Bujo Brekkie Buddies: Recent Episodes
Bujo Brekkie Buddies
Hi, we are the Bujo Brekkie Buddies, Natasha and Wen Xin. We are two young Malaysian adults on the quest of figuring out adulthood. Join us in our discussions as we touch on careers, relationships, finances, lifestyle and everything else in between. We are excited to share you our experience and learnings we got from our journeys. You can follow us on Instagram @bujo.brekkie.buddies or reach us at bujo.brekkie.buddies@gmail.com
episode 40 covers the experience sharing on my refresher 3-day Vipassana meditation short course.
some discussions include:
- 3-day refresher course experience after 1.5 years
- it's ok to take things easy sometimes
- one cannot quite find peace but to experience peace
- practicing meditation is a commitment
- vipassana teaching on equanimity, law of impermanence, anicca (change)
- defining peace
- triggers arise due to being (more) principled and how to manage triggers
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 39 covers two ladies' dating stories and perspectives on modern dating their thirties. this episode welcomes back Yin Li who was featured in a much earlier episode in 2022!
Some discussions include:
- Our definition and dating experiences
- Difference between dating teens, twenties, thirties
- 5 types of attractions and 3 types of relationships
- The concept of interdependence
- Handling traumas from heartbreaks and how relationships shape us
- Our take on looking for love right now and would we want to change about modern dating
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 38 covers a dive on the famous HBO series - Sex and the City involving the lives of a group of ladies at their thirties navigating love and friendship in the hustling New York.
Some discussions include:
- Character discussions from Samantha Jones, Miranda Hobbes, Charlotte York to of course Carrie Bradshaw
- Finding out via tarot if which lady I resonate with
- Sociological discussion on the series - female friendships, navigating modern dating, types of femininity
- Tarot reading for the collective, depending if you are team Samantha, Miranda, Charlotte or Carrie
Plug: Running a 50% promo on my newly launched tarot reading services until 31st May!
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 37 covers some pondered thoughts on people losing compassion and gaining judgment as we grow up? Is it right/wrong? Is it good/bad?
Some discussions include:
- Losing compassion and compassion being a choice
- Having a right to have opinion but it's how we process and express the judgment
- Practicing more compassion and less judgment with Vipassana meditation and tarot reading
- Tarot reading for the collection on compassion and judgment
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 36 covers a recollection of memories from the past. there is actually so much to learn from my younger self, to inspire the current me.
Some discussions include:
- the innocence, curiosity and unassuming of things
- academic breakthroughs
- being discipline and diligent with healthy habits
- perseverance and calmness riding through the waves
- being creative
- navigating 1st job and love life with best intention
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
ep35 covers a book club discussion on Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis with a friend - Carmen Thong, a literature academic and scholar from University of Warwick, University of Oxford and Stanford University. Also, this episode was recorded way back in November 2021 and finally seeing the day of light in February 2024.
Some discussion includes:
-
What makes Mere Christianity an interesting book
-
A dive in C.S.Lewis' life as an author
-
Our book club experience
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 34 is a wrap up of 2023 with reflections (highlight, neutrals, lowlights, theme of the year) and kickstarting 2024 with setting new goals and habit tracking!
[00.00] Intro
[01.41] 2023 Highlights
[07.23] 2023 Neutrals
[11.26] 2023 Lowlights
[13.36] 2023 Theme of the Year - Prioritizing
[20.52] 2023 Career Theme of the Year - Discovery
[23.35] 2024 Goal Settings
[28.11] 4Ms - Morale, Mindset, Momentum, Motivation
[34.18] Introducing AP24 on Remake
[37.16] Live tarot reading for the collective
[43.58] Summary
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 33 covers the wrap up of #annualproject2023, my 8th project about this podcast! Went through the highlights, neutrals, lowlights and what's next!
It has been quite a journey, all in all, quite proud of the achievements and have so much fun with process and output! Thanks for being here with me!
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 32 covers a short sharing on my recent trip to Hong Kong and Macao with my family!
some discussions include:
- travelling with family
- how much TVB influence my knowledge about HK-Macao
- Disneyland visit and how much Disney influences my perception about love
- travelling in a highly productive, efficient and modern country
- travel in comfort and style
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 31 covers a special interview with a friend, Malini whorecently covered a non-conventional travel trip to Mongolia. The trip is like no other, took four years to realize, from experiencing the beauty and fierceness of nature, from riding horses to experiencing with eagles, from horse-riding adventure to experiencing the Mongolia traditions!
