Arash's World Podcast

Degrees of Free Will and Freedom: Roy Baumeister on Self-Control and Responsibility

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of talking to world-renowned social psychologist, professor, and bestselling author Dr. Roy F. Baumeister about his book, The Science of Free Will: Bridging Theory and Positive Psychology.

Dr. Baumeister explains that while philosophers have long debated whether free will can exist in a deterministic universe, psychology approaches the question differently. He emphasizes that the human mind possesses a unique system for controlling action, allowing us to simulate multiple futures, make long-term plans, and alter our present behavior based on anticipated outcomes, which are abilities that set us apart from other animals.

Our discussion then delves into the nuances of free will, highlighting that it is not an all-or-nothing phenomenon but that it exists on a continuum. Dr. Baumeister shares research showing that some choices are “freer” than others, and that self-control is a finite resource, closely linked to our ability to make decisions.

Furthermore, we explore the moral and societal implications of free will as our legal and ethical systems presuppose that individuals can act differently in the same situation, making accountability and responsibility possible. Dr. Baumeister also touches on the importance of self-control as a trait, likening it to a muscle that can be strengthened with practice, and notes its role in personal success and well-being.

Finally, we reflect on culture, gender, and the holistic nature of human experience. Dr. Baumeister explains how cultural and social factors shape aspects of our lives, such as sexuality, and how self-control interacts with these influences. He also addresses the interplay between mind and body, the value of live social interaction, and the ongoing dialogue between philosophy and psychology. Ultimately, our conversation underscores the empowering belief that, while not absolute, free will enables us to shape our lives, take responsibility for our actions, and find meaning in our choices.

 

The Lost Years and Wisdom Gained: Reimagining Jesus and the Making of a Messiah with Brian Muldoon

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with lawyer, judge, and Professor Brian Muldoon about his fascinating novel, The Luminous One: The Making of a Messiah. We talk about the so-called "lost years" of Jesus, the 18-year gap in the Gospels between Jesus’ childhood and the start of his ministry. Brian’s novel imaginatively fills this gap, following a young Yeshua (Jesus) as he journeys from Palestine to India and China, encountering diverse spiritual traditions and formative experiences that shape his later teachings.

The story traces Yeshua’s escape from a troubled home life, his compassionate outreach to the marginalized Dalits in India, and his participation in significant historical events such as the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir. Through these adventures, Yeshua is exposed to Buddhist, Hindu, and other mystical philosophies, which influence his evolving understanding of spirituality. Brian weaves together historical fact and fiction, using these imagined travels to explain how Jesus might have developed his more radical ideas about compassion, nonviolence, and the nature of God.

We also explore the human side of Jesus, emphasizing his sense of humor, charisma, and capacity for joy, which are traits that are often overlooked in traditional portrayals. Moreover, we reflect on how Jesus’ teachings challenged the rigid orthodoxy of his times, advocating for a more inclusive and open-minded spirituality. We then highlight that the real message of Jesus lies in the ongoing journey of self-discovery and connection with others.

Beyond the novel, Brian shares insights from his work in law and mediation, drawing parallels between spiritual growth and conflict resolution. He advocates for deep listening, compassion, and the courage to confront difficult truths, skills essential both in personal relationships and in broader societal healing. Finally, Brian reflects on balancing his roles as a legal professional and writer and offers us a preview of his next literary project that shall explore the concept of fifth-dimensional consciousness wrapped in a detective mystery.

 

Framing the Art World: Workplace Satire, Chaos, and Behind the Scenes Glimpses with Author of In the Frame Pat Sullivan

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with my friend and fellow writer Pat Sullivan about her witty workplace satire In the Frame. Her book is set in a fictional Toronto Art Gallery called Toronto Art Gallery (TAG) and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the art world. Instead of the usual and commonplace art world tropes of heists and forgeries, Pat’s book draws on her own gallery experience to reveal the real-life tensions, mishaps, and personalities that animate and often complicate working at such institutions.

The story follows four central characters including a director, two curators, and an educator as they navigate the chaos leading up to a high-stakes gala fundraiser. Pat explores different workplace conflicts, from power struggles and artistic ambitions to burnout and the challenge of pleasing donors, staff, and the public. The novel also shines a light on the unsung heroes of the gallery, such as technical assistants, and highlights the complex balancing act required to keep a cultural institution thriving.

Pat also shares insights into her writing process, the importance of context in art appreciation, and the therapeutic value of turning real-life frustrations into readable and relatable fiction. She offers practical advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing perseverance, adaptability, and the realities of both traditional and self-publishing as well as how AI cannot replace works of art.

In fact, In the Frame promises readers a smart, humorous, and authentic glimpse into the art world’s backstage drama, perfect for anyone curious about what really happens when the gallery doors close. It makes me appreciate not only art more but also the amount of work and effort that go into the upkeep and maintenance of an art gallery.

Spy’s Mate: Grandmasters and Navigating Soviet Chess, KGB Secrets, Espionage, and Survival with Brad Buchanan

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Brad Buchanan, a retired English professor and now a full-time writer, who has faced significant personal challenges, including surviving two bouts of blood cancer and a difficult stem cell transplant. These experiences have profoundly shaped his perspective and writing, leading him to manage a chronic illness while continuing to pursue his passion for literature.

We discuss his novel, Spy’s Mate, which draws deeply from his love of chess and history. The story follows a young grandmaster navigating the perilous world of Soviet chess, where KGB manipulation and surveillance were ever-present. In the Soviet Union, chess was more than a game—it was a propaganda tool, and those who didn’t conform faced severe consequences. Through his protagonist Yasha, loosely inspired by Garry Kasparov, Brad explores themes of outsider status, resilience, and the struggle against a system determined to control its brightest minds.

The novel also delves into the broader context of Cold War espionage, drawing parallels between the strategic thinking required in chess and the high stakes maneuvering of spies. As Yasha rises through the ranks, he encounters not only fierce competition but also the shifting political landscape of the collapsing Soviet Union. The story takes readers into the back rooms of Soviet bureaucracy, highlighting power struggles and the emergence of figures like Gorbachev and Putin, all set against the backdrop of a society in flux.

Beyond the intrigue and historical drama, “Spy’s Mate” weaves in personal relationships and emotional depth, including Yasha’s bond with his mother and a romantic subplot that adds complexity to his journey. Brad aims to make chess visually engaging by including diagrams and structuring the novel with action and dialogue, much like a screenplay. Ultimately, he hopes readers find both excitement and humanity in the story, and perhaps even see it adapted for the screen one day.

 

Don’t Be Hijacked by Primal Wounds: Rewriting the Narrative and Flying High with Michaela Renee Johnson

In this episode, I have (yet again!) the great pleasure of speaking with licensed therapist and pilot Michaela Renee Johnson on her book 7 Primal Wounds: Break the Patterns Keeping You Stuck and its connection to aviation.

Michaela recounts the challenges and emotional highs she experienced during her 13-day journey across the country for her aeronautical book tour in a vintage warbird by the name of Scarlett. Not only is she using the adventure as both a literal and metaphorical vehicle for spreading her message, but it also underscores and ties in with the book’s core and central themes.

In fact, the analogy of flying can help us better understand psychological patterns. For instance, people may get “stuck in holding patterns” in life, much like planes circling an airport, and how recognizing these patterns is the first step toward change. She draws on psychological theories such as transactional analysis and attachment theory to explain how early life experiences create “primal wounds” that shape adult behavior.

Moreover, she offers practical advice for becoming aware of these unconscious beliefs, encouraging us to notice our bodily reactions when triggered and to identify which “primal responder” (be it child, teenager, or parent) is influencing our actions at a given moment. This self-awareness can help us break negative cycles and make more empowered choices.

Finally, Michaela discusses how her framework applies to relationships and personal growth. She emphasizes that most conflicts are not about surface issues but about deeper wounds and unmet needs. By understanding and communicating these underlying patterns, individuals and couples can transform their interactions and foster healthier connections. And writing a book on these findings and observations is not only helpful for us but also therapeutic for the author herself.

 

Awakening from Darkness to Hope and Purpose: The Transformative Power of Spiritual Healing with Aymie Daniels

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Aymie Daniels, Managing Director of Prophet Source and author of An American Awakening: The Interdependent Relationship of Spirituality and Mental Health about her transformative journey of spiritual healing.

Aymie shares her insights on the inherent connection between spirituality and mental health, opens up about her personal awakening—a process she describes as “leveling up in consciousness”—and how it led her from darkness and substance abuse to a life of purpose and healing. Her story inspires and underscores resilience and finding hope even in the most turbulent times.

In her book, she explores how spiritual experiences can be both ineffable and life changing. She discusses the importance of holistic approaches to mental health, advocating for transparent information and diverse paths to healing that go beyond pharmaceuticals. Moreover, she managed to look at the bigger picture by moving beyond the “why me” mentality, embracing the law of accountability, and accepting the necessity of making conscious choices to move forward.

Finally, we talk about the challenges faced by those who experience spiritual emergencies, including societal stigma and the limitations of traditional mental health labels. Aymie shares how finding community with others who have undergone similar awakenings has been vital to her journey, and why she believes that embracing our spiritual nature—however we define it—is essential for true well-being.

 

Jinn in the Family: Islamic Folklore, Cultural Identity and Mental Health with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Rehman Yousuf Abdulrehman

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Dr. Rehman Yousuf Abdulrehman, a clinical psychologist and the author of the best-selling novel Jinn in the Family. We explore jinn folklore with a focus on cultural identity and mental health diagnosis and practice, and how writing fiction can serve as a form of therapy and creative fulfillment.

The novel centers around jinn, supernatural beings from Islamic and Zanzibar folklore, often misunderstood in Western culture as mere "genies." Jinn are described as beings created from smokeless fire, distinct from angels and humans, possessing free will and capable of good or evil. This nuanced portrayal challenges the typical Western dichotomy of good versus evil by presenting them as complex characters with motivations shaped by their experiences.

Although the novel is presented as a ghost story, it also serves as a metaphor for diaspora identity, cultural heritage, and trauma alongside occasional potential clashes with a predominantly Western scientific paradigm. As a result, the book invites readers to re-evaluate and perhaps even question certain traditional notions of good and evil.

Moreover, Dr. Abdulrehman emphasizes the importance of openness to different cultural perspectives, particularly in mental health, where misdiagnosis can occur due to cultural misunderstandings. He advocates for integrating Eastern philosophies and traditional knowledge hand-in-hand with Western scientific approaches. The novel also addresses the need for diverse cultural narratives in literature, especially those from non-Eurocentric backgrounds, to enrich global storytelling while also providing a colorful metaphor for understanding inner and psychological differences and variations between individuals that have a range of diverse experiences. 

 

From Pyramids to Pharaohs: A Wondrous Journey Through Ancient Egypt with Egyptologist Laura Ranieri Roy

In this podcast, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Laura Ranieri Roy, an Egyptologist and the founder of Ancient Egypt Alive on pretty much everything under the sun regarding ancient Egyptian history and culture from bent pyramids to great pharaohs, the role of women in society while also giving us glimpses into everyday family life of back then.

Laura talks about King Sneferu’s pyramid innovation likening his leadership and vision to Elon Musk’s SpaceX. There seems to be – for better or for worse – no alien involvement in their design and construction as they were built using conscripted labor from across Egypt, with workers receiving food, housing, and medical care in exchange for their participation in what was considered a prestigious project.

We also discuss the ancient Egyptians' beliefs about the afterlife and their focus on ensuring eternal life through elaborate rituals and monuments. Laura explains that Egyptians loved life but were concerned about continuing it in the afterlife, describing rituals like the "opening of the mouth" ceremony to animate the senses of mummies and statues. She notes that the enduring legacy of pharaohs like Ramses the Great and Tutankhamun demonstrates their success in achieving an afterlife, as their names continue to be remembered thousands of years later.

Moreover, Laura talks about the historical significance of several powerful women in ancient Egypt, beginning with Akhenaten who portrayed himself as both male and female. She explains how Cleopatra VII was known for her intelligence and charisma rather than traditional beauty. Laura also highlights Hatshepsut as a notable queen who ruled as pharaoh by assuming male attributes and characteristics and mentions that Nefertiti and other women held significant power in ancient Egypt alongside the worship and celebration of powerful goddesses like Isis with possible connections to Mary.

Finally, we also explore the lives of common people in ancient Egypt, with Laura providing insights into daily life, agriculture, and social structures. While Egyptians experienced difficult periods during intermediate periods between kingdoms, they generally lived well during kingdom periods, with a multicultural society that varied in appearance from Mediterranean to darker skin tones in the south. As Laura explains, Ancient Egypt Alive offers everything from lectures and talks to curated and immersive tours for anyone interested.

 

Merilyn Simonds’ Timeless Walks with Beth: A Century-Plus of Insights, Wisdom, Resilience, and Joy

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Governor General’s Awards Finalist Merilyn Simonds about her book "Walking with Beth: Conversations with my Hundred-Year-Old Friend," which explores her friendship with Beth, a now 105-year-old occupational and art therapist. The book delves into themes of ageism, resilience, and joy, capturing the essence of their conversations and shared experiences.

In fact, Merilyn has “dabbled all over the place” with an expansive and diverse writing career that spans over 40 years during which she has published 22 books in a variety of genres, from straight nonfiction to creative nonfiction, essay, memoir, short fiction, long fiction, children's book, and history.

Merilyn shares her background, growing up in Brazil and Canada, and how these cross-cultural perspectives and experiences have shaped her love for language and culture. She also talks about the challenges of writing about personal and sensitive topics, such as her illness and Beth's role in caring for her, while maintaining honesty and respect for boundaries. As she documents and explores the insights of her centenarian friend, Merilyn also challenges ageist stereotypes and offers different, more realistic and empathetic portrayals of older women.

Moreover, we touch upon the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic during the writing process. For instance, Beth, being immune compromised, had to develop routines and create art during this period of isolation. Merilyn praises Beth's resilience and positivity and talks about the precautions they both took to stay safe while maintaining their friendship, their walks and conversations during this challenging time.

Finally, we talk about Merilyn's lifelong passion for writing and other creative pursuits. She describes her writing process as one of curiosity and continuous learning, likening it to the mindset of a 5-year-old. This approach keeps her engaged and motivated despite the challenges. Merilyn's conversations with Beth reveal the importance of resilience, and the ability to stay present and grateful, and not be swayed or distracted by a focus on the past or the future.

Unlocking Innate Potential While Balancing Success and Wellbeing: Neurofeedback and Embodied Holistic Wellness with Dr. Amy Albright

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Dr. Amy Albright, the CEO and co-founder of Holon, who shares her unique perspective on mental health, wellness, and well-being. Dr. Amy describes herself as an academic who loves science but also embraces the mystical aspects of life. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of all things and how this holistic view can lead to a better world. Dr. Amy's approach combines ancient wisdom with modern technology, creating a comprehensive framework for addressing various aspects of human life.

One of the key topics discussed is the role of neurofeedback therapy in enhancing mental health and well-being. Dr. Albright explains how advanced technology can help individuals achieve a state of coherence in their brains, leading to improved focus, reduced stress, and a greater sense of fulfillment. She highlights the importance of addressing and (re)calibrating both the neurological and emotional aspects of well-being, emphasizing that true transformation requires a holistic approach.

Dr. Amy also delves into the concept of overperformance and the detrimental effects it can have on mental health. She discusses how societal pressures to constantly push and achieve can lead to burnout and a sense of inadequacy. By using neurofeedback therapy and other advanced techniques, individuals can learn to balance their drive for success with the need for relaxation and recovery, which is crucial for maintaining long-term mental health and well-being.

Throughout the podcast, Amy's passion for creating a better world shines through. She speaks about the importance of aligning one's actions with one’s true purpose and the positive impact this can have on both individuals and society as a whole. By fostering a sense of interconnectedness and embracing both scientific and spiritual perspectives, Amy believes that we can unlock our full potential and create a more harmonious and fulfilling life and ponders “what's it like to no longer be imprisoned to the idea structure of who you think you are? And to slip into the bigger, truer version of who you think you are, or the bigger and truer version of what freedom feels like as it courses through your body.”