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The CultureHug Podcast

The CultureHug Podcast

By: Culture Hug
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 CultureHug is a podcast that brings people closer through the power of real talk, raw stories, and radical empathy. Created by a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a deep passion for cross-cultural connection, CultureHug explores what makes us different—and what brings us beautifully together.

Each episode dives into a wide range of interesting topics—from decoding cultural norms, challenging bias, to exploring the role of food, traditions, and historical trauma. We’ll ask the bold questions you’ve been too afraid to voice, and share practical skills to help you connect across cultures with authenticity and respect.

Whether you’re curious, confused, or simply craving deeper connection in a divided world, CultureHug is your space to learn, unlearn, and grow. One hug (and one episode) at a time.Copyright Culture Hug Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Unpacking Psychosis: Language, Connection & Care

    Unpacking Psychosis: Language, Connection & Care
    Jul 5 2025
    In this episode of The CultureHug Podcast, we explore how to support loved ones experiencing psychosis or other serious mental health challenges with empathy and respect. Learn how to use person-centered language, communicate with care, reduce stigma, and stay grounded in compassion—even when things feel uncertain. We’ll also talk about the importance of caregiver well-being, validating without reinforcing delusions, and why connection is a powerful form of support. Whether you’re a friend, family member, or simply want to understand mental illness better, this episode offers tools to navigate tough conversations and build deeper understanding.

    Sources:
    • Bulthuis, E. (n.d.). 7 terms to avoid when talking about mental illnesses. HealthPartners Blog.
    • California Department of Health Care Services. (n.d.). CARE Act Family Resource Guide.
    • CooperRiis. (2023, April 6). Communicating Effectively with Loved Ones Who Have Psychosis. Psychology Today.
    • Cunha, F., Santos, I., Castro, N., Andrade, R., Almeida, E., Abreu, J., Martins, J., & Borges, S. (2024, August 27). Peer Support in Psychosis Care: A Valuable Resource for Recovery. European Psychiatry, 67(Suppl 1), S389–S390.
    • Early Psychosis Care Center Missouri. (n.d.). EPC Toolkit - Early Psychosis Care Missouri.
    • Fett, A.-K. J., Hanssen, E., Eemers, M., Peters, E., & Shergill, S. S. (2021, June 15). Social isolation and psychosis: an investigation of social interactions and paranoia in daily life. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 272, 119–127.
    • Mental Health First Aid International. (2022). PSYCHOSIS: MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID GUIDELINES (2019 Version 2.3).
    • Monahan, Z., Stone, T., Swami, V., Dunn, K., & Hartwell, M. (2025, April 22). The Use of Person-Centered Language in Scientific Research Articles Focused on Psychosis. Advocate Aurora Health, Inc., 12(2), 56–62.
    • National Mental Health Hotline. (n.d.). How to Talk to Someone Experiencing Psychosis.
    • NSW Health. (n.d.). How can I communicate with someone experiencing psychosis?.
    • Runkle, K. (2019, June 18). Psychosis: Responding to a Loved One in the Face of Uncertainty. NAMI.
    • Shahwan, S., Goh, C. M. J., Tan, G. T. H., Ong, W. J., Chong, S. A., & Subramaniam, M. (2022, January 31). Strategies to Reduce Mental Illness Stigma: Perspectives of People with Lived Experience and Caregivers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3), 1632.
    • Tee, H., Priebe, S., Santos, C., Xanthopoulou, P., Webber, M., & Giacco, D. (2020, January 29). Helping people with psychosis to expand their social networks: the stakeholders’ views. BMC Psychiatry, 20, Article 29.
    • Treatment Advocacy Center. (n.d.). Communication Tips.
    • University of Washington. (n.d.). How to support a loved one through psychosis | Psyche Guides.
    • Verywell Mind. (2024, July 29). Thinking Process Abnormalities in Schizophrenia.
    • Volkow, N. D., Gordon, J. A., & Koob, G. F. (2021, July 19). Choosing appropriate language to reduce the stigma around mental illness and substance use disorders. Molecular Psychiatry, 46(13), 2230–2232.
    • Weittenhiller, L. P., Mikhail, M. E., Mote, J., Campellone, T. R., & Kring, A. M. (2021, January 19). What gets in the way of social engagement in schizophrenia?. World Journal of Psychiatry, 11(1), 13–26.
    • White, T. P., Borgan, F., Ralley, O., & Shergill, S. S. (2015, September 4). You looking at me?: Interpreting social cues in schizophrenia. Psychological Medicine, 46(1), 149–160.
    • York Region and South Simcoe, CMHA. (2024, October 31). 10 Ways to Support Your Loved One Through Psychosis. Blog.
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    25 mins
  • Decoding Indian Culture: From Business to Body Language

    Decoding Indian Culture: From Business to Body Language
    Jul 5 2025
    In this episode of The CultureHug Podcast, we break down key cultural practices in India—from the meaning behind the head wobble to dining etiquette, business customs, greetings like “Namaste,” and more. With insights from Indian voices, we answer the questions you’ve been too afraid to ask—so you can build trust, show respect, and connect across cultures with confidence.


    Sources:

    Commisceo Global. (n.d.). Why do Indians Nod their Head When Speaking?

    Cook, S. (2024, September 2). 12 Indian Etiquette Don'ts: What Not to Do in India. TripSavvy.

    Cooperrider, K. (in press). Universals and diversity in gesture: Research past, present, and future. Gesture.

    Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. (2017, May). Cultural aspects of doing business in India.

    Diana, D. (n.d.). Role of Non-Verbal Communication in India. Scribd.

    Giuffré, R. (2024, May 2). Indian Head Wobble. REMO Since 1988.

    Jain, R. (2025, May 20). India Dining Etiquette: The Dos and Don'ts. Culture Trip.

    Mukherjee, A. (2017, December 30). Why Do Indians Shake Their Heads? Culture Trip.

    Natural Habitat Adventures. (n.d.). India's Cultural Do's and Don'ts.

    Outhwaite, A. (2024, May 15). Dress Code of India – What to Wear in India. A Life Well Travelled.

    Panani, R. (2024, August 27). A Guide to Indian Etiquette. COUNTRY SQUIRE INDIA.

    Shete, A. (2025, May 16). Cultural Etiquette in India for Foreigners: Do’s and Don’ts. India Someday Travels.

    Turban Adventures Blog. (2024, February 29). What are The Different Ways of Greetings in India?
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    28 mins
  • Understanding Iran: Beyond the Headlines, Inside the Culture

    Understanding Iran: Beyond the Headlines, Inside the Culture
    Jun 29 2025
    In this episode of The CultureHug Podcast, we take a heartfelt journey through the complexities of Iranian identity, peeling back layers of culture, cuisine, and global perception.Imagine walking through modern-day Iran: the aromas of saffron and grilled kebab, the beauty of Persian rugs, the celebration of Nowruz (Persian New Year), and the role of tradition in daily life—without alcohol, but rich in hospitality.We also confront the shadows: media-fueled Islamophobia, racial bias, and the lasting impact of strained U.S.–Iran relations. How has the West misunderstood Iran? What narratives shape our view—and what’s left out?This episode invites you to challenge assumptions, respect cultural boundaries, and understand what it truly means to show up with empathy. Whether you're Iranian, Persian, or simply curious, this is a space to connect, unlearn, and bring more CultureHug into your world.Sources: For Iranian Identity, History, and Terminology:◦"Call me Iranian - This Magazine": This source offers a personal narrative on navigating Iranian identity in the Western diaspora, especially post-9/11. It delves into the historical reasons behind the preference for "Persian" over "Iranian" (association with the Persian Empire vs. "hostage crisis" or "Axis of Evil") and the author's decision to embrace "Iranian" as a rejection of the "white gaze". It highlights the diversity of ethnic groups within Iran (beyond just Persians, including Azeris, Kurds, Afro-Iranians, Arabs) and the historical impact of the Pahlavi dynasty on nationalizing Persian language and suppressing minority cultures.◦"Iranian vs Persian: What's the Difference? - ThoughtCo" and "Name of Iran - Wikipedia": These sources provide a clear, factual breakdown of the terms "Iranian" (nationality) and "Persian" (ethnicity/culture). They detail the historical shift in official nomenclature (Reza Shah Pahlavi's 1935 decree to use "Iran" and Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's later allowance for both). They also touch upon the etymology of both names, connecting "Iran" to "Aryans" and "Persia" to the ancient Greek term for the Parsa region.◦"When was Persia renamed “Iran”…and Why? - Far Horizons" and "Why Persia Became Iran: The Story Behind The Name Shift - Surfiran": These sources complement the above by providing further historical context for the 1935 name change as a move towards modernization and cultural sovereignty, and addressing the misconceptions of "Aryan" identity in the Western world.•For Iranian Cuisine and Culture:◦"Beginner Persian recipes? : r/Cooking - Reddit" and "Iranian Food and Drink in Iran | Persian Touring" and "Persian Food 101: Recipes to Get You Started at Home - Serious Eats": These provide a wealth of information on specific Persian dishes like aash reshteh, fesenjan, ghormeh sabzi, Shirazi salad, tahdig, zereshk polow, kotlet, kuku sabzi, khoresh karafs, dizi (Abgoosht), koobideh kebab, joojeh kebab, sholeh zard (saffron rice pudding), and dolmeh. They also cover staple foods like rice and bread, essential flavors and cooking techniques, and traditional drinks such as doogh, sharbat, and faloodeh. The "Serious Eats" source also explains the "sofreh" concept for family-style meals.◦"Understanding Iranian Culture: Traditions And Social Norms - OrientTrips": This source details core Iranian cultural values such as family, hospitality ("A guest is a gift from God"), and respect for elders. It describes key traditions like Nowruz (Persian New Year) and the Haft-Seen table, and Ashura (a significant Shia Muslim mourning ritual). It also touches on Persian arts like poetry (Rumi, Hafez, Omar Khayyam), calligraphy, and miniature painting, and provides insights into social norms and etiquette including greetings, gift-giving, removing shoes, and dress codes.◦"Nowruz - Persian New Year, Origins & Traditions - History.com": Offers an in-depth look at Nowruz, its Zoroastrian origins, symbolism of renewal, and specific traditions including the Haft-Sin table items.◦"The Weaving History of Persian Carpets | Office for Science and Society - McGill University": This source provides information on Persian carpet weaving, its long history (over 2,500 years), the Pazyryk Carpet, and the intricate process involving materials and dyes.◦"Iranian Cinema - MERIP": This source can be used to discuss the resilience and transformation of Iranian cinema after the 1979 revolution, its role in social critique, and how it addresses themes like women and romantic love under strict interpretations of Islamic law.•For Geopolitics, Human Rights, and Social Issues:◦"Community Memorandum: Recommendations for A Foundational White House Islamophobia Strategy - Squarespace": This is a critical source for discussing Islamophobia in a broad sense, including structural and gendered Islamophobia, and its intersection with anti-Palestinian racism (APR) and anti-Arab racism. It highlights the link between U.S. foreign policy/military ...
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    48 mins
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