Arash's World Podcast

Dr. Norman Rosenthal on Defeating SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) with Bright Light Therapy and Other Holistic Tools

In this episode, I have the great pleasure to speak with Researcher and Psychiatrist Dr. Norman Rosenthal, the author of “Defeating SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder): A Guide to Health and Happiness through All Seasons” and the very person who put SAD on the map. At the time, Dr. Rosenthal experienced pushback from colleagues but once it made it to Jeopardy, people became more aware of this disorder.

We talk about the importance of light for our biological and psychological functioning and how BLT (Bright Light Therapy) can in some cases have similar effects as antidepressants but without side effects. As Norman points out, it is best to combine different approaches, methods, and treatments to attain and achieve more wide-ranging and lasting benefits.

Moreover, we discuss the holistic view that would include foundational habits that we implement and integrate into our daily life by also adding and exploring Intermittent Fasting, mindfulness as well as meditation techniques, such as TM. In fact, Dr. Rosenthal has been practicing transcendental meditation for almost two decades and has written books on its transformative and healing effects.

Finally, we delve into the odd but surprisingly therapeutic practice of “bain de surprise” during 19th century France in which people would be unwittingly dunked into ice-cold baths. Though generally not recommended nowadays, a cool shower or cold bath during summer can often bring relief, and as Dr. Rosenthal explains, this can be one of many tools and tricks for one's personal toolbox to treat and work with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Transforming Mental Health Care and Diagnosis with Creativity and Self-Expression with the UnDoctor Dr. Fred Moss

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of talking with the UnDoctor, the Non-Diagnosing Psychiatrist, Author, and Podcaster Dr. Fred Moss about transforming mental health diagnosis and treatment and the importance of creativity, true self-expression, and listening to and connecting with our fellow beings.

There is a general lack of authenticity and genuine relationships with ourselves and others. Many are afraid of speaking in their own true voice and of sharing what they really feel and think because they are concerned about potential consequences and repercussions.

But this self-expression from the core self is vital for mental health and wellness especially since there is often a great distance between who we really are and what we show up as while often saying things that we do not actually believe.

To prevent mental dysfunction and anguish and to improve overall health and well-being, we can re-discover and re-connect with our true nature and explore these aspects via the performing and visual arts and including other creative endeavors that can range from music, dancing, singing, cooking, writing, gardening, and drama to cleaning and photography.

At the same time, we can try to gradually increment and incorporate our own unique voice and express our true being while also moving away from conventional methods and treatments that often include medication. Moreover, we have a lot to gain from embracing spirituality and divinity in order to see beyond our human lives and heal and be of service to others.

Brave Acts and Heroic Efforts in the Face of Unthinkable Evil: The Dangerous and Unbelievable Escape from Dachau with Susan Servais

In this episode, I have the pleasure to talk with Susan Servais, the daughter of Kathe Mueller Slonim who wrote the chilling, moving, and inspiring book and memoir “Escape from Dachau: A True Story of Survival, Courage, and a Daring Escape in the Face of Unthinkable Evil”.

Susan gives an overview of Germans of Jewish origin that were living and contributing to the arts, music, and science of the region throughout time and history. In fact, her grandfather was a war hero from World War One fighting for Germany whereas her grandmother volunteered for the Red Cross at the time.

And yet, when the Nazis took power, none of that mattered to them and Jews were not allowed to own property, work, or even go to public schools. Many were taken to concentration camps and died under horrid and abominable conditions. Fortunately, through the heroic efforts of a cousin, her grandfather was saved.

We also talk about other brave people who stood up against evil and risked their lives doing good. Moreover, many children were hidden and saved by Catholic authorities. There were also various other Germans who not unlike Schindler helped Jewish victims.

Finally, we appreciate the efforts of the German government initiative to invite former German citizens to visit the country under the program entitled “Return of the Lost Citizen”. For the first time, Susan's mother opened up about her experiences, and right after, she decided to write this book. Kathe Mueller Slonim passed away in 2021.

