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Arash's World Podcast

Arash Farzaneh

This podcast is affiliated with the blog Arash's World dealing with existential issues and solutions in health and wellness, psychology, and philosophy. By providing reviews on books alongside exclusive, insightful & thought-provoking interviews with health & wellness experts, renowned psychologists & psychotherapists as well as global thought leaders and life coaches, we put together and forge individual holistic paths toward health, happiness, and wellbeing in your personal & professional life!

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#214
Yesterday · 34 min
Mindfulness, Leadership, and the Courage to Become Whole: Creating an Inspired Life with Dr. Ron Stotts
In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Dr. Ron Stotts, a transformational guide, bestselling author, and executive coach about mindfulness, inner transformation, and the process of creating an inspired life. Ron explains that his work is less about solving isolated problems and more about helping high-performing leaders expand their internal capacity, become more self-aware, and lead with clarity under pressure. We then explore how lasting change begins by addressing deeper patterns rather than repeatedly managing surface-level challenges. A central theme here is the difference between achievement and wholeness. Ron describes how many successful people build confidence through external accomplishments while still struggling with self-acceptance, emotional backlog, and the pressure to maintain a persona. He emphasizes that true leadership and personal fulfillment come from integrating all parts of oneself, developing emotional intelligence, and learning to respond consciously rather than react from fear or old conditioning. Furthermore, we highlight mindfulness as a practical way of living rather than a rigid spiritual exercise. Ron encourages a simple process of stopping, breathing, observing, and proceeding with the next best step. Through presence, curiosity, and breath, individuals can recognize emotional indicators, uncover unconscious patterns, and use pressure as an opportunity for growth. Ron connects neuroscience, ancient wisdom, spirituality, and everyday life, presenting transformation as an ongoing process of becoming more authentic, capable, and present. We then close with reflections on reinvention, destiny, and choice. Ron shares a formative moment from his youth that led him to question inherited beliefs and begin carving his own path. He frames life as a continuing adventure in which each conscious choice opens or limits future possibilities. Overall, this podcast offers a thoughtful exploration of mindfulness, self-leadership, emotional healing, and the courage to live from a place of wholeness rather than performance alone.
#213
Sunday · 28 min
Thru the Eyes of the Hustler’s Daughter: T Savage, Shontel Greene, and Terrance West on Trauma, Truth, Bonding, and Transformation
In this powerful and inspiring episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with rapper, writer, and filmmaker T Savage about her upcoming biopic, Thru the Eyes of the Hustler’s Daughter, a deeply personal film rooted in her Baltimore upbringing, childhood trauma, mental health journey, and determination to transform pain into purpose. Joined by her mother, Shontel Greene, and actor/former NFL player Terrance West, T Savage explains how music, writing, and filmmaking became vehicles for telling her story honestly and for reminding young women with similar experiences that they are not alone. The conversation also explores the emotional cost of revisiting trauma on screen. Shontel reflects on how acting in the film reopened painful memories from her own past, including survival, family addiction, illness, and the hidden depression beneath material success. Together, she and T Savage push back against the glamorization of hustling, violence, and street life, emphasizing that “everything that glitters isn’t gold” and that what is often portrayed as power or luxury can actually be grief, fear, and survival in disguise. At its heart, the episode is about post-traumatic growth, family, artistic courage, and reinvention. Terrance West shares how acting helped him find a new path after football, while T Savage describes the film set as a space where cast and crew became family through the vulnerability of the story they were carrying. With plans for a theatrical screening, soundtrack, future music projects, and even the possibility of a book, this podcast is not only about the biopic Thru the Eyes of the Hustler’s Daughter but it is also a clear statement of resilience, healing, and hope.
#212
August 24 · 37 min
Military Service, Sacrifice, Storytelling, and Honoring the Fallen: Les Carroll on Afghanistan and Dover Air Force Base
In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Les Carroll, Air Force and Air National Guard veteran, documentary filmmaker, author as well as novelist. Les reflects on his 28-year military career, his deployments to Afghanistan, and his powerful and humbling experience of serving at the Air Force Mortuary at Dover Air Force Base. We also discuss his documentary Bringing the Fallen Home, his autobiographical book This Troubled Ground, and his latest novel, Last Day on the Blue Wonder, a story inspired by military courage, love, loss, mental health challenges, and the healing power of storytelling. This is a moving conversation about service, memory, sacrifice, writing, and the importance of honoring the people and families behind every headline and beyond partisanship and political agendas.
#211
August 17 · 14 min
The Nuclear Waste Competition No Community Wanted to Win: Filmmaker Casey Carter On His Award-Winning Documentary To Use A Mountain
I have the great pleasure of speaking with filmmaker Casey Carter about his award-winning documentary “To Use a Mountain.” The film begins with the 1982 Nuclear Waste Policy Act, when the U.S. government searched for a permanent deep geological repository for nuclear waste, turning six rural communities into candidates for a “competition” none of them wanted to win. Casey explains how the documentary travels through these places, treating each community as its own character while exploring memory, resistance, environmental concerns, and the long shadow of America’s nuclear program. We also look at the human and political dimensions of nuclear waste, from public hearings where residents felt unheard to the continuing consequences of nuclear testing and contamination at sites such as Hanford and the Nevada National Security Site. Moreover, Casey reflects on the challenge of managing radioactive waste for at least 10,000 years, and the way the film connects questions of energy, militarism, public health, and environmental responsibility. At its heart, To Use a Mountain becomes a story of rural communities coming together around shared concerns for land, history, safety, and future generations.
#210
July 24 · 30 min
A Life Well-Lived Beyond Paycheques: Former Investment Banker Perry Atwal on Purpose, Meaning, and Timeless Wisdom
In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with author and lecturer Perry Atwal about his book Wisdom for Life: Timeless Insights for Cultivating Joy and Growing Your World. We explore the difference between information and wisdom, the importance of meaning over money, and how joy grows through health, relationships, learning, and practical honest self-reflection. Perry argues that while knowledge is everywhere, wisdom lies in knowing what matters, when to act, and how to apply insight with context. Moreover, Perry shares how leaving investment banking for teaching has given him a deeper sense of purpose, and he encourages listeners to pursue meaningful work, cultivate perspective, and stop measuring success by other people’s lives and standards. Finally, we observe that joy is cultivated both directly and indirectly by strengthening various parts of life, including health, spirituality, personal relationships, and simply doing what we enjoy on a regular basis.
#209
June 9 · 25 min
Perfectly Perfect: Dr. Tiffanie Tate on Perfectionism and the Power of Self-Worth in a Social Media Age
Dr. Tiffanie Tate joins me here on Arash’s World as a true “multi-hyphenate” i.e. physician, author, playwright, veteran officer of the US Navy, ordained minister, soccer Mom referee, radio personality, and much more to discuss her children’s book Perfectly Perfect and the deeper message behind it. At the heart of our conversation is a powerful idea: children do not have to earn their worth. Dr. Tiffanie explains that self-image struggles can begin alarmingly early, and in today’s world of social media, video games, and constant comparison, those pressures have only intensified. Her book aims to remind children that they are already valuable and loved exactly as they are. Our discussion expands beyond children to parents and adults, who often unknowingly model harmful beliefs about appearance, achievement, and perfection. Then, we explore how seemingly casual comments can shape a child’s inner voice, and why perfectionism has become a trap for all ages. One of the book’s most meaningful lessons is that friendship, apology, and repair matter: children (and adults!) need to learn how to take ownership when words hurt, rebuild trust, and keep growing rather than chasing impossible ideals. Dr. Tiffanie also speaks about her broader mission as an author: using stories to open difficult but necessary conversations. From teaching financial literacy in Money Matters to addressing abuse disclosure and bullying in other books, she sees children’s literature as a tool for raising healthier, more confident, and more compassionate young people. Throughout, she emphasizes the importance of community, face-to-face interaction, and intentional parenting in a technology-heavy age. The result is a thoughtful, uplifting conversation about self-worth, responsibility, and helping children become healthy adults.
#208
June 2 · 40 min
Meditate on This! The Tech Engineer’s Path to Peace and the Art of Thriving with Joe DeNicholas
What happens when a successful engineer with patents, promotions, and all the outward signs of achievement realizes he’s still deeply unhappy? In this episode, licensed experiential therapist, contemplative teacher, and founder of Unbreakable Inc., Joe DeNicholas, shares the powerful story of how a panic-inducing moment in the tech world became the catalyst for a complete transformation. His journey from electrical engineering and corporate management into mental health work is both deeply personal and universally relatable for anyone who has ever tied their worth to performance, perfection, or control. Drawing from his book Seeking Sanity: How to Cultivate Peace, Happiness, and Wellbeing in a World Gone Mad, Joe explores why so many people feel anxious, distracted, and emotionally exhausted even when life looks “fine” on paper. He explains how meditation, contemplative traditions, and modern neuroscience can work together to help us understand suffering, loosen destructive mental patterns, and reconnect with a deeper sense of peace. Our conversation moves beyond surface-level self-help and asks a bigger question: what if thriving not just coping is actually possible? From attention spans and social media to flow states, gut feelings, and the neuroscience of perception, this episode is full of insight for anyone seeking greater clarity, stability, and freedom in their inner life. Joe offers a grounded, practical, and hopeful perspective: the problem is often not the thing itself, but our relationship to it. If you’re interested in mental health, mindfulness, consciousness, or the search for real wellbeing in a chaotic world, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
#207
May 29 · 30 min
The High Human Cost of Keeping Peace in Times of War: Former Canadian Army Reserve Medic Brent van Staalduinen on The Peace Thieves
Bestselling author and former Canadian Army reserve medic Brent van Staalduinen joins me here on Arash’s World to discuss The Peace Thieves, his novel about a peacekeeping mission in Croatia and the personal fallout that follows. He explains the book’s dual narrative between Francis, a reserve medic deployed in 1993, and Viva, the daughter he never knew and how that structure helps reveal the gap between first impressions and deeper truths. Brent also shares why he chose present tense: to make the story feel immediate, urgent, and alive. Our conversation digs into the brutal contradictions of peacekeeping in active war zones, where soldiers were sent to “keep peace” in places that had none. Brent reflects on the chaos, trauma, and impossible expectations placed on Canadian soldiers, especially reservists who often returned home without the support they needed. His insights make clear that The Peace Thieves is not just about war abroad, but about what happens to people long after the mission ends. We also explore the emotional core of the novel: empathy, fractured family ties, camaraderie under pressure, and the haunting meaning behind the title, drawn from poetry. Brent speaks candidly about writing from personal connection without making the story autobiographical, and he closes by teasing his next historical fiction project, inspired by his family’s ties to the Dutch resistance in World War II. It’s a moving and thoughtful conversation about war, memory, and the power of fiction to humanize the unseen.
#206
May 23 · 32 min
Ready to Listen: Speaking Up, Breaking Free from Conditioning, Finding Your Voice and Trusting Intuition with Author Leslie Lee Sanders
In this episode of Arash's World Podcast, I have the great pleasure of speaking with the amazing Leslie Lee Sanders regarding the personal and cultural forces that inspired her memoir, Ready to Listen?: A Spiritual Self-Help Memoir. Leslie reflects on finding her voice as a Black woman in publishing, moving beyond silence and people-pleasing, and using spirituality as a path toward empowerment and self-discovery. Moreover, we explore intuition, synchronicity, Tarot, astrology, destiny, free will, and the idea that life’s setbacks and mistakes are part of a deeper process of growth. Overall, join us for this reflective, thoughtful and inspiring discussion about courage, identity, belief, and learning to trust both one’s inner voice and the deeper path unfolding within and around us while also considering the broader meaning behind life’s different challenges.
#205
May 7 · 29 min
I Need You… Now Go Away”: The Push–Pull Relationship Patterns Behind Personality Disorders & How to Best Go About It with Dr. Laura Dabney
In this episode of Arash’s World, I have the pleasure of speaking with Psychiatrist and Relationship Expert Dr. Laura Dabney and author of “I Need You… Now Go Away!: Reclaiming Your Life When Someone You Love Has a Personality Disorder” where she reframes personality disorders not as “types of people,” but as a core emotional conflict: an almost phobic push–pull between closeness and distance. Dr. Dabney explains why partners often feel trapped in repeating patterns rooted in childhood familiarity and why waiting for the other person to change rarely works. Instead, she argues that shifting your own responses can disrupt the pattern and help the relationship dynamic evolve. We then move from labels to practical tools, such as noticing “destructive aggression” (forcing, cornering) and “destructive passivity” (withholding, expecting mind-reading), learning to tolerate difficult emotions (especially anger, sadness, and neediness), and using boundaries with “bridge statements” that protect you without escalating rejection. Moreover, Dr. Dabney explains how to distinguish all this from “normal” stress and stressors within a healthy and functioning relationship and when to seek help with a health professional, be it a life coach or a relationship expert like herself. Finally, she also makes a case for integrating CBT for stability and trust and then to follow it up deeper with psychodynamic insight to bring about lasting change, and she shares that she created Relationship RX for people who need clear actionable direction without necessarily committing to long-term therapy.
#204
May 3 · 28 min
Night Terminus Bearing Witness: Queer Statelessness, Belonging, and Resilience Amidst the Long Shadow of AIDS with Author Ellis Scott
In this episode of Arash’s World, I have the pleasure of speaking with Ellis Scott, a debut novelist of sharing his unconventional path to publication, which includes beginning his writing career at 55 after early retirement due to illness following decades spent delivering humanitarian aid in conflict zones. Now 62, he is the author of Night Terminus, a novel that confronts one of our most devastating and overlooked chapters of recent history: the aftermath of the AIDS crisis. Rather than focusing on the epidemic itself, Ellis centers his novel on survivors: those who lived through years of loss, stigma, and fear and were never expected to survive. Drawing on personal experience as a gay teenager during the early years of AIDS, he reflects on survivor’s guilt, PTSD, chronic illness, and the long emotional shadow cast by a crisis that lasted far longer than many acknowledge. Our conversation explores the stark contrast between societal responses to AIDS and COVID‑19, the silence and hostility of governments in the 1980s, and the grassroots activism that emerged when institutions failed to deliver. The novel spans forty years, five chapters, and multiple continents, following a nameless narrator whose identity is revealed through the people he encounters: exiles, fugitives, rebels, artists, and fellow survivors. Themes of statelessness, travel, and belonging run throughout capturing what Ellis describes as the queer experience of being “guests at the party,” never quite hosts. Ultimately, the discussion returns to courage and self‑authorship: the idea that even if history dictates the beginning of one’s story, it is still possible to write one’s own ending. Night Terminus stands as both a literary act of remembrance and a testament to resilience and community.
#203
April 20 · 26 min
Skydancing, Liminal Spaces and Entering the Blue Gate: On Serendipity in Kenya with Poet Kathryn MacDonald
In this episode, I’m joined by Poet Kathryn MacDonald to discuss her hybrid poetry collection The Blue Gate, a book-length lyric poem that moves from love into loss and grief, with its central section of a serendipitous month-long trip to Kenya shortly after her husband’s death. Kathryn explores recurring motifs of rain and water as bountifulness amid drought, and red-tailed hawks as a metaphor for trust and lifelong love through “skydancing.” She reflects on culture shock, how grief is approached and dealt with in different contexts alongside her experience of living “two realities” at the same time. We also talk about the role of poetry and how it enriches our lives and gives voice to complex emotions that cannot be subsumed in words. Moreover, Kathryn mentions her different inspirations, and how writers and artists, such as Solnit, Blixen, Rilke as well as surrealist painters influence her craft. The episode closes with Kathryn reading two of her poems: “Skydancing” and the closing poem of the book, “Albinoni’s Adagio,” underscoring endurance with “And still. I live.”
#202
March 8 · 33 min
Squeeze the Juice and Just Sit with Elephants: Lessons in Humility from the African Bush with Business Professor Dr. Ron Dulek
In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with University of Alabama Professor and Author of Sitting with Elephants: Lessons in Humility from the African Bush Dr. Ron Dulek who shares how a life devoted to teaching led him to an unexpected second classroom: the African Bush! In fact, he recounts how a desire to “squeeze the juice” out of life pushed him and his wife to buy a remote home bordering Kruger National Park in South Africa, trading comfort and routine for humility, presence, and risk. What started off as a sabbatical-style adventure evolves into a profound, years-long relationship with a wild elephant matriarch. Guided by local safari experts, Ron learned the “language” of elephants including how to approach without threat, how to read fear and trust, and how humility, not dominance, determines safety. Over time, this careful respect leads to extraordinary moments of bonding: mock charges that end in calm recognition, an elephant falling asleep nearby as a sign of trust, and repeated visits across years that defy easy explanation. The relationship, however, is not romanticized. Ron confronts the limits of closeness with wild animals when safety, boundaries, and the “fence of respect” become essential both in the bush and in human leadership. Drawing parallels between elephants, classrooms, and corporate life, he reflects on how leaders can be close without crossing lines, and why humility is a prerequisite for trust and mutual respect.
#201
March 1 · 34 min
The Fix Code Magic in Motion: Stacey Nye on Fast Release of Trauma via the Rewriting of the Unconscious Mind
In this episode, I have the pleasure of talking to Stacey Nye, Co‑Creator of The Fix Code, for a deep and personal conversation about healing, consciousness, and lasting inner change. Stacey shares her journey from personal crisis to co‑creating a rapid, intuitive self‑healing method alongside her business partner, Daniel Flear, whose decades of study in hypnotherapy and NLP with a pivotal spiritual experience sparked the creation of the Fix Code. Together, they explore how unconscious “parasitic programs” formed through past experiences drive anxiety, depression, fear, and even physical discomfort. The Fix Code works by identifying and extracting the core emotional charge, often a single word or feeling, and disconnecting it from memories and neural pathways. Rather than reliving trauma, the process shifts how people feel about their experiences, often in just minutes, creating clarity, emotional freedom, and a renewed sense of presence. In our conversation, we weave together personal stories, practical examples, and philosophical insights, touching on fate, self‑awareness, leadership, and the idea that healing is not a one‑time event but an ongoing journey and process. However, Stacey emphasizes empowerment and asserts that the Fix Code is a self‑help tool anyone can learn and use, from parents and athletes to CEOs, and that it helps and supports people to “look for the good as it’s everywhere” once the inner noise quiets down.
#200
February 22 · 28 min
Sketchbook of Hope, Art, and Dialogue: Inside Room’s Psychoanalytic Multidisciplinary Magazine with Hattie Myers and Aneta Stojnić
In this episode, I have the great pleasure of talking to Hattie Myers and Aneta Stojnić, two key figures behind “Room: A Sketchbook for Analytic Action,” a psychoanalytic magazine and community as well as a recipient of the prestigious Sigourney Award. Our conversation explores the origins of “Room,” which was founded after the 2016 U.S. presidential election to provide a space for analysts to think, write, and connect during times of crisis. Over nearly a decade, Room has grown into an international ecosystem, spanning 160 countries and embracing a multidisciplinary approach that includes poetry, literature, art, and psychoanalysis. The editorial process is unique: there are no preset themes, and each issue emerges organically from community submissions, reflecting poignant and accessible ideas. Moreover, Room is committed to open access, supporting emerging voices, especially women in challenging circumstances, through initiatives like “We Are the Light.” The magazine, podcasts, and roundtables foster dialogue, hope, and action, aiming to bring psychoanalysis out of the consulting room and into the world, underscoring both reflection and real-world change.
#199
February 3 · 33 min
Art Monsters and the Balance of Genius: The Quest for Creative Life with Women Among Monuments Author Kasia Van Schaik
In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Kasia Van Schaik, a writer, professor, and artist, discusses the central themes of her book/memoir “Women among Monuments: Solitude, Permission, and the Pursuit of Female Genius.” We explore what it means to live a creative life, especially as a woman, and the ongoing search for permission both societal and self-given to pursue artistic fulfillment. We touch on the historical invisibility of women among cultural “monuments,” referencing literary figures like Virginia Woolf, which highlights the persistent relevance of these questions today. We also delve into the concept of the “art monster” - artists who prioritize their work above all else, sometimes at the expense of others - and examine the tension between creative ambition and personal happiness. Kasia reflects on the importance of balancing solitude and community for creativity, the role of memory and memoir in shaping narrative, and the evolving language around gender and genius. We conclude with insights on self-permission, the value of boundaries, and the subjective nature of genius, encouraging everyone to embrace their creative impulses without waiting for external validation and to follow their heart and dreams regardless.
#198
February 1 · 35 min
The Power of Vulnerability, Boundaries & Forgiveness: The Journey of Feeling Truly Fine with Christian Life Coach Darla Nelson
In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Darla Nelson, a Christian life coach and the author of “I’m Fine. Really?: Moving from Stress and Anxiety to Peace and Calm.” We discuss how the phrase “I’m fine” often masks deeper struggles, and on the importance of being honest with ourselves and others about our true feelings. Furthermore, we explore vulnerability, especially in close relationships, and recognize that sharing our stories can create meaningful connections and reduce stress. Although being vulnerable can be difficult, particularly for men, opening up to others is important for growth. In addition, setting boundaries and practicing forgiveness are essential for our well-being, and we are responsible for our responses to life’s events even when circumstances are beyond our control. The power of gratitude and the need to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance can also increase to a more fulfilling life. This can be achieved by small, intentional changes, such as practicing self-kindness and embracing gradual progress and can lead to greater peace and authenticity. In fact, health is multidimensional, and nurturing our emotional and spiritual selves is just as important as physical exercise. As we consider and appreciate the value of learning from life’s challenges, and as we continue being honest with ourselves and allow ourselves to make mistakes, we foster resilience, deeper connections, and a more compassionate approach to ourselves and others and feel truly “fine” in our skin.
