Award-winning author and TEDx speaker Dr. Cortney McDermott shares groundbreaking insights on human potential, consciousness, and self-transformation in Episode E446 of Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan. With a Master of Science from the London School of Economics and experience with brands like Nike, Google, Universal Music Group, and Kickstarter, Dr. McDermott blends academic rigor with real-world business experience to help individuals and organizations unlock their highest potential. In this heartfelt conversation with host Dr. Foojan, Dr. McDermott dives into her book "Give Yourself Permission", exploring unexplained weight loss, consciousness shifts, and neuroscience-backed techniques. She shares astonishing client stories, including skin conditions disappearing and other phenomena linked to consciousness and self-healing. Discover how the reticular activating system in the brain shapes our reality, and learn why shifting unconscious beliefs is far more powerful than conscious affirmations. Dr. McDermott explains the transformative power of listening to inner intelligence and practicing stillness, highlighting methods to access creativity, learning, and personal guidance. She introduces the concept of the "joy of missing out" to embrace rest, silence, and self-truth, enabling profound personal fulfillment. Explore cultural perspectives on universal intelligence, from Northern America to Italy, and how community, work-life balance, and social systems shape personal and collective consciousness. Dr. McDermott also discusses the role of ego and identity in business, showing how surrendering control can lead to authentic leadership and creative breakthroughs. Finally, learn how to align with divine intelligence, trust inner wisdom, and focus on the feelings behind your goals for true alignment with your inner truth. Dr. McDermott shares personal stories from public speaking, transformative travels, and her own self-development journey, offering tools and resources for anyone seeking self-transformation, conscious living, and unlocking human potential. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Cortney McDermott: www.CortneyMcDermott.com Keywords included: Cortney McDermott, Dr. Cortney McDermott, TEDx speaker, human potential, consciousness, self-development, personal transformation, Give Yourself Permission, neuroscience, epigenetics, quantum theory, reticular activating system, inner intelligence, stillness practice, divine intelligence, ego, unconscious beliefs, weight loss, self-leadership, creativity, personal fulfillment, work-life balance, universal intelligence, mind-body connection, Inner Voice podcast, Dr. Foojan, heartfelt conversation. #MentalHealth #Wellness #Relationship #PersonalGrowth #Self-Development

How can creativity, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence transform Gen Z mental health? In this powerful episode of Inner Voice – A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan (E445), Dr. Foojan sits down with creative director, artist, and youth mental health advocate Rafael McMaster, founder of Indivisible Arts, a Los Angeles–based nonprofit dedicated to helping teenagers develop emotional resilience, self-awareness, and inner strength through creativity and mindfulness practices. After a successful career as a Creative Executive at Creative Artists Agency, Rafael shifted his focus from the entertainment industry to youth empowerment and mental wellness. Through Indivisible Arts, he developed the groundbreaking Creative Wisdom Tools curriculum, which has been accepted as a California state-approved English curriculum. The program teaches students practical mental health tools, emotional regulation skills, mindfulness techniques, and creative expression. Rafael also shares insights from his new book, FundaMentalife Tools, a hands-on toolkit designed to help young people develop emotional intelligence, self-control, intention setting, radical acceptance, and visualization—essential skills for navigating today’s fast-paced digital world. In this episode, Dr. foojan and Rafael explore how Gen Z can build mental resilience, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence through art, storytelling, journaling, and creative expression. Rafael explains how teaching young people to separate their identity from their thoughts can significantly improve confidence, reduce anxiety, and strengthen overall mental well-being. Through initiatives such as the Resin Creative Lab and the student-driven platform streamofconsciousness.life, teenagers are sharing authentic stories about how these tools have helped them overcome personal challenges and build stronger emotional foundations through peer-to-peer learning. Dr. Foojan and Rafael also discuss the urgent need for mental health education in schools and why traditional education systems often fail to equip students with the emotional and cognitive life skills they truly need. This inspiring conversation offers valuable insights for parents, educators, mental health professionals, and anyone passionate about empowering the next generation to thrive emotionally, mentally, and creatively. 🔑 Topics Covered in This Episode • The Gen Z mental health crisis and practical solutions • Teaching emotional intelligence and life skills in schools • Mindfulness and creativity as tools for teenage well-being • Radical acceptance, intention setting, and visualization practices • How art supports emotional regulation and self-expression • Mental health tools every teenager should learn • Neurolinguistic approaches to developing self-awareness • Helping teens separate their thoughts from their identity • The power of journaling and visualization for emotional growth • Conscious parenting and unconditional love for emotional support 📚 Learn More 🌐 https://www.indivisiblearts.org (https://www.indivisiblearts.org/) 🔎 SEO Keywords Gen Z mental health, emotional intelligence for teens, mindfulness for teenagers, youth mental health tools, emotional regulation skills, mental health education in schools, creativity and mental health, self-awareness for teens, mindfulness curriculum for schools, Rafael McMaster interview, youth empowerment programs, art therapy for teens, mental health podcast, parenting teenagers mental health, emotional resilience training#mentalhealth #Wellness #Relationship #PersonalGrowth #Self-Development

E444 of Inner Voice – A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan features a powerful conversation with Jason Shiers, founder of the Infinite Recovery Project and author of the book Infinite Recovery. In this episode, Jason shares a compelling alternative perspective on addiction recovery. Drawing from his lived experience with addiction, trauma, and personal transformation, he challenges traditional addiction treatment models that focus on pathology and lifelong labels. During this heartfelt discussion with Dr. Foojan Zeine, Jason explains why many current addiction recovery programs fail long-term and why he has shifted his work toward training therapists, clinicians, and treatment centers in a more transformative recovery approach. The conversation opens the door to a new understanding of addiction, healing, and sustainable long-term recovery. Jason explores the limitations of the traditional medical and pathology-based model of addiction treatment. Instead of viewing people as broken or diseased, he explains how addictive behaviors often emerge as intelligent attempts to regulate a dysregulated nervous system. Through the Infinite Recovery Project, Jason advocates for a holistic approach to addiction recovery that focuses on emotional regulation, trauma healing, and reconnecting individuals with their natural resilience. He also critiques the overreliance on “evidence-based practices” that can overlook deeper psychological and emotional roots, which may lead many individuals to replace one addiction with another more socially acceptable behavior. Sharing his personal recovery journey, Jason reveals that he has been free from addiction for over 10 years and now considers himself fully recovered. He discusses the psychological impact of identifying as a lifelong “addict” and how labels can reinforce shame, limit personal growth, and keep individuals stuck in recovery cycles. Dr. Foojan Zeine reflects on her professional experience in therapy and addiction recovery work, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and understanding addictive patterns as coping strategies rather than defining identities. Together, they explore how reframing addiction can empower individuals to move beyond shame and rediscover their capacity for healing. The conversation dives deeper into different models of addiction, comparing the traditional pathology model with what Jason calls the “intelligence model.” While the pathology model can sometimes reduce shame by framing addiction as a disease, Jason explains that it can also prevent deeper healing by overlooking the trauma responses that often drive addictive behaviors. He describes his work with individuals who have tried conventional recovery programs—such as therapy, treatment centers, or 12-step programs—yet continue to struggle with relapse. His approach focuses on creating psychological safety and helping people reconnect with their inner experience to address the root causes of addiction. Jason explains how his therapeutic approach helps clients develop deeper self-awareness and compassion toward their internal experiences. Rather than suppressing cravings or fighting urges, clients are guided to explore physical sensations, emotional patterns, and nervous system responses often connected to early life experiences and trauma. Through curiosity, mindfulness, and non-judgmental awareness, individuals learn to understand what their addictive impulses are trying to regulate. As clients become more connected to their internal world, Jason notes that the intensity of addictive urges often naturally decreases. The episode concludes with a discussion about trauma healing, self-discovery, and the non-linear nature of recovery. Jason explains that healing is less about fixing what is broken and more about unlearning false beliefs, simplifying inner experiences, and rediscovering one's authentic self. The process involves building a deeper relationship with oneself rather than creating new recovery identities. Dr. Foojan Zeine highly recommends the book Infinite Recovery for anyone interested in alternative addiction recovery approaches, trauma healing, and personal transformation. #mentalhealth #Wellness #Relationship #PersonalGrowth #Self-Development

Episode E443 | Inner Voice – A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan In this episode of Inner Voice – A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan, Dr. Foojan Zeine sits down with nationally recognized traumatic grief expert Jennifer R. Levin, PhD, LMFT, FT, to explore the complex realities of traumatic grief, sudden loss, and unexpected death. Sudden death can shatter our assumptive world, dysregulate the nervous system, and create symptoms that go far beyond natural grief. Together, they unpack the critical difference between grief and traumatic grief, how shock impacts the brain and body, and why stabilization must happen before deeper grief processing can begin. As founder of Traumatic Grief Solutions and one of fewer than 300 professionals credentialed as a Fellow in Thanatology, Dr. Levin provides crisis response consulting, grief leadership training, and trauma-informed coaching for executives and HR leaders. She explains how sudden workplace loss affects productivity, morale, and long-term retention — and why most bereavement policies fail grieving employees. You’ll also learn how anger, guilt, regret, and loss of control show up after traumatic loss, how collective trauma differs from personal grief, and what truly helps someone heal after unexpected death. Midway through the conversation, Dr. Levin shares practical tools from her new book, The Traumatic Loss Workbook: Powerful Skills for Navigating the Grief Caused by a Sudden or Unexpected Death, offering actionable strategies for coping with grief, regulating the nervous system, and rebuilding meaning after tragedy. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction to Traumatic Grief & Sudden Loss 2:03 – Meet Jennifer R. Levin, PhD, LMFT, FT 6:00 – Grief vs. Traumatic Grief: Key Differences 8:44 – How Sudden Death Affects the Brain & Nervous System 10:53 – Real-Life Cases of Shock & Dissociation 13:51 – Safety, Stabilization & Trauma Recovery 17:17 – Collective Trauma vs. Individual Loss 20:34 – Anger, Rage, Guilt & Loss of Control 25:07 – Bereavement Leave & Workplace Grief Culture 28:23 – The Financial & Emotional Cost of Grief at Work 30:28 – Trauma-Informed Leadership & HR Strategies 36:20 – How to Support Someone Who Is Grieving 41:56 – Facing Mortality & Talking About Death 45:03 – The Traumatic Loss Workbook & Resources This episode is essential for anyone coping with personal loss, supporting a grieving loved one, leading a team after a workplace tragedy, or seeking trauma-informed strategies for healing after sudden death. Whether you are a therapist, executive, HR professional, or someone navigating grief recovery, this conversation offers compassionate insight, evidence-based tools, and practical guidance to foster resilience and long-term healing. Learn more: TraumaticGriefSolutions.com TherapyHeals.com

Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison, trauma psychologist, author, and founder of Soul Wise Solutions, brings over 35 years of experience helping individuals navigate profound psychological and spiritual transitions. In this powerful podcast conversation, she shares her work with clients living with complex PTSD, dissociative identity disorder (DID), schizophrenia, trauma recovery, and near-death experiences, offering deep insights into healing, resilience, and spiritual integration in psychotherapy. Dr. Harrison is the co-author of I, Sean/a: The Story of a Homeless Intersex Woman Who Inspired a Community, the remarkable true story of Sean/a Smith — a homeless intersex woman living with schizophrenia whose life challenges stigma and inspires a movement toward dignity, inclusion, trauma healing, and community transformation. Her story powerfully addresses mental health stigma, homelessness, schizophrenia awareness, and intersex advocacy. 