Who We Are with Rachel Lim

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/

Join Oliver Burkeman, author of 'Four Thousand Weeks' and 'Meditations for Mortals', as he shares his insights on finding meaning in a productivity-obsessed world. He challenges the relentless chase for efficiency and emphasizes embracing our limitations. Burkeman discusses the importance of mindfulness in navigating distractions and encouraging intentional choices over societal pressures. Learn to redefine success, celebrate accomplishments, and appreciate imperfections in pursuit of a more fulfilling life.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Anders Hansen, a leading Swedish psychiatrist and author of "The Mind-Body Method," shares his groundbreaking research on the link between physical activity and mental health. He unpacks the evolutionary roots of anxiety, highlighting its protective role. Dr. Hansen debunks common exercise myths and reveals how movement enhances cognitive functions. He provides practical tips for simple lifestyle changes to boost overall brain health while addressing the importance of managing stress and understanding our 'storytelling' brains.

_*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/

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a renowned neuroscientist from NYU and author of "Healthy Brain, Happy Life," shares her insights on brain plasticity and cognitive health. She reveals how lifestyle choices like exercise and meditation can enhance mental agility. Dr. Suzuki emphasizes the importance of sleep in reinforcing memory and managing stress, offering techniques such as deep breathing to combat anxiety. With practical advice for parents on fostering brain development, this conversation is a treasure trove for anyone looking to boost their brainpower!

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/

Sadhana Rai, a former commercial disputes lawyer turned pro bono advocate, shares her inspiring journey from privilege to purpose. She reflects on her modest upbringing, which fueled her passion for justice and empathy. Sadhana discusses the challenges and triumphs in her pro bono work, addressing the emotional toll of advocating for underprivileged clients. Her stories highlight the importance of resilience and the vital connection between self-care and social justice, urging listeners to recognize and act on societal inequalities.