Navigating Adversity with Humor: A Conversation on Life, Grief and Growth

Published: Aug. 26, 2024, 11 a.m.

In this episode of the EZ Conversations podcast, I welcome Momoko Uno, who shares her poignant yet humorous story of facing adversity, particularly during a traumatic hotel quarantine in Australia amidst the pandemic. Momoko discusses her memoir about this experience, which includes the loss of her mother during the quarantine. She reflects on how humor has been a coping mechanism for her, even in the darkest times. The discussion also delves into her journey from Australia to China for medical school, her draw to challenging situations, her views on grief and spirituality, and the importance of living life fully. Momoko's insights into using humor to cope with adversity, coupled with her professional experiences in medicine, provide a rich, multifaceted perspective on resilience and personal growth.\n\nMomoko Uno is a doctor of integrative and functional medicine. With her diverse expertise\u2014including acupuncture, herbalism, and psychology\u2014she offers a holistic approach to wellness through her practice, Omni Wellness NYC. Her work focuses on resilience and trauma recovery, reflected in her contributions as an author and speaker.\n\n02:48 Introduction to Momoko's Story\n03:25 The Hotel Quarantine Experience\n04:33 Navigating Life's Challenges\n05:41 Journey to Integrative Medicine\n09:26 Coping with Grief and Loss\n14:08 Finding Meaning and Moving Forward\n20:16 Humor as a Coping Mechanism\n23:19 Sharing Personal and Embarrassing Moments\n23:55 A Funny Story About My Mom\n26:01 The Role of Humor in Grief\n27:05 Evolving Relationships After Loss\n28:06 The Importance of Humor in Life\n32:42 Self-Acceptance and Authenticity\n34:17 Reflections on Life and Regrets\n37:31 Concluding Thoughts and Resources\n\nSponsors of the Podcast:\n\nBetterHelp: \u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060https://betterhelp.com/ez10\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\xa0for 10% off your first month of therapy\n\nWeShape: https://weshape.postaffiliatepro.com/scripts/dcfogwyuk?a_aid=FurkhanDandia&a_bid=d7508fa8 for 35% all plans.\n\nAura: https://aura.com/ez10 for a free two-week trial\n\nPlunge: https://plunge.com/ez\n\nMint Mobile: \u2060https://trymintmobile.com/ez10\u2060 for 15$ for an unlimited cell phone plan\n\nMental: \u2060https://getmental.com/ez\n\n\nIf you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that:\n\nInstagram\u2060\u2060:\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060https://www.instagram.com/eunoiazen\u2060\u2060\u2060\n\n\u2060\u2060Facebook\u2060\u2060: \u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060https://m.facebook.com/eunoiazen\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060 \u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\n\nYouTube\u2060\u2060: \u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrqBp_zdRiIfBRV4wURSZ2A\u2060\u2060\u2060\n\nLinkedIn: \u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060https://www.linkedin.com/in/furkhan-dandia-macp-mba-072a8a1ba/\u2060\n\nPatreon: \u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060https://www.\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060patreon.com/EzConversations\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\n\n\nOr find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: \u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1\u2060\u2060\u2060\nSubscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: \u2060\u2060\u2060\u2060https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices