Adoption, Family Secrets, and Healing with Carlyn Montes De Oca, Author of "Junkyard Girl"
Art Heals All Wounds
11/01/23
•45m
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Animal advocate Carlyn Montes De Oca embarked on a journey of self-discovery when she took a commercial DNA test in 2019. Expecting to uncover her Jewish heritage within her Hispanic bloodline, Carlyn was stunned to learn that she had been adopted at birth. This revelation shattered her sense of identity, as she discovered that her entire extended family, including 63 first cousins, were aware of her adoption but had kept it a secret from her. Determined to piece together her origin story, Carlyn began a relentless mission to uncover the truth about her past and find out who she truly was. Combining two stories in her new book, Junkyard Girl - her search for her biological family and the story of growing up with loving, overprotective parents, who also happened to be hoarders - Carlyn embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery.
CARLYN MONTES DE OCA is a multi-award winning author of Dog as My Doctor, Cat as My Nurse and Paws for the Good Stuff. She is an international speaker, animal-human health expert, and passionate animal advocate. Ten percent of every purchase of her book Junkyard Girl benefits Animal Protection New Mexico.
Key Topics:
- Discovering the Adoption
- Growing Up First-Generation Latina
- The Impact of the Adoption Revelation
- Coping with Loneliness and Shame
- Finding Healing through Writing and Art
- Advocating for Animal Welfare
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Previous Episode
Dr. Tasha Golden is an international speaker and consultant, a career singer/songwriter, and a public health scientist. In this episode, Tasha shares with us her work on the Arts On Prescription Field Guide, a resource that seeks to integrate arts, culture, and nature into medical care to promote overall well-being and not just the absence of disease. Tasha's extensive research and personal experiences as an artist have led her to some incredible insights on how the arts can play a transformative role in healing and supporting individuals. Drawing from her own experience with depression, she shares how medicine, by integrating art, can transform the health of individuals and communities. Arts on Prescription Field Guide is a resource for anyone looking for guidance on how to include equitable, accessible, and community-based arts, culture, and nature as part of health care.
Key Topics
Integrating Arts, Culture, and Nature into Medical Care for Well-being
Arts On Prescription Field Guide created by Tasha Golden, PhD
The Field Guide's focus on promoting well-being, not just the absence of disease
Historical lack of equity and inclusion in arts, culture, and nature institutions
Opportunities for Arts on Prescription to enhance equity, inclusion, and community-centered focus
The role of grassroots initiatives in long-term success
Transformation and personal growth resulting from the experience of depression
Tasha Golden's shift to studying and researching mental health
Partnership between Mass Cultural Council and University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine
- Launch of Culture Rx as the first statewide arts and prescription program in the US
Barrier between clinical health and community-based health
Importance of integrating healthcare with beneficial resources outside of traditional settings
The need for a field guide to access community resources
Tasha Golden's experience as a musician and connecting with audience members
Bridging the gap between sharing stories in music venues and clinical spaces
Supporting survivors and those with mental illness through shared experiences
Importance of considering the needs of human beings for thriving environments
- Addressing root causes and structural solutions for improved access to thriving environments
Shifting from reactive to proactive approaches in health
Ensuring equitable availability of resources for well-being
Redefining health as the presence of complete well-being
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Next Episode
Adoption, Secrets, and Identity: Christina YR Lim’s Film 'B-Side for Taylor'
November 8, 2023
•31m
In this episode of 'Art Heals All Wounds', I speak with filmmaker Christina YR Lim about 'B-Side for Taylor', a film that explores adoption, identity, and family secrets. As a contribution to National Adoption Awareness Month, the discussion centers around the film's storyline, which follows a Korean American adoptee's journey to learn more about her origins as well as dealing with her adoptive mother's death. The film also dives into the complex dynamics around adoption and the need for open and honest communication within families. Uzzell and Lim discuss the rich themes and choices in character development, shedding light on how art can be an avenue for exploring and addressing societal issues.
00:12 Introduction to Art Heals All Wounds
00:47 Exploring the Theme of Adoption
01:05 Unveiling Family Secrets
01:40 Invitation to Share Your Story
02:11 Interview with Film Director Christina YR Lim
02:37 Exploring the Film 'B-Side for Taylor'
03:42 Unraveling the Plot Twists
04:31 Conversation with Christina YR Lim
04:48 Behind the Scenes of 'B-Side for Taylor'
08:11 Exploring the Theme of Family Secrets
11:54 Understanding the Characters in 'B-Side for Taylor'
23:40 The Open-Ended Nature of the Film
28:21 Finding Christina YR Lim and 'B-Side for Taylor'
29:24 Closing Remarks
Don't forget to go to my website and leave me YOUR story of belonging to feature on a future episode!Buy Me a Coffee!Follow Christina YR Lim!
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