Yellow Chair Collective: The Podcast

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://w...

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 mu...

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 Hi...

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 challe...

In this conversation, Dr. Hsu & Helen discuss the Netflix show "Beef" and its portrayal of Asian American characters. They explore themes of high achievement, anger, and the pressure to have it all. Buy Dr. Hsu's Trauma Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Trauma-Workbook-Asian-Americans/dp/1648482724 Takeaways Beef is a Netflix series that explores themes of high achievement, anger, and t...

In this re-run episode, we talk to "The Ultimate Queer" cast member, Aussie, to discuss Aussie's personal journey of healing and self-discovery. 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 W...

Therapists Megan Soun & Helen Garcia discuss the show 'Severance' and its relevance to mental health and work-life balance. They both share their personal journey with perfectionism and the impact of defining oneself by their job. Links Mentioned in Episode - Episode #36: Megan on Perfectionism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLY-NVsf75I&ab_channel=YellowChairCollective Episode #44: Megan...

On this re-run of the Yellow Chair Podcast, Helen talks to author & Founder of 'Untigering', Iris Chen discusses removing coercive strategies from parenting and the power of empathy and communication. Writing became a part of her healing process in learning to raise a highly sensitive child while learning to navigate her own emotions. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 02:46 Parenting as a form of self-co...

Helen talks to the "Happiest Pod on Earth" gals - Ariel Landrum, LMFT & Stef Bautista, MA about Sailor Moon! They also discuss the app 'Too Good to Go' to purchase leftover food from local businesses. The conversation also transitions into Ariel & Stef's friendship & using Disney in educational and mental health settings. Takeaways - Friendships can have a significant impact on persona...

Trigger Warning: Mention of sexual assault & violence. Resources below - Queer Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.tnlr.org/en/24-hour-hotline/ National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/ Helen and Jack talk about Netflix's Heartstopper - how the show offers a glimpse into the innocence and unadulterated love that many queer adults never experienced in their teenage year...

Helen and Sarah discuss the animated series BoJack Horseman and its exploration of addiction, trauma, and identity. They highlight the show's depiction of addiction and self-destructive tendencies, as well as the cyclical nature of addiction and the challenges of overcoming substance use. Takeaways Recognize the importance of therapy in addressing mental health issues Cultivate self-awareness and...

Angela Nguyen, MSW and Helen have a conversation about the hit show, "The Good Place". They discuss what it means to be a 'good person', working through guilt and shame, and the importance of growth and healing. Takeaways Being a good person is a complex and evolving concept that is influenced by our actions, intentions, and the impact on others. Childhood and environment play a significant role i...

What's Next for the Podcast? Welcoming Season 8 of Our Podcast, coming May 2024

In this episode, Helen Garcia interviews Alison Ly, LCSW, about the importance of setting boundaries. They discuss what boundaries are and how they can protect and preserve various aspects of our lives. Alison shares her personal struggles with boundaries and emphasizes that setting boundaries is an ongoing process. Follow Allison Ly, LCSW- Coaching Website: https://www.heyallisonly.com Therapy Pr...

In this conversation, therapist Robyn Tamanaha discusses her experience and expertise in working with OCD and bipolar disorder. She provides advice for individuals going into therapy and addresses common misconceptions about these conditions. They also delve into the topic of burnout and share personal experiences and strategies for avoiding and recovering from burnout. Chapters 00:00 Introduction...

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 paren...

In today's episode, we interview Stanford Psychologist and President of the Asian American Psychological Association, Dr. Christine Catipon on grief, challenges in leadership, and imposter syndrome. Takeaways Leadership comes with challenges, but it is important to approach it with humility and a willingness to have difficult conversations. Spirituality and faith can provide grounding and supp...

In this episode Helen is joined by fellow therapist, Khai Hoang, to discuss societal pressures and overcoming the struggle to prove oneself. From discussing the impact of privilege and societal norms to the complexities of social media and the journey towards self-acceptance, this episode is a candid exploration of imposter syndrome, authenticity, and embracing uncertainties. Takeaways Doubt and u...

In this conversation, Helen interviews Ruth Sze, an art therapist and marriage and family therapist, about her work with postpartum moms. Ruth shares her personal journey of becoming a mom and going back to school to pursue her passion for art therapy. Takeaways Art therapy can be a powerful tool for expressing subconscious needs and emotions. The postpartum period can be a time of joy, but also l...

In this conversation, Nadia Islam, a licensed clinical supervisor at Yellow Chair Collective, discusses the importance of evidence-based and culturally humble approaches in therapy. She discusses the importance of accepting reality and moving towards one's values, as well as the power of voice and the impact of self-judgment. Takeaways Evidence-based therapy involves using strategies that have bee...

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 yo...

Helen is joined by the Co-Directors of Yellow Chair Collective: Soo Jin Lee and Linda Yoon. In this episode, Soo Jin and Linda celebrate the launch of their book "Where I Belong" by vulnerably discussing the changing perceptions of Korean culture and Asian representation due to media and internet access, as well as the presence of mental health representation in Korean dramas. Takeaways: Creation...

Esther Lee is a therapist and advocate for social justice. She highlights the complexity of people's stories and the need to challenge assumptions and stereotypes. Takeaways Continuous education is essential for personal and professional growth. Challenging assumptions and stereotypes is crucial in understanding people's stories. Self-care and resilience are important for preventing burnout. Somat...

In this conversation, Brandon Shindo, CEO of  @kandbtherapy  shares his personal and professional growth journey. He discusses overcoming burnout, finding balance, and the necessary steps he took to achieve a thriving private practice and a healthy relationship. Brandon reflects on the influence of his Japanese American heritage and the lessons he learned from his elders. He also explores the conc...

In this episode, Helen and Megan discuss the messaging around body image and the impact of beauty standards on individuals, particularly those who are considered 'other' in society. They explore the intersection of beauty standards and racism, as well as the importance of questioning and unlearning these standards. Megan emphasizes the need to view the body as a relationship and to approach body c...