The Balut Kiki Project
Tuloy lang, mga Bes! We are an international award-winning Filipino podcast by fabulous members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Our goal is to normalize and de-stigmatize conversations that Pinoys generally only talk about in secret - mental health problems (like depression and suicide), sex, sexuality and the human body, non-traditional relationships, among others. "Balut" is a Filipino delicacy consisting of a fertilized developing egg embryo that is boiled and eaten from the shell. So, we aim to make our episodes nutritious though they are not for the faint of heart. While "kiki" is queer slang for a gathering among friends. Kaya we throw in discussions about queer culture and interests - because why not, diba? We are uniquely PINOY. We are unapologetically QUEER. Join your hosts Mel, Geoff, Nealle together with Peter, Morey, Kenny, Choi, and a bevy of other Bessies! Winner, BEST PODCAST HOST, 1st Asia Podcast Festival Awards, Singapore.
The Balut Kiki Project
24: My Daughter's Suicide (A Father's Story)
Hey Bessie, send us a text message!
Warning: This project contains mature and sensitive themes such as depression and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.
His phone rang at four in the morning. Richard was in Hong Kong . He thought family calling from Germany might have just forgotten about the time difference. The next morning he returns the call only to be told of the news that no father would ever wish to hear: his daughter Emma, 21 years young, had taken her own life.
September is officially Suicide Prevention Month. Every month should be suicide prevention month. Every day should be suicide prevention day.
In our continuing effort to normalize conversations about mental health among Filipinos, we talk to Richard Wickes - teacher, psychologist, Tai-Chi master, and father - to learn about his ongoing journey towards coming to terms with the guilt, anger and pain, and making sense of the loss of his "Daddy's girl'.
Sources:
1. 3.3 million Pinoys suffer from depression.
2. Suicide is the 27th leading cause of death in the PH.
3. Groups slam gov't for relying on religious leaders as suicide cases rise in PH
Erratum:
Our goal must be to reduce the taboo and stigma surrounding suicide. To do so, we must update our language. We must stop using words or phrases such as, ‘committed suicide’, and instead say "died by suicide".
Read further here.
Listen to Richard's podcast here: Discover Energy Work
Learn about Richard's experiences and techniques involving energy work here:
Energy Strengthening Program (ESP)
The Balut Kiki Project is an international award-winning podcast being the only Philippine winner so far at the Asia Podcast Festival Awards held in Singapore.
Follow/subscribe and, review and rate us on Spotify, ApplePodcasts, Podchaser.
Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram .
Advertise with us - Email: balutkiki@gmail.com.
*Our podcast does not offer professional medical, sexual, or mental health advice. Our show aims to entertain and express truths about our personal experiences in dealing with issues we discuss. If you are undergoing depression or having suicidal thoughts, please go to these links: NCMH (PH) or Find a Helpline (worldwide).
It's okay to ask for help.