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As 2024 winds down, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the year’s journey — my wins, lessons, and what’s next as we step into 2025. In this episode of Small Girl, Big Talk, I react to my 2024 goals, starting with my word of the year: create. From exciting milestones in wedding planning (yes, I found the dress!) to bouldering adventures and career highlights like brand collaborations and digital products, I share the moments that shaped my year.

Don’t miss this heartfelt recap to inspire your own reflections and plans for the new year!

Catch other episodes from the Foundations for a Fresh Start series:

Other episodes you might like:

TIMESTAMP:

0:00 intro

1:28 reacting to my 2024 goals: word of the year "create”

4:14 wedding planning milestones: makeup, photos, dress & more

4:41 hobbies & fitness: bouldering & staying active

5:24 career goals: brand collabs & digital products

8:21 mental space: letting go & finding balance

13:10 relationship milestones: love, fitness & support

17:41 financial goals: buying my first car

21:41 personal style & fashion: choosing quality over quantity

23:46 space & home decor: creating a cozy environment

24:31 balancing family and career: sacrifices & missed moments

26:32 lessons learned in 2024: downsizing & prioritizing

27:30 embrace opportunities and don’t have tunnel vision

28:32 join our patreon for exclusive content!

30:18 final words: taking a rest before resetting in 2025

31:31 outro

Ask Questions or Request for Topics: https://forms.gle/AnbNfAS8MyszqrV56

For Sponsorship and Collaboration: [email protected]

FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 🧡 SGBT Instagram: @smallgirlbigtalk 🌼 Wendy's Instagram: @wendyvazzy 💛 Wendy's Tiktok: @wendyvazzy

keywords:

2024 review, life lessons, year end review, new year resolution, new year new me, glow up, self improvement, success, level up, transform your life, change your life, transformation

#personalgrowth #goalsetting #manifestation

🌼 JOIN THE BIG TALK SOCIETY NOW: patreon.com/sgbt 🧡

📒 RESOURCES I MENTIONED:

In this episode of Small Girl, Big Talk, we continue our Foundations for a Fresh Start series by focusing on the transformative power of decluttering. Whether it’s your physical space, digital world, or mental load, clearing out what no longer serves you is key to making space for what truly matters.

I talk about the importance of decluttering your environment — because, as they say, outer order brings inner calm. Then, we dive into the mental side of decluttering, learning how to clear unnecessary worries and prioritize what’s essential for your personal growth. If you’re ready to simplify your life and set a strong foundation for the year ahead, this episode is for you!

Catch other episodes from the Foundations for a Fresh Start series:

TIMESTAMP:

Ask Questions or Request for Topics: https://forms.gle/AnbNfAS8MyszqrV56

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🌼 JOIN THE BIG TALK SOCIETY NOW: patreon.com/sgbt 🧡

In this episode of Small Girl, Big Talk, I had a thought-provoking conversation with Cheryl Lau, a podcaster and coach who made bold career pivots to create a life she truly loves. Cheryl shares her courageous journey of quitting law school, leaving a Ph.D. program, pivoting between business niche and eventually embracing her identity as a full-time podcaster.

We unpack the challenges of quitting a job or business path that doesn’t align with your goals and how to navigate the fear of letting go. We also talk about the importance of reinventing yourself, redefining success, and trusting the process when making bold transitions.

This is part of our Foundations for a Fresh Start series, where we explore actionable ideas and empowering stories to help you build an extraordinary 2025.

Whether you’re thinking about leaving a corporate job, pursuing your side hustle full-time, or starting over in a new field, this episode will give you the inspiration and clarity to take the next step toward your dream life.

