The Imperfect Rainbow

Jeremy and Maddy take a reflective trip down memory lane, looking back on their incredible one year of doing The Imperfect Rainbow. Your hosts share personal stories of growth since starting this show and highlight the unforgettable moments with their guests, and discuss the invaluable lessons they have learned along the way. With a mix of nostalgia and excitement, they reveal that they will be going on hiatus and this will be the last episode, for now. This is not goodbye, so stay tuned for what’s coming up next for Jeremy and Maddy! Show notes (01:57) What’s coming up for Jeremy and Maddy. (06:10) The show’s milestones. (08:02) What kept your hosts motivated. (14:25) Interesting statistics about this show. (22:00) Your hosts’ reflections on the show. (30:00) Appreciating all the guests of the show. (36:50) Quotes of the day. Maddy's quote, by Yung Pueblo: A partner who supports your dreams and your healing is a priceless gem, a heaven in human form. Jeremy's quote: Walking the journey alongside people who matter to me in my life, like you, and living life with them, is the goal. And happiness is the by-product. Hosts: Jeremy Lee (@jemcocktails) and Madeline Liew (@maddyliew) Producer: Paul Ng (@wanderwavestudio)

In this episode, Jeremy and Maddy dive deep into their struggles with feelings of gloom and melancholy. They open up about the emotional valley they found themselves in during the past few months and discuss how these low moments, while tough, can be transformative. Together, they explore why experiencing these emotions is a crucial part of personal growth and how learning to navigate and overcome them can ultimately make you stronger. Show notes (02:10) What is meant by staying in the valley? (13:17) Maddy’s experience of being in the valley. (20:10) Self-awareness and regulating your emotions. (23:40) Jeremy’s example of regulating emotions. (29:15) Maddy’s way of coping with emotions. (41:40) Quotes of the day. (44:00) Song of the day. Maddy’s quote: This too shall pass. Jeremy’s quote, by Amy Winehouse: I need to write songs because I need to make something good out of something bad. Hosts: Jeremy Lee (@jemcocktails) and Madeline Liew (@maddyliew) Producer: Paul Ng (@wanderwavestudio)

Jeremy and Maddie sit down with Maisie Cheong, a human connection mentor, to explore the art of building deeper bonds with our loved ones. The trio share stories of their own personal relationships and struggles, and how we can strengthen our relationships while nurturing ourselves along the way. Show notes (01:35) Maisie’s work and passion. (04:22) Learning to be rather than do. (09:30) Noticing the present. (12:30) Compassion in loving self, curiosity in loving others. (20:08) Common struggles in human connection. (27:40) Bridging the gap between intention and behaviour. (34:40) Transforming conflict into connection. (46:30) How to talk right for mutual understanding. (1:03:30) Quote of the day. Maisie’s quote, from the movie Before Sunrise: “I believe if there's any kind of God it wouldn't be in any of us, not you or me but just this little space in between. If there's any kind of magic in this world it must be in the attempt of understanding someone sharing something. I know, it's almost impossible to succeed but who cares really? The answer must be in the attempt.” Extras If you want to mindfully deepen the connection and relationships in your life for yourself and others, you can work with Maisie here. Hosts: Jeremy Lee (@jemcocktails) and Madeline Liew (@maddyliew) Guest: Maisie Cheong (@whatmaisiesaid) Producer: Paul Ng (@wanderwavestudio)

