Yellow Chair Collective: The Podcast

In this episode of the Yellow Chair Collective podcast, host Helen Garcia interviews Alcina Tran, who shares her unique journey from Kentucky to becoming a solopreneur focused on healing through music and coaching. The conversation delves into themes of generational trauma, personal evolution, and redefining success, emphasizing the importance of faith, self-discovery, and the transformative power of music. Takeaways Alcina's journey to Kentucky was influenced by family and personal connections. Healing is a central theme in Alcina's life and work. Soulful of Life represents a holistic approach to healing. Alcina transitioned from corporate America to pursue her passion for music and healing. Faith played a significant role in Alcina's artistic journey. Generational patterns can be transformed through awareness and healing. Music serves as a powerful tool for personal and collective healing. Success is redefined as freedom and the ability to express oneself authentically. Alcina emphasizes the importance of community and collective healing. The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and deeply personal. Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting with Ancestry 03:21 Witnessing the Healing Journey 06:05 The Impact of Childhood Experiences 10:28 Soulful of Life: A Company Built on Healing 13:14 Elsina's Evolution as an Individual 18:35 Following Dreams and Trusting the Process 22:32 Faith and Perseverance 25:01 Healing Through Music and Spirituality 27:00 Breaking Generational Patterns and Facing Trauma 39:11 Redefining Success as Peace, Freedom, and Abundance 42:56 Embracing Our True Selves and Finding Gratitude

Next up in our season - we talk to Jeff Yeom, AMFT and our friend Nate Goh about dating & sex! Masculinity and Asian identity can often intersect in ways that can impact the way heterosexual Asian men date, especially in America. Jeff & Nate talk to us about their experiences dating, navigating sex and conversations around virginity, and debunking popular dating myths/stereotypes for men. Please follow our podcast and our Instagram @yellowchaircollective to stay updated with us, and share this episode with your friends!  For more info about us and our services, visit https://yellowchaircollective.com. Music from our podcast by Dean Reed:⁠https://fromthevalley.bandcamp.com/

In this conversation, Yellow Chair Therapist, Mina Yoon, shares her experiences growing up with an emotionally immature parent and her late diagnosis of ADHD. We explore the complexity of parent-child relationships and the importance of setting boundaries. She highlights the impact of shame and the validation that comes with an ADHD diagnosis. Takeaways Adult children of emotionally immature parents may struggle with setting boundaries and experience guilt and shame. Understanding the signs and symptoms of emotionally immature parents can help individuals recognize and address the impact on their lives. Starting the path of recovery without therapy can involve self-reflection, research, and self-compassion. Preserving the relationship with a parent while setting boundaries is possible and can be beneficial for one's mental health. Late diagnosis of ADHD is common, especially in women and people of color, and can provide validation and understanding. Hyper-focus is a common trait in ADHD, leading to intense interest in hobbies or activities that may be dropped abruptly. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:59 Enjoyed preschool, felt like authentic self. Good food, friends, carefree, vivid memories. 08:17 Relating to books and being seen. 10:16 Emotionally immature parent acts like a child. 13:27 Asian family dynamics: trust, independence, and extremes. 17:28 Complex trauma leads to identity and control loss. 22:19 Cultural influence on setting boundaries with family. 25:12 Setting boundaries preserves relationships while prioritizing self. 28:40 Struggled academically after elementary school, college performance poor. 31:58 ADHD diagnosis helps reduce shame, provides validation. 36:48 Struggling with focus, need deadlines and consequences. 40:32 Being honest and apologizing helps manage shame. 43:39 Balancing self blame with reflection, overcoming challenges. 45:41 Surrendering addiction, seeking approval, learning from adversity. 49:55 Continuously working through life, a lifelong journey. 51:26 Finding freedom in small steps towards authenticity.

Hosted by: Jack Lam, MSW Each sibling role often comes with a set of cultural expectations that affect the way our families treat us, and the way we participate in our families in response. This week, we invite a panel of YCC staff to share their stories around their sibling roles. Our therapists talk about the responsibilities of the eldest sibling and being a "3rd parent", the inferiority complex of being the youngest sibling, and how these roles can shift when families experience hard times. Please follow our podcast and our Instagram @yellowchaircollective to stay updated with us, and share this episode with your friends!  For more info about us and our services, visit https://yellowchaircollective.com.

Independent musician, Simha, explores the importance of patience in the music industry. Helen & Simha discuss the transformative power of therapy on Simha's creative process. Follow YCC - YCC Support Groups: https://yellowchaircollective.com/support-group/ YCC Book Club: https://events.humanitix.com/september-ycc-bookclub YCC Events: https://yellowchaircollective.com/ycc-events/ Follow Simha - Simha Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2PEuGDmYlNvBpf0his5ESc?si=FowZPWoNQz2VXfEX5P3tnA&utm_medium=share&utm_source=linktree&nd=1&dlsi=03c68a081cc54592 Simha Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_simha_/ Simha Music: https://linktr.ee/_simha_

In this episode, Happiest Pod on Earth's Ariel and Stefanie emphasize the importance of communication, understanding. Stefanie discusses her love for classic rock, R&B, and punk music. Ariel shares her love for T-Pain and the Beatles, which reminds her of her aunt and childhood memories. The speakers reflect on the nostalgia and emotional connection that music brings, and how it evolves with different stages of life. Links: Happiest Pod on Earth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happiestpodcastonearth/?hl=en Happiest Pod on Earth on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happiest-pod-on-earth/id1464612816 Happiest Pod on Earth on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ySJRzzOIDe3exsPWSLGsP Yellow Chair Collective Support Groups: https://yellowchaircollective.com/support-group/ Yellow Chair Collective Events: https://yellowchaircollective.com/ycc-events/ Takeaways Communication, understanding, and self-soothing are important in maintaining a healthy partnership. Adventurousness and being each other's safe space are important in a relationship. Understanding and insight take time to develop in a relationship. Growth and evolution are necessary in a long-term relationship. Musical landscapes can be influenced by cultural background and personal experiences. Music preferences and experiences can vary greatly among individuals, influenced by personal memories and cultural influences. Technology has played a significant role in changing the way people consume and discover music, from iPods to streaming services. Music has the power to evoke nostalgia and create emotional connections, reminding us of specific moments and people in our lives. Exploring different genres and artists can broaden our musical horizons and deepen our appreciation for diverse styles of music. Chapters 00:00 Spontaneous Bangs and Haircut Mishaps 03:26 Life Updates and Challenges 05:57 Dealing with COVID-19 08:12 Passion for Music 11:18 Balancing Individual Needs and Shared Interests 18:34 Adventurousness and Support in Relationships 22:26 The Evolution of Understanding in Long-Term Relationships 29:21 Exploring Musical Landscapes: From R&B to Classic Rock and Goth 42:08 The Power of Music 45:43 The Impact of Technology 47:39 Creating Connections

Josh Solomon, a session musician and member of the band Young Lovers, shares his journey into music and the challenges he faced as a member of a first-generation Filipino American family. Despite family pressure to pursue a more traditional career, Josh found support and validation within the music community. Links: Josh's Band: https://www.instagram.com/youngloversla/ Josh's IG: https://www.instagram.com/thecitypopbassist/?hl=en Yellow Chair Upcoming Events: https://yellowchaircollective.com/ycc-events/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 03:01 Family Pressure and Finding Support 06:04 Discovering a Passion for Music 09:29 Dealing with Family Expectations 15:29 First Big Break: Opening for The Fall of Troy 23:00 Continuing to Pursue Music Despite Challenges 28:25 Navigating the Music Industry 31:32 Regret and Rediscovery 33:49 The Power of Expression in Music 36:25 Finding Your Voice 43:45 The Joy of Music 47:25 Maintaining a Childlike Appreciation 52:38 Overcoming Discouragement 55:06 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Takeaways Family pressure can be a significant challenge for first-generation musicians, but finding support within the music community can help navigate these challenges. Opportunities and validation, such as a big break or positive audience reactions, can provide affirmation and motivation to continue pursuing music. Physical challenges, like carpal tunnel syndrome, can be discouraging, but musicians often find ways to adapt and continue playing. The music industry can be tough and competitive, requiring musicians to pivot and find their own paths within it. Pivoting away from your passion doesn't mean giving up on it entirely. There may be other ways to stay connected to it and explore different aspects of it. Maintaining a childlike appreciation for music and finding joy in the process is crucial to staying motivated and inspired. Comparing yourself to others can be discouraging. Focus on your own journey and the progress you're making. The way you play now is just as important and beautiful as where you want to be in the future. Embrace the present moment and celebrate your growth. Don't be afraid to take breaks and let your passion breathe. Sometimes stepping back can lead to new perspectives and renewed inspiration.

Poet, Derrick Engoy's, love for hip hop began in the early to mid-80s when the music genre was just emerging. As he shares his evolution from lyricist to poet, Derrick delves into the deeply personal and spiritual dimensions of his creative process, shedding light on how it has served as a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. Time Stamps 00:00 Filipino cultural influence on hip hop music. 03:50 Embraced hip hop roots, loved underground scene. 06:56 Transition from neighborhood to successful public speaker. 10:25 Transition from aggressive dancing to lyrical expression. 13:51 Embracing traditional poetry formats challenges creativity. 19:42 Therapist advises expressing emotions through poetry. 22:52 Finding creativity in healing through poetry. 25:16 Utilizing poetry to be present in life. 26:49 Poetry as healing, tool for self-understanding. 32:07 Admiration for spouse's musical talent and advice. 35:23 Discovering love for poetry, diversifying creative skills. 36:55 Creativity and mental health don't have to conflict.

In this episode, we dive into the world of hip hop culture with the talented rapper and poet, Jason Chu. We explore how hip hop music and culture played a pivotal role in Jason's ethnoracial awakening, shaping his understanding of his cultural identity. Join us as we discuss the influence of hip hop in our lives and its impact on shaping communal belonging and cultural representation. Takeaways Hip hop music and culture decenter normative gazes and reclaim communal agency. Collaboration in music can lead to powerful and meaningful creations. Recognizing warning signs of burnout and practicing self-care is crucial for maintaining well-being. There is a difference between disclosure and venting, and it's important to be intentional about sharing personal experiences. Mantras and wisdom evolve as we progress through different stages of our careers. Time Stamps 00:00 Hip hop culture led to my awakening. 05:10 Relating to Filipino TV, racial divide experience. 07:59 Healthy suspicion of outsiders undermines solidarity. 10:33 Praising the music for its personal depth. 13:26 Creating authentic, soulful music with grounded, gutsy softness. 18:49 Music must be personal for emotional impact. 20:04 Articulating need for rest and delegating responsibilities. 25:48 Discomfort in new experiences is integral. 28:07 Jason brought up the issue of oversharing. 31:35 Learning to identify mental health warning signs. 36:37 Use social media for connecting, not self-promotion. 39:13 Progressive journey of content creation and growth. 42:14 Grateful for support, ask for likes, shares.

In this episode, Esther and Helen discuss the animated series Elemental and its exploration of Asian American identity, family expectations, and emotional well-being. Takeaways Cultural expectations can have a significant impact on an individual's sense of self and well-being, particularly in immigrant families. Navigating the pressure to conform to societal and familial expectations can be challenging, but it is essential for personal growth and fulfillment. Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and prioritizing one's own needs and desires. Embracing self-acceptance and cultivating a sense of self-identity contribute to emotional well-being and the ability to create the life one wants. Dating outside of one's cultural or social circle can be complex and requires reconciling personal identity with external expectations. Navigating relationships with individuals from different backgrounds can impact mental health and self-perception. Fitting in and belonging to a community is important, but meeting the friends, family, and greater community of a partner from a different culture can be challenging. Curiosity and adaptation are key in building relationships with people from different backgrounds. Unlearning fear and empowering oneself is crucial in embracing change and living one's own truth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Elemental and Its Themes 03:03 Family Expectations and Mental Health 08:45 Exploring Asian American Identity 15:19 Emotional Well-Being and Self-Discovery 23:54 Exploring the Complexities of Dating Outside of One's Cultural or Social Circle 25:18 The Impact of Navigating Relationships with Individuals from Different Backgrounds on Mental Health 35:27 The Importance of Fitting In and Belonging to a Community 36:57 Unlearning Fear and Empowering Oneself to Embrace Change