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CultureHug is a podcast that brings people closer through the power of real talk, raw stories, and radical empathy. Created by a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a deep...
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CultureHug is a podcast that brings people closer through the power of real talk, raw stories, and radical empathy. Created by a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a deep passion for cross-cultural connection, CultureHug explores what makes us different—and what brings us beautifully together.
Each episode dives into a wide range of interesting topics—from decoding cultural norms, challenging bias, to exploring the role of food, traditions, and historical trauma. We’ll ask the bold questions you’ve been too afraid to voice, and share practical skills to help you connect across cultures with authenticity and respect.
Whether you’re curious, confused, or simply craving deeper connection in a divided world, CultureHug is your space to learn, unlearn, and grow. One hug (and one episode) at a time.
show less
Each episode dives into a wide range of interesting topics—from decoding cultural norms, challenging bias, to exploring the role of food, traditions, and historical trauma. We’ll ask the bold questions you’ve been too afraid to voice, and share practical skills to help you connect across cultures with authenticity and respect.
Whether you’re curious, confused, or simply craving deeper connection in a divided world, CultureHug is your space to learn, unlearn, and grow. One hug (and one episode) at a time.
Episodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
Transcribed
5 JUL 2025 · In this episode of The CultureHug Podcast, we explore how to support loved ones experiencing psychosis or other serious mental health challenges with empathy and respect. Learn how to use person-centered language, communicate with care, reduce stigma, and stay grounded in compassion—even when things feel uncertain. We’ll also talk about the importance of caregiver well-being, validating without reinforcing delusions, and why connection is a powerful form of support. Whether you’re a friend, family member, or simply want to understand mental illness better, this episode offers tools to navigate tough conversations and build deeper understanding.
Sources:
- Bulthuis, E. (n.d.). 7 terms to avoid when talking about mental illnesses. HealthPartners Blog.
- California Department of Health Care Services. (n.d.). CARE Act Family Resource Guide.
- CooperRiis. (2023, April 6). Communicating Effectively with Loved Ones Who Have Psychosis. Psychology Today.
- Cunha, F., Santos, I., Castro, N., Andrade, R., Almeida, E., Abreu, J., Martins, J., & Borges, S. (2024, August 27). Peer Support in Psychosis Care: A Valuable Resource for Recovery. European Psychiatry, 67(Suppl 1), S389–S390.
- Early Psychosis Care Center Missouri. (n.d.). EPC Toolkit - Early Psychosis Care Missouri.
- Fett, A.-K. J., Hanssen, E., Eemers, M., Peters, E., & Shergill, S. S. (2021, June 15). Social isolation and psychosis: an investigation of social interactions and paranoia in daily life. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 272, 119–127.
- Mental Health First Aid International. (2022). PSYCHOSIS: MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID GUIDELINES (2019 Version 2.3).
- Monahan, Z., Stone, T., Swami, V., Dunn, K., & Hartwell, M. (2025, April 22). The Use of Person-Centered Language in Scientific Research Articles Focused on Psychosis. Advocate Aurora Health, Inc., 12(2), 56–62.
- National Mental Health Hotline. (n.d.). How to Talk to Someone Experiencing Psychosis.
- NSW Health. (n.d.). How can I communicate with someone experiencing psychosis?.
- Runkle, K. (2019, June 18). Psychosis: Responding to a Loved One in the Face of Uncertainty. NAMI.
- Shahwan, S., Goh, C. M. J., Tan, G. T. H., Ong, W. J., Chong, S. A., & Subramaniam, M. (2022, January 31). Strategies to Reduce Mental Illness Stigma: Perspectives of People with Lived Experience and Caregivers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3), 1632.
- Tee, H., Priebe, S., Santos, C., Xanthopoulou, P., Webber, M., & Giacco, D. (2020, January 29). Helping people with psychosis to expand their social networks: the stakeholders’ views. BMC Psychiatry, 20, Article 29.
- Treatment Advocacy Center. (n.d.). Communication Tips.
- University of Washington. (n.d.). How to support a loved one through psychosis | Psyche Guides.
- Verywell Mind. (2024, July 29). Thinking Process Abnormalities in Schizophrenia.
- Volkow, N. D., Gordon, J. A., & Koob, G. F. (2021, July 19). Choosing appropriate language to reduce the stigma around mental illness and substance use disorders. Molecular Psychiatry, 46(13), 2230–2232.
- Weittenhiller, L. P., Mikhail, M. E., Mote, J., Campellone, T. R., & Kring, A. M. (2021, January 19). What gets in the way of social engagement in schizophrenia?. World Journal of Psychiatry, 11(1), 13–26.
- White, T. P., Borgan, F., Ralley, O., & Shergill, S. S. (2015, September 4). You looking at me?: Interpreting social cues in schizophrenia. Psychological Medicine, 46(1), 149–160.
- York Region and South Simcoe, CMHA. (2024, October 31). 10 Ways to Support Your Loved One Through Psychosis. Blog.
Transcribed
5 JUL 2025 · In this episode of The CultureHug Podcast, we break down key cultural practices in India—from the meaning behind the head wobble to dining etiquette, business customs, greetings like “Namaste,” and more. With insights from Indian voices, we answer the questions you’ve been too afraid to ask—so you can build trust, show respect, and connect across cultures with confidence.
Sources:
Commisceo Global. (n.d.). Why do Indians Nod their Head When Speaking?
Cook, S. (2024, September 2). 12 Indian Etiquette Don'ts: What Not to Do in India. TripSavvy.
Cooperrider, K. (in press). Universals and diversity in gesture: Research past, present, and future. Gesture.
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. (2017, May). Cultural aspects of doing business in India.
Diana, D. (n.d.). Role of Non-Verbal Communication in India. Scribd.
Giuffré, R. (2024, May 2). Indian Head Wobble. REMO Since 1988.
Jain, R. (2025, May 20). India Dining Etiquette: The Dos and Don'ts. Culture Trip.
Mukherjee, A. (2017, December 30). Why Do Indians Shake Their Heads? Culture Trip.
Natural Habitat Adventures. (n.d.). India's Cultural Do's and Don'ts.
Outhwaite, A. (2024, May 15). Dress Code of India – What to Wear in India. A Life Well Travelled.
Panani, R. (2024, August 27). A Guide to Indian Etiquette. COUNTRY SQUIRE INDIA.
Shete, A. (2025, May 16). Cultural Etiquette in India for Foreigners: Do’s and Don’ts. India Someday Travels.
Turban Adventures Blog. (2024, February 29). What are The Different Ways of Greetings in India?
Transcribed
29 JUN 2025 · In this episode of The CultureHug Podcast, we take a heartfelt journey through the complexities of Iranian identity, peeling back layers of culture, cuisine, and global perception.
Imagine walking through modern-day Iran: the aromas of saffron and grilled kebab, the beauty of Persian rugs, the celebration of Nowruz (Persian New Year), and the role of tradition in daily life—without alcohol, but rich in hospitality.
We also confront the shadows: media-fueled Islamophobia, racial bias, and the lasting impact of strained U.S.–Iran relations. How has the West misunderstood Iran? What narratives shape our view—and what’s left out?
This episode invites you to challenge assumptions, respect cultural boundaries, and understand what it truly means to show up with empathy. Whether you're Iranian, Persian, or simply curious, this is a space to connect, unlearn, and bring more CultureHug into your world.
Sources:
For Iranian Identity, History, and Terminology:
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"Call me Iranian - This Magazine": This source offers a personal narrative on navigating Iranian identity in the Western diaspora, especially post-9/11. It delves into the historical reasons behind the preference for "Persian" over "Iranian" (association with the Persian Empire vs. "hostage crisis" or "Axis of Evil") and the author's decision to embrace "Iranian" as a rejection of the "white gaze". It highlights the diversity of ethnic groups within Iran (beyond just Persians, including Azeris, Kurds, Afro-Iranians, Arabs) and the historical impact of the Pahlavi dynasty on nationalizing Persian language and suppressing minority cultures.
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"Iranian vs Persian: What's the Difference? - ThoughtCo" and "Name of Iran - Wikipedia": These sources provide a clear, factual breakdown of the terms "Iranian" (nationality) and "Persian" (ethnicity/culture). They detail the historical shift in official nomenclature (Reza Shah Pahlavi's 1935 decree to use "Iran" and Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's later allowance for both). They also touch upon the etymology of both names, connecting "Iran" to "Aryans" and "Persia" to the ancient Greek term for the Parsa region.
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"When was Persia renamed “Iran”…and Why? - Far Horizons" and "Why Persia Became Iran: The Story Behind The Name Shift - Surfiran": These sources complement the above by providing further historical context for the 1935 name change as a move towards modernization and cultural sovereignty, and addressing the misconceptions of "Aryan" identity in the Western world.
•
For Iranian Cuisine and Culture:
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"Beginner Persian recipes? : r/Cooking - Reddit" and "Iranian Food and Drink in Iran | Persian Touring" and "Persian Food 101: Recipes to Get You Started at Home - Serious Eats": These provide a wealth of information on specific Persian dishes like aash reshteh, fesenjan, ghormeh sabzi, Shirazi salad, tahdig, zereshk polow, kotlet, kuku sabzi, khoresh karafs, dizi (Abgoosht), koobideh kebab, joojeh kebab, sholeh zard (saffron rice pudding), and dolmeh. They also cover staple foods like rice and bread, essential flavors and cooking techniques, and traditional drinks such as doogh, sharbat, and faloodeh. The "Serious Eats" source also explains the "sofreh" concept for family-style meals.
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"Understanding Iranian Culture: Traditions And Social Norms - OrientTrips": This source details core Iranian cultural values such as family, hospitality ("A guest is a gift from God"), and respect for elders. It describes key traditions like Nowruz (Persian New Year) and the Haft-Seen table, and Ashura (a significant Shia Muslim mourning ritual). It also touches on Persian arts like poetry (Rumi, Hafez, Omar Khayyam), calligraphy, and miniature painting, and provides insights into social norms and etiquette including greetings, gift-giving, removing shoes, and dress codes.
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"Nowruz - Persian New Year, Origins & Traditions - History.com": Offers an in-depth look at Nowruz, its Zoroastrian origins, symbolism of renewal, and specific traditions including the Haft-Sin table items.
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"The Weaving History of Persian Carpets | Office for Science and Society - McGill University": This source provides information on Persian carpet weaving, its long history (over 2,500 years), the Pazyryk Carpet, and the intricate process involving materials and dyes.
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"Iranian Cinema - MERIP": This source can be used to discuss the resilience and transformation of Iranian cinema after the 1979 revolution, its role in social critique, and how it addresses themes like women and romantic love under strict interpretations of Islamic law.
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For Geopolitics, Human Rights, and Social Issues:
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"Community Memorandum: Recommendations for A Foundational White House Islamophobia Strategy - Squarespace": This is a critical source for discussing Islamophobia in a broad sense, including structural and gendered Islamophobia, and its intersection with anti-Palestinian racism (APR) and anti-Arab racism. It highlights the link between U.S. foreign policy/military interventions and increased hate/prejudice against BAMEMSA and SWANA communities. It also outlines five pillars for an Islamophobia strategy (Government Accountability, Transitional Justice, Transformative Justice, Freedom to Thrive, and Solidarity) and includes detailed policy recommendations concerning economic sanctions, travel bans, surveillance, watchlists, and accountability for past harms.
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"How 'othering' Iranians leads to bad policy | Responsible Statecraft": This source is excellent for discussing the dehumanization and "othering" of Iranians in U.S. media and politics, tracing its roots to events like the 1953 U.S.-British coup and the 1979 hostage crisis. It provides examples of stereotypical portrayals in film and television and discriminatory policies affecting Iranian Americans (bank account closures, frozen transactions, travel restrictions, accusations of dual loyalty).
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"Iranian Americans fear 'othering' as U.S.-Iran tensions escalate | PBS News": This source offers firsthand accounts of anxiety and "othering" experienced by Iranian Americans during periods of U.S.-Iran tension, including detentions at airports. It explores how younger generations are responding by embracing their Iranian identity and identifying as people of color, and how this situation is fostering alliances with other minority groups facing discrimination.
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"Iran condemns 'racist mentality' behind US travel ban | Donald Trump News | Al Jazeera": This source specifically covers Iran's condemnation of the U.S. travel ban as "racist" and a sign of "supremacist and racist mentality" in U.S. policy, underscoring the ongoing diplomatic tensions and their impact.
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"Islamophobia On The Rise: Taking Action, Confronting Hate And Protecting Civil Liberties Together - House of Commons": This comprehensive report focuses on Islamophobia in Canada, detailing severe physical violence and threats against Muslims, the role of online hate and social media, and systemic Islamophobia (e.g., in national security policies and Quebec's Bill 21 affecting Muslim women). Crucially, it highlights the surge in Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism since October 7, 2023, and the repercussions for pro-Palestinian advocacy in employment and education.
•
For General Country Information:
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"Iran - The World Factbook": This provides a concise overview of Iran's geography, demographics (ethnic groups, languages, religions), government, and economy. This can be useful for foundational context in various podcast topics.
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"Iran Explained in 12 minutes (History , Culture, Food)" - YouTube transcript: This transcript offers a concise summary covering Iran's diverse landscape, ancient history (Elamites, Medes, Achaemenid, Parthian, Sasanian Empires), religious shifts (spread of Islam, Safavid dynasty establishing Shia Islam), Pahlavi era modernization, the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and the Iran-Iraq War. It also touches on Iran's cultural contributions and lists iconic Persian dishes. This is excellent for a broad introductory episode.
Transcribed
22 JUN 2025 · In this episode of The CultureHug Podcast, we explore Israel. From its dramatic history and diverse culture to its modern tech scene and ongoing conflicts, we explore what makes this small Middle Eastern country so unique. Drawing on real-world intel (with a little help from the CIA World Factbook), we’ll talk borders, food, startups, social dynamics, and everything in between.
Tune in for a balanced, light-hearted crash course that’s perfect whether you’re new to the topic or just curious for a fresh perspective.We also touch on Israels challenging hixtory including geography and politics. Please use the sources maps if you desire to follow along at certain parts of the episode.
Sources:
- Central Intelligence Agency. (2025, January 18). Travel Facts - Israel. The World Factbook.
- Central Intelligence Agency. (2025, June 10). Israel. The World Factbook.
- Central Intelligence Agency. (2025, June 10). Israel Country Factsheet. The World Factbook.
- Haddad, M., & Chughtai, A. (2023, November 27). Israel-Palestine conflict: A brief history in maps and charts. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/27/palestine-and-israel-brief-history-maps-and-charts
- Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions. (2025). Maps: Changing maps of Palestine / Israel. ICAHD. https://icahd.org/resources/maps/
- Leuenberger, C., & Schnell, I. (2020). Constructing Israel’s Borders. In The Politics of Maps: Cartographic Constructions of Israel/Palestine. Oxford Academic. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780190076238.003.0007.
- B’Tselem. (n.d.). Interactive Map: The West Bank and the Gaza Strip. B’Tselem. https://www.btselem.org/map
- The Israeli Flag: Symbolism and Design. Central Intelligence Agency. (2025, January 18). Travel Facts - Israel. The World Factbook.
Explicit
Transcribed
20 JUN 2025 · In this episode of CultureHug, we dive into the hidden realities of men’s mental health—where stigma, silence, and societal expectations collide. From domestic violence and depression to toxic masculinity and emotional suppression, we explore why many men struggle in silence and touch on the intersectionalities of queer, trans, straight and BIPOC men related to mental health.
We break down the science, the cultural roots, and the lyrics of Dax’s music to examine how vulnerability can be strength. Plus, we share practical ways to support the men in your life and explain why men's mental health is a feminist issue, too.
Sources:
- "A Guide for Male Survivors of Domestic Violence" (Excerpts from DomesticShelters.org)
- "Dax - From A Man's Perspective (Lyrics)" (Excerpts from the transcript of the video uploaded on the YouTube channel "VALKYRIE'S MUSIC")
- "Dax - From A Man's Perspective | Reaction to Vulnerability, Healing & Men's Mental Health" (Excerpts from the transcript of the video uploaded on the YouTube channel "Happy Man Happy Home")
- "Dax Breaks Down Barriers with “From A Man's Perspective” - Neon Music" (Excerpts from Neon Music by Marcus Adetola)
- "Dax Discusses His New Album 'From A Man's Perspective' | TikTok" (Excerpts from TikTok by ABC News Live)
- "Engaging Men in Psychological Treatment: A Scoping Review - PMC - PubMed Central" (Excerpts from PMC - PubMed Central by Zac E Seidler et al.)
- "Exploring Dax's "To Be a Man": A Reflection on Masculinity and Vulnerability - Official Site of L. Neil Thrussell" (Excerpts from Official Site of L. Neil Thrussell)
- "Feminism is for Men, Too - Feminist Majority Foundation" (Excerpts from Feminist Majority Foundation by Cynthia Sutanto)
- "How Society's Male Gender Expectations Are Tough on Men's Mental Health" (Excerpts from FHE Health by Chris Foy)
- "I can't believe I got interviewed on @ABC News about my New Album “Fro... | TikTok" (Excerpts from TikTok by Dax)
- "Male depression: Understanding the issues - Mayo Clinic" (Excerpts from Mayo Clinic Staff)
- "Males and Mental Health Stigma - PMC" (Excerpts from PMC by Benita N Chatmon)
- "Men's Health Month | National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)" (Excerpts from NAMI)
- "Men's Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviors: An Intersectional Analysis - PMC" (Excerpts from PMC by Mike C Parent et al.)
