Shows
Storytellers Grove23. Finding Your Voice: Masculinity, Vulnerability & the Power of WordsPoetry is more than just words—it’s a tool for self-expression, healing, and connection. In this episode, I’m joined by Jean-Sebastien Surena, a Haitian-American poet and spoken word artist, whose work has one goal: to make you feel.This episode is for anyone who believes in the power of words, whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or brand strategist looking to craft messages that truly resonate. Because at its core, poetry and brand strategy share the same foundation: emotion, authenticity, and storytelling that moves people.In this episode, we’re chatting:How Jean disco...
2025-02-0559 minStorytellers Grove21. Gaslighting, Cults and Clickbait: How to Navigate the HeadlinesI don’t know about you, but I’m pretty freaked out by the growing "manarchy," and I think it’s time we use our voices to embody the change we want to see in the world. One of the most insidious things cult leaders do is make you believe that you need them to achieve your goals or that you’re powerless to make a difference. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.If you take anything away from my brand, I hope it’s this: You are more powerful than you think, and the answers...
2025-01-2230 minStorytellers Grove16. Heart Chakra Meditation: A Prayer for the WorldIf you’re ready to lead with love, embrace compassion, and balance your heart chakra, this episode is for you.In this fourth episode of the chakra meditation series, we’ll explore the heart chakra—your center of connection and empathy. Learn how this energy can help you overcome imposter syndrome, lead with warmth and confidence, and communicate with compassion in life and business.In this episode, we’ll explore:Why warmth, competence, and purpose are key to success.How to communicate with compassion and bridge divides.The role of childhood and attachment styles in your...
2024-12-1839 minStorytellers Grove15. Healing Through Nervous System Alignment with Dr. Mariah WenglewskiDisclaimer: This is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are experiencing chronic illness, reach out to a chiropractor or medical professional.If you’re curious about the connection between chiropractic care and the nervous system, this episode is for you.I'm joined by Dr. Mariah Wenglewski, a Seattle-based chiropractor and specialist in pediatric and perinatal care. Inspired by her personal journey healing from POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), Dr. Mariah is passionate about empowering individuals and families with the knowledge to make informed health decisions. Together, we explore the science and stories behind ch...
2024-12-1143 min
The Ally Show#18: Elshan Moradiabadi — The Curse and The Remedy: Journey of a Chess GrandmasterIn this conversation, Grandmaster Elshan Maradiabadi shares his journey from being a young chess enthusiast in Iran to becoming a Grandmaster and immigrating to the United States. He discusses the challenges he faced, including the pain of losing, anxiety, and the pressure of high expectations. Elshan emphasizes the importance of mental health, personal growth, and the lessons learned from his experiences. He also highlights his passion for coaching the next generation of chess players and th...
2024-10-2547 minThe Ally Show#17: Indi Young — Healthy People for Healthy Products: The Art of Deep ListeningIn this conversation, Ali chats with Indi Young about the power of listening and empathy in building products and brands. They discuss the practice of deep listening and the steps to improve rapt attention. They also explore the impact of toxic work cultures on mental health and the need for broader protections in the workplace. Indi emphasizes the role of individuals in creating change and suggests forming groups, talking to HR, and organizing lunch meetings to address these issues. They als...
2024-10-021h 00The Ally Show#16: Emily Harrell — Healing from Loss and Trauma: Tools and PracticesSummary:In this conversation, a somatic performance mentor, Emily Harrell, first guides Ali through a grounding and EFT tapping practice to help him reconnect with himself and manage his anxiety. Emily shares her journey of growing up with anxiety and the challenges she faced in supporting her family while neglecting her own needs. They discuss the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing when it's necessary to prioritize self-care. Emily emphasizes the need to fill your cup before he...
2024-09-181h 11Storytellers Grove2. How Can I Make a Difference In My Community? Actionable Tips with Ali EslamifarIn today’s climate, community is often thought of in terms of follower count. But what if we went back to really considering our neighbors? That’s a concept that’s really at the heart of today’s guest’s message.Today, I’m joined by Ali Eslamifar, the host of The Ally Show and the 10 Minute Pause Podcast. Ali is a former tech professional who has overcome significant mental health challenges during his personal and professional life. Now, he’s taking what he learned through those challenges and shining a light on inspiring stories of strength and mental hea...
2024-09-181h 00The Ally Show#15 Jesse Marseille — Mentors, Routines, Curiosity: The Path From Burnout to Helping OthersIn this episode, Jesse Marseille, host of Storytelling at Scale, shares his journey from feeling unfulfilled in the tech industry to finding purpose through storytelling. He discusses the power of stories and how they shape our lives. Jesse emphasizes the importance of following curiosity and finding mentors who align with our values. He also opens up about his personal struggle with a chronic illness and how it led him to prioritize his own happiness and self-worth. In this conversation, Jes...
2024-09-081h 07The Ally Show#14 Arezoo Momeni — You Can Change: A Life Transformation Triggered by a Psychedelic ExperienceIn this episode, I sit down with Arezoo Momeni, who was born and raised in Iran and later moved to the US as a Ph.D. student and research scientist. Arezoo shares her journey of overcoming societal expectations in Iran, the challenges of toxic culture in her Ph.D. program, and the struggle with self-worth due to cultural differences. A transformative psychedelic experience helped her reconnect with her true self, though integrating these insights into daily life proved challenging. Now a lice...
2024-08-211h 10The Ally Show#13 Aref Gharakhani— Navigating Entrepreneurial Mental Health: Self-Awareness & Growth in ImmigrationIn this episode, we chat with Aref Gharakhani about his journey from co-founding multiple successful startups in the Middle East to navigating immigration challenges in North America. In this chat, Aref opens up about the dramatic changes he’s faced and how his entrepreneurial spirit intersects with his personal growth and immigration experiences.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Who is Aref: Aref’s early experiences growing up in Iran and his transition from engineering to entrepreneurship.Are...
2024-08-071h 06The Ally Show#12: Tudor Matei — Healthy Engineering Culture: Mastering Time and Conquering Impostor SyndromeIn this episode, host Ali Eslamifar sits down with Tudor Matei, an engineering coach dedicated to helping engineers reach their full potential. Tudor is a former engineering director turned coach. His last experience included years of managing and leading the engineering team at Course Hero. In this episode, Tudor shares his experiences and strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome and managing time effectively in a tech environment.What You’ll Learn:Tudor's Career Shift: Discover why Tudor...
2024-07-0859 minThe Ally Show#11: Emily Schickli — Rethinking Work & Embracing Play: Real Talk About How to Cope with LayoffsEpisode Summary:In this episode of The Ally Show, our host welcomes back Emily Shickli for a deep dive into the timely topic of layoffs and how to navigate them with a unique perspective. Emily introduces the concept of a "play mindset" and shares practical techniques to cope with the challenging situation of layoffs. She also hints at her upcoming in-person Playfest event, designed to help individuals reconnect with their sense of play and freedom.Actionable Takeaways:- Embrace a play mindse...
2024-06-111h 12The Ally ShowWePause Weekly #10: Last Session of Our Beta Trial: You are an Artist!This Week's PresentationWhat's in this recording? During our final free beta testing session for project WePause Weekly, I (Ali) led a discussion on tapping into our inner artist. Eleven years ago, I embarked on a journey as a designer and artist, a pivotal period in my life. Credit goes to my mentor, Wil Heywood, for introducing me to transformative techniques like Morning Pages, Artist Dates, and meditation, which deepened my connection to my consciousness. Honestly, at the time, I didn't f...
2024-05-1532 minThe Ally Show#10: Ashley Nguyen — Part 2: The Joy Around You: Bringing Human Compassion to Our Lives Through AstrologyIn the second part of our discussion with Ashley Nguyen, we dive into astrology and explore how it can serve as a tool for self-awareness and empathy. In this segment, Ashley uses Ali's birth information to illustrate a sample birth chart, demonstrating how it can be interpreted to tell a story and build greater compassion and understanding toward ourselves. It's important to mention that Ali doesn't necessarily subscribe to astrology, but this conversation shows how these discussions can inf...
2024-05-1155 minThe Ally ShowWePause Weekly #9: From Burnt Out to Blissed Out — Curbing Burnout through Awakening Your HeartSpotify PlaylistLast Friday, during our ninth WePause Weekly session, Stephanie Pereira Lima hosted an inspiring gathering for our community. I (Ali, your host) almost missed the session due to a hectic flight from the West Coast to the East Coast, but thanks to my amazing friends who picked me up from the airport and set everything up, I made it on time. I'm incredibly grateful for their help.Stephanie started by sharing her stressful experiences working in the corporate world in NYC. Then s...
2024-05-0737 minThe Ally ShowWePause Weekly #8: Higher Self Journey: A Shamanic ExperienceSign up to WePause Weekly: https://wepause.space/signupPresentation used by Emily on this callThis week, we had an amazing WePause Weekly session with Emily Schickli, also seen on episode 2 of The Ally Show! This time we practiced something totally new for most of us: We dove deep into a shamanic journey, guided by her soothing voice and the rhythmic drumbeats. Despite some initial uncertainty, I eventually embraced the experience, excited as I explored sensations and deep visualizations and ...
2024-04-2031 minThe Ally ShowWePause Weekly #7: The easier and more effective way to say "No"Sign up to WePause Weekly: https://wepause.space/signupGuess what? Today's WePause session with Alec Sorensen was excellent! We talked about something we all struggle with saying no. Alec, who's been through the trenches of engineering and executive coaching, totally gets the pain.He shared this cool four-step method that's magic for mastering the art of saying no. It's simple but super effective. First, you start with positive feedback and validation, then get specific about what's up, no ju...
2024-04-1332 minThe Ally Show#9: Ashley Nguyen — Part 1: Redefining Your Internal Worth: The Battle Against Lost Identity through Mindful ImaginationIn this episode, Ashley Nguyen (also seen on WePause #4) shares her deeply personal journey of self-discovery, tracing back to pivotal childhood memories that influenced her path from engineering to guiding meditation and podcasting. She delves into the impact of bullying and familial discouragement of creative pursuits and how it propelled her toward a career in science and logic. Ashley reveals how inner child healing helped her unearth suppressed creativity, creating her podcast, Awake in ...
2024-04-1159 minThe Ally ShowWePause Weekly #6: Love or Fear?Presentation Spreadsheet: Love or FearSign up to WePause: https://wepause.space/signupWelcome to our 6th WePause Weekly, where I, Ali Eslamifar, hosted this session. In this session, I had the honor of hosting and building an experience around my favorite topic in mental health: Love. Over the past year, discovering key answers to my questions about love has been life-changing for my mental health. During my experience at Burning Man, I learned for the first time that love is about both givin...
2024-04-0730 minThe Ally ShowWePause Weekly #5: Let it Flow!Sign up to WePause Weekly: https://wepause.space/signupPresentation used on this callWe had a meaningful time in this week's WePause with the wonderful Arezoo! She took the "Let it Flow!" topic to a level I could not imagine. She first dives into the steps we must take for the emotional release technique, including Choosing an activity (e.g., drawing), preparing, setting intention, meditation, letting emotions flow, and journaling... We then started the practice. From a calming meditatio...
2024-03-3028 minThe Ally ShowWePause Weekly #4: Wellness for the 9-5Sign up to WePause Weekly: https://wepause.space/signupPresentation used on this callThis is a new section to The Ally Show, where we are adding the recordings for our new project, WePause Weekly. At this week's WePause session, Ashley from Awake In Wellness started discussing "Wellness for the Nine to Five." She emphasized the crucial need for setting boundaries between work and personal life, urging participants to prioritize their well-being amidst their busy schedules.As the session unfol...
2024-03-2328 minThe Ally ShowWePause Weekly #3: Self-Compassion WorkshopSign up to WePause Weekly: https://wepause.space/signupWePause Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wepause.spacePresentation Used on This Call.This is a new section to The Ally Show, where we are adding the recordings for our new project, WePause Weekly. In this WePause session, Ali Eslamifar introduced Amanda Grover as the guest instructor for a self-compassion workshop. Amanda shared her journey of using self-compassion to overcome stress and pursue passions, emphasizing mindfulness, recog...
2024-03-1729 minThe Ally Show#8: Amanda Grover — Loving Investigation: Finding Your Groove From Trauma To EmpowermentJoin us as we dive into personal growth and boundary-setting with guest Amanda Grover. Amanda shares her journey from trauma to empowerment, emphasizing self-discovery and balancing energies. Learn Amanda's strategies for mental well-being, including daily body scans for emotional clarity. Amanda is the Director of Brand Marketing at HireInfluence, an award-winning influencer marketing agency. Amanda started her career in Public Relations, but after the pandemic and a lot of soul-searching, s...
2024-03-111h 12The Ally ShowWePause Weekly #2: Meditation & EmotionSign up to WePause Weekly: https://wepause.space/signupWePause Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wepause.spaceLink to the presentation used by Maryam on this Call.This is a new section to The Ally Show, where we are adding the recordings for our new project, WePause Weekly. During the second WePause session, Maryam Bijanzadeh led a discussion on emotion theories and their cross-cultural applications. We also had a meditation session led by me, Ali, to help everyone regulate their emotions ...
2024-03-0928 minThe Ally ShowWePause Weekly #1: Pause & Breath-Work (Intro to WePause)Sign up to WePause Weekly: https://wepause.space/signupWePause Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wepause.spaceThis is a new section to The Ally Show, where we are adding the recordings for our new project, WePause Weekly. In this episode, Ali first introduces a new weekly event called "WePause" to promote mental health practices. These 30-minute meetings are held on Fridays at 2:00 p.m. Pacific time features guest instructors discussing various mental health improvement topics. The first m...
