Who We Are with Rachel Lim

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...

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 entrepreneu...

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...

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...

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....

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 debunk...

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 realit...

Have you ever felt like you’re on autopilot, going through your daily routine without a sense of purpose or excitement? Many of us find ourselves trapped in roles or tasks that leave us feeling unfulfilled. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone - there’s a transformative journey waiting for you. In this episode, I chat with my coach, Joyce, about the incredible power of discovering our Zone of...

I had the joy of spending time with Ssonia Ong of Ong Squad during her visit to Singapore, where I was deeply moved by the strong bond she shares with her husband and 5 children, aged 2 to 14. Their close-knit family culture radiates warmth and genuine joy, and I was eager to discover the parenting principles that guide her. Ssonia’s story of reinvention is truly inspiring. When she was 38, she br...

Do you feel your mind could be sharper, more focused, or more agile? You're not alone. Many of us are searching for ways to enhance our brain health and unlock hidden capabilities. In this episode, I sit down with renowned neuroscientist Dr. Wendy Suzuki to explore how we can tap into the incredible power of our brains to improve our daily lives. Dr. Suzuki shares fascinating insights into neuropl...

In this special 10-minute episode, I chat with Janet Lansbury, a leading voice in respectful parenting, about the power of empathetic caregiving. We explore the crucial roles parents play in creating a nurturing environment, the art of observing and waiting to let children grow, and practical strategies for fostering strong parent-child and sibling relationships. Janet shares actionable tips to he...

In this episode, I sit down with Sadhana Rai, whose transformative journey from a high-powered commercial disputes lawyer to a devoted pro bono advocate is both inspiring and heart-rending. Sadhana shares her early life experiences in a modest family, where the seeds of justice and advocacy were planted. Her story is a poignant reminder of the power of introspection and the courage it takes to pur...

In this solo episode, I’m inviting you into a deeply personal and intimate space — one where we can reflect, grow, and have honest, heart-to-heart conversations. It’s a chance for us to connect on a more meaningful level, exploring the lessons life has been teaching me lately and how I’m finding my way through them. In this episode, I cover: ​⁠  ⁠Reflections and key takeaways from past episodes ​⁠...

In this episode, I sit down with Valeria Lipovetsky, a woman whose journey from the world of modeling to the heights of entrepreneurship is nothing short of inspiring. I first met Valeria two years ago at a personal growth retreat in Ibiza, and since then, I’ve been deeply moved by her relentless drive, her commitment to self-improvement, and her ability to gracefully navigate the many roles she p...

In this episode, I sit down with Jocelyn and Aaron Freeman, the dynamic couple behind Empowered Couples University, to explore the real challenges that every relationship faces. With over 802,000 couples served, Jocelyn and Aaron share their personal journey from navigating their own differences to becoming sought-after relationship coaches. They reveal the key skills that every couple needs but o...

In this personal and inspiring episode, I sit down with Janice Koh, a renowned Singaporean actress, to explore her courageous journey through tongue cancer. At the beginning of 2022, Janice's life was upended by a persistent ulcer that was diagnosed as cancer. Facing multiple surgeries and losing a significant part of her tongue, Janice had to redefine her identity and cope with the loss of her vo...

As a parent myself, I'm always seeking ways to expand my knowledge and create a nurturing environment for Ollie and Keira. The Montessori approach has been particularly intriguing to me because of its emphasis on fostering independence, curiosity, and respect in children. By providing tools for success, encouraging their abilities, and giving them space to develop independently, the Montessori way...

Have you ever found yourself wanting to make a change in your life or career, yet feeling inexplicably stuck? You're not alone. The gap between knowing what we need to do and actually doing it is a common struggle that many face. In this episode with our in-house guest expert Joyce, we dive deep into this challenge and uncover why it's so hard to get “unstuck.” We delve into the ‘knowing-doing gap...

In this engaging episode, I sit down with financial guru and content creator Vivian Tu, known as "Your Rich BFF," to explore her inspiring journey from a hardworking immigrant family to Wall Street and ultimately to her role as a financial influencer. Vivian shares pivotal moments, such as leaving her high-paying job at JP Morgan to pursue content creation, and discusses the profound impact of her...

In this episode, I sit down with an extraordinary guest, Whye Kee, whose life story is a powerful testament to the human capacity for change, redemption, and the pursuit of new dreams. From his turbulent upbringing and experiences as a gang leader to his transformative journey in prison, Whye Kee’s path has been anything but ordinary. We delve into his early years, exploring the challenges he face...

This week, I am excited to have Dr. Robert Waldinger, the director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, join us for an enlightening conversation. This episode is packed with wisdom and insights from the world’s longest-running study on happiness. Discover the key factors that contribute to a fulfilling life and how happiness evolves over time. Dr. Waldinger also discusses the importance of q...

In this special episode, join me for an exclusive live recording featuring the esteemed Sara Jane Ho, internationally renowned etiquette expert and host of Netflix's "Mind Your Manners." Recorded during our recent CLOSER event in Singapore, Sara Jane shares her fascinating journey from founding an etiquette school in Beijing to becoming a global authority on modern manners. We dive into a range of...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Karen Tay, a dynamic leader who has transitioned from impactful roles in the Singapore Government to navigating Silicon Valley's startup scene. Karen shares her journey, shaped by a close-knit family and significant life challenges, highlighting how these experiences have influenced her leadership style and personal growth. Karen delves into her extensi...

Join me for an insightful episode with Joshua Fletcher, a renowned psychotherapist and best-selling author, as he delves into the intricacies of anxiety disorders and stress management. With his candid and relatable approach, Joshua demystifies therapy and underscores its transformative potential. In this episode, Joshua reveals what inspired him to specialize in anxiety disorders and shares his j...

Today, I am thrilled to have Eli Harwood, a leading expert in attachment relationships, join us. With 17 years of experience as a licensed therapist, Eli has devoted her career to understanding how we connect and heal. Join us as we embark on a journey from theory to practice, exploring the importance of secure attachment and its impact on relationships and parenting. In this episode, Eli shares h...