Yellow Chair Collective: The Podcast

Sarika Rao, a licensed clinical social worker and co-author of 'Dot Dot Dot', dives into bicultural identities, especially for South Asians in America. She discusses the challenges of embracing both cultures and the journey toward self-love and compassion. Mental health stigma is explored, highlighting the need for vulnerability and community support. Sarika shares practical tips for self-kindness and emphasizes the importance of small steps in personal growth. Her insights encourage listeners to reflect on their identities and foster healing.

Su Jin Lee, a licensed marriage and family therapist and executive director of Yellow Chair Collective, tackles the stigma surrounding depression in Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. She shares her immigrant background and how cultural values impact mental health. Su Jin discusses symptoms of depression, from functional masking to somatic signs in elders, and emphasizes the need for compassionate care. Lee also offers practical advice for recognizing early signs, fostering intergenerational healing, and navigating mental health resources with cultural sensitivity.

Soo Jin and Linda sit down with therapists, Esther Lee and Helen Garcia to explore the unique experiences of eldest daughters, particularly in the context of immigrant families. They discuss the impact of cultural expectations on romantic relationships, the significance of love languages, and the challenges of vulnerability and trust. The conversation also highlights the importance of patience in relationships and the value of group support for eldest daughters navigating these dynamics.

In this episode of the Yellow Chair Collective Podcast, co-directors Soo Jin Lee and Linda engage in a heartfelt discussion with facilitators Helen Garcia and Esther Lee about the unique experiences of eldest daughters in immigrant families.

In this video, Dr. Stacey Diane Arañez Litam, the author of 'Patterns That Remain,' explores the book's themes of healing for Asian children of immigrants, emphasizing asian american mental health and addressing internalized racism. It is important to promote mental health awareness in the community.Follow Dr. Stacey: https://linktr.ee/staceylitamFollow Yellow Chair: https://yellowchaircollective.carrd.co/

In this episode, author Kaila Yu delves into the cultural and historical roots of the fetishization of Asian women. She discusses the stark contrast between fetishism and genuine preference, emphasizing the commodification and stereotypical perceptions often involved in fetishes. Connect with Yellow ChairIG: ⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/yellowchaircollective/?hl=en⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@yellowchaircollective⁠Get Fetishized Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738645/fetishized-by-kaila-yu/Time Stamps00:00 Introduction to Asian Fetish and Preferences00:45 Meet Kaila Yu: Author and Influencer02:08 The Impact of Media on Asian Fetishization02:56 Exploring Asian American Identity03:37 Understanding Fetishization vs. Preference05:45 Media Influence on Asian Stereotypes08:37 Kyla's Book: A Deep Dive11:06 Personal Stories and Reflections21:27 The Journey to Sobriety23:45 Creative Journey and Self-Worth31:05 Final Thoughts and Book Information

In this episode, experts discuss the alarming rise in mental health issues among children and young adults, focusing on factors like poverty, racism, and social media. The session includes insights on effective treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and emphasizes the need for culturally appropriate care. Personal stories highlight the impact and importance of community support in overcoming mental health challenges.Time Stamps00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:47 The Mental Health Crisis Among Youth01:52 Panelist Introductions03:38 Dr. Osana LeFer on Gen Z Mental Health12:50 Q&A with Dr. Osana LeFer18:22 Dr. Kiara Alvarez on Latino and Black Youth27:35 Q&A with Dr. Kiara Alvarez33:37 Suein Lee on AAPI Youth Mental Health34:00 Introduction and Speaker Background34:54 Mental Health Crisis Among Gen Z35:59 Cultural Stigma and Intergenerational Trauma40:54 Culturally Responsive Care and Community Support44:04 Personal Story: Victoria Birch49:09 Reconnecting with Family57:08 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In this Spectrum news segment appearance, Soo Jin Lee identifies cultural stigma as a prominent barrier. Within Asian and Black communities, there is a deep-seated taboo surrounding mental health—a notion of "airing the dirty laundry" that could potentially bring shame to the family. This stigma results in individuals seeking help only at critical junctures, when symptoms have become severe.

Join Vince Wu, the CFO of AFC Trading and Wholesale as he shares the story of his family's journey from Hong Kong to Los Angeles and their venture into the tofu business. Connect with AFC Soy Foods: https://afcsoyfoods.com/Connect with Yellow ChairIG: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/yellowchaircollective/?hl=enTikTok: ⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@yellowchaircollectiveTime Stamps00:00 Introduction to Vince Wu and Mimi Tofu01:07 Vince Wu's Personal Story and Family Business04:20 Cultural Identity and Marketing Tofu07:43 The Evolution of Tofu in America09:39 Vince's Journey from Accountant to Family Business14:03 Family Dynamics and Business Roles18:10 Communication and Accountability in Family Business24:24 Future of AFC and Final Thoughts

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Yesel Yoon, an expert on the impacts of perfectionism and author of 'Letting Go of Perfectionism,' sheds light on the struggles faced particularly within Asian and Asian American communities. She shares her journey and addresses how cultural pressures can intensify the inner critic. The conversation highlights the importance of redefining success, embracing vulnerability in relationships, and finding personal fulfillment beyond achievements. Listeners gain valuable insights into fostering self-acceptance and shifting towards a ‘good enough’ mindset.