In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac speaks with Susan Liu, author of The Manicurist Daughter. They explore Susan's journey of uncovering her mother's story, the importance of intergenerational healing, and the challenges of self-discovery and motherhood. Susan shares her experiences as a storyteller and performer, discussing her one-woman show and the emotional rollercoaster of her creative process. The conversation delves into themes of personal growth, the quest for understanding family history, and the significance of self-care and reflection in navigating life's challenges.

What We're Talking About...

• Susan's journey to uncover her mother's story is deeply personal and transformative.
• Intergenerational healing is essential for understanding family dynamics and personal growth.
• The quest for self-discovery often involves confronting past traumas and family history.
• Creativity can serve as a powerful outlet for processing grief and loss.
• Susan's one-woman show reflects her emotional journey and connection to her family.
• Self-care is crucial for maintaining mental health and well-being, especially for parents.
• The importance of celebrating personal achievements and recognizing one's worth.
• Navigating the challenges of motherhood requires introspection and self-awareness.
• Susan's experiences highlight the complexities of immigrant family dynamics.
• The conversation emphasizes the value of vulnerability and authenticity in storytelling.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Susan Lieu and Her Work 07:23 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Motherhood 13:31 The Impact of Performance and Storytelling 21:59 The Emotional Journey of Storytelling 30:54 Navigating Creative Pressures and New Projects 37:16 Health, Self-Care, and Creative Expression 41:46 Uncovering Family Stories 42:14 The Importance of Personal Narratives

Links Mentioned

Susan Lieu's Podcast, Model Minority Mom's

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/model-minority-moms/id1565085683

Susan Lieu’s Website

http://susanlieu.me

The Manicurist's Daughter by Susan Lieu

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250835048/themanicuristsdaughter

Susan Lieu’s Instagram

https://instagram.com/‌susanlieu 

Model Minority Moms Instagram

ttps://instagram.com/‌modelminoritymoms 

Susan Lieu’s LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanlieu/