Ish Matters

Ever feel like the city is suffocating you? Like your stress levels are always high, sleep isn't restful, and like you can't come up with new ideas? In this episode, we're uncovering the hidden truths about why you need nature to stay sane—biologically, neurologically, and emotionally. From lowering blood pressure and stress hormones to boosting creativity and happiness, nature does more than just look pretty—it's crucial for your health. I'll walk you through the science behind it and share why losing touch with the natural world is costing us more than we realize. If you've ever felt the pull to escape into the wild, this episode will show you why your body and mind are begging to escape from the concrete cages we live in.  Instagram: @Ish.matters The Nature Fix By Florence Williams Effects of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) on levels of cortisol

Is the U.S. Government Poisoning Us? It might sound shocking, but in this episode, we take a deep dive into how government subsidies, big agriculture, and ultra-processed foods are contributing to America's rising chronic disease rates. From diabetes and heart disease to autoimmune disorders, we'll uncover the policies behind the problem and explore the hidden chemicals in our food supply. Join me as I break down the facts, share the data, and offer practical tips on how you can navigate a food system that seems to be working against your health. It's time to take control—because what you don't know might be hurting you. "The Impact of Special Interest Groups on the Federal Dietary Guidelines: Consequences for American Health"

This episode is about Guy Debord's idea of the spectacle: a social system where life is mediated by images and appearances. It's not just about watching TV or scrolling through social media—though those are clear examples—but about how everything in society becomes a performance, a show. The spectacle turns real, lived experiences into representations, where appearances matter more than substance. It's a world where being has turned into appearing, and we are constantly performing, not living. Inspired by: The Philosophize this Podcast  Society of the Spectacle

In this episode, we're going to discuss the American Dream—the myth, the hustle, and the crisis it has driven us into. In this, we will learn about the “achievement society” as dubbed by Byung-Chul Han, the myth of self-improvement, and how we exploit ourselves to the point of burnout. My TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@knowthingss?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc References: The Burnout Society by Byung-Chul Han The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Lora Marie has been creating (hilarious) educational content surrounding the experiences of living with an autoimmune disorder. She is an RA Warrior who has used her experiences, trials, and errors to inspire fellow autoimmune warriors with positivity, light, and connection. In this episode, we talk a little about a lot- including AIP diets, remaining hopeful and resilient through the hardships of autoimmunity, and more. Hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. Find Lora @exploringautoimmune Find me @_raniaasalah Accessible Therapy (virtual): 1. BetterHelp 2. Teen Counseling 3. Brightside If you have insurance: 1. Call your insurance to find a therapist in-network for you 2. Ask your job about benefits 3. Look up "sliding-scale therapists near me" - PsychologyToday or other search engines can help you filter for your needs

Autoimmune disorders are on the rise: both in prevalence and in variation. Here's a little bit of background knowledge about what we know and what we don't know about autoimmunity. As promised, see links below for more information: Instagram: @_raniaasalah Role of Diet and Lifestyle: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11882-013-0404-6 Factors involved in the etiology of SLE: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2015.00608/full Diet, Microbiota, and Autoimmunity: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0961203313501401?casa_token=WF5sl2ksKYkAAAAA:7AjSc7P7P_jD9V-t6a0HHrFVKu4AjSXdyuM5Fyz9vzYrc2TYaoR3VCZg6Ft9GT7JD38qArxlKO41hw Environmental Triggers in the Development of Autoimmune Diseases ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3W9GNDYyyQ&t=2511s⁠ Hank Green: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPkwZ4vELyI

This is a heavy one! One factor contributing to racial health inequities is implicit bias- or rather the consequences of unchecked biases in healthcare settings. Implicit or explicit negative attitudes toward patients may adversely impact quality of healthcare and perpetuate health disparities. Stigmatizing language written in a patient's medical record contributes to attitudes and implicit bias, ergo influencing physician decision-making and treatment. Although medical records are an integral method of communicating about patients, they have been a vector for transmitting implicit bias in the healthcare profession. This episode outlines the importance of mandating that clinicians undergo supplementary training to properly, accurately, and objectively document patient information on electronic health records (EHRs). Want more information about one or more of my sources? Ask a question on anchor or Spotify, or DM me on instagram! Instagram: @_raniaasalah

Language is our portal to meaning making, and without the right language to describe and articulate our emotions, we may struggle to find healing. We may find that emotions begin to consume us, chip away at our physical and mental well-being, and manifest as destructive behaviors. When we lack the right vocabulary, connection becomes all the more difficult. When our emotional language is limited, we we feel disembodied or disconnected from ourselves and others. Language is pivotal to allowing emotions to guide our behaviors productively, help us make sense of ourselves and the world, and extend compassion to those we listen to. Part of mindfulness is awareness without judgement, and awareness is achieved by discernment. By naming our emotions, we can act as impartial observers without allowing them to overwhelm us. And in that process, we gain control. And come on, we have a cool pre-frontal cortex, we might as well use it! Follow the Ish Matters Instagram for episode updates and summaries: @ishmatters Brene Brown: Atlas of The Heart Gabor Mate: When The Body Says No Emotions wheel: feelingswheel

Mindfulness is so much more than the image the word provokes: a formal meditation, silence, and deep breaths. It's everything from listening, pausing, to practicing non-judgement and acceptance. Mindfulness practices can and should be a part of your everyday life- science says so! So if you want to come along my journey of trying to live more mindfully, stay tuned for this series where we explore practices together. Let's learn how to make moments meaningful, life more joyful, and actions more purposeful. Let's learn to live with intention and lead with kindness and love. Time is too precious to waste it waiting for better moments. I recognize my privilege in having the time, resources, and capacity to think on topics such as mindfulness. I understand that the circumstances of life may be overwhelming, unfair, unjust, and too demanding to have the freedom to pause and reflect. But if and when we can, let's try to make the most out of our moments. Brené Brown's book: Atlas of The Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience Sam Chase's Ted talk: Paying Attention and Mindfulness Some Science: Mindfulness and stress reduction Mindfulness and cognitive flexibility Mindfulness and emotion regulation DM me for questions! Instagram: @_raniaasalah

DISCLAIMER: The sources used to write this episode are limited to Rania's journal entries. It is less scientific and more opinion-based, but it is nonetheless important. In this episode, I explore the ideas and ideals surrounding love that we are currently exposed to. I make the argument that we must shift our definition of love from a passive state to an active, continuous effort. I critique modern social media content and this generation's version of romanticism and provide an alternate perspective on romantic partnership. If this sounds interesting, tune in! Instagram: @_raniaasalah

What keeps us happy and healthy in life? What's the secret to feeling satisfied despite changes in circumstance? How can we age whilst maintaining the best possible physical and mental health? Well, we're going to draw upon and abundance of research that points to one answer: good relationships. This episode is endlessly important for our generation- a generation suffering from a loneliness epidemic, mental illness epidemic, and an epidemic of smartphone and materialistic 'addiction.' I hope you listen with an open-mind and open heart. As promised, the research is all below: Johann Hari's TedTalk https://www.ted.com/talks/johann_hari_this_could_be_why_you_re_depressed_or_anxious/transcript?language=en Robert Waldinger: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness https://www.ted.com/talks/robert_waldinger_what_makes_a_good_life_lessons_from_the_longest_study_on_happiness Harvard Grant study https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2017/04/over-nearly-80-years-harvard-study-has-been-showing-how-to-live-a-healthy-and-happy-life/ Speaking of Psychology: Are we in a “loneliness pandemic”? With Louise Hawkley, PhD https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/loneliness-pandemic Association between screen time and depression among US adults https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5574844/ Alone, Together: How Technology Separates Us | Henry Williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp05RuefBqM&t=513s Health Risks of social isolation https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolation A systematic review: the influence of social media on depression, anxiety and psychological distress in adolescent https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02673843.2019.1590851 Over-prescriptionhttps://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/06/prescribing Over-medicating children who are diagnosed with ADHD https://www.apa.org/monitor/dec01/medicating The dangers of over-prescribing medication without evidence of chemical imbalance https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/mental-health/3569506-depression-is-likely-not-caused-by-a-chemical-imbalance-in-the-brain-study-says/ My instagram for updates on episode release: @_raniaasalah

In this episode, Rand H. joins me to discuss the book: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Treatment of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk. He is a psychiatrist, author, researcher and educator who delved deep into the physical responses, symptoms, and treatment of childhood trauma. Himself and a group of scientists came together, with their patients, to integrate neuroscience, attachment, and body awareness into treatment for people who have suffered trauma. Some of the overarching messages in part 1 of this book are how our physical bodies are a “scoresheet” for traumatic stress. Most trauma victims experience a wide range of physical ailments ranging from digestive issues and asthma to arthritis and cardiovascular illnesses. These illnesses should be viewed as symptoms rather than a root issue. Van der Kolk also suggests that instead of exposure therapy being the predominant method for treating traumatic stress, we should treat it by reintroducing patients to feeling safe in their body, feeling attuned to the subtle feelings and re-attuned with their intrinsic signals. This book has changed countless lives, including my own. Whether it has helped us us forgive ourselves and one another for over-or under-reactions, begin understanding and recognizing our own traumas, or move towards true healing. This collection of research is one that everyone would benefit from, especially in a world where trauma is extremely common. This is only one of a two-part review of this book, as we wasn't to first focus on how trauma has impacted us and how learning about it has helped us heal. Stay tuned for part 2, where we will discuss how we went about healing, and how we are currently addressing symptoms of our past traumas. Find Rand on instagram @oldboyohboy Helpful articles: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Treatment of Trauma (Book Summary) Book Review: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma Resources: 24/7 Crisis Hotline: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741-741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7 SAMHSA Treatment Referral Hotline (Substance Abuse): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474 The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386

Some of you suggested I post some of my poetry on this podcast channel from time to time. I wanted to interrupt season 2, which is all about self-love and growth with a piece that serves as a reminder of reality. It's not always linear growth, and it's not always motivated, inspired, or determined. Sometimes there are days, weeks, months even, that merely survived. These times are just as important as those of active growth, as they are often necessary reminders and motivators to recover, heal, and strive for your vision of 'better.' Still Here is a poem about fighting depression- a battle I have fought, and continuously fight everyday for a long time now. Some days and weeks pass where I am able to ignore the loud shrieks of depression, and some days and weeks pass where they're all I hear. I found that the only difference between making it through and giving in is whether I have support during these times. With that, I believe it's time to start talking about what it really means, looks like, feels like. It's not just another term thrown around when we feel down, it can be a silent torturous struggle. So hear us, ask us, understand us. It can save our lives. 24/7 Crisis Hotline: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741-741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7 SAMHSA Treatment Referral Hotline (Substance Abuse): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474 The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386

Do you ever feel so in your head that you can't distinguish objective reality from the stories you tell yourself? Do you ever feel so consumed by your attempts at self-growth/self-love that you end up getting stuck where you are? Do you wait with doubt? Fear? An anticipation of negative outcomes? Are you too hopeful? Do you tend to self-sabotage out of a need for control? This is an episode I have been waiting to record for a very long time, as I continued to find my conversations with my dearest friend Rand to be growing more fruitful to my self-love journey. In this very unrehearsed and raw conversation, we touch on the similarities between our journeys, the dangers of getting stuck in the self-development 'vortex,' neutrality, and the idea that how you wait matters. Stay tuned till the end to hear about the idea of triangulation: a great tip for when things in your life are too chaotic to discern objective reality.

Welcome to season 2 of Ish Matters! Happy you're here, and hope you stay. Here's to a season of self-development and growth- cheers!

Our memories are fallible, our story-telling skills are questionable, and we are all non-credible sources in some way. This is not because we are consciously trying to mislead or manipulate reality, but because we are simply human- prone to human error. But what can we do to mitigate the consequences of false narratives? How can we break free from the imprisonment of comfortable, old narratives? And why is it important to compare stories from every characters' point of view? This is a short episode about the power of personal narratives: the stories we tell, hold onto, AND have the power to change. Lori Gottlieb's TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/lori_gottlieb_how_changing_your_story_can_change_your_life An article with tangible tips: Rewrite your story, change your life

I am joined by Isabella Brooke to discuss everything ranging from fatphobia to the evolution of the body positivity/neutrality movements. Isabella is the president of REbeL at American University, and is all about creating a safe space to talk about these issues. She is a huge proponent of body neutrality and attention to language, as they have played a pivotal role in her own recovery. In this episode, we explore how the concepts of intuitive eating and body positivity have been misconstrued and misrepresented, and how language and social media play a role in defining these movements. We also discuss how weight stigma contributes to negative health outcomes and perpetuates health disparities, as it has long been intertwined with systematic racism and sexism. We ask ourselves how we can start talking about these issues sensitively and productively- without risking the hyper-normalizing disordered eating. If you're interested in finding out, stay tuned till the end! REbeL at American University: american.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/Rebel Their instagram: @rebelatamerican Eating Disorder Resources: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn Hopeline Network: 1-800-442-4673 Crisis Textline: Text CONNECT to 741741

In this episode, my research partner, Callen Wallace, and I discuss explore the issue of medical mistrust— the roots, implications, and impact on BIPOC women's health outcomes. We argue that medical mistrust plays a pivotal role in perpetuating disparate negative health outcomes, and is a result of both historical mistreatment and implicit bias in medicine that has long plagued those who have the intersectional identities of women belonging to a minority race/ethnicity. Some of the key concepts we discuss are intersectionality and biopower, and how these factors interplay to maintain the subordination and suffering of BIPOC women. Specifically, we take a look at the death of Dr. Susan Moore, Indigenous women's sterilization, and a physician-perspective on it all.. And as promised, the links are attached below: Kimberle Crenshaw's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intersectionality-matters/id1441348908 Dorothy Robert's Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/speakers/dorothy_roberts More on Biopower: https://globalsocialtheory.org/concepts/biopower/ We hope you enjoy this very important discussion, stay tuned for the passionate conclusion. If you're interested in our research, please contact me for our references and additional materials at raniasalah82000@gmail.com

In this episode, we discuss, the impact of fitness-related media consumption, eating disorders, the responsibilities of fitness influencers, and more. If you've ever found yourself comparing your body to images on instagram, you're not alone. If you've ever found yourself struggling with food, body image, and shame, you're not alone. My guests are here to to openly discuss some of these stigmatized topics, as they believe there needs to be more conversation surrounding the reality of people who body-build. They offer a unique male and female perspective on it all, so make sure to listen to the full episode! Conor's Instagram: @emmamoconor Donato's Instagram: @donato_dibari Eating Disorder Resources: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn Hopeline Network: 1-800-442-4673 Crisis Textline: Text CONNECT to 741741

Research suggests that when a child is raised in a home with a parent who exhibits narcissistic tendencies, or has narcissistic personality disorder, they are likely to experience a range of detrimental psychological effects that often carry on into adulthood. This can also be applied to long-term relationships with a narcissist such as marriages, sibling relations, and even close family members. That being said, parents may have the greatest impact given our dependence on them as children, and our exposure to unhealthy attachment before full development. In this episode, I explore some of the consequences and ways to heal from this trauma. If this does not apply to you, send it to someone you think it may help- as knowledge is power, comfort, and the first step to healing. References: Dr. Daniel Fox: https://www.drdfox.com Psychologist Katie Morton and her many resources: https://www.youtube.com/c/Katimorton/about "Parental Personality Disorder and Its Effects on Children: A Review of Current Literature" - Metanalysis authored by Donald G. Dutton: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15379418.2011.620928

This episode surrounds the four main attachment styles, where they may be rooted in, and how they can help us understand our own behavior as well as others' behaviors- especially in relational conflicts. I am not a psychiatrist or mental health professional, this is simply my understanding of the theory developed by John Bowlby, and later expanded upon by Mary Ainsworth. The information discussed in this episode may help you gain insight on your attachment style, but please take it with a grain of salt and remember that we are always changing, growing, and developing. So sit back and enjoy this episode as a fun educational resource!

This episode, as always, is a casual conversation surrounding the main contributing factors of addiction, my personal experience, and how our nation can better approach addicts. If you've ever wondered about why addicts are so attached to their drug of choice, why our current system is failing at decreasing drug use and business, or what actually works in treating addiction, this episode may offer some insight. I draw upon some established authors and scientists including Karl Heart (in his memoir High Price) and Rachel Wurzman to explore theories that have quenched my own curiosity surrounding this subject.

In this episode, I discuss my very informal opinions surrounding relationships and how they are important to one's pursuit of happiness. I also delve into recognizing when compromise and adaptation can become unhealthy. If you are interested in getting one step closer to investing in good relationships, this may help!

In this episode, I offer 5 scientifically-proven steps to break any habit and build new ones. I draw from James Clear's Book on habits to offer you some tangible ways to recognize, interrupt, and require your habit loops. I also give you 3 tips on how to set goals effectively, and actually go through with them even when faced with challenges. Excusing the tangents and failed examples, I hope you enjoy the content!

In this very special episode, I get the chance to speak with youth mentor Mohammed Kibriya about how important it is to practice gratitude, find mentors, and belong to a community. He sheds light on how significant of a role mentors can play in guidance, and how that goes hand in hand with self-awareness and reflection. Kibriya urges us to develop habits like journaling about things you are grateful for, getting others' insight on your strengths and weaknesses, and being vulnerable with trusted people. Get off of social media and get reflecting, because we all need real, honest conversations with ourselves and with our community.

In this episode, I discuss the roots and impact of medical mistrust that exists within the African American community. From the transatlantic slave trade, to the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiments, and the modern-day implicit biases that impact health outcomes, African Americans are continuously given reasons to be weary of medical professionals. This ultimately perpetuates health disparities, reinforces systems of oppression, and leads to worsening health inequities that entail higher morbidity, mortality, and disease rates, shorter lifespans, and poorer qualities of life. Addressing this issue starts here- with education.

In this episode I discuss the the physiological and psychological of malnutrition. I draw upon The Minnesota Starvation Experiment and my own experiences with an eating disorder to demonstrate how your body reacts a prolonged period of energy deficit. Grab a snack, your bodily functions are expensive and needs tons of energy to function optimally and keep you happy and healthy.

In this episode I draw upon recent research that describes restrictive eating disorders as evolutionary responses to famine. When a person who is predisposed to anorexia enters energy deficit, the genes are triggered or activated, and the illness manifests. This is not to say there aren't psychological roots to eating disorders, as they serve as coping mechanisms and have a deep rooting in mental health issues. This is just an alternate theory and brief explanation of the biology that many fail to recognize. And finally, a little about my own experience. In part 2 of this series, I will delve deeper into human anatomy and my road recovery, so stay tuned!

As impressionable youth, we learn that how we look is a direct reflection of who we are as people: how worthy, desirable, and successful we are. These ideas only serve the fitness industry, a multi-billion dollar industry that has consumed American culture for decades. In this episode, I discuss how psychologists and marketers in the industry have influenced our thoughts and behaviors, preyed upon insecurities they have promoted, and normalized disordered eating habits for their own profit. Diet culture is at our dinner tables, in our doctors' offices, and in our job interviews, so how will we fight against it?