Inner Voice - Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan

E368–Inner Voice A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine & Dr. Ashkan Farhadi on Evolution of Happiness

E368 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Dr. Ashkan Farhadi, a distinguished physician, researcher, and educator with over two decades of experience in academic medicine. As a senior American College of Gastroenterology member, he has been a researcher and professor at leading universities. Dr. Farhadi is the Director of the Digestive Disease Center at Memorial Care Medical Group in Fountain Valley, California, and a faculty member at the University of California, Irvine. Throughout his career, he has contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed papers, articles, and abstracts across various medical journals and publications. He has also authored several books and book chapters, which have been translated into five languages. In addition to his scholarly work, Dr. Farhadi holds over ten U.S. patents, with six more pending, all aimed at advancing patient care. His research has taken a personal turn in recent years, focusing on pursuing success and happiness. His extensive exploration of this topic culminated in the book *The Evolution of Happiness*, where he distills years of insights into a clear and practical guide. www.Therhymesofhappiness.com 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_mental_health_podcasts/ Check out my website: www.FoojanZeine.com, www.AwarenessIntegration.com, www.Foojan.com Discussing Happiness and Its Evolution Dr. Foojan and Dr. Ashkan discussed the concept of happiness. Dr. Ashkan shared his research and personal journey into the topic, explaining that his interest was sparked by his work as a gastroenterologist. He published several articles and books, including "The Evolution of Happiness" and its Farsi equivalent. Dr. Foojan praised Dr. Ashkan's work for its combination of research and artistic elements. They also discussed the concept of the "duality of reason," but no specific explanation was given. Dr. Ashkan shared his realization that happiness was not the top priority in people's lives, despite his initial expectations, and this insight led to the development of his article exploring this concept. They discussed the complexities of human behavior, focusing on the interplay between obligation and choice in shaping our experiences of joy and satisfaction. They noted that while obligations can sometimes lead to fulfillment and happiness, they can also result in resentment, particularly when they feel forced or pointless. Conversely, when tasks are imbued with a sense of purpose and choice, they can tilt the scale towards joy and satisfaction. Dr. Foojan emphasized the importance of therapists helping clients revisit past decisions with a more nuanced understanding of the circumstances and information available at the time in order to foster self-forgiveness and a more positive outlook. They discussed the concept of happiness and its related qualities. Dr. Ashkan elaborated on happiness as an armor, emphasizing that it is not a single thing that makes us happy but a combination of various elements. He introduced a new model of happiness: inner happiness is the cake, and joy, relief of needs, and excitement are the frosting. Dr. Ashkan also shared the results of research on over 100 personal traits that are closely correlated with happiness and joy, which led to the identification of 10 pairs of complementary attributes. He discussed the concept of happiness as a suit of armor, emphasizing that weakness in any armor component renders it ineffective. Dr. Ashkan stressed that his approach was based on research rather than personal experience or advice, and he highlighted the book's use of humor and caricatures to engage readers. They discussed the concept of happiness as a continuous state that requires effort and resilience. They emphasized the importance of self-reflection, self-improvement, and protecting one's happiness. They also discussed the distinction between acquired and natural happiness, with the former being about contentment with what one already has. The conversation touched on the evolution of happiness and the need to redefine success as personal fulfillment and well-being rather than material achievements. Dr. Ashkan discussed the importance of words in effectively communicating ideas and concepts, particularly in terms of happiness. He emphasized the need to define words with specific connotations to facilitate easier understanding and appreciation of their differences. Dr. Ashkan also shared a poem about the pursuit of happiness, highlighting that it is a universal dream and desire.

E367–A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine, Dr. Harville Hendrix & Dr. Helen Kelley Hunt - How to Talk with Anyone about Anything

E367 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt, Imago Relationship Theory and Therapy co-creators. In 2015, Harville and Helen also co-founded Safe Conversations LLC--a training institute that teaches a relational intervention based on the latest relational sciences that can help anyone shift from conflict to connection. Harville and Helen are co-authors of three New York Times bestsellers, including Getting the Love You Want, which has sold more than four million copies, and multiple other books on relationships. Harville graduated from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, which awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Human Letters. He holds a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York and an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Psychology and Religion from The School of Divinity at the University of Chicago. Harville received several honors, including the Outstanding Pastoral Counselor of the Year Award from the American Baptist Churches and the Distinguished Contribution Award from the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. Helen earned her doctorate in Women's History from Union Theological Seminary in NYC. In addition to her partnerships with Harville, Helen is one of a small army of women who helped seed the women's funding movement. She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1994 for her contribution to the global women's movement and into the Smithsonian Institute for creating Women Moving Millions and her leadership in creative women's philanthropy. Today, we will discuss their latest book, "How to Talk with Anyone about Anything." Visit harvilleandhelen.com or quantumconnections.com to learn more about dialogue training and the global social movement. 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_mental_health_podcasts/ Check out my website: www.FoojanZeine.com, www.AwarenessIntegration.com, www.Foojan.com

E366 Inner Voice A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine & Dr. John Lewis on AloeVera Polysaccharides

E366 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Dr. John E. Lewis, Ph.D., the Founder and President of Dr Lewis Nutrition™ (https://www.drlewisnutrition.com) and past full-time Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He is also a Diplomate, Faculty Member, and Advisor of the Medical Wellness Association. He is a lecturer for the Institute for Brain Potential. With over 30 different studies as the principal investigator in his research career, Dr. Lewis has extensive experience in evaluating the effects of nutrition, dietary supplementation, and exercise on various aspects of human health and disease, instilling confidence in his knowledge. In addition to his research, Dr. Lewis has been invited as a national and international lecturer at conferences and workshops and as a guest on television shows, where he discusses his research findings and provides guidance and recommendations as an expert in the health and wellness field. He has over 180 peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals, where his work has first appeared in print, including some of the leading scientific journals, such as AIDS and Behavior, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, American Journal of Public Health, Journal of the International AIDS Society, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Nutrition, and Cancer: An International Journal, Sports Medicine, Stroke, The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, and The Gerontologist. He has also mentored many students, from undergraduates to post-doctoral trainees, in conducting clinical research and applying the principles of health promotion into daily practice. His seminal publication in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease from his Alzheimer's study not only spurred him to leave academics and pursue a science-based business career but also enabled him to be selected for a widely-acclaimed TEDx Miami talk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOJr0sxmxGI) about how dietary supplementation can improve brain health. Dr. Lewis not only embodies the model of health and wellness by following a whole-food, plant-based diet for over 27 years, taking key dietary supplements, and maintaining a rigorous, daily exercise training program, but he also has a fervent passion for educating others about the value of nutrition, exercise, and health. His commitment to studying the application of clinical nutrition for the benefit of mankind is unwavering, reassuring the audience of his expertise in the field. In this episode, we will be talking about his latest research on the nutritional value of the polysaccharides found in Aloe Vera. www.DrLewisNutrition.com

E365 Inner Voice -A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine & Dr. Sabrina Strings about The End of Love, Racism, Sexism, and Romance

