Stories in Transit

What happens when your body rejects your career before your mind is ready to quit? You get Ben, the chef-founder of Cook’s Gourmet Cookies, who traded the high-stakes world of corporate shipping for the solace in a kitchen.He shares how COVID forced a pause, a sabbatical became a reckoning, and baking in his mum’s kitchen turned into a bet on himself.P.S. This episode isn’t just about passion. It’s about confronting ego, redefining success, and learning to live life in seasons.

What happens when you do everything “right” and nothing moves?In this solo episode, I unpack five uncomfortable lessons from a year in Melbourne; where I tried harder than ever, pulled every lever, and still watched the scoreboard stay at zero. We’re talking about dismantling the effort-equals-reward myth, untying my identity from external pings, confronting burnout, and facing the question: if no one’s clapping, do I still back myself?P.S. This is not a breakthrough montage. It’s the slow, ego-bruising middle. And respectfully? I never want to do a year like this again.

What happens when you realised you're not a priority in anyone's life? You get Rachel in her villain era. From temporarily moving overseas to diving into Muay Thai and creative projects, Rachel shares the messy, empowering journey of unapologetically choosing herself.This episode is for anyone ready to stop shrinking, start showing up for themselves, and embrace the life they actually want. Guilt-free.P.S. Stop waiting for permission to leave the cage.

What happens when you follow curiosity and grow as an artist, but still wrestle with fear of sharing your work? We talk with Jean about her journey as a poet, writer, and producer, the courage it takes to put your work out into the world, and how creative longevity comes from presence, practice, and embracing imperfection.If you’ve ever questioned whether your work matters, felt scared to share your creativity, or wondered how to keep evolving across different mediums, this conversation is for you.P.S. Showing up for your craft, even when it’s scary, is always worth it.

What happens when you pivot careers and travel contients but still wrestle with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and uncertainty? This episode, we talk about Josh’s journey from running kitchens and wine tours to engineering, shedding old identities, and finding purpose in the in-between. If you’ve ever wondered which path to take in life, this conversation will remind you it’s messy, personal, and worth embracing.P.S. The best conversations often start in the front seat of a wine tour.

What happens when a life-altering accident forces you to slow down, confront mortality, and re-evaluate what actually matters? You get Catherine Ashton, a car accident survivor who went on to found Critical Info, a social enterprise making end-of-life planning more accessible.This conversation is for anyone navigating a forced pause, a values reset, or the uncomfortable realisation that the life you thought you’d have… isn’t the one you’re building anymore.P.S. There’s a fair bit of death talk in this episode, so make sure you’re feeling grounded before you hit play. We talk about it not because it’s taboo or scary, but because it’s an act of care, for yourself and the people you love.

What happens when you finally get everything you worked for... and still feel empty? You have Jordan who realised success didn’t equal fulfillment, handed in her resignation without a backup plan, and eventually followed a long-held pull to Europe. We reflects on identity, belonging, fear, abundance vs scarcity, and what it actually means to live authentically. This conversation is for anyone questioning the life they built, or sensing there has to be more to life.P.S. The audio isn’t perfect (yes, I know!! I’m working on it and also open to mic sponsors), but I promise the content is worth it. Stick with us.

What happens when you trade the "slow death" of a small town for a blind leap across the world? You get Tayla, a creative from the UK who spends her days "gentle parenting" world-class artists while rebuilding her own identity from scratch.In this episode, we explore the shift from asking “what should I be?” to “what actually keeps me alive?” It’s a conversation about building a life without a map, the reality of imposter syndrome, and learning to trust that simply trying is more than enough.P.S. If you’ve ever felt like an imposter while herding geniuses, or you’re just trying to figure out which version of yourself to be today, this one is for you.

What if the "mid-life crisis" isn't a crisis at all, but a homecoming? You get Kirsten who after three decades of checking the boxes, decided to stop hitting society’s KPIs and start hitting her own.We explore the female rebellion of turning 50, the power of a 15-minute daily ritual, and what it actually looks like to return to yourself after decades of being "off-track."P.S. For those who are afraid of growing up: Kirsten is proof that your 50s might just be the most "you" you’ve ever been.

What happened when a free-spirited traveler realised that "dream places" don’t make for perfect lives? You get Selin, a jewelry shop owner, lifestyle model, and barista who spent seven years staying nowhere for longer than three months, until she landed in Melbourne. In this episode, we explore how small encounters change entire life paths, the shift from being a “kite” to becoming grounded, and the quiet rebellion of a Turkish woman choosing her own freedom.P.S. If you believe in the butterfly effect, you’ll feel very at home here.

What happens when you grow up in a legacy… and decide to build your own? You get Jack Lark, a literal jack-of-all-trades, who is defining his own creative path outside of his family's whisky dynasty.In this episode, he breaks down the messy middle of the multi-hyphenate life, his struggles with "freelancer guilt", and explains his philosophy for being a "happy artist" instead of a starving one.P.S. He briefly contemplates giving up and becoming a psychologist after watching "Shrinking". We get it.

What happens when a high-flying career feels less rewarding than building things on your own? You get Jarvin, founder of Cheetah, who gave up his cushy corporate role to become the "master of his own fate." This episode breaks down professional autonomy, product thinking, a splash of stoicsm and the moment he realised he was leading like a villain in a startup movie.P.S. Yes, we debate which emoji best sums up the chaos of being your own boss.

What happens when grief isn’t a chapter but the whole curriculum?This episode traces the lessons of carrying too much love, navigating hyper-independence, and the grief of shedding old selves and relationships. Dramatic? Yes. Honest? Always. Rambly? Guilty as charged.P.S. This one’s for the big-feelings people, the hyper-independents, the Pisces-empaths, and anyone learning that love and grief can coexist.

What happens when the place you’ve poured your whole career into suddenly dissolves?You get Brandon Grusd, former GM of Proof & Company Singapore, who has lived and breathed hospitality his whole life. When Proof closed its doors, it wasn’t just the end of a company; it was the end of a defining chapter.We talk about how he is starting over, the lessons hospitality taught him (and took from him), and what the “next frontier” might look like.P.S. If a door closes, lean in, open a window, and keep moving.

What happens when you don’t have a master plan, but you follow your curiosity anyway?You get someone who has lived multiple lives. From zoology, to safety management, to becoming a flight instructor, James Powell moved through the world by asking questions first and figuring out the path as he goes.This conversation explores falling into aviation, and learning to stay present when nothing makes sense yet.P.S. Consider this your permission slip to not know a single thing.

What happens when you chase success, find it, and realise it doesn’t feel like freedom?You get Pia, a Sydney-based consultant turned wellness coach, who’s traded the corporate climb for something slower, softer, and more intentional.In this episode, we unpack what it means to leave the traditional path for freedom, to rebuild identity after burnout, and to find success in the mess of change.P.S. If you’ve ever looked “successful” on paper but secretly wanted to burn it all down for something more honest… this one’s your permission slip.

What happens when your brain and body never seem to be on the same page?You get Oli, a Personal Trainer who helps neurodivergent folks find safety and strength through movement.We talk about ADHD 101, pre-diagnosis masking, and how to train without falling into self-blame or burnout. It’s about self-compassion, curiosity, and giving your body the patience your brain rarely gets.P.S. If you’ve ever cried mid-workout and called it “sweat,” this one’s for you.

What happens when you lose your sense of purpose?This episode is about what no one tells you when the striving stops. When you’ve built a beautiful, full life… and still feel empty.I talk about ego death, the grief of not being productive, and my attempt to rebuild purpose when there’s no “next step.” It's a little rambly, very congested (nose), and extremely honest.P.S. This one’s for the overachievers, the floaters, the in-betweeners or anyone trying to find aliveness beyond doing.

