The Potluck Club

S2E9: Season 2 Reflections

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: thepotluckclubpodcast@gmail.com * 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 --- 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.

S2E8: Bridging Gaps with Janice Chow

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 [https://www.themindfulchow.com/] 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! --- 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.

S2E7: Body Liberation Therapy with Rebekah Gong

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 [https://www.dearrootedlotus.com/], 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! --- 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.

S2E6: Exploring K-Beauty and Beauty Ideals with Elise Hu

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 [https://elisehu.com/]. * Read her amazing book: "Flawless [https://elisehu.com/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" [https://www.amightygirl.com/more-than-a-body⁠]. 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 [https://www.amightygirl.com/the-body-image-book-for-girls]" 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 [https://www.amightygirl.com/body-image-workbook]" 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! --- 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.

S2E5: PCOS and Disordered Eating with Kimmie Singh

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 * Kimmie Singh is “an unapologetically fat woman of color who healed her relationship with food and body and developed a special passion for helping others do the same.” She is a dietitian in private practice [https://www.bodyhonornutrition.com/about]. * Cultural sensitivity is crucial in dietetics and healthcare. * Many dietitians lack training in eating disorders and PCOS. * PCOS affects various aspects of life beyond fertility. Weight-inclusive care is essential for managing PCOS. * Providers should hold humility and curiosity in their practice. * Community and networking are vital for professional growth. * Training for providers on PCOS and eating disorders is necessary. Additional Notes * * Connect with Kimmie through her website here [https://www.bodyhonornutrition.com/]. Follow her on IG: @bodyhonornutrition [https://www.instagram.com/bodyhonornutrition/]Kimmie’s PCOS Provider Course: Join the waitlist here! [https://www.bodyhonornutrition.com/pcos-provider-course] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kimmy Singh and Her Journey 04:14 Personal Experiences with Eating Disorders 08:10 Navigating Identity in Therapeutic Settings 12:49 Transitioning into Dietetics and Nutrition 15:12 Training and Education in Eating Disorders 18:28 Building Community and Support in the Field 19:51 Building Supportive Communities 21:26 Redefining the Role of a Dietitian 22:45 Understanding Fat Liberation 23:36 Navigating GLP-1s and Weight Loss 26:32 Debunking Myths about PCOS 29:51 Weight-Inclusive Framework for PCOS 33:52 The Impact of Stress and Sleep on Health 36:22 Intergenerational Trauma and Body Image 37:20 Training Providers for Better Care Keywords dietitian, eating disorders, PCOS, fat liberation, cultural sensitivity, nutrition, body image, intergenerational trauma, weight-inclusive care, healthcare advocacy If you have any thoughts, questions, and/or feedback for us, please do not hesitate to reach out! --- 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.