230.From Dissonance to Dialogue: The Psychology of Connection in Challenging Times with Shahrzad Jalali
Description
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What if the way we handle conflict and division could actually heal our fractured world – starting with healing ourselves?
In our increasingly polarized times, we're all feeling the weight of division – whether it's global tensions, political discord, or conflicts closer to home. But what if the key to bridging these divides isn't found in changing others, but in understanding the deep psychological forces that drive us apart?
In this deeply personal and universally relevant episode of Health Bite, Dr. Adrienne Youdim sits down with psychotherapist and author Shahrzad Jalali to explore what lies beneath our current climate of division and how we can remain grounded, connected, and well in turbulent times.
Who is Shahrzad Jalali?
- Licensed psychotherapist with over a decade of clinical experience
- Author of the upcoming book "The Fire That Makes Us" (releasing September 9,2025)
- Iranian-American who brings both personal and professional insight to understanding identity, trauma, and healing
- Specialist in somatic therapy and intergenerational trauma work
What You'll Discover in This Episode:
- How fear and uncertainty prime our brains to see the world in dangerous binaries (ally vs. enemy, safe vs. dangerous)
- The neurobiological roots of tribal thinking and why group belonging equals survival in our nervous systems
- How to distinguish between your personal trauma and inherited intergenerational wounds
Why This Episode Matters:
Whether you're dealing with family tensions, workplace conflicts, or feeling overwhelmed by world events, this conversation offers a path forward that starts with inner work. Dr. Jalali shows us how personal healing and collective healing are interconnected – and how each of us taking responsibility for our own regulation can create ripple effects of positive change.
This episode will help you:
- Understand why you feel so activated by certain conflicts and how to create space before reacting
- Navigate conversations with people who hold opposing views without losing your center
- Break free from the "us versus them" mentality that keeps us stuck in cycles of division
Connect with Shahrzad Jalali:
How We Can Support Adrienne—and Each Other
Our community’s love and presence are powerful. Here’s how you can become a catalyst for this shared journey of transformation:
- Share Your Voice with an Honest Review on Apple Podcasts. Your thoughtful reviews help spread Adrienne’s message to those who need it most. Take a moment to leave a genuine review and strengthen our community together. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/health-bite/id1504295718
- Stay connected by following Health Bite on Spotify. Share your reflections in the comments and join the conversation. Your experiences and insights add richness to our collective growth. Follow and comment on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2jwdHPnWJaoBs2ZJe0nnP6
- Send #LoveNotes and Reach Out on Instagram. Let Adrienne know you’re walking this path with her by sending a #LoveNote or a direct message on Instagram. Your encouragement fuels her journey and fosters the connection that makes this community thrive. Adrienne’s Instagram handle here: https://www.instagram.com/dradrienneyoudim/
Together, we’re creating a space where vulnerability is met with support, and transformation is celebrated as a courageous act.



