Welcome to Sense of Self, a podcast where we explore the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and what happens when those stories stop working. In this episode, I had the privilege of chatting with Akemi Look, a multi-talented actor, producer, and writer based in Los Angeles. Akemi's journey is one of resilience, healing, and self-discovery.

We delved into Akemi's childhood, where she shared her experiences of growing up half-Japanese, half-Chinese in Michigan. She opened up about the challenges she faced, including racial taunts and the struggle to assimilate in a predominantly white community. At the age of 10, Akemi set her sights on becoming a rhythmic gymnast, driven by a deep desire to prove her worth and be accepted as "American enough." She recounted the grueling training regimen, the sacrifices she made, and the pressure she felt to succeed. Akemi's dedication to her sport led her to represent the United States in international competitions, but it came at a cost.

Our conversation took a poignant turn as Akemi shared about a life-altering accident that shattered her face and forced her to confront deep-seated trauma. This event became a turning point in her healing journey, prompting her to slow down, reflect, and prioritize her well-being. Akemi's vulnerability in discussing her struggles with mental health, addiction, and trauma highlighted the importance of self-care and seeking help.

We also explored Akemi's relationship with her family, particularly her journey towards forgiveness and understanding with her parents. The role of friends, her husband, and her own inner strength in supporting her through difficult times was a testament to the power of community and resilience.

As we wrapped up our conversation, Akemi reflected on her growth and transformation, describing herself as a bright, hopeful person ready to shine her light. Her journey from self-doubt to self-acceptance is an inspiring reminder of the healing power of self-discovery.

Thank you for listening to Akemi’s story, and for being a part of our community. Tune in next week for episode 2 of season 1, and please subscribe. You can learn more about us at www.senseofselfpod.com and follow us for updates on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sense.of.self.pod/.

You can check out what Akemi is up to next here:

• www.AkemiLook.com
• http://www.imdb.me/akemilook
• https://www.instagram.com/akemilook

Episode Credits:

Produced by Andrew Coles. Elizabeth Rose. Allison Keeley, and Dr. Gowri Aragam.
Edited by: Ben Montoya
Mixed by: Aja Simpson
Music from: Blue Dot Sessions
Logo, branding, and graphic design by: Melanie Kwan

Sense of Self is a podcast from The Mission Entertainment.

A note on ethics, process, and safety:

• The individuals in this podcast have graciously shared their stories and it's important to note that while these discussions are enriching and enlightening, they are not a substitute for therapy or mental healthcare.
• Please note that each guest has given their consent to participate, had full control over what aspects of their journey were shared, and either currently engages in therapy or has done so in the past.

Thanks from all of us at Sense of Self and The Mission Entertainment.

Sense of Self invites listeners to reflect on their own self-narratives and explore the forces that shape their identities. Through these conversations, we hope to inspire listeners to embrace their true selves, question the stories they tell themselves, and embark on their own journeys of self-discovery.

A note from our host Dr. Gowri Aragam:

I had the privilege of exploring the stories of women of color who have rewritten the scripts they were given. In each episode, we delved into their journeys of self-discovery, discussing the defining moments, relationships, and pressures that shaped them. These women shared their experiences of feeling disconnected from their self-narratives and the process of reclaiming their identities. In their stories, we hear about finding strength in adversity, rediscovering one's voice, and embracing authenticity, and the importance of inner security and self-acceptance. Ultimately I hope that Sense of Self can be a platform for listeners to reflect on their own narratives and explore the stories that shape who they are. Thanks for being here.

A note on ethics, process, and safety:

• The individuals in this podcast have graciously shared their stories and it's important to note that while these discussions are enriching and enlightening, they are not a substitute for therapy or mental healthcare.
• Please note that each guest has given their consent to participate, had full control over what aspects of their journey were shared, and either currently engages in therapy or has done so in the past.

Thanks from all of us at Sense of Self and The Mission Entertainment.