What happens when your co-founder is also your life partner?You get Andsoforth, Singapore’s longest-running andaward-winning immersive dining company, dreamed up by Emily and Stu.In this episode, we talk about creative inspiration, navigating people (and egos), and what it really means to let the universe steer the ship. Also, yes, I asked if they’d actually recommend working with your partner.P.S. They compare their lives to One Piece. So obviously, this episode is an odyssey.

What happens when a hospitality company suddenly shuts its doors? You get Tom Hogan and Bobby Carey founding Studio Ryecroft; a creative studio dedicated to building hospitality concepts that last and belong to local culture.In this episode, we talk about navigating the chaos of closure, building a business from scratch, and the highs and lows of this journey.P.S. No tea, no shade. Just facts and lived experiences. Don't come after us @ lawyers / leadership team.

What happens when queerness becomes the lens you travel through? In this episode, I talk with Giap about moving across the globe, using dating and connection as a way to explore culture. And what it means to come back home to Vietnam to rediscover his own roots.P.S./T.W.: We talk depression and passive suicidal thoughts, and we promise we are okay-ish.

What happens when you leave the highly revered path and choose freedom instead?You get Kim who went from breaking the “med school bond” to creating her own little community rituals like Touch Grass.In this episode, we talk about chasing freedom over prestige, building third spaces, and finding joy in the small, grounding moments that remind you life doesn’t have to be “by the book.”P.S. If you’re curious, search touchgrassbykim on Telegram to join the next one.

What happens when a friend’s death sparks a mission to protect others?You get Yuchen, who started Krav Maga as a student but turned it into a mission after the violent death of a close friend. We talk about courage, grief, and why self-defense is more than just fighting. Plus, what sets Krav Maga apart from other martial arts.P.S. Eye gouging, elbow smacking, and more ... this isn’t your usual martial arts chat.

What happens when you keep moving (city to city, country to country), hoping the next place will finally feel like enough?You get Kamile, Ankara-rooted, now Dublin-based, still gently untangling what friendships and fulfillment look like across different time zones. We muse about the soft ache of starting over again and again, friendships that shape us, emotional endurance, and how to sit with the question: What if I don’t want to keep moving, but I haven’t found “enough” yet either? P.S. We promise we don’t have commitment issues. We’re just always in the pursuit of more.

What happens when you’re scared of death… and can’t stop thinking about it?This episode is a dive into thanatophobia and how I accidentally wrote a death workbook trying to survive it.The Final Gift is my attempt at making death a little less cold, clinical, or terrifying, and a little more human. Think: legacy questions, memory rituals, emotional prep, and a lot of crying (me, not you. Hopefully.)Because I believe death awareness is love work. It’s protective. It’s sacred. And most of us avoid it until it’s too late.P.S. This one’s full of f-bombs and Very Big Death Feels™. Trigger warning if you’re in a tender space.

What happens when you quit your job and build a tour company from scratch?You get Melvyn, a founder who swapped office life for offbeat adventures across Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and everywhere in between. This isn’t your typical quit-your-job-and-hustle story. It’s gentler. Slower. Built on people, purpose, and the belief that you don’t have to know the end to start.P.S. Follow the breadcrumbs. You might just end up in Georgia.

What happens when you move to Melbourne for a year... and accidentally stayed for five?You get Rod, a Brazilian fitness coach who came to Melbourne on a whim and woke up five years later with a new city, a new self, and now, a new goodbye.In this episode, we talk about chasing change, finding home in unexpected places, and how movement (literal and emotional) shaped the way he lives, coaches, and lets go.P.S. This one’s for anyone who didn’t mean to stay, but kind of fell in love anyway.

What happens when you chase rejection...on purpose?After years of perfectionism, fear, and waiting to feel “ready,” I’m done playing it safe. So I started #Project100Rejections, a self-assigned quest to get told “no” at least 100 times.Let me unpack the weird highs and low lows of trying really hard and still feeling stuck. Why some small rejections feel empowering, why some wins still feel empty, and why the rejections that matter most hurt the hardest.If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything and still waiting for life to say yes, this one’s for you.

What happens when you split your time between soil and science?You get Jia, a self-proclaimed nepo baby who’s rewriting what inherited success can look like. This episode is about supplements, soil, and turning the things you care about into the life you live. We talk about what it actually means to grow up in a family business, and how Jia’s made that path her own, worms, wellness, and all.P.S. If you're supplement-curious or compost-curious, hit play.

What happens when you leave behind a stable job to explore urns, funerals, and the afterlife industry?In this episode, I sit down with Kenneth who left the comforts of corporate life to dive into a world most of us avoid talking about: death. But this isn’t a morbid story. From payrolls to columbariums, Kenneth’s journey reminds us that even endings can be beginnings, especially when we’re brave enough to listen.P.S. This is your soft nudge: talk about death while you're still here.

What happens when you hit 30 and still find yourself navigating the single life? You get real talk, messy reflections, and a dose of self-awareness. I'll be yapping about the dating app experience, why connection seems harder than ever, and my thoughts on "coffee and walk" as a first date. Plus after learning some hard lessons on love, I’m finally seeing the light (cue Rapunzel vibes).P.S. It's not a pity party. It's just the raw, unfiltered truth.

What happens when you walk away from a stable and successful legal career to chase the scent of hops and freedom?You end up navigating the wild, weird, and wonderful world of craft beer across continents.In this episode, we sit down with Alejandro, someone I met in Georgia (the country, not the state), who once wore a suit and argued law, and now works with breweries across the world. We talk about the quiet pivots that lead to life-altering changes, why beer is more than just a drink, and what success looks like when the map keeps changing.P.S. This one's for anyone who’s ever sat attheir desk, stared at a spreadsheet, and wondered… what if?

What happens when a globetrotter returns to his roots?You start building your own gin distillery and end up being named "World's Best London Dry Gin" at the 2023 World Gin Awards.In this episode, I chat with Ben Leggett, founder and distiller of Elemental Distillers, about how life’s transits—both geographic and emotional—shaped the path to where he is now. This isn't just a story about gin; it's about identity, love, risk, and partnership.P.S. Take notes, fellas—Ben’s approach to relationships and partnership is worth learning from.

What happens when you step off the path...voluntarily?After a year and a half abroad, I’m back in Singapore with no job, no fixed address, and no five-year plan. And honestly? That used to terrify me.Let me unpack the confusion of not having a plan, the trade-offs of choosing uncertainty over stability, and why I’m (finally) okay with free-falling instead of forcing. If you’ve ever felt like you’re in between chapters, adrift, unmoored, OR you are a fellow control freak, this one’s for you.

What happens when you can't heal in a place that hurts you?You take a leap of faith in a whole other country. In this episode, I chat with Sabrina about her journey from Paris to Dublin: the heart of her move, what it took to build a new life (and home) from scratch, and how she found both herself and her voice along the way.This is a story about risk, reinvention, and rooting for your own happiness, even when the map isn’t clear.P.S. Her personal take on feminism is rooted in her journey and context. It’s not about defining it for everyone, but embracing choosing your own path.

What happens when you swap the world’s biggest cocktail cities for a quieter, less-charted path?In this episode, I sit down with Sam Dalcourt—spirits professional and Phnom Penh-based brand ambassador—to talk about what it means to build a life far from the spotlight.We talk about leaving home, being the black sheep, and how sometimes the biggest work is internal. This one’s not about drinks —it’s about searching for your puzzle pieces, believing in timing, and learning to stay even when movement is your default.P.S. Samai's Kampot Pepper Rum is sooooo good. Do yourself a favour and visit their distillery when you're in Phnom Penh.

What happens when you move to a new city and realise you packed your perfectionism too?This episode is about moving to Melbourne, yes — but also about moving out of survival mode. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt behind, guilty for wanting softness, or unsure if they’re “doing it right.” Come for the mattress-on-the-floor energy, stay for the quiet lessons in worthiness, permission, and self-trust.

What happens when an Italian foodie moves to Singapore?You get a food enthusiast turning his passion into a side hustle. Meet Luca—an Italian foodie working a 9-to-5 by day, while cooking up plans to launch his private catering business in Singapore. In this episode, we’re diving deep into all things food. Plus, Luca’s giving us a crash course on Italian signature dishes.P.S. Curious about what’s missing in Singapore’s food scene? Luca’s got some spicy thoughts.

What happens when you step into the ring for the first time… and never look back?You get a champion. Terrence fought his way (literally) to the top, claiming titles as a World Boxing Council (WBC) Light Heavyweight Singapore Champion, 3x Muay Thai Champion, and 2x World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) Champion. But his journey doesn’t stop there.We dive into his most challenging fights, brutal injuries, the mindset it takes to win, and how he’s now building a community as a coach and gym owner.P.S. Martial arts aren’t about violence—I’ve been to the gym, I’ve sparred (terribly), and I’m still very much alive after a year. It’s about discipline, respect, and turning every setback into a comeback.

What happens when you step away from everything you once defined yourself by? You kindaaa hit rock bottom —burnt out, heartbroken, and questioning everything. This side quest is all about brainwashing myself into being kinder to myself (hi, happy checklists) to unlearning the idea that worth = productivity. Let’s talk about how I attempt to 'just be' without spiraling.

What happens when a writer takes the director’s seat?You get a short film that wins over an audience. Yellow Fever, Sherry’s directorial debut, snagged the Audience Choice Award at a film festival—and this episode is all about how she made it happen.We SPEED chat (because high-functioning anxiety, obviously) about imposter syndrome, the reality of being an Asian creative, and what it really takes to put yourself out there—vulnerability and all.P.S. For legal and moral reasons, we are not promoting drugs. Or actual Yellow Fever. Just killer short films.

What happens when two hospitality co-workers hop on a podcast?You get an episode filled with marketing rants, industry lessons, and a deep dive into why we do what we do.Also, what the f**k is ‘content,’ and why were we yammering on about it? Think of content like the stuff you see and engage with daily—social media posts, blogs, videos, emails, and even memes. It’s how brands talk to people without screaming “BUY THIS” in their faces.Disclaimer: We’re not here to promote alcohol—but we do love the industry, and we are HEAVY on pushing brands to prioritise content marketing. Because in 2025, if you’re not telling a story, you’re already behind.

What happens when you realise you can’t go back to your old life? I had everything mapped out in Singapore—until I didn’t. What was meant to be a one-year reset turned into a reality check, and now, there’s no going back.In this solo side quest, I unpack why I’m leaving again, how the Singapore dream stopped making sense, and how Stories in Transit came to be. No guests, just me—navigating change, rewriting the script, and figuring it out as I go.

What happens when you get stuck with three pilots as housemates? You get schooled on aviation, endure backhanded compliments, and somehow end up in the cockpit. The Flight Boys took me through their journey into the skies, their flatmate antics, and the stereotypes that just might be true.Disclaimer: Just a casual yarn with mates—any backhanded compliments are strictly in-house banter. No egos were harmed in the making of this episode.

What happens after prison?  Figuring out what the f**k life looks like now.From serving time to planting roots (literally), Jurisha opens up about second chances, community, and stepping into a better version of herself. Disclaimer: This episode focuses on Jurisha’s transformation into a crime-free life, not a promotion of her past crimes. We’re here to celebrate her progress and journey forward.

Join my friends and me as we dive into all those in-between moments—career pivots, personal rebrands, and everything that’s messy yet magical. We’re talking real people, real stories, and lots of laughs along the way. So, if you love hearing folks yap about the chaos and charm of life, you’re in the right place. This is Stories in Transit.