EP36. Isabelle Du: Following Your Path, Reframing Setbacks, & Bà nội Spirit Guides | SISTERSONG

Isabelle Du was my girl crush in high school. I admired how she went after her dreams with everything she had. When we graduated, I dutifully majored in biology and followed the pre-med path my strict Taiwanese father outlined while Isabelle went all out and pursued hers.In Asian culture, following your dreams is often looked down upon. We're told we'll fail, that we won't make money, that it brings shame to the family. So I wanted to know what was Isabelle's journey really like? How did she find trust and confidence in herself when the culture around her said otherwise?Isabelle is now an actress and international model, and I am so proud of her for representing us as Asian Americans in Hollywood and film. Thank you for going out there Isabelle and for your courage!This episode is dedicated to anyone who is struggling with wanting to follow what is in their heart — but is afraid of what their culture, family, or society will think. DO IT! :)We talk about:Identity & representation:What it's like being Asian American in Hollywood and filmThe lack of Asian representation in media growing upBeing a first generation Vietnamese American pursuing an unconventional pathBreaking barriers and representing Asian Americans on screenFollowing your calling:Knowing from a young age she wanted to model and actGoing after her dreams against cultural expectationsWhat it feels like in your body when you're on the right pathTrusting your intuition even when everyone doubts youThe industry:Getting scammed early on as a young modelWhat it's really like to break into HollywoodThe hustle, rejection, and resilience requiredNavigating the film and modeling world as an Asian womanAsian culture & family:The pressure to follow a "safe" pathShame, saving face, and family expectationsWhat it costs to go against your cultureThe hush hush nature of struggle in Asian familiesSpirituality & inner life:How spirituality helped her through hard timesListening to your inner knowingFinding confidence and trust in yourselfLoss & grief:The suicide of a family memberHow grief ripples through an Asian familyHope and what to say to someone who is struggling***Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide and suicide loss. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You are not alone.***Isabelle Du is a SAG-AFTRA actor, host, and international model working across television, film, and major commercial campaigns. A former Miss Vietnam USA, she has appeared in network and cable series, feature films, and global productions, and continues to advocate for greater Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation in Hollywood. https://www.isabelledu.com/***Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction10:52 – Living the Dream13:35 – Choosing Your Own Path16:54 – Reframing Setbacks20:12 – Navigating a Strict Upbringing23:20 – Developing Discernment36:50 – Seeking Guidance Beyond Yourself43:20 – A Life-Saving Moment52:51 – No Carbon Copies01:07:50 – The Kaizen Mindset01:20:40 – Persistence & Perspective01:28:32 – Believing in a Bigger Life01:29:15 – Closing Thoughts**“I think confidence comes from being your own best friend—really knowing yourself, enjoying who you are, and continuing to have that relationship with yourself.”— Isabelle Du“All the answers I had sought were answered by just continuing to live. When you continue to live, you’ll get the answers anyway.” — Isabelle Du***Web: www.drvictoriaranade.comLooking for mental health care? Check out Hope+Wellness at www.hope-wellness.comIG: @drvictoriaranadeConnect with our show on Spotify, YouTube, AmazonIf you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, subscribe or write a review. We're an indie podcast so your support means a lot! :)Learn more at innercalling.orgDisclaimer: https://innercalling.org/disclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.