Selective Hearing

In this powerful episode of Selective Hearing, host Julie Dammar is joined by a truly dynamic guest—a former award-winning cultural anthropology professor who boldly transitioned into life coaching, full-time nomadism, and dance. With deep roots in mental health through both family and academic influence, Jonathan Marion shares how he tuned out societal expectations to tune into his soul’s calling.

Together, they explore what it mea...

This week on Selective Hearing, host Julie Dammar sits down with Dr. Emily Gordon—a psychologist who specializes in adolescent mental health and eating disorders—to explore the powerful connection between parenting, self-awareness, and teen well-being. As a mother of three young adults and a passionate advocate for proactive parenting, Dr. Gordon shares her personal and professional insights on how families can break harmful cycles...

In this enlightening episode of Selective Hearing, host Julie Dammar sits down with Keri Cooper, a holistic therapist turned sleep coach, to uncover the deep connection between rest, mental wellness, and the stories we tell ourselves. Keri shares why sleep is the missing puzzle piece for many struggling with anxiety, trauma, and emotional overwhelm—and how true healing can begin in our most restful state. If you've ever found yours...

This week on Selective Hearing, host Julie Dammar sits down with the powerful and inspiring Jessica Summers—a mother, wife, fashion designer, speaker, coach, and author—whose story of survival and transformation will deeply move you. Jessica opens up about the unraveling of her life through addiction, illness, and homelessness—and the slow, intentional climb back toward healing and purpose. Her story is proof that rock bottom can b...

In this soulful and uplifting episode of Selective Hearing, host Julie Dammar sits down with guest Meg Stafford, a social worker in private practice for over 34 years, an award-winning memoirist, and a lifelong mental health advocate. With over four decades of experience supporting others through their emotional journeys, Meg shares the wisdom she's gathered from the therapy room and her vibrant life.

From the meaning of “Selective ...

Today, I’m joined by a truly remarkable woman—therapist, Minister, and unwavering advocate for grief support, Stacey Mack.

In this conversation, Stacey shares her personal journey through unimaginable grief, the physical and emotional void left by the loss of her son, and how she continues to heal while helping others begin their own healing journeys. We explore how grief evolves over time, how anger can be acknowledged but not allo...

Julie Dammar, host of Selective Hearing, sits down with Madhavi Parikh – The Cancer Coach – for a heartfelt conversation about the mind-body connection, the courage it takes to heal, and how true transformation begins from within.

With grace and vulnerability, Madhavi shares how she combined her background in medicine with the wisdom of meditation to support those navigating cancer and chronic illness. Her story is one of integratio...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with the founder of BrushFires Ministry, who shares his incredible journey from running a 37-year business software company to stepping boldly into a God-led purpose. We explore how understanding strengths, practicing engaged listening, and overcoming spiritual struggles can transform individuals and faith communities.

In this episode, we cover:

• Answering the Call: How God redirected a seaso...

In this inspiring episode of Selective Hearing, Julie Dammar interviews speaker, bestselling author, and life coach Alex Dumas about the transformative power of asking the right questions.

Alex shares how his life coaching journey began with a simple yet profound curiosity—learning to ask questions that unlock truth, clarity, and self-discovery. He opens up about "ancestral expectations"—the generational beliefs and roles we inherit...

In this powerful and profoundly personal episode of Selective Hearing, host Julie Dammar sits down with health coach Cris Toto to discuss his journey with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This journey took him from the depths of depression and suicidal thoughts to a place of healing, purpose, and empowerment. Diagnosed after years of unexplained exhaustion, brain fog, and weight gain, Cris shares the pivotal moment that led him to take con...

In this episode of Selective Hearing, host Julie Dammar interviewsician, coach, and advocate Jessica Erlendson to explore the power of self-discovery, boundary-setting, and overcoming self-doubt.

Jessica shares her journey—from navigating dyslexia and dropping out of high school to escaping an abusive relationship at a young age. She opens up about how growing up in a household affected by substance abuse led her to seek support and...

After ten years, I decided to return to school—this time, to study psychology! In this episode, I share why I took this step, my challenges, and how I’ve had to adjust my workload to maintain balance. This journey has been both eye-opening and humbling, from scaling back my blog and podcast schedule to learn the language to describe my own experiences.

I also joined Heart 2 Heart with Keisha B for a powerful conversation about livin...

In this episode of Selective Hearing, I sit down with Brannan Sirratt, an ADHD and self-realized autistic mom of four neurodivergent kids, writer, and passionate advocate for supporting authors through the creative process. Brannan shares her journey of discovering her neurodivergence while getting her children assessed, how that revelation reshaped her self-perception, and how it transformed her family dynamic.

We also explore the ...

In this episode of Selective Hearing, I sit down with award-winning speaker and trauma-informed relationship coach Robyn Smith to explore how childhood wounds shape our adult relationships—and how we can break free from unhealthy patterns.

Robyn opens up about her journey, revealing why yoga and meditation weren’t enough during a challenging relationship. She shares the turning point that led her to more profound healing and the too...

In this episode of Selective Hearing, Julie Dammar sits down with Debbie Harrell, host of the New World Normal podcast, to explore what it means to challenge and redefine societal norms. Debbie shares the pivotal moments that led her to question traditional expectations, including a personal "stumble" between 2017 and 2019 that ultimately shifted her perspective.

Together, they discuss the unspoken pressures many women face—feeling ...

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Vera, a Board-Certified Health Coach, to explore how self-awareness and intentional influence can lead to stronger, more fulfilling relationships.

• We dive into How childhood trauma shapes our ability to listen and engage in relationships
• The power of influencing others positively.
• What does" Selective Hearing" really mean, and how does it affect decision-making T
• The role of active listening i...

In this episode of Selective Hearing, host Julie Dammar sits down with co-parenting coach JP Marsh, a single dad who transformed his challenges into a thriving coaching business that helps parents navigate the complexities of co-parenting.

JP shares his powerful journey from enduring generational trauma to breaking harmful patterns and creating a positive co-parenting experience. He opens up about the pivotal moment when he decided ...

In this heartfelt episode of Selective Hearing, Julie Dammar sits down with Christina, a personal growth coach and self-proclaimed "recovering perfectionist," to explore the transformative power of self-compassion and intentional living. Christina shares a pivotal moment in her journey that led her to release the grip of perfectionism and cultivate a kinder relationship with herself.

Together, they discuss:

• The essential elements...

In this empowering episode of Selective Hearing, host Julie Dammar welcomes Shemeca Richard, a seasoned mental health professional, trauma-informed care advocate, and author of Stamina, a four-week devotional designed to help individuals grow beyond trauma. Shemeca shares the inspiration behind her 24-year dedication to mental health advocacy and how her experiences shaped the founding of Women of Endurance, a ministry empowering w...