Arash's World Podcast

Acting Your Heart & Soul Out: Actors and Mental Health Struggles to Deal with Pressure, Stigma, and Trauma with Actor Sean Hayden

In this episode, I have the great pleasure to speak with Actor and Podcast Host Sean Hayden about the many pressures of acting and being in show business and the importance of mental health, particularly in the case of the theater industry.

Acting can be very tough and demanding starting from landing a role via auditions to dealing with constant rejection. Then there is also the pressure of performing well on stage by using one’s body and emotions as a tool, which can often be physically and emotionally draining. Sean experienced its toll first-hand and up close and personal during “Billy Elliot: The Musical” when he suffered his first-ever panic attack.

In fact, he will be launching his highly anticipated podcast “Stage Combat: A Mental Health Story” on May 16 during Mental Health Awareness Month. In this scripted nonfiction podcast, scored and complete with sound effects just like old-fashioned radio shows, he will tell his story in a novel and groundbreaking format: as a True Crime Story followed by an interview with a mental health professional.

Moreover, we talk about the potential dangers of “method acting” and the importance of having and ensuring a safe workplace in which mental health is regularly and openly talked about. It is also essential to overcome stigmas surrounding not only the acting profession but also men as they often struggle with mental health issues but lack the emotional support and resources; as a matter of fact, guys are often afraid of looking and reaching out for help because they do not wish to be perceived as weak and vulnerable by others.

Making Fun a Habit Beyond Guilty Pleasures: How to Turn Leisure, Work and Education into Joy with Dr. Mike Rucker

In this episode, I have the pleasure of talking with Dr. Mike Rucker, organizational psychologist, behavioral scientist, and author of “The Fun Habit: How the Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life”!

Mike explains how work has come to define and control many aspects of our lives and that our to-do lists and domestic duties are endlessly growing, especially for those of us currently in the “sandwich generation”! We have lost many transition rituals and even at home we often get caught up in the nets of social media, passive leisure, and mindless entertainment.

But a lack of fun and joy and being constantly driven by work often leads us to burnout. The causes often stem from our Western conception of chasing and pursuing happiness and due to a task-based education that maximizes work and effort but minimizes leisure and idleness. Ironically, we work more and more, but we are our least productive selves.

The pandemic has led to the Great Resignation, and many are now looking for a fun work environment combined with causes that they care about. Moreover, the face and nature of work have changed and we are more aware and conscious of sleep hygiene and healthy habits.

Nonetheless, we need to enjoy our lives more and more fully and not feel guilty about our “guilty pleasures.” A reframing of our mindset and priorities could lead us to value and appreciate our precious and finite commodity of time much more than the mere capacity of working to make money and to replace the quest for dopamine with oxytocin as we connect with ourselves and others in more authentic ways.

Keep Calm and Be Mindful of your Emotions: The Consequences of Trauma, Emotional Contagion & Polarized Thinking with Dr. Bruce Hutchison

In this episode, I have the pleasure to talk with Dr. Bruce Hutchison for a second time on a topic that is very timely and relevant and resonates with many people, namely emotional contagion and its ramifications and consequences. Dr. Hutchison is a clinical psychologist with various decades of experience, and he is the author of the magnificent book “Emotions Don’t Think: Emotional Contagion in a Time of Turmoil”.

Although we briefly touch upon emotional voting and the fallacy of voting for someone we perceive as pleasant at the expense of policy as well as the dangers of voting against as opposed to for someone, we delve deeper into the pitfalls of black-and-white thinking and of jumping and rushing to conclusions.

It is, however, best to avoid fast thinking, to slow down our instinctive responses and emotional reactions, and often overreactions but to evaluate the situation in a calm, reasonable, and mindful manner.

Furthermore, we want to not overlook the human element in all of this and realize that behind uniforms, job titles, and positions as well as situational contexts and factors, there is a human being at work and at play. Whether we are dealing with police officers, inmates, or politicians, we want to look at the bigger and more colorful picture and not be led astray, misguided, or held hostage by our emotions only.

Ode to Acting & Filmmaking: How the Film ”The Worst Ones” Brings out the Best Out of Troubled Youth with Filmmakers Lise Akoka and Romane Gueret

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of not talking to one but two filmmakers Lise Akoka and Romane Gueret who were involved in the critically acclaimed French movie “The Worst Ones” (Les Pires”) the recipient of this year’s prestigious “Un Certain Regard” of Cannes!

The film plays around with the concepts and narratives of documentary versus fiction and gives us glimpses of the lives of various troubled youths (and some adults to boot). But in fact, as the filmmakers explain it was all very scripted with very little room for improvisation as the young actors had to learn and memorize their given lines.

In fact, The Worst Ones is a tribute, homage, and declaration of love to acting as well as how it can on one hand turn latent material and potential into reality while at the same time releasing pent-up emotions and serving as an outlet for the frustrations, pain, and suffering associated with struggling and at-risk youth as portrayed in the movie.

Moreover, the film depicts and shows us the stress and pressures of filmmaking by creating an anxiety-ridden and overly ambitious but well-meaning director as one of their characters. Although the filmmakers themselves enjoyed making their first movie, it was a bit like "plunging into an ocean of anxiety" as you do not always know how you are going to resurface and when.

Finally, the filmmakers explain how cinema can serve as a tool to handle emotions and can even become a source of healing for fragile children and youth. In fact, acting can be a saving force for finding one’s way in life and identifying one’s talent and vocation.

This is impressive filmmaking from the pair of young and talented filmmakers Lise Akoka and Romane Gueret and a special thank you to the amazing translator of this interview & podcast Lilia Pino Blouin!

Everyday Jewish Mysticism for Everyone: How Embodied Kabbalah & the Shabbat Can Improve Your Life and Work-Life Balance with Rabbi Matthew Ponak

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Rabbi Matthew Ponak about his fascinating book “Embodied Kabbalah: Jewish Mysticism For All People” and how to apply Jewish wisdom to find balance and harmony in our ordinary everyday life.

This book makes powerful and spiritual wisdom accessible to everyone and shows how we could all benefit from the Shabbat mindset to cultivate and expand the good within and to gradually fill our lives with more joy, bliss, and peace from moment to moment.

We also touch upon mindfulness and psychedelics and how each could be potentially used to gain insight into oneself, but it is also important to do the necessary inner spiritual work to integrate, incorporate, and embed those transformative experiences within our daily existence.

The rabbi gives excellent and accessible analogies to make his point. We should treat the spiritual quest for enlightenment the same way we build and flex our muscles, gradually and with consideration so that we do not overburden and accidentally injure ourselves.

Apart from work, it also takes time and patience for the spiritual lessons to take hold. In fact, just like bread and wine, we may need these ideas and experiences to ferment, and then they can become more valuable to ourselves and to everyone around us.

Finally, we should not neglect the here and now and the opportunities to enjoy every moment to the fullest with friends and loved ones because in the end, the journey is the destination, and we need to celebrate and be grateful for those precious and unique moments we are given and blessed with in this life.

What it means to be Irish and Ireland’s Identity and Future: Fintan O’Toole on Culture & Religion Amidst a Rapidly Changing World

In this episode, I have the great pleasure to speak with Fintan O’Toole, Irish Times Columnist, Princeton University Professor, and Author of the factual and critically acclaimed historical memoir “We Don’t Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland”!

Fintan talks about the various changes and challenges both on personal as well as cultural and societal levels that have shaped and formed Ireland. One of the most harmful elements has been the dangers and abuses through impunity that stems from a toxic fusion between religion and politics.

Furthermore, a limited and often misguided and static view of culture alongside a fear of and paranoia around threatening influences from different religious and political backgrounds has led not only to stagnation but has been the cause of pain and suffering and an overall lack of progress. Brexit and Northern Ireland have brought new challenges, but it helps to have an American president who has Irish roots.

Nonetheless, things are hopeful and are changing for the better as there is more economic prosperity, technological advancement as well as access and opportunities for broader education across the region. It also comes with the realization that cultures are fluid and that it is best to accept, embrace, hold, and be comfortable with different identities at the same time while at the same time bridging differences and underscoring the common ground shared by the Irish in their native land as well as abroad hand-in-hand with their unique, culturally relevant and creative contributions to the arts, literature, and, more recently, cinema.

Choosing Good Over Evil: How We are Not at the Mercy of Evil Spirits and Real-Life Cases of Diabolical Attacks & Exorcisms by Renowned Psychiatrist Dr. Richard Gallagher

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of talking with Dr. Richard Gallagher, Psychiatrist, Professor of Psychiatry, and Author of “Demonic Foes: My 25 Years as a Psychiatrist Investigating Possessions, Diabolic Attacks, and the Paranormal” who not only serves as a scientific advisor but is also the longest standing American member of the International Association of Exorcists!

