• Exploring Identity, Spirituality and Divine Love
    Oct 28 2024
    In this episode of the EZ Conversations podcast, host Phil welcomes Troy, an experienced yoga teacher from Trinidad and Tobago, to discuss the intricacies of identity, labels, and spirituality. The conversation covers the consequences of attaching too strongly to societal labels and how this can lead to suffering. They dive into the concept of a higher power beyond religious structures and the importance of redefining one's beliefs. Troy shares his experiences with meditation, religious teachings, especially his connection with Christ outside of organized religion, and the transformative power of divine love, free from fear and shame. The discussion also highlights the significance of understanding the collective spiritual existence, self-preservation, forgiveness, and recognizing the divine in everyone. Troy introduces his book, 'My Name is Love,' and shares how listeners can connect with him further through his website and Instagram. Troy Hadeed was born in Trinidad, wrote his first letter to the editor at age 10, has taught yoga internationally for over 15 years, and founded several successful businesses, including a hemp store, a waste oil recycling business, and a yoga studio. He has walked coast-to-coast across Central America, navigated the world on a ship, spent prolonged periods in silence, and continuously sought to make sense of the human experience. In all things, Troy hopes that his life will assist others in rediscovering a relationship with the God of their understanding while inspiring people to embody more compassion, knowledge, and love. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:24 Exploring Identity and Labels 01:46 The Concept of God and Religion 03:14 The Impact of Opinions and Beliefs 12:08 Meditation and Spiritual Journey 14:20 The Essence of Identity and Separation 24:58 The Immortality of Influence 26:12 Exploring Identity and Ego 28:11 Redefining God and Spirituality 31:29 The Role of Love in Divine Connection 35:42 Yoga and the Practice of Surrender 47:14 The Importance of Forgiveness and Understanding 49:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Sponsors of the Podcast: BetterHelp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/ez10⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 10% off your first month of therapy WeShape: https://weshape.postaffiliatepro.com/scripts/dcfogwyuk?a_aid=FurkhanDandia&a_bid=d7508fa8 for 35% all plans. Aura: https://aura.com/ez10 for a free two-week trial Plunge: https://plunge.com/ez Mint Mobile: ⁠https://trymintmobile.com/ez10⁠ for 15$ for an unlimited cell phone plan Mental: ⁠https://getmental.com/ez If you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that: Instagram⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eunoiazen⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://m.facebook.com/eunoiazen⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrqBp_zdRiIfBRV4wURSZ2A⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/furkhan-dandia-macp-mba-072a8a1ba/⁠ Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/EzConversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 mins
  • Faith, Accountability and Sexual Addiction
    Oct 24 2024
    In this transformative episode of the EZ Conversations podcast, Logan candidly shares his journey from the depths of sexual addiction to recovery and healing. He reflects on his double life filled with pornography, infidelity, and prostitution, and the intense effort required to overcome these behaviors. Logan emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, accountability, and the role of community support. Discussions include the normalization of sexual behaviors, the concept of powerlessness in addiction, and the societal impacts. Logan's faith in God and the integration of spiritual and practical approaches are pivotal elements in his recovery story. Listeners are encouraged to seek help and understand that sobriety is a continuous process toward genuine healing. Logan's Instagram, 'no longer in bondage,' serves as a resource for those navigating similar challenges. Logan is a born & raised Alaskan, married to his gorgeous bride Carrie, who herself is a 4th-generation Alaskan; and together they are raising 4 boys. Their life is a simple one - they love their family time, their dogs, and exploring the beautiful Alaskan wilderness. And yet, absolutely none of this should be possible today. For years, Logan did just about everything in his power to destroy his marriage and his life. Logan was a raging sex addict. Porn, affairs, hiring prostitutes, and more had simply become a way of life for Logan. He thought he had no hope. In 2016, God began to change all that. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:51 Logan's Journey to Recovery 03:34 The Mission to Help Others 05:03 Understanding Powerlessness and Rock Bottom 08:27 The Normalization of Sexual Addiction 15:20 Living a Double Life 22:06 The Relapse Cycle and Recovery 26:25 A Moment of Relapse 28:05 The Importance of Community Support 30:47 A Tale of Two Days 34:41 The Path to Healing 38:24 Embracing Accountability 42:06 The Role of Faith in Recovery 46:07 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Sponsors of the Podcast: BetterHelp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/ez10⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 10% off your first month of therapy WeShape: https://weshape.postaffiliatepro.com/scripts/dcfogwyuk?a_aid=FurkhanDandia&a_bid=d7508fa8 for 35% all plans. Aura: https://aura.com/ez10 for a free two-week trial Plunge: https://plunge.com/ez Mint Mobile: ⁠https://trymintmobile.com/ez10⁠ for 15$ for an unlimited cell phone plan Mental: ⁠https://getmental.com/ez If you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that: Instagram⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eunoiazen⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://m.facebook.com/eunoiazen⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrqBp_zdRiIfBRV4wURSZ2A⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/furkhan-dandia-macp-mba-072a8a1ba/⁠ Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/EzConversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • Awakening to Holistic Healing
    Oct 21 2024
    In this enlightening episode of the EZ Conversations Podcast, host Furkhan welcomes Dr. Dolores Fazzino, an accomplished nurse practitioner and medical intuitive. The conversation explores Dr. Fazzino's unique journey from aspiring concert clarinetist to healer, inspired by a miraculous event in her father's life. They delve deep into the intersection of consciousness, energy healing, and modern healthcare, highlighting the profound impact of spiritual awakening. Key themes include the importance of self-compassion, trusting one's inner voice, and the transformative power of holistic healing practices. Dr. Fazzino introduces her new program 'I'm Awake, Now What?' and her weekly podcast 'The Dr. Dolores Show', offering listeners practical insights for integrating physical and spiritual realms in their own lives, especially during personal transformation and growth. Dr. Dolores Fazzino, a trailblazing thought leader, visionary, and innovator, is revolutionizing the realm of energy healing. As a renowned Nurse Practitioner, Medical Intuitive, and Energy Whisperer, she fearlessly combines the power of intuition and trust to facilitate profound transformations. Driven by a deep belief in the body's innate wisdom, she guides individuals on a transformative journey, empowering them to tap into their own healing potential. Prepare to be captivated by Dr. Fazzino's unique blend of intuition, energy healing expertise, and unwavering trust in the body's innate ability to heal itself 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:48 Meet Dolores Fazzino: Medical Intuitive and Energy Whisperer 01:30 Understanding Energy and Human Connection 05:08 Dolores' Journey: From Music to Healing 06:21 A Miraculous Healing: Dolores' Father's Story 16:11 The Power of Self-Compassion and Triggers 21:40 Raising Vibrations and Impacting the World 22:52 The Necessity of Self-Work 23:18 Phases of Awakening 24:18 Mass Awakenings and Their Impact 24:59 The Importance of Inner Certainty 25:18 Tuning into Energies 32:57 Mindful Activities and Their Benefits 37:49 Trusting Your Intuition 41:10 Upcoming Programs and Resources Sponsors of the Podcast: BetterHelp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/ez10⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 10% off your first month of therapy WeShape: https://weshape.postaffiliatepro.com/scripts/dcfogwyuk?a_aid=FurkhanDandia&a_bid=d7508fa8 for 35% all plans. Aura: https://aura.com/ez10 for a free two-week trial Plunge: https://plunge.com/ez Mint Mobile: ⁠https://trymintmobile.com/ez10⁠ for 15$ for an unlimited cell phone plan Mental: ⁠https://getmental.com/ez If you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that: Instagram⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eunoiazen⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://m.facebook.com/eunoiazen⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrqBp_zdRiIfBRV4wURSZ2A⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/furkhan-dandia-macp-mba-072a8a1ba/⁠ Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/EzConversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • From Crime to Compassion
    Oct 17 2024
    In this episode of the EZ Conversations podcast, listeners can dive into the multifaceted life of Aidan Gabor, who shares his incredible transformation from a crime-ridden past to finding solace and purpose through the Baha'i Faith. Aidan recounts growing up in a violent crime family, working with the DOJ to take down corrupt officials, and facing profound psychological impacts due to his upbringing. His story explores themes of intergenerational trauma, the struggle with empathy, and the battle between loyalty and justice as he worked as an undercover informant. Personal anecdotes highlight his journey through violence, spiritual awakening, and redemption. The narrative also sheds light on the broader implications of trauma in military and law enforcement careers, the importance of spiritual insight, and the quest for global unity. This gripping testimony offers a compelling look at human resilience and the possibility of transformation