The Dream Catcher Podcast

Cognitive Dissonance Theory: What it is and its Impacts Decision-Making

Cognitive dissonance occurs when there is a discrepancy between our beliefs or attitudes and behavior, creating a state of mental discomfort. 

Cognitive dissonance can significantly impact our decision-making processes. When experiencing this internal conflict, we often seek ways to restore cognitive harmony. 

Recognizing cognitive dissonance in ourselves and others is crucial for enhancing our decision-making abilities. 

Learn how cognitive dissonance theory manifests itself in everyday life and the steps you can take to become aware and manage it to make better choices.

* Pre-order or learn more about Seline’s new book “The Nomadic Soul: A Seeker's Guide to Finding a Sense of Self and Belonging in the Modern World”: https://www.thenomadicsoulbook.com/

[Interview] How to Find Your Voice and Speak Without Fear (feat. Linda Ugelow)

Original airdate: July 17, 2018

So many of us long to own our inner authority without being caught up in what others might think and fearlessly share our message with our unique style and brilliance.

Yet the idea of putting ourselves out there in the spotlight can be an intimidating prospect. We may be unsure of ourselves because we lack confidence and support. We may sabotage our efforts even if we want to leave our mark on the world.

I invited Linda Ugelow to speak more about challenges and how we can overcome them. Linda is a transformational Speaking coach for visionary women who want to make a positive impact in the world. As a performer of 35 years and with a master's degree in Expressive Therapies/movement studies, I've been helping people get comfortable in their skin for decades.

During our conversation, Linda shared some of the personal struggles she faced with speaking her truth and how it facilitated her growth as an individual and professional speaking coach. She shares invaluable insights into how we can experience the freedom of finding our voices and speaking without fear.

* Pre-order or learn about Seline’s new book “The Nomadic Soul: A Seeker's Guide to Finding a Sense of Self and Belonging in the Modern World”: https://www.thenomadicsoulbook.com/

5 Ways to Vibe with Someone: Enhancing Connections and Building Lasting Relationships

Building a solid connection with someone goes beyond surface-level interactions; it's about creating a genuine and lasting bond. 

Whether it's a new friendship, a budding intimate connection, or professional collaboration, the key is to vibe with someone. 

But how exactly can you enhance connections and build lasting relationships? This post (in this episode we) will explore five effective ways to achieve just that.

[Interview] Using the Power of Creative Curiosity to Enhance Your Life & Career (Inspired by the life of Walt Disney)

An intense curiosity transformed Walt Disney from a bankrupt high school dropout to a pioneer in the American animation industry. Undoubtedly, there were several vital ingredients that made him an unprecedented success, but what fueled him was his curiosity. 

From his humble beginnings as a young boy in Kansas to his last days as a thriving entrepreneur in animation and entertainment, Walt displayed an insatiable desire to learn, explore possibilities, and put his knowledge to use.

To tell us more about Walt Disney’s inspirational story, I invited David Bossert, an award-winning artist, filmmaker, and author. He was a long-time animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios, who worked on iconic films such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

David and I explore the different facets of Walt’s career and how his natural instinct to question, innovate, and explore led to his unprecedented success, which has touched millions of lives around the world. I hope that listening to the Walt Disney story will jumpstart your curiosity and drive to create a magical life.

* Pre-order or learn more about Seline’s new book “The Nomadic Soul: A Seeker's Guide to Finding a Sense of Self and Belonging in the Modern World”: https://www.thenomadicsoulbook.com/

Breaking Free: How to Stop Living in the Past and Embrace a Brighter Future

Many people struggle with living in the past, preventing them from moving forward and embracing a newer, better future. 

Clinging to the past can negatively affect our progress, well-being, and relationships, so it’s important to find out how to untether ourselves. 

Learn how to break free from the chains that have held you back with this roadmap to a brighter future filled with hope, healing, and growth.

[Interview] How to Embrace Your Individuality and Feel More Alive (feat. John Kim)

Original airdate: January 12, 2021

Whether you're single or in a relationship, it's essential to cultivate a healthy relationship with yourself and live a life that aligns with your values. But our culture seems to downplay this and glorifies coupledom instead.