We talk about how he started off as a skeptic but after witnessing, evaluating, and documenting various paranormal cases as a psychiatrist, he became convinced by the available data and information. In fact, he has seen more cases than any physician in the world and probably in history, and he is visited and consulted by leaders from various major religions. However, he explains that demonic possessions tend to be relatively rare and ought not to be confused and confounded with mental illness.

Moreover, we discuss Hollywood’s most famous and widely known example of diabolical attacks, the popular “The Exorcist” itself based on a true story. Dr. Gallagher points out that there are some discrepancies with real-life cases of exorcism but that, in fact, people can be liberated after doing important and essential soul work themselves in addition to spiritual help, guidance, and prayers.

Finally, we are not left at the whim and mercy of evil spirits but in many cases, we inadvertently and foolishly invite them into our world. At the same time, there are Satanists who worship evil and use evil spirits for nefarious and selfish purposes. Yet, as human beings, we have free will and have been given the freedom to choose between good and evil.

Together Beyond Words with Healing Touch, Radical Aliveness, and Dance Therapy: Connecting & Caring through Listening & Movement with Nitsan Joy Gordon

In this special episode (my 100^th podcast!), I have the great pleasure of speaking with the wonderful and insightful therapist and peace activist Nitsan Joy Gordon about her book “Together Beyond Words: Women on a Quest for Peace in the Middle East” which includes a foreword by Marianne Williamson and an afterword by Leymah R. Gbowee.

We talk about her personal experiences of growing up in a violent and war-torn kibbutz, vital and life-changing lessons on peace and wisdom from her father, her own experience of prejudice and antisemitism in the United States, and how dancing helped her express herself freely and fully.

Moreover, we touch upon her own longstanding engagement in bringing peace, healing, and empathy through nonverbal communication including healing touch and dance therapy as well as the importance of expressing oneself and listening to others without judgment and with an open and caring heart.

This quest for peace in the Middle East has been led by remarkable women like Nitsan who inspire us to look past ideologies, upbringing, conflict, and war and to view and see "the other" not with hatred but to relate to them with compassion while trying to heal ancient wounds and suffering not only regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict but all types of conflicts around the world ranging from the personal to the geopolitical.

On Psychoanalysis, Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation with Sigourney Award Recipient Psychoanalyst Dr. Jack Drescher

In this episode, I have the great pleasure to talk with one of this year’s Sigourney Award recipients Dr. Jack Drescher a psychoanalyst who has not only done significant work and research in gender identity and sexual orientation but has been personally involved in and responsible for changing the term “gender identity disorder” to “gender dysphoria.”

We talk about the underlying theme of hiding that has been the story and the personal experience of many people who have differing and non-conformist identities and sexual orientations. Although Freud, the father of psychoanalysis as well as subsequent psychoanalyst schools and theories has been relatively open, accepting, and tolerant of different sexual orientations, the main perspective and orientation have been predominantly heterosexist and cisgender.

As an opponent of conversion therapy, Dr. Drescher explains the significant harm and trauma caused by such unscientific, misguided, and futile “treatments,” which also reveal a general lack of understanding of the issues and situation. Moreover, he adds that many young people have become displaced and homeless by being rejected by or thrown out of their homes due to an overall lack of acceptance of their parents, their society, and their religious communities.

Currently, the world is in a state of turmoil filled with anxiety and insecurity while a lack of dialogue and willingness to converse and hear differing viewpoints has created an impasse becoming fertile ground and fodder for mis- and disinformation often directed at minority groups like immigrants and LGTBQ people.

Bringing the Soul & the Paranormal into Psychology and the Relationship of Leading Psychologists to Mediums & Clairvoyance with Dr. Karen Herrick

In this episode, I have the great pleasure to talk with therapist and author Dr. Karen Herrick about her fascinating book “The Psychology of the Soul and the Paranormal.” Karen explains how various major thinkers, experts, and psychologists have been interested in and even influenced by spiritual and paranormal experiences. We learn how William James, the founder of American psychology, used and believed in mediums and that Carl Gustav Jung’s mother was a psychic, and that he himself was clairvoyant.

 

Moreover, we talk about the benefits of communicating with deceased loved ones to help deal with grief and about how spirituality has become more common and accepted not only amongst the general population but also embraced and promoted by the mental health fields of psychology and psychiatry. Hopefully, these fascinating and intriguing phenomena will be studied, researched, and investigated with more openness and without bias and preconceived notions.