The Dream Catcher Podcast

Civilizations don’t usually collapse overnight — they erode quietly, through comfort, distraction, and forgotten values. In this reflective episode, we explore what history reveals about meaning, drift, and inner decline through stories like the Roman Empire and the Maya civilization.

But this isn’t just about the past. It’s about the subtle ways we lose our own sense of purpose while life looks “fine” on the surface. You’ll also walk away with five simple practices to rebuild meaning, return to what matters, and stay steady in uncertain times.

Have you ever noticed how slowing down can feel strangely uncomfortable—even when you know you need it? Or how taking a break can stir guilt instead of relief?

In this episode, I’m joined by Israa Nasir, a psychotherapist, mental health educator, and founder of WellGuide, to explore the deeper psychology behind our relentless drive to stay busy. Drawing from her new book Toxic Productivity, Israa helps us unpack the hidden beliefs that link our worth to our output—and how to step out of that pressure without losing our sense of ambition.

Israa’s work bridges emotional well-being, modern life, and resilience-building, and she has been featured in NBC, Vox, HuffPost, Teen Vogue, and more. She has also been invited to speak at organizations including Mental Health America, Google, Meta, and Yale.

Together, we talk about where toxic productivity comes from, how it quietly shapes our self-esteem, and what it looks like to redefine success in a way that supports your mental health. You’ll also walk away with practical ways to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and build a relationship with productivity that feels grounded—not draining.

Life isn’t supposed to feel like a constant sprint. Most of us push through our days on autopilot — always rushing, rarely pausing — and wondering why we still feel behind.

Nature tells a different story. Tides, trees, and seasons reveal the natural pace of life, reminding us that real growth has rhythm.

In this episode, you’ll hear how those lessons translate to everyday life, and how adjusting your pace can bring more clarity, steadiness, and ease — without losing momentum or ambition along the way.

Original airdate: April 6, 2021

In recent decades, many people have grown distant from organized religion—disenchanted by its structures, yet still yearning for a meaningful inner life rooted in purpose, reflection, and depth.

My guest today, Thomas Moore, reminds us that spirituality doesn’t have to be confined to rigid belief systems or purely rational thinking. He invites us to cultivate a personal spiritual style—one that can exist within religion, outside it, or somewhere beautifully in between.

Thomas is the author of 24 books, including the #1 New York Times bestseller Care of the Soul. His own journey has been richly unconventional: once a Catholic monk, later a scholar with a PhD in religious studies, and eventually a psychotherapist and university professor. His work weaves together spirituality, mythology, depth psychology, and the arts, with a deep reverence for imagination and symbolic life. Through his writing and lectures around the world, he seeks to help restore soul to modern culture.

In this thoughtful and expansive conversation, Thomas explores how we can personalize religion and make spirituality truly our own. He shares both traditional and unexpected pathways to mystical experience—and offers gentle guidance on how to bring soul and sacredness into everyday life.

Real love isn’t the cinematic rush we’re taught to crave — it’s quieter, steadier, and often shows up in the small, everyday choices two people make for one another. 

In this episode, we unpack why “movie magic” can mislead us, what genuine emotional safety actually feels like, and how trust, repair, and self-respect create a love that lasts. 

If you’ve ever wondered why sparks fade — and what grows in their place — this piece gently shows where the real magic lives.