innercalling: honoring the light of beauty & wisdom within you

I interviewed Becky Margiotta, author of Impact with Integrity and co-founder of The Billions Institute, where she has trained thousands of leaders working to tackle some of the world’s biggest problems.But our conversation went somewhere deeper than traditional ideas about leadership. Becky shares how a painful inner knowing led her to radically reconsider her own life—and ultimately transformed the way she thinks about leading others. We explore what happens when leaders get caught in the roles of hero, villain, or victim, why trying to rescue everyone can actually diminish their agency, and what it means to lead from a place of wholeness instead. We talk about learning to listen to the body, changing agreements that no longer feel true, the fear of being called selfish, and why self-leadership may require letting go of the belief that we have to carry the weight of the world.***Becky Margiotta is the co-founder of The Billions Institute and author of Impact with Integrity: Repairing the World Without Breaking Yourself. She has trained thousands of leaders working to create large-scale social change and previously led the 100,000 Homes Campaign, which helped communities house more than 100,000 people experiencing homelessness. A West Point graduate and former U.S. Army officer, Becky has been recognized by the White House as a Champion of Change.**00:00 Becky Margiotta on Impact With Integrity & Leadership00:12 How to Find and Follow Your Inner Calling00:54 How to Know When It’s Time to Change Your Life03:00 Self-Leadership: A New Way to Think About Leadership05:00 The Inner Work of Effective Leadership08:00 How Childhood Wounds Affect Your Leadership Style09:00 The Drama Triangle: Hero, Victim & Villain in Leadership11:00 How to Break Negative Leadership Patterns12:00 How to Figure Out What You Really Want14:00 How to Trust Your Intuition & Your “Full-Body Yes”17:00 People-Pleasing, Resentment & Learning to Say No18:00 How to Set Boundaries & Change Old Agreements20:00 Is Putting Yourself First Selfish?23:00 How to Step Into Your Personal Power24:00 What Healthy Leadership & Personal Power Look Like26:00 Psychedelics, Plant Medicine & Personal Transformation30:00 Why Community Is Essential for Personal Growth31:00 Becky Margiotta & The Billions Institute*EPISODE LINKSBuy the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1954854277?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallbackhttps://www.billionsinstitute.com/**Hi, I'm Dr. V! Welcome to INNERCALLING, where I host organic conversations at the intersection of mental health, science, spirituality, & wisdom. Together with leading scientists, psychologists, authors, philosophers, and spiritual teachers, we explore consciousness, resilience, purpose, human flourishing, & the timeless questions that shape a meaningful life.Questions we explore:• How do we find meaning in suffering?• What does it mean to be human in the age of AI?• What is consciousness?• How do we cultivate wisdom and purpose?As a clinical psychologist, I've seen that healing begins with curiosity and the courage to explore life's deepest questions. My hope is these conversations help you reconnect with the inner light within you—the one no darkness can overcome. Thank you so much for joining me!Dr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeHope+Wellness: https://www.hope-wellness.comPress & Media Inquiries: info@innercalling.orgWebsite: www.innercalling.orgSubscribe to support our show: https://www.youtube.com/@drvictoriaranade?sub_confirmation=1**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Opinions expressed are those of the host and guest. Nothing in this episode should be construed as medical, psychological, legal, financial, or other professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances.

I interview Dr. Elaine Aron, internationally bestselling psychologist and author of The Highly Sensitive Person, about her newest book, Spirituality Through a Highly Sensitive Lens. We explore what enlightenment actually means, why Dr. Aron believes it is accessible to ordinary people, and how meditation can help us access a deeper sense of awareness and inner peace. We also talk about mindfulness, consciousness, the difference between spirituality and religion, and why science and spirituality don't have to be at odds.Dr. Aron also shares her own experience of enlightenment—and how it changed the way she experiences uncertainty, suffering, and even her own mortality.***Elaine Aron, Ph.D., a clinical and research psychologist, is credited with first recognizing the innate trait of high sensitivity. Her original 1997 article on this subject has been cited over 2250 times by other researchers. For the general public, Aron wrote The Highly Sensitive Person, translated into 36 languages, and five other books on the trait. In her latest book, Spirituality Through a Highly Sensitive Lens: An Objective Look at Meditation Methods and Enlightenment, she seeks to give all readers (not just the highly sensitive) a better understanding of the various types of meditation available as well as delving into the research on enlightenment so that readers can choose for themselves their way forward through the vast, generally one-sided information on these subjects. She has retired from clinical practice but maintains an active blog and website at hsperson.com.**0:00 Dr. Elaine Aron on Spirituality, Science & High Sensitivity2:00 What Is Enlightenment?4:00 Can Anyone Become Enlightened?6:00 Meditation as a Path to Enlightenment10:00 Dr. Elaine Aron’s Personal Experience of Enlightenment13:00 Why Spirituality Is Still Taboo in Psychology14:00 Spirituality vs. Religion: What’s the Difference?19:00 Finding Inner Peace in an Uncertain World20:00 Mindfulness vs. Other Types of Meditation22:00 What If You Struggle to Meditate?25:00 Why You May Need a Meditation Teacher29:00 What Is Pure Awareness?34:00 What Does Equanimity Mean?37:00 How Enlightenment Changed Dr. Aron’s Experience of Cancer40:00 What Does Dr. Elaine Aron Believe About God?43:00 Connecting With Your Inner Light44:00 “Waking Up” vs. “Cleaning Up”48:00 Buddhism, Psychology & the Path to Nirvana50:00 Psychedelics, Depression & Enlightenment52:00 Can Science and Spirituality Coexist?55:00 Are Highly Sensitive People More Spiritual?58:00 What Is Consciousness?1:01:00 How to Begin Your Spiritual Journey1:03:00 Where to Find Dr. Elaine Aron**EPISODE LINKSwww.hsperson.comhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0806544724***Dr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeHope+Wellness: https://www.hope-wellness.comPress & Media Inquiries: info@innercalling.orgWebsite: www.innercalling.orgSubscribe to Support Our Show: https://www.youtube.com/@drvictoriaranade?sub_confirmation=1***Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Opinions expressed are those of the host and guest. Nothing in this episode should be construed as medical, psychological, legal, financial, or other professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances.

I interview Wendy Maltz, an internationally recognized sex therapist and bestselling author whose work has helped shape the field of sexual healing, about healing after sexual abuse and reclaiming a healthy relationship with your body, sexuality, and self. We explore how trauma impacts intimacy, why shame belongs to the perpetrator—not the survivor, how pornography can influence sexual expectations, the role of consent and boundaries in healthy relationships, and what true sexual healing looks like. Whether you’re recovering from childhood sexual abuse, navigating intimacy after trauma, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking a healthier understanding of sexuality, this conversation offers practical wisdom, hope, and healing.**Content Note**This episode includes discussion of sexual trauma and the healing process. Some listeners may find these topics emotionally activating. Please listen with care and take breaks if you need to. Your well-being comes first.***Wendy Maltz is an award-winning pioneer in the field of sexuality. She is an internationally recognized sex therapist and author who accumulated more than forty years of clinical experience treating sex and intimacy concerns before retiring from counseling in 2016. Wendy authored numerous highly acclaimed sexuality resources, such as the recovery classic, The Sexual Healing Journey: A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse, The Porn Trap: The Essential Guide to Overcoming Problems Caused by Pornography, and Private Thoughts: Exploring the Power of Women’s Sexual Fantasies. Wendy’s popular educational website, www.HealthySex.com, provides free articles, podcast interviews, posters, videos, sexual love poetry, and more to help people overcome sexual problems and develop skills for love-based sexual intimacy.https://www.facebook.com/WendyMaltzAuthor**00:00 Introduction01:05 Wendy Maltz's Story & Why She Dedicated Her Life to Sexual Healing05:45 Healing After Childhood Sexual Abuse09:45 How Trauma Lives in the Body11:45 "Your Body Is Your Friend"13:00 Why Sexual Abuse Steals Your Personal Power14:05 Why Survivors Feel Guilt15:00 Consent Isn't a One-Time Thing17:00 Why Shame Belongs to the Perpetrator19:00 The "Hot Potato" of Shame22:00 It Takes a Village to Heal27:00 Is Healing After Sexual Abuse Really Possible?29:00 Reclaiming Your Sexuality After Trauma32:00 Rebuilding Trust & Intimacy35:00 Why Shame Is So Hard to Let Go38:30 What If Your Body Responded During Abuse?42:00 Pornography, Porn Addiction & Healthy Sexuality46:00 How Porn Changes the Brain & Relationships50:00 What Is Healthy Sexuality?54:00 The CERTS Model: Consent, Respect & Safety56:00 Positive Sexuality & Resources for Healing58:00 Keeping Intimacy Alive in Long-Term Relationships***Hi, I'm Dr. V! Welcome to INNERCALLING, where I host organic conversations at the intersection of mental health, science, spirituality, & wisdom. Together with leading scientists, psychologists, authors, philosophers, and spiritual teachers, we explore consciousness, resilience, purpose, human flourishing, & the timeless questions that shape a meaningful life. My hope is these conversations help you reconnect with the inner light within you—the one no darkness can overcome. Thank you so much for joining me!Dr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeHope+Wellness: https://www.hope-wellness.comPress & Media Inquiries: info@innercalling.orgWebsite: www.innercalling.orgSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@drvictoriaranade?sub_confirmation=1***Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Opinions expressed are those of the host and guest. Nothing in this episode should be construed as medical, psychological, legal, financial, or other professional advice.

