"Semicolon Spaces" are the turning points in our lives. They’re the pauses that became new paths, the endings that revealed unexpected beginnings. In this podcast, we explore these deeply human moments of transition, redirection, and quiet resilience.
Each episode features intimate conversations with people who’ve navigated pivotal shifts: in identity, health, career, relationships, and belief systems. These are the stories of what happened after the pause—where a period might have gone, a semicolon stood instead.
Because your story isn’t over; it’s still being written. This is not a platform with platitudes - no key messages, no script, minimal edits - just raw conversations.
Beauty in pauses: Jaclyn Chan changes her relationship with the storms in her life
In this conversation, Linda Lee speaks with Jacyln Chan about the importance of taking pauses in life, navigating grief and loss, and the transformative power of self-discovery. Jacyln shares her personal journey through health challenges, the impact of losing her son, and how these experiences have shaped her understanding of success and gratitude. The discussion emphasises the significance of emotional intelligence, the need for balance in life, and the role of faith in overcoming life's storms. Jacyln started and introduced the concept of 'Radical Pause' and how it can help individuals find meaning and connection in their experiences.
00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Jaclyn Chan's journey
02:10 - How do you start your day with a pause?
04:20 - The hardest pause: navigating grief and loss of Nathan
07:30 - Grief as a non-linear wave: embracing the emotional ride
09:50 - Living with type 1 diabetes: lessons in resilience and listening to your body
12:45 - Identity beyond appearance and abilities: rethinking self-worth
15:00 - Living in the storm: shifting perspective and seeing storms as gifts
17:25 - Letting go: releasing pride and societal pressures for authentic living
20:35 - The concept of equanimity: finding balance of strength and ease
22:50 - Cultivating radical gratitude: shifting from hindsight to present
25:10 - The universal language of pause: music, dance, and intentional living
27:30 - How Morrow Health’s mission integrates pauses and presence
29:00 - Practical tools: sound therapy, breathwork, and conscious release
31:00 - Honoring Nathan: his meaning and impact on Jaclyn’s life
33:10 - Final reflections: embracing storms and rising stronger
17 Jan 2026
A better changemaker after her pause: Christa Sharpe serves the most vulnerable in her local community
In this conversation, Christa Sharpe shares her journey as a leader in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the importance of taking pauses in life to reflect and grow. She discusses her experiences with loss, the challenges faced in the nonprofit sector, and her aspirations for the future, including a focus on local community engagement and supporting women in leadership roles. Christa's insights highlight the need for balance, the significance of personal connections, and the ongoing fight for social justice and equity.
00:00 Introduction to Christa Sharpe and Her Journey
01:50 The Importance of Taking Pauses
06:04 Reflections on Loss and Grief
09:49 Navigating Career Transitions and Personal Growth
13:32 Defining Success and Leadership
17:28 Building Movements and Empowering Others
20:29 Challenges in the Nonprofit Sector
21:35 The Changing Landscape of Philanthropy
25:34 Local Focus: A Shift in Priorities
31:42 Anchors in Life: Family and Faith
35:49 Looking Ahead: Vision for the Next Decade
38:10 Empowering Women: The Call to Action
13 Dec 2025
Success begins with self-awareness: Yvette Tee shares how we can train our minds to transform our lives
In this episode of the Semicolon Spaces podcast, host Linda Lee engages in a heartfelt conversation with Yvette Tee, a well-being expert and founder of Evolve with Yvette. They explore the significance of pauses in life, the journey of personal transformation through yoga and meditation, and the evolving definition of success. Yvette shares her experiences navigating life changes, the importance of self-awareness, and how meditation can help manage stress and enhance well-being. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by Yvette's students, the impact of lifestyle choices on aging, and the power of mindfulness in everyday life. Yvette emphasizes the importance of being kind to oneself and the transformative potential of embracing change.
If you wish to experience peace and calm, please note there is a special guided meditation by Yvette at approximately 28.00.
30 Nov 2025
From living in a bubble to two worlds: Sandra Leong found her connection to home through Singaporean food
In this engaging conversation, Linda Lee hosts her friend Sandra Leong, who shares her journey from being a journalist in Singapore to running a Singaporean food brand in London. They discuss the challenges of leaving a familiar environment, the importance of cultural representation, and the evolution of personal and professional goals. Sandra reflects on her experiences of privilege, the struggles of starting anew, and the balance between business and family life. The conversation highlights the significance of self-care, navigating different life stages, and the ongoing journey of personal growth.
00:00 Introduction to Semicolon Spaces and Sandra's Journey
02:23 Taking the Leap: Leaving Journalism for Love and Adventure
06:40 Breaking Free from the Bubble: Personal Growth and Challenges
10:28 Surviving in London: The Reality of Immigrant Life
14:08 From Homesickness to Entrepreneurship: The Birth of Old Chunky
18:31 Being a Food Ambassador: Challenges and Responsibilities
22:45 Evolving Goals: From Personal to Professional Missions
25:28 The Journey of Business Growth
28:08 Finding Fulfillment as a Business Owner
29:39 Balancing Time and Peace of Mind
32:16 Navigating Life Stages and Parenthood
36:34 Health and Self-Care in Midlife
39:17 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations
41:30 Parenting with a Broader Perspective
47:34 Embracing the Journey of Life
22 Nov 2025
Growth and resilience in entrepreneurship: Lenny Kessler learnt to respect his own rhythm with pauses
In this conversation, Lenny Kessler shares his journey from finance to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of pauses in life and decision-making. He reflects on his hardest pauses, including a forced break during the financial crisis, and his creative exploration as a photographer. Lenny discusses the mindset shift required for entrepreneurship, the role of businesses in driving sustainability, and the need for community connection. He offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and redefines success as a pursuit of meaning rather than just financial gain. Lenny's future aspirations include reconnecting with nature and fostering community engagement.
