Call Me Sensitive

About Call Me Sensitive

Call Me Sensitive is a podcast about emotional intelligence, perception, and how highly perceptive people think, build, lead, and navigate the world. I got tired of hearing that sensitivity was a flaw. For years I actually believed it. Now I know it’s actually my Super Power and it helps me navigate life, business, relationships and everything else. Sensitive people notice things early. We read a room before the room even knows what it feels. We connect dots most don’t see. On this podcast I speak with founders, artists, doctors, researchers, opinionated parents, and even sharp 12-year-olds who see more than we give them credit for. We talk about how being this way shapes how we think, build, decide, love, and lead. Not sensitivity as fragility. Sensitivity as intelligence.

Publisher

Ariane Tavakol

Category

business · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Dec 2025

Latest episode

25 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   25 Aug 2026

   From the Trading Floor to the Ends of the Earth | Beatrice Lessi

   Beatrice Lessi has lived several lives, and none of them followed the obvious route. Told not to exercise as a child after being diagnosed with scoliosis, she later ran across the Sahara, Antarctica and Everest. She was terrible at maths, then accidentally became a successful broker on a London trading floor. She lost 40,000 words of her first book draft, got angry, and wrote the whole thing again. Now, at 60, Beatrice has published Extreme Adventures. We talk about curiosity, resilience, aging, strength, eating disorders, our complicated relationships with our bodies, and the strange pressure to have a perfectly mapped-out purpose. This is not really a conversation about running. It is about what might become possible when we stop using age, fear or not feeling “qualified enough” as the final answer. And yes, a useful amount of delusion helps. Buy Extreme Adventures: https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Adventures-Tackling-Worlds-Toughest/dp/1782552944 (https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Adventures-Tackling-Worlds-Toughest/dp/1782552944) Discover more about Beatrice: https://www.askthemonsters.com/ (https://www.askthemonsters.com/) #CallMeSensitive #BeatriceLessi #ExtremeAdventures #HealthyAging #WomenOver50 #StrengthTrainingForWomen #Mindset #Resilience #Reinvention #ImposterSyndrome #StartingOver #Podcast

2. 

   14 Jul 2026

   It Could Have Been You: Gabrielle Tay on Refugee Women, Survival & Action For Women

   Most of us like to believe our lives are the result of good decisions. But what if they're also the result of good luck? In this episode, I sit down with Gabrielle Tay, founder of Action For Women (https://afw.ngo/), an organization supporting refugee women in Greece who have survived war, violence, trafficking, and forced displacement. Gabrielle didn't set out to start a nonprofit. She was moving up the corporate law ladder until one clip changed the course of her life forever. We talk about privilege, safety, the invisible weight of starting over, and why the women we often reduce to headlines are far more than victims. They're mothers, professionals, students, daughters, and survivors rebuilding lives most of us can't imagine. This sentence said it all: "Empowerment without safety is a fantasy." This isn't just a conversation about refugee women. It's a conversation about humanity, and how any of us could at any moment be needing the very compassion we so often reserve for "other people." If this episode moves you, please support Action For Women. Because every woman deserves more than just to survive. You can Take Action (https://afw.ngo/take-action) here.

3. 

   11 Jun 2026

   Building Magic with Maxine Nienow

   What happens when a New York artist walks away from the life she spent fourteen years building? In this episode of Call Me Sensitive, Ