Exploring Mental Health and Faith: A Conversation with J.S. Park
Release Date: 10/26/2023
NextGen and The Asian American Experience
The AACC Podcast
In this episode of the AACC podcast, our host, Izzy Koo, engages with three members of the AACC Next Gen Leadership Cohort—Aimee Ebeling, Daniel Fang, and Jehuda Kusuma—to explore the complexities of Asian American identity and faith. The conversation delves into personal experiences that shaped their understanding of their cultural identities, the role of faith in their lives, and the values that resonate with Gen Z. They discuss the importance of community, mental health, and authenticity, while also reflecting on the challenges they face in navigating their identities in a diverse...
info_outline
NextGen and Bridging Therapy and Spirituality with Ayna Kaur Virk
The AACC Podcast
In this episode of the AACC podcast, our very own NextGen Coordinator and co-host, Izzy Koo, and psychotherapist, Ayna Kaur Virk, talk about Ayna’s journey as a second-generation Punjabi woman navigating her faith, mental health, and cultural identity. Ayna discusses her encounter with Christ during a challenging time in her life, the role of therapy in her own personal growth, and the unique challenges faced by South Asian Christians. She shares how cultural competency in therapy and the need for the church to address mental health issues with understanding and compassion needs more...
info_outline
NextGen and The Role of Family Ministry with Pastors Terrence Shay and Hanley Liu
The AACC Podcast
In this episode of the AACC podcast, our host Ray Chang has a conversation with Pastors Terrence Shay and Hanley Liu from First Chinese Baptist Church, Walnut. Terrence and Hanley explore the essential partnership between the home and the church, highlighting the importance of nurturing young people and understanding and appreciating the cultural context of the congregation. Both pastors acknowledged the need to move away from segregation models that separate generations and instead focus on building relationships that empower the next generation to take ownership of their church. Join...
info_outline
NextGen and Youth Ministry Post-COVID with Justin Wong
The AACC Podcast
In this episode of the AACC podcast, our host Ray Chang speaks with Pastor Justin Wong about the challenges and opportunities facing Gen Z within the Asian American church. While touching on the importance of understanding generational differences, the highlight of the conversation is on the impact of COVID-19 on youth ministry, and the need for churches to adapt to the unique needs of younger generations. Justin shares insights from his research emphasizing the significance of the older generations building trust, engaging with technology, and empowering the next generation of leaders...
info_outline
NextGen and Cultural Translation with Kevin Yi
The AACC Podcast
Welcome to Season 6 of the AACC Podcast! In this episode of the AACC podcast, host Ray Chang and animator/editor Kevin Yi discuss the intersection of Asian American identity, youth ministry, and media. Kevin shares his journey from ministry to animation, highlighting his work on the Disney+ series, Armorsaurs, and the book The Jesus I Wish I Knew in High School. They explore themes of cultural translation, shame, redemption, and the importance of engaging in conversations about spirituality with younger generations. They also emphasize the need for Asian American voices in literature and...
info_outline
Transforming Lives Through Kinship with Steven Kim
The AACC Podcast
In this episode of the AACC podcast, Ray Chang interviews Steven Kim, the Founder and Executive Director of Project Kinship, a community-rooted organization dedicated to serving marginalized communities impacted by incarceration. Steven shares his personal journey as a Korean American and the challenges he faced growing up, including racism and trauma. The conversation explores the role of the church in supporting marginalized individuals, the need for cultural understanding, and the importance of engaging younger generations in faith. Steven advocates for a shift from a 'saving' mentality to...
info_outline
Navigating the Complexities of Immigration: Insights from Professor Jennifer Koh
The AACC Podcast
In this episode of the AACC podcast, Ray Chang speaks with Professor Jennifer Koh about the complexities of immigration law and its intersection with human rights, social justice, and faith. They discuss the current state of immigration in the U.S., the myths surrounding immigrants, and the role of faith communities in advocating for vulnerable populations. The conversation also touches on the historical context of immigration laws, the challenges posed by current policies, and the importance of community engagement and support for immigrants. While recorded before January 2024, the insights...
info_outline
Healing Through Storytelling: A Journey Within with Dave Gibbons
The AACC Podcast
In this episode of the AACC Podcast, our host, Ray Chang, continues his conversation with Pastor Dave Gibbons of Newsong Church in Southern California. Pastor Gibbons explores the profound impact of storytelling on healing and self-discovery. He shares insights on how personal narratives can resonate with readers, providing them with the words to express unspoken emotions. Pastor Gibbons presses on the importance of shared experiences and connections fostered through literature, highlighting the transformative power of stories in people's lives. Tune in to today’s episode and share it with...
info_outline
The Favor on Asian Americans: A Cultural Shift with Dave Gibbons
The AACC Podcast
In this episode of the AACC Podcast, our host, Ray Chang engages with Pastor Dave Gibbons and they explore the unique position of Asian-Americans in society today, highlighting the cultural adaptability of AAPI and the opportunities available for them to leverage their experiences and voices in addressing societal challenges. Pastor Gibbons emphasizes the favor that Asian-Americans have in the current cultural landscape and the potential for their stories to inspire change. Join us in the conversation and share your thoughts with us! Dave Gibbons is also the author of The Shape of My Eyes....
info_outline
Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World: Interview with Book Creators Helen Lee and Shin Maeng
The AACC Podcast
In this episode of the AACC podcast, host Ray Chang engages in a rich conversation with Helen Lee and Shin Maeng about their collaborative children's book 'Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World.' They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the evolution of its themes, particularly around prayer, and the importance of cultural identity in storytelling. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by Asian American creatives in the publishing industry and the hope that this book will inspire meaningful conversations between parents and children about prayer and global issues....
info_outlineExplore the intersection of faith and mental health with J.S. Park, a Korean-American hospital chaplain whose journey from atheism to chaplaincy is nothing short of remarkable. In this podcast, J.S. Park candidly shares his experiences and insights, drawing from his unique perspective as a thera-priest—a term he coined that perfectly encapsulates his role as an interfaith chaplain. With a background in both psychology and theology, J.S. Park seamlessly weaves together his Christian faith and mental health advocacy, a blend that shines through in his book, "The Voices We Carry." Join us as we delve into his work at a top-tier hospital and his past service with a leading East Coast charity for the homeless. Through his story, we navigate the challenging terrain of faith, mental wellness, and cultural perspectives, seeking to bridge the gap between these vital aspects of life.
Linked Resources:
The Voices We Carry
Hosts: Raymond Chang, Katie Nguyen Palomares
Guest: JS Park
Engineer: Elliot Koo
Podcast Manager: Katie Nguyen Palomares
Producer: Sean Dupiano
Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab
To find out more about AACC’s work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.