Sincere Practice Podcast
Sincere Practice Podcast

Sincere Practice Podcast

Helen Bass

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Episodes

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Business, faith, and mental health through an Asian immigrant woman’s lens. I’m Helen Bass, LCSW — a licensed therapist serving Asian women navigating anxiety, identity, relationships, and the pressure to hold everything together. sincerepractice.substack.com

Recent Episodes

I took 30 days off social media as a business owner + therapist — here's what happened
MAY 21, 2026
I took 30 days off social media as a business owner + therapist — here's what happened
<p>In this video, I share my business mindset after a 30-day sabbatical from social media and podcasting. Discover how taking a break can lead to clarity and growth in your entrepreneurial journey.</p><p></p><p>Links:</p><p>Therapist Accountability Group: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sincerepractice.info/therapist-coaching-group">https://www.sincerepractice.info/therapist-coaching-group</a>(Founding members get exclusive $177/month forever)</p><p>Effortless Business Book: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.grahamcochrane.com/effortlessbook">https://www.grahamcochrane.com/effortlessbook</a></p><p>Go Giver Book: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591848288?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_thcv_0&#38;storeType=ebooks&#38;qid=1779399155&#38;sr=8-1">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591848288?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_thcv_0&storeType=ebooks&qid=1779399155&sr=8-1</a></p><p>Big Leap Book: <a target="_blank" href="https://a.co/d/0giRff9t">https://a.co/d/0giRff9t</a></p><p>Shay Cochrane Podcast: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@UCeXvSN7IJZeBWSZDzPTmGog">https://www.youtube.com/@UCeXvSN7IJZeBWSZDzPTmGog</a></p><p>Key takeaways:</p><p>* Embracing change as progress is essential for growth.</p><p>* The importance of giving and generosity in business.</p><p>* Slowing down to gain insights and creativity.</p><p>* Applying the 80-20 principle to focus on impactful actions.</p><p>* Faith as a cornerstone of business decisions.</p><p></p><p>Timestamps:</p><p>00:00 Introduction</p><p>00:31 My existential crisis and the need for a break</p><p>01:00 Lessons learned during my sabbatical</p><p>02:23 Key takeaways from my reading</p><p>03:51 Embracing change as progress</p><p>09:08 The importance of giving in business</p><p>12:05 Slowing down for creativity</p><p>14:18 The 80-20 principle in action</p><p>21:32 Faith in business decisions</p><p></p><p></p><p>Subscribe for more insights on entrepreneurship and mental health.</p> <br/><br/>Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters at <a href="https://sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe</a>
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22 MIN
Hearing God Through Criticism & Waiting with Jay Kim |  Jay Kim & Helen Bass
APR 22, 2026
Hearing God Through Criticism & Waiting with Jay Kim | Jay Kim & Helen Bass
<p>hey girlies! In this video, I talk to Author and Pastor, Jay Kim. Recently, I've been transformed by his writings to incorporate faith into daily practice. With over 2 decades of preaching, we acknowledge the power of examining painful experiences. </p><p>Chapters </p><p>00:00 The Journey of Reflection and Criticism</p><p>07:20 The Listening Life: Spiritual Practices and Challenges</p><p>13:12 Lessons in Waiting and Feeling Behind</p><p>19:05 Daily Rituals: Prayer and Presence</p><p>24:08 Parenting: Learning Patience and Presence</p><p>25:09 Fatherhood and Personal Growth</p><p>27:20 Navigating Family Dynamics and Trauma</p><p>30:59 The Journey of Forgiveness and Understanding</p><p>40:12 The Writing Process and Its Inspirations</p><p>44:34 Living at the Pace of Peace</p><p></p><p>Resources</p><p>Listen, Listen, Speak by Jay Kim - <a target="_blank" href="https://a.co/d/04tsI1ss">https://a.co/d/04tsI1ss</a></p><p>Analog Christian by Jay Kim - <a target="_blank" href="https://a.co/d/0fUjBWxE">https://a.co/d/0fUjBWxE</a></p><p>Analog Church by Jay Kim - <a target="_blank" href="https://a.co/d/0hoUwnsk">https://a.co/d/0hoUwnsk</a></p><p>Ignatian Spirituality and Prayer of Examine - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/prayer/prayer-styles/the-examen/">https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/prayer/prayer-styles/the-examen/</a></p><p>Jay Kim's Website - <a target="_blank" href="https://jaykim.com">https://jaykim.com</a></p> <br/><br/>Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters at <a href="https://sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe</a>
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46 MIN
Part 2: when grief won't leave your body, what to do| Dr. Niloufer Merchant, Gina Kiem, Helen Bass
APR 14, 2026
Part 2: when grief won't leave your body, what to do| Dr. Niloufer Merchant, Gina Kiem, Helen Bass
