Ish Matters

Ever feel like the city is suffocating you? Like your stress levels are always high, sleep isn’t restful, and like you can’t come up with new ideas? In this episode, we’re uncovering the hidden truths about why you need nature to stay sane—biologically, neurologically, and emotionally. From lowering blood pressure and stress hormones to boosting creativity and happiness, nature does more than just look pretty—it’s crucial for your health. I’ll walk you through the science behind it and share why losing touch with the natural world is costing us more than we realize. If you’ve ever felt the pull to escape into the wild, this episode will show you why your body and mind are begging to escape from the concrete cages we live in. 

Instagram: @Ish.matters

The Nature Fix By Florence Williams

Effects of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) on levels of cortisol

Is the U.S. Government Poisoning Us? It might sound shocking, but in this episode, we take a deep dive into how government subsidies, big agriculture, and ultra-processed foods are contributing to America's rising chronic disease rates. From diabetes and heart disease to autoimmune disorders, we'll uncover the policies behind the problem and explore the hidden chemicals in our food supply. Join me as I break down the facts, share the data, and offer practical tips on how you can navigate a food system that seems to be working against your health. It's time to take control—because what you don’t know might be hurting you.

"The Impact of Special Interest Groups on the Federal Dietary Guidelines: Consequences for American Health"

This episode is about Guy Debord's idea of the spectacle: a social system where life is mediated by images and appearances. It’s not just about watching TV or scrolling through social media—though those are clear examples—but about how everything in society becomes a performance, a show. The spectacle turns real, lived experiences into representations, where appearances matter more than substance. It’s a world where being has turned into appearing, and we are constantly performing, not living.

Inspired by:

The Philosophize this Podcast 

Society of the Spectacle

In this episode, we’re going to discuss the American Dream—the myth, the hustle, and the crisis it has driven us into. In this, we will learn about the “achievement society” as dubbed by Byung-Chul Han, the myth of self-improvement, and how we exploit ourselves to the point of burnout.

My TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@knowthingss?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

References:

The Burnout Society by Byung-Chul Han

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Lora Marie has been creating (hilarious) educational content surrounding the experiences of living with an autoimmune disorder. She is an RA Warrior who has used her experiences, trials, and errors to inspire fellow autoimmune warriors with positivity, light, and connection. In this episode, we talk a little about a lot- including AIP diets, remaining hopeful and resilient through the hardships of autoimmunity, and more. Hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.

Find Lora @exploringautoimmune

Find me @_raniaasalah

Accessible Therapy (virtual):

1. BetterHelp

2. Teen Counseling

3. Brightside

If you have insurance:

1. Call your insurance to find a therapist in-network for you

2. Ask your job about benefits

3. Look up "sliding-scale therapists near me"

- PsychologyToday or other search engines can help you filter for your needs

Autoimmune disorders are on the rise: both in prevalence and in variation. Here's a little bit of background knowledge about what we know and what we don't know about autoimmunity. As promised, see links below for more information:

Instagram: @_raniaasalah

This is a heavy one! One factor contributing to racial health inequities is implicit bias- or rather the consequences of unchecked biases in healthcare settings.  Implicit or explicit negative attitudes toward patients may adversely impact quality of healthcare and perpetuate health disparities. Stigmatizing language written in a patient’s medical record contributes to attitudes and implicit bias, ergo influencing physician decision-making and treatment. Although medical records are an integral method of communicating about patients, they have been a vector for transmitting implicit bias in the healthcare profession. This episode outlines the importance of mandating that clinicians undergo supplementary training to properly, accurately, and objectively document  patient information on electronic health records (EHRs).

Want more information about one or more of my sources? Ask a question on anchor or Spotify, or DM me on instagram! 

Instagram: @_raniaasalah

Language is our portal to meaning making, and without the right language to describe and articulate our emotions, we may struggle to find healing. We may find that emotions begin to consume us, chip away at our physical and mental well-being, and manifest as destructive behaviors. When we lack the right vocabulary, connection becomes all the more difficult. When our emotional language is limited, we we feel disembodied or disconnected from ourselves and others. Language is pivotal to allowing emotions to guide our behaviors productively, help us make sense of ourselves and the world, and extend compassion to those we listen to. Part of mindfulness is awareness without judgement, and awareness is achieved by discernment. By naming our emotions, we can act as impartial observers without allowing them to overwhelm us. And in that process, we gain control. And come on, we have a cool pre-frontal cortex, we might as well use it! 

Follow the Ish Matters Instagram for episode updates and summaries: @ishmatters 

Brene Brown: Atlas of The Heart 

Gabor Mate: When The Body Says No

Emotions wheel: feelingswheel

Mindfulness is so much more than the image the word provokes: a formal meditation, silence, and deep breaths. It's everything from listening, pausing, to practicing non-judgement and acceptance. Mindfulness practices can and should be a part of your everyday life- science says so! So if you want to come along my journey of trying to live more mindfully, stay tuned for this series where we explore practices together. Let's learn how to make moments meaningful, life more joyful, and actions more purposeful. Let's learn to live with intention and lead with kindness and love. Time is too precious to waste it waiting for better moments. I recognize my privilege in having the time, resources, and capacity to think on topics such as mindfulness. I understand that the circumstances of life may be overwhelming, unfair, unjust, and too demanding to have the freedom to pause and reflect. But if and when we can, let's try to make the most out of our moments. 

Brené Brown's book: Atlas of The Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience

Sam Chase's Ted talk: Paying Attention and Mindfulness

Some Science:

DM me for questions! Instagram: @_raniaasalah 

DISCLAIMER: The sources used to write this episode are limited to Rania's journal entries. It is less scientific and more opinion-based, but it is nonetheless important. 

In this episode, I explore the ideas and ideals surrounding love that we are currently exposed to. I make the argument that we must shift our definition of love from a passive state to an active, continuous effort. I critique modern social media content and this generation's version of romanticism and provide an alternate perspective on romantic partnership. If this sounds interesting, tune in! 

Instagram: @_raniaasalah