The Dream Catcher Podcast

641 Episodes

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[Interview] Confident by Choice: The Inner Shifts That Build Unshakable Self-Belief (feat. Juan Bendaña)

2026-02-1759:32

Have you ever wondered why some people move through life with ease—speaking up, taking chances, and pursuing opportunities—while others hesitate, overthink, or wait for the “right moment” to finally feel ready? In this episode, we explore a powerful reframe: what if confidence isn’t something you’re born with, but something you build—choice by choice? I’m joined by Juan Bendaña, an internationally renowned speaker and author of Confident by Choice. Juan has helped hundreds of thousands of people develop confidence that isn’t loud, performative, or ego-driven, but grounded, practical, and real. Together, we unpack the myths that keep people stuck, the micro-decisions that build real self-trust, and how to transform fear from something that stops you into something that moves you forward. If you’ve been waiting to feel “ready,” this conversation might gently show you another way.

How to Choose the Right Relationships for Who You’re Becoming

2026-02-1318:15

As we grow and evolve, the relationships we keep begin to matter in deeper ways. Some connections support our comfort and lifestyle — while others quietly shape our courage, clarity, and sense of purpose. In this episode, we explore how to choose the right relationships, not from a place of judgment or rigidity, but from honesty and self-respect. We look at how friendships and partnerships influence who we are becoming, why outgrowing certain connections is a natural part of growth, and how to recognize relationships that genuinely support your calling. This is a reflective, grounded conversation for anyone navigating change, reassessing their inner circle, or seeking relationships that feel aligned with their values and deeper direction. Listen with curiosity — not to make decisions, but to notice what feels true for you.

[Interview] Listening to Your Emotions: The Healing Intelligence Within (feat. Karla McLaren)

2026-02-1035:07

Original airdate: October 16, 2023 We’re often taught that emotions are problems to be managed or overcome. But nothing could be further from the truth. Emotions don’t create problems—they carry the very intelligence we need to meet them. In this episode, my guest Karla McLaren invites us to rethink our relationship with our inner world. She shares how accessing the wisdom within our emotions can lead to a life that feels more meaningful, healing, and deeply awake. Karla McLaren, M.Ed., is an award-winning author, social science researcher, and empathy innovator. She is the CEO of Emotion Dynamics Inc., the developer of Dynamic Emotional Integration®, and the creator of the Empathy Academy. She is also the author of several influential books, including Embracing Anxiety and The Art of Empathy. This conversation goes far beyond naming or managing feelings. Karla teaches us how to honor our emotions, listen to the questions they are asking, and integrate their wisdom into everyday life—so that emotions become allies rather than obstacles on the path to inner freedom.

5 Pieces of Self-Help Advice That Doesn't Work Anymore (And What to Do Instead)

2026-02-0614:04

Much of the self-help advice we’re exposed to today sounds confident and inspiring — yet somehow fails to land where it matters most: real life. In this episode, we explore why certain popular messages around positivity, hustle, passion, boundaries, and self-love no longer serve us in the modern world. Rather than offering more fixes or formulas, this reflection invites a quieter, more discerning approach to growth — one that honors nervous systems, lived experience, and emotional truth. If you’ve ever felt jaded by self-help, or sensed that you’ve outgrown familiar advice, this episode offers a grounded space to reconsider what genuine growth looks like now. Listen slowly. Take what resonates. Let the rest fall away.

