The Cultured Chameleon: Recent Episodes
Lukas Tophoven and Eugene
Are you the type of person who gets stuck on the question "where are you from?" Do you have the experience of moving not once, not twice, but possibly five times in your life? Do you ever wonder how your kaleidoscope of cultural experiences will help you in the future? Eugene and Lukas created The Cultured Chameleon for Third Culture Kids (TCKs) and Adults to use as a resource for shared cultural experiences, and to discuss mental health strengths and issues within this population. Join us every other Tuesday to listen to a new episode about mental health and third culture kids/adults.
Chris is an international speaker, comedian, author, and podcast co-host of "Diesel and Clooney Unpack the World." Chris travels the world as an ATCK and discusses topics of empathy, anti-bullying, cross-cultural understanding, globalization, and resilience with those who desire to learn. We hope you enjoy this episode! Check out Chris' website: https://www.chris-o.com/chriso/index.htmlCheck out their podcast: https://blog.chris-o.com/category/podcast/Support us on Patreon:patreon.com/user?u=83622204Connect with us!Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcastFacebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/theculturedchameleonEmail: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Becky Matchullis is an ATCK who grew up and was raised in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Canada. She is a family resilience coach who specializes in international and cross-cultural workers. Becky was a delight to have on the podcast to share her resources and insights into the grief process and how to build resilience. Check out all of the resources down below!
Resources:
Becky's Website: https://www.beckymatchullis.com/
Coping Skills ideas for parenting children/teens:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/
The Resilience Doughnut:
https://www.theresiliencedoughnut.com.au/
TCK Training:
https://www.tcktraining.com/
The Grief Tower:
https://www.amazon.com/Unstacking-Your-Grief-Tower-Processing/dp/B09GZKQ1P8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3NSCQLQNM3H06&keywords=the+grief+tower+lauren+wells&qid=1687005003&sprefix=The+Grief+Tower%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-1
If you would like a simple grief package you can message us at our email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Support us on Patreon:
patreon.com/user?u=83622204
Connect with us!
Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcast
Facebook Page: The Cultured Chameleon
Email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Megan C. Norton is an Adult Third Culture Kid (ATCK) who works as an intercultural trainer, podcast host of "A Culture Story," co-founder of a non-profit for US diplomat kids, and a writer. Eugene and Lukas had the privilege of talking to Megan about her TCK experience growing up in several countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Germany to name a few. They discussed the concept of belonging as a human-being and how TCKs can foster a sense of belonging as they transition and understand their identity. If you are interested in learning more about Megan you can visit her website and buy her book as well, "Belonging Beyond Borders: How Adult Third Culture Kids Can Cultivate a Sense of Belonging."
Megan's Website: Megan C. Norton – Intercultural Communication Speaker/Writer/Consultant (adultthirdculturekid.com)
Megan's Book: Belonging Beyond Borders: How Adult Third Culture Kids Can Cultivate a Sense of Belonging: Norton, Megan C.: 9798987211106: Amazon.com: Books
Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/user?u=83622204 Connect with us! Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcast Facebook Page: The Cultured Chameleon Email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Lukas and Eugene had the privilege of talking to Matt Bagley, an American expat living in the United Kingdom for almost two decades. Matt is a history teacher at TASIS and is the current head coach for the Scottish national lacrosse team. Matt shares his story of his search for adventure as a young 20-year-old, and how that journey opened up paths to the UK. Matt also discusses his head lacrosse coaching experience with the English and German national teams and shares insights navigating cultural differences with the teams and experiencing the camaraderie of international lacrosse.
You can follow the World Lacrosse Championship this summer in San Diego (June 21st - July 3rd) on ESPN.
Learn more about Scotland lacrosse here: Lacrosse Scotland – Home of lacrosse in Scotland
Support us on Patreon:
patreon.com/user?u=83622204
Connect with us!
Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcast
Facebook Page: The Cultured Chameleon
Email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Lukas and Eugene welcome Dr. Ingo Tophoven to the podcast to talk about mental health systems for the global church. Dr. Tophoven shares about his upbringing in Germany as a native citizen and becoming an international student to the United States on several occasions. Dr. Tophoven discusses his past counseling and ministry experiences over the past two decades that involve being authentic about mental health, church health, and individual/relational health. We also talk about his interest in exploring global mental health systems within the church, due to the fact that not all mental health systems are similar to Western models or are non-existent. Towards the end, Dr. Tophoven shares a bit about his current research and interest in assisting global churches to interact in new ways of developing their mental health systems that fit their indigenous needs as individuals, churches, and communities. We hope you enjoy this episode and find time to share it with others!
