Summary

Season 3 has come to a close! In this final episode, Ivory and Janice reflect on their journeys across East Asia over the past year, navigating expat life, language, identity, and what it means to belong. Together, they discuss their shared passion for improving eating disorder care across East Asia, the misconceptions they've encountered, and how their perspectives and work continue to evolve as they spend more time in the region.

Thank you for joining us this season. Whether you've listened to one episode or all of them, we are so grateful you've been part of these conversations. We hope the stories, reflections, and perspectives we've shared have left you with something to carry forward. 

Thank you for being a part of the Potluck Club!

Keywords

expat life, East Asia, US, cultural identity, eating disorders, healthcare, language, cross-cultural, mental health, Asian American

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the hosts and episode overview

01:49 Personal journeys to East Asia and cultural reflections

03:59 Research interests in eating disorder care in Asia

05:51 Experiences of navigating expat life and local culture

07:48 Language, identity, and cultural expression in Asia

09:47 Reflections on returning to Asia as an adult

12:12 Expat community size and experiences in Taiwan and Hong Kong

13:57 Using language and body language to navigate spaces

15:58 Cultural perceptions of race, ethnicity, and belonging

17:55 The role of privilege and proximity in cultural confidence

20:00 Shared passion for improving eating disorder care in Asia

21:58 Misconceptions and awareness of eating disorders in Asia

24:08 Reflections on family, travel, and reconnecting in Asia

25:45 The impact of cultural background on expat experiences

28:06 The importance of local community and cultural understanding

30:47 Professional work and collaboration across regions

31:45 Passion and drive in mental health care in Asia

33:54 Addressing misconceptions and stigma around eating disorders

35:28 Sharing insights from research and professional experiences

38:00 The importance of awareness and education in mental health

39:57 Reflections on personal growth and future aspirations

42:01 Balancing work, travel, and family in expat life

44:13 The emotional aspects of reconnecting with home countries

46:07 Cherished moments with family and cultural experiences

47:54 Closing thoughts and gratitude

Summary

The Potluck Club heads to Singapore, Ivory's hometown, as it's now Janice's turn to visit! The episode kicks off at a hawker centre, where we dig into Singaporean classics like kueh, prawn mee, and half-boiled eggs. From there, Janice and Ivory explore how Singapore's multicultural food scene blends regional influences with local ingredients, while wandering through the vibrant Joo Chiat neighbourhood.

Along the way, Ivory reflects on what it's been like returning to Singapore as an adult—finally having the time to savor food, family, and the rhythms of everyday life, including celebrating Chinese New Year at home for the first time in over a decade. She also revisits the foods that shaped her childhood, and together we explore the meanings that food carries across the Chinese diaspora.

Join us for a conversation about how the places we come from continue to shape the way we eat, remember, and connect.

Revision Note: In the episode, Ivory mentions that gula melaka is a type of cane sugar. Instead of cane, she meant to say palm sugar. Gula melaka is an unrefined palm sugar, traditionally made from the sap of the coconut palm, that is local to Malaysia and Indonesia.

Keywords

Singapore, Chinese New Year, cultural heritage, hawker centers, traditional dishes, Asian cuisine, personal stories, travel, food culture

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Singapore's Cultural and Culinary Landscape

00:26 Exploring the UNESCO Heritage and Colorful Houses

00:47 Signature Dishes: Prawn Mee and Pork Knuckle Soup

01:52 Cultural Significance of Hawker Centers and Local Ingredients

03:30 Traditional Snacks and Fusion Cuisine in Singapore

04:16 The Rich Heritage of Peranakan and Malay Influences

06:49 Iconic Streets and Local Food Experiences

07:10 Kuehs and the Art of Eating with White Pepper

08:33 The Use of Soy Sauce, White Pepper, and Local Flavors

09:40 Eggs, Shells, and the Art of Cooking Techniques

10:15 Practicing Traditional Cooking with Ivory's Family Tips

11:49 Cracking Eggs and Perfecting the Technique

12:50 Shells in the Egg and Avoiding Ingestion

13:07 Reflections on a Day Out in Singapore

14:14 Exploring Zhuqian Neighborhood and Local Vibes

15:11 Adjusting to Life in Singapore and Family Time

16:10 The Impact of Spending More Time in Singapore

16:54 Family Life, Independence, and Cultural Traditions

18:03 Experiencing Singapore as an Adult with a Partner

19:04 Lee Kuan Yew's Vision for a Green and Modern Singapore

22:39 Reflections on Returning to Singapore and Cultural Practices

23:40 Chinese New Year Traditions: Lo Hei and Prosperity Symbols

25:21 Tossing Noodles and Symbolism of Longevity and Luck

26:19 Traditional Foods for Chinese New Year: Radish Cake, Nian Gao, and More

28:01 Family Practices and Regional Variations in Chinese New Year Foods

29:10 The Diversity of Noodle and Cake Traditions in Chinese Culture

30:50 Different Practices Among Cantonese, Hokkien, and Other Chinese Communities

34:20 Reunion Dinner and Celebratory Feasts in Singapore and Hong Kong

37:30 Symbolism in Chinese New Year Dishes and Family Traditions

38:17 Closing Reflections and the Joy of Cultural Exploration

Resources

• Visit Singapore
• TimeOut Article on Joo Chiat Neighborhood
  

Summary

Come hang out with Ivory and Janice as they welcome Japanese-Australian dietitian Fumi Somehara to The Potluck Club. Drawing from her experiences growing up between Japan and Australia—and her background in ballet—Fumi shares personal reflections on how culture, mental health, body image, and beauty ideals have shaped her identity.

Together, we explore how cultural expectations and body norms differ across Japan and Australia, how history and media have influenced Japanese beauty standards (including the concept of hakanage—the fragile, fleeting beauty often associated with femininity), and how "lookism" continues to shape everyday life in Japan today. We also discuss why diverse cultural representation is essential in eating disorder care and mental health recovery.

Join us for a thoughtful conversation about identity, belonging, and what it means to feel at home in your body while navigating multiple cultures.

Keywords

body image, cultural norms, mental health, Japan, Australia, diversity, privilege, representation, eating disorders, identity

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cultural Perspectives on Body Image

02:05 Privilege and Growing Up in Different Cultural Environments

04:01 Body Norms and Beauty Standards in Japan and Australia

05:47 Personal Stories of Mental Health and Cultural Expectations

08:02 The Role of Representation and Diversity

09:54 Family, Generational Messages, and Cultural Shifts

11:53 The Influence of History and Media on Body Standards

14:05 Supporting Mental Health in Multicultural Contexts

15:58 Reflections on Privilege and Cultural Identity

17:52 The Future of Body Image and Cultural Acceptance

Fumi Somehara is a Japanese-Australian Dietitian and founder of DDD Centre for Recovery in Australia, which aims to create a space where everybody is welcome and respected, regardless of their size, shape, race, gender, sexual orientation, ability and disability. Fumi’s expertise is in Dance Nutrition, RED-S and Eating Disorders Treatment. Fumi has been in dance training herself, with her own dance journey started when she attended her first ballet class at the age of five. In addition to her individual work with clients, Fumi is a fellow of the Japan Association for Eating Disorders and a lecturer for dance nutrition at Academy of Music and Performing Arts.
Follow Fumi's work at DDD Centre for Recovery.

Summary

Ivory and Janice sit down with Yuiki Matsushita, Founder and Representative Director of Allyable, a Japan-based non-profit reimagining how eating disorders are understood and supported. Drawing on her own experience as a former eating disorder patient and her background in teaching, human resources, and social innovation, Yuiki shares the systems she has built under Allyable — from nutrition guidance and peer support to media aimed at building empathy around diverse eating experiences. We dig into the cultural influences and systemic barriers that shape eating disorders in Japan, and what it actually takes to shift societal perceptions. Tune in to learn more about Yuiki's vision: a society that meets the “fear of eating” with compassion rather than stigma. 

Keywords

Eating disorders, Japan, mental health, body image, social pressure, systemic change, allyship, awareness, cultural norms

Yuiki Matsushita is the Founder and Representative Director of Allyable, a non-profit organization in Japan dedicated to transforming the understanding and support system for eating disorders. With her own lived experience as ex-patient and professional experience as human resources / social innovation in Procter and Gamble Japan, Yuiki leads multiple initiatives under Allyable — including Eatally, an online nutrition guidance platform for people with eating disorders; Ally Me, a peer-support matching service; and Tabekowa-chan, a web media platform aimed at promoting awareness and empathy toward diverse eating experiences.

