MindShift Power Podcast

What happens when a teenager who once couldn't see past Tuesday discovers the power to shape her future? In this deeply moving conversation, 17-year-old Meera Shah reveals her remarkable journey from debilitating anxiety and depression to newfound hope and purpose.

Meera candidly shares how perfectionism and academic pressure once consumed her life, leading to severe mental health struggles that left her questioning her worth and future. "I didn't know how to see myself past the next two days," she admits, describing a time when simply waking up each morning felt like an insurmountable battle.

The transformation she's undergone in just one year is nothing short of extraordinary. Through therapy, intentional relationship-building, and radical changes to her self-care practices, Meera has rediscovered joy and possibility. Her decision to make eight hours of sleep "non-negotiable" symbolizes a profound shift in priorities – from achievement at all costs to balanced wellbeing.

What makes this conversation especially valuable is Meera's insights into the challenges facing her generation. She offers a nuanced perspective on how social media functions as both a numbing escape mechanism and a source of unhealthy comparison, while addressing the toxic competitive culture that pushes teens to breaking points. Her advice to peers struggling with similar issues is refreshingly practical: focus on yourself, make certain aspects of self-care non-negotiable, and remember that you don't need to do everything at once.

Perhaps most powerful is Meera's message about determination. As host Fatima Bey emphasizes in the episode's mind-shifting moment: "Once you make the decision that you are not going to stay there... that is when change will happen." This conversation offers hope and actionable wisdom for anyone – teenager or adult – who's ready to make that decision for themselves.

Meera also has a small business. Please click below to check it out.

https://www.instagram.com/meerasprints/

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Every episode brings global perspectives and leadership insights. Click on the "Support the show" link above and keep the mission alive for free!

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Explore more about my work beyond podcasting, check out the blog, share your thoughts, or become a guest! https://www.FatimaBey.com

I also have another podcast called The MindShifter Audio Blog!
Experience my written words like never before, as I personally narrate my blogs for a truly engaging audio journey. https://www.fatimabey.com/audioblog

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What happens when traditional therapy fails? For musician and comic book creator Lilia Bogoeva, the answer wasn't found in rehab programs or structured recovery systems—it emerged through creative expression and a revolutionary mindset shift.

"Just do something. Any damn thing. It doesn't matter who cares, just do something." This powerful mantra forms the cornerstone of Lilia's approach to mental wellness, addressing what she identifies as our most dangerous inner demon: analysis paralysis. Through her raw conversation with host Fatima Bey, Lilia reveals how overthinking keeps us trapped in cycles of inaction while our mental health deteriorates.

After battling anorexia, bulimia, and substance abuse, Lilia developed innovative healing modalities when conventional methods felt dehumanizing. Her "Harmony Healing" music therapy program helps people harness the therapeutic power of music they genuinely connect with—not necessarily traditional meditation music, but whatever speaks to their soul. Her "Rhythmic Release" dance therapy strengthens the mind-body connection, while her comic book series "Lilia the Inner Demon Crusher" visualizes internal struggles as literal battles with demonic creatures.

Lilia's story offers a profound insight about ambition—how it can either heal or destroy depending on motivation. When driven by a need to prove your worth or escape emotional pain, ambition becomes toxic. But when fueled by authentic passion and connection, it transforms into a healing force. This balance between internal wellness and external achievement creates a positive feedback loop where personal health and career success reinforce each other rather than competing for attention.

For anyone struggling when traditional approaches don't resonate, Lilia's journey demonstrates that healing rarely follows a structured, linear path. It moves in cycles and feedback loops, requiring personalized approaches tailored to individual needs. The first step? Developing awareness of how stress manifests in your body, then taking action—any action—to break the paralysis of indecision.

To learn more about Lilia:

https://www.liliademoncrusher.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@LiliaTheInnerDemonCrusher

FREE DEMO of the "Inner Demon Crusher" comic book: https://mailchi.mp/a6066a8396a5/comic-demo-freebie

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Support the show

Every episode brings global perspectives and leadership insights. Click on the "Support the show" link above and keep the mission alive for free!

Search MindShift Power Podcast buy topic here: https://www.fatimabey.com/podcast-search

Explore more about my work beyond podcasting, check out the blog, share your thoughts, or become a guest! https://www.FatimaBey.com

I also have another podcast called The MindShifter Audio Blog!
Experience my written words like never before, as I personally narrate my blogs for a truly engaging audio journey. https://www.fatimabey.com/audioblog

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Ancestral wisdom meets modern mentorship in this powerful conversation with Coach Ed Bradley, whose message to young Black men resonates with profound simplicity: "Stop asking the world for permission to be whole."

Coach Bradley, a transitional life coach and former educator, draws from his experience developing an African-American studies curriculum to address a critical gap in historical understanding. He passionately articulates how Black history didn't begin with slavery but with "kingdoms, libraries, universities, engineers, warriors, and spiritual leaders in places like Cush, Mali, and Timbuktu." This historical amnesia has profound consequences, as African Americans uniquely had their heritage "ripped and raped out of us, stolen from us, beaten out of us"—creating a disconnect from ancestral knowledge that no other cultural group has experienced quite the same way.

The conversation shifts from historical foundations to practical application when Bradley suggests that "history is probably our best mentor and guide." He references Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, and Dr. Charles Drew as examples of individuals who "didn't just wait for permission" but instead "saw a need, used what they had, and moved in a way to allow them to fill those needs." This perspective transforms historical knowledge from passive learning into active strategy—particularly valuable for young people navigating identity and purpose today.

Perhaps most striking is Bradley's observation about today's youth having unprecedented "access without awareness." Despite having more information at their fingertips than any previous generation, without proper context and guidance, this access becomes wasted potential. His call to action urges young people to study their history deeply, recognize misinformation, build communities, and take action without waiting for validation. As he powerfully states, "You are more than capable of fixing [community problems]...It is in your blood. You are a fixer because your ancestors are fixers." Connect with Coach Bradley at CoachEdBradley.com to continue this vital conversation about reclaiming historical power and creating new legacies of excellence.

To learn more about Coach Ed Bradley or discover his books, please visit:

https://www.coachedbradley.com/

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Support the show

Every episode brings global perspectives and leadership insights. Click on the "Support the show" link above and keep the mission alive for free!

Search MindShift Power Podcast buy topic here: https://www.fatimabey.com/podcast-search

Explore more about my work beyond podcasting, check out the blog, share your thoughts, or become a guest! https://www.FatimaBey.com

I also have another podcast called The MindShifter Audio Blog!
Experience my written words like never before, as I personally narrate my blogs for a truly engaging audio journey. https://www.fatimabey.com/audioblog

Follow me on social media: https://www.fatimabey.com/#1035650492

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Finding the right college fit in today's rapidly changing admissions landscape feels like navigating shark-infested waters—overwhelming, confusing, and potentially dangerous to both family relationships and bank accounts. Leigh Norwood, founder of College Sharks, dives deep into how she's revolutionizing access to expert college guidance through her innovative video-based platform.

"This ain't your father's Oldsmobile," Leigh emphasizes throughout our conversation, highlighting how drastically college admissions has transformed since parents went through the process. After 23 years in pharmaceuticals feeling disconnected from making meaningful impact, Leigh pivoted to college consulting after successfully guiding her own children through higher education decisions—one attending college with substantial financial aid, the other choosing military service.

What makes College Sharks revolutionary is its mission to democratize expert college guidance. Through monthly video releases and comprehensive workbooks, students receive step-by-step direction through the complex admissions process at a fraction of traditional consulting costs. Leigh's passion for "taking a bite out of college admissions" stems from seeing how misinformation and outdated approaches hurt families.

The most eye-opening segment comes when Leigh dismantles common admissions myths. Contrary to popular belief, colleges don't want "well-rounded" students anymore—they seek students with "angular focus" who demonstrate leadership and commitment in activities aligned with their intended majors. She also clarifies the confusion around test-optional policies and offers strategic insights on when standardized tests still matter.

Perhaps most valuable is Leigh's advice on preserving mental health during this high-pressure process. By "cutting down on the bullshit" from sideline parents and social media, families can approach college planning factually rather than emotionally. Her recommendation? Limit college discussions to one 30-minute family dinner conversation weekly.

Whether you're a student beginning the college journey, a parent navigating changing admissions waters, or an educator guiding others, this episode provides the clarity and direction needed to find the right college fit without sacrificing mental health or family harmony. Connect with College Sharks on social media and use code SUMMER75 for $75 off annual membership to start your journey with expert guidance.

To learn more about Lee Norwood, please visit:

https://collegesharks.com/

Discounts just for MindShift Power Podcast listeners:

Discount Code SUMMER75 is $75 off the Junior or Senior Year

Monthly Discount Code: SHARKS10 for 10% off

www.collegesharks.com/essay-clinic For the 6-episode essay clinic discount: SHARKS10 for 10% off

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Support the show

Every episode brings global perspectives and leadership insights. Click on the "Support the show" link above and keep the mission alive for free!

