Stories and Stanza

22/09/2025

In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra welcomes back Brooke Bounce, a breakthrough coach known for simplifying complex concepts. Together, they dive into the intricate topics of inner child healing and reparenting. Brooke shares her personal journey with a narcissistic mother and how it shaped her beliefs. She explains how anxiety, self-sabotage, self-doubt, procrastination, and perfectionism are linked to unmet inner child needs. The discussion covers the importance of acknowledging and addressing these fears, how generational trauma impacts behavior, and practical strategies for reprogramming the inner child for a more fulfilling life. Brooke also introduces her book, 'You Can Have It: How to Break Through the Self-Sabotage Cycle,' which offers step-by-step guidance for overcoming these deep-seated issues.
00:00 Introduction to Failure and Inner Child01:14 Meet the Guest: Brooke Bounce04:41 Understanding Inner Child Theory08:59 Personal Experiences and Inner Child Healing11:46 Reprogramming and Reparenting Techniques17:06 Practical Steps for Inner Child Work22:57 Overcoming Childhood Trauma23:31 Pattern Interrupt Technique23:55 Reframing Childhood Memories26:44 Generational Beliefs and Behaviors31:44 Introducing the Book: Breaking Self-Sabotage33:37 Inner Child and Self-Sabotage37:27 Perfectionism and Inner Child41:24 Recognizing and Addressing Self-Sabotage43:57 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

07/09/2025

In this episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' host Abhra engages in an intimate conversation with health coach Megan Gaul on the mind-body connection in weight loss. They discuss Megan's personal journey of losing 100 pounds, the importance of understanding the deeper motivations behind weight loss goals, and strategies for fostering a healthy relationship with food. The discussion also touches upon the benefits of walking as a mindfulness exercise, the value of journaling, and the concept of failure and resilience in achieving long-term health objectives. Tune in to gain insights into how emotional and physical well-being are interconnected and discover practical tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Weight Loss Journey01:04 Welcome to Stories and Stanza01:15 Introducing Megan and Our Relationship with Food Series02:24 Mind-Body Connection and Weight Loss02:40 Megan's Personal and Professional Journey04:17 The Importance of Failures in Success04:40 Exploring Mind-Body Awareness09:55 Strategies for Effective Weight Loss13:59 The Role of Journaling in Weight Loss27:32 Walking as a Mindfulness Exercise39:25 Final Thoughts and Program Information
Link to our previous episodes
Here is the offer for our listeners:
"If you are ready to lose weight, and you know that the things we talked about in this interview are standing in your way, I created this free call specifically as a resource for you. During this call, we'll accomplish 3 outcomes:Uncover the 1-2 specific habits or beliefs that are specifically holding YOU back from your weight-loss right nowOutline 2-3 super-clear Next Steps, making sure they fit within your lifestyle and scheduleSend you off with a piece of Mind Body and Weight-Loss homework so easy and doable, you can start on your journey todayIf you are not one of the first 2 listeners to enter, message me STORIES2025 anyway! https://ig.me/m/partake_foodie . I'll say hi, and make sure you receive news about the next free call I have available"

05/09/2025

Discover the surprising secret to making relationships successful with Puya Delavar! In this video, Puya shares his top tips and strategies for building strong, healthy, and long-lasting relationships. Whether you're looking to improve your romantic partnership, strengthen your friendships, or even boost your professional relationships, Puya's expert advice will give you the tools you need to succeed. From effective communication techniques to conflict resolution strategies, Puya covers it all. So, what's the secret to making relationships successful? Watch to find out!
00:00 Introduction: Embracing Failure01:30 Meet the Guest: Puya Delavar02:57 Puya's Journey and Philosophy04:57 The Importance of Communication in Relationships06:14 Puya's Personal Crisis and Transformation11:29 The Role of Expectations and Conditioning21:30 Understanding and Managing Expectations26:30 Exploring Emotional Intelligence in Relationships27:51 The Importance of Self-Awareness32:15 Carrying Emotional Baggage into New Relationships33:43 Understanding Relationship Pitfalls45:42 The Three Main Needs in Relationships51:42 Final Thoughts and Resources
Puya Delavar is a leading Men’s Relationship Coach and founder of Puya Delavar Coaching, where he helps high-performing men in senior leadership roles protect what matters most: their relationship, their family, and their legacy.In a world where professional success often overshadows personal connection, Puya offers a different path: one where you don’t have to choose between thriving in your career and having a meaningful relationship at home. His work centres on helping men turn a cold, disconnected relationship into one of respect and intimacy without stepping away from their responsibilities as leaders.With over a decade of research, lived experience, and a deep understanding of behavioural psychology, Puya has developed a structured and highly practical approach. His proven method uncovers the hidden patterns and blind spots that quietly erode connection, identifies the true root causes of recurring conflict, and equips his clients with science-backed tools for sustainable change.At the core of his philosophy is Holistic Success — the belief that fulfilment and high performance come from balance across three key areas: personal wellbeing, personal growth, and personal relationships. His work is continuously informed by real-world case studies and one-to-one coaching insights, ensuring his programmes stay grounded, effective, and relevant to the fast-paced lives of his clients.His flagship 12-week programme - Crisis to Connection - is designed specifically for men who want to repair, strengthen, and future-proof their relationship while continuing to operate at the top of their game.

