This Way or That

This Way or That

By Navid Modiri, Emily Stansbury McLanahanSociety & Culture
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This Way or That episodes

  • #10 Selena - Unstoppable Passion: STEM, Startups, and Sweet Treats

    Step into This Way or That, where passion meets purpose and imagination sparks action. In this episode, Emily & Navid meet Selena, a 22-year-old Baltimore-born entrepreneur revolutionizing fetal surgery. From earning her master’s degree while developing life-changing medical devices to perfecting gluten-free pastries, Selena shows how passion and hard work make dreams a reality. Tune in for heartfelt stories, bold ambitions, and a dash of dance-floor daring—perfect for anyone chasing their "impossible" while celebrating life’s little victories.


     

    Produced by: Emily & Navid

    Edited by: Emily

    Music by: Mac McLanahan

    Cover photo by: Mark V. Lord -  Instagram @markvlord &  www.markvlordphotography.com

    38 min
  • #9 Kevin - The Power of Speaking Up

    What happens when a seven-year-old boy makes a life-changing decision? In this episode This Way or That, Emily & Navid talk to Kevin, whose childhood act of courage shaped his future. From family and resilience to pro wrestling, Japan, and the perfect spiced old fashioned, this conversation is as deep as it is unexpected. Tune in for a story of strength, self-awareness, and the power of saying what needs to be said.


     

    Produced by: Emily & Navid

    Edited by: Emily

    Music by: Mac McLanahan

    Cover photo by: Mark V. Lord -  Instagram @markvlord &  www.markvlordphotography.com

    54 min
  • #8 Ananya - Already Awesome

    In this episode of This Way or That, Emily and Navid dive into a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation with Ananya, exploring how imagination and confidence shape personal growth. Together, they unpack her academic journey, tackle the tricky dance of self-perception, and reflect on how anxiety can shake—but also strengthen—confidence. With hope and contentment as guiding stars, they imagine a future where Ananya thrives. And just when things get deep, they round it out with some lighthearted chatter about food, community, and the pure joy of having a delightful meal to look forward to. It’s equal parts inspiring and comforting—don’t miss it!


     

    Produced by: Emily & Navid

    Edited by: Emily

    Music by: Mac McLanahan

    Cover photo by: Mark V. Lord -  Instagram @markvlord &  www.markvlordphotography.com

    38 min
  • #7 Ep#2 Returns (Kian)

    In this follow-up to Episode #2, Kian returns to share the results of his imagination challenge, but the conversation goes far beyond his journey. Join Kian and our hosts, Emily and Navid, for a lively, laugh-filled, and thought-provoking discussion about fear, self-doubt, and how patterns shape our lives. Together, they explore the power of visualization, the importance of embracing discomfort, and the role of supportive connections in overcoming challenges. This episode is a celebration of creativity, self-discovery, and the interconnectedness of our journeys. Tune in to discover if Kian brought his vision to life and what’s next on his horizon!


     

    Produced by: Navid & Emily

    Edited by: Emily

    Music by: Mac McLanahan

    Cover photo by: Mark V. Lord -  Instagram @markvlord &  www.markvlordphotography.com

    38 min
  • #6 Katie

    In this episode of This Way or That, Emily and Navid sit down with Katie for a heartfelt and eye-opening chat about burnout, trauma, and the winding road to healing. Together, they dive into the power of mentorship, the beauty of self-expression, and the messy brilliance of navigating mental health. From self-compassion to understanding trauma responses, Katie brings wisdom, warmth, and a fresh perspective on how we process our experiences—dreams and all. It’s raw, it’s real, and it might just leave you feeling a little more human. Let’s heal together.


     

    Produced by: Emily & Navid

    Edited by: Emily

    Music by: Mac McLanahan

    Cover photo by: Mark V. Lord -  Instagram @markvlord &  www.markvlordphotography.com

    48 min
  • #5 Andrianna Returns (Ep #1)

    In this delightful episode of This Way or That, Andrianna, our very first guest, is back to share the results of her bold imagination challenge. From submitting her thesis draft to conquering unexpected milestones, Andrianna recounts how envisioning her success propelled her forward. She dives into hilarious childhood stories, the power of community, and the surprising ways visualization can reduce anxiety and fuel achievement. As she looks ahead to her next goals, Andrianna leaves us inspired to embrace creativity, joy, and the magic of taking small steps toward big dreams. Don't miss this triumphant and uplifting reunion!


     

    Produced by: Emily & Navid

    Edited by: Emily

    Music by: Mac McLanahan

    Cover photo by: Mark V. Lord -  Instagram @markvlord &  www.markvlordphotography.com

    34 min
  • #4 Daniel

    In this episode of This Way or That, Emily and Navid sit down with Daniel for an inspiring and deeply human conversation about resilience, creativity, and the power of imagination. They tackle the challenges of living with long COVID, from its impact on daily life and relationships to the physical and mental toll it takes. With warmth and honesty, they highlight the importance of support systems, small joys, and finding creative ways to cope and connect. It’s a journey through struggle and rediscovery, celebrating the beauty of patience, understanding, and the little wins along the way. Join us for a heartfelt ride you won’t forget!


     

    Produced by: Emily & Navid

    Edited by: Emily

    Music by: Mac McLanahan

    Cover photo by: Mark V. Lord -  Instagram @markvlord &  www.markvlordphotography.com

    42 min
  • #3 Celia

    In this episode of This Way or That, Emily and Navid chat with Celia about the big stuff: how imagination can help us chase our dreams, why fear isn’t always the enemy, and the messy magic of self-discovery. They swap stories about relationships, personal growth, and the ups and downs of self-care, diving into the tricky art of overcoming self-doubt and finding balance. It’s a conversation full of honesty, mindfulness, and aha moments, reminding us that self-acceptance is a journey worth taking. Ready to reflect, laugh, and grow? Let’s go!


     

    Produced by: Emily & Navid

    Edited by: Emily

    Music by: Mac McLanahan

    Cover photo by: Mark V. Lord -  Instagram @markvlord &  www.markvlordphotography.com

    39 min
  • #2 Kian

    In this episode of This Way or That, Emily and Navid vibe with their guest, Kian, as they explore how imagination fuels big changes and personal breakthroughs. From the struggles of finding your voice to the magic of creating music, they dig into the importance of community, self-expression, and dreaming big—not just for yourself, but for those around you. It’s a conversation about turning obstacles into opportunities and using creativity to chart your path. Grab your headphones and get inspired—this one’s got all the feels and plenty of groove.


     

    Find Kian’s band, Outside Smoke, here:

    Instagram: @outsidesmokeband

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6atkZC68LMYXAcTwRcRC8W?si=peACcfR3TbuDJNBMi6wneQ


     

    Produced by: Emily & Navid

    Edited by: Emily

    Music by: Mac McLanahan

    Cover photo by: Mark V. Lord -  Instagram @markvlord &  www.markvlordphotography.com

    31 min
  • #1 Andrianna

    In the very first episode of This Way or That, Emily and Navid crank up the imagination and dive headfirst into a wildly curious chat with their guest, Andrianna. Together, they unpack identity traits, swap childhood stories, geek out about how curiosity fuels science, and take on the big, scary stuff that helps unlock potential. It’s a ride through connection, storytelling, and the magical ways we make sense of ourselves—and each other. You’ll laugh, you’ll think, and maybe even feel a little braver by the end. Ready to get curious? Let’s go!


     

    Produced by: Emily & Navid

    Edited by: Emily

    Music by: Mac McLanahan

    Cover photo by: Mark V. Lord -  Instagram @markvlord &  www.markvlordphotography.com

    26 min

About This Way or That

From the publisher's feed

This Way or That is a podcast born from curiosity and fueled by connection. Join hosts Navid Modiri, a storyteller obsessed with the power of imagination, and Emily Stansbury McLanahan, a seeker of meaning through unexpected conversations, as they dive into unscripted encounters with strangers.