The Zhen Podcast

If you've ever tried to break a habit and failed — not because you weren't trying hard enough, but because something deeper kept pulling you back — this episode is going to make a lot of things click.Joanna Zajusz is a hypnotherapist and transformational coach who left a burnout career in sales, had what she calls a full spiritual download, and completely rebuilt her life around helping people rewire their minds. She calls her approach "positively rebellious" — and once she explains it, you'll understand exactly why.This is not the hypnotherapy you've seen on stage. This is the quiet, targeted, surprisingly logical version that works on the part of your brain where habits actually live.We talk about overeating, sugar addiction, emotional cravings, Yo-Yo dieting, and why most people keep failing at change — not because they lack discipline, but because they're trying to fix a deep problem with a surface solution.If you've been stuck in the same loop for years, this one is worth your full attention.In this episode: — What "positively rebellious" actually means and why rebellion is the starting point for real change — How Joanna went from burned out in sales to hypnotherapist — including the moment that changed everything — The real difference between hypnotherapy and stage hypnosis (they are nothing alike) — Why you never lose control during a session — and what's actually happening in your brain — How hypnotherapy rewired one client's overeating habit in a single session — The truth about quitting sugar — and why one session is sometimes all it takes — Why Yo-Yo dieting is a mind problem, not a food problem — How to find a hypnotherapist you can actually trust — The difference between a quick fix and a change that actually sticksTimestamps: 00:00 — Meet Joanna: the hypnotherapist who calls herself a rebel 00:21 — What "Positively Rebellious" means and why it matters 00:33 — How rebellion against your own programming becomes a catalyst for change 01:24 — From real estate burnout to healing arts — Joanna's full story 02:24 — The spiritual download that shifted everything 03:04 — How hypnotherapy actually works — no, not like that 04:54 — Stage hypnosis vs. real hypnotherapy: setting the record straight 07:45 — Do you lose control during a session? The honest answer 09:02 — What the relaxed hypnotic state actually feels like 10:49 — Real example: how hypnosis rewired one client's overeating for good 12:38 — Cravings, emotional eating, and the tools that actually work 13:39 — Is quitting sugar through hypnosis always permanent? 14:05 — Why skill-building and emotional awareness matter more than willpower 15:33 — How awareness becomes action — and why most people skip this step 16:50 — The extremes of dieting and how to stop the emotional rollercoaster 18:14 — How to sit with discomfort without reaching for food 19:39 — Slowly reducing addictive foods without feeling deprivedConnect with Joanna Zajusz: https://positivelyrebellious.com/

If you've ever laid awake at 3am with your brain on fire, convinced something is wrong with you — this episode is for you.Dr. Raymond, a licensed psychologist, sits down with Zhen to reveal the truth about anxiety that nobody is talking about. This isn't your typical therapy advice. This is the raw, real, and honest conversation about why your anxiety keeps coming back — and what to actually do about it.If you struggle with overthinking, perfectionism, people pleasing, fear of failure, or feeling like you're just not enough — watch this before you do anything else.✅ The hidden root causes of anxiety nobody tells you about ✅ Why your need for control is making your anxiety worse ✅ How childhood wounds secretly drive adult anxiety ✅ The truth about manifestation, surrender, and self-trust ✅ How to build real self-worth and stop looking for validation ✅ Why perfectionism and anxiety are best friends — and how to break them up ✅ Practical tools to calm your nervous system and rewire your mindset for goodThis conversation will change the way you see yourself. CONNECT WITH DR. RAYMOND: https://westlapsychologist.com/Phone: (310) 963-4007Email: [email protected]://www.instagram.com/westlapsychologist/You are not broken. You are human. Healing starts the moment you decide to own your story. Take a breath — and let's go. 🤍TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - The real reason anxiety keeps coming back 02:00 - How childhood trauma quietly runs your adult life 04:15 - What self-discovery actually looks like in real life 06:40 - Breaking free from people pleasing and societal pressure 09:00 - Perfectionism and anxiety — why they always show up together 11:00 - The subconscious reasons your brain creates anxiety 13:20 - Why control is an illusion and how to finally let go 15:00 - How to turn overthinking into a superpower 17:30 - What zero anxiety actually feels like (and how to get there) 19:00 - How society and consumerism secretly fuel your anxiety 21:00 - Building unshakeable self-worth and radical self-love 23:00 - Overcoming fear of success and stepping into your power 25:00 - Escaping the over-control cycle for good 28:00 - Manifestation, surrender, and trusting the process 30:30 - How to trust yourself when everything feels uncertain 33:00 - Authentic connection, vulnerability, and real relationships 35:00 - Healing the childhood wounds driving your anxiety today 37:00 - How your actions reveal your true self 39:00 - Why therapy looks different for everyone — and that's okay 41:00 - Managing emotional triggers and building resilience

Trigger warning. This episode includes discussions of trauma, alcohol and substance abuse, addiction, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.Love Is Blind–Inspired Relationship LessonsWhat do shows like Love Is Blind reveal about real relationships?More than we think.In this episode of The Zhen Podcast, we break down relationship dynamics inspired by moments from Love Is Blind and explore the deeper psychology behind love, conflict, commitment, and marriage.This is not surface-level dating advice. It’s a raw, honest conversation about what actually makes relationships succeed — or quietly fall apart.We talk about the hidden insecurities behind public fights, the importance of emotional maturity, and why the strongest couples communicate calmly instead of constantly battling.You’ll also hear powerful insights about financial transparency, long-term compatibility, and why romantic love can affect your brain like an addictive drug.If you enjoy shows like Love Is Blind, but want to understand the deeper psychology behind what you’re watching, this episode will completely change how you see modern relationships.In This Episode• Love Is Blind–inspired lessons about public fights and relationship insecurity• Why emotional control and calm communication strengthen partnerships• The myth that healthy couples need constant conflict• The reality behind marriage decisions on reality TV• How to read body language and emotional readiness in relationships• Why couples often fight about money — but it’s rarely about money• How romantic love affects the brain like a powerful drug• Why financial transparency matters before marriage• The importance of prenups and honest financial conversations• How to build a calm, resilient partnership that lastsTimestamps00:00 — Why public relationship drama damages trust and reputation02:07 — Love Is Blind altar moment analysis: what really happened04:41 — Reading emotional readiness and body language in relationships06:31 — The power of staying calm during conflict09:14 — Handling disagreements with maturity and respect13:43 — The myth that couples need to fight often to be “real”15:06 — Choosing a partner aligned with your life vision19:00 — Why money fights reveal deeper relationship problems23:01 — Love as a drug: understanding emotional attachment28:11 — Prenups: protecting relationships through honesty31:20 — How to start the money conversation with your partner34:59 — Building financial stability and trust together39:29 — Respectful communication in long-term partnerships44:00 — Marriage and kids: why alignment matters46:10 — What truly makes love last48:17 — Building a life of calm, fun, and connection50:00 — Passing down wisdom for future relationships

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of trauma, alcohol & substance abuse, addiction, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. In this deeply honest conversation, Zhen and Michelle reflect on the life and legacy of Eric Dane — and what his story reveals about fame, trauma, resilience, and the hidden weight of loneliness.Because here’s the truth:Success does not protect you from suffering.Fame does not protect you from loneliness, and resilience is not the same thing as pretending you’re okay.We unpack the difference between resilience and perseverance, and why pushing through without self-awareness can slowly become self-abandonment.We talk about:• Why the loneliest people are often the most admired • How trauma lives in the body — not just the memory • The cellular impact of emotional suppression • Why fame amplifies what you haven’t healed • The quiet cost of always being “strong” • The power of deep, uncomfortable conversations • Why forgiveness is freedom — not approval • How presence heals more than advice ever couldThis episode isn’t about celebrity. It’s about all of us. It’s about the version of you who looks fine on the outside — but feels unseen on the inside. It’s about the pressure to keep going. The fear of slowing down. The courage it takes to tell the truth about how you’re really doing.We explore the role of self-compassion, cultural expectations around strength, and why hope is not naive — it’s neurological fuel for healing.If you’ve ever felt alone in a crowded room… If you’ve ever confused endurance with strength… If you’ve ever wondered why achievement didn’t bring peace… This conversation is for you. Because no matter how far you’ve gone — there is always a path back to yourself. There is always hope, and healing is never off the table.Subscribe for more conversations on mental health, emotional mastery, relationships, trauma healing, and personal growth.#MentalHealth #Resilience #TraumaHealing #Loneliness #SelfCompassion #HealingJourney #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealth

In this episode, Zhen and Michelle Shahbazyan delve into the latest developments in the reality show 'Love is Blind', focusing on the relationships of the contestants, particularly Chris and Jessica. They discuss the importance of emotional investment, personal growth, and communication in relationships, as well as the impact of family dynamics and lifestyle differences. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-awareness and the identification of non-negotiables in dating. Predictions for the couples' futures are also made, highlighting the complexities of love and partnership.Honesty in relationships is crucial.Emotional investment can lead to hurt feelings.Personal growth is essential for healthy relationships.Communication is key to understanding each other.Family dynamics can influence relationship choices.Identifying non-negotiables is important in dating.Self-awareness helps in making better relationship choices.It's okay to be single while figuring things out.Relationships require ongoing effort and understanding.

In this engaging conversation, Zhen and Michelle Shahbazyan delve into the themes of love and dating as explored in the reality show 'Love is Blind.' They discuss the importance of senses in attraction, the balance between physical and emotional connections, and the cultural influences that shape relationship dynamics. The conversation also touches on the significance of self-awareness, financial stability, and the messiness of life in relationships, ultimately emphasizing the need for compatibility and the journey of self-discovery in finding the right partner. In this conversation, Michelle Shahbazyan and Zhen explore the complexities of relationships, particularly in the context of trauma, self-discovery, and emotional health. They discuss the importance of healing from childhood trauma, the dynamics of parenting, and the necessity of emotional safety in relationships. The conversation delves into the impact of communication styles, the journey of self-expression, and the significance of finding the right partner. They also touch on cultural dynamics, the role of religion, and the importance of patience in navigating modern relationships.takeawaysThe show 'Love is Blind' explores the complexities of attraction beyond physical appearance.Senses play a crucial role in forming emotional connections, not just visual attraction.Physical attraction is often necessary for a deep emotional connection to develop.Cultural backgrounds significantly influence relationship dynamics and expectations.Contestants often struggle with the reality of their choices when faced with physical attraction.Self-awareness and understanding personal needs are vital for relationship readiness.Financial stability and expectations can impact relationship dynamics and satisfaction.Messiness in life can reflect deeper emotional states and affect relationships.Compatibility goes beyond initial attraction; it requires shared values and lifestyles.Being picky in choosing a partner is essential for long-term happiness. It's important to heal from childhood trauma before entering a relationship.Becoming your best self attracts healthier partners.Emotional safety is crucial in relationships, especially for children.Overcoming emotional chaos is a personal responsibility.Finding the right partner requires self-awareness and growth.Communication styles can greatly affect relationship dynamics.Self-discovery is essential for healthy relationships.Trauma can impact dating and relationship choices.Expressing oneself is vital for emotional health.Understanding trauma helps in navigating relationships.

In this enlightening conversation, host Zhen and relationship and health coach Merianne Drew explore the intricate connections between emotional well-being, nutrition, and relationship health. Merianne shares her personal journey from health coaching to overcoming her own health challenges, emphasizing the importance of addressing emotional issues to achieve physical wellness. The discussion delves into the impact of nutrition on mental health, the significance of sleep, and effective communication strategies in relationships. Listeners are encouraged to cultivate self-awareness and seek support from trusted friends or professionals to navigate their personal growth and relationship challenges.

In this conversation, Amanda Escobedo discusses the significance of personal hardships and how they shape one's purpose. She emphasizes that everyone has challenges that are integral to their life story, which can foster connections with others. By embracing these experiences, individuals can navigate their journeys and share their narratives effectively with their audience.

In this conversation, Zhen Hou and Tina Marx explore the themes of fear, freedom, and personal growth. Tina shares her journey as a flow and business coach, discussing the importance of trusting one's intuition and calming the nervous system to access deeper insights. They delve into the challenges of career transitions, the significance of fun and curiosity in life, and the necessity of self-acceptance and authenticity in interactions with others. The discussion emphasizes the need for gradual change, self-compassion, and the power of positive affirmations in overcoming self-doubt and fear.

In this episode of "The Zhen Podcast," host Zhen interviews Michelle Shahbazyan, a life coach and love strategist. Michelle shares her unique approach to relationship coaching, emphasizing the importance of understanding physiological and interpersonal dynamics. She discusses her journey from studying applied psychology to pioneering online diamond jewelry sales, and eventually becoming a marriage and family therapist. Michelle highlights the challenges of traditional therapy and her decision to work internationally without a license to reach a broader audience. She also talks about the importance of addressing red flags in relationships, the impact of cheating, and the role of addiction in relationship dynamics. Michelle's book, "Win at Love, Win at Life," offers guidance on finding the right partner and building a successful love life.