Random Encounters Podcast #0008 - Irene

Random Encounters Podcast

Irene, a 28-year-old researcher in human rights and psychology from Italy, shares her journey of leaving her homeland, living in Portugal, and now traveling to find a new home. Currently pursuing a PhD, she critiques Italy’s rigid, medicalized approach to psychology, pushing for a more human-centered view that weighs societal impacts on mental health. Visiting Israel, she’s struck by the collective trauma and the bold, risk-taking culture tied to military service and constant alertness. The conversation digs into the outdated Italian education system, high dropout rates, and the need for a holistic approach to mental health that embraces spirituality and collective human experience, contrasting sharply with standardized treatments. Her insights reveal a deep frustration with conventional systems and a passion for understanding people in context.Intro music: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-beach-party-240790/