Invisible Culture with Gaemer Gutierrez

Reverend Emily Bruce, the minister of First Parish Church in Kingston, Massachusetts. Her unexpected journey into ministry is explored, detailing her transition from a career in New York City theater to her rediscovery of faith and belief in God, revealing the experiences that fostered her return to spirituality. The episode examines how her theatrical background, with its emphasis on storytelling and human connection, provided inspiration for her ministry. She talks about purpose and fulfillment, focusing on her pursuit of a life dedicated to service and community. The episode provides an overview of Reverend Bruce's life and work, showcasing the unconventional path that led to her career and a profound renewal of faith.

Wen Chi Little Owl is a shaman with a rebellious spirit with a background in avant-garde art, music, and healing. From her early years in conservative Taiwan to her wild artistic explorations in New York City, Wen Chi shares how she evolved from a punk rock performer to a healer and spiritual guide. Wen Chi recounts her early fascination with breaking boundaries, leading her to study fashion in New York, work in film with Ang Lee, and perform with the provocative band The Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black. Despite her artistic success, she struggled with chronic illness, leading her to Chinese medicine and, ultimately, spiritual healing. Her journey took a transformative turn when she encountered shamanic traditions, experiencing deep emotional and spiritual healing through plant medicine ceremonies. What started as personal exploration became a calling—one that seamlessly blended her artistic, musical, and healing practices.

In this episode of Invisible Culture, Gaemer Gutierrez begins his interview with Mike Doyle by recounting one of the most humbling experiences of his life—dealing with kidney stones. The experience was both miserable and unexpectedly humorous. In the end, it became a reflection on endurance, resilience, and the ways people navigate both expected and unforeseen challenges. That's why his conversation with Mike Doyle was so fascinating. He is setting out on an ambitious six-month journey to hike the entire Appalachian Trail, a challenge that will test his endurance, resilience, and inner strength. As he embarks on this solo adventure, he faces the risks of unpredictable weather, physical exhaustion, and the ever-present uncertainty of being alone in the wilderness. Yet, for Mike, these challenges are not just obstacles—they are opportunities. Through solitude and the rhythm of the trail, he hopes to gain deeper self-awareness, push past his limits, and discover a new perspective on life. His journey is not just about miles covered but about personal growth, reflection, and the freedom that comes with stepping away from everyday routines and into the vast unknown.

This season, you join Gaemer Gutierrez in exploring something that touches us all: healing. Because let's be real—aren't you healing from something? Maybe it's a physical injury, emotional trauma, or even just the weight of the world. No matter what it looks like, healing is a universal thread that connects us all.

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.

Ruth Hafoka talks about the cultural differences she found as a young immigrant and how a tragic event changed her forever. Don't forget to subscribe!

Gaemer Gutierrez talks about the inspiration behind Invisible Culture and introduces Season 1, titled "The Filipinos." Don't forget to subscribe!