The Zhen Podcast

Every major change in your life — the move, the breakup, the job loss, the identity shift — comes with a grief that nobody prepares you for. Not because something went wrong. Because something ended. And most people have never been taught how to actually close a chapter before they are forced to open the next one.Eva Orbuch spent years as a community organizer before becoming a life coach who specializes in exactly this — the space between who you were and who you are becoming. And what she has discovered is that the people who navigate transitions the best are not the ones who push through fastest. They are the ones who pause long enough to mark the moment.Rituals are not spiritual bypassing. They are not woo. They are one of the oldest and most neurologically effective tools humans have for processing change. And in a world that moves faster every year — the deliberate pause is not a luxury. It is a survival skill.This episode is for anyone in the middle of a transition right now who feels unmoored, overwhelmed, or like they cannot find their footing. Eva explains exactly what is happening in your nervous system — and what actually helps.Connect with Eva Orbuch: Website: https://www.evaorbuch.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evaorbuch_coaching_consulting/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eva-Orbuch-Coaching-and-Consulting/100086610301601/In this episode: 🔥 The deep connection between childhood patterns and how you handle adult transitions 🔥 How to design personalized rituals that actually help you heal and move forward 🔥 The role of mindfulness and daily self meetings in navigating change 🔥 How to recognize and release old stories that are keeping you stuck 🔥 Practical rituals for everyday life and major life shifts 🔥 What your body is trying to tell you when you feel overwhelmed — and how to listen 🔥 Why slowing down is not falling behind — it is how you actually move forward 🔥 How to turn grief and loss into acknowledgment and acceptance 🔥 Building a sense of home within yourself when everything outside is changing 🔥 The transformative power of symbolic acts — visualization, burning old stories, ritualized farewells 🔥 Why time feels faster as you age — and what to do about itTimestamps: 00:00 — Meet Eva Orbuch — life coach and transitions expert 02:45 — From community organizer to life coach — the full story 04:10 — Navigating change with mindfulness and intentionality 06:50 — Childhood relocation patterns and how they show up in adult transitions 09:30 — Recognizing courage and grief in the middle of change 12:15 — Building a sense of home and attaching rituals to everyday life 16:49 — What your nervous system is doing during overwhelm and how rituals calm the chaos 19:10 — Defining and designing meaningful rituals for personal change 22:17 — Visual tools for controlling time and planning — the nesting dolls analogy 24:00 — Daily self meetings as a ritual to reconnect with yourself 27:09 — Processing professional transitions with creative ceremonies 31:20 — Why time feels faster as we age — perception and memory theories 33:17 — Reflections on youth, education, and life lessons 37:19 — Embracing the present moment and future possibilities 39:06 — Letting go of regret and the stories of what could have been 42:11 — Physical symbols and visualization to release old narratives 44:48 — Guided ritual — driving through life's milestones and releasing baggage 49:10 — Post ritual insights — feeling liberated and ready to move forward 50:00 — Practical tips for integrating rituals into daily life and major transitions 51:09 — How to work with Eva OrbuchIf anything in this episode brought something up for you — support is available: 📞 Mental health and crisis support — call or text 988 📞 Substance use support — 1-800-662-4357 💬 Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741

If you have been in therapy for years and still feel stuck — this episode is going to make a lot of things click.Brad Galvin is an EMDR certified therapist who has spent over two decades helping people heal from trauma, addiction, and the childhood wounds that quietly run adult life. And what he will tell you in the first ten minutes of this conversation is something most therapists never say out loud — talking about your trauma is not always enough. And for a lot of people it is actually keeping them stuck.EMDR works differently. It does not ask you to relive your pain. It asks your brain to process it in a way that talking never reaches. And when you combine it with Internal Family Systems — the idea that you are not one person but many parts all trying to protect you — something shifts that years of traditional therapy could not move.This episode is for anyone who has done the work and still feels like something deeper is untouched. Brad explains exactly what that something is — and what actually reaches it.Connect with Brad Galvin: 🌐 brieftherapyworks.com 📞 206-339-4546 📧 [email protected] this episode: — What EMDR actually is and why bilateral stimulation works when nothing else does — Internal Family Systems — the parts of you still trying to protect a version of yourself that no longer needs protecting — Why talk therapy falls short for trauma and what it is missing — How trauma lives in the body and the brain and how EMDR rewires both — The nervous system in fight flight freeze and how EMDR calms the chaos — The real root of addiction and why it has nothing to do with the substance — The connection between childhood longing and adult self destruction — How to start healing even if you do not have access to therapy right now — Why trusting your therapist is part of the medicine not just the method — How traumatic memories become empowering stories on the other side of EMDRTimestamps: 00:00 — Meet Brad Galvin — EMDR therapist and inner parts guide 02:00 — What EMDR actually is and how eye movements process trauma 03:24 — Internal Family Systems — the parts inside you still running the show 04:23 — EMDR vs somatic work vs hypnotherapy vs ketamine 05:16 — Why the therapeutic relationship is part of the healing 06:14 — Attachment focused EMDR and the resources already inside you 07:42 — Why healing takes time and why that is not a failure 09:33 — What talk therapy misses and how to use it more effectively 10:32 — How EMDR calms the amygdala — the brain's trauma alarm system 14:51 — How to know which therapy is right for you 17:31 — The roots of addiction — what is really driving the behavior 21:39 — How traumatic memories transform into empowering stories 25:16 — Fight flight freeze and how to heal in the present 28:45 — Gambling addiction — how it works and how EMDR addresses it 34:52 — Childhood longing and how it shows up in adult life 40:52 — Practical tools for healing when therapy is not accessible 46:31 — Trusting your own inner wisdom — the path back to yourself

What if everything you thought you knew about dieting, willpower, and starting over was wrong?Lorie Eber spent years as a high powered attorney — successful by every external measure — and walked away from all of it to become a health and wellness coach. Not because she failed. Because she finally got honest about what was actually making her unhappy. And what she discovered on the other side changed everything she thought she knew about food, habits, emotional eating, and what it actually takes to transform your life at any age.This is not a weight loss episode. This is an episode about what is really driving the behavior underneath the weight. The emotional triggers. The habits that formed so slowly you didn't notice them until they were running your life. The career that looked impressive from the outside while quietly costing you everything on the inside.Lorie has been where a lot of people are sitting right now — stuck, successful on paper, and completely disconnected from what actually feels good. This conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered if it's too late to start over. It is not. Lorie is proof.In this episode: — Why diets fail and why it has absolutely nothing to do with your willpower — How Lorie walked away from a high powered legal career and what that decision actually cost her before it freed her — The emotional triggers behind overeating that nobody talks about — and how to identify yours — Why real food and mindful eating are not trends — they are the only sustainable strategy — How to navigate junk food in your home when not everyone is on the same page — The role of movement and portion control in a health journey that actually lasts — The mental and emotional layers underneath emotional eating that no diet will ever address — How to make a major life or career change without drowning in regret afterward — Why self compassion is not soft — it is the actual mechanism of change — How to find genuine purpose in every phase of life including the ones that feel like detoursConnect with Lorie Eber: https://lorieeberwellnesscoaching.com/https://www.instagram.com/lorieeber/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7CeLbLNKnAva9szHp3Jx3Ahttps://x.com/EberLorieThe Zhen Podcast is mental wellness and personal growth for people who are done with the filtered version. Real conversations. Real healing. No fluff. Follow so you never miss an episode. 🖤

