Connectopod™

Chinatown Oral History Project-Interview with the Teen Council

Connectopod is back at the Los Angeles Public Library Chinatown Branch to visit with the Teen Council. The current Teen Council members are a mix of new members and returning members - some of whom have been organizing in their community for two or three years! Some of the council members are grandchildren of the elders that live in the SROs, making the Chinatown Oral History Project especially personal to them. Listen as council members tell us why they joined the Teen Council, why they find the food delivery project so important for the residents of Chinatown, and what it means to serve their community. 
Special thanks to Chinatown Teen Council Members for this interview:
Rebecca Yu, President of the Chinatown Teen Council
Jinglan Zhang, Vice President
Michelle Chui, Sunshine Leader
Tiffany Seto & Karen Lin, Social Media Managers
Zherui Cheng & Becky Lei, Outreach Coordinators
Ashlyn Ing, Secretary
Darren Lui, Teen Council Member
About the Teen Council
Since July 2022, these dedicated members of the Teen Council have spearheaded a grocery delivery program at the Chinatown Library, witnessing firsthand the harsh realities faced by the seniors they serve. These elders, living below the poverty line, confront the disruptive impacts of gentrification in Chinatown, jeopardizing their ability to remain in their homes. Driven by empathy, the teens have embraced the responsibility of documenting and sharing the personal narratives of these seniors and advocating for the rights of the immigrant community
Producer: Betsy Foldes Meiman
 

restrictED Episode 06- A Sibling's Love Always Wins

In this episode, host, Melissa Peruch, interviews Georgeanna Gaines, an individual who had to juggle multiple worlds at once: her younger sibling’s eating disorder, her senior year, transitioning to college, moving away from home, and discovering her own identity. Georgie has taken her experience in helping the voices of other siblings be raised and, through her story, shows us that a sibling’s love always wins. Thank you so much for joining us!
 
Transcript Available for restrictED Episode 06 (link)
 
Guest: Georgeanna Gaines
 
Support Group Registration: Caregiver or Sibling Support Group Registration Form 
ANAD Recovery Support Group Registration: Support Group Registration Form 
 
Eating Disorder Definitions:
Beat Eating Disorders: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/about-eating-disorders/types/ 
Healthline Nutrition: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/common-eating-disorders#other-types 
 
Resources for Support:
Books:
"Life Without Ed" by Jenni Schaefer
"Hunger for Life" by Andy Marr
"Good Girls: A Story & Study of Anorexia" by Hadley Freeman
“Brave Girl Eating: A Family’s Struggle With Anorexia” by Harriet Brown
Podcasts: 
"Unrestrict-ED" (https://open.spotify.com/show/0XOxPP7kAWRC9CZLlH5U1m?si=12dff0b16f0a49d7")
"The Eating Disorder Diaries" (https://open.spotify.com/show/7iVxO2jieeKqsno3YVeFUe?si=ba14e7adfa414243)
"Psychology Unplugged" (https://open.spotify.com/show/7wkYuqWC8z51nfetiZCTbT?si=166381c8df0142f0)
"Therapy Thoughts" (https://open.spotify.com/show/4298EkFJWEK6VAxKARB7bS?si=47983d98f9374d9e)
Youtube Channels:
Abbey Sharp (https://youtube.com/@AbbeysKitchen?si=F9uGdsXDNZVm8HWz) 
Ro Mitchell (https://www.youtube.com/@RoMitchell)
Linda Sun (https://www.youtube.com/@lindasunyt)
Sierra Ann (https://www.youtube.com/@SierraAnn)
Resources:
Project Heal (https://www.theprojectheal.org/) 
National Associated of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders- ANAD (https://anad.org/)
Mind Blossom (https://mindblossom.org/) 
Mind Blossom Course: "Navigating Eating Disorders: Education & Support through Expert Guidance" (https://mindblossom.org/navigatingeatingdisorderscourse/) 
F.E.A.S.T. (https://www.feast-ed.org/)
F.E.A.S.T. Webinar: "The Effect of Eating Disorders on Siblings: An Authentic Conversation" (https://youtu.be/hiDw8jN7D0o) 
Eating Disorder Hope (https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/)
Project HEAL (https://www.theprojectheal.org/)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation (https://bddfoundation.org/)
Teen Line (https://www.teenline.org/)
The Tribe (https://support.therapytribe.com/)
Samaritans (https://samaritanshope.org/)
Contacts:
ANAD Helpline- 1 (888) 375-7767
National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline- 1 (866) 662-1235
Suicide & Crisis Helpline- 988
Crisis Text Line- "HOME" to 741-741
Produced By: Melissa Peruch (@p3ruch.me)

