"Not Asian Enough”: Diasporic Grief, Joy, and Coming Home to Yourself with Dr. Stacey Litam

In this joyful and deeply resonant episode of Big Asian Energy, we welcome back Dr. Stacey Litam—tenured professor, licensed therapist, and bestselling author of Healing Patterns That Remain. Back by popular demand, Dr. Stacey joins us for a special “snack therapy” episode where we explore identity, childhood memories, and healing through the foods we grew up with.

 

What starts as a nostalgic taste test turns into a powerful conversation on belonging, bicultural identity, and inner child healing. With her signature warmth and insight, Dr. Stacey helps us unpack what it means to feel “not Asian enough,” how to hold space for grief and joy at once, and why sometimes the most healing thing you can do is cut your own fruit.

 

Dr. Stacey shares:

• How food helps us reconnect with cultural identity and emotional safety

• What diasporic grief and diasporic joy really feel like

• Why so many Asian Americans wrestle with “not enough-ness”—and how to reframe it

• The difference between assimilation and integration (and why one supports better mental health)

• What healing looks like when it’s playful, embodied, and rooted in joy

If you’ve ever felt caught between cultures, unsure how to “belong,” or just want a comforting conversation that goes deep while keeping it real—this episode is for you.

 

Connect with Dr. Stacey:

Website: https://www.staceylitam.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstaceyalitam 

Buy Healing Patterns That Remain: https://www.staceylitam.com/patterns-that-remain-a-guide-to-healing-for-asian-children-of-immigrants

  

Let’s connect on socials!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnwangofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwangofficial/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnwangbae

 

Pre-order Alert!

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Get a free bonus book bundle when you preorder.

Preorder now: https://www.bigasianenergy.com/book-bonus-bundle