Today's featured guest, John Kim, says that being single doesn't mean something is wrong with you, or you should feel sad and lonely. It's a fantastic opportunity for self-discovery and connecting with your passions. 

John Kim, also known as The Angry Therapist, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an author. His path has led him to become a pioneer in the field of self-help, humanizing the therapist by showing himself. 

In this episode, John offers an empowering perspective on singledom that challenges social stigma and explains how we can make the most of this phase of our lives. Regardless of your relationship status, you'll find value in his advice on how we can reconnect with our spirit and live a fuller, more prosperous, and more fulfilling life that honors our needs.

Unveiling the Timeless Wisdom: Exploring the Secrets of Ancient Civilizations

The wisdom of ancient civilizations is significantly important to our understanding of the evolution of our species. 

By exploring the rich tapestry of ancient worlds, we can learn valuable insights that challenge our modern perspectives and broaden our understanding of the human experience. 

In addition to the well-documented achievements, an intriguing range of mysteries and secrets has captured the imagination of scholars and the general public alike. Find out some of the most enduring ancient mysteries that still baffle us to this day.

[Interview] Exploring Soul Remedies for Healing and Growth from Mexican Loteria (feat. Xelena Gonzalez)

For many centuries, cartomancy, or divination using a deck of cards, has been a popular tool for connecting with our intuition and understanding ourselves better so that we can co-create the future we want.

Lotería, also known as Mexican Bingo, has seen many artful incarnations and has served a multilayered purpose across Latinx cultures, including offering guidance.

My guest, Xelena González, found inspiration in this tradition and created a deck based on traditional symbols for divination, reflection, and self-healing. She’s here to illustrate the magic of this practice.

Xelena González is a storyteller, dancer, and visiting author who centers self-love in her multi-disciplinary workshops for all ages. Her picture books include the multiple award-winning ‘All Around Us’ and the forthcoming title ‘Remembering.’ Xelena’s storytelling skills were honed as a public librarian in her hometown of Yanaguana/San Antonio and in Guangzhou, China, where she served as head librarian. Through her author visits, she has introduced a method of “tai chi storytelling” to more than 100 schools, museums, and libraries around the globe.

During our conversation, Xelena explains the spiritual significance of the La Loteria symbols in Mexican culture and how we can gain inspiration from them to access the wisdom and light within us. She also discusses the significance of ancestry and lineage in self-knowledge and navigating our lives.

The Science Behind Our Shrinking Attention Span: How to Stay Focused in a Distracted World

In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, our attention spans are shrinking. With never-ending distractions, it can be a real challenge to stay focused. 

The good news is that there are strategies you can implement to combat the negative effects of a shortened attention span and reclaim your focus and productivity. 

These techniques will help you stay focused and unlock your full potential, ultimately allowing you to live a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

* Pre-order or learn more about Seline’s new book “The Nomadic Soul: A Seeker's Guide to Finding a Sense of Self and Belonging in the Modern World”: https://www.thenomadicsoulbook.com/

[Interview] Finding Wisdom & Enlightenment in the Classics of Western Literature (feat. Dean Sluyter)

Original airdate: June 28, 2022

Enlightenment can be found in the most unexpected places, including in Western literature. According to my guest, Dean Sluyter, there’s a lot we can learn from several beloved classics. 

We can read Hemingway as haiku, learn mindfulness from Virginia Woolf, see Dickinson and Whitman as Buddhas of poetry, and Huck Finn and Gatsby as seekers of the infinite.

In this interview, we’ll learn more about Dean’s unique insights into mindfulness and awakening.
Dean Sluyter has taught natural methods of meditation and awakening since 1970. His five highly acclaimed books include the bestsellers such as Natural Meditation. Dean gives sessions throughout the United States and beyond, from Ivy League colleges to maximum-security prisons. His media appearances have included The New York Times, The Dr. Oz Show, and The Oprah Magazine. A student of Eastern and Western sages in several traditions, Dean has completed numerous pilgrimages and retreats in India, Tibet, Nepal, and the West.

During our discussion, Dean explains the wisdom we can glean from several literary giants he mentions in his new book, “The Dharma Bum’s Guide to Western Literature: Finding Nirvana in the Classics,” and how we can apply them in daily life. He also offers advice on enhancing our meditation and mindfulness practice.