PODCAST · society
Timezone Talks
by Timezone Talks
Hey! We're two best friends from Shanghai in our mid-twenties, half a world apart, trading stories across time zones. We blend corporate deadlines with everyday daydreams - from career highs to the realities of day-to-day life. Raised in Shanghai, we bring our third culture lens to the funny, messy, and real parts of life. Tune in for honest convos, laughs, and a little long-distance bestie energy.
Episodes
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48. Rating classic life advice in your 20s
Everyone has heard the classic life advice: get more sleep, wear sunscreen, start investing early, take more photos, and look after your body. But how much of it do we actually follow? In Part 1 of this series, we're putting some of the most common life advice to the test by rating each one. We...
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47. He's a 10 but He... (Part 2, + Friendship Version)
In this episode, we round out our "he's a 10 but he..." questions and throw in a few friendship ones for good measure. As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected]
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46. 2026 Mid-Year Review
With the first half of 2026 behind us, we discuss the highs and lows of our year so far and what we're looking forward to. As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected]
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45. He's a 10 but He...
Timezone Talks plays the viral game of "He's a 10 but he...". Tune in for some fun banter and figure out what our taste in men is like. As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected]
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44. Are You a Hoarder… or Just Prepared?
Where's the line between being prepared and being a hoarder? In the grand finale of "we have moved!!", we unpack the many forms of hoarding that we have discovered as part of moving, from sentimental keepsakes and "just in case" items to digital clutter and the growing pile of cables, boxes, and...
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43. Our thoughts on AI (as laymen)
This week, we talk about our thoughts on AI as people who do not work in the field nor are experts. Just a couple of girls who use AI for work and day-to-day on their gripes on AI and how it is affecting us. As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected]
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42. What's in the Cabinet? A Supplement Deep Dive
This week, we talk about supplements: our current and past routines (or in Angelin's case, a lack thereof). As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected]
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41. Job Non-Negotiables: Salary, Stability, or Sanity?
In this episode, we get into our biggest non-negotiables when it comes to work: salary, flexibility, culture, growth, reputation, and whether a good manager can completely change a job experience. No longer fresh graduates, we talk about how our career priorities have shifted with experience and...
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40. Current Obsessions: Media & Habits (Part 2)
Welcome back to part 2 of our current obsessions! In this episode, we talk about recent media favorites, from TV shows, to YouTube, to podcasts. We (mostly Claudia) then go on a spiel of voluntary and involuntary habits that set up a day for success (it's related to obsessions and is not as out...
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39. Current Obsessions: Food & Music (Part 1)
Are you the type to casually enjoy things... or become obsessed with them? In the first part of this two-part conversation on current obsessions, we discuss Claudia's cyclical food hyperfixations (and Angelin's lack thereof), Claudia's (also cyclical) music taste, and Angelin's renewed passion…
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38. Would You Pay for Nostalgia?
From Hannah Montana turning 20 to brands bringing back everything we grew up with, nostalgia is everywhere. But how much are we actually willing to pay for the thing? We get into whether nostalgia gets stronger as you get older, if it’s about the object or the moment in life, and whether we’re…
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37. Spring Wardrobe Refresh: Elevating Casual (Part 2)
We’re back with part 2 of our spring wardrobe refresh, and this time, it’s less “cleaning out” and more “who am I trying to be??” Claudia is deep in her minimal chic but still comfy but also cute for everything era... which sounds simple until you realize her closet currently says otherwise. We…
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36. Spring Wardrobe Refresh: Nothing to Wear, Somehow (Part 1)
Spring has sprung! Claudia’s hit the “I have nothing to wear” wall - both for work and going out - and it’s the perfect storm of a recent move and a new season. This week, we’re getting into wardrobe refreshes, closet cleanouts, and figuring out what actually deserves space in your closet. From...
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35. The MBTI Rabbit Hole: Accurate or Astrology?
You’ve probably heard of MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator), a cultural phenomenon that has rooted itself in many Asian countries. This week, we share our own results, how they’ve changed over time, and whether it actually impacts how we treat the people around us - or is it just a…
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34. Cost of Living: Would You Move to a Different Country? (Part 2)
This is part 2 of our cost-of-living conversation *for white collar, young adults*. We move onto a popular question people have when cost of living gets a bit unmanageable: would you ever move to a different (cough cough Asian) country to save on costs? As always, you can reach out to us at:...
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33. Cost of Living: Perspectives from Young Adults (Part 1)
In this episode, we unpack what the cost of living actually looks like for young adults and how our perspective of expenses have changed since graduating. From the expenses that blindsided us when we started paying for things ourselves to the financial compromises we might have to make. We talk...
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32. Flakes, Late Friends, and Being a House Guest (Unspoken Social Rules, Part 2)
Flaking on plans. Showing up late. Staying too long. Not bringing anything as a guest. We’re diving into the social situations that quietly define how people see you - and the ones that spark lowkey judgment. Plus: how much effort friendships should take, and when someone stops being a “close”...