🔹 From Personal Trauma to Trauma Psychology Dr. Harrison shares how her passion for trauma studies began through her first husband’s severe traumatic experiences, which shaped her lifelong dedication to trauma-informed therapy. She explores the connection between psychological trauma and spiritual encounters, a topic she later examined in her dissertation research. This discussion highlights the importance of amplifying marginalized voices and addressing stigma surrounding serious mental illness. 🔹 The Evolution of Trauma Therapy & Dissociative Disorder Treatment In conversation with Foojan Zeine, Dr. Harrison reflects on the evolution of trauma therapy, dissociative disorder treatment, and trauma-informed care over the decades. They discuss how the mental health field has become more accepting of client experiences, especially in cases involving DID and severe trauma. The episode also explores the emotional challenges therapists face, the necessity of creating safe healing spaces, and the integration of spirituality into psychotherapy. Dr. Harrison references the pioneering work of Ralph Allison, particularly his concepts around internal self-helpers in dissociative identity disorder treatment. 🔹 Quantum Spirituality, Psychosis & Mental Health The conversation moves into the intersection of science, spirituality, quantum physics, and psychosis. Dr. Harrison and Dr. Zeine examine how emerging perspectives in quantum theory are bridging the gap between scientific explanation and spiritual experiences in therapy. They discuss how clinicians differentiate between: • Drug-induced psychosis • Schizophrenia • Spiritual experiences • Trauma-related dissociation Dr. Zeine shares clinical observations on distinguishing substance-induced psychosis from schizophrenia, emphasizing the importance of careful evaluation in media narratives and mental health diagnosis. 🔹 Drug-Induced Psychosis vs. Schizophrenia Explained One of the most compelling segments explores the clinical differences between drug-induced psychosis and schizophrenia. The discussion highlights how drug-induced psychosis may create an entirely internal world disconnected from external reality, while schizophrenia often maintains partial connection to the outside world. Dr. Harrison also revisits the story of Shauna — the intersex woman who lived on the streets for eight years before community intervention changed her life. Through resilience, spiritual connection, and community support, her story demonstrates hope in the face of severe mental illness, homelessness, and stigma. Dr. Harrison encourages listeners to read her book to better understand the complexities of schizophrenia, trauma recovery, and compassionate community support for marginalized individuals. #MentalHealth #Wellness #Relationship #PersonalGrowth #Self-Development

E441 – Inner Voice | A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan & Dr. Mohammad Nami In this powerful neuroscience and mental health discussion, Dr. Mohammad Nami, Associate Professor at Canadian University Dubai and Clinical Neuroscience Director at BrainHub UAE, joins Dr. Foojan for a heartfelt and in-depth conversation about memory formation, trauma healing, PTSD treatment, EMDR therapy, neuromodulation, psychedelics in psychiatry, and dementia prevention. 🧠 Memory Formation and Neural Rewiring Dr. Nami explains the neuroscience of memory formation, detailing how synapses strengthen through long-term potentiation (LTP) to create lasting memories. He reveals why traumatic memories and PTSD become deeply encoded due to strong emotional salience and how the hippocampus and related brain structures consolidate and retrieve memories. Learn how therapies like EMDR help rewire neural pathways, reduce emotional distress, and support trauma recovery through neuroplasticity. 🔄 EMDR Therapy and Neuromodulation for Trauma & PTSD In this in-depth conversation, Dr. Foojan and Dr. Nami explore how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) works to desensitize traumatic memories by integrating positive cognition with distressing experiences using bilateral stimulation such as eye movements or tactile input. Dr. Nami also discusses the neuroscience behind EMDR and how combining psychotherapy with advanced neuromodulation techniques like repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and vagal nerve stimulation may enhance PTSD and trauma treatment outcomes. The discussion emphasizes a holistic mental health approach that includes psychology, neuromodulation, medication when necessary, lifestyle optimization, sleep health, and emotional regulation for long-term recovery. 🧩 Neuroscience and Psychological Therapy: The Brain–Behavior Connection Dr. Nami explains how cognition, emotional regulation, and behavioral insight reshape neural circuitry. He highlights the interaction between the central nervous system and autonomic nervous system, and how unresolved trauma can manifest both mentally and physically. The conversation explores insight-building, managing negative thought patterns, and optimizing brain-body balance for cognitive and emotional resilience. 🌿 Psychedelics, MDMA & The Future of PTSD Treatment Dr. Nami discusses emerging research on psychedelics and MDMA-assisted therapy for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. He explains their impact on neural transmission systems and emphasizes that psychedelic-assisted therapy requires careful screening, professional supervision, and a multidisciplinary approach. 🧬 Dementia, Alzheimer’s & Brain Health Prevention Addressing rising rates of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Nami explains the role of genetics, lifestyle risk factors, sleep quality, stress, and metabolic health in cognitive decline. He shares evidence-based brain health strategies including physical activity, healthy nutrition, emotional regulation, and proper sleep hygiene to protect long-term cognitive function. This episode is essential for anyone interested in neuroscience, trauma healing, PTSD recovery, EMDR therapy, brain health, neuroplasticity, psychedelics in psychiatry, dementia prevention, and cutting-edge mental health treatments. For more information on brain health services, visit brainhubuae.com.#MentalHealth #Wellness #Relationship #PersonalGrowth #Self-Development

n this powerful and deeply validating episode of A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan, Dr. Foojan Zaine sits down with Agatha Peters, Nigerian-American psychotherapist, founder of Beautiful Sunshine Therapy, and author of Trapped in Their Script: Reclaim Your Life from Narcissistic Parents and Cultural Expectations. This conversation shines a light on the hidden emotional abuse experienced by adult children of narcissistic parents—especially within collectivist, immigrant, and African cultures, where family loyalty is often prioritized over individual mental health and emotional safety. Drawing from clinical expertise and lived experience, Agatha Peters breaks down what narcissistic personality disorder really is (and what it is not), how narcissistic parents cause long-term psychological harm, and why cultural expectations can make healing feel nearly impossible. Together, Dr. Foojan and Agatha explore how survivors can begin healing without completely abandoning their culture, identity, or family ties. If you struggle with people-pleasing, guilt, chronic self-doubt, emotional manipulation, or identity loss, this episode offers clarity, validation, and real therapeutic guidance. ⏱️ Clickable Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & episode overview 01:19 – Meet Agatha Peters: psychotherapist, author, and survivor 03:00 – What narcissistic personality disorder really is (clinical perspective) 06:24 – Narcissistic parents vs. “self-centered” behavior 07:45 – Emotional abuse, gaslighting, and walking on eggshells 09:28 – Why children blame themselves and perform for approval 10:19 – Why narcissistic parents don’t seek therapy or change 10:22 – Agatha’s personal journey growing up with a narcissistic parent 12:10 – The first step to healing: accepting you can’t change them 13:20 – Gaslighting, reality confusion, and the power of journaling 14:41 – Living someone else’s life & never being “good enough” 15:58 – Separating your identity from your parent 16:14 – Cultural authoritarian parenting vs. narcissistic abuse 17:27 – Jealousy, competition, and never meeting expectations 18:12 – Perfectionism, achievement, and internalized shame 18:51 – About the book Trapped in Their Script 19:09 – Cultural expectations, loyalty, and immigrant family pressure 20:40 – Is healing possible? Hope, growth, and emotional freedom 21:24 – Choosing yourself without betraying your roots 22:25 – “Love is not supposed to hurt” 23:13 – Where to find Agatha Peters and her work 23:43 – Closing message & empowerment 🔍 Topics Covered in This Episode Narcissistic parents and emotional abuse Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) explained Adult children of narcissists Toxic family dynamics Gaslighting and psychological manipulation Cultural shame and collectivist cultures Immigrant family pressure Intergenerational trauma Identity loss and people-pleasing Healing childhood trauma through therapy Setting boundaries with narcissistic parents Reclaiming your authentic self 📘 Learn More About Agatha Peters 🌐 Website: https://beautifulsunshinetherapy.com 📖 Book: Trapped in Their Script: Reclaim Your Life from Narcissistic Parents and Cultural Expectations 📸 Instagram: @BeautifulSunshineTherapy If you’ve ever felt trapped between family loyalty and your mental health, this episode is for you. You are not broken. You are not selfish. And you are enough. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on trauma healing, emotional wellness, and self-discovery. 💬 Comment below: What part of this conversation resonated with you most?

