The Dream Catcher Podcast

Have you ever felt like life keeps throwing you into the arena before you’re ready — testing your resilience, your identity, and your sense of purpose? Today’s guest, Dariush Soudi, knows that battle well, and he’s turned his experiences into a powerful philosophy for rising stronger. After facing devastating personal and professional losses, Dariush rebuilt his life from the ground up — not just with strategy, but with heart. Today he leads with authenticity, compassion, and unwavering grit. His “gladiator” message has inspired a global community of more than a million people through his work as an entrepreneur, investor, keynote speaker, philanthropist, and host of the In the ARENA podcast. In this conversation, we explore his remarkable life story, the mindset of the modern-day gladiator, and the core principles behind his book. You’ll hear how these ideas can transform leadership, resilience, and the way we meet everyday challenges — especially when life feels like a fight. Let’s step into the arena together.

Your life can look great on paper and still feel heavy inside. You’re doing what you should, keeping up with responsibilities, and moving forward, but it still doesn’t feel like you. Your highest path is the one that lines up with your values, your strengths, and your current season of life. It’s not about being perfect but about feeling calm and clear in the choices you make. In this podcast, we cover seven common signs you’re off your highest path, plus simple, practical ways to realign without turning your whole life upside down, starting today. 

Original airdate: March 21, 2023 We’re all born with individual rhythms that go beyond the influence of our genes and upbringing. The Five Elements is one of the systems that we can use to understand our rhythms. The system originated in ancient Chinese medicine 2,000 years ago–when scholars theorized that the universe is composed of five forces: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal.  Our guest Dondi Dahlin will help us understand the five elements better and how we can use it to transform ourselves. Dondi Dahlin is an award-winning public speaker and has been seen on Hay House, Shift Network, OMEGA Institute, Mindvalley, and ACEP. She is also a popular teacher spreading Eden Energy Medicine and the Five Elements through international workshops. She co-authored The Little Book of Energy Medicine and her book The Five Elements became a best-seller when it was released in 2016. Dondi is also an internationally-acclaimed dancer, actress, and teacher in television, film, and stage for over 30 years.  In this interview, Dondi explains the personality types represented by the five elements of water, wood, fire, earth, and metal and how we can use them to stay in balance physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. She also talks about how we can use it to improve our relationships with others.

In a world of chance and choice, the discussion of free will versus determinism makes us ask: do we control our destinies?  For centuries, thinkers have pondered the influences of our choices and how they shape our lives and destinies.  This episode sheds light on this age-old conundrum, highlighting the intricate dance between fate and freedom, and discovering what it ultimately means to take charge of your life and exercise free will.

Ever feel like nothing you do is enough, or your true self is not showing up in your day-to-day life?  My guest, Panache Desai, says there is a kinder, more intentional way to live. By unpacking the beliefs that hold you back, you can spot the false stories that fuel hustle and shame, then find your way back to who you are.He’s here to guide us on how to release pressure, build self-trust, and live with more ease. Panache Desai is an internationally acclaimed Mentor, Speaker, and Bestselling Author dedicated to unlocking human potential and fostering personal empowerment. brings over three decades of experience as a transformational thought leader, inspiring individuals worldwide to achieve greater connection, authenticity, and peace. Featured on Oprah Winfrey’s Emmy award-winning Super Soul Sunday and the host of the widely followed ‘Call to Calm’ meditations, Panache seamlessly blends ancient wisdom with a modern, relatable approach. In this interview, Panache and I will talk about feeling hard emotions without getting swept away, and what it means to live from wholeness while still growing. You’ll hear simple practices you can use today. Expect clarity, calm, and practical steps you can use the moment the episode ends, for you.