TIMESTAMP:

0:00 intro

1:43 quitting law school & PHD: overcoming asian parents' expectations

6:39 Cheryl Lau’s side hustle coach journey

8:01 transitioning from side hustle coach to thought leader: reinventing your career

11:49 3 core values to embody when pivoting your career for growth

15:15 thought leader club: pivoting towards new business directions

18:39 making career decisions that align with business and financial growth

20:12 creating a business that breaks the mold: embracing entrepreneurship

21:04 embracing the identity of a podcaster over coach

23:38 break the stigma of tying your identity to your income source

25:46 join our community! building connections for personal and professional growth

30:04 committing to podcasting: earning the right to call yourself a podcaster

36:27 are you quitting out of fear or misalignment? understanding career transitions

38:07 mindset shifts for successful quitting and pivoting in your career

39:57 being practical about quitting or pivoting careers: making strategic decisions

41:29 taking your time to quit and pivot—it's okay to evolve slowly

43:20 outro

About Cheryl Lau:

Cheryl Lau is a podcaster and coach who helps entrepreneurs and creators build a compelling body of work that resonates. As the host of the Edit History podcast (previously known as Side Hustle Club and Thought Leader Club), Cheryl guides listeners in sharing their unique stories and establishing themselves as thought leaders, laying the foundation for success in business and life.

Check out Cheryl’s Podcast: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Follow Cheryl on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory/

Ask Questions or Request for Topics: https://forms.gle/AnbNfAS8MyszqrV56

For Sponsorship and Collaboration: [email protected]

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🌼 JOIN THE BIG TALK SOCIETY NOW: patreon.com/sgbt 🧡

📒 BOOK I MENTIONED: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

In this episode, we’re diving into the power of acceptance as part of our series, Foundations for a Fresh Start. This series is all about exploring topics that lay the groundwork for an incredible 2025, and today’s conversation is one that can truly transform the way you live your life.

We’ll explore what it means to accept that we can’t control everything that happens to us. From releasing the grip on our past identity to letting go of societal expectations of what our life "should" look like, this episode is all about finding freedom in surrender. I’ll also dive into the idea that our time on this earth is limited, which makes it all the more important to live intentionally and focus on what truly matters.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, weighed down by perfectionism, or like you’re constantly chasing an unattainable ideal, this episode is here to remind you that acceptance isn’t about giving up—it’s about leaning into the flow of life. When you let go, you create space for the dream life you’ve always wanted to unfold naturally.

Together, we’ll uncover the beauty of acceptance and how it can help you manifest a life that feels truly aligned with your purpose. Let’s take that first step toward living with more ease and intention as we set the stage for an incredible new year ahead!

TIMESTAMP:

0:00 intro - embrace acceptance for manifestation

2:27 accept your lack of control in manifesting your dreams

9:17 let go of past identity and manifest your future

12:39 release societal expectations for personal growth

16:01 accept that life is short

20:16 recap

21:15 outro

Ask Questions or Request for Topics: https://forms.gle/AnbNfAS8MyszqrV56

For Sponsorship and Collaboration: [email protected]

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🌼 JOIN THE BIG TALK SOCIETY NOW: patreon.com/sgbt 🧡

As we approach the end of the year, we’re wrapping up the season with a series called Foundations for a Fresh Start—where we’ll dive into topics that lay the groundwork for an incredible 2025.

We’re kicking off this series with a theme that hits close to home: PERFECTIONISM.

If you’ve ever felt held back by the need to have everything figured out before you even start, or if the fear of not being “good enough” has kept you from pursuing your dreams, this episode is for you.

Together, we’ll explore three essential mindset shifts to help you finally break free from perfectionism and create with confidence. We’ll talk about why it’s okay not to have all the answers, why embracing imperfection is the key to growth, and how to stop letting your self-worth be defined by your results. These are actionable steps I’ve learned and lived, and I’m here to share them in the hope that they unlock something within you, too.

If you’re ready to let go of the need for perfection, join The Big Talk Society—a community where we lift each other up, support each other’s growth, and celebrate progress over perfection. Let’s create a space where we can be real, vulnerable, and, most importantly, fearless on our journeys.

TIMESTAMP:

0:00 intro

0:46 invitation to our Patreon community

3:35 introducing foundation for a fresh start series

4:29 perfectionism as the main blocker of your action

5:19 1. you don’t need to know it all to get started

9:40 2. you’re gonna suck when you start, so why not suck now?

12:49 3. don’t let the results determine your self-worth and self-confidence

15:04 3 mindset shifts to break free from perfectionism

16:34 your invitation to the Big Talk Society

Ask Questions or Request for Topics: https://forms.gle/AnbNfAS8MyszqrV56

For Sponsorship and Collaboration: [email protected]

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In this episode, we're diving deep into the magic that happens when you find your people. We’re talking about how the right community can supercharge your personal growth and make those big dreams feel a lot more reachable.

