E402– "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Tami Kiekhaefer, LCSW, a seasoned psychotherapist with nearly 25 years in private practice. As the author of From Chaos to Calm: A Six-Step Strategy to Break Through Anxiety and Preparing for the Jungle: Avoiding Snakes and Pitfalls on the Path to Healthy Love, she empowers high-achieving women to break free from anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges. Tami's approach blends practical strategies with deep self-awareness, helping clients build confidence and resilience. She offers virtual, confidential sessions via phone and Zoom, making support accessible no matter where you are. www.healthyhealing.net # 1 on the 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts list by FeedSpot. https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_mental_health_podcasts Check out my website: www.FoojanZeine.com, www.AwarenessIntegration.com, www.Foojan.com Summary Dr. and Tami discussed the topic of anxiety, its normality, and its impact on individuals. Tami emphasized the importance of recognizing the roots of anxiety, which she identified as a lack of control over one's environment and negative thought patterns. She also highlighted the significance of being aware of one's body and managing its symptoms to prevent anxiety from spiraling out of control. They discussed the benefits of body-centered yoga and meditation techniques for stress management. Tami shared her experience of using these techniques to lower her blood pressure and emphasized the importance of breathing exercises. Dr. suggested incorporating singing into breathing exercises to make them more enjoyable. They also discussed the prevalence of panic attacks masquerading as heart attacks, with Tami estimating that around 80% of ER visits for suspected heart attacks are panic attacks. Tami discussed the importance of managing anxiety by activating the left brain to assess situations logically rather than relying solely on emotions. She emphasized that the left brain cannot be used simultaneously with the right brain, which is responsible for emotions and creativity. Tami suggested exercises to activate the left brain, allowing for a more logical approach to anxiety. Tami indicated that people often feel out of control when they focus on external factors and that they can regain a sense of safety by shifting their attention to internal control. She proposed writing down what one can and cannot control, emphasizing that the list of controllable factors is usually longer than the uncontrollable ones. Dr. agreed, adding that even if one cannot control external events, they can control their own actions and reactions. The conversation ended with Tami encouraging people to focus on their skills, accomplishments, and marketability to boost their confidence and reduce anxiety. Dr. discussed various types of anxieties, including existential ones such as moving from one phase of life to another, anxieties about illnesses, death, and loneliness, and anxieties about past completions and redefining oneself. Tami shared her theory about experiencing multiple midlife crises every 7 years, which she believes is linked to her children's developmental stages. Both agreed that these transitions often involve unknowns and a lack of confidence in oneself, as one has not yet proven their ability to navigate these new situations. Tami and Dr. discussed strategies for overcoming anxiety and building confidence. Tami emphasized the importance of facing fears and avoiding avoidance, which can exacerbate anxiety. Dr. shared his approach of focusing on strengths and resilience and trusting himself to learn and adapt. They also discussed the importance of self-trust and executive functioning in managing anxiety. Tami used the example of driving in the snow to illustrate how avoidance can lead to a downward spiral and how facing fears incrementally can help build confidence. Tami and Dr. discussed the impact of anxiety on individuals, particularly during the pandemic. They highlighted how anxiety can be both a collective and personal experience fueled by external factors such as social media and news. Tami emphasized the importance of recognizing anxiety as an emotion and not letting it control one's life. She shared personal experiences and strategies for managing anxiety, including naming it and practicing gratitude. The conversation concluded with Tami encouraging others to seek help and guidance in managing their anxiety. Platforms to Like and Follow: *Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DrFoojanZeine/) *Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/Dr.FoojanZeine) *Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/DrZeine/) *LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrFoojanZeine) *Tiktok (https:///www.tiktok.com/dr.foojanzein)

E400– "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Pattie Ehasei. Known as "The Duchess of Decorum" by her 1M followers, Pattie Ehsaei has established herself as one of the leading financial experts today. Pattie's TikTok teachings on female equality in the workplace, financial literacy, workplace decorum, and financial independence for women have over 8.1 MILLION likes—answering questions such as "How do I maintain financial independence in a relationship?" "How do I make and keep a budget?" "How do I maintain my power in the workplace?" "How do I ask for a raise?" "How do I navigate male-dominated industries?" These are the types of questions that Pattie provides real and honest answers to, and they keep her fans begging for more. She has spent the last 20 years in a multifaceted career focused on finance. From managing divisions of banking institutions, business development, investment banking, and raising capital from sovereign wealth funds in private equity, Pattie has seen all sides of the industry and has quickly become an authority in this space. A lawyer by trade and currently a Director of Mergers & Acquisitions financing for a major national bank, Pattie is the perfect example of "tough but fair" and believes that success comes from information and empowerment. Pattie's direct approach, peppered with levity and some real takeaways, made her an instant success and a highly sought-after speaker. She has delivered keynote addresses for numerous platforms and organizations, including Create & Cultivate, the Iranian American Women's Foundation, the Women's Investment Summit, the New England Women in Banking & Mortgage Conference, and the University of Denver STEM Program. She's also been a panelist for events that inspire the next generation of women, such as the Meet Me in Malibu Influencer Panel. Pattie's voice can also be seen in print on Forbes.com and MSNBC, where she shares her wisdom as a financial contributor. We will discuss her highly anticipated book, Never Date A Broke Dude. Pattie gives readers practical advice on finance and romance in this book and breaks down exactly why "a man is not a financial plan"! www.pattieehsaei.com # 1 on the 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts list by FeedSpot. https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_mental_health_podcasts/ Check out my website: www.FoojanZeine.com, www.AwarenessIntegration.com, www.Foojan.com Summary Dr. and Pattie discussed the importance of financial independence for women in relationships. Pattie emphasized that money determines power dynamics in relationships and that women should have enough financial freedom to support themselves. They also discussed the societal expectations placed on women and the need for women to have the skills and knowledge to re-enter the workforce after raising children. Pattie shared her experience of starting her TikTok channel at 50 and the challenges women face in pursuing new opportunities after a long period of not working. They discussed the importance of having a strategy rather than just hoping for success. Pattie shared her experience of wanting to become financially responsible but relying on hope instead of planning. She emphasized the need for a plan, whether it's related to finances or career development, and the importance of budgeting and acquiring necessary skills. Dr. shared her experience of spending every dollar she made and not having a plan for the future, which led her to invest. Both agreed on the importance of having a plan for personal and financial growth. Pattie discusses the importance of investing for the future and shares her experience dating a financially unstable partner. She emphasizes that investing is simpler than many think, involving just a few steps and consistent contributions. Pattie explains that her book title, "Never Date a Broke Dude," stems from her own experience, which led her into significant debt and emotional distress. She acknowledges her complicity in the situation and highlights how societal pressures can lead people to prioritize relationships over financial stability. Pattie emphasized the importance of economic independence and self-worth in relationships, stating that when one partner feels they have no choice but to stay in a relationship, they may take advantage of the other. Pattie mentions that her book addresses this issue to help women realize their value and empower themselves to seek better treatment in relationships and life. *iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/i...) *Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/m/Inpl5...) *Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/) *YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/DrFoojan) *Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DrFoojanZeine/) *Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/Dr.FoojanZeine) *Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/DrZeine/) *LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrFoojanZeine) *Tiktok (https:///www.tiktok.com/dr.foojanzeine)

E399– "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Tim Braun, an internationally renowned medium who has conducted over 17,000 sittings in the past 24 years. He graduated from USC with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies. Tim desires to heal those with the grief of loss and to re-establish the ties that we have lost with those who are no longer with us. Tim believes our love is the link that allows us to connect with those on the other side. Many of Tim's clients have changed their lives dramatically and have been given hope that there will be a place of beauty and joy at the end of our lives on this earth. Loved ones are there, and love doesn't die but is taken to this place called "the other side." He has been sitting with private clients for more than twenty years. Hollywood celebrities, renowned athletes, and international corporate leaders have embraced Tim. He is the author of multiple books, including "Life and Death" and his new book "Afterlife". www.timbraunmedium.com # 1 on the 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts list by FeedSpot. https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_mental_health_podcasts/ Check out my website: www.FoojanZeine.com, www.AwarenessIntegration.com, www.Foojan.com Summary Tim Brown, a medium, shared his experiences and work with clients. He explained that his gift started at age six when he saw, heard, and felt spirits. He has done over 22,000 one-on-one sittings in eight countries and believes that death does not discriminate. Tim emphasized the importance of therapy and shared a story about a couple who received more healing in one session than in a year of treatment. He also discussed the concept of psychic amnesia and the validation of his work through client feedback. Tim's work focuses on healing and providing messages to grieving people, assuring them that everything is okay and their loved ones are in a different place. He also mentioned that regret is a common theme among those who have passed over, often wishing they had expressed their love and pride more while alive. Tim discussed reincarnation and the concept of soul groups, emphasizing that every person in our lives is a teacher, and we should learn from them. Tim and Dr. discussed their experiences with clients who have had near-death experiences or are nearing the end of their lives. Tim shared instances where clients' deceased family members appeared to them, providing comfort and guidance. They both emphasized the importance of cherishing these experiences and not dismissing them. Tim also mentioned a client's father who appeared to her, smiling at her mother and shared a humorous anecdote about the father's disbelief in religion. Tim shared a personal experience where a client disagreed with his reading of an abusive uncle, but he explained that the uncle was coming to apologize. Tim also shared his approach to supporting clients who have lost loved ones, including meditation and connecting them with support groups. He emphasized the importance of patience and understanding in the grieving process. He stresses the importance of being the best person and leaving the world better than one found it. *iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/i...) *Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/m/Inpl5...) *Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/) *YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/DrFoojan) Platforms to Like and Follow: *Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DrFoojanZeine/) *Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/Dr.FoojanZeine) *Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/DrZeine/) *LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrFoojanZeine) *Tiktok (https:///www.tiktok.com/dr.foojanzeine)

E397 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Deb Krier, a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich communications, marketing, and public relations background. A Stage 4 triple positive breast cancer survivor (2015) and thyroid cancer survivor (2023), Deb founded **tryingnottodie.LIVE** in 2022 to empower individuals navigating cancer. Through this platform, she inspires others to embrace their inner Warrior, build supportive communities, and amplify their voices. Deb champions resilience, empowerment, and connection as an advocate and speaker, turning struggles into strengths and fostering hope within the cancer community. Her mission is clear: to help others embrace life and defy cancer's impact. www.tryingnottodie.live # 1 on the 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts list by FeedSpot. https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_mental_health_podcasts/ Check out my website: www.FoojanZeine.com, www.AwarenessIntegration.com, www.Foojan.com Summary: Deb shared her 9-year journey with breast cancer, starting with a diagnosis of microcalcifications at Stage 0, which progressed to Stage 3 after a biopsy. Despite complications, Deb chose the traditional approach of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. She experienced septic shock and other complications but continued working throughout her treatment. Deb's technical diagnosis has now become Stage 4 metastatic triple-positive breast cancer, but it has not recurred in 10 years. She also developed thyroid cancer, which was caught early and treated. Deb emphasized the importance of humor and staying upbeat during her challenging journey. The doctor shares a personal experience from when she was 15 years old, describing a poorly handled medical consultation where she was informed about the possibility of cervical cancer. She reflects on how this and subsequent health scares have shaped her understanding of the emotional process patients go through when facing potential life-threatening diagnoses. The doctor emphasizes the importance of shifting focus from the initial fear of death to concentrating on getting better and moving forward. Deb and Dr. discussed the anxiety and panic associated with cancer diagnoses. They highlighted how cancer can bring about existential questions and change one's perspective on life. Deb shared her personal experience with skin cancer and the anxiety that comes with waiting for test results. They also discussed the challenges healthcare professionals face due to overwork and understaffing. Deb discussed her recent medical experience, including an ultrasound and test results. She expressed concern about a new lesion and sought a needle biopsy, which her endocrinologist initially dismissed. However, after consulting her oncologist, she was referred to another doctor who confirmed the lesion was gone. Deb emphasized the importance of considering her medical history in her care. The discussion focuses on self-advocacy and effective communication for cancer patients. Deb emphasizes avoiding vague responses like "I'm fine" and being more specific about one's condition, especially with medical providers. The conversation also covers the challenges of sharing a cancer diagnosis, including dealing with others' reactions and finding a balance between accepting support and maintaining privacy. Dr. Foojan and Deb stress the importance of tailoring support to each patient's needs, whether physical care or emotional uplift. They advise caregivers to ask specific questions about what help is needed and for patients to be clear about their requirements. Deb and Dr. discussed the emotional and psychological impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on patients. Deb shared her personal experience of undergoing cancer treatment and how it has changed her outlook on life, emphasizing the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. Dr. highlighted the phenomenon of post-traumatic stress and depression that can occur after surviving a serious illness and the need for patients to understand this process. Both agreed that patients need to be aware of the emotional journey they will go through after treatment and that seeking professional help, such as therapy, can be beneficial in navigating these emotions. Deb shared her initiative called "Trying Not to Die Live," which aims to support individuals and their caregivers going through cancer treatment. She emphasized the importance of living life fully, regardless of duration, and encouraged creating a supportive community for warriors and caregivers. Deb also highlighted the need for different types of support groups, as they can provide hope, share experiences, and offer practical advice.

E396 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Bob Kaplan, the author of GRAPPLING: Leaders Striving To Improve, a series of short stories that bring executive coaching to life. His unique style is entertaining and offers a novel way of learning about leadership and self-improvement. The book is based on his decades of experience consulting CEOs and other senior leaders, including founders. He is the founder and president of his own leadership consulting firm, Kaplan DeVries. He invented a 360 survey, the Leadership Versatility Index, that earned a patent for its unique way of assessing leaders. He and his colleagues also take a unique approach to delivering feedback. They place unusually heavy emphasis on positive feedback to boost the leader's confidence. His last book was Fear Your Strengths: What You're Best Could Be Your Biggest Problem. An honorary senior fellow at the Center for Creative Leadership, he has a B.A. and Ph.D. from Yale University. He lives in New York City with his wife, Becky. You can reach him at bobkaplan@kaplandevries.com. # 1 on the 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts list by FeedSpot. https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_mental_health_podcasts/ Check out my website: www.FoojanZeine.com, www.AwarenessIntegration.com, www.Foojan.com Summary Dr. and Bob Kaplan discussed Bob's book Grappling Leaders Striving to Improve. Bob shared his inspiration for writing the book: his passion for helping people grow and his fascination with human nature. He explained that the book is a collection of stories exploring leadership's mental aspects, aiming to help senior managers overcome their limitations and become better leaders. Dr. agreed with Bob's approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding and shifting internal belief systems to achieve desired results. Bob and Dr. discussed strategies for effective coaching and management. Bob shared a personal anecdote about helping a head of engineering let go of an underperforming employee, emphasizing the importance of being direct and forceful. Dr. discussed her experiences as a therapist and mentor, noting that transitioning from a supportive to a forceful role could be challenging. The conversation also touched on the importance of establishing a structured system for accountability and how it can create a sense of responsibility within a team. Additionally, Bob shared his experience with an individual who failed to change despite efforts to help him and how changing the approach to build a tighter team around the person was more effective. Bob and Dr. discussed the importance of self-awareness and introspection for individuals, particularly those in leadership roles. They agreed that getting objective feedback from others can help identify one's strengths and weaknesses and that this outside perspective can guide personal growth. They also emphasized the need for individuals to recognize and address their biases, fears, and beliefs that might hinder their performance. Bob shared his personal experiences of balancing his need for achievement with the importance of relationships in the workplace. Bob and Dr. discussed balancing opposing forces or dualities in leadership. Bob shared his leadership model, which consists of two main dualities: strategic vs operational planning and forceful vs enabling. He mentioned the evaluation tool he developed, which uses a rating scale to assess individuals' tendencies to do too much or too little of each aspect. They also touched on the concept of "strength overdone" and the potential adverse effects of maximizing certain qualities. Dr. noted the potential for internal or external "blocks" that hinder progress and suggested exploring these to facilitate improvement. Bob discussed the importance of positive feedback in boosting a person's confidence, especially for those in challenging jobs. He highlighted that while some leaders may struggle to accept high regard, others can benefit from it. Dr. shared their experience of leaders focusing on areas they need to improve rather than recognizing their strengths. They also touched on the human tendency to seek change and acceptance, making it difficult for people to accept their strengths. Bob stressed the need to understand what blocks the uptake of positive feedback and suggested that this could be an area for further exploration. Remember to Subscribe, Listen, Review, and Share! Find me on these sites: *iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/i...) *Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/m/Inpl5...) *Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/) *YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/DrFoojan) Platforms to Like and Follow: *Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DrFoojanZeine/) *Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/Dr.FoojanZeine) *Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/DrZeine/) *LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrFoojanZeine) *Tiktok (https:///www.tiktok.com/dr.foojanzeine)

E395 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with Erin Williamson, the Chief Programs & Strategy Officer at Love146, where she leads efforts to prevent child trafficking and exploitation. With over 20 years of experience in social services and child protection, Erin has developed trauma-informed programs that have reached thousands of vulnerable youth across the U.S. She is also a parent, advocate, and expert in human trafficking prevention and survivor care. In 2014, Erin was hired by Love146 to build a Survivor Care program in Connecticut. Starting as a single staff member, the program has over 20 staff and serves 125-150 youth annually. Erin oversees all US-based programs, including a prevention education initiative implemented in over 30 states. Her leadership has expanded Love146's reach, focusing on trauma-informed care and addressing the complex needs of youth through the healing power of relationships and community support. Committed to bringing her on-the-ground knowledge to impact systems change, Erin has served on several state and national policy advocacy committees, including the Connecticut Trafficking in Persons Council and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Advisory Committee on the Sex Trafficking of Children & Youth. Locally, she contributes as a Board of Education member in Woodbridge, CT. For more information, go to www.love146.org # 1 on the 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts list by FeedSpot. https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_mental_health_podcasts/ Check out my website: www.FoojanZeine.com, www.AwarenessIntegration.com, www.Foojan.com. Summary Dr. and Erin discussed the issue of human trafficking, mainly focusing on the prevention aspect. Erin shared her background as a social worker and her work with Love146, an organization that works with children and youth who have experienced human trafficking. She emphasized the importance of prevention and the need for a multi-tiered approach, including addressing the systems and structures that make children vulnerable to trafficking. Erin also highlighted the role of schools in identifying and intervening in potential trafficking situations. Dr. and Erin discussed the challenges of working with children who have been abused or neglected and the need for long-term support and trust-building. Erin encouraged the public to support organizations like Love146 through donations and raising awareness about the issue. Erin and Dr. discussed the importance of creating a safe space for children and fostering healthy relationships. Erin emphasized the need for open communication, trust, and the importance of showing up for children even when things are difficult. She also highlighted the need for caregivers to be aware of the impact of early life experiences on children's development. Dr. added that healthy relationships involve communication and working through difficulties, and caregivers should be trained to support children in these situations. They also encouraged parents to sign up for their email series for practical guidance on conversing with their children about social media and other issues.