Changing the Narrative: Unhoused Youth season 2 ep1

We are back for Season 2 of CTN:UY! Producer Betsy Foldes Meiman talks with Gayle Alvarez, YDHP Resource Coordinator,  and Olga Flores , director of  Housing Services, from the Village Family Services in North Hollywood. How will Season 2 be different than season 1? Gayle Alvarez who went from participant in CTN in 2021 to Associate Producer wants to explore the journey from homeless to housed with a cohort of youth doing just that.
 
Here are some of things we mentioned in the this episode
Check out Changing the Narrative: Unhoused Youth Season 1 
or just the recap here
Levi Ponce and the Stories of the TAY mural
LA Weekly at Hope of the Valley Navigation Center
 
Original them song by Joe Foldes
Changing the Narrative season 2 is made possible by a generous grant from the California Arts Council.
 
 
 

restrictED Episode 05- Coaching Recovery to Make It Possible

In this episode, host, Melissa Peruch, interviews Jennifer Mullaney, who introduces us to a newly discovered realm of eating disorder recovery. She shares the work she had done in this industry, shares her early struggle with an eating disorder, and demonstrates to us all that full recovery is indeed possible. Thank you so much for joining us!
 
Transcript Available for restrictED Episode 05 (link)
 
Guest: Jennifer Mullaney
Instagram: @recoveredispossible 
Website: https://www.recoveredispossible.com/
 
Eating Disorder Definitions:
Beat Eating Disorders: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/about-eating-disorders/types/ 
Healthline Nutrition: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/common-eating-disorders#other-types 
 
Resources for Support:
Books:
"Life Without Ed" by Jenni Schaefer
"Hunger for Life" by Andy Marr
"Good Girls: A Story & Study of Anorexia" by Hadley Freeman
“Brave Girl Eating: A Family’s Struggle With Anorexia” by Harriet Brown
Podcasts: 
"Unrestrict-ED" (https://open.spotify.com/show/0XOxPP7kAWRC9CZLlH5U1m?si=12dff0b16f0a49d7")
"The Eating Disorder Diaries" (https://open.spotify.com/show/7iVxO2jieeKqsno3YVeFUe?si=ba14e7adfa414243)
"Psychology Unplugged" (https://open.spotify.com/show/7wkYuqWC8z51nfetiZCTbT?si=166381c8df0142f0)
"Therapy Thoughts" (https://open.spotify.com/show/4298EkFJWEK6VAxKARB7bS?si=47983d98f9374d9e)
Youtube Channels:
Abbey Sharp (https://youtube.com/@AbbeysKitchen?si=F9uGdsXDNZVm8HWz) 
Ro Mitchell (https://www.youtube.com/@RoMitchell)
Linda Sun (https://www.youtube.com/@lindasunyt)
Sierra Ann (https://www.youtube.com/@SierraAnn)
Resources:
Project Heal (https://www.theprojectheal.org/) 
National Associated of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders- ANAD (https://anad.org/)
F.E.A.S.T. (https://www.feast-ed.org/)
Eating Disorder Hope (https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/)
Project HEAL (https://www.theprojectheal.org/)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation (https://bddfoundation.org/)
Teen Line (https://www.teenline.org/)
The Tribe (https://support.therapytribe.com/)
Samaritans (https://samaritanshope.org/)
Contacts:
ANAD Helpline- 1 (888) 375-7767
National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline- 1 (866) 662-1235
Suicide & Crisis Helpline- 988
Crisis Text Line- "HOME" to 741-741
Produced By: Melissa Peruch (@p3ruch.me)
 
 

Connectopod presents: Mind Matters

Meet 11th Grader Nysha Prasad who will explore youth perspectives on mental health with her peers and health professionals as host of Mind Matters!

