Inner Voice - Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan
A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine is a show talking about what matters the most to you in life. Listen to tips of the day about life, answers your questions, and interview with experts in the field of psychology, and authors of books about humanity.
Episodes

Monday Oct 14, 2024
Monday Oct 14, 2024
E371 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Michelle M. May, LPC, the Chair of the Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) program at the New Washington School of Psychiatry in Washington, DC. She is a psychotherapist and supervisor specializing in intensive dynamic therapy with a private practice for adults and couples in Virginia and Washington, DC. We will be talking about her book: Refreshingly honest, illuminating, and emotion-provoking, "What I Couldn’t Tell My Therapist" is both a precious resource for therapists wishing to do more for their clients and a guide to accelerate healing for anyone who is suffering. For more information, go to: www.michellemmaylpc.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 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) Platforms to Like and Follow: *Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DrFoojanZeine/) *Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/Dr.FoojanZeine) *Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/DrZeine/) *LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrFoojanZeine)

Monday Oct 07, 2024
Monday Oct 07, 2024
E370 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with William Rothwell, President of Rothwell & Associates, Inc., Rothwell & Associates, LLC, and Rothwell & Associates Korea in this episode. As a consultant, he has worked with over fifty multinational companies and countless governments and nonprofits. As a Distinguished Professor at Penn State University, University Park, where 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. Before joining Penn State in 1993, he had over fifteen years of executive-level work experience in human resources, talent development, and Organization Development leadership in government and private sector. With a combined fifty years of work experience in HR, OD, and Talent Development, he has published 164 books in the Human Resources field. We will be talking about his latest book, “Revolutionizing The Online Learning Journey—1500 Ways to Increase Engagement.” Wjr9@psu.edu 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

Monday Sep 30, 2024
Monday Sep 30, 2024
E369 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Aly Vredenburgh, an emerging leader and expert in youth advocacy, education, and research. She holds a sociology degree and an M.A. in Social Innovation from the University of San Diego. Her research in adolescent mental health has been featured in influential scientific journals and conferences. With a deep understanding of the factors contributing to the mental health crisis in Gen-Z and having led initiatives for policy changes as Past-President of a nonprofit, Vredenburgh is committed to driving systemic change and improving the well-being of future generations. Today, we will discuss her book: "Out of Focus", which highlights the mental health crisis among Gen Z, offering a deep dive into systemic issues and advocating for meaningful change. You can find her further discussing mental health and related topics on Instagram @alyvredenburgh. 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 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) Platforms to Like and Follow: *Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DrFoojanZeine/) *Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/Dr.FoojanZeine) *Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/DrZeine/) *LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrFoojanZeine)

Monday Sep 23, 2024
Monday Sep 23, 2024
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.

Monday Sep 16, 2024
Monday Sep 16, 2024
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

Monday Sep 09, 2024
Monday Sep 09, 2024
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

Monday Sep 02, 2024
Monday Sep 02, 2024
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.

Monday Aug 26, 2024
Monday Aug 26, 2024
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.

Monday Aug 19, 2024
Monday Aug 19, 2024
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.

Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
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.