Host Zahra Soroush welcomes Dr. Eileen Manoukian, Dr. Nicole Jafari, and Foojan Zeine in Episode 35 of the Fynl Podcast to discuss children, technology, and how to use screens in a healthy way. This episode explores the balance between children’s digital engagement and healthy development. Experts discuss cognitive, social, and emotional impacts of screen time, including challenges like reduced physical activity, attention issues, and exposure to inappropriate content. Dr. Eileen Manoukian share...
Mar 17, 2026•50 min•Ep. 35
Host Zahra Soroush is joined by Peyman Raoofi, Dr. Eileen Manoukian, and Foojan Zeine in Episode 34 of the Fynl Podcast for a heartfelt conversation about children, music, and the psychological impact of war and ongoing stress. Children exposed to conflict—even indirectly through news, conversations, or parental anxiety—can experience deep psychological effects such as fear, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and emotional confusion that mirror what mental health reports have found in contexts of regi...
Mar 15, 2026•50 min•Ep. 34
Host Zahra Soroush sits down with Peyman Raoofi, Dr. Nicole Jafari, and Foojan Zeine in Episode 33 of the Fynl Podcast to discuss one of the most urgent mental health topics affecting many Iranians today: collective trauma and how to cope with it. In recent years, many individuals inside Iran and across the Iranian diaspora have experienced intense emotional stress due to political instability, social unrest, economic pressures, and exposure to traumatic events through media and personal experie...
Mar 14, 2026•56 min•Ep. 33
Host Zahra Soroush is joined by Dr. Nicole Jafari, Foojan Zeine, Dr. Ashkan Farhadi, and Dr. Ali Khazaeizadeh in Episode 32 of the Fynl Podcast to explore one of the most important skills for modern life: how to manage stress effectively and protect both our mental and physical health. Stress is a natural response of the body, but when it becomes chronic, it can significantly affect our emotional stability, decision-making, digestion, immune system, and overall well-being. In today’s fast-paced ...
Mar 14, 2026•59 min•Ep. 32
Host Zahra Soroush sits down with Dr. Nicole Jafari, Foojan Zeine, and Dr. Ashkan Farhadi in Episode 31 of the Fynl Podcast to explore one of the most important topics in modern health: stress and its powerful impact on both the mind and the body. Stress is a universal human experience. From work pressure and financial concerns to social expectations and personal struggles, nearly everyone experiences stress in their daily life. But what exactly happens inside our bodies when we feel stressed? I...
Mar 13, 2026•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 31
Host Zahra Soroush welcomes Dr. Nicole Jafari, Foojan Zeine, Peyman Raoofi, and Dr. Ali Khazaeizadeh (via Zoom) for a comprehensive discussion on managing stress, cortisol, and blood sugar in modern life. In this episode, the guests explore: How chronic stress affects cortisol levels, blood sugar, and overall metabolic and mental health. Evidence-based strategies to reduce stress, including mindful breathing, meditation, therapy techniques, and daily movement. Nutrition advice for managing insul...
Feb 09, 2026•1 hr•Ep. 30
Hosted by Zahra Soroush, this episode features Dr. Nicole Jafari, Ed.D., Foojan Zeine, Psy.D., LMFT, and Dr. Kamiar Alaie, Chair of the Department of Health and Sciences at CSULB. They explore the incredible work of creating medical systems to serve vulnerable populations, both locally and internationally. Dr. Alaie shares his journey starting from HIV-AIDS care to building a structured network of medical professionals providing remote and on-the-ground assistance to underserved communities in c...
Feb 08, 2026•45 min•Ep. 29
In this episode of Fynl Podcast – Episode 28, host Zahra Soroush is joined by special guests Dr. Nicole Jafari, Ed.D. – Expert in Developmental Psychology, Foojan Zeine, Psy.D., LMFT – Psychotherapist, Author, Researcher, and Dr. Eileen Manoukian – Early Childhood Development Specialist. Together, they explore one of the most critical challenges for families: How to protect and support children emotionally and psychologically during crises, sudden migration, conflict, and instability. 🎯 Topics ...
Feb 07, 2026•27 min•Ep. 28
Episode 27 of the Fynl Podcas t explores the power of small acts of service, activism, and empathy in the face of trauma and crisis. Host Zahra Soroush sits with Dr. Nicole Jafari, Foojan Zeine, and Peyman Raoofi to discuss how individuals can contribute meaningfully in their communities, both locally and globally, even amidst overwhelming social and political challenges. In this conversation, you will learn: How personal engagement in activism or volunteering can act as a coping mechanism for t...
Feb 06, 2026•45 min•Ep. 27
Welcome to Episode 26 of the Fynl Podcast, where we explore the remarkable intersection of empathy, public health, and transformative action. This episode features an inspiring conversation with Dr. Nicole Jafari, Foojan Zeine, and Dr. Kamiar Alaie — a pioneer in public health and Chair of the Department of Health and Sciences at CSULB — about how dedication, compassion, and strategic thinking can save lives, even in the most challenging environments. Through personal stories and professional in...
Feb 05, 2026•27 min•Ep. 26
