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

Monday Jan 27, 2025
Monday Jan 27, 2025
E386 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Dr. Susan A. Jackson, a renowned psychologist and author celebrated for her pioneering work on the psychological concept of flow. Her expertise includes high-performance psychology consulting, academic research, writing, and flow experience assessment. With a PhD in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Sue has extensive experience in the sports, performance, and health industries. Her profound insights into flow stem from her close collaboration with Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the founder of the flow concept. Together, they co-authored Flow in Sports, which was instrumental in bringing an understanding of flow to athletes and coaches. In Experiencing Flow, Sue shares practical strategies for achieving optimal experiences and unlocking human potential across various domains, solidifying her as a leading voice in the field. www.bodyandmindflow.com.au # 1 on the 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts list by FeedSpot. https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_mental_health_podcasts/ Check out my website: www.FoojanZeine.com, www.AwarenessIntegration.com, www.Foojan.com Summary Dr. Jackson and Dr. Foojan discussed the concept of 'flow,' a state of complete engagement and involvement in a task. Dr. Jackson explained that flow is characterized by high task involvement, with no mental energy left for self-consciousness or other distractions. She also mentioned that flow is not limited to sports but can be experienced in various settings such as music, acting, and therapy. The discussion also touched on the connection between flow and passion, agreeing that when one is utterly passionate about something, every part of it is in sync. Dr. Jackson discussed the challenges that prevent individuals from achieving flow, a state of optimal engagement and performance. He identified distractions, self-consciousness, lack of skills, and non-optimal arousal levels as key obstacles. Dr. Jackson emphasized the importance of mindfulness and meditation in overcoming these challenges, as they help individuals focus on the present and develop the skills necessary for flow. He also highlighted the role of motivation and optimal environmental conditions in facilitating flow. She discussed the importance of immediate and clear feedback in maintaining focus and flow during public speaking or performance. Emphasized that negative feedback should not be interpreted as a personal failure, but rather as a personal issue of the audience. Dr. Foojan also highlighted the significance of focusing on the task at hand and not getting distracted by irrelevant thoughts or emotions. She suggested that psychological skills can help maintain focus and refocus when necessary. Lastly, she addressed the issue of some individuals feeling they lack control over their performance, suggesting that understanding the steps and process can help them achieve their goals. Dr. Jackson discussed the concept of flow, which she defined as a state of complete engagement and connection with a task or activity. She emphasized that flow is not an accident but a state that can be cultivated through key factors such as a balance between challenge and skill, clear goals, and feedback. Dr. also highlighted the importance of focus and being able to completely immerse oneself in the task at hand. She described her experience of achieving flow as a complete connection and unity with the task or person involved. Dr discussed the importance of being present at the moment and focusing on the tasks at hand rather than being distracted by external inputs. They emphasized the benefits of mindfulness and meditation in developing these skills. Dr also acknowledged that individuals with attention deficit disorders can experience hyper focus, which can be a strength to be leveraged. They advised these individuals to play to their strengths and develop skills to know when hyper-focus isn't appropriate. Dr. Sue Jackson discussed the importance of flow in enhancing the quality of subjective experience and promoting personal growth. She emphasized that flow allows individuals to engage fully in activities, leading to a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Dr. Jackson also highlighted the benefits of flow in developing skills and becoming the best version of oneself. She encouraged the practice of flow in various aspects of life, such as work, nature walks, and even sexual experiences.

Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
E385 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Meghan Riordan Jarvis, MA, LCSW, a podcast host, TEDx speaker, and trauma-trained psychotherapist specializing in grief and loss. With 20 years of experience, she speaks on the importance of understanding grief and supporting grievers. Meghan hosts the popular blog and podcast Grief Is My Side Hustle and offers a free writing workshop, Grief Mates. She founded the Grief Mentor Method: Six Core Concepts to Creating a Personalized Grief Process and is the author of End of the Hour, a memoir on trauma, loss, and healing. Today, we will discuss her new book, Can Anyone Tell Me? Essential Questions about Grief And Loss. Connect with Meghan at www.meghanriordanjarvis.com. # 1 on the 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts list by FeedSpot. 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) Summary: Meghan and Dr. discussed the complexities of grief and loss, emphasizing that grief is a personal experience and not a problem to fix. Meghan, a trauma therapist specializing in grief and loss, shared her experiences and insights from her book, highlighting the common symptoms of grief, such as brain fog, memory loss, and emotional turmoil. She also stressed the importance of understanding that grief is not a singular event but a continuous process, with big and small losses contributing to the overall experience. The conversation also touched on the importance of acknowledging and validating the grief process, as many people feel like they are failing or going crazy due to the lack of cultural understanding and support. Meghan and Dr. discussed the cultural norms surrounding grief and bereavement in Western societies. Meghan highlighted the lack of support for grieving individuals, with many companies only offering three days of bereavement leave. She suggested that this lack of support can lead to self-criticism and isolation. Dr. noted that many cultures grieve together and that Western societies expect to compartmentalize grief. Meghan proposed making an appointment with oneself to acknowledge and process grief and suggested that this could be a helpful tool for those experiencing grief. The conversation also touched on the importance of having a support system during grief. Meghan and Dr. discussed the complexities of grief and loss, emphasizing the importance of understanding and accepting the new roles and identities of such experiences. They highlighted the need for individuals to consciously decide how they want their relationships to continue after a loss and the importance of maintaining a connection with the person who has passed. Meghan also shared her personal experience of grappling with spirituality and the search for meaning after her mother's sudden death. The conversation concluded with Meghan encouraging people to view grief as a natural part of life, deserving the same support and understanding as other challenging experiences.

Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
E384 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Denise Mange, a certified dog trainer, animal communicator, pet numerologist, and founder of Pet Prana. Her mindful approach to pet training combines traditional training with energetic considerations of pet guardianship. She has been featured in publications spanning pet guardianship to conscious living and has appeared on numerous radio shows and podcasts. Her new book, Translating Your Pet's Behavior: Learn What Their Behavior Says About You to Train Smarter, Not Harder, is a #1 bestseller in its Amazon category. Learn more at www.petprana.com. # 1 on the 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts list by FeedSpot. 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) Summary Denise and Dr. discussed the parallels between animal behavior and human chakras, with Denise explaining how understanding these parallels can help in self-reflection and personal development. Dr. shared his experiences with his dog, Mr. Spock, and how he realized the importance of communication and attention to his pet's needs. Denise then introduced four questions to help identify broader messages from their pets' behavior, emphasizing the interconnectedness of their energy and the potential for growth and transformation through these relationships. Denise discussed the importance of self-reflection and mindfulness in personal and professional relationships, using the example of a pet's behavior as a reflection of one's mindset. She emphasized the need to identify and change disempowering mindsets and to recognize that one's pet is not acting out of spite or punishment but rather reflecting something about oneself. Denise also highlighted the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining a work-life balance, as these can impact one's relationship with their pet. The doctor shared her experiences with her dog, noting how his behavior helped her recognize her shortcomings and improve her life balance. Denise concluded by encouraging people to use their pets as mirrors for self-reflection and seek solutions to their problems.

Monday Jan 06, 2025
Monday Jan 06, 2025
E383 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Michael Thompson, a career coach, lecturer at EAE Business School in Barcelona, Spain, and strategic communication advisor to top business leaders worldwide. Growing up, his stutter and social anxiety kept him from pursuing his goals. By turning his supposed weaknesses into his greatest strengths, he developed a system of principles to help people express themselves more confidently and build meaningful relationships without sacrificing their nature. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including Fast Company, Insider, Forbes, INC, MSN, and Apple News. We discuss his new book, Shy by Design: 12 Timeless Principles to Quietly Stand Out. Learn more at https://michaelthompson.art/book/. 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 Michael and Dr. discussed the importance of self-awareness and vulnerability in personal growth and success. Michael shared his experiences with stuttering and his past struggles with anxiety, depression, and substance use, highlighting how these challenges have helped him connect with others. Dr. emphasized acknowledging and embracing vulnerabilities as a source of strength and confidence. They also touched on treating curiosity as a primary responsibility, encouraging self-reflection, and questioning past experiences. Michael and Dr. discussed the importance of curiosity about oneself and others and how this can lead to better relationships and personal growth. Michael shared his experience overcoming his stuttering by focusing on listening rather than speaking, making him more curious about others. Dr. agreed, emphasizing that curiosity is essential for creating meaningful relationships. They also touched on being bold in the moments that matter, with Michael sharing his practice of keeping a record of his accomplishments to encourage further boldness. They talked about strategies for boosting confidence and overcoming self-doubt. Michael shared his experiences of facing challenges and overcoming them, emphasizing the importance of self-validation and maintaining a positive mindset. He also suggested keeping a 'brag sheet' of personal achievements to remind oneself of past successes. Dr. agreed with these strategies, adding that reflecting on past achievements can help tap into one's inner power and resilience. They both emphasized the importance of focusing on personal strengths and accomplishments rather than seeking external validation. Michael and Dr. discussed strategies for overcoming anxiety and fear in personal and professional settings. Michael introduced the "trip away framework," which involves acknowledging feelings, accepting reality, and asking oneself what is needed to move forward. He emphasized the importance of taking the next step, even if uncomfortable, to grow and learn. Dr. agreed with Michael's approach, noting that people often avoid pushing through due to fear and anxiety. They both recommended that facing fears and doing what's uncomfortable can lead to personal growth and learning, even if mistakes are made. Michael shared how he had to learn to listen to his internal signals and not let others dictate his path. He also talked about changing his mindset to see his stuttering as a positive aspect. Dr. emphasized that Michael's shyness and stuttering were still present but had been managed through creating comfortable structures. Michael also shared his approach to helping others, emphasizing the importance of asking for help and designing environments for personal growth. Lastly, Dr. asked Michael about how he supports his introverted and shy children, to which Michael responded by sharing his experiences and empathizing with their struggles. Michael shared his experiences with his two children, aged 10 and 6, who have speech difficulties. He mentioned that the 10-year-old is highly intelligent but sometimes lazy with his speech, while the 6-year-old is very quiet and has difficulty speaking. Michael and his wife are cautious about the potential long-term effects of these habits and are trying to encourage their children to speak more. He also shared his personal journey of self-discovery and how writing helped him gain confidence and clarity about his values.

Monday Dec 30, 2024
Monday Dec 30, 2024
E382 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Dr. Ramin (Ron) Najafi, a chemist and entrepreneur committed to environmental advocacy. He is Emery Pharma's Founder, President, and CEO, a contract research organization focused on pharmaceutical development. Dr. Najafi invented the Ecological Funnel (ECO Funnel) and founded CP Lab Safety, which distributes over 200,000+ lab safety products worldwide, enhancing compliance with safety standards. In addition to Emery Pharma and CP Lab Safety, he has founded several other companies, including Nova Bay Pharmaceuticals, where he took the company public. With over 70 patents, Dr. Najafi combines scientific innovation with a strong commitment to safety and sustainability in laboratory practices. We will discuss his latest book, co-authored with Kelley Najafi, on the "7 Commandments to Save the Planet". Summary Dr. Ron Najafi, a chemist and entrepreneur, discussed his journey from working in the pharmaceutical industry to becoming an advocate for environmental safety. He shared his invention of a product that prevents laboratory pollution and its widespread adoption in the industry. Dr. Ron emphasized the importance of education in understanding the impact of human activities on the planet, citing examples such as the long-lasting effects of plastic waste and the disproportionate generation of carbon dioxide compared to the absorption capacity of trees. He concluded by stressing the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions and to learn about the consequences of their choices on the environment. Dr. Ron and Dr. Foojan discussed the proper disposal of expired drugs, emphasizing that they should be returned to the pharmacy or manufacturer for safe disposal or recycling. They highlighted the issue of expired medications being thrown into landfills, where they can leach into the soil and contaminate the environment, contributing to antibiotic resistance and other health issues. Dr. Ron advocated for manufacturers to take responsibility for their products at the end of their life cycle, ensuring they are disposed of or recycled safely. Dr. Ron discussed adopting a product as a service, similar to software as a service, where the manufacturer is responsible for the product's longevity. He used the example of a refrigerator manufacturer to illustrate this point, stating that they should be accountable for their products, including disposal and recycling. Dr. Ron also shared his experience with a pharmaceutical company, where a faulty refrigerator was discarded after only six months of use. He emphasized the need for companies to reduce waste, reuse, recycle, and repair products, as outlined in his book. Dr. Ron and Dr. Foojan discussed the need for a circular economy, emphasizing the importance of recycling and reusing materials to reduce waste and protect the environment. They highlighted the negative impact of the current linear economy, which involves taking, making, and disposing of, and suggested that policy changes and regulations are necessary to guide companies toward a circular economy. They also discussed the potential for collaboration between different manufacturers to utilize each other's waste products and the importance of reducing plastic waste, which can harm the environment and human health. Dr. Ron shared that he and his wife have been working on this issue for 20 years and have recently published a book on the subject. Dr. Foojan and Dr. Ron discussed the need for revolutionizing food and energy production to save the planet. They highlighted the current chemically intensive methods of growing food and generating energy, which are detrimental to the environment and human health. Dr. Ron suggested the development of high-yield, less poisonous food production methods and exploring safer energy sources, such as solar and wind power. He also emphasized the need to consider the human cost of producing these energy sources, like cobalt mining in Africa. Dr. Ron concluded that solar and wind energy are currently the cheapest and most environmentally friendly options and should be further developed and utilized. Dr. Foojan and Dr. Ron discussed the importance of industry, policymaking, and consumer responsibility in addressing environmental challenges. Dr. Ron emphasized the need for consumers to educate themselves and take action, such as reducing waste, recycling, and demanding eco-friendly products from manufacturers. He also suggested implementing a deposit system for plastic bottles to encourage their return and creating a new industry that can repurpose plastics. Dr. Ron encouraged everyone to visit landfills and recycling centers to understand the issues better and write letters to their legislators to advocate for change. He invited people to contact him via email or LinkedIn for further discussions.

Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
E381 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Rainie Howard, a renowned bestselling author, speaker, and visionary leader in personal development. With over 17 years of experience, Rainie has connected with millions worldwide through her powerful teachings on self-love, emotional healing, and relationship building. As the CEO of Love Book Store, an e-commerce business, and Inspired Flow, a leadership and life coaching firm, she is dedicated to empowering individuals to live with purpose and fulfillment. Her groundbreaking work has been featured on major platforms like FOX, NBC, and ABC, reinforcing her status as a leading authority on emotional intelligence, mental health, and spiritual growth. Through her podcast, The Rainie Howard Show, she inspires and uplifts audiences, providing insights that guide others toward holistic growth and a life filled with joy and fulfillment. Rainie's mission is to help people awaken their inner potential, encouraging them to embrace their unique strengths and lead empowered, purposeful lives. We talk about Rainie’s latest book, The Love Habit, a transformative guide that empowers readers to cultivate healthier relationships while embracing the transformative power of self-love. www.RainieHoward.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 this episode: Rainie and Dr. discussed the importance of self-awareness and self-love in achieving emotional balance and healthy relationships. They emphasized the need to connect with one's body and emotions and to understand and validate oneself. Rainie shared her journey of learning to journal and meditate to better understand herself and her feelings. Dr. added that disconnection from the body can be a result of trauma or pain and that reconnecting with the body through practices like yoga and meditation can help in healing. They concluded by discussing the importance of validating oneself and recognizing when one's need for validation drives unhealthy relationships. Rainie addressed the importance of self-validation and the power of positive affirmation in overcoming people-pleasing and harmful behaviors. She emphasized that by speaking positive affirmations, one can recondition their mind to believe in their own worth and abilities. Highlighting the evolutionary need for external validation and the influence of others on our self-perception. Both decided that individuals have the power to reinvent themselves and overcome past traumas and that acknowledging resilience is crucial in this process. Rainie and Dr. discussed the importance of experiencing and visualizing the love, joy, and peace one desires. Rainie emphasized the power of visualization techniques and the ability to handle life's challenges better with a clear vision. She also shared her personal experiences of overcoming depression and anxiety, highlighting the importance of deciding to be happy and at peace, even in difficult times. The love habit encourages self-awareness, validation, and co-creation of life, even with its ups and downs.

Monday Dec 16, 2024
Monday Dec 16, 2024
E380 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Rachel Kaplan, MA, MFT, a licensed psychotherapist with a thriving San Francisco Bay Area practice. Creator and host of the acclaimed podcast Healing Feeling Sh*t Show, she is active on a variety of social media channels and has published multiple features in Common Ground. Kaplan has studied yoga, meditation, and hands-on healing practices in India and Nepal, earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and trained in cutting-edge trauma modalities such as EMDR. On this show, we talk about her latest book, “Feel, Heal & Let That Shit Go – Your Guide To Emotional Resilience And Lasting Self-Love.” Connect with Rachel on TheFeelingsMovement.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) Note Summary: Rachel discussed the importance of acknowledging and reintegrating previously cast out or denied parts of oneself. She emphasized that simply thinking about these parts is not enough, and instead, suggested reflecting on what one's parents didn't like about them and what they fear showing to others. Rachel proposed tracking these parts throughout the day, checking in with them, and shaping one's life around them to make them feel loved and cared for. She also noted that these parts often come alive with pain and that learning to feel and process this pain is crucial for personal growth. Rachel discussed emotional release work, which involves learning to manage one's feelings responsibly. She emphasized the importance of creating a proactive practice to connect with emotions and move them rather than waiting for life events to trigger them. Rachel also mentioned the need to physically amplify one's capacity to handle anger, sadness, fear, and shame. She suggested setting aside time for this practice, like going to the gym or doing yoga. Rachel and the doctor discuss the importance of integrating and accepting the wounded parts of oneself with love and kindness. Rachel emphasizes allowing those parts to fully express their pain and emotions in a safe space, followed by reality testing to gain perspective, self-care, and moving forward as an integrated adult self. The key is bridging the resourced adult self with the parts desperately needing love and approval, not letting the wounded child parts take over but healing them through this process of acceptance and integration. Dr. and Rachel discussed the emotional release process and the importance of privately acknowledging and letting go of emotions before sharing them with others. They emphasized the need to assess when it's appropriate to express feelings and when it's necessary to let them go privately. Rachel also highlighted the importance of not judging emotions as good or bad but understanding their messages and allowing oneself to feel pain as a natural part of being human. She encouraged people to become skilled at emotional release to feel better and more resilient.

Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
E379 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Dr. Ali Khazaeizadeh. He is an internist and primary care physician in Newport Beach, California. He graduated from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Yale University Hospitals in Connecticut. Dr. Khazaeizadeh possesses extensive professional experience and a strong background in teaching biochemistry and pharmacology. He also plays a significant role as an editor and contributing author to several best-selling medical review books. In addition, he is actively involved in telemedicine and telecommunications and is the founder of Tavanas.com, a telemedicine company. We talk about the importance of sleep and the latest studies about sleep. 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)

Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
E378 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Michael J. Gelb, a pioneer in the field of creative thinking, executive coaching, and innovative leadership. He is a fifth-degree black belt in Aikido and a gifted teacher of tai chi and the Alexander Technique. He is also a professional juggler who performed with the Rolling Stones. He is the author of seventeen books — including the international bestseller How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci — which have been translated into 25 languages and sold over one million copies. We discuss his latest book, Walking Well, coauthored with Bruce Fertman. For more information, check www.MichaelGelb.com and www.WalkingWell.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 Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
E377 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Hamed Farmand, whose mother was incarcerated for five years when he was six, and is the founder and president of Children of Imprisoned Parents International (COIPI). He studied the fundamentals of psychology at NOVA College and, under the mentorship of Dr. Shervin Assari, gained a deep understanding of the psychological impact of parental incarceration on children. Hamed serves as a board member of the International Coalition for Children with Incarcerated Parents (INCCIP) and is a member of the Global Prison Nursery Network, where he shares his research on children living with their mothers in Iranian prisons. Hamed has earned several prestigious certifications, including “Child Protection: Children’s Rights in Theory and Practice” from Harvard University, a MicroMasters in “Social Work, Practice, Policy, and Research” from the University of Michigan, and a certificate in “Resilience in Children Exposed to Trauma, Disaster, and War” from the University of Minnesota. He is also certified in “Advocating Social Justice and Change” from the University of Adelaide. Dr. and Hamed discussed the profound impact of parental incarceration on children, drawing from Hamed's personal experience and research. Hamed shared how his mother's five-year imprisonment shaped his life and emphasized the need for society, caregivers, and parents to better support children in similar situations. He highlighted the trauma, stigma, and lack of resources that these children face and advocated for open, honest conversations to build trust and resilience. They addressed the importance of providing mental health support for incarcerated individuals and their families, particularly focusing on the role of education, access to services, and reducing stigma. Hamed discussed systemic issues like poverty and gender inequality, noting the link between incarceration and socio-economic challenges. He also emphasized the need for community involvement in supporting these children and preventing trauma from being passed down to future generations. The conversation touched on coping mechanisms children develop due to parental absence, the role of community support, and how dissociation or overachievement can be common reactions to their circumstances. Both speakers stressed the importance of addressing trauma, providing mentorship, and promoting resilience in children affected by parental incarceration. Hamed concluded by discussing his organization's efforts in education, services, and research to support these children globally. 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)








