Kamalayan: Conversations To Self-Awareness
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.
Episodes
16 episodes
Don't Know What to Say: Communication Struggles in the Filipino Family
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...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 16
•
1:07:16
A Conversation on Conversations
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,...
•
54:39
Conversations about OCD with Kage
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 ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 14
•
56:13
New Year, New You?
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...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 13
•
42:45
Bagong Salta
Literally translated from Filipino as "New Leap", the idiomatic phrase generally refers to a newcomer in any community or environment. In their 12th episode, Stephanie and Leo honor Filipino American History Month in a conver...
•
50:58
Isip Talangka
“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? Stephani...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 11
•
48:50
Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy
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...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 10
•
55:30
Bungangera ka ba o Under da Saya?
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 ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 9
•
53:21
Uy, Ang Taba Mo Na!
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 exper...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 8
•
51:08
Anak ka lang!
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. Jo...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 7
•
50:03
Pamahiin
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 i...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 6
•
42:58
Babang Luksa
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 pro...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 5
•
51:37
Ok Lang 'Yan! Kaya Mo' Yan!
"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? ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 4
•
46:48
Bahala na si Batman
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 ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 3
•
43:29
Shame. Shame. Shame.
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 h...
•
41:27
Managing Anxiety and Stress Amidst the Ongoing Pandemic
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.
•
Season 1
•
Episode 1
•
40:22