[Interview] Illuminating the Shadow: Turning Self-Sabotage into Inner Power (feat. Xavier Dagba)

2026-02-0349:05

Have you ever noticed yourself repeating the same patterns—even when you know better? In this episode, I’m joined by Xavier Dagba for a deeply honest conversation about the shadow side of our inner lives. We explore the parts of ourselves we’ve learned to hide: old emotional wounds, unmet needs, and traits we’ve labeled as “unacceptable.” Xavier also introduces the idea of the golden shadow—the disowned strengths, gifts, and radiance we often keep just as hidden as our pain. Xavier is a transformational coach, speaker, and author known for his grounded, trauma-informed approach to shadow integration and self-liberation. Drawing from depth psychology, embodied healing, and spiritual wisdom, he helps people dissolve self-sabotage and live with greater wholeness and integrity. He is also the creator of The Embodied Light Project and host of the Enheartened. In our conversation, we talk about resistance, self-sabotage, and why meaningful change can feel so challenging—even when it’s deeply desired. This episode offers practical insights into recognizing your shadow, working with it compassionately, and integrating all parts of yourself so you can live in a more grounded, authentic way.

The Meaning of Synchronicities: Are They Signs or Just Coincidence?

2026-01-3015:29

Synchronicities have a way of showing up right when we need them—through a book, a conversation, or a repeating sign that feels impossible to ignore. In this episode, we explore the meaning of synchronicities and how to interpret them with clarity rather than obsession. You’ll learn how to tell the difference between genuine inner guidance and simple pattern-recognition, why synchronicities often appear during transitions, and how to respond in a way that strengthens self-trust instead of outsourcing your power.

The Liminal Space: When Your Old Life No Longer Fits (and the New One Hasn’t Arrived Yet)

2026-01-2709:08

Have you ever felt like you’re floating between two versions of your life — no longer who you were, but not quite who you’re becoming either? That in-between season has a name: the liminal space. And while it can feel disorienting, lonely, and unsettling… it’s also where some of your deepest transformation begins. In this solo reflection, I’m sharing what I’ve been learning in real time as I move through a liminal season of my own — and how to stay grounded when life feels uncertain, unstructured, or emotionally unfamiliar. If you’re in a chapter where nothing feels fully stable yet… I hope this episode helps you feel less alone, and more held.

When Life Looks Fine But Feels Empty: What History Teaches Us About Meaning

2026-01-2325:44

Civilizations don’t usually collapse overnight — they erode quietly, through comfort, distraction, and forgotten values. In this reflective episode, we explore what history reveals about meaning, drift, and inner decline through stories like the Roman Empire and the Maya civilization. But this isn’t just about the past. It’s about the subtle ways we lose our own sense of purpose while life looks “fine” on the surface. You’ll also walk away with five simple practices to rebuild meaning, return to what matters, and stay steady in uncertain times.

[Interview] Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Never Stops (feat. Israa Nasir)

2026-01-2046:33

Have you ever noticed how slowing down can feel strangely uncomfortable—even when you know you need it? Or how taking a break can stir guilt instead of relief? In this episode, I’m joined by Israa Nasir, a psychotherapist, mental health educator, and founder of WellGuide, to explore the deeper psychology behind our relentless drive to stay busy. Drawing from her new book Toxic Productivity, Israa helps us unpack the hidden beliefs that link our worth to our output—and how to step out of that pressure without losing our sense of ambition. Israa’s work bridges emotional well-being, modern life, and resilience-building, and she has been featured in NBC, Vox, HuffPost, Teen Vogue, and more. She has also been invited to speak at organizations including Mental Health America, Google, Meta, and Yale. Together, we talk about where toxic productivity comes from, how it quietly shapes our self-esteem, and what it looks like to redefine success in a way that supports your mental health. You’ll also walk away with practical ways to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and build a relationship with productivity that feels grounded—not draining.

Pace, Rhythm, and Flow: What Nature Can Teach Us About the Natural Pace of Life

2026-01-1619:29

Life isn’t supposed to feel like a constant sprint. Most of us push through our days on autopilot — always rushing, rarely pausing — and wondering why we still feel behind. Nature tells a different story. Tides, trees, and seasons reveal the natural pace of life, reminding us that real growth has rhythm. In this episode, you’ll hear how those lessons translate to everyday life, and how adjusting your pace can bring more clarity, steadiness, and ease — without losing momentum or ambition along the way.

[Interview] Spiritual, Not Religious: Finding Meaning in a Secular World (feat. Thomas Moore)

2026-01-1332:42

Original airdate: April 6, 2021 In recent decades, many people have grown distant from organized religion—disenchanted by its structures, yet still yearning for a meaningful inner life rooted in purpose, reflection, and depth. My guest today, Thomas Moore, reminds us that spirituality doesn’t have to be confined to rigid belief systems or purely rational thinking. He invites us to cultivate a personal spiritual style—one that can exist within religion, outside it, or somewhere beautifully in between. Thomas is the author of 24 books, including the #1 New York Times bestseller Care of the Soul. His own journey has been richly unconventional: once a Catholic monk, later a scholar with a PhD in religious studies, and eventually a psychotherapist and university professor. His work weaves together spirituality, mythology, depth psychology, and the arts, with a deep reverence for imagination and symbolic life. Through his writing and lectures around the world, he seeks to help restore soul to modern culture. In this thoughtful and expansive conversation, Thomas explores how we can personalize religion and make spirituality truly our own. He shares both traditional and unexpected pathways to mystical experience—and offers gentle guidance on how to bring soul and sacredness into everyday life.

What Real Magic Looks Like in Love (and Why It’s Not What You Think)

2026-01-0916:26

Real love isn’t the cinematic rush we’re taught to crave — it’s quieter, steadier, and often shows up in the small, everyday choices two people make for one another. In this episode, we unpack why “movie magic” can mislead us, what genuine emotional safety actually feels like, and how trust, repair, and self-respect create a love that lasts. If you’ve ever wondered why sparks fade — and what grows in their place — this piece gently shows where the real magic lives.

[Interview] Becoming a Modern-Day Gladiator: Principles for Unshakable Living and Leadership for Today’s World (feat. Dariush Soudi)

2026-01-0657:39

Have you ever felt like life keeps throwing you into the arena before you’re ready — testing your resilience, your identity, and your sense of purpose? Today’s guest, Dariush Soudi, knows that battle well, and he’s turned his experiences into a powerful philosophy for rising stronger. After facing devastating personal and professional losses, Dariush rebuilt his life from the ground up — not just with strategy, but with heart. Today he leads with authenticity, compassion, and unwavering grit. His “gladiator” message has inspired a global community of more than a million people through his work as an entrepreneur, investor, keynote speaker, philanthropist, and host of the In the ARENA podcast. In this conversation, we explore his remarkable life story, the mindset of the modern-day gladiator, and the core principles behind his book. You’ll hear how these ideas can transform leadership, resilience, and the way we meet everyday challenges — especially when life feels like a fight. Let’s step into the arena together.

7 Signs You’re Off Your Highest Path (and How to Realign)

2026-01-0222:38

Your life can look great on paper and still feel heavy inside. You’re doing what you should, keeping up with responsibilities, and moving forward, but it still doesn’t feel like you. Your highest path is the one that lines up with your values, your strengths, and your current season of life. It’s not about being perfect but about feeling calm and clear in the choices you make. In this podcast, we cover seven common signs you’re off your highest path, plus simple, practical ways to realign without turning your whole life upside down, starting today.

[Interview] The Chinese Five Elements: Identify Your Elements & How it Can Benefit You (feat. Dondi Dahlin)

2025-12-3050:16

Original airdate: March 21, 2023 We’re all born with individual rhythms that go beyond the influence of our genes and upbringing. The Five Elements is one of the systems that we can use to understand our rhythms. The system originated in ancient Chinese medicine 2,000 years ago–when scholars theorized that the universe is composed of five forces: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. Our guest Dondi Dahlin will help us understand the five elements better and how we can use it to transform ourselves. Dondi Dahlin is an award-winning public speaker and has been seen on Hay House, Shift Network, OMEGA Institute, Mindvalley, and ACEP. She is also a popular teacher spreading Eden Energy Medicine and the Five Elements through international workshops. She co-authored The Little Book of Energy Medicine and her book The Five Elements became a best-seller when it was released in 2016. Dondi is also an internationally-acclaimed dancer, actress, and teacher in television, film, and stage for over 30 years. In this interview, Dondi explains the personality types represented by the five elements of water, wood, fire, earth, and metal and how we can use them to stay in balance physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. She also talks about how we can use it to improve our relationships with others.

Free Will vs Determinism: How Much Control Do We Have Over Our Destiny?

2025-12-2631:25

In a world of chance and choice, the discussion of free will versus determinism makes us ask: do we control our destinies? For centuries, thinkers have pondered the influences of our choices and how they shape our lives and destinies. This episode sheds light on this age-old conundrum, highlighting the intricate dance between fate and freedom, and discovering what it ultimately means to take charge of your life and exercise free will.

[Interview] Soulful Living Made Simple: Unveil Your Soul Signature and Cultivate Self-Acceptance (feat. Panache Desai)

2025-12-2341:18

Ever feel like nothing you do is enough, or your true self is not showing up in your day-to-day life? My guest, Panache Desai, says there is a kinder, more intentional way to live. By unpacking the beliefs that hold you back, you can spot the false stories that fuel hustle and shame, then find your way back to who you are.He’s here to guide us on how to release pressure, build self-trust, and live with more ease. Panache Desai is an internationally acclaimed Mentor, Speaker, and Bestselling Author dedicated to unlocking human potential and fostering personal empowerment. brings over three decades of experience as a transformational thought leader, inspiring individuals worldwide to achieve greater connection, authenticity, and peace. Featured on Oprah Winfrey’s Emmy award-winning Super Soul Sunday and the host of the widely followed ‘Call to Calm’ meditations, Panache seamlessly blends ancient wisdom with a modern, relatable approach. In this interview, Panache and I will talk about feeling hard emotions without getting swept away, and what it means to live from wholeness while still growing. You’ll hear simple practices you can use today. Expect clarity, calm, and practical steps you can use the moment the episode ends, for you.

The Psychology of Consistency: What Actually Makes Habits Stick

2025-12-1928:24

Success is rarely a stroke of luck; it's the result of cultivating lasting habits through unwavering consistency. It's not the monumental efforts we exert on rare occasions, but the small, consistent actions taken day after day that shape our destinies. In this episode, we will delve into the transformative power of consistency, exploring how it acts as the secret ingredient in your journey toward sustainable change.

[Interview] Holy Love: How to Develop Soul-Fulfilling Relationships (feat. Elisa Romeo and Adam Foley)

2025-12-1653:28

Original airdate: February 22, 2022 Our deepest common human desire is to be met deeply, intimately and with unconditional love. So why is it that what we most yearn for is one of the most elusive things to find and sustain? According to my guests, Elisa Romeo and Adam Foley, the problem is that many of us have lost connection with the authentic and unconditional part of ourselves — the Soul. And the only way we can connect with another on a soulful level is by understanding ourselves personally and intimately. Elisa Romeo and Adam Foley are the authors of “Holy Love: The Essential Guide to Soul-Fulfilling Relationships” and cohosts of the Holy & Human Podcast. Elisa is a licensed marriage and family therapist, an intuitive, and an author. Adam is a certified somatic practitioner and yoga instructor who uses spiritual coaching, somatic healing, and his own intuitive abilities to connect people with the deeper aspects of themselves. During our conversation, Elisa and Adam offer their insight into what soul-based connections look and feel like and how we can connect with others on a soul level and identify our soul connections.

Navigating Adult Friendships: Overcoming the Challenges of Making Lasting Connections

2025-12-1227:09

As adulthood begins, the whirlwind of responsibilities often sideline one of life’s most fulfilling pursuits: meaningful friendships. Unlike the carefree days of childhood, making connections in adulthood comes with its unique challenges. Busy schedules, geographical moves, and evolving priorities can make it feel almost impossible, despite the desire for these lasting bonds remaining strong. In this episode, we’ll explore strategies and insights to break down barriers and foster genuine relationships.

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