Some discussions include:
- the inspiration from I Rode a Horse of Milk White Jade by Diane Lee Wilson (1998)
- the preparation required for a horse-riding expedition
- the actual trip including navigating snowstorms, riding with eagle hunters, Golden Eagle Festival
- the pleasant surprises and perspectives from a solo trip
- the internal reflection after a meaningful and adventurous trip
I myself as an interviewer, took many surprise learnings from the trip. Don’t miss this trip sharing from Malini! Also, a video episode is available on Spotify if you are keen!
episode 30 covers on some (more) perspectives on love and relationship. check out episode 13 for part 1.
some discussions include:
- keeping romance alive with attraction, affection and appreciation
- can there be unconditional love?
- why is modern dating painful?
- is relationship label important?
- balancing masculine and feminine energies
- difference between 'settling for less' and 'don't put expectation'
- healing from a (situation-ship) breakup
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website
episode 29 covers my personal faith and spiritual exploration update since embarking on this journey in 2021.some discussions include:
- how annual project 2021 on faith comes about
- finding Islam to be a peaceful and beautiful religion
- finding so much to learn from Christianity
- finding Buddhism resonating and gives me peace and keep sme grounded
- finding a misunderstood New Age connects me to my intuition to give me a sense of direction
- choosing Buddhism and New Age
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 28 covers lifestyles inspired by or co-related to minimalism.
some discussions include:
- diet: vegetarianism and vegan share the some similar principles as minimalism
- environment sustainability: practicising sustainability practices (recycling, zero waste, conscious consumption) sustainably
- alternative lifestyles: vanlife, tiny home living, digital nomad, remote job fulfill the passion but may not be sustainable in the long term
- life approach: slow living and minimalism have direct linkages but the 20s/30s may not be the time
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 27 covers my love declaration to my favourite country - Italy! From the attractions, food, culture, language, people, travel experiences; Italy captures my heart.
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 26 covers on mentorship 101 on building a relationship with a mentor as a mentee, drawing from my own experience for the last 5 years with a mentor
some discussion includes:
- how and why did i choose my mentor
- my monthly sessions on structured topics with a mentor
- mentorship goes both ways
- mentorship grows personal but stays professional
- tapping into other seniors' at work as informal mentors
episode 25 covers a take on saying simple phrases to people around us in life - sorry, thank you, i love you.
some discussions include:
- why is it so simple yet so difficult to say these phrases?
- it's harder to say these phrases to family than to both friends and partner?
- saying sorry takes so much more effort
- saying thank you is easy peasy
- saying i love you depends on your love language
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 24 covers thoughts on covid19 and mental health! yes covid19 pandemic has been awhile ago now in 2020-2021, but it was such a period during a pivotal growth period for me.
some discussions include:
- recalling what i remember when covid19 hit since late 2019
- how has covid19 impact me on a personal level
- what did i learn from the pandemic
connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 23 covers on adulting at the 30s, so fun yet so overwhelming! i recently turned 31 and there were some feels. whilst it has been challenging, adulting has been fulfilling, taking on adulting with gratefulness, grace, hope and faith.
some discussions include:
- defining adulting and adulting as a 90s baby
- reflecting on my 20s
- turning 30+1
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 22 covers on minimalism and debunking some myths from learning and practicing minimalism since 2017.
some discussions include:
- is minimalism a numbers game with regards to number of items?
- what about extreme minimalism?
- minimalism is more than just aesthetic?
- what about luxury minimalism?
- balancing minimalism and ambitious career?
- what about gifts, decorations and sentimental items?
- minimalism is for the privileged?
- minimalism is easier for men?
- minimalism has an end state?
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 21 covers thoughts on breaking through at a new job. framework available on Instagram and website!
Some discussions include:
- why do we need to breakthrough (to form a sense of belonging and to have the sense of fulfilment at work
- what do we need to breakthrough (portfolio, value add, personal lifestyle, mindset and others)
- who to breakthrough (manager, team members, colleagues, C suite)
- how to breakthrough (proactive, having a plan, support system, mindset management)
- when to breakthrough (90-180 day, it varies at each job for each person)
- a few mindset considerations about breaking through at a new job
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 20 covers my #annualproject2020 on bullet journaling! bujo has been instrumental in my growth. the use of bujo has evolved tremendously since then, but i still find myself go back to my journal and it being an important part of my life for a foreseeable future.
some discussions include:
- my planner and bullet journal journey since teenager days and specifically 2017 onwards
- benefits of bullet journaling (self development, productivity, mind declutter)
- some not-so-good parts about bujo
- how to make bujo practice sustainable and effective
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 19 covers all things travel relating to travel finance, travel minimalism and travel wellness
some discussions include:
- travel finance (budgeting, insurance, sticking within budget, spending mentality, spending habits)
- travel minimalism (light travelling, comfy fashion, packing lessons)
- travel wellness (diet, fitness, mental, spiritual health)
[free resource for download] travel itinerary, budget, packing checklist; available on my website https://www.theannualproject.com/post/free-download-travel-itinerary-budget-packing-checklist
connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website
episode 18 covers the summary of my recent trip to Italy, covering Como, Milan and Bologna. the third time to the country and more to come.
some discussions include:
- highlights: checked off Como off my list, experienced good city vibe in Milan, watched Hans Zimmer live with my own eyes
- lowlights: uncertainties causing anxiety and disruptions, unable to let go of nostalgia, missing out on Rome
- learnings: be a light traveler, practice good and simple diet, factor in rest days, book and plan early
connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 17 covers the summary of my recent trip to London. the first to the country, the first since pandemic and i found back my wanderlust.
some discussions include:
- highlights: friends reunion, royal family, magic mike, harry potter, universities visits
- lowlights: searching back my voice, rushed roadtrip
- learnings: dress properly for the weather, rediscover what i like to see during travel
connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 16 covers thoughts and perspectives on dealing with death and grief. trigger warning on discussion on death, please give this episode a skip if you are not comfortable to hear about the topic.
some discussions include:
- feeling scared to deal with grief
- not taking loved ones for granted and to spend quality time
- death can be a celebration of the life of the person
- i am not afraid of death, i am intimidated by not knowing what's after death
connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 15 covers discussion on female friendships, the sisterhood, the friendships between gals. it’s mostly beautiful and empowering; though sometimes can be dramatic and toxic.
some discussions include:
- the evolution of gal friendships
- the good and not-so-good part of gal friendship
- friendship breakups
- friendship in sex and the city
- the future of gal friendship
connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 14 covers my exploration with general art in 2022 and discusses its influence on me.
some discussions include:
- journeying with art
- being creative with art
- feeling like i am doing too much with art and annual projects
- having fun with art
- learnings, takeaways, lessons with art
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 13 covers on some perspectives on love and relationship.
some discussions include:
- 3 levels/types of relationships: companionship, partnership, soulmateship
- 4 requirements of relationship:compatibility, communication, compromise, commitment
- receiving love and expressing love with the 5 love languages
- some outlook on love
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 12 covers my journey with minimalism since 2017. minimalism was my #annualproject2017 and still my favourite project to date. i am still journeying with minimalism in life.
Some discussions include:
- about minimalism: my journey and my definition
- how has minimalism transformed or helped me
- what are the challenges of minimalism
- what I learn about minimalism
connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 11 covers my recent experience to a silent meditation trip - the 10-day Vipassana meditation. It was quite an experience to learn a meditation technique properly, observe the monk/nun lifestyle and learn of the concept/theory behind Vipassana meditation inspired by Buddha/Buddhism.
some discussions include:
- my history with meditation practice
- my 10-day Vipassana meditation experience (digital detox, noble silence, 3 types of meditation)
- the concept behind Vipassana meditation (equanimity, law of impermenance, minimalism, compassionate)
- mental and spiritual impact post Vipassana
- what's next with meditation and spirituality
connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 10 covers on my solo travelling experience in my twenties. in hindsight, as much as it brought me lots of joys venturing to amazing places on my own, it was also quite challenging to navigate issues on my own. a lot of time, the good ol’ instinct saved me and i count my blessing for things to work out alright.
some discussions include:
- favourite solo travels in Australia, Italy and Sri Lanka
- good and not-so-good parts about solo travelling
- some tips on solo travelling
connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 9 covers my extended introduction about the annual project – the past, present and also future of annual project. this episode focuses around being curious.
Some discussions include:
- being a curious child, teen, young adult
- the origin of the annual project and annual projects 2016-2023
- some learnings on doing a project (start your own project!)
- the future of the annual project
Connect with The Annual Project on Instagram @theannualproject OR the official website www.theannualproject.com
episode 8 covers my tradition on closing off a year and kicking off a new year. this episode focuses around reflection.
some discussions include:
- thoughts on reflection
- reflecting 2022: with a lifeline, highlights neutrals lowlights, annual theme on Slowing Down, career theme on Balance, goals review
- kicking off 2023: goals setting, some learnings on how I set goals, expectation on a new year
Hello everyone, this is an introduction episode to the Annual Project podcast. I am Wen Xin, and I do a project every year since 2016. Podcasting is my #annualproject2023 where I am dedicated to produce podcast episodes for a year. The topics would include my past projects and also life related topics. Stay tuned for more :)
Episode 7 of the BBB Podcast covers Wen Xin’s follow-up thoughts on CHANGE after tonnes of adulthood decision making. Change is the only constant they say, and it is through change that one grows up and be better than yesterday.
Also, BBB as a podcast is going through a change as well. Tune in to hear about the change.
Episode 6 of theBBB Podcast covers Wen Xin’s thoughts about decision making as she reflects and introspects some big decisions she made. There were a couple of lessons, techniques and habits she learned from the experience from deciding for her career, relationship and finance.
Connect with us on Instagram @bujo.brekkie.buddies
Episode 5 of theBBB Podcast is with our first podcast guest, Yin Li. Wen Xin and Yin Li tackle an adulting experience they have in common. They both moved out of their family homes in their late twenties, and in this episode we are going to explore the experience thus far.
The episode covers the following:
- Our motivation for moving out and when was the right moment to move out
- How did we have that conversation with our parents about moving out?
- What is our experience finding a place?
- Some of the surprising parts about moving out
- Some key takeaways and lessons about moving out
Connect with us on Instagram @bujo.brekkie.buddies
Episode 4 of theBBB Podcast covers Natasha and Wen Xin’s casual catchup wrapping up 2021, kickstarting 2022 and discussing the future of BBB podcast. We have been on a hiatus for 6 months with the podcast now - totally unplanned, totally unexpected. Other parts of our lives do still get in the way, as much as we are reminding ourselves to take one Bujo Brekkie Buddie session at a time, we would also want to remind you to take things one step at a time.
We touch on our reflecting activities, setting goals, why did we take a break from podcasting. We mentioned our tarot reader has helped us by providing clarity and guidance, she is @moonie.lights on Instagram, do check her out!
Connect with us on Instagram @bujo.brekkie.buddies OR reach out to us at bujo.brekkie.buddies@gmail.com
Timestamps:
- 2.20: The habit of reflecting: Wrapping up 2021 and moving onto 2022
- 10.24: Living our years with a theme: Letting go, Balance, Gaining Perspectives
- 19:24: Being a goal-digger: Setting goals
- 29:40: Addressing on us taking a podcasting break
Episode 3 of theBBB Podcast covers Natasha and Wen Xin’s journey on reading books then and now, and what the future of reading holds for both of them. For both of them, reading is one of those positive habits to cultivate yet there is this on and off relationship with reading.
From finding reading momentum to cultivating reading habit, from discovering interests to gaining perspectives via books, from appreciating reading off an physical book to embracing an ebook reader; our experience evolves at different stages of our lives. Good news is, we both know deep down, reading is here to stay. Happy Reading, but first Happy Listening (to the episode)!
Connect with us on Instagram @bujo.brekkie.buddies OR reach out to us at bujo.brekkie.buddies@gmail.com
Timestamps:
- 02:30: How have our reading journeys been? How did we both start? The preference of watching the movie first or reading the book first?
- 12:53:Who were our inspirations when it comes to reading? How did our reading momentum change? And how do we jumpstart the momentum?
- 20:48: Is reading essential for everyone? What are the other mediums?
- 27:04: How do we cultivate the habit of reading?
- 36:20: Physical book VS ebook? How did one of us transition to an ebook reader? The benefits of using ebook reader VS the experience with physical book
- 46:42: What does reading mean to you? And where do we want to get to with reading?
Episode 2 of theBBB Podcast covers Natasha and Wen Xin’s career journeys since graduating universities. It has been 5-8 years of working with three jobs over two transitions. This episode hit the hearts especially with both Natasha and Wen Xin are fresh on their new stints - feeling overwhelmed, figuring out routines, reflecting on the past lives and setting new intentions.
The rollercoaster is still cruising, lo and behold, what a ride. But as the mantra goes, we figure it out, one BBB session at a time!
Timestamps:
- 02:00: Summary of our career journeys
- 21.25: How the actual journey is similar or different with what we first thought
- 30.18: Some approaches we took to decide our next steps
- 39.45: The kinds of people/ employers we would like to work with/for
- 45.57: If we could go back and meet our junior selves, these are what we would tell her them
Episode 1 of theBBB Podcast covers Natasha and Wen Xin’s journey through their respective bumpy adult life and all the unknowns it brings. This episode serves as an introduction to what the BBB is all about - exploring life, having reflections, finding balance and all that jazz.
Cheers to maneuvering the unknown, one BBB session at a time!
Follow us on our instagram @bujo.brekkie.buddies and you can reach us at bujo.brekkie.buddies@gmail.com.
Hello everyone, this is an introduction episode to the Bujo Brekkie Buddies podcast. Natasha and Wen Xin are two buddies who come together frequently to catch up on each other's lives. We find ourselves in engaging in discussions on the ups and downs of adulthood, and we bond over listening, encouraging, and sometimes giving each other some pointers and action plans to overcome the challenges. We hope our discussions can benefit you, the BBBs out there; and to remind that you are not alone on this bumpy journey. We are in it together. Follow us on our instagram @bujo.brekkie.buddies and you can reach us at bujo.brekkie.buddies@gmail.com.