In this episode, Jeremy and Maddy sit down with Christina Ang, a financial advisory director. When she was 16 years old, Christina’s life took an unexpected turn when her mother fell victim to a sophisticated money scam that almost tore her life apart. She opens up about the emotional and financial turmoil her family endured and revealed the harrowing effects of the scam on their lives. Join them as they explore the personal side of fraud and uncover the human impact behind the headlines, as well as offering hope to those who find themselves in similar situations. Show notes (02:05) Introduction of today’s guest. (04:20) The turning point in Christina’s life. (17:18) Why do we fall victim to scams? (17:45) Different types of scams. (26:28) Christina’s quote. (30:24) What we can do to be scam-conscious. (38:40) Consider setting up a ‘pocket money’ trust fund for your parents. Christina’s quote: 钱骗掉了没关系。只要有活着的一天，一定有翻身的机会。 Extras 1. MAS Investor Alert List 2. National Crime Prevention Council Telegram Channel for the latest scam tactics and scam preventive measures. 3. If the shame, guilt or the fear of judgment by loved ones becomes overwhelming, there is no shame in speaking to a neutral professional third party with the help hotlines as follows: Counselling Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 TOUCH Care Line (for seniors, caregivers): 6804-6555 Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180 For advice on scams, call the Anti-Scam Helpline @ 1800-722-6688 Mental Health Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours) Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 (24 hours) /1-767 (24 hours) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 4. If you have been scammed before and truly wish to rework and rebuild your finances, you can find a safe space by reaching out to Christina, who has personally gone through a similar situation. She will be more than happy to help you journey through the rebuilding process one step at a time.  See Christina’s profile here, and LinkedIn here. Hosts: Jeremy Lee (@jemcocktails) and Madeline Liew (@maddyliew) Guest: Christina Ang Producer: Paul Ng (@wanderwavestudio)

In this episode, your hosts are joined in an engaging conversation with Sai Tzy Horng, director at Julie's and a trained psychologist. The trio talks about apologies and how we all react differently when giving or receiving it. This episode might trigger a deep reflection of our past deeds, and might even open your mind to pick up new habits. Show notes (05:28) About today’s guest. (11:47) Why is it so hard to offer an apology. (13:45) Are you discounting yourself by starting off with sorry? (17:50) Apologies that never happened. (20:50) What is a good apology? (30:38) Are men less likely to say sorry? (35:35) Example of a good apology received. (46:05) Finding it hard to apologise because you can’t forgive yourself. (47:55) Practice saying sorry to yourself. (54:40) Song of the day. Sai’s chosen song Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word, sung by Diana Krall. Hosts: Jeremy Lee (@jemcocktails) and Madeline Liew (@maddyliew) Guest: Sai Tzy Horng Producer: Paul Ng (@wanderwavestudio)

“I am not creative”. You have probably heard this phrase numerous times. Or maybe you have even said it before yourself. In this episode, Jeremy and Maddy talk about creativity and why they believe everyone has that creative juice in them. Your hosts discuss the various research done on creativity and share tips on how we can be creative in our pursuits. As Jeremy said it best, creativity can be fostered, but not forced. Show notes (01:05) Everyone has a creative side in them. (07:15) Creative ideas come during the most unexpected moments. (11:40) Role of incubation in creative problem solving. (13:27) Creative benefits of mind-wandering. (21:18) Why do some people think that they are not creative? (24:20) Importance of seeking diverse options and perspectives. (30:14) Ways to be more creative in our lives. (41:34) Quotes of the day. Maddy’s quote, by Mary Lou Cook: Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun. Jeremy’s quote, by Maya Angelou: You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. Hosts: Jeremy Lee (@jemcocktails) and Madeline Liew (@maddyliew) Producer: Paul Ng (@wanderwavestudio)

In this episode, Jeremy and Maddy invite Glenn Poh, founder of Gemstory, onto the show. Glenn’s affable nature lends this episode a natural flow and he shares his perspectives on retrenchment, as well as anecdotes from his conversations with his friends and clients. Glenn also shares tips and advice for those going through retrenchment and how we can harness the strength of our inner self to guide us past this phase. Show notes (01:11) Introduction of today’s guest. (06:15) What is it about retrenchment that relates to today’s guest? (07:32) Biggest challenge faced by those retrenched. (12:05) How to mentally prepare for retrenchment. (16:07) Interesting conversations with Glenn on retrenchment. (23:45) Glenn’s take on mindfulness. (30:57) The importance of curating the five senses. (34:10) Glenn’s personal habits on nourishing his five senses. (43:50) Advice for somebody who has been retrenched on how to improve their mood. (55:00) Quote of the day. Glenn’s quote: Believe in the power within, and shine like a gem. Hosts: Jeremy Lee (@jemcocktails) and Madeline Liew (@maddyliew) Guest: Glenn Poh (@gemstorysg) Producer: Paul Ng (@wanderwavestudio)

In this episode, Jeremy and Maddy are joined by Sam Tan, or better known as the Financially Irresponsible Singaporean. Sam touches on being financially responsible (ironically) and how this has allowed him the luxury of making a transition to his new stage in life. Sam also shares stories of being sent to Bangkok during his previous employment, and how this experience coupled with his embracing of Thai culture allowed him to pick up fresh perspectives in his outlook of life. Show notes (02:30) The financially irresponsible Singaporean. (06:50) What is funemployment? (11:45) The YOLO fund. (14:15) Experience of a Singaporean working in Bangkok. (27:20) Slowing down and deciding on moving at your own pace. (31:30) Why it’s ok to not have leadership aspiration. (35:40) What I will tell my future self. (39:40) Sam’s advice for those facing tough moments in their life. Sam’s song recommendation: จินตนาการ (Imagine) by Violette Wautier. Listen here. Hosts: Jeremy Lee (@jemcocktails) and Madeline Liew (@maddyliew) Guest: Sam Tan (@samtjw) Producer: Paul Ng (@wanderwavestudio)

In this episode, Jeremy and Maddy are joined by Sam Tan, or better known as the Financially Irresponsible Singaporean. Sam touches on being financially responsible (ironically) and how this has allowed him the luxury of making a transition to his new stage in life. Sam also shares stories of being sent to Bangkok during his previous employment, and how this experience coupled with his embracing of Thai culture allowed him to pick up fresh perspectives in his outlook of life. Show notes (02:30) The financially irresponsible Singaporean. (06:50) What is funemployment? (11:45) The YOLO fund. (14:15) Experience of a Singaporean working in Bangkok. (27:20) Slowing down and deciding on moving at your own pace. (31:30) Why it’s ok to not have leadership aspiration. (35:40) What I will tell my future self. (39:40) Sam’s advice for those facing tough moments in their life. Sam’s song recommendation: จินตนาการ (Imagine) by Violette Wautier. Listen here. Hosts: Jeremy Lee (@jemcocktails) and Madeline Liew (@maddyliew)Guest: Sam Tan (@samtjw) Producer: Paul Ng (@wanderwavestudio)

Jeremy and Maddy try something new by recording this episode in full conversational Mandarin. This was Maddy’s challenge to herself to step out of her comfort zone and you can find no better partner than Jeremy for this episode. As the saying goes, the hardest thing is always taking the first step. And if there’s anything you take away from this episode, your hosts hope that it is to have the conviction to make your next move the first step in achieving your target. Show notes (08:15) Generational shift in using less Mandarin in our daily conversations. (14:53) Language as the equalizer in foreign lands. (16:05) Using business Mandarin at work. (23:55) Let’s play a game of guess-the-meaning. (32:05) Struggles of encouraging today’s children to pick up Mandarin. (33:08) Parents setting an example for your child. (35:00) Quotes of the day. Maddy’s quote: 学海无涯, 活到老学到老。 Jeremy’s quote: 三百六十行，行行出状元。 Hosts: Jeremy Lee (@jemcocktails) and Madeline Liew (@maddyliew) Producer: Paul Ng (@wanderwavestudio)

