Modern, Ambitious Women Unsubscribing from Self-Doubt with Neha Ruch | AAPI Heritage Month and Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week
In honor of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week and AAPI Heritage Month, host Vanessa talks with Neha Ruch, Founder of Mother Untitled, about choosing yourself, unsubscribing from judgements and self-doubt, and finding growth and clarity in times of transition. As modern, ambitious, Asian American women raising mixed-race families, Neha and Vanessa share their perspectives on nonlinear career journeys and deconstruct the narratives behind the “stay-at-home” vs. “working” moms debate. We discuss redefining success metrics, "having it all," and healing racial and intergenerational trauma.
Neha shares her personal journey as an Indian-American mother navigating motherhood, entrepreneurship, and activism, and how she finds joy in purpose and passion. Plus: we nerd out over the best pasta in NYC and interior design, and the most valuable lessons that are NOT taught in business school.
Topics: Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, AAPI Heritage Month, APAHM, motherhood, entrepreneurship, mixed-race families, Asian heritage, purpose, passion, growth, clarity, success metrics, AAPI identity, activism, unsubscribing from judgements, self-doubt, parenting, Asian American mental health, women in leadership.
The “Busy” Trap: Dr. Jenny Wang on Navigating Anxiety, Anger, and Uncertainty
What happens when society is OK with Asian women feeling anxious - but not angry? Perhaps we find comfort with hyperproductivity - until it leads to anxiety, burnout, and rage. “Busyness is an addiction to urgency,” says Dr. Jenny T. Wang, PH.D, a Taiwanese American psychologist, founder of @asiansformentalhealth and author of Permission to Come Home. Dr. Wang and Vanessa talk about creating healthy spaces for anger, untying our worth from our productivity, and why Dude Tribes might be a step in cultivating positive masculinity and community healing for Asian men. As children of immigrants and parents, we discuss why AAPI youth suicide prevention is a multi-generational effort - not just about Gen Z.
Plus: our favorite Taiwanese snacks, traveling with young kids, and daily habits for a brighter morning routine.
About Dr. Jenny Wang, PH.D:
Dr. Jenny T. Wang is a Taiwanese American clinical psychologist and national speaker on the intersections of Asian American identity, mental health, and intergenerational and racial trauma. Her professional mission is to destigmatize mental health within the Asian community and empower Asian Americans to prioritize their own mental well-being. She spearheaded the Asians for Mental Health therapist directory (www.asiansformentalhealth.com) to connect individuals with culturally reverent mental health care for Asian American diasporas. She created the Instagram community Asians for Mental Health (@asiansformentalhealth), where she explores the unique ways in which Asian American identity impacts our mental health. Her first book, Permission to Come Home: Reclaiming Mental Health as Asian Americans was published by Grand Central Balance in May 2022. She is a mental health advisory member of Wondermind and The Mental Health Coalition.