“[Traveling with friends] - it’s just something I have to do more. Now that it’s happened, I have a greater sense of wanting to do it more, especially with a group you connect with.” - Urmeneta, 2025

In this episode of the Insight Out Podcast, we sit down with Miguel Urmeneta, the mastermind for making a trip to South Korea, "out of the group chat". For a bunch of us, it was our first time there, and Miguel and I recount how he brought our group together and the joy it was to be with everyone - even those who were already based out of Hong Kong.

Through laughter and shared adventures, we expose new connections to our friendships, discovering new boundaries and the stories that unfolded in the most unexpected moments. From navigating Gundam hunts, to mukbang moments, to late-night conversations with Totally Spies in the background, we share them all (mostly).

This episode not only captures the essence of travel but also emphasises the profound connections we forge with one another when stepping outside our comfort zones. Sit in with us, and grab a drink (cos we did) and listen in to our adventures in South Korea!

🪙 The Insight Out HK, Top 40 of the Top 100 Hong Kong Podcasts by Feedspot.

🔎 Miguel's Instagram: - https://www.instagram.com/dantebanehallow_/

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☕ The Insight Out Podcast is a platform of intentional discussion and storytelling. Hosted by Jeal - his guests and him share insight through their personal experiences. 🔎 Stay updated and feel free to discuss on Instagram where we share episode highlights!

"Take responsibility for your sh*t - don't blame everything on your parents, for everything that happens in your life." (Neves, 2025)

Despite the perception of a vibrant yet perilous city, Carlos Neves, just recognises Brazil as his home.

Carlos shares captivating childhood stories that reveal the stark contrast between playful adventures and the comedic realities of life in a crime-ridden neighbourhood. From the thrill of imaginative adventures to creepy naked uncles, these anecdotes paint a vivid picture of his childhood and the role family played in shaping him today.

The episode also delves into the theme of family, highlighting how friendships forged in tough times can become a source of strength and support.

Join us for this engaging conversation filled with laughter, nostalgia, and powerful insights into the complexities of growing up in an environment where every day is an adventure.

🪙 The Insight Out HK, Top 40 of the Top 100 Hong Kong Podcasts by Feedspot.

🔎 Carlos' Instagram: - https://www.instagram.com/carlos.neves02/

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☕ The Insight Out Podcast is a platform of intentional discussion and storytelling. Hosted by Jeal - his guests and him share insight through their personal experiences. 🔎 Stay updated and feel free to discuss on Instagram where we share episode highlights!

🔥 Creative burnout is a pressing issue for many, especially when trying to balance professional work with personal creative outlets. This episode emphasizes that reclaiming our narratives empowers us to demand what we truly deserve in both personal and professional spheres, fostering a sense of authenticity and fulfillment.

"People misunderstand that being creative is something that is inherently artistic - they are afraid to create because they believe it has to be something good. If you enjoy something - you don't have to be the BEST at it." (C. Wincel, 2025)

🖌️ Wincel, known as Wordswallowed, discusses the challenges of maintaining creativity in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. The pressure to consistently produce content can be overwhelming for influencers balancing full-time careers. In this episode, Wincel shares insights on managing time and energy to prevent burnout. We invite listeners to reflect on: "What strategies can influencers use to combat creative burnout and reclaim their narratives?" This discussion empowers individuals to embrace their journeys and lead fulfilling lives both online and offline, exploring ways to redefine success and authenticity in the influencer space.

🪙 The Insight Out HK, Top 40 of the Top 100 Hong Kong Podcasts by Feedspot.

🔎 Wincel's Instagram: - https://www.instagram.com/wordswallowed/ | A Lit Fuse Productions - https://www.instagram.com/alitfuseprod/

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☕ The Insight Out Podcast is a platform of intentional discussion and storytelling. Hosted by Jeal - his guests and him share insight through their personal experiences. 🔎 Stay updated and feel free to discuss on Instagram where we share episode highlights!

[HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY! Much love to y'all out there.]

💪🏼 Navigating the complexities of body image issues can be incredibly challenging, especially for teens. Comments like "You're getting fatter," or in Tagalog, "Tumataba ka ah," can significantly impact their self-esteem. In a vibrant city like Hong Kong, where the culture may lack the language to effectively process these emotions, finding the courage to share one's journey becomes vital.

"There needs to be confrontation through conversation...The challenging part of the 'Body Positivity' [or rather, any] movement is that it's tied to people rather than systems." (Ng, 2025)

Stephanie Ng, the inspiring founder of Body Banter, addresses this crucial conversation through her dedicated advocacy. She engages with the youth to foster understanding and support around body image issues, helping them explore ways to develop a positive self-image. To further this important dialogue, consider the question: "Which of the following statements does not describe how teens can create a healthy body image?" By exploring these questions and engaging in meaningful conversations, we can empower young people to navigate their unique journeys with confidence and compassion.

🪙 The Insight Out HK, Top 40 of the Top 100 Hong Kong Podcasts by Feedspot.

🔎 Steph's Instagram: - https://www.instagram.com/_themightymunchkin_/ | Body Banter 談·身 - https://www.instagram.com/bodybanter/

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☕ The Insight Out Podcast is a platform of intentional discussion and storytelling. Hosted by Jeal - his guests and him share insight through their personal experiences. 🔎 Stay updated and feel free to discuss on Instagram where we share episode highlights!

