Words That Build A Life

Train To Change

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787163/fan_mail/new] Change shows up whether we invite it or not, and the real frustration is not knowing what to do, it’s not doing what we already know. We sit down with Jay Reed Durand, a retired US Army leader and author of *Train to Change Phase I Self Mastery*, to unpack why personal change and organizational change can feel so sticky even for smart, well-intentioned people.  We talk about self-mastery as a practical skill, not a slogan: self-awareness first, then learning to suspend preconceptions, and finally focusing on what we can truly control. Reed connects leadership training with timeless wisdom from Stoicism, Buddhism, and classic philosophy, and he explains why confidence doesn’t arrive first. It’s built through repetition, like learning to ride a bike or practice an instrument, and it grows faster when we start small and stay consistent.  We also dig into the hidden blockers that derail habit change and behavior change, especially stress load. Even “good” life events can stack up and cloud judgment, and some needs must be handled before we chase big wants. We close with a grounded look at environment and opportunity, why idealism still matters, and how realism keeps you moving instead of spiraling.  If this conversation sparks a shift in you, help us reach more listeners: subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787163/support] my email address gholamrezava@gmail.com  Twitter account is @rezava

On Hold

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787163/fan_mail/new] How many meaningful parts of your life are waiting not because you lack time, talent, or opportunity, but because you keep telling yourself, "I'll do it tomorrow"? In this episode, we explore why we put our dreams, relationships, and callings on hold, and what it costs us to keep waiting.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787163/support] my email address gholamrezava@gmail.com  Twitter account is @rezava

Mindfulness Without Escaping

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787163/fan_mail/new]  In this episode of Philosophy of Life, Reza Sanjideh and co-host Yalda Nazarian speak with Australian awareness trainer and author Colin Chenery about mindfulness, awareness, and the role of conscious living in modern life.  Together, they explore how self-awareness shapes the way we think, react, and experience the world around us. The conversation touches on mindfulness, personal growth, daily habits, and how small moments of awareness can profoundly influence our lives.  Whether you are deeply interested in mindfulness or simply curious about living a more intentional life, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives and practical ideas for reflection.  You can learn more about Colin’s work at colinchenery.com [https://colinchenery.com/] and sixcirclesmindfulness.com. His latest book is also available here: Amazon Book Page [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHQ1T7VH]and contact Colin: support@colinchenery.com.  I kept the tone aligned with Philosophy of Life — reflective and conversational, not overly promotional.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787163/support] my email address gholamrezava@gmail.com  Twitter account is @rezava

Religioning with Professor Steven Engler

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787163/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Philosophy of Life, Reza Sanjideh and Cohost Yalda Nazarian speaks with Steven Angler, a Canadian scholar of religion whose work explores the relationship between religion, psychology, philosophy, and human meaning-making. Together, they discuss belief systems, the psychological role religion plays in human life, and whether religion is purely divine, a human construction, or perhaps humanity’s response to uncertainty, meaning, and existence itself. Steven Angler’s writings can be found on his Substack: Religioning [https://religioning.substack.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787163/support] my email address gholamrezava@gmail.com  Twitter account is @rezava

Near Death Experiences (NDEs)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787163/fan_mail/new] A propane truck accident burns Sean Free so badly he is forced to confront death, survival, and the strange mental space between them. We follow his near-death experience, the long recovery, and the philosophy he builds around control, judgment, and what is worth fighting for.  • Sean’s background growing up on a farm and finding flow on motorcycles  • The March 13, 2018 propane truck malfunction and the moment the gas ignites  • Immediate survival choices, a stranger’s help, and the rural Montana reality  • Transfer to Seattle, critical care, and a vivid dreamlike near-death experience  • The emotional impact of intubation, swelling, and losing basic independence  • Searching for meaning after trauma and the drive to leave the world better  • Stoicism, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, and learning to manage judgment  • A practical shift toward controlling actions while releasing what cannot be controlled  • Religion as a tool for self-management rather than managing others  • Our own burn memories and why pain stays so clearly in the mind  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787163/support] my email address gholamrezava@gmail.com  Twitter account is @rezava