29/08/2025

jovial
rest
vo**ur in a minor key
nullified modicum

Fragile stars from our
cosmic dance
fall on our wings,
as our zest wanes with the moon.

Roses rest with thorns,
a dwindling pendant of
love laced with hate,
remnants of touch and time glitter.

The bedrock of trust
tries to piece together
this nullified modicum,
tiny deaths of our jovial spirit.

Awake from erratic dreams
we fidget in unruly kisses,
after all we're both
vo**urs in a minor key.

27/08/2025

💔 High‑performer. Respected leader. But at home? Disconnected. In this Stories and Stanza episode, coach Puya Delavar (Puya Delavar) shares how he turned his own relationship around — and how you can protect the connection that matters most, without stepping away from your ambitions.

🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/ty87Q-klh7w

Discover the surprising secret to making relationships successful with Puya Delavar! In this video, Puya shares his top tips and strategies for building stro...

17/08/2025

In this episode of Stories and Stanza, we welcome author and peace builder Somia Sadiq as she discusses her debut novel 'Gajarah.' Somia explores the cultural significance of Gajarah, a traditional flower assembly, and delves into its representation of beauty, tradition, and spiritual resonance. Throughout this heartfelt conversation, Somia shares her insights on language, identity, trauma, and the complexities of healing. Join us as we uncover the layers of her book, understand the nuances of cultural identities, and reflect on the responsibilities of writers in today's world. Somia also reads a poignant excerpt from her book, beautifully weaving poetry and prose to illustrate the journey of her protagonist, Iman.
00:00 Introduction to Gajarah01:27 Welcome to Stories and Stanza01:43 Meet Somia Sadik04:34 Discussing the Book09:51 Reading from the Book14:14 Writing Style and Inspirations21:20 Cultural Identity and Language28:01 Themes of Trauma and Healing39:05 Peacebuilding and Inclusivity50:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Somia Sadiq is an award-winning Pakistani Canadian entrepreneur, peace negotiator, and conflicttransformation strategist. Rooted in the work of impact assessment, Somia founded Narratives, aplanning and design firm that emphasizes human-centric, trauma-informed story work, lived experience, and creating space for celebration of ancestral identity. Somia is also the founder of Kahanee, a nonprofit organization that works nationally and internationally amplifying storytelling and facilitated dialogue for peacebuilding.Somia is a published author and a highly sought after keynote speaker, offering insights on women intrauma-informed leadership, and fostering resilience in a rapidly changing environment. Recognized for her contributions to the Planning practice in Canada and internationally, Somia was recently inducted into the Canadian Institute of Planners' esteemed College of Fellows, the highest honor for a planner in Canada. Gajarah, her debut novel, comes out in September 2025.

https://www.instagram.com/somiasadiq/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/somiasadiq/
Somiasadiq.com
https://www.somiasadiq.com/gajarah

14/08/2025

Mystical mornings wake me up
replenished yet marked with
poison dribbling down my chin,
that I took to bed the night before
as secrets sealed within cedar,
hoping nightmares would’ve
kept close to the chest.

I wake up amid vestiges of spite
miasma of anger I harbour and
morning air cracks the cedar open
somber afterthoughts
make me buoyant,
as I drink my guilt
laced with caffeine.

The mystical haze of half-sleep
dissipates with each warm sip
and time strides on my side,
diurnal urge for salience
anoints my day and
the cocktail of my poisons
ebbs till the dusk.

13/08/2025

I've just reached 3K followers! Thank you for continuing support. I could never have made it without each and every one of you. 🙏🤗🎉

11/08/2025

Unsung Rose

(A longer write than usual, indebted to the amazing prompt hosts for inspiration. Thank you.)
‘euphoric debauchery’
‘language at the tip’
‘turning the clocks back’ -
‘feral for your unrestrained touch’
‘Signal’
‘Along the edge’ / ‘Into the abyss’/
‘Fractions of the mind’

Basking in the cradle
of glorious weather,
I seek you but
pick up a tapestry of calm shades,
and fractions of the mind
lurk through
fragments
of puzzles.

I listened to the language
at the tip of
nascent worries,
jeering at
ordeal of memories,
signals that
turn the clocks back
from happy hour.

I dance my joy
along the edge,
feral for your
unrestrained touch,
but euphoric debauchery
does not level
the lurking shadows.

With the facade
of bare branches and
love-roots reaching
into the abyss-
I soak in
every iota of oomph,
every conspicuous hiss,
every spurring whisper.

One foot in winter
one in summer,
my unsung rose
for you dwindles,
as I ride my puzzles
one day at a time.

10/08/2025

Poetry Prompt :
• Art by: Ruben Ireland •

I have expanded on the images for the prompt.

10/08/2025

Summary of podcast with Oliver Mann on Shadow Journaling

10/08/2025

New poem, inspired by a few writing prompts

prompt: depth fosters life
09: notorious idylls
- cove barefoot Ubiquitous
358 excuse