Support Dr. Tophoven:
Fundraising Website: GlobalCycleClub
Ministry Page: Ingo & Capri Tophoven - New International
Support us on Patreon:
patreon.com/user?u=83622204
Connect with us on our social media:
Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcast
Facebook Page: The Cultured Chameleon
Email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Eugene and Lukas take some time to reminisce on man's one true love...food. Whether it's exploring past favorites from Germany, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Canada or talking about the unforgettable experiences of eating animal intestines, or biscuits and gravy. Sitting around a table and sharing a meal brings us together and is one of best ways for TCKs to experience their diverse backgrounds and find common ground on the simple things. We hope you enjoy this episode and share it with a friend.
Support Us on Patreon:
patreon.com/user?u=83622204
Connect with us on our social media:
Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcast
Facebook Page: The Cultured Chameleon
Email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Eugene and Lukas discuss the topic of church hurt in this podcast episode. Eugene and Lukas think about some of the specific themes of church hurt such as, spiritual, sexual, emotional, and physical abuse in the church. Understanding the complexity of this topic and talking about different ways of recognizing how one can spot certain aspects of church hurt. They discuss the idea of church hurt as it relates to one's attachment to God and understanding the difference between people who hurt others in the church, and God's true and good purpose for the church.
Eugene and Lukas continue the After Show with The Cultured Chameleon's Patreon as they discuss practical ways of helping those who might be experiencing church hurt.
Resources:
Diane Langberg – Christian Counseling
Wolves, Sheep and Shepherds – Diane Langberg
Trauma as a Place of Service: Cairn University 2019 – Diane Langberg
Nedra Tawwab
Nedra Tawwab | Facebook
Beginning Recovery From Religious Trauma and Spiritual Harm (themighty.com)
Church abuse, leadership scandals & RZIM: Rachael Denhollander, Amy Orr-Ewing, Mike Cosper & Diane Langberg - Unbelievable? | Podcast on Spotify
Ezekiel 34
Support Us on Patreon:
patreon.com/user?u=83622204
Connect with us on our social media:
Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcast
Facebook Page: The Cultured Chameleon
Email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Lukas and Eugene discuss the specific identifiers that characterize people with diagnosable obsessive-compulsive disorder and one of the treatment interventions utilized. Although most people will refer to their behaviors as "OCD" or will stereotype this disorder, only 2-3% of the population is diagnosed with this disorder. Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a style of therapy used to integrate mindfulness, cognitive reframing, and behavioral exposure/intervention for those diagnosed with OCD. Eugene and Lukas break down the different aspects of this therapy and also have a general discussion about how our thoughts do not always define who we are or how we should perceive ourselves. Thanks for listening!
Support Us on Patreon:
patreon.com/user?u=83622204
Connect with us on our social media:
Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcast
Facebook Page: The Cultured Chameleon
Email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
News: The Cultured Chameleon Patreon is coming out next week! Thank you all for listening and supporting us this far! Lukas and Eugene discuss parenting styles that are cited in literature (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and negligent) as ways of understanding how parents have raised their children. The conversation explores some cultural differences cited in the literature concerning the differences found in some cultures who have a predominantly higher authoritarian style of parenting compared to authoritative. Lukas and Eugene share how they viewed their parents' style of parenting and what positive/negative influence that had on them. Lukas and Eugene also discuss "the dance" that takes place between people in any type of relationship, and how one can begin to navigate an unhealthy relationship towards a new positive territory, while retaining healthy boundaries in the process. The episode briefly touches on forgiveness and reconciliation at the end, but there is a more in-depth conversation had on our Patreon regarding forgiveness and reconciliation that you can go listen to and support!Connect with us on our social media: Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcast Facebook Page: The Cultured Chameleon Email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Lukas and Eugene bring Capri Tophoven to the show! EMDR trained therapist, missionary kid, pastor's kid, and a mother to third culture kids! The show talks about generational upbringing where Capri's parents immigrated from Mexico to Texas during the "Pancho" Villa Revolution. Capri shares her life stories about dealing with her father's abuse, the family mission trips to Mexico, and inviting families to live in their house. Capri discusses her training as a therapist and how EMDR changed her entire approach to counseling and understanding trauma. The show also touches on being a mother going overseas for missions and how she navigated that role for herself and her family. Capri also reflects on her identity and how that has been shaped continuously over the decades with each decade uncovering another aspect of herself.
Connect with us on our social media:
Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcast
Facebook Page: The Cultured Chameleon
Email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Lukas and Eugene spend a festive Christmas podcast talking about Christmas traditions, fake tree vs. real tree, white Christmas vs. beach Christmas, and what cross-cultural Christmas experiences that others have experienced. Thanks to all the Chameleons and non-Chameleons who responded to our Instagram questions and polls! Lukas and Eugene also share some of their Christmas traditions and experiences that were memorable growing up. Thanks to all who have listened and continue to listen, make sure to share this episode with friends and family!
Connect with us on our social media:
Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcast
Facebook Page: The Cultured Chameleon
Email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Eugene and Lukas discuss the evidence-based treatment known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which was created and developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro. Eugene shares his training experience with the EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program that trains clinicians to use EMDR for under-served communities around the world. EMDR is a great tool to help people dealing with trauma to reprocess "dysfunctional" memories that were not properly stored. EMDR also assists people with processing their future selves and how they want to handle unknown stressful situations. If you find this podcast interesting, please share it with a friend!
Connect with us on our social media:
Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcast
Facebook Page: The Cultured Chameleon
Email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Lukas and Eugene discuss the great aspects of coping skills such as working out, yoga, journaling, playing music, dancing, etc. that people can integrate into their life to provide a sense of balance. They also discuss the negative side effects of overusing a singular coping skill and that coping skills will not fix personal issues without outside professional assistance from a therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist. Lukas shares a bit about using alcohol as a teenager to help cope with anxiety and depression but experiencing a damaging effect on his issues during that time. Eugene explains from a Christian worldview how coping skills help us tolerate the stress and issues of life, but it is beneficial to recognize the unmet needs we crave to be met, and how people can search and find their needs met through Jesus Christ.
Lukas discusses his conference experience in November for Missions and Mental Health. Eugene and Lukas talk about challenges that New Sending Countries (NSC) TCKs experience compared to Old Sending Countries (OSC) TCKs. They also explore the idea of cultural humility and how that can be practiced on their end when thinking about traveling overseas, or helping other countries establish mental health systems of care in the church and community. Thanks for listening and make sure to send this out to others who would benefit from this!
Connect with us on our social media:
Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcast
Facebook Page: The Cultured Chameleon
Email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Eugene brings the topic today! Diving into Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and some other interesting tid-bits of theories that help us conceptualize how our thoughts and beliefs can influence anxiety, depression, identity, and belonging. We also use our backgrounds in music and dancing to help discuss these theories and their usefulness. We hope you enjoy the show and share it with a friend! Connect with us on our social media: Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcast Facebook Page: The Cultured Chameleon Email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Eugene and Lukas pivot during this conversation to discuss how boundaries can be helpful for Christian workers (missionaries, pastors, volunteers, etc.) and how it can be difficult for Christians to implement healthy boundaries with others. The conversation also explores cultural considerations for explicit and implicit boundaries in Eugene and Lukas' diverse upbringing. We hope you enjoy these conversations and share them with a friend!
Connect with us on our social media: Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcast Facebook Page: The Cultured Chameleon Email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Eugene and Lukas believe that learning the art and skill of setting boundaries is a life tool that will be used in any country and throughout most peoples' lives. In this episode, Lukas shares psychoeducational material on boundaries, the six different categories we conceptualize boundaries, and a common Dialectical Behavioral skill used in counseling to help people learn how to express their needs, wants, values, and boundaries of course. Thank you for listening and make sure to share with someone you know!
Connect with us on our social media:
Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcast
Facebook Page: The Cultured Chameleon
Email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Eugene and Lukas share personal stories of the significant events and experiences that prompted them to explore and commit to clinical mental health counseling as a career and passion. For those who are interested in pursuing this profession or maybe have an affinity for the healthcare side of things, this is a great podcast that breaks down some basic differences between the career paths of psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors. We also explain why it takes so long to become a clinical mental health counselor and why there seems to be an extensive amount of gatekeeping in the profession. Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy the podcast and have questions for us.
