Introducing the Asian Psychedelic Closet Podcast

S202-E2-Jenny

This podcast is about elevating Asian and BIPOC stories and voices to de-stigmatize mental health and showcase people that are making change within the Psychedelic industry. Mental health is the most stigmatized within our respective cultures and we are largest population in the word yet we are woefully underrepresented in the Psychedelic industry. Time to change that and this platform gives voice to that change. Supported by Mind Lumen [https://mindlumen.health], a non-profit, dedicated to education, advocacy, and ethics in the psychedelics and broader mental health & wellness industry About This Episode: This is a story about Jenny who is originally from Taiwan. “My family immigrated in the early 80's and settled in the Bay Area (East Bay).   My personal journey of healing began about 3 yrs ago when a close family member struggled with depression. In seeking help for them, I unexpectedly uncovered my own path of self-discovery and spiritual growth. This journey with the aid of plant medicine deepened my understanding of intergenerational trauma, mental health challenges, immigration wounds, substance use disorder and attachment scars. I wasn't sure what to do with my "newfound" insights, but I knew that I benefitted greatly from having expert and compassionate guidance in my journey and wanted to be able to be a resource to others who are seeking help with plant medicine.  With that in mind, I applied to InnerTrek's 2nd cohort in Portland OR; I figured, if I am accepted, great!  If not, also ok... I can continue to do my own work and figure it out later!”

Neil's Story - The road to discovering emotional strength

As a neurodivergent (ADHC) Indian, I have struggled with my mental health and trauma. I am sharing this story that was first recorded in December 2021. I was interviewed by Eric, the host of the Primal Nature Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/primal-nature/id1580003733?i=1000541986581]. This is when I first came out of the psychedelic closet. I hope others can share their story. I've been a guest on numerous podcasts [https://mindlumen.substack.com/t/podcasts] sharing my stories. You can learn more about me here [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hc-g_7WRxB4FglxiwojS3eHdzULjcLmDdzQk8Z-vrhk/edit?usp=drive_link]. Share yours [https://airtable.com/appUEmhjrLubJFCVt/pagjj72nQwE0kvevJ/form], anonymously if you wish. A lot has changed since then. Mind Lumen [https://mindlumen.health] is not a non-profit and Lumara platform [https://lumara.life] is becoming a Public Benefit Corporation

Introducing the Asian Psychedelic Closet Podcast

Welcome to the First Edition of the Asian Psychedelic Closet Podcast. I am Neil Gehani [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hc-g_7WRxB4FglxiwojS3eHdzULjcLmDdzQk8Z-vrhk/edit?tab=t.0], your host. I am a neurodivergent Indian with ADHC, I don’t use the word “disorder” since it stigmatizes people even more. My goal for this podcast is to de-stigmatize mental health and well being challenges within the Asian and BIPOC communities as well as elevate the voices of the community members who are making change. I want to provide a platform for those stories to be told with their own cultural lens and language, anonymously if they wish. We also want to enable people to share their ideas and work on how they are dealing with these challenges including the use of Psychedelics as a catalyst for dramatic change in each of their lives. Psychedelic changed me and helped me overcome my trauma. It helps me manage my condition and enables me to live a blissful life! These medicines and their ancient and cultural use dates back 10’s of thousands of years. The western research is now showing how powerful they are to help each of us discover our authentic selves and become a better version of ourselves.  You will now hear a brief introduction of me and why I chose to dedicate my life to mental health and proactive wellbeing. This introduction was created by AI using my bio Asians are the largest population in the world. The stigma associated with mental health is a major barrier to peoples' well-being. Our aim is to de-stigmatize mental health and well-being within our respective regions and cultures. Mental health and wellbeing are not just "problems" to "fix". Just like exercise is proactive for healthy physical health, so is being proactive for our cognitive health for us to live blissful lives! If you want to be a guest on our podcast, please apply here [https://airtable.com/appUEmhjrLubJFCVt/pagjj72nQwE0kvevJ/form]. We welcome all voices but we prioritize Asian and BIPOC voices.