Thrive Spice

“I thought therapy was a hardcore luxury for the rich”, says Mrinal Gokhale, Author of Saaya Unveiled: South Asian Mental Health Spotlighted. Mrinal shares how growing up as a bicultural, neurodivergent and "defiant" kid enabled her to become a game-changer in mental health. We explore what it means to be neurodivergent - which can span autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and even bipolar disorder, and what society can do to be more supportive. Join us as we unpack how stereotypes around gender, the Model Minority Myth and cultural habits like “sweeping it under the rug” may actually intensify mental health conditions and isolation. Plus: building confidence through belly dancing, Desi wellness traditions like ayurveda and pranayama breathing exercises, and blending East and West when it comes to health and nutrition.
About Mrinal:
Mrinal Gokhale is an author and speaker with a passion for the human brain. She uses her voice to help shift the narrative around health and wellness. She recently published Saaya Unveiled: South Asian Mental Health Spotlighted , which shares 11 true stories of second generation Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi immigrants and how they navigate mental health in the West. Topics covered are stigma, identity, trauma, and access, along with the goal of promoting acceptance and knowledge around mental health between generations.
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Thrive Spice Media is a digital media platform and podcast that is dedicated to advancing mental health and social impact for Asian Americans and underrepresented identities. We are now excited to offer Mental Health Masterclass workshops. For more information, please head to www.thrivespicemedia.com.

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Join Vanessa Shiliwala and special guest Leslie Lew as we hold space for AAPI community healing in the aftermath of Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay shootings. It's a raw, honest session as we struggle to process grief alongside joy during Lunar New Year, which is supposed to be a time of celebration, community and joy. We talk about the intersections of anti-Asian violence and mental health, self-worth, and why we will not be silenced as Asian women.
Plus: we want to hear from you. Send us your voice memos or audio clips to [email protected] or DM us on instagram @thrivespice. About Leslie Lew (she/her): Leslie is a trauma-informed self-defense coach, international speaker, and podcast host. You can find her on Instagram @reclaimingyourcourage and listen to her podcast Reclaiming Your Voice. She will be hosting a healing circle this upcoming week. For details, please visit her Instagram.About Vanessa Shiliwala (she/her): Vanessa is the Founder/CEO of Thrive Spice Media, a mental health podcast and leadership platform that seeks to amplify and empower AAPI leaders, creators, and changemakers. She is also an award-winning DEI advocate, speaker, senior marketing leader, mother, and NYU graduate. You can find her on instagram @thrivespice.Resources:
Stand with Asian Americans x Google x Coqual - "Strangers at Home: Key Findings on Asian and Asian American professionals, and erasure and invisibility of Pacific Islanders"Lunar New Year Victim's FundStop AAPI Hate Mental Health Resources Guide (San Mateo County and virtual/nationwide)Asian Mental Health ProjectAsian American Journalists Association - verified pronunciation of victims' names in the Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay shootingsAsian American therapist directory

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Biracial. Bisexual. Unapologetically Progressive. At 21 years of age, James Coleman is the youngest and first openly LGBTQ+ member to be elected to South San Francisco's City Council.

We talk to James about the remarkable journey he's had - from growing up biracial as a child of a Taiwanese immigrant mother and Caucasian father, to having to care for and lose his father after a spinal cord injury, to finding healing and purpose in social equity and environmental justice while studying at Harvard University.
We explore how being bisexual and biracial have shaped James' view of himself and the world, and why elections aren't just about winning or losing. James shares his dream of empowering a movement of more young, Queer, BIPOC, female and AAPI folks to run for office and advocate for change together. We also talk about how expanding mental health resources, particularly for queer and BIPOC folks, could help end police killings.
About James Coleman:
James Coleman is an elected member of South San Francisco City Council. He is their first openly LGBTQ member, their first democratic socialist and, at 21 years of age, the youngest individual ever elected to the seat. As an undergraduate at Harvard University, James was a cofounder of the Harvard Undergraduates for Environmental Justice, an organizer with Fossil Fuel Divest Harvard, a neuroscience researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital, and a Director with TedxHarvard College. James recently graduated with a degree in Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology with a minor in Government. He is expected to be appointed as South San Francisco's Mayor in 2024.
About Thrive Spice: Thrive Spice is a mental health and social equity podcast for Asian Americans, featuring real stories of resilience, grit and joy. It's a safe space that feels like group therapy meets celebrity interview, with a healthy dose of self-care. Join us as we share the untold stories of influential AAPI leaders, activists, entrepreneurs, and creators - and ask how they have found ways to cope, survive and thrive. Our mission is to normalize conversations about mental health and promote social equity in the AAPI, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Each episode highlights ways to navigate the pressures of family, social media, our careers, our communities and our own minds.
Mental Health and LGBTQ+ Resources:
CAHOOTS Mental Health First Responder Model (Eugene, OR)
TGI Justice Project - (California) TGI Justice Project is a group of transgender, gender variant and intersex people–inside and outside of prisons, jails and detention centers–creating a united family in the struggle for survival and freedom.
STAR and Marsha P. Johnson
episode music courtesy of Uppbeat [ATM - Dreamland]