<p>hey girlies! This episode is part 2 of "why women of color carry stress differently". We talk about "how to get better" after discussing nervous system healing from part 1 = nervous system + healing + community vibes 💭</p><p></p><p>Dr. Niloufer Merchant, Gina Kim, and Helen Bass break down Nervous System Regulation (Polyvagal Theory) in real life—especially for women of color.</p><p></p><p>They talk morning routines, ancestral roots, and how grief/loss hits your body, not just your mind.Big themes:</p><p></p><p>* healing isn’t solo—it’s community + family</p><p></p><p>* grief stays, but you can still stay connected</p><p></p><p>* therapy isn’t just “fixing problems,” it’s understanding your storyThey also get into:* generational trauma + ancestral wisdom</p><p></p><p>* why healing takes time (no quick fixes fr)</p><p></p><p>* trust, safety, and nervous system awareness in therapy</p><p></p><p>* co-regulation = healing through real human connectionBasically: slow healing, deep roots, and learning your nervous system is key</p><p></p><p>🔑Links/Books Mentioned:</p><p></p><p>Dr. Stephen Porges: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.stephenporges.com/">https://www.stephenporges.com/</a></p><p></p><p>Deb Dana Website: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/about">https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/about</a></p><p></p><p>Dr. Niloufer Merchant: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nmmerchant.com/">https://www.nmmerchant.com/</a></p><p></p><p>Gina Kiem: <a target="_blank" href="https://ginakiem-goldcounsel.com/">https://ginakiem-goldcounsel.com/</a></p><p></p><p>Helen Bass Website: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sincerepractice.com/">https://www.sincerepractice.com/</a></p><p></p><p>Meaning of Your Life Book: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Your-Life-Finding-Emptiness/dp/0593545427">https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Your-Life-Finding-Emptiness/dp/0593545427</a></p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction and Morning Reflections</p><p>03:03 Polyvagal Theory in Daily Life</p><p>06:01 Honoring Our Ancestors</p><p>08:45 The Importance of Family and Ancestral Connections</p><p>11:53 Understanding Loss and Its Impact on the Nervous System</p><p>14:58 Navigating Grief and Connection</p><p>18:09 The Role of Community in Healing</p><p>29:52 Navigating Loss and Connection</p><p>36:04 The Role of Nervous System in Therapy</p><p>49:16 Problem Solving in Therapy</p><p>54:14 Healing from Family Trauma</p><p>57:28 Understanding the Nervous System and Individual Profiles</p><p>58:20 The Slow Process of Healing and Understanding Trauma</p><p>01:00:13 Intergenerational Trauma and Its Impact</p><p>01:02:11 The Importance of Relationship in Therapy</p><p>01:04:52 Navigating Client Relationships and Trust</p><p>01:06:12 The Role of Patience in Therapy</p><p>01:09:36 Co-Regulation and Therapist's Own Nervous System</p> <br/><br/>Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters at <a href="https://sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe</a>
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72 MIN
Why Women of Color Carry Stress Differently, According to Therapists
APR 1, 2026
Why Women of Color Carry Stress Differently, According to Therapists
<p>🤍 Hey girlies! This episode explains how body-based healing (like polyvagal theory) can be used in therapy that respects culture and identity. Guests Gina Kiem and Dr. Neela Fur talk about feeling safe in different spaces, code switching, and simple practices that help women of color feel more grounded, connected, and supported.</p><p>Resources from Dr. Niloufer Merchant -</p><p>Here are the links to both articles by Elana Curtis and colleagues:</p><p></p><p>2025 article: <a target="_blank" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12063315/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12063315/</a></p><p></p><p>2019 article <a target="_blank" href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12939-019-1082-3">https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12939-019-1082-3</a></p><p>Follow Dr. Niloufer: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nmmerchant.com/">https://www.nmmerchant.com/</a></p><p></p><p>Follow Gina Kiem: <a target="_blank" href="https://ginakiem-goldcounsel.com/">https://ginakiem-goldcounsel.com/</a></p><p></p><p>Follow Helen on All Socials/Website - <a target="_blank" href="https://bio.site/helenbass">https://bio.site/helenbass</a></p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Polyvagal Theory and Cultural Competence</p><p>04:34 Personal Experiences with Polyvagal Theory</p><p>09:51 Cultural Contexts and Personal Backgrounds</p><p>15:15 Navigating Cultural Practices and Co-Regulation</p><p>20:39 The Impact of Code Switching and Allostatic Load</p><p>34:26 Navigating Subtle Cues and Allostatic Load</p><p>37:45 Cultural Specificity in Therapeutic Practices</p><p>43:46 Cultural Safety and Power Dynamics</p><p>50:36 Embodied Practices and Nervous System Awareness</p><p>59:24 The Intersection of Polyvagal Theory and Cultural Context</p> <br/><br/>Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters at <a href="https://sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe</a>
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68 MIN