Through collaborations with clinicians, dietitians, and researchers, Yuiki works to bridge gaps between medical care, community support, and social systems — envisioning a society where “fear of eating” is met with compassion, not stigma.

Resources

• Yuiki Matsushita - https://www.tedxawaji.com/yuiki-matsushita 
• Allyable - https://allyable.jp/ 
• Japanese web media that was co-created by Yuiki and several doctors and psychiatrists - https://tabekowa.com/
• If you are interested in reaching out to Yuiki via email, please email [email protected], and we can connect you! 

Summary

In this episode, Ivory and Janice share a table with Dr. Stephanie Ng-Cusi — CEO and founder of Body Banter, founder of The Lending Language Lab, researcher, author, edupreneur and award-winning mental health advocate in Hong Kong. Steph opens up about her own journey with an eating disorder. Together, we explore why stigma and silence around mental health run so deep in Hong Kong, from cultural norms around emotional expression to the language and systemic barriers that make care harder to access. We also explore storytelling as a path to healing: the power of sharing personal, non-linear stories in recovery, and what it takes to actually curate your own. Join us for a conversation about vulnerability, culture, and the courage it takes to speak.

Keywords

mental health, storytelling, advocacy, Hong Kong, stigma, emotional expression, recovery, cultural norms

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Steph and her work in mental health advocacy

10:11 Steph's personal journey with an eating disorder and mental health

11:26 The impact of stigma and silence on mental health in Hong Kong

15:41 Exploring cultural norms around emotional expression and silence

19:14 Language, systemic barriers, and access to mental health care

23:01 Why challenging emotions are often avoided in Asian cultures

26:26 The function of stigma as a human response and cultural context

30:42 The role of storytelling in understanding and healing mental health

43:47 The power of personal stories in advocacy and healing

48:28 The significance of raw, non-linear storytelling in recovery

54:39 Writing and sharing personal stories as a form of healing

01:00:12 The process of creating and publishing a personal story or book

01:09:21 Reflections on vulnerability, storytelling, and cultural norms

01:11:44 Resources and ways to support mental health advocacy

01:12:38 Closing thoughts and upcoming milestones for Steph

About Steph

Dr. Stephanie Ng-Cusi, Ph.D., is a multi-award-winning mental health advocate, edupreneur, author, and researcher whose work aims to foster caring conversations on body image and mental health issues. She is the founder of Body Banter, a registered Section 88 charity in Hong Kong on a mission to empower young people to spark conversations about body image with curiosity and courage. She is also the author of “Big Bites Break Boundaries”, a memoir that recounts her personal experiences with an eating disorder and her professional experiences in Hong Kong’s mental health landscape. Her work has gained local and international recognition, impacting over 25,000 individuals to date.

Resources

• Big Bites Break Boundaries by Stephanie Ng
• Body Banter
• Follow Dr. Stephanie Ng-Cusi on IG @_themightymunchkin_

• A Call to Action. A Critical Review of Mental Health Related Anti-stigma Campaign: See page 8 for the specific quote discussed on the episode: "This is of key importance as, rather than mental illness being fully “unknown” or “incomprehensible” to the public, beliefs about mental health and illness constitute an important form of self-knowledge. For example, the public often refer to personal experiences when asked to explain their beliefs about mental health and illness."

The Potluck Club travels to Hong Kong—Janice's hometown!

In this episode, Ivory joins Janice on her home turf for a conversation steeped in memory, food, and identity. Janice takes us through her childhood in Hong Kong, sharing the local dishes and flavors that shaped her palate and sense of home. Together, we dive into the city's vibrant food culture and explore the Lion Rock spirit—a resilience that is reflected not only in everyday life but also in the food that brings people together.

Along the way, Ivory and Janice discuss how Hong Kong's cuisine blends Chinese and Western influences, and how the foods we grow up with become powerful markers of identity, culture, and belonging. Ivory also reflects on her own connections to Hong Kong, including her family's appreciation for Cantonese cuisine and the familiar flavors that have been part of her life growing up.

Pull up a chair and join us at the table. 跟住我哋一齊去香港啦!

Keywords

Hong Kong, food culture, childhood memories, Cantonese cuisine, cultural influences, travel, food stories, food stories

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest Janice

02:00 Personal stories and childhood memories in Hong Kong

03:26 Hong Kong’s food culture and local specialties

09:58 Cultural influences and the Lion Rock spirit

13:09 Food as a reflection of resilience and identity

19:59 The blending of Western and Chinese culinary traditions

25:10 Reflections on travel, friendship, and cultural exchange

29:59 Closing thoughts and gratitude

35:07 Additional stories and insights from Janice

Resources

Discover Hong Kong

Check out our IG (@thepotluckclubpodcast) for Janice's favorite HK dining spots!

The Potluck Club Podcast is back—and we've picked up a new voice along the way!

Join us as we kick off Season 3 and welcome Janice as our new co-host. This season, we're widening the table: expanding our conversations beyond eating disorders to explore mental health more broadly, returning to East Asia to reconnect with our own roots as providers, and inviting guests from outside the U.S. to bring fresh perspectives and lived experiences to the conversation.

In this introductory episode, Ivory and Janice share a little about who they are, reflect on what's changed since the last two seasons, and talk about what inspired Janice to join the podcast. Along the way, you'll hear some behind-the-scenes stories—including how Ivory and Janice first met—and get a sneak peek at what's in store for Season 3.

Whether you've been with us since Season 1 or you're just pulling up a chair for the first time, we're so grateful you're here. Grab a seat at the table, and tune in!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode overview

00:21 Connecting through stories of food, culture, and identity

00:45 Season three focus: expanding the conversation on mental health

01:19 The significance of storytelling in understanding ourselves

02:22 Inviting diverse voices and experiences to the table

03:13 The journey of Ivory Loh and Janice Chow in mental health advocacy

04:06 Ivory's background: from eating disorder to nutrition therapy

07:04 Janice's experience growing up in Hong Kong and her work in culturally relevant care

12:48 How they met and their shared commitment to Asian mental health care

17:23 Reflections on collaboration and future directions

19:14 Closing remarks and invitation to join the community

Resources

• Ivory Loh - https://www.ivoryloh.com 
• Janice Chow - https://www.themindfulchow.com 
• The Potluck Club Podcast - https://thepotluckclubpodcast.com
• BIPOC ED Conference - https://www.bipocedconference.com 

Keywords

mental health, food, identity, Asian-American, culturally relevant care, storytelling, eating disorders, body image, community, podcast

Summary

In this reflective Season 2 finale episode, Joan and Ivory discuss their experiences and insights from Season Two of the Potluck Club, focusing on mental health, eating disorders, and the importance of personal narratives. They explore the significance of cultural perspectives, the balance between work and personal life, and the role of pleasure in recovery. The conversation also touches on family dynamics, language, and the upcoming Season Three, which will delve into mental health conversations in East Asia.

Chapters

00:00 Reflecting on Season Two

07:03 Balancing Work and Personal Life

13:01 Cultural Perspectives on Play and Identity

19:06 Navigating Family Dynamics and Legacy Burdens

33:07 Looking Ahead: Season Three and New Adventures

If you have any thoughts, questions, and/or feedback for us, please do not hesitate to reach out!

• Email: [email protected]
• DM us on IG: @thepotluckclubpodcast
• Rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast!

Keywords

mental health, eating disorders, personal experience, cultural identity, recovery, pleasure, family dynamics, language, play, East Asia

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The Potluck Club Podcast and content shared by the hosts or any speakers invited onto the podcast are presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. This podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, registered dietitian, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, nor is it a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. If you think you or a loved one could benefit from additional support, please reach out for a list of recommended resources. The opinions expressed in the content of the podcast are current views of the podcast hosts and do not reflect the opinion of the companies they work for.

Summary

In this engaging conversation with co-hosts Ivory and Joan, Registered Dietitian Janice Chow shares her journey into nutrition, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity in dietary practices, particularly for Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities. The discussion explores the complexities of communicating about nutrition across different languages and cultural backgrounds, the impact of family dynamics on food perceptions, and the unique challenges faced by individuals with eating disorders in these communities. Janice highlights the significance of food as a cultural expression and the need for more research and resources tailored to diverse populations. The conversation concludes with reflections on the celebration of food within API cultures and the potential for future growth in understanding and addressing eating disorders.

Takeaways

• Janice's journey into nutrition was influenced by her grandmother's teachings about food.
• Cultural background plays a significant role in shaping dietary practices and beliefs.
• There is a need for culturally sensitive nutrition care, especially for API communities.
• Language barriers can complicate discussions about nutrition and eating disorders.
• Family dynamics often influence perceptions of food and health.
• Mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, are prevalent among clients with eating disorders.
• Food serves as a love language in many Asian cultures, impacting relationships with food.
• There is a lack of research on eating disorders in API populations.
• Culturally tailored resources are essential for effective nutrition education.
• Insurance coverage for eating disorder treatments needs improvement.

Additional Notes

• Check out Janice's website to follow her work!

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker: Food and Culture

07:54 Journey into Nutrition: Personal Background and Motivation

15:03 Cultural Sensitivity in Nutrition: Bridging Gaps

20:55 Challenges in Communicating Nutrition Concepts

26:39 The Role of Mental Health in Nutrition Care

28:32 Understanding Mental Health in API Communities

34:06 Cultural Expressions of Love and Food

40:16 Bridging Gaps in Eating Disorder Research

43:23 Navigating Diabetes and Eating Behaviors

47:53 Cultural Food Practices and Nutrition Messaging

53:11 Celebrating Food in API Cultures

Keywords

nutrition, eating disorders, cultural sensitivity, API communities, mental health, food culture, health at every size, language barriers, family dynamics

If you have any thoughts, questions, and/or feedback for us, please do not hesitate to reach out!

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The Potluck Club Podcast and content shared by the hosts or any speakers invited onto the podcast are presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. This podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, registered dietitian, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, nor is it a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. If you think you or a loved one could benefit from additional support, please reach out for a list of recommended resources. The opinions expressed in the content of the podcast are current views of the podcast hosts and do not reflect the opinion of the companies they work for.

Summary

In this episode of the Potluck Club podcast, Rebekah Gong, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist, shares her journey in mental health, focusing on eating disorders and the cultural complexities surrounding them. She discusses her unique therapeutic approaches, the impact of cultural identity on mental health, and the importance of pleasure in healing.

We apologize for the reduced audio quality of this episode —Rebekah had to call in from her phone due to a last-minute change in plans. Despite this, the conversation is full of valuable insights, and we hope you’ll still tune in and enjoy!

Takeaways

• Rebekah Gong is a bilingual, multi-specialized therapist focused on healing for folks with marginalized identities.
• Her practice, Dear Rooted Lotus, centers on API and BIPOC communities.
• Rebekah's journey into mental health was influenced by her experiences with cultural norms.
• She emphasizes the importance of empowering clients to find their own voices.
• Cultural narratives significantly impact body image and mental health.
• Rebekah's training spans multiple continents, enriching her therapeutic approach.
• She highlights the lack of awareness around eating disorders in various cultures.
• Pleasure is a crucial aspect of healing and self-acceptance.

• Community engagement is vital for collective healing and awareness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rebekah Gong and Her Work

08:30 Cultural Identity and Immigration Experiences

17:39 The Landscape of Eating Disorders in Different Cultures

25:35 Therapeutic Approaches for Marginalized Communities

29:31 Future Projects and Community Initiatives

Keywords

Rebekah Gong, eating disorders, mental health, cultural identity, therapy, Asian mental health, AAPI, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, trauma, pleasure, body image, body liberation

If you have any thoughts, questions, and/or feedback for us, please do not hesitate to reach out!

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The Potluck Club Podcast and content shared by the hosts or any speakers invited onto the podcast are presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. This podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, registered dietitian, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, nor is it a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. If you think you or a loved one could benefit from additional support, please reach out for a list of recommended resources. The opinions expressed in the content of the podcast are current views of the podcast hosts and do not reflect the opinion of the companies they work for.