Our Core Things

Claudia Lee
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What if the life you’re creating isn’t the one you want? Hosted by writer, photographer & creator Claudia Lee, Our Core Things explores the gap between who we are, who we’ve been told to be, and what matters to us.Through intimate conversations and solo reflections, Claudia explores identity, self-trust, creativity, spirituality, ambition, relationships and the messy transitions that that we all face. This is for everyone who’s ever felt lost and out of alignment and thought: Wait, what actually matters to me? What do I actually want to do?

  1. 1d ago

    S2 E20 The Opposite of Loneliness Isn't More People | Tracy Komlos

    You can sit in a crowded room and still feel completely alone. So what does it take to feel known? In this episode of Core Things, Claudia sits down with Tracy Komlos. Tracy is a Community Builder and a Strategy & Growth Consultant based in NYC. She founded the retreat company Pangea Dreams, co-founded LA Hike Club and hosts Shabbat dinners through Chosen Gatherings. Together they chat what real connection takes in a world of highlight reels and performative sharing. In this episode, we cover: Tracy’s community building: from Pangea dreams to Strategy & Growth Consulting for wellness and tech companiesWhy we can be surrounded by people and still feel lonelyWhat it takes to actually feel knownNice vs. kind: Why honesty is the foundation of connectionHow to strengthen emotional intimacy in our connectionsFriendship audits & embracing the natural ebb and flow of friendshipsHow to find community and create aligned communities If you've been craving deeper friendships or wondering how to start a community, this one is for you! Follow Claudia Instagram: @ourcorethingsSubstack: https://claudialeewingyan.substack.com/ Follow Tracy Komlos Instagram: @tracykomlosSubstack: https://substack.com/@tracykomlos/Chosen Gatherings Chapters 0:00 Honesty and kindness in relationships0:26 Why we crave deeper connection1:54 Meet Tracy Komlos3:48 Social media, technology, and in-person connection6:11 Fitting in vs. belonging8:06 The opposite of loneliness: being known9:07 What it means to feel known11:03 Inner work and deeper relationships12:40 Spirituality and Tracy’s healing journey14:19 Heritage, identity, and Shabbat15:14 Creating an inclusive community17:03 Finding community through a run club18:23 What connects us19:19 Trust, surrender, and connection20:22 Letting go without cutting people off21:30 Reciprocity and the “currency of connection”22:50 What nature teaches us about connection23:43 How to build emotional intimacy25:01 The friendship audit27:48 Making room for friendships to change30:43 Niceness vs. kindness32:07 Honesty and authenticity in relationships34:38 Helping people feel welcome at events36:36 Making people feel seen38:34 Finding community during a life transition39:11 Finding or creating your community40:00 The story behind LA Hike Club41:40 How we each contribute to connection42:22 Tracy’s entrepreneurial path43:41 Freedom and building a life on your own terms44:55 Rapid-fire questions45:23 Tracy’s slow-morning routine46:19 Dream journaling and Jungian psychology48:02 Closing reflections

  2. Oct 29

    S2 E19: How to know what you really want | Solo

    Do you actually want what you think you want? In this episode, I share my own journey of unlearning the conditioning and need for external validation that shaped so many of my goals, and how I began to distinguish between desires that were my own vs. desires that I wanted to validation. I get into how to tell whether a desire is authentically ours, and also why it is so important for us to derive our worth and validation from inside. If you're questioning your goals, or wondering whether you're chasing something you truly want, this episode is an invitation to pause and look at what you think you want. I also share two practices to help you get clearer on your authentic desires: inner-child work and journaling. In this episode, we explore: How to distinguish authentic desires from socially conditioned expectations Why relying on external validation is unsustainable What inner-child work revealed to me about my core desires How to recognise when we're pursuing goals to prove our worth Four journaling prompts to help you clarify what you genuinely want Links to Inner Child Meditations: Healing Your Inner Child (Guided Meditation) Guided Meditation Inner Child Healing Visualisations Follow Claudia Instagram: @ourcorethingsSubstack: https://claudialeewingyan.substack.com/ Chapters2:02 What makes a desire authentically yours2:52 Conventional success vs. real wants3:36 Why outside validation isn't sustainable5:55 Growing up in Hong Kong and chasing recognition8:12 When it all fell apart: my Saturn return10:15 The inner child meditation breakthrough12:19 Unlearning reactive wants14:18 Step one: inner child meditation15:53 Step two: journaling17:53 Love the process, not just the outcome18:30 Building worth from the inside

  3. Oct 22

    S2 E18: What If the Life That Looks Good Doesn’t Feel Good? | Milena Miteva-Regos

    What if the life that looks successful on paper isn’t the same life that actually feels good to live? This week, I’m joined by Milena Miteva-Regos, founder the Unhustle movement, and former chief marketing officer, who spent over two decades building a successful career before an unexpected question changed everything. “Who are you without the doing?” After years of equating productivity with self-worth, Milena began questioning the hustle culture that had shaped her identity. In this conversation, we explore how to recognise when ambition is coming at the expense of our well-being, how to untangle our self-worth from our productivity, and how to make space for the things that make life meaningful beyond work. What you’ll learn: Milena’s Journey: From building a marketing agency to eureka momentWhere did the hustle mindset come from?How to start ‘unlearning the hustle’Redefining wealth and success: What are the true markers of wealth?Hustling for survival vs Hustling for status If you’ve been caught in the cycle of constantly striving for the next thing, this episode will help you rethink what success means to you and start building a life that feels equally good as it looks. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Unhustle and Milena's Journey02:11 The Corporate Grind and the Eureka Moment04:43 The Hustle Culture and Its Impact08:19 Understanding the Roots of Hustle Mindset13:07 Unlearning the Hustle: A Journey to Mindfulness17:11 Self-Worth Beyond Busyness20:30 Cultural Reflections: Life in Baja vs. Big Cities24:59 The Fisherman’s Tale: Redefining Success25:50 Conscious Leadership and Sustainability32:10 The Shift from Knowledge Workers to Meaning Makers42:24 Survival Hustle vs. Status Hustle48:19 Embracing Unhustling for a Richer Life Follow Claudia Instagram: @ourcorethingsSubstack: https://claudialeewingyan.substack.com/ Follow Milena Instagram: @unhustleSubstack: https://unhustle.substack.com/Website: https://www.unhustle.com/Pre-order the Unhustle Book: https://www.unhustle.com/book#waitlist-form

  4. Oct 15

    S2 E17: The first step to being known | Solo

    Have you ever shared something personal with someone, only to walk away feeling like they didn’t really understand you? I’ve been thinking about what it means to be truly known, and why being seen and heard isn’t always enough. In this solo episode, I explore why we hold back from being vulnerable, how sharing the parts of ourselves we’re still figuring out can deepen our connections, and three ways to move beyond surface-level vulnerability. Because sometimes, the difference between being heard and being known is what we’re willing to let someone see. Connect with Claudia Instagram: @ourcorethingsSubstack: https://claudialeewingyan.substack.com/ Chapter Summary: 00:00 Navigating Emotions: A Personal Journey 04:05 Vulnerability and Emotional Connection 06:28 Permission to Share: Breaking Down Barriers 07:44 Introduction to Deep Vulnerability 09:16 Surface vs. Deep Vulnerability 10:44 The Role of Discernment in Sharing 11:21 Knowing Yourself to Be Known 11:21 Summary and Practical Steps 13:21 Exploring Deeper Vulnerability 13:21 The Importance of Self-Knowledge 13:21 Navigating Emotions: A Personal Journey 13:21 Permission to Share: Breaking Down Barriers 13:21 Exploring Deeper Vulnerability 13:21 The Importance of Self-Knowledge

  5. Oct 8

    S2 E16: How to love someone and still choose yourself with Celine Ivari

    In this episode, Celine Ivari, founder of wellness company Wholyme, and I explore what happens when we stop forcing what no longer feels aligned, and create space for something new.  We talk about the sustainability of self-care, external validation, the importance of luck and synchronicity in entrepreneurship, and the innerwork that creates ripple effects outside. If you’re in a period of reassessing what you really want in life, or navigating in-between season, this episode will remind you that the void doesn’t have to be feared. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- What You'll Learn in This Video:• How to define and practice authentic self-care beyond just symptom management.• The connection between your environment and your ability to grow.• Why falling apart is often the first step toward falling together in a better way.• The balance between logic, intuition, and divine timing in your career and relationships.• How to stop seeking external validation and start trusting your internal knowing.-----------------------------------------------------------------------➡️ Connect with ClaudiaInstagram: @ourcorethingsSubstack: https://substack.com/@claudialeewingyan➡️ Connect with Celine Ivari & WholymeCeline's Instagram: @celine_ivari Celine's Substack: https://celineivari.substack.com/Wholyme Instagram: @wholyme_officialWholyme Website: https://wholyme.com/

  6. Sep 24

    S2 E15: The first step towards self-acceptance | Solo

    What if self-acceptance isn’t about only embracing the parts of ourselves we like? In this solo episode, I explore what it means to confront our “shadow” the emotions and traits we often judge, hide or reject in ourselves, like envy, jealousy, anger, desire and resentment. I talk about how shadow work can help us understand where these reactions come from, become more conscious of our patterns, and ultimately develop a deeper sense of self-acceptance. I also share a personal example of a pattern I uncovered through shadow work, along with three journaling prompts to help you start exploring your own shadow. Consider this episode your shadow work 101. For the full list of journal prompts, head to my Substack article. Timestamps 00:00 Understanding Self-Acceptance vs. Self-Love 04:45 Exploring Shadow Work and Its Benefits 09:18 Journaling Prompts for Shadow Work Follow me 🍒 Instagram: @ourcorethings | @claudia1ee 📚 Substack: https://substack.com/@claudialeewingyan

  7. Sep 18

    S2 E14: How to move into radical alignment & start choosing yourself with Jenna Million

    What does it actually take to walk away from a stable career and follow your intuition? In this episode of Our Core Things, I talk with writer and creator Jenna Million (@thejennamillion) about her journey from public relations in Austin to radical alignment in New York City — and what she learned about self-trust, self-worth, and listening to your inner voice along the way.If you're navigating a career change, quarter-life crisis, or just feel like something in your life is misaligned, this conversation will meet you where you are 🤍–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––*What you’ll learn:*• What "radical alignment" really means (and her Dream Life To-Do List method)• Journaling prompts and self-trust practices that rebuild confidence• How to reclaim your energy from relationships that aren't reciprocal• Why growth doesn't have to mean giving up stability• Finding peace within yourself instead of waiting for external validation–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––🚨 SUBSCRIBE to Our Core Things for more conversations about identity, self-trust, creativity, and becoming more yourself.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Video Chapters*00:00 Introduction to Jenna Million and her journey01:55 The moment Jenna felt called to move to New York03:42 Understanding radical alignment and inner listening06:29 Tools Jenna uses for self-inquiry: journaling and reflection09:00 The role of surrender and active action in growth11:58 Following breadcrumbs and trusting the process15:30 What radical alignment means in Jenna's life now19:09 The importance of energy management and boundaries22:44 Self-trust as a muscle and daily practices27:02 Balancing stability and risk during transitions30:57 Lessons from Saturn return and astrology insights33:29 Manifestation, visualization, and feeling into your desires37:29 The impact of words and language on manifestation38:49 Practical self-care routines for inner peace43:03 Advice for younger self and embracing grace47:21 Closing thoughts and future intentions–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––*Connect with Jenna*Instagram: @thejennamillionSubstack: On Becoming by Jenna Million*Connect with Claudia*Instagram: @ourcorethings | @claudia1eeSubstack: Our Core Things by Claudia Lee–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––*Resources mentioned*• Bob Proctor Meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMF5h6HpxKk• Book: A Happy Pocket Full of Money, David Cameron Gikandi

  8. Sep 5

    S2 E.13: How Breast Cancer & Motherhood Changed This Entrepreneur’s Relationship With Herself | Samantha Ciaccia

    What happens when the life you’ve built forces you to slow down?In this episode of Our Core Things, I sit down with Samantha Ciaccia, kettlebell coach and founder of Bell Mechanics, to talk about entrepreneurship, breast cancer, motherhood, body image, and learning to trust and accept yourself during seasons of change.Sam shares her journey from working as a Physician Assistant in the emergency room to building Bell Mechanics, her kettlebell training and certification business. We also talk about how breast cancer and pregnancy changed her relationship with her body, her work, and what entrepreneurship really takes.If you’re building a fitness business, navigating a body transformation or simply learning to listen to yourself more closely, you’ll definitely be inspired by Sam’s story.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––What you’ll learn: How Sam built a successful kettlebell business after leaving the ERWhy passion can be more powerful than traditional marketingHow breast cancer and motherhood changed her relationship with her bodyWhy slowing down can actually create more clarityHow to let go of ‘shoulds’ and learn to trust what you need in each season🚨 SUBSCRIBE to *Our Core Things* for more conversations about identity, self-trust, creativity, and becoming more yourself.Note: There was a bit of a tech glitch at the beginning, but we fixed it after the intro – it happens 😭 Hope this won’t affect your podcast experience! –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Connect with Claudia Instagram: @ourcorethingsSubstack: https://substack.com/@claudialeewingyan Connect with SamInstagram:@sciaccia | @bell_mechanicsWebsite: https://www.bellmechanics.com/

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About

What if the life you’re creating isn’t the one you want? Hosted by writer, photographer & creator Claudia Lee, Our Core Things explores the gap between who we are, who we’ve been told to be, and what matters to us.Through intimate conversations and solo reflections, Claudia explores identity, self-trust, creativity, spirituality, ambition, relationships and the messy transitions that that we all face. This is for everyone who’s ever felt lost and out of alignment and thought: Wait, what actually matters to me? What do I actually want to do?

Information

  • Creator
    Claudia Lee
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Claudia Lee
  • Show Website
    Our Core Things