Where East Meets West: Mindfulness, Psychology, and the Search for the Self

The Meaning of Life Or the Meaning We Create — A Season Finale Conversation

In the Season 2 finale of Coffee, Matcha & Soul, Guillermo Iván, Zair Montes, and Saro Varjabedian come back together for an honest, reflective conversation on one of life’s most enduring questions: What gives life meaning? Rather than searching for a single answer, the group explores how meaning is something each person must define for themselves—and how it is often shaped, and sometimes constrained, by societal values and expectations. Each host shares their own perspective on what makes life feel purposeful, fulfilling, and worth living, along with the personal journey of questioning, unlearning, and ultimately redefining meaning on their own terms. The conversation moves through themes of uncertainty, growth, responsibility, and the challenge of creating meaning in a world that often prioritizes material success over inner fulfillment. This episode isn’t about defining the meaning of life. It’s about understanding how we each come to create it. A fitting close to the season—grounded, open, and deeply human.

Where East Meets West: Mindfulness, Psychology, and the Search for the Self

In Episode 9 of Coffee, Matcha & Soul, the full group reunites to sit down with Dr. Peter Lin, a licensed psychologist, professor at St. Joseph’s University, and a leading voice in the integration of Western psychology and Eastern Buddhist philosophy. Trained at Columbia University and Weill Cornell, Dr. Lin specializes in mindfulness-oriented psychotherapy and has developed academic programs centered on contemplative living. He is also a certified Chinese Zen meditation teacher in the Dharma Drum Mountain Chan lineage, bringing both clinical expertise and lived practice into his work. Together, the group explores a central question: What is the self? Through the lens of psychology and Buddhism, the conversation examines how our sense of identity is formed, how it can become rigid or illusory, and how mindfulness offers a way to observe and potentially loosen our attachment to it. The discussion moves through topics like thought patterns, emotional identification, awareness, and the difference between who we think we are and what we actually experience. It’s a grounded exploration of how understanding the self can lead to greater clarity, flexibility, and presence in everyday life. A thoughtful and expansive conversation at the intersection of science, spirituality, and self-understanding.

Maya’s Magic Word and the Crisis of Accountability

In Episode 8 of Coffee, Matcha & Soul, Saro Varjabedian is joined by returning Season 1 guests Victoria Negri and Ashley-Lauren Elrod to discuss the release of Ashley’s new book, Maya’s Magic Word, and to explore a far more complicated and urgent question: What does equality actually mean when power seems unevenly protected? The conversation moves beyond theory and into current cultural tensions. The group reflects on public frustration around high-profile investigations, including the handling of the Epstein files and how it has unfolded, raising concerns about transparency, the protection of victims, and the perception that powerful individuals often avoid scrutiny. They also examine moments when citizens, feeling unheard or disillusioned, take justice into their own hands, asking difficult questions about accountability, legality, and the dangers of vigilantism in a society where trust in institutions is strained. At the heart of the episode is a deeper philosophical concern: Why do so many Americans feel the system is rigged to protect elites? What happens to social stability when people believe the law is not applied equally? And most importantly, what constructive, lawful actions can citizens take to push for greater transparency, integrity, and reform? Rather than offering easy answers, this episode invites serious reflection on power, responsibility, and civic engagement. It challenges listeners to think critically about corruption, accountability, and how meaningful change can happen without abandoning the rule of law. A candid and layered discussion about justice, influence, and the responsibilities we share in shaping a more balanced system.

Following one's intrinsic nature: Art, Technology, and an Epic Creative Journey with Chris Perna

In Episode 7 of Coffee, Matcha & Soul, Saro Varjabedian sits down with Chris Perna, former Worldwide Studios Director of Art at Epic Games, whose work helped shape iconic titles like Gears of War, Unreal Tournament, and Fortnite. Chris reflects on his creative journey—how following his natural curiosity, instincts, and love of experimentation led to an “epic” career in games. The conversation explores his artistic process, his identity as a lifelong tinkerer, and how embracing technology has always been central to his work. The episode also marks the beginning of Chris’s second creative chapter as he steps into filmmaking, discussing how he thoughtfully incorporates AI as a tool for exploration rather than replacement. A grounded, inspiring conversation about trusting your nature, evolving creatively, and staying curious across disciplines.

AI & Social Responsibility: Using Our Tools for the Betterment of Humanity

In Episode 6 of Season 2 of Coffee, Matcha & Soul, Saro Varjabedian and Zair Montes are joined by John Kammer, founder of Guardian AIngels, an AI-powered journaling app designed to help people navigate the grieving process.Together, they explore the deeply human intersection of grief, technology, and ethics—examining how AI can be used as a compassionate tool for reflection and healing, while also confronting the moral responsibilities that come with building such systems in a world driven by capitalistic interests.The conversation touches on the potential benefits and risks of AI in emotionally vulnerable spaces, questions of trust and intention, and how creators can design technology that prioritizes care, dignity, and humanity over exploitation or profit.This episode offers a nuanced discussion on responsible innovation, emotional support, and the challenge of preserving human values as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly woven into our most intimate experiences.A reflective, necessary conversation about technology’s role in healing and the ethics that must guide it.