The Dream Catcher Podcast

[Interview] Stoic Empathy: The Art of Balancing Reason and Connection For a Richer Life (feat. Shermin Kruse)

Imagine if the ability to change your life, lead with intention, and build connections with others was found at the crossroads of two timeless ideas: Stoicism and Empathy. 

My guest, Shermin Kruse, is convinced that this can be achieved. She will showcase how to harmonize resilience with kindness, helping us find the clarity and strength needed to face the challenges of our current world.

Shermin Kruse is an award-winning idea curator, a globally recognized negotiation consultant, law professor, and author, whose transformative work in empathy, stoicism, and complex negotiation has influenced audiences from corporate boardrooms to university classrooms and international stages. As a partner at the prestigious law firm Barack Ferrazzano, she spent nearly two decades representing Fortune 500 clients. Shermin is also the author of the critically acclaimed novel Butterfly Stitching, the textbook Global Transactions and Regulation, produced and scripted over 80 TEDx talks and performances, and given three viral TEDx talks on advocacy, stoicism, and strategic empathy.

In this discussion, Shermin will demonstrate how the seemingly opposing forces of Stoicism and empathy, when combined, can transform your life. We'll explore strategies and perspectives to tackle challenges, foster meaningful connections, and make ethical choices in a world that is becoming more complex.

Opportunity Costs in Life: Make Smarter Choices by Weighing Your Options

Every decision we make, big or small, comes with a hidden price tag: the opportunity cost. Opportunity cost is a powerful lens through which to view our choices, offering clarity and insight. 

By understanding them, we shift our focus from what we gain to what we forgo with each choice, helping us navigate the complexities of everyday life. 

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of opportunity costs and you'll discover how this knowledge can empower you to make more intentional decisions and harness your true potential.

[Interview] Practical Steps to Embark on Your Spiritual Awakening Journey (feat. Steve Taylor)

Original airdate: April 15, 2024

Awakening is the greatest adventure we can undertake as human beings. My guest, Steve Taylor, says it’s a voyage of discovery that reveals exhilarating beauty and richness but may also expose us to challenges.

As travelers, cultivating certain characteristics and perspectives can make our voyage more fruitful. Today, Steve will guide us on this path of enlightenment.

Steve Taylor, PhD, is the author of The Adventure: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Awakening and many other bestselling books. He’s a senior lecturer in psychology at Leeds Beckett University and the chair of the Transpersonal Psychology Section of the British Psychological Society. Steve’s articles and essays have been published in over 100 academic journals, magazines, and newspapers, and he blogs for Scientific American and Psychology Today.

In this conversation, Steve offers step-by-step practices for cultivating spiritual awakening and explains its impact on our lives. He touches on the eight essential qualities of wakefulness and how we can integrate those into our daily lives through rituals and practices.

10 Clear Signs You're Emotionally Intelligent and You Naturally 'Get' People

Ever wonder why some people just seem to understand what others feel or need without even asking? That’s usually not luck—it’s emotional intelligence at work. 

Emotional intelligence isn’t just about reading emotions; it’s about handling your own feelings. When you have strong emotional intelligence, relationships feel less confusing, work gets smoother, and you bounce back faster after rough days. If you can spot these signs in yourself, you likely get people on a deeper level. 

This article will reveal how your everyday habits might show that you’re someone who just “gets” it and how to build your emotional intelligence muscles so you can experience more fulfillment and joy.

[Panel Discussion] Timing vs. Chasing Opportunity: Why Timing Isn’t Everything in Gaining Success

What matters more when it comes to success: perfect timing or making your own luck? Some people wait for the right moment. Others jump in and make things happen. Most of us fall somewhere in the middle.

In this episode, we discuss how much timing shapes our lives, and how much depends on our efforts. You’ll get real stories and smart insights to help you make sense of both.

Joining me are two special guests: Sahar Milani, an Experiential Brand Specialist and host of the Mindful Makers Podcast and Laura Roche, an experienced MC and a voice for mindfulness and self-compassion.

Together, we’ll look at where action meets timing. When is it best to trust the flow, and when should you cut in and move ahead? By the end, you’ll see how both can help you unlock new doors. Tune in for tips you can use, ideas to try, and a few prompts that might spark your own next step.

Book Tour Announcement: Meet Me at Barnes & Noble for My First U.S. Book Signing!

Come celebrate the next stops of my book tour at Barnes & Noble! ✍

For the first time, I’m bringing 'The Nomadic Soul' to readers in the U.S.! I look forward to meeting new faces, signing your copies, and hearing your stories.

The Nomadic Soul speaks to anyone who has ever yearned for something more. It’s about finding ourselves, searching for meaning, and finding connections that touch our hearts.

Join us for the chance to connect with others who have a passion for growth and purpose. Bring your curiosity and leave with a signed book and fresh ideas.

U.S book tour dates:

July 26, 2025 (2pm): Barnes & Noble, Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL
August 12, 2025 (6.30pm): Barnes & Noble, Huntington Beach, CA

Secure your spot today and be part of this journey of transformation. 🌟

Register for the event here: https://bit.ly/3SO8MC3

I hope you’ll join us and help make this moment unforgettable. I look forward to seeing you there!

What are Liminal Spaces and Why They Are Crucial for our Growth

Do you ever feel like you're in between chapters, not sure what comes next? Those moments between endings and new beginnings have a name: liminal spaces. 

These in-between stages feel strange, sometimes even uncomfortable, but that's where real personal growth happens. You're not stuck; you're transforming. 

In this episode you'll see how liminal spaces push you to let go of old habits, face uncertainty, and make space for change. When you pause in the unknown, you open the door to real progress.

[Interview] Blaze Your Own Trail: Find the Courage to Create a Life You’re Proud Of (feat. Geeta Sidhu Robb)

Stepping outside your comfort zone to chase your dreams is an adventure. You'll discover how little decisions can accumulate and guide your life toward a fresh path. However, it often takes courage. 

My guest, Geeta Sidhu-Robb, believes that bravery isn't just a trait—it's a skill developed through practice. Every step you take can bring you nearer to the life you aspire to live. 

She's here to share her insights on managing fear and cultivating resilience, empowering you to harness your strengths even in challenging times.

Geeta Sidhu-Robb, an entrepreneur, founder, business strategist, and transformational coach. From founding the highly acclaimed Nosh Detox in 2008, coaching influential leaders, to Founding WCorporation, Geeta is a force of nature in business, leadership, and women's empowerment. Her roster of clients includes Gwyneth Paltrow, the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, Nadia Swarovski, and multiple CEOs, whom she has guided in scaling their businesses, executing IPOs, and achieving multi-million-dollar exits.

In this episode, Geeta shares her story and tips that help you break free from fear, as well as simple ways to boost your courage and build steady confidence. 

Conscious Consumerism: How to Align Your Values with What You Buy

Every purchase sends a message about what matters to you. Conscious consumerism means thinking about the impact of your purchases, from the people making your products to the footprint they leave behind. 

As more shoppers look for ways to support brands that match their beliefs, making value-based choices feels more important than ever. 

In this episode, you'll learn what conscious consumerism means for your daily routine and see easy steps to help you shop with purpose.

[Interview] Discover Your Genius: How to Think Like History's Most Revolutionary Minds (feat. Michael J. Gelb)

Many people are unaware of the incredible creative potential they possess. Yet, without proper guidance or a clear path to nurture these natural talents, we often fail to harness them. My guest, Michael J. Gelb suggests that one effective method to unlock our creativity is by studying the revolutionary thinkers of the past.

By understanding their ways of thinking and their skills, we can tap into our creative abilities. He’s here to discuss his insights and discoveries further.

Michael J. Gelb is a world’s leading authority on the application of genius thinking. He is a pioneer in the fields of creative thinking, innovative leadership, and executive coaching. Michael is the author of 17 books, including How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci. His books have been translated into 25 languages and sold over one million copies.

In our conversation, Michael and I explore the brilliance of historical figures and discuss how we can apply their methods to enhance our own lives and thinking, ultimately allowing us to unleash our potential and contribute to the world.