Arash's World Podcast

In this episode, I have (yet again!) the great pleasure of speaking with licensed therapist and pilot Michaela Renee Johnson on her book 7 Primal Wounds: Break the Patterns Keeping You Stuck and its connection to aviation. Michaela recounts the challenges and emotional highs she experienced during her 13-day journey across the country for her aeronautical book tour in a vintage warbird by the name of Scarlett. Not only is she using the adventure as both a literal and metaphorical vehicle for spreading her message, but it also underscores and ties in with the book’s core and central themes. In fact, the analogy of flying can help us better understand psychological patterns. For instance, people may get “stuck in holding patterns” in life, much like planes circling an airport, and how recognizing these patterns is the first step toward change. She draws on psychological theories such as transactional analysis and attachment theory to explain how early life experiences create “primal wounds” that shape adult behavior. Moreover, she offers practical advice for becoming aware of these unconscious beliefs, encouraging us to notice our bodily reactions when triggered and to identify which “primal responder” (be it child, teenager, or parent) is influencing our actions at a given moment. This self-awareness can help us break negative cycles and make more empowered choices. Finally, Michaela discusses how her framework applies to relationships and personal growth. She emphasizes that most conflicts are not about surface issues but about deeper wounds and unmet needs. By understanding and communicating these underlying patterns, individuals and couples can transform their interactions and foster healthier connections. And writing a book on these findings and observations is not only helpful for us but also therapeutic for the author herself.

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Aymie Daniels, Managing Director of Prophet Source and author of An American Awakening: The Interdependent Relationship of Spirituality and Mental Health about her transformative journey of spiritual healing. Aymie shares her insights on the inherent connection between spirituality and mental health, opens up about her personal awakening—a process she describes as “leveling up in consciousness”—and how it led her from darkness and substance abuse to a life of purpose and healing. Her story inspires and underscores resilience and finding hope even in the most turbulent times. In her book, she explores how spiritual experiences can be both ineffable and life changing. She discusses the importance of holistic approaches to mental health, advocating for transparent information and diverse paths to healing that go beyond pharmaceuticals. Moreover, she managed to look at the bigger picture by moving beyond the “why me” mentality, embracing the law of accountability, and accepting the necessity of making conscious choices to move forward. Finally, we talk about the challenges faced by those who experience spiritual emergencies, including societal stigma and the limitations of traditional mental health labels. Aymie shares how finding community with others who have undergone similar awakenings has been vital to her journey, and why she believes that embracing our spiritual nature—however we define it—is essential for true well-being.

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Dr. Rehman Yousuf Abdulrehman, a clinical psychologist and the author of the best-selling novel Jinn in the Family. We explore jinn folklore with a focus on cultural identity and mental health diagnosis and practice, and how writing fiction can serve as a form of therapy and creative fulfillment. The novel centers around jinn, supernatural beings from Islamic and Zanzibar folklore, often misunderstood in Western culture as mere "genies." Jinn are described as beings created from smokeless fire, distinct from angels and humans, possessing free will and capable of good or evil. This nuanced portrayal challenges the typical Western dichotomy of good versus evil by presenting them as complex characters with motivations shaped by their experiences. Although the novel is presented as a ghost story, it also serves as a metaphor for diaspora identity, cultural heritage, and trauma alongside occasional potential clashes with a predominantly Western scientific paradigm. As a result, the book invites readers to re-evaluate and perhaps even question certain traditional notions of good and evil. Moreover, Dr. Abdulrehman emphasizes the importance of openness to different cultural perspectives, particularly in mental health, where misdiagnosis can occur due to cultural misunderstandings. He advocates for integrating Eastern philosophies and traditional knowledge hand-in-hand with Western scientific approaches. The novel also addresses the need for diverse cultural narratives in literature, especially those from non-Eurocentric backgrounds, to enrich global storytelling while also providing a colorful metaphor for understanding inner and psychological differences and variations between individuals that have a range of diverse experiences.

In this podcast, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Laura Ranieri Roy, an Egyptologist and the founder of Ancient Egypt Alive on pretty much everything under the sun regarding ancient Egyptian history and culture from bent pyramids to great pharaohs, the role of women in society while also giving us glimpses into everyday family life of back then. Laura talks about King Sneferu’s pyramid innovation likening his leadership and vision to Elon Musk’s SpaceX. There seems to be – for better or for worse – no alien involvement in their design and construction as they were built using conscripted labor from across Egypt, with workers receiving food, housing, and medical care in exchange for their participation in what was considered a prestigious project. We also discuss the ancient Egyptians' beliefs about the afterlife and their focus on ensuring eternal life through elaborate rituals and monuments. Laura explains that Egyptians loved life but were concerned about continuing it in the afterlife, describing rituals like the "opening of the mouth" ceremony to animate the senses of mummies and statues. She notes that the enduring legacy of pharaohs like Ramses the Great and Tutankhamun demonstrates their success in achieving an afterlife, as their names continue to be remembered thousands of years later. Moreover, Laura talks about the historical significance of several powerful women in ancient Egypt, beginning with Akhenaten who portrayed himself as both male and female. She explains how Cleopatra VII was known for her intelligence and charisma rather than traditional beauty. Laura also highlights Hatshepsut as a notable queen who ruled as pharaoh by assuming male attributes and characteristics and mentions that Nefertiti and other women held significant power in ancient Egypt alongside the worship and celebration of powerful goddesses like Isis with possible connections to Mary. Finally, we also explore the lives of common people in ancient Egypt, with Laura providing insights into daily life, agriculture, and social structures. While Egyptians experienced difficult periods during intermediate periods between kingdoms, they generally lived well during kingdom periods, with a multicultural society that varied in appearance from Mediterranean to darker skin tones in the south. As Laura explains, Ancient Egypt Alive offers everything from lectures and talks to curated and immersive tours for anyone interested.

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Governor General’s Awards Finalist Merilyn Simonds about her book "Walking with Beth: Conversations with my Hundred-Year-Old Friend," which explores her friendship with Beth, a now 105-year-old occupational and art therapist. The book delves into themes of ageism, resilience, and joy, capturing the essence of their conversations and shared experiences. In fact, Merilyn has “dabbled all over the place” with an expansive and diverse writing career that spans over 40 years during which she has published 22 books in a variety of genres, from straight nonfiction to creative nonfiction, essay, memoir, short fiction, long fiction, children's book, and history. Merilyn shares her background, growing up in Brazil and Canada, and how these cross-cultural perspectives and experiences have shaped her love for language and culture. She also talks about the challenges of writing about personal and sensitive topics, such as her illness and Beth's role in caring for her, while maintaining honesty and respect for boundaries. As she documents and explores the insights of her centenarian friend, Merilyn also challenges ageist stereotypes and offers different, more realistic and empathetic portrayals of older women. Moreover, we touch upon the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic during the writing process. For instance, Beth, being immune compromised, had to develop routines and create art during this period of isolation. Merilyn praises Beth's resilience and positivity and talks about the precautions they both took to stay safe while maintaining their friendship, their walks and conversations during this challenging time. Finally, we talk about Merilyn's lifelong passion for writing and other creative pursuits. She describes her writing process as one of curiosity and continuous learning, likening it to the mindset of a 5-year-old. This approach keeps her engaged and motivated despite the challenges. Merilyn's conversations with Beth reveal the importance of resilience, and the ability to stay present and grateful, and not be swayed or distracted by a focus on the past or the future.

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Dr. Amy Albright, the CEO and co-founder of Holon, who shares her unique perspective on mental health, wellness, and well-being. Dr. Amy describes herself as an academic who loves science but also embraces the mystical aspects of life. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of all things and how this holistic view can lead to a better world. Dr. Amy's approach combines ancient wisdom with modern technology, creating a comprehensive framework for addressing various aspects of human life. One of the key topics discussed is the role of neurofeedback therapy in enhancing mental health and well-being. Dr. Albright explains how advanced technology can help individuals achieve a state of coherence in their brains, leading to improved focus, reduced stress, and a greater sense of fulfillment. She highlights the importance of addressing and (re)calibrating both the neurological and emotional aspects of well-being, emphasizing that true transformation requires a holistic approach. Dr. Amy also delves into the concept of overperformance and the detrimental effects it can have on mental health. She discusses how societal pressures to constantly push and achieve can lead to burnout and a sense of inadequacy. By using neurofeedback therapy and other advanced techniques, individuals can learn to balance their drive for success with the need for relaxation and recovery, which is crucial for maintaining long-term mental health and well-being. Throughout the podcast, Amy's passion for creating a better world shines through. She speaks about the importance of aligning one's actions with one’s true purpose and the positive impact this can have on both individuals and society as a whole. By fostering a sense of interconnectedness and embracing both scientific and spiritual perspectives, Amy believes that we can unlock our full potential and create a more harmonious and fulfilling life and ponders “what's it like to no longer be imprisoned to the idea structure of who you think you are? And to slip into the bigger, truer version of who you think you are, or the bigger and truer version of what freedom feels like as it courses through your body.”

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Aamir Hussain about his debut novel, Under the Full and Crescent Moon, and how an IT professional who loves reading fantasy and science fiction turned novelist. Aamir shares the inspiration behind his novel and explores the novel concept of a Muslim matriarchy, a theme that challenges common and current perceptions of Islam. Aamir emphasizes the importance of storytelling in bridging cultural gaps and fostering understanding, drawing from his personal experiences as a Muslim immigrant as well as his extensive research into historical contexts to enrich his narrative. Moreover, we talk about female agency and interfaith marriages, both of which are central to Aamir's novel. He highlights the strong women in his life and their influence on his writing as he aims to showcase the diversity and strength of Muslim women everywhere. Our discussion also touches upon the role of fatwas in Islamic law, with Aamir explaining their historical context and how they are portrayed in his book. Aamir then reflects on the challenges and rewards of writing his first novel, describing the meticulous research and dedication that was required to bring his vision to life. He speaks about the support he received from his family, particularly his wife, and the importance of perseverance in the face of obstacles. Finally, Aamir underscores the significance of open dialogue and the exchange of ideas while advocating for a nuanced understanding of Islam, one that appreciates its diversity and adaptability. Aamir also reflects upon how Islam is often perceived in Western societies in a rather narrow and monolithic way but how technology despite its interconnectedness may also be a contributing factor to this view. By sharing his story and insights, Aamir hopes to inspire others to explore their own creative paths and contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic world.

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Cynthia Moore about her multifaceted career from a playwright and performer to a psychotherapist, and, more recently, the author of “Dancing on Coals: A Memoir of an Overperformer.” In the book, Cynthia chronicles her transition from the sphere of theatre to the domain of psychotherapy. She reflects on how her longstanding pursuit of approval, recognition, and enlightenment was rooted in formative childhood desires for a sense of belonging. Yet she has discovered that life’s most fulfilling experiences tend to be found in the simplicity of everyday moments rooted in the present, including a pancake breakfast on a lazy morning. We also talk about the transformative era of the 1970s, when theatre was marked by innovation and a willingness to challenge established conventions. Cynthia shares her dynamic and at times tumultuous experiences in the theatrical community, alongside the revolutionary and occasionally precarious relationships she encountered along the way, as well as the difficulties of asserting her authentic voice within a predominantly male environment. Furthermore, we talk about psychology and spirituality and how Cynthia’s decision to pursue psychotherapy was not simply a career change, but rather a leap into uncharted territory—a personal “dark night of the soul.” Through this journey, she found a space for genuine self-expression and healing, integrating personal challenges, spiritual practices, and the principles of therapeutic support. This was further enriched by insights into childhood trauma, the role of intuition, and Buddhist meditation, again culminating in the recognition that true contentment is to be found in the present moment.

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with author, counselor, clinical social worker, and mystical astrologer Carmen Turner Schott about the intersection and interplay of astrology, destiny, healing as well as personal growth and agency. As Carmen explains she uses astrology as a tool for self-awareness for us to heal, transform, and become more resilient, while her down-to-earth book “Your Astrological Energy: Maximize the Power of Your Birth Chart” gives us details about the power of our own unique astrological energy at play. The planets and constellations can give us important clues about our decisions, the reasons behind our emotions and how to best move forward in our personal and professional lives. On a macro level, there are various tumultuous events occurring astrologically right now, which explains why this era is such a milestone and how and why it is very different and more revolutionary compared to most of the other time periods. Moreover, the alignment of stars can give us important clues about our personal lives including our karma, soul mission, marriage, and soulmates. While the North node has an aspect that is more fixed and determined in terms of our unique fate and destiny, there are other aspects that are more flexible and contingent upon our own decisions and actions. A combination of both may apply to the quest of our soul mate, where karma plays a role, but we may have a say in how things turn out in the end.

In this episode, I have (once again ;) the great pleasure of speaking with couple therapist and psychiatrist Dr. Kathryn Ford about her book “The Aperture Effect: A Radically Simple Approach to Finding Joy and Connection in Your Relationship” and how aperture awareness can improve and strengthen our personal relationship on many levels. Aperture awareness is a distillation and combination of psychology, mindfulness, and neuroscience and can help us to become more aware of and attuned to inherent tendencies in our thoughts and behaviors, to move from a conversation of who’s right to a balanced dialogue and to effectively deal with different personal issues and problems regarding love and romance. We touch upon openness, active listening, emotional overload, and vulnerability, how and why it is often hard (especially for men) to open up to their loved ones and what we can all do about it. Moreover, Kathryn explains how mindfulness and empathy can improve communication, how to be less self-defensive and learn to focus not only on words and content but to uncover and appreciate the interplay between content and underlying feelings and emotions.

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Dr. Carl Rothschild about the countless benefits of Infrared Light Therapy as well as his book “Illuminated Healing: Unraveling the Mysteries of Light Therapy,” which gives detailed scientific explanations about the particular processes at hand. We also talk about the difference between being a healer and a traditional medical doctor including how the Western medical system is often driven by money and profit via surgeries and pharmaceutics, and how the medical model is less focused on finding a cure or healing the patient. This may explain to some extent why alternative healing modalities such as infrared light therapy are not given the recognition they deserve despite scientific studies proving their effectiveness and health benefits. Dr. Carl Rothschild also explains how people tend to spend a lot of money on dieting and on pills to lose weight despite their lack of success and their potential risk of negative side effects. Yet, with a combination of red and infrared light therapy, this can be achieved with very few if any negative effects. Finally, we also look at overall health practices that ensure illnesses and diseases are kept at bay, including through the adoption and practice of healthy lifestyles and good lifelong eating habits with little need for medication, diets, or other corrective measures.

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Bruce Hunter, author of the fictional memoir In the Bear’s House, which he describes as a series of love stories about land, mountains, nature, wilderness, and people, including a love relation between a very creative mother and her deaf son named Trout. Bruce himself is deaf and is using technology to be able to hear, and he talks about the importance of inclusivity, which the boy Trout first discovers when encountering First Nations people. In fact, the universal message of Bruce’s book is that fear is the greatest disability, as it can cripple us and lead to discrimination and other hurtful acts and measures. Moreover, Bruce shares various personal stories whether it is his experience of teaching and how and why teachers tend to be the most difficult people to understand or explaining how hearing via assistive technology and a hearing aid has been very difficult and how this involves a lot of work and persistence. He also outlines research into neuroscience and how the brain not only adapts and compensates but indeed rewires and actively engages with the whole process, hence shaping and transforming it. Finally, Bruce also speaks the language of soil due to his studies and experiences of being an arborist, which connects him to First Nations people and many others across the world, particularly in Italy; at the same time, he tells us that failure should not be something to curb or block us but that it ought to encourage us to keep trying harder. As Bruce states, this is not his first rodeo and that when you fall, you need to get back up again, or to use a baseball analogy, to go out and bat again. We conclude that it does not merely come down to positivity but that we need to appreciate and celebrate all aspects of life, including grief and its darker parts. Life is often challenging, and it takes a lot of courage to face its many obstacles, but it is also rewarding, beautiful, and personally enriching, while it is of the utmost importance to connect with others via feeling and empathy as opposed to being blinded by fear, judgment, and prejudice.

