Small Girl, Big Talk

Wendy Vaz

Welcome to Small Girl, Big Talk – where real conversations meet personal growth. Hosted by Wendy Vaz, this podcast dives into life’s challenges, from overcoming imposter syndrome to navigating relationships, self-care, and creative entrepreneurship. With solo episodes, guest interviews, and mini-series like Wedding Diaries, every conversation feels like a heart-to-heart with a friend. Whether you're on the go or unwinding, join us to embrace your journey and thrive. Music by massobeats: https://soundcloud.com/beatsbymasso

  1. May 22

    75. She Quit Her Engineering Job to Sell Ice Cream | ft. Genevia Chin from Wonkie Ice-Cream

    What does it actually take to leave a comfortable life behind and build something from scratch? In this episode, I sat down with my friend Genevia, the founder of Wonkie Ice Cream in Penang, for a conversation that was packed with SO MUCH wisdom 🤯 On the surface, it's a story about a girl who quit her engineering job in Singapore to sell ice cream; but when we really dived deep into the real journey… We talked about how it’s all about learning to trust yourself, dealing with imposter syndrome, figuring out who you are when you step outside the identity you've always known, and building something that actually feels like you. We got into: — why feeling miserable in a "good" job is information worth listening to— how she went from home deliveries during MCO to running a full storefront— why imposter syndrome is actually a signal (not a stop sign)— what pitching to investors taught her about the rational vs. emotional mind— the "lazy entrepreneur" approach to systems and delegation— and the one question she asks herself every time fear shows up This one's for anyone who's been sitting on a dream and waiting for the right moment. 🌼 Work with me: https://coaching.wendyvaz.com/ 🌻 Newsletter: https://wendyvaz.substack.com/ About Genevia: Genevia is the founder of Wonkie Ice Cream, an ex-engineer who traded formulas for flavours and sees ice cream as a blank canvas for curiosity, creativity, and connection. Through Wonkie, she’s building a world that inspires people to explore life with more playfulness and courage, one unexpected scoop at a time. 🍦 Genevia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geneviachin/ 🍨 Wonkie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wonkieicecream TIMESTAMP: 0:00 intro – meet Genevia & Wonkie Ice Cream 1:27 how we met in 2019 - the start of Genevia’s entrepreneurship journey 2:36 her corporate life in Singapore & why she was miserable 5:03 the phone call to her mom that changed everything 6:11 why she never even thought about finding another job 7:05 following joy as a compass before she even quit 8:47 does running a business kill the passion? 10:28 delegate what doesn't spark joy 11:21 the moments she almost broke down 12:29 burnout, mindfulness & her morning routine 15:08 the identity shift: corporate girl to business owner 15:54 imposter syndrome is a signal, not a stop sign 19:42 why she chooses action over overthinking 20:45 pitching to investors & opening the storefront 23:12 selling the dream vs. knowing your numbers 24:39 when people question your vision, don't take it personally 26:41 finding the right mentor for where you are 28:46 feminine energy in business – inside out 31:34 the lazy entrepreneur's guide to SOPs 34:02 releasing the guilt of stepping back from your own business 36:13 what's next for Genevia 39:89 advice for anyone with a dream: what's the worst that could happen? 41:16 closing thoughts – make the unknown known 🌼 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyvazzy 👻 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wendyvazzy For sponsorship and collaboration: hello@wendyvaz.com

    43 min
  2. Apr 10

    74. Becoming Her Starts Before You Feel Ready | ft. Nicole Koke & Rae Fung

    In this episode, i sat down in my living room with my friends, Nicole from Canada and Rae from Singapore, for an honest conversation about our shared journey as creators and entrepreneurs. We talked about manifestation (in a practical, non-fluffy way), what it really takes to step into a version of yourself you haven't fully become yet, and why so many of us are waiting for permission that was never ours to ask for in the first place. if you've ever felt like you're not ready, not qualified, not enough yet to go after what you actually want — this one's for you. We got into: why showing all of yourself online attracts better people than niching down ever willwhat manifestation actually looks like when you strip away the aestheticsNicole's journey from shy introvert to confident creator (and what actually shifted)why your confidence matters more than your credentialshow to use your voice even when you're scaredand why becoming her starts way before you feel readyIf you've been in a season of reinvention, trying to build confidence, use your voice more boldly, or step into your next-level self — I think this conversation will really resonate with you. 🌼 Work with me: https://coaching.wendyvaz.com/ 🌻 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://wendyvaz.substack.com/ About Rae: Rae has been shifting the energy of rooms since she was 15 — as an emcee, speaker, and coach. Her career proves that "too young, too short, too inexperienced" are just stereotypes that don't have to limit you. Rae doesn't just teach you how to speak, she guides purpose-driven leaders to align their inner and outer voice to create a presence that's impossible to ignore. 📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raematrix/ 🎙️ Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/oyvpod 🎓 Free Training: https://www.raefung.com/instant-access-webinar About Nicole: Nicole is a YouTuber, coach, and entrepreneur on a mission to help 9-5ers build a side hustle and dream life beyond their jobs. She integrates Buddhist philosophy and ancient health and wellness practices into her work and everyday life.▶️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@itsnicolesyk 📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnicolesyk 🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/that-confident-creator/id1674637666 Timestamps: 0:00:00 intro – meeting friends from the internet & authentic connections 0:02:33 why putting yourself online attracts aligned people 0:05:15 why authenticity matters more in the age of AI 0:06:30 building genuine community through shared values 0:07:20 manifestation, spirituality & attracting your people 0:12:50 how to write/speak authentically and attract alignment 0:14:45 balancing creativity, intuition & business strategy 0:16:00 the artist trap: why beautiful content doesn't always convert 0:17:15 why failure is necessary for identity shifts 0:18:11 how manifestation actually works beyond positive thinking 0:18:36 visualizing your future identity clearly - Rae's vision 0:23:10 Nicole's journey from shy introvert to confident creator 0:25:10 it's okay to pivot - Wendy's change in vision 0:28:41 small courageous steps build self-confidence 0:33:58 anything worth creating has risks - the sacrifices along the way 0:41:54 dealing with parent's objection in an unconventional path 0:48:13 fear and anxiety in the early stages of entrepreneurship 0:51:55 your dreams are delusions if you're not practical with money and strategy 0:55:21 thoughts and beliefs that guided Nicole's identity shifts 0:58:52 our human tendency to focus on negative thoughts 1:00:45 say yes first, figure it out later mindset 1:03:14 main character energy and lucky girl syndrome 1:04:04 an easy way to approach surrendering 1:06:50 using your voice even when you're scared 1:10:35 final reflections & where to find Rae + Nicole For Sponsorship and Collaboration: hello@wendyvaz.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:🧡 SGBT Instagram: @smallgirlbigtalk🌼 Wendy's Instagram: @wendyvazzy💛 Wendy's Tiktok: @wendyvazzy

    1h 17m
  3. Feb 28

    73. Why I Resisted Calling Myself a Coach (And What Finally Changed) | Rebuilding Life in 30s

    There’s something I haven’t openly talked about for a long time — why I resisted calling myself a coach. In this episode, I’m sharing the honest behind-the-scenes of what the last few months have looked like as I’ve been rebuilding my identity, my work, and my direction in this season of life. Identity shifts aren’t clean or linear, especially in our 30s when career, finances, and relationships all feel intertwined. I talk about doing the work before feeling ready, the resistance I felt stepping into this next version of myself, and the realiSations that changed how I see growth, consistency, and aligned action. If you’re in a phase where you know something is changing — but you can’t fully name it yet — this conversation might feel very familiar. Toward the end, I also share the 4 pillars behind my identity shift coaching work and who it’s really for. If you’ve been quietly feeling the nudge to rebuild, realign, or step into something bigger… this episode is for you. 🌼 Work with me: https://coaching.wendyvaz.com/ 🌻 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://wendyvaz.substack.com/ Timestamp: 0:00 intro — why i resisted calling myself a coach 0:46 identity shifts are always a work in progress 2:43 rebuilding life and identity in your 30s 3:45 this season’s focus: career, finances & relationships 4:40 the biggest questions during an identity shift (who am i becoming & how do i make money?) 5:41 what happened after i quit my job 7:19 doing the work before you feel ready 7:46 honest reflection after 4 months of showing up consistently 8:43 when consistency keeps you stuck in the wrong direction 10:23 how growth compounds when you stay committed 11:15 aligned action vs forced productivity 12:08 why i resisted calling myself a coach 15:50 what finally changed for me 17:45 are you hiding from your next level? 19:10 the 4 pillars behind my identity shift coaching framework 23:01 invitation to work with me For Sponsorship and Collaboration: hello@wendyvaz.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:🧡 SGBT Instagram: @smallgirlbigtalk🌼 Wendy's Instagram: @wendyvazzy💛 Wendy's Tiktok: @wendyvazzy