Me versus Us: Individualistic and Communitarian Value Systems, Family Life, Parenting and Learning Across Different Cultures with Dr. Cornelius N. Grove

In this episode, I have the great pleasure to speak with ethnologist and author Dr. Cornelius N. Grove about his fascinating book “How Other Children Learn: What Five Traditional Societies Tell Us about Parenting and Children’s Learning” which examines the parenting styles and learning of those communitarian cultures and compares and contrasts them with the North American individualistic setting and context.

One of the main differences is the effects of their environment and living conditions on their relationship with and rationale for having children. This comes with different worldviews where in North America we tend to foster individuality and focus on the needs of the individual child while in traditional communitarian societies, everything is geared towards what is best for the extended family and their group and community needs.

This is exemplified in child-rearing and parenting styles around doing chores. The North American parent tries to persuade their children to do chores and praise and reward them for it as if it were a favor, whereas, in traditional and indigenous societies, this is the expected outcome and norm and starts from a very early age. Children in North America receive parental care and attention, and we strive to satisfy and fulfill their needs and desires, while in communitarian (collectivist) societies, the children are expected to give and provide labor and care to the other members of the family and group.

Finally, we discuss the potential takeaways, how being and feeling useful to one’s society and community can help counteract feelings of loneliness and isolation and foster belonging and feelings of self-worth. Moreover, we debate the influence and effects of education as well as the lack thereof and how we can better understand and appreciate the many differences across nations and cultures.

Planting Seeds and Finding Guidance and Healing with the Sacred Feminine Wisdom Cards with Andrea Menard

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with actor, singer, writer, speaker, and indigenous facilitator of the Rise of the Sacred Feminine, Andrea Menard about her book and deck of cards “Seeds from the Sacred Feminine Wisdom Cards” painted and illustrated by Métis painter Leah Marie Dorion.

Andrea explains the importance of planting seeds, the earth, the “womb of creation” and Mother Earth as well as acknowledging, recognizing, and identifying with the mystery and the sacred feminine. Although the masculine-driven and action-based aspect can beautifully piece things together, Western culture and civilization have been predominantly marked and shaped by strict adherence to logic at the expense of feelings, receptivity, and nurturing connections between fellow human beings and nature.

But as Andrea explains, feelings can be wisdom-keepers and when we follow them, they can lead us to truth. But at the same time, we need to face, acknowledge, and release feelings of pain and trauma and not give in to victimization or victimizing others. Since trauma often begets trauma, it is best to become clean and pure like newborns as they let feelings pass, travel, and flow through them without leaving behind substantial traces or lodged and stuck emotions. Finally, with a prayer of gratitude, we can move into a sacred way of being and choose to focus on the beauty of the natural world around us.

Vibrantly Alive: Elevating Your Vibes to Manifest Joy and Sustainable Happiness in Your Daily Life with Lisa McCourt

In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure of talking to the founder of Joy School and author of the inspiring and inspirational book “Free Your Joy: The 12 Keys to Sustainable Happiness” Lisa McCourt! Lisa is a teacher and curator of psychological and spiritual wisdom, and she explains how joy is and ought to be the core of our essence and existence.

However, we often get stuck and trapped in our horizontal self but to free our joy, we need to reposition ourselves by connecting and reconnecting with our vertical self. This can be done in a variety of ways and manners, but it involves removing the blinders that we have accumulated and created with different belief systems, allowing ourselves to feel our feelings and to heal, and also by accepting and loving ourselves.

As Lisa beautifully puts it, it's all an inside job as the internal landscape is creating the external landscape and we can switch from a run-from to a run-to stance when it comes to joy and happiness in our lives. At the same, we can take advantage of everything that life has to offer, especially its difficult and hard lessons, which represent a golden opportunity to release and heal stuck trauma and to free our joy, awe, and wonder for this beautiful life we have been blessed with!

Own Your Opportunities: Planting and Cultivating the Seeds of Your Vision and Dreams Toward Self-Maximization with Juliet Hall

In this episode, I have the great pleasure to speak with the author of “Own Your Opportunities: A Story of Self-Discovery and Self-Determination” and leadership advisor Juliet Hall about the importance of owning your opportunities and manifesting your dreams and deep desires. We talk about how self-discovery and staying true to yourself are integral parts of success, while authenticity has no competition.

Juliet explains that money adds to happiness, but that true happiness is internal. By tapping into your dreams and natural gifts, often revealed during childhood, you can grow inwardly, which then manifests outwardly. This comes by having a blueprint, a trusted and tested vision as well through planting seeds and nourishing and cultivating them. By working hard and trusting the process, you can manifest and realize your most cherished dreams.

The American Experiment: From Jefferson, Medical Sciences & Health Care Systems to a More Perfect Union & Greater Equality with Congressman Adam Smith

In this episode, I have the great pleasure and honor to (once again!) speak with Congressman Adam Smith about the founding father Thomas Jefferson, the American experiment, and the desire and quest for attaining a more perfect union with greater equality and diverse viewpoints and opinions.

We also talk about his wonderful and candid book "Lost and Broken: My Journey Back from Chronic Pain and Crippling Anxiety" and how and where the medical healthcare system needs betterment and improvement as well as the importance of the medical and scientific community to be less driven by financial incentives and motivation while being more open to a number of different treatment options that have shown improvement and positive results, such as muscle activation therapy and intermittent fasting.

Finally, the Congressman stresses the importance of mental health care and how psychosomatic conditions are not "just in your head". The pain is very real and not imagined but it may have stress and anxiety as its principal cause, which need to be addressed and treated. As a result, it is necessary to overcome stigma and also have a more expansive and holistic view regarding medicine, science, and the nation itself.

How Healing is More than Possible: Rebeccah Silence on Overcoming Trauma with a Mental Health Roadmap in Mind

In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure to speak with Emotional Healing and Relationship Coach Rebeccah Silence who is also the author of the inspiring & inspirational book "Coming Back to Life: A Roadmap to Healing from Pain to Create the Life You Want"!

Rebeccah is no stranger to extreme forms of trauma, but she has not only overcome and recovered from it all but she has attained emotional healing in the process. Now she is sharing her uplifting and hopeful message that healing is indeed possible for each and every one of us. It is simple but not easy and takes effort as well as dedication toward the healing process.

Though every person's road and journey will be different, the result turns out to be very similar, a life in which we are not afraid but live in profound joy moment by moment and where we grow and thrive with each passing day. Though faith can help us on the road to recovery, it's best to become an active participant and creator in and of one's own life's story as we come to realize that we have the power to create the life we really want.

 

Mindfulness versus Soulful Living: Being in Communion with Our Divinity and the Goddess Inside with Elaine Hoem

In this episode, I have the great pleasure to speak with Elaine Hoem, Psychotherapist, Meditation Teacher, Life Coach, and author of the magnificent book “Everyday Soul Dances: A Guide to Soulful Living in the Midst of Uncertain Times”.

Elaine explains the difference between mindful and soulful living and how the former is about taming the mind and focusing on the present, while the soul is more comprehensive and includes our whole multidimensional being with background and karma, past lives and spiritual aspects, qualities, and realms.

Furthermore, Elaine explains how we are here to learn to love better and to release negative karma/energy that binds us or holds us back from fulfilling our dharma and consecration, our spiritual duty and dedication that help us merge with and into the light.

As both the Buddha and Jesus have stated, the light, enlightenment, and the kingdom of God are within us, and with psychological and spiritual practices and qualities of constancy, contemplation, and consecration, we can come into touch with the divinity and goddess within us and attain spiritual alignment and wholeness.