Yellow Chair Collective: An Asian American Mental Health Podcast Yellow Chair Collective

In this conversation, Dr. Hsu & Helen discuss the Netflix show "Beef" and its portrayal of Asian American characters. They explore themes of high achievement, anger, and the pressure to have it all.



Buy Dr. Hsu's Trauma Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Trauma-Workbook-Asian-Americans/dp/1648482724



Takeaways




Beef is a Netflix series that explores themes of high achievement, anger, and the pressure to have it all, particularly in Asian American culture.
Intergenerational trauma and the struggle to communicate emotions are common in Asian American households.
Self-compassion is important for healing and breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma.
Capitalism and societal expectations can lead to a loss of personal values and a lack of fulfillment.
Cultural perspective and authenticity play a crucial role in understanding and addressing mental health issues. Follow your inner voice and take brave steps towards what feels right, even if it seems unconventional.
Revenge may provide temporary fuel but can hinder personal growth in the long run.
Therapy stigma in Western cultures can be addressed by integrating Eastern practices and creating culturally responsive therapy.
Practical coping mechanisms for high-functioning perfectionism and cultural distress include self-reflection and creative outlets.
The 'Healing Trauma Workbook' by Dr. Helen Hsu offers a self-help tool for exploring and validating experiences of intergenerational trauma.



Chapters


00:00 Introduction and Discussion of Beef
01:20 Exploring High Achievement and Anger
05:47 The Importance of Self-Compassion in Healing
09:28 The Role of Capitalism and Societal Expectations
13:10 Cultural Perspective and Authenticity in Mental Health
29:14 The Pitfalls of Revenge
33:56 Addressing Therapy Stigma
39:36 Coping with High-Functioning Perfectionism and Cultural Distress
43:49 Unlocking Healing
46:30 Healing Trauma Workbook

In this re-run episode, we talk to "The Ultimate Queer" cast member, Aussie, to discuss Aussie's personal journey of healing and self-discovery.



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



Follow Aussie
Aussie's Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/aussie_has_...⁠
Keep it Saussie Website - ⁠https://keepitsaussie.com/#scroll-to-top⁠
Request Cameo w/ Aussie - ⁠https://www.cameo.com/aussie88?utm_ca...⁠
Keep it Saussie Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/keepitsaussie/⁠

Follow Yellow Chair - ⁠https://yellowchaircollective.carrd.co/⁠



Time Stamps

0:00 Intro
00:05:28 Aussie's Mom - love shown through food, repairing relationship.
00:11:25 Realization of denial and trauma recovery journey.
00:17:50 Aussie's dad - his transition from doctor to taxi driver.
00:22:04 "I Realized my sadness due to lack of parenting."
00:24:08 Childhood neglect; healing impact on relationships.
00:28:04 Craving secure attachment, overcoming past trauma
00:33:49 Recognition of need for relationships, self-healing journey, finding secure attachment.
00:40:27 Raised Catholic, mother Buddhist, dad Catholic. Mom converted, secretly went to the temple. Initially condemned mom, then questioned teachings. Suppressed sexuality, felt teachings were wrong. Angry, turned away from God. Reconnected in 2011.
00:43:35 First audiobook, emotional experience, finding inspiration.
00:48:00 Morning routine and the power of surrender.
00:51:16 Favorite book, brings new insights, practice presence.

Megan Soun & Helen Garcia discuss the show 'Severance' and its relevance to mental health and work-life balance. They both share their personal journey with perfectionism and the impact of defining oneself by their job.



Links Mentioned in Episode -




Episode #36: Megan on Perfectionism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLY-NVsf75I&ab_channel=YellowChairCollective
Episode #44: Megan on Body Image: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLY-NVsf75I&ab_channel=YellowChairCollective
"Good Enough Job" Book - https://www.amazon.com/Good-Enough-Job-Reclaiming-Life/dp/059353896X



Takeaways


The show 'Severance' provides an insightful commentary on work-life balance and the impact of work on mental health.
Defining oneself by their job can lead to feelings of burnout, anxiety, and depression, highlighting the importance of a holistic view of self-worth.
Healthy relationships can serve as a mirror for self-discovery and contribute to a more balanced perspective on personal identity and worth.
The cultural emphasis on work and achievement influences individual perceptions of self-worth and the integration of work and personal life.
Transitioning between work and personal life requires intentional practices and markers to create a healthy balance and separation.
Diversifying one's identity and finding fulfillment outside of work is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Over-identifying with work can lead to a narrow sense of self and a skewed perception of personal worth.
Skepticism of work as a new religion and the influence of community can shape one's perception of work and its role in life.
Self-exploration and self-awareness are essential for understanding the impact of work on personal well-being and identity.
Reflecting on self-worth and recognizing the goodness of oneself and others is a key aspect of personal growth and fulfillment.


Chapters


00:00 Exploring 'Severance' and Work-Life Balance

08:01 Defining Self-Worth Beyond Work

13:42 The Role of Relationships in Shaping Identity

22:13 Transitioning and Integrating Work and Personal Life

29:09 Diversifying Identity and Finding Fulfillment

37:14 Skepticism of Work as a New Religion

42:21 Self-Exploration and Community Influence

44:47 Reflecting on Self-Worth and Goodness

On this re-run of the Yellow Chair Podcast, Helen talks to author & 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.



Follow Iris Chen-

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/untigering/?hl=en⁠

Blog: ⁠https://untigering.com/Buy ⁠

Untigering Book:⁠ https://untigering.com/untigering-peaceful-parenting-for-the-deconstructing-tiger-parent/⁠

Connect with Iris: ⁠https://msha.ke/untigering⁠


Follow Yellow Chair:

Links to all: ⁠⁠https://yellowchaircollective.carrd.co/⁠⁠

Helen talks to the "Happiest Pod on Earth" gals - Ariel Landrum, LMFT & Stef Bautista, MA about Sailor Moon! They also discuss the app 'Too Good to Go' to purchase leftover food from local businesses. The conversation also transitions into Ariel & Stef's friendship & using Disney in educational and mental health settings.



Takeaways -


Friendships can have a significant impact on personal growth and identity
Using Disney in educational and mental health settings in schools!
Sailor Moon explores themes of friendship, group dynamics, and coping with grief and loss Sailor Moon empowered women and allowed them to embrace different facets of femininity.
Finding a healthy and supportive partner is important in relationships.
Play is a vital tool in child development and problem-solving.
It's important to embrace your uniqueness and not care about what others say.



Chapters


00:00 Introduction and Highs and Lows
01:31 Too Good to Go!
27:29 Coping with Grief and Loss in Sailor Moon
30:55 The Empowerment of Femininity in Sailor Moon
34:41 Navigating Relationships and Finding a Healthy Partner

Trigger Warning: Mention of sexual assault & violence. Resources below -


Queer Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.tnlr.org/en/24-hour-hotline/
National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/



Helen and Jack talk about Netflix's Heartstopper - how the show offers a glimpse into the innocence and unadulterated love that many queer adults never experienced in their teenage years.

Takeaways


Heartstopper highlights the importance of patience and self-discovery in navigating identity and coming out.
Heartstopper addresses the impact of trauma and the struggle to believe in one's worthiness of love and support.
The series provides a space for empathy, understanding, and healing.
Heartstopper provides a rare portrayal of healthy queer relationships in a world full of rejection and violence.
Therapy should encourage clients to discuss intersectionality and explore the complexities of their identities.
Cultivating imagination is crucial for fostering hopefulness and envisioning a life worth living.
Self-expression and authenticity require support and patience.
The ability to make it through each day and trust oneself is a significant accomplishment.


Chapters



00:00 Introduction and Excitement for Heartstopper

09:36 Addressing Trauma and Self-Worth

32:53 Exploring Intersectionality and Representation

40:12 Encouraging Intersectionality in Therapy

48:09 The Power of Imagination in Fostering Hopefulness