Meditative Story

No boys. No dresses. As a teen, Moj Mahdara, founder of the fashion media company Beautycon, knows she’s different. And growing up in a traditional Iranian household, she struggles to reveal her own true identity. When two long-term houseguests descend — her grandmothers — Moj is shocked to learn that each woman has a surprising story of identity of her own. She learns secrets. She also learns that generations before her, family members had fought to define themselves. And it’s through these old souls that Moj finds the strength to stand in her own truth. Listen here.Hear music from Moj's paternal grandmother, Moluk Anghoz (1934–2007), known as Afat:See Afat performing at 5:17 in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQlCZ4_PEnk&feature=youtu.be&t=320And at 9:51 in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW5Cez8pSs8&feature=youtu.be&t=591One more song from Afat, accompanied by amazing photos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vog2KTa7Juw&feature=youtu.beIf this episode resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a moment to share your reflections by rating and reviewing Meditative Story in your podcast player. It helps other listeners find their way to the show, and we’d be so grateful.Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.comSign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fluent in cheating time to squeeze productivity out of every minute, entrepreneur Keith Yamashita recounts the frightening details of a devastating stroke as it is actually happening, and discovers the second part of his life. It isn't a medical recovery. It’s an awakening.If this episode resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a moment to share your reflections by rating and reviewing Meditative Story in your podcast player. It helps other listeners find their way to the show, and we’d be so grateful.Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.comSign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Catherine Reitman, actor and creator of the sitcom Working Moms, shares her journey of balancing the demands of motherhood with her career aspirations. She opens up about her struggle with identity, navigating societal pressures while honoring her mother's sacrifices. Through transformative storytelling, Reitman highlights how writing became a tool for self-discovery and connection. The conversation also touches on the importance of mindfulness and being present in the body during challenging times, offering listeners a path to personal growth and relief.

Author and poet Stephen Kuusisto, who is blind, hears life expressed in sound, the weird and wonderful chance music of everyday life. And he's able to find meaning, big and small, in it all.If this episode resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a moment to share your reflections by rating and reviewing Meditative Story in your podcast player. It helps other listeners find their way to the show, and we’d be so grateful.Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.comSign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author Hannah Brencher shares the value of handwritten letters in deepening relationships and providing comfort. The podcast explores the significance of physical artifacts in a digital world and the similarities between letter writing and meditation. The host emphasizes the importance of being present and expresses gratitude to the listeners.

In precisely chosen words, the writer, artist and Zen priest Zenju Earthlyn Manuel tells a story from her girlhood, a road trip from LA to Louisiana in 1957. While five-year-old Zenju sits in the back seat dreaming of cowboys, her parents navigate an altogether different landscape. From them, from the trip, Zenju now believes she’s learned how to find her way in the world, in her skin.If this episode resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a moment to share your reflections by rating and reviewing Meditative Story in your podcast player. It helps other listeners find their way to the show, and we’d be so grateful.Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.comSign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Josh Radnor, actor, producer and director, shares his journey of discovering his passion for acting and the challenges he faced. The impact of a guidance counselor's advice and the importance of finding one's own courage are explored. The podcast also includes a guided meditation and encourages expressing gratitude and helping others.

Host of NPR’s Wait, Wait...Don’t Tell Me!, Peter Sagal is wrecked and stuck in the wake of a divorce. Suddenly, he finds himself with two free weeks. In need of a healthy distraction, Peter jumps on his Harley for a long solo trip out west. Though he has a destination in mind, what he finds on those quiet, desolate, curvy roads is a new focus, a new voice. And though his aim was to fill his time, he begins to appreciate the quiet – where he can actually hear himself.If this episode resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a moment to share your reflections by rating and reviewing Meditative Story in your podcast player. It helps other listeners find their way to the show, and we’d be so grateful.Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.comSign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Game designer Jane McGonigal, an identical twin, explores the magic of sharing DNA while becoming an individual. Topics discussed include reflections on identity and individuality, the impact of physical and mental differences, embracing one's uniqueness, travel experiences and meditation practices, exploring the relationship between mind and body, and recognizing the interdependence of the mind and body.

Restaurateur Danny Meyer shares his journey of passion and creativity, sparked by a memorable plate of pasta in Europe. He discusses the joy of discovering new flavors, the importance of simplicity in cooking, and the beauty of finding small details in everyday experiences.