Yellow Chair Collective: The Podcast

Join YCC therapist Arnold and Dr. Andi Lee whose insights challenge the narratives that keep marginalized communities invisible and silenced. Dr. Andi reveals how understanding the roots of systemic oppression helps us make sense of personal struggles like trauma, anxiety, and grief, all while showing us the path to thriving through collective action and cultural pride.

Soo Jin Lee, executive director of Yellow Chair Collective, shares powerful insights on transforming pain into resilience, and how understanding the roots of belonging can unlock freedom and trust. In this episode, you’ll discover how intergenerational trauma shapes our identities—sometimes quietly, sometimes painfully—and how recognizing these hidden ghosts is the first step toward healing.

Join us on the Yellow Chair Collective podcast as Director Soo Jin Lee welcomes Dr. Monica Soni, Chief Medical Officer of Covered California, in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. In this insightful episode, they discuss the importance of whole-person care, the challenges faced by the AAPI community in accessing healthcare, and the significance of mental health a...

In this Book Club episode, YCC therapist Barbara Hong interviews Sarah Ahn of @ahnestkitchen to talk about her cookbook “Umma”. They discuss Sarah's journey in sharing her mother's Korean recipes and the heartfelt stories behind them. Sarah talks about the challenges and joys of working with her mother, the cultural significance of food, and the emotional complexities of being a child of i...

YCC founders and authors Linda Yoon and Soo Jin Lee share how food can be a powerful tool for healing, connection, and even overcoming intergenerational trauma. When words fail, families often turn to shared meals—recipes, cooking, and eating—as a language of love that transcends verbal communication. Join us as we explore the overlooked depth of food's role in Asian American identity, mental...

Discover how community and small, intentional actions can transform feelings of helplessness into empowerment amid crises like ICE raids and global conflicts. This episode explores how naming complex emotions and creating safe spaces can help process societal grief and foster resilience. Therapists Esther Lee and Jack Lam share insights on grassroots efforts, emphasizing that small acts—like writi...

In this episode of YCC Book Club, therapist Barbara Hong interviews author Michelle Yang as she shares her journey of immigrating from Incheon, South Korea, her mental health struggles with Bipolar I Disorder, and her inspiring path to healing and advocacy. Discover insights on overcoming stigma, the importance of community, and how her experiences shaped her memoir 'Phoenix Girl.'

In this YCC interview, our newest therapist Jessica Chiu shares her holistic approach to mental health, emphasizing its interconnectedness with physical health, and offers practical advice for those seeking therapy. Discover how authenticity, lightness, and client empowerment shape her practice.

In this episode of the Yellow Chair Collective podcast, Helen Garcia and therapist Phuong Tang discuss the holistic approach to mental health care, emphasizing the importance of understanding clients within their broader context. They explore the therapist's role as a listener and guide, the significance of finding the right therapist, and the empowerment that comes from therapy. The conversat...

Soo Jin Lee, Esther Lee, & Helen Garcia discuss their views on self-care by "Eldest Daughters" in immigrant family life. In this episode, we explore the beauty of spontaneity and the importance of finding joy in unplanned moments. As eldest daughters, we often feel the pressure to perform and be the 'fixers' in our families. Join us as we discuss how embracing spontaneity can...

In this episode of the Yellow Chair Collective podcast, Helen Garcia interviews therapist Arnold Kim about the importance of mental health, the stigma surrounding therapy, and the power of asking for help. Arnold shares his approach to therapy, emphasizing the significance of understanding clients' backgrounds and strengths. He discusses the challenges therapists face in guiding clients throug...

In this episode of the Yellow Chair Collective podcast, Helen Garcia interviews Lily Tran, an associate clinical social worker, about the significance of mental health and emotional rest. They discuss the importance of valuing mental health equally with physical health, the impact of emotional exhaustion, and strategies for navigating burnout. Lily shares insights on finding the right therapist an...

Today, they welcome Esther Lee & Helen Garcia to discuss the unique pressures faced by "Eldest Daughters" in immigrant family life. This episode focuses on identity, healing, and growth, highlighting the importance of open family communication. The conversation explores how parental involvement and community support can help navigate these challenges, fostering mental health and fami...

The conversation explores the themes of finding purpose in work, particularly for millennials, and the challenges of navigating toxic work environments. It highlights the struggle between pursuing one's calling and enduring difficult work situations.

In this conversation, Barbara, Poonam, and Sarika discuss the complexities of navigating bicultural identities, particularly for South Asians in America. They explore the importance of embracing all parts of oneself, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, and the journey towards self-love and self-compassion. The authors share their personal experiences and insights from their book, 'D...

This conversation delves into the complexities of mental health, particularly depression, within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Soo Jin talks about care with compassion, and the potential for intergenerational healing through community engagement.

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...

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/staceylitam Follow Yellow Chair: https://yellowchaircollectiv...

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=en⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok....

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 o...

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 sev...

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...

Yellow Chair's Community Program Manager, Megan Soun, hosts a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Yesel Yoon about her book ‘Letting Go of Perfectionism.’ They explore the debilitating effects of perfectionism on mental health, relationships, and self-worth, while offering insights and practical advice on how to shift towards a mindset of ‘good enough.’ Get Dr. Yesel Yoon's Book: https:/...

Join us for an engaging episode of the Asian Mental Health Book Club by Yellow Chair Collective, where Megan Soun and Teresa Wong dive into Teresa's graphic memoir, 'All Our Ordinary Stories.' The discussion covers themes like intergenerational family dynamics, cultural identity, and the immigrant experience.  Follow Yellow Chair- Attend Our Next Book Club: https://events.humanitix.com/host/yellow...