Between Two Worlds with Dr. Phebe

Dr. Phebe Brako

If you’ve ever had to explain therapy to your immigrant parent… defend why you don’t want to be a doctor… or survive an auntie asking “Where is your husband?” before saying hello… Welcome. You’re among family. Hosted by Dr. Phebe Brako — therapist, immigrant daughter, and professional translator of “what your parents meant when they said you’re acting too Western” — Between Two Worlds is the podcast where immigrant parents and their children come to laugh, reflect, and finally understand each other a little better. Each week, we unpack the real conversations immigrant families have behind closed doors… and the ones they usually avoid entirely. From church and career pressure to dating, therapy, identity, emotional expression, and generational expectations, this show explores the tension between: parents who sacrificed everythingand children trying to build lives that honor that sacrifice without losing themselves  Dr. Phebe breaks down both sides of the generational divide, with humor, honesty, cultural nuance, and therapist-level insight, often joined by her very own immigrant mother for real-time perspective, wisdom, and the occasional loving accountability. Because this isn’t about choosing sides. It’s about building understanding. So whether you’re the child in therapy, the parent trying your best, or the family mediator in the group chat… Pull up a chair. We’re bridging the gap, one awkward conversation at a time.

  1. Oct 20

    The First Daughter Experience

    Send us Fan Mail You're the responsible one. The strong one. The one who knows better. But who takes care of the first daughter? In many immigrant families, being the first daughter isn't just a birth order. It's an unpaid, lifelong position you never applied for. In this episode of Between Two Worlds with Dr. Phebe, Dr. Phebe sits down with a fellow first daughter and therapist - Khadijah Layne, LMFT, to unpack the invisible expectations placed on eldest daughters, from becoming the family's second parent to learning that obedience, sacrifice, and silence are the ingredients for being a "good daughter." But what happens when being obedient means abandoning yourself? When setting boundaries feels like disrespect? And when you've been taught that your blessings depend on how well you please everyone else? Together, they explore the emotional cost of being the dependable daughter, the complicated relationship between cultural expectations and self-worth, and how these childhood roles follow us into adulthood, relationships, and motherhood. Because maybe the greatest blessing isn't being the daughter everyone approves of. Maybe it's finally becoming the woman you were always meant to be. If you've ever been called "so mature for your age" while quietly carrying everyone else's responsibilities, this episode is for you. Learn more about Khadijah, who is Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and a part of a group practice; Create a Mindful Moment LLC.  Send your questions, topic ideas, and sponsorship requests to consult@phebebrakolmft.com or slide in my DM's on Instagram @drphebebrako Remember we can only grow our audience with your support. Please share with your community!

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

If you’ve ever had to explain therapy to your immigrant parent… defend why you don’t want to be a doctor… or survive an auntie asking “Where is your husband?” before saying hello… Welcome. You’re among family. Hosted by Dr. Phebe Brako — therapist, immigrant daughter, and professional translator of “what your parents meant when they said you’re acting too Western” — Between Two Worlds is the podcast where immigrant parents and their children come to laugh, reflect, and finally understand each other a little better. Each week, we unpack the real conversations immigrant families have behind closed doors… and the ones they usually avoid entirely. From church and career pressure to dating, therapy, identity, emotional expression, and generational expectations, this show explores the tension between: parents who sacrificed everythingand children trying to build lives that honor that sacrifice without losing themselves  Dr. Phebe breaks down both sides of the generational divide, with humor, honesty, cultural nuance, and therapist-level insight, often joined by her very own immigrant mother for real-time perspective, wisdom, and the occasional loving accountability. Because this isn’t about choosing sides. It’s about building understanding. So whether you’re the child in therapy, the parent trying your best, or the family mediator in the group chat… Pull up a chair. We’re bridging the gap, one awkward conversation at a time.