By Rachel Lim
3.7
33 ratings
The podcast currently has 47 episodes available.
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/
In this episode, I sit down with Sadhana Rai, whose transformative journey from a high-powered commercial disputes lawyer to a devoted pro bono advocate is both inspiring and heart-rending. Sadhana shares her early life experiences in a modest family, where the seeds of justice and advocacy were planted. Her story is a poignant reminder of the power of introspection and the courage it takes to pursue a path that truly feeds the soul, not just the status quo.
Through the lens of some of her most challenging and impactful cases, Sadhana opens up about the realities of working with underprivileged clients who have altered her view of justice and humanity. Each case, each client, each story brings with it a heavy toll but also a profound lesson in resilience and empathy. Sadhana’s recounting of these experiences invites us to reflect on the deeper implications of inequality and our role in addressing it.
This episode is not just a narrative of legal battles; it’s a call to awaken to the struggles and injustices around us. Sadhana challenges each of us to not only recognize our shared humanity but to act on it, fostering a society that values compassion and justice equally. Her journey and the lessons she imparts are a powerful testament to the impact one person can have when they choose to make a difference where it truly counts.
00:00 Introduction
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow Pro Bono SG here: https://www.instagram.com/probonosg/
Volunteer here: https://form.jotform.com/230180689949066
Donate here: https://bit.ly/3XqV4YX
In this solo episode, I’m inviting you into a deeply personal and intimate space — one where we can reflect, grow, and have honest, heart-to-heart conversations. It’s a chance for us to connect on a more meaningful level, exploring the lessons life has been teaching me lately and how I’m finding my way through them.
In this episode, I cover:
This isn’t just an episode; it’s a personal conversation between us, grounded in reflection, growth, and the shared journey we’re all on. I hope it resonates with you, brings comfort or inspiration, and reminds you that we’re navigating life’s twists and turns together — one step at a time 🤍
00:00 Welcome & Introduction
01:45 Catching Up with Rachel
03:11 Reflections on Key Insights from Past Episodes
12:01 Current Focus: What I’m Working on Improving
15:06 Behind the Scenes: Updates on Ongoing Projects
18:37 Navigating Uncertainty: Encouragement for Those Feeling Stuck
21:00 Book Recommendations & Personal Reflections
31:17 Closing Thoughts & Farewell
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Books Involved:
The Obstacle Is the Way: https://a.co/d/4nkapVv
The Courage to Be Disliked: https://a.co/d/4uJeYRC
In this episode, I sit down with Valeria Lipovetsky, a woman whose journey from the world of modeling to the heights of entrepreneurship is nothing short of inspiring. I first met Valeria two years ago at a personal growth retreat in Ibiza, and since then, I’ve been deeply moved by her relentless drive, her commitment to self-improvement, and her ability to gracefully navigate the many roles she plays—as a mother, wife, entrepreneur, and content creator.
Together, we explore the pivotal moments that shaped Valeria’s life, from her upbringing to her career in modeling, and her bold transition into the entrepreneurial world. Valeria opens up about the challenges she faced in starting her first business, Verie. We dive into her YouTube career, where she shares how she stays true to herself amidst the pressures of public life, and what it takes to maintain authenticity in a digital age.
Valeria also offers invaluable insights into balancing work with marriage, revealing the key factors that have helped her and her husband, Gary, thrive both personally and professionally. We discuss the complexities of motherhood, the ever-present tension between ambition and contentment, and how she confronts self-doubt while striving for growth.
This episode is a deep dive into the life of a woman who is constantly evolving, learning, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative at heart, or someone seeking inspiration in your personal life, Valeria’s story will leave you with valuable lessons on how to define and pursue your own path to success.
00:00 Introduction
00:43 Meet Valeria Lipovetsky: A Journey of Growth
04:43 Influences and Lessons from Valeria’s Upbringing
09:52 Insights from a Modelling Career
12:21 From Content Creator to Entrepreneur: Valeria’s Evolution
15:38 Building a YouTube Empire
17:13 Staying Authentic in the Spotlight
19:17 Closing a Meaningful Chapter with Verie
22:34 The Reality of Pursuing Passion in Business
25:37 Valeria’s Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
27:36 Redefining Success: Valeria’s Perspective
28:39 Navigating Business and Marriage with Your Spouse
32:30 Resolving Conflict in Marriage
37:01 The Complexities of Motherhood
43:13 Confronting Self-Doubt
46:35 Balancing Ambition and Contentment
48:44 Valeria’s Biggest Life Lessons
51:11 Timeless Fashion Advice
52:47 Final Reflections
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow Valeria Lipovetsky here: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky
In this episode, I sit down with Jocelyn and Aaron Freeman, the dynamic couple behind Empowered Couples University, to explore the real challenges that every relationship faces. With over 802,000 couples served, Jocelyn and Aaron share their personal journey from navigating their own differences to becoming sought-after relationship coaches. They reveal the key skills that every couple needs but often weren't taught — how to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and maintain connection amidst life’s chaos.