Search MindShift Power Podcast buy topic here: https://www.fatimabey.com/podcast-search

Explore more about my work beyond podcasting, check out the blog, share your thoughts, or become a guest! https://www.FatimaBey.com

I also have another podcast called The MindShifter Audio Blog!
Experience my written words like never before, as I personally narrate my blogs for a truly engaging audio journey. https://www.fatimabey.com/audioblog

Follow me on social media: https://www.fatimabey.com/#1035650492

Thank you for listening!

Have you ever been told your light shines too bright? That you need to tone it down or fit in? In this illuminating conversation with Julie Wignall, author of "The Extraordinary Power of Fireflies," we explore why authenticity both attracts and repels—and why that's perfectly okay.

Julie challenges us to stop living in fear despite the overwhelming challenges of our time: political polarization, climate change, AI advancement, and information overload. "It's time to stop complaining about what's happening and start thinking about the world we want to create," she says. "We get to be architects of our own future."

This episode dives deep into what it truly means to be authentic. Julie shares how we often lose touch with our true selves early in life, recounting a powerful moment when a 15-year-old at-risk teen told her: "No one has ever asked me what makes me happy." From childhood, we're told what should bring us joy rather than discovering it ourselves.

One of the most profound insights Julie offers is her concept of "advocacy before activism"—the critical importance of listening deeply before attempting solutions. Through compelling examples, including her own failures, she demonstrates how even well-intentioned efforts can miss the mark when we don't consult those we're trying to help.

For young leaders facing opposition, Julie provides practical wisdom: know your purpose, establish your code of values, and find your tribe. When people tell you your light is too bright? "Walk around with extra pairs of sunglasses and hand them out." Never dim your light to make others comfortable.

We explore why four generations need to work together for meaningful change, the courage it takes to stand in your truth, and why our broken systems desperately need authentic voices. As Julie powerfully states: "It's not revolution, it's resolution."

What dreams have you buried to fit in? What light are you not shining? This conversation will inspire you to reconnect with your authentic self and find the courage to shine brighter.

Visit extraordinaryfireflies.com to download Julie's free guide "Flying Lessons for Fireflies" with exercises to build confidence and embrace your authentic self.

To learn more about Julie or her book, please visit:

http://www.extraordinaryfireflies.com/

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Support the show

Every episode brings global perspectives and leadership insights. Click on the "Support the show" link above and keep the mission alive for free!

Search MindShift Power Podcast buy topic here: https://www.fatimabey.com/podcast-search

Explore more about my work beyond podcasting, check out the blog, share your thoughts, or become a guest! https://www.FatimaBey.com

I also have another podcast called The MindShifter Audio Blog!
Experience my written words like never before, as I personally narrate my blogs for a truly engaging audio journey. https://www.fatimabey.com/audioblog

Follow me on social media: https://www.fatimabey.com/#1035650492

Thank you for listening!

Ever wondered what it truly takes to build multiple successful businesses from scratch? In this riveting episode of MindShift Power Podcast, entrepreneur Kelvin Abrams reveals the raw, unfiltered truth about his journey from selling toys out of his bedroom window as a child to owning a doggy daycare, coffee shop, gym, and online business platform.

"I've never been afraid to fail because I've been failing my entire life," Kelvin boldly shares, challenging conventional wisdom about success. As someone who nearly filed for bankruptcy when launching his first official business during the 2008 economic crash, his perspective on embracing failure as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block offers profound insight for anyone pursuing their dreams.

The conversation takes a compelling turn when Kelvin unpacks his philosophy of "getting uncomfortable" – the sleepless nights, financial struggles, missed social events, and relentless work ethic required to build something meaningful. For those unwilling to embrace discomfort, his advice is refreshingly direct: "change course" and stick with conventional employment. This dichotomy forms the foundation of his book and online course of the same name.

What truly sets this episode apart is Kelvin's powerful advice to "reinvent yourself every three years." Drawing from lessons learned from successful mentors and cautionary tales like Mike Tyson's infamous loss to Buster Douglas, he explains why comfort becomes the enemy of continued success. Whether you're an established entrepreneur, aspiring business owner, or simply looking to grow in your personal life, this principle offers a framework for sustainable growth and innovation.

Ready to transform your approach to failure, comfort, and success? Listen now and discover why the path to achievement might be more uncomfortable – and more rewarding – than you ever imagined.

To learn more about Kelvin, purchase his book or look at his courses. please visit: http://www.kelvinabrams.com/

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Support the show

Every episode brings global perspectives and leadership insights. Click on the "Support the show" link above and keep the mission alive for free!

Search MindShift Power Podcast buy topic here: https://www.fatimabey.com/podcast-search

Explore more about my work beyond podcasting, check out the blog, share your thoughts, or become a guest! https://www.FatimaBey.com

I also have another podcast called The MindShifter Audio Blog!
Experience my written words like never before, as I personally narrate my blogs for a truly engaging audio journey. https://www.fatimabey.com/audioblog

Follow me on social media: https://www.fatimabey.com/#1035650492

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What does it truly mean to be neurodivergent in a world built for neurotypical minds? Shereen Yazdian, a brilliant 24-year-old psychology master's student and award-winning speaker from London, takes us on her deeply personal journey through diagnosis, shame, acceptance, and ultimately empowerment.

Diagnosed with ADHD at age eight in Iran, Shereen initially felt broken and defective, keeping her diagnosis secret for nine years. "I remember hearing the words 'attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.' That doesn't sound really fun to a nine-year-old to be told you're different and not in a good way," she shares with striking vulnerability. Shereen was repeatedly told she would "grow out of it" – a false narrative that left her waiting for a day that would never come.

Through her educational journey from Iran to Switzerland to London, Shereen's relationship with her neurodivergence evolved dramatically. From shame to what she calls a "superhero narrative" focusing only on ADHD's positives, to her current balanced perspective acknowledging both strengths and challenges. Now pursuing clinical psychology, Shereen aims to become the support she desperately needed as a child.

The conversation delves into critical issues around language, identity, and acceptance. Shereen advocates for neutral terminology rather than euphemisms that attempt to make disability more "palatable." She challenges hierarchical acceptance of different neurotypes and the harmful impact of "functioning labels" that ignore the mental and physical toll of masking one's true nature.

For fellow neurodivergent individuals struggling with their identity, Shereen offers profound wisdom: "It's okay to feel whatever you're feeling about the fact that you're different. It does get easier, but there are times that things will remind you of all the challenges again." She reminds listeners they're not alone – many successful professionals excel precisely because of their neurodivergent perspectives.

Listen in as Fatima and Shereen reshape how we think about difference, challenge us to recognize undiagnosed neurodivergence all around us, and celebrate the unique contributions of differently-wired brains. Your perspective on what makes us "normal" might never be the same.

Follow Shirin on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirin-yazdian-neurodivergent-speaker/

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Support the show

Every episode brings global perspectives and leadership insights. Click on the "Support the show" link above and keep the mission alive for free!

Search MindShift Power Podcast buy topic here: https://www.fatimabey.com/podcast-search

Explore more about my work beyond podcasting, check out the blog, share your thoughts, or become a guest! https://www.FatimaBey.com

I also have another podcast called The MindShifter Audio Blog!
Experience my written words like never before, as I personally narrate my blogs for a truly engaging audio journey. https://www.fatimabey.com/audioblog

Follow me on social media: https://www.fatimabey.com/#1035650492

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What if you could design a life where your work and passions aligned perfectly? In this eye-opening conversation, author and self-described "passionpreneur" George Appling reveals how he built businesses around what truly lights him up – including a medieval theme park where he literally plays dress-up and swings swords for a living.

But not everyone needs to merge work and passion completely. Drawing from his bestselling book "Don't Settle," George outlines five distinct paths for creating fulfillment: the Passion Path (making your passion your livelihood), the Independent Path (keeping work and passion separate), the Experiment Path (trying different experiences to find your spark), the Money Path (prioritizing financial security), and the Balance Path (strategically building capabilities before transitioning to passion-based work).

Through colorful examples – from musicians who structure frugal lifestyles around their art to volleyball enthusiasts who fund their weekend games with corporate careers – George demonstrates that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to creating a meaningful life. The key is intentional choice rather than drifting into society's default expectations.

Perhaps most valuable is George's insight about finding meaning in whatever work you're currently doing. Using the parable of three bricklayers, he illustrates how the same job can be viewed as just a paycheck, a career path, or a meaningful calling. Those who find greater purpose tend to be happier and more successful, regardless of their chosen path.

Whether you're just starting your career journey or feeling stuck decades in, this conversation offers a refreshing framework for aligning your work with what truly matters to you. Take the first step by visiting George's website and discovering which of the five paths best fits your unique situation and aspirations.

To learn more about George Appling, please visit:

https://www.georgeappling.com/book-and-speaking

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Support the show

Every episode brings global perspectives and leadership insights. Click on the "Support the show" link above and keep the mission alive for free!

Search MindShift Power Podcast buy topic here: https://www.fatimabey.com/podcast-search

Explore more about my work beyond podcasting, check out the blog, share your thoughts, or become a guest! https://www.FatimaBey.com

I also have another podcast called The MindShifter Audio Blog!
Experience my written words like never before, as I personally narrate my blogs for a truly engaging audio journey. https://www.fatimabey.com/audioblog

Follow me on social media: https://www.fatimabey.com/#1035650492

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What happens when a 19-year-old youth empowerment speaker pulls back the curtain on what teenagers are really thinking but afraid to say? Lawrence C Harris joins the MindShift Power Podcast to share the four confessions he regularly hears from his peers: "I feel like I can't talk to anyone without being judged," "I don't even know what's wrong with me," "I pretend everything's okay, but I know it's not," and "I love him too much to leave, even when he cheats."

With wisdom that belies his age, Lawrence offers practical solutions for young people struggling with these challenges. From the power of journaling as a judgment-free space to explore one's thoughts, to the healing perspective that comes from simply stepping outside, his insights provide actionable pathways toward better mental health. Lawrence's most profound message may be his perspective on authentic self-discovery—rejecting the notion of "finding yourself" in favor of "uncovering" who you already are beneath layers of societal expectations.

The conversation challenges adults to recognize that today's youth are navigating a world fundamentally different from the one we knew. Social media creates unprecedented pressure to conform to narrow definitions of success and happiness. Lawrence urges young people to question these expectations and find the courage to step outside their comfort zones—to leave the "prison cell" of conformity even when those around them remain trapped within it.

Whether you're a teenager struggling to understand yourself, a parent trying to connect with your child, or an educator looking to better support your students, this episode offers rare insight into the minds of today's youth. 

Learn more about Lawrence or follow him below.

https://www.lawrencecharris.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lawrencec.empowers

https://www.tiktok.com/@lawrencecempowers

Contact Lawrence at [email protected] if you're a podcast host, event coordinator, or school principal interested in having him speak.

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Support the show

Every episode brings global perspectives and leadership insights. Click on the "Support the show" link above and keep the mission alive for free!

Search MindShift Power Podcast buy topic here: https://www.fatimabey.com/podcast-search

Explore more about my work beyond podcasting, check out the blog, share your thoughts, or become a guest! https://www.FatimaBey.com

I also have another podcast called The MindShifter Audio Blog!
Experience my written words like never before, as I personally narrate my blogs for a truly engaging audio journey. https://www.fatimabey.com/audioblog

Follow me on social media: https://www.fatimabey.com/#1035650492

Thank you for listening!

What if the greatest obstacle to your success isn't your strategy, but the stories you tell yourself? Matthew Stafford, managing partner at Build Grow Scale, reveals the profound connection between emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial achievement in this deeply personal conversation.

Despite building a successful commercial concrete company and later an e-commerce business that helped over 1,000 store owners thrive, Matthew spent decades sabotaging his own success due to unresolved childhood trauma. It wasn't until his late 40s that he discovered how his violent upbringing created destructive internal narratives that limited his potential despite outward achievements.

Matthew pulls back the curtain on the realities of e-commerce entrepreneurship, dispelling the myth of the "laptop lifestyle" while affirming it remains the most accessible business opportunity of our time. His experiences coaching entrepreneurs to multimillion-dollar success reveal surprising insights: loving the problem-solving process matters more than loving what you sell, AI tools can serve as "the world's smartest assistant" when used properly, and vulnerability in seeking mentorship accelerates growth.

The conversation takes an inspiring turn as Matthew shares his vision to create a center helping children develop healthy self-narratives early in life. Having witnessed how youth can unlearn negative patterns faster than adults with less "confirmation bias," he's committed to transforming pain into purpose by preventing others from waiting decades to overcome limiting beliefs.

Whether you're considering an e-commerce venture, struggling with self-sabotage in your current business, or seeking to understand how childhood experiences shape adult success, this episode offers transformative insights on building resilience through failure and finding purpose through pain.

Share what mind-shifted for you during this episode by visiting FatimaBey.com and sending a message through the podcast page. Your journey of transformation begins with recognizing that the only true failure is giving up.

To learn more about Matthew Stafford or have a conversation, please visit:

https://buildgrowscale.com/book-a-call

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Support the show

Every episode brings global perspectives and leadership insights. Click on the "Support the show" link above and keep the mission alive for free!

Search MindShift Power Podcast buy topic here: https://www.fatimabey.com/podcast-search

Explore more about my work beyond podcasting, check out the blog, share your thoughts, or become a guest! https://www.FatimaBey.com

I also have another podcast called The MindShifter Audio Blog!
Experience my written words like never before, as I personally narrate my blogs for a truly engaging audio journey. https://www.fatimabey.com/audioblog

Follow me on social media: https://www.fatimabey.com/#1035650492

Thank you for listening!