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Iranian-Canadian author and book publicist Hollay Ghadery about cultural identity and mental health, her memoir “Fuse,” her collection of poems as well as her “pathological love” for books. Hollay openly and candidly talks about growing up as a biracial woman and the various challenges and difficulties that took a toll on her health and wellbeing, including disordered eating with anorexia and bulimia, OCD, and addiction. In her life, she often felt like she did not belong in one space or another but found herself in-between spaces and within mixed cultures as it had become quite complex to define herself not only physically but also psychologically, mentally, and emotionally due to the lack of a cohesive cultural identity. Yet, throughout her many challenges, she was aided by the arts, humanities, and literature. Hollay spent a lot of her life with books. We discuss how it is also through literature that we come to express our own viewpoints and lived and felt experiences and are better able to understand and connect with others. As she explains, reading can develop and nurture a sense of common humanity as well as foster empathy and compassion for ourselves and others. As the title of her memoir shows us, it is a type of fusion that creates a new beautiful and authentic whole out of the sum of the different multi-faceted parts leading to moments of “joy pockets” while at the same time embracing and leaning into a healthy and robust sense of humor.

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking to Lisa Nezneski, a Shamanic energy healer, a mindfulness teacher, a pharmacist, and author of the book “Grounded in Chaos: Leaning into Adversity, Learning Joy.” Lisa has been involved in the healing arts for decades now and has had access to her own holistic toolbox that includes a wide range of techniques, methods, and modalities, including pharmacognosy (the study of herbal and natural medicine), meditation, mindfulness, Reiki, and shamanic healing sessions. Throughout her healing journey where she dealt with various difficulties and hardships regarding health and her personal life, she has learned to be and remain grounded when chaos falls upon us, to accept and embrace change, and to become more resilient in the process. One of the takeaways is to remind ourselves that we are connected to everything and that we are never alone. We can also take comfort and solace not only in other people but also pets as they can often support us in various ways when things are not going well in our lives. Moreover, it is important to have a good healthy sense of humor, to feed and cultivate feelings of hope and optimism, to reach out to others, and to explore and find different ways and methods of releasing stuck toxic energies to prevent ill health, health complications, and disease.

In this episode, I have the great pleasure to speak to author, music industry leader, and storyteller Jerry Dale, also known as “JD” about his inspiring memoir “Music, Porn & Jesus: A Journey to Redemption” in which he talks about his personal experiences in the music industry and the dark side of fame. In the 90s, Jerry worked with a wide range of top tier artists, including Destiny’s Child, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Maxwell, and Snoop Dogg. Being in that position brought him success, money, and fame, but it came also with a cost and a toll to his overall health. Furthermore, JD was involved with the adult entertainment industry and outlines some of the dangers and challenges within that field and how many young women would start as waitresses and then be tempted to become dancers in a culture that prioritizes money and excess. However, Jerry’s life story is one of second chances, redemption, and transformation. He was able to break free from the dark side of fame that had captured and trapped him in his young adult life and found himself back on the right and moral path. His book and this podcast are testament to how he has used his experiences not only to grow personally and spiritually but to openly share his experiences with everyone and to demonstrate how hope and redemption are never out of reach.

In this episode, I have (once again!) the great pleasure of speaking with Rabbi Matthew Ponak, Teacher of Jewish mysticism, spiritual counselor, and author of “The Path of the Sephirot: A 49-Day Omer Counter for Spiritual Growth and Inner Balance.” Rabbi Ponak explains how the Kabbalah is a living tradition that helps us understand the journey between the finite and the Infinite where divine emanations flow and interact and how to reveal and manifest them in our lives. By following “The Path of the Sephirot,” we are tapping into divine qualities that we then wish to embody in our lives with each week being dedicated to specific sacred attributes starting with lovingkindness, followed by boundaries, beauty and harmony, action, yielding, connection, and receiving. On the final day, the Shavuot, all of them are then integrated within each other and themselves. We discuss various spiritual practices that can help us not only grow but also find inner balance in the process, including the importance of the Sacred No as a form of setting boundaries for ourselves and for others, the overall combination of the Yes and No energy coupled with a balance of action and yielding. All this deep introspection and concrete action would then lead to tikkun, which means transformation or repair, and how by healing ourselves, we can heal the world as it is all interconnected. Finally, we talk about the importance, relevance, and symbolism of the Tree of Life in the Bible and how psychoanalysis has interesting and intricate links and ties with Jewish mysticism, whether unconsciously through Sigmund Freud or as part of Jung’s interest and study of the Kabbalah. These spiritual insights and practices have the potential of enriching our lives and help us elevate our own vibes and frequencies and gain inner balance.