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Sakina talks about finding balance between both Indian and American cultures, and how it ultimately shaped her personal and career journey as a mother (who just gave birth to her 3rd child 2 days ago - Congrats Sakina!), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Co-Founder of the E.L.O. Deck, a children's affirmation card deck and parent resource.
Sakina tells us about escaping an arranged marriage proposal at the age of 18, growing up feeling "different" as an Indian kid, and why it's important to tell our children that they can make mistakes. We discuss cultivating a positive mindset: why hearing affirmations from a young age is so critical, how we can celebrate the beauty of Indian and Eastern cultural values of family and respect, while still questioning the stigmas and irrational beliefs that Asian communities have about marriage, therapy, divorce, and the value and purpose of women.
BONUS: My 3-year-old and I test out the E.L.O. Deck. Get ready for some heartwarming giggles.
About E.L.O. Deck:

E.L.O. Deck is a children’s affirmation deck of flashcards that promote a positive growth mindset and self-regulation in kids developmentally aged 4-7. It’s also a resource for parents to physically and emotionally connect with their children. Founded by mothers and a licensed family therapist, all from minority communities, with the common goal of encouraging a positive mindset, actively impacting the next generation's mental well-being, and bringing back human connection. We’re offering a special 10% discount to Thrive Spice listeners here:

https://elodeck.com/discount/spice10

Each deck of 32 cards includes:

29 carefully selected well-rounded affirmations, as well as a bedtime meditation and affirmation, coloring card, insights into the ELO method, sticker sheet, and magnetic closure box to house the cards. The cards are made of high quality suede-like soft touch for a sensory and luxe feel, and have eco-friendly and non-toxic packaging with acid-free tissue paper, plastic-free and recyclable materials.
Affiliate Link Disclosure: We may receive a small commission through affiliate links, at no added cost to you. At Thrive Spice, our mission is to normalize the conversation about mental health within the AAPI community, and amplify the voices of Asian American leaders and entrepreneurs. This includes promoting AAPI-owned, Minority-Owned and/or Women-Owned businesses in efforts to share, grow and uplift our community. Your purchase helps support the podcast as well as the community.

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Vanessa interviews Nancy Luong, a senior marketing leader at Salesforce, author of "How We Got Here", and recently crowned Ms. Southern California 2023. We talk about why allyship is the key to breaking the Bamboo Ceiling and Glass Ceiling, healing intergenerational trauma with immigrant parents, and busting money and success myths in a “Bling Empire” World.
Nancy shares her personal mission to break down walls and barriers - whether it’s the Bamboo Ceiling at work, awkward family dynamics due to intergenerational trauma, or a “lack”/ scarcity mindset when it comes to personal finance and success. We talk about the importance of mental health for men, and why her struggles to connect with her emotionally distant dad inspired her to write “How We Got Here Journal” and how gratifying it is to “see the walls come down” in their relationship.
Plus: Vietnamese food and the common bond of Asian moms never measuring ingredients, the frugal eco-warrior upcycling “immigrant mindset” that we experienced as kids, and unpacking personal finance myths that tie your happiness to your net worth or title.
About Nancy:

Nancy Luong is a Digital Program Manager at Salesforce and Co-President of AsiaPacforce with a background of 15+ years experience in digital marketing. She's a proud first generation daughter to Vietnamese and Chinese immigrants. Nancy is a Long Beach local, and a graduate of California State University Long Beach (CSULB). She is now a successful Fortune 500 senior marketer, financial content creator, keynote speaker, university educator, equality advocate, enthusiastic storyteller, and bestselling published author.
She believes everyone has a story and has created the How We Got Here Journal for you to tell your story. The journal is filled with 50 life changing questions to ask your parents or loved ones.

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Thrive Spice Media | Instagram | Book a Mental Health Masterclass or Leadership Development Workshop | Submit a Review | LinkedIn | YouTube