    24 min
  4. Feb 12

    72. Why 'Just Start' Advice Doesn't Work for Women in Their 30s and 40s

    If the advice to “just start” actually worked… we all would’ve done something by now, right? In this episode, we’re talking about why so many women in their 30s and 40s feel stuck, and why it’s not because you’re lazy, unmotivated, or scared. We talk about the different types of stuck-ness and why change feels heavier when you’re older compared to your 20s. I also share about the 4 pillars that helped me move forward, and why I believe it’ll help you move forward too. If you’ve been feeling behind, overwhelmed, or frustrated with yourself, you have to watch this now. 🌼 Apply for 1-on-1 Coaching with me now: https://coaching.wendyvaz.com/ TIMESTAMP: 0:00 intro – you’re not lazy or scared, you’re just stuck 0:58 the three types of feeling stuck 1:05 “i don’t know what i want” 1:49 “i know what i want but i can’t move” 2:39 “i want too many things at once” 4:10 changing in your 20s vs your 30s 5:01 why the stakes feel higher now 6:21 invisible responsibilities women carry 7:30 the evidence you’ve collected that says you’re not enough 8:27 4 pillars to break out of feeling stuck 9:40 mind: shifting mindset & building mental resilience 10:40 body: nervous system safety before action 11:32 systems: small sustainable steps that actually work 13:06 community: why you can’t do this alone 14:11 reflection homework for next week 16:20 outro + working together If you liked this video, you might also enjoy: When Did Wanting More in Life Start Feeling Wrong? | Life in Your 30s - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UPCJhCJNKsSPlGFVtlp60?si=fe98b407e58b412bImposter Syndrome Stopping You from Achieving Your Goals | It's Not Mindset—It’s Your Nervous System - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6dZd61OuVLwsKG7ldeKdcp?si=7a11e013d7a64cfdDeclutter Your Life: Reset Your Space, Mind, and Goals - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2iZFhIRpzwdM8649mk1Sgw?si=a96a4a4bb17b4738Your Comfort Zone Is Quietly Stealing Your Life - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3acxsda6ddvygx89eAyIbp?si=6bac058822694c42Follow for more:🎬 Follow me on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@WendyVaz/🌻 Subscribe to my newsletter - https://wendyvaz.substack.com/🌼 Follow me on IG & TikTok: @wendyvazzy For Sponsorship and Collaboration: hello@wendyvaz.com

    18 min
  5. Feb 5

    71. When Did Wanting More in Life Start Feeling Wrong? | Life in Your 30s

    Lately, I’ve been thinking about how the desire to grow, change, or dream bigger somehow gets heavier as we get older — especially in our 30s. The expectations, the timelines, the pressure to “have it all figured out”… it can make you feel selfish or unrealistic for wanting something different at this age. In this episode, we talk about why life doesn’t move in a straight line, how everyone’s timeline looks different, and why it’s actually okay to want more no matter where you’re at right now. I share real-life reflections, the fear of taking risks, and what it means to choose yourself without guilt. Consider this episode your permission slip to want more in life, and to put your own needs first 🧡 🌼 Book a 1-on-1 Call with me now: https://coaching.wendyvaz.com/ TIMESTAMP: 0:00 intro – when did wanting more start feeling wrong 1:23 why wanting more gets harder as we get older 1:32 expectations of life in your 30s 2:53 appreciating life but feeling pressure to achieve 4:39 life isn’t linear (and that’s okay) 5:17 real life examples of different timelines 7:31 it’s never too late to change direction 8:37 playing it safe vs taking the risk 9:06 feeling selfish for choosing yourself 11:27 seasons of giving vs receiving 12:35 it’s okay to want more in life 14:05 dreaming big but responsibly 15:35 your permission slip to want more 17:16 outro If you liked this video, you might also enjoy: Imposter Syndrome Stopping You from Achieving Your Goals | It's Not Mindset—It’s Your Nervous System -https://open.spotify.com/episode/6dZd61OuVLwsKG7ldeKdcp?si=7a11e013d7a64cfd Declutter Your Life: Reset Your Space, Mind, and Goals - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2iZFhIRpzwdM8649mk1Sgw?si=a96a4a4bb17b4738Your Comfort Zone Is Quietly Stealing Your Life - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3acxsda6ddvygx89eAyIbp?si=6bac058822694c42Follow for more:🎬 Follow me on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@WendyVaz/🌻 Subscribe to my newsletter - https://wendyvaz.substack.com/🌼 Follow me on IG & TikTok: @wendyvazzy For Sponsorship and Collaboration: hello@wendyvaz.com

