Tatev Talks

Tatev Sarkissyan
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  • Updated Weekly

Where Brains Meets Banter.Tune in on the 15th of every month to Tatev Talks to hear your favorite PHD student and professor, Tatev, get into education, growth, psychology, work/life balance, and living your best life.

Episodes

  1. Sep 15

    Entrepreneurship with Kennedy Hill

    In this episode, Dr. Sarkissyan speaks to Kennedy Hill about her experience developing her organization PlayDate. PlayDate is based in Los Angeles and is focused on creating community, opportunities, and experiences for local creatives. This organization all started from Kennedy's love of connecting people and really just having fun. Watch now to hear about Kennedy's experience in entrepreneurship and her organization PlayDate. Support the show

  2. Aug 26

    30th Birthday Special! (Feat. Jemma & Saten)

    I turned 30 this month, and I wanted to mark it with the two people who have known me the best: my mom, Jemma, and my sister, Saten. This one is different from every episode I've made. No research, no framework, just my family at the table and the stories that shaped us. We go back to our first year in America, when my mom walked Saten to school every morning with me in tow, and unpack the "never late, never absent" rules we grew up with (and how Saten still ended up with 31 absences). We talk about the Vegas years, the letters and calling cards that kept us connected to grandma in Armenia, and the day we flew across the world to surprise her after seven years apart. And yes, we settle Buddy vs. Bella, revisit some fashion choices I can't defend, and finally ask my mom who her favorite daughter is. This is the mom I get my whole way of seeing the world from, and the sister who lived every chapter of it with me. We move between English and Armenian the way we do at home. Translations are on screen, so you won't miss a word. Thank you for spending my birthday with us. 00:00 Welcome — a very special birthday episode 00:26 Meet the guests: Mom (Jemma) & Saten 01:15 Mom at 30: two kids in a brand-new country 01:51 One year into America — the walk to school 03:29 Never late, never absent: the school rules 04:10 Saten's 31 absences 04:59 Sick-day negotiations with dad 06:07 Married at 24 — "those were different times" 07:36 Before kids: Russia, languages, and mom's goals 08:59 The Vegas years (and hiding the packing) 10:31 Shopping runs in the family 11:17 The fake-website dopamine trick 12:25 The hardest part of leaving Armenia 13:53 The calling-card era 16:58 Surprising grandma after seven years 17:41 Fashion crimes: the France outfits 19:46 Graduation sneakers & proud-mom moments 21:10 Buddy vs. Bella — and the favorite daughter 24:56 "Have we grown?" — reflections at 30 25:30 Boundaries, self-respect, and getting wiser 27:39 Armenian school cliques & the old rules 30:13 Teacher stories (and a little bit of fraud) 31:54 Wrapping up — gratitude & birthday wishes Check Out Previous Episode! https://youtu.be/6TEWOTXKJGA Follow Tatev Talks: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tatevtalkspodcast/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@tatevtalkspodcast Follow Dr. Sarkissyan: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drsarkissyan/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsarkissyan Guests: Jemma — Tatev's mom Saten — Tatev's sister Credits: Recorded and Produced by: @omnitherealproductions Creative Consultant/Talent Booker: @diannneekara Recorded at @omnitherealproductions Support the show

  3. May 15

    Divested Psychology, Creative Masochism, and The Powers That Be, with Dr. Asil Yassine

    In Episode 7, Tatev sits down with Dr. Asil Yassin — UCLA-trained psychologist and founder of Dynamic Dreaming — to talk about her path from middle school classroom to PhD, researching Lebanon in real time as the war unfolded, and why mainstream therapy training isn't built for ethnic minorities. We also get into joy as resistance, community, and the small daily containers that keep us going. 00:00 Welcome — meeting Dr. Asil Yassin 01:25 From the middle school classroom to UCLA's PhD 05:30 Going clinical mid-program: how Asil added therapy hours 09:00 Researcher vs. therapist: two kinds of presence 11:30 When a student opens up: holding the weight 13:30 Studying Lebanon in real time as the war unfolds 17:00 Telling the whole narrative, not just the appeasing parts 21:00 Capitalism, PhD timelines, and taking the scenic route 28:30 Why mainstream therapy training fails ethnic minorities 32:30 Inside Dynamic Dreaming — how Asil's practice is different 35:30 Learning to trust yourself in big decisions 39:30 "Tell me something good": joy as resistance 43:30 Community, recognition, and acts of resistance 49:30 Spaces invested in liberation vs. spaces invested in civility 53:30 Movement, seasons, and containers for self-care 57:30 Goodbyes & where to find Asil Check Out Previous Episode! https://youtu.be/lt8UF_JI-fs Follow Tatev Talks: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tatevtalkspodcast/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@tatevtalkspodcast Follow Dr. Sarkissyan: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drsarkissyan/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsarkissyan Guest: Asil Yassine’s PHD Divested Psychologist Asil Yassine’s website:  https://dynamicdreaming.earth/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/dynamicdreaming?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Asil's Dissertation: https://escholarship.org/content/qt564295wh/qt564295wh.pdf Credits: Recorded and Produced by: @omnitherealproductions Creative Consultant/Talent Booker: @diannneekara Recorded at @mettameditationstudio Music by @gorgeouzbeats‬ Support the show

  4. Apr 15

    To Cast or Not to Cast with Faith Abraham

    In this episode of TatevTalks, host Tatev Sarkissyan sits down with Faith Abraham. Faith is a producer, writer, director and currently works in casting. We talk about her hilariously funny YouTube series called Birth Order and explore the intricacies of the entertainment industry. Faith discusses if she would ever go back to school and the way she manages her mental health. Check Out Previous Episode! https://youtu.be/U3DlWVxhAq0 Follow Tatev Talks: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tatevtalkspodcast/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@tatevtalkspodcast Follow Dr. Sarkissyan: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drsarkissyan/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsarkissyan Guest: Faith Abraham | Casting Associate | Writer, Director, Producer  Faith’s insta: https://www.instagram.com/anneorfaith?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Birth Order insta: https://www.instagram.com/birthordershow?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Link to Birth Order Youtube page: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtmcnyc5aNkQinASnS79zKQHcdVNnECsU&si=8r3VSUkpZoeAU_49 Credits: Recorded and Produced by: @omnitherealproductions Creative Consultant/Talent Booker: @diannneekara Recorded at @mettameditationstudio Music by @gorgeouzbeats‬ Support the show

  5. Mar 16

    Two PH.D. Candidates, A Microphone, and Some Opinions.

    In this episode, Tatev Sarkissyan is joined by Zahra Mesrizadeh, author of The God  of the Gaps: Understanding Science Through the Lens of Religion and Politics. Zahra is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Bioengineering at UCSD where her primary research revolves in breast cancer. They discuss research, academia, phd life, and their friendship. Follow along!  Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/U3DlWVxhAq0 Check Out Previous Episode! https://youtu.be/KEJrp07OJCw Follow Tatev Talks: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tatevtalkspodcast/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@tatevtalkspodcast Follow Dr. Sarkissyan: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drsarkissyan/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsarkissyan Guest: Zahra Mesrizadeh UCSD PhD candidate in Bioengineering. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author__tgoftg__book Zahra's Book "The God of the Gaps: Understanding Science through the Lens of Religion and Politics": https://a.co/d/05N0YvVJ Links & resources:  How miscommunication happens (and how to avoid it) - Katherine Hampsten: https://youtu.be/gCfzeONu3Mo?si=TfpsTFzJCiXCQVD8 Credits: Recorded and Produced by: George Purtseladze Recorded at @mettameditationstudio Music by @gorgeouzbeats‬ Support the show

  6. Feb 17

    PhD or Not? Overcome Rejection, Embrace Armenian Roots, Become the Best Version of Yourself!

    In this solo Q&A episode, I’m excited to answer all your questions about navigating grad school, handling rejection, and figuring out if a PhD is really the right path for you! We also dive deep into my Armenian heritage, the power of self-love, and why showing up as your authentic self is the absolute key to success. Join me for some real talk and remember that no matter what you're feeling right now, this too shall pass! Check out this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KEJrp07OJCw Check Out Previous Podcast Episode With Albert Babayan! https://youtu.be/1qQNnGZYOgo Follow Tatev Talks: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tatevtalkspodcast/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@tatevtalkspodcast Follow Dr. Sarkissyan: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drsarkissyan/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsarkissyan Links & resources: Jobs to do in psych with a bachelors degree: https://psychology.ucsd.edu/undergraduate-program/careers/#psychology-related-careers-to-consider-with-a-bach Psychology Careers with a Bachelor’s Degree: https://tinyurl.com/4wcxcy9u Armenian Resources: https://tinyurl.com/y2wu5sak Credits: Recorded and Produced by: @omnitherealproductions Recorded at @mettameditationstudio Music by @gorgeouzbeats‬ Support the show

  7. Jan 15

    The Seven Pillars of Success: A Masterclass in Intentional Living (Feat. Albert Babayan)

    In this episode of Tatev Talks, host Tatev Sarkissyan sits down with Albert Babayan, a real estate professional who successfully pivoted from a career in electrical engineering to real estate. The conversation explores Babayan's unique journey, his structured philosophy on life, and his deep-rooted passion for music and meditation. Follow Tatev Talks: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tatevtalkspodcast/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@tatevtalkspodcast Follow Dr. Sarkissyan: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drsarkissyan/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsarkissyan YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/1qQNnGZYOgo Guest: Albert Babayan is a prominent real estate broker and the CEO of Real Estate People, Inc., a division of JohnHart Real Estate based in Glendale, California. With a career spanning over 35 years beginning in 1990, he has facilitated the sale of more than 2,000 properties, specializing in condos, single-family homes, and multi-family units. Links & resources: Check out Albert Babayan! Instagram: @therealestateandcondopeople Facebook: The Condo People. Official Website: TheCondoPeople.com. Credits: Recorded and Produced by: George Purtseladze @george_is_georg8 Recorded at @mettameditationstudio Music by @gorgeouzbeats‬ Support the show

  8. 12/15/2025

    Find Your North Star (Feat. Dr. Jessica Morales-Chicas)

    In this episode, Tatev Sarkissyan sits down with Dr. Jessica Morales-Chicas to unpack how researchers turn big questions into practical impact—and how students (especially first-gen) can find their North Star and thrive. We talk about explaining research in plain language, why belonging and motivation matter for student success, and how real programs and grants translate into opportunity on campus. You’ll also hear Jessica’s candid path—from preschool teacher to STEM-motivation researcher—plus what she wishes every grad-school applicant knew about mentors, unwritten rules, and mental health along the way.  Follow Tatev Talks: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tatevtalkspodcast/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@tatevtalkspodcast Follow Dr. Sarkissyan: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drsarkissyan/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsarkissyan Guest: Dr. Jessica Morales-Chicas. Tenured Professor & Ph.D. in Education | STEM Education & Equity Researcher | Consultant bridging research + practice Links & resources: Check out Dr. Jessica Morales-Chicas @dr.morales_chicas Credits: Recorded and Produced by: George Purtseladze @george_is_georg8 Recorded at @mettameditationstudio Music by @gorgeouzbeats‬ Watch full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Q1rMgtKFyP0 Support the show

  9. 11/17/2025

    Science and Spirituality: Two Teachers Discussing the Balance Between Both

    Science and Spirituality: Two Teachers Discussing the Balance Between Both Dr. Debra Moreno Garcia and Tatev Sarkissyan unpack how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness translate into everyday decisions. They get into evidence vs. lived experience, what “multiple truths” really means, and how culture, community, and equity shape mental-health outcomes. Along the way, they talk about closing the research to practice gap, teaching through a social-justice lens, and how to stay curious without losing your compass.  Times: 00:00 – Cold open & show intro  00:30 – Meet Dr. Garcia (background, teaching, research)  05:00 – Why start with “science and spirituality”?  10:00 – DBT basics: the four skill families in plain English  15:00 – Mindfulness & emotion regulation in an always-on world  20:00 – Distress tolerance: navigating crises and chronic stress  25:00 – Research → practice: making skills usable (workbooks, classrooms)  30:00 – Community mental health, stigma, and belonging  35:00 – “Multiple truths”: data vs. lived experience (how both can be valid)  40:00 – Culture & equity: why representation changes outcomes  45:00 – Indigenous/folk practices and what research often misses  50:00 – Teaching through a justice lens; accountability + compassion  55:00 – Takeaways & next steps  Support the show

  • 9 Episodes

About

Where Brains Meets Banter.Tune in on the 15th of every month to Tatev Talks to hear your favorite PHD student and professor, Tatev, get into education, growth, psychology, work/life balance, and living your best life.

Information

  • Creator
    Tatev Sarkissyan
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tatev Talks
  • Show Website
    Tatev Talks