In this episode, former Israeli soldier Danny Orvomaa opens up about his experiences serving on the tense border with Gaza. Through a deeply personal and candid conversation, Danny sheds light on the realities of military life and the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Danny explores the dangers of societal complacency, and how b…

In this episode, I speak with George van Houtem, a negotiation expert and author of multiple books, including The Dirty Tricks of Negotiation and The Psychology of Negotiation. In our conversation, we explore the art of negotiation, discussing practical techniques, their effects on people, and how to recognize and handle manipulative tactics (or “d…

Huguette Bourgeois is a poet and writer from the small Canadian town of Rogersville, New Brunswick, where she grew up during the early 1950s. Known for her deeply reflective and profoundly personal style, she has published multiple works, including Alysse: An Acadian Refugee, a collection of short stories capturing the memories of her childhood and…

How do you respond when life gets tough? Clifford Edwards chose Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In this episode, Clifford shares powerful stories from his own journey, revealing how martial arts can teach confidence, humility, and focus. Discover how Jiu-Jitsu prepares you for challenges on and off the mats, and why it’s never too late to start. Thank you for…

In this episode, we dive into the fundamentals of ethics and morality, exploring how ancient philosophies like Aristotle’s virtue ethics, Kant’s deontology, and utilitarianism shape our modern decisions. We talk about ethical dilemmas, confront tough questions about intentions and consequences, and offer practical insights on developing personal et…

In this very special episode, I’m excited to introduce something brand new and deeply personal to the podcast—our very own original music! Composed by the incredibly talented Sofia Lasa, this beautifully crafted sound marks a significant milestone for the show. Throughout the conversation, you’ll hear the music as we dive into Sofia’s creative proc…

In this episode, we’ll discuss the upcoming changes to the podcast and what you can expect in the near future. I’m excited to share plans to get new interesting guest on, along with updates to our production process and overall quality. Thank you for listening. CONTACT LINKS: To come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for …

In this episode of Reflections, Jeffrey van Leeuwen takes you on a personal journey through 30 years of video gaming. He shares nostalgic memories—from tinkering with early Windows 3.1 computers and playing games off floppy disks, to the more sophisticated adventures of MS-DOS classics, console classics, and finally the immersive and thought-provok…

In this episode, Jeffrey and psychoanalyst Adam Ayala delve into the intricate dynamics of empathy and emotional presence, drawing insights from John Madonna’s work and tactical empathy techniques. They explore the fine lines between sympathy, empathy, and pity, while unpacking complex concepts like transference and soul murder. The conversation of…

In this episode, Wyatt Chabeniuk and I explore the profound connections between alchemy, Jungian psychology, and personal transformation, discussing how the process of individuation mirrors the alchemical journey from base metals to gold. We dive into themes of sin, virtue, transmutation, and balancing the masculine and feminine within ourselves to…

In this episode of Reflections, we delve into the skill of empathy, the ability to share and understand the feelings of another person. Jeffrey breaks down powerful communication techniques to help you connect more deeply and communicate more effectively. Thank you for listening. CONTACT LINKS: To come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question…

Nic is a young and ambitious entrepreneur who shares his plans to break into the movie industry and build a top-tier team. In our conversation, he discusses his journey from marketing to filmmaking. Thank you for listening. SHOW LINKS: Support the Show Watch on YouTube Listen on Apple Podcast Listen on Spotify Follow on X Follow on Instagram Follow…

In this episode, we delve into the recent bans at Peterson Academy from the perspective of expelled students Frankie and Dusty. The Peterson Academy is an online academic platform co-founded by Canadian psychologist and author Dr. Jordan B. Peterson and his daughter, Mikhaila Fuller (previously Peterson), who has the role of CEO of Peterson Academy…

This is my conversation with Saeko Kitamae. She is a heavy metal artist from Osaka who has shattered cultural barriers and went to the international stage. We talk about her dream as a teenager, the journey that followed, the challenges she faced, and how she found freedom through her passion for heavy metal. Thank you for listening. SHOW LINKS: Su…

Max Peck is a Marine Corps veteran who served in many places in the world, including Afghanistan. In this episode, Max walks us through his childhood adventures and how that led him to join the military. He talks about his journey through boot camp, going on his first deployment, and eventually getting deployed to Afghanistan. In the last section o…

Dusty reveals how she grew up in a chaotic environment - with violence, witchcraft, and even mafia ties - and went through it strengthened by faith, choice, and forgiveness. She also shares her views on creativity, artificial intelligence, trauma culture, and government overreach, weaving humor and hope throughout. Thank you for listening. SHOW LIN…

Mitchell White is a nutrition enthusiast who overcame a rare genetic condition as a child. In this episode, he shares his personal story of growing up in an environment with severe limitations, including the challenges of growing up with a feeding tube and complex family dynamics. This leads us to other topics as well, like therapy and nutrition. T…

Enrico Andreska is an artist, traveler, and humanist who sees the world as a canvas for connection and exploration. Our conversation takes us through Enrico’s journeys across the world, his deep love for travel, and his perspective on embracing the unexpected in life. We also discuss each of our podcasts and the visions we have for them. Thank you …

Kendall Schumann is a young man from Michigan in the Upper Midwest region of the United States. We explore his background, the Dawkins meme theory, the significance of truth, beauty, and goodness, as well as health, nutrition, and many other topics. Thank you for listening. CONTACT LINKS: If you'd like to be on a future episode: https://t.ly/qoasL …

Jean Doré is a young French osteopath, social entrepreneur, and recent convert to Christianity. His journey from a secular upbringing to a faith-centered life reflects a profound transformation driven by a search for meaning, healing, and purpose. CONTACT LINKS: If you'd like to be on a future episode: https://t.ly/qoasL PODCAST LINKS: Podcast Webs…

Magnus Lomax Bjerke shares his journey of growing up on a sailing ship, his passion for adventure, and his dream of sailing around the world. We explore the art of language learning, his experiences in China, and the transformative power of improv theater - all with plenty of humor along the way. Thank you for listening. CONTACT LINKS: If you'd lik…

Wyatt Chabeniuk is a 25-year old thinker who talks about his personal journey, from his early challenges with bullying to his path of philosophical exploration. This episode offers a reflective look into how Wyatt confronts inner fears, interprets dreams, and navigates the search for meaning in a modern world. Thank you for listening. CONTACT LINKS…

Faizan Ali is an entrepreneur with a diverse background spanning IT, music, hospitality, sports, and media. In this episode, Faizan shares his journey from starting an IT company in Malaysia to co-owning multiple restaurants and launching a recording studio. In this episode, we explore the role Faizan’s family has played in supporting his ventures …

Mara Katria is an award-winning filmmaker, musician, and creative storyteller. In this episode, Mara takes us on a journey from her early childhood to her ventures in both film and music. We also discuss the importance of keeping the door open to both imagination and wonder. This episode contains an inside look into how Mara tackles artistic challe…

David Estié is an entrepreneur turned spiritual coach from the Netherlands, who has dedicated the past several years to exploring and practicing modern shamanism. In this episode, we delve into how shamanistic rituals, such as sweat lodges, can lead to personal growth and healing. We also discuss the role these practices play in helping individuals…

Haley Starrett is a senior account executive in the logistics industry. In this episode, we delve into the 2024 U.S. Port Strike, where Haley shares her view on the dockworkers' demands for wage increases and a ban on automation. We also discuss the media's portrayal of the strike and public sentiment, exploring how automation impacts the workforce…

Adam Ayala is a psychoanalyst with over 15 years of experience. In our conversation, he provides a comprehensive overview of psychoanalysis, focusing on emotional presence and empathy. We explore how traumatic experiences can profoundly impact an individual's identity and their capacity for joy and love. We also discuss the evolving landscape of mo…

In this episode of the Jeffrey van Leeuwen Podcast, I have an enlightening conversation with Donna Brendel, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 44. Donna shares her transformative journey of self-discovery, discussing how her late diagnosis provided a sense of relief and a new lens through which to view her life. We delve into her experienc…

In this episode of The Jeffrey van Leeuwen Podcast, I sit down with Akira Asakhi, who left Russia shortly after the Ukraine invasion. This conversation is part personal diary, part reflection on the horrors of war and the transformation of Russia into a totalitarian regime. Akira takes us through the early days of the war, his last day in Russia, t…

In this episode of the Jeffrey van Leeuwen Podcast, I sit down with Ryan Yewell, a multimedia educator whose journey began with the inspiration of his high school teacher, Bill Henderson. We explore Ryan’s career, from testing video games at Electronic Arts to working in TV production, and ultimately teaching in Rwanda at the Africa Digital Media A…

In this episode, I sit down with Danny Taylor-Smith to explore his journey from giving a TEDx Talk about his experiences with autism to exploring deeper topics like the neurodivergent movement, how autism labels have evolved, and the decline of education. We discuss the challenges of handling information in the internet age, and making meaningful c…

In this episode, Cole Driescher shares insights from his upbringing, the importance of family values, and the influence of being raised by his grandparents. He discusses balancing hard work with finding meaning in life, the significance of marriage, and how fitness plays a role in maintaining discipline. The conversation also touches on Jordan Pete…

In this episode of The Jeffrey van Leeuwen Podcast, I talk with Marine Graaff, a Psychology Honours graduate and Lay Counselor from South Africa, about faith, psychology, and the pursuit of the divine. CONTACT LINKS: If you'd like to be on a future episode: https://t.ly/qoasL PODCAST LINKS: Podcast Website: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/ Ap…