Interracial Friendships, Cultural Curiosity, and Deepening Connection with Emily Brennan, LAC

Conversations Brewing Podcast

This week Divya and Ravisha are joined by Emily Brennan, a Phoenix-based therapist, mental health advocate, and host of Because We Went To Therapy podcast. Emily is committed to cultural curiosity, anti-racism, and is not only a colleague to the CB duo, but also a close friend (Divya is the Matron of Honor in Emily's wedding this October!). The conversation is inspired by BIPOC Mental Health Month and how Divya, Ravisha, and Emily know how friendship plays a huge role into one's well-being and mental health.

The three of them know that race can be a tough topic to talk about, and how as a society we more-so discuss 'interracial relationships' (romantic) but not as much friendships. (A 2014 study showed that 3 out of 4 white people do not have a BIPOC friend...wild!!!) They start by reflecting on how race plays into friendships from a young age, and how as people get older they tend to talk less about race. Divya and Ravisha share their experiences with interracial relationships - and how their experiences shaped their own racial and cultural identity development.

Divya shares her experience being mostly in interracial friendships (how most her friends are white) and how healing discussing race and culture has been in her friendships. She discusses Emily's advocacy and curiosity in their own friendship and how her cultural curiosity gave her room to feel seen, validated, and normalize her cultural experiences.

Along with lots of real talks, authenticity, and diving deep in this episode, the three cover...

• How and why race is uncomfortable to talk about, and how to break the cycle of 'not discussing race'
• How discussing race can deepen authenticity and connection in relationships
• Why people stray from interracial friendships and how this can be harmful for all people
• How to ask questions about race and culture (and why there are no "wrong questions!!")
• A guide on how to bring up and share issues on race

Article mentioned: https://goop.com/wellness/relationships/how-to-talk-about-race-and-racism/

Find Emily Brennan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becausewewenttotherapy/

Divya Robin, LMHC - @mindmatterswithdiv

Ravisha Saini - @raysofravisha

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