The Civic Wellness Podcast with Ulysses Hsu

Burnt sugar and steam fog a kitchen window in Houston, Texas, where a mother and child melt syrup into fragile, amber cranes and off-center dragons. Thousands of miles away, deep in the mist-shrouded peaks of Taiwan, a Rukai chieftess runs her fingers along a weathered, chipped family ceramic vessel.In this episode, we travel from the quiet warmth of a diaspora kitchen to the ancient, ancestral heart of indigenous Taiwan to explore a silent crisis: the mass extinction of the world’s languages. Through the intimate lens of family traditions, we trace the history of Taiwanese Hokkien—a language once criminalized and suppressed under colonial rule—and sit with the elders of the Rukai, Atayal, and Kanakanavu tribes who are fighting to keep their mother tongues alive.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with a retired Atayal teacher from Taiwan to explore her perspective on corporal punishment through the lens of Indigenous values and lived experience. As a proud member of the Atayal people, one of Taiwan’s major Indigenous groups, she reflects on how discipline, respect, and teaching have evolved in her community — and why she believes certain traditional practices must be reexamined.We discuss:Her background as a lifelong educator in rural TaiwanThe cultural meaning of discipline in Atayal traditionsHer views on the impact of corporal punishment on children todayHow Indigenous and modern values intersect in classroomsThis episode is part of my ongoing series comparing disciplinary practices across cultures, with a focus on education, child welfare, and cultural preservation.📍 Recorded in Taiwan as part of my field research on corporal punishment and Indigenous education.👇 Subscribe for more cross-cultural stories and insights from educators, scholars, and communities around the world.#CorporalPunishment #Atayal #TaiwanIndigenous #Education #Podcast #CulturalAnthropology #ChildWelfare #IndigenousVoices

“Why do we still hit children—and what if we didn’t have to?”In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Joan Durrant, child-clinical psychologist, global advocate, and Executive Director of Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (PDEP). Drawing from decades of research at the University of Manitoba and global work in over 30 countries, Dr. Durrant unpacks the myths behind corporal punishment and reveals how we can raise children with empathy, respect, and long-term resilience.💬 What We Talk About:– Why parents use spanking—and why it doesn’t work– The science of positive discipline: What actually helps children grow– Global efforts to end corporal punishment, from Sweden to South Africa– How culture, trauma, and policy intersect in parenting practices– Real-life stories of transformation from the PDEP program👩‍⚕️ About Dr. Joan Durrant:Dr. Durrant is a Professor Emerita at the University of Manitoba and an internationally recognized expert on children’s rights and non-violent parenting. She developed the Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting program, now implemented by Save the Children and other NGOs worldwide. She has advised UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and national governments on child protection and policy reform.🎧 This episode is for:– Parents seeking non-violent, respectful discipline strategies– Educators, psychologists, and social workers– Advocates working to protect children from harm– Anyone interested in global child rights and justice🌍 Let’s reimagine parenting—not through fear, but through connection, communication, and compassion.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more episodes on parenting, policy, and child well-being.#PositiveDiscipline #JoanDurrant #ParentingPodcast #CorporalPunishment #ChildRights #PDEP #NonViolentParenting #ChildPsychology #GlobalHealth #RaiseThemRight

In this rare and powerful interview, a 70-year-old chief from Taiwan’s Paiwan tribe shares his deeply rooted support for corporal punishment based on his cultural upbringing and decades of experience as an educator and community leader. Reflecting traditional Indigenous and conservative values, he argues that physical discipline, when used correctly, builds character, respect, and responsibility among youth.🎙️ Topics Discussed:His personal experiences growing up with corporal punishmentWhy he believes physical discipline remains necessaryThe role of tradition and cultural identity in educationGenerational shifts and changing views on disciplineThis interview sheds light on the complex and often controversial role of corporal punishment within Taiwan’s Indigenous communities, offering a rare traditional viewpoint that contrasts with modern education trends.📍Filmed in southern Taiwan, this conversation is part of a broader exploration into the intersections of culture, discipline, and identity among Taiwan’s Indigenous populations.🔔 Subscribe to explore more Indigenous voices, cultural stories, and debates around education and tradition.#PaiwanTribe #TaiwanIndigenous #CorporalPunishment #TraditionalDiscipline #CulturalPreservation #IndigenousVoices #TaiwanDocumentary

🎙️ In this episode, I sit down with Assistant Principal and advocate Jeffrey Burton, who once served as the designated paddler at his rural Arkansas school. What began as a role he thought would bring order quickly turned into a moral and cultural reckoning.We discuss:His personal journey from administering corporal punishment to challenging itThe deep cultural roots of paddling in conservative, rural Southern communitiesHow race, religion, and tradition influence school discipline in AmericaWhy “quick fixes” like swats fail students long-termWhat schools can learn from empathy-based approachesAs part of my research comparing corporal punishment in Texas and Indigenous Taiwanese communities, we explore how culture shapes what’s considered acceptable discipline—and what it takes to break cycles that no longer serve students.🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on education reform, youth mental health, and cross-cultural research.#CorporalPunishment #EducationReform #JeffreyBurton #SchoolDiscipline #Paddling #ChildAdvocacy #RestorativeJustice #SouthernSchools #TaiwanResearch #PodcastInterview

🎧 In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Amy Slep — clinical psychologist, NYU professor, and leading researcher on child discipline, family violence, and aggression.Dr. Slep has spent her career studying the often invisible impact of harsh parenting, corporal punishment, and verbal aggression. From subtle emotional harm to lasting trauma, her work reveals what truly happens when children are disciplined with fear instead of empathy.We discuss:Why corporal punishment doesn’t workThe long-term psychological effects of harsh disciplineWhat the research really says about “tough love”Better, science-backed ways to raise emotionally healthy childrenWhether you’re a parent, educator, or just someone who wants to break cycles of harm, this episode will challenge what you thought you knew — and offer a better path forward.👉 Subscribe for more conversations on child advocacy, mental health, and social change.📢 Share this episode to help spread awareness.💬 Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you.#Parenting #ChildDiscipline #AmySlep #MentalHealth #CorporalPunishment #Psychology #ChildDevelopment #Advocacy #TraumaInformed #SafeParenting

🎙️ In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sonia Vohito, legal policy specialist with the End Corporal Punishment initiative (hosted by the World Health Organization), to discuss the urgent movement to ban corporal punishment across Africa.We unpack the cultural, legal, and historical roots of corporal punishment, explore the lived experiences of children affected, and examine how only 12 African countries have fully banned it — and why the rest haven’t. Dr. Vohito shares her work in advocacy, policy change, and collaboration with governments to protect children from violence in all settings — including homes, schools, and alternative care.🔍 In this episode, we cover:• Why corporal punishment persists in Africa• The legal gaps that allow it to continue• How the African Children’s Charter offers a pathway to change• Stories of successful reform in Tunisia and Kenya• What YOU can do to support child rights✊ This conversation is more than policy — it’s about protecting the future of Africa’s children.📌 Learn more at: https://endcorporalpunishment.org🎁 Support child health advocacy: https://birthdaykidsclub.org🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on child rights, education justice, and global health policy!👍 Like this video if you believe no child should grow up in fear.💬 Comment your thoughts — Should corporal punishment be banned in every country?#CorporalPunishment #EndCorporalPunishment #Africa #ChildRights #WHO #Podcast #SoniaVohito #GlobalHealth #EducationJustice #AfricanChildrenCharter #UNICEF #HumanRights #BirthdayKidsClub

🔴 The Truth About Spanking & Corporal Punishment | Featuring Duke University Professor Dr. Jennifer LansfordIs spanking really an effective form of discipline? Or does it do more harm than good? In this exclusive interview, Dr. Jennifer Lansford, a renowned professor and researcher at Duke University, dives deep into the science behind corporal punishment, its effects on child development, and alternative parenting strategies.Dr. Lansford has spent years studying child psychology, discipline, and long-term behavioral outcomes, making her one of the leading experts in the field. If you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about the debate surrounding spanking, this is a must-watch episode!📌 In This Episode, We Cover:✅ The psychology behind spanking and its long-term effects✅ Scientific studies on corporal punishment and behavior✅ Why some parents still use spanking & the cultural impact✅ Healthier and more effective discipline alternatives✅ How policies around the world are changing on corporal punishment🎙️ ABOUT THE PODCAST:Welcome to The Civic Wellness Podcast – where we bring expert insights, thought-provoking discussions, and real-world solutions on topics that matter. Subscribe for more conversations with top scholars, professionals, and change-makers!🔔 Subscribe & Turn on Notifications for more powerful interviews: [Your Channel Link]👇 Join the Conversation! Comment below: Do you think spanking is an effective form of discipline? Why or why not?📢 Follow Us for More Updates:🌐 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/civicwellnesspodcast?igsh=OHB5eGdpaGxkcXRw&utm_source=qr🎧 Listen on Spotify/Apple Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/3P9eRgAODpmUjHSw4nePkv?si=Blp2iI2QRYWy2WJhjd6o5g#CorporalPunishment #SpankingDebate #dukeuniversity #DrJenniferLansford #childpsychology #parentingtips #discipline #podcast #parentingstyles

Podcast episode with Pediatric Dermatologist who is also a children's book author.

How can high schoolers play in role in politics today

We discuss the legislation of banning corporal punishment in Texas.

As of 2024, corporal punishment is still legal within 17 states, most prominent in Texas. We will explore the causes and the effects of corporal punishment on children and see how, through a legislative process, we can get it banned.

We discuss why civic engagement is important among youth and the political state of media right now.

We discover what the Health Equity and Accountability Act is all about.

We discover the consequences and mental health epidemic of overworking.

We discuss the emotions and daily feelings of a dermatologist and how they affect her mental health.

Marivi Mata describes her emotions and how it plays a role in her mental health and profession.

Introduction to the newly found grassroots organization, Civic Leaders of America. Civic Leaders of America (formerly known as JSA) is an entirely student-led organization whose mission is to build civic engagement among high school students across the country. It provides the opportunity to participate in regular debates as well as volunteering and activism initiatives.

Dede Fox, a retired teacher and librarian, started writing poetry with children at the Texas Children’s Hospital. She was also Montgomery County's former poet laureate from 2017 to 2022. She is partnering with Writers in the Schools nonprofit, which connects children and youth with professional writers and spoken word artists to unlock the joy and power of storytelling.

We explore the cultural difference between the United States and Argentina.

Marcus Bridgewater, better known as Garden Marcus, is an influencer who promotes positivity and spiritual awareness through gardening and plant growth. He is an acclaimed author who published the book How to Grow: Nurture Your Garden, Nurture Yourself, which teaches us how to foster personal development. He is the Founder and CEO of Choiceforward, which shares insight on how to improve wellness, productivity, and positive thinking and foster healthier environments.

Emerald speaks on her past experiences in debate and how she writes and organizes bills and debate topics. Also, talk about what her favorite food is.

Tez Pardo speaks on his candidacy as Texas JSA Governor, gives advice on new incoming JSA members, and shares his future plans in his political journey.

Varun Manickam shares his experiences in Junior State of America, being Texas Lt. Governor, advice for youth political advocacy, and how he got into politics.

We go through the book Animal Farm by George Orwell and compare it to the Russian Revolution and rule under Stalin. We analyze the characters from the book and how it is similar to the leaders and significant figures in the Revolution.

The age of accessing digital devices is getting lower, while illiteracy rates are getting higher. How do we prevent this from happening? Books.