Your Next Step with Mahdieh Rassafiani

Ep 8: Storyteller. Poet. Healing, Connection, and the Courage to Live Fully || Andrew Riis

Most people spend their whole lives running from the dark. Andrew ran toward it. A poet, storyteller, and farm kid from Canada, Andrew has walked through grief, darkness, and seasons of life that would break most people. And instead of rushing past them, he learned to sit in them. Trust them. Let them change him. In this episode, he shares a philosophy rooted in nature, ancestry, and a radical refusal to live with a closed heart. The kind of conversation that makes you want to slow down, breathe, and actually feel your life again. This one's going to stay with you. WHAT WE COVER * The muddy river on a Canadian farm that shaped everything Andrew believes about being alive * Why feeling empty despite having everything traces back to one thing: our relationship with death * Why connection isn't something to create. It's something to return to * What nature actually teaches us about rest, grief, and trusting the dark seasons of our lives * The tidal river moment that redefined faith and resilience for Andrew * Simple practices to come back to yourself when the darkness feels like it won't lift * Why Andrew is finally ready to tell his own story and the one line that called him out: "Stop being willfully blind to your own truth" TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Andrew and Mahdieh open: green energy, farm life, and who Andrew really is 01:19 — “A soul so in love with the sacred opportunity to be alive” 03:14 — Why staying soul-connected matters: ancestors, war, and peace as a birthright 06:01 — The root cause of modern disconnection: our relationship with death and control 09:23 — How consumer culture invented the self and sold us safety 10:03 — Connection is something to return to, not create (the leaf analogy) 11:32 — Why Andrew looks to nature: trees, rivers, and what’s stood the test of time 13:45 — The leaf that’s always red and orange — what nature teaches us about hope 15:08 — Rest as the missing piece of becoming: learning to honour the winter 16:26 — The tidal river: trusting that the ocean will come to you 20:21 — How a decade of telling others the world is friendly was actually Andrew convincing himself 25:03 — What to do when you want to heal but don’t know where to start 27:44 — Breathwork, nature walks, and the five-things practice 29:21 — Stop colonising your own emotions — meet your feelings with curiosity 34:00 — When you face the mirror, magic starts: synchronicities, the stranger named Peter 37:39 — Beyond overcoming: what’s possible when you stop defining yourself by your trauma 41:06 — What season Andrew is in now and why spring is finally arriving 44:19 — “Stop willfully blind to your own truth”: the moment he chose storytelling over another agency 46:28 — “I don’t want to die with my song unsung” CONNECT WITH ANDREW RIIS LINKEDIN — https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpriis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpriis/]  INSTAGRAM — https://www.instagram.com/andrew.riis/ [https://www.instagram.com/andrew.riis/] CONNECT WITH MAHDIEH INSTAGRAM — https://www.instagram.com/mahdieh.rassafiani/ [https://www.instagram.com/mahdieh.rassafiani/] FOLLOW YOUR NEXT STEP PODCAST INSTAGRAM — https://www.instagram.com/yournextstep.pod/ [https://www.instagram.com/yournextstep.pod/] TIKTOK — https://www.tiktok.com/@yournextstep.pod [https://www.tiktok.com/@yournextstep.pod] YOUTUBE — https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextStepPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextStepPodcast]

Ep 7: She Left Everything. Twice. Here's What She Learned || Behnaz Sahaf

This one's personal. This week I sat down with the most requested guest amongst my friends - my mum (Behnaz). She grew up in a small town in Iran, lived through the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War, became a doctor, raised two kids, and then immigrated to Australia with no job, limited English, and no family around her. She did it once. Then she went back to Iran and did it all over again. It took her eight years to get her fellowship as a GP in Australia. She started from scratch twice, at an age when most people are thinking about slowing down. This conversation covers resilience, identity, what it means to be authentic, and why she believes life is far simpler than we make it. One of the most honest, emotional episodes I've recorded. I hope it stays with you. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Your why has to be bigger than the goal. Title and status won't carry you through hard seasons. Purpose will. * Failure only exists when you're attached to one outcome. Reframe the setback as part of the path. * Support systems are everything. Accepting help is a strength, not a weakness. * You can start over at any age. She began her Australian registration when her peers back home were retiring. * Authenticity is about values, not status. She never wanted the car or the clothes. She'd rather give the money away. Help without expecting anything back. The thing she's most proud of is help no one even knew she gave. * Don't judge your past self by your present wisdom. You did the best you could with what you had. * Life is simple. Be a good person. Do your best. That's enough. TIME STAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction 02:52 - Growing up through the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War 05:33 - Leaving Iran, studying medicine, and immigrating to Australia 09:41 - Starting over, a master's degree without knowing how to use a computer 17:05 - What people misunderstand about her 21:26 - The season of life that almost broke her 25:28 - Her relationship with failure and why she reframed everything 33:06 - Was there a time you were worried about me but said nothing? 40:41 - Her advice for anyone who feels lost right now 43:37 - Where she sees her future going CONNECT WITH MAHDIEH INSTAGRAM — https://www.instagram.com/mahdieh.rassafiani/ FOLLOW YOUR NEXT STEP PODCAST INSTAGRAM — https://www.instagram.com/yournextstep.pod/  TIKTOK — https://www.tiktok.com/@yournextstep.pod  YOUTUBE — https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextStepPodcast

Ep 6: Why Being ‘Weird’ Might Be Your Biggest Advantage || Braith Leung

Everyone says "be authentic."  Very few actually show you what that looks like. In this episode I sit down with Braith who has built across startups, content, and music and one thing stands out - he doesn't wait.  He follows curiosity, takes action, and isn't afraid to look a little "weird" doing it. This isn't about having it figured out. It's about trusting the process while you do. This isn’t a conversation about having it all figured out.  It’s about trusting the process.  If things don't fully make sense yet this one's for you. WHAT WE COVER: * Why curiosity is your biggest unfair advantage * Standing out with zero experience or social proof * Using AI without sounding like everyone else * Why giving value for free early changes everything * Building a personal brand that converts, not just gets views * Letting go of advice that no longer serves you * Rejection as redirection TIME STAMPS: 02:10 - Curiosity as a growth engine  04:45 - Why giving value early in your career pays off  07:15 - Outreach strategies and building social proof  10:05 - Overcoming age and experience doubts in startups 13:30 - AI: automation vs. authenticity  17:00 - How social media levels the playing field for young founders  20:40 - Getting started with personal brand and content  24:05 - Why consistency beats motivation  27:30 - Using AI ethically without losing your voice  31:00 - Music as therapy and brand extension  34:10 - Owning your "weirdness" as a differentiator  37:20 - Unlearning outdated advice  40:15 - Handling skepticism about youth and credibility  43:30 - What's next: Kinso, personal brand, and music  47:20 - Rejection as a filter, not a failure  50:00 - Identity, perseverance, and staying true to yourself CONNECT WITH BRAITH: * LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/braith-leung/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/braith-leung/] * INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/braith.mp4/ [https://www.instagram.com/braith.mp4/] * TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@br.ai.th [https://www.tiktok.com/@br.ai.th] FOLLOW EX-VICARIOUS WEBSITE: https://ex-vicarious.com/ [https://ex-vicarious.com/] FOLLOW EX-VICARIOUS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ex-vicarious/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ex-vicarious/] FOLLOW KINSO ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kinso.app/ [https://www.instagram.com/kinso.app/] JOIN KINSO WAITING LIST: https://www.kinso.ai/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnZDMKnHvF45_2dfXwTDm_d6eiHOf52s8fFxsRF5h2LU4P9Wl1Nzh-yNVWe88_aem_zY8EOUBpV15akD_g0brlmg [https://www.kinso.ai/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnZDMKnHvF45_2dfXwTDm_d6eiHOf52s8fFxsRF5h2LU4P9Wl1Nzh-yNVWe88_aem_zY8EOUBpV15akD_g0brlmg] CONNECT WITH MAHDIEH ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/mahdieh.rassafiani/ [https://www.instagram.com/mahdieh.rassafiani/] FOLLOW YOUR NEXT STEP PODCAST SOCIALS * INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/yournextstep.pod/ [https://www.instagram.com/yournextstep.pod/] * TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@yournextstep.pod [https://www.tiktok.com/@yournextstep.pod] * YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextStepPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextStepPodcast]

Ep 5: Modern Dating Is Broken — Here’s What We’re Missing || May Ku

In this episode, I sit down with May Ku, founder of Reev, a dating app built to bring depth and real conversation back into modern dating. We talk about her journey growing up in a highly competitive environment in Korea, struggling with identity, and how that shaped the woman and founder she is today.  What I loved about this conversation is that it’s not just about building a tech product, it’s about understanding human connection. We dive into the realities of modern dating - rejection, ghosting, technology fatigue, toxic dynamics -  and why so many of us feel disconnected despite being more “connected” than ever. May shares why she believes dating apps shouldn’t just be about swiping… but about conversation, curiosity, and emotional intelligence. We also unpack the mindset shifts required to build something meaningful, both in love and in business. This episode is for anyone navigating dating in this generation, building something from scratch, or learning how to separate rejection from identity. Whether it’s relationships or entrepreneurship, growth requires resilience. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Growing up in a competitive culture and struggling with identity * The real story behind launching Reev * Why modern dating feels harder than ever * Rejection and how to stop taking it personally * The role technology plays in connection (and disconnection) * Lessons from love that translate into business * Why cheating is more complex than we think * Recognising and stepping away from toxic relationships * Feminine and masculine energy in today’s dating landscape * The future of dating apps CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction & Mae’s Background  03:06 – From Competitive Culture to Founder  06:10 – Why Modern Dating Feels Broken  09:00 – Rejection & Emotional Resilience  11:43 – Technology’s Impact on Relationships  15:02 – Mindset Shifts in Entrepreneurship  17:52 – Lessons from Love & Business  20:39 – Understanding Cheating  23:57 – Toxic Relationship Patterns  26:40 – Feminine & Masculine Energy  29:54 – The Vision Behind Reev  32:48 – The Future of Dating  35:37 – Final Advice CONNECT WITH MAY * LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayhyunjiku/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayhyunjiku/]  * INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/maytheku/ [https://www.instagram.com/maytheku/]  * TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@may.the.ku [https://www.tiktok.com/@may.the.ku]  DOWNLOAD REEV  * ANDROID - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.reev.app&hl=en [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.reev.app&hl=en]  * APPLE COMING SOON CONNECT WITH MAHDIEH ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/mahdieh.rassafiani/ [https://www.instagram.com/mahdieh.rassafiani/]  FOLLOW YOUR NEXT STEP PODCAST SOCIALS * INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/yournextstep.pod/ [https://www.instagram.com/yournextstep.pod/]  * TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@yournextstep.pod [https://www.tiktok.com/@yournextstep.pod]  * YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextStepPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextStepPodcast]  * LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-next-step-podcast/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-next-step-podcast/]

Ep 4: How She Built One of Australia’s Most Influential Communities || Vithyaa Thavapalan

In this episode, I sit down with Vithyaa Thavapalan to unpack the thinking and discipline behind her journey as an entrepreneur, fire investigator, community builder, and mother. We talk about leadership under pressure, building confidence when the stakes are high, and why boundaries are essential for sustainable growth. Vithyaa shares how motherhood reshaped her priorities and leadership style, forcing greater clarity around time, energy, and alignment. We also explore community, real influence beyond visibility, and what it takes to build a life and business that actually lasts. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Community accelerates growth, resilience, and perspective in entrepreneurship. * Confidence is a leadership skill that helps you move through self-doubt. * Clear boundaries protect energy, focus, and long-term performance. * Strong leadership is about empowering others, not controlling outcomes. * Sustainable success requires self-care, especially in high-pressure roles. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 02:58 Entrepreneurial Journey and Community Building 06:04 The Forensics Industry and Emotional Impact 09:02 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Confidence 12:09 Navigating Relationships and Boundaries 14:54 The Role of Social Media in Connection 18:08 Self-Care and Balancing Motherhood 21:10 Leadership and Empowering Others 23:46 Reflections on Life Changes and Growth 27:05 Future Aspirations and Community Events 29:55 Final Thoughts and Lessons Learned CONNECT WITH VITHYAA * LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vithyaa-thavapalan-6453a3108/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vithyaa-thavapalan-6453a3108/]  * INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/vithyaathavapalan [https://www.instagram.com/vithyaathavapalan]  BROWN BOSS BABES INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/brownbossbabesau/ [https://www.instagram.com/brownbossbabesau/]  WHAT THE FIRE PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/whatthefireau/ [https://www.instagram.com/whatthefireau/]  FOLLOW MAHDIEH ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/mahdieh.rassafiani/ [https://www.instagram.com/mahdieh.rassafiani/]  FOLLOW YOUR NEXT STEP PODCAST SOCIALS * INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/yournextstep.pod/ [https://www.instagram.com/yournextstep.pod/]  * TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@yournextstep.pod [https://www.tiktok.com/@yournextstep.pod]  * YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextStepPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextStepPodcast]  * LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-next-step-podcast/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-next-step-podcast/]