THAT Conversation with Tarek Ali

Subscriber-only episode Waking up with a heart that feels like it's carrying the weight of the world isn't uncommon, yet we often overlook the power of self-tenderness in these moments. On today's heartfelt journey, I unravel the layers of these emotions and share my personal techniques for understanding and embracing them. It's not just about sitting in silence; it's about learning to slow down, listen to our bodies, and honor our inner child. In a world that urges us to constantly move faster, I've found that wrapping myself in a self-hug can be the first step to uncovering deep-seated truths about our loneliness and the echoes of our past. This episode isn't just a monologue; it's a shared healing experience. I open up about the struggle with homesickness and the craving for intimate connection, acknowledging that while it's completely normal to reach out for support, learning to comfort ourselves is equally important. We discuss the importance of not dismissing our initial thoughts, no matter how intrusive, and instead, leaning into them with compassion and curiosity. By the time you tune out, you'll have a new perspective on how to approach your feelings with kindness and foster intimacy in various forms, even when you're miles away from those you love.

Subscriber-only episode Have you ever gazed in the mirror, wishing the reflection rippled with more kindness towards the one staring back? Tarek Ali has THAT Conversation with: Dr. Jess, a sharp-witted psychiatrist; Aalim Abdul, Tarek's best friend who also struggled with BD despite being slim; & Emma Hill, a fellow content creator who's no stranger to the body image battlefield, we traverse the rocky terrains of body dysmorphia and self-love. Our stories and insights carve a path for anyone struggling to reconcile with their own reflection, aiming to light the way to a place where self-compassion is your compass, and validation is but a companion, not the guide. Navigating relationships when your self-image wavers like a candle in the wind is a trial many face, yet few speak of with raw honesty. In the warmth of this conversation, we lay bare the emotional scars of past abuse and the often invisible struggle to reclaim our bodies as our own sanctuaries. It's an intimate tango between seeking validation and owning our worth, a dance that often leaves us breathless. The keys to personal growth are many, and while we may fumble to find the right one, we reaffirm here the importance of retaining ownership of our journey—never relenting that power to another's hands. As our dialogue draws to a close, I extend a deep, heartfelt thank you to Aalim, Dr. Jess, and Emma for their vulnerability, which surely echoes in the hearts of many. Through our shared stories, we foster a community that stands in solidarity, a beacon for those sailing the tumultuous seas of self-acceptance. Carry with you the message we hold dear: to treat yourself with the tenderness you deserve. With a promise of continued support and enriching discourse, we eagerly await to welcome you back for more conversations that heal and uplift.

Subscriber-only episode Ever feel like you're racing against time, pushing yourself to the brink in the pursuit of your dreams? Let this episode be your permission slip to slow down and savor the journey. As we explore the harmony between action and patience, you'll discover that some aspirations don't demand relentless effort or upending your life. Instead, we discuss the power of trust—trusting in the process, trusting in time as an ally, and trusting that your spiritual partners are co-creating with you, even when their work is invisible. Prepare to wrap yourself in a blanket of self-compassion as we share insights on why releasing the grip of control can be the most liberating step you take towards your goals. This isn't just about waiting; it's about nurturing faith and understanding that your patience is a testament to the belief in your dreams. There's no guest joining us this episode, just heartfelt advice and a nurturing space for you to find peace in the knowledge that your hard work is enough, and that sometimes, the best action is steeped in patience. Let's embrace the waiting game together with grace and confidence. Go to Leapintohealing.com to subscribe today!

When life threw me into a whirlwind of stress and responsibility, I found myself questioning the spirit, searching for a glimmer of purpose in the chaos. What unfolded was a profound journey, one that we unpack in this intimate conversation, revealing the transformative power of perspective during life's most trying times. Together, we explore the idea that challenges are not merely trials but lessons in disguise, orchestrated by a spirit that has our best interests at heart. Our dialogue becomes a heartfelt reminder that every obstacle is a catalyst for growth, poised to prepare us for what's next. Sharing personal anecdotes and the wisdom gained from them, we offer a fresh lens through which to view your own struggles. This episode is a guide to navigating the emotional storms and stresses with grace and resilience, emphasizing the importance of balance and self-care. As we discuss how hardships are exercises meant to strengthen our patience and faith, you'll find encouragement to shift your mindset and embrace these seasons of growth. Tune in as we inspire you to find the lessons hidden in life's tumultuous times, fostering a sense of steadfast hope and inner peace. Go to Leapintohealing.com to subscribe today! Support the show