E365 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Dr. Sabrina Strings, professor and North Hall Chair of Black Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her book, Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia, won the 2020 Body and Embodiment Best Publication Award given by the American Sociological Association and was an Honorable Mention in the 2020 Sociology of Sex and Gender Distinguished Book Award, provided by the American Sociological Association. Today, we will be talking about her latest book, "The End of Love – Racism, Sexism, and The Death of Romance." For more information, go to www.sabrinastrings.com 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_mental_health_podcasts/ Check out my website: www.FoojanZeine.com, www.AwarenessIntegration.com, www.Foojan.com Summary: Dr. Foojan and Dr. Strings discussed her latest book, "The End of Love, Racism, Sexism, and the Death of Romance." They explored the concept of a "Situationship" and the historical and cultural context of romantic relationships, focusing on the Western world and the Middle East. They also discussed the evolution of courtship into romantic love, the role of gender and power dynamics in these relationships, and the prevalence of extramarital relationships. Dr. Strings explained that the idea of a "worthy" woman is used to justify the mistreatment of women who do not fit this ideal, particularly women of color who are seen as being of a lower status. They also discussed the changing dynamics between men and women as women have become more independent and the clash between traditional gender roles and the demand for gender equality. Dr. Foojan and Dr. Strings discussed the decline of traditional romantic love and courtship. They pointed out that the connection between romance and marriage is relatively recent, with arranged marriages by family being more prevalent in the past. They argued that other forms of love, such as self-love, family, and community love, are universal. Dr. Strings highlighted that love is about generosity, while romance can be selfish. They discussed the cultural aspects of relationships and family dynamics, focusing on the role of Black women and the experiences of Iranian women. They highlighted the resilience of Black women and the challenges they face, as well as the oppressive laws and practices towards women in various parts of the world, including Iran and India. They discussed the ongoing battle against sexism and the entrenchment of this issue in the law. They expressed their concerns about the future of women's rights, especially with the changing political landscape. They also discussed the significance of the representation of women, particularly women of color, in positions of power.

E364 – Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine and Rebecca Ahmed about energy of success

E364 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Rebecca Ahmed, an award-winning speaker, business consultant, and an Energy Leadership IndexTM Master Practitioner (ELI-MP). She is also a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Rebecca advises companies of all sizes on how to create a motivational workplace culture by transforming the energy and enthusiasm of their teams. Her new book is The Energy of Success: Power Up Your Productivity, Transform Your Habits, and Maximize Workplace Motivation.  www. energeticimpact.com. 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_mental_health_podcasts/ Check out my website: www.FoojanZeine.com, www.AwarenessIntegration.com, www.Foojan.com Summary of our talk: Rebecca and Dr. Foojan had an insightful discussion about the concept of energy and its significant role in achieving personal and professional success. Rebecca began by defining energy as the ability to do work, distinguishing between two types: kinetic (working) and potential (stored). She emphasized the crucial importance of understanding and managing one’s personal energy to reach goals effectively. Dr. Foojan connected the concept of energy to physical, emotional, and behavioral factors, underscoring the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. Rebecca then introduced the idea of leveraging five energetic success principles to enhance one’s energy levels. Among these, she highlighted the principle of detachment, stressing the need to avoid taking on other people’s experiences or creating limiting stories from mere facts. She encouraged listeners to cultivate curiosity, inspire possibilities, lead with love, and practice presence, helping them navigate from destructive to constructive energy. Dr. Foojan expanded on this by discussing the duality of relationships and introduced the concept of a "water fountain conversation," emphasizing the importance of empathy and self-care in interpersonal interactions. She pointed out how focusing on dissatisfactions and grievances could generate negative energy, fostering a destructive and unproductive workplace atmosphere. Rebecca agreed, noting that such negativity misaligns with the team or company's values and goals. Instead, she suggested that employees should channel their energy towards finding solutions and improving processes. This proactive approach not only turns challenges into opportunities but also boosts motivation and energy, ultimately leading to more efficient goal accomplishment. Dr. Foojan then presented the Awareness Integration Theory, which focuses on individuals becoming aware of their thoughts, feelings, and actions, and understanding how these impact others and the larger system. Rebecca expanded on this by discussing the detrimental effects of ego, particularly how it can lead to a victim mindset and personal conflicts, thereby hindering team and company goals. Both agreed on the necessity for individuals to recognize their ego and take steps to manage it for the benefit of the team and company. The conversation then shifted to the importance of understanding and improving organizational energy to enhance productivity and workplace motivation. Rebecca emphasized the need for self-assessment and curiosity in identifying and addressing inefficiencies and biases. She also highlighted the value of personalization, transparency, and the cultivation of diverse perspectives in the workplace. Dr. Foojan agreed, stressing the importance of openness to new ideas and the potential for technology to drive innovation. They concluded the discussion by promoting the idea that individuals have the power to control their energy, thereby improving both personal productivity and overall workplace dynamics.

