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/

I had the joy of spending time with Ssonia Ong of Ong Squad during her visit to Singapore, where I was deeply moved by the strong bond she shares with her husband and 5 children, aged 2 to 14. Their close-knit family culture radiates warmth and genuine joy, and I was eager to discover the parenting principles that guide her.

Ssonia’s story of reinvention is truly inspiring. When she was 38, she bravely pivoted from a fulfilling career as a child trauma counsellor to become a thriving content creator on TikTok, amassing over 17 million followers. It took immense courage to step into this new chapter, and her journey is a testament to the power of following your passions, no matter your age.

In our conversation, she opens up about her parenting journey, the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood with a new career, and how she fosters a nurturing environment for her kids. Join me as I explore her incredible story and the belief that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Ssonia’s insights will inspire anyone looking to make a meaningful change in their life.

00:00 Introduction

00:36 Get to know Ssonia Ong 

03:38 Content Creation During the Pandemic 

08:22 Transitioning to a Full-Time Content Creator

10:33 Balancing Content Creation and Motherhood

12:09 Finding Inspiration on TikTok 

13:05 Kevin’s Role in Ong Squad 

15:22 Embracing Imperfection as a Content Creator 

17:12 Creating Content with Positive Impact 

19:13 Protecting Children on Social Media 

23:21 Navigating Social Media Validation and Criticism 

26:05 Memorable Interactions with Followers 

27:18 Ssonia’s Content Creation Strategies 

28:53 Redefining Creativity and Taking Risks 

32:38 Navigating Motherhood with 5 Kids 

35:30 Prioritising Marriage Amidst Parenting 

39:14 Ssonia’s Advice for Young Parents 

41:13 The Key to Raising Healthy Kids 

42:12 Advice for Middle-Aged Dreamers 

44:13 Ssonia’s Biggest Lesson in Life 

44:49 Final Reflections

Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/

Follow Ong Squad here: https://www.instagram.com/_ongsquad/

Do you feel your mind could be sharper, more focused, or more agile? You're not alone. Many of us are searching for ways to enhance our brain health and unlock hidden capabilities. In this episode, I sit down with renowned neuroscientist Dr. Wendy Suzuki to explore how we can tap into the incredible power of our brains to improve our daily lives.

Dr. Suzuki shares fascinating insights into neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to change and adapt — and offers practical strategies for boosting cognitive function, enhancing memory, and maintaining mental agility at any age. From the benefits of physical exercise and meditation to the impact of sleep and managing stress, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help you unlock your brain's hidden potential and live a sharper, more focused life.

00:00 Introduction

01:16 Exploring Dr. Wendy Suzuki's Groundbreaking Work

03:48 The Power of Mentorship in Shaping a Neuroscientist

05:39 Demystifying Brain Plasticity

11:34 Dr. Suzuki's Perspective on Brain Supplements

12:35 How Stress Impacts the Brain

16:53 The Magic of Breath Meditation

21:22 Sleep's Vital Role in Brain Plasticity

23:27 Harnessing the Protective Power of "Good Anxiety"

27:48 Dr. Suzuki's Brain Health Advice for Parents

33:16 The Crucial Importance of Brain Health

34:50 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways

Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/

Follow Dr Wendy Suzuki here: https://www.instagram.com/wendy.suzuki/

Purchase ‘Healthy Brain, Healthy Life’ here: https://l1nk.dev/izXE6

Purchase ‘The Good Anxiety’ here: https://acesse.one/UhzMm

In this special 10-minute episode, I chat with Janet Lansbury, a leading voice in respectful parenting, about the power of empathetic caregiving. We explore the crucial roles parents play in creating a nurturing environment, the art of observing and waiting to let children grow, and practical strategies for fostering strong parent-child and sibling relationships. Janet shares actionable tips to help you build deeper, more meaningful connections with your children and enrich your parenting journey. Join us for an inspiring and insightful conversation!

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Respectful Parenting: Our Roles as Parents 

02:26 Learning To Observe and Wait 

06:59 Cultivating a Nurturing Parent-Child Relationship 

08:18 Promoting Positive Sibling-Relationships 

09:50 Closing

Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/

Follow Janet Lansbury here: https://www.instagram.com/janetlansbury/