Why Your Asian Mom Never Talked About Postpartum & What It Cost Her | Healing the Tigress
MAR 25, 2026
Why Your Asian Mom Never Talked About Postpartum & What It Cost Her | Healing the Tigress
<p>This episode includes candid conversations about postpartum depression, anxiety, and cultural stigma around mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, the Postpartum Support International helpline is available at 1-800-944-4773.</p><p>In many Asian households, mental health isn't something you talk about. You push through. You perform.</p><p>And when motherhood breaks you open — you're expected to do that silently too.Today on The Sincere Practice Podcast, I sit down with Peggy and Jasmine — the hosts of Healing the Tigress, a podcast dedicated to AAPI maternal mental health. Peggy is a licensed clinical social worker and perinatal mental health therapist. Jasmine is a Doctor of Pharmacy.</p><p>Both are certified in perinatal mental health (PMH-C). And both are Taiwanese American mothers who survived postpartum depression and anxiety.We talk about:</p><p>🐯 Why postpartum depression hits differently when your culture says "just be grateful"</p><p>🐯 The role of therapy AND medication in postpartum recovery🐯 Reparenting yourself while raising your own children</p><p>🐯 Breaking generational patterns in Asian American families</p><p>🐯 How Healing the Tigress is creating space for AAPI moms to heal</p><p>🎙️ Learn more about Healing the Tigress:</p><p>🔗 <a target="_blank" href="https://healingthetigress.buzzsprout.com/">https://healingthetigress.buzzsprout.com/</a></p><p>📌 Connect with The Sincere Practice:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sincerepractice.com/">https://www.sincerepractice.com/</a></p><p>TIMESTAMPS:</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Healing the Tigress</p><p>01:00 The Journey into Podcasting</p><p>03:03 Understanding Postpartum Mental Health</p><p>06:05 Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health</p><p>08:51 Cultural Perspectives on Therapy</p><p>11:46 Navigating Treatment and Healing</p><p>14:29 Personal Stories of Struggle and Resilience</p><p>17:17 The Power of Friendship in Motherhood</p><p>22:10 The Blossoming of Friendship</p><p>25:44 Navigating Motherhood and Identity</p><p>30:29 Inner Work and Breaking Generational Patterns</p><p>39:30 Future Aspirations for Healing the Tigress</p><p></p><p>#PostpartumDepression #MaternalMentalHealth #AAPImentalhealth #PerinatalMentalHealth #PostpartumAnxiety #Reparenting #AsianAmericanMoms #TherapyStigma #HealingTheTigress #MomMentalHealth #PostpartumRecovery #Motherhood #WomensHealth #MentalHealthAwareness</p> <br/><br/>Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters at <a href="https://sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe</a>
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46 MIN