this is hazel

Are you a giver or taker?

Today, Hazel talks about the delicate balance between protecting yourself and maintaining meaningful relationships. In a world that often encourages us to cut people off at the first sign of discomfort, Hazel explores a more nuanced perspective on boundaries, conflict, and self-respect. Drawing from her own experiences, she reflects on how some relationships need distance, while others grow stronger through honest conversations and difficult moments. This episode explores the difference between healthy giving and self-sacrifice, the reality of unequal expectations in relationships, and why awareness—not avoidance—may be the key to protecting yourself. Whether you’re questioning a friendship, navigating family dynamics, or simply trying to understand your role in the relationships around you, this conversation offers a thoughtful reflection on what it means to care for others without losing yourself in the process. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisishazel.substack.com [https://thisishazel.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

You’re not bad at English! you just don't use it

Today, Hazel talks about the reality of learning English beyond textbooks, tricks, and perfect grammar. From confidence, language environments, and accents to the pressure of speaking in real conversations, she shares her honest experiences learning English in Korea and adapting to life abroad. This episode is for anyone who feels stuck with English, struggles to speak despite studying for years, or feels exhausted by turning language learning into homework. Hazel reflects on why English grows in “steps,” why repetition matters more than perfection, and how enjoyable experiences and real human connection can completely change the way you learn a language. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisishazel.substack.com [https://thisishazel.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

the loneliness nobody talks about (and what it's actually telling you)

Today, Hazel talks about the quiet, often unspoken feeling of having “no one” and what that experience might actually mean. Instead of offering quick advice or surface-level comfort, she explores the deeper layers of loneliness: how it can lead us to seek connection in the wrong places, lower our standards, or build relationships that don’t truly fulfill us. Through her reflection, she reframes this empty space not as an ending, but as a beginning. In this episode, Hazel gently walks through the shift from loneliness to solitude, and what it looks like to turn inward—to understand who you are when no one is watching, and to build a life that feels whole on its own. She also shares why developing a relationship with yourself changes the way you connect with others, and how real, healthy connections often come when you’re no longer trying to be saved, but simply ready to share your life. This is a thoughtful and honest conversation for anyone who has ever felt alone, questioned their worth, or wondered how to find meaningful connection. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisishazel.substack.com [https://thisishazel.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

why i stopped trying to be COOL

Hazel talks about the quiet pressure of trying to be “cool” and how that idea slowly turned into something exhausting. Through a recent trip to Whistler, she reflects on how easily life can become overly serious, where every choice needs to feel productive, meaningful, or “right.” She shares how this mindset shows up in everything from hobbies and relationships to the way we spend our time and how it slowly takes away the ability to simply enjoy things. Looking back at childhood, Hazel explores what it meant to do things without questioning their value, and how that sense of play and trust in ourselves can get lost over time. This episode is a gentle reflection on redefining what it means to be “cool” not as an image to chase, but as the ability to trust your choices without constant doubt. A conversation about letting go of pressure, being less serious, and finding your way back to something more natural. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisishazel.substack.com [https://thisishazel.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

I used to overthink everything, and this changed it.

In this episode, we talk about overthinking. why it happens, why it feels like control, and how it slowly takes away your peace, presence, and ability to move forward. I also share a few simple, practical ways to break the cycle, including how to notice when you’re overthinking, how to stop letting worries take over your entire day, and how small actions can help you get out of your head. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisishazel.substack.com [https://thisishazel.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]