E363 Inner Voice-A Heartfelt Chat with Dr Foojan Zeine & Sam Bennett on a Method to Get Things Done.

E363 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Sam Bennett, the author of "Get It Done, Start Right Where You Are" and, most recently, "The 15-Minute Method: The Surprisingly Simple Art of Getting It Done".  A writer, speaker, actor, and creativity/productivity specialist, she founded TheRealSamBennett.com, a company committed to helping overwhelmed creatives and frustrated overachievers get unstuck. Sam is also a popular course instructor on LinkedIn Learning, with over a million class participants worldwide. She lives in Connecticut, and you will find her online at http://www.TheRealSamBennett.com. 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_mental_health_podcasts/ Check out my website: www.FoojanZeine.com, www.AwarenessIntegration.com, www.Foojan.com Dr. Zeine and Sam discussed the power of making small, concentrated efforts to create significant changes in one’s life. Sam emphasized the importance of taking action in the present moment, even if the initial results are unexpected, and highlighted the value of learning through doing. They explored setting a structure and rewarding oneself after completing tasks to manage overwhelming feelings and boost motivation. Both encouraged starting tasks, even if they seemed daunting initially, and suggested using treats as motivation and immediate rewards to stay present. The conversation also touched on modeling as a tool for learning and self-improvement. They expanded on the idea that while people may lack expertise, they often possess valuable experience and knowledge. The importance of internalizing these lessons, rather than just viewing them as external concepts, was emphasized. They discussed the impact of self-doubt and excuses on personal and professional growth. They highlighted the importance of overcoming self-doubt and taking action, even if it means stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. They stressed the need to become aware of limiting beliefs and how these can sabotage progress, as well as the importance of challenging and reframing these beliefs to move forward. The conversation also explored the significance of self-reflection and self-parenting as adults to overcome past traumas and negative patterns. They discussed examining old stories, offering unconditional love and understanding, and considering alternative perspectives. Sam shared a humorous anecdote about her husband's advice to act in the opposite way to set boundaries intentionally. She also introduced the "90-second Doodles" technique to express and process emotions through drawing. Finally, they discussed utilizing 15-minute work sessions to achieve tasks and goals. Sam explained the benefits of this approach, including its accessibility for those with busy schedules and its effectiveness for tasks that may seem overwhelming. The value of a community aspect was also noted, as demonstrated by Sam’s subscription service, The Daily Practicum, which provides a supportive environment for individuals to work on their goals.

E362–InnerVoice- A Heartfelt Chat with Dr.F oojan Zeine & Amy Margolis on the Relationship between Food & Trauma

E362 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Amy Margolis, LCSW, a licensed therapist and co-clinical director of Santa Monica Counseling. Amy works with individuals and couples and runs groups for clients seeking healing in eating disorders, addictions, anxiety, depression, and related issues. She also supervises ASWs and AMFTs in gaining their clinical hours. Amy is a Meisner and Groundlings trained actor outside the clinical world, focusing primarily on voice-over work. She has worked for Nickelodeon, Netflix, Disney Junior and on many commercials, podcasts, and video games. Today, we will discuss her latest book, "Here is the Memo – A Life Guide for Women." You can follow Amy on Instagram @heres_the_memo and Facebook at Amy Margolis LCSW. https://amymargolislcsw.com/media/
20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_mental_health_podcasts/
Check out my website:
www.FoojanZeine.com  www.AwarenessIntegration.com,
www.Foojan.com
Summary Dr. Foojan and Amy Margolis discussed her book Here's the Memo, which aims to guide and support individuals through various life chapters. They discussed the complex relationship between food, trauma, and addiction. Amy explained how people often turn to food as a way to cope with trauma or emotional pain, leading to unhealthy eating habits and a cycle of self-hatred, highlighting the socialization of food and its role in comfort and nurturing. They both emphasized the need to address the root trauma instead of using food as a coping mechanism. Amy shared her journey with eating disorders and the lessons she learned along the way. She emphasized the importance of breaking free from strict rules and restrictions, creating a balanced and fulfilling life, and highlighting the need for a gradual change process rather than immediate strict rules. Amy explained the concept of the "critter brain," which consists of three parts: the brain stem, the emotional brain (the amygdala), and the prefrontal cortex. She emphasized that the brain sees change as a threat and that relapse is a normal part of the process, especially when one is trying to break free from old patterns. Dr. Zeine added to this by sharing her experiences with individuals who have gone through abuse and addiction, highlighting that relapse is often a part of the learning process and that each time it occurs, there is an opportunity to gain new insights. They discussed the concept of emotional freedom and its role in personal growth. Emotional freedom is recognizing one's power and agency in situations rather than feeling victimized by external circumstances. Emotional freedom also involves letting go of things beyond one's control and focusing on what can be changed. Both stressed the importance of self-reflection and seeking support from others as part of the growth process. They shared their views on self-care, self-love, and self-awareness in relationships. They emphasized that individuals should prioritize their own needs and emotions rather than focusing on their partners' faults. They also highlighted the concept of ebb and flow in relationships, suggesting that periods of distance or separation could strengthen the bond between partners. Amy encouraged people to live their lives to the fullest and pursue their dreams, while Dr. Zeine stressed the importance of maintaining authentic connections with others.

