

soju with sarah
sarah pan
a safe space to explore adulthood, relationships, life in our 20s, careers & finance :)
đ JOIN THE COMMUNITY! đ
send us your advice column questions, life advice tips, or podcast feedback! â https://tally.so/r/mV85KM
join our newsletter! â https://sojuwithsarah.substack.com
send us an email! â hello@sojuwithsarah.com
đ JOIN THE COMMUNITY! đ
send us your advice column questions, life advice tips, or podcast feedback! â https://tally.so/r/mV85KM
join our newsletter! â https://sojuwithsarah.substack.com
send us an email! â hello@sojuwithsarah.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

34 snips
Jan 2, 2026 ⢠40min
3 lessons, 3 goals (season 1.5 finale)
Join Sarah and James as they bid farewell to season 1.5 with reflections on their transformative year. Discover the importance of patience and delayed gratification in building dreams. They dive into the struggles of follow-through and the myth of the glamorous hustle. With big plans ahead, they discuss moving, reclaiming identity, and the joy of collaborating creatively. Plus, they share lighthearted thoughts on approaching their 30s and the importance of focus as they wrap up this meaningful season!

12 snips
Dec 26, 2025 ⢠43min
the *end-of-year* audit: how to make 2026 your best year
Celebrate the holiday season by diving into end-of-year reflections! Discover the power of the rose, bud, thorn framework to audit your year. Sarah shares her wins, like launching a ceramics business, and acknowledges the challenges she's faced. Explore motivations and set identity-based resolutions to become your best self in 2026. With practical planning tips, she encourages choosing guiding themes for the year. Plus, enjoy some bloopers to wrap it all up with a laugh!

Dec 19, 2025 ⢠38min
the never ending quest to fit in (and why I quit)
it's a week for the juicy j's! in this episode, our (almost) favorite co-host james dives into the never ending quest to fit in ~ a vulnerable conversation about friendship, finding a sense of belonging, and what it means to "fit in." so grab your mugs and get cozy to navigate this feeling of trying to our people and most importantly, ourselves!today's specialty drink of the day: miso soupchapters(00:00:00) intro(00:01:33) drink of the day(00:03:14) todayâs topic(00:04:34) jamesâs story(00:08:19) identity search through other people(00:12:21) identity whac-a-mole(00:13:52) intermission(00:20:29) the never ending quest to fit in(00:24:39) jamesâs relationship with sarah(00:26:27) different friends for different reasons(00:26:48) holding yourself back (because of social life)(00:28:11) the âselfâ(00:31:00) on loneliness(00:32:57) what fills your cup?(00:35:31) outro(00:37:27) bloopers

Dec 12, 2025 ⢠56min
navigating the toxicity of east asian cliques⌠(soju advice column #5)
Delve into the complexities of adulting and friendships in your 20s and 30s. Explore the dynamics of toxic East Asian cliques and how to establish boundaries in social settings. Discover lighthearted dating advice and learn how to attract the right partner. Hear firsthand struggles of navigating a drinking culture when you donât indulge. Plus, get practical tips on how to assert yourself at work and communicate effectively. Join the journey of self-discovery, laughter, and personal growth!

Dec 5, 2025 ⢠44min
habits that completely changed my 20s
Explore the transformative habits that shaped one person's 20s. Discover how building organized systems can streamline life. Learn why valuing deeper friendships over superficial 'coolness' creates more meaningful connections. Saving money is highlighted as a path to freedom and risk-taking. Shifting perspectives to see limitations as opportunities opens doors. Embrace a learner's mindset and overcome the fear of doing things alone for personal growth. Tune in for practical insights that inspire thriving in your twenties!

13 snips
Nov 27, 2025 ⢠29min
5 things we're grateful for this year
This Thanksgiving special is packed with competition and heartfelt gratitude. The hosts share quirky picks, from newfound loves like Costco trail mix to bonding over recipes. One reflects on personal growth and the supportive online community, while the other navigates life updates involving their cat, Moose. They dive into nostalgic moments sparked by Christmas music and remember the joy of torrenting for cultural treasures. It's a celebration of simple comforts and meaningful connections, all while sipping lemon soju with cream soda!

11 snips
Nov 21, 2025 ⢠53min
the pros and cons of dating an âartistâ type
Dive into the chaotic world of dating creatives! Explore the delicate balance of passion vs. structure, with artists' emotional depths adding complexity to relationships. Hear about the joys and struggles of mutual creative growth, late-night work marathons, and the blurred lines between work and personal life. Discover how shared dreams can lead to insular bubbles, while the risk of losing relatability looms large. Through it all, hope and partnership shine as navigating this messy journey fosters deeper connections.

20 snips
Nov 14, 2025 ⢠53min
brutally honest reflections 6-months after quitting my job
In this engaging discussion, Sarah shares her journey six months after quitting her corporate job. She candidly reveals the challenges of self-employment, including the struggle of asking for help and managing personal weaknesses. The exhaustion that comes with newfound freedom is explored, as well as the pressure to prove herself. Embracing imperfection, she highlights the importance of iterative progress over perfection. Finally, Sarah reflects on the loneliness of entrepreneurship and her plans to seek support, reminding listeners that they don't have to do it all alone.

9 snips
Nov 7, 2025 ⢠57min
rebuilding family dynamics as an adult
Dive into the complexities of adult family dynamics! Discover how roles shift as parents age, transforming from authority figures to peers. Hear heartfelt stories about reconnecting with parents and the challenges of unrecognized family labor. Explore the emotional impact of a pet's illness and the lessons of presence and grief. Plus, travel tales with three generations highlight the nuances of familial bonds. It's a journey that emphasizes the importance of open communication and strengthening ties with loved ones.

19 snips
Oct 31, 2025 ⢠56min
what does your jealousy really say about you?
Dive into the complex world of jealousy, an emotion we all feel but rarely discuss. Discover how it can reveal our true desires and trigger self-reflection. The hosts share personal stories and examples, exploring the fine line between benign and malicious envy. Together, they examine jealousy in relationships, the impact of social comparison, and whether happiness can exist alongside envy. Plus, practical tips on navigating jealousy transform it into motivation, all served with a festive Halloween twist!


