Who We Are with Rachel Lim

Rachel Lim
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  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
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Who We Are with Rachel Lim

Who we are is an ever-evolving journey without limits. Join the ever-curious Rachel Lim as she delves into every facet of our lives — from work and family to relationships, self-discovery, and beyond. Experience a series of conversations and shared reflections that span from in-depth discussions with thought leaders around the world, to personal lessons shared with friends. Each episode offers valuable insights into our identities and pathways to self-improvement. Welcome to Who We Are — a podcast devoted to the continuous journey of uncovering our ever-evolving selves.

  1. #34: The Courage to Start Over at 52 with Leo

    5 DAYS AGO

    #34: The Courage to Start Over at 52 with Leo

    Some stories carry more weight than others. This is one of them❤️‍🩹 When we sat down to reflect on 2024 and share our hopes for 2025, we had no idea just how deeply this conversation would unfold. Leo opened up about his journey of rebuilding; navigating change, rediscovering purpose, and finding the courage to start fresh in his 50s. We knew it would be emotional.. but in that moment, we were reminded of just how much strength and growth this season has brought. Life’s transitions are never easy, but they offer us a chance to redefine what truly matters. Letting go of what once defined us isn’t about loss; it’s about making space for something new. So many of us walk through seasons of reinvention, uncertainty, and self-discovery. If you’ve ever been in that space, we hope this conversation reminds you that you’re not alone. This is one of the most raw and heartfelt reflections we’ve shared - one that has shaped us deeply, and one we hope speaks to you, too. 00:26 Introduction: Welcome to 2025 01:23 Couple Q&A 01:43 Rachel and Leo’s 2025 Aspirations 04:14 Leo’s Big Announcement 08:17 Rachel’s 2025 Mission 10:26 The Power of Awe in Marriage 13:09 Navigating Depression as a Couple 17:34 Losing a Job After 25 Years: Grief, Identity & Reinvention 22:08 Finding Purpose in Closed Doors 29:47 Lessons From Our Kids That Changed Us 34:58 Leo’s Message to His Younger Self 36:25 Final Reflections Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/ Follow Leo here: https://www.instagram.com/mr_agleooleo/

    37 min
  2. #33: 2024 Reflections: The Lessons That Shaped Me

    12/30/2024

    #33: 2024 Reflections: The Lessons That Shaped Me

    As we close out 2024, I’m taking a moment to pause, reflect, and share the lessons that have shaped me this year - lessons about growth, grace, and becoming. In this wrap-up episode, I open up about navigating change, embracing challenges, and leaning into the questions that carried me through some of my hardest yet most transformative moments. From asking “What is this here to teach me?” to “How did I co-create this?”, I share the mindset shifts that helped me move through discomfort and uncertainty with more clarity and intention. I also take a look ahead to 2025 and share a powerful practice I’ll be trying - scripting. It’s a tool to help visualise and design the life you want to create, and I’ll guide you through how we can use it to set meaningful, aligned goals across every area of our lives. Whether you’re celebrating wins, navigating storms, or somewhere in between, this episode is an invitation to reflect deeply, dream boldly, and step into the new year with courage and purpose. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I can’t wait to see what 2025 holds for all of us.❤️ 00:00 Introduction  01:39 Rachel’s 2024 Lessons  03:19 Lesson 1: “What is this here to teach me?”  08:02 Lesson 2: “How did I co-create this?”  10:23 Reflections on Who We Are and CLOSER 15:10 The Art of Scripting for 2025  23:08 Final Reflections Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/

    26 min
  3. #32: ExtraOrdinary Journey: Building Hegen Together with Yvon & Leon Bock

    11/25/2024

    #32: ExtraOrdinary Journey: Building Hegen Together with Yvon & Leon Bock

    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

    56 min
  4. #31: Raising a Champion: Parenting Lessons From the Maeders

    11/04/2024

    #31: Raising a Champion: Parenting Lessons From the Maeders

    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/

    50 min
  5. #30: Defying Limits: Yip Pin Xiu’s Unseen Battles and Silent Strength

    10/28/2024

    #30: Defying Limits: Yip Pin Xiu’s Unseen Battles and Silent Strength

    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/

    41 min
  6. #29: Living Meaningfully in a Productivity-Obsessed World with Oliver Burkeman

    10/21/2024

    #29: Living Meaningfully in a Productivity-Obsessed World with Oliver Burkeman

    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

    32 min
  7. #28: The Science of Well-being with Top Psychiatrist Dr Anders Hansen

    10/14/2024

    #28: The Science of Well-being with Top Psychiatrist Dr Anders Hansen

    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

    27 min
  8. #27: A Survivor's Story of Cybersex Trafficking

    10/08/2024

    #27: A Survivor's Story of Cybersex Trafficking

    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/

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Who we are is an ever-evolving journey without limits. Join the ever-curious Rachel Lim as she delves into every facet of our lives — from work and family to relationships, self-discovery, and beyond. Experience a series of conversations and shared reflections that span from in-depth discussions with thought leaders around the world, to personal lessons shared with friends. Each episode offers valuable insights into our identities and pathways to self-improvement. Welcome to Who We Are — a podcast devoted to the continuous journey of uncovering our ever-evolving selves.

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