Inner Voice - Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan

EPISODE 459 | INNER VOICE – A HEARTFELT CHAT WITH DR. FOOJAN What if anger isn't something to suppress, avoid, or fear—but a powerful emotion that can be understood, managed, and transformed into a force for growth? In this compelling episode of Inner Voice – A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan, Dr. Foojan Zeine welcomes renowned psychologist, author, and anger management expert Dr. Mitch Abrams for a deep conversation about the psychology of anger, emotional regulation, trauma, resilience, relationships, and personal transformation. Drawing from more than two decades of experience in sport psychology, clinical psychology, forensic psychology, and correctional mental health, Dr. Abrams challenges the common belief that anger is a "negative emotion." Instead, he explains how anger can become a valuable ally when recognized early, understood properly, and channeled effectively. As Chief Psychologist overseeing psychological services for seven New Jersey state prisons and Founder of Learned Excellence for Athletes, Dr. Abrams offers unique insights into how anger impacts athletes, executives, families, couples, and society at large. Together, Dr. Foojan and Dr. Abrams explore the emotional, cognitive, and physiological aspects of anger, providing practical tools for emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and lasting personal growth. Based on his groundbreaking book, "I'm Not F***ing Angry!!! Adjust the Flames to Get What You Want and Need," this episode reveals how to move beyond emotional reactivity and cultivate greater clarity, confidence, and resilience. 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE: • Understanding why anger is not a negative emotion • How childhood experiences and trauma shape emotional reactions • The difference between healthy anger and destructive rage • Emotional regulation strategies for high performers • Gender differences in expressing anger • Cognitive distortions and hidden anger triggers • Early warning signs of emotional escalation • The role of forgiveness, accountability, and healing • Revenge, resentment, and emotional freedom • Social media, political polarization, and collective anger • Relationship dynamics and conflict resolution • Building resilience, self-awareness, and emotional mastery ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:39 Why Anger Isn't a Negative Emotion 04:03 Meet Dr. Mitch Abrams 09:15 Interview Begins 09:38 Why Mitch Studies Anger 12:14 Dr. Foojan's Personal Anger Journey 13:50 The Truth About Anger 15:56 Men, Women & Anger 20:02 A Different Approach to Anger Management 22:01 Early Detection of Anger 23:16 Albert Ellis & Cognitive Distortions 26:03 Hidden Anger Triggers 27:28 Recognizing Warning Signs 28:23 Anger, Authority & Public Speaking 30:24 Apologies & Accountability 32:39 Forgiveness & Letting Go 36:42 Revenge and Resentment 40:18 Social Media, Politics & Collective Anger 45:50 Anger in Relationships 47:30 Long-Term Power vs. Short-Term Wins 49:19 Final Thoughts on Anger 50:20 Where to Find Mitch Abrams 51:11 Closing Remarks 📘 ABOUT DR. MITCH ABRAMS Dr. Mitch Abrams is a psychologist specializing in sport, clinical, and forensic psychology. He serves as Chief Psychologist for Rutgers University Correctional Health Care, overseeing psychological services within multiple correctional facilities. He is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at Rutgers Health–Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Founder of Learned Excellence for Athletes. His latest book, "I'm Not F***ing Angry!!! Adjust the Flames to Get What You Want and Need," offers a transformative approach to understanding and managing anger for healthier relationships, stronger leadership, and peak performance. 🌿 TAKE THE FREE CLARITY ASSESSMENT Discover your emotional patterns and gain deeper self-awareness: [www.iaii.life](http://www.iaii.life) 🎧 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations on psychology, mental health, emotional intelligence, relationships, personal growth, trauma healing, leadership, resilience, and consc

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

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

In this powerful and soul-expanding E437 of Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan, psychotherapist and author Dr. Foojan welcomes Cheryl Stelte, spiritual coach, master healer, and bestselling author of From Blocked to Powerful: The Spiritual Guide to Unlocking Inner Clarity and Authentic Power. With over 30 years of experience in spiritual healing, subconscious reprogramming, chakra work, and trauma integration, Cheryl shares how releasing subconscious blocks allows us to reclaim our voice, heal stored trauma, and step fully into authentic power—for both women and men. ⏱️ EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Welcome to Inner Voice Introduction to subconscious healing, emotional blocks, and inner truth 1:30 – Meet Cheryl Stelte Spiritual entrepreneur, master healer, and author of From Blocked to Powerful 6:10 – A Spiritual Awakening Cheryl shares the life-changing experience that began her healing journey 7:55 – Why Women First—and Why Men Are Now Awakening The shift bringing men into emotional and spiritual healing 11:19 – Healing Repressed Emotions Why trauma lives in the subconscious, not linear memory 12:11 – What Is Shamanism? From traditional shamanic journeying to heart-centered embodiment 15:52 – What Are Subconscious Blocks? How emotional trauma is stored in the body, chakras, and nervous system 18:50 – Emotional Tracking & Chakra Healing Following sensations to the deepest root—often childhood or womb 21:52 – Integration = Empowerment Why healing only works when it becomes embodied 24:49 – Clarity, Worth & Visibility Releasing societal conditioning around power, money, and self-expression 26:30 – Authentic Power Defined Why true power feels calm, grounded, loving, and fearless 30:07 – Fear, Safety & Playing Small How fear of visibility keeps us hiding our true selves 31:31 – Creating Safety & Stability Root chakra healing as the foundation for trust and faith 34:03 – Healing Is Ongoing Why awakening is a lifelong journey, not a destination 35:19 – The Body Remembers Somatic release, trauma healing, and emotional integration 37:31 – Light Reveals Shadow Why growth always brings the next layer of healing 38:42 – Acceptance as Transformation Observation, compassion, and awareness integration 39:08 – Final Message You are more powerful than you can imagine 39:34 – Where to Find Cheryl Meditations, programs, and book resources 🌟 KEY TOPICS & SEO KEYWORDS Subconscious healing, trauma release, chakra healing, authentic power, emotional integration, awareness integration therapy, spiritual awakening, shadow work, nervous system regulation, somatic healing, embodiment, self-trust, inner clarity, energy healing, meditation, shamanism, root chakra, safety and stability, personal growth, spiritual psychology. 🔗 CONNECT & RESOURCES 🌐 Cheryl Stelte: https://www.starofdivinelight.com 📘 Book: From Blocked to Powerful 🧠 Dr. Foojan Zangeneh: https://www.fujonz.com 🔔 If this episode resonated with you: ✔️ Like ✔️ Subscribe ✔️ Share with someone on a healing or spiritual awakening journey Your authentic power is already within you.

In this deeply moving and transformative E435 of Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan world-renowned life coach Rhonda Britten shares how fear silently shapes our identity, decisions, and sense of self-worth—often without us realizing it. Rhonda Britten, Emmy Award winner, bestselling author of Fearless Living, repeat Oprah guest, and founder of the Fearless Living Institute, reveals why most people don’t know they’re afraid—and how fear disguises itself as procrastination, overwhelm, perfectionism, people-pleasing, addiction, self-criticism, and the belief of “not being good enough.” Together with Dr. Foojan, this conversation explores the neuroscience of fear, emotional triggers, trauma recovery, addiction awareness, and the powerful shift from fear to freedom. Rhonda introduces her groundbreaking Wheel of Fear → Wheel of Freedom framework and offers practical tools to reclaim confidence, peace, and authentic self-worth. This episode is for anyone who: Feels stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves Struggles with self-doubt, shame, or fear-based patterns Wants practical, neuroscience-based tools for emotional healing Is on a journey of personal growth, recovery, or self-awareness ✨ Key message: There is nothing wrong with you. It is just fear. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Why “I never thought I was afraid” 01:15 – How fear hides in plain sight 04:49 – Introducing Rhonda Britten & Fearless Living 06:02 – Why fear became Rhonda’s life work 09:27 – Living with hidden fear and self-blame 11:49 – The turning point: choosing life and hope 12:57 – How fear shapes identity and behavior 15:35 – Emotional fear vs survival fear 16:27 – The Wheel of Fear explained 18:06 – Why “not good enough” is learned, not true 19:09 – Fear responses you don’t recognize as fear 22:23 – Fear and addiction: lying to ourselves 25:11 – Fear response self-assessment (eye-opening quiz) 27:04 – Reframing fear instead of shaming yourself 29:08 – Rhonda’s next-level legacy & tools for coaches 33:46 – What Fearless Living teaches step-by-step 36:03 – What freedom really feels like 37:15 – Peace, trust, and living from your true self 39:10 – “There is nothing wrong with you” (core message) 40:38 – How to find your core fear 41:12 – Final message & how to continue your journey 🔍 SEO keywords embedded: fear and self-doubt not good enough belief emotional healing reclaim confidence neuroscience of fear trauma recovery personal growth #mentalhealth #Wellness #Relationship #PersonalGrowth #selfdevelopment