of finding a job overseas and share what we’ve learned along the way.

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A tropical sunshine girl finds herself in the gloomy Nordics, alone. In this part of the world, warmth and affection can be hard to come by.

How does she cope with the loneliness of this vast, beautiful land? Do the Finns have a secret for finding joy despite the cold and darkness?

Hint: we think it's the sauna!

Our guest, Yeo Li-Fang is a SYS-LIFE fellow, co-funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Framework programme for research and innovation 2021-2027 under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement number 101126611. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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It’s the time of year where we gather with our families again! We recollect memories of our favourite moments of Lunar New Year, and discuss the significance behind certain traditions. For those spending this time away from family, we share stories on how to create warmth and connection wherever you are.

Link to song mentioned: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTiHZn7ESzD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

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Studying abroad can change your life. It’s a big step to take at a young age.

Wondering how it's like? Worried about the costs? What does one get out of college anyway?

Yee Lin and Mi Xue share their experiences studying close to home and abroad.

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If you feel self-conscious about your appearance, you are not alone. We have all had phases where we are obsessed with how we look, though as we discover, our obsession with appearance isn’t constant; it shifts with time and where we live.

Should we be concerned about how we look when visiting our neighborhood café? Should men wear makeup?

Tune in to find out!

In some places, New Year’s countdown means packed bars and all-night parties. In Japan, the party’s at the shrine.

For a city that never sleeps, New Year’s is surprisingly one of the calmest times of the year. Yee Lin shares the quirky rituals — and the silent killer hiding in a traditional New Year’s dish.

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Christmas is usually associated with coziness, family gatherings, and lots of gifts… unless you’re spending it solo in a cold country far from home.

As the year comes to an end, Mi Xue reflects on the little tricks that carried her through tough times, plus a few proud highlights from her year.