#118 Unveiling the Path to Fulfillment: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment Douglas Finklestein
04/04/24 • 33 min
In this captivating episode of Mental Health Today, host Ken Stearns sits down with Douglas Finkelstein, founder of multiple community-led organizations, to delve into his transformative journey from stock trader to inward growth advocate. Finkelstein shares his candid story of grappling with medication side effects, leading to a profound decision that reshaped his life.
From a young age, Finkelstein battled with the side effects of a prescription medication for hair loss. Despite the medication's efficacy in preserving his hairline, the toll it took on his mental and physical well-being became increasingly unbearable. However, it was a chance encounter with an online support community that served as a catalyst for change. Hearing the harrowing experiences of others, including the potential loss of pleasure, prompted Finkelstein to make the courageous decision to abandon the medication and embark on a journey of self-exploration.
Finkelstein recounts his pivotal experience with psychedelic mushrooms in the autumn woods of New York, which reignited his passion for self-discovery and personal growth. This transformative moment inspired him to relocate and establish an inward growth community, where he could facilitate transformative experiences for others seeking fulfillment.
Through his organizations, including An Empathic Society and Inward Building Blocks, Finkelstein aims to empower individuals to explore their true selves and unlock their potential. From providing free consultations for safe plant medicine use to sharing high-ROI personal development habits, his mission is to foster a supportive community where individuals can thrive.
As the conversation unfolds, Finkelstein and Stearns explore the concept of integration in psychedelic experiences and the importance of incorporating insights gained from these journeys into daily life. They discuss the need for greater attention to the post-experience phase, where individuals can effectively integrate newfound perspectives and insights.
In closing, Finkelstein extends an invitation to listeners to join him on the journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Whether through his weekly breathwork integration circles or his community-led initiatives, Finkelstein seeks to create a space where individuals can connect, grow, and flourish.
Tune in to this enlightening episode to discover how one individual's journey of self-discovery has blossomed into a community-driven movement, empowering others to embark on their path to fulfillment.
For more about Mental Health Today, visit our:
Website: https://www.mhtpodcast.com
Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/bHTLsrp5D2s
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mental-health-today-podcast/?viewAsMember=true
Mental Health Today With is a branch of The Jar, funded by The Jar Foundation.
Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not necessarily represent the views, beliefs, or opinions of Mental Health Today With. Our goal is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health by sharing our platform with professionals in the space. That being said, our guests are not a representation of Mental Health Today or The Jar Foundation.
In this captivating episode of Mental Health Today, host Ken Stearns sits down with Douglas Finkelstein, founder of multiple community-led organizations, to delve into his transformative journey from stock trader to inward growth advocate. Finkelstein shares his candid story of grappling with medication side effects, leading to a profound decision that reshaped his life.
From a young age, Finkelstein battled with the side effects of a prescription medication for hair loss. Despite the medication's efficacy in preserving his hairline, the toll it took on his mental and physical well-being became increasingly unbearable. However, it was a chance encounter with an online support community that served as a catalyst for change. Hearing the harrowing experiences of others, including the potential loss of pleasure, prompted Finkelstein to make the courageous decision to abandon the medication and embark on a journey of self-exploration.
Finkelstein recounts his pivotal experience with psychedelic mushrooms in the autumn woods of New York, which reignited his passion for self-discovery and personal growth. This transformative moment inspired him to relocate and establish an inward growth community, where he could facilitate transformative experiences for others seeking fulfillment.
Through his organizations, including An Empathic Society and Inward Building Blocks, Finkelstein aims to empower individuals to explore their true selves and unlock their potential. From providing free consultations for safe plant medicine use to sharing high-ROI personal development habits, his mission is to foster a supportive community where individuals can thrive.
As the conversation unfolds, Finkelstein and Stearns explore the concept of integration in psychedelic experiences and the importance of incorporating insights gained from these journeys into daily life. They discuss the need for greater attention to the post-experience phase, where individuals can effectively integrate newfound perspectives and insights.
In closing, Finkelstein extends an invitation to listeners to join him on the journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Whether through his weekly breathwork integration circles or his community-led initiatives, Finkelstein seeks to create a space where individuals can connect, grow, and flourish.
Tune in to this enlightening episode to discover how one individual's journey of self-discovery has blossomed into a community-driven movement, empowering others to embark on their path to fulfillment.
For more about Mental Health Today, visit our:
Website: https://www.mhtpodcast.com
Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/bHTLsrp5D2s
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mental-health-today-podcast/?viewAsMember=true
Mental Health Today With is a branch of The Jar, funded by The Jar Foundation.
Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not necessarily represent the views, beliefs, or opinions of Mental Health Today With. Our goal is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health by sharing our platform with professionals in the space. That being said, our guests are not a representation of Mental Health Today or The Jar Foundation.
Previous Episode
#116 Embracing Growth: Catherine Llewellyn Life's Challenges with Compassion and Resilience
In this episode of "Mental Health Today," host Ken Stearns engages in a profound and insightful conversation with guest Catherine Llewellyn. The episode delves into various aspects of personal growth, mental health, and navigating life's challenges, offering valuable insights and perspectives.
Catherine shares her unique journey, shaped by her unconventional upbringing in a bohemian culture that encouraged independent thinking and self-awareness from a young age. She discusses her exploration of alternative practices like nature cure and her involvement in transformative programs like the Exegesis Programme, which emphasized consciousness and personal transformation.
As the conversation progresses, Catherine highlights the importance of embracing one's spiritual expansion and investing in personal growth. She emphasizes the significance of listening attentively to others without judgment, creating a safe space for them to express their emotions authentically.
The discussion also touches upon the societal stigma surrounding mental health and the need to move beyond labeling individuals as either mentally ill or mentally well. Catherine encourages acceptance and understanding, acknowledging that suffering is a natural part of the human experience and that learning to be with our suffering is integral to personal growth.
Ken and Catherine exchange anecdotes and reflections, illustrating the power of empathy, self-awareness, and resilience in navigating life's challenges. They explore the transformative potential of embracing one's vulnerabilities and experiences, emphasizing the value of authenticity and compassion in fostering genuine connections and healing.
Overall, the episode serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of self-discovery, empathy, and acceptance in promoting mental well-being and building a more compassionate society. It encourages listeners to embrace their journey, honor their experiences, and cultivate deeper connections with themselves and others.
For more about Mental Health Today, visit our:
Website: https://www.mhtpodcast.com
Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/bHTLsrp5D2s
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mental-health-today-podcast/?viewAsMember=true
Mental Health Today With is a branch of The Jar, funded by The Jar Foundation.
Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not necessarily represent the views, beliefs, or opinions of Mental Health Today With. Our goal is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health by sharing our platform with professionals in the space. That being said, our guests are not a representation of Mental Health Today or The Jar Foundation.
Next Episode
#117 Breaking Down Barriers: Candid Conversations on Men's Mental Health with Patrice Massicotte and Hassan Ramadan
In the latest episode of "Mental Health Today," host Ken Stearns welcomes Patrice Massicotte and Hassan Ramadan, two former colleagues turned close friends who have embarked on a unique journey to address men's mental health through their podcast, Mutual MENtal. Their mission is to encourage men to open up, normalize conversations about mental health, and break down the stigma surrounding it. However, their podcast is inclusive, welcoming all listeners who can relate to their authentic, direct, and fun style.
Both Patrice and Hassan share their own lived experiences, both personally and professionally, as certified peer specialists. They discuss the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful aspects of their journeys, emphasizing the reality of recovery and the presence of hope. Despite only having ten episodes released so far, they've already garnered hundreds of downloads and listeners from around the world.
During the conversation, Patrice and Hassan open up about their own struggles with mental health, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and substance use. They emphasize the importance of human connection and the need for men to speak authentically and genuinely in a safe space. Patrice reflects on his suicide attempt and subsequent transformation into a certified peer specialist, while Hassan shares his experiences of feeling alone and the profound impact of finding support in Patrice.
The hosts express their commitment to authenticity and genuine human connection in their podcast, avoiding scripts and embracing spontaneity while still maintaining organization. They discuss their plans to diversify their content, including featuring guests from different cultures and backgrounds, and creating a safe space for men to speak up and share their stories.
Ken Stearns, the podcast host, shares his admiration for Patrice and Hassan's dedication to addressing men's mental health issues head-on. He commends their authenticity and passion, comparing them to ancient DJs from another planet who have been reborn to deliver meaningful conversations about mental health.
As the episode concludes, Ken encourages Patrice and Hassan to continue producing content consistently and emphasizes the importance of staying true to their message while evolving and finding their niche in the podcasting world. He predicts a bright future for Mutual MENtal and expresses his excitement to see how the podcast evolves in the coming years.
For more about Mental Health Today, visit our:
Website: https://www.mhtpodcast.com
Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/bHTLsrp5D2s
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mental-health-today-podcast/?viewAsMember=true
Mental Health Today With is a branch of The Jar, funded by The Jar Foundation.
Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not necessarily represent the views, beliefs, or opinions of Mental Health Today With. Our goal is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health by sharing our platform with professionals in the space. That being said, our guests are not a representation of Mental Health Today or The Jar Foundation.
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