What is the perfect wedding? Who is the perfect bride, the perfect daughter? In this episode, I unpack the push-pull of wanting to honor my family's customs while also staying true to myself. Interludes include the meaning of marriage in the modern world, friendship, and navigating one's own identity amidst familial roles and expectations.

VIDEO PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/oqw49mbvB2Y

FULL ESSAY ON SUBSTACK: https://cecexie.substack.com/p/i-had-a-beautiful-chinese-wedding

Men have asked me, "When are you going to have kids? You don't have much time left." To which I say: ALL THIS!! In this episode, I explore my complex feelings around the decision to have children. I draw from philosophy, the pro- and anti-natalist movements, and my own recent experience with the embryo freezing (IVF) process. Segues include climate change, personal identity as a parent, and the influence of late-stage capitalism on the modern baby question. Am I overthinking this? Probably! But I wouldn't have it any other way.

VIDEO PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/1vtGqEzxDkc

FULL ESSAY ON SUBSTACK: https://cecexie.substack.com/p/educated-partnered-and-financially

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Intro

04:06 - Procreation as Morality

07:28 - Climate Change & Identity

11:07 - Late-Stage Capitalism

13:21 - Doubt

Don't know what to do with your life? Me neither! In this episode, I reflect on my own path of pursuing a stable career first and passion second. I examine the allure of "stability," the risks of over-prioritizing passion, and whether it's possible to have both in contemporary life. Tangents include Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Elizabeth Gilbert's advice, and the parable of the Sword of Damocles.

VIDEO PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/IvZduiKtGO8

FULL ESSAY ON SUBSTACK: https://cecexie.substack.com/p/a-good-job-or-your-dream-career

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Intro

07:41 - Stability

11:14 - Passion

13:10 - Both?