Sounds True: Insights at the Edge

Rabbi Tirzah Firestone, PhD, a Jungian psychotherapist and leader in Jewish renewal, dives into the depths of ancestral trauma. She discusses how inherited pain can impact our lives and emphasizes the need to acknowledge and heal these invisible wounds. Tirzah explores how dreams can connect us to our ancestors and the importance of transforming our suffering into strength. With insights on compassion, identity, and agency, she provides tools for personal growth and collective healing, making the journey from victimhood to empowerment both personal and profound.

Lee Holden, an internationally respected Qigong master and author of 'Ready, Set, Slow', shares insights on cultivating a slower, more fulfilling life. He discusses the transformative power of the Slow Method for reducing stress and enhancing health. Holden explores mindful practices like the '32-Bite Challenge' and the importance of gratitude in everyday moments. Delving into how slowing down can deepen connections in relationships, he emphasizes the balance between energy circulation and personal well-being, encouraging a shift from busy to blissful living.

Cortland Dahl, a Buddhist scholar and author of A Meditator’s Guide to Buddhism, discusses the transformative power of compassion. He explores how compassion can energize daily actions and improve emotional well-being. The science behind empathy and the brain's care network is highlighted, alongside practical meditation techniques for anxiety. Dahl shares insights on personal motivation, the beauty in discomfort, and the importance of self-discovery over self-improvement. Listeners will learn how even mundane tasks can be acts of love.

Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, a celebrated Tibetan meditation teacher and author, dives into transforming suffering into compassion and growth. He discusses how painful experiences can pave the way for resilience, using the metaphor of 'adding wood to the fire.' Listeners explore the concept of 'unborn awareness,' the significance of confronting challenges, and cultivating courage amidst uncertainty. Rinpoche also shares insights on meditation practices related to life, death, and navigating the 'Bardo' state, enriching our understanding of personal transformation and connection.

Dr. Yuria Celidwen is a pioneering researcher in Indigenous Contemplative Sciences, merging indigenous wisdom with Western thought. She discusses her book, "Flourishing Kin," emphasizing flourishing as a gradual unfolding of beauty and the importance of interconnectedness with nature. The conversation highlights how Indigenous perspectives can address the climate crisis, redefines health beyond outdated measures, and promotes sensory awareness as a path to well-being. Yuria's insights invite listeners to embrace collective flourishing and honor the wisdom of ancestral practices.

Join Jeffrey Rutstein, a clinical psychologist and lead teacher of the Healing Trauma Program, as he delves into the fascinating connection between trauma and nervous system regulation. Discover how to shift from defensiveness to safety and belonging while learning about the vagus nerve and its role in emotional responses. Rutstein offers insights on transforming self-blame into self-compassion, managing emotional triggers, and practical techniques for achieving a healthier emotional state. It's an enlightening conversation about healing and integration.

Avanti Kumar-Singh, an Ayurvedic wellness expert and author of "The Longevity Formula," shares her insights on integrating Ayurveda with conventional medicine. She discusses how Ayurveda supports healthy aging by boosting cellular repair and combating inflammation. Listeners learn about the significance of prana (life force energy) and the impacts of lifestyle choices on longevity. Kumar-Singh also emphasizes the importance of community and mindfulness for overall well-being, offering practical tips like fasting and stress management techniques.

Eileen Santos Rosete, a postpartum doula and grief educator, opens up about the often-overlooked topic of womb loss, advocating for the dignity and support that women deserve during this painful experience. She discusses the importance of respectful language, such as ‘womb loss,’ and emphasizes compassionate care within the medical system. Eileen also shares self-tending practices to navigate grief, the significance of rituals, and the transformative potential of community support, all while highlighting the deep emotional journey of healing following pregnancy loss.

Lisa Marchiano, an award-winning author and Jungian analyst, dives into the fascinating world of dreams in this engaging conversation. She discusses the urgent need to revitalize our connection with dreaming, offering practical tips to enhance dream recall and appreciate every dream—nightmares included! Marchiano emphasizes the role of the 'dream maker' within us, explores emotional insights from dreams, and introduces dream incubation as a transformative tool. With personal anecdotes and the importance of community, she inspires listeners to explore their inner wisdom.

Jessica Long, a six-time Paralympic swimmer and author, opens up about her remarkable journey from adoption to becoming one of America’s most decorated athletes. She discusses the role of resilience and visualization in sports, emphasizing the power of a winner's mindset—"don’t you dare give up." Jessica talks about her transformation through pain and purpose, the importance of acknowledging emotions, and her mission to boost the visibility of the Paralympics, while sharing her poignant stories of forgiveness and identity.