Down in the Dumplings

Episode 3.7: One Last Dumpling Before the Next Season

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.

Episode 3.6: Taking Friendship Inventory & Calibrating in Quality Time

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 groups * The difference between intensity and alignment * The sweet season of friendship I’m currently in * And the intentional check-in questions that have changed how I show up for the women in my life If 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.🥟✨

Episode 3.5: At Home with Cafe Courtney

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 granola * Mayak Gyeran rice bowls (soft marinated Korean eggs over brown/white rice mix) * Scallion ginger butter sourdough toast * Miso maple bacon & sausage * Black Sesame Einspanner (birthday special!) * Strawberry oatmilk, barley tea, sparkling mint juleps & more Plus 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 🥟✨

Episode 3.4 Ins and Outs of 2026 (No Resolutions, Just Direction)

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.

Episode 3.3: The 2025 Golden Chopsticks Awards

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.