Thrive Bites by Colin Zhu, DO, TheChefDoc, LLC

May 29, 2025 Ep 194 - Breaking The Stigma Around Men's Mental Health

What does healing look like when men are finally allowed to speak?

In this powerful episode, we bring together four incredible voices—Leo Xia, Michael Huynh, Jackson Xia, and Noel Garcia, who are each reshaping the conversation around men’s mental health, identity, and healing within Asian and Asian American communities.

Through stories of pain, resilience, and community, this episode sheds light on how mental health challenges have shaped their identities, not just as individuals, but as men breaking generational silence.

We also discuss what the future could look like if more safe spaces existed for men to connect, express, and heal. Whether you're personally navigating your journey or looking to support others, this conversation offers hope, guidance, and a powerful reminder: you are not alone.

About the guests:

Leo Xia is a men’s group leader and facilitator focused on supporting Asian men. Through over six years of work and 500+ conversations, he’s explored themes such as masculinity, identity, and culture. He leads JinShan Men’s Community under his company, JinShan Collective, and facilitates Proud Asian Men with the nonprofit Asian Mental Health Project.

→ Leo Xia https://www.instagram.com/lowhiofficial/

→ Proud Asian Men Bay Area Retreat 2025 https://lu.ma/2hlvr42p

Michael Huynh is a mental health researcher completing his PhD in Public Health at UC Irvine. He studies the impact of social relationships on mental health within Asian American communities.

→ Michael Huynh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mphuynh/

Jackson Xia is a dancer and facilitator who brings people together through joyful movement. With 15 years of street dance experience, he’s taught youth across 20+ schools and led sessions for groups like Homeboy Industries and the Sierra Club. He also founded Soulful Sundays, a free dance picnic in Echo Park that supports mental health through movement in nature.

→ Jackson Xia: https://www.instagram.com/jackson.inabox/

→ Soulful Sundays: https://www.instagram.com/soulfulsundaysla

Noel Garcia is a Filipino American artist and founder of Genbu Daiko, with nearly 30 years of experience in Taiko drumming. His work blends rhythm, story, and soul to create spaces for healing, reflection, and connection.

→ Noel Garcia: https://www.instagram.com/taikonoel/

→ Genbu Daiko of San Diego https://www.instagram.com/genbudaiko/

Useful Links:

National Suicide and Mental Health Lifeline:→ https://988lifeline.org/

Teen Line:→ https://www.teenline.org/

How to Support Loved Ones:

→ https://www.suicideisdifferent.org/

→ https://www.suicideispreventable.org/

---

***This episode is sponsored by:

📚 My upcoming cookbook 𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐊𝐈𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐍 🌎 is now available for PRE-ORDER!

Packed with over 100 PLANT-BASED recipes to connect the crucial dots of health, community, and environmental sustainability.

➡️ PREORDER HERE:

https://publishizer.com/empowered-kitchen/

Our Thrive Coaching Services:

https://www.thechefdoc.app/coaching-services

Schedule a breakthrough call with me!

https://calendly.com/thrive-coaching-thechefdoc/15min

🔥****RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS****🔥

Plant-based, Home-cooked Indian Food Delivered to your door!

USE CODE "TheChefDoc” for $10 off your first purchase: https://firstseedfoods.com/

🥦 Sustainable Produce Bags to Avoid Produce Waste!

Get 15% off! Use code THECHEFDOC15 at https://ambrosiaproducebag.com/ for Sustainable Produce Bags to Avoid Produce Waste!

Ambrosia Complete Set https://collabs.shop/cwcbpk

Leafy Greens Bag https://collabs.shop/hxsien

Vegetable Bag https://collabs.shop/3w3b4b

Berry Bag https://collabs.shop/fnfd1k

Mushroom Bag https://collabs.shop/iaftmg

💊 Get $4 off PureForm Omega™—Natural® Capsules or Liquid!

Use code THECHEFDOC4 at https://purelifescience.com/?ref=1s

OUR WEBSITE- CHECK IT OUT:

https://www.thechefdoc.co

–

DISCLAIMER: *Interview views are opinions of the individual. This podcast is not a medical, mental, or dental health advice source. All opinions expressed are my own and those of the guests.*

...more