    18 min
  6. Jan 27

    70. do it slow, do it imperfect, showing up on low energy days

    Hello friends! The past couple weeks had been awful for me health-wise, but I’m glad to be back just to catch up with you! In this short, casual chat, I’m easing back into connecting with you and sharing what this slower season of life has been teaching me. We talk about why there’s never a perfect time to show up, how I’m learning to embrace low energy days (specifically around my menstrual cycle), and why slow progress is still real progress. I share some personal life updates, how I’m finding myself again lately, and even the little things like decluttering and fresh flowers that really reminded me of the fragility of life. Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to feel ready, motivated, or perfect to start showing up for yourself. Sometimes growth looks like moving slowly, resting intentionally, and doing things imperfectly anyway. 🌼 Book a 1-on-1 Call with me now: https://coaching.wendyvaz.com/ TIMESTAMP: 0:00 — intro: easing back into showing up 0:42 — there’s never a perfect time to start 1:23 — low energy days & active rest (menstrual phase chat) 2:55 — slow is smooth, smooth is fast (trusting the process) 3:27 — podcast updates for this new season 4:55 — finding myself again lately 6:13 — decluttering for a fresh start 7:14 — why fresh flowers make me feel grounded 8:32 — the real message: show up even when you don’t feel like it 9:49 — embracing low energy as an extrovert 10:37 — outro If you liked this video, you might also enjoy: • Declutter Your Life: Reset Your Space, Mind, and Goals - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2iZFhIRpzwdM8649mk1Sgw?si=a96a4a4bb17b4738 • Your Comfort Zone Is Quietly Stealing Your Life - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3acxsda6ddvygx89eAyIbp?si=6bac058822694c42 Follow for more:🎬 Follow me on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@WendyVaz/🌻 Subscribe to my newsletter - https://wendyvaz.substack.com/🌼 Follow me on IG & TikTok: @wendyvazzy For Sponsorship and Collaboration: hello@wendyvaz.com #progressnotperfect #imperfectaction #slowliving #intentionalgrowth

    11 min
  7. 12/04/2025

    69: Imposter Syndrome is Stopping You from Achieving Your Goals (It’s More Than a Mindset Problem — It’s Your Nervous System)

    Book a 1-on-1 Call with me now: https://coaching.wendyvaz.com/ If you’ve been feeling stuck, unqualified, or like you’re “not ready yet,” this episode is for you. I’ve been coaching and talking about imposter syndrome a lot lately—not just the classic mindset stuff, but how deeply it’s connected to your nervous system, your sense of safety, and the way you trust yourself. Most of us try to fix imposter syndrome by learning more, improving more, or looking outward for validation… but the real work starts inside your body. In this episode, I’m breaking down how self-doubt shows up in your nervous system, why your brain keeps looping insecurity, and how you can slowly rebuild that inner trust again. I also share practical tools like somatic slowing-down practices, journaling prompts, and what helped me personally as an entrepreneur who didn’t feel “ready” or “qualified” for most of the things I do today. We’ll talk about: Why imposter syndrome is a nervous system issue, not just a mindset issueHow to calm your body so you can make decisions from clarityWhat self-trust actually looks like in real lifeA few honest updates about my podcast, my business, and why I’m not doing weekly episodes anymoreIf you’re someone who’s always doubting yourself, waiting to feel “ready,” or struggling to own your work… I hope this episode helps you take one step closer to trusting your voice. If you liked this video, you might also enjoy: • Beyond Imposter Syndrome - Finding Your Identity & Building Confidence - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6bAL3Qi5GZEgQpNWkZe6SS?si=6b8ca6c02b3d4d5b • imposter syndrome: how to stop feeling like a fraud and be confident - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0j7m71XIuJsShFPwsmufjL?si=da70215e162948d4 • Stop Living on Autopilot: Your Wake-Up Call - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1S437CxFCiiZbfGYofrUOm?si=c8891d86569e460f • Declutter Your Life: Reset Your Space, Mind, and Goals - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2iZFhIRpzwdM8649mk1Sgw?si=a96a4a4bb17b4738 • Your Comfort Zone Is Quietly Stealing Your Life - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3acxsda6ddvygx89eAyIbp?si=6bac058822694c42 Follow for more:🎬 Follow me on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@WendyVaz/🌻 Subscribe to my newsletter - https://wendyvaz.substack.com/🌼 Follow me on IG & TikTok: @wendyvazzy For Sponsorship and Collaboration: hello@wendyvaz.com #impostersyndrome #nervoussystemregulation #selftrust #mindsetshift