despite a dark past. Aiden Gabor was still a teenager when Department of Justice agents approached him with an ultimatum: spend his life in prison for racketeering, embezzlement, extortion, and conspiracy to commit murder, or become an undercover agent. Conflicting Loyalties is a sharp, honest memoir in three parts: the bloody life of a mob soldier from outside la famiglia; the death-defying, paranoid existence of an informant bringing down corrupt politicians and police departments from the inside; and unexpectedly finding peace late in life through the Baha’i faith while coping with an ALS diagnosis. Conflicting Loyalties is a visceral tale of a man who gambles with his own life in order to save it, dodging his fate while searching for an identity, a father, and a family. It is for readers of Gianni Russo’s Hollywood Godfather, Joe Pistone’s classic Donnie Brasco, and anyone interested in mob life, police and political corruption, and finding peace after a life of violence 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:45 Early Life and Family Ties 02:50 Childhood Lessons and Early Involvement 04:19 Teenage Years and Rising Through the Ranks 06:52 Violence and Lack of Empathy 10:03 Intergenerational Trauma 10:35 Marriage and Family Challenges 14:58 Transition to Law Enforcement 16:52 Becoming an Informant 22:00 Undercover Operations 29:14 Unexpected FBI Raid 31:26 The Blue Line and Its Consequences 31:48 Struggles with Alcohol and Hallucinations 32:17 Facing Suicidal Thoughts 33:23 Taking Down Corrupt Officials 35:03 Conflicting Loyalties and Personal Turmoil 37:02 Understanding Trauma in Law Enforcement 43:31 Spiritual Awakening and the Baha'i Faith 56:52 Final Reflections and Advice Sponsors of the Podcast: BetterHelp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/ez10⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 10% off your first month of therapy WeShape: https://weshape.postaffiliatepro.com/scripts/dcfogwyuk?a_aid=FurkhanDandia&a_bid=d7508fa8 for 35% all plans. Aura: https://aura.com/ez10 for a free two-week trial Plunge: https://plunge.com/ez Mint Mobile: ⁠https://trymintmobile.com/ez10⁠ for 15$ for an unlimited cell phone plan Mental: ⁠https://getmental.com/ez If you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that: Instagram⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eunoiazen⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://m.facebook.com/eunoiazen⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrqBp_zdRiIfBRV4wURSZ2A⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/furkhan-dandia-macp-mba-072a8a1ba/⁠ Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/EzConversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Exploring Shame, Feminism and Self-Care
    Oct 14 2024
    In this episode of the EZ Conversations Podcast, I welcome Maura Eliza, a specialist in helping mentally exhausted women overcome overwhelm, for an insightful discussion. We delve into topics such as the link between shame and productivity, the impact of societal and cultural expectations, and the role of feminism in women's lives. Maura shares her personal experience with adrenal fatigue and how she adopted practical methods to recover. The conversation also explores the importance of self-care, redefining femininity, and embracing one's worth beyond achievement. Maura discusses how these insights can quickly relieve mental exhaustion and burnout. Additionally, practical tips for addressing mental exhaustion and balancing career and family life are shared. Maura is a traditional naturopath with over 10 years of experience in natural health. She developed her signature method for helping mentally exhausted women overcome overwhelm after going through adrenal fatigue twice and using two radically different methods to heal herself. She loves to teach women that feeling better is closer and easier than they think and that it starts within themselves rather than in a supplement, workout, or diet change. 02:42 Welcome to the EZ Conversations Podcast 03:20 Mara's Journey with Adrenal Fatigue 04:35 The Role of Shame in Mental Exhaustion 09:05 The Dark Side of Feminism and Overwhelm 20:52 Practical Solutions for Mental Exhaustion 28:36 Embracing Self-Worth and Self-Care 29:14 The Pitfalls of Social Media and Finding Real Connections 32:11 Understanding and Embracing Femininity 33:16 Creating a Self-Care Routine 36:12 Reframing Self-Care and Avoiding Burnout 40:14 Balancing Career and Family Life 50:24 The Importance of Basic Self-Care 53:21 Resources and Community for Mental Exhaustion Sponsors of the Podcast: BetterHelp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/ez10⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 10% off your first month of therapy WeShape: https://weshape.postaffiliatepro.com/scripts/dcfogwyuk?a_aid=FurkhanDandia&a_bid=d7508fa8 for 35% all plans. Aura: https://aura.com/ez10 for a free two-week trial Plunge: https://plunge.com/ez Mint Mobile: ⁠https://trymintmobile.com/ez10⁠ for 15$ for an unlimited cell phone plan Mental: ⁠https://getmental.com/ez If you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that: Instagram⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eunoiazen⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://m.facebook.com/eunoiazen⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrqBp_zdRiIfBRV4wURSZ2A⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/furkhan-dandia-macp-mba-072a8a1ba/⁠ Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/EzConversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • The Predicament with America
    Oct 10 2024
    In this episode of the EZ Conversations Podcast, host, Furkhan and guest Rodger Friedman engage in a robust discussion centered on key societal issues and their widespread implications. Drawing from Friedman's book, 'Erasing America,' the conversation explores themes of humor amidst serious issues, societal polarization, and the media's role in divisiveness. They discuss Friedmans background, his political and financial insights, and his predictions about governmental financial practices leading to potential national bankruptcy. Touching on energy independence, they assess both the U.S. and Canada's economic challenges. The conversation delves into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), questioning the balance between equal opportunity and outcome. With a focus on resilience, work ethic, and personal responsibility, they propose respectful, civil dialogue as a way to counter polarization and move society forward. To learn more about Roger Friedman's work or to purchase his book, listeners are directed to eocritic.com. Rodger Friedman is the author of Erasing America: Broken Politics, Broken Country. He is a dedicated American who wants to help fix our broken country. His epiphany moment came when he realized that many Congressional Democrats and the entire executive branch were turning America into a socialist society, bankrupt the nation, erase our borders, install one-party government and ignore the Constitution. He picked up his pen and started writing a series of weekly memos which became the basis for this book. Rodger is a retirement wealth planner, living in Florida with his wife. 04:23 Introduction and Book Overview 05:19 Guest Background and Career 10:00 Polarization and Media Influence 15:55 Entitlement and Work Ethic 23:08 Financial Crisis and Government Spending 33:38 Political Accountability and Student Loans 35:33 The Role of Voting in Democracy 38:44 Energy Independence and Economic Impact 44:08 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Debate 52:19 Generational Differences and Productivity 55:34 Finding Common Ground in Polarized Times 1:00:26 Conclusion and Contact Information Sponsors of the Podcast: BetterHelp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/ez10⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 10% off your first month of therapy WeShape: https://weshape.postaffiliatepro.com/scripts/dcfogwyuk?a_aid=FurkhanDandia&a_bid=d7508fa8 for 35% all plans. Aura: https://aura.com/ez10 for a free two-week trial Plunge: https://plunge.com/ez Mint Mobile: ⁠https://trymintmobile.com/ez10⁠ for 15$ for an unlimited cell phone plan Mental: ⁠https://getmental.com/ez If you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that: Instagram⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eunoiazen⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://m.facebook.com/eunoiazen⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrqBp_zdRiIfBRV4wURSZ2A⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/furkhan-dandia-macp-mba-072a8a1ba/⁠ Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/EzConversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Exploring Meaning, Faith and Communication
    Oct 7 2024
    In this episode of the EZ Conversations podcast, Furkhan engages in a deep discussion with Marcus Higgs, a communication coach for parents of preteens. We explore a variety of topics including the influence of words, the impact of culture, and the role of faith in shaping one's beliefs. Marcus shares insights from his experiences teaching around the world and working with parents, emphasizing the importance of understanding personal values and virtues. The conversation delves into the power of storytelling, the significance of being a curious learner, and finding meaning through connection with others. Throughout, Marcus reflects on his journey of faith and belief, highlighting an openness to learning from different perspectives and experiences. Marcus is a 'communication coach' for parents of adolescents 10 to 14 years old. He helps parents effectively show up and connect with their preteen and secure a relationship while their child is pulling away. Marcus especially finds joy in supporting multicultural families; families who communicate across generational and cultural divides. He has served internationally (in East Asia, Europe, South East Asia, Middle East and South America) for over a decade and a half. Marcus also grew up in a diverse home himself (with a mother from the Philippines and a father from the Bahamas), so he understands the challenges of an intercultural family. You can learn more about him and his work at MarcusHiggs.com 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:48 Guest Background and Career Journey 03:08 The Power of Words and Communication 06:04 