E361-A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine, Dr. Bakhshandeh & Dr. Rothwell on Empathic Supervisors and the Impact on the company

E361 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Dr. Behnam Bakhshandeh and Dr. William J. Rothwell. Dr. Bakhshandeh is an accomplished business manager known widely as a dynamic writer, speaker, personal and professional development coach, and trainer for over 30 years. He is also the founder and president of Primeco Education, a coaching and consulting company that has worked with individuals, teams, and organizations on personal and professional development since 1993. He has authored and published ten books on topics related to the personal and professional development industry, including Organization Development, personal and professional coaching, and high performance. Dr. William Rothwell is President of Rothwell & Associates, Inc. He has worked with over fifty multinational companies and countless governments and nonprofits. As a Distinguished Professor at Penn State University, he has taught for 30 years. He is co-professor-in-charge of an online and onsite academic program that offers a master's degree in Organization Development and a Ph.D. in Workforce Education and Development with an emphasis in Talent Development/Organization Development. With a combined total of fifty years of work experience in HR, OD, and Talent Development, he has published 164 books in the Human Resources field. Dr. Aileen Zaballero, the co-author, is a senior partner of Rothwell & Associates and has over 27 years of experience in the learning and development field and more than ten years researching what adults learn, how they know it, and the value placed on types of knowledge. She has authored and co-authored over ten books on human resources and talent development. Today we are discussing their latest book, “The Inclusive, Empathic, and Relational Supervisor – Managing Diverse Employees through Interpersonal Relationships.” www.primecoeducation.com 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_mental_health_podcasts/ Check out my website: www.FoojanZeine.com, www.AwarenessIntegration.com, www.Foojan.com Summary: Dr. Bakhshandeh presented a 5-book series on supervisory leadership, a significant resource inspired by Dr. Rothwell's work from 40 years ago. This series, which delves into the evolution from 19th to 21st-century supervisory practices, is a must-read for anyone interested in modern competencies. It covers various topics, from successful and inclusive leadership to empathetic, agile, innovative, and ethical leadership. The series has garnered high praise from Taylor & Francis, underscoring its importance in the field. Dr. Rothwell highlighted a crucial point: about 600,000 supervisors in the US lack formal training and learn by observing superiors. The discussion underscored the need for practical guidance in supervision, equipping supervisors with the necessary skills. This includes mastering interpersonal skills, managing cultural differences, understanding emotional intelligence, and fostering self-awareness. The transition from family-owned to corporate settings and the importance of respecting individual growth were also emphasized. Dr. Rothwell shared a story about a supervisor who called her boss instead of 911 when faced with an employee crisis. This illustrates how supervisors often provide life advice and work guidance due to broken family institutions in some regions. Dr. Rothwell, Dr. Bakhshandeh, and Dr. discussed leadership in hybrid work environments. They stressed the need for supervisors to be trusted advisors, skilled in empathy, communication, and other competencies. William shared success stories from a high-potential program emphasizing hands-on training and regular coaching. The group discussed challenges like loneliness and increased suicide rates in hybrid settings.

E360–Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine and Mia Nosanow on a guide to mental health

E360 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with MIA NOSANOW, MA, LP, a licensed psychologist and longtime therapist specializing in college mental health. For twenty years, Mia worked at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, seeing thousands of students for individual and group counseling since Macalester is one of the most culturally diverse undergraduate colleges in the United States, with students from every state and ninety-nine countries, including many first-generation college students. Mia created The College Student’s Guide to Mental Health to address this growing need, a complete resource for students, the professionals who work with them, and parents and loved ones. Drawing on her more than twenty years of experience counseling a diverse set of college students, she has written the first comprehensive mental and emotional health manual designed specifically for those in college. More information at MiaNosanow.com 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_mental_health_podcasts/ Check out my website: www.FoojanZeine.com, www.AwarenessIntegration.com, www.Foojan.com Summary: Dr. and Mia discussed the importance of mental health and wellbeing for college students. They also discussed the connection between physical and mental health, with Mia stressing the importance of essential self-care for mental wellbeing. Both shared their experiences as college students, highlighting the need to prioritize self-care and balance academic and social activities. They discussed the impact of technology and social media on young people's health and learning. Mia expressed concern about the constant input and lack of balance in young people's lives, leading to potential health issues. Dr. noted how social media can interrupt the learning process and lead to anxiety and substance abuse. Mia shared her insights from her book, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, understanding one's values, and making informed choices based on accurate research. She also highlighted the significance of managing time, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking help. Dr. agreed with Mia's approach and stressed the need for students to be aware of common issues, understand their struggles, and develop strategies to overcome them. Both underscored the importance of individuality and tailoring approaches to one's unique needs and circumstances. Dr. and Mia discussed the importance and benefits of counseling for college students. Mia highlighted the challenges students face in adulthood and the pressures of college life, emphasizing the need for a safe, non-judgmental space for support. They discussed the importance of mental health and wellness, focusing on various aspects such as sleep, nutrition, movement, and substance use. Mia shared her strategies for improving sleep, emphasizing the significance of creating a conducive sleep environment and managing disturbances. They also discussed the negative impact of social media on one's ability to relax and focus and the importance of socializing and having fun for mental health. Lastly, they highlighted the significance of sleep for academic performance, with Mia sharing her research that suggests getting at least seven hours of sleep before exams improves test results. Dr. and Mia discussed the prevalence of drug and alcohol use among young people and its impact on mental health. They highlighted the need for self-awareness and understanding of the effects of different substances on one's wellbeing. Mia emphasized the importance of reflecting on personal values and experiences with substances, as well as the role of family dynamics in shaping one's relationship with drugs and alcohol. Dr. pointed out the high levels of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts among young people, underscoring the need for effective coping strategies and emotional regulation. Mia's book, which includes sections on identity, emotions, and coping skills, was presented as a resource to help young people navigate these challenges. Mia and Dr. discussed the importance of acknowledging and managing one's emotions, emphasizing that it's crucial for personal growth and achieving goals. They highlighted the shift in societal attitudes towards emotions, from suppression to valuing them as essential signals. They also discussed the need for self-reflection, mental health, and developing these skills as a lifelong process. Lastly, they introduced their book, "The College Student's Guide to Mental Health: Essential Wellness Strategies for Flourishing in College," and agreed on the necessity of a culture change to value mental health and learning.

E359 – Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine and Faust Ruggiero about how to manage your anger

E359 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Faust Ruggiero. He has been a psychologist in private practice for over thirty-five years. Before entering private practice, he worked in clinics for deaf children, prisons, nursing homes, substance abuse centers, and inpatient facilities. He is also a consultant for major national and international corporations. He is a published research author and a professional clinical trainer. In the summer of 2016, he began to develop The Fix Yourself Empowerment Series based on the Process Life Program to help readers address difficult life situations. The series currently includes The Fix Yourself Handbook, The Fix Your Anxiety Handbook, and The Fix Your Depression Handbook, and this episode will talk about his latest book, The Fix Your Anger Handbook. www.faustruggiero.com
The doctor commended Faust's book, "Fix Your Anger Handbook," which provides strategies to manage different types of anger. Faust shared that he wrote the book after 35 years of counseling, and the pandemic-induced rise in anxiety, depression, and anger led him to expand its reach. The doctor appreciated Faust's approach of presenting complex concepts in short, actionable steps, emphasizing the importance of Faust's multifaceted explanation of anger.
Dr. and Faust discussed the complexities of anger, focusing on its underlying causes and its impacts on communication. They noted that anger is often a result of deep-seated fears and insecurities, which can lead to habitual and subconscious expressions of anger. Faust emphasized the importance of understanding the triggers and connectors of anger and advised people to use their intellect to control and channel their anger in productive ways. Dr. highlighted how people often become aware of their passive-aggressive tendencies only after others feel their impact. Both agreed that uncontrolled anger, whether explicit or passive, is not a sign of power but instead of fear and insecurity.
Faust expressed frustration and the tendency to cope with stress through internal anger, a pattern he recognized as standard. Dr. shared her experiences with using anger as a coping mechanism and how it can provide a sense of power. Faust further discussed the adverse effects of this cycle, including tension and physical discomfort. Both emphasized the need to improve communication and express emotions more healthily. The concept of being unable to control one's reactions was also discussed, with Faust suggesting that individuals must take responsibility for their feelings.
Faust and Dr. discussed the importance of understanding and managing one's emotions, particularly anger. Faust highlighted the need to explore the root causes of adverse reactions and support those struggling to control their anger. Dr. shared her experiences with suppressing emotions, which later manifested in other ways, and stressed that honoring and acknowledging one's anger is crucial for personal growth and healthy relationships. Both agreed that managing anger is not always straightforward, but progress can be made with guidance and self-reflection.
Faust shared his experiences working as a prison counselor, highlighting how people, despite their flaws, can still be good. He then discussed the concept of righteous anger, stating that it often arises from insecurity and a need for attention. Dr. echoed Faust's views, emphasizing that righteous anger doesn't necessarily bring peace and sanity to the world. Both agreed that deep engagement and action are critical in addressing issues rather than being verbally righteous.
The doctor shared how they learned to acknowledge anger as an emotion but not dwell on it, realizing excessive rumination was unhealthy. Faust emphasized the importance of physical self-care, such as proper diet, reducing substances like caffeine, and maintaining stable sleep and exercise routines to address anger's root causes and create space for more positive habits.
Faust emphasized the importance of managing emotions, particularly anger, through a rational and mindful approach. He stressed that individuals should prioritize their intellect over their feelings and that anger should be a secondary response, not the initial one. Faust also highlighted the significance of incorporating breathing exercises and meditation into daily routines to promote a more peaceful way of life. Dr. agreed with Faust's points, noting the connection between physical states like hunger and stress and emotional responses like anger.
   
Managing Emotions and Handling Anger
Dr. and Faust discussed the importance of managing one's emotions and how to handle other people's anger. Dr. emphasized the need to view emotions as part of a bigger picture and to remain calm in various situations. Faust shared his strategy of anticipating potential anger-inducing situations and preparing a response to avoid getting reactive. Both agreed that avoiding arguments and practicing logical communication can lead to better outcomes, even in difficult situations. However, they acknowledged that implementing these strategies can be challenging.
Faust and Dr. discussed the importance of dealing with anger constructively and peacefully. Faust emphasized that people can control their anger and should focus on positive self-talk to minimize outbursts. Dr. added that individuals should be taught to recognize the early signs of anger and remove themselves from potentially violent situations. They also stressed that seeking help, such as counseling or reading self-help books like "Fix Your Anger Handbook," is a sign of strength, not weakness. Both agreed that anger can be managed and overcome with the right mindset and support.