restrictED Episode 04- The Pressure of Having to Look Sick for the Role

In this episode, host, Melissa Peruch, interviews an individual, who reflects on their years struggling with not just an eating disorder, but the neglect and invalidation they received from professionals. They had to grapple with reality and their emotions when their disorder was not believed since they didn’t “look sick enough” to play the part. Thank you so much for joining us!
Transcript Available for restrictED Episode 04 (link)
 
Eating Disorder Definitions:
Beat Eating Disorders: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/about-eating-disorders/types/ 
Healthline Nutrition: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/common-eating-disorders#other-types 
 
Resources for Support:
Books:
"Life Without Ed" by Jenni Schaefer
"Hunger for Life" by Andy Marr
"Good Girls: A Story & Study of Anorexia" by Hadley Freeman
“Brave Girl Eating: A Family’s Struggle With Anorexia” by Harriet Brown
Podcasts: 
"Unrestrict-ED" (https://open.spotify.com/show/0XOxPP7kAWRC9CZLlH5U1m?si=12dff0b16f0a49d7")
"The Eating Disorder Diaries" (https://open.spotify.com/show/7iVxO2jieeKqsno3YVeFUe?si=ba14e7adfa414243)
"Psychology Unplugged" (https://open.spotify.com/show/7wkYuqWC8z51nfetiZCTbT?si=166381c8df0142f0)
"Therapy Thoughts" (https://open.spotify.com/show/4298EkFJWEK6VAxKARB7bS?si=47983d98f9374d9e)
Youtube Channels:
Abbey Sharp (https://youtube.com/@AbbeysKitchen?si=F9uGdsXDNZVm8HWz) 
Ro Mitchell (https://www.youtube.com/@RoMitchell)
Linda Sun (https://www.youtube.com/@lindasunyt)
Sierra Ann (https://www.youtube.com/@SierraAnn)
Resources:
National Associated of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders- ANAD (https://anad.org/)
F.E.A.S.T. (https://www.feast-ed.org/)
Eating Disorder Hope (https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/)
Project HEAL (https://www.theprojectheal.org/)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation (https://bddfoundation.org/)
Teen Line (https://www.teenline.org/)
The Tribe (https://support.therapytribe.com/)
Samaritans (https://samaritanshope.org/)
Contacts:
ANAD Helpline- 1 (888) 375-7767
National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline- 1 (866) 662-1235
Suicide & Crisis Helpline- 988
Crisis Text Line- "HOME" to 741-741
Produced By: Melissa Peruch (@p3ruch.me)

restrictED Episode 03- A Brother Unseen

In this episode, host, Melissa Peruch, interviews her brother, Moises Peruch, who brings with him the perspective of a younger sibling trying to understand the world around them when much of it is centered on the strange concept of his sister’s war with food. Moises finally shares some of the emotions he tried to navigate as an 11-year-old and where the experience has brought him now, five years later. Thank you so much for joining us!
Transcript Available for restrictED Episode 03 (link)
Guest: Moises Peruch
Instagram: @jstvibinbruv 
 
Eating Disorder Definitions:
Beat Eating Disorders: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/about-eating-disorders/types/ 
Healthline Nutrition: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/common-eating-disorders#other-types 
 
Resources for Support:
Books:
"Life Without Ed" by Jenni Schaefer
"Hunger for Life" by Andy Marr
"Good Girls: A Story & Study of Anorexia" by Hadley Freeman
“Brave Girl Eating: A Family’s Struggle With Anorexia” by Harriet Brown
Podcasts: 
"Unrestrict-ED" (https://open.spotify.com/show/0XOxPP7kAWRC9CZLlH5U1m?si=12dff0b16f0a49d7")
"The Eating Disorder Diaries" (https://open.spotify.com/show/7iVxO2jieeKqsno3YVeFUe?si=ba14e7adfa414243)
"Psychology Unplugged" (https://open.spotify.com/show/7wkYuqWC8z51nfetiZCTbT?si=166381c8df0142f0)
"Therapy Thoughts" (https://open.spotify.com/show/4298EkFJWEK6VAxKARB7bS?si=47983d98f9374d9e)
Youtube Channels:
Abbey Sharp (https://youtube.com/@AbbeysKitchen?si=F9uGdsXDNZVm8HWz) 
Ro Mitchell (https://www.youtube.com/@RoMitchell)
Linda Sun (https://www.youtube.com/@lindasunyt)
Sierra Ann (https://www.youtube.com/@SierraAnn)
Resources:
National Associated of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders- ANAD (https://anad.org/)
F.E.A.S.T. (https://www.feast-ed.org/)
Eating Disorder Hope (https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/)
Project HEAL (https://www.theprojectheal.org/)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation (https://bddfoundation.org/)
Teen Line (https://www.teenline.org/)
The Tribe (https://support.therapytribe.com/)
Samaritans (https://samaritanshope.org/)
Contacts:
ANAD Helpline- 1 (888) 375-7767
National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline- 1 (866) 662-1235
Suicide & Crisis Helpline- 988
Crisis Text Line- "HOME" to 741-741
Produced By: Melissa Peruch (@p3ruch.me)

