Yumi Stynes, a seasoned media personality, opens up about being 'cancelled', battling alcoholism, and post-natal depression. She shares childhood stories, experiences with racism, and the impact of quitting alcohol on her life. The episode also touches on cancel culture, personal growth, and navigating emotional challenges.
Yumi Stynes shares her vulnerable journey, from childhood isolation to career struggles and sobriety transformation.
Alcohol served as a coping mechanism for Yumi, leading to self-doubt, but her decision to quit brought authenticity and growth.
Facing cancellation, Yumi reflects on systemic biases in media, emphasizing the impact of cancel culture on public figures.
Deep dives
Challenges of Public Image and Self -Doubt
The episode delves into the challenges of maintaining public image and dealing with self -doubt in the face of criticism. The host discusses her experience of facing cancellation due to a comment made on air. This incident led to significant backlash, including threats and intense criticism online. The portrayal of minorities in the media and societal expectations surrounding their behavior are explored, highlighting the pressure to conform to certain roles.
Impact of Alcohol on Coping and Identity
The discussion also touches on the role of alcohol in coping with challenges and its impact on identity. The host reflects on her drinking habits during difficult times, including how alcohol served as a temporary escape from negative self -talk. Sobriety is discussed as a means to reclaim self -trust and authenticity, shedding light on the journey to find stability and confidence beyond reliance on alcohol.
Career Struggles, Parenthood, and Creative Outlets
Furthermore, the episode delves into the host's career struggles post -cancellation, navigating financial instability, and the impact on her sense of self -worth. The balancing act of parenthood amidst professional challenges is highlighted, showcasing the resilience required to adapt and find new creative outlets. Writing cookbooks becomes a transformative endeavor, providing a safe space for expression and a path towards personal fulfillment amid adversity.
Importance of Exercise During Postnatal Depression
Developing a new addiction to exercise became a crucial coping mechanism for the speaker during postnatal depression. Despite facing challenges like marital issues and career uncertainty, regular exercise, starting from pregnancy, provided a sense of focus and strength. It acted as a positive outlet and a reliable source of mental resilience, offering stability and a cocoon of well-being through challenging times.
Navigating Post-Cancellation Challenges in Media Industry
Reflecting on experiences of being 'cancelled,' the speaker highlights systemic biases in the media industry. They discuss the disproportionate scrutiny faced by women and people of color, emphasizing the limited room for error compared to white male counterparts. The conversation delves into the impact of cancel culture, where public figures face intense backlash without regard for their well-being, pointing to the broader issues of power dynamics and accountability within media and society.
From being ‘canceled’, to alcoholism and post-natal depression, Yumi Stynes knows how to get vulnerable in the Vulnerabilitea House.
Starting as a magnetic, music presenter on Channel V, Yumi’s career spans more than 20 years on our screens, on the radio, or in the very successful books she’s written. However as she shares with Hugh, Ryan and Josh, there were times when the phone simply didn't ring and her career felt like it was at a stand-still.
In this episode, Yumi shares stories from her childhood, from feelings of isolation; to being the victim of racism in 1980s Swan Hill; we discuss the loss of her father and how that experience shaped her perspective on life; to what it was actually like being 'cancelled' and the role friendship played in her lowest moments; above all, Yumi tells us of her struggles with alcohol, and how her decision to quit transformed her life.
So buckle up for a big one! We know you’ll love this chat as much as we did!
Call the National Drug & Alcohol Hotline on 1800 250 015 or visit https://bit.ly/4aPgvGJ
The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.