Mommy Diary: The Podcast Angela Kim

Our interview today is the perfect example of why I created this podcast. I walked away from my talk with Dr. Jenny Wang feeling very emotional, moved, and inspired. As Asian Americans, we both have commonalities in our upbringing, yet each have a very special story that is our own.  Dr. Wang shares with us what her purpose-driven journey has looked like over the years, and gives a unique and powerful explanation of mental health.
 
Dr. Jenny Wang is a Taiwanese American clinical psychologist and national speaker on Asian American mental health and racial trauma in the Asian American community. Her work focuses on the intersection of Asian American identity, mental health, and social justice. She is the founder of the Asians for mental health community. 
 
In this episode we discuss:
Intergenerational trauma Experiencing the professional world as an Asian American woman The idea of shame in the Asian culture Encouraging and reframing ideas around conflict The complex relationship between us and our elders Strategies to help our communities in crisis Talking to our children about race  
Connect with Dr. Wang:
jennywangphd.com Instagram: @asiansformentalhealth  
For full show notes and more resources, head to mommy-diary.com/podcast. Connect with me on Instagram @mommydiary.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I recently contracted COVID-19. I tested positive after taking a trip to Seattle to visit my parents. We wore masks, sanitized, and took all the precautions we knew how to. However, I know now that traveling still comes with risk no matter how prepared you are.
 
In today's episode I want to share with you where I believe I contracted the virus and the moment I knew I needed to take a test. I'll describe what my first symptoms were and how they progressed over time. The virus slowly made it's way through my family with the exception of my youngest kids. Luckily we are all okay and almost fully recovered after experiencing mild cases. Stay safe and continue to wear your masks friends!
 
For full show notes, head to mommy-diary.com/podcast. Connect with me on Instagram @mommydiary. 

No matter how many books you read and classes you take, becoming a mother is not something anyone can prepare you for. My guest, Michelle Tangeman, wholeheartedly agrees. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, as well as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Michelle was likely more informed than most women about raising babies. That is why she was surprised to find out she was experiencing postpartum depression.
 
We can both agree the scariest part of PPD is the feeling that it is never going to end. I'm here to tell you that it's temporary. I'll say that again - it's temporary. Seeking support is the best thing you can do for yourself and there are so many resources available. After all, taking care of yourself is the best way to take care of your family.
 
In this episode you'll learn:
3 symptoms of postpartum depression How dads are affected by postpartum depression Signs you should seek help Tips for mothers experiencing symptoms The difference between "baby blues" and postpartum depression  
Connect with Michelle:
thrivingtoddler.com michelletangeman.com Instagram: @thriving.toddler

The secret's out: peeing your pants after birth does not have to be your new state of normal. Yes, you read that correctly. I was just as surprised as you to learn that physical therapy can be the answer, and my guest, Dr. Heather Jeffcoat, is the expert. Heather is the owner of Femina Physical Therapy with 3 Los Angeles locations. She is pilates-certified and a certified fascial stretch therapist. Today she's providing us with valuable knowledge on the functions of the pelvic floor and the importance of it's health.
 
During this episode, Heather exploits myths about vaginal pain and the benefits of pelvic health. This is very important because she stated 9 out of 10 women have pain during sex after birth. There is no doubt that pelvic floor physical therapists are the best kept secret in medicine for moms.
 
In this episode we discuss:
Normalized postpartum issues that really aren't normal How pelvic floor examinations are done by physical therapists Pain during sex after childbirth The four functions of the pelvic floor Symptoms treated by pelvic floor physical therapists  
Connect with Heather:
FeminaPT.com Instagram: @feminapt Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Tiktok: @theladypartspt Book: sexwithoutpainbook.com (receive 20% off with code DIARY20)  
For full show notes, head to mommy-diary.com/podcast. Connect with me on Instagram @mommydiary. 

I'm so excited to be back with season two of the podcast. I hope 2021 is going well for you so far. If I'm being honest, I don't feel very refreshed, even after the holiday season. As a reminder to myself and all of you, I'm sharing some of my favorite ways to help feel refreshed in your everyday life.
 
We all deserve a nice comforting space to let our minds and bodies rest. Over the years I've found such peace and success with implementing rituals like essential oils, weekly decluttering, and sleep. 
 
In this episode I discuss:
8 ways to improve the flow of your life My favorite natural elements to bring into your home How to use a smudge stick to cleanse your space Why I use clean products Why I feel strongly about putting our needs first  
For full show notes, head to mommy-diary.com/podcast. Connect with me on Instagram @mommydiary. 

Can you believe 2020 is almost over? What a year it's been. For me, it's been one of the most challenging years ever. With that being said, it's also been the most transformative year full of growth, gratitude, and learning. 
 
Today I'm reflecting on two words that led me to where I am today. These words gave me the push I needed to start my blog, my podcast, and to build a community of like-minded women who each have their own story!
 
In this episode, I share:
How I've learned to hold space for myself this year, despite the constant chaos The effect gratitude can have on your life Why self-talk can affect your growth  My human design experience  
This will be my last episode of season 1! Thank you all so much for listening. It means the world to me. I'll be back in January 2021 with fresh new episodes and some incredible guests. Until then, you can connect with me @mommydiary on Instagram and at mommy-diary.com. Happy holidays friends!