personal growth |

Mentoring and Sponsoring August 14, 2013

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Esther Armand

Category: Personal Growth and Well-being

In this episode, Armand DiMele engages in a deep conversation with Esther Armand about the importance of mentoring and sponsoring individuals in need. They explore the cultural significance of community support, the role of elders, and the transformative power of mentorship. Esther shares her experiences working with young women, particularly those who have faced incarceration, and emphasizes the need for a willing spirit in both mentors and mentees. The discussion highlights the essence of recognizing and nurturing brilliance in others, as well as the challenges and rewards of guiding individuals towards their potential.

Addictions, Compulsions, and Self-Destructive Behaviors August 8, 2013

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Andrew Tatarski, Deborah Hillman, Dr. Harold Urschel, Emily Anthes, Roberta Maria Atzi

Category: Psychological Challenges and Growth

In this episode, Armand DiMele explores the complex nature of addictions, compulsions, and self-destructive behaviors, linking them to the concept of the ‘refugee syndrome.’ He discusses how feelings of isolation and disconnection can lead individuals to seek artificial dependencies through various forms of addiction, including substance abuse and compulsive behaviors. The episode features insights from various specialists, highlighting the psychological roots of addiction and offering hope for those struggling with these issues. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own dependencies and consider the underlying emotional needs that drive them.

Exploring Emptiness with Dr. Robert Gunn July 17, 2013

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Dr. Robert Gunn

Category: Personal Growth and Awareness

In this episode, Armand DiMele engages with Dr. Robert Gunn, author of ‘Journeys into Emptiness,’ to discuss the profound feeling of emptiness that many experience in life. They explore the psychological and spiritual dimensions of emptiness, the journey towards understanding it, and the importance of connection with oneself and others. Dr. Gunn shares insights from his studies of Zen Buddhism and notable figures like Dogen and Thomas Merton, emphasizing the necessity of community, discipline, and trust in navigating the complexities of emptiness and fulfillment.

Mindfulness and Presence with Dieter Middleston Scheid and Baccha Schwartz July 9, 2013

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Baccha Schwartz, Dieter Middleston Scheid

Category: Personal Growth and Awareness

In this episode, Armand DiMele engages in a deep conversation with mindfulness leaders Dieter Middleston Scheid and Baccha Schwartz. They explore the transformative power of silence, presence, and the importance of connecting with one’s breath. Dieter shares insights from his background in psychiatry and therapy, emphasizing the need to move beyond past traumas to experience the beauty of the present moment. Baccha discusses the serene environment of their retreat in Tuscany, where participants can immerse themselves in nature and silence. Together, they highlight the significance of being present, the challenges of silence, and the healing potential of mindfulness practices.

Focusing and Listening with Dr. Eugene Gendlin July 3, 2013

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Dr. Eugene Gendlin

Category: Personal Growth and Awareness

In this episode, Armand DiMele interviews Dr. Eugene Gendlin, the creator of the Focusing technique, which emphasizes the importance of tuning into bodily sensations to gain deeper insights into our emotions and experiences. Gendlin explains how Focusing allows individuals to connect with their authentic selves by paying attention to the physical sensations in their bodies. The conversation also explores the concept of listening, highlighting the significance of being present and empathetic when others express their feelings. Gendlin shares practical insights on how to navigate emotions and the critic within us, ultimately guiding listeners toward a more positive and self-aware life.

Men and Their Relationships June 12, 2013

Category: Masculinity and Emotional Growth

In this episode, Armand DiMele explores the complexities of men’s relationships with themselves, their mothers, and romantic partners. He delves into the societal expectations placed on men, the impact of testosterone on behavior, and the struggles men face in navigating intimacy and vulnerability. The discussion highlights the internal conflicts that arise from traditional masculinity, including the fear of commitment and emotional expression. DeMille encourages listeners to understand these dynamics to foster healthier relationships and personal growth.

Nagging and the Pressure to Change May 1, 2013

Host: Armand DiMele

Category: Emotional Intelligence and Communication

In this episode, Armand DiMele discusses the emotional pressure partners often exert on each other to change, commonly referred to as nagging. He explores the dynamics of relationships where one partner attempts to change the other, leading to resentment and conflict. Armand emphasizes the importance of total acceptance in love, highlighting that true love does not come with the desire to change the other person. The conversation delves into the negative effects of nagging, the roots of resentment, and the need for self-reflection in relationships. Listeners are encouraged to consider their own experiences with nagging and the impact it has on their relationships.

Games and Life Scripts April 30, 2013

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Dr. Claude Steiner

Category: Human Behavior Insights

In this episode, Armand DiMele discusses the concept of games and life scripts, exploring how childhood experiences shape adult behavior and relationships. He is joined by Dr. Claude Steiner, an expert in transactional analysis, who explains how people often repeat negative patterns in their interactions, leading to emotional games like ‘uproar’ and ‘do me something.’ The conversation delves into the importance of recognizing these scripts and the potential for change through awareness and emotional literacy. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own patterns and consider how they can foster healthier relationships.

Understanding Assertive Energy April 10, 2013

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Don Riso, Russ Hudson

Category: Emotional Intelligence and Communication

In this episode, Armand DiMele discusses assertive energy, focusing on the Enneagram personality types, particularly types 3, 7, and 8. The conversation delves into the characteristics of assertive individuals, exploring how their energy manifests in various ways. Type 8, known as the Challenger, is characterized by its intense, direct energy and strong boundaries. Type 7, the Enthusiast, is portrayed as vibrant and restless, always seeking new experiences to avoid feelings of emptiness. Lastly, type 3, the Achiever, is driven by ambition and the need for validation, often masking deeper feelings of inadequacy. The episode highlights the complexities of these personality types and their interactions.

Dutiful Personalities and the Enneagram April 3, 2013

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Don Riso, Russ Hudson

Category: Psychological Challenges and Growth

In this episode, Armand DiMele discusses the Enneagram types associated with dutiful personalities, focusing on the perfectionist (type one), the helper (type two), and the loyalist (type six). The conversation explores the characteristics, motivations, and challenges faced by these personality types. The hosts, Don Riso and Russ Hudson, share insights into how these types navigate their sense of duty, obligation, and the inner conflicts that arise from their perfectionistic tendencies, need for approval, and anxiety about security. They also highlight the potential for growth and the positive contributions these types can make to society.