We dive into their insights on love, partnership, and the everyday rituals that have kept their marriage strong. Whether you’re struggling with recurring arguments, balancing busy schedules, or simply looking to deepen your connection, this conversation offers practical, heartfelt advice that every couple can relate to. Tune in for an episode that’s as inspiring as it is real, and discover how to take your relationship from surviving to thriving.
00:00 Introduction
00:26 Get to Know The Freemans
02:11 Common Relationship Challenges
05:36 Practical Reconciliation Tools
08:02 Is Love Enough?
09:20 The Love Account Check-In
11:10 Repair in Relationships
13:42 Tools for Effective Communication
17:58 Identifying Your Relationship Needle Movers
19:58 Navigating Parenthood Together
26:02 Staying Connected with Your Partner
28:00 The Freemans’ Healthy Marriage Rituals
32:28 Weathering Life’s Storms Together
35:09 Encouraging a Resistant Partner
38:11 Final Thoughts
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow The Freemans here: https://www.instagram.com/meet_thefreemans
As a parent myself, I'm always seeking ways to expand my knowledge and create a nurturing environment for Ollie and Keira. The Montessori approach has been particularly intriguing to me because of its emphasis on fostering independence, curiosity, and respect in children. By providing tools for success, encouraging their abilities, and giving them space to develop independently, the Montessori way offers a powerful alternative to conventional parenting. It helps children develop critical thinking, self-discipline, and a love for learning while maintaining a respectful and collaborative parent-child relationship.
In this episode, experienced Montessori educators and advocates Simone Davies and Junnifa Uzodike share invaluable insights on integrating Montessori principles into the daily lives of school-aged children. We explore key differences between Montessori and traditional parenting, debunk common misconceptions, and offer practical tips for cultivating respect and handling tantrums with grace.
Discover how to balance nurturing and spoiling, create meaningful connections, and bring joy into modern parenting. Simone and Junnifa also discuss the importance of co-regulation, unlearning traditional parenting practices, and adjusting to the Montessori approach.
Join us as we uncover how the Montessori way can help support our child's unique potential, develop critical thinking skills, and foster a respectful and collaborative relationship between parent and child.
00:00 Introduction
00:30 Get to know Junnifa Uzodike and Simone Davies
03:21 Montessori Parenting vs. Traditional Parenting
07:40 Misconceptions of Montessori Parenting
09:52 Cultivating Respect at Home
13:20 Handling Tantrums and Meltdowns
16:58 Spoiling vs. Nurturing Your Children
21:59 Navigating Values and Principles
26:18 Creating Connection and Joy as Modern Parents
29:18 Co-Regulation Tips with Toddlers
32:00 Unlearning Traditional Parenting
33:00 Adjusting to Montessori Parenting
36:40 Advice for Modern Parents
38:16 Final Thoughts
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow Simone Davies here: https://www.instagram.com/themontessorinotebook/
Follow Junnifa Uzodike here: https://www.instagram.com/montessori_nduoma/
Purchase 'The Montessori Child' here: https://a.co/d/c2JSvQL
Purchase ‘The Montessori Baby’ here: https://a.co/d/cxAxQho
Purchase ‘The Montessori Toddler’ here: https://a.co/d/9YHKQXq
Have you ever found yourself wanting to make a change in your life or career, yet feeling inexplicably stuck? You're not alone. The gap between knowing what we need to do and actually doing it is a common struggle that many face. In this episode with our in-house guest expert Joyce, we dive deep into this challenge and uncover why it's so hard to get “unstuck.”
We delve into the ‘knowing-doing gap’ and the emotional immune system, uncovering why we often resist change despite our best intentions. Joyce walks us through the immunity map, revealing how hidden commitments and limiting beliefs hold us back.
With practical strategies and personal examples, Joyce offers insights to help you bridge the gap between wanting change and making it happen. Whether you’re aiming for a career shift, better relationships, or personal growth, this episode provides the tools to move from desire to action.
Join us for an inspiring conversation on mastering the art of willing change.
00:00 Introduction
00:57 The Human Struggle with Change
02:18 The ‘Knowing-Doing Gap’
04:05 Understanding Our Emotional Immune System
05:18 Wanting Change vs. Making Change
08:18 The Immunity Map
25:53 Cultivating Courage for Change
27:37 Joyce’s Advice on Making Change
28:18 Final Thoughts
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Get connected with Joyce: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-chen-coach/
Additional resources:
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