WARNING: This podcast references multiple forms of trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), self-harming behavior, and mental health.

Heidi Lee recently chose to speak publicly about her mental health journey as a daily survivor of bipolar disorder & complex PTSD. In this episode, she shares her lived experience with mental health challenges and the learning and passions that transpired along her healing journey.

Today, she works as a certified peer specialist for Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (https://www.bhchp.org). She is also a part-time teacher, a gifted artist, mental health advocate, and mother to a beautiful, neurodivergent six year old.

You will be moved by her stories of struggle and hope, encouraged by her resilience, and inspired by her resolve to address mental health and racial equity through advocacy in action.

Heidi’s Resource Picks:

Note: Even while the prevalence of mental health issues continues to rise in our communities, AAPI adults are the racial group least likely to seek mental health services in the U.S. (Mental Health America).

- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - https://www.nami.org/Home

- NAMI’s Peer-to-Peer course - https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Mental-Health-Education/NAMI-Peer-to-Peer

- NAMI’s Family-to-Family course - https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Mental-Health-Education/NAMI-Family-to-Family

- Kiva Centers (formerly Transformation Center) - https://kivacenters.org

- Kiva Centers’ Certified Peer Training - https://kivacenters.org/trainings/certified-peer-specialist

- Recommended Ted Talk: The Brain-Changing Benefits of Exercise by Wendy Suzuki

https://youtu.be/BHY0FxzoKZE

MORE About Heidi Lee

As a housing navigator for Boston’s homeless, Heidi’s goal is to bring dignity back to those who have had it taken away from them, which in this season means finding subsidized homes for those who are living on the streets or in shelters.

Heidi received a master’s degree in education (M.Ed), which suited her well during her 12-year stint as a classroom teacher. Heidi recently became a grad student again at Northeastern University working towards the Masters in Public Administration program (specializing in healthcare management) so that she can do her part to be a voice for the voiceless. She has since discovered her passion in working as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS).

Heidi is also studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Karate and truly enjoys her daily HIIT (high intensity interval training) exercises because they serve as a natural antidepressant. She also paints portraits for friends who are grieving the loss of someone they love and is striving to be a yelp foodie one day.

* For More Podcast Episodes, visit Asian Women For Health: https://www.asianwomenforhealth.org/current-podcasts.html

DISCLAIMER:

The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.

Lea Tran is an ethnic Chinese, who was born and raised in Vietnam. At the age of 16, Lea and her family fled their homeland with 500 other “Boat People” refugees after the fall of Saigon. In this episode, we reflect on her family’s arduous journey across the South China Sea, the complexities of rebuilding a new life in the U.S., and her personal path to healing. Lea’s story is a testament of self-discovery, courage, and resilience in overcoming adversity. She offers an inspiring voice of hope for anyone who may experience emotional or persistent trauma.

Lea continues to reconcile her past with present opportunities to share her experiences and life lessons. Today, she is a dynamic speaker and published author of her own memoir, a transformational coach, and a fellow podcaster. She also thrives on the love and support of her family, her husband, and adult son.

Links:

Website: www.LeaTran.com

Personal Memoir, I Did Not Miss the Boat: http://bit.ly/LeaTranBook

TEDx Talk: http://bit.ly/LeaTranTEDx

Social Media:

- A Thriving Conversation on FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/AThrivingConversation

- Family Roots Podcast - https://www.leatran.com/podcast

More about Lea Tran:

Lea Tran is a former "Boat person" refugee from Vietnam, a female scientist turned successful business owner and now speaker and author.

Lea had brought her story to the TEDx stage and then revealed her harrowing journey in her first book, I Did Not Miss the Boat. She delivers her powerful message of courage and hope during challenging times in her keynote speeches.

Extracting from her life experiences, Lea motivates her audience to bridge the gaps of cultural differences, to take action to break the mold of generational sufferings, and to create their own opportunity to thrive.

What does it mean to live as your authentic self? In this episode, Jeanie Y. Chang, LMFT, reflects on her own identity journey as a second generation Korean American, and discovering her vocation as an interdisciplinary, mental health clinician who serves the needs of APIA families and their communities.

Today, Jeanie is Founder and CEO of her own therapeutic practice, Your Change Provider, PLLC®. She is also a sought-after global speaker and a best-selling author to her personal memoir, A is for Authentic, Not for Anxieties or Straight A’s. Above all, she is a loving wife and mother of four.

Together, we discuss the complex intersectionality of mental health, identity, mindfulness, and resilience, and explore the hidden magic behind Cultural Confidence™ and claiming one’s narrative. Get ready for a treasure trove of resourceful insights and aha moments as Jeanie addresses stigma around mental health and the impact of racial trauma as she promotes good mental health and emotional well-being.

Resource Links:

- Web site: Your Change Provider, PLLC®

- Social Media/Blog Posts/Podcasts: https://solo.to/jeaniechang

- Personal Memoir: A is for Authentic: Not for Anxieties or for Straight A’s (available on Amazon)

- Host of Noona's Noonchi on YouTube

More on Jeanie Y. Chang, LMFT, CMHIMP, CCTP

- A solutions-focused, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional

- CEO & Founder, Your Change Provider, PLLC®

- Creator, Cultural Confidence™

- President and Board Chairman of Asian Mental Health Collective

- National Director, NAAAP Self-Care & Wellness (National Association of Asian American Professionals)

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanieychang/

* Disclaimer

The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.

Chia Ying Serene Chen grew up in Taiwan. She is a loving wife and an amazing mother to a young, active son. In this episode, she shares her personal struggles adapting to a different culture and a new life in the U.S. While learning how to balance family and her own expectations, she receives a life-changing, stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis. This sets her on a path of self-discovery and personal growth, as well as a calling to help other cancer survivors.

Although exploring options for cancer treatment is often riddled with uncertainty and fear, it can also lead to new perspectives and unforeseen blessings. You’ll surely draw strength and inspiration, and the power behind personal choice as you hear Serene’s journey.

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More on Chia Ying Serene Chen

While undergoing chemo treatment, Serene completed a two hundred-hour, yoga instructor certification. She has since launched her own podcast in Mandarin to share the stories of other cancer survivors. Along with her acupuncturist and herbalist husband, Serene also promotes special exercises to help boost people’s immune systems.

Resource Links:

- 心靈道語 Serene Pat‪h Podcast

Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/%E5%BF%83%E9%9D%88%E9%81%93%E8%AA%9E-serene-path/id1547087407

Google:

https://podcasts.google.com?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80NjI3MTdiYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw%3D%3D

Anchor (by Spotify)

心靈道語 Serene Path • A podcast on Anchor

- YouTube: In Hand Acupuncture & Herbs with Mr. Gu https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEeGWPP6lPWYk7TKUmXrlzQ

- Asian Americans and Cancer Fact Sheet

https://www.asianwomenforhealth.org/uploads/1/2/5/9/125927439/acs-fact-sheet.pdf

* DISCLAIMER

The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.

Food is the fuel for our bodies, brains, and spirits, but how tuned are we into the conversation between our brain and gut that is impacting our moods, behaviors, and energy? For this episode, we tap into the health and wellness expertise of Nicole Arcilla, MS, RDN, LDN, a licensed dietician and nutritionist and owner of Your Gut Feeling, an online nutrition business that takes holistic health approaches and gut healing to enhance people’s mental health. In this episode, find out what it means to be “healthy” and how working with a dietician nutritionist can support personal goals around meal planning that centers around embracing cultural foods and choices that lead to healthier habits towards a more productive and balanced lifestyle.

Join a free workshop with Nicole on March 22-24 at 7pm EST to help boost your mood, energy & focus. (Live recordings will be available to registered attendees for a limited time). Register Today at www.yourgutfeeling.co/freeworkshop and get ready for freebies and a workbook to support your journey towards healthy living.

Additional Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolearcilla

Instagram: @yourgutfeeling.co

Nicole’s Newsletter: http://www.yourgutfeeling.co/

More on Nicole Arcilla, MS, RDN, LDN:

Nicole Arcilla is a registered dietician and nutritionist from the D.C. Metro area with a diverse background and experience in nutrition education, nutrition communications, and food service. She is also the founder and owner of Your Gut Feeling, an online nutrition business that takes holistic health approaches and gut healing to enhance people’s mental health.

Nicole is a proud Filipino American, a wife, and guardian to two cats. She is also an arts enthusiast with a passion for photography, music, and poetry. In a pre-COVID world, she enjoyed spending weekends visiting cafés and judging each one by the quality of their lattes. Lately, she has been reading more books and trying to write some of her own poems.

***

Disclaimer:

The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.

Is it safe for women to turn off their periods? Join us for an intimate discussion with Taiwanese American Sophia Yen, MD, MPH. As CEO and Co-Founder of Pandia Health, she helped launch the first and only birth control delivery company founded and led by women - with a physician at the helm! In this episode, we’re taking an intimate look at women’s reproductive health and demystifying birth control while exploring #PeriodsOptional.

In addition to her work as an entrepreneur, Dr. Yen works in adolescent medicine and serves as clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford Medical School. She is a mother, wife, and a passionate advocate for women’s health, empowerment, and equity. She co-founded 3 nonprofit organizations/projects in her endeavors to improve the lives of women, including SheHeroes.org, a nonprofit that encourages young girls from all backgrounds to pursue nontraditional careers in STEM.

Resource Links:

- https://www.pandiahealth.com (also on Instagram, FB, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter)

- https://www.pandiahealth.com/periods-optional

First time on birth control pills? here are Dr. Yen’s tips

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-Pzapgs68s

- TEDxBerkeley talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ7-_MOjEeY&feature=emb_logo

- SheHeroes.org: https://www.sheheroes.org

Disclaimer:

The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.

Warning! The content of this podcast may be triggering to some listeners and other sexual assault survivors, so please take the necessary precautions.

For this episode, we’re breaking the silence on sexual assault with our special guest and survivor, Sara Kuuipo Mishina Kunz. Sara has struggled with PTSD and depression, but she has used her personal experience as a survivor of sexual assault to better the lives of others.

Today, she is the proud founder of Survivor Stories, a mobile app created to bring mental health care to sexual assault survivors. She has written and performed an award-winning story, as well as a full-length comedy play about mental health, sexual assault, and the path to recovery. Her passion for visual and performing arts and comedy has helped her to thrive and connect with people all around the world.

Sara is an internationally renowned artist, performing her solo comedy circus show called, “The Flyin Hawaiian Show,” from Dubai to China. She is master of the hula hoop and contortion.

For more about Sara Kunz, visit https://www.sarakunz.com/

While the prevalence of women’s breast cancer varies significantly by race/ethnicity, an earlier age-onset of breast cancer incidence, specifically among Asian and Asian American women, have warranted more research and public outreach for early screenings and mammograms, and education on the risk factors.

In this episode, we follow the personal journey of one young cancer survivor and advocate, Jeannie Karkowski, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 30.  In the face of stigmas and struggles with her bi-cultural identity, she discovered the power of her own voice, as well as a support network that has helped her to heal and contribute to the community. 

 

Additional Resources:

1. https://www.15-40.org/

2. Asian Women for Health: https://www.asianwomenforhealth.org/

3. Pink Hippy: http://pinkhippy.org/

4. Living Beyond Breast Cancer: https://www.lbbc.org/

BIO:

Jeannie Aejin Choi Karwowski was born in South Korea and moved to the US with her family as a teenager. She married the love of her life at the age of 28. She was later diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 30 as she was planning to have her first child. She endured many treatments (chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation) for nearly two years.  Jeannie is now on long-term hormone therapies and looking forward to leading a healthy and happy life. 

Jeannie actively participates in support groups for breast cancer, such as Living Beyond Breast Cancer and Lay Breast Health Advisors of Dana Farber Cancer Institute (https://www.dana-farber.org/), to help promote young women’s health in her community. She recently completed the Project LEAD Breast Cancer Advocacy Training Program of the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) and participated as a rider for the first time in Tour de Pink East, hosted by the Young Survival Coalition. Nationally, she plans to continue participating in NBCC’s lobby day for breast cancer public policy advocacy and research panel reviews for the cure. In her spare time, she plays the piano and enjoys outdoor activities with her husband. With her degree in Biomedical engineering, Jeannie hopes to go back to school to find cures for breast cancer, serve cancer patients with love and compassion, and provide evidence-based guides and resources for patients and caregivers.

As a racial/ethnic group, Asian Americans have the highest rates of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a leading cause of liver cancer. Nearly 50% of those affected by HBV today in the U.S. are of Asian descent, of which more than 70% are foreign-born. How could the prevalence of HBV be so disproportionately high in the Asian community?

In this episode, we sound the alarm on this critical public health issue with Dr. Elisa Choi, Internist and Infectious Disease Specialist, and Chief of Internal Medicine at her medical practice. Her concern over health disparities and commitment to providing culturally competent care to ethnic-specific populations have made her a champion and advocate of Hep B awareness. While Hepatitis B is not curable, it is both treatable and preventable with proper screening and vaccination.

Additional Resources:

1. American College of Physicians: Massachusetts Chapter: https://www.acponline.org/about-acp/chapters-regions/united-states/massachusetts-chapter/news-meetings

2. Hepatitis and Asian Americans: https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=50

3. HepBMD.com: https://hepbmd.com/

About Dr. Elisa Choi, MD

Dr. Elisa Choi is the current Governor of the MA Chapter of the American College of Physicians (ACP), becoming the first female and only Asian-American woman to be elected to the Governorship in the history of the MA ACP Chapter. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, and practices both as an Internist and as an Infectious Disease, HIV, and Hepatitis infection specialist. Dr. Choi has a particular interest in healthcare disparities, and in providing culturally competent care addressing health issues affecting Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) and minority populations.

Dr. Choi is on the faculty at Harvard Medical School and holds clinical and educational leadership positions in her healthcare organization. She serves as a Chief of the Internal Medicine Department at her practice. She has extensive experience in healthcare and public health advocacy efforts at Capitol Hill, Washington, DC, and has also been actively involved in the planning and organization of an annual Advocacy Day at the MA State House for the MA ACP Chapter since 2016.”

The struggle to conceive a child is real. It’s difficult to predict who is at risk for infertility, but it’s an issue that affects approximately 10-15% of couples throughout the U.S. And while in-vitro fertilization (IVF) has become a familiar household term, the complexity of the procedure and its impact on couples remain a bit of a mystery. In this episode, we share a candid conversation with Jarling Ho, who opens up about all the highs and lows of her personal IVF journey.

Jarling recently moved to Boston from LA, where she had served as Executive Director of the Asian Pacific American Dispute Resolution Center. She has extensive experience in conflict management, and has helped communities, organizations, and individuals manage differences effectively. She is a mediator, facilitator, coach, and restorative justice practitioner.

Additional Resources

1. Visit CCRM Fertility: https://www.ccrmivf.com

2. Know more about In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): https://infertility.brighamandwomens.org/ivf

3. Visit Boston IVF: https://www.bostonivf.com/