#197
January 28 · 49 min
Beyond Myths and Lies Toward Truth and Hope: On Compassionate Person-Centered Care for Alzheimer’s and Dementia with Lisa Skinner
In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with behavioral expert, certified dementia practitioner and trainer Lisa Skinner about her book “Truth, Lies, and Alzheimer’s: Its Secret Faces.” We dive into the complexities of Alzheimer’s and dementia, challenging the common myths that surround these conditions while also acknowledging that Alzheimer’s and dementia are often misunderstood, with many people, even professionals, mistakenly believing they are just a normal part of aging (they are not). That said, we also touch upon the differences between normal forgetfulness and signs and symptoms of dementia and note that occasional memory lapses are indeed a normal part of aging and should not be a cause for concern. However, when memory issues become frequent and start to impact daily life, it would be recommended to seek help. Lisa explains that dementia is caused by over 100 different brain diseases but that a diagnosis does not mean life is over. We explore how people living with dementia, as well as their families and caregivers, can still find meaning, purpose, and joy within a diagnosis. We can help our loved ones live meaningful lives by focusing on person-centered care, validating their experiences, and not simply trying to “correct” them. When we focus on the individual rather than just the disease, we can help people live well for many years, provided we have the right knowledge, skills, and strategies. When it comes to risks, there are significant differences between modifiable and nonmodifiable factors. While we cannot change our age or genetics, we can reduce our own risk by managing health factors like heart disease, sleep, and diet. Most importantly, with the right approach, there is hope and quality of life for those affected by dementia as we can help them live meaningful lives while at the same time supporting each other through the challenges and uncertainties that come with these difficult conditions.
#196
January 17 · 34 min
Real Food, Real Healing with Kindness as Medicine: Transforming Both Pet and Human Health with Dr. Doug Coward
In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with veterinarian, author, surfer, and lifelong wellness advocate Dr. Doug Coward as he shares his remarkable journey from wildlife medicine to holistic pet care. We talk about his book, Healing Both Ends of the Leash, and how real food, compassion, and individualized care can transform the health of both pets and their humans. In fact, a simple shift from processed food and kibble to fresh, whole ingredients can lead to dramatic recoveries and healing in animals and their human counterparts in a number of diseases and health conditions, including autoimmune disorders. We also explore the deep connection and symbiosis between people and their pets, highlighting how kindness and attention to individuality are powerful forms of medicine. Doug shares stories of families who embraced holistic nutrition, explains the science behind kindness affecting our DNA, and touches upon the parallels between parenting children and raising animals. From the challenges of training stubborn breeds to the joy of seeing pets thrive, this is more than a guide for pet lovers; it’s a call to rethink health for all and to keep in mind that wellness is a shared journey and one that benefits sentient beings on both ends of the leash.
#195
Dec 27, 2025 · 43 min
From Kierkegaard and Tolstoy to Freud and Winnicott: Psychoanalysis and the Magic of Emotional Truths with Sigourney Award Recipient Siri Hustvedt
In this podcast, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Siri Hustvedt, a best-selling writer, novelist, and scholar who has received the 2025 Sigourney Award for her innovative and outstanding contributions to the field of psychoanalysis. We explore how psychoanalytic concepts, particularly those of Sigmund Freud and D.W. Winnicott, inform Hustvedt's work and personal life as well as the role of therapy in personal transformation, the importance of narrative in psychiatry, and the limitations of the biomedical model in treating mental health. We also talk literature and philosophy, and the profound influence fiction can have on our lives as well as the tremendous impact Danish existential philosopher Kierkegaard has had on both of our lives. Siri draws a distinct line between articulating ideas versus living and embodying truths and how this can lead to an uplifting and liberating experience. Finally, Siri discusses her approach to teaching psychiatric residents through literature and narrative, emphasizing how patient stories and doctors' personal experiences influence treatment outcomes. She highlights the importance of considering patients' holistic experiences and how narrative-based approaches can offer more comprehensive treatment and be fundamental for healing and growth.

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