EPISODE · May 20, 2025 · 52 MIN
"Not Asian Enough”: Diasporic Grief, Joy, and Coming Home to Yourself with Dr. Stacey Litam
from Big Asian Energy · host John Wang
In this joyful and deeply resonant episode of Big Asian Energy, we welcome back Dr. Stacey Litam—tenured professor, licensed therapist, and bestselling author of Healing Patterns That Remain. Back by popular demand, Dr. Stacey joins us for a special “snack therapy” episode where we explore identity, childhood memories, and healing through the foods we grew up with. What starts as a nostalgic taste test turns into a powerful conversation on belonging, bicultural identity, and inner child healing. With her signature warmth and insight, Dr. Stacey helps us unpack what it means to feel “not Asian enough,” how to hold space for grief and joy at once, and why sometimes the most healing thing you can do is cut your own fruit. Dr. Stacey shares: • How food helps us reconnect with cultural identity and emotional safety • What diasporic grief and diasporic joy really feel like • Why so many Asian Americans wrestle with “not enough-ness”—and how to reframe it • The difference between assimilation and integration (and why one supports better mental health) • What healing looks like when it’s playful, embodied, and rooted in joy If you’ve ever felt caught between cultures, unsure how to “belong,” or just want a comforting conversation that goes deep while keeping it real—this episode is for you. Connect with Dr. Stacey: Website: https://www.staceylitam.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstaceyalitam Buy Healing Patterns That Remain: https://www.staceylitam.com/patterns-that-remain-a-guide-to-healing-for-asian-children-of-immigrants Let’s connect on socials! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnwangofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwangofficial/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnwangbae Pre-order Alert! My new book Big Asian Energy is almost here—and I’m giving away exclusive preorder bundles! Get a free bonus book bundle when you preorder. Preorder now: https://www.bigasianenergy.com/book-bonus-bundle
What this episode covers
In this joyful and deeply resonant episode of Big Asian Energy, we welcome back Dr. Stacey Litam—tenured professor, licensed therapist, and bestselling author of Healing Patterns That Remain. Back by popular demand, Dr. Stacey joins us for a special “snack therapy” episode where we explore identity, childhood memories, and healing through the foods we grew up with. What starts as a nostalgic taste test turns into a powerful conversation on belonging, bicultural identity, and inner child healing. With her signature warmth and insight, Dr. Stacey helps us unpack what it means to feel “not Asian enough,” how to hold space for grief and joy at once, and why sometimes the most healing thing you can do is cut your own fruit. Dr. Stacey shares: • How food helps us reconnect with cultural identity and emotional safety • What diasporic grief and diasporic joy really feel like • Why so many Asian Americans wrestle with “not enough-ness”—and how to reframe it • The difference between assimilation and integration (and why one supports better mental health) • What healing looks like when it’s playful, embodied, and rooted in joy If you’ve ever felt caught between cultures, unsure how to “belong,” or just want a comforting conversation that goes deep while keeping it real—this episode is for you. Connect with Dr. Stacey: Website: https://www.staceylitam.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstaceyalitam Buy Healing Patterns That Remain: https://www.staceylitam.com/patterns-that-remain-a-guide-to-healing-for-asian-children-of-immigrants Let’s connect on socials! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnwangofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwangofficial/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnwangbae Pre-order Alert! My new book Big Asian Energy is almost here—and I’m giving away exclusive preorder bundles! Get a free bonus book bundle when you preorder. Preorder now: https://www.bigasianenergy.com/book-bonus-bundle
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"Not Asian Enough”: Diasporic Grief, Joy, and Coming Home to Yourself with Dr. Stacey Litam
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