Courage Class with Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu

Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu
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Courage Class brings Asian American voices to the center of health and wellness. Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu interviews cultural trailblazers and creatives to explore identity, healing, cultural expectations and emotional well-being. We name the realities mainstream wellness ignores - like the tension of living between cultures - and create space for honest conversations about identity, healing, and success. Together, we’re building a new narrative of wellness, sharing stories, tools, and conversations that reflect who we are – not who we’re told to be.

  1. Confidence, Cultural Identity, and Leadership with John Wang

    23H AGO

    Confidence, Cultural Identity, and Leadership with John Wang

    Episode Overview: In this episode of Courage Class, I sit down with leadership coach and Big Asian Energy author John Wang to unpack the internal pressures many Asian American professionals face in the workplace - from perfectionism and people-pleasing to staying quiet in meetings and overworking to prove worth. We explore why leadership isn’t about becoming louder or more aggressive, but about unlearning the belief that youhave to shrink to belong. John breaks down the 7 adaptive leadership patterns that may be shaping your career - including the Achiever, Fixer, Chameleon, Invisible One, Rebel, and Commander - and explains how these so-called “weaknesses” can become strengths when driven by confidence instead of fear. We also cover: How to speak up in meetings without feeling inauthenticWhy your idea doesn’t need to be a “10” to be valuableHow to set boundaries at work using practicalscriptsWhy confidence starts with assuming youbelongThe difference between assimilation andintegration in leadershipIf you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, burnout, or feeling pressure to assimilate into Western leadership norms, this conversation will help you rethink your leadership style - and step into it with courage. Because if you’re in the room, you already belong. Episode Outline: 01:22 Unlearning to Lead Authentically 03:06 From Assimilation to Integration 07:00 Shy Kid to Confident Leader 08:24 Belonging Builds Confidence 11:52 Communication Is Learnable 13:21 Seven Patterns Introduction 14:49 Achiever and Fixer 17:34 Charmer and Parts Work 21:12 Chameleon and Secret Rules 23:46 Rebel and Invisible Pattern 25:44 Commander Archetype 26:12 Gender and Eldest Daughter 28:19 Listener Q1: Speaking Up 30:37 Five Is Enough 35:06 Listener Q2: Burnout 36:03 Policies Not Boundaries 42:05 Listener Q3: Asking Questions 43:06 High vs Low Context 45:23 Closing and Courage About John Wang John Wang is the host of the Big Asian Energy Show, a motivational speaker, and leadership coach helping Asianprofessionals break through hidden barriers and unlock their potential. After discovering that many successful Asians were being overlooked for leadership roles not because of lack of capability, but because of cultural miscommunication and workplace stereotyping, he started doing research that uncovered why most advice like “just speak up more” oftenfail Asian American employees. John has been featured on NBC News Daily, WSJ, CNBC, TEDx, Audible, Amazon, and has clients from Fortune 50 companies like Google, Meta, and Goldman Sachs, blending cultural insight and science-backed strategies to build confidence and visibility. His content on assertiveness and imposter syndrome has reached over 250,000 followers and over 25 million views. John’s mission is to inspire a new generation to lead with confidence. His book Big Asian Energy, launched May 2025 (Tiny Reparations/Penguin Randomhouse Publishing), offers even more tools to step into your full power. Connect with John: Website Tiktok Instagram Youtube Connect with Courage Class on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube: @courageclasspod @drlindsaykwockhu www.drlindsaykwockhu.com/podcast Sign up for Courage Class Notes, a weekly newsletter: https://dr-lindsay-kwock-hu.kit.com/980fac101a⁠⁠ Music Credit: DayNigthMorning from Pixabayinvitation-no-copyright-music-388387

    49 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Women & Leadership: Career Lessons, Burnout, and Knowing Your Values

    Episode Overview: In Part 2 of our leadership mini-series, I’m getting personal. This solo episode is about women, leadership, and the lessons I wish I had known at the very beginning of my career - especially as an Asian American woman navigating systems that were not designed with us in mind. I share what the research says about systemic bias, burnout, unpaid labor, and the cultural forces that complicate our ascent to leadership. But I also share my own story - chasing title, pay, and prestige, tolerating toxic workplace, and internalizing feedback that shaped my self-worth for years. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why knowing your core values is the foundation for aligned leadership and career decisionsHow to curate mentorship (even if you don’t have a formal mentor)Why rest is not indulgent - it’s strategic and foundationalHow to trust your internal voice when something feels off at work If you’ve ever over performed to prove yourself, confused exhaustion with success, or struggled to say no - this conversation is for you. Because perhaps the greatest act of resistance in a world not built for us is to be so anchored in who you are - so proud of your full story - that when someone tells you that you can’t, you look at them in disbelief. If no one has told you today: I see how hard you’re working. And I’m proud of you. Be well. With Courage (and still learning), Lindsay Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Resistance and Self Worth 01:37 Welcome and Why This Matters 02:31 Research on Systemic Barriers 04:17 Lesson One Know Your Values 07:21 Title Chasing Cautionary Tale 09:51 Lesson Two Curate Mentors 13:40 Feedback Story and Perspective 17:01 Lesson Three Rest and Care 18:51 Lesson Four Trust Your Signals 19:54 Final Takeaways and Encouragement   Connect with Courage Class on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube: @courageclasspod @drlindsaykwockhu www.drlindsaykwockhu.com/podcast Sign up for Courage Class Notes, a weekly newsletter: https://dr-lindsay-kwock-hu.kit.com/980fac101a⁠⁠ Music Credit: DayNigthMorning from Pixabayinvitation-no-copyright-music-388387

    22 min
  3. Uncapping Leadership: Authoring Your Own Leadership Story as an AANHPI Community Member

    FEB 16

    Uncapping Leadership: Authoring Your Own Leadership Story as an AANHPI Community Member

    Episode Overview: In this week’s episode, Lindsay speaks with Alex, Chief ProgramOfficer at LEAP, about how dominant leadership archetypes can cause Asian and Asian American professionals to feel pressured to choose between cultural values and workplace success. Alex describes the “invisible tax” of self-erasure, burnout, and imposter syndrome, and frames LEAP’s impact as helping participants realize they don’t need to fix themselves to fit anarchetype; they can “author” themselves, stop performing, and close the gap between who they are and how they lead.   The conversation explores Asian cultural values and how behaviors tied to hard work and achievement can be both helpful and hindering, including getting stuck in the weeds, missing networking and leadership opportunities, perfectionism, and low tolerance for ambiguity.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Breaking the Leadership Archetype: Why Leaders Don’tAll Look the Same 02:15 The ‘Invisible Tax’: Self-Erasure, Burnout, andImposter Syndrome 03:36 From Fixing Yourself to Authoring Yourself (and FindingYour Voice) 05:35 Meet Alex: The Mentors and Moments That Led to LEAP 11:58 AAPI Cultural Conditioning vs. Workplace Norms: Namingthe Core Values 13:33 When ‘Hardworking’ Backfires: Perfectionism, Ambiguity,and Looking Up 16:25 True North Check-In: Fulfillment, Purpose, and thePrivilege of Reflection 24:05 Being Misread at Work: Model Minority Myths and‘Executive Presence’ 26:29 Code-Switching, Validation, and Burnout: Staying YouWhile Translating 29:25 Why We Don’t Celebrate Ourselves: Survival Mode &Upbringing 29:58 Imposter Syndrome, Deferral, and the Lifelong Journeyof Self-Worth 31:25 Turning Cultural Humility Into Strength: Anxiety asFuel & Leadership Relatability 35:08 Does It Get Easier? Leadership Growth, Hardship, andOne Foot Forward 39:18 Inside LEAP: “Keep Your Values, Develop New Skills” +Program Overview 45:43 What LEAP Feels Like: Culturally Affirming LearningEnvironments & Validation 48:48 How to Apply + New Learning Community for Disruptors(and It’s National) 51:14 Final Takeaway: Be Seen—In Any Moment, Choose Courage   What You’ll Learn: Why AANHPI underrepresentation in leadershipisn’t a talent gap, but a systems and archetype gap.How cultural values like humility and hard workcan be misread in Western workplaces.The hidden cost of self-erasure, code-switching,and performing instead of leading.Why leadership is a human experience rooted inconnection, not just outcomes or titles.How to stop fixing yourself and start authoringyour own version of leadership.About Alex Cena: Alex Cena is the Chief Programs Officer at LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics), where he leads the development and implementation of leadership programs serving AANHPI professionals across nonprofit, corporate, and highereducation sectors nationwide.  As a leader with a background in higher education, student affairs, and nonprofitleadership, Alex brings over a decade of experience designing culturally responsive leadership development initiatives.  His work centers on empowering leaders to keep their values while expanding their skills, challenging outdated leadershiparchetypes, and building pathways for AANHPI professionals to lead without self-erasure.  Alex is passionate aboutcultivating community, amplifying underrepresented voices, and creating spaces where leaders can show up fully and authentically. Connect with Alex: LinkedIn Connect with Courage Class on TikTok,Instagram, YouTube: @courageclasspod @drlindsaykwockhu www.drlindsaykwockhu.com/podcast Sign up for Courage Class Notes, aweekly newsletter: https://dr-lindsay-kwock-hu.kit.com/980fac101a⁠⁠ Music Credit: DayNigthMorning from Pixabayinvitation-no-copyright-music-388387 Memoria – Sadpiano and strings cinematic background, Descript River Song, Descript

    55 min

  4. FEB 10

    Breaking the Silence: What We Were Never Taught About Intimacy

    Episode Overview: Lindsay talks with Amy Furuyama, a certified therapist and AASECT-certified sex therapist, about why sex feels so hard to talk about in many Asian communities - and how to change that without shame. Amy breaks down the cultural roots of silence, then shares practical tools for communicating desire, starting with self-knowledge and moving into teamwork with your partner. You’ll learn conversation scripts, how to reduce defensiveness, and a simple framework for understanding what turns you on (or shuts you down). What You’ll Learn: Why sexual shame is so common for Asian women (purity narratives, silence, hypersexualization, history).How to start communicating about sex by firstbuilding comfort with your own body and desires.Practical ways to bring it up with a partner - timing,curiosity, and “putting it on a resource” (therapy/podcast/book).How couples can co-create a better sex lifeusing “sexual brakes and accelerators” instead of blame.About Amy Furuyama, LCSW, Certified Sex Therapist Amy Furuyama is a licensed therapist and AASCT-certified sex therapist based in Irvine, California. She helps individuals reduce sexual shame, reconnect with their bodies, and build confidence around desire and pleasure. Growing up in the Korean community, sex was rarely discussed beyond risk and morality, leaving little space for conversations about autonomy, consent, or enjoyment. That silence - and itsimpact - led Amy to pursue sex therapy. With over 15 years of experience as a social worker, Amy approaches her work as a form of resistance: helping clients unlearn harmful narratives and cultivate more compassionate, affirming relationships with their sexuality. Outside of therapy, she enjoys time with her husband and daughter, running, R&B, cozy coffee shops, and reading. Connect with Amy: https://www.amyfuruyama.com/ IG: @therapywithamy   Connect with Courage Class on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube: @courageclasspod @drlindsaykwockhu www.drlindsaykwockhu.com/podcast Sign up for Courage Class Notes, a weekly newsletter: https://dr-lindsay-kwock-hu.kit.com/980fac101a⁠⁠ Music Credit: DayNigthMorning from Pixabayinvitation-no-copyright-music-388387

