The Dream Catcher Podcast

Global Graces: Navigating Social Etiquette Across Cultures and Countries

In our interconnected world, cross-cultural interactions are increasingly common. 

Understanding and respecting social etiquette across cultures is essential for business, travel, or personal relationships. 

Learn the differences in different world regions and how to adapt your behavior to create meaningful connections and avoid unintentionally offending others.

[Interview] Develop a Mindset to Believe in Your Dreams and Overcome Limitations (feat. Dr. Dravon James)

Original airdate: July 26, 2022

As children, we believe that anything is possible. We see the world through the lens of curiosity, openness and joy. Sadly, many of us lose this perspective as we grow up.

The challenges of adult life may cause us to focus on our limitations instead of our possibilities.
The good news is that we can transform this by nurturing a mindset that helps us stay focused on our dreams. My guest, Dr. Dravon James, who’s been helping people do this for years, is here to share her thoughts.

Dr. Dravon James is a life coach, inspirational speaker, radio host, and author of “Freedom is Your Birthright.” She is the founder of the Next Step Leadership Academy and Every Day Peace, a platform where she inspires others to build the life of their dreams.  She’s also an actress whose career credits include a recurring role on HBO’s acclaimed “The Wire”, several stage plays, and independent films.

During our conversation, Dravon will inspire us to live our best lives by helping us develop a healthy mindset focused on growth and resourcefulness. She also offers advice on dealing with the obstacles and detours so that it does not deviate us from our path.

Psychological Time vs. Clock Time: What’s the Difference and How to Balance Our Perception of Time

In our fast-paced society, time is often seen as an objective concept measured by clocks and calendars. However, a deeper exploration reveals that time is not just a linear progression of minutes and hours but also a subjective experience that varies from person to person. 

This article delves into the battle of our perception of time and explores strategies for managing the interplay between psychological time and what we see on the clock. By learning these dynamics, you’ll discover how to make the most of each precious moment.

[Interview] Authenticity: How to Find Meaning and be True to Yourself (inspired by the life of Viktor Frankl)

We are multidimensional beings, capable of molding our character at any stage in our life. Our identity is fluid and malleable, and we can continue to evolve and enhance it to realize our highest potential.

Viktor Frankl had to learn how to master this, having lived in most of the 20th century, one of the more transformative periods in world history.

This Austrian psychiatrist and neurologist is most known for being a Holocaust survivor, but in reality, his contributions to mental health and psychology are his true legacy.

His seminal book, "Man's Search for Meaning," and logotherapy, a psychological approach centered on meaning creation, is rooted in his observations at the concentration camps, where he witnessed unthinkable cruelty and injustice.

Frankl prioritized guiding people to find their deeper purpose in good and bad times. In the process, he discovered himself and crystallized his mission.

To glean wisdom from Frankl's incredible life and work, I invited Alex Pattakos, Ph.D., affectionately nicknamed "Dr. Meaning." Alex is the co-founder of the Global Meaning Institute and co-creator of MEANINGology® —the study and practice of meaning in life, work, and society.

A prolific author, he has written two international best-selling books on the human quest for meaning: The OPA! Way', inspired by Greek philosophy, mythology, and culture, and 'Prisoners of Our Thoughts', written at the personal urging of Viktor Frankl himself.

How Overthinking in Relationships Ruins it and How to Navigate it

In a world filled with distractions and endless possibilities, it's easy to get caught up in overthinking, a cycle that hinders our ability to build and maintain healthy relationships. 

But breaking free from this vicious cycle is essential to nurture meaningful and fulfilling relationships. 

By understanding the roots of overthinking in relationships and implementing practical techniques, you'll gain the confidence to trust your instincts, communicate effectively, and let go of perfectionism.

[Interview] Finding Bliss Through The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism (feat. Robert Thurman)

Original airdate: October 19, 2021

While Buddhism is considered a significant global religion, its ideas, philosophies, and practices have long inspired people of other faiths. That's because it's more of a spiritual tradition that educates us on how to live well and find inner peace.

Learn more about it with Robert Thurman, this episode's featured guest and one of the leading experts on Buddhism.

Robert Thurman is a Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and Co-Founder and President of Tibet House US/Menla in service of the HH Dalai Lama. The New York Times named him the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism and awarded him the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2020 for his help in recovering India's ancient Buddhist heritage. Time Magazine chose him as one of the 25 most influential Americans in 1997.

In this interview, we discuss some of the main concepts covered in Robert Thurman's new book, Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life. He offers his insight into Buddhist principles such as Nirvana, Karma, and the practice of mindfulness and how we can apply them in our everyday lives. 

How to Attract Positive Energy By Training Your Mind

In a world filled with negativity, remaining positive can be increasingly challenging. 

However, having a healthy frame of mind is essential to a joyful life as it affects your well-being and can attract positive experiences and opportunities. 

Learn what it really means to attract positive energy and how it impacts our lives. These practical strategies help you tap into the power of positivity and attract abundance in all areas of your life.

[Interview] Finding Our Voice: The Courage to Express Ourselves (Inspired by the life of Maya Angelou)

Each one of us is a unique expression of the universe. There will never be another individual with our specific configuration of DNA and the talents that stem from it. That's why we all have something to say, whether expressed through art, science, numbers, imagination, or thoughts.

The remarkable life of Maya Angelou, a legendary memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist, is an exemplary example of exploring the deeper dimensions of who we are and sharing that with the world, and using the happenings in our life to form a coherent storyline that can serve others.

She tapped into every avenue possible to express her voice and talents, from writing books and composing poetry to dancing, acting, singing, and directing. That's why she's the perfect icon to showcase in this discussion on finding and expressing our voice with courage and conviction. 

I invited Tiffany Obeng to explore Maya Angelou's life and the lessons we can glean from it. Tiffany is a lawyer and author of several educational and inspiring children's picture books, including one about Maya Angelou. Tiffany creates books featuring Black children and families in spaces where they have historically been absent and in normal everyday situations. In this way, all children are normalized and humanized, and the world can be made a safer place for them.

* 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/

 

Probability of Success: How to Turn The Odds in Your Favor

Life can seem random and chaotic and often doesn't make sense to us. 

Applying the probability of success can help us better understand the world around us and make better decisions in our life and business. 

We can move from victim to master when we learn the art of turning the odds in our favor. Find out how probability works and how to apply it to achieve your goals.

* 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 Use Feng Shui to Create Abundance (feat. Kim Klein)

Original airdate: January 1, 2019

Feng Shui, the study of the movement of chi, is the Chinese word for energy. It guides that energy, letting it flow freely through your home, creating a healthy balance and sense of well-being.

Kim Klein says our homes are the one place on earth to which we are most energetically connected. They nourish and support us and will always mirror us. That’s why we need to be mindful caretakers.

Kim shares tips on how we can do this and lots more in this episode. In addition to being a Holistic Health Coach, Kim is a Certified Feng Shui Consultant, graduating in 2004 from the three-year BTB (Black Tantric Buddhist) Masters Training Program in San Francisco.

During our conversation, Kim introduces us to the ancient science of Feng Shui by describing how it works and how we can benefit from using its wisdom to correct the flow of this energy into and through our space. She provides simple tools and techniques in our homes and office spaces and shows us how to use Feng Shui to set our intentions for the New Year.