Inner Voice - Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan
“InnerVoice – A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan” is a podcast where Dr. Foojan Zeine invites thought leaders, mental wellness experts, educators, and trailblazers to engage in open, intimate conversations grounded in her signature framework, Awareness Integration Theory (AIT).
Each episode explores themes of self-awareness, healing from the past, building self-confidence, nurturing meaningful relationships, and creating a purpose-driven future. Listeners come away with practical insights, reflective prompts, and actionable steps aligned with the podcast’s ethos of “clear the past • create a new future • live a fulfilled life now.”
Episodes

Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
What does it take to engineer a legendary marriage while thriving in your career? In this powerful episode, Dr. Foojan sits down with Gabriela Embon, former chemical engineer turned relationship and couples coach, to explore how precision and purpose can transform both your love life and your professional success. 🔧 Gabriela believes a fulfilling adult life depends on two key pillars: a purpose-driven career and a thriving primary relationship. After 8 years in engineering, she discovered a deeper calling—helping individuals and couples engineer meaningful relationships using structured principles. Through her transformational coaching, Gabriela now empowers high achievers and organizations to succeed in both boardrooms and bedrooms. 📘 We dive into her book: "Becoming a Power Couple – 4 Pillars to Engineer Legendary Marriages" 🌐 Learn more at: www.GabrielaEmbon.com 🎙️ Episode Breakdown & Key Insights: 1. Engineering Relationships: A Coach's Journey Gabriela shares her path from chemical engineering to couples coaching and why many successful professionals struggle in their personal lives. She addresses how her clients often face emotional loneliness, even in committed relationships, and how her methods close that gap. 2. Work-Life Skills Disconnect Why do we master communication at work but stumble at home? Gabriela reveals two core reasons: our subconscious upper limit of happiness, and a lack of relationship education. Dr. Zain explores how these blind spots sabotage relationship success. 3. Marriage Myths vs. Relationship Realities From fairy tale illusions to real-life complexities, Gabriela and Dr. Zain dismantle the myth that love alone sustains a marriage. They discuss how inherited patterns from childhood shape adult relationships and contrast these with professional self-growth. 4. Power Couples & Relationship Synergy What truly defines a power couple? Gabriela explains how growth-focused partnerships turn relationships into engines for personal and mutual development. These couples collaborate, support, and rise together—in life and love. 5. The Four Pillars of Relationship Growth Gabriela outlines the 4 key pillars of strong relationships: Me, You, Our, Us. From individual healing to shared evolution, each pillar builds connection. She shares heartfelt stories—including her husband’s hospitalization—that show how adversity can deepen intimacy. 6. Practical Strategies for Partnership Gabriela introduces the 3 C’s: Communication, Coordination, and Collaboration, vital tools to keep life’s logistics running smoothly. She and Dr. Foojan discuss the importance of weekly planning rituals and shared decision-making in keeping couples aligned. 7. Physical Intimacy & Emotional Connection Why is physical connection so crucial? Gabriela reveals how intimacy builds emotional trust, unity, and better decision-making. Dr. Zain notes the natural shifts in intimacy through life stages and stresses the importance of open communication. 8. Intimacy Rituals that Strengthen Bonds From goodbye kisses to mindful greetings, Gabriela emphasizes the power of daily connection rituals to keep passion alive. Her coaching transition highlights how career changes often affect relationships—and how intentional habits can restore closeness. 9. Communication in Blended Families Navigating new homes and blended families? Gabriela offers communication strategies and connection check-ins that rebuild intimacy. Even if feelings are faded, she assures couples: it’s never too late to reconnect and reignite the spark. 🔔 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more conversations that help you thrive in both your career and relationships. #PowerCouples #GabrielaEmbon #RelationshipCoach #MarriageAdvice #EmotionalIntelligence #IntimacyTips #PersonalGrowth #WorkLifeBalance #RelationshipGoals #LoveAndCareer #SelfDevelopment #CouplesTherapy #EngineeringRelationships #HealthyMarriage #podcast #drfoojanzeine #mentalhealth #Wellness #Relationship #Personal Growth #Self-Development

Monday Sep 01, 2025
Monday Sep 01, 2025
Dr. Sid Mohasseb is known as the “Entrepreneur philosopher.” Dr. Sid is twice best-selling author (“You Are Not Them: The Authentic Entrepreneurs Way” and “The Caterpillar’s Edge: Evolve, Evolve Again and Thrive in Business”), a university professor at both engineering and Business School, a 2 time TED speaker, an advisor to fortune 500 leaders and an innovation thought leader who has built multiple companies and invested in many more. Sid is the founder of the Anabasis Academy, a global movement fusing mindfulness and entrepreneurship. He is a frequent contributor to Forbes, TIME, Newsweek, USAToday, Fox, Independent, Foreign Policy, Globe, London School of Economics, and Harvard Business Review. In this episode we will be talking about his latest book: “You Are Not Them – The Authentic Entrepreneur’s Way” http://AnabasisAcademy.org. three-month sponsored membership: HEARTFELT25 Use this unique link to get sponsored access to the Anabasis Academy: https://www.anabasisacademy.org/offers/WqE3cF6U?coupon_code=HEARTFELT25 Learn more → http://AnabasisAcademy.org ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro & “Entrepreneur Philosopher” Concept 01:00 Foojan App & Welcome by Dr. Zeine 01:44 Guest: Dr. Sid Mohasseb Introduction 02:32 Discussing You Are Not Them Book 03:24 Anabasis Academy Overview 05:39 Rethinking Entrepreneurship 08:00 The “Thrive Gene” & Entrepreneurial Mindset 09:24 Defining Value & Exchange 12:05 Everyone Is an Entrepreneur 14:33 Individual-Driven Leadership & Identity 16:00 Experience as Value 17:33 Becoming Your Best Self 18:38 Internal Satisfaction vs. External Success 21:02 Misaligned Goals & Societal Pressures 23:51 Honoring Authenticity 25:07 Entrepreneurial Philosophy in Daily Life 27:03 Contextual Leadership & Authenticity 30:06 Business as Human Connection 32:03 Value Over Profit 35:47 Book Takeaway: Reflect, Then Act 38:14 Fear, Growth, & Hope 41:08 Listening & Emotional Intelligence 43:21 Trust, Honesty & Authentic Business 45:12 Curiosity & Evolution 47:05 Navigating Risk with Intention 49:19 Founding Anabasis Academy 50:42 Free Wake-Up Calls & Membership Tiers 55:00 Expert Circles & Deep Dives 57:04 Closing Thoughts & Book Call-to-Action Highlights: Philosophy of Entrepreneurial Mindset Entrepreneurship is a state of being rooted in exchanging value, an innate human drive present in students, parents, leaders, and icons alike. Personal Growth Beyond Success Metrics Sid challenges the notion of fixed goals and external measures, championing personal satisfaction and continual evolution instead. Entrepreneurship & Value Creation Businesses thrive when they focus on creating meaningful value for all—stakeholders, society—not just profit. Embracing Change Fear, nervousness, and listening are tools, not obstacles. Preparedness and engagement drive growth through uncertainty. Anabasis Academy Overview A community fostering mindful entrepreneurship through free and paid membership options—provocative talks, hot-seat sessions, expert circles, and curated video content. 🙏 If this resonated with you, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share your biggest takeaway in the comments.

Monday Aug 25, 2025
Monday Aug 25, 2025
🎙 Jim Rojas Taylor on The Inner Voice with Dr. Foojan Zeine Topic: How Acting Techniques Can Build Emotional & Mental Literacy in Everyday Life In this powerful episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine interviews Jim Rojas Taylor—U.S. Marine veteran, actor, screenwriter, playwright, and author of All Your Best Selves. From growing up between New Jersey and Alabama to serving six years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Jim’s unique life journey led him to the stage—and eventually to develop a powerful toolkit for emotional and mental literacy using acting principles. Now, Jim is on a mission: to bring the tools of the performing arts into classrooms, boardrooms, and everyday life, helping people of all ages develop emotional mastery, mental resilience, and adaptable identities for every environment. 👉 Learn more: https://www.tbcenterprises.com 📚 Get the Book: All Your Best Selves – A guide to thriving through emotional and mental literacy using the performing arts toolkit. 👇 Scroll down for timestamps and key themes! ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Highlights 0:00 – Intro to The Inner Voice Podcast with Dr. Foojan Zeine 0:19 – Stanislavski's 7 Questions: Emotional sonar for the soul 0:47 – New Features in the Foojan App 1:18 – Meet Jim Rojas Taylor: Actor, Veteran, Author 4:12 – A child’s moment of eternity: The “midnight mass” memory 5:50 – Kicked out of theater, into the Marine Corps 8:02 – From voice lessons to Judas: Jim’s entry into acting 9:00 – Why acting tools actually work in real life 10:46 – Acting vs. therapy: Emotional depth in both professions 12:22 – "Bubbles" & "Suits": Jim’s internal frameworks explained 14:21 – Teaching emotional literacy in schools 15:02 – The 7 Stanislavski Questions: Powerful tools for life 16:41 – Real-time use of acting tools in conversation 19:12 – Get the book: All Your Best Selves 🔥 Emotional Mastery & Expression 20:01 – How actors tap into and express deep emotion 21:02 – Emotions as muscles: The “emotional gym” analogy 22:10 – Safe spaces and training emotional agility 23:20 – Practicing emotional transitions through art 24:13 – Authenticity vs. performance: What’s the difference? 🧠 Emotional Literacy & Personal Growth 25:00 – The danger of gendered emotion (e.g., "men don't cry") 26:06 – What does it really mean to be your best self? 27:06 – The “best version” of you isn’t always appropriate 28:34 – The tuxedo on the beach: Adapting to context 29:40 – Intentional living through values and environment 31:00 – Building a flexible identity wardrobe 🎭 Identity, Performance & Social Dynamics 32:37 – Aligning self-expression with social settings 34:09 – Taking responsibility for how others perceive you 35:03 – Co-creating vs. controlling social dynamics 36:21 – Using acting tools to overcome fear and insecurity 💪 Discipline, Purpose & Transformation 37:20 – What the Marine Corps taught Jim about grit and service 38:30 – Becoming a lifelong learner and student of life 🚀 Current Projects & Future Vision 39:02 – Launching the MI Literacy Project (Mental & Emotional Literacy) 39:50 – Teaching emotional tools to entrepreneurs and leaders 40:00 – Where to find Jim and his book 🎤 Closing Reflections 40:22 – Final thoughts: Thrive anywhere, anytime, with anyone 40:52 – About Awareness Integration Therapy by Dr. Foojan Zeine 🌐 More About Jim Rojas Taylor Jim is a first-generation American, Marine Corps veteran, and actor with 20+ years of experience on stage and screen. From personal transformation to practical tools for emotional growth, his work focuses on bridging the gap between performance and real life. His book, All Your Best Selves, is a groundbreaking guide to emotional and mental literacy. 🖥 Learn more: https://www.tbcenterprises.com 📘 All Your Best Selves – Available now! 🔔 Don’t Forget to Subscribe! If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss future conversations about psychology, personal growth, and human potential. #EmotionalIntelligence #ActingTechniques #MentalHealthTools #EmotionalLiteracy #AllYourBestSelves #JimRojasTaylor #TheInnerVoicePodcast #FoojanZeine #PerformancePsychology #SelfGrowth #IdentityDevelopment #TherapyTools #MindsetMatters #SelfAwareness

Monday Aug 18, 2025
Monday Aug 18, 2025
E415 – Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine & Reema Datta | The Yogi’s Way In this inspiring episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine sits down with Reema Datta, author of The Yogi’s Way: Transform Your Mind, Health, and Reality, to explore yoga’s powerful role in emotional healing, mindfulness, and spiritual growth. Drawing on her deep roots in Ayurveda and Vedic philosophy passed down through generations, Reema shares her transformative journey from the London School of Economics and the United Nations to becoming a global yoga teacher and healer. 🔹 Emotional Healing with Yoga: Discover how Reema overcame anger and anxiety through ancient yogic wisdom, combining breathwork, movement, meditation, and self-inquiry to cultivate inner peace beyond physical yoga poses. 🔹 Mindfulness Yoga Integration: Learn about Reema’s 12-week transformational course that blends asanas, pranayama, meditation, and mantra practice to help you address destructive emotions (kleshas) and foster mental wellbeing. 🔹 Transforming Emotions Through Consciousness: Explore practical insights on managing challenging emotions like anger by sitting in awareness — a space free from judgment — to unlock compassion and healing. 🔹 Overcoming Mind’s Obstacles to Spiritual Growth: Dive into yogic concepts including the five koshas (body layers), the nature of the mind as a barrier, and how intentional practice and journaling help shift from reactivity to wisdom. 🔹 Yoga, Mitras & Spiritual Friendship: Understand the importance of spiritual companions (mitras) and Reema’s three-step process (Manan, Shrevan, Nidtiyasana) to deeply receive and integrate spiritual teachings. If you’re ready to transform your mind, health, and reality through yoga and mindfulness, this episode offers timeless wisdom and practical guidance. 🔗 Learn more and join Reema’s 12-week online course starting this September: www.ReemaYoga.com 00:00 - Introduction 00:14 – Welcome to Inner Voice with Dr. Foojan Zeine 00:19 – Understanding emotional triggers: Anger, jealousy, and attachment 00:50 – How to compassionately work through difficult emotions 01:04 – New Foojan App update: AI-guided mindfulness & journaling tools 01:35 – About Dr. Foojan Zeine: Awareness Integration Therapy creator 01:54 – Meet Reema Datta: Author of The Yogi’s Way 02:26 – Reema’s journey from UN work to global yoga teaching 03:03 – Emotional crisis that led to writing The Yogi’s Way 05:09 – What is a yogi vs. doing yoga as exercise? 05:35 – Reema’s personal struggle with separation, anger, and anxiety 06:22 – Turning to ancient yoga texts for emotional healing 07:13 – Developing movement and meditation practices for transformation 08:33 – Teaching yoga for emotional healing worldwide 09:10 – How mindful yoga shifts emotional energy 10:07 What Is Conscious Yoga? Action with Wisdom & Mind-Body Connection 10:55 Using Yoga to Face Emotions: Anger, Jealousy, Attachment 12:11 12-Week Transformational Yoga Course Overview 13:20 “Heal Yourself Now” – Breathwork, Movement & Mantra Practice 14:54 What Are Kleshas? Ancient Mind Poisons Explained 20:06 Emotions: Healing or Harmful? How Approach Matters 22:43 Sitting in the Seat of Consciousness: Awareness Beyond Judgment 27:06 Transforming Anger Into Compassion 27:36 The Mind as the Root Obstacle in Yoga Practice 30:12 The Five Koshas: Body, Energy, Mind & Bliss Layers 33:10 Moving From Lower Mind to Higher Mind Through Breath 34:30 What Is a Mitra? The Spiritual Friend in Your Journey 37:25 How to Receive and Apply Spiritual Teachings: 3 Steps 39:58 Final Thoughts: Accessing Peace and Love Through Practice 1 on the 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts list by FeedSpot. https://podcasts.feedspot.com/califor… Check out my website: www.FoojanZeine.com, www.AwarenessIntegration.com, www.Foojan.com 🎧 Listen, Learn, and Level Up. 📖 Never Date a Broke Dude – Available now! 🌐 www.pattieehsaei.com *iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/i...) *Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/m/Inpl5...) *Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/) *YouTube ( / drfoojan ) *Facebook ( / drfoojanzeine ) *Instagram ( / dr.foojanzeine ) *Twitter ( / drzeine ) *LinkedIn ( / drfoojanzeine ) *Tiktok (https:///www.tiktok.com/dr.foojanzeine)

Monday Aug 11, 2025
Monday Aug 11, 2025
In this Episode of Inner Voice, Dr. Foojan Zeine welcomes Judy Belmont — psychotherapist, author, and corporate trainer with 40+ years of experience — for a powerful conversation on mental wellness. Judy shares practical strategies from her latest book: "110 CBT Tips and Tools: Proven Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Strategies for Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Anger, and More." Learn actionable tools to manage your mental health, improve emotional resilience, and lead a more balanced life. 👇 Timestamps to Guide Your Journey 👇 00:00 – Intro & Foojan App Highlights 02:28 – About the Inner Voice Podcast 05:35 – Meet Judith Belmont 06:00 – 📚 What Is CBT & Why It Works 08:58 – 💚 Self-Esteem: The Foundation of Mental Health 10:00 – ✍️ CBT Exercise: Reframing Negative Self-Talk 11:45 – 🧠 Where Negative Beliefs Begin 13:34 – ❌ "I'm a Failure": Fact or Fiction? How to Rewire ANTs 13:40 – Why Some People Refuse to Believe They're Worthy 14:08 – Fact or Fiction? A CBT Exercise for Self-Doubt 14:33 – “I Feel Like a Loser” – Why That’s a Thought, Not a Feeling 15:02 – The Power of Labeling & All-or-Nothing Thinking 15:33 – What Are ANTs? (Automatic Negative Thoughts) 16:00 – From “I’m a Failure” to “I’m Disappointed”—Reframing the Story 16:24 – Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset 16:54 – Common Distortions: Labeling, Fortune-Telling, Catastrophizing 17:41 – The Role of Cognitive Restructuring 18:13 – Making Thoughts Fluid, Not Cemented 18:56 – Reframing Illness: How Crisis Can Lead to Growth 19:35 – Breaking the Cycle of Hopeless Thinking 20:02 – Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset: What the Research Shows 20:58 – Why People Cling to a Fixed Mindset for Control 21:49 – Understanding and Managing Anxiety Through CBT 22:56 – Internal vs. External Validation and Its Impact on Anxiety 24:00 – You’re Not Powerless: Taking Back Control Over Your Thoughts 25:00 – The ABC Model of CBT Explained (Activating Event, Belief, Consequence) 26:26 – No One "Makes" You Feel: You Create Meaning 27:11 – Perception, Trauma, and Why People Respond Differently 28:45 – Post-Traumatic Growth: You’re Not Defined by Trauma 29:46 – Breaking Free from Lifelong Guilt and Self-Blame 30:56 – Depression & Negative Beliefs: Introducing the Observing Head 31:48 – Cognitive Delusion: You Are *Not* Your Thoughts 33:05 – How Regret Clouds the Present and Fuels Depression 34:31 – Healing Regret Through Forgiveness and Self-Compassion 36:05 – Perfectionism: The Trap of Unrealistic Expectations 37:11 – Your Past Doesn’t Define You—Learn and Heal Through Action 37:56 – Final Message: You Are As Beautiful as the Day You Were Born 38:07 – Book & Resources: “100 CBT Tips & Tools” by Judith Belmont 39:01 – Free Worksheets & Tools at BelmontWellness.com 39:14 – Final Thanks + Sharing the Episode 🔗 Get Judy’s book: amazon.com/author/judithbelmont 📚 Free mental health resources: www.belmontwellness.com 🎧 #1 on FeedSpot's 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_mental_health_podcasts/ ✨ Subscribe for weekly insights on emotional wellness, personal growth, and psychology! #CBT #MentalHealthPodcast #JudyBelmont #FoojanZeine #TherapyTools #SelfHelp #AnxietyRelief #DepressionSupport #InnerVoicePodcast

Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
E413 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine" | Featuring Dr. Kristen Williamson | ADHD & Autism in Adults In this powerful episode of Inner Voice, Dr. Foojan Zeine speaks with Dr. Kristen Williamson, a Licensed Professional Counselor and founder of EmpowerMind Solutions LLC. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Williamson specializes in supporting neurodivergent adults, especially those diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life. Her mission? To empower individuals to embrace their uniqueness, build resilience, and thrive without focusing on perceived deficits. 🏆 Inner Voice is ranked #1 on the 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts by FeedSpot! 👉 Check it out here 🔗 Visit my websites: www.FoojanZeine.com | www.AwarenessIntegration.com | www.Foojan.com ⏱️ Timestamps for Key Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 01:45 – Supporting Neurodivergent Adults ("Neuro Spicy") 04:10 – How Parents Discover Their Own ADHD/Autism After Their Kids' Diagnoses 07:25 – The Rise of Self-Diagnosis & Seeking Accommodations Without Labels 10:40 – Lack of Support Systems for Neurodivergent Adults vs. Kids 13:05 – Kristen’s Personal Experience with Her Son’s ADHD & Autism Diagnosis 15:30 – Autism Spectrum Therapies & Challenges in Social Skill Development 18:20 – Group Interventions: Using Games to Teach Social Cues 21:45 – The Emotional Toll of Masking & Its Long-Term Effects 25:10 – Promoting Self-Acceptance and Compassion in Neurodivergent Adults 28:00 – Kristen’s Lived Experience with Autism and ADHD 30:35 – Navigating Cognitive Differences & Celebrating Neurodiversity 34:00 – The Science: Synaptic Pruning, Processing Time, and Brain Functioning 37:15 – Supporting Parents, Caregivers, and Creating Inclusive Spaces 40:00 – Final Thoughts and Empowering the Neurodivergent Community 🌟 Subscribe, Listen, Review & Share! 📲 Listen on your favorite platforms: iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | YouTube 📣 Follow Dr. Foojan Zeine on social media: 👉 Facebook 👉 Instagram 👉 Twitter 👉 LinkedIn 👉 TikTok #ADHD #Autism #Neurodivergent #MentalHealthPodcast #InnerVoicePodcast #DrFoojanZeine #EmpowerMindSolutions #SelfAcceptance #ADHDinAdults #AutismAwareness #Neurodiversity #MentalHealthAwareness

Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
E412 – Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine & NaTasha Richburg | Secrets of a 36-Year Marriage, Resilience, and Inner Guidance 🌟 #1 on FeedSpot’s “20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts”! 🎧 Listen in as Dr. Foojan Zeine welcomes NaTasha Richburg — a retired federal IT professional, preacher, adjunct professor at UMBC (23+ years), and celebrated author — for a soul-stirring conversation about resilience, emotional healing, and the secrets behind her 36-year marriage. 📘 In this episode, we discuss NaTasha’s powerful book “People Ask – What is the Secret of Our 36-Year Marriage?” Her insights come from a life shaped by early adversity, self-reflection, and deep spiritual awareness. NaTasha shares the lessons from her upbringing, including her journey through college, overcoming family doubt, and learning to embrace the "spin" of life like a NASCAR driver—steering through chaos rather than resisting it. From journaling practices and intuitive whispers to relationship communication and IVF journeys, this heartfelt conversation is full of wisdom for navigating life’s toughest challenges with grace, humor, and love. 🔗 Visit NaTasha’s work: www.cnatashaproductions.com 🎙️ Learn more about Dr. Foojan: www.FoojanZeine.com | www.AwarenessIntegration.com ⏱️ Timestamps – Jump to What Interests You! 00:00 – Intro to Dr. Foojan & NaTasha Richburg 01:50 – NaTasha’s background: preacher, professor, author, and technologist 04:15 – A difficult childhood: Growing through trauma and emotional pain 07:40 – The journey through education despite discouragement 10:30 – Working full-time and studying at night 12:20 – Support from her mother changes everything 14:55 – The power of journaling: Tracking inner whispers 17:30 – Listening to intuition and the "whispers" within 20:00 – Letting go of being "right" in relationships 22:10 – The secret to a 36-year marriage: intentional love 25:40 – Learning to adapt tone and communication in relationships 28:25 – IVF and NaTasha’s daughter’s fertility journey 31:00 – How financial and emotional burdens test family unity 33:45 – Gratitude, humor, and grace in tough times 36:15 – Finding joy amid storms and holding onto hope 38:40 – Relationship tips: Trust, tone, and spiritual connection 41:00 – Embracing life’s “spin”: The NASCAR metaphor 43:10 – Encouragement for listeners: Your inner voice matters 45:00 – Final thoughts and words of inspiration 🎧 Listen & Subscribe on Your Favorite Platform: Apple Podcasts Google Play Stitcher YouTube 📱 Let’s Stay Connected: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn TikTok 🎯 Keywords: NaTasha Richburg, Dr. Foojan Zeine, marriage advice, relationship communication, journaling, intuition, IVF story, family resilience, emotional healing, women authors, mental health podcast, inspirational stories, overcoming adversity, FeedSpot Top Podcast, spiritual growth, self-awareness, inner voice guidance 🙏 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, Comment, and Share this episode if it resonated with you!

Monday Jul 07, 2025
Monday Jul 07, 2025
🎙 E409 – “Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine” Featuring Sol Smith Listen Now ➡️ YouTube | iTunes | Stitcher | Google Play 🌐 Visit: www.FoojanZeine.com | www.AwarenessIntegration.com | www.Foojan.com Join Dr. Foojan Zeine in this compelling conversation with Sol Smith, certified autism specialist, author of The Autistic's Guide to Self-Discovery, and a neurodivergent coach (autistic, dyslexic, and ADHD). Sol brings over 20 years of experience as a former college professor and now dedicates his work to empowering autistic and ADHD individuals through coaching and advocacy. With a viral TikTok presence and global corporate seminars on neurodiversity, Sol shares his personal and professional journey. Connect with him at 👉 www.ProfessorSol.com 🏅 Ranked #1 on FeedSpot's 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts: View List ⏱️ Episode Highlights with Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro to Dr. Foojan Zeine and Guest Sol Smith Dr. Foojan introduces Sol Smith, his background, and his shift from academia to advocacy. 02:15 – The Journey of Autism Self-Discovery Sol shares how years of feeling “different” and three years of research led to his self-identification as autistic and ADHD. He opens up about the challenges of "coming out" to family and the internal fear of being an impostor. 06:43 – Understanding the Autism Spectrum Discussion on the diverse expression of autism, the evolution from Asperger’s to a unified autism diagnosis, and how autistic traits reflect amplified human traits. 11:12 – Sensory Processing Differences in Autistics Sol explains the intensified sensory world of autistic individuals, the difficulty in filtering input, literal speech interpretation, and unique processing styles. 15:20 – ADHD vs. Autism Processing and Eye Contact Challenges A look at how autistic and ADHD individuals process abstract concepts differently. Dr. Foojan shares clinical insights on client communication and eye contact. 19:50 – Literal Thinking and Communication Barriers Sol describes how misinterpretation due to literal language can appear argumentative, and how social cues may be missed or misread by autistic individuals. 24:08 – Emotion Regulation and Mirror Neuron Function Sol discusses how underactive mirror neurons affect emotional learning, the tendency for emotional overwhelm, and how autistics “think” feelings rather than feel them directly. 29:37 – The Benefits of Early Autism Diagnosis Dr. Foojan highlights Sol’s book for parents and explains how early diagnosis leads to better outcomes. Sol stresses transparency about diagnoses and challenges faced by late-diagnosed adults. 34:25 – Non-Traditional Learning & Academic Success Sol shares a story about his daughter excelling with a Rubik’s cube obsession, showing how passion-driven, alternative learning paths empower autistic learners. 38:47 – Neurodivergent Community & Support Resources Sol recommends listening to other autistics, using social media for connection, and joining communities like neurospicycommunity.com to navigate neurodivergence. 42:03 – Autism, Identity, and Self-Acceptance Dr. Foojan and Sol explore how understanding labels aids self-management, the role of environment and genetics, and why Sol embraces autism as an essential part of his identity. 📚 Recommended Reading: The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery by Sol Smith – A valuable resource for autistic adults and parents of neurodivergent children. 🔔 Subscribe, Rate, & Share the Podcast: Help others discover meaningful conversations by subscribing, rating, and reviewing the podcast! 🎧 Listen on: iTunes Google Play Stitcher YouTube 📲 Connect with Dr. Foojan: Facebook Instagram Twitter/X LinkedIn TikTok

Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
In Episode E408 of Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine, Dr. Foojan sits down with Dr. Behnam Bakhshandeh—renowned executive coach, author of 14 books, and expert in organizational and leadership development—to discuss his groundbreaking book, Awakened Leader: Uniting Organizational Development and Awareness Integration Theory. Together, they dive deep into the practical applications of Awakened Leadership, a transformative model combining Organizational Development (OD) with Awareness Integration Theory (AIT) to foster responsibility, accountability, and authenticity in today’s workplace. Learn how structured employee assessments, generational integration, and data-driven cultural diagnostics can elevate your team and improve engagement at every level. Dr. Bakhshandeh shares powerful strategies for motivating multigenerational workforces, aligning personal values with organizational missions, and implementing strategic interventions that drive sustainable growth. This episode is a must-watch for leaders, HR professionals, and change-makers looking to create a purpose-driven, high-performance organizational culture. 🧠💼✨ 👥 Learn more: 🔗 www.FoojanZeine.com 🔗 www.AwarenessIntegration.com 🔗 www.Foojan.com 🔗 www.primcoeducation.com 🏆 Ranked #1 on FeedSpot’s Top 20 California Mental Health Podcasts: 📌 https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_mental_health_podcasts ⏱️timestamp: 00:00 – Introduction Welcome by Dr. Foojan Zeine and introduction of guest, Dr. Behnam Bakhshandeh, including his background in organizational development, executive coaching, and authorship of 14 books. 03:10 – Introduction to Awakened Leadership Overview of the book Awakened Leader and the integration of Organizational Development (OD) with Awareness Integration Theory (AIT). Core framework and its practical application. 06:45 – Cultivating Responsibility & Authenticity Discussion on building a culture of accountability, authenticity, and leadership presence using the Awakened Leadership framework. 09:30 – Role of Professional Coaching Importance of trained coaches in implementing OD and AIT practices within organizations for long-term success. 11:40 – Practical Tools & Guided Exercises Dr. Zeine highlights user-friendly exercises in the book and the use of AIT-based assessments for tracking progress. 14:10 – Employee Assessment & Feedback Systems Insights on structured assessment models to reduce bias and enhance performance tracking. 17:20 – Bridging Generational Gaps Integrating Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z in workplace culture through shared learning and mutual mentorship. 20:45 – OD Principles & Leadership Buy-In Core Organizational Development tenets including human-centric, bottom-up change and the critical role of trust. 24:15 – Boosting Engagement with AIT Tools Addressing global disengagement trends with AIT-based approaches to spark purpose and drive. 27:00 – Generational Motivations & Strengths How each generation values work differently and the importance of cross-generational collaboration and digital fluency. 30:10 – Data-Driven Culture Shaping Using interviews, focus groups, and employee data to identify cultural gaps. Emphasis on confidentiality and psychological safety. 34:20 – Diagnostic Process Timeline Explanation of cultural assessments lasting 3–12 months depending on company size, with iterative feedback loops. 37:40 – Strategic Interventions for Alignment How interventions align personal and organizational values through reflection, psychology, and emotional intelligence. 41:15 – The Urgency of Management Training The gap in formal training for managers and the myth that leadership naturally follows seniority. 44:00 – Vision, Mission & Cultural Alignment How clear company purpose helps orient employee behavior and decision-making. 46:20 – Final Thoughts & Resources Dr. Zeine recommends Awakened Leadership as a guide for growth; Dr. Bakhshandeh offers continued support and contact info. Remember to Subscribe, Listen, Review, and Share! Find me on these sites: *iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/i...) *Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/m/Inpl5...) *Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/) *YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/DrFoojan)

Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
🎙 Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine | Featuring John Wang - Executive Coach & Author of Big Asian Energy Welcome to another empowering episode of Inner Voice with Dr. Foojan Zeine! In this episode, Dr. Zeine sits down with John Wang, renowned executive coach, TEDx speaker, and author of Big Asian Energy. With over 15 years of experience, John has worked with top professionals from global giants like Google, Apple, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs, helping Asian American leaders break past limiting beliefs and step confidently into leadership roles. 🌟 Who is John Wang? John Wang is a sought-after speaker and the host of the popular Big Asian Energy podcast (Apple Podcasts), where he brings on influential Asian American leaders, therapists, and changemakers. He’s amassed a global community of 240K+ followers and 25+ million social media views, using humor, cultural insight, and science-backed coaching strategies to address imposter syndrome, self-censorship, and confidence building. 🌐 Learn more at: https://www.bigasianenergy.com 📺 #1 on FeedSpot’s “20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts”: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_mental_health_podcasts 🌍 About the Conversation Dr. Zeine and John explore the power of self-expression and authenticity, particularly within the Asian American community, where cultural norms often suppress emotional expression. John shares how growing up in a collectivistic society influenced his identity and emotional habits, and how he eventually overcame internalized stereotypes of being "quiet" or "socially awkward." The conversation dives deep into the cultural conflicts between high-context and low-context communication, revealing how different cultural frameworks impact our relationships, workplace dynamics, and mental health. 🧠 They also discuss John’s first-hand experiences with tiger parenting, and how traditional values of sacrifice, academic pressure, and family reputation often lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout in Asian and immigrant communities. Dr. Zeine shares her expertise in navigating these emotional patterns, including how language shapes emotional expression and the challenges of growing up between two worlds—what she refers to as the “third culture” experience. 💬 The discussion continues with reflections on: Cultural miscommunication and adapting communication styles The role of AI in emotional support, featuring Dr. Zeine's platform Mira Navigating identity in mixed marriages and multicultural families The rise of racism and bigotry during COVID-19 and standing up for safety Adaptive behavioral patterns like being an achiever, fixer, chameleon, or charmer—and how to integrate these coping mechanisms into a more authentic self 🌈 John shares a deeply personal story about never feeling like he fully belonged—neither in his Asian roots nor in Western circles. His journey of self-discovery led him to the powerful realization that identity is multifaceted, and that we don’t need to fit into a single mold to be worthy or impactful. 💡 Key Takeaways: Embrace your cultural heritage while owning your individual voice Redefine success on your own terms Transform childhood coping strategies into adult strengths Develop the mindset and communication tools needed for leadership and well-being Recognize the emotional and cultural complexity behind high-achieving immigrant stories This episode is a must-watch for Asian Americans, first-generation immigrants, leaders, educators, and anyone navigating identity, cultural expectations, and personal growth. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Foojan Zeine 🌐 www.FoojanZeine.com 🌐 www.AwarenessIntegration.com 🌐 www.Foojan.com 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring conversations on mental health, personal growth, and cultural identity. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Meet Dr. Foojan Zeine & John Wang 01:45 – The Power of Self-Expression & Authenticity for Asian Americans 04:22 – Introducing Mira: AI Platform for Personal Development 06:10 – Cultural Clash: Individualism vs. Collectivism in Expression 09:30 – The Role of Language in Emotional Communication 12:00 – High-Context vs. Low-Context Communication Stylesh 15:05 – Real Talk: Miscommunication Across Cultures 17:40 – John’s Story: Asian Student Pressure and Mental Health 20:50 – Tiger Parenting & Sacrifice Culture 23:15 – Helping Students Cope with Academic Pressure 25:45 – Third Culture Identity: Caught Between Two Worlds 28:10 – Belonging and Identity in Multicultural Spaces 30:40 – Hong Kong: A Surprising Sense of Home for Dr. Zeine 32:00 – Adaptive Patterns: Achiever, Fixer, Chameleon & Charmer 35:20 – Reclaiming Your Authentic Self as an Adult 37:10 – Cultural Differences in Mixed Marriages 39:05 – COVID-19, Racism, and Standing Up for Yourself 41:30 – Celebrating Cultural Contributions in a Diverse Society 43:15 – John’s Mission: Big Asian Energy & Leading with Confidence 45:00 – Closing Thoughts: Identity, Growth & Belonging








