It’s been a minute — so we’re catching up.

In this mailbag episode, I’m answering listener questions and sharing honest updates on where my life is right now: love languages, coffee orders, career twists, work-life balance, concerts that kept me sane, and the very real experience of not hitting life milestones on your own timeline.

We talk about choosing stability over hustle, taking a break from a passion project, redefining success in your late 30s, and why sometimes the biggest growth happens during the “quiet” seasons of life.

This episode feels like sitting down with a friend over coffee and doing a full life debrief — comfy, reflective, and a little self-deprecating.

If you’re feeling stuck, in-between, or just need a reminder that you’re not behind, this one’s for you. 🥟💛

You can reach me on Instagram at: @downinthedumplings

New episodes on Thursdays.

Season 3 is officially HERE — thank you for waiting so patiently while I found my way back to the mic. In this cozy comeback episode, we’re talking all things affordable gift-giving for the holidays. Because listen… I wish I could hand out Dyson hair dryers like Oprah, but that is not where my wallet is at this year.

Join me as I walk through five budget-friendly gift ideas (plus a bonus!) that range from zero crafting required to medium–high “I tried my best and I hope you appreciate the effort” energy. Whether you want to give something sweet to a coworker, a K-pop bestie, your foodie friend, or your whole group chat, there’s something here for everyone — including the “I’m not doing gifts this year, please respect my boundaries” crowd.

I also share a warm thank-you to everyone who had Down in the Dumpling in their Spotify Wrapped, an update on why Season 3 took a minute, and a little preview of next week’s Mailbag Episode, where I’ll finally spill where I’ve been and share some life updates.

If today’s episode inspires you, tell me which gift idea you’re trying over on Instagram at @downinthedumplings. Let’s make the holidays cute, thoughtful, and financially responsible together.

New episodes drop every Thursday — welcome back, dumplings. 🥟✨

Nothing warms the soul (and stomach) quite like hot pot! 🫕✨

In this episode, I’m diving chopsticks-first into my current hot pot obsession—There’s just something magical about a bubbling pot of broth, endless toppings, and the warmth of good company. 🫕✨

I’m spilling (not literally… hopefully) all about my current hot pot obsession—why it’s my current comfort meal, how to keep it both cozy and nutrient-packed, and why sharing food is basically a love language.

Whether you're a broth purist, a spice lover, or just here for the sauce station, let’s talk about making hot pot a heartwarming self-care ritual. Grab your ladle and let’s get into it! 💖🥢

Have a favorite hot pot combo or a sauce mix that slaps? Let’s chat! DM me on Instagram @downinthedumplings. 🍜💌

Feeling as wrung out as oversteeped tea?

Same. When life gets too loud and my brain won’t stop spiraling, I retreat to my sacred space—the bathroom—for a self-care ritual that’s part skincare, part therapy, and all indulgence. Think of this as a DIY jjimjilbang moment: a steaming hot shower, a chef’s kiss lineup of skincare faves, and a little time to recenter. So slap on a face mask, cue up a Lover Girl playlist, and let’s reset together. ✨

For more skincare recommendations check out:

https://sokoglam.com/collections/best-sellers

One of my fave kbeauty content creators: Pauline Choi https://www.instagram.com/paulinejchoi/

Let's be friends: Follow me on Instagram at @downinthedumplings

Feeling overwhelmed? Let’s slow things down together. In this episode of Down in the Dumplings, I’m sharing the top four crafts that helped me go from feeling overloaded and anxious to calm and centered.

From beading bracelets to decorating toploaders, punch needling, and making felt plush keychains—these little creative escapes became my go-to stress relievers.

If you’ve been looking for a fun new hobby or a mindful way to unwind, this episode is for you! Grab a cozy drink, settle in, and let’s talk craft therapy. 💖

✨ Let’s be friends! Follow me on Instagram at @downinthedumplings for more cozy vibes.

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

The Sunday Scaries might be a universal struggle, but we’ve got our own way of handling them. 😉

In this episode of Down in the Dumplings, I’m sharing my Sunday Reset routine—that helps me go from 😨 to ☁️✨ before the workweek begins.

Grab your fave cozy drink, and let’s romanticize the reset together. 💖🥟 #SundayReset #AAPIWellness

While I might be a bit down in the dumps today, it's not because I don't have a Valentine: I'm ready to celebrate GALENTINE'S DAY!

In this episode I reflect on one of my first Galentine's Day parties and make plans for how I'll be spending it this year and what gifts I'll be preparing.

Have ideas for celebrating Galentine's Day with your friends? Send them to me on Instagram at: @downinthedumplings

Courtney is back: and so is her podcast. Introducing Down in the Dumplings: a podcast and exploration on ideas and crafts to try when you're feeling down and need a pick me up.

In this episode, Courtney explains where she's been and what's been cookin' in the past two years since the last episode of Now Calling Courtney. She also shares the mission of Down in the Dumplings and what to expect over this mini season.

Lastly we bite into the first topic about feeling happy even when life feels sucky. She talks about two ways to feel validated that don't require other people.

Subscribe on Spotify and listen for new episodes on Thursdays.