Kamalayan: Conversations To Self-Awareness: Recent Episodes
Stephanie and Leo
Leo and Stephanie are college friends exploring ideas on self-awareness amid their being Filipino. He, a language and professional development trainer based in the Philippines and she, a marriage and family therapist living the US, exchange thoughts and observations on culture and its impact on their identity. "Kamalayan" — 'consciousness' or 'awakening' in Filipino — hopes to reveal nuggets that help make living a little more interesting and meaningful.
Conversations in families that are steeped in custom and tradition can be a source of strain for many. Exchanges between parent and child, for instance, can hold a host of triggers, trauma, and even the demands of culture that ultimately affect relationships and well-being.
In one of their most candid and personal episodes to date, Stephanie and Leo share stories, probe, and investigate problematic verbal encounters common among Filipino families.
More than words, what else is involved when people gather to talk? Leo and Stephanie delve into the impact of conversations in their 15th episode. Listen in as they explore its necessity, understand how people behave when participating in them, and find possible ways in creating more genuine and meaningful exchanges.
In their very first video podcast recording, Stephanie and Leo are joined by special guest, Kage in a conversation about mental health. A writer and photographer, Kage speaks candidly about living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Hear her share her experience and how she navigates and perseveres through a debilitating condition affecting many around the world.
The start of each year always brings a sense of hope and renewal for many— and the usual bucket lists and inventory of resolutions, of course. But how effective and sustainable are these goals? What are ways to stay the course? Does adhering to these lists actually work? Steph and Leo welcome 2023 in this episode, exploring the changes and promises we make each new year.
“Crab Mentality”, the behavior of pulling other people down, is as prevalent among Filipinos as it is seemingly innate in human nature. What triggers such a phenomenon? What ensues when faced with it? Is it possible to break the cycle? Stephanie and Leo investigate and share their thoughts and experiences with this unhealthy habit, and try to find ways to rise above what can very well be an obstructive and vicious way of being.
With multiple gender identities becoming more and more defined across societies, the particular roles we play (both imagined and dictated by cultural traditions) have been examined all the more closely. Steph and Leo join in the conversation as they share observations and personal encounters on how gender has progressed in Philippine life and shaped the way we have become.
Relationships are indeed tricky. A dynamic many have to contend with is that between the "bungangera" (pursuer) and "under da saya" (withdrawer). During conflicts, some are inclined to persistence, while others tend to withdraw— opposite reactions that can only cause further discord. Stephanie and Leo set out to understand the ins and outs of this phenomenon, share personal encounters, and unearth possible ways to rise above such toxic behavior.
Pleasantries abound in Filipino social encounters. How much of what we actually say and hear can have an affect on our well-being? In their 8th episode, Stephanie and Leo look into the intricacies of such casual greetings, share their own experiences of dodging ‘verbal missiles’, and attempt to find a more authentic way when making contact with family and loved ones
Kinships with attachment figures or persons whom we look up to have always been a source of love and assurance for many. In a culture that values hierarchy and respect, these relationships can also be the root of a lot of tension and stress. Join Stephanie and Leo as they ponder on how strain can emerge in these affiliations, how and why we respond the way we do, and what possible ways can help dismantle any bitterness and resentment.
Filipino culture and traditions are steeped in myth and superstition. Join Stephanie and Leo as they recount childhood memories, share observations and personal experiences on some uniquely distinct local beliefs. They attempt to find insight into what truths these may have arisen from, how these influence life in the Philippines, and what effects these may have on one's well-being.
Roughly translated as the “lowering of mourning”—a funeral custom observed by many Filipinos, Stephanie and Leo share their own thoughts on the tradition, while in the process, touch on loss and ideas on coping. As they explore the mourning process and recount their own experiences, they hope to encourage more open conversations on grief; helping shed some light and lightness on what many consider a dark and weighty subject.
"It's Ok. You can do it."— Feel good phrases are commonplace when talking about struggles and problems. But how much of what we say is actually invalidating even when we mean to validate? How do we break away from the cycle?
Leo and Stephanie discuss the power of listening, empathy, and how impactful conversations can help the other rise above adversity.
Filipinos are known to be easygoing people— we drink, eat, pray, karaoke, and dance our cares away. But do these flippant attitudes actually exacerbate the issues at hand? In this episode, join Leo and Stephanie examine proactive ways to avoid avoiding.
Shame or "hiya" is so deeply rooted in our culture that it inhibits us from taking risks, and chartering our own course. But is there more to it than just saving face? Stephanie and Leo share their own experiences of shame and discuss ways on how to manage it.
No doubt this pandemic has brought about immense stress and anxiety for everyone. Join us as we take a glimpse on how our culture and traditions impact our reactions; and discover ways of managing adversity in the months to come.