Episode 240: Free To Be with Shirin Etessam

5 May 2023 · 41 min
41:20

In this Winey Palooza episode, host Rebecca Greene interviews media executive, entrepreneur, and author Shirin Etessam. The conversation begins with Shirin’s background—her work in film and television, her role as a LGBTQIA+ advocate, and her personal identity (intersex, asexual). The core of the interview is Shirin’s new book and 6‑week program “Free to Be,” which she created after a painful breakup in 2013. She explains how six years of personal spiritual searching were distilled into a practical, week‑by‑week curriculum: Week 1 – Mind detox and “infoxication” (content overload) with tools like the “Daily Purge.” Week 2 – Heart detox, redefining the heart’s needs, and honoring the full range of emotions. Week 3 – Body detox, shifting the relationship with the physical vessel. Week 4 – Play, including eight play‑personality types and concrete examples of adult play. Week 5 – Finding your “true north,” distinguishing soul (unique personal imprint) from spirit (universal consciousness), and using concepts like ikigai. Week 6 – Manifesto: writing a new life story, integrating practical exercises. She also discusses “spiritual bypassing” (toxic positivity, guru‑following, ignoring mental health), the importance of daily practice, and a framework for managing relationships called “Taser‑Shield‑Filter‑Hug.” Throughout, Shirin shares anecdotes about parenting, friendships, and how her tribe emerged after her breakup. The episode ends with details on where to find the book (Simon & Schuster/Amazon) and her social media contacts. The interview blends personal storytelling with concrete wellness tools, offering listeners both inspiration and actionable steps for spiritual wellness.

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