If you've ever tried to break a habit and failed — not because you weren't trying hard enough, but because something deeper kept pulling you back — this episode is going to make a lot of things click.Joanna Zajusz is a hypnotherapist and transformational coach who left a burnout career in sales, had what she calls a full spiritual download, and completely rebuilt her life around helping people rewire their minds. She calls her approach "positively rebellious" — and once she explains it, you'll understand exactly why.This is not the hypnotherapy you've seen on stage. This is the quiet, targeted, surprisingly logical version that works on the part of your brain where habits actually live.We talk about overeating, sugar addiction, emotional cravings, Yo-Yo dieting, and why most people keep failing at change — not because they lack discipline, but because they're trying to fix a deep problem with a surface solution.If you've been stuck in the same loop for years, this one is worth your full attention.In this episode: — What "positively rebellious" actually means and why rebellion is the starting point for real change — How Joanna went from burned out in sales to hypnotherapist — including the moment that changed everything — The real difference between hypnotherapy and stage hypnosis (they are nothing alike) — Why you never lose control during a session — and what's actually happening in your brain — How hypnotherapy rewired one client's overeating habit in a single session — The truth about quitting sugar — and why one session is sometimes all it takes — Why Yo-Yo dieting is a mind problem, not a food problem — How to find a hypnotherapist you can actually trust — The difference between a quick fix and a change that actually sticksTimestamps: 00:00 — Meet Joanna: the hypnotherapist who calls herself a rebel 00:21 — What "Positively Rebellious" means and why it matters 00:33 — How rebellion against your own programming becomes a catalyst for change 01:24 — From real estate burnout to healing arts — Joanna's full story 02:24 — The spiritual download that shifted everything 03:04 — How hypnotherapy actually works — no, not like that 04:54 — Stage hypnosis vs. real hypnotherapy: setting the record straight 07:45 — Do you lose control during a session? The honest answer 09:02 — What the relaxed hypnotic state actually feels like 10:49 — Real example: how hypnosis rewired one client's overeating for good 12:38 — Cravings, emotional eating, and the tools that actually work 13:39 — Is quitting sugar through hypnosis always permanent? 14:05 — Why skill-building and emotional awareness matter more than willpower 15:33 — How awareness becomes action — and why most people skip this step 16:50 — The extremes of dieting and how to stop the emotional rollercoaster 18:14 — How to sit with discomfort without reaching for food 19:39 — Slowly reducing addictive foods without feeling deprivedConnect with Joanna Zajusz: https://positivelyrebellious.com/

If you've ever laid awake at 3am with your brain on fire, convinced something is wrong with you — this episode is for you.Dr. Raymond, a licensed psychologist, sits down with Zhen to reveal the truth about anxiety that nobody is talking about. This isn't your typical therapy advice. This is the raw, real, and honest conversation about why your anxiety keeps coming back — and what to actually do about it.If you struggle with overthinking, perfectionism, people pleasing, fear of failure, or feeling like you're just not enough — watch this before you do anything else.✅ The hidden root causes of anxiety nobody tells you about ✅ Why your need for control is making your anxiety worse ✅ How childhood wounds secretly drive adult anxiety ✅ The truth about manifestation, surrender, and self-trust ✅ How to build real self-worth and stop looking for validation ✅ Why perfectionism and anxiety are best friends — and how to break them up ✅ Practical tools to calm your nervous system and rewire your mindset for goodThis conversation will change the way you see yourself. CONNECT WITH DR. RAYMOND: https://westlapsychologist.com/Phone: (310) 963-4007Email: [email protected]://www.instagram.com/westlapsychologist/You are not broken. You are human. Healing starts the moment you decide to own your story. Take a breath — and let's go. 🤍TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - The real reason anxiety keeps coming back 02:00 - How childhood trauma quietly runs your adult life 04:15 - What self-discovery actually looks like in real life 06:40 - Breaking free from people pleasing and societal pressure 09:00 - Perfectionism and anxiety — why they always show up together 11:00 - The subconscious reasons your brain creates anxiety 13:20 - Why control is an illusion and how to finally let go 15:00 - How to turn overthinking into a superpower 17:30 - What zero anxiety actually feels like (and how to get there) 19:00 - How society and consumerism secretly fuel your anxiety 21:00 - Building unshakeable self-worth and radical self-love 23:00 - Overcoming fear of success and stepping into your power 25:00 - Escaping the over-control cycle for good 28:00 - Manifestation, surrender, and trusting the process 30:30 - How to trust yourself when everything feels uncertain 33:00 - Authentic connection, vulnerability, and real relationships 35:00 - Healing the childhood wounds driving your anxiety today 37:00 - How your actions reveal your true self 39:00 - Why therapy looks different for everyone — and that's okay 41:00 - Managing emotional triggers and building resilience 

Trigger warning. This episode includes discussions of trauma, alcohol and substance abuse, addiction, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.Love Is Blind–Inspired Relationship LessonsWhat do shows like Love Is Blind reveal about real relationships?More than we think.In this episode of The Zhen Podcast, we break down relationship dynamics inspired by moments from Love Is Blind and explore the deeper psychology behind love, conflict, commitment, and marriage.This is not surface-level dating advice. It’s a raw, honest conversation about what actually makes relationships succeed — or quietly fall apart.We talk about the hidden insecurities behind public fights, the importance of emotional maturity, and why the strongest couples communicate calmly instead of constantly battling.You’ll also hear powerful insights about financial transparency, long-term compatibility, and why romantic love can affect your brain like an addictive drug.If you enjoy shows like Love Is Blind, but want to understand the deeper psychology behind what you’re watching, this episode will completely change how you see modern relationships.In This Episode• Love Is Blind–inspired lessons about public fights and relationship insecurity• Why emotional control and calm communication strengthen partnerships• The myth that healthy couples need constant conflict• The reality behind marriage decisions on reality TV• How to read body language and emotional readiness in relationships• Why couples often fight about money — but it’s rarely about money• How romantic love affects the brain like a powerful drug• Why financial transparency matters before marriage• The importance of prenups and honest financial conversations• How to build a calm, resilient partnership that lastsTimestamps00:00 — Why public relationship drama damages trust and reputation02:07 — Love Is Blind altar moment analysis: what really happened04:41 — Reading emotional readiness and body language in relationships06:31 — The power of staying calm during conflict09:14 — Handling disagreements with maturity and respect13:43 — The myth that couples need to fight often to be “real”15:06 — Choosing a partner aligned with your life vision19:00 — Why money fights reveal deeper relationship problems23:01 — Love as a drug: understanding emotional attachment28:11 — Prenups: protecting relationships through honesty31:20 — How to start the money conversation with your partner34:59 — Building financial stability and trust together39:29 — Respectful communication in long-term partnerships44:00 — Marriage and kids: why alignment matters46:10 — What truly makes love last48:17 — Building a life of calm, fun, and connection50:00 — Passing down wisdom for future relationships

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of trauma, alcohol & substance abuse, addiction, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.  In this deeply honest conversation, Zhen and Michelle reflect on the life and legacy of Eric Dane — and what his story reveals about fame, trauma, resilience, and the hidden weight of loneliness.Because here’s the truth:Success does not protect you from suffering.Fame does not protect you from loneliness, and resilience is not the same thing as pretending you’re okay.We unpack the difference between resilience and perseverance, and why pushing through without self-awareness can slowly become self-abandonment.We talk about:• Why the loneliest people are often the most admired • How trauma lives in the body — not just the memory • The cellular impact of emotional suppression • Why fame amplifies what you haven’t healed • The quiet cost of always being “strong” • The power of deep, uncomfortable conversations • Why forgiveness is freedom — not approval • How presence heals more than advice ever couldThis episode isn’t about celebrity. It’s about all of us. It’s about the version of you who looks fine on the outside — but feels unseen on the inside. It’s about the pressure to keep going. The fear of slowing down. The courage it takes to tell the truth about how you’re really doing.We explore the role of self-compassion, cultural expectations around strength, and why hope is not naive — it’s neurological fuel for healing.If you’ve ever felt alone in a crowded room… If you’ve ever confused endurance with strength… If you’ve ever wondered why achievement didn’t bring peace… This conversation is for you. Because no matter how far you’ve gone — there is always a path back to yourself. There is always hope, and healing is never off the table.Subscribe for more conversations on mental health, emotional mastery, relationships, trauma healing, and personal growth.#MentalHealth #Resilience #TraumaHealing #Loneliness #SelfCompassion #HealingJourney #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealth

In this episode, Zhen and Michelle Shahbazyan delve into the latest developments in the reality show 'Love is Blind', focusing on the relationships of the contestants, particularly Chris and Jessica. They discuss the importance of emotional investment, personal growth, and communication in relationships, as well as the impact of family dynamics and lifestyle differences. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-awareness and the identification of non-negotiables in dating. Predictions for the couples' futures are also made, highlighting the complexities of love and partnership.Honesty in relationships is crucial.Emotional investment can lead to hurt feelings.Personal growth is essential for healthy relationships.Communication is key to understanding each other.Family dynamics can influence relationship choices.Identifying non-negotiables is important in dating.Self-awareness helps in making better relationship choices.It's okay to be single while figuring things out.Relationships require ongoing effort and understanding.

In this engaging conversation, Zhen and Michelle Shahbazyan delve into the themes of love and dating as explored in the reality show 'Love is Blind.' They discuss the importance of senses in attraction, the balance between physical and emotional connections, and the cultural influences that shape relationship dynamics. The conversation also touches on the significance of self-awareness, financial stability, and the messiness of life in relationships, ultimately emphasizing the need for compatibility and the journey of self-discovery in finding the right partner. In this conversation, Michelle Shahbazyan and Zhen explore the complexities of relationships, particularly in the context of trauma, self-discovery, and emotional health. They discuss the importance of healing from childhood trauma, the dynamics of parenting, and the necessity of emotional safety in relationships. The conversation delves into the impact of communication styles, the journey of self-expression, and the significance of finding the right partner. They also touch on cultural dynamics, the role of religion, and the importance of patience in navigating modern relationships.takeawaysThe show 'Love is Blind' explores the complexities of attraction beyond physical appearance.Senses play a crucial role in forming emotional connections, not just visual attraction.Physical attraction is often necessary for a deep emotional connection to develop.Cultural backgrounds significantly influence relationship dynamics and expectations.Contestants often struggle with the reality of their choices when faced with physical attraction.Self-awareness and understanding personal needs are vital for relationship readiness.Financial stability and expectations can impact relationship dynamics and satisfaction.Messiness in life can reflect deeper emotional states and affect relationships.Compatibility goes beyond initial attraction; it requires shared values and lifestyles.Being picky in choosing a partner is essential for long-term happiness. It's important to heal from childhood trauma before entering a relationship.Becoming your best self attracts healthier partners.Emotional safety is crucial in relationships, especially for children.Overcoming emotional chaos is a personal responsibility.Finding the right partner requires self-awareness and growth.Communication styles can greatly affect relationship dynamics.Self-discovery is essential for healthy relationships.Trauma can impact dating and relationship choices.Expressing oneself is vital for emotional health.Understanding trauma helps in navigating relationships.

In this enlightening conversation, host Zhen and relationship and health coach Merianne Drew explore the intricate connections between emotional well-being, nutrition, and relationship health. Merianne shares her personal journey from health coaching to overcoming her own health challenges, emphasizing the importance of addressing emotional issues to achieve physical wellness. The discussion delves into the impact of nutrition on mental health, the significance of sleep, and effective communication strategies in relationships. Listeners are encouraged to cultivate self-awareness and seek support from trusted friends or professionals to navigate their personal growth and relationship challenges.

In this conversation, Amanda Escobedo discusses the significance of personal hardships and how they shape one's purpose. She emphasizes that everyone has challenges that are integral to their life story, which can foster connections with others. By embracing these experiences, individuals can navigate their journeys and share their narratives effectively with their audience.

In this conversation, Zhen Hou and Tina Marx explore the themes of fear, freedom, and personal growth. Tina shares her journey as a flow and business coach, discussing the importance of trusting one's intuition and calming the nervous system to access deeper insights. They delve into the challenges of career transitions, the significance of fun and curiosity in life, and the necessity of self-acceptance and authenticity in interactions with others. The discussion emphasizes the need for gradual change, self-compassion, and the power of positive affirmations in overcoming self-doubt and fear.

In this episode of "The Zhen Podcast," host Zhen interviews Michelle Shahbazyan, a life coach and love strategist. Michelle shares her unique approach to relationship coaching, emphasizing the importance of understanding physiological and interpersonal dynamics. She discusses her journey from studying applied psychology to pioneering online diamond jewelry sales, and eventually becoming a marriage and family therapist. Michelle highlights the challenges of traditional therapy and her decision to work internationally without a license to reach a broader audience. She also talks about the importance of addressing red flags in relationships, the impact of cheating, and the role of addiction in relationship dynamics. Michelle's book, "Win at Love, Win at Life," offers guidance on finding the right partner and building a successful love life.