    44 min
  5. Sleep Matters More Than You Think

    FEB 2

    Sleep Matters More Than You Think

    Episode Overview: This week, Lindsay sits down with Dr. Yishan Xu, founder of Mind & Body Garden Psychology, an adjunct clinical faculty member at Stanford University School of Medicine, and a board-certified Behavioral Sleep Medicine specialist (DBSM). Together, they dismantle the myth of the “perfect” sleep routine - especially in high-achieving, hustle-conditioned cultures. They explore why chronic sleep deprivation is so common (and even celebrated) in our community, plus the real short- and long-term costs it carries - from cognition and work performance to mood, empathy, and relationships. Dr. Yishan breaks down the difference between sleep deprivation vs. insomnia, explains how different sleep stages support memory, emotional stability, and creativity, and shares simple, evidence-based shifts you can start today. Most importantly, this conversation is a permission slip: your sleep isn’t broken, and you don’t need a one-size-fits-all routine. The goal is learning what your body needs and building a sustainable rhythm that supports the life you’re trying to create. What you’ll learn in this episode How hustle culture in Asian communities normalizes sleep deprivation - and the hidden physical, emotional, and relational costs we often underestimate.Why rest can feel “lazy” or irresponsible in cultures that prize endurance, sacrifice, and achievement - and how to reframe sleep as an act of courage.How chronic sleep loss shows up in high achievers as perfectionism, irritability, anxiety, and strained relationships - even when life looks “successful” on paper.How to honor your body’s natural rhythm (instead of forcing early mornings or rigid routines) without betraying your values, family, or ambition. About Dr. Yishan Xu: Dr. Yishan Xu is a licensed clinical psychologist and an adjunct clinical faculty member at Stanford University School of Medicine. She is the founder and director of Mind & BodyGarden Psychology, one of California’s largest multilingualmental health clinics, with over 20 clinicians and satellite offices in New York City. Dr. Yishan is a Board-Certified Behavioral Sleep Medicine Specialist (D-BSM) with specialties in sleep disorders (including insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders). She integrates evidence-based therapies - including CBT, CBT-I, ACT, DBT, and mindfulness-based approaches - with a holistic, lifestyle-medicine perspective. Fluent in Mandarin and English, Dr. Yishan brings a culturally attuned approach to helping clients navigate stress, life transitions, relationships, and lasting personal change.   Connect with Dr. Yishan: Website: https://www.mindbodygarden.com/ Instagram and TikTok: @dr.yishan Deep Into Sleep Podcast: https://www.deepintosleep.co/ Connect with Courage Class on TikTok,Instagram, YouTube: @courageclasspod @drlindsaykwockhu www.drlindsaykwockhu.com/podcast ⁠⁠Sign up for Courage Class Notes, a weekly newsletter: https://dr-lindsay-kwock-hu.kit.com/980fac101a⁠⁠ Music Credit: DayNigthMorning fromPixabay invitation-no-copyright-music-388387

    50 min

  6. JAN 28

    Mental Health and the Asian Community with Anise Health

    Episode Overview: This week, Lindsay discusses the importance of culturally attuned therapy with Israa Nasir, a trained therapist and current Director of Clinical Strategy at Anise Health, an Asian-focused online therapy platform. They explore how impactful cultural context is in mental health care and the comprehensive services offered by Anise Health, including therapy, behavioral health coaching, peer support groups, and more. Learn about the unique challenges faced by Asian individuals in seeking mental health support and the innovative solutions provided by Anise Health to bridge these gaps. This episode aims to emphasize the significance of culturally relevant care for optimal healing and growth created especially for the Asian community.   Episode Outline: 01:44 The Importance of Culturally Attuned Therapy 02:24 Introducing Israa Nasir and Anise Health 03:07 Micro Actions for Mental Health 07:47 Culturally Attuned Care Explained 10:44 Barriers to Mental Health Care in Asian Communities 15:43 Anise Health's Matching Process 21:00 Training and Development for Clinicians 24:38 Introduction to Anise Health's Mission 25:50 Holistic Programs and Services 26:13 Behavioral Health Coaching 27:52 Peer Support Groups 29:32 Digital Resources and Corporate Engagements 33:06 Insurance and Accessibility 37:41 Success Stories and Family Dynamics 44:18 Encouraging Community Check-ins   What you learn in this episode: Identify what culturally attuned care means and why integrating culture at the start (not downstream) can accelerate healing.Recognize the cultural + structural barriers that delay Asian mental health care (stigma/shame, language gaps, mistrust, access and insurance).The comprehensive support structures Anise providesTake one courageous next step: check in withone community member in a genuine way to normalize support, reduce shame, and make help-seeking easier. About Israa Nasir: Israa Nasir is the Director of Clinical Strategy at Anise Health.  She is a therapist by training and has extensive experience in clinical strategy and program development.  Born in Pakistan, raised as an expat in the Middle East, then as an immigrant in Toronto, Canada, Israa grew up navigating many cultures.  Her global upbringing taught her a deep appreciation for the beauty of different cultures.  She has held leadership roles at startups focused on bridging gaps in mental health access and innovation.  She is also a public speaker and author of Toxic Productivity. Israa is excited to develop initiatives that redefine mental health care delivery and create last impact. Connect with Israa: IG and Tiktok: @well.guide LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/israanasir/⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.israanasir.com/⁠   About Anise Health Anise Health is a mission-driven tele-mental health organization dedicated to serving diverse and historically underserved communities. The platform offers an evidence-based model of care that centers cultural context from the very beginning - designed to better support people of color than traditional, one-size-fits-all approaches to therapy. Through a holistic, culturally attuned care model, Anise Health works to reduce disparities in mental health access and outcomes. Their work within the Asian community shows higher engagement and stronger continuity of care, demonstrating how culturally responsive support can meaningfully improve mental health experiences for BIPOC individuals. Website: ⁠https://www.anisehealth.co/⁠ Instagram or Tiktok: @anisehealth To learn more about their peer wellness groups, sign up for their newsletter ⁠here⁠ (scroll to the bottom). Connect with Courage Class on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube: @courageclasspod @drlindsaykwockhu Website: ⁠www.drlindsaykwockhu.com/podcast⁠ ⁠⁠ Sign up for Courage Class Notes, a weekly newsletter: ⁠https://dr-lindsay-kwock-hu.kit.com/980fac101a⁠⁠⁠ Music Credit: DayNigthMorning from Pixabayinvitation-no-copyright-music-388387

    47 min

  7. JAN 21

    Spirituality is Returning to Yourself: Micro-Boundaries, Energy, and Self-Reflection

    Episode Overview: Lindsay sits down with Corie Chu, intuitive energy healer, Reiki Master Teacher, and numerologist, for a deeply grounding conversation about what spirituality actually is and what it’s not. Together, they unpack how spirituality has been made inaccessible by rigid rules, rituals, and “shoulds,” and why the most powerful spiritual practices are often the simplest and most personal. From watching the sunset, to coding, to remembering childhood Qigong movements stored in the body, Corie reframes spirituality as anything that helps you feelanchored, honest, and connected to yourself. Corie also shares her journey from hustling in the entertainment industry to full-time healing work, and how chronic imbalance, overgiving, and suppressed emotions can show up in the body over time. The conversation explores emotional release, intuitive energy healing, and why healing can’t be rushed - your body knows what it’s ready to release, and when. A powerful portion of the episode centers on boundaries as aspiritual practice, especially within collectivist andvAsian cultural contexts. Corie introduces the concept of micro-boundaries - small, compassionate shifts that protect your energy without burning bridges - and unpacks how guilt,obligation, and overgiving can quietly erode our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. They also dive into numerology as a tool for awareness (not destiny), the importance of free will, and why self-reflection -brutally honest, courageous self-reflection - is one of the most transformative practices available to us. Episode Outline: 01:44 Defining Spirituality 07:25 Personal Journey to Energy Healing 11:33 The Importance of Balance and Self-Care 16:04 Discovering Qigong and Returning to Self 20:58 Understanding Intuitive Energy Healing 29:25 Boundaries as a Spiritual Practice  35:14 Navigating Family Dynamics and Boundaries 36:08 The Importance of Compassionate Boundaries 39:45 Cultural Influences on Boundaries 47:16 The Consequences of Overgiving 54:51 Understanding Numerology 01:00:39 The Power of Self-Reflection 01:03:20 Defining Courage and Spirituality What You’ll Learn: Why spirituality doesn’t have to bewoo-woo - and can be anything that helps you return to yourselfHow overgiving and chronic stress livein the body (and what happens when emotions go unprocessed)Why boundaries - especially micro-boundaries - are a spiritual practice in collectivist and Asian familiesHow to protect your energy without cutting people off or betraying your valuesWhy healing can’t be rushed and how your body decides what it’s ready to releaseHow numerology can be used as a tool for awareness not destiny About Corie Chu Corie Chu is a Reiki Master Teacher, a certified numerologist, and an intuitive energy healer. After spending over a decade working as a publicist in Hollywood - touring globally with film studios, executives, and A-list talent - she left the entertainment industry to pursue healing work after experiencing burnout.  Her path led her through South America and ultimately into deep study of Reiki, energy healing, numerology, and embodied practices that honor emotional and energetic wellbeing. Today, Corie blends her corporate-world insight with intuitive healing, helping clients release stored emotional energy, set healthier boundaries, and reconnect with themselves in grounded, practical ways.   Connect with Corie https://coriechu.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/coriechuhealing/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corie-chu-ab129a21/?originalSubdomain=hk   Connect with Courage Class on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube: @courageclasspod @drlindsaykwockhu Website: www.drlindsaykwockhu.com/podcast ⁠⁠Sign up for Courage Class Notes, a weekly newsletter: https://dr-lindsay-kwock-hu.kit.com/980fac101a⁠⁠ Music Credit: DayNigthMorning from Pixabayinvitation-no-copyright-music-388387

    1h 8m

  8. JAN 13

    Burned Out, But Everything Looked Fine

    Episode Overview: In this episode of Courage Class, Lindsay shares her personal journey from burnout in 2024 to self-discovery and life transformation. She discusses how she navigated through a period of intense stress, leading to skyrocketing blood pressure, and how she managed to bring it under control. Through therapy, running, and introspection, Lindsay discovered the importance of listening to her own needs and emotions. She emphasizes that change is deeply personal and should be tailored to one’s individual context. She also highlights the significance of physical activity in achieving emotional and mental clarity. Lindsay ends by encouraging listeners to find their own path and introduces the upcoming season filled with expert insights on spirituality, mental health, sleep, and nutrition. Episode Outline: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Story 02:03 The Turning Point: Health Scare 03:46 Struggles and Realizations 05:07 The Sabbatical and Running Journey 06:36 Emotional Breakthroughs 08:05 Communicating Needs and Making Changes 12:44 The Importance of Context in Change 14:59 The Power of Physical Activity 17:40 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes   Connect with Courage Class on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube: @courageclasspod @drlindsaykwockhu www.drlindsaykwockhu.com/podcast ⁠⁠Sign up for CourageClass Notes, a weekly newsletter: https://dr-lindsay-kwock-hu.kit.com/980fac101a⁠⁠

    19 min
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About

Courage Class brings Asian American voices to the center of health and wellness. Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu interviews cultural trailblazers and creatives to explore identity, healing, cultural expectations and emotional well-being. We name the realities mainstream wellness ignores - like the tension of living between cultures - and create space for honest conversations about identity, healing, and success. Together, we’re building a new narrative of wellness, sharing stories, tools, and conversations that reflect who we are – not who we’re told to be.

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