Jeremy and Maddy are joined by Clara Lock in this compelling episode on conscious travelling. Clara shares stories from some of her incredible adventures across the globe and explains what conscious travelling means. Clara also talks about the importance of sustainable tourism and supporting local communities while travelling, and how her mission of conscious travelling has been shaped by her remarkable experiences around the world. Show notes (01:30) Introducing Clara. (10:57) What is conscious travelling? (19:08) Planning a conscious travel experience. (22:55) Clara’s experience in Rwanda. (29:25) Meaningful conversations and hearing real stories from the locals. (39:07) Persuading people to experience conscious travelling. (47:30) Clara’s experience in North Korea. (53:20) Quote of the day. Clara’s quote: Everything you want is on the other side of fear. Extras Find Clara on Instagram, LinkedIn, or read her writings on The Straits Times. Hosts: Jeremy Lee (@jemcocktails) and Madeline Liew (@maddyliew) Guest: Clara Lock (@spokesuchscurvy) Producer: Paul Ng (@wanderwavestudio)

In this episode, Jeremy and Maddy explain how and why practising mindfulness is beneficial to our health and well-being. Your hosts share their experiences and tips on how to be present in the moment, as well as how to improve the relationship with your health and body by practising mindfulness. Show notes (02:35) Inspiration behind doing this episode. (03:35) Spillover benefits from practising mindfulness. (09:33) Definition of mindfulness. (10:55) Practising mindful eating. (27:40) Mindfulness and breathing. (35:45) Training your mind to be present. (50:50) Quotes of the day. Jeremy’s quote, by Eckhart Tolle from his book The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment: Life is now. There was never a time when your life was not now. Nor will there ever be. Maddy’s quote, by Marianne Williamson: It takes courage to endure the sharp pains of self discovery rather than choose to take the dull pain of unconsciousness that would last the rest of our lives. Hosts: Jeremy Lee (@jemcocktails) and Madeline Liew (@maddyliew) Producer: Paul Ng (@wanderwavestudio)

This episode is dedicated to Momo. Many of you that have followed this show since the beginning will know of Jeremy's love for his dog Momo. Sadly, Momo passed away on 2 July 2024. In this episode, Jeremy and Maddy talk about grieving and what it feels like to lose someone close to their hearts. Show notes (02:58) Holding on to the memories of Momo. (15:45) Finding a song to help you to heal. (17:52) I should have done this, I should have done that. (26:38) The grieving process. (30:30) A passage by Jay Shetty on grieving. (36:00) Jeremy’s eulogy for Momo. Extras Jeremy’s eulogy for Momo: The last few years with Momo were one of the best years I’ve ever had in my life. I never imagined how much joy and love Momo will bring into our life, and already I'm missing her wagging tail, her silly smile, her legs on my arms when I come home. I'm missing my morning and evening walks with her. I wished I had one more walk with her. One more meal with her. One more hug. One more day with her. And death is so final isn’t it? After death, there’s really nothing left but grief. I had three years with Momo. I wished I had more time with her. So I always felt that it was meant to be with Momo. The moment I saw her, somehow I knew. She was shy, she was quiet, she was reserved, and clearly opposites attract. She was one of the best things that had happened to us in this lifetime, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I wished I was beside her when she passed, and I hope that she knows that Daddy loved her deeply, and she will always be remembered and missed. Daddy loves you and Daddy misses you so much. I wish you would come back to my arms, but I know you won’t. And now I have to grieve. Now I have to make peace with death, and sorrow. And now I must let you go. And we love you so much Momo. Run and be free now. And one day we will meet again. Goodbye my darling Momo. Hosts: Jeremy Lee (@jemcocktails) and Madeline Liew (@maddyliew) Producer: Paul Ng (@wanderwavestudio)

In this episode, Jeremy and Maddy are joined by world traveler and friend of the podcast Mandy Tay. Mandy is a trailer producer and photographer who spent a significant part of her professional life away from Singapore. In her travels, she seeks out the exotic cultures of faraway lands in places as diverse as the Middle East and South America. Mandy shares her travel experience with your hosts and how it has impacted her worldview. We hope that this episode can inspire you to be brave to own your happiness and shape your own narrative. Fun fact: The cover and episode photos you see on this show are all captured by Mandy. Show notes (01:35) Introducing the guest. (09:25) Pursuing your passion and deciding what to do. (16:49) How travelling has changed Mandy’s life. (21:00) How to make good connections with people. (23:25) How has travelling shaped Mandy’s idea of happiness. (36:25) Having the courage to go on your own path. (37:55) Making time to meet people. (40:00) Advice for people wanting to live a life bravely. (44:45) Mandy’s quote of the day. Mandy’s quote, by José “Pepe” Mujica, former president of Uruguay: “When you buy something, you are not paying money for it. You are paying with the hours you have spent earning that money. The difference is that life is one thing money can't buy. Life only gets shorter, and it’s pitiful to waste your life and freedom that way.” Extras Straits Times feature on Mandy in the middle east. [Paywall] Straits Times feature on Mandy and couchsurfing. [Paywall] Mandy’s YouTube video on her experience in Iran. Hosts: Jeremy Lee (@jemcocktails) and Madeline Liew (@maddyliew) Guest: Mandy Tay Producer: Paul Ng (@wanderwavestudio)

If you feel that you always can’t make decisions or the decisions you made don’t always turn out well, then we hope this episode is useful for you. Drawing on their own experiences, Jeremy and Maddy give us tips on how to make better decisions. But more importantly, your hosts also remind us not to get stuck in an elaborate decision process. To quote one of the lines from this episode, every good decision only happens in hindsight. Show notes (05:40) Go slow to go fast by exploring all viable options first. (11:47) Conquering your fear to make progress in life. (19:05) Knowing the “why” in you making that decision. (25:40) Knowing your human design chart. (29:42) The job decision matrix. (38:30) Questions to consider if you are in the indecision stage. (45:24) Making the decision to be in the moment. (50:30) Avoiding analysis paralysis. (56:35) Quotes of the day. Jeremy’s quote: I do not believe in making a right decision. I make a decision and make it right. Maddy’s quote, by Dale Carnegie: Do the thing you fear, and keep doing it. That is the quickest and surest way ever yet discovered to conquer fear. Extras The LITO podcast episode on core desire mapping and the free human design chart, as mentioned by Maddy. Hosts: Jeremy Lee (@jemcocktails) and Madeline Liew (@maddyliew) Producer: Paul Ng (@wanderwavestudio)

In this episode, Jeremy and Maddy talk about death in both the literal and metaphorical sense. Your hosts share stories of coping with grief and a sense of longing for the good times they had before the "death" of something and someone close to their hearts. Perhaps this stage of dealing with grief allows for a proper closure of our emotions before we move on to a new season in our life. Show notes (04:48) Reasons behind this episode. (18:00) Living funeral. (26:57) Seasons of life. (33:47) The top 5 regrets of the dying. (35:25) Regret 1: I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. (37:03) Regret 2: I wish I hadn’t worked so hard. (41:27) Regret 3: I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings. (45:30) Regret 4: I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. (48:20) Regret 5: I wish that I had let myself be happier. (56:50) Quotes of the day. Maddy’s quote, by Sadhguru: For the possibility of being human to truly blossom, you must establish that your external circumstances should not dictate what is happening within you. Jeremy’s quote, by Bronnie Ware: There is nothing wrong with loving your work and wanting to apply yourself to it. But there is so much more to life. Balance is what is important, maintaining balance. Extras The video that Maddy mentioned about living funeral: Michelle Ng’s final farewell Read Bronnie Ware’s book The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying, as mentioned in this episode. Hosts: Jeremy Lee (@jemcocktails) and Madeline Liew (@maddyliew) Producer: Paul Ng (@wanderwavestudio)