restrictED Episode 02- What It Means to Be A "Scared Dad Feeding"

In this episode, host, Melissa Peruch, interviews Kevin Olmsted, a father who experienced an eating disorder through a caregiver's perspective. Kevin opens up about his story, reflects on his experience, touches on some of the myths about eating disorders, and shares what drove his book publication. Thank you so much for joining us!
Transcript Available for restrictED Episode 02 (link)
Guest: Kevin Olmsted 
Phone Number: (415) 312-2393
Email: Kevin.olmsted@gmail.com
Website/Book: https://www.scareddadfeeding.com/ 
 
Eating Disorder Definitions:
Beat Eating Disorders: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/about-eating-disorders/types/ 
Healthline Nutrition: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/common-eating-disorders#other-types 
 
Key Definitions: 
Family and Medical Leave Act- the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 is a United States labor law requiring covered employers to provide employees with job-protected, unpaid leave for qualified medical and family reasons.
Family Based Treatment (FBT)- Family-Based Treatment, or FBT, is a type of psychological treatment to treat eating disorders. It is offered by therapists who are trained in the method and follow the FBT treatment manuals. FBT is a type of family therapy, where the patient and the family visit the therapist together. FBT differs from most family therapy approaches for eating disorders:
FBT is “agnostic” about the cause of eating disorders, and does not try to find underlying issues or causes.
Parents are asked to take over decisions about food for the first part of treatment.
Siblings are included.
Therapists coach parents in finding their own solutions to challenges during treatment.
Food is medicine.
There is a “family meal” session early in treatment where patients are asked to resist, and parents are coached on how to overcome resistance.
Orthosatic- a decrease in blood pressure that happens soon after standing or sitting up. 
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)- PHP patients have individual therapy twice weekly and meet with their dieticians once weekly to establish a meal plan and discuss nutritional guidelines. They are also evaluated weekly, monitored medically, and complete lab work and other necessary testing by a nurse practitioner. 
Residential Programs- residential treatment is conducted in a home-like environment. The patient will stay in a bedroom and share a living space with other program participants. The focus of a residential program is treating the psychological and emotional aspects of an eating disorder, but the patient will still have 24-hour access to medical staff to ensure they are provided the best care possible.
 
Resources for Support:
Books:
"Life Without Ed" by Jenni Schaefer
"Hunger for Life" by Andy Marr
"Good Girls: A Story & Study of Anorexia" by Hadley Freeman
“Brave Girl Eating: A Family’s Struggle With Anorexia” by Harriet Brown
Podcasts: 
"Unrestrict-ED" (https://open.spotify.com/show/0XOxPP7kAWRC9CZLlH5U1m?si=12dff0b16f0a49d7")
"The Eating Disorder Diaries" (https://open.spotify.com/show/7iVxO2jieeKqsno3YVeFUe?si=ba14e7adfa414243)
"Psychology Unplugged" (https://open.spotify.com/show/7wkYuqWC8z51nfetiZCTbT?si=166381c8df0142f0)
"Therapy Thoughts" (https://open.spotify.com/show/4298EkFJWEK6VAxKARB7bS?si=47983d98f9374d9e)
Youtube Channels:
Ro Mitchell (https://www.youtube.com/@RoMitchell)
Linda Sun (https://www.youtube.com/@lindasunyt)
Sierra Ann (https://www.youtube.com/@SierraAnn)
Resources:
National Associated of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders- ANAD (https://anad.org/)
F.E.A.S.T. (https://www.feast-ed.org/)
Eating Disorder Hope (https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/)
Project HEAL (https://www.theprojectheal.org/)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation (https://bddfoundation.org/)
Teen Line (https://www.teenline.org/)
The Tribe (https://support.therapytribe.com/)
Samaritans (https://samaritanshope.org/)
Contacts:
ANAD Helpline- 1 (888) 375-7767
National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline- 1 (866) 662-1235
Suicide & Crisis Helpline- 988
Crisis Text Line- "HOME" to 741-741
Produced By: Melissa Peruch (@p3ruch.me)

