innercalling with Dr. Victoria

Wayde Louviere is based in Los Angeles where he is a respected queer elder and longtime pillar of the West Hollywood community. He carries decades of lived experience, along with a deep interest in spirituality and healing. Wayde is also a close friend and neighbor of our creative producer, Western Kramer, and we’re honored to share his story.***In this conversation, Wayde shares what it meant to grow up gay in Louisiana in the 1960s—before “representation” existed, before anyone said the word queer out loud, and before there was language for what he felt. There were no role models, no media, and no openly queer people in his community—only silence, and the real threat of violence if you were discovered.Wayde shares his wisdom on how to know yourself when who you are isn't reflected back to you accurately in the world. What does it mean to trust your inner truth when the world tells you you’re wrong—or that what you feel doesn’t even exist or that you should be ashamed of it?This episode is a powerful reminder of what innercalling is really about: the light inside you that no darkness can overcome. There is an inner compass and true north within you that guides you home, even when the world is unkind. Watch to learn how Wayde survived by trusting himself, trusting who he was despite what the world around him said, watch how he demonstrates the courage of listening inward, and choosing self-trust over shame.Thank you Wayde for joining us, and thank you to our listeners for your support! ***“I just knew. Listening to my intuition saved my life.” — Wayde“You don’t need the world to affirm who you are if you already know it inside yourself.” — Wayde*** Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction07:45 – Growing Up Gay in the South14:30 – Suppression, Silence, and Survival22:10 – Discovering Community and Belonging36:00 – Trusting Intuition43:20 – Spirituality vs. Religion52:40 – The AIDS Epidemic and Loss01:07:00 – Energy, Healing, and Reiki01:20:30 – Labels, Identity, and Discernment01:29:00 – Advice for Younger Generations01:31:00 – Closing Reflections***✨ Learn more + stay connected: https://www.innercalling.org/✨ Looking for kind, compassionate, evidence-based mental health care? Check out Hope+Wellness, a mental health practice founded by Dr. Victoria, where hope can be found even in the most difficult seasons of life. https://www.hope-wellness.com✨ Instagram: @‌drvictoriaranade

“AI does not understand you, care about you, or know what it means to be human.” – Dr. Julie Carpenter“What worries me is how easily we stop trusting ourselves.” – Dr. Victoria RanadeIs Artificial Intelligence really helping us or is it actually reshaping our minds, relationships, and humanity? Can a technology that feels supportive, validating, and “human” actually be undermining our self-trust, autonomy, and mental health? In this episode, Dr. Victoria Ranade and Dr. Julie Carpenter explore the psychological, emotional, and ethical impact of generative AI. Together, they unpack why AI feels so compelling, how it is intentionally designed to engage and retain us, and what happens to humans when we outsource our thinking, emotional processing, and decision-making to AI. This conversation looks under the hype and examines the development of AI through the lenses of mental health, attachment, surveillance, education, power, and what it means to remain human in an increasingly automated world. Dr. Carpenter explains why AI should not be used as therapy, why children are especially vulnerable to overreliance on these systems, and how confirmation bias, emotional manipulation, and surveillance are built into the technology itself.About Our Guest:Dr. Julie Carpenter is a social scientist and user experience researcher who studies how humans form trust, intimacy, and emotional relationships with AI systems. She is the author of The Naked Android: Synthetic Socialness and the Human Gaze and an external research fellow with the Ethics and Emerging Sciences Group. For over two decades, her work has examined how emerging technologies quietly reorganize culture, relationships, and everyday life. https://www.jgcarpenter.com/In this episode, we will explore:Why AI feels emotionally supportive and why that’s riskyHow AI exploits human attachment, trust, and vulnerabilityWhy AI should not be used for therapy, mental health, or parenting adviceThe illusion of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)How bias and misinformation are baked into AI systemsThe environmental and surveillance costs of generative AIWhat parents, educators, and clinicians should be thinking about right now in regards to AIHow overreliance on AI erodes self-trust and critical thinkingWhat AI can never replicate about being humanTimestamps0:00:00 Introduction: Why AI Feels So Compelling0:02:45 Meet Dr. Julie Carpenter0:05:12 What Is Generative AI—Really?0:08:40 Why AI Sounds So Human0:12:30 Emotional Attachment & AI Companionship0:17:45 AI as a “Funhouse Mirror”0:22:10 Why AI Is Not Neutral0:27:40 Surveillance, Data, and Power0:33:15 AI, Children, and Learning Concerns0:40:20 Why AI Should Never Be Used as Therapy0:47:55 Confirmation Bias and Emotional Manipulation0:55:30 The Myth of Artificial General Intelligence1:03:10 Environmental Costs of AI1:10:45 Reclaiming Human Judgment and Autonomy1:18:20 What AI Can Never Replace1:24:30 Cleaning Up Our Own “Backyard”1:30:10 Final Reflections on Humanity and HopeShow notes DAIR Institute Dr. Julie Carpenter's blog, where she explains the ideas behind AGI and who is chasing this philosophy, "Why AGI Won’t Save the World And Who Wants You To Think It Will"✨ Learn more + stay connected: https://innercalling.org/✨ Looking for kind, compassionate, evidence-based mental health care? Check out Hope+Wellness, founded by Dr. Victoria based in the belief that hope can be found even in the most difficult seasons of life. https://www.hope-wellness.com✨ Instagram: @‌drvictoriaranade

Hi innercallers! In this episode, Dr. Victoria and producers Carlisle and Western return for the third installment of our Book Club series, diving into Chapters 9–12 of Accidentally on Purpose by Kristen Kish, which dives into the heart of Kristen’s Top Chef journey and the personal transformations that followed this victory! Dr. Victoria and Western are self-proclaimed long-standing Top Chef nerds, so they love diving into the lore about Top Chef and all that this experience signified in public figure Kristen Kish turned out to be! Carlisle might be less versed in Top Chef versed, but has been a long-standing fan of food, so she is equally excited to discuss this topic. In this episode, we explore:What Top Chef is really like behind the scenesRepresentation and identity for Asian American and LGBTQ+ communitiesKristen Kish’s coming out journey and family supportToxic workplace culture and knowing when to leaveHow self-trust grows through adversityWhy presence was the key to winningHow following what feels like “home” can guide life decisionsTimestamps0:00:00 Welcome to Book Club (Ch. 9–12)0:01:15 Snacks, Pickles, and Top Chef Behind-the-Scenes0:03:00 The Top Chef Audition & Emeril Lagasse0:05:40 Pressure, Presence, and Cooking with Focus0:09:00 Competing Against Your Best Friend0:12:30 Elimination & Last Chance Kitchen0:15:45 Winning Top Chef and Keeping It Secret0:18:30 Representation and Unexpected Community Support0:22:00 Queerness, Identity, and Coming Out0:26:30 Family Acceptance & First Relationships0:30:15 Life After Winning: Delayed Opportunities0:34:00 Toxic Work Environments & Bullying0:38:30 Walking Away from Status and Power0:42:00 Trusting Yourself Through Uncertainty0:45:30 Presence as the Key to Success0:48:30 Final Reflections & What’s Next in the BookFind Dr. Victoria Ranade here and hereConnect with our show on Spotify, YouTube, AmazonSupport our podcast by sharing it with a friend, subscribing, or writing a review.Learn more at innercalling.org‌

“I think confidence comes from being your own best friend—really knowing yourself, enjoying who you are, and continuing to have that relationship with yourself.”— Isabelle Du“All the answers I had sought were answered by just continuing to live. When you continue to live, you’ll get the answers anyway.” — Isabelle DuIsabelle Du joins Dr. Victoria Ranade to talk about building a creative career in entertainment as an AAPI woman—and staying true to yourself under pressure. We dive into trusting your intuition, spirituality, and the strength it can offer in uncertain times. Isabelle also shares memorable stories about her bà nội (grandmother), and how those stories continue to shape her path.We talk about what it’s been like for Isabelle to follow her inner calling, why AAPI representation in film and media matters, and we close with an honest conversation about mental health and suicide prevention.Many thanks to Isabelle for her openness, her contributions, and the inspiration she offers to AAPI women pursuing careers in film, media, and the creative arts.***Isabelle Du is a SAG-AFTRA actor, host, and international model working across television, film, and major commercial campaigns. A former Miss Vietnam USA, she has appeared in network and cable series, feature films, and global productions, and continues to advocate for greater Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation in Hollywood. https://www.isabelledu.com/***About Isabelle DuIsabelle Du is a SAG-AFTRA actor, host, and international model working across television, film, and major commercial campaigns. A former Miss Vietnam USA, she has appeared in network and cable series, feature films, and global productions, and continues to advocate for greater Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation in Hollywood. https://www.isabelledu.com/***Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction10:52 – Living the Dream13:35 – Choosing Your Own Path16:54 – Reframing Setbacks20:12 – Navigating a Strict Upbringing23:20 – Developing Discernment36:50 – Seeking Guidance Beyond Yourself43:20 – A Life-Saving Moment52:51 – No Carbon Copies01:07:50 – The Kaizen Mindset01:20:40 – Persistence & Perspective01:28:32 – Believing in a Bigger Life01:29:15 – Closing Thoughts***Web: www.drvictoriaranade.comLooking for mental health care? Check out Hope+Wellness at www.hope-wellness.comIG: @drvictoriaranadeConnect with our show on Spotify, YouTube, AmazonIf you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, subscribe or write a review. We're an indie podcast so your support means a lot! :)Learn more at innercalling.org