Exploring Faith and Cultural Experiences 10:40 Working with Children and Parenting Insights 15:56 Understanding Culture and Human Connection 21:12 Experiences as a Bible Teacher 22:52 Cherished Memories of Bible Classes 23:00 Understanding Religion Through Different Lenses 23:34 The Role of a Teacher: Learning from Students 24:59 The Power of Listening and Understanding 27:31 Creating Safe Spaces and Imaginary Friends 29:32 Exploring Evolving Beliefs and Convictions 35:55 Virtues and Values in Education and Parenting 39:50 The Importance of Self-Knowledge and Resilience 45:57 Final Reflections and Contact Information Sponsors of the Podcast: BetterHelp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/ez10⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 10% off your first month of therapy WeShape: https://weshape.postaffiliatepro.com/scripts/dcfogwyuk?a_aid=FurkhanDandia&a_bid=d7508fa8 for 35% all plans. Aura: https://aura.com/ez10 for a free two-week trial Plunge: https://plunge.com/ez Mint Mobile: ⁠https://trymintmobile.com/ez10⁠ for 15$ for an unlimited cell phone plan Mental: ⁠https://getmental.com/ez If you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that: Instagram⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eunoiazen⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://m.facebook.com/eunoiazen⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrqBp_zdRiIfBRV4wURSZ2A⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/furkhan-dandia-macp-mba-072a8a1ba/⁠ Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/EzConversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 mins
  • Understanding Personality Traits and Treatments
    Oct 3 2024
    In this episode of the EZ Conversations podcast, I sit down with Dr. Shannon Sauer-Zavala, a clinical psychologist with 15 years of experience, and talk about her research on mental health treatment, specifically anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. Dr. Sauer-Zavala discusses the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for anxiety and the role of personality traits in mental health. We explore the 'Big Five' personality model, the limitations of online personality tests, and the impact of temperament. Dr. Sauer-Zavala also shares her methods for increasing therapy accessibility, including modifying symptom-based treatments to target personality traits and using science-based indicators for ending therapy. We address the issues and potential of unlicensed 'life coaches' within the industry, emphasizing the importance of proper vetting and public education on effective treatment. The episode concludes with a discussion on the static nature of intelligence compared to the fluidity of personality and ways to contact Shannon for more information. Dr. Sauer-Zavala is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with people struggling with anxiety and depression. She is also an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Kentucky (UK). She develops new treatments for common mental health conditions and tests them in rigorous clinical trials. Dr. Sauer-Zavala is the lead developer of a short-term intervention for personality difficulties to address common mental health problems – COMPASS (a loose acronym for cognitive behavioural modules for personality symptoms). Dr. Sauer-Zavala is also the Founder and Director of Compass Mental Health Training & Consulting. Dr. Sauer-Zavala received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the UK in 2011; she completed her predoctoral residency at Duke University Medical Center and her postdoctoral fellowship at Boston University. Dr. Sauer-Zavala is well-regarded in her field. She has co-authored over 120 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and an academic book on personality. Her research has been supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the Canadian Institute of Health Research, and the Templeton Foundation. Her work is internationally respected – in 2023 alone, Dr. Sauer-Zavala was invited to give keynote talks at mental health conferences in Sydney, Australia and Cambridge, UK. She has also worked closely with the Canadian government to develop a mental health prevention program for cadets training to become Royal Canadian Mounted Police. 04:40 Introduction and Guest Welcome 05:10 Guest Background and Research Focus 05:57 Understanding Anxiety and Effective Treatments 07:30 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Insights 10:39 Personality Traits and Mental Health 28:29 Challenges in Mental Health Accessibility 43:30 The Role of Intelligence in Therapy 47:56 Conclusion and Contact Information Sponsors of the Podcast: BetterHelp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/ez10⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 10% off your first month of therapy WeShape: https://weshape.postaffiliatepro.com/scripts/dcfogwyuk?a_aid=FurkhanDandia&a_bid=d7508fa8 for 35% all plans. Aura: https://aura.com/ez10 for a free two-week trial Plunge: https://plunge.com/ez Mint Mobile: ⁠https://trymintmobile.com/ez10⁠ for 15$ for an unlimited cell phone plan Mental: ⁠https://getmental.com/ez Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins