Sincere Practice Podcast

Christopher Nolan's Memento offers a unique lens on non-linear storytelling and how our attention span is actually edited, not broken. Explore the connection between this film and Cal Newport's theory on deep work. This breakdown examines the intersection of Memento analysis and modern focus habits. If you have ever felt that your ability to concentrate is fragmented like a film cut too many times...

Can vulnerability become your greatest business advantage? Discover how one entrepreneur turned mental health struggles into a powerful brand, built meaningful relationships, and landed partnerships with major companies through authenticity instead of perfection. In this inspiring conversation, the founder of Sad Girl Cookies, Shannon O'Donoghue, shares her journey through depression, faith, entre...

Family relationships can be some of the most meaningful connections in our lives. They can also be some of the most complicated. For many Asian Americans and children of immigrant families, family is deeply connected to identity, culture, faith, and belonging. We are taught to honor our parents, respect our elders, and prioritize family needs above our own. FREE Communication Guide - https://app.n...

For many of us, hard work isn’t just a habit it’s a survival strategy. Growing up in immigrant families often meant hearing stories of sacrifice, resilience, and perseverance. We learned that success comes from working harder, pushing further, and never giving up. While these lessons can be empowering, they can also create an unhealthy relationship with achievement. Because what happens when you’r...

Eldest daughters emotional responsibilty. What it means. What I have learned. And What I have learned not to do. Sincere Practice Letters by Helen Bass is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Sincere Practice at sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe

What does it mean to truly belong? In this heartfelt conversation, Helen Bass, Gina, and Nilifer explore identity, faith, cultural experiences, immigration, race, belonging, self-worth, and the journey of becoming comfortable in your own skin. From growing up in multicultural environments to navigating life as Asian women in America, this discussion uncovers how family, community, spirituality, an...

In this video, I share my business mindset after a 30-day sabbatical from social media and podcasting. Discover how taking a break can lead to clarity and growth in your entrepreneurial journey. Links: Therapist Accountability Group: https://www.sincerepractice.info/therapist-coaching-group (Founding members get exclusive $177/month forever) Effortless Business Book: https://www.grahamcochrane.com...

hey girlies! In this video, I talk to Author and Pastor, Jay Kim. Recently, I've been transformed by his writings to incorporate faith into daily practice. With over 2 decades of preaching, we acknowledge the power of examining painful experiences. Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Reflection and Criticism 07:20 The Listening Life: Spiritual Practices and Challenges 13:12 Lessons in Waiting and Feelin...

hey girlies! This episode is part 2 of "why women of color carry stress differently". We talk about "how to get better" after discussing nervous system healing from part 1 = nervous system + healing + community vibes 💭 Dr. Niloufer Merchant, Gina Kim, and Helen Bass break down Nervous System Regulation (Polyvagal Theory) in real life—especially for women of color. They talk morning routines, ance...

🤍 Hey girlies! This episode explains how body-based healing (like polyvagal theory) can be used in therapy that respects culture and identity. Guests Gina Kiem and Dr. Neela Fur talk about feeling safe in different spaces, code switching, and simple practices that help women of color feel more grounded, connected, and supported. Resources from Dr. Niloufer Merchant - Here are the links to both ar...

This episode includes candid conversations about postpartum depression, anxiety, and cultural stigma around mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, the Postpartum Support International helpline is available at 1-800-944-4773. In many Asian households, mental health isn't something you talk about. You push through. You perform. And when motherhood breaks you open — you're expected...

Hey y'all, Helen here, sharing a casual chat about my journey in therapy. This episode dives into the challenges of "personal growth" as a therapist, emphasizing the constant need for "self improvement" in our "mindset." It's crucial for "mental health" professionals to address these areas, ensuring we provide the best possible "therapy" and foster our own "professional growth." I truly believe th...

⚠️ Content Note: This episode discusses domestic violence, financial abuse, and gender-based violence. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 When we think about domestic violence, we don't always think about money. But financial abuse is one of the most common — and least recognized — forms of control in relationships....

Emotional safety isn’t something that just happens in relationships — it’s a skill that must be practiced. In this episode, Helen Bass explains how building safety with others begins with managing your own nervous system, recognizing triggers, and responding intentionally rather than reactively. We discuss how self-awareness, boundaries, and reflection help create relationships where people can fe...

In this insightful conversation, Gina Kiem, an expert in trauma, attachment, cultural identity, and spirituality, offers a reflective space for viewers. This discussion provides clarity and fosters greater self-awareness, contributing to overall mental health awareness. Her unique perspective helps individuals navigate complex relationships and encourages significant personal growth. Links Work wi...

Like many therapists I know, I found myself in a therapist’s office long before I ever became a licensed clinician. I was there because I was 18, lost, and running out of resources. Learn more about Sincere Practice: https://www.sincerepractice.com/ Get full access to Sincere Practice at sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe

On January 30, 2025, I walked away from a stable job — not out of ambition, but as an act of faith. What felt like loss became an invitation to confront where my security truly rested and to step into a quieter, deeper curiosity about the future. If you’re standing at a threshold in your career, marriage, or faith, this is a reflection on what it means to choose trust over control. Work with Helen...

Helen Bass chats with artist Jessie Kate Bui, who shares her unique framework on how to use story-driven narratives to help you. This conversation explores how to incorporate creative practices into your work and daily life creativity, offering top tips for fostering creative habits. Discover how this framework can help you rewrite the story of your artistic journey. — Referenced moments from the...

In this conversation, Helen discusses the concept of hyper-independence as a trauma response that many individuals, particularly women, develop as a survival strategy. She explains how this behavior manifests in over-functioning and constant stress, and emphasizes the importance of learning to receive support from others. The discussion highlights the biological underpinnings of hyper-independence...

There is a quiet misunderstanding many people carry. They believe they are afraid of failure. But if we listen to the body —not the story —we often find something else. A reaction to success itself. 1. When Things Go Well Notice what happens when life opens a door. The client says yes. The date flows. The money lands. The idea works. And instead of relief, something tightens. An urge to withdraw....

Why rest can feel unsafe—even when you’re exhaustedHigh achievers aren’t lazy. They’re often stuck in survival mode. In this conversation, Helen Garcia and Lauren DeVera unpack the psychology behind nonstop productivity, burnout, and nervous system dysregulation—and why so many driven, capable people feel productive yet disconnected. In this episode, you'll learn - 🧠 Why productivity can beco...

We often move too quickly through life, preventing us from truly hearing ourselves. This episode invites you to slow down and explore what shapes your inner world, rather than just managing symptoms. It's a journey into self discovery where we gently examine feelings of fear and regret, and how peace can sometimes feel unsettling, especially when dealing with anxiety. In this episode, we explo...

Healing is supposed to make you *better*, right? So why does it feel like you’re getting worse—less productive, more emotional, more messy? Because most of us start healing with a hidden agenda:“I’ll heal my anxiety and finally become the calm, perfect, unstoppable version of me.”But when the work actually starts… your old “fuel” gets taken away. High-functioning anxiety. Perfectionism. People-ple...

Prompted by a recent family health scare, a psychotherapist shares reflections on life’s unpredictable timeline—and what it teaches us about grief. The experience reframes new years resolutions, the American work ethic, and the pressure to “keep going,” offering grounded insights from psychology. In this video, Helen breaks down what grief actually looks like in real life: the anxiety, the waves o...

Ever wonder how to truly embrace your multifaceted self instead of just one version? This discussion explores the human voice as a vessel for truth, questioning societal pressures and encouraging genuine "self expression". Discover how honoring your full identity is key to "personal development" and maintaining strong "mental health". It's about finding your authentic voice and learning "how to be...