Professor Dana Bridger and Luis Fabiano join me to talk about how Jiu Jitsu changed their lives—and mine. We explore fear, confidence, healing the nervous system from trauma, the power of community, its importance for women, and the surprising ways this sport teaches you confidence and to trust yourself again to step into your power.0:00:00  Introduction: Jiu-Jitsu's Power to Change Lives0:00:24  Host's Introduction: Background for the Episode0:02:47  Welcome to the show!0:04:15  Misconceptions of Jiu-Jitsu0:05:34  A Jiu-Jitsu Love Story0:08:33  Fabiano's Battle with Depression and Return0:11:54  Jiu-Jitsu Eliminates Trauma-Induced Anxiety0:14:46  The Core Philosophy: Be Comfortable in Uncomfortable Situations0:22:53  What is Control?0:27:18  Finding the "Warrior" Archetype0:33:02  A Lesson in Listening from a Student0:36:11  Women are Fighters, too!0:44:03  The Even Playing Field of the Kimono0:47:21  The Importance of "Mat Chats"0:52:10  Aggression as Human Nature and Safe Release0:53:59  BJJ's Impact on Children's Confidence1:03:38  The Black Belt Paradox1:10:47  The Price to be a Champion1:14:46  Hard Work vs. Natural Talent1:20:05  Clarity, Listening, and Calmness in Competition1:28:13  How to Achieve Calmness Under Pressure1:29:40  Life Hack: The 10-Second Stop-and-Breathe Rule1:33:06  The Hardest Belt is the White One1:33:40  Jiu Jitsu: A Marathon, Not a Sprint1:39:31  Fabiano's Greatest Challenge: Leaving Home1:41:00  The Emotional Toll of DistanceFind Dr. Victoria Ranade here and hereConnect with our show on Spotify, YouTube, AmazonSupport our podcast by sharing it with a friend, subscribing, or writing a review.Learn more at innercalling.org 

Hi innercallers! In this episode, Dr. Victoria and producers Carlisle, and Western return for the second installment of our Book Club series, diving into Chapters 5–8 of Accidentally on Purpose by Kristen Kish.We explore Kristen’s turbulent "messy middle", that intense period of young adulthood where ambition often outpaces experience. We discuss her rapid rise to executive chef, the ego and intensity that fueled her early career, and the necessary "humbling" that occurred when it all came crashing down.This conversation is all about the power of support systems. We reflect on Kristen’s incredible parents, the life-changing magic of finding a "work bestie," and the unique dynamic of the "Heartbreak Hotel" :).Join us as we break down the journey from trying to "prove yourself" to finding your voice.00:00:00 - Intro: Book Club Round 2 (Chapters 5-8)00:01:00 - Recap: From Culinary School to Executive Chef00:03:30 - Obsessed with Status: The Drive for Upward Mobility00:04:45 - Kitchen Culture: "Screaming Chefs" & Intensity00:07:45 - Why Her First Executive Chef Job Failed00:09:15 - The "Humbling": Substance Use & Moving Home00:10:45 - Moving to Boston & Finding a "Work Bestie"00:13:00 - Mentorship at Stir: A Woman-Led Kitchen00:16:15 - Dating Scott & Learning What Love Is00:18:30 - The 2AM Phone Call: A Story of Parental Support00:21:00 - Living in the "Heartbreak Hotel"00:22:15 - Outro: Looking Ahead to the Top Chef EraFind Dr. Victoria Ranade here and hereConnect with our show on Spotify, YouTube, AmazonSupport our podcast by sharing it with a friend, subscribing, or writing a review.Learn more at innercalling.org‌

”In my darkest hour, I heard a voice inside me that said, ‘It’s not your time yet. I’m with you. All you have to do is listen to me and follow me.” - Dr. Victoria Ranade"Do all things in love. This is my spiritual practice and what all of us are called to do." - Dr. Victoria RanadeSandra interviews Dr. Victoria in this episode. She talks about what it was like growing up first-generation Asian American in a complicated household, navigating bipolar disorder, and how suffering has shaped the clinician and person she is today. They also explore the intersections of psychology and spirituality, the power of both connection and inner work in healing depression, and what it means to practice love in a world so often overwhelmed by fear.00:00 – Finding Light in Darkness01:25 – Why She Became a Psychotherapist03:36 – Working with Teenagers05:11 – The Power of Listening07:25 – A Voice That Saved Her Life10:11 – Wise Mind & Highest Self13:26 – Do All Things in Love15:44 – Seeing No Strangers16:53 – Fear and Faith20:19 – Life Responds to Love22:19 – The Practice of Stillness24:14 – Spiritual Inclusivity26:26 – A Universal Map to Healing27:21 – Living with Bipolar29:25 – Meeting Depression with Compassionate Presence29:56 – Bipolar as a Teacher30:15 – Surfing the Waves of Bipolar31:00 – Relationship with God as Liberation32:00 – Making Spirituality Your Own33:00 – Expanding Spiritual Inclusivity34:30 – Universal Map to Healing36:00 – Depression as a Constant Visitor37:00 – Compassionate Presence Defined38:00 – Pain as Teacher39:00 – Courage to Keep Surfing39:38 – Closing Reflections on Psychotherapy Today42:00 - Summary and Wrap-upJoin us as we walk each other home:✨ Subscribe for more episodes of the InnerCalling Podcast, where psychology meets mental health and spirituality.✨ Share this episode✨ Learn more about Dr. Victoria Ranade’s psychotherapy and wellness practice at www.hope-wellness.com✨ Visit www.innercalling.org to join the mailing list and download free mental health resources.✨ www.drvictoriaranade.com✨ IG: www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranade

“When we rest into presence, we discover a larger field of loving awareness holding all our fears, anxieties, and pain — our ultimate resource for healing.” - Bennett Crawford, LCSWTherapist and mindfulness teacher Bennett Crawford, LCSW, discusses how loving-kindness and self-compassion can become medicine for self-hate and the inner critic. He discusses how the inner critic often tries to protect us, why meeting it with compassion can transform our relationship with ourselves, and how simple daily practices—like grounding, self-talk, and visualization—can rewire the brain toward healing. A conversation about patience, presence, and remembering the love that’s already within you. https://www.hope-wellness.com/bennett-crawford-lcsw00:00 Understanding Loving Kindness01:39 Introduction02:17 Definition of loving kindness04:00 Loving kindness and self-compassion06:38 When you hate yourself09:50 Origins of the inner critic13:13 Compassion as medicine16:41 Voice dialogue and IFS tools21:57 Navigating Self-Hate and Compassion27:54 The Inner Critic and Its Origins33:57 Practices for Self-Compassion40:48 The Nature of Self-Compassion45:40 Cultivating Love Through Visualization50:43 Understanding and Embracing Our Stories55:49 Reparenting and Healing Through Love01:00:42 The Journey of Being Human and Embracing Vulnerability01:05:47 The Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery01:08:24 Experiencing Unconditional Love01:10:22 Qualities of Secure AttachmentJoin us as we walk each other home:✨ Subscribe for more episodes of the InnerCalling Podcast, where psychology meets mental health and spirituality.✨ Share this episode✨ Learn more about Dr. Victoria Ranade’s psychotherapy and wellness practice at www.hope-wellness.com✨ Visit www.innercalling.org to join the mailing list and download free mental health resources.✨ www.drvictoriaranade.com✨ IG: www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranade

“Women entrepreneurs, have the difficult conversation. Speak up. Be the loudest person in the room… Get in there. Just do it.”“When I’m following my inner calling, I find myself in amazing places that I didn’t expect.”In this episode, Dr. Victoria Ranade sits down with entrepreneur and leader Leslie Stirm to explore what it truly means to listen to your intuition and trust your inner wisdom. From a painful childhood to building one of the most successful music stores in the country, Leslie shares how self-trust became her inner compass—guiding her through trauma, healing, and the complexities of leadership.Together, they reflect on the courage it takes to hear your own truth, the quiet power of intuition in business, and how following signs and wonders can unfold into unexpected adventures. This conversation is a reminder that when you learn to listen within, life itself begins to guide you to greater success, joy, and wholeness.**Leslie Stirm is a person who has followed her own guidance her whole life. With unreliable parents, she decided to trust her own wisdom and observations. She studied science and math in college and currently operates one of the most successful music stores in the country. Leslie sees her work with music as the perfect platform to help people accept and express themselves. She listens to the signs and wonders of the world. Leslie relies on her inner guidance to get her where she is today. Find Leslie here: https://www.imc-az.comJoin us as we walk each other home:✨ Subscribe for more episodes of InnerCalling Podcast, where psychology meets mental health and spirituality.✨ Share this episode✨ Learn more about Dr. Victoria Ranade’s psychotherapy and wellness practice at www.hope-wellness.com✨ Visit www.innercalling.org to join the mailing list and download free mental health resources.✨ www.drvictoriaranade.com✨ IG: www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranade