The Dream Catcher Podcast

[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.

Transactional Love vs. Real Love: Which One Truly Satisfies and Why?

Transactional love is a relationship in which individuals engage in a give-and-take dynamic driven by personal gain or self-interest. Genuine love, unlike transaction love, is characterized by selflessness and an unwavering dedication to the well-being and development of the other person without expecting anything in return. 

While all relationships have a certain transactional component, knowing the difference between transactional and authentic love, as well as the pros and cons, can help us develop more authentic and deep connections. 

Find out how to transition from a transactional to genuine love dynamic to experience more fulfillment and joy in your relationships.

* 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] The Power of Empathy: A Path to Personal Growth and Social Change (feat. Michael Tennant)

The capacity to establish empathic connections with others—to feel with them, showing concern for their welfare, and demonstrating compassion—is critical in our lives. 

Yet several studies show that there’s less empathy in the world than previous decades. 

But, my guest, Michael Tennant, believes that learning to care more about each other is a skill that all of us can learn and master. Today, he’ll share more about the power of empathy to inspire personal growth and social change.

Michael Tennant, is an award-winning media, advertising, and nonprofit veteran for companies like MTV, VICE Media, P&G, Coca-Cola, and Google. In the 2000s, he sat front seat to the rise of VICE, today’s leading voice in millennial media, and brought with him a dedicated approach to long-term authentic community building. He is also the Founder, and CEO of Curiosity Lab, a purpose driven venture studio and consultancy that builds products and experiences that teach empathy.

During our conversation, Michael describes what it means to be an empathetic person and how we can infuse compassion into everything that we do, both in our personal and professional life. He shares some techniques and actionable frameworks that will transform these values into a consistent day-to-day practice.

Reclaiming You: How to Find Yourself After Losing Your Way

Losing your way is a common experience. It can arise due to significant life changes, challenging situations, or simply losing focus on your goals. 

Losing your way can impact several aspects of your life, like your relationships, career, and well-being. It can result in stagnation, unhappiness, and feeling stuck in a rut. 

But getting lost is part of the journey of becoming. By taking these intentional steps, you can reconnect with your authentic self, transform, and align with your true path.

[Interview] How Travel Can Inspire You to Grow and Contribute (feat. Jennifer Morilla)

Original airdate: March 12, 2019

As someone who loves to travel, I’ve experienced its benefits firsthand. It’s exposed me to many cultures and broadened my horizons. My guest today, Jennifer Morilla, shares my passion for traveling. But unlike me, she does it for a living.

Jennifer, also known as the Social Girl Traveler, is a travel influencer driven to create an impact through various social initiatives.  After starting her career in the New York agency world, she decided to use her knowledge in Social Entrepreneurship to start her own projects.

After traveling to 42 countries on six continents, she continues to grow as an ambassador to young professionals, teaching them how to turn their passion into a purposeful career.

Join me for my interview with Jennifer, where we talk about how you can benefit from exploring the world and how we can get the most out of your trips. She also shares some tips on how to travel on a budget and use what we learn from our journeys to create an impact on the world.

Historic Friendships: Exploring the Unbreakable Bonds That Shaped the Course of Humanity

Throughout history, there have been friendships that transcended time, culture, and even adversity. These unbreakable bonds enriched the lives of those involved and played a significant role in shaping human history. 

From political allies to artistic collaborators, the impact of these historic friendships is immeasurable; we’ll delve into the stories of some of these remarkable friendships and what they can teach us about having positive and constructive connections that benefit society.

[Interview] Leading with Grace: The Power of Compassion for Ourselves and Others (feat. Dr. Judith Orloff)

In our stressful world, many feel overwhelmed and exhausted. One way to overcome this is to tap into the transformative and healing practice of empathy. Empathy is a form of emotional intelligence that enables us to offer care and compassion with intention.

In this episode, my guest Dr. Judith Orloff, shares the magic of empathy to help us find greater self-love and embody our most compassionate selves in our relationships.

Dr. Judith Orloff is a board-certified psychiatrist, a member of the UCLA Psychiatric Clinical Faculty, and a New York Times bestselling author. She’s a leading voice in medicine, psychiatry, empathy, and intuitive development. In her private practice, she specializes in treating highly sensitive people. Her work has been featured on CNN, NPR, Talks at Google, TEDx, and the American Psychiatric Association. She has also appeared in USA Today, O, The Oprah Magazine, and Scientific American.

Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and energy medicine, Dr. Judith introduces us to empathy as a daily healing practice. We discuss common misconceptions about empathy, how to master it as a skill set, and how to demonstrate compassion towards ourselves and others, even if we don’t particularly like a person.

The Different Types of Failures We Experience and How to Navigate Them

Failure is often seen as something to be feared and avoided at all costs. However, based on innumerable success stories, it’s clear that embracing failure can work in our favor. 

Failure is not a destination but a stepping stone to higher ground. Each failure presents an opportunity for growth and self-reflection. 

From personal setbacks to professional challenges, knowing these various types of failures you may encounter will help you embrace and uncover their valuable lessons.