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking to Psychic Counselor and Reiki Master Teacher Lisa Campion, author of Awakening Your Psychic Ability and The Art of Psychic Reiki on spiritual development and the vital role of authenticity and self-compassion. As Lisa explains, the three gateways that can open our latent psychic ability tend to be Reiki, Yoga, and Meditation. Reiki is a holistic healing modality that is used in many clinics for pain management and during pre- and post-surgery with no side effects. As it relaxes and activates the body’s natural healing capacity, it can be also effective for mental health, including depression and anxiety. In fact, Lisa adds psychic development to her practice of Reiki, which can be conceived of a type of “massage for the soul.” But psychic abilities can be further uncovered, discovered, and expanded by keeping a Psychic Journal. This can heighten our abilities by paying attention and connecting with our higher self through our intuition instead of listening to or acting upon the ego or personal self. We discuss how listening to our intuition can lead to a more soulful life and the importance of unplugging and finding calm and quiet to encounter ourselves and to check in spiritually. We also talk about the difference between self care and self-compassion and how to distinguish reactive feelings from soul feelings where the authentic self would come into play.

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with psychoanalyst, professor, and scholar Donald Carveth on his findings and insights on psychoanalysis, authenticity, and personal growth. We also explored various philosophical, existential, and psychological concepts, including narcissism, faith and doubt, instinct and intuition, and the importance of self-awareness and gratitude in life. Moreover, we discussed the evolution of psychoanalytic thinking and its impact on the mental health field. Psychoanalysis is a great revolutionary tool for personal transcendence and transformation, which can be enhanced by reframing New Testament concepts and re-evaluating Christianity as a metaphor for deep ethics, conscience, and personality change. This new approach can help us evolve by making us more autonomous and self-aware and guide us towards becoming ourselves on the deepest level as we continue aiming towards the true self as opposed to being grounded and trapped in the false self.

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Jill Amy Sager, Tarot Reader, channeler, and author of “Guidance from the Universe: Hopeful Messages for Everyday Challenges” about reading Tarot, channeling and receiving messages from the universe and the importance of intuition and hope in our everyday lives. Jill has been a life-long Tarot card reader, and she has seen the effects of the oracle not only in her own personal life but also how it has helped many of her clients deal with difficult situations and decisions. That has also strengthened her relationship with the universe and being able to channel, perceive and recognize signs and signposts in nature and our surroundings. Being open, aware, and mindful of ourselves and our surroundings has been helpful, but it has also been a source of hope while also building resilience within. Despite various limitations and obstacles in her life, she has not only managed to overcome them but also thrive. With her work and her book, she is sharing her personal insights and experiences without being academic or having a religious dogma or agenda attached to them but as a means of connecting to our own guidance available to each one of us.

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Linda Trinh, Vietnamese Canadian author of “Seeking Spirit: A Vietnamese (Non) Buddhist Memoir” on the role and influence of spirituality in her personal life. Linda discusses some of the difficulties and challenges of forging her own identity while juggling her Vietnamese culture with its rituals and traditions and the Canadian culture of her upbringing in addition to her global travels and her own unique beliefs, thoughts, and impressions. When faced with trauma, Linda finds both recourse and solace in her spiritual beliefs and the belief in an afterlife. We also talk about how it is important to accept life and suffering and that many of us experience a lack in our lives that could be filled with beliefs in the spirit and the continuous practice of spirituality.