E439 Inner Voice A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine & Dr. Howard T. Woodruff In this deeply moving episode of Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat, Dr. Fujan Zain sits down with Dr. Howard T. Woodruff—life coach, trauma expert, ordained pastor, and creator of Reclaimed Living—to explore how humans transform suffering into meaning, purpose, and resilience. This conversation weaves together trauma psychology, neuroscience, spirituality, grief, end-of-life awareness, near-death experiences, faith beyond religion, and post-traumatic growth. Together, they examine how powerlessness shapes trauma—and how reclaiming agency restores wholeness at every stage of life. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS – Main Topics 00:00 – Inner Voice Podcast introduction 02:11 – Meet Dr. Howard T. Woodruff: trauma work, EMS, ministry, global crisis response 06:12 – Childhood loss, first responder identity, and early trauma 07:45 – Losing a parent and questioning faith 08:50 – Becoming a paramedic, EMS director, and global consultant 09:04 – Ministry, meaning-making, and purpose after tragedy 09:56 – The death of Dr. Howard’s son (U.S. Marine) and trauma preparedness 10:18 – Dr. Foojan on childhood abuse, therapy, and questioning suffering 11:22 – Why humans expect life without pain 12:29 – Trauma, gratitude, and survival skills 13:05 – Choice, victimhood vs. victory, and reclaiming agency 14:02 – Working with 9/11 first responders 14:37 – Neurophysiology of trauma & “pre-programming” responses 15:17 – Preparing for worst-case scenarios 16:02 – Military conditioning, organ donation, and loss of control 17:20 – Tsunami survivor in India & reclaiming control after catastrophe 19:24 – Powerlessness, meaning, and trauma integration 21:08 – Reclaimed Living explained: Pain → Pivot → Purpose 23:44 – Awareness Integration & naming resilience 25:08 – Aging, usefulness, depression, and fear of death 26:49 – End-of-life meaning, guilt, gratitude, and life review 27:32 – Deathbed transformation: Dr. Howard’s grandmother 29:32 – Preparing for death as a meaningful transition 30:30 – Near-death experiences & giving permission to die 32:57 – Grief as a “selfish” emotion reframed 34:29 – Calling into ministry & spiritual awakening 38:54 – Presence over perfection in trauma and chaplaincy 40:12 – Religion vs. faith: breaking dogma 41:40 – Dr. Fujan’s spiritual awakening & existential healing 44:30 – Not being alone: existential anxiety dissolves 45:10 – Surrender, humor, and meaning in faith 47:11 – Asking for help as strength 48:10 – Assisted dying, autonomy, and ethics 50:53 – Surviving suicide attempt & puzzle pieces of life 52:48 – Love, memory, and healing scars 53:01 – How to find Dr. Howard & Reclaimed Living 53:36 – Closing reflections & final message 🔑 Key Themes & Keywords Trauma healing, PTSD recovery, grief counseling, post-traumatic growth, end-of-life psychology, fear of death, near-death experiences, spirituality without religion, meaning after loss, reclaiming agency, awareness integration therapy, first responders trauma, suicide prevention, assisted dying ethics, resilience, faith and neuroscience. 🌱 About the Guest Dr. Howard T. Woodruff is a certified trauma expert, critical incident stress debriefer, ordained pastor, and creator of Reclaimed Living, a framework helping people transform pain into purpose across all stages of life. 🌐 Learn more: reclaimed-living.org 📌 Subscribe & Connect Subscribe to Inner Voice for deep conversations on mental health, trauma, consciousness, and healing. Share your reflections—we love hearing from you. ✨ Create an amazing life for yourself and everyone around you. #mentalhealth #Wellness #Relationship #PersonalGrowth #selfimprovement