

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

Sep 1, 2023 • 1h 11min
IG LIVE with Aussie + Sam from "The Ultimatum" on Healthy Communication in Romantic Relationship
Hi Yellow Chairs! We have a special treat for you. We will be diving deep into the world of reality TV, relationships, and mental health. Joining us today are two incredible individuals, Sam Mark and Aussie Chau, a queer couple who have recently made waves on the hit Netflix show, "Ultimatum."
This episode is not just about reality TV drama. It's about unpacking the complexities of relationships, exploring the intersection of queer identity and mental health, and redefining success in the face of public scrutiny. Sam and Aussie's story serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for all of us, as they remind us that authentic connections and emotional well-being should never be compromised, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Time Stamps
0:00 Intro
00:03:56 Sam Using Oracle cards for clear messages.
00:09:09 Handling backlash after episodes dropped was unexpected.
00:11:33 Unsettling and painful experience, lingering emotional impact.
00:21:06 Lack of support and trust caused problems.
00:22:50 Overcoming challenges, healing anxiousness, & connecting dots
00:32:13 Personal growth through self-reflection and spiritual exploration.
00:35:49 Active listening, reflection and empathy promote understanding.
00:41:48 Turning things into playful games and lightening the mood.
00:46:19 Openness, acceptance, and humor define your relationship.
00:50:43 Spiritual practice helped me stay grounded, despite adversity.
01:03:46 Rewatching shows and movies reveals deep spiritual themes.
Follow Aussie
Aussie's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aussie_has_fomo/
Request Cameo w/ Aussie - https://www.cameo.com/aussie88?utm_campaign=profile_share
Follow Sam
Sam's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/conscious.altruism/
Request Sam on Cameo - https://www.cameo.com/consciousaltruism?utm_campaign=profile_share
Follow Saussie!!
Keep it Saussie Website - https://keepitsaussie.com/#scroll-to-top
Keep it Saussie Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/keepitsaussie/
Follow Yellow Chair - https://yellowchaircollective.carrd.co/

Aug 25, 2023 • 55min
How do You Heal from Anxious Attachment & Childhood Trauma? | Aussie from the Ultimatum
In this episode, we dive deep into Aussie's personal journey of healing and self-discovery. From listening to an audiobook that challenged their beliefs to experiencing a powerful message from a higher power, Aussie shares their profound moments of realization and transformation. We also unpack the impact of childhood experiences on attachment styles and relationships, and the importance of personal growth and self-love. Aussie's honest and vulnerable reflections will inspire you to seek healing, embrace change, and find magic within yourself and your relationships.
Trigger Warning - Episode mentions sexual trauma, domestic violence, and abuse. Please consider your mental health prior to watching/listening to this episode.
Follow Aussie
Aussie's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aussie_has_...
Keep it Saussie Website - https://keepitsaussie.com/#scroll-to-top
Request Cameo w/ Aussie - https://www.cameo.com/aussie88?utm_ca...
Keep it Saussie Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/keepitsaussie/
Follow Yellow Chair - https://yellowchaircollective.carrd.co/
Time Stamps
0:00 Intro
00:05:28 Aussie's Mom - love shown through food, repairing relationship.
00:11:25 Realization of denial and trauma recovery journey.
00:17:50 Aussie's dad - his transition from doctor to taxi driver.
00:22:04 "I Realized my sadness due to lack of parenting."
00:24:08 Childhood neglect; healing impact on relationships.
00:28:04 Craving secure attachment, overcoming past trauma
00:33:49 Recognition of need for relationships, self-healing journey, finding secure attachment.
00:40:27 Raised Catholic, mother Buddhist, dad Catholic. Mom converted, secretly went to the temple. Initially condemned mom, then questioned teachings. Suppressed sexuality, felt teachings were wrong. Angry, turned away from God. Reconnected in 2011.
00:43:35 First audiobook, emotional experience, finding inspiration.
00:48:00 Morning routine and the power of surrender.
00:51:16 Favorite book, brings new insights, practice presence.

Aug 17, 2023 • 1h 9min
Queer Identity & Spiritual Healing with Sam Mark from the Ultimatum
Join us for a captivating episode of the Yellow Chair Collective Podcast as we sit down with the remarkable Sam Mark (she/her), a radiant presence known from her journey on "The Ultimatum: Queer Love." In this profound conversation, we delve into the intricate art of making relationships flourish while navigating the terrain of emotional wounds.From her courageous path through emotional abuse to her unwavering commitment to spiritual healing.Through candid dialogue, Sam reveals how she found her voice and reclaimed her agency. This episode is an invitation to engage in conversations that inspire growth, reflection, and renewed commitment to personal evolution.
Follow Sam
Sam's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/conscious.altruism/
Request Sam on Cameo - https://www.cameo.com/consciousaltruism?utm_campaign=profile_share
Keep it Saussie Website - https://keepitsaussie.com/#scroll-to-top
Keep it Saussie Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/keepitsaussie/
Follow Yellow Chair - https://yellowchaircollective.carrd.co/
Time Stamps
0:00 Intro
00:06:40 Spiritual journey, meeting Assie, creating brand
00:15:41 Spiritual journey opens up self-exploration and acceptance.
00:18:20 Virtual meetup group provides safe community.
00:24:37 Discovering my true sexuality, ending long-term relationship.
00:31:05 Different perspectives, shared values, and growth.
00:37:16 "Journey of self-discovery and advocacy for myself."
00:43:47 Emotion awareness, suppressed feelings, toxic productivity.
00:50:28 Music channels deep emotions and transcends borders.
00:53:12 Tarot Healer: Empowering self-discovery and healing.
00:59:09 Finance conversation reveals toxic cultures and disparities.
01:05:38 Experiencing contrast important in relationships and work. Indirectly showing DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) concepts without force.

Aug 3, 2023 • 55min
What is Toxic Diet Culture? | Nutritionist and Intuitive Eating Coach, Eling Tsai
Welcome back to Yellow Chair Collective: The Podcast! In today's episode we talk to registered dietitian and Intuitive Eating coach, Eling Tsai about the complexities of diet culture and the impact it can have on our lives.
We discuss how discussions around food have been stripped of nuance, perpetuating the idea of acceptable food types and acceptable bodies. From the demonization of certain foods to the elevation of others as "superfoods," we examine the powerful role that marketing plays in shaping our perceptions and beliefs about what we should and shouldn't consume.
Join us on this eye-opening journey as we unravel the layers of the diet culture dilemma, challenging the status quo and encouraging a more compassionate, understanding approach to our relationship with food. Get ready to question the narratives that we've been fed and explore the importance of embracing a more nuanced perspective. Let's dive in!
Time Stamps 0:00 Intro
00:00:09 Diet culture promotes thinness, stigmatizes fatness.
00:04:12 Changing expectations, tiredness, showing up for people.
00:12:08 Unexpected encounters can improve our day
00:15:44 Pivotal moments led to change in Eling's career to nutrition
00:20:06 Eling moving to New York. Changing careers to nutrition.
00:24:55 Eling's Career choices were not easy, but important.
00:27:28 Challenging Traditional dietitian roles, community health, counseling. Chance encounter with colleague changed everything.
00:31:03 Passion for food led to Eling's career evolution.
00:33:36 Diet culture promotes thinness and stigmatizes fatness.
00:36:54 Toxic diet culture gives harmful body messages.
00:41:05 Whiteness and diet culture promote certain foods.
00:44:24 Diet culture and body image impact food choices.
00:51:01 Check-in with yourself, try something new. Food norms don't have to be standard. Reconnect with your body and listen to its cues. Judging hunger and fullness leads to anxiety.
Follow Eling
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nutritionwitheling/?hl=en
Website - https://www.withfoodincommon.com/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elingtsai
Follow Yellow Chair Collective
Spotify -https://open.spotify.com/show/23NdPdt17FyewUV2nx5BJu
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yellowchaircollective/
Website - https://yellowchaircollective.com/

Jul 26, 2023 • 8min
Moment 9 - Jeff Yeom, AMFT on Grief & Masculinity
In this clip from Season 3 of Yellow Chair Collective, Marriage & Family Therapist, Jeff Yeom, opens up about his personal journey of self-discovery and challenges the traditional ideals of masculinity. From feeling different and frustrated in his college years to finding validation and acceptance from his friends, Jeff shares the importance of vulnerability and emotional connection in relationships. We also explore the impact of gender dynamics and expectations on our lives, as well as the struggles and triumphs of expressing emotions and seeking help. Join us as we dive into thought-provoking conversations surrounding toxic masculinity, cultural influences, and the power of embracing our true selves.

Jul 19, 2023 • 6min
Moment 8 - Kim Saira, Social Influencer & Activist - When Your Body is on Fight/Flight/Freeze & Influence on Your Social Impact
This week's clip highlights Kim Saira's journey to therapy - "When we are constantly in fight, flight or freeze response, we can think, or just myself, like, I can think that anyone who disagrees with me is the enemy or I need to either fight them or run away."
More full-length episodes will publish in August :) - but for now, please enjoy vulnerable goodies from past guests :)

Jul 12, 2023 • 50min
Exploring the Basics of Meditation and Debunking the Myths of Meditation
On this episode of Yellow Chair Collective: The Podcast, our host Helen sits down with Jonathan Ly to discuss the mythos and pressure around meditation and emphasize that it can be as simple as closing your eyes and sitting down. The episode also delves into different types of meditation, the importance of gratitude and awareness, and the cognitive triangle. Jonathan recounts their experience of having their car's catalytic converter stolen and how they practiced acceptance and moving forward.
Time Stamps
0:00 Intro
00:05:51 Meditation's cultural significance and variety misunderstood.
00:12:45 Importance of group and teacher in Buddhism.
00:17:23 Listening meditation improves compassion and presence.
00:22:17 Meditation brought peace and changed perspective.
00:24:39 Subtle change, slow process, frustration, meditation, patience, compassion, collective breathing.
00:28:19 Disconnect from technology, sit quietly, be mindful.
00:33:50 Self-compassion, accepting suffering, controlling interpretation. Easy meditation for success in spiritual mastery.
00:39:03 Structure, mental health, environment, self-compassion, reacting consciously.
00:42:12 Moving on from pain and letting go.
00:45:17 Car theft frustrates, but must move on.
00:50:00 Start with guided meditation apps but eventually meditate independently.
Links to Yellow Chair: https://yellowchaircollective.carrd.co/

Jul 5, 2023 • 34min
How to Create Lasting Connection when You Are Lonely | Carrie Zhang, Founder of Asian Mental Health Project -
On this episode of Yellow Chair Collective: The Podcast, we are joined by Carrie Zhang, founder of Asian Mental Health Project. We delve into Carrie's journey of self-discovery and the importance of incorporating self-care practices to prevent burnout. Carrie reflects on their people-pleasing tendencies and the process of prioritizing themselves and their mental health.
Time Stamps
0:00 Intro
02:51 Started project on mental health and Asian identity, connected with others, created community events and resources.
08:01 Balancing work and self-care; valuing community.
11:44 I have power to shape my life.
14:15 Carrie rejects founder mentality, embraces community support.
17:42 Discovering and creating personal purpose is liberating.
23:22 Checking in on my feelings and needs.
26:27 Constant journey, overcoming challenges, community support
31:53 Nonprofit numbers have tripled due to COVID; importance of human connection
33:09 Genius simplicity in creating accessible community spaces.
Follow Yellow Chair -
Links to all: https://yellowchaircollective.carrd.co/
Follow Asian Mental Health Project -
Website: https://asianmentalhealthproject.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asianmentalhealthproject/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsianMentalHealthProject/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fasianmhproject
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asian-mental-health-project

Jun 21, 2023 • 45min
Balancing Instant Gratification in Music Making & Creating Meaningful Work | Lotti, Filipina-American Musician -
On this episode of Yellow Chair Collective: The Podcast, we talk to Lotti, a musician who is known for writing about personal experiences such as separation, breakups, and losing oneself in a relationship. They discuss Lotti's process of crafting songs based on personal experiences, particularly her experience of a breakup which is universal. The podcast also explores the importance of music in Philippine culture, the meaning of creativity, the power of collaboration in music writing, and the process of releasing a song when it's ready. Tune in to this episode to hear more about Lotti's music and her unique insights into the art of music-making.
Time Stamps
00:00 Music saved me, I lost myself.
05:47 Song inspiration: feeling, learning, divorce observation.
07:50 Discovery of voice through personal suffering.
13:43 Moving to LA made me feel different.
14:49 First real interaction with dad
23:59 Creative freedom discovered through calling off work.
27:27 Powerful performance mesmerizes audience at open mic.
30:17 Quickly created song with friends' input.
32:49 Feeling good songs, releasing ego, collaborate together.
38:07 Artistry over pure creativity.
41:11 Collaborative process with artist Camila for visuals.
Follow Lotti
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCQWhRyINo_Uw-fDp6VMZIAw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lotti4evr/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2fqGZPNHkzzYFDya39KOiv#login
Follow Yellow Chair:
Links to all: https://yellowchaircollective.carrd.co/

Jun 14, 2023 • 49min
Vanity vs. True Impact on Social Media | Kim Saira, Social Influencer & Activist
On this episode of Yellow Chair Collective, Helen interviews influencer, activist, and digital artist Kim Saira about her experiences with social media, relationships, therapy, and somatic healing. Kim shares her discomfort with being the center of attention on social media and how she prioritize genuine connections in their life. Helen and Kim also discuss grappling with their Filipino identity and navigating generational trauma.
Throughout the episode, Kim Saira emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and the benefits of somatic healing and self-care practices. Don't miss out on learning more about their journey from angry advocacy to current self-care practices amidst a busy schedule of advocacy during Pride Month, API Month, and Mental Health Month.
[00:02:49] Anger and activism spurred social media action.
[00:05:01] Anger led to interest in healing space.
[00:07:15] Anger towards partner's parents leads to therapy.
[00:10:31] Therapy helped me embrace vulnerability and honesty.
[00:14:41] Social media is a powerful tool.
[00:18:40] Social media as a tool, not substitute.
[00:22:26] Setting boundaries, self-care for business owners.
[00:24:56] Busy lifestyle causes strained relationship with grandma.
[00:30:37] Filipino immigrant child struggles with identity.
[00:33:16] Self-doubt and imposter syndrome causing anxiety.
[00:35:45] "Not for everyone" & "renting mode" realization.
[00:38:44] Understanding and accepting generational love patterns.
[00:42:27] Childhood experiences, conflicting feelings on identity.
[00:46:35] "Community support is essential for success."
Follow Kim
Kim's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimsaira/?hl=en
Kim's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimssaira?lang=en
Kim's Community Links: https://linktr.ee/kimsaira
Follow Yellow Chair
Links to all: https://yellowchaircollective.carrd.co/