Lounging with Leonie

Look who is finally on the lounge in the flesh! In this episode, I'm joined by my friend Rachel as we discuss the important topics in life *ahem* BTS, BLACKPINK, V dating Jennie, South Korea and what the future has in store for the both of us.In this episode:BTS Yet To Come in Busan and Run BTSThe rumours that BTS V and BLACKPINK Jennie are datingBLACKPINK and their sexual innuendosTurning 30 and high school friendshipsLiving life with uncertaintyLiving life with a hustling anxietyLooking for stability in a new decade of lifeFinancial stability and creating an aquaponics farmMainstream teenage phases of Twilight and the Jonas BrothersSee ya in South Korea!

This episode touches briefly on themes of self-harm, mental health struggles and suicide.Navigating your 20s can be a massive challenge - it's when you're coming out of school and emerging into the real world. It's a time when you're trying to figure out who you are and what you want to do in life... and sometimes it doesn't always go smoothly. I'm joined by Daniel Varrica, who I had the privilege of connecting with through the UTS Mentorship program and who has recently decided to pivot his career after a self-proclaimed 'quarter-life crisis' aka a period of change in life.In this episode:The 20s is when you're figuring out lifeA job shouldn't just be a jobThe 3 P's. - People, Passion and PayOn losing friendshipsLearning to trust the processThe hustle life isn't for everyone, and that's okIs social media setting unrealistic expectations of life?Where to find motivationStoicism and learning acceptancePlanning and flexibility in reaching goalsFinding your ikigaiDrugs and navigating a mental health crisisGratitude for connections and networksIntroversion and the power of silenceFollow Daniel on Instagram!@danthe_cameraman

Bonus episode. Thought this might work as an audio podcast. I'm entering a new decade of my life, so taking a little time to reflect on some of the pivotal moments I had in my 20s. I dive into some of the clusterfuck of experiences I've had including all the heartache and loss, mental health issues, career crisis and finding my identity. All the things that are part of growing up :)

What do you do when you need to physically defend yourself? I'm joined by personal trainer and my kickboxing trainer David Lam! We explore the world of martial arts and fitness.In this episode:The different types of martial artsWhy do people love watching each other fight?Choosing the right martial arts for youA good teacher makes a big differenceMartial arts and self-defence3 moves to do when you need to defend yourselfViolence against men by womenRock climbingBest martial arts for kidsBrazilian Jiu JitsuBoxingTraining my trainerAdvice for people wanting to start their fitness journeyFinding the right tribe

I'm joined by musical guest and producer of my smash hit 'Climate change is killing the polar bears', Mr Polar Bear. We discuss how the song came about and the production process. We also have an impromptu musical jam session to vent about the state of the world.In this episode:Reacting to the first draft of my music videoThe song writing and production processWhy is lettuce so expensive?Song 1: Why are we so lazy Pt.1Song 2: Why are we so lazy Pt.2Song 3: Why are we so greedy?Song 4: It's hard to be happyIs convenience making us lazy and dumb?The cost of livingShould petrol prices be more expensive to push the shift to renewable energy?Can wildlife adapt to the changing climateBad news being more newsworthyClimate sceptics and conspiracy theoristsChaos brings opportunity to the rich

Life has been busy! Busy but good! But also, I'm feeling as though I am on a trajectory towards burning out. So, how does one deal with burn out? Big Brother and I discuss how to manage time and prioritise tasks... and we also take a detour into space.In this episode:What's causing the burn outStreamlining and prioritising tasksDo you feel fulfilled or burdened?How to manage energy levelsPracticing gratitude during hardshipA little peak into my Tinder Scam experience...Leaving behind my 20sElon Musk and his super geneticsState of the Environment and the meat industryJames Webb telescopeReflecting on my podcastUsing humour to deal with lifeWhat is Big Brother grateful for?What is Leonie grateful for?Public speaking and presentingLightyears and space - we are but a speck in this world

There's been some massive announcements since my last podcast episode about BTS (방탄소년단)! My friend and fellow BTS ARMY Rachel, discuss the big news about BTS and their "hiatus" aka "break" to focus on solo projects. In this episode:BTS Word Association GameInitial thoughts on BTS 'Yet To Come'Hopes for world tourThoughts on their solo projectsReview of For Youth and Run BTSWho's solo project are we looking forward to most?Jimin's absThe BTS Festa Dinner and hiatus announcementWhich member would be most successful as a solo artist?Western media clickbait reaction to BTS breaking upWill BTS be exempt from military service?Namjoon calling out the K-Pop industryDynamite, Butter and Permission to Dance eraBTS Announcement causing HYBE stocks to crashASMR Snack: Spicy Potato Crisp (Leonie) and Special K Cereal (Rachel)P.S. This episode was filmed before J-Hope released his new tracks and album!

This episode is a bit of an internal monologue with Big Brother as I question what the point is of doing anything. I have been struggling a little bit with motivation when it comes to my side projects, and also feeling overwhelmed with all the things that I want to do but seem to be unable to achieve. But such is life :) I'm ok.In this episode:Taking a mental health breakMy plans to write a bookLosing creative motivationIs my podcast a failure?What is successThe need for social validationHow to discipline the mindHow to choosing what to focus onPersonal and professional reputationConnecting emotion with functionPrivilege and selfishnessASMRASMR Snack: Baklava by Abla's Pastries

Annyeong! We're continuing #2022BTSFESTA month with the legendary media host, Andy Trieu. Andy Trieu is a content creator, media personality, actor and martial artist... and he's interviewed the biggest K-Pop stars in the world, including BTS, Stray Kids, ATEEZ, Jay Park and more!I pick his brains on how he finds the confidence to interview such big celebrities in front of the camera and of course, his experience meeting BTS.In this episode:Who is Andy's BTS bias?How he started interviewing K-Pop starsHis experience meeting and interviewing BTSFirst impression of the boysHow he approaches interviewing large groupsMemorable interviews with Jay Park, BTS and moreBeing starstruck meeting Simu LiuBeing a martial art stunt performer for Disney's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten RingsOn his career from actor to media presenterHow he combats imposter syndromeOn the Asian music industryASMR Snack: Some sort of Chinese Yam Chip thing and Orion O! Karto cream and cheese flavour chips.P.S This episode was filmed just before they announced their plans to focus on their solo work! I have many thoughts, feelings and emotions about this which will be discussed in my next episode, coming out 3rd July. Stay tuned!

Happy BTS FESTA 2022! It's June which means it's BTS (방탄소년단) month, so it would be madness for me not to discuss BTS on my podcast. BTS is set to release their first anthology album 'PROOF' on June 10, and we're getting some new songs. I am joined by my long-time friend and fellow BTS Army, Rachel. Keeping in mind that this episode was filmed before BTS announced that their new album would be an anthology! In this episode:How we got into BTSHow BTS has sparked creativity and joyBTS teaching people to love themselvesFavourite songs - GoGoFavourite songs - Young ForeverFavourite songs - MikrokosmosFavourite songs - TearFavourite songs - Magic ShopBTS Army and the fandomBTS' impact on the music industryThoughts on the new albumThe future of BTS pending their mandatory military enlistmentWho are our BTS bias?ASMR Snack: Boba Tea Mochi (Leonie) and Chocolate Digestives (Rachel).

What does it take to break the bamboo ceiling and become a leader as an Asian minority?What does it take to break the bamboo ceiling and become a leader as an Asian minority?I'm joined by Dai Le, who has just won the seat of Fowler in the Australian Federal Election as an independent! She is also the Deputy Mayor of Fairfield City Council. Dai has an impressive life story, coming to Australia as a refugee from Vietnam when she was a child, starting a career as a journalist and now representing her community in the political sphere.She shares her insights and words of inspiration on how we can overcome our own biases and work towards a better world.In this episode: IntroDai's journey from Vietnam to Australia as a refugeeOn the war in UkraineWould the world be a better place if led by women?Her experience as a refugee in AustraliaRacism in schoolHer career as an 'ethnic' journalistGetting into politicsDoes one vote matter in a system that's failing?Western Sydney is being neglectedAsian women in leadership rolesHow to unify a world that's so dividedASMR Snack: Calbee Honey Butter Chips (허니버터칩) Note: I recorded this episode when Dai announced she was running as an independent candidate for the seat of Fowler in the Australian Federal election... and since then, she's won! A massive congratulations to Dai! I can't wait to see the amazing things she does in parliament representing Fowler and it's diverse people.

A bit of a different vibe this episode as I lounge by myself and talk with the voice of Big Brother. I reflect on my podcast journey so far and look forward to the topics that I'm excited to talk about in the future, including mental health, Asian identity and of course... BTS.In this episode:Reflecting on my podcast so farWhat I've learnt from doing the podcastWhat I want to do for the future of the podcastMental health and the stigma in Asian communitiesBTS and Asian identity in the WestCreating new categories for Asians at award showsWhite washing and yellow feverThe impact of racial and cultural narratives in mediaPlanning to go to South Korea this yearThank you for the support!ASMR Snack: Coconut Tea. Lol. Sorry. Not exciting.

Studying abroad is one of the greatest experiences in life. You get to meet new people, explore new cultures and learn new languages.In this episode, I'm joined by Moe Moe Myintzue Aye, who was an international student from Burma studying in Sydney, Australia. We discuss the experience of being an international student and living in a foreign country.In this episode:School system in Burma vs AustraliaThe Asian culture of "Saving Face"Cultural differences between Burma and AustraliaMaking friends as an international studentRacial discrimination and sexismBiggest challenges living abroadFinancial support - how much do international students pay?Advice for graduatesBurmese food

Climbing has become an increasingly popular sport for women. In this episode, I'm joined by Sophia and Geli (who briefed me in for my first ever indoor climbing session), and we discuss girls who climb, amongst many other weird and awkward things.Brace yourselves, this episode is a doozy.In this episode:The link between music, climbing and intelligenceFemale climber having to be more "creative" than male climbersClimbing competitions and injuriesRope climbing vs boulderingPerforming on stage as an introvertFilipino stereotypes (and food)Geli's shirtSharing boys and ding dongs

Rock climbing and bouldering are becoming extremely popular sports. But what's the link between climbing and mental health? And how does it improve discipline in our lives? This episode, I'm joined by Chew Wei Chieh, Climbing Performance Coach and Co-Founder of Grit Climbing.We discuss:The impact of COVID-19 had on the climbing communityIndoor climbing vs outdoor climbingClimbing in the olympicsFemale vs Male climbersHow climbing helps mental health Being in the Singaporean military and the discipline learnedHis journey to becoming a climbing coachAdvice for climbersAsians becoming big players in climbingClimbings gyms are the new Tinder

Climate change is putting the pressure on our communities and societies - is there any hope for the future? This episode, I'm joined by Jasmine Ledger to discuss the environment and everything it encompasses, including climate change, animals, David Attenborough, Greta Thunberg, future generations and the link between educating women and saving the planet.

Most of our life is spent working - and how many people are actually passionate about their work? In this episode I'm joined by Sam Chan, an interview and resume coach to discuss career choices, imposter syndrome, Asians in the workplace, Asians in leadership roles, discrimination, work-life balance and more.

Ah, the wonderful world of Tinder dating.  In this episode I'm joined by fellow singleton Reuel Teodoro as we discuss the struggles when it comes to dating, the different experiences of males and females on dating apps, whether being codependent is toxic and what truly makes a good relationship work.

It's the pilot episode of Lounging with Leonie! In this episode, I'm joined by Italian Stallion and self-confessed "Minor TV celebrity in disgrace", Ramon Mazinga. I pick his brains about doing podcasts, social anxiety and overcoming challenges.I also might have a panic attack...

Get excited! Get ready! Get pumped! It's time to lounge with Leonie. Pilot episode coming on the 30th of January.