- "Men's Mental Health Stigma - Johns Hopkins University Human Resources" (Excerpts from Johns Hopkins University Human Resources)
- "Men's loneliness is a feminist issue in Men Without Men | The Clayman Institute for Gender Research - Stanford University" (Excerpts from The Clayman Institute for Gender Research, Stanford University by Claire Urbanski)
- "Redefining Masculinity in Mental Health, - Individual Care of Texas" (Excerpts from Individual Care of Texas)
- "Societal Expectations and The Impact on Men's Mental Health - Higgins Wellness" (Excerpts from Higgins Wellness by Noah McCarter)
- "Suicide Data and Statistics - CDC" (Excerpts from CDC)
- "To Be A Man by Dax: Review - Illustrate Magazine" (Excerpts from Illustrate Magazine by Gabe Finch)
- "Understanding Boys' Mental Health - Office of Children's Mental Health - Wisconsin.gov" (Excerpts from Wisconsin.gov, Office of Children's Mental Health)
- "Understanding Male Pain Through Song Lyrics - TikTok" (Excerpts from TikTok by Dax)
- "Understanding Pain Through Lyrics: A Man's Perspective - TikTok" (Excerpts from TikTok by Dax)
- "Why Feminism Is Good For Men's Mental Health - Year13" (Excerpts from Year13 by James)
- "“I'm Fine”: How to Talk to the Men in Your Life About Their Mental Health | Jefferson Center" (Excerpts from Jefferson Center)
Transcribed
16 JUN 2025 · In this episode of The CultureHug Podcast, we unpack the difference between stress and trauma, dive into the ACE Study’s insights and limitations, SAMHSA's Concepts, and explore how trauma affects individuals and communities.
Learn what it means to be trauma-informed—and why, safety, trust, and cultural awareness are key to real healing. Whether you’re a caregiver, educator, or just craving deeper connection, this is your invitation to learn, unlearn, and grow.
Sources:
- Amaya-Jackson, L., Absher, L.E., Gerrity, E.T., Layne, C.M., Halladay Goldman, J. (2021). Beyond the ACE Score: Perspectives from the NCTSN on Child Trauma and Adversity Screening and Impact. Los Angeles, CA & Durham, NC: National Center for Child Traumatic Stress.
- Available at: www.nctsn.org
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14-4884. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- Prepared by: SAMHSA’s Trauma and Justice Strategic Initiative.
- Publication Date: July 2014.
- Available at: http://store.samhsa.gov
- UNDERSTANDING Stress vs. Trauma
- Note: This document appears to be a standalone informational graphic. No specific author, publisher, or publication date is provided within the document itself.
- What is Child Traumatic Stress?
- Publication Details: This article first appeared in the fall 2003 issue of Claiming Children, the newsletter of the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, and was co-produced by the Federation and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN).
- Available at: www.ffcmh.org and www.NCTSN.org
CultureHug is a podcast that brings people closer through the power of real talk, raw stories, and radical empathy. Created by a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a deep...
show more
CultureHug is a podcast that brings people closer through the power of real talk, raw stories, and radical empathy. Created by a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a deep passion for cross-cultural connection, CultureHug explores what makes us different—and what brings us beautifully together.
Each episode dives into a wide range of interesting topics—from decoding cultural norms, challenging bias, to exploring the role of food, traditions, and historical trauma. We’ll ask the bold questions you’ve been too afraid to voice, and share practical skills to help you connect across cultures with authenticity and respect.
Whether you’re curious, confused, or simply craving deeper connection in a divided world, CultureHug is your space to learn, unlearn, and grow. One hug (and one episode) at a time.
show less
Each episode dives into a wide range of interesting topics—from decoding cultural norms, challenging bias, to exploring the role of food, traditions, and historical trauma. We’ll ask the bold questions you’ve been too afraid to voice, and share practical skills to help you connect across cultures with authenticity and respect.
Whether you’re curious, confused, or simply craving deeper connection in a divided world, CultureHug is your space to learn, unlearn, and grow. One hug (and one episode) at a time.
Information
| Author | Culture Hug |
| Organization | Culture Hug |
| Categories | Society & Culture |
| Website | - |
| culturehug@gmail.com |
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