Comedy, Culture, and Mental Health with James Roque

Content Warning: This podcast includes discussions of mental health. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek immediate help by calling 1737 or your local emergency services. --------- EPISODE SUMMARY --------- In our latest discussion, we welcome James, a stand-up comedian, who shares his personal journey of self-discovery and overcoming cultural barriers. Moving from the Philippines to New Zealand at the age of eight, James talks about the struggles of trying to fit into a new culture and the pressure of assimilation. James also reveals how he discovered his voice in comedy, turning his experiences into relatable humour and providing empowerment. Join us as we explore the complexities of mental health and the societal pressures that can exacerbate these struggles. We discuss the detrimental effects of people-pleasing and the balance between caring too much and not caring at all. James opens up about his struggles with self-esteem, depression, and the societal expectations ingrained by toxic masculinity. He talks about the mental health stigma within Filipino culture and how it can suppress one's ability to express their emotions. The conversation concludes with a thoughtful discussion on how comedy can be a form of therapy, providing a sense of release and joy. We talk about the importance of having a safe space and someone trustworthy to share our thoughts. James reflects on the impact of social media on mental health, the importance of setting boundaries, and the need for responsible use. Finally, we share the power of perspective and how it can help us understand our situation better. We end on a high note, sharing a poem by Carl Sagan that serves as a reminder to stay kind and humble. Tune in for an insightful and heartwarming discussion with James. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:00) - Normalizing Conversations About Mental Health (0:04:12) - Transitioning to New Culture and Fitting In (0:08:44) - Code Switching, People Pleasing, Mental Health (0:13:43) - Mental Health Stigma in Filipino Culture (0:24:28) - Overcoming Stigma and Men's Mental Health (0:27:54) - Therapy and Comedy for Mental Health (0:37:20) - Navigating Social Media and Mental Health (0:43:49) - Zooming Out (0:49:28) - Inspiring Chat With James --------- RESOURCES--------- Findahelpline.com Instagram: @jamesroque31 Tiktok: jamesroque31