[WARNING! Grooming, Drug Abuse, Light Swearing]

✈️ Imagine the added sting of receiving a break up email from an ex's professional account at the check-in counter, mere hours before embarking on a flight from Hong Kong to the UK to start a new life together. Enter, Joey Cia, an educator and founder of Pamana Classica, delves into some of the most harrowing break-up stories and the challenges specific to gay dating.

"Realising and remembering that you are your OWN person, even before being with anyone." (Cia, 2025)

💔 In today's fast-paced world of modern dating, the phrase 'break up' is all too common, capturing the essence of love's fleeting nature. Break ups are undeniably painful, leaving people heartbroken after they've invested so much time, energy, and often money into making a relationship work. It's exhausting to continuously put yourself out there, especially after experiencing a particularly difficult break-up. This gripping episode explores the tumultuous aftermath of a break-up, posing critical questions: What should we do with mementos from an ex? How do we navigate feelings of regret? And is it possible to remain friends with a former lover? These compelling inquiries resonate deeply in the realm of break-ups, drawing listeners into the complex web of post-relationship dilemmas.

🪙 The Insight Out HK, Top 40 of the Top 100 Hong Kong Podcasts by Feedspot.

🔎 Joey's Instagram: - https://www.instagram.com/chowee_hsieh/ | Pamana Classica HK - https://www.instagram.com/pamanaclassica.hk/

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☕ The Insight Out Podcast is a platform of intentional discussion and storytelling. Hosted by Jeal - his guests and him share insight through their personal experiences. 🔎 Stay updated and feel free to discuss on Instagram where we share episode highlights!

🧧 Have you ever heard how we appreciate others' success only as much as we appreciate ours? This concept holds particular significance among second-generation Filipino immigrants residing in Hong Kong, who grapple with the ingrained sense of 'utang na loob' towards their parents. Navigating the delicate balance between honoring their expectations of what a life with success should entail and pursuing one's personal aspirations can be daunting.

"Yes, Career is important. But family and friends and the relationships we build, are what make life more colourful." (Vicera, 2025)

🌟 Christine received an offer for a Ph.D. program at an overseas university, and this marked a milestone for her. We highlighted the instances she felt compelled to 'dim her light' and her newfound decision to abandon that restraint towards success. This episode delves into the intricate interplay of cultural identity, relationship dynamics, and self-imposed beliefs that constrain our potential, urging us to cultivate our success by nurturing our inner light.

🪙 The Insight Out HK, Top 40 of the Top 100 Hong Kong Podcasts by Feedspot.

🔎 Christine's Instagram: - https://www.instagram.com/tineneil | Be/longing HK - https://www.instagram.com/belonging.hk

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☕ The Insight Out Podcast is a platform of intentional discussion and storytelling. Hosted by Jeal - his guests and him share insight through their personal experiences. 🔎 Stay updated and feel free to discuss on Instagram where we share episode highlights!

🥂 "New Year, New Me" has become an overused and overrated phrase, often leaving us less motivated to set our resolutions effectively. In fact, a 2025 Forbes study revealed that nearly half of the respondents abandoned their resolutions by February, and less than ten percent stuck with them throughout the year.

"A lot of people are just appeasing an anxiety. I feel like it [too]. Like they're not doing enough - or not feel like they are enough... It's a constant cycle of comparing." (Sicuan, 2025)

🎸 I remember meeting Tom—a skilled singer-songwriter performing Ne-Yo's "So Sick" at Junel's. His dedication is seen not only in his passion for music but also in his work as an educator and his commitment to his faith and community. It's clear that setting practical and purpose-driven resolutions is key. So, how can we approach our resolutions to ensure they guide us successfully through the year? We need strategies to stay true to these commitments.

🪙 The Insight Out HK, Top 40 of the Top 100 Hong Kong Podcasts by Feedspot.

🔎 Tom's Instagram: - https://www.instagram.com/keannu_t/

Got a story to share?

☕ The Insight Out Podcast is a platform of intentional discussion and storytelling. Hosted by Jeal - his guests and him share insight through their personal experiences. 🔎 Stay updated and feel free to discuss on Instagram where we share episode highlights!

"But 'with great power, comes great responsibility' and once you recognise your privilege: what can you do with it? That's where the magic happens." (Vicera, 2024)

📚 Christine, co-founder of Be/longing HK works in academia and found her position in the social impact space of the city. Her professional work has supported her community activities by empowering them to tell their stories through photography and writing. As a researcher and collaborator, she highlights what privilege is composed of, what we can do to recognise our own and what we can do after.

🔎 Christine's Instagram: - https://www.instagram.com/tineneil

💰 Amidst the challenge of apathy and sourcing funds, Christine reminds us that creating positive social impact requires us to understand our beneficiaries; the communities we are doing this work for. Let's never lose sight of their wants ahead of our funders/ours.

🪙 The Insight Out HK, Top 40 of the Top 100 Hong Kong Podcasts by Feedspot.

Disclaimer: The poem "Lost Voices" by Darius Simpson and Scout Bostley does not belong to The Insight Out HK. All credit goes to Button Poetry. Use of the audio in this podcast is for educational use and supplementation for the episode's theme. No profit or commercial gain has been or will be made from this episode.

Got a story to share?

☕ The Insight Out Podcast is a platform of intentional discussion and storytelling. Hosted by Jeal - his guests and him share insight through their personal experiences. 🔎 Stay updated and feel free to discuss on Instagram where we share episode highlights!