2024-03-0530 minThe Ally Show#7: Nasibeh Amiri — Unveiling Cultural Traumas: Diaspora Communities' Journeys and the Path to HealingIn this episode, we talk with Nasibeh Amiri, delving into the impact of cultural displacement on mental health. From war-torn Iran to new beginnings, Nasibeh's story sheds light on the need for culturally sensitive therapy. Through MEDInfinit.com, she connects individuals with therapists who understand their cultural backgrounds. We explore the challenges immigrants face and the shortage of culturally competent therapists. Discover the potential of AI in mental health care and the importance ...
2024-02-1158 minThe Ally Show#6: Bakari Holmes — Depression Navigation: A Melodic Fight Against Anxiety, Depression and PTSD with Music and MindfulnessMeet Bakari Holmes, an award-winning musician and tech leader, sharing his journey of overcoming anxiety, depression, and PTSD. An advocate for DEI and mental health, Bakari offers insights into the power of music in culture and mental health, and he discusses its therapeutic role and transformative impact on his life. Bakari shares insights on managing mental health with practices like mindfulness, therapy, and medication. The conversation delves into the impact of stigma, family dynamics, r...
2023-12-111h 07The Ally Show#5: Morgan Condict — Ghost Town: Healing Trauma Through Poetry & Disconnecting From ExpectationsIn episode 5 of "The Ally Show," we engage in a heartfelt conversation with Morgan Condict. We dive into life's challenges, exploring topics like addiction, mental health, and suicide. Morgan, raised in a ghost town, as he calls it, near Paso Robles, California, opens up about his adolescent journey, influenced by family struggles. Together, we find solace in shared passions like poetry and not having expectations. Morgan's narrative sheds light on the transformative power of facing personal ...
2023-11-111h 11The Ally Show#4: Mike Nauls — One More Time: A Soccer Journey of Physical & Emotional StrugglesIn episode 4 of "The Ally Show", Mike Nauls shares a deeply personal journey marked by physical and emotional pain. His competitive soccer dreams were shattered by compartment syndrome in his legs, leading to isolation and self-reflection. The episode explores his immigrant background, educational choices, and the path to better mental health through fitness, spirituality, and introspection. Mike's candid storytelling resonates with those facing similar challenges, offering inspiration and co...
2023-10-1158 minThe Ally Show#3: Yvonne Leow — Pain, Power, Love: Mental Wellness and Nature's Transformative JourneyIn this episode, we explore the power of outdoor recreation with Yvonne Leow, the founder of Bewilder. We discuss her journey from a culture distant from outdoor activities to her life-changing backpacking trip, emphasizing the role of nature in mental well-being. We cover topics like pain, self-optimization, social media's impact on authenticity, and insights on supportive networks. Finally, we highlight the significance of mental health, finding purpose, and the transformative potential of ...
2023-09-111h 24The Ally Show#2: Emily Schickli — Healing from Within: A Journey from Chronic Pain to Authentic SelfJoin us for an inspiring Episode 2 as we delve into Emily Schickli's transformative journey. From battling chronic pain to rediscovering her authentic self through meditation and yoga, Emily's story is a beacon of hope and resilience. Tune in to explore how her experiences have shaped her coaching approach, empowering professionals to find harmony between personal well-being and career success.Emily Schickli is a triple-certified life coach, spiritual mentor, and published author with a Maste...
2023-08-111h 25The Ally Show#1: Brad Winters — Embracing Life's Shadows: Finding Strength in Loss, Grief, and ResilienceIn the exciting first episode of "The Ally Show," we have a very special guest who played a significant role in bringing this show to life. Ali and Brad, who initially met while working at Quizlet, have developed a deep friendship that has grown even stronger since Ali's departure from the company. Brad has been instrumental in helping Ali shape this incredible show.During this episode, Brad takes some time to share a bit about his background before diving into a personal story of heartache: ...
2023-07-111h 24The Ally Show#0: Intro to The Ally Show and Ali — A tech dropout on his way to understand mental health betterWelcome to "The Ally Show" with your host, Ali Eslamifar! In this podcast, Ali opens up about his own mental health struggles and his journey toward self-discovery. He shares his passion for understanding the human mind and cognitive science, which led him to create a podcast focused on mental health. Ali's goal is to provide support and allyship to listeners, offering conversations with guests who share their own experiences and commit to helping five listeners improve their mental well-bein...
2023-07-0710 min