Chinatown Oral History Project-John Yi

Join Malia Mahelona-Janilkarn, Caleb Leong, Michelle Chiu, and Ryan, dedicated members of the Teen Council at the Los Angeles Public Library-Chinatown branch, as they delve into the heart of their community's concerns. In this episode, they sit down with John Yi, Candidate for District 54 California State Assembly, to explore the pivotal role of local governance and its impact on Chinatown.
As they navigate the responsibilities and powers of the State Assembly, listeners gain insight into how legislative decisions directly affect the fabric of Chinatown. John Yi, a passionate advocate for seniors' rights and quality of life, brings a fresh perspective to the table, offering innovative solutions to longstanding issues.
find out more: https://www.johnforassembly.com
About the Teen Council
Since July 2022, these dedicated members of the Teen Council have spearheaded a grocery delivery program at the Chinatown Library, witnessing  firsthand the harsh realities faced by the seniors they serve. These elders, living below the poverty line, confront the disruptive impacts of gentrification in Chinatown, jeopardizing their ability to remain in their homes. Driven by empathy, the teens have embraced the responsibility of documenting and sharing the personal narratives of these seniors, and advocating for the rights of the immigrant community
Producer: Betsy Foldes Meiman
Assistant Producer: Melissa Peruch
 
 

restrictED Episode 01- Overview of Eating Disorders

In this episode, host, Melissa Peruch, discusses an overview of eating disorders and goals for this series with Betsy Foldes Meiman, from Connectopod. The mission of restrictED is to open these types of conversations, help spread awareness, and take down serious stereotypes. Melissa shares her personal journey with an eating disorder, how her battle made her stronger, and how it is possible to no longer be restrictED. Thank you so much for joining us!
Transcript Available for restrictED Episode 01 (link)
Resources for Support;
Books:
"Life Without Ed" by Jenni Schaefer
"Hunger for Life" by Andy Marr
"Good Girls: A Story & Study of Anorexia" by Hadley Freeman
Podcasts: 
"Unrestrict-ED" (https://open.spotify.com/show/0XOxPP7kAWRC9CZLlH5U1m?si=12dff0b16f0a49d7")
"The Eating Disorder Diaries" (https://open.spotify.com/show/7iVxO2jieeKqsno3YVeFUe?si=ba14e7adfa414243)
"Psychology Unplugged" (https://open.spotify.com/show/7wkYuqWC8z51nfetiZCTbT?si=166381c8df0142f0)
"Therapy Thoughts" (https://open.spotify.com/show/4298EkFJWEK6VAxKARB7bS?si=47983d98f9374d9e)
Youtube Channels:
Ro Mitchell (https://www.youtube.com/@RoMitchell)
Linda Sun (https://www.youtube.com/@lindasunyt)
Sierra Ann (https://www.youtube.com/@SierraAnn)
Resources:
National Associated of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders- ANAD (https://anad.org/)
F.E.A.S.T. (https://www.feast-ed.org/)
Eating Disorder Hope (https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/)
Project HEAL (https://www.theprojectheal.org/)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation (https://bddfoundation.org/)
Teen Line (https://www.teenline.org/)
The Tribe (https://support.therapytribe.com/)
Samaritans (https://samaritanshope.org/)
Contacts:
ANAD Helpline- 1 (888) 375-7767
National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline- 1 (866) 662-1235
Suicide & Crisis Helpline- 988
Crisis Text Line- "HOME" to 741-741
Produced By: Melissa Peruch (@p3ruch.me)