Inner Voice - Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan

Dr. Foojan Zeine

“InnerVoice – A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan” is a podcast where Dr. Foojan Zeine invites thought leaders, mental wellness experts, educators, and trailblazers to engage in open, intimate conversations grounded in her signature framework, Awareness Integration Theory (AIT). Each episode explores themes of self-awareness, healing from the past, building self-confidence, nurturing meaningful relationships, and creating a purpose-driven future. Listeners come away with practical insights, reflective prompts, and actionable steps aligned with the podcast’s ethos of “clear the past • create a new future • live a fulfilled life now.”

  1. 1d ago

    The Question That Changed Everything | Climbing Your Own Mountain

    n this inspiring and deeply personal episode 456 of The Inner Voice a heartfelt chat with Dr. Foojan, Dr. Foojan Zeine sits down with international keynote speaker, leadership expert, executive coach, and bestselling author James Robbins for a powerful conversation about purpose, authentic leadership, personal transformation, emotional resilience, and his new book, The Call to Climb. Known worldwide for advising Fortune 500 companies and helping leaders build high-performance cultures, James Robbins reveals a side of his journey that few people have heard before. Despite achieving professional success, recognition, and influence, he found himself facing a profound "dark night of the soul" that forced him to confront a life-changing question: "Am I living my true purpose, or someone else's definition of success?" In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Foojan and James explore the psychology of self-discovery, leadership development, emotional intelligence, personal growth, and the courage it takes to listen to your inner voice. James shares how growing up near the Rocky Mountains inspired the metaphor behind The Call to Climb and how climbing symbolizes the human journey toward fulfillment, meaning, authenticity, and becoming who we are truly meant to be. This episode is a must-watch for leaders, entrepreneurs, executives, coaches, therapists, business owners, and anyone searching for greater purpose, happiness, fulfillment, and alignment in life. In This Episode You'll Learn: • Why so many high achievers and successful professionals still feel empty or unfulfilled • How to identify whether you're pursuing your own dreams or living according to someone else's expectations • The difference between ego-driven leadership and authentic leadership • How to develop a personal leadership philosophy rooted in your values and purpose • Why vulnerability is one of the most powerful leadership skills • How emotional intelligence strengthens relationships, teams, and organizations • The role of resilience, self-awareness, and authenticity in personal transformation • How to overcome limiting beliefs and rewrite the stories holding you back • Lessons from James Robbins' journey through burnout, self-discovery, and reinvention • Why true success comes from alignment rather than achievement alone • How to create a meaningful legacy through the impact you have on others James also discusses the influence of Jungian psychology and the work of renowned psychoanalyst Dr. James Hollis, whose teachings helped him understand the importance of listening to the soul and reconnecting with his authentic self. He shares the powerful realization that he had spent years climbing someone else's mountain and how that discovery transformed his life, leadership, and mission. Throughout this conversation, Dr. Foojan and James explore what it means to lead with humanity, compassion, authenticity, and purpose in a world that often rewards performance over connection. Their discussion offers practical wisdom and profound insights for anyone seeking a more meaningful life and a deeper connection to themselves and others. About James Robbins James Robbins is an international keynote speaker, leadership advisor, executive coach, and bestselling author of Nine Minutes on Monday and The Call to Climb. He works with Fortune 500 organizations around the world, helping leaders improve employee engagement, strengthen organizational culture, develop leadership excellence, and create lasting impact through purpose-driven leadership. Learn more about James Robbins: [https://www.jamesrobbins.com](https://www.jamesrobbins.com) #JamesRobbins #TheCallToClimb #DrFoojanZeine #TheInnerVoice #AuthenticLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #PurposeDrivenLife #SelfDiscovery #EmotionalIntelligence #Resilience #Mindset #SuccessAndFulfillment #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #PersonalTransformation #JungianPsychology #JamesHollis #SoulPurpose #MeaningOfLife #MentalHealth #Wellness #SelfDevelopment #RelationshipBuilding #LeadershipSkills #Motivation #Inspiration #Purpose #AuthenticLiving #Fortune500Leadership#mentalhealth #Wellness #Relationship #PersonalGrowth #selfdevelopment

    38 min
  2. May 26

    The High Achiever’s Secret Struggle: How Perfectionism Hides Depression

    In this deeply emotional and eye-opening episode 455 of Inner Voice A Heartfelt chat with Dr. Foojan, Dr. Foojan sits down with renowned clinical psychologist Margaret Rutherford to explore the hidden epidemic of “Perfectly Hidden Depression” — a form of depression that often goes unnoticed behind achievement, success, perfectionism, and smiling faces. Dr. Margaret’s groundbreaking TEDx Talk on Perfectly Hidden Depression has reached more than 2 million viewers worldwide and resonated with countless high performers silently struggling with shame, emotional isolation, anxiety, and depression. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Margaret explains the critical difference between healthy perfectionism and destructive perfectionism — revealing how many people use overachievement, control, and outward success to hide deep emotional pain. Together, Dr. Foojan and Dr. Margaret discuss: • What “Perfectly Hidden Depression” really means • Why high achievers often suffer in silence • The connection between perfectionism, shame, and depression • How childhood trauma and emotional suppression shape adult behavior • Why many therapists and diagnostic systems miss hidden depression • The exhausting pressure to appear “fine” while struggling internally • How social media fuels perfectionism and emotional masking • Why successful people are still vulnerable to suicide • How to begin healing shame and reconnecting with your authentic self • Dr. Margaret’s workbook and tools for emotional recovery This heartfelt discussion offers hope, validation, and insight for anyone who feels trapped behind the pressure to be perfect. If you’ve ever felt emotionally alone despite appearing successful, this episode may change the way you see yourself — and your healing journey. Watch, listen, and share with someone who may need this conversation. #PerfectlyHiddenDepression #Perfectionism #MentalHealth #DepressionAwareness #HiddenDepression #TEDxTalk #Shame #HighFunctioningDepression #SelfHealing #InnerVoicePodcast #DrMargaretRutherford #DrFoojan #EmotionalHealth #TraumaHealing #MentalWellness #Anxiety #HealingJourney #Psychology #SelfWorth #EmotionalIsolation #MentalHealth #Wellness #Relationship #PersonalGrowth #Self-Development

