In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Caroline J. Henry to explore the power of slowing down, reclaiming balance, and integrating cultural traditions into emotional well-being. A passionate educator, humanitarian, and innovator, Dr. Henry has spent nearly two decades reshaping education and fostering emotional resilience.

This conversation unpacks the ways in which society glorifies rush and urgency, often at the expense of our emotional and physical health. Through cultural practices like liming—an informal Caribbean tradition of gathering and unwinding—Dr. Henry highlights how slowing down is not only necessary but deeply ingrained in many cultures.

We also discuss the role of emotional balance in education, how mindfulness exists outside of Western narratives, and why reclaiming time is essential for self-preservation. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to always be “on,” this conversation will give you tools to slow down and realign with what truly matters. Tap in to listen now.

Key Themes

• The impact of slowing down on emotional well-being

• Cultural approaches to mindfulness and balance

• The role of education in emotional resilience

• Breaking free from the addiction to rush

• How identity, culture, and emotional balance intersect

• The importance of pausing and setting boundaries

Episode Highlights

(00:00) Podcast Introduction.

(00:30) Dido explains Dr. Henry’s background and shares a quick episode summary.

(01:30) Dido introduces Dr. Caroline J. Henry and shares how their collaboration began.

(04:37) The complexity of emotional balance and how our regulated versus dysregulated selves show up differently in life.

(09:44) The power of pausing—practical ways to slow down and reset when overwhelmed.

(16:12) Why modern society prioritizes speed over effectiveness and how to break free from the addiction to rush.

(26:03) The struggle of setting boundaries in a hyper-connected world and navigating expectations around instant communication.

(33:58) Cultural perspectives on balance—how liming in the Caribbean fosters emotional well-being and how these practices can be used to reclaim identity.

(38:54) How finding emotional balance helps us be present and specifically supports mothers in navigating parenthood more successfully.

(43:04) The role of education in emotional well-being and why schools need to integrate emotional balance into learning.

(57:31) Wrapping up—podcast closeout and final remarks.

(58:10) Stay connected—where to find more content.

Episode Links & Resources

• Connect with Dr. Caroline J. Henry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-j-henry-449abb11/

• Read about the concept of ‘Limin’ in Caribbean culture: https://globalvoices.org/2021/09/09/the-origins-of-liming-in-trinidad-and-tobago/ 

• Book mention: Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert M. Sapolsky

Get in Touch with Dido

• Instagram: @balancedwithballa

• Email: [email protected]

 

In this episode of Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla, we explore the universal experience of emotions and the deeply personal nature of emotional regulation with Sarah Asem, a globally recognized personal development coach and emotional intelligence expert.

Sarah has worked worldwide—including in Romania, China, Ukraine, Poland, and Spain—helping individuals and organizations navigate emotions in diverse cultural, personal, and professional contexts. She has lectured at Emerson College, co-authored an SEL workbook for children, and spoken at the Wellbeing 360 Conference in Mexico.

Together, we dive into how culture, gender, and societal norms influence the emotions we are “allowed” to express and how we can break free from restrictive expectations. From exploring the differences in emotional expression between men and women to discussing the power of co-regulation in parenting and relationships, this episode is packed with practical insights and tools you can apply in your daily life.

💡 Listen now to gain powerful insights into understanding, managing, and expressing emotions in a way that truly works for you.

 

 

Key Themes

• Emotions are universal, but finding balance is deeply personal

• How culture and upbringing shape emotional expression

• The ways men and women are conditioned differently to regulate emotions

• The duality of anger in men—why it’s encouraged externally but discouraged in relationships

• The role of co-regulation in relationships, families, and emotional health

• How self-awareness and emotional intelligence help us navigate cultural and personal expectations

 

 

