Insights Out with Dr. Jen | 披荆斩棘

A bilingual podcast on business, education, leadership, and personal growth from an East-West perspective. Hosted by Dr Jen, a finance PhD, lecturer, and business professional, this podcast bridges academic research with real-world insights. Through first-principles thinking and inspiring stories, it goes beyond the surface, challenges conventional wisdom, and uncovers the deeper truths that shape who we are today. Together, we break barriers in life—to infinity and beyond! *************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** 欢迎收听《披荆斩棘| INsights OUT with Dr Jen》! 在这里,我们超越表面,挑战思维,探寻塑造我们的真实内在原则。这是一个人工智能崛起、万物紧密相连的时代,也是一个焦虑迷茫、困境丛生的时代。这个播客是我与自己的对话,一场提出问题、探索答案的旅程。穿越中英澳三地,我逐渐明白,外界环境难以掌控,但我可以选择如何看待自己,从内心汲取力量。我的名字“黄棘”意为“黄色的沙棘花”,象征在荒漠中扎根生长、开花结果。正如我在每一集播客中与大家分享的成长、学术、商业与人生的深思。每一集都是我这朵“沙棘黄花”扎根成长的旅程。愿它成为你人生路上的绿洲,陪伴你披荆斩棘,成为自己和周围人的光与路, 以智慧和爱点亮世界。 这是一个双语节目,标题中文就是中文播客,标题英文就是英文播客。通过分享我的日常思考,与大家一起成长,突破界限,探索无限可能。
Episodes
Episodes



Monday May 19, 2025
Monday May 19, 2025
Did you know that mortgage-backed securities (MBS) were invented by Dutch bankers over 200 years ago?
And that their collapse triggered a financial crisis strikingly similar to the one we witnessed in 2008?
In this episode, Dr. Jen kicks off a special two-part series with her colleague Dr. Tim, whose groundbreaking research on 18th-century Dutch banking was recently published in the Journal of Finance—the world’s top academic finance journal.
🎼 Special music: De Bankier's Farewell — a piece inspired by the 18th-century Netherlands, taking you back in time as we uncover this historical finance story.
In Part 1, we dive into the research itself:✅ What were these early MBS markets?✅ How did reputation shape financial stability?✅ And what lessons can we learn for today’s banking systems?
To make this fascinating research easy and fun to understand, two AI co-hosts—Amy and Jonny—walk us through the paper in a clear, engaging 15-minute conversation. No finance degree needed!
📌 Paper title: “Going for Broke: Bank Reputation and Mortgage-Backed Securities in 18th-Century Netherlands”📚 Don’t miss this story of innovation, collapse, and lessons that echo through centuries.
👉 Stay tuned for Episode 20, where we go behind the paper with Dr. Tim and explore the personal journey behind this major academic milestone.



Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
In Part 2 of our Easter special, we continue the inspiring journey of Anne Bellavance—a woman who has quietly transformed lives through her philosophy of “living for the sake of others.”In this episode, we focus on how Anne lives that philosophy through community building—locally and globally. As President of Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Australia, Anne has spent decades mentoring women, empowering families, and strengthening multicultural ties.From the Global Women’s Peace Network (GWPN) to cultural events like the Melbourne Pacific Festival, and hands-on global aid in island nations—Anne’s work is a testament to how leadership rooted in service can change the world, one community at a time.Whether you’re a teacher, parent, mentor, or community member, Anne’s story will remind you: you don’t need a title to lead—you just need a heart willing to give.________________________________________🔑 What You’ll Hear in Part 2:• How Anne leads through WFWP without salary or title—purely by choice• Her work mentoring women through the Global Women’s Peace Network (GWPN)• Supporting multicultural harmony and Pacific Islander communities through events and aid• The challenges and insights of leading a nonprofit with love, not ego• Her reflections on legacy, inner peace, and what she hopes to offer in the next 5 years________________________________________🌟 3 “Insights Out” from Anne:On living with purpose, mentoring others, and building a peaceful world________________________________________
🌱 Call to Action:If Anne’s story inspired you, take the next step by joining the Global Women’s Peace Network (GWPN) Regional Assembly in Melbourne on Friday, 24 May 2025. This in-person event launches a transformative 6-month mentorship journey designed to empower emerging women leaders. The mentorship program includes:• One-on-one guidance from experienced mentors • Five high-impact leadership workshops • Access to an exclusive WhatsApp community for ongoing support Whether you're a student, early-career professional, or community builder, this program is your opportunity to grow, connect, and lead with purpose.🔗 Register now: https://www.wfwpaustralia.org/gwpn-assembly📅 Date: Saturday 24 May 2025📍 Location: Mount Waverley Community Center, Melbourne I’m Dr. Jennifer. See you at the GWPN Assembly.



Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
What if true happiness isn’t found in chasing success—but in serving others?
In this special Easter episode, I sit down with Anne Bellavance—a high school teacher, mother of four, and President of the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Australia.
As someone raised with Confucian teachings, I’ve always believed that life unfolds in meaningful stages—from learning at 15 to living in harmony with one’s heart at 70. In Anne, I see that path fully realized. Her story is the quiet, steady journey of a modern-day sage.
Anne shares how she discovered her life purpose as a teenager walking alone in the rain in Tasmania. Since then, she has lived by one simple, powerful principle: “Living for the sake of others.” From raising a happy and grounded family to volunteering her time to empower women and build peace, Anne leads not in boardrooms, but with heart—at home, in the classroom, and within her community.
🎶 The episode ends with a special gift: “Walking in the Tasmanian Rain”, an original song I wrote, inspired by Anne’s journey.
🔑 What You’ll Hear in Part 1:
The moment young Anne found her life purpose in the rain of Tasmania
Her philosophy of leading with heart, service, and quiet strength
How she built a happy family life guided by her values
Personal reflections on sacrifice, marriage, and raising four children with love
🌱 Call to Action:
If Anne’s story inspired you, consider connecting with or supporting the work of Women’s Federation for World Peace Australia.
🔗 Visit WFWP Australia📧 Connect with WFWP Australia on LinkedIn📺 Follow on YouTube | Facebook
🎧 Until next time—keep walking, even if it’s in the rain.I'm Dr. Jennifer. See you this Sunday for Part 2 of Anne’s journey: “Building Communities.”



Monday Mar 31, 2025
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Thinking about a career in financial advising? Wondering what it takes to get licensed and thrive in the industry? In this episode, I sit down with my former mentee, Camille Cruz, who shares her journey—passing the licensing exam, switching jobs, and officially becoming a Registered Financial Advisor in Australia in 2025!
Key Takeaways:
✅ The 4E Requirements – What you need to become a financial advisor in Australia.✅ Licensing Exam Prep – Tips on how to study and pass.✅ Challenges & Mentorship Lessons – The biggest obstacles new advisors face.✅ Recognizing When It’s Time for a Career Move – Camille’s personal story.✅ Future of Financial Advising in the AI Era – How to stay ahead.✅ Advice for Aspiring Advisors – Practical insights to build confidence and stand out.
Useful Links:
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC): Provides authoritative information on qualifications, exams, and professional development requirements for financial advisers in Australia.
Website: https://asic.gov.au/regulatory-resources/financial-services/financial-advice/professional-standards-for-financial-advisers/qualification-exam-and-professional-development/
Financials Advice Association Australia (FAAA): The leading professional association for financial advisers in Australia, advocating for their interests and those of their clients nationwide. Formed in 2023 through the merger of the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) and the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA).
Website: https://faaa.au
🎵 Special Segment: To celebrate Camille’s achievement, I wrote a song just for her—"Well Done, Camille!" 🎶
Turning Insights into Action:
💡 Find yourself a mentor! Camille strongly recommends mentorship as a game-changer for career growth.
🚀 Take the Next Step: If you're a woman ready to step up, build confidence, and lead with impact, register for the WFWP 2025 ConfidentHER Mentorship Program!🔗 Sign up here: https://www.wfwpaustralia.org/mentor-program
Stay Connected:
📩 Want to connect with Camille? Find her on LinkedIn @ Camille Cruz—she’d love to connect with aspiring financial advisors!



Sunday Mar 23, 2025
15.移民澳洲20年:后悔了吗?对话Helena
Sunday Mar 23, 2025
Sunday Mar 23, 2025
在本期节目中,我邀请到了一位特别嘉宾,我的好朋友 ——Helena。二十年前,她毅然放弃国内稳定的职业,带着对未来的憧憬,移居澳洲,从零开始。在这片陌生的土地上,她如何克服重重挑战,在职场站稳脚跟?又是怎样的经历,让她对身份认同和人生价值有了全新的理解?今天,Helena 将为我们分享她移民澳洲20年的酸甜苦辣,以及她是否会再次做出同样的选择。
🎧 本期亮点:✅ 为什么选择移民澳洲? ✅ 技术移民如何在澳洲职场立足? ✅ 如何融入澳洲社会, 独特的澳洲精神?✅ 财务现实: 收入、税收、房价——澳洲生活的经济账是否划算?✅ 如果时光倒流,她会再次做出同样的选择吗?
🔎 三大核心洞见:1️⃣ 移民如何克服职业瓶颈——如何打破“玻璃天花板”,实现职场晋升?2️⃣ 移民对身份认同的影响——是“漂泊者”,还是“新归属”?3️⃣ 20年澳洲生活的深刻感悟——现实与梦想的碰撞,收获与遗憾并存
📌 适合谁收听?🎯 正在考虑移民澳洲,希望获取真实经验的人🎯 已经在澳洲求职、生活,希望更好融入当地社会的华人移民🎯 对“澳洲梦”的现实情况感兴趣的听众
🎵 特别音乐 | Jesus Lives in You, Helena 我特别写了这首歌曲,作为送给 Helena 的生日礼物,也献给所有在异国奋斗、不断前行的移民朋友们。
🔔 欢迎订阅、评论并分享这期节目给可能需要的朋友!让更多人听到真实的移民故事,帮助那些正在抉择路口的人找到属于自己的答案。



Friday Mar 21, 2025
14.How to Launch Your Own Podcast (Part2): Unstoppable Growth with Patricia!
Friday Mar 21, 2025
Friday Mar 21, 2025
📢 Episode Part 2: How to Publish 1st Podcast Professionally using Free Resources?
We’re back for Part 2 of my conversation with Patricia Vaz! In this episode, we go beyond podcasting and dive into her leadership journey—how she navigates life’s challenges, her core values, and her advice for those on a growth path.
Plus, Patricia had great questions about launching a podcast, and I’m sharing everything you need to know to start professionally using only free resources!
🚀 What You’ll Learn in Part 2:✔️ Patricia’s leadership style and how she creates leaders
✔️ Our signature 3-Insights Out session—her advice to her younger self, life principles, and legacy✔️ The step-by-step workflow to start a podcast for free—tools, setup, and launch tips✔️ My biggest lessons from running Insights Out with Dr. Jen
🎧 Take action today: If you’re ready to launch your podcast, start with clarity—define your why, your message, and the value you bring. Write down 10 topics you like to talk and share!
🎶 Special Ending: Inspired by Patricia’s journey, I’m sharing a song—Unstoppable Patricia!
🔗 Connect with Patricia: Follow her on LinkedIn @Patricia Vaz and stay tuned for her launch of Unstoppable Growth!
🔔 Subscribe & Stay Connected: Follow Insights Out with Dr. Jen for more episodes on leadership, business, and personal growth.
💡 Until next time—keep breaking barriers and turning insights into action!



Sunday Mar 16, 2025
13.Unstoppable Growth with Patricia – How to Launch Your Own Podcast (Part1)
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
📢 Episode Part 1:
How to Prepare the Podcast launch - Finding Your Why & Podcast VisionIn this episode, I sit down with Patricia Vaz, a business leader who has worked across Brazil, the U.S., and now Melbourne, as she prepares to launch her Unstoppable Growth Podcast. We dive into her inspiration, the key themes she’ll explore, and the life lessons that shaped her journey.
🚀 What You’ll Learn in Part 1:✔️ Why Patricia is launching Unstoppable Growth and her mission behind it✔️ The key topics she’ll cover—energy alignment, personal growth, and rewriting your story✔️ How life challenges and mentors shaped her journey✔️ The first step in launching a podcast—defining your why, content focus, and listener value
🎧 Listen now and take action: If you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast, take the first step—write down your why, your core message, and the value you want to bring to listeners.
🔗 Connect with Patricia: Follow her on LinkedIn @Patricia Vaz to stay updated on her podcast launch!
👉 Stay tuned for Part 2! Next, we’ll explore Patricia’s leadership style, how she navigates setbacks, and—most importantly—I’ll break down how to launch a podcast professionally using only free resources!



Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
12. Bonus: 10-Minute Breathe with Dr. Jen – A 16-Step Guided Meditation
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Enjoy a short guided meditation led by Dr. Jen, featuring Thích Nhất Hạnh’s classic 16-step breathing exercise, based on the ancient Buddhist practice of Anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing).