Vanessa Sharma, a South Asian woman, struggled with the lack of conversation around the raw and real issues faced by people in her community. She observed that these issues were often swept under the rug, and people hesitated to discuss them. That's what led her to create V Talks, a podcast that provides a platform for people to share their stories and experiences.
The podcast focuses on various topics that are often stigmatized in the South Asian community, such as mental health, facing racism, and other issues. By discussing these topics, Vanessa hopes to break down the barriers that prevent people from talking about them and to promote open and honest communication. V Talks has become a community of people who are passionate about addressing the issues that are important to them.
Trigger warning: blood, cancer
In today’s deeply moving episode of V Talks, Vanessa warmly welcomes her very first guest, Ryan Raza. With courage and eloquence, Ryan not only shares his own journey but also tenderly recounts the story of his late mother, Sherina. Just four months ago, Sherina succumbed to pancreatic cancer, and Ryan beautifully illustrates her unwavering strength throughout her battle. Despite the immense challenges, Sherina radiated both inner and outer beauty, never faltering in her determination to fight the disease. Ryan opens up about the profound pain his mother endured and sheds light on the shortcomings of the Western medical system in providing adequate support. As he reflects on witnessing his vibrant 47-year-old mother relying on 15 medications daily, it underscores the heartbreaking reality of a struggle no one should endure.
During the episode, Ryan generously shares resources for natural medicine and supportive Facebook groups, offering solace and community to those navigating similar journeys. You can see them down below:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/476254899648556/ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/476254899648556/)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/282172185590245/ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/282172185590245/)
https://www.instagram.com/_vanessatalks/ (https://www.instagram.com/_vanessatalks/)
25 Mar 2024
Losing A Parent In Your 20s
In this episode of V Talks, Vanessa delves into the experience of losing a parent in her 20s. She courageously shares the emotional journey of navigating life without her mother. Vanessa candidly discusses the persistent self-doubt and the longing for reassurance in the absence of the person who had always played a vital role in her decision-making process. She opens up about the complexities of coming to terms with her mother's absence.
Moreover, she shares her contemplations about the future, emphasizing the poignant moments where a mother's presence is deeply missed. Vanessa reflects on the bittersweet reality of her mother not being there for current and future milestones such as advancing her career, starting a family, and eventually getting married. She highlights the profound influence her mother's absence has had on shaping her perspective as she navigates life's significant milestones without her guiding presence.
https://www.instagram.com/_vanessatalks/ (https://www.instagram.com/_vanessatalks/)
18 Mar 2024
How V Dealt With Grief
Trigger Warning: This episode contains contents of grief, depression, suicide, and parent loss
In this emotionally charged episode, Vanessa delves into the profound and often complex experience of losing a mother to mental health challenges. She is a mental health advocate and someone who has intimately grappled with this journey themselves. Vanessa navigates the raw emotions, the lingering questions, and the transformative impact of such a loss.
Join us as we honour the memory of mothers lost to mental health struggles and explore the resilience and strength that can emerge from even the darkest of circumstances. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring bond between mother and child and a beacon of hope for anyone grappling with the aftermath of such a profound loss.
If you need help, please know that there are resources available. Here are just a few:
https://www.healingincolour.com/ (https://bcfed.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ca056b1a01009092002205b95&id=0afd7b0937&e=b3d1201ce1)
First Nations Health Authority: Mental Health and Cultural Supports (https://bcfed.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ca056b1a01009092002205b95&id=1109ed8771&e=b3d1201ce1)
Provides free counselling to people of Indigenous heritage.
Healing Takes Time (https://bcfed.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ca056b1a01009092002205b95&id=90beb03d6f&e=b3d1201ce1): Wellness Resources
Suicide: Responding and Keeping People Safe (https://bcfed.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ca056b1a01009092002205b95&id=165c2c0a50&e=b3d1201ce1)
DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society (https://bcfed.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ca056b1a01009092002205b95&id=cb973d686f&e=b3d1201ce1): 604-597-0205—Offers peer support, mental health, and substance misuse services to newcomers and racialized people.
Multicultural Mental Health Resource Centre (https://bcfed.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ca056b1a01009092002205b95&id=2c2089033d&e=b3d1201ce1)
National Queer & Trans Therapists of Colour Network (https://bcfed.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ca056b1a01009092002205b95&id=732602ded0&e=b3d1201ce1)
Vancouver Black Therapy & Advocacy Foundation
(https://bcfed.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ca056b1a01009092002205b95&id=2aec9a6013&e=b3d1201ce1)
https://www.instagram.com/_vanessatalks/ (https://www.instagram.com/_vanessatalks/)
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