Episode Highlights

00:00 - Welcome to Emotionally Balanced – Podcast introduction 00:28 - Meet Sarah Asem – Her background in emotional intelligence and global SEL work 03:45 - Why Culture Matters – How cultural background shapes the way we experience and express emotions 12:19 - The Role of Empathy – Why understanding others is key to emotional regulation 16:04 - Men vs. Women: Emotional Expectations – How gender shapes the emotions we’re allowed to express 19:21 - The Confusing Message About Male Anger – Society’s mixed signals about when men can and can’t express anger 27:14 - The Unspoken Rules for Men’s Emotions – What emotions men experience but aren’t encouraged to show 35:44 - How Women Express Emotion Differently – The expectations and double standards women face 41:19 - Why Co-Regulation Matters – How we influence each other’s emotions and nervous system 49:25 - Parenting with Emotional Intelligence – How to model emotional regulation for children 55:33 - Final Thoughts & Takeaways – Key lessons on emotional balance 58:03 - Wrapping Up – Podcast closeout and final remarks

 

 

Episode Links and Resources

• Connect with Sarah Asem on Instagram: @Sarah_Asem_Coach

 

 

Stay Connected with Dido Balla

📲 Instagram: @BalancedWithBalla 📧 Email: [email protected]

🎧 New episodes drop weekly—listen now to start your journey toward emotional balance!

 

Ever feel like there are many versions of you? The calm, level-headed version… and the one that reacts before thinking? In this solo episode, I break down why this happens and how to move between different emotional states with awareness, regulation, and emotional fitness.

Tune in as we explore: ✅ What emotional regulation actually means ✅ Why some things trigger you one day but not the next ✅ The science behind dysregulation & the “triggered you” ✅ Tools to shift from a reactive state to a balanced one ✅ How to build emotional resilience for the long haul

The good news? You have more control than you think. This episode is your guide to choosing which you shows up in life’s toughest moments.

Hit play now and take a step toward becoming more emotionally balanced!

Key Themes:

✔ Emotional regulation & why it matters ✔ How to identify when you’re triggered ✔ The neuroscience of emotional balance ✔ Natural ways we already regulate emotions ✔ How to connect emotional balance to your identity ✔ The Awareness-Regulation-Fitness method

Dido’s Contact Information:

📲 Instagram: @BalancedWithBalla 📩 Email: [email protected]

Even healers struggle. Even teachers need guidance. Even the strongest people feel weak sometimes.

In this episode of Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla, Dido sits down with Jahmaal, an educator, entrepreneur, artist, and healer with a global perspective on emotional well-being. As someone who was born in Jamaica and has lived in Germany, India, and the United States, Jahmaal brings unique insight into how different cultures view mindfulness, self-care, and mental health—and why some truths remain universal.

This conversation explores the unspoken struggles of those who help others heal. Society often expects teachers, healers, and givers to have all the answers, but the truth is they experience self-doubt, depression, and emotional exhaustion just like everyone else.

Dido and Jahmaal discuss:

• Why checking in with yourself is the most important (but often overlooked) tool
• Cultural differences in mental health awareness and how society shapes emotional resilience
• The true meaning of yoga beyond physical postures
• How focusing on your senses can regulate your emotions
• Visualization, sound therapy, and breathwork as tools for emotional balance
• Reframing depression as a tool for self-reflection

Whether you're a healer, a leader, or someone simply trying to navigate life’s challenges, this episode is a reminder that strong people struggle too—and that’s OK.

Listen now.

 

 

Key Themes

The struggles of being a healer and helper Mindfulness and self-care across cultures Why strong people struggle too Cultural differences in mental health awareness The true meaning of yoga and its connection to emotional balance How sound therapy, breathwork, and visualization regulate emotions The importance of checking in with yourself Reframing depression as a tool for self-reflection

 

 

Highlights

0:00 Podcast Introduction 00:29 Introducing Jahmaal & Episode Overview 01:54 How Dido and Jahmaal Met Through Mindfulness 03:11 Mental Health Across Cultures: Key Differences and Perspectives 16:18 A Simple Yet Powerful Tool: Checking in With Yourself in One Word 18:15 Why Checking in With Yourself Feels So Difficult 22:02 Yoga Beyond the Poses: The True Purpose of the Practice 26:45 How Focusing on Your Senses Can Bring Emotional Balance 30:29 Understanding Visualization: How Your Mind Shapes Reality 34:53 Recognizing That All the Answers You Need Are Already Within You 39:34 Do Healers Struggle to Heal Themselves? The Hidden Challenges of Helping Others 45:40 Practical Tools for Navigating Emotional Turmoil 54:38 Reframing Depression: How Struggle Can Lead to Self-Reflection

Episode Links and Resources

📖 Get Jahmaal’s Book – Transformational Mindfulness: The Handbook for Self-Mastery 🔗 jah.life (https://jah.life/product/transformational-mindfulness-the-handbook-for-self-mastery/)

📌 More About Jahmaal: 🔗 jah.life (https://jah.life) 

 

 

Contact Dido Balla

📲 Stay Connected with Dido 📸 Instagram: @balancedwithballa 📩 Contact: [email protected]

In this episode of Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla, host Dido Balla sits down with Coach Saturnie—a Certified Professional Executive & Relationship (Femininity) Coach—to explore the connection between emotional balance, self-awareness, and the interplay of masculine and feminine energy. Together, we dive into:

• What femininity and masculinity really are—beyond looks or stereotypes.
• The power of self-discovery in emotional regulation.
• How societal expectations impact how we process emotions.
• The difference between escapism and emotional regulation—and how to tell which one you’re doing.
• The role of authenticity and intuition in emotional well-being.

Is femininity only for women? Do men have feminine energy, too? How does balancing these energies lead to healthier relationships and emotional wholeness? This episode is all about practical tools, deep insights, and real conversations on stepping fully into your authentic self. 🎧 Key Themes

• The interplay of masculine and feminine energy in emotional balance.
• How self-discovery and identity impact emotional regulation.
• Societal expectations surrounding emotions and how they affect men and women differently.
• The importance of authenticity and intuition in fostering emotional well-being.
• How to recognize escapism vs. healthy emotional processing.

Episode Highlights 00:00 – Introduction to Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla 00:31 – Introduction to Coach Saturnie 03:33 – Are masculinity and femininity binary concepts? 05:33 – The Importance of Understanding Your Emotional Needs 10:25 – The Importance of Knowing Yourself 13:40 – Escapism vs. Facing Emotions 20:58 – Defining Femininity and Masculinity 28:44 – The Power of Authenticity and Intuition 37:21 – The Journey to Emotional Wholeness Episode Links & Resources

• Connect with Coach Saturnie: Instagram | Website

• Learn More About Coach Saturnie: About Coach Saturnie
• Watch: The Transformative Power of Femininity (In Love, Business & Leadership) 🎥: YouTube 

• Join the Workshop! 🚀: Highly Requested Workshop 

• See Client Testimonials 💬: Testimonials 

• Book Recommendation: Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett 📖

Connect with Dido 💙 Follow on Instagram: @BalancedWithBalla 📩 Email: [email protected]

 

In this episode of Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla, we welcome the incredible Dr. Allison Ventura, a child and adolescent psychologist, assistant professor, and expert in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Dr. Ventura shares practical tools for emotional regulation and dives deep into the transformative power of validation in relationships. Whether you’re new to DBT or looking for ways to deepen your emotional connection with others, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

From understanding the concept of being a “super sensor” to mastering tools like mindful breathing and checking in with yourself, Dr. Ventura’s expertise shines through in a way that’s relatable and impactful. Tune in to discover how to navigate life’s challenges with confidence, calm, and clarity. 💙

Key Themes

• The power of validation in relationships

• Understanding and embracing your emotional profile (e.g., “super sensor”)

• Practical tools for emotional regulation, including mindful breathing and observation

• The importance of kindness in emotional responses

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy: what it is and why it works

Highlights

• 00:00 – Introduction to Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla

• 00:30 – Dido introduces Dr. Allison Ventura

• 05:01 – Dr. Ventura explains what Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is

• 09:51 – How to validate emotions—yours and others—without agreeing

• 11:39 – How to use a DBT superpower tool: Observation

• 24:53 – The impact of breathing on emotional regulation

• 36:21 – What it means to be a “super sensor” and how to embrace big emotions

• 42:10 – The Three H’s: Heard, Hugged, or Helped—knowing when you need what

• 44:50 – Kindness as an essential emotional regulation tool

Get in Touch with Dido

Stay connected with Dido and Balanced with Balla: 📱 Instagram: @balancedwithballa 📧 Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla, host Dido Balla sits down with Dr. Kate Truitt—a clinical psychologist, applied neuroscientist, CEO, and international bestselling author—to explore the transformative power of emotional regulation. Together, they unpack the importance of awareness, self-compassion, and practical tools for navigating life’s emotional challenges.

Dr. Truitt introduces innovative techniques like "CPR for the Amygdala" to foster personal resilience and explains how our neurobiology is equipped with tools to help us regulate emotions. This powerful conversation also highlights how music can serve as a therapeutic tool, how to create intentional playlists for emotional healing, and the importance of planning for emotional balance.

The episode dives into barriers to mental health access and explores emotional intelligence, particularly in men, addressing societal norms that often discourage emotional vulnerability. Packed with actionable insights and strategies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking practical tools to embrace emotional regulation and thrive in life.

 

 

Key Themes

• The neurobiological toolkit we all possess for emotional regulation.

• Awareness and self-compassion as cornerstones of emotional balance.

• Practical techniques like breathwork, grounding, and mindful touch.

• The therapeutic power of music in emotional healing.

• Barriers to mental health access and ways to make tools more inclusive.

• Emotional intelligence and resilience, particularly for men navigating societal expectations.

 

 

Highlights

• 00:00 Introduction to Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla

• 00:30 Introduction to Dr. Kate Truitt

• 01:50 Breaking Down Emotional Balance & Regulation

• 04:01 Understanding Why Emotional Regulation is Life-Long Work

• 05:38 We all have a Neurobiological Toolkit

• 07:27 Grace and Self-Compassion as Tools for Dealing with Shame

• 10:01 Understanding What Awareness Means

• 12:42 How and Why Our Amygdala Can Cause Us Pain While Trying to Protect Us

• 15:43 Breathwork and Grounding Techniques for Navigating Overwhelming Emotions and Stress

• 25:26 Accessing Mental Health Tools Without Therapy

• 28:33 The Role of Music in Emotional Wellbeing

• 31:47 Creating Intentional Musical Playlists to Navigate Emotional Challenges

• 35:05 The Benefits of Being a Mindful Traveler (Emotionally) and Planning Ahead

• 40:29 CPR for the Amygdala

• 46:55 Emotional Intelligence in Men

 

 

Episode Links & Resources

• Learn more about Dr. Kate Truitt and her work: DrKateTruitt.com

• Access Dr. Truitt’s free neuroplasticity healing toolkit: Free Resources

• Watch Dr. Truitt’s videos on her YouTube channel: YouTube

• Read her bestselling books, Healing in Your Hands and Keep Breathing

 

 

Connect with Dido

• Follow on Instagram: @balancedwithballa

• Email: [email protected]

 

In this episode of Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla, host Dido Balla sits down with Abdul Muhammad II—a life coach, mindfulness facilitator, martial artist, and creative powerhouse. Together, they explore emotional regulation, self-expression, and the transformative power of gratitude.

Abdul shares his concept of the "Nine Seeds," focusing on the first three: self-expression, empowerment, and inspiration. This inspiring conversation is packed with actionable insights and practical tools to help you navigate life’s challenges with confidence, calm, and clarity.

💡 Tune in now to discover how emotional balance can be your superpower!

Key Themes:

• Emotional balance as a superpower anyone can develop.
• The importance of self-awareness and choosing empowering narratives.
• How gratitude and mindfulness fuel personal growth.
• The role of positive influences and inspiration in creating a fulfilling life.
• Embracing emotions, especially for men, to unlock authentic living.

Highlights:

• 00:00 – Podcast Introduction

• 00:33 – Abdul Muhammad II: Introduction & Background

• 01:37 – Who the Podcast & Emotional Regulation Are For

• 02:55 – Why Being Emotionally Balanced Is a Superpower

• 04:09 – What We Are Taught from Birth & What We Should Realize Instead

• 07:46 – Abdul Introduces the Concept of "Nine Seeds"

• 08:24 – The First Seed: Full Self-Expression

• 13:34 – Surrounding Yourself with Greatness

• 19:37 – Belief: The First & Only Thing You Can Control

• 21:37 – The Second Seed: Empowerment

• 24:41 – The Power of Gratitude

• 29:21 – The Power of Focusing on the Present Moment

• 29:54 – How the Two Seeds Connect to Dido's Emotional Regulation Cycle

• 32:17 – The Third Seed: Inspiring

• 36:54 – Abdul Explains the Purpose Behind His Song "New Frequency"

• 39:52 – Dido Explains How Abdul's Song "New Frequency" Is Like a Meditation Practice

• 42:55 – The Idea of Being a Man & What Healthy Emotional Expression Looks Like

• 43:49 – Embracing Emotions as a Man

• 47:47 – Final Words of Advice & Encouragement & The Power of Breath

 

Episode Links & Resources:

• Listen to Abdul's song "New Frequency" by DuHaq & Big West on Spotify, Apple Music, or your favorite streaming platform 🎶
• Follow Abdul Muhammad II: Instagram 

Connect with Dido

• Follow on Instagram: @balancedwithballa

• Email: [email protected]

 

In this episode of Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla, host Dido Balla engages in a profound conversation with Major Renee Peterson, a seasoned law enforcement officer and advocate for emotional intelligence. Together, they explore the importance of emotional regulation, the challenges of breaking stereotypes in law enforcement, and the tools that can help individuals manage their emotions effectively. Major Peterson shares her personal journey, emphasizing the significance of curiosity, embracing peace, and the concept of 'taming the dragon' as a metaphor for managing emotions. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that emotional intelligence is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or profession. In this conversation, the speakers explore the importance of emotional regulation, the cultural influences on expressing emotions, and the profound impact of love and affection on personal development. They discuss how mindfulness and emotional expression can lead to healing and the necessity of normalizing love in various forms to foster healthier relationships and communities. 

This powerful conversation is a reminder that emotional intelligence is accessible to everyone and an essential skill for building healthier relationships and a more compassionate society.

Highlights include:

00:00 - Podcast Introduction 

00:28 - Major Renee Peterson: Introduction & Background

02:04 - The Goal of the Podcast

02:14 - Why Emotional Regulation is Important to Dido

02:50 - Dido’s First Experiences Teaching Mindfulness

04:39 - The Different Identities Renea Embraces 

04:54 - How Renea’s Experiences Shape Her Views on Emotional Regulation

09:06 - “Taming the Dragon”: An Emotional Regulation Tool

15:46 - Renea Reflects on Her Tools for Emotional Regulation

28:43 - Prayer as a Form of Self-Regulation

29:39 - Embracing Peace and Curiosity

31:38 - Emotional Regulation Through Expression

34:37 - Cultural Influences on Emotional Expression

52:51 - The Impact of Love and Affection on Development

Connect with Renea:

Instagram: @renea_peterson_llc

LinkedIn: Renea Peterson

Follow Dido:

Instagram: @BalancedwithBalla

In this short but powerful inaugural episode of Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla, host Dido Balla introduces himself and shares insights from over 10 years as an educator in emotional intelligence and emotional regulation.

Dido explains why emotional regulation is the most important skill for navigating life’s challenges and introduces The Emotional Regulation Cycle, a framework he developed over a decade to better understand emotional experiences. This practical tool is divided into four sections: sensations, emotions, thoughts, and actions. Using real-life examples, he demonstrates how this cycle helps us better understand and manage emotional experiences.

He also previews what’s ahead for the podcast: conversations with neuroscientists, educators, psychologists, and even his own family members, exploring how emotional regulation can positively transform lives. The next episode features Major Renea Peterson, a mentor, law enforcement veteran, and mindfulness advocate.

Dido emphasizes that emotional regulation is for everyone—not just for those who attend retreats or training sessions. “If you’re alive and breathing, you have the tools to regulate your emotions and live a life more aligned with your goals,” he says.

Start your journey to navigating life’s ups and downs with confidence, calm, and clarity.

Highlights include:

00:55 What You’ll Learn From this Podcast and Why

01:27 Defining Emotional Regulation

02:01 Podcast Goal

02:22 First Guest Announcement

02:54 The Emotional Regulation Cycle

05:42 Who Emotional Regulation is For

Follow Dido:

Instagram: @BalancedwithBalla