Presence isn’t a trend—it’s a practice. And for Raed Khawaja, CEO & Co-Founder of Open, it’s the foundation of everything.
In this episode, Farryn and Raed get into what it really means to build a mission-driven, venture-backed wellness company without losing the soul of the work. From growing up in daily prayer to building Open through breath, movement, and meditation, Raed shares how presence became his power. They talk rituals, emotional fluency, capitalism as a sandbox, and why mindfulness isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
This episode is part of our special Mental Health Awareness Month capsule, spotlighting conversations that challenge the status quo, invite reflection, and celebrate the courage it takes to truly heal.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone. Text HOME to 741-741 to reach a trained crisis counselor. It’s free, available 24/7 and completely confidential.
Enjoy a 30-day free trial of the Open app to explore meditation, breathwork, and movement. Start your journey toward greater presence and well-being today using this Open link HERE.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 The Essence of Presence
05:54 Personal Journeys to Mindfulness
12:04 The Role of Awareness in Mental Health
17:55 Building a Mindful Community
24:03 Navigating Capitalism and Wellness
30:10 The Future of Mindfulness and Technology
32:30 Building for Long-Term Impact, Not Short-Term Gains
33:50 Discipline Over People-Pleasing
37:09 A New Kind of Education
39:17 Authenticity & Presence: A Practice, Not a Trait
40:00 Navigating Modern Life with Conscious Tools
42:30 A Vision of a Healthier Future for Humanity
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Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com