    48 min
  3. May 18

    The Hidden Reason Most People Never Achieve Greatness| Dr.Behnam Bakhshandeh

    In this powerful and inspiring podcast episode, Dr. Foojan sits down with Behnam Bakhshandeh, Ph.D., MPS — internationally recognized executive coach, business coach, organizational development expert, leadership trainer, motivational speaker, and author of 18 transformational books. With more than 30 years of experience in executive coaching, leadership development, workplace performance, emotional intelligence, productivity, and personal transformation, Dr. Behnam shares life-changing insights on how to unlock human potential and achieve true greatness. Learn more at Primeco Education In this deep and motivational conversation, Dr. Behnam explores the growing impact of life coaching, executive coaching, business coaching, personal development, and transformational leadership in today’s world. He shares practical strategies for overcoming limiting beliefs, building confidence, increasing productivity, improving self-awareness, mastering emotional intelligence, and creating authentic success in both personal and professional life. The discussion also highlights Dr. Behnam’s groundbreaking book, The Conspiracy for Greatness, a powerful guide to self-improvement, leadership excellence, mindset mastery, personal growth, and high-performance living. He reveals the inspiring journey behind revising his first self-published book from 2008 into a newly expanded second edition published with Taylor & Francis. Expanding from 440 pages to 542 pages, the book reflects his remarkable path from immigrant beginnings to becoming a respected psychologist, executive coach, educator, and bestselling author. Throughout the episode, Dr. Behnam explains the true meaning of greatness and why many people fail to recognize the extraordinary potential already within themselves. He discusses how greatness develops through purpose, discipline, talent, self-awareness, accountability, authenticity, resilience, and emotional healing. He also shares how feedback from others often reveals hidden strengths before individuals can fully see them on their own. Dr. Foojan and Dr. Behnam dive into powerful topics including: • Executive coaching and leadership development • Personal transformation and mindset mastery • Emotional intelligence and authentic leadership • Productivity and peak performance • Organizational psychology and workplace success • Self-awareness and overcoming self-doubt • Vision vs. mission in life and business • Building confidence, fulfillment, and purpose • Human behavior, relationships, and communication • Vulnerability, courage, and emotional healing • Entrepreneurship, coaching, and business growth One of the most inspiring moments of the conversation comes when Dr. Behnam vulnerably shares a childhood experience of comparing himself to his brother — a moment that unconsciously fueled his lifelong drive for achievement, success, and proving self-worth. He explains how healing those internal stories can transform leadership, relationships, happiness, and personal fulfillment. The episode also explores the three most important relationships in life: the relationship with yourself, the relationship with others, and how those relationships shape leadership effectiveness, communication, emotional wellbeing, productivity, and success. Dr. Behnam further explains the critical difference between vision and mission: vision is rooted in “being,” while mission is rooted in “doing.” Reflecting on his transition from owning a successful construction company to becoming a transformational coach and educator, he shares how purpose-driven work created deeper meaning, inner peace, impact, confidence, and fulfillment. Whether you are a coach, entrepreneur, executive, therapist, business leader, student, or someone seeking personal growth and life purpose, this episode delivers actionable wisdom, transformational insights, and powerful strategies to help you become the best version of yourself. Watch now and discover how to unlock your hidden greatness, overcome internal limitations, develop authentic confidence, and create a life filled with meaning, success, fulfillment, leadership, and impact. Follow the show, share this episode with someone who needs to hear this podcast, and visit AwarenessIntegration.com for therapy, coaching, mind-body services, functional medicine, groups, and membership. #MentalHealth #Wellness #Relationship #PersonalGrowth #Self-Development

    46 min
  4. May 11

    The Postpartum Truth They Don't Tell You | Mom Rage, Burnout & Survival

    Welcome to Episode 453 of Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan In this episode, Dr. Foojan sits down with Irin Rubin, founder of MamaZen — a mindfulness-based mental health app supporting mothers through postpartum anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and mom burnout. After navigating her own postpartum mental health challenges, Irin became passionate about helping moms feel calmer, more emotionally present, and mentally supported during one of life’s most vulnerable transitions. Her work focuses on breaking generational trauma cycles, nervous system regulation for mothers, and helping women reconnect with themselves — so they can parent with more patience, love, and intention. About This Episode Dr. Foojan and Irin sit down for a real, raw dialogue — not a traditional interview — diving deep into the most difficult mental health realities of modern parenting. They focus on the topics most parents are ashamed to admit: mom rage, anger, yelling, punishment cycles, and emotional dysregulation, and what it truly takes to raise emotionally healthy children. This is a mental health conversation every parent needs to hear. Postpartum Mental Health — The Crisis No One Talks About Irin opens up about her own postpartum mental health struggles, including the trauma of her first daughter’s birth, severe colic, sleep deprivation, and emotional collapse — followed by the same crisis with her second child. She describes feeling completely abandoned by a medical system that treated only her physical recovery while ignoring her emotional and psychological needs. This gap in postpartum mental health support drove her to build MamaZen — because mothers deserve more than physical checkups. They need real emotional regulation tools, nervous system healing, and mental health support from day one. The Hidden Mental Health Crisis of Modern Motherhood Irin and Dr. Foojan unpack why so many women are blindsided by the mental health impact of pregnancy and early motherhood. Societal pressure, unrealistic media portrayals of motherhood, and a lack of community support leave modern mothers — especially highly educated, high-achieving women — feeling isolated, out of control, and mentally broken. The gap between the “perfect mother” image and the painful reality fuels postpartum depression, anxiety, mom guilt, and emotional burnout on a massive scale. Traditional Support vs. Modern Parenting Pressure Dr. Foojan explores the tension between traditional community-based postpartum support and today’s overwhelming flood of modern parenting advice. Irin offers a powerful mental health reframe: lower the expectations, embrace imperfection, and give yourself permission to try different approaches. She emphasizes that postpartum self-care is not a luxury — it is a mental health necessity — and urges mothers to build a real postpartum support plan including meal support, physical help, and emotional resources in those critical early weeks. MamaZen — A Mental Health Program Built for Mothers Irin introduces MamaZen, her mindfulness and cognitive hypnotherapy program designed to help mothers find inner calm, emotional regulation, and mental peace — from pregnancy through adolescence. The program directly addresses postpartum stress, parental burnout, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation, giving mothers practical mental health tools to self-regulate and avoid hitting a breaking point. How Parental Mental Health Shapes Your Child’s Development Dr. Foojan and Irin examine one of the most critical mental health truths in parenting: a parent’s unregulated nervous system directly shapes their child’s emotional development, attachment security, and mental health. They discuss how parental emotional dysregulation strains both the parent-child bond and the co-parenting relationship — and why nervous system regulation for mothers is the foundation of a healthier family. Practical Mental Health Tools for New Parents Irin closes with actionable mental health strategies for new and overwhelmed parents: Train your nervous system daily with mindfulness and calming techniques Use nap times intentionally for mental health recovery, not just chores Ask for help — seeking support is a mental health strength, not weakness Use the MamaZen app for guided relaxation, co-regulation tools, and nervous system reset exercises Read The Mama Zen Parenting Method — available on Amazon and the App Store Download MamaZen: Available on iOS and Android The Mama Zen Parenting Method — on Amazon#MentalHealth #Wellness #Relationship #PersonalGrowth #Self-Development

    45 min
  5. May 4

    Your Body’s Hidden Script: Why Are You Ignoring Your Greatest Healer?

    🎙️ Inner Voice – A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan | Episode 452 What if your body has been holding the answers all along… and you’ve been trained to ignore it? In this powerful and transformational episode, Dr. Foojan Ze sits down with psychologist, somatic therapist, and author Celia Bray to uncover the hidden survival scripts stored in your body—and how they silently shape your thoughts, behaviors, relationships, and life decisions. After a near-death experience from a rare chickenpox complication, Celia spent a week in a coma—an event that completely transformed her understanding of the mind-body connection, trauma healing, and somatic therapy. In this episode, you’ll learn how to reconnect with your body’s intelligence, break free from unconscious trauma patterns, and access deep emotional healing. 🔑 What You’ll Discover in This Episode: ✨ The shocking near-death experience that changed everything ✨ What somatic therapy really is and how it works ✨ How your nervous system stores childhood trauma and survival patterns ✨ Why you ignore your gut feelings—and how to trust your body again ✨ The truth about body intuition vs. overthinking ✨ How unconscious beliefs shape your adult life and relationships ✨ Powerful somatic practices for trauma recovery and emotional healing ✨ How movement-based healing (Open Floor, Family Constellations) unlocks stored emotions ✨ Simple daily tools to reconnect with your body’s wisdom 🌿 About Celia Bray Celia Bray is the founder of Somatic Psychology International and author of Inscribed: Your Body’s Hidden Script. With over 20 years of global experience, she integrates modern psychology, somatic healing, and embodied practices to help people release trauma and reclaim authentic living. 🧠 Topics Covered (SEO Keywords): somatic therapy, trauma healing, body keeps the score, mind body connection, nervous system regulation, childhood trauma healing, emotional healing, somatic psychology, body intuition, trauma recovery, embodied healing, subconscious beliefs, survival patterns, mental health podcast, personal growth, mindfulness practices, somatic exercises, holistic healing, self awareness, emotional release therapy 📌 Why You Should Watch If you’ve ever: Ignored your gut feeling and regretted it Felt stuck in repeating emotional patterns Struggled with anxiety, trauma, or overwhelm Wanted to understand your body’s signals This episode will change how you see yourself—forever. 🔔 Don’t Forget to: 👍 Like 💬 Comment your biggest takeaway 🔔 Subscribe for more deep conversations on mental health & personal growth#mentalhealth #Wellness #Relationship #PersonalGrowth #Self-Development

    44 min
  6. Apr 27

    The MIT Harvard CEO Who Left It All Behind for This

    Episode 451 of Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan features an inspiring and transformational conversation as Dr. Foojan Zeine sits down with Dr. Yosi Amram—licensed clinical psychologist, CEO leadership coach, serial entrepreneur, and best-selling author—to explore the power of spiritual intelligence in leadership, relationships, and personal growth. Dr. Yosi Amram, a former founder and CEO of two companies that successfully went public, has coached over 100 CEOs—many leading billion-dollar organizations. With engineering degrees from MIT, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Sofia University, Yosi is a pioneering researcher in spiritual intelligence (SQ), with over 1,000 academic citations. He is also the award-winning author of Spiritually Intelligent Leadership: How to Inspire by Being Inspired. In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine interviews Dr. Amram about his groundbreaking book and his deeply personal journey—from his upbringing in Israel and rapid rise in the military, to becoming a successful tech entrepreneur. He shares the profound story of a spiritual awakening that occurred during a massage, which ultimately led him to leave his company, Individual Inc., before it went public—redirecting his life toward transpersonal psychology, inner transformation, and conscious leadership. The conversation dives into the concept of spiritual intelligence, defined as the ability to access and apply spiritual resources and qualities to enhance both personal and professional effectiveness. Dr. Yosi introduces the Integrated Spiritual Intelligence Scale, which measures five essential domains: meaning, grace, truth, wisdom, and transcendence. He emphasizes that spiritual intelligence is universal, practical, and not limited to religious belief systems. Dr. Yosi and Dr. Foojan explore how spiritual intelligence enhances organizational leadership, helping leaders create purpose-driven cultures rooted in shared values, vision, and authenticity. These qualities lead to stronger team dynamics, increased employee engagement, higher morale, and improved financial performance. They also discuss the powerful intersection of spiritual traditions, positive psychology, and leadership science, highlighting shared traits such as purpose, integrity, service, humility, and compassion. These qualities are essential for shifting from transactional leadership to human-centered collaboration, fostering deeper connection, trust, and belonging in the workplace. A key theme in the episode is relational intelligence, inspired by Martin Buber’s I-Thou vs. I-It philosophy. Dr. Yosi explains how treating others as whole human beings rather than objects creates meaningful relationships, both in business and in personal life. The discussion expands into the connection between spirituality and health, emphasizing how emotions like gratitude, love, and acceptance support healing and well-being, while anger and disconnection can negatively impact mental and physical health. Living with intention and embodying these virtues leads to a more fulfilled, balanced, and resilient life. In a compelling study of 100 couples, Dr. Yosi reveals that spiritual intelligence is the strongest predictor of relationship satisfaction, even more than emotional intelligence or attachment styles. Unlike material resources, spiritual qualities such as love and gratitude grow when shared, creating powerful positive cycles in romantic relationships. Finally, Dr. Yosi reflects on the importance of self-connection and inner alignment, sharing how life’s challenges can serve as catalysts for awakening and returning to one’s authentic self. He invites listeners to deepen their own spiritual intelligence through his work, teachings, and community initiatives focused on compassion, presence, and conscious living. #mentalhealth #Wellness #Relationship #PersonalGrowth #Self-Development

    47 min
  7. Apr 20

    Strangers Reveal Their Deepest Burdens… Then This Happened

    E450 of Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan — In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Foojan explores The Weight of Grace, Tom Tenney’s powerful debut story, born from a vivid dream and a heartfelt conversation about the invisible burdens we all carry. Inspired by the timeless phrase “Take up your cross and follow me,” and influenced by A Liberated Mind by Steven C. Hayes, Tom brings a compassionate lens to themes of resilience, emotional healing, and the quiet strength within human struggle. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, an MBA, and five years of experience as a therapeutic foster parent, Tom shares profound insights into empathy, listening, and transformation. Discover more at www.theweightofgrace.com. Journey of Grace and Struggle Tom shares the deeply personal journey behind writing The Weight of Grace, sparked by a dream and expanded through years of research into human burdens and emotional pain. By collecting real-life stories through Google Alerts and connecting with hundreds of individuals, Tom honors vulnerability and highlights a powerful truth: our struggles are not here to break us—they are here to reveal who we truly are. This episode explores storytelling, emotional resilience, and the human experience of overcoming adversity. Grace and Resilience in Literature In this soulful conversation, Tom and Dr. Foojan explore the evolving meaning of grace—not as the removal of hardship, but as the ability to support others through theirs. Through personal reflections and storytelling, they discuss vulnerability, healing, and a compelling character from Tom’s book who reframes suffering as a source of strength. This discussion blends spirituality, psychology, and humanity, offering listeners a transformative perspective on resilience and compassion. Compassionate Connection Through Vulnerability Tom reveals his mission to foster human connection through vulnerability, inspired by both his book and real-world social experiments. From helping a stranger process emotional burdens in a park to envisioning an app that tracks acts of kindness, his vision is rooted in empathy and service. He emphasizes how separating emotions from identity and embracing small, meaningful acts of kindness can create powerful connections and support emotional healing. Grace and Compassion in Action Through a moving social experiment, Tom invited strangers to sit with him and share their struggles, creating safe spaces for authentic human connection. He distinguishes between grace—seeing others empathetically—and compassion—taking action to help alleviate their suffering. Tom hopes to expand this initiative across cities, inspiring a movement centered on vulnerability, kindness, and emotional support. This episode is a must-watch for anyone seeking purpose, connection, and a deeper understanding of the human spirit.#mentalhealth #Wellness #Relationship #PersonalGrowth #Self-Development

    40 min
  8. Apr 13

    The 'Starving the Dragon' Technique Toxic Bosses Don't Want You to Know

    n this E449 of Inner voice, A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan, Dr. Foojan sits down with CEO coach, venture capitalist, and author Kate Lowry to explore the powerful and often hidden dynamics of fear-based leadership. Drawing from her experience at top firms like McKinsey & Company, Meta, and Insight Partners, Kate reveals how high-performance environments often reward fear-based behavior—and what you can do about it. We dive into her groundbreaking book, Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders, and explore: Why fear-based leadership is rapidly increasing The influence of high-profile leaders like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos How narcissistic and insecure leaders operate The “Starving the Dragon” technique to regain control How to handle toxic bosses without losing your sanity The psychology of power, control, and validation What to do if you're stuck in a toxic work environment Strategies to protect your mental health and career If you’ve ever worked under a controlling, intimidating, or emotionally volatile leader—this episode will change how you see power dynamics forever. 💡 Learn how to: Navigate toxic workplaces Build emotional resilience Outsmart manipulative leadership tactics Protect your identity and values at work 👉 Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or employee, this conversation gives you the tools to survive—and win—in high-pressure environments. 🔗 Learn more: katelowry.com 🔍 SEO-Optimized (Keywords) fear based leadership, toxic boss, narcissistic leader, how to deal with toxic boss, workplace psychology, leadership styles, Elon Musk leadership style, Jeff Bezos leadership style, corporate toxicity, startup culture toxic, CEO mindset, emotional intelligence at work, survive toxic workplace, leadership coaching, Kate Lowry, unbreakable book, fear driven leaders, power dynamics workplace, psychological safety work, career advice podcast #MentalHealth #Wellness #Relationship #PersonalGrowth #selfdevelopment

    42 min
4.8
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

“InnerVoice – A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan” is a podcast where Dr. Foojan Zeine invites thought leaders, mental wellness experts, educators, and trailblazers to engage in open, intimate conversations grounded in her signature framework, Awareness Integration Theory (AIT). Each episode explores themes of self-awareness, healing from the past, building self-confidence, nurturing meaningful relationships, and creating a purpose-driven future. Listeners come away with practical insights, reflective prompts, and actionable steps aligned with the podcast’s ethos of “clear the past • create a new future • live a fulfilled life now.”