No Dumb Questions with Mel – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, I’m diving deep into a relationship that’s been central to my life for almost 8 years—my friendship with my roommate, Dar. If you’ve listened to earlier episodes, you’ll know why I chose to live with a roommate, but today, I want to explore who that roommate is and how we became each other’s home away from home.  From our origin story to the pivotal moments that shaped our bond, I’ll be sharing the journey of how Dar and I went from mutual friends to an unbreakable duo. We’re still actively grieving after moving apart, and honestly, I cry in this one, but it’s a story worth sharing. Tune in as I reflect on this deeply meaningful friendship and what it’s meant to me over the years. Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA sessions, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Host: Melody Cheng Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • Bilt: Earn points by paying rent! Visit JoinBuilt.com/ABG  • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Email: hello@asianbossgirl.com __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this heartwarming episode of No Dumb Questions, I’m thrilled to welcome Jocelyn Chung, a graphic designer, creator, and newly-published children's book author, to the podcast! We instantly connected during my last visit to Taiwan, and today we’re diving into her debut book, “When Love is More Than Words”, a story that beautifully captures how love transcends language, especially within Asian families—a theme that deeply resonates with me, having grown up with my grandparents and extended family. Jocelyn shares the inspiration behind her book, how her upbringing in a Taiwanese-American household influenced her storytelling, and the creative journey from designer to author. We also explore the challenges she faced as a first-time author and the cultural values she hopes to pass on through her work. Whether you love children's books or simply believe in the power of love beyond words, this episode is a must-listen! Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA sessions, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Host: Melody Cheng Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Email: hello@asianbossgirl.com __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last time we chatted about New York, I announced I was moving. Now, it's been a few weeks moving to a new city and it's been tough! From all the emotional goodbyes in Cali, adjusting to living with a partner, to dealing with changes, it's been a roller coaster of a few weeks.  Tune in to see what the move has been like lately & what feelings I've been encountering while dealing with this change. Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA videos, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/ __________________________________________ Host: Melody Cheng Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Shoutouts: Give a shoutout on the podcast here • Email: hello@asianbossgirl.com __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we delve into the often overlooked yet profoundly transformative journey of self-growth. Recently, I came across a comment that struck a chord. The listener, who has been with us since the beginning, remarked on the noticeable growth they observed in me over the past few years. This observation made me realize that I’ve done a lot of quiet self work the last few years that had benefited me greatly.  So if you’re someone that either 1) values personal growth 2) feel stagnant 3) working on yourself but not seeing the results that you want, let me share what’s worked for me! __________________________________________ Host: Melody Cheng Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Shoutouts: Give a shoutout on the podcast here • Email: hello@asianbossgirl.com __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As I approach my 33rd birthday this week, I find myself reflecting on the significance of this milestone. In many ways, turning 33 is the age that, in my adolescent mind, symbolized "being an adult", a time when I thought I would have life all figured out. It is also the age I thought I'd be married. However, the contrast between childhood expectations and the realities of adulthood has become abundantly clear. As I sit down to reflect, I can't escape the feeling that 33 is a new chapter in my life. It's a year brimming with opportunities to confront the fears that both intimidate and exhilarate me. It's a year to break down the barriers of procrastination and finally take action on aspirations. This is the year I want to truly LIVE again! Join me as I reflect on the past year, blow out the candles on the birthday cake, and share what I hope to feel when turning 33. __________________________________________ Host: Melody Cheng Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Shoutouts: Give a shoutout on the podcast here • Email: hello@asianbossgirl.com __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's topic is one I received a lot of votes on for a poll on Instagram. How does one maintain their independence or identity while in a romantic relationship? I've been with my partner for almost 2 years now, and while we are still learning a lot about our preferences, one thing we both learned quickly is that we both highly value our own independence. I share through the WHY aspect of this (*hint hint we both were single for a couple of years & that solo time taught us a lot) & talk through actionable items we take to create that space for ourselves. __________________________________________ Host: Melody Cheng Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Shoutouts: Give a shoutout on the podcast here • Email: hello@asianbossgirl.com __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The topic of reflection and goal setting is pretty popular amongst our generation. Around this time, whether you're looking through some self help podcasts or books, "setting intentions" and "goals" are everywhere. We actually did an episode recently on the main show (ep 252) talking through these topics. After preparing for that episode & being back at home, it made me think about my mom. I wondered “what are her goals for the new year?” and it sparked an interesting dinner conversation with her. I thought it would be insightful to dive into this question on today's episode of NDQWM! __________________________________________ Host: Melody Cheng Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Shoutouts: Give a shoutout on the podcast here • Email: hello@asianbossgirl.com __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s topic is a reflective one. I just came back from my 2023 vacation to Asia & it was amazing. Traveling opens you up to the world, but it also has a way of revealing truths about yourself. I don't know what it is, but I always come back with some kind of clarity or something I need to do. Take a listen and let me know if you share similar feelings! __________________________________________ Host: Melody Cheng Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • Pampers: For trusted protection, trust Pampers, the #1 pediatrician recommended brand. • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Shoutouts: Give a shoutout on the podcast here • Email: hello@asianbossgirl.com __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Continuing the topic of college friendships, I chat with my bestie, Sally Le about how this college friendship evolved once we graduated college. How did we go from those innocent, FRIENDS-loving, eager college students to career focused young adults thrown into the real world? How did our friendship stick despite being "long distance"? I also share with Sally why she means so much to me in my 30's & how her role in my life is irreplaceable.  I hope you were able to learn a bit more about this special friendship & enjoyed this episode! __________________________________________ Host: Melody Cheng Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • Pampers: For trusted protection, trust Pampers, the #1 pediatrician recommended brand. • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Shoutouts: Give a shoutout on the podcast here • Email: hello@asianbossgirl.com __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friendships are a topic we get asked about a lot & I get it. It plays such a huge role in our lives! In today's two part series, I want to dive into a very special friendship of mine, that I haven't had the chance to share about on the pod. I'm talking about college friendships. This one, in particular, began in the dorms of UCSD transfer housing & it blossomed into one of my most precious adult friendships.  Today, I bring on one of my best friends, Sally Le to chat through how we met, our dynamic in college & what about this friendship has stood the test of time (over 10 years!) __________________________________________ Host: Melody Cheng Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • Pampers: For trusted protection, trust Pampers, the #1 pediatrician recommended brand. • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Shoutouts: Give a shoutout on the podcast here • Email: hello@asianbossgirl.com __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices