

Yellow Chair Collective: The Podcast
Yellow Chair Collective
The Yellow Chair Collective Podcast explores identity, intersectionality, and mental health. Hosted by Soo Jin Lee and Linda Yoon, co-directors of Yellow Chair Collective—a group private practice offering culturally responsive mental health services—this season highlights the unique challenges and resilience of eldest daughters. Join us for conversations that uncover the intersections of culture, family, and personal growth.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 3, 2025 • 25min
ELDEST DAUGHTERS TALK - How to Navigate Postpartum Depression & Anxiety as an Asian American Mom - A Collaboration with Healing the Tigress Podcast
In this heartfelt episode, hosts Soo Jin and Linda welcome Jasmine and Peggy, the co-hosts of the 'Healing the Tigress' podcast, to discuss their own experiences with postpartum depression and anxiety. As Taiwanese Americans, they share their passion for helping other moms, the challenges they faced, and the importance of building resources for the AAPI community. Follow Yellow Chair Entwine Community: https://entwinecommunity.org/ Yellow Chair Collective: https://yellowchaircollective.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/yellowchair... TikTok: / yellowchaircollective Follow Healing the Tigress Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healing-the-tigress/id1708596547 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NKVUvgc0IuDUmB6XPFD0P Healing the Tigress Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingthetigress/ Jasmine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pearlsofjasmine/ Peggy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingwithpeggy/Time Stamps00:00 Introduction to Perinatal Mental Health00:37 Meet Our Guests: Jasmine and Peggy00:47 Personal Stories and Backgrounds02:03 Sibling Dynamics and Family Roles04:23 The Birth of Healing the Tigress Podcast09:26 Challenges and Realizations in Motherhood13:05 Seeking Help and Overcoming Stigma19:27 Parenting Approaches and Lessons Learned23:28 Where to Find Us

Jan 27, 2025 • 19min
Helen Steps Down as Host: New Podcast Future
Today's episode focuses on Helen's decision to step down as podcast host and transition into a new role at Yellow Chair Collective. Co-directors, Soo Jin and Linda, discuss stepping into their new roles as hosts, their experiences as oldest daughters in Korean immigrant families, and their vision for exploring identity and mental health on the podcast.
Links:
Entwine Community: https://entwinecommunity.org/
Website : https://yellowchaircollective.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/yellowchaircollective/?hl=en
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yellowchaircollective
00:00 Introduction to Perfectionism and Identity
00:39 Welcome to Yellowchair Collective
00:53 Transition of Hosting Responsibilities
02:25 Reflections on Hosting and Podcasting
06:17 Exploring Identity and Intersectionality
07:35 The Role of Oldest Daughters
09:31 Personal Stories and Experiences

Jan 27, 2025 • 39min
ELDEST DAUGHTERS TALK - Israa Nassir EXPOSES the Secrets that Lead to Toxic Productivity!
Linda & Soo Jin speak with Israa Nassir - a therapist, speaker, and author of the recently published book 'Toxic Productivity.' They dive deep into the unique challenges faced by eldest daughters, especially those from immigrant families, and explore the concept of toxic productivity. Follow Israa - Israa IG: https://www.instagram.com/well.guide/?hl=en Israa's Book Toxic Productivity: https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Productivity-Reclaim-Emotional-Demands/dp/196230535XFollow Yellow Chair Entwine Community: https://entwinecommunity.org/ Website : https://yellowchaircollective.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/yellowchaircollective/?hl=en Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yellowchaircollectiveChapters 00:00 Introduction: Eldest Daughters and Labor 00:35 Welcome to the Yellow Chair Podcast 00:36 Guest Introduction: Isaa Nassir 01:17 Israa's Background and Eldest Daughter Experience 02:58 Understanding Toxic Productivity 04:50 Eldest Daughters and Toxic Productivity 07:11 Cultural and Gender Dynamics 17:27 Boundary Setting and Emotional Caretaking 28:47 Empathy vs. Codependency 35:12 Strategies for Breaking Free from Hustle Culture 37:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jan 3, 2025 • 19min
Dealing with ADHD on Winter Break, Mina Yoon, AMFT
In this mini-episode of Yellow Chair Collective, host Helen Garcia speaks with Mina Yoon, a therapist with ADHD, about the unique challenges faced by individuals with ADHD during the holiday season.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to ADHD and Personal Journey
04:07 Understanding Loneliness and ADHD During the Holidays
06:53 Strategies for Self-Care and Reframing Loneliness
10:05 Nurturing Connections and Building Relationships
13:05 Practicing Self-Compassion and Joy
15:55 Holiday Traditions and Celebrations
Takeaways
Mina was diagnosed with ADHD at age 30, which was a surprise to her.
ADHD can lead to heightened emotional sensitivity and difficulty with emotional regulation.
Self-criticism often intensifies during the holidays due to family pressures and reflections on accomplishments.
Rejection sensitivity dysphoria can make feelings of isolation more intense during holiday gatherings.
Maintaining a routine and structure is crucial for managing ADHD during the holiday season.
Engaging in hobbies and interests can help individuals reconnect with themselves.
Spontaneity can be a strength for people with ADHD, allowing for meaningful connections.
Practicing self-compassion involves focusing on fun and joy rather than self-criticism.
Meal prepping can be approached creatively to make it more enjoyable.
Small traditions, like wrapping gifts and enjoying hot chocolate, can enhance holiday joy.