I’ll share how surrounding yourself with supportive, like-minded individuals can speed up your journey, keep you accountable, and make the process feel a whole lot less lonely. We’ll chat about the benefits of finding people who share your values and dreams, and I’ll also give you some practical tips on how to create those connections that really matter.

Plus, I have a little surprise: an exciting announcement about a new community platform we're launching to bring us all closer together on this journey. 🌟

Whether you’re focused on building better habits, growing into the best version of yourself, or simply wanting a circle that "gets you," this episode is packed with insights on how community can transform your growth journey into something much more fulfilling. Tune in and let’s take this journey together!

Ask Questions or Request for Topics: https://forms.gle/AnbNfAS8MyszqrV56

For Sponsorship and Collaboration: [email protected]

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Welcome back to the fifth and final part of my Wedding Diaries series! 🎉 This week, we’re bringing RJ back, and the excitement is real — her wedding is just 3 weeks away! We’re diving deep into all the pre-wedding jitters, last-minute preparations, and everything that’s running through RJ’s mind as her big day gets closer.

In this episode, we chat about the first steps in wedding planning — the must-book vendors and services, like photographers, videographers, and venues. We also walk you through the ever-important wedding planning timeline. RJ shares what she’s learned about keeping everything organized on her ever mighty Excel sheet, from managing the guest list to choosing the perfect makeup artist, hairstylist, and even tackling the venue decorations. 💄✨

Thanks so much for joining us on this mini-series — it’s been such a journey, and we can’t wait to hear about all your wedding experiences too. Let us know what you thought of the series, and stay tuned for more exciting episodes ahead!

💖 Connect with RJ on Instagram: instagram.com/rwdjimjam/

🧡 Ask Questions or Request for Topics: https://forms.gle/AnbNfAS8MyszqrV56

🌼 For Sponsorship and Collaboration: [email protected]

TIMESTAMP:

0:00 intro

0:22 3 weeks to RJ’s wedding - pre-wedding nerves!

4:43 what are the first few things you need to decide and book for wedding planning?

6:51 wedding planning timeline

8:38 photographers and videographers

16:23 venues

17:18 guest list

22:58 makeup artist, hairstylist

28:27 venue decorations

29:47 communication

31:56 preparation process (excel sheet)

34:52 interracial marriage (nikah)

37:57 dream bridal gown

42:18 food and catering

43:20 things that you don’t need to plan in advance

44:34 wedding vows

49:53 wrap up

51:56 outro

💖  Introducing the Wedding Diaries! 💍

Wedding Diaries is a 5-part mini series where I team up with my chosen sister, RJ and other guests to talk all about wedding planning and marriage preparation. Weddings and marriage are such monumental chapters in our adult lives, and with my own big day just around the corner (okay to be fair I still have one year to go), I thought it would be fun to take you along and share my experiences and lessons that I’ve learned so far.

Whether you’re in the midst of planning your own wedding, preparing for marriage, or just curious about the whole journey, we hope our stories make you feel a little less alone and a lot more connected.

👰🏻‍♀️ Part 1 - Our Engagement Stories: https://open.spotify.com/episode/02Y5U8SkhmIIaJHS49XHes?si=e430912453b64526

💍 Part 2 - How Do You Know He's Really The ONE?https://open.spotify.com/episode/79uOmGGH6vlqnDoecW47Hh?si=ed45693dfd294cd0

🙋🏻‍♀️ Part 3 - Things to Know About Your Partner Before Getting Married

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2SSdBkKs44EchMMMfJd6vY?si=20f9eaf9cdf84e22

🤵🏻 Part 4 - Meet My Fiancé: Proposal, Wedding Planning, & More!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1T3ZBoAbY8EW58HZfbaQFk?si=556ab025c7ca438a

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In this very special episode of Small Girl, Big Talk, I’m beyond excited to introduce you all to the most special person in my heart — my fiancé, Kevin! 🎉 We’re giving you a backstage pass to our wedding planning journey, and you’ll get to hear about his thought process before he popped the big question. We’re officially 11 months away from saying “I do,” and there's so much to talk about!