Jeremy and Maddy reflect on their Singaporean-ness and pride at being a Singaporean. They give their unique take on the things they love most about Singapore from food and places, to a memorable jingle that everyone growing up in the 80s remembers. Show notes (05:35) Your hosts’ favorite local food. (12:53) Favorite place in Singapore. (18:50) Ease of accessibility and the convenience of living in Singapore. (20:50) Memorable local campaigns. (24:20) How the traffic lights and roundabouts in Singapore reflect our faithfulness in following rules. (29:05) Singapore, the gateway to the world. (31:40) A moment etched in Maddy’s memory. (35:32) Quotes of the day. Maddy's quote, from the song Home by Kit Chan: When there are troubles to go through, we'll find a way to start anew. There is comfort in the knowledge, that home's about its people too. Jeremy's quote: Home is where the heart is. Hosts: Jeremy Lee (@jemcocktails) and Madeline Liew (@maddyliew) Producer: Paul Ng (@wanderwavestudio)

The time you get to spend with your parents may be shorter than you think. In this episode, Jeremy and Maddy reflect on seeing their parents age before their eyes, and making efforts to connect with them in the silver years of their lives. Time waits for no one, so make the most of the opportunities you have. Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Show notes (05:54) Maddy’s story of her mum’s condition. (19:57) Reflection on parenthood and being one for the first time. (23:43) Showing empathy and compassion to our parents. (32:30) Creating opportunities to spend time with your parents. (37:55) Setting boundaries with your parents. (50:25) Quotes of the day. Maddy’s quote, from LITO Labs: The scariest thing in life isn't the fear of uncertainty. It is the pain and cost of missed opportunities. Jeremy’s quote, a Russian proverb as told to him by his Russian colleague: Good agreements make good friends. Extras Maddy’s deep health assessment that could help you too. Hosts: Jeremy Lee (@jemcocktails) and Madeline Liew (@maddyliew) Producer: Paul Ng (@wanderwavestudio)

Inspired by our dear listeners' suggestions, Jeremy and Maddy use this episode to share their experiences and tips from their extensive travels. Your hosts hope you can pick up a few pointers from their stories, and use the privilege of travelling wisely. Happy travelling! Show notes (04:53) Reason behind doing this episode. (08:53) Learning to be curious. (15:10) Holidaying in your youth versus holidaying now. (16:45) Being comfortable with discomfort. (18:42) Knowing your biases and applying critical thinking. (22:35) Learning from the challenges of travelling. (27:37) Visiting countries where you have friends there, and making friends in the countries you visit. (33:30) Aligning our senses with the moment. (36:55) Growing from experience. (42:40) Appreciating the different seasons. (51:45) Quotes of the day. Maddy’s quote: If you don’t take time off, your body will take time off for you. Jeremy’s quote, by Marcel Proust: The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. Extras The Airbnb apartment that Jeremy stayed in New Zealand. Hosts: Jeremy Lee (@jemcocktails) and Madeline Liew (@maddyliew) Producer: Paul Ng (@wanderwavestudio)

In this episode, your hosts are joined by a young guest to talk about aging in Singapore. Donald is 20 years old and currently pursuing his diploma in social sciences in gerontology at Temasek Polytechnic, the study of the management and intricacies of aging. Donald is passionate about contributing to the elderly cause, and he brings a refreshing and youthful take on following our passion. Show notes (01:33) How the guest came to be on the show. (03:00) Diversity and inclusion and bridging the different generations. (04:00) Introduction of the guest. (15:50) Challenges that the elderly face today. (24:10) What the youths of today are passionate about. (31:25) How can schools and parents better support youths of today. (46:40) Donald’s message of the day. Donald’s message: You are going to get there. Don’t give up now. Extras Donald Lee as featured in The Straits Times, and the TikTok video that Donald mentioned. Hosts: Jeremy Lee (@jemcocktails) and Madeline Liew (@maddyliew) Guest: Donald Lee (@.dlmzx._) Producer: Paul Ng (@wanderwavestudio) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-imperfect-rainbow/message