Dec 20, 2024 • 49min
Navigating Neurodivergence During the Holidays, Angela Nguyen LCSW
The holiday season can also highlight the complexities of family dynamics—especially for families navigating neurodivergence. Angela Nguyen, a therapist specializing in ADHD and neurodivergent family systems, shares her personal journey and professional insights.
Links:
Entwine Community: https://entwinecommunity.org/
Yellow Chair Collective: https://yellowchaircollective.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Neurodivergence and Personal Journeys
02:57 Understanding Neurodivergence: Definitions and Distinctions
06:01 Navigating Diagnosis: ADHD, Autism, and Down Syndrome
09:13 The Impact of Neurodivergence on Family Dynamics During Holidays
11:56 Experiencing the Holidays: Challenges for Neurodivergent Individuals
14:56 The Sibling Experience: Balancing Support and Personal Feelings
18:04 Creating Inclusive Holiday Traditions for All Family Members
25:45 Navigating Sibling Dynamics in Neurodivergent Families
30:01 Validating Emotions and Self-Care for Siblings
34:59 Cultural Guilt and the Asian American Experience
41:05 Managing Expectations and Well-Being During Holidays

Dec 13, 2024 • 44min
Body Image, Eating Disorders, & the Holidays with Jen Gold, LMFT
In this conversation, Jen Gold, a therapist specializing in eating disorders, discusses the complexities of body image and disordered eating, particularly during the holiday season.
Links:
Entwine Community: https://entwinecommunity.org/
Yellow Chair Collective: https://yellowchaircollective.com/
Takeaways
Mindfulness practices like walking can help reduce anxiety.
Body image issues are common but do not always lead to disordered eating.
Eating disorders can stem from societal pressures and personal experiences.
Recovery from eating disorders is possible with the right support.
Dieting often leads to harmful metabolic effects and can trigger disordered eating.
The holidays can exacerbate body image issues due to societal expectations.
Family comments about weight can significantly impact self-esteem.
Empathy is crucial for therapists working with clients with eating disorders.
Understanding the emotional roots of eating disorders is essential for treatment.
Food should be viewed as fuel rather than categorized as good or bad. Even kind comments about body image can trigger shame.
Cultural messaging can deeply affect personal body image perceptions.
Disordered eating often stems from a desire for acceptance.
It's important to recognize the insidious nature of societal beauty standards.
Recovery involves aligning daily actions with personal values.
Secrecy and shame are common in those with eating disorders.
Community support is crucial in overcoming negative body image.
Parents should model healthy attitudes towards food and body image.
Children notice discrepancies between words and actions regarding body image.
Focus on the functionality of the body rather than appearance.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Mindfulness Practices
03:01 Understanding Eating Disorders
05:50 Distinctions: Body Image Issues vs. Disordered Eating
08:57 Pathways to Eating Disorders
11:59 The Role of Food and Dieting
15:02 Holidays and Body Image Challenges
17:57 Evolving Perspectives on Eating Disorders
21:00 Empathy and Growth as a Therapist
23:55 Family Influence on Body Image
24:39 The Impact of Body Image on Mental Health
30:00 Understanding the Roots of Disordered Eating
36:03 Cultural Pressures and the 'New Year, New You' Mentality
38:07 Strategies for Combatting Negative Messaging
41:06 Raising Body-Positive Children

Dec 6, 2024 • 58min
Coping during times of crisis: Creating stability when life is unstable
In this collaboration episode, hosted by Jackie Zimmerman of Mental Health America, we are joined by clinical social workers Helen Garcia and Polesa Osei-Tutu as we explore crucial issues impacting mental health today. We'll delve into the economic and psychological challenges faced by women of color, particularly those caring for autistic siblings and elderly immigrant parents.
Links:
Polesa Osei-Tutu, LCSW: https://www.instagram.com/sit_awhile_and_heal/
MHA Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHcA3Wg4TmU&t=5s
Crisis Center: https://chat.988lifeline.org/
Entwine Community: https://entwinecommunity.org/
Yellow Chair Collective: https://yellowchaircollective.com/
Homecoming Book: https://www.amazon.com/Homecoming-Overcome-Trauma-Reclaim-Authentic/dp/059341831X
Where I Belong Book
Resources/Emergency Hotlines
Crisis Text Line: Text "Home" to 741-741
TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988
LACDMH Help Line: (800) 854-7771
Disaster Distress Helpline: (800) 985-5990
Trevor Project Lifeline: (800) 788-7386
Substance Abuse Service Helpline: (844) 804-7500
Family Urgent Response System (FURS): Call or text 1-833-939-FURS (3877)
National Sexual Assault Hotline: (800) 656-4673
SAgE's Farmer Support Hotline: 833-381-SAGE
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline: (800) 662-4357
Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1, or text 838255
Time Stamps
00:00 New crisis resource center for mental health.
06:18 Discussing mental health shifts amid societal stressors.
09:05 Political division, identity awareness, mental health focus.
10:14 Economic crisis stresses mental health resources strain.
15:40 Community, therapy, simplicity, ease mental burden, connection.
18:54 Balancing self-care amidst mental health challenges.
22:06 Self-care means small, accessible everyday actions.
27:06 Check in with your senses for burnout.
27:46 Burnout symptoms: fatigue, eyes flicker, hair loss.
33:44 "Seek realistic balance in a capitalistic society."
37:40 Embrace objectivity, self-care, and seek support.
42:06 Remember self-care; treat yourself as a friend.
44:58 Limit tech use; life outside matters more.
48:23 Change your phone habits; it's transformative.
52:52 "Homecoming" helps reclaim your true self.
56:29 Reposted resources, certificate link, audience engagement appreciated.
57:33 Thanks, everyone. Enjoy your day!

Nov 22, 2024 • 47min
Perfectionism, Disordered Eating, and Embracing Asian American Identity with Megan Soun, MSW (RE-RUN)
On the latest episode of Yellow Chair Collective, we have fellow therapist of the Collective - Megan Soun. In this episode, Megan opens up about her personal journey with perfectionism, disordered eating, and the power of embracing her Asian identity.
Time Stamps
00:00:00 Intro
00:05:35 Being Asian in primarily white and black context shaped me.
00:07:42 Discovery of racial justice, internalized racism, Asian identity.
00:11:49 Unpacking disordered eating and its spectrum.
00:18:06 Struggling with disordered eating, faith, and racism.
00:22:07 Importance of faith in healing and identity.
00:27:33 Obsession with audio technology, forgetting purpose.
00:29:39 Joy and uncertainty led me to therapy.
00:35:35 Misery prompted change in therapist perfectionism
00:40:27 Being kinder to myself, creating possibilities, containing perfectionism.
00:43:29 Passions: dance, reading, baking, socializing.
00:46:59 Gratitude for Megan's vulnerability and growth.
Follow Yellow Chair - https://yellowchaircollective.carrd.co/

Nov 16, 2024 • 1h 2min
Re-Run: STOP Abandoning Yourself and Start Setting Boundaries | Razdeep Kaur, MSW
In this conversation, Raz Kaur discusses the importance of radical honesty and acceptance, the power of consciousness and the mind, and the process of self-reflection and personal growth. The conversation also touches on the challenges of recovering from perfectionism and the importance of seeking support and advice from trusted individuals.
Takeaways
Embrace radical honesty and acceptance with yourself to defuse tension and find inner peace.
Explore the power of consciousness and the mind in shaping your reality and personal growth.
Engage in self-reflection and embrace rawness to discover your true identity and break free from societal molds.
Choose yourself and set boundaries to prioritize your well-being and personal fulfillment. Self-reflection and introspection are crucial for personal growth and self-discovery.
Recognizing and addressing personal needs is essential for self-care.
Past experiences can shape self-perception and behavior, but it is possible to break free from negative patterns.
Integrity and authenticity are key values that guide personal growth and decision-making.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Nervous Energy
02:09 The Ego Self and Higher Self
03:34 Radical Honesty and Acceptance
05:17 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth
06:36 Origin Story and Early Influences
07:50 Psychic Sylvia Brown and Spirituality
09:21 Being a Paradox and Embracing Rawness
11:33 The Power of Consciousness and Mind
13:39 Shadow Work and Self-Awareness
15:51 People Pleasing and Self-Reflection
18:49 Mindfulness and Grounding Practices
22:13 Choosing Yourself and Acceptance
25:01 Not Fitting the Mold and Embracing Differences
28:22 Cultural Expectations and Personal Identity
30:37 Choosing Yourself and Internalizing Guilt
36:06 Accepting Yourself as a Paradox
37:42 Choosing Yourself and Setting Boundaries
39:57 Self-Abandonment and Learning from Others
40:32 Epiphanies and Moments of Clarity
41:01 Abandoning Yourself
42:23 Feeling Left Behind
43:21 Becoming a Chameleon
44:19 Discipline and Self-Care
45:13 Slipping and Falling
46:42 Discovering Values and Integrity
49:37 Recovering from Perfectionism
50:30 Deep Integrity and Authenticity
52:21 Choosing Yourself
55:09 Anticipatory Loss
56:30 Seeking Support and Advice
59:11 Reminding Yourself of Who You Are

Nov 8, 2024 • 59min
What it Takes to Heal from Relational Parent Wounds & Come Back to Yourself w/ Susan Lieu
In this conversation, Helen Garcia and Susan Lieu explore family trauma and how to heal from generational family wounds.
Follow Susan
Susan's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/model-minority-moms/id1565085683
Susan's Website: www.susanlieu.me
IG: @susanlieu @celadonbooks, @modelminoritymoms
FB: www.facebook.com/susanlieuofficial
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanlieu/
Follow Yellow Chair
YCC IG: https://www.instagram.com/yellowchaircollective/?hl=en
YCC Events: https://yellowchaircollective.com/ycc-events/
YCC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yellowchaircollective/featured
YCC Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23NdPdt17FyewUV2nx5BJu
Takeaways
The next 20 years hold significant potential for change.
Personal stories can illuminate paths to growth.
Confronting internal struggles is essential for mental health.
Self-discovery is a continuous journey.
Empowerment comes from shared experiences.
Self-care is not just a luxury, but a necessity.
Navigating life's challenges requires resilience.
Mental health awareness is crucial for well-being.
Learning from experiences shapes our identity.
Taking care of the mind is as important as the body.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Susan Liu and Her Story
01:32 The Impact of Trauma and Silence
06:19 Navigating Body Image and Cultural Expectations
10:24 Identity Struggles and Generational Trauma
17:35 Awakening Through Motherhood and Art
22:55 Confronting the Past and Seeking Closure
30:30 Understanding Parental Relationships
33:27 Evolving Perspectives on Family Dynamics
34:36 Cultivating Compassion for Complicated Relationships
35:04 Expectations vs. Reality in Family Connections
39:10 Navigating Boundaries with Family
41:00 Redefining Motherhood and Personal Growth
44:28 Body Image and Self-Acceptance
53:42 Healing Through Ancestral Connections