    23 min
  8. 10/24/2025

    68. Are Comedians Actually Depressed? Death, Grief, and Comedy ft. Kuah Jenhan

    Are comedians really just depressed people hiding behind humour? I sat down with Malaysian comedian Kuah Jenhan to talk about the real side of comedy: dealing with grief, performing days after losing his dad, and why death is actually hilarious. This conversation went deeper than expected. We talked about his 20-year journey in Malaysian standup, how social media is changing comedy, and his show about his late father that he rewrote after almost a decade. If you've ever wondered what comedians are really like off stage, or why the funniest people seem to carry the heaviest stories - this one's for you. 🎭 ABOUT KUAH JENHAN:Kuah Jenhan is a Malaysian stand-up comedian with nearly 20 years in the scene. He's known for his narrative-driven comedy style, sharp storytelling, and his ability to make heavy topics like death genuinely entertaining. Recently grew his social media following from 5K to 18.6K in 1.5 years. 📍 Catch his show "Like This, Like Dad": Penang: November 8, 2025KL: November 14-15, 2025London: November 27, 2025🎟️ Get tickets: http://kuahjenhan.com/tickets📱 Follow Jenhan: https://www.instagram.com/kuahjenhan/ 📌 TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - intro 1:00 - meet Kuah Jenhan: 20 years in Malaysian comedy 4:10 - social media changed comedy forever (crowd work era) 6:38 - “That Show” with Ming Yue 9:20 - are comedians actually depressed? 11:11 - comedians and mental health: breaking the stereotype 13:10 - writing a show about his late father (15 years later) 15:40 - rewriting "Like This, Like Dad" after a 9-year gap 20:07 - why death is actually funny (mourners and crematoriums) 22:36 - Wendy thought she'd die in her 20s (living with no plan) 25:06 - what "Like This, Like Dad" is really about 25:57 - how has death and grieving changed Jenhan’s view about life 29:41 - Jenhan’s thought process in crafting "Like This, Like Dad" 31:38 - performing days after his dad passed away 33:33 - comedy as a form of art 35:01 - the struggle with social media as a comedian 36:34 - going from 5K to 18.6K followers in 1.5 years 40:20 - social media as a new art form to master 46:28 - personality on stage and off stage 47:45 - upcoming shows: Penang, KL, London 49:23 - final message: go watch live comedy shows in Malaysia 🎙️ ABOUT SMALL GIRL BIG TALK:Small Girl, Big Talk is where real conversations meet personal growth. Hosted by Wendy Vaz, this podcast explores the highs and lows of adulthood—from overcoming imposter syndrome to balancing relationships, self-care, and big life changes like weddings and entrepreneurship. Through solo reflections and guest interviews, Wendy offers heartfelt insights and practical advice to help you thrive. Subscribe for more authentic conversations that make you think and feel. FOLLOW ME FOR MORE:🌻 My Newsletter - https://wendyvaz.substack.com/🌼 Wendy's Instagram - https://instagram.com/wendyvazzy💛 Wendy's Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wendyvazzy🧡 SGBT Instagram - https://instagram.com/smallgirlbigtalk For Sponsorship and Collaboration: hello@wendyvaz.com #KuahJenhan #MalaysianComedian #StandUpComedy #PodcastInterview

    53 min

About

Welcome to Small Girl, Big Talk – where real conversations meet personal growth. Hosted by Wendy Vaz, this podcast dives into life’s challenges, from overcoming imposter syndrome to navigating relationships, self-care, and creative entrepreneurship. With solo episodes, guest interviews, and mini-series like Wedding Diaries, every conversation feels like a heart-to-heart with a friend. Whether you're on the go or unwinding, join us to embrace your journey and thrive. Music by massobeats: https://soundcloud.com/beatsbymasso