Project I Am

Welcome to the Project I AM Meditation Series , your weekly space to pause, breathe, and reconnect. Each episode is a guided meditation designed to help you cultivate calm, clarity, and balance in the midst of life’s ups and downs. Through themes like grounding, self-compassion, gratitude, and releasing stress, this series invites you to explore mindfulness and create moments of stillness in your...

Welcome to a new Project I Am series: Mentoring Moments , the weekly podcast series designed to guide, uplift, and empower counseling students on their journey to becoming compassionate, skilled professionals. Whether you’re navigating coursework, tackling practicum challenges, or preparing for a career in the field, this series is your go-to companion for advice, inspiration, and practical tools...

In today’s nonstop world, finding balance can feel impossible. But what if harmony isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters most? In this episode of Project I Am , we explore the art of balancing work, life, and personal growth with insights from the latest research, including studies by Dr. Stewart Friedman and Dr. Gloria Mark. Discover why balance is about integration, not perfecti...

In this inspiring episode of Project I Am , we take a deep dive into one of the most essential human experiences: hope . Drawing on cutting-edge research, real-life stories, and practical advice, we explore what hope truly means and why it’s so vital for our well-being. Whether you’re facing personal challenges, supporting someone you care about, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is...

Fear is a universal experience, but it doesn’t have to control your life. In this empowering episode of Project I Am , we explore the nature of fear—what it is, why it holds us back, and how we can transform it into a catalyst for growth. From the fear of failure to the fear of change, we’ll discuss how to face fear head-on and choose courage instead. Drawing on insights from experts like Brené Br...

In this episode of Project I AM, we dive into two powerful emotions that shape the way we connect with others: guilt and shame. While guilt can serve as a bridge to repair relationships, shame often builds walls that isolate us. But how do these emotions affect our bonds with loved ones, and what can we do to overcome their negative effects? Join us as we: - Unpack the psychology behind guilt and...

In this episode of Project I Am, we’re exploring one of the most vital aspects of our well-being: community. In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected, finding your tribe—a supportive network of people who truly understand and uplift you—has never been more important. Join us as we unpack the profound benefits of meaningful relationships, from improved mental and physical health to gre...

Setbacks are an inevitable part of life, but how we respond to them can shape our future. In this episode of The Resilient Mind , we explore the emotional weight of setbacks and uncover strategies to turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Join host Dr. David J Schlosz as we dive into the shame we often feel from mistakes and learn how to replace self-criticism with self-compassion. Discove...

In this episode of Project I AM , we dive into a question with profound implications: Why do we confuse discomfort with a lack of safety? This misunderstanding shapes personal growth, relationships, workplaces, and even public policy. Join Dr. David J. Schlosz as we explore: - The key distinction between discomfort and danger. - Neuroscience explaining why our brains misinterpret challenges as thr...

Why do we withdraw or hide parts of ourselves when we’re longing for connection the most? In this episode of Project I AM, we explore the Central Relational Paradox—a concept from Relational Cultural Theory that sheds light on the push-and-pull between our deep desire for connection and our fear of rejection. Join your host, Dr. David Schlosz, as we dive into the origins of this paradox, its roots...

In this episode, we explore the journey from loneliness to aloneness—a transformative state where solitude becomes a source of comfort, growth, and even joy. Loneliness is a deeply human experience, and research shows that it’s more common than ever. But what if instead of running from loneliness, we learned to embrace it as an opportunity for self-connection and inner peace? We dive into recent s...

In this episode, we explore the transformative practice of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), a communication style that prioritizes empathy, clarity, and compassion. Developed by psychologist Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, NVC encourages us to approach conversations—especially challenging ones—with openness and respect. We’ll break down the four essential components of NVC: Observation, Feelings, Needs, an...

In this episode of Project I AM , we dive into the transformative power of self-compassion—a practice that might feel foreign or even indulgent in a world that often pushes us to be our own toughest critics. Yet, as research shows, it’s self-compassion, not self-criticism, that fosters resilience, motivation, and emotional well-being. We explore what self-compassion truly means, drawing on insight...

In this episode of "Project I AM" we explore how to be an activist and make a difference, whether through small, everyday actions or larger, organized efforts. Many of us feel called to push back against systems and ideologies that don’t align with our values or that marginalize communities, but it’s not always clear where to start. We’ll dive into research-backed approaches for effective activism...

In this episode of "Project I AM," we explore the role that fear played in shaping voting behavior among men in the recent elections. From economic anxiety and cultural shifts to media influence, fear is a powerful force that can drive people to seek stability and security in uncertain times. Drawing from current research in political psychology and sociology, we unpack how these fears influenced...

In this episode of " Project I Am" we explore strategies for handling political change and uncertainty that feel out of our control. With many feeling anxious or overwhelmed about the future, we offer practical, research-backed approaches to manage fear and find a sense of stability amidst unpredictability. From building resilience and practicing self-compassion to engaging in meaningful action an...

In this episode, we dive into the powerful realization that not every thought deserves our attention or belief. From understanding the brain’s natural negativity bias to learning practical techniques for handling uncomfortable thoughts, we’ll explore why it’s okay—and even freeing—not to take our thoughts so seriously. Join us as we discuss the science of mindfulness, the benefits of sitting with...

In this episode, the I explore the concept of "blind spots"—those unseen areas in our perspectives and behaviors that often stem from cultural backgrounds, family dynamics, personal beliefs, and routines. Blind spots are described as a universal experience, impacting our understanding and actions without us even realizing it. The episode emphasizes how these blind spots, while not intentional, can...

In the final episode of Choosing Yourself , we explore the powerful ripple effect of self-prioritization. Many of us feel that focusing on our own needs might detract from our ability to support others, but the truth is quite the opposite. When we’re fulfilled and energized, we show up as our best selves in our relationships, creating a more positive and supportive environment for everyone. This e...

In this episode of Choosing Yourself , we’re redefining self-care—not as an occasional escape but as a regular, sustainable practice that keeps us balanced and energized. Sustainable self-care isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about small, consistent habits that nourish our mind, body, and soul. We explore the challenge of guilt that often surrounds taking time for ourselves, sharing a story about...

In this episode of Choosing Yourself , we’re tackling one of life’s biggest challenges: failure. Failure can make us feel defeated, but it’s actually a profound opportunity for growth and self-compassion. Instead of letting setbacks define us, what if we viewed them as stepping stones toward resilience? We dive into why failure is not the end but a valuable teacher, with a story about a project th...

In this episode of Choosing Yourself , we’re tackling a powerful aspect of self-care: confidence. Many of us struggle with feeling "not enough" or unworthy of prioritizing ourselves. But true confidence isn’t about being the loudest or always having the answers; it’s about trusting your own value and having the courage to stand up for yourself. We’ll explore what it means to advocate for yourself,...

In this episode of Choosing Yourself , we dive into the powerful, transformative act of setting boundaries. Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out; they’re about saying a meaningful "yes" to yourself. We’ll explore why boundaries are a form of self-love, protecting your time, energy, and well-being, especially in a world that often pulls us in all directions. I share a personal story of my ea...

In this first episode of the Choosing Yourself series , we dive into the importance of putting yourself first without guilt. Often, self-care is mislabeled as selfish, but host David challenges this myth by illustrating how self-prioritization fuels us to support others more sustainably. With relatable analogies and a personal story about Sarah—a friend who learned the hard way about burnout—liste...