In this episode, we chat with the artist, Chrystal Phan, from Victoria, B.C. about her art and her experiences growing up in a Vietnamese Canadian refugee family.

If you would like to learn more about Chrystal Phan, you can visit these links:

Chrystal Phan

• Website: www.chrystalphan.ca
• Instagram: @chrystalphan_art
• CBC news article: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/chrystal-phan-once-for-a-while-painting-exhibition-1.6324020

As mentioned in the show, Chrystal will be at the Surrey Fusion Festival 2022 in July so stop by and see some of her art and say hello!

Her works will also be on display at McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square, Victoria BC, from October - December 2022. Follow her on social media to keep for exact dates.

Guests: Chrystal Phan
Editor + Host: Mai Huynh
Vietnamese Translator: Que-Tran Hoang

On today’s show, we are going to be discussing real estate and investment with Andy Pham, who works in commercial mortgage and asset management,  and Edward Gudewill, who is an investment advisor. They will give a rundown of some basic concepts and also some tips on investing. 

If you enjoy Andy’s and Edward’s episode today, let us know! If there is enough interest, we might see more content from them. 

ANDY PHAM
Contact Andy: Linkedin Profile

EDWARD GUDEWILL
Contact Edward: Linkedin Profile

If you have any comments, suggestions, or would like to be a guest on our show, please send an email to: [email protected]

Guests + Hosts: Andy Pham & Edward Gudewill
Editor + Intro Host: Mai Huynh

On today’s show, we are chatting with Professor Nguyễn Văn Sâm about Southern Vietnamese Literature between 1945 and 1954. Host, Que-Tran and Professor Nguyen will be discussing his book Văn Chương Tranh Đấu Miền Nam.

Professor Nguyễn Văn Sâm has been teaching Vietnamese literature since 1962. He has published more than 100 short stories and novels in Vietnamese and is recognized and respected in Chu Nom, a writing system that was used to write the Vietnamese language before undergoing romanization sometime in the 17th century. 

If you would like to connect with Professor Nguyễn Văn Sâm or view his list of works, you can find more information here: 

• Website: https://www.namkyluctinh.org/tuyen-tap/nguyen-van-sam/tieu-su.html

Guest: Professor Nguyễn Văn Sâm
Host: Que-Tran Hoang
Editor + Intro Host: Mai Huynh

Tonight, Veronica and Vi will be talking about Loss and Grief but with a focus on the Indigenous Peoples of Canada and the residential school system.

Just a brief overview. The Residential school system operated from the 1880s up to 1996 and was organized by the Canadian Government and was run by Churches. The idea was to educate Indigenous Children and assimilate them into “mainstream white Canadian society”*.  The children were removed by force from their families and placed in these schools where many of them were abused and killed.

Tonight’s episode is the last in our Let’s Talk series. We hope that we were able to open the door to a better understanding of mental health in the Vietnamese community. I would like to personally thank Veronica and Vi for their hard work and openness in creating this mini-series for the public. They were very kind to volunteer their time, skills, and knowledge to Vi Can Shine! and the community at large. 

*https://indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca/the_residential_school_system/#shift-away

--------------------------------

ABOUT VI LY
Vi is an educational content creator who regularly hosts shows at Vi Can Shine! If you would like to reach out to her, please feel free to send an email to [email protected]

ABOUT VERONICA DOAN
Veronica is a Substance Misuse and Migrant Workers Counselor at Watari Counselling & Support Services Society.  Veronica spends every Thursday handing out food to the Vietnamese group and substance-affected people.

Veronica's Bio: https://www.watari.ca/team/veronica-doan/
Veronica's Email: [email protected]
Veronica's Phone: 604 254 6995 EXT: 233

Residential School System in Canada:

• https://indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca/the_residential_school_system/#shift-away
• https://nctr.ca
• https://www.orangeshirtday.org
• https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/culture/clmhc-hsmbc/pensionnat-residential

Mental Health Resources:

• Crisis-Lines:
  • If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, Contact 911 or the emergency services in your area right away.
  • https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/thinking-about-suicide/ (Canada)
  • https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/get-help/ (BC)
    • "Language Service: Both of the 310-6789 and 1-800-SUICIDE phone lines are available in over 140 languages using a language service.  Let us know which language you require, and we will try and provide an interpreter." -Crisis Centre BC
  • https://kidshelpphone.ca/urgent-help (For Kids, Teens, and Young Adults)
• Other Resources: 
  • https://www.c19help.ca/vn/info/mental-health-resources (Vietnamese)
  • https://www.mosaicbc.org/languages/viet-ngu/ (Vietnamese)

Tonight, Vi and Veronica will be talking about Loss and Grief. They will discuss how different people experience grief and about the 5 stages of grief as introduced by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. 

A quick reminder, that we do have a GoFundMe campaign going for Veronica to help her bring smiles to the people that she helps. Please take a minute to share so that we can reach our goal to help Veronica. Thank you to everyone who has shared and donated!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/Help-Veronica-Bring-Smiles-to-the-Community

ABOUT VI LY
Vi is an educational content creator who regularly hosts shows at Vi Can Shine! If you would like to reach out to her, please feel free to send an email to [email protected]

ABOUT VERONICA DOAN
Veronica is a Substance Misuse and Migrant Workers Counselor at Watari Counselling & Support Services Society.  Veronica spends every Thursday handing out food to the Vietnamese group and substance-affected people.

Veronica's Bio: https://www.watari.ca/team/veronica-doan/
Veronica's Email: [email protected]
Veronica's Phone: 604 254 6995 EXT: 233

Autism Support:

• https://www.develop.bc.ca/events/vietnamese-support-group-workshop-2/
• https://fcpg.ca/our-group/pauline-nguyen/

Mental Health Resources:

• Crisis-Lines:
  • If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, Contact 911 or the emergency services in your area right away.
  • https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/thinking-about-suicide/ (Canada)
  • https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/get-help/ (BC)
    • "Language Service: Both of the 310-6789 and 1-800-SUICIDE phone lines are available in over 140 languages using a language service.  Let us know which language you require, and we will try and provide an interpreter." -Crisis Centre BC
  • https://kidshelpphone.ca/urgent-help (For Kids, Teens, and Young Adults)
• Other Resources: 
  • https://www.c19help.ca/vn/info/mental-health-resources (Vietnamese)
  • https://www.mosaicbc.org/languages/viet-ngu/ (Vietnamese)
  • https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/bc/vancouver?category=vietnamese (List of Vietnamese-speaking counsellors in B.C.)

Episode Hosts: Vi Ly and Veronica Doan
Show Host + Editor: Mai Huynh 

Tonight, Vi and Veronica will be talking about Neurotransmitters like Dopamine, Serotonin, and Endorphins and how it relates to mental health. 

Just to clarify that the thoughts and opinions shared here tonight are from Vi and Veronica and are not to be taken as medical advice. Please consult your doctor or a licensed professional for more information.

A quick reminder, that we do have a GoFundMe campaign going for Veronica to help her bring smiles to the people that she helps. Please take a minute to share so that we can reach our goal to help Veronica. Thank you to everyone who has shared and donated!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/Help-Veronica-Bring-Smiles-to-the-Community

ABOUT VI LY
Vi is an educational content creator who regularly hosts shows at Vi Can Shine! If you would like to reach out to her, please feel free to send an email to [email protected]

ABOUT VERONICA DOAN
Veronica is a Substance Misuse and Migrant Workers Counselor at Watari Counselling & Support Services Society.  Veronica spends every Thursday handing out food to the Vietnamese group and substance-affected people.

Veronica's Bio: https://www.watari.ca/team/veronica-doan/
Veronica's Email: [email protected]
Veronica's Phone: 604 254 6995 EXT: 233

Autism Support:

• https://www.develop.bc.ca/events/vietnamese-support-group-workshop-2/
• https://fcpg.ca/our-group/pauline-nguyen/

Mental Health Resources:

• Crisis-Lines:
  • If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, Contact 911 or the emergency services in your area right away.
  • https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/thinking-about-suicide/ (Canada)
  • https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/get-help/ (BC)
    • "Language Service: Both of the 310-6789 and 1-800-SUICIDE phone lines are available in over 140 languages using a language service.  Let us know which language you require, and we will try and provide an interpreter." -Crisis Centre BC
  • https://kidshelpphone.ca/urgent-help (For Kids, Teens, and Young Adults)
• Other Resources: 
  • https://www.c19help.ca/vn/info/mental-health-resources (Vietnamese)
  • https://www.mosaicbc.org/languages/viet-ngu/ (Vietnamese)
  • https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/bc/vancouver?category=vietnamese (List of Vietnamese-speaking counsellors in B.C.)

Episode Hosts: Vi Ly and Veronica Doan
Show Host + Editor: Mai Huynh 

Tonight, Vi and Veronica will be talking about Autism and the types of support available for people with autism and for their families. 

We have a GoFundMe campaign going for Veronica to help her bring smiles to the people that she helps. Check our show notes or website for more details! Please take a minute to share so that we can reach our goal to help Veronica. Thank you to everyone who has shared and donated! 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/Help-Veronica-Bring-Smiles-to-the-Community

ABOUT VI LY
Vi is an educational content creator who regularly hosts shows at Vi Can Shine! If you would like to reach out to her, please feel free to send an email to [email protected]

ABOUT VERONICA DOAN
Veronica is a Substance Misuse and Migrant Workers Counselor at Watari Counselling & Support Services Society.  Veronica spends every Thursday handing out food to the Vietnamese group and substance-affected people.

Veronica's Bio: https://www.watari.ca/team/veronica-doan/
Veronica's Email: [email protected]
Veronica's Phone: 604 254 6995 EXT: 233

Autism Support:

• https://www.develop.bc.ca/events/vietnamese-support-group-workshop-2/
• https://fcpg.ca/our-group/pauline-nguyen/

Mental Health Resources:

• Crisis-Lines:
  • If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, Contact 911 or the emergency services in your area right away.
  • https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/thinking-about-suicide/ (Canada)
  • https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/get-help/ (BC)
    • "Language Service: Both of the 310-6789 and 1-800-SUICIDE phone lines are available in over 140 languages using a language service.  Let us know which language you require, and we will try and provide an interpreter." -Crisis Centre BC
  • https://kidshelpphone.ca/urgent-help (For Kids, Teens, and Young Adults)
• Other Resources: 
  • https://www.c19help.ca/vn/info/mental-health-resources (Vietnamese)
  • https://www.mosaicbc.org/languages/viet-ngu/ (Vietnamese)
  • https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/bc/vancouver?category=vietnamese (List of Vietnamese-speaking counsellors in B.C.)

Episode Hosts: Vi Ly and Veronica Doan
Show Host + Editor: Mai Huynh 

Tonight, Veronica will be sharing her personal experience with depression and her journey in discovering herself and finding her happiness.

Veronica is someone that just makes you smile and feel happy when you are around her.  She is a positive force in the world and she does her best to help those around her.

Currently, Veronica works at Watari Counselling & Support Services Society. She helps seniors with and without relatives, people on disability benefits, people struggling with addiction and mental health, people living in shelters and SRO (single room occupancy housing), and the homeless. 

Veronica has talked about simple experiences that she would like to give to the people that she helps. Everyone needs a break from their situation from time to time. Most importantly, everyone needs a few happy moments in their lives to give them hope for better days. 

With this in mind, I’ve started a GoFundMe to help Veronica bring one of her projects to fruition! Please check out the page for more details and share so that we can help Veronica bring more smiles into the world!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/Help-Veronica-Bring-Smiles-to-the-Community

Thank you for donating and sharing! :) 

Episode Hosts: Vi Ly and Veronica Doan
Show Host + Editor: Mai Huynh 

Tonight, Vi and Veronica will be talking about Depression and its different aspects. They’ll also talk about how people can help their family members suffering from depression. 

Just some brief facts from CMHA to share. In Canada, in a year, 1 in 5 people will experience mental health problems and by age 40 about half of the population will have a personal experience with mental illness. Mental illness does not discriminate. It affects people of all ages, education, income levels, and culture. 

The social stigma and the dismissiveness of mental health issues that exist within the Vietnamese community can sometimes force people to suffer in silence and not seek the help they need and exacerbate the problem even further. We hope that by openly talking about mental health and the struggles that people go through, we, as a community, can start to understand and, most importantly, be kinder and more supportive of those suffering from mental health issues.

If you are suffering and in crisis, please call your local crisis hotline. We’ve also listed resources for you or your family in our show notes. 

Vi and Veronica would really appreciate your feedback regarding their show. You can send your comments and more to [email protected]

ABOUT VI LY
Vi is an educational content creator who regularly hosts shows at Vi Can Shine! If you would like to reach out to her, please feel free to send an email to [email protected]

ABOUT VERONICA DOAN
Veronica is a Substance Misuse and Migrant Workers Counselor at Watari Counselling & Support Services Society.  Veronica spends every Thursday handing out food to the Vietnamese group and substance-affected people.

Veronica's Bio: https://www.watari.ca/team/veronica-doan/
Veronica's Email: [email protected]
Veronica's Phone: 604 254 6995 EXT: 233

Mental Health Resources:

• Crisis-Lines:
  • If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, Contact 911 or the emergency services in your area right away.
  • https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/thinking-about-suicide/ (Canada)
  • https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/get-help/ (BC)
    • "Language Service: Both of the 310-6789 and 1-800-SUICIDE phone lines are available in over 140 languages using a language service.  Let us know which language you require, and we will try and provide an interpreter." -Crisis Centre BC
  • https://kidshelpphone.ca/urgent-help (For Kids, Teens, and Young Adults)
• Other Resources: 
  • https://www.c19help.ca/vn/info/mental-health-resources (Vietnamese)
  • https://www.mosaicbc.org/languages/viet-ngu/ (Vietnamese)
  • https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/bc/vancouver?category=vietnamese (List of Vietnamese-speaking counsellors in B.C.)

Vi Can Shine! has a new miniseries being released tomorrow evening! 

Let's Talk will feature our amazing host, Vi Ly, and one of our lovely past guests, Veronica Doan. The show will include discussions about mental health and other interesting topics.  

The show will be in Vietnamese with 6-episodes and will be released every week on Fridays evenings until the conclusion of the series. 

The show itself will focus on mainly mental health but will diverge into other areas of interest for Vi and Veronica. If you are a regular listener to Vi Can Shine!, you will by now know that we are huge supporters of mental health and breaking the stigma that exists within the Vietnamese community when it comes to mental health.

As always, we’d love to hear feedback from our listeners!  Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you are enjoying the show! 

And with that, I hope you have a great evening! We’ll see you tomorrow night!

Trailer Host + Editor: Mai Huynh