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.

Summary

In this episode of the Potluck Club podcast, hosts Joan Zhang and Ivory Loh engage in a deep conversation with journalist and author Elise Hu about the complexities of K-Beauty culture, the impact of K-Pop on global beauty standards, and their personal experiences surrounding body image and eating disorders. They explore the dichotomy of fitting in versus belonging, the role of technology in shaping beauty ideals, and the economic implications of beauty standards. Elise shares her own journey with eating disorders and how her experiences in Korea influenced her understanding of beauty and identity. The discussion highlights the need for critical awareness of societal pressures and the importance of embracing diverse representations of beauty.

Takeaways

• Elise Hu discusses her book 'Flawless' and its insights on K-Beauty.
• K-Pop has significantly influenced global beauty standards.
• The conversation highlights the difference between fitting in and belonging.
• Technology plays a crucial role in shaping beauty ideals through algorithms.
• Eating disorders are often stigmatized and misunderstood in various cultures, especially in East Asia.
• Cultural producers, like K-Pop agencies, define what is considered beautiful.
• The matrix of beauty standards is complex and multifaceted.
• Embodiment and self-acceptance are essential in combating beauty pressures.
• K-Beauty is not just a trend but tied to cultural identity.
• The economic implications of beauty standards affect individuals and society.

Additional Notes

• Follow Elise Hu here.
• Read her amazing book: "Flawless"!

• For an excellent book to help adult women and older teen girls love and appreciate their whole selves, even through life's many changes, Elise highly recommends "More Than a Body: Your Body Is an Instrument, Not an Ornament". The sisters are quoted in Flawless. 
• She also recommends this fantastic guide for older tween girls on body image: "The Body Image Book for Girls: Love Yourself and Grow Up Fearless" for ages 12 and up.
• For a great book for teen girls that tackles unrealistic body expectations and explores how media and marketing perpetuate such expectations, check out "The Body Image Workbook for Teens" for ages 13 and up.
  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Elise Hu and Her Work

10:19 Exploring Beauty Standards in East Asian Culture

19:55 The Impact of Cultural Identity on Body Image

30:59 The Paradoxes of Beauty Standards

39:22 The Role of Technology in Shaping Beauty Norms

48:44 The Evolution of K-Culture and Its Global Influence

Keywords

K-Beauty, Elise Hu, beauty standards, K-Pop, eating disorders, cultural identity, belonging, technology, body image, soft power

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, Registered Dietitian Kimmie Singh shares her journey from personal struggles with disordered eating to becoming a compassionate advocate for clients with eating disorders and PCOS. She emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity in dietetics, the misconceptions surrounding PCOS, and the need for weight-inclusive care. Kimmie also discusses the impact of intergenerational trauma on body image and the significance of training providers to better understand these issues.

Takeaways

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Bryan Lian (MS, RD, CPCC), a queer second-generation Chinese-American dietitian at Stanford University, shares his journey into the field of nutrition and dietetics. He discusses the importance of diversity, community support, and mental health in nutrition, as well as his innovative work at Stanford. Bryan emphasizes the need for accessible nutrition care and challenges stereotypes surrounding eating disorders.

Takeaways

Summary

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Thara Vayali, co-founder and chief medical officer of hey freya, shares her journey into healthcare, emphasizing the importance of body literacy and empowerment for women. She discusses her philosophy of naturopathic medicine, the mission of hey freya to support women's health, and the significance of community in healing. Dr. Vayali also addresses the misconceptions surrounding weight and health metrics, particularly in the context of BIPOC women's health, advocating for a more holistic and inclusive approach to wellness.

Takeaways

• Dr. Thara Vayali emphasizes the importance of body literacy, especially for women.

• Community support is crucial for women's health and empowerment.

• hey freya aims to provide accessible wellness solutions for women and to improve accessibility to naturopathic care.

• Understanding the role of fat, such as in hormone balance, is essential.

• Chronic stress significantly impacts women's health and wellness.

• Empowerment comes from knowledge and understanding of one's body.

• Food should be viewed as a source of nourishment, not just numbers. “Nutritionism” can be disruptive to one’s relationship with food.

• Building a supportive community can enhance individual healing journeys.

Additional Notes

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Thara Viali and Hey Freya

04:28 Dr. Thara's Journey into Healthcare

08:56 The Philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine

22:33 Understanding Naturopathic Medicine vs Traditional Medicine

29:55 The Essence of Naturopathic Medicine

30:22 Bridging Eastern and Western Medicine

30:33 Empowering Women Through Education

32:41 The Birth of Hayfray: A Mission to Support Women

34:34 Community and Support in Health

41:14 Rethinking Weight and Body Image

47:10 Elevating BIPOC Voices in Healthcare

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

Keywords

women's health, naturopathic medicine, body literacy, empowerment, heyfreya, community support, BIPOC health, wellness, holistic health, nutrition

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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.