{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/67f4259a546af57906928621/6946f6e7e2b7985fa28d7228?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"#36. GIRL TALK: Overcoming Fears, Going For Hollywood Dreams, & Bà nội Spirit Guides with AAPI actress Isabelle Du","description":"<p>Isabelle Du was my girl crush in high school. I admired how she went after her dreams with everything she had. When we graduated, I dutifully majored in biology and followed the pre-med path my strict Taiwanese father outlined while Isabelle went all out and pursued hers.</p><p><br></p><p>In Asian culture, following your dreams is often looked down upon. We're told we'll fail, that we won't make money, that it brings shame to the family. So I wanted to know what was Isabelle's journey really like? How did she find trust and confidence in herself when the culture around her said otherwise?</p><p><br></p><p>Isabelle is now an actress and international model, and I am so proud of her for representing us as Asian Americans in Hollywood and film. Thank you for going out there Isabelle and for your courage!</p><p><br></p><p>This episode is dedicated to anyone who is struggling with wanting to follow what is in their heart — but is afraid of what their culture, family, or society will think. DO IT! :)</p><p><br></p><p>We talk about:</p><p><strong>Identity &amp; representation:</strong></p><ul><li>What it's like being Asian American in Hollywood and film</li><li>The lack of Asian representation in media growing up</li><li>Being a first generation Vietnamese American pursuing an unconventional path</li><li>Breaking barriers and representing Asian Americans on screen</li></ul><p><strong>Following your calling:</strong></p><ul><li>Knowing from a young age she wanted to model and act</li><li>Going after her dreams against cultural expectations</li><li>What it feels like in your body when you're on the right path</li><li>Trusting your intuition even when everyone doubts you</li></ul><p><strong>The industry:</strong></p><ul><li>Getting scammed early on as a young model</li><li>What it's really like to break into Hollywood</li><li>The hustle, rejection, and resilience required</li><li>Navigating the film and modeling world as an Asian woman</li></ul><p><strong>Asian culture &amp; family:</strong></p><ul><li>The pressure to follow a \"safe\" path</li><li>Shame, saving face, and family expectations</li><li>What it costs to go against your culture</li><li>The hush hush nature of struggle in Asian families</li></ul><p><strong>Spirituality &amp; inner life:</strong></p><ul><li>How spirituality helped her through hard times</li><li>Listening to your inner knowing</li><li>Finding confidence and trust in yourself</li></ul><p><strong>Loss &amp; grief:</strong></p><ul><li>The suicide of a family member</li><li>How grief ripples through an Asian family</li><li>Hope and what to say to someone who is struggling</li></ul><p><br></p><p>***</p><p>Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide and suicide loss. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the 988 Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You are not alone.</p><p><br></p><p>***</p><p><br></p><p>Isabelle Du is a SAG-AFTRA actor, host, and international model working across television, film, and major commercial campaigns. A former Miss Vietnam USA, she has appeared in network and cable series, feature films, and global productions, and continues to advocate for greater Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation in Hollywood. https://www.isabelledu.com/</p><p><br></p><p>***</p><p>Episode Highlights</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 – Introduction</p><p>10:52 – Living the Dream</p><p>13:35 – Choosing Your Own Path</p><p>16:54 – Reframing Setbacks</p><p>20:12 – Navigating a Strict Upbringing</p><p>23:20 – Developing Discernment</p><p>36:50 – Seeking Guidance Beyond Yourself</p><p>43:20 – A Life-Saving Moment</p><p>52:51 – No Carbon Copies</p><p>01:07:50 – The Kaizen Mindset</p><p>01:20:40 – Persistence &amp; Perspective</p><p>01:28:32 – Believing in a Bigger Life</p><p>01:29:15 – Closing Thoughts</p><p><br></p><p>**</p><p>“I think confidence comes from being your own best friend—really knowing yourself, enjoying who you are, and continuing to have that relationship with yourself.”</p><p>— Isabelle Du</p><p><br></p><p>“All the answers I had sought were answered by just continuing to live. When you continue to live, you’ll get the answers anyway.” — Isabelle Du</p><p><br></p><p>***</p><p>Web: www.drvictoriaranade.com</p><p>Looking for mental health care? Check out Hope+Wellness at www.hope-wellness.com</p><p>IG: @drvictoriaranade</p><p>Connect with our show on <a href=\"https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=09a41a35735c4f91\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Spotify</a>, <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBHVIQt-Mti9jjKBhiyFyGw\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">YouTube</a>, <a href=\"https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ed3a0228-56ab-4095-8f0e-63e9a76bc965/inner-calling-with-dr-victoria\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon</a></p><p>If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, subscribe or write a review. We're an indie podcast so your support means a lot! :)</p><p>Learn more at<a href=\"https://open.acast.com/networks/67d4b61d4fe212e56193a763/shows/67f4259a546af57906928621/episodes/www.%20innercalling.org\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"> innercalling.org</a></p>","author_name":"Dr. Victoria Ranade"}