Yellow Chair Collective: An Asian American Mental Health Podcast

We interview Kelsey Blackwell, a renowned somatic coach, author, writer and advocate for women of color to share her views on decolonizing the body. She explains the importance of acknowledging and working through racial trauma and systemic oppression. 

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 In today’s discussion, we have Asian American dietician nutritionist, Eling Tsai joining us for the 2nd time! She sheds light on the impact of white Eurocentric perspectives on Asian Americans, particularly when it comes to body image and food. We delve into the importance of challenging negative thoughts and beliefs around food and body, and how Eling's approach helps clients explore the roots of these beliefs.

Time Stamps

0:00 Intro

00:00:43 Nutrition counseling for chronic dieting recovery.

00:04:47 Limited training in communicating clinical nutrition information.

00:09:27 Food, identity, and culture explored from an Asian American perspective.

00:11:40 Questioning learned beliefs about body and food.

00:14:11 Naming, neutralizing thoughts, experimenting with labeled foods.

00:18:59 Practicality in client work; acknowledging cooking challenges.

00:23:14 Reframe, recognize, learn new skills, playful cooking.

00:27:09 Inaccessible cities hinder healthy eating options.

00:28:29 Compact spaces in urban areas pose challenges for professionals with limited resources. The session approach adapts to busy lives.

00:32:48 Benefits of movement beyond traditional exercise.

00:35:58 Parents provide food, kids decide how much to eat.

Hi Yellow Chairs! We have a special treat for you. We will be diving deep into the world of reality TV, relationships, and mental health. Joining us today are two incredible individuals, Sam Mark and Aussie Chau, a queer couple who have recently made waves on the hit Netflix show, "Ultimatum."

This episode is not just about reality TV drama. It's about unpacking the complexities of relationships, exploring the intersection of queer identity and mental health, and redefining success in the face of public scrutiny. Sam and Aussie's story serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for all of us, as they remind us that authentic connections and emotional well-being should never be compromised, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Time Stamps

0:00 Intro

00:03:56 Sam Using Oracle cards for clear messages.

00:09:09 Handling backlash after episodes dropped was unexpected.

00:11:33 Unsettling and painful experience, lingering emotional impact.

00:21:06 Lack of support and trust caused problems.

00:22:50 Overcoming challenges, healing anxiousness, & connecting dots

00:32:13 Personal growth through self-reflection and spiritual exploration.

00:35:49 Active listening, reflection and empathy promote understanding.

00:41:48 Turning things into playful games and lightening the mood.

00:46:19 Openness, acceptance, and humor define your relationship.

00:50:43 Spiritual practice helped me stay grounded, despite adversity.

01:03:46 Rewatching shows and movies reveals deep spiritual themes.

In this episode, we dive deep into Aussie's personal journey of healing and self-discovery. From listening to an audiobook that challenged their beliefs to experiencing a powerful message from a higher power, Aussie shares their profound moments of realization and transformation. We also unpack the impact of childhood experiences on attachment styles and relationships, and the importance of personal growth and self-love. Aussie's honest and vulnerable reflections will inspire you to seek healing, embrace change, and find magic within yourself and your relationships. 

Trigger Warning - Episode mentions sexual trauma, domestic violence, and abuse. Please consider your mental health prior to watching/listening to this episode.

Join us for a captivating episode of the Yellow Chair Collective Podcast as we sit down with the remarkable Sam Mark (she/her), a radiant presence known from her journey on "The Ultimatum: Queer Love." In this profound conversation, we delve into the intricate art of making relationships flourish while navigating the terrain of emotional wounds.From her courageous path through emotional abuse to her unwavering commitment to spiritual healing.Through candid dialogue, Sam reveals how she found her voice and reclaimed her agency. This episode is an invitation to engage in conversations that inspire growth, reflection, and renewed commitment to personal evolution.

Welcome back to Yellow Chair Collective: The Podcast! In today's episode we talk to registered dietitian and Intuitive Eating coach, Eling Tsai about the complexities of diet culture and the impact it can have on our lives. We discuss how discussions around food have been stripped of nuance, perpetuating the idea of acceptable food types and acceptable bodies. From the demonization of certain foods to the elevation of others as "superfoods," we examine the powerful role that marketing plays in shaping our perceptions and beliefs about what we should and shouldn't consume. Join us on this eye-opening journey as we unravel the layers of the diet culture dilemma, challenging the status quo and encouraging a more compassionate, understanding approach to our relationship with food. Get ready to question the narratives that we've been fed and explore the importance of embracing a more nuanced perspective. Let's dive in!

Time Stamps 0:00 Intro 00:00:09 Diet culture promotes thinness, stigmatizes fatness.

00:04:12 Changing expectations, tiredness, showing up for people.

00:12:08 Unexpected encounters can improve our day

00:15:44 Pivotal moments led to change in Eling's career to nutrition

00:20:06 Eling moving to New York. Changing careers to nutrition.

00:24:55 Eling's Career choices were not easy, but important.

00:27:28 Challenging Traditional dietitian roles, community health, counseling. Chance encounter with colleague changed everything.

00:31:03 Passion for food led to Eling's career evolution.

00:33:36 Diet culture promotes thinness and stigmatizes fatness.

00:36:54 Toxic diet culture gives harmful body messages.

00:41:05 Whiteness and diet culture promote certain foods.

00:44:24 Diet culture and body image impact food choices.

00:51:01 Check-in with yourself, try something new. Food norms don't have to be standard. Reconnect with your body and listen to its cues. Judging hunger and fullness leads to anxiety.

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On this episode of Yellow Chair Collective: The Podcast, we are joined by Carrie Zhang, founder of Asian Mental Health Project. We delve into Carrie's journey of self-discovery and the importance of incorporating self-care practices to prevent burnout. Carrie reflects on their people-pleasing tendencies and the process of prioritizing themselves and their mental health. 

Time Stamps

0:00 Intro

02:51 Started project on mental health and Asian identity, connected with others, created community events and resources.

08:01 Balancing work and self-care; valuing community.

11:44 I have power to shape my life.

14:15 Carrie rejects founder mentality, embraces community support.

17:42 Discovering and creating personal purpose is liberating.

23:22 Checking in on my feelings and needs.

26:27 Constant journey, overcoming challenges, community support

31:53 Nonprofit numbers have tripled due to COVID; importance of human connection

33:09 Genius simplicity in creating accessible community spaces.

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On this episode of Yellow Chair Collective: The Podcast, author and Founder of 'Untigering', Iris Chen discusses removing coercive strategies from parenting and the power of empathy and communication. Writing became a part of her healing process in learning to raise a highly sensitive child while learning to navigate her own emotions.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

02:46 Parenting as a form of self-compassion and growth.

06:00 Unrealistic expectations and coercive punishments in parenting.

08:27 Personal healing led to reevaluating parenting methods.

12:40 Mutual responsibility, personal power, community, healing patterns.

15:11 Moving to China gave us intentional community

22:02 Understanding needs under behavior for effective parenting.

27:27 Healing through writing, compassion for parents.

31:49 Raising a highly sensitive child

37:02 Appreciating and accepting our parents' imperfections.

40:05 Allowing ourselves to be imperfect, compassionate humans.

43:42 Practice without goals; focus on intention.

49:27 Learning to attune to oneself is key.

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Brandon Shindo is a mental health therapist and entrepreneur who struggled with burnout. After years of dealing with joint pains and fatigue, Brandon began to notice the correlation between his mental health and physical health. He sought out medical advice and found that the best approach was to slow down and give his body time to heal. Through his research and experiences, Brandon is now committed to helping others understand and manage their own psychosomatic symptoms.

In part 2 of this interview, Allison Ly returns to discuss the systemic challenges faced by second-generation Asian Americans, navigating the subtle cultural differences second-generations face…and ways to navigate through these challenges with anxiety relieving techniques.

**Disclaimer: for informational purposes only, please do not disregard the advice of a mental health and/or medical professional based on what you heard on this episode, please refer to a medical professional as needed**

Time Stamps:

0:00 Mixed Feelings: Guilt/Anger/Love for 1st Gen Family Members

3:22 What is Self-Compassion?

4:32 One Simple Way to Practice Self-Compassion for Busy People as a Beginner

11:13 Benefits of “Doing the Mental/Emotional Work” as a Second/1.5 Gen Asian American

13:50 Impact of Migration and Perceived Burden for 2nd Gen Asian Americans

15:03 Signs of a “Healthy friend”

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In this interview, we speak with Allison Ly, a psychotherapist who specializes in working with first/second generation Asian Americans struggling with setting boundaries with parents. We discuss the unique challenges faced by this community, common themes in therapy, practical tips for breaking the cycle, and how society can better support those facing these challenges. Join us for an insightful conversation on how to improve well-being for Asian Americans.

**Disclaimer: for informational purposes only, please do not disregard the advice of a mental health and/or medical professional based on what you heard on this episode, please refer to a medical professional as needed**

Time Stamps:

0:00 Topic Introduction

0:31 Allison Intro

3:59 Patterns among Children of 1st Gen Asian American Parents

7:51 What is the repayment cycle?

12:23 First Steps to Overcoming Burnout We experience in families

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In this episode, Dr. Wendy Ashley will explain existential therapy and how it can be used to understand internalized racism and outward injustice. Tune in to address internalized biases, reclaiming power, and cultivating self-love. Plus, Dr. Ashley will break down self-care practices that promote healing…beyond just exercise and healthy eating.

Time Stamps

0:00 Intro

0:54 Therapy for BIPOC Folks - The Need

2:46 What is Existential Therapy?

5:56 Why You Might Feel "Wrong" For Needing Therapy

8:26 Position of Curiosity

14:19 Addressing Recent Trauma in Therapy

20:21 Self-Awareness

26:52 Self-Care Beyond Physical Health

29:11 Anti-Racist Book Recommendations

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Christine Catipon brings us back to humanity - she challenges us to sink into introspection and transcend our identity beyond societal labels from our career.    

Dilia Morales is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Life Coach for K&B Therapy. In this video, Dilia will explain the differences between coaching and therapy and how each can be used to bring greater success to your life. Tune in to hear first-hand from Dilia on the benefits of therapy and coaching.

Time Stamps

00:00 Intro

03:36 What is Dilia’s Therapeutic Specialty?

06:16 The Value in Creating Healthy Relationships

09:21What’s the difference between just talking to my best friends versus seeing a therapist?

13:38 Dilia’s Experience as a First-Gen College Student

17:27 What is the difference between Coaching vs. Therapy?

25:30 Benefits of Therapists Going to Therapy

30:17 How to Nurture Self-Care as as Therapist?

33:22 Consequences of Hyper-Productivity

38:33 “Why is it so hard for me to rest?”

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Do you want to get expert advice from a licensed therapist about couples therapy? Join Jessie Li for an in-depth look at Couples Therapy 101. From small talk to serious conversations, learn how to make the most out of your time with your partner in therapy. Get the tips and tricks you need to make the most of your time and get the help you need to resolve any issues between you and your partner. Tune in for Couples Therapy 101 with Jessie Li now!

Disclaimer: Not intended to be a substitute for clinical and/or medical help, please refer to medical doctor or primary therapist as needed.

Time Stamps

00:00 What does “couple as one unit” mean?

01:24 What is value-setting for couples?

02:37 What is a “healthy” couple?

06:46 Managing when the other person changes?

09:39 Getting to ‘okay enough’ to say goodbye?

10:43 How do you control the emotion that you feel through the screen as a therapist?

11:51 When do you know that a couple is rushing the process?

13:18 How to sift through advice you read online in therapy

14:36 Relational tools that couples can use TODAY?

19:05 #1 Tool Jessie personally loves to use with clients

21:03 Non-Important Thing Couples Mistakenly Focus on

23:52 Jessie’s Favorite Resource Given to Couples

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Today's episode features Robyn Tamanaha, a licensed therapist, discussing why therapy is important, who it's for, and the power that it can have in people's lives. Robyn will provide insight into the many benefits of therapy and share stories from her clients which demonstrate how therapy may benefit individuals. By the end, listeners will have a better understanding of why therapy is important, who it's for, and the impact it can have in people's lives.

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In the aftermath of the Monterey shooting, it is important that we come together to provide both ourselves and others with a safe and supportive environment.  Stanford psychologist, Dr. Christine Catipon, shares some tips for nurturing yourself after a traumatic event.  Trauma can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. In this video, we’re talking about ways to help you manage and heal trauma. Dr. Catipon shares techniques for self-care that can help you to begin practicing emotional rest.

Time Stamps

00:00 Intro – Addressing Monterey Park

01:49 How to hold space for ourselves in this cultural moment?

05:57 Giving Ourselves Space to “be sad and upset”

10:41 Taking off “the mask” to impress

17:23 How to begin the journey of authenticity and self-discovery?

31:05 How can we honor our inner wisdom?

38:28 How can you distinguish actions driven by fear or love?

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EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a form of psychotherapy that helps people manage past traumas. Join Jaja Chen as they explore the basics of EMDR: what it is, how it works and how it can help with mental health issues. Find out more about the process, how to apply it to your life and how it can help you become a better version of yourself.  

Time Stamps 

0:00 Intro 

0:30 What is EMDR?  

08:10 Dysregulated Nervous System 

14:15 Listening to our Body - What it means

 28:21 Non-Linear Healing 

36:22 Jaja's Book Recommendations  

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In this podcast episode, we will explore the importance of mental health and provide practical tips and strategies for improving and maintaining your mental well-being. We will cover a range of topics, including stress management, self-care, and seeking support when needed. Whether you're looking to improve your own mental health or support someone you care about, this video is for you. So join us as we delve into the world of mental health and learn how to prioritize and improve our mental well-being. Thanks for watching!

Time Stamps

00:00 Disclaimer and Overview

01:36 Mission of the Podcast

02:20 What Historical Studies Say About Psychotherapy

04:17 What is mental health?

05:36 Long Term Physical Health & Mental Health

06:03 Why Some People Start Therapy

07:33 #1 Limiting Belief About Therapy

09:03 Self-Care is Productive

11:14 Self-care formula.

12:05 What to Expect from Season 4

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Movies may reinforce outdated ideas of masculinity, leading to negative outcomes. We must challenge these stereotypes to create an inclusive environment. Awareness, recognition of diversity and actively unlearning these stereotypes are key steps.  

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Summary:

Toxic masculinity is a term that's often used but seldom defined. In this video, Yellow Chair Collective therapists come together to discuss what toxic masculinity is, how it manifests, and most importantly, how to heal from it. If you're looking to better understand toxic masculinity and how it has affected you or someone you know, this video is a must-watch.  

⏰ Time Stamps:

Krystl Fabella is a Filipina woman powerhouse elevating other women through her work as a motivational speaker and entrepreneur. In this video, Krystl shares her story and how toxic masculinity is holding women back.  Krystl is a role model not only for other Filipina women, but for all women who want to break through barriers and achieve their goals. Krystl's story is one of perseverance, determination, and strength – qualities that every woman can learn from!

⏰ Time Stamps 

0:00 Summary Introduction of Episode  

3:29 Krystl Recognizing Need to Cover Activism and Strides in Filipinx Community  

08:57 Story of How “Filipina on the Rise” was created 

19:12 Importance of Mentorship in Chasing Dreams  

26:42 Pioneering a vision in the Asian American Community when there has never been an example 

31:42 Krysl on unlearning colonization and toxic masculinity  

38:21 Krystl - “As women of color Asian women we tend to make ourselves smaller to be pleasant to stay safe to not rock the boat” 

52:54 How to Embody Change in Your Calling 

57:32 Self-Compassion in Your Journey

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Summary

 In this audio only episode, licensed therapist, Kat Chan, talks about how to overcome the pressure to follow society's expectations. She talks about how she dealt with the pressure to pursue a conventional career path and her unconventional path to becoming a therapist. This is an inspiring story for anyone who feels like they're not living up to their potential.

⏰ Time Stamps 

Summary

We're excited to have Jeff Yeom join us on The Yellow Chair Podcast to talk about his work as a therapist and his personal journey. We sat down with Jeff to talk about how he continues to "do the work" every day as a sensitive Korean American man. Listen in as we discuss what it was like losing his father in high school and unlearning toxic masculinity messages he internalized growing up, while also discussing how he continues to do the work within himself.

⏰ Time Stamps  

We kick off our first episode of Season 3 with fellow YCC therapist, Jack, Lam. Jack provides a renewed focus on toxic masculinity and healing. Jack gets vulnerable about their process of unlearning unhealthy standards and judgements that have hurt them in the past.

⏰ Time Stamps  

0:00 Introduction of Jack  

04:48 Jack on Experience Coming to America  

07:56 Malaysian-Chinese Story  

11:23 Collectivist Culture & Mental Health  

19:20 Growing up Queer in Malaysian society 

24:28 Intersectionalities between race, gender, education, and societal norms  

27:02 Journey to Becoming a Genderqueer Asian Therapist 

32:32 “Even though my life has been restricted and harmed by a lot of different systems, I'm still here and I can be that person that can make that change for other Generations or other people that might be struggling through someone.”  

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This week, we talk to the Unprude team's Dr Rica Cruz & Trish Bautista, on sexual wellness & education!

Dr Rica & Trish talks about the negative consequences of not having comprehensive sexual education in the Philippines, and why it's important to provide women with the language of sexual wellness. We discuss the impact of not being equipped with sexual knowledge, and how to take the first step of identifying sexual stages to help raise self-awareness.

Please follow our podcast and our Instagram @yellowchaircollective to stay updated with us, and share this episode with your friends!  For more info about us and our services, visit https://yellowchaircollective.com.

We are so excited to have Dr Ken Fong, from "Asian America: The Ken Fong Podcast" on this episode!

Dr Ken Fong talks about his experience in pastoral counseling, and how he sees the difference between counseling vs couples therapy. We discuss the importance for couples to engage in couples therapy, tips for interethnic couples, and shares his wisdom for couples who are hesitant about engaging in professional therapy.

Please follow our podcast and our Instagram @yellowchaircollective to stay updated with us, and share this episode with your friends!  For more info about us and our services, visit https://yellowchaircollective.com.

This week, we talk to seasoned therapist Jessie Li, LMFT about couples therapy!

We address some of the common questions that come up - is it always about communication? What if my partner doesn't want to do do couples therapy? Will my therapist tell me that my relationship doesn't work? In this episode, Jessie sheds light on what you can expect in a couples therapy session, and how couples therapy can improve your relationship in unexpected ways.

Please follow our podcast and our Instagram @yellowchaircollective to stay updated with us, and share this episode with your friends!  For more info about us and our services, visit https://yellowchaircollective.com.

Next up in our season - we talk to Jeff Yeom, AMFT and our friend Nate Goh about dating & sex!

Masculinity and Asian identity can often intersect in ways that can impact the way heterosexual Asian men date, especially in America. Jeff & Nate talk to us about their experiences dating, navigating sex and conversations around virginity, and debunking popular dating myths/stereotypes for men.

Please follow our podcast and our Instagram @yellowchaircollective to stay updated with us, and share this episode with your friends!  For more info about us and our services, visit https://yellowchaircollective.com.

To kick off season 2 of our podcast, we are exploring modern dating through dating apps! 

This week, we invite our two psychotherapists, Angelica Sun, MFT and Angela Nguyen, MSW to share their stories around navigating dating, dating apps. They talk about the experience of dating during the pandemic, navigating intentions with dating, and concerns around safety.

Please follow our podcast and our Instagram @yellowchaircollective to stay updated with us, and share this episode with your friends!  For more info about us and our services, visit https://yellowchaircollective.com.