00:00 Introduction to Pauses and Life Choices
07:23 Transitioning Back to Finance
14:41 Navigating Challenges in Sustainability
19:31 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
24:48 The Importance of Community
29:57 The Role of Pauses in Life
34:30 Curiosity and Global Perspectives
10 Nov 2025
From career detours to untold stories in the world of journalism and technology: Liza Lin is anchored by her mission
In this conversation, Linda Lee interviews Liza Lin, a seasoned journalist with extensive experience covering technology and China. They discuss the art of storytelling in journalism, the impact of technology on society. Liza shares insights from her book 'Surveillance State', her personal experiences with grief, and how her definition of success has evolved over time. The conversation emphasises the importance of family, balance, and the value of taking intentional pauses in life.
00:00 Introduction and Background of Liza
02:59 The Art of Storytelling in Journalism
05:57 The Dynamic World of Technology in China
11:48 Exploring the Book 'Surveillance State'
14:53 The Dual Nature of Surveillance
17:40 Personal Reflections on Grief and Career
20:54 Defining Success and Future Aspirations
23:53 The Importance of Family and Balance
26:37 Advice on Intentional Pauses
2 Nov 2025
Pressing pause when others are fast forwarding: With her faith in God, Jiamin keeps showing up
In this episode of the Semicolon Spaces podcast, host Linda Lee engages in a heartfelt conversation with Min, a professional turned stay-at-home mom of twins. They explore the significance of taking pauses in life, reflecting on Min's journey through a quarter-life crisis and her current pause in motherhood. The discussion delves into the challenges and joys of parenting, the redefinition of success, and the importance of community and faith in navigating life's transitions. Min shares her insights on being present, the internal struggles of consistency, and the support she receives from her family and friends. The conversation concludes with thoughts on future aspirations and the desire to inspire others to embrace their own pauses.
00:00 Introduction to Life's Pauses
06:29 The First Significant Pause: A Quarter-Life Crisis
10:47 Embracing Motherhood: The Current Pause
15:44 Letting Go: Career and Mindset Shifts
19:30 Redefining Success in Motherhood
22:19 Fighting Internal Battles: Consistency and Discipline
26:10 Faith and Community Support
30:41 Looking Ahead: The Next Decade
33:41 Conceptualizing a New Business Idea
36:23 Closing Thoughts and Future Guests
17 Oct 2025
Grief and liberation: How Roger Pua found a renewed focus in life
In this conversation, Linda Lee interviews Roger Pua, exploring the theme of intentional pauses in life, particularly in the context of caregiving, career transitions, and personal growth. Roger shares his journey from a corporate career to semi-retirement, discussing the challenges and reflections that come with significant life changes. The conversation delves into the importance of identity, the redefinition of success, and the impact of caregiving on personal fulfillment.
Roger's insights on finding peace and contentment in life resonate throughout the discussion, culminating in a heartfelt tribute to his mother and her legacy.
00:00:00 Introduction and Life Transitions
00:07:00 Honoring Family Legacy
00:14:00 Career Shifts and Semi-Retirement
00:21:00 Teaching and Giving Back
00:30:00 Advice for Young Graduates
00:36:00 Finding Contentment and Peace
8 Oct 2025
A pause on herself to be a mother: Qiaoqing’s fight for her children and community
In this episode, Linda Lee interviews Qiao Qing (QQ), a mother and founder of Little Warriors, a clothing brand for children with eczema and allergies. QQ shares her journey of motherhood, the challenges of finding personal pauses, and the impact of her children's health issues on her identity. She discusses the importance of community support, the struggle for self-advocacy, and the need for empathy in parenting. Throughout the conversation, QQ reflects on her evolving definition of success and her hopes for the future as she navigates the complexities of motherhood.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to QQ and Her Journey
05:50 Navigating Eczema and Allergies: A Mother's Struggle
11:30 Trust and Control: The Challenges of Caregiving
17:10 Rediscovering QQ: Finding Personal Identity
22:45 Advocacy and Community: Fighting for Change
28:16 Finding Stability in Chaos: Mental Recovery
33:45 Closing Thoughts and Future Interviews
30 Sept 2025
Redefining Self-Worth with Alisa Chopard: From titles and appearances to fulfilment and peace of mind
In this episode, Linda Lee hosts Alisa Chopard, a communications professional and personal trainer, to discuss her pauses in life and how they can lead to new paths. Alisa shares her experiences with both forced and voluntary pauses, the impact of losing a job on her self-worth, and how she redefined success and fulfillment. The conversation also delves into Alisa's journey with fitness, her approach to personal training, and the influence of her father on her values and life choices.
00:00:00 Introduction to Pauses
00:03:00 Forced and Voluntary Pauses
00:09:00 Redefining Success
00:15:00 Fitness Journey and Self-Discovery
00:21:00 Influence of Family and Values
00:27:00 Balancing Life and Work
4 Aug 2025
The Joy of Painting - A child's imagination
In this special episode with my five-year-old daughter, Bethany, we discussed her love for painting and colours.
When I was a child, I shared her joy for art. With this episode, Bethany reminded me that art is truly powerful and inspired me to continue to indulge in art to pause, to reflect, to meditate.
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