Yellow Chair Collective: The Podcast

YCC therapist Barbara Hong interviews Dr. Han Ren about her book, The Hyphenated Life: Bridging the In-Between Spaces of Intersectional Identities. Dr. Ren is a clinical and school psychologist, educator, content creator, and speaker whose works centers on anti-oppressive mental health and parenting practices. Her book explores the oftentimes conflicting identities we each carry, and offers reflective exercises to explore how we can express our whole selves. If you're someone who's struggled to connect all the different parts of you, listen to our convo!

In this Book Club episode, YCC therapist Barbara Hong interviews Dr. Bianca Mabute-Louie (@beyonkz) to chat about her book Unassimilable: An Asian Diasporic Manifesto For The 21st Century. If you are someone who is curious about your role in solidarity and social change, listen in! Dr. Mabute-Louie is a sociologist and activist whose research focuses on the intersection of race, religion, and politics. In her book, she provides insight into the history of Asian Americans' sense of belonging and ongoing pressures to assimilate. Unassimilable invites you to examine societal structures, and how they impact the way we parent, build community, and define ourselves.

Join YCC therapist Arnold and Dr. Andi Lee whose insights challenge the narratives that keep marginalized communities invisible and silenced. Dr. Andi reveals how understanding the roots of systemic oppression helps us make sense of personal struggles like trauma, anxiety, and grief, all while showing us the path to thriving through collective action and cultural pride.

Soo Jin Lee, executive director of Yellow Chair Collective, shares powerful insights on transforming pain into resilience, and how understanding the roots of belonging can unlock freedom and trust. In this episode, you’ll discover how intergenerational trauma shapes our identities—sometimes quietly, sometimes painfully—and how recognizing these hidden ghosts is the first step toward healing.

Join us on the Yellow Chair Collective podcast as Director Soo Jin Lee welcomes Dr. Monica Soni, Chief Medical Officer of Covered California, in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. In this insightful episode, they discuss the importance of whole-person care, the challenges faced by the AAPI community in accessing healthcare, and the significance of mental health awareness. Dr. Soni shares her personal journey and offers valuable insights into navigating healthcare coverage, emphasizing the importance of preventive care and the rights of individuals to receive care in their preferred language. Tune in to learn more about how Covered California supports diverse communities and the steps you can take to ensure your well-being.

In this Book Club episode, YCC therapist Barbara Hong interviews Sarah Ahn of @ahnestkitchen to talk about her cookbook “Umma”. They discuss Sarah's journey in sharing her mother's Korean recipes and the heartfelt stories behind them. Sarah talks about the challenges and joys of working with her mother, the cultural significance of food, and the emotional complexities of being a child of immigrants. 

YCC founders and authors Linda Yoon and Soo Jin Lee share how food can be a powerful tool for healing, connection, and even overcoming intergenerational trauma. When words fail, families often turn to shared meals—recipes, cooking, and eating—as a language of love that transcends verbal communication. Join us as we explore the overlooked depth of food's role in Asian American identity, mental health, and reconciliation.

Discover how community and small, intentional actions can transform feelings of helplessness into empowerment amid crises like ICE raids and global conflicts. This episode explores how naming complex emotions and creating safe spaces can help process societal grief and foster resilience. Therapists Esther Lee and Jack Lam share insights on grassroots efforts, emphasizing that small acts—like writing to legislators or practicing self-care—are vital for social change. Perfect for those overwhelmed by societal crises, this episode empowers you to see your role in creating change. Join us as we explore how emotional awareness and collective action can turn despair into hope. Visit yellowchaircollective.com for support and follow us on social media to stay connected.

In this episode of YCC Book Club, therapist Barbara Hong interviews author Michelle Yang as she shares her journey of immigrating from Incheon, South Korea, her mental health struggles with Bipolar I Disorder, and her inspiring path to healing and advocacy. Discover insights on overcoming stigma, the importance of community, and how her experiences shaped her memoir 'Phoenix Girl.'

In this YCC interview, our newest therapist Jessica Chiu shares her holistic approach to mental health, emphasizing its interconnectedness with physical health, and offers practical advice for those seeking therapy. Discover how authenticity, lightness, and client empowerment shape her practice.