I interview Dr. Nancy Wadsworth, political scientist, about why so many women struggle to feel comfortable with power. We explore the hidden conditioning that teaches women to seek permission, people-please, and apologize for their success, the psychology of imposter syndrome, and how to develop grounded, healthy leadership without losing yourself. We also discuss deconstructing limiting beliefs, overcoming shame, building inner authority, and why true power comes from aligning with your deepest values rather than external approval. Dr. Nancy shares a powerful framework for reclaiming your confidence and stepping into your authentic, grounded power.***Dr. Nancy Wadsworth is a Professor Emerita of Political Science at the University of Denver whose work sits at the intersection of culture, politics, race, religion, and social movements. She's the author of *Ambivalent Miracles: Evangelicals and the Politics of Racial Healing* and has written for The Washington Post, Vox, and The Denver Post. With a PhD from the New School for Social Research, Nancy brings both deep scholarship and a commitment to combining academic rigor with public discourse — exploring power, identity, and how ordinary people create change. https://nancywadsworth.com/**0:00 Why Women Struggle to Hold Power2:00 Why We Were Never Taught How to Hold Power4:00 The "Pretty & Nice" Trap6:00 How Shame Makes Women Give Away Their Power8:00 The Femininity Paradox10:00 Why Powerful Women Are Judged Differently12:00 The Double Bind Every Woman Faces14:00 Why Some Women Become More Comfortable With Power16:00 Building Confidence Through Action18:00 The Hidden Cost of Female Leadership20:00 Imposter Syndrome & Permission-Seeking22:00 Why Women Apologize for Being Powerful24:00 Hillary Clinton and the Price of Female Power27:00 How to Become Comfortable Holding Power29:00 Brave Spaces vs. Safe Spaces31:00 Oprah, Michelle Yeoh & Healthy Female Power33:00 Finding an Inner Source of Power35:00 Have Women Always Been Disempowered?37:00 Decolonizing Yourself From Limiting Beliefs39:00 How Society Conditions the Way We Think41:00 How Do You Break Free From Conditioning?43:00 Listening to Your Inner Authority45:00 Is Power Worth It If You Lose Yourself?47:00 Becoming the Author of Your Own Life48:30 How Women Can Hold Power Without Seeking Permission50:00 Final ReflectionsEPISODE LINKShttps://nancywadsworth.com/PODCAST LINKSWebsite: www.innercalling.orgApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innercalling/id1809177408Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=ad3d2dbeceab49c4WHAT IS INNERCALLING? INNERCALLING is a podcast where clinical psychologist Dr. Victoria Ranade explores psychology, mental health, neuroscience, spirituality, wisdom, and what it means to live a meaningful life. Through long-form conversations with leading scientists, psychologists, physicians, authors, philosophers, and spiritual teachers we explore the biggest existential questions in life—from depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, and resilience to purpose, consciousness, faith, intuition, leadership, and human flourishing. These conversations bridge science and spirituality while exploring what helps us become more fully human. Learn more at www.innercalling.org.THANK YOU so much for joining me today. I'm grateful you're here and for your support of INNERCALLING. If you'd like to connect, find me here:Dr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeHope+Wellness: https://www.hope-wellness.comEmail: info@innercalling.org

I interview Dr. Francis Collins—a physician-scientist who led the international Human Genome Project, which successfully sequenced all three billion letters of the human genome, and later served three U.S. presidents as director of the National Institutes of Health—about his book The Road to Wisdom.We discuss his journey from materialism to Christian faith, why wisdom requires humility and listening, and how we can seek truth across deep differences. Dr. Collins also explains how to build a “mental immune system” against misinformation, restore trust in science, and find meaning beyond a purely material view of life. We close with his new initiative, Discovery Lives in Us that aims to collect and distribute hundreds of authentic patient narratives about the value of medical research.