Our interview today is the perfect example of why I created this podcast. I walked away from my talk with Dr. Jenny Wang feeling very emotional, moved, and inspired. As Asian Americans, we both have commonalities in our upbringing, yet each have a very special story that is our own.  Dr. Wang shares with us what her purpose-driven journey has looked like over the years, and gives a unique and powerful explanation of mental health.

Dr. Jenny Wang is a Taiwanese American clinical psychologist and national speaker on Asian American mental health and racial trauma in the Asian American community. Her work focuses on the intersection of Asian American identity, mental health, and social justice. She is the founder of the Asians for mental health community. 

In this episode we discuss:

• Intergenerational trauma
• Experiencing the professional world as an Asian American woman
• The idea of shame in the Asian culture
• Encouraging and reframing ideas around conflict
• The complex relationship between us and our elders
• Strategies to help our communities in crisis
• Talking to our children about race

Connect with Dr. Wang:

• jennywangphd.com
• Instagram: @asiansformentalhealth

For full show notes and more resources, head to mommy-diary.com/podcast. Connect with me on Instagram @mommydiary.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I recently contracted COVID-19. I tested positive after taking a trip to Seattle to visit my parents. We wore masks, sanitized, and took all the precautions we knew how to. However, I know now that traveling still comes with risk no matter how prepared you are.

In today's episode I want to share with you where I believe I contracted the virus and the moment I knew I needed to take a test. I'll describe what my first symptoms were and how they progressed over time. The virus slowly made it's way through my family with the exception of my youngest kids. Luckily we are all okay and almost fully recovered after experiencing mild cases. Stay safe and continue to wear your masks friends!

For full show notes, head to mommy-diary.com/podcast. Connect with me on Instagram @mommydiary. 

No matter how many books you read and classes you take, becoming a mother is not something anyone can prepare you for. My guest, Michelle Tangeman, wholeheartedly agrees. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, as well as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Michelle was likely more informed than most women about raising babies. That is why she was surprised to find out she was experiencing postpartum depression.

We can both agree the scariest part of PPD is the feeling that it is never going to end. I'm here to tell you that it's temporary. I'll say that again - it's temporary. Seeking support is the best thing you can do for yourself and there are so many resources available. After all, taking care of yourself is the best way to take care of your family.

In this episode you'll learn:

• 3 symptoms of postpartum depression
• How dads are affected by postpartum depression
• Signs you should seek help
• Tips for mothers experiencing symptoms
• The difference between "baby blues" and postpartum depression

Connect with Michelle:

• thrivingtoddler.com
• michelletangeman.com
• Instagram: @thriving.toddler