More importantly, this episode is all about letting you get to know the man I’m about to marry. You’ll hear his side of the story and how he feels about the big day as we both continue preparing for the next chapter of our lives together. 🥹

💍 Our Full Proposal video: https://youtu.be/UND9TJrmNUA?si=yMHeTekdx2oe03E9

📖 Book mentioned by Kevin:

TIMESTAMP:

0:00 intro

1:43 about kevin

2:13 how did kevin decide when to propose

6:59 how kevin felt when wendy counter proposed

8:10 wedding planning discussion

17:03 deciding on wedding budget and wedding date

25:35 wedding expectations

31:22 introducing our parents to each other

35:53 other things we want in our wedding

39:53 wrap up

43:49 outro

💖  Introducing the Wedding Diaries! 💍

Wedding Diaries is a 5-part mini series where I team up with my chosen sister, RJ and other guests to talk all about wedding planning and marriage preparation. Weddings and marriage are such monumental chapters in our adult lives, and with my own big day just around the corner (okay to be fair I still have one year to go), I thought it would be fun to take you along and share my experiences and lessons that I’ve learned so far.

Whether you’re in the midst of planning your own wedding, preparing for marriage, or just curious about the whole journey, we hope our stories make you feel a little less alone and a lot more connected.

👰🏻‍♀️ Part 1 - Our Engagement Stories: https://open.spotify.com/episode/02Y5U8SkhmIIaJHS49XHes?si=e430912453b64526

💍 Part 2 - How Do You Know He's Really The ONE?https://open.spotify.com/episode/79uOmGGH6vlqnDoecW47Hh?si=ed45693dfd294cd0

🙋🏻‍♀️ Part 3 - Things to Know About Your Partner Before Getting Married

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2SSdBkKs44EchMMMfJd6vY?si=20f9eaf9cdf84e22

🌼 Ask Questions or Request for Topics: https://forms.gle/AnbNfAS8MyszqrV56

🫱🏼‍🫲🏾 For Sponsorship and Collaboration: [email protected]

FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

We’ve shared our engagement stories, and we've explored what helped us decide if our partners are "the one." And this week, we’re taking it up a notch! I’m joined by an incredible relationship coach – who also happens to be an experienced, happily married woman – to dive into the essential things you really need to know about your partner before saying “I do.”

Get ready for some honest advice and real-life insights that can make all the difference as you prepare for marriage!

About Esther Ku:

Esther is a certified relationship coach and has worked with relationships/marriages for 10+ years. Her gentle, warm spirit creates a place of welcome and safety where people feel inspired and empowered to discover their own path to wholeness and connection.

Follow Esther on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esthershennyku/

TIMESTAMP:

0:00 intro

1:00 what’s so scary about marriage?

2:44 values

5:23 how to talk about values with partners that don’t enjoy talking about it

7:43 family/family planning

12:10 is love enough?

13:14 what if you suddenly don’t love each other anymore?

16:21 financial expectations

22:11 debts

25:13 sexual preferences and intimacy

30:40 expectations on sex life

34:04 dating/sexual history

37:35 empowered women - dynamics in modern relationships

43:13 advice for couples before getting into marriage

44:26 wrap up

💖  Introducing the Wedding Diaries! 💍

Wedding Diaries is a 5-part mini series where I team up with my chosen sister, RJ and other guests to talk all about wedding planning and marriage preparation. Weddings and marriage are such monumental chapters in our adult lives, and with my own big day just around the corner (okay to be fair I still have one year to go), I thought it would be fun to take you along and share my experiences and lessons that I’ve learned so far.

Whether you’re in the midst of planning your own wedding, preparing for marriage, or just curious about the whole journey, we hope our stories make you feel a little less alone and a lot more connected.

👰🏻‍♀️ Part 1 - Our Engagement Stories: https://open.spotify.com/episode/02Y5U8SkhmIIaJHS49XHes?si=e430912453b64526

💍 Part 2 - How Do You Know He's Really The ONE?https://open.spotify.com/episode/79uOmGGH6vlqnDoecW47Hh?si=ed45693dfd294cd0

🌼 Ask Questions or Request for Topics: https://forms.gle/AnbNfAS8MyszqrV56

🫱🏼‍🫲🏾 For Sponsorship and Collaboration: [email protected]

FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: