Category: Podcast

Sep 25
Embracing the Mess: Reflecting on Season 3 | Beyond the Couch S3E21

In the season three finale, Sam, Diana and Christie reflect on the revamped structure and behind-the-scenes experience of producing this season. They share standout moments, express gratitude for the incredible guests, and discuss the central theme that arose over the season: embracing the messy, questioning, and uncomfortable moments that create the process of growth.  Bridges […]

Sep 18
Finding Your Ikigai: A Healing Journey with Anna Li | Beyond the Couch S3E20

This week, Diana chats with Anna, the visionary behind Healing Journey Retreats, who shares her powerful mental health journey and the transformative steps she took to reclaim her sense of purpose. Anna opens up about her experience being laid off from a high-stress tech job, struggling with toxic workplace environments, and feeling disconnected from her true […]

Sep 11
Returning to Korea and Rethinking Career Paths as a Korean-Born Adoptee with Kim | Beyond the Couch S3E20

This week, Christie reconnects with Kim who courageously recounts her trip back to Korea. As a Korean-born adoptee, Kim opens up about the challenges she faced—from unrealistic expectations and language barriers to the emotional rollercoaster of navigating an international adoption agency. They dive deep into themes of heartbreak, anger, and healing, discussing the complex realities […]

Sep 04
Letting Go of Certainty: Making Career Changes with Will Wang | Beyond the Couch S3E19

To kick off this month’s theme of career and work, this week Diana chats with Will Wang about giving himself permission to leave his corporate career in pursuit of becoming a therapist. Will reflects upon always being the ‘good kid’ or guāi, and how these expectations shaped his identity and career choices. He opens up about […]

Aug 28
Understanding Religious Trauma and Deconstructing Faith with Eugene Lee | Beyond the Couch S3E18

This week, Christie is joined by Eugene Lee in exploring the complex intersection of faith, culture, and mental health within the Asian American community. They discuss the role of the church as a cultural community center for Asian Americans and immigrants, as well as the interplay of Asian American culture, Confucian ideals, and perfectionism. Eugene […]

Aug 21
Exploring the Stars: Two Conversations with Astrologers Gwen Yi and Alice Sparkly Kat | Beyond the Couch S3E17

In this two-part episode, Diana delves into the fascinating world of astrology with two practitioners, Gwen Yi and Alice Sparkly Kat. In part 1, Diana chats with Gwen Yi, who explores the myths and misconceptions surrounding Western astrology, especially in her home country of Malaysia. Gwen shares what it’s like to receive a reading with […]

Aug 14
Navigating Religion and Culture as a Muslim Therapist with Bisma Anwar | Beyond the Couch S3E16

This week, Christie chats with Bisma Anwar, a Muslim therapist who shares her journey in the mental health field and her dedication to reducing mental health stigma within the Muslim community. Bisma discusses how her dual identities as a Muslim and therapist influence her work with a diverse range of clients. She explores the intersection […]

Aug 07
Developing Spirituality for Therapists with Nat Strafaci | Beyond the Couch S3E15

This week, Sam is joined by Nat Strafaci, a licensed therapist, clinical supervisor, psychic medium, and spiritual herbalist, who shares their perspective on spirituality as a journey rather than a therapy ‘modality’. Nat offers insights into how colonialism has disrupted connections to spiritual and indigenous practices, and together they discuss how many modern therapeutic approaches […]

Jul 31
Missed Connections and Longing in Wong Kar-wai’s Chungking Express | Beyond the Couch S3E14

This week, Sam, Diana, and Christie delve into Wong Kar-wai’s Chungking Express to close out this month’s theme of bodies and the media. They discuss the movie’s portrayal of longing, pining, and missed connections amidst the bustling backdrop of 1990s Hong Kong. They explore the film’s representations of indirect communication, cultural identity, and the loneliness and nostalgia […]

Jul 24
Diving into Dreams & Multiple Realities in Satoshi Kon’s Paprika | Beyond the Couch S3E13

This week, Sam, Diana, and Christie, explore the fascinating world of Satoshi Kon’s Paprika, aligning with the July theme of exploring bodies and the media. Discover why Paprika is a favorite of Sam’s as she shares her own experiences with the movie and offers insight into the significance of Kon’s work in Asian cinema. They explore the themes […]