Timezone Talks

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 letting go of aspirational pieces that never get worn to realizing how little of our wardrobes we actually use, we talk through what stays, what goes, and how we’re trying to fill the gaps (with hopefully smarter purchases this time).Feel free to reach out to us at: [email protected]

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 self-fulfilling prophecy?As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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 honestly about income brackets, rising prices, and whether the cost-of-living crisis is exaggerated or something everyone is quietly struggling with.As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected]

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” friend.As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected] 

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 friendships (and acquaintanceships). Which rules actually matter, and which ones are we overthinking?As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected] 

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 expected, and the mental and physical toll of long-haul moves.As we get back to recording and putting out new episodes in our new environments, you can reach out to us at: [email protected] 

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 normal, and how we prioritize style or practicality.As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected] 

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 revisiting favourite restaurants, “speedrunning” your city and deciding who to see before you go.From lessons learned from past moves to the small habits that shift when you know you’re about to leave, we unpack the emotional and practical sides of relocating.As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected] 

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 quality. We go through examples we've seen in China, America and Australia to see what makes a grocery store high-end and whether some stores are charging luxury prices without delivering luxury execution. As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected] 

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 is “too much” when it comes to living expenses? What does sacrifice actually mean - for parents and kids? And at what point does opportunity turn into pressure, guilt, or entitlement?As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected]

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 loneliness and/or independence show up on the road, what makes someone a good travel buddy, and why traveling with a partner feels like a low stakes but very real relationship milestone. Plus: planning styles, cost-splitting, safety habits, and how travel might change as we age.Thanks for listening! As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected]

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 adults making our own food choices. We also discuss our preferences on sharing dishes family style, and desserts that aren't "too sweet".As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected]

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 personal preference. Is liking boba a personality trait (and a bad one, at that)? Low stakes, strong opinions, and a lot of food judgment.As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected]

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 realities, and most importantly, the savior of them all: Uniqlo HEATTECH.As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected] 

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 accountability really starts.As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected] 

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 never fully stuck. We also talk about gaming in our relationships: when it’s fine, when it’s too much, and whether gaming is a red flag, green flag, or completely neutral.As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected]

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 to spend less without feeling deprived, and why our financial goals for 2026 aren’t about doing more - just maintaining the status quo and staying intentional.This episode is a low-pressure, honest check-in on money, consumption, and what we’re carrying forward into the new year.As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected] 

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 journeys to learning how little we actually need, this is a real check-in on growth, perspective, and how our priorities evolved.We wrap up by looking ahead to 2026, what we want more of, what we’re leaving behind, and the kind of energy we’re carrying forward into the next year.As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected] 

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 enjoys the holiday or if we’re all just pretending for vibes. We get into:Growing up with Christmas (or a lack thereof)How adulthood changed our holiday experiencesChristmas festivities at work vs. with family and friendsSecret Santa vs. White ElephantChristmas songs: Kinda iconic? Kinda annoying?Practical vs. sentimental gifts - which are better?Gift cards: thoughtful shortcut or lazy cop-out?As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected]

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 reach out to us at: [email protected]

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 with time.As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected]

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 sales culture, the in-store chaos vs. the rise of online shopping • Whether Black Friday is real or just one massive marketing scam • Price tracking, fake discounts, and how some “deals” feel suspiciousPlus, we answer the real question: is buying on Black Friday actually saving you money? Tell us your thoughts!As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected]

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 rememberCycle length, irregularity, and how stress plays a major rolePhysical and emotional symptoms before and during our periodsSigns that tell us a cycle is on the wayPeriod tracking apps and how reliable they arePads, tampons, cups, and the products we’re curious aboutAs always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected]

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 us yap about:Rating our own PDA habits (as people in long-term relationships)Whether we judge our own PDA vs. others’ (spoiler: yes)Whether PDA says something about your relationshipCultural takes on PDA — Asian subtlety vs. Western opennessA mix of cute, cringe, and a PSA to please stop doing that on public transport.As always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected]

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 we went through uni and post grad, and Shanghai to where we currently arePaying for convenience, comfort and fun - where do you draw the line?How do we decide what to spend money on and what to buy cheapWhich non-essentials we refuse to cutAs always, you can reach out to us at: [email protected]

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 USRent realities: what we actually get for what we payTransportation costs going up while service is going down (love that for us)Balancing fun on a budget - from $9 concert tickets to inflation-era nights outAs usual, let us know what you think about this podcast. You can reach out to us at: [email protected]

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 habitsGenerational vs. career-level differences in work culturePTO and holiday differencesWorking on the weekends (or choosing not to)The Sunday scariesReach out to us at: [email protected]

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 thingsBalancing indulgence in local food vs. eating “mindfully” (and if that’s even a thing)Why work travel can feel easier to stay healthy onEating out vs. cooking while awayJoin us as we share travel confessions, discuss wellness fails, and talk about the reality of staying healthy-ish when you’re not at home.Reach out to us at: [email protected]

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, meds, snacks, skincare... and toothpaste?Do you actually research gyms and healthy spots before you go?Balancing “healthy” choices with enjoying the tripJoin us for laughs, honesty, and some very real takes on the two sides of staying well when you’re far from home.Reach out to us at: [email protected]

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 extremesLaundry across culturesReach out to us at: [email protected]

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.In this episode, we chat about:Do we really have that many errands?Are chores ever therapeutic?Outsourcing chores and the impact of cultural upbringingJoin us for a real conversation on the little, messy, everyday parts of adulthood - the things we all do but don’t always talk about.Reach out to us at: [email protected]

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, and the hype - and maybe that's growth.Reach out to us at: [email protected]

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 at: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]