This is a preview of the bonus content you get when you Leap into Healing! Today, we’re not just talking about making moves; we’re about setting those pent-up dreams free. You'll hear firsthand how the simple act of beginning can unravel the path to unexpected and wondrous destinations. If you've been cradling a vision or a goal too precious to act upon, let this subscriber edition of 'Leap into Healing' be the gentle nudge you need. It's about embracing the now and allowing the universe to work its magic as you bring those dreams from the shadows into the light. Subscribe to Leap into Healing! Leapintohealing.com Support the show

The labyrinth of personal healing is often clouded with the shame and secrecy of our deepest struggles. Embark with me, Tarek Ali, as I traverse the raw and intimate pathways of my own self-discovery, laying bare the battles with anxiety and the transformative power of returning to one's roots. This episode is a candid revelation, an invitation to listeners to journey alongside as I unpack the layers of my past that have sculpted the person I am today. From the gentrifying streets of Los Angeles to the private recesses of personal trauma, we tackle the complexities of self-worth, body autonomy, queerness, and the messiness of healing. Through the lens of my own narrative, we examine several things: the intersection of queer identity and navigating sexuality, bringing to light the stereotypes within the LGBTQ+ community and the struggles for self-acceptance in the face of social pressures; reclaiming your body when past experiences stole it from you; and rekindling the relationship you have with you body after a lifetime of self-abuse. I share poignant moments from my own childhood and the journey towards reclaiming my body's narrative. It's a story of growth, self-love, and the courage to confront the demons of one's past. As we navigate the intricate dance of self-discovery, we laugh, we learn, and perhaps most importantly, we find solace in the shared experiences of our struggles. This heartfelt episode culminates in a celebration of vulnerability and the solace found in expressing one's truth. It's a reminder that healing is an ongoing process, one that requires grace, self-compassion, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. I leave you with thoughts steeped in hope and encouragement, urging you to embrace your journey with kindness and reflection, and to continue the conversation on self-compassion as we part ways. Thank you for lending your ears and hearts; may this dialogue resonate with you as much as it has with me, Tarek Ali. Leap into healing subscription edition: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-conversation-with-tarek-ali/id1621963803 or Spotify and all other streaming platforms: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1971440/subscribe Support the show

Subscriber-only episode Unlock this episode 👉🏾 subscribe now This bonus episode is an ASK TAREK: where Tarek reads a question from a listener and gives an answer to help them heal. Want to ask Tarek a question to be answered? Follow and DM him on instagram @itstarekali Embarking on a transformative journey, we uncover the profound impact of reconciling with our bodies, navigating through the scars of childhood trauma and the quest for acceptance. The power of therapy unravels before us, spotlighting its role in guiding us through the labyrinth of body dysmorphia and self-critique. With vulnerability at the core of our discussion, we explore the detrimental 'no pain, no gain' outlook and its role in the battle waged against our physical selves. As we journey deeper, we discover the importance of tuning into our body's needs and learning to communicate with the very vessel that carries us through life. Join me as I venture into the heart of what it means to foster a positive and nurturing relationship with our bodies. We dissect the layers of influence—from social media's pervasive gaze to the imprints left by family and past connections—that shape our self-perception. Through personal reflection, we understand the necessity of patience and resilience in the ongoing pursuit of body acceptance. This dialogue is not just a narrative of struggle, but a beacon of empowerment, inviting you to embrace your body with compassion and revel in the greater happiness that blooms from self-love.

Subscriber-only episode Unlock this episode 👉🏾 subscribe now This TOOL will be valuable to those... Every journal entry holds the potential to unlock a new way of seeing the world, and in my latest candid revelation, I unearth a transformative five-step exercise that turns life's challenges from overwhelming hurdles to opportunities for intentional living. Picture this: I'm one week in, the air is clearer, my lungs are grateful, and I'm on a journey to find a healthier relationship with smoking—discover the tools and mindset that helped me draw a line in the sand and how you can apply them to your own personal quests. Venture with us beyond the smoke and into the realms of self-awareness and grace, where work stress and the quest for social connections no longer hold sway over our habits. In this heart-to-heart, I’ll take you through my own struggles with cannabis triggers, sharing how a shift from judgment to curiosity can redefine our impulses and carve out a path for growth. Embrace the warmth of granting ourselves grace in the face of failure, and join me in exploring how these setbacks can become your stepping stones for personal development. With these chapters, we're not just talking about change; we're embodying it, one grace-filled step at a time.

Several years after being betrayed by the people she trusted the most, Johnell joins Tarek to share her story no one else has ever made space for. From her partner to her best friends, the people she thought would always be there seemed to turn their back on her when she needed them most. Struggling to navigate this betrayal and the responsibility of becoming a new mother, she was forced to move on, but so many words were left unsaid. Words, feelings, anger, and sadness that never faded, just bottled up inside of her. In this episode, Tarek guides Johnell through expressing and letting all of these emotions out so that she can heal and move forward. Tarek also provides her (and listeners) with additional tools to release bottled-up emotions, and how to heal herself during this grieving process. Support the show

In this episode, Tarek provides a perspective shift for the different voices that live in your head. The voice that tells you that you aren't good enough, to the voice that tells you to go after that dream, to the voice that tells you it'll never get better. Tarek gives tools to identify these different voices, and how to manage them moving forward. 0:00-2:54 How to Heal with this podcast 2:54 Discovering The VOICE OF SPIRIT Within 7:00 The MANY VOICES in our Head 10:00 IDENTIFYING the Different VOICES 11:46 IGNORING VOICES 15:05 RESPONDING to VOICES & Building a Relationship 17:24 How to AMPLIFY a VOICE 19:19 How to do THE WORK Support the show

After 4 months sober, Mary joins Tarek in sharing her testimony of addiction to alcohol, diving into the false validation it previously provided her. Creating a safe space and emphasizing radical grace, Tarek helps Mary connect with her inner child to evaluate what she needs and how Mary can now be the one to provide for her. Mary experiences a range of emotions in the episode from anger to heartbreak to shame, but Tarek reminds her that it is through her experiences that she is qualified to heal others and how forgiveness is crucial to the journey towards peace. 00:00 - 10:15 Sobriety - An Internal break from the Past 10:15 The First Sip to a Culture of Drinking 12:50 Alcohol was the Bridge 19:08 Fulfilling the Needs of Our Inner Child 27:04 The Exhausting Process of Healing 35:34 Conscious Change for an Ideal Life 39:39 Radical Grace 46:50 Experience is Qualification, Accepting the Struggle, & Forgiving Yourself 55:15 Addicted to the Escape 1:04:04 Life Cleanse - Experiencing Everything for the First Time Again 1:13:38 Making Space for Sobriety to be Unenjoyable 1:20:12 Celebrating the Journey Support the show

After suddenly disappearing from the podcast for 6 months, Tarek returns with a powerful episode full of radical transparency and vulnerability like he never left. In this episode, Tarek takes us on the journey of what caused him to hit rock bottom when he thought he was on top of the world, a shocking diagnosis from his psychiatrist, navigating new medication, and everything he has learned about himself and anxiety in the process. This episode will give you insight into the process of starting a new medication for your mental health, how to identify and manage your own anxiety and/or depression, and encourage you to allow more support in your life from family, friends, and more. 0:00-10:06 Too Much Trauma — stressors that got me here 10:06 Overcompensating, Avoiding Depression, Toxic Positivity, Sacrifice 15:42 The Evaluation 18:40 The Diagnosis 20:36 Fear of Starting Medicine, Self Shaming, Not Deserving Help 23:15 Changing Perspective of Medicine, Fighting Stigma 30:12 No Time to Live, Only Time to Cope 38:35 Healing with my Dad 42:40 Keep Trying. Keep Trying. Keep Trying. 44:20 Identifying Anxiety. 50:00 Not a Cure 52:14 Normalizing Anxiety 1:00:00 0 to 100...mg? Self Shame, Giving Anxiety a Voice 1:04:00 Affirmations, Motivation, & Encouragement Support the show

In one of his most transparent episodes to date, Tarek revisits the traumatic events that led him to uncover his own self-hatred and the harm it was causing to others. From vulnerable conversations with his best friends that went left, to colorist tweets from grade school that resurfaced online in 2020, he shares how all of these experiences were just stepping stones to him learning how to love himself more. Aside from his powerful storytelling, this episode will provide you with the tools to help you reflect on your own (hidden) beliefs that may be keeping you from loving yourself to the fullest. Support the show

In this episode, Tarek offers a new mindset that will help you see the light in your dark times. Not just after the storm, but while it's happening. He uses examples from his own journey and gives you the tools needed to allow yourself to not be ok, and see how the storm you're in is needed for what's next. So that the next time a storm comes, you'll allow yourself feel and to not be ok while also showing up to your higher self and staying in a position for growth. Support the show

Depression and anxiety are much more than just feelings of sadness. They are changes in behavior that make you act out of character and turn to others for the validation you should be giving to yourself. In this episode, Tarek reveals the therapist-approved method he uses to nurture himself back to health when he was close to burnout. Including tools and methods he came up with to use when feeling triggered by unmet childhood needs. Because we are human. We get depressed. But it is the process of climbing out and loving ourselves that helps us suffer less and grow more. Please like, rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast. Tarek Reveals: After Fashion Week, Tarek realized he was getting close to burnout.Meditating with the Daily Calm app and journaling relieved some of Tarek’s anxiety but he realized he was going through depression.Tarek acted out of character so he knew he needed to better understand his behavior.Dating apps feel like a necessary evil to Tarek but they also provide him with validation.In NY, people didn’t see Tarek for who he wanted to be seen as.12-year-old Tarek is still crying about his unmet childhood needs. Tarek’s family felt love through eating soul food together. When he wants to feel comfort, he eats.Self-care is a way Tarek validates himself but not caring for himself is an outward expression of his internal depression.Identifying your needs helps you embrace better methods.Tarek shares the method he uses to remind himself of when he wants to validate himself.Care enough about yourself to put in the work. It is worth it! Join the community!: THAT Convo Pod @thatconvopod on Instagram Connect with Tarek: @itstarekali on Instagram @itstarekali on Twitter Tarek Ali on YouTube @itstarekali on TikTok Support the show

Imagine being dressed by your favorite world-renowned designers at NY’s Fashion Week and getting praise for your hard work, then an overwhelming sense of dissatisfaction and depression washes over you. But you don’t know… why. In this episode, Tarek first catches us up on his busy last couple of weeks, then shares his personal journal entries that helped him get to the bottom of his emotions, and how he showed up for himself once he identified them. And to end, Tarek reminds us of the power and importance of rest, to not only heal but to get the job done! This episode just keeps on giving so settle in to be transformed. Please like, rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast. Tarek Reveals: Taylor acknowledges Tarek’s healing help.Dreams don’t have to be big to be important.Just because you haven’t made money with your creativity yet doesn’t make you less of an artist.Tarek is signed to Gotham Group!!Millions of people watched the Tarek and Taylor podcast on socials.Body dysmorphia makes videos and full-body shots uncomfortable for Tarek.The story behind being dressed by Diesel and Peter Do at NYFW.Time off to heal is important!How the influx in creators + Tiktok has changed the Revenue in influencing marketingTarek doesn’t do anything God doesn’t tell him to do.Fashion week in NY brought excitement but also emotional ups and downs.Tarek’s superpower is his writing. He has started writing three TV shows and a film.How you get to burnout.Appreciate the small wins.Don’t feel guilty for resting. Rest is a privilege you’ve earned. Join the community!: THAT Convo Pod @thatconvopod on Instagram Connect with Tarek: @itstarekali on Instagram @itstarekali on Twitter Tarek Ali on YouTube @itstarekali on TikTok Support the show

Whether we like it or not, childhood wounding leaks into our adult relationships. And, without therapy or healing work we are at the mercy of the trauma we grew up with because we are always searching for love. In this episode, Tarek is joined by Taylor, an indispensable friend from college, who is still grieving a breakup. During their conversation, Tarek and Taylor discuss how to find purpose, the importance of self-care, eliminating judgment, and THAT it is perfectly okay to be sad. Even if you have done the work or are in a loving relationship, you will identify with this heart-to-heart conversation. Please like, rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast. Tarek Reveals: Taylor was a vital part of Tarek’s college experience.Childhood traumas can make us go back to toxic relationships.Taylor jumped into a new relationship before she was completely healed from her last breakup.Tarek admits he was a clown during Fright Fest.Talent plus passion equals your purpose.Our boundaries are strongest when we are in a secure place.Finding the right therapist is like dating.Self-care is taking the action to give yourself what you need.Sadness creates a vacuum where we will do anything just to feel something.Taylor does the “I feel” exercise which opens up her childhood wounds.Tarek shares his lessons on healing.There is absolutely nothing wrong with being sad.Learning to say I love you from a distance.Tarek recommends the healing words of Sarah Jake Roberts.Taylor yearns for a place to worship, either online or in person.No one can take away our light. National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 Join the community!: THAT Convo Pod @thatconvopod on Instagram Connect with Tarek: @itstarekali on Instagram @itstarekali on Twitter Tarek Ali on YouTube @itstarekali on TikTok Videos of Tarek & Taylor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgW7Iwieans&t=554s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LN8vKuq8PH0&t=143s Support the show

It takes courage and vulnerability to ask questions when we are in times of doubt in our lives. Reaching out to others is the process of expressing our internal questions and releasing them into the universe so it can properly guide us. In this episode, Tarek thoughtfully answers the questions submitted on his Instagram feed. Listen in because you may be in the same space right now. It can be so comforting to know you are not alone. Please like, rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast. Tarek Reveals: If you are feeling off course, know that we are all on our own journey.Your decisions are your own. Pull yourself forward, not back.What direction does your heart tell you to go?Shame and judgment have no place in your life.The important elements of making friends in adulthood.Protect your inner child like you would protect a friend.Never forget you are valuable.How to juggle different interests and your career path.The pain of overextending yourself for people who don’t reciprocate. Join the community!: THAT Convo Pod @thatconvopod on Instagram Connect with Tarek: @itstarekali on Instagram @itstarekali on Twitter Tarek Ali on YouTube @itstarekali on TikTok Why You Feel Like a Failure in Your 20s Support the show

The YES after a thousand NOs! In this episode, Tarek is still processing the news that he got his big YES! He is now a SIGNED SCREENWRITER to a very reputable management group and is swaggering in the endless possibilities of what this means for his writing and filmmaking career. It is proof that when you continue to believe, you can change your circumstance, and ultimately change the world. Please like, rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast. Tarek Reveals: This podcast is an authentic expression of who Tarek is.Christian found that Tarek’s YouTube videos touched his soul.Everyone deserves to have THAT conversation.Tarek got his YES! He is a signed Screenwriter!Being connected in the business is a big deal.A book, a feature film, and a television series are all in the works.Christian was with Tarek throughout the process of writing the pilot.Tarek’s pilot will show others how to have an emotional impact on viewers without triggering them.Determined to follow his dreams, Tarek pushed through the fear and emotional strife.Art should be directed toward healing people.Does Tarek’s rep already know who is already interested in buying his work?A writer’s voice is what hooks studios for future projects.Unliked is written by a YouTube influencer, while Redeem is a 1-2 punch of Tarek. Join the community!: THAT Convo Pod @thatconvopod on Instagram Connect with Tarek: @itstarekali on Instagram @itstarekali on Twitter Tarek Ali on YouTube @itstarekali on TikTok Why You Feel Like a Failure in Your 20s Support the show

When we experience emotional pain, it can feel as if we are the cause. We beat ourselves up and blame ourselves for things that may not have anything to do with us. In this episode, Tarek opens up about his journey through the healing process to overcome the systematic grief that has been a raw undercurrent in his life. He has decided to show up for himself every minute of every day. He shares the ups and downs of the grieving process and his renewed sense of self. Please like, rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast. Tarek Reveals: Even though putting pressure on himself was the catalyst for Tarek’s success, he understands being hard on himself is not sustainable.Your value is not based on what others think.When his relationship ended, Tarek grieved the loss of everyone who ever left him in his life.The feeling of always waiting for mommy and daddy to come home was exacerbated during the breakup.Healing is a process that takes as long as it takes.Sometimes people are just assholes. It has nothing to do with you.Freedom doesn’t always come easily, but it is worth it!Letting go of some people is necessary when you are growing in a different direction.Every new day is a chance to heal.It is important to spend quality time with yourself. Join the community!: THAT Convo Pod @thatconvopod on Instagram Connect with Tarek: @itstarekali on Instagram @itstarekali on Twitter Tarek Ali on YouTube @itstarekali on TikTok Support the show