Pause To Elevate With Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat

What happens when depression, bipolar disorder, addiction, and dyslexia collide? Jonathan Kemp, mental health advocate and former police officer, opens up about his decades-long battle with self-doubt and survival—and the tools that turned his darkest moments into resilience.  His story shows that no matter how far you spiral, there is always a way forward. #MentalHealthJourney #BipolarDisorder #A...

We’re obsessed with health—but almost never talk about fun health: the everyday play, lightness, and micro-moments that calm anxiety, reduce stress, and refill your cup. 🎈 My guest, Treena Innes (author of Mind Doodles and creator of a global fun movement), shares practical ways to make fun a must-have, not a nice-to-have—without toxic positivity. Think resilience, not denial. Inside: the 3-minut...

Feeling unheard and turning up the volume rarely creates connection. Certified Nonviolent Communication trainer Jenna Card shares how compassionate communication, radical honesty, and self-compassion transform conflict at home, at work, and with yourself.  Learn practical tools to stop reactive cycles, repair after rupture, and speak truths without harm—so you can be understood and deepen trust. I...

Wars, infectious disease and suffering are happening around the world.  This episode is a grounded look at how science and spirituality can work side-by-side to relieve modern stress and suffering.  Nahal Haghbin—a Persian Canadian integrative yoga therapist with a global health background at the WHO—explains why the heart’s field matters, how choosing our thoughts reshapes our nervous system, and...

At just 17, Dr. Amy Banks lost her father to murder. Soon after, a young Black teenager, Isaac Knapper, was wrongfully convicted of the crime. This story reveals the deep scars of racism, systemic injustice, and the trauma it leaves on both individuals and communities. Drawing on her expertise in relational neuroscience, Dr. Banks shares how trauma rewires the brain—and how forgiveness, compassion...

What does it take to face crushing setbacks, doubt, and uncertainty—and still come back stronger? Canadian Olympian Anthony Kindler opens up about resilience, overcoming fear of failure, and staying motivated when life doesn’t go as planned.  Success isn’t just about hard work—it’s also about pausing to reflect. Reflection after wins and losses is essential for growth, and how it shaped his career...

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide—and antidepressants only work 50% of the time. But what if the solution isn’t just in a pill? Certified Nutritionist and Occupational Therapist Kylie James shares how food can heal where meds fall short. Discover the surprising role of gut health, inflammation, and protein in restoring joy, motivation, and mental clarity. Note:  Kylie is also...

“You don’t get over it—you learn to live with it.”  Colleen Worsley opens up about losing her son, the paralyzing grief that followed, and the small steps that helped her keep going.  This episode is a raw but hopeful guide to anyone who’s been knocked down by life. Discover how healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means making space for life again. #GriefSupport #LossAndHealing #TraumaRecovery #Gro...

Ever feel like you're doing everything right, but still not getting what you need in your relationships? Learn how to work with limits, build emotional resilience, and reclaim self-respect—without resorting to blame. Rachelle Lamb is a recognized speaker, relationship coach, and nonviolent communication trainer. Her extensive knowledge on managing relationship expectations, understanding the...

Want find more happiness and success at home, work and relationships?  Discover why 85% of what we worry about never happens, how “man box” masculine culture fuels loneliness and anxiety, and what daily practices turn negative emotions into resilience, success, and authentic happiness at work and at home.   If you’re ready to stop letting emotions run the show and start living with purpose, this c...

Learn how conscious breath can support mental health, emotional resilience, and personal evolution—especially in a world overwhelmed by anxiety and overstimulation. Plus, enjoy a guided breath practice during the episode! In this deeply inspiring episode of Pause to Elevate, Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat welcomes visionary breathwork teacher Anthony Abbagnano, founder of Alchemy of Breath and author of Out...

In this heartfelt episode of Pause to Elevate, Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat sits down with Theda Phoenix — an intuitive singer-songwriter, sound healer, and vocal coach — to explore the transformative power of voice and sound healing.   Discover how sound healing and intention-setting can unlock your creative potential, reduce resistance, and support deep emotional and spiritual healing. Whether you’re cur...

In this insightful episode of Pause to Elevate Podcast,  Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat's guest is the renowned psychologist and sexologist Dr. Arun Mansukhani from Spain. Together, they explore the intricate relationship between trauma, emotional dependency, attachments, and the ways our past experiences shape our present relationships and mental health. Discover the difference between healthy and toxi...

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat welcomes Joree Rose—licensed therapist, mindfulness teacher, and author—for a raw and transformative conversation on how mindfulness helps us overcome life’s most painful challenges.  They explore the power of growth mindset in relationships, how reframing anxiety can shift everything, and why setting boundaries is essential for inner peace.  Whether...

This episode is filled with practical insights, real-life transformation stories, and inspiration for anyone interested in trauma recovery, mental health, or personal growth.  Therapist and educator in the mental health field, Michelle Gay, shares her journey into trauma therapy, the importance of therapists doing their own self-work, and how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) an...

Join Dr. Kasim Al-mashat in this insightful episode of 'Pause to Elevate' as he engages in a deeply enriching conversation with Frances Mican, a marriage and family therapist.  Frances shares her journey into therapy, grounded in relational trauma-informed and intersectional feminist views. They explore various topics such as the pervasive nature of oppression, the importance of safety i...

In this deeply insightful episode of Pause to Elevate, explore loneliness, fulfillment, emotional intelligence, and the journey to rediscovering the innate self. Drawing from Jules Kuroda's work in education and refugee resettlement, Jules shares the inspiration behind her book "N8 Self: You Are More Than Your Mind, Body, and Emotions" and how we can reclaim meaning in an increasing...

Join Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat and licensed professional counselor Anita Sandoval in this powerful episode as they unpack the psychology of people-pleasing, its connection to trauma, and the path toward healing and authenticity. This conversation reveals how survival instincts, childhood neglect, and societal expectations can condition us to seek approval at the cost of our truth. Anita shares her deepl...

Can laughter truly change your life? In this eye-opening episode, Kelly Podlubny shares how he went from battling deep mental struggles to discovering a powerful, intentional way to invite joy into his life—Laughter Yoga. Learn how laughter, even without reason, can shift your mindset, reduce stress, and open the door to a more fulfilling, positive life. If you’re looking for a fresh start or a ne...

In this episode of the Pause to Elevate Podcast, discover why so many people experience birthday blues, the underlying reasons behind it, and how to overcome it. Tamar shares her insights on the importance of celebrating oneself, planning a fulfilling birthday, and overcoming the challenges of aging with grace.  Birthdays are often tied to expectations—big parties, forced celebrations, and toxic p...

With over 20 years of experience in mindfulness meditation and Iyengar yoga, Hazim Hassan shares his personal journey, exploring the importance of mindfulness in stressful healthcare settings. This episode delves into the significance of self-care for physicians, the role of curiosity and kindness in mindfulness, and the critical need for collective support within healthcare environments. Hazim al...

In this eye-opening episode of the Pause to Elevate Podcast, Dr. Kasim Al Mashat dives deep into the transformative journey of Heidi Barkwell, a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher and author of 'Laughing Wellness: Play Your Way Every Day.' Heidi shares how laughter became a pivotal tool in her healing process and how it can do the same for you. Learn about the profound benefits of laughter,...

In this episode of the Pause to Elevate Podcast, Dr. Kasim Al Mashat sits down with Sue Genest, trauma and EMDR expert and Director of Life Journeys Counseling and Training. Sue shares her extensive expertise in mental health, healing trauma, and explains how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help individuals overcome past traumas. Tune in to learn about the impact of childh...

In this episode of Pause to Elevate, join the host in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Tazuko Shibusawa, an expert in social work and mindfulness. Dr. Shibusawa shares her personal and professional journey, exploring the impact of Buddhism, teachers like Thich Nhat Hanh, and the power of mindfulness in navigating aging, anger, and social justice. She delves into how mindfulness fosters fearle...

Pain can be distressing, how do we not make it worse?   Sometimes we think pain is just physical.  However,  pain is not just physical—it shapes how we think, act, and believe.  In this Pause to Elevate Episode, discover how mindfulness can transform the way we experience and manage pain.   My guest is Dr. Carol Greco, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, researcher on pain and mindfulness, faculty m...