After a season of reflection, storytelling, and a lot of dumpling feelings, Courtney shares the final episode of Down in the Dumplings. In this closing chapter, she reflects on the journey that led her here—personally, creatively, and professionally—and what it means to step into a new season of life.From memories of making dumplings and honoring cultural roots, to documenting life through podcasting in her 30s and 40s, Courtney opens up about what she’s learned along the way. She talks about the growing desire for simplicity, the importance of solitude, and the quiet joy of reconnecting with hobbies, fangirl life, and the small comforts that keep us grounded.This episode is a gentle reflection on life transitions: letting go of the pressure to constantly share online, embracing consolidation and clarity, and learning to trust your own perspective as you evolve.If you’ve ever felt yourself entering a new chapter—craving a slower pace, deeper reflection, and more intentional living—this conversation is for you.Thank you for being part of this journey.

In this episode, I revisit the friendship conversation I started in season 1: the one where I admitted the ways I had been a toxic friend. I’ve grown since then. I’ve matured. But growth doesn’t exempt you from heartbreak.We’re talking about friendship breakups, drifting apart from people you thought would be in your life forever, and what happens when “pick me” energy meets the reality of being taken advantage of. I share how those experiences shifted my perspective and forced me to get honest about what I actually want in my relationships now.I open up about:Why I’m cautious about formal friend groupsThe difference between intensity and alignmentThe sweet season of friendship I’m currently inAnd the intentional check-in questions that have changed how I show up for the women in my lifeIf you’ve ever outgrown friendships, questioned your role in relationship dynamics, or wondered what a healthy connection actually looks like as an adult, this episode is your invitation to take inventory.Ask better questions. Offer clearer care. Release what doesn’t feel safe.🥟✨

This week I feel like a fried dumpling.Overcooked. Crispy on the outside. Slightly falling apart on the inside.In this episode of Down in the Dumplings, I’m sharing what the past week has really looked like: being sick, my parents being out of town, relational conflict (yes… lots of tears), getting a promotion (yay?!), surviving BTS ticketing stress, friendship calibration, and feeling wildly overstimulated while grappling with executive dysfunction and task paralysis.It’s one of those “I don’t fully have it together but I’m trying” weeks.And in true Down in the Dumplings fashion, I’m also sharing what’s cheering me up — my newest hyper-fixation project: Cafe Courtney ☕️Inspired by Kristina’s Sweet Beans and my lifelong dream of being a barista, I’m hosting a green-and-white tennis club aesthetic breakfast café moment to gather my friends in one place, feed them well, and create something beautiful.Menu highlights include:Hawaiian yogurt cups with pineapple, banana, coconut & blueberry lemon granolaMayak Gyeran rice bowls (soft marinated Korean eggs over brown/white rice mix)Scallion ginger butter sourdough toastMiso maple bacon & sausageBlack Sesame Einspanner (birthday special!)Strawberry oatmilk, barley tea, sparkling mint juleps & morePlus bead box favors, Chilsung Cider, Vitasoy, and the comfort of curated connection.If you’ve been feeling overstimulated, emotionally tender, ambitious but exhausted — this one’s for you.Follow the show on Spotify so you never miss an episode, and come say hi on Instagram @downinthedumplings.Let’s feel a little better together 🥟✨

It’s almost my birthday, which means I’m deep in my reflective era.In this episode, I’m sharing my Ins & Outs of 2026—a realistic, honest reset that’s less about resolutions and more about direction.From health wake-up calls and career focus to reclaiming my rizz, learning how to DJ, and finally letting go of burnout, pettiness, and constant overworking—this episode is about choosing sustainability, softness, and intention as I enter a new year of life.If you’re feeling hopeful but tired, motivated but cautious, or just figuring things out as you go, this one’s for you.

I blinked and 2025 was over… and I honestly couldn’t remember what I even enjoyed. So naturally, I made an awards show about it.In this episode of Down in the Dumplings, I’m hosting the first ever Golden Chopstick Awards — my extremely subjective recap of the music, food, pop culture chaos, small businesses, and random comforts that got me through this year.We’re covering:✨ SEVENTEEN’s Happy Burstday, THE8’s “Skyfall,” and why J-Hope’s Hope on the Stage tour genuinely stunned me🍜 My food obsessions of the year — from malatang spirals to Bafang Dumpling and post-concert late-night eats☕ Café culture highlights, including Toro/Tea, Thank You Coffee, and my undying love for the decaf espresso tonic🎁 An Emotional Support Trinket Award (yes, Pop Mart Crybabies made the list)📺 And the most important question of all: why did The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 have such a chokehold on me when I didn’t enjoy a single episode?This episode is part reflection, part comfort listen, part “is this just what being online in 2025 felt like?” If you’re also trying to figure out what this year even was, you’re not alone.

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: @downinthedumplingsNew 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-sellersOne 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!