**Francis Collins is a physician-scientist. Under his direction, the Human Genome Project produced the first finished sequence of the human DNA instruction book in 2003. From 2009 to 2021, Collins served under three Presidents as the Director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the largest supporter of biomedical research in the world. His contributions to science, medicine, and society have been recognized by the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Science, and the Templeton Prize. His most recent book is The Road To Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust (Little, Brownand Worthy, 2024; see francisscollins.com). He is the founder of a new initiative called Discovery Lives in Us that aims to collect and distribute hundreds of authentic patient narratives about the value of medical research.**TIMESTAMPS00:00 Wisdom in a polarized world01:18 Francis Collins’ first “inner calling”04:02 When science reached its limits06:00 The patient who challenged his worldview08:45 From materialism to Christian faith09:43 Why Francis Collins wrote The Road to Wisdom11:30 Why America feels so divided13:40 Learning from people you disagree with15:30 Building a “mental immune system”17:20 How do we know whom to trust?19:00 What COVID taught Francis Collins21:10 Listening without becoming defensive23:00 Young adults, meaning, and materialism24:15 Can science and faith work together?26:10 DNA, the Big Bang, and evidence for God30:10 Beauty, morality, and transcendence33:10 Why young people are leaving the church34:45 Do science and faith really conflict?37:10 Finding community and purpose39:20 Viktor Frankl and the search for meaning40:00 Can authentic faith help heal society?40:40 What gives Francis Collins hope?42:20 Restoring trust in science43:05 Discovery Lives in Us44:00 Final thoughtsEPISODE LINKSThe Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trusthttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Road+to+Wisdom+Francis+CollinsThe Language of Godhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Language+of+God+Francis+CollinsMere Christianity by C.S. Lewishttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mere+Christianity+C.S.+LewisMan's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Franklhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=Man%27s+Search+for+Meaning+Viktor+FranklBioLogoshttps://biologos.orgBraver Angelshttps://braverangels.orgDiscovery Lives in Ushttps://discoverylivesinus.orgfrancisscollins.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drfranciscollins/PODCAST LINKSWebsite: www.innercalling.orgFIND DR. VICTORIA HERE.Dr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeHope+Wellness: https://www.hope-wellness.comEmail: drvictoria@innercalling.org

I interview Dr. Margaret Wheatley, internationally renowned leadership thinker and author of Who Do We Choose to Be?, about how we find a way forward in uncertain times. We discuss meaningful work, genuine contribution, leadership, community, creating "islands of sanity," synchronicity, purpose, and why the most important question may not be "How do we change the world?" but "Who needs me right now?"TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction01:18 Finding Your Calling & Purpose03:45 Viktor Frankl, Meaning & Discovering Your Gifts06:00 Synchronicity, Intuition & Feeling Guided09:00 Loneliness, Individualism & Why Community Heals12:00 Joy, Community & the Antidote to Despair14:00 "Who Needs Me Right Now?" Overcoming Despair17:00 Restoring Our Humanity18:00 Parenting, Technology & Raising Human Beings20:00 Can One Person Still Make a Difference?23:00 Social Collapse, Leadership & Facing Reality28:00 Why Facing Reality Is Empowering29:00 Fear, Anxiety & Leadership33:00 Powerlessness & Finding Your Contribution36:00 Social Media, Influence & True Impact39:00 Science, Spirituality & Consciousness41:00 Meditation, Nature & Feeling Held by Life43:00 Leadership in Uncertain Times45:00 Creating "Islands of Sanity"48:00 AI, Humanity & the Future50:00 Mental Health, Anxiety & Despair52:00 "I'm Not Hopeful." Finding Meaning in Difficult TimesEPISODE LINKS• Dr. Margaret Wheatley's website: https://margaretwheatley.com/• Who Do We Choose to Be: https://margaretwheatley.com/books/who-do-we-choose-to-be/• Turning to One Another: https://margaretwheatley.com/books/turning-to-one-another/• Leadership and the New Science: https://margaretwheatley.com/books/leadership-and-the-new-science/• Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0807014273PODCAST LINKSWebsite: www.innercalling.orgApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innercalling/id1809177408Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=ad3d2dbeceab49c4Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zIrjdevY1Q91PX5woaNtjTDvell1ZJ8FIND DR. VICTORIA HERE. IDKYBILYDr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeHope+Wellness: https://www.hope-wellness.comEmail: drvictoria@innercalling.org#spirituality #mentalhealth #depression #existentialpsychology #drvictoriaranade #innercallingpodcast #intuition #innerwisdom #innerlight