The First Mind Podcast

Against All Odds: Tarin’s Story, Part 2 | Healing, Identity, and What Came AfterIn Part 2 of this conversation, Tarin Calmeyer reflects on what happened after the legal battle that shaped her childhood. She shares the impact of grief, early trauma, and the long journey of making meaning from a life marked by survival.Together we explore forgiveness, belonging, identity, and the process of reparenting ourselves after difficult beginnings. Tarin speaks candidly about the ways trauma can live in the body long after the events themselves have passed, and the healing work required to move forward with grace.She also shares her perspective on female genital mutilation, a practice that affected generations of women in her family, and what it means to be the first woman in her bloodline to break that cycle.This episode is a reflection on resilience, compassion, and the possibility of becoming more than the circumstances that tried to define us.

Against All Odds: Tarin’s Story, Part 1In this powerful conversation, Tarin Calmeyer shares the extraordinary story behind her life. Her journey is shaped by resilience, loss, adoption, and a decades long fight for truth and belonging.Beginning with her mother’s strength in South Africa and moving through the kidnapping that changed the course of her life, Tarin reflects on the legal battles, emotional aftermath, and the complex path of reconnecting with her past.This episode explores themes of adoption, identity, family separation, and the enduring power of family.Chapters00:00 Introduction04:13 Tarin’s Mother’s Journey09:28 The Kidnapping17:24 The Aftermath and Recovery24:58 Reconnecting with Mabel39:04 The Battle for Custody44:44 The Legal Struggles and Support49:45 The Impact of Adoption on Identity52:42 Reflections on Mabel and Family DynamicsPart 2 airs Friday, April 3.Follow The First Mind Podcast to be notified when Part 2 is released.

SummaryIn this episode, Monica Wallace engages in a profound conversation with Ethan Hill, an international yoga teacher and body worker, exploring the unique healing journeys of men and women. They discuss the impact of childhood experiences on emotional expression, the importance of feeling emotions, and how pain can serve as a catalyst for personal growth. Ethan shares his transition from corporate burnout to a life of travel and self-discovery, emphasizing the need for vulnerability and emotional awareness in healing. The episode concludes with an announcement of an upcoming retreat aimed at fostering connection and healing.TakeawaysThe healing journey for men and women is different.Childhood experiences shape emotional expression in adulthood.Pain can be a catalyst for personal growth.Vulnerability is essential for building trust with others.Emotional awareness is crucial for healing.Traveling can lead to self-discovery and personal growth.Anger often masks deeper emotions like sadness.Men are often conditioned to suppress their feelings.Healing requires a supportive community.Retreats can provide a space for healing and connection.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Masculine Perspectives on Healing04:28 Childhood Experiences and Emotional Development10:14 Navigating Emotions: The Role of Language16:23 Pain as a Catalyst for Growth and Empathy17:03 The Catalyst of Pain and Existential Crisis21:32 Embracing Non-Attachment and Spiritual Growth26:58 Ethan 2.0: The Journey of Self-Discovery33:20 The Healing Retreat: A Path to Awakening

In this episode of the First Mind Podcast, Monica Wallace and Taria Buchanan explore the concept of life as a quest, emphasizing self-growth and personal development. They discuss the importance of viewing life as a game where each challenge presents an opportunity for leveling up. Taria shares insights on navigating life's obstacles, the value of community support, and how tools like ChatGPT can aid in self-evolution. The conversation highlights the significance of awareness and emotional intelligence in the journey of healing and growth.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Quest Journey00:50 Understanding Life as a Game02:58 Navigating the Holes of Life05:44 Tools for Leveling Up08:30 The Role of ChatGPT in Self-Evolution13:58 Practical Applications of ChatGPT19:01 Community and Support in the Quest21:38 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Summary Join Monica Wallace and Luba as they navigate love, vulnerability, and personal growth. In this conversation, they reflect on a year of lessons learned—from the impact of loss on their understanding of relationships to the transformative power of self-discovery and healing. They delve into childhood dynamics, attachment styles, and the work required to nurture lasting connections, emphasizing forgiveness and the capacity for growth. With thoughtful insights on intentional connection and authentic self-love, Monica and Luba invite you to explore how our past shapes who we are and how embracing our imperfections can lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage00:53 Reflections on Love and Vulnerability03:24 The Journey of Self-Discovery05:35 Understanding Love Through Loss08:03 Forgiveness and Healing10:52 The Impact of Childhood on Relationships13:38 Navigating Mental Health and Self-Care15:58 Attachment Styles and Their Influence18:51 Confronting Patterns in Relationships28:33 Coping Mechanisms and Childhood Trauma31:07 Fear of Intimacy and Relationship Dynamics32:26 Shifting Mindsets on Love and Relationships35:17 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Regulation37:38 Intentionality in Relationships41:05 Understanding Attachment Styles43:35 Capacity for Growth in Relationships46:50 Intentional Choices in Love and Friendship50:47 Acceptance and Self-Love53:12 The Journey of Authenticity57:18 Embracing Self-Worth and Boundaries58:22 The Impact of Self-Love on Relationships59:09 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance01:00:40 Transforming Love from Fear to Security01:02:13 The Importance of Self-Compassion01:03:07 Navigating the Complexity of Emotions01:05:23 The Power of Grace and Kindness01:06:45 The Ongoing Journey of Self-Acceptance01:08:20 Breaking Generational Patterns01:10:03 Finding Strength in Vulnerability01:12:01 The Value of Self-Reflection01:14:08 Connecting Through Authenticity

Welcome Back to The First Mind Podcast for Season 2.In this first episode of Season 2 of the First Mind Podcast, host Monica Wallace welcomes Dr. Xiaohoa Ching to discuss the multifaceted nature of love, emphasizing self-love, curiosity, and the importance of community. They explore the barriers to self-love, the significance of joy, and the different forms of love, including romantic love. Dr. Ching shares her unique practice of hosting 'feelings parties' to engage with emotions and cultivate self-acceptance. The conversation culminates in reflections on celebrating love, especially on Valentine's Day, and the transformative power of love in personal growth and healing.Takeaways-Love is defined by curiosity and self-acceptance.-Self-love is essential for giving love to others.-Joy is a vital source of energy and resilience.-Romantic love should enhance an already fulfilling life.-Expectations in relationships can lead to disappointment.-Practicing self-love can help clarify non-negotiables in love.-Celebrating love can be a personal and intentional act.-Feelings parties can help engage with and understand emotions.-Beauty and love can be found in everyday experiences.-Community and connection are crucial for sustaining love.Chapters00:00 Welcome Back to Healing Conversations01:52 The Essence of Love: Curiosity and Compassion04:54 Finding Your People: Green Flags in Relationships10:21 Scaling Love: A New Perspective16:07 Deprogramming Self-Love: The Journey Within23:31 Romantic Love: Beyond Lists and Expectations29:01 Living in Love: The Journey of Self-Discovery38:15 The Journey of Self-Love and Acceptance42:37 Navigating Vulnerability in Relationships47:15 The Abundance of Good People51:26 Hosting a Feelings Party57:24 Celebrating Love Beyond Romantic Relationships01:02:01 Art as a Practice of Intimacy and Presence

Summary In this episode, host Monica Patrice interviews Keanu Jackson, a therapist based in Brooklyn, New York. Keanu shares his upbringing in a nurturing home and the lessons he learned about his identity as a black man. He discusses his journey in understanding masculinity and queerness, emphasizing the importance of creating safe spaces for emotional expression. Keanu also explores the intersectionality of being black and queer, highlighting the challenges and complexities that come with it. He shares his personal awakening and the motivation behind his work in supporting others' mental health. Keanu Jackson discusses the discrimination and assumptions he faced growing up in his community and how it led him to pursue a career in social work and therapy. He focuses on supporting queer, black, and brown individuals in building better relationships with their bodies through sex therapy and internal family systems therapy. Keanu emphasizes the importance of understanding the mind-body connection and how societal messaging and shame can impact our mental health. He encourages individuals to explore options for self-care and compassion and to challenge societal norms and expectations. Takeaways Growing up in a nurturing home with supportive parents can have a profound impact on a person's understanding of their identity. Masculinity is a complex concept that can be influenced by societal expectations and personal experiences. Queerness is a unique and multifaceted experience that encompasses freedom, authenticity, and the ability to exist outside societal norms. Being black and queer are interconnected aspects of one's identity, and they should not be separated or compartmentalized. Creating safe spaces for emotional expression is crucial for individuals to feel seen, heard, and supported. The intersectionality of being black and queer can present unique challenges and complexities, and it requires navigating multiple layers of identity. Supporting mental health involves creating safe and inclusive environments where individuals can explore and express their authentic selves. Personal awakenings can lead to a desire to support others in their mental health journeys and make a positive impact in their communities. Discrimination and assumptions based on appearance can lead to targeted behaviors and discrimination against individuals. Keanu Jackson pursued a career in social work and therapy to support his community and individuals with similar experiences. He focuses on helping queer, black, and brown individuals build better relationships with their bodies through sex therapy and internal family systems therapy. Understanding the mind-body connection is crucial for mental health, and societal messaging and shame can impact our relationship with our bodies. Exploring options for self-care and compassion and challenging societal norms and expectations can lead to liberation and healing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Keanu and his Story 04:00 Understanding Masculinity and Black Manhood 07:09 The Importance of Emotional Nurturing 16:07 Exploring Queerness and Authenticity 22:03 The Intersection of Blackness and Queerness 25:50 Navigating Mental Health and the Mind-Body Connection 29:02 Building Better Relationships with Our Bodies 32:56 The Role of Consent and Self-Compassion in Healing 36:37 Challenging Societal Norms and Shame for Personal Growth 42:29 Understanding the Mind-Body Connection for Mental Well-being

Summary In this conversation, Monica Wallace interviews Shams (Boii McCoy) about his journey with bipolar disorder and his experiences with relationships. Shams shares how he embraced writing as a form of expression and found fulfillment in sharing his raw experiences. He discusses the influence of his family, particularly his sisters and his father, on his understanding of masculinity and relationships. Shams also talks about the importance of conflict resolution skills in maintaining healthy relationships. He reflects on his own journey of forgiveness and growth, and the impact of his father's actions on his perspective. Shams emphasizes the need for awareness and seeking help for mental health issues, and the potential consequences of neglecting one's mental well-being. In this conversation, Shams opens up about his personal journey with bipolar disorder and how it has impacted his life. He discusses the major life events that triggered his bipolar episodes and the challenges he faced in finding stability. Shams emphasizes the importance of seeking help and not being ashamed to ask for support. He also highlights the need to prioritize mental health and avoid numbing behaviors. Shams shares his upcoming projects, including a book and new music. Takeaways Embracing writing as a form of expression can provide fulfillment and help in processing traumatic experiences. The influence of family, particularly siblings and parents, can shape one's understanding of masculinity and relationships. Conflict resolution skills are essential for maintaining healthy and long-lasting relationships. Forgiveness and growth are important in breaking patterns and creating healthier dynamics. Neglecting mental health can lead to severe consequences, and seeking help is crucial for overall well-being. Don't be ashamed to ask for help. Seeking help does not make you less of a man, but rather makes you more of a man. Avoid numbing yourself to pain, as it also numbs you to joy and beautiful experiences. Prioritize your mental health and take the time to regulate your emotions and cultivate hobbies that bring you fulfillment. Normalize the healing process for Black and Brown people, as they deserve to prioritize their mental well-being. Engage in open and honest conversations about mental health to break the stigma and provide support for those struggling. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:27 The Power of Authentic Expression in Creative Writing 06:34 Navigating Relationships and the Importance of Conflict Resolution 11:04 Understanding Masculinity and Relationships Through Personal Experiences 16:35 Seeking Help and Overcoming Stigma in Men's Mental Health 22:14 The Impact of Major Life Events on Mental Health 27:03 Pre-Diagnosis Experiences and the Journey to Self-Awareness 29:50 The Impact of Structure on Mental Health 30:18 Symptoms and Triggers of Bipolar Disorder 31:46 Getting Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 32:44 Seeking Help and Admitting to the Hospital 34:02 Finding Connection and Inspiration in Rumi's Poetry 38:10 The Importance of Medication and Therapy 39:44 Finding the Right Medication and Treatment Plan 40:25 Carrying Mental Health Challenges in Healthy Ways 42:12 The Impact of Mental Health on Relationships 43:36 Numbing vs. Facing Pain and Emotions 46:03 Breaking the Stigma: Asking for Help 48:09 The Universality of Mental Health Struggles 49:27 Prioritizing Mental Health in a Productivity-Obsessed Society 52:38 Normalizing Mental Health for Black and Brown Communities 53:54 Advice for Men Struggling with Mental Health 55:51 The Journey to Healing: Numbing vs. Facing Pain 56:48 Don't Be Ashamed to Ask for Help 01:01:37 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans

In this episode, host Monica Patrice introduces Dan Chen, an artist and well renowned professional photographer, who shares his healing journey. They discuss the importance of men's mental health and the challenges of vulnerability. They explore Dan's initial belief that he didn't have a story worth sharing and how he started to embrace his own story. They delve into Dan's childhood experiences, including growing up in a conservative household and the lack of emotional expression. Dan reflects on his parents' relationship and the impact it had on his understanding of love and intimacy. He also discusses his codependency and addiction to gaming, which ultimately led to the end of his marriage. The episode highlights the importance of self-discovery and finding meaning in one's own life. In this conversation, Dan shares his journey of healing and self-discovery. He discusses his struggles with addiction, codependency, and trauma, and how therapy and somatic healing have helped him uncover and process his past experiences. Dan emphasizes the importance of asking for help, redefining strength, and learning to love and accept all parts of oneself. He also highlights the need for more open conversations about men's mental health and the middle part of the healing journey. Dan's story serves as an inspiration for others on their own healing journeys. Takeaways Men's mental health is an important topic that needs more attention and open conversations. Vulnerability and sharing personal stories can be freeing and healing for both the speaker and the listener. Childhood experiences and family dynamics can shape one's understanding of love, intimacy, and self-worth. Codependency and addiction can be coping mechanisms to escape from oneself and avoid facing personal issues. Self-discovery and finding meaning in one's own life are crucial for personal growth and healthy relationships. Asking for help is a sign of strength and an important step in the healing journey. Redefining what strength means is crucial in overcoming challenges and embracing vulnerability. Somatic healing and therapy can help uncover and process past traumas that may be affecting one's life. Learning to love and accept all parts of oneself, including the past, is an essential part of healing. Open conversations about men's mental health and the middle part of the healing journey are needed to provide support and understanding. Chapters 00:00 Men's Mental Health Matters 01:48 The Power of Photography 05:21 Challenges of Comparing Stories 11:30 Impact of Upbringing on Self-Worth 24:23 Self-Discovery and Understanding 27:29 The Consequences of Codependency and the Importance of Self-Exploration 29:17 The Catalyst for Healing: Addiction and Ultimatums 31:46 Uncovering Deep-Rooted Traumas: The Role of Therapy 34:26 The End of a Marriage: Reflections and Reasons 44:58 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Somatic Healing 49:21 The Power of Somatic Healing 50:30 Exploring Different Modalities of Healing 53:44 Normalizing the Healing Journey 54:55 Embracing Authenticity and Reconnecting with Inner Truth 56:21 Uncovering Buried Traumas 59:36 Love and Forgiveness for the Past Self 01:01:12 Sharing the Middle Part of the Healing Story

Summary In this conversation, Monica Wallace and Shanell Hagood discuss the topic of mother wounds and their impact on their lives as mothers. They share their personal experiences and the work they are doing to heal from these wounds. Monica emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and processing anger as a part of the healing journey. They also discuss the challenges of parenting their own children and the need to parent them based on their individual needs rather than projecting their own wounds onto them. In this conversation, Monica and Shanell discuss their experiences with the mother wound and how they have navigated their relationships with their mothers. They explore the different phases of healing and the importance of self-work. They also touch on the ancestral gifts passed down through their maternal lineages. Both Monica and Shanell share their approaches to Mother's Day and the significance of honoring their mothers while also taking care of themselves. Takeaways Mother wounds can arise from a variety of circumstances, including neglect, abuse, abandonment, or enmeshment. Acknowledging and processing anger is an important part of the healing journey from mother wounds. Parenting your own children based on their individual needs, rather than projecting your own wounds onto them, is crucial. Healing from mother wounds requires seeking support, therapy, and doing the necessary inner work. Understanding the difference between self-esteem and self-worth is essential in healing from mother wounds. Healing from the mother wound is a journey that takes time and self-work. It is important to acknowledge and honor the positive aspects of the relationship with your mother, even if there are also wounds and challenges. Mother's Day can be a complex and emotional time for those who have experienced a fractured relationship with their mother or have lost their mother. Approaching Mother's Day with intention and self-care can help navigate the emotions and honor the mother figures in one's life. The mother wound is interconnected with ancestral trauma and can inform how individuals engage with their own children. Navigating the mother wound can lead to healing and growth, allowing individuals to break generational patterns and create healthier relationships with their children. The healing journey is ongoing and may involve addressing other wounds, such as the father wound. Pouring into oneself and prioritizing self-care is essential for healing and personal growth. Sharing personal experiences and creating spaces for open and honest conversations about healing can provide support and guidance for others on their own healing journeys. Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Mother Wound 09:14 Journey of Healing 21:54 Root of Dysfunctions 38:27 Navigating the Complexities of the Mother Wound 46:16 Setting Boundaries and Finding Peace 51:20 The Gifts Inherited from Our Mothers 55:45 Approaching Mother's Day with Authenticity 01:02:39 The Lifelong Journey of Healing 01:08:44 Breaking Generational Cycles through Healing