S1 E4: Born Into Chaos

Dr. Beth Leilani Mercado talks about adjusting to a new life in America and her long road to recovery after suffering a stroke. Her life reads like a best selling novel. She was born into poverty, began a thriving career, endured an emotionally destructive marriage, embarked on a spiritual journey, and suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed when she was only 42. Her recovery back to health was long and arduous but, she triumphantly earned a doctorate degree in psychology and followed it up by writing 2 books. Her life story of trauma and transformation can provide some much needed hope and inspiration as we embark on a brand new year.

Dr. Beth Leilani Mercado's life reads like a best selling novel. She was born into poverty, began a thriving career, endured an emotionally destructive marriage, embarked on a spiritual journey, and suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed when she was only 42. Her recovery back to health was long and arduous but, she triumphantly earned a doctorate degree in psychology and followed it up by writing 2 books. In one book, My Heart Sings, Dr. Beth writes, “Life is a school. While we are here, we will continue to experience events that will teach us what we need to learn – if we are open to it. She definitely has learned a lot. Her life story of trauma and transformation can provide some much needed hope and inspiration as we embark on a brand new year.

Nicole Ponseca explains the fundamentals of Filipino cuisine and talks about one of her life’s most memorable adventures. As part of doing research for her book, she traveled extensively through parts of the Philippines that even most Filipinos have never visited. Photograph by Marts Romero.

Nicole Ponseca is one of the pioneers of Filipino cuisine in New York City. She’s opened 2 highly acclaimed restaurants, Maharlika and Jeepney and recently published a cookbook that was a James Beard Award finalist. She talks about her mission to put Filipino food on the map.

The global pandemic continues and you may be asking yourself, "What does all this mean?" Within the Astrological community, there is an enormous buzz about what they are calling a “Pluto, Saturn Conjunction in Capricorn.” This is having a huge impact on organizations, leadership, and individuals. In Evolutionary Astrology, this is a huge opportunity for transformation and growth. In part 2 of my interview with Yumin, she will provide some fascinating insight into what’s happening from that perspective.

This is a pause on the usual interview for season 1 to do a special 2 part episode. In this episode, Gaemer sits down with his wife, Yumin, who is a psychotherapist. They talk about the importance of self care and she provides ideas on how people can take care of themselves during this very stressful time.

Antonio Enriquez was the eldest grandson of a large, wealthy family. He reveals what happened when most of them left for America.

Maria Johnson tells her story about coming to America in 1971. The voyage to a new life took her away from her parents along with the security of 5 brothers. What happens next is truly heartwarming.

Fenella Mallari tells her incredible story about being born into a state of chaos, family tragedy, and seeing Japanese planes conducting bomb runs in Manila as World War 2 began.

Joe Gutierrez still gets moved when he tells the story about a racist incident in the 6th grade. It inspired him to become a weightlifter, a varsity wrestler, and a black belt in martial arts. He also talks about the extraordinary experience of adopting his daughter.