You can always email us at theculturedchameleon@gmail.com or hit us up on our Instagram @theculturedchameleonpodcast with any questions, insights, or things that we might have missed that you would like us to consider more. We are always open to learning!
Eugene and Lukas discuss Attachment Theory and how it can be used to have a basic understanding of interpersonal relations that stem from early childhood experiences and onwards. The God Attachment Theory is an interesting branch out of Attachment Theory that has potential to be used for counseling Christian individuals who may be experiencing psychological distress. We hope you enjoy this episode as we dive into some of the research and understandings of this particular theory.
Connect with us on our social media:
Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcast
Facebook Page: The Cultured Chameleon
Email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Lukas and Eugene meet up with Josiah to talk about his experiences in Latin America where he spent time in Costa Rica and Guatemala during different stages of his early life. We dive into some of the cultural differences and cultural shock aspects he experienced transitioning to Latin America and then when he came back to the United States. Josiah also offers personal tips and insights for other TCKs who are transitioning and what helped him during those years of his life.
Connect with us on our social media:
Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcast
Facebook Page: The Cultured Chameleon
Email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Eugene and Lukas continue the episode with Taylor Joy Murray on exploring Japanese and American identities and how she integrates the most salient ones to who she is. Taylor's official release date for her book "Stop Saying I'm Fine: Finding Stillness when Anxiety Screams" is November 8th. You can find her book on her website: www.taylorjoymurray.co and continue to follow and support her endeavors.
Connect with us on our social media:
Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcast
Facebook Page: The Cultured Chameleon
Email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Eugene and Lukas got to sit down with author and speaker Taylor Joy Murray on her latest upcoming book "Stop Saying I'm Fine: Finding Stillness when Anxiety Screams." Taylor is a third culture kid who grew up in Japan and talks about her upbringing in Japan and America, and how these two cultures impacted her identity and also her struggle with anxiety and anorexia. The conversation was fruitful with helpful information from a mental health perspective and a Christian-spiritual perspective on the topics of anxiety. Check out her website and stay tuned for part two of the conversation next week.
Check out her website: www.taylorjoymurray.co
Connect with us on our social media:
Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcast
Facebook Page: The Cultured Chameleon
Email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Eugene and Lukas find themselves on the 7th week of their podcast and decided to make it a short one. Incorporating some biblical ideas of sabbath and what rest means to them, they discuss how this integrates with the clinical/pop culture practice of self-care.
Connect with us on our social media:
Instagram: @theculturedchameleonpodcast
Facebook Page: The Cultured Chameleon
Email: theculturedchameleon@gmail.com
Lukas and Eugene sit down with Sheri Bukowski, a professional therapist and colleague of Eugene's, to discuss the life of a "military brat." In this discussion we hear the stories of growing up in a military family, the many moves that characterized her life, and how she became who she is today. We also talk about identity formation and sifting through a variety of cultural experiences, how one finds wholeness in the midst of pain, and fun stories about Italian food and getting lost in Italy.
Have you ever had the feeling of being at home inside of an airport? We have, and we decided to explore where that feeling stems from for each of us. Whether it's mailing out 300 letters while waiting for a plane, or rushing to the farthest gate possible, or constantly worrying about your itinerary many of these experiences bring about a sense of being at home for us TCKs.
Lukas and Eugene scratch the surface on the topic of suffering as it relates to their Christian worldview, third culture experiences, and psychological theories that attempt to reason through suffering.
Eugene and Lukas work through some questions that have haunted and continue to haunt them such as "where are you from?" and "but where are you actually from?" The two also dive into some uncomfortable experiences of assimilation, not being understood by the host/home culture, and their journey of understanding their identity.
Lukas and Eugene break down strengths and weaknesses described in the literature for Third Culture Kids. We share some of our own experiences with the described weaknesses and strengths and discuss some of things that helped us such as, building resilience, creating cultural intelligence, establishing social support, and our personal coping skills that helped us adapt into new cultures.
Lukas and Eugene define what a Third Culture Kid (TCK) is and how this podcast is here as a resource for TCKs to share personal stories, multicultural perspectives, and discuss strengths and mental health issues among TCKs.