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Primary Purpose with Pej

Primary Purpose with Pej

By: Rhapsody Voices | Pej Media
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 Welcome to Primary Purpose with Pej, the podcast where host Pejman "Pej" Alaghamandan dives deep into the moments that define us. Through raw and insightful conversations with entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, recovery advocates, and thought leaders, Pej explores what truly drives people to change, grow, and find purpose. Each episode unpacks powerful stories of resilience, transformation, and personal discovery—offering inspiration for anyone seeking direction, clarity, or motivation. Whether you're on a journey of self-improvement or just love a compelling story, Primary Purpose is here to ignite your passion and fuel your pursuit of meaning. Subscribe now and join the conversation!Pej Media Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • From Psychosis to Purpose | Michael’s Journey Through Addiction, Homelessness, and Recovery

    From Psychosis to Purpose | Michael’s Journey Through Addiction, Homelessness, and Recovery
    Dec 18 2025
    Michael’s life took him across the world — from New Jersey to Puerto Rico to Hong Kong — but addiction followed no matter how far he ran. Despite a strong upbringing and early success in sports, Michael began drinking at 12 and was addicted to heroin by 18. After leaving college and cycling through rehab, he built a successful career in shipping and logistics. On the outside, life looked stable — but addiction pulled him into street life, homelessness, and a near-fatal overdose. What followed was a brutal turning point. Michael survived 70 days of drug-induced psychosis, entered sober living, attended 180 meetings in 90 days, completed all 12 steps, and rebuilt his life from the ground up. Starting with nothing — even cleaning toilets just to survive — he slowly reclaimed structure, dignity, and purpose. Today, Michael is a certified alcohol and drug counselor, the owner of The Hope Experience, LLC, and is opening a sober living home dedicated to helping others find recovery and meaning. This episode of Primary Purpose with Pej is about humility, perseverance, and the courage it takes to start over — one day at a time. Subscribe for more real stories of recovery, resilience, and purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • The Doctor Who Saved 80,000 Lives | The Untold Story of Dr. Faried Banihamd

    The Doctor Who Saved 80,000 Lives | The Untold Story of Dr. Faried Banihamd
    Dec 11 2025
    Today on Primary Purpose with Pej, we sit down with a man whose life’s work has quietly transformed tens of thousands of lives — long before addiction medicine was respected, understood, or widely practiced. Dr. Faried Banihamd began his career in academic emergency medicine, teaching and researching at UCLA/Kern Medical Center and later UC Irvine. But despite a prestigious path, his true calling led him somewhere far more difficult and far more meaningful: directly into the world of addiction. He stepped into methadone clinics, detox centers, outpatient programs, and some of the most underserved and complex cases imaginable — years before harm reduction or medication-assisted treatment were accepted, and long before benzo tapers or polypharmacy management became common practice. Patients call him a magician — not because he performs miracles, but because he listens, observes, and treats people who have been dismissed elsewhere. Over the course of his career, he has helped more than 80,000 patients navigate addiction, trauma, medication mismanagement, and the long road back to hope. Today, he runs Zephyr Medical Group in Orange County, continuing his mission to serve the underserved, consult on high-complexity cases, train institutions, work with legal teams, and design private detox and rehabilitation plans for patients around the world. In 2017, he was named one of Orange County’s Top Influencers, recognizing the impact of his work on individuals, families, and systems across the globe. Guided by the St. Augustine quote he lives by — “Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage” — Dr. Banihamd’s story is one of purpose, compassion, and the courage to fight for a better way forward. Please welcome to the show: Dr. Faried Banihamd, MD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    25 mins
  • She Breaks Generational Trauma — And This Is What It Really Looks Like

    She Breaks Generational Trauma — And This Is What It Really Looks Like
    Dec 4 2025
    On this episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, licensed psychotherapist Dr. Vicky Truong, LMFT, Ph.D. breaks down what it really looks like to heal generational trauma — not just in her clients, but in her own life. Based in Tustin, CA, Vicky specializes in trauma and couples therapy for adult children of immigrants, helping people navigate the emotional, cultural, and relational wounds passed down through generations. She’s certified in EMDR for PTSD and acute trauma, works as a 730 child custody evaluator, and serves as a forensic mental health consultant in high-conflict family cases. Vicky also shares her personal journey: 13 years of sobriety Raising her 10-year-old daughter Healing her own childhood wounds Balancing recovery with a demanding therapy practice What breaking generational cycles looks like from the inside This episode is raw, eye-opening, and deeply human — offering real insight into trauma, healing, sobriety, family systems, and the work required to build a new legacy. 👉 Watch now to see what breaking generational trauma truly looks like — in real life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 6 mins
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