The First Mind Podcast

Monica Wallace
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The First Mind Podcast is a safe and non-judgmental space created with the intention to normalize the healing process. To provide access, information, and support on the journey of being a human.

  1. 4 APR

    Against All Odds: Tarin’s Story, Part 2 The Healing

    Against All Odds: Tarin’s Story, Part 2 | Healing, Identity, and What Came After In Part 2 of this conversation, Tarin Calmeyer reflects on what happened after the legal battle that shaped her childhood. She shares the impact of grief, early trauma, and the long journey of making meaning from a life marked by survival. Together we explore forgiveness, belonging, identity, and the process of reparenting ourselves after difficult beginnings. Tarin speaks candidly about the ways trauma can live in the body long after the events themselves have passed, and the healing work required to move forward with grace. She also shares her perspective on female genital mutilation, a practice that affected generations of women in her family, and what it means to be the first woman in her bloodline to break that cycle. This episode is a reflection on resilience, compassion, and the possibility of becoming more than the circumstances that tried to define us.

    26 min

  2. 1 APR

    Against All Odds: Tarin’s Story, Part 1

    Against All Odds: Tarin’s Story, Part 1 In this powerful conversation, Tarin Calmeyer shares the extraordinary story behind her life. Her journey is shaped by resilience, loss, adoption, and a decades long fight for truth and belonging. Beginning with her mother’s strength in South Africa and moving through the kidnapping that changed the course of her life, Tarin reflects on the legal battles, emotional aftermath, and the complex path of reconnecting with her past. This episode explores themes of adoption, identity, family separation, and the enduring power of family. Chapters 00:00 Introduction04:13 Tarin’s Mother’s Journey09:28 The Kidnapping17:24 The Aftermath and Recovery24:58 Reconnecting with Mabel39:04 The Battle for Custody44:44 The Legal Struggles and Support49:45 The Impact of Adoption on Identity52:42 Reflections on Mabel and Family Dynamics Part 2 airs Friday, April 3. Follow The First Mind Podcast to be notified when Part 2 is released.

    53 min

  3. 28/03/2025

    EQ with Ethan Hill

    Summary In this episode, Monica Wallace engages in a profound conversation with Ethan Hill, an international yoga teacher and body worker, exploring the unique healing journeys of men and women. They discuss the impact of childhood experiences on emotional expression, the importance of feeling emotions, and how pain can serve as a catalyst for personal growth. Ethan shares his transition from corporate burnout to a life of travel and self-discovery, emphasizing the need for vulnerability and emotional awareness in healing. The episode concludes with an announcement of an upcoming retreat aimed at fostering connection and healing. Takeaways The healing journey for men and women is different. Childhood experiences shape emotional expression in adulthood. Pain can be a catalyst for personal growth. Vulnerability is essential for building trust with others. Emotional awareness is crucial for healing. Traveling can lead to self-discovery and personal growth. Anger often masks deeper emotions like sadness. Men are often conditioned to suppress their feelings. Healing requires a supportive community. Retreats can provide a space for healing and connection. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Masculine Perspectives on Healing 04:28 Childhood Experiences and Emotional Development 10:14 Navigating Emotions: The Role of Language 16:23 Pain as a Catalyst for Growth and Empathy 17:03 The Catalyst of Pain and Existential Crisis 21:32 Embracing Non-Attachment and Spiritual Growth 26:58 Ethan 2.0: The Journey of Self-Discovery 33:20 The Healing Retreat: A Path to Awakening

    43 min

  4. 14/03/2025

    Level Up Your Life with Taria Buchanan

    In this episode of the First Mind Podcast, Monica Wallace and Taria Buchanan explore the concept of life as a quest, emphasizing self-growth and personal development. They discuss the importance of viewing life as a game where each challenge presents an opportunity for leveling up. Taria shares insights on navigating life's obstacles, the value of community support, and how tools like ChatGPT can aid in self-evolution. The conversation highlights the significance of awareness and emotional intelligence in the journey of healing and growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Quest Journey 00:50 Understanding Life as a Game 02:58 Navigating the Holes of Life 05:44 Tools for Leveling Up 08:30 The Role of ChatGPT in Self-Evolution 13:58 Practical Applications of ChatGPT 19:01 Community and Support in the Quest 21:38 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    28 min

  5. 28/02/2025

    Lessons in Love: A Year of Growth with Luba

    Summary Join Monica Wallace and Luba as they navigate love, vulnerability, and personal growth. In this conversation, they reflect on a year of lessons learned—from the impact of loss on their understanding of relationships to the transformative power of self-discovery and healing. They delve into childhood dynamics, attachment styles, and the work required to nurture lasting connections, emphasizing forgiveness and the capacity for growth. With thoughtful insights on intentional connection and authentic self-love, Monica and Luba invite you to explore how our past shapes who we are and how embracing our imperfections can lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 00:53 Reflections on Love and Vulnerability 03:24 The Journey of Self-Discovery 05:35 Understanding Love Through Loss 08:03 Forgiveness and Healing 10:52 The Impact of Childhood on Relationships 13:38 Navigating Mental Health and Self-Care 15:58 Attachment Styles and Their Influence 18:51 Confronting Patterns in Relationships 28:33 Coping Mechanisms and Childhood Trauma 31:07 Fear of Intimacy and Relationship Dynamics 32:26 Shifting Mindsets on Love and Relationships 35:17 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Regulation 37:38 Intentionality in Relationships 41:05 Understanding Attachment Styles 43:35 Capacity for Growth in Relationships 46:50 Intentional Choices in Love and Friendship 50:47 Acceptance and Self-Love 53:12 The Journey of Authenticity 57:18 Embracing Self-Worth and Boundaries 58:22 The Impact of Self-Love on Relationships 59:09 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance 01:00:40 Transforming Love from Fear to Security 01:02:13 The Importance of Self-Compassion 01:03:07 Navigating the Complexity of Emotions 01:05:23 The Power of Grace and Kindness 01:06:45 The Ongoing Journey of Self-Acceptance 01:08:20 Breaking Generational Patterns 01:10:03 Finding Strength in Vulnerability 01:12:01 The Value of Self-Reflection 01:14:08 Connecting Through Authenticity

    1hr 19min

  6. 14/02/2025

    Scaling Love with Dr. Xiaohoa Ching

    Welcome Back to The First Mind Podcast for Season 2. In this first episode of Season 2 of the First Mind Podcast, host Monica Wallace welcomes Dr. Xiaohoa Ching to discuss the multifaceted nature of love, emphasizing self-love, curiosity, and the importance of community. They explore the barriers to self-love, the significance of joy, and the different forms of love, including romantic love. Dr. Ching shares her unique practice of hosting 'feelings parties' to engage with emotions and cultivate self-acceptance. The conversation culminates in reflections on celebrating love, especially on Valentine's Day, and the transformative power of love in personal growth and healing. Takeaways -Love is defined by curiosity and self-acceptance. -Self-love is essential for giving love to others. -Joy is a vital source of energy and resilience. -Romantic love should enhance an already fulfilling life. -Expectations in relationships can lead to disappointment. -Practicing self-love can help clarify non-negotiables in love. -Celebrating love can be a personal and intentional act. -Feelings parties can help engage with and understand emotions. -Beauty and love can be found in everyday experiences. -Community and connection are crucial for sustaining love. Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back to Healing Conversations 01:52 The Essence of Love: Curiosity and Compassion 04:54 Finding Your People: Green Flags in Relationships 10:21 Scaling Love: A New Perspective 16:07 Deprogramming Self-Love: The Journey Within 23:31 Romantic Love: Beyond Lists and Expectations 29:01 Living in Love: The Journey of Self-Discovery 38:15 The Journey of Self-Love and Acceptance 42:37 Navigating Vulnerability in Relationships 47:15 The Abundance of Good People 51:26 Hosting a Feelings Party 57:24 Celebrating Love Beyond Romantic Relationships 01:02:01 Art as a Practice of Intimacy and Presence

    1hr 9min

  7. 27/07/2024

    Men's Mental Health Three Part Series: Part 3 with Keanu M. Jackson, LCSW

    Summary In this episode, host Monica Patrice interviews Keanu Jackson, a therapist based in Brooklyn, New York. Keanu shares his upbringing in a nurturing home and the lessons he learned about his identity as a black man. He discusses his journey in understanding masculinity and queerness, emphasizing the importance of creating safe spaces for emotional expression. Keanu also explores the intersectionality of being black and queer, highlighting the challenges and complexities that come with it. He shares his personal awakening and the motivation behind his work in supporting others' mental health. Keanu Jackson discusses the discrimination and assumptions he faced growing up in his community and how it led him to pursue a career in social work and therapy. He focuses on supporting queer, black, and brown individuals in building better relationships with their bodies through sex therapy and internal family systems therapy. Keanu emphasizes the importance of understanding the mind-body connection and how societal messaging and shame can impact our mental health. He encourages individuals to explore options for self-care and compassion and to challenge societal norms and expectations. Takeaways Growing up in a nurturing home with supportive parents can have a profound impact on a person's understanding of their identity. Masculinity is a complex concept that can be influenced by societal expectations and personal experiences. Queerness is a unique and multifaceted experience that encompasses freedom, authenticity, and the ability to exist outside societal norms. Being black and queer are interconnected aspects of one's identity, and they should not be separated or compartmentalized. Creating safe spaces for emotional expression is crucial for individuals to feel seen, heard, and supported. The intersectionality of being black and queer can present unique challenges and complexities, and it requires navigating multiple layers of identity. Supporting mental health involves creating safe and inclusive environments where individuals can explore and express their authentic selves. Personal awakenings can lead to a desire to support others in their mental health journeys and make a positive impact in their communities. Discrimination and assumptions based on appearance can lead to targeted behaviors and discrimination against individuals. Keanu Jackson pursued a career in social work and therapy to support his community and individuals with similar experiences. He focuses on helping queer, black, and brown individuals build better relationships with their bodies through sex therapy and internal family systems therapy. Understanding the mind-body connection is crucial for mental health, and societal messaging and shame can impact our relationship with our bodies. Exploring options for self-care and compassion and challenging societal norms and expectations can lead to liberation and healing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Keanu and his Story 04:00 Understanding Masculinity and Black Manhood 07:09 The Importance of Emotional Nurturing 16:07 Exploring Queerness and Authenticity 22:03 The Intersection of Blackness and Queerness 25:50 Navigating Mental Health and the Mind-Body Connection 29:02 Building Better Relationships with Our Bodies 32:56 The Role of Consent and Self-Compassion in Healing 36:37 Challenging Societal Norms and Shame for Personal Growth 42:29 Understanding the Mind-Body Connection for Mental Well-being

    51 min

  8. 13/07/2024

    Men's Mental Health Three Part Series: Part 2 with Shams Tabriz

    Summary In this conversation, Monica Wallace interviews Shams (Boii McCoy) about his journey with bipolar disorder and his experiences with relationships. Shams shares how he embraced writing as a form of expression and found fulfillment in sharing his raw experiences. He discusses the influence of his family, particularly his sisters and his father, on his understanding of masculinity and relationships. Shams also talks about the importance of conflict resolution skills in maintaining healthy relationships. He reflects on his own journey of forgiveness and growth, and the impact of his father's actions on his perspective. Shams emphasizes the need for awareness and seeking help for mental health issues, and the potential consequences of neglecting one's mental well-being. In this conversation, Shams opens up about his personal journey with bipolar disorder and how it has impacted his life. He discusses the major life events that triggered his bipolar episodes and the challenges he faced in finding stability. Shams emphasizes the importance of seeking help and not being ashamed to ask for support. He also highlights the need to prioritize mental health and avoid numbing behaviors. Shams shares his upcoming projects, including a book and new music. Takeaways Embracing writing as a form of expression can provide fulfillment and help in processing traumatic experiences. The influence of family, particularly siblings and parents, can shape one's understanding of masculinity and relationships. Conflict resolution skills are essential for maintaining healthy and long-lasting relationships. Forgiveness and growth are important in breaking patterns and creating healthier dynamics. Neglecting mental health can lead to severe consequences, and seeking help is crucial for overall well-being. Don't be ashamed to ask for help. Seeking help does not make you less of a man, but rather makes you more of a man. Avoid numbing yourself to pain, as it also numbs you to joy and beautiful experiences. Prioritize your mental health and take the time to regulate your emotions and cultivate hobbies that bring you fulfillment. Normalize the healing process for Black and Brown people, as they deserve to prioritize their mental well-being. Engage in open and honest conversations about mental health to break the stigma and provide support for those struggling. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:27 The Power of Authentic Expression in Creative Writing 06:34 Navigating Relationships and the Importance of Conflict Resolution 11:04 Understanding Masculinity and Relationships Through Personal Experiences 16:35 Seeking Help and Overcoming Stigma in Men's Mental Health 22:14 The Impact of Major Life Events on Mental Health 27:03 Pre-Diagnosis Experiences and the Journey to Self-Awareness 29:50 The Impact of Structure on Mental Health 30:18 Symptoms and Triggers of Bipolar Disorder 31:46 Getting Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 32:44 Seeking Help and Admitting to the Hospital 34:02 Finding Connection and Inspiration in Rumi's Poetry 38:10 The Importance of Medication and Therapy 39:44 Finding the Right Medication and Treatment Plan 40:25 Carrying Mental Health Challenges in Healthy Ways 42:12 The Impact of Mental Health on Relationships 43:36 Numbing vs. Facing Pain and Emotions 46:03 Breaking the Stigma: Asking for Help 48:09 The Universality of Mental Health Struggles 49:27 Prioritizing Mental Health in a Productivity-Obsessed Society 52:38 Normalizing Mental Health for Black and Brown Communities 53:54 Advice for Men Struggling with Mental Health 55:51 The Journey to Healing: Numbing vs. Facing Pain 56:48 Don't Be Ashamed to Ask for Help 01:01:37 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans

    1hr 2min
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About

The First Mind Podcast is a safe and non-judgmental space created with the intention to normalize the healing process. To provide access, information, and support on the journey of being a human.

Information

  • Creator
    Monica Wallace
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Monica Wallace
  • Show Website
    The First Mind Podcast

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