Breaking the Stigma: A Journey Through Schizophrenia and Advocacy for Mental Health

In this episode, Rob Rene shares his transformative journey from being a functional alcoholic to establishing a holistic health supplement company. He discusses the pivotal moments that led to his newfound faith and purpose, including his battle with addiction, near-death experiences, and a serious heart condition. Rob emphasizes the importance of hope, natural health remedies, and building a relationship with God, and offers practical advice on hydration, nutrition, and mindfulness. Please tune in to learn how Rob is helping others lead healthier lives through his innovative products and holistic health solutions. Rob Rene is a former elite athlete and near-death survivor who transformed his life after uncovering the deep flaws of the pharmaceutical system. Now a frequency medicine specialist and founder of Exodus Strong, he helps people heal naturally through biblical ingredients, molecular hydrogen, and faith-based wellness. Rob’s mission is to guide people in “exiting the old you” and stepping into a healthier, more purpose-driven life aligned with God’s design. 00:00 Welcome to EZ Conversations Podcast 00:11 The Power of Hope 01:15 Rob's Journey: Near-Death Experiences 02:44 Struggles with Addiction 07:05 The Turning Point: Quitting Alcohol 15:22 Heart Failure and Health Challenges 22:04 Faith and Health: A New Perspective 27:14 Understanding the Root of Disease: Inflammation 27:36 Personal Transformation Journey 28:51 The Importance of Gut Health 30:59 Mind, Body, and Spirit Connection 32:14 Free Health Tips for a Better Life 41:38 The Power of Supplements 43:38 From Software to Supplements: A Personal Story 50:08 The Inspiration Behind Exodus 52:04 Conclusion and How to Connect Sponsors of the Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For 10% off your first month of therapy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aura⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: For a free two-week trial ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dookio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mental⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NuCalm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: for a one-week free trial ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LeanWorlds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Lewis Nutrition ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WeInspect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Optery⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Furkhan welcomes Matthew Dickson, who hails from Eastern Canada, to discuss his journey with schizophrenia. Matthew shares his experiences from the onset of symptoms during university to his struggles and eventual stability with the help of medication. He emphasizes the importance of breaking stigma, the role of empathy, and self-care. Matthew also highlights his advocacy work, including a website providing mental health tips and initiatives to support those with mental illness in developing countries. His story serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for greater understanding and support. Matthew Dickson helps people with mental illness in developing countries get access to basic mental health care at MindAid.net. Mind Aid is the world's first website that brings together all the organizations working on mental health in developing countries on one site (they are otherwise scattered across the web). These organizations use models of basic mental health care that are low-cost, proven effective, and scalable. Some of these organizations have been endorsed by Bill Clinton, Forest Whitaker, Arcade Fire, Ashley Judd, Zak Williams (son of Robin Williams), and Tim Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics. Matthew has successfully recovered from schizophrenia and has bicycled across Canada twice. He also created www.DonateIndigenous.ca, listing the indigenous charities in Canada, so people can know where to donate to offer their help and support. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:46 Matthew's Early Life and Onset of Schizophrenia 01:36 University Struggles and Initial Diagnosis 03:26 Living with Schizophrenia: Symptoms and Misconceptions 06:35 Pain and Emotional Challenges 08:34 Coping Mechanisms and Mental Resilience 16:14 Hallucinations and Violence Misconceptions 19:52 Genetic Factors and Neurotransmitters 21:34 Overwhelmed by Stimuli 22:19 The Role of Dopamine 24:25 Sharing My Story 28:18 Empathy and Support 37:00 The Power of Reading 39:39 Final Thoughts and Resources Sponsors of the Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For 10% off your first month of therapy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aura⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: For a free two-week trial ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dookio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mental⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NuCalm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: for a one-week free trial ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LeanWorlds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Lewis Nutrition ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WeInspect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Optery⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Furkhan welcomes Jordan Conrad, the founder and clinical director of Lexington Park Psychotherapy in Manhattan. Their deep dive covers the groundbreaking advancements and ethical considerations of AI in therapy, including its potential to revolutionize mental health care. They discuss the philosophical and practical implications of neurodiversity, the rise of autism diagnoses, and the contentious impact of political and religious biases in psychotherapy. Additionally, the conversation spans topics like the potential discrepancies in AI therapy modalities, the importance of resilience and agency, and the social dynamics influenced by emerging technologies. Jordan also shares insights from his research in philosophy of medicine and medical ethics, making this episode a comprehensive exploration of AI's future in mental health. Jordan Conrad, PhD, LCSW, is the founder and clinical director of Lexington Park Psychotherapy in New York City. His research, focusing on philosophical issues in the mental health fields, has appeared in the Oxford Handbook of Evolution and the Emotions, the American Journal of Psychotherapy, the Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, and several other prominent journals. Dr. Conrad is an academic associate of the Washington-Baltimore Center for Psychoanalysis and holds a certification in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Please also check out: LexingtonParkPsychotherapy.com. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:09 The Role of AI in Therapy 01:12 Guest Background and Research Focus 02:00 Philosophical and Ethical Issues in Neurodiversity 03:13 Debating the Concept of Disorders 13:04 The Politics of Psychotherapy 20:20 AI in Mental Health: Opportunities and Concerns 31:31 AI Psychotherapy and Socioeconomic Disparities 33:11 The Evolution and Limitations of AI in Therapy 34:51 Philosophical Challenges: Consciousness and Intentionality 38:58 AI in Group Therapy and the Question of Authenticity 46:13 The Impact of AI on Human Relationships 50:20 The Importance of Resilience and Meaning in Life 57:52 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions Sponsors of the Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For 10% off your first month of therapy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aura⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: For a free two-week trial ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dookio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mental⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NuCalm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: for a one-week free trial ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LeanWorlds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Lewis Nutrition ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WeInspect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Optery⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Furkhan welcomes Xanet to discuss the stigma and shame surrounding sex in relationships. Xanet shares her personal journey of overcoming challenges in a 26-year sexless marriage due to unresolved trauma, and how she transformed her life to become a sex and intimacy educator. The conversation delves into the reasons behind sexual disconnection, such as trauma, body image issues, and performance anxiety, while emphasizing the importance of communication, connection, and mutual understanding. They also explore the impact of external factors like children and pets, the misconceptions around sexual frequency, and ways to repair intimacy issues through improved communication and empathy. Xanet Pailet is the best-selling author of Living an Orgasmic Life: Heal Yourself and Awaken Your Pleasure and the founder of Passionate Intimacy Retreats.  Xanet is a former NYC health care lawyer who lived in a sexless marriage for over two decades.  At age 50, after experiencing her own sexual healing and awakening in 2011, she transitioned her career into a full-time sex and intimacy educator and coach and trauma practitioner.   Xanet believes that pleasure is our birthright, and she is passionate about helping individuals find their way back into their bodies, their desires, and their pleasure.  Over the past decade, she has helped rescue hundreds of couples from unsatisfying sex lives and has helped women who are sexually shut down learn how to love themselves, their bodies, and reclaim their desire.   Xanet is a certified Somatica Sex and Intimacy Coach, Sexological Body Worker, Holistic Pelvic Care Practitioner, Tantra Educator and Somatic Experiencing Trauma practitioner. She has been on the faculty of 1440 Multiversity, Ecstatic Living Institute and the Somatica Institute.  Her new book, The Sex and Intimacy Repair Kit: How to Enhance Communication and Create a Lifetime of Passionate Intimacy, will be published in March 2026 by Books That Save Lives.  Sex & Intimacy Repair Kit Book: https://a.co/d/bg2laqV 00:00 Welcome to the EZ Conversations Podcast 00:57 Xanet's Personal Journey with Sexual Shame 02:22 Challenges in Long-Term Relationships 05:12 The Role of Trauma and Body Image in Sexual Intimacy 09:35 Impact of Children and Pets on Intimacy 13:28 The Importance of Communication in Relationships 19:09 Consequences of Lack of Connection 24:05 Healing from Betrayal 24:26 Self-Connection and Relationship Repair 26:17 Childhood Wounds and Attachment 28:19 Sexless Marriages: Statistics and Impact 30:36 Defining and Communicating Sexual Needs 33:18 Navigating Porn and Open Relationships 43:26 Weaponizing Sex in Relationships 46:11 Conclusion and Resources Sponsors of the Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For 10% off your first month of therapy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aura⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: For a free two-week trial ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dookio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mental⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NuCalm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: for a one-week free trial ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LeanWorlds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Lewis Nutrition ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WeInspect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Optery⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Furkhan Dandia sits down with Shirin Behzadi — former CEO of a billion-dollar company, entrepreneur, and author — to explore her extraordinary journey from surviving the Iranian Revolution to leading with purpose in the United States. Born and raised in Iran, Shirin shares her powerful story of resilience: escaping the Iran-Iraq War, rebuilding her life as an immigrant, and breaking barriers in business and leadership. She opens up about navigating cultural challenges, facing a life-threatening health crisis, and transforming hardship into fuel for growth and empowerment. This profoundly moving conversation reveals how Shirin’s courage, authenticity, and compassion shaped her leadership philosophy and her belief that adversity can be the greatest teacher. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an immigrant, or a leader seeking purpose, this episode offers inspiration and practical insights for thriving through change and redefining success on your own terms. Shirin Behzadi is the former CEO of a billion-dollar company, an entrepreneur, a board advisor, and an author. Born in Iran and arriving in the United States as a teenager with little more than hope, she built her career through resilience, authenticity, and compassion. Today, Shirin shares hard-won insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and thriving through adversity, empowering women to own their voices and define success on their own terms. 00:00 Introduction to the EZ Conversations Podcast 01:00 Shirin Behzadi's Early Life in Iran 01:55 Challenges and Adversities Faced 03:17 Journey to the United States 03:57 Starting a New Life in America 05:34 Building a Career in Business 06:29 Experiences and Reflections on Iran 13:07 Pursuing the American Dream 17:32 Career Growth and Achievements 24:34 Navigating the Great Recession 28:14 Facing a Health Crisis 32:00 Lessons from Adversity 33:12 The Power of Listening 38:06 Writing the Book 43:59 Finding Purpose and Impact 47:01 Staying Grounded and Humble 48:12 Conclusion and Contact Information Sponsors of the Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For 10% off your first month of therapy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aura⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: For a free two-week trial ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dookio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mental⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NuCalm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: for a one-week free trial ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LeanWorlds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Lewis Nutrition ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WeInspect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Optery⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Adriene Caldwell, author of Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines. Adriene’s story is one of profound complexity, resilience, and courage. From early childhood through her twenties, she endured sexual assault, poverty, emotional and physical abuse, mental illness, and homelessness—circumstances that could have shattered anyone. Yet, Adriene’s journey challenges us to see beyond the surface of survival. She opens up about her deeply conflicted relationship with her abuser—a relationship she once believed was rooted in love. Her willingness to confront that truth, without shame or self-judgment, offers a raw and powerful lens into what it means to be human. Together, we explore: How trauma can shape attachment and distort our understanding of love and safety The complex process of making sense of perceived maturity and culpability after abuse How meaning-making, compassion, and courage can transform even the darkest experiences into pathways of healing This conversation is not about blame—it’s about understanding the complexity of the human condition, and how healing often begins with self-forgiveness and radical honesty. Unbroken explores themes of family, love, and what it means to find your place in a world unwilling to play the role of saviour. A gripping, first-hand account of the effects of untreated mental illness, physical abuse, sexual assault, pedophilia and traumatic foster care, Adriene’s story is one of destruction and discovery - of darkness given free rein and an innate light that refuses to dim. 00:00 Welcome to EZ Conversations Podcast 00:39 Introducing Adriene Caldwell 00:52 Adriene's Harrowing Childhood 02:00 The Pedophilia Experience 03:44 Escaping Abuse and Finding Temporary Refuge 09:45 Therapeutic Foster Care and Continued Struggles 10:17 The Complex Relationship with Mr. Smith 13:41 Reflections on Maturity and Victimhood 25:55 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward 41:00 The Future and Unbroken Life Outside the Lines Sponsors of the Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For 10% off your first month of therapy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aura⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: For a free two-week trial ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dookio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mental⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NuCalm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: for a one-week free trial ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LeanWorlds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Lewis Nutrition ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WeInspect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Optery⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Furkhan is joined by Emma Lyons, the founder of Trauma Matrix, to explore the pervasive and toxic nature of shame, especially its impact on women. Emma shares her personal journey of overcoming childhood shame and narcissistic family dynamics, emphasizing that shame is a tool of control rooted in many societal structures. The discussion delves into the distinction between shame and guilt, the cultural factors driving shame, and practical steps to release oneself from shame's grip. Emma highlights how shame affects various aspects of life, from addiction to personal relationships, and provides listeners with actionable insights to reclaim their freedom from shame. Emma Lyons is a trauma-informed healer and founder of The Trauma Matrix, where she helps women break up with the shame voice that’s been sabotaging their success, relationships, and visibility for years. After studying law and international human rights, Emma turned away from a life path that looked good on paper but felt like slow death — and spent the next decade deep in the healing world. Despite all the therapy, yoga, mindset work, and energy practices, she still found herself stuck in loops of self-erasure, burnout, and invisibility… until she uncovered the more profound truth: she’d internalized a narcissistic system of control, and it was running her from the inside out. Today, Emma helps high-functioning, heart-led women dismantle that inner narcissist, the shame voice that humiliates, controls, and impersonates them, so they can reclaim clarity, power, and nervous system freedom. If your audience is ready for truth bombs, psychic jailbreaks, and the missing piece no one else is talking about, Emma delivers. https://www.instagram.com/trauma.matrix/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-lyons-traumamatrix/ https://www.facebook.com/trauma.matrix https://www.youtube.com/@trauma.matrix https://www.tiktok.com/@trauma.matrix https://traumamatrix.substack.com/  And here's the gift: https://tinyurl.com/nottodaynarc 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:38 Emma's Background and Work 01:57 Understanding Shame and Its Impact 04:11 Narcissism and Societal Structures 07:50 Shame in Cultural Contexts 10:13 Breaking Free from Shame 11:58 Shame and Addiction 13:02 Shame in Relationships 20:56 Shame in Irish Culture 25:25 Global Perspectives on Shame 27:53 The Cycle of Shame Among Women 29:54 Shame in Men and Narcissism 32:25 Breaking Free from Shame: The B-R-E-A-K Model 42:16 The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Shame 44:37 Shame and Societal Control 49:33 Final Thoughts and Resources Sponsors of the Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For 10% off your first month of therapy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aura⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: For a free two-week trial ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dookio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mental⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NuCalm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: for a one-week free trial ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LeanWorlds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Lewis Nutrition ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WeInspect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Optery⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Furkhan engages in an enlightening discussion with rhetoric expert Jay Heinrichs. They delve into the intricacies of forming and maintaining habits, self-persuasion, and overcoming personal challenges. Jay shares his profound experiences, from battling health issues to achieving remarkable fitness goals well into his 70s. The conversation covers Aristotle’s philosophy on habits, the power of reframing, and the role of self-talk in shaping our realities. Jay also provides practical advice on managing internal narratives and navigating social media's impact on our attention spans. Packed with insights on maintaining discipline and achieving personal growth, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their self-identity and live a more fulfilling life. Jay Heinrichs is a leading master of rhetoric, the art of persuasion. He’s the New York Times bestselling author of "Thank You for Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion.” His latest book, "Aristotle's Guide to Self-Persuasion," digs into how we can use the same persuasive art to change ourselves.  Having worked with clients ranging from Southwest Airlines to universities to NASA, Jay also advises marketers and advertising agencies. Bloomberg Businessweek says Jay “brings the art of persuasion to the world’s masters of manipulation”! Jay writes a popular Substack newsletter, “Aristotle’s Guide to Soul Bending.” He says his mission in life is to teach people how to improve relationships, disagree without anger, and get in better touch with their Aristotelian souls. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:56 Guest Background and Career Journey 03:16 Overcoming Physical Challenges 04:06 The Power of Habits 05:11 Training for a Mountain Run 07:57 Self-Persuasion Techniques 15:06 The Role of Rhetoric and Persuasion 21:24 Connecting with the Soul 40:59 Pursuing Happiness and Discipline 43:35 Epicureans vs. Stoics: Happiness vs. Virtue 43:59 Navigating Disagreement and Building Relationships 45:13 The Art of Persuasion: Setting Goals and Asking Questions 51:37 The Role of Decorum in Persuasion 59:33 The Power of Social Movements and Organization 01:01:29 The Importance of Long-Form Content and Storytelling 01:08:14 Discipline and Self-Identity 01:20:51 Understanding Shame, Guilt, and Self-Talk 01:24:07 Conclusion: Living Up to Your Better Self Sponsors of the Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For 10% off your first month of therapy ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aura⁠⁠⁠⁠: For a free two-week trial ⁠⁠⁠⁠Dookio⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Mental⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠NuCalm⁠⁠⁠⁠: for a one-week free trial ⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LeanWorlds⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Lewis Nutrition ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠WeInspect⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Optery⁠⁠⁠⁠ Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the EZ Conversations Podcast, Kathryn Landis, an executive and team coach as well as a professor at NYU, shares her expertise on leadership in academia and the evolving workplace. The discussion delves into generational differences, particularly regarding Gen Z, their work values, and approaches. Kathryn also explores the impact of AI on job roles, the controversy around return-to-work policies, and the phenomenon of 'quiet quitting.' Furthermore, she emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and curiosity for effective leadership, both in professional and personal spheres. Don't miss out on Kathryn's valuable toolkit for navigating multi-generational teams! As featured in the Harvard Business Review, Fast Company and Forbes, Kathryn teaches executive education at New York University. She helps companies accelerate success with executive coaching, team coaching, off-sites, leadership development training, and keynote speaking in today's dynamic business environment. Click the link to access Kathryn's toolkit: Multigenerational Workplace Toolkit 00:00 Welcome to EZ Conversations Podcast 00:52 Kathryn Landis: Background and Expertise 01:37 Generational Perspectives on Work 03:27 Values and Work Ethic Across Generations 05:53 The Role of Side Gigs and Fulfillment 10:13 Return to Work: Balancing Office and Remote 14:04 Quiet Quitting and Employee Engagement 19:10 Integrating AI in the Workplace 23:51 Exploring Curiosity and Creativity in Leadership 25:19 Connecting Authentically with Others 29:18 The Role of Self-Awareness in Leadership 33:13 Transferable Leadership Skills Beyond the Workplace 35:31 Continuous Learning and Self-Improvement 44:23 The Importance of Human Connection in Therapy and AI 46:48 Conclusion and Additional Resources Sponsors of the Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For 10% off your first month of therapy ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aura⁠⁠⁠⁠: For a free two-week trial ⁠⁠⁠⁠Dookio⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Mental⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠NuCalm⁠⁠⁠⁠: for a one-week free trial ⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LeanWorlds⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Lewis Nutrition ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠WeInspect⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Optery⁠⁠⁠⁠ Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ari Block joins to share his riveting journey, starting with his early ventures in entrepreneurship and his time in the military, as well as the hard lessons he learned along the way. The discussion explores the power of storytelling to unify, social psychology, and how understanding human behaviour can change our perspective on global conflicts. Ari and Furkhan dive deep into the future of AI, its potential perils, and transformative possibilities. They also discuss the demise of investigative journalism due to technological shifts and the importance of maintaining integrity in reporting. Ari's concern about AI's impact reflects his meticulous research on minimizing AI hallucinations, hinting at a broader narrative that intertwines technology, ethics, and societal advancement. The episode is a thought-provoking journey that examines how individuals and societies can reclaim agency, navigate complexities, and strive for a more interconnected and educated future. Ari Block is a dynamic entrepreneur and global technology leader whose career spans military intelligence, forensic technology, and the startup world. Ari’s passion for technology ignited early—he founded his first company at just 8 years old, repairing computers for local businesses and individuals. By age 15, Ari had already built and successfully exited his first venture: a B2B sales platform. This early success set the stage for a lifelong commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. Ari’s career includes significant experience in military intelligence, where he worked at the intersection of technology and national security. He later joined Cellebrite, the global leader in digital forensics and investigative solutions. At Cellebrite, Ari contributed to the development and deployment of cutting-edge forensic tools used by law enforcement, military, and intelligence agencies worldwide to extract and analyze digital evidence from a wide range of devices. His work has helped accelerate justice and protect lives across the globe. Ari is also a seasoned startup founder and mentor. As part of the Techstars accelerator, he has helped launch and scale innovative technology companies, guiding founders through the challenges of product development, fundraising, and go-to-market strategy. His hands-on experience in both founding and scaling startups makes him a sought-after advisor in the tech ecosystem. https://linktr.ee/storysamurai.ai 00:00 Welcome to EZ Conversations Podcast 01:07 Ari's Journey: From Military to Startups 01:57 The Power of Storytelling in a Divided World 02:59 Social Psychology and Personal Stories 07:42 Technology's Double-Edged Sword 21:20 The Role of Agency in Mental Health 28:48 Craigslist and the Decline of Investigative Journalism 31:55 The Rise of Clickbait and Fake News 34:06 The Evolution and Impact of AI 36:10 Understanding Neural Networks and AI Bias 43:44 The Future of Media and AI 50:07 Global Conflicts and the Need for Perspective 53:25 Empowering First Responders with AI Education Sponsors of the Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For 10% off your first month of therapy ⁠⁠⁠Aura⁠⁠⁠: For a free two-week trial ⁠⁠⁠Dookio⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Mental⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠NuCalm⁠⁠⁠: for a one-week free trial ⁠⁠⁠Descript ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LeanWorlds⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Dr. Lewis Nutrition ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠WeInspect⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Optery⁠⁠⁠ Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices