TW: Abuse, Trauma, Justice System

This conversation contains discussions around emotional and psychological abuse, patterns of manipulation, and systemic injustice toward survivors. We encourage you to prioritize your mental well-being and pause if needed.

This week on Bare and Brutal, Michelle sits down with Noelle Cope, writer and founder of Notes from the In-Between, to talk about what survivor advocacy really looks like. Noelle shares her story and unpacks the complexity of abusive dynamics—like future faking, financial manipulation, and emotional coercion—that the justice system still doesn’t know how to hold.

They explore what it means to be believed, how creative outlets support healing, and how first-gen survivors often carry the weight of both survival and visibility.

If you’re a first-gen founder or creative trying to build something powerful while healing from something painful, this episode will speak directly to you.

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Dr. Lisette Sanchez, a bilingual and bicultural psychologist, joins Michelle Mirza to unpack the complex layers of healing for first-gen professionals and the BIPOC community.

From growing up in the San Fernando Valley to navigating family expectations and becoming a mental health advocate, Dr. Sanchez shares powerful insights on community, cultural dynamics, and reclaiming your narrative.

This episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t happen in isolation—and that your story matters.

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What if the key to healing your deepest wounds was already within you—just waiting for you to breathe?

This week on Bare & Brutal, breathwork coach and trauma survivor Robyn Gutierrez shares how her journey through domestic violence and emotional pain led her to discover the transformative power of breath.

We explore self-love, nervous system healing, inner child work, and how science-backed somatic practices can unlock clarity, peace, and purpose.

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In this powerful episode of Bare and Brutal, host Michelle sits down with Emma To, Vietnamese American nurse anesthetist and grief coach, to explore the deep intersections of childhood trauma, grief, burnout, and intergenerational healing. Emma shares what it was like growing up in Mississippi as a Vietnamese immigrant in a predominantly Black and white community, and how the sudden loss of her two brothers forced her to confront long-buried wounds.

Whether you’re navigating grief, healing from generational trauma, or searching for purpose, this conversation offers raw truth, hope, and a reminder that healing is possible—even when it feels out of reach.

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Trigger Warning:

This episode contains discussions of trauma, including references to sexual trauma and assault. Please take care while listening and honor your needs—feel free to pause, skip, or come back to it when you’re in a safe space.

After an 8-month hiatus, Bare and Brutal returns with Carrie Hennessy and Ellen Garavati of Smash Up Somatics. In this powerful conversation, we explore the connection between voice, movement, and trauma healing.

If you’ve felt disconnected from your body or struggled to express emotions in words, this episode reveals how somatic work and sound can reconnect you to your inner truth and support deep emotional healing.

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TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions on sensitive topics, including suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation, which some listeners may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised.

Summary

Andrew Jang, an entrepreneur and trailblazer in the fashion industry, shares his journey of resilience and transformation. From facing legal challenges and personal struggles to rebuilding his life and pursuing his passion in the fashion industry, Andrew's story is a testament to the power of accountability and personal growth.

In this conversation, Andrew Jang discusses his decision to leave his old identity behind and transform into a new person. He reflects on the mistakes he made in the past and the opportunity he had to rebuild his life. Andrew also talks about the challenges of clearing his name and the reactions he received when asking for forgiveness.

He shares his thoughts on suicide and offers a message of hope and understanding for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Andrew emphasizes the importance of time and learning to live with depression and anxiety. He also discusses his work in the fashion industry and encourages others to embrace their authenticity.

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Angela Wu, a Taiwanese-American licensed mental health therapist, shares her journey of reclaiming her cultural identity and supporting mental health within the Asian American community.

In this episode, we hear her experiences as a former teacher, the impact of discovering her undocumented status, and the challenges she faced. Angela also opens up about her conflicts with her identity and the trauma of experiencing assault, highlighting the importance of therapy and healing.

The conversation covers themes of mental health, cultural identity, intergenerational trauma, and healing within the Asian American community. It explores the impact of shame, guilt, and the model minority stereotype on mental health. The journey of reclaiming cultural identity and the importance of open, vulnerable conversations with parents are also highlighted.

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The Sassy Asian Therapist Website

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