self-acceptance |

Rejection September 4, 2013

Host: Armand DiMele

Category: Personal Growth and Identity

In this episode, Armand DiMele discusses the complex nature of rejection and its impact on our lives. He explores how rejection is often perceived as a negative experience, leading to feelings of worthlessness and disappointment. However, he argues that rejection is not an emotion but a perception of someone’s behavior. DeMille encourages listeners to examine their feelings and reactions to rejection, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and understanding. He also delves into the roots of creativity and how it can be stifled by societal expectations, urging listeners to embrace their creative spirit as a means of personal growth and fulfillment.

Being Honest Without Hurting Feelings September 3, 2013

Host: Armand DiMele

Category: Emotional and Social Dynamics

In this episode, Armand DiMele discusses the delicate balance between being truthful and being sensitive to others’ feelings. He explores how the fear of hurting loved ones can lead to dishonesty and emotional disconnect. Through various examples, he highlights the importance of self-awareness and the consequences of not being true to oneself. Armand encourages listeners to reflect on their own relationships and the impact of their honesty or lack thereof. Ultimately, the conversation aims to foster understanding and promote healthier communication in personal connections.

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.

Exploring the Nature of Change August 13, 2013

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Andrea Katz, Andrew Phillips, Giullian Gioiello

Category: Personal Growth and Well-being

In this episode, Armand DiMele discusses the inevitability of change and the psychological transitions that accompany it. He reflects on the recent changes at WBAI, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the physical act of change and the mental adaptation required. Armand explores the complexities of change, including the stages of denial, anger, bargaining, acceptance, and depression, and how these relate to personal experiences such as relationships and career shifts. He encourages listeners to embrace change with curiosity and to communicate their feelings about transitions. The episode highlights the significance of navigating change positively to foster growth and resilience.

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.

Understanding Addiction and Excess July 16, 2013

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Jonathan Berent

Category: Psychological Challenges and Growth

In this episode, Armand DiMele explores the complex relationship between addiction and excess, likening them to a romance with inanimate substances. He shares personal anecdotes about his experiences with smoking and discusses how addiction can stem from unmet emotional needs and disappointments in human relationships. The conversation delves into the nature of social anxiety and shyness, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying emotional issues that contribute to these conditions. DeMille also highlights the role of parents in shaping a child’s social behavior and the impact of societal pressures on individual self-esteem.

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.

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.

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.