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31. Wait... Is That Rude? (Unspoken Social Rules, Part 1)
A lot of social rules aren’t written anywhere - but somehow, we’re expected to know them. In the first part of this series, we explore the gray areas of everyday etiquette in the following scenarios: paying for meals, reading between the lines in texts, and the subtle signals that define modern...
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30. We Moved… Now What? Post-Move Reflections
We’re fresh off big moves and... yeah, not the rainbows and unicorns some people may expect. From pre-move stress, to long, exhausting drives, to unpacking everything and suddenly realizing, “wait... this is home now?” we get into what we underestimated/stressed over, what was easier than…
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29. Shoes: Comfort, Style, and Self-Delusion
Shoes say more about you than you think. In this episode, we talk about our favorite, least favorite, and "aspirational" shoes - from Vans and Converse to work shoes and heels. We debate what actually counts as “comfortable,” whether breaking in shoes is real or just suffering we pretend is…
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28. The Pre-Move Era: Closing Chapters Before Leaving
New year, new beginnings! This episode, we've got some exciting updates in our lives and because of that, we will be talking about all things pre-move. This isn't just about packing up your stuff and moving to a new place. We talk about the non-logistical things that suddenly feel important like...
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27. Erewhon Energy: Are High-End Grocery Stores Worth It?
You've probably seen them on tiktok but high-end grocery stores have become their own cultural moment. But are they actually better, or just better marketed? In this episode, we talk about what really defines a “premium” grocery store and whether the higher prices actually translate to higher...
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26. From the 2022 Archives: Is Studying Overseas a Privilege or a Burden?
This conversation has been sitting in our notes since 2022, but it still hits just as hard. We talk about sending kids overseas for school, the unspoken financial expectations behind it, and that viral take claiming parents shouldn’t do it unless they can comfortably afford everything. How much…
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25. How We Travel: Solo, with Friends, and with Partners
Are you a 特种兵 - see-everything speed runner - or a “lie by the pool and do nothing” vacation person? In this episode, we unpack our travel personalities and how they change depending on whether we’re traveling solo, with friends, or with a partner. We share our thoughts on solo travel, how...
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24. Asian Stereotypes: Food & Drink (Part 2)
In part two of our Asian food stereotype series, we shift from the flashy favorites to the everyday foods we grew up with: rice, rice cakes, egg tarts, tofu (and others). We talk about how these preferences were shaped by family, culture, and habit - and which ones still stick now that we’re…
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23. Asian Stereotypes: Food & Drink (Part 1)
In part one of our Asian food stereotype series, we start with our opinions on the loud favorites: boba, brown sugar milk tea, matcha everything, and also some others. We break down which Asian foods we genuinely love, which ones we’ve outgrown, and which feel more like social performance than...
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22. All Things Winter
Winter is here (well, for one of us, at least), and we’re talking about it without romanticizing the season. We chat about how winter affects our routines, productivity, and social lives, what we tend to eat, and whether seasonal food cravings are a thing. We also get into winter fashion…
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21. From the 2022 Archives: Is He Good to You, or is it His Upbringing?
An episode topic pulled straight from the 2022 archives. We talk about relationships, red flags, and that age-old question: is he actually good to you… or is he just doing his best with what he was raised with? A no-script, honest chat about upbringing, emotional maturity, and where…
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20. Video Games: From People Who Don’t Really Play
We’re talking video games from the perspective of people who don’t really play them. A non-gamer’s opinion on games. From DS and Wii nostalgia to gacha, simulations, and half-hearted attempts at getting into “real” gaming, we reflect on our personal relationships with games growing up and why it...
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19. 2025 Financial Recap: Top Purchases, Top Regrets, and 2026 Goals
In this episode, we reflect on how we spent - and thought - about money in 2025. From small purchases that quietly improved our daily lives to regrets rooted in convenience, overbuying, and “just in case” thinking, we talk through what actually felt worth it. We touch on tracking habits, learning...
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18. 2025: A Year in Review
In this episode, we’re doing a no-agenda, honest reflection on 2025: the highs, the chaos, and the wins. We talk about how we’d actually describe the year, the biggest changes we went through, and what we’re most proud of (even if it’s just making it through). From mindset shifts and fitness...
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17. Unwrapping Christmas - Secret Santa, White Elephant, and Being a Grinch
Wishing everyone an early Merry Christmas! In this week’s episode, we unpack our evolving relationships with Christmas - from not really celebrating it as kids to navigating adult holiday culture, gift-giving politics, and the chaos of work Secret Santas. We also debate whether anyone actually...
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16. The Year in Music (Spotify Wrapped)
It’s that time of year where Spotify Wrapped screenshots flood our social media. In this episode, we break down our listening habits, top genres, and what our music habits actually say about our year. Tune in for a musical spin on everyone’s favourite year-end personality test. As always, you can...
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15. Pets - Conversations from a Current vs. Previous Pet Owner
This week, we dive into the world of pet ownership - from childhood disasters to adult responsibilities we were absolutely not prepared for (maybe just Claudia). With two different perspectives, we share what pets have taught us, how much we spend on them, and how our pets’ behaviors have changed...
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14. Black Friday 2025
Happy Black Friday! We’re summarizing our shopping sprees in this quick episode on what we bought, what we didn’t, and how much of it was actually planned. This episode includes: • Whether we grew up with Black Friday sales culture outside the US (hint: singles' 11/11 sales) • Our memories of…
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13. Period Talk 101: The Regularities and the Irregularities
This week, we’re sharing our personal experiences and comparing notes on how every period is different. We're diving into the messy, honest reality of periods and menstrual cycles, including: Our first period memories and how much we actually remember Cycle length, irregularity, and how stress...
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12. Public Displays of Affection (and Disgust)
This week, we’re getting into the world of PDA — Public Displays of Affection. Where’s the line between sweet and second-hand embarrassment? We go through all the classics - handholding, cheek kisses, long hugs, and the dreaded public make-out - and rate how far is too far. Tune in to listen to…
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11. Shifting Views on the Cost of Living - Life Phases & Locations
This is part 2 of our cost of living conversation, where we pick up from our general discussion on how cost of living is different in various cities and how to manage it. We continue on to talk about how our view has changed as we’ve gotten older. How has our view of the cost of living shifted as...
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10. The Cost of Living - Global Edition
The cost of living has been on the rise everywhere, but how does it vary across different cities and countries? A sneak peek into our views and opinions on the cost of living. We swap opinions on: Comparing the cost of living & minimum wage in China, New Zealand, Australia, and the US Rent...
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9. Work, Rest, Repeat: Finding Balance in Our 20s
Work-life balance means something different to everyone - is it fewer hours, better boundaries, or just making peace with late-night emails? In this episode, we discuss: Our work setups: flexible hours, WFH, and habits Generational vs. career-level differences in work culture PTO and holiday...
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8. Vacation vs. Work Trips - How We Stay Healthy (or not)
Vacations and work trips both take us out of our routines - but does one make it harder to stay healthy than the other? In this episode, we unpack: Vacation mode: rest, workouts, and other things Balancing indulgence in local food vs. eating “mindfully” (and if that’s even a thing) Why work…
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7. Before You Board - Healthy Travel Prep
Whether it’s a dreamy vacation or a hectic work trip, staying healthy on the road is its own challenge. Today we talk about everything we do prior to the trip to set ourselves up for a great (and healthy) trip. Travel routines: do you plan ahead or just wing it? Our must-pack items: supplements,...
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6. Airing Out Our Dirty Laundry (Adulting Series Part 2)
In part 2, we dive deep into laundry - the routines, the fails and the quirks we don't usually talk about. We chat about: Are laundry fails a thing or have clothes gotten better? How often we actually do laundry, from weekly cycles to more frequent extremes Laundry across cultures Reach out to us...
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5. Chore Girl Era: Cooking & Cleaning (Adulting Series Part 1)
Running errands, doing chores, and figuring out dinner. Is this what adulthood really comes down to? In part 1, we get into the surprisingly big world of everyday chores. From grocery runs to cooking solo, we share how our routines and cultural backgrounds shape the way we tackle the day-to-day.…
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4. TikTok Made Me Buy It (and Other Overconsumption Stories)
Overconsumption - wanting and buying more than you need. In this episode, we talk about our experiences in this realm, whether that is buying into (no pun intended) consumer culture, or doomscrolling and consuming way too much media. These days, we're less susceptible to the scroll, the sales…
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3. Girl & Guy Friendships
Can girls and guys really be just friends? In this episode, we dive into the dynamics of girl/guy friendships, talking through stereotypes and how these relationships differ between girls and guys. And, as always, we go on a bit of a tangent - this time on friendships in general. Reach out to us...
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2. Asian Girl Traits at Work & Beyond
In this episode, we chat about what it means to grow up with “Asian girl traits” and how they play out in life and at work. From perfectionism and politeness to workplace assertiveness, we unpack the cultural expectations, strengths, and struggles that shape identity. Reach out to us at:...
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1. Culture Shocked: From Shanghai to the West
In our very first episode of Timezone Talks, we chat about what it means to be long distance besties. From growing up together in Shanghai to navigating life in the US and Australia/New Zealand, we reflect on what we miss most and the surprises we’ve found in our new homes. Reach out to us at:...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hey! We're two best friends from Shanghai in our mid-twenties, half a world apart, trading stories across time zones. We blend corporate deadlines with everyday daydreams - from career highs to the realities of day-to-day life. Raised in Shanghai, we bring our third culture lens to the funny, messy, and real parts of life. Tune in for honest convos, laughs, and a little long-distance bestie energy.
HOSTED BY
Timezone Talks
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Timezone Talks have?
Timezone Talks currently has 48 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Timezone Talks about?
Hey! We're two best friends from Shanghai in our mid-twenties, half a world apart, trading stories across time zones. We blend corporate deadlines with everyday daydreams - from career highs to the realities of day-to-day life. Raised in Shanghai, we bring our third culture lens to the funny,...
How often does Timezone Talks release new episodes?
Timezone Talks has 48 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Timezone Talks?
You can listen to Timezone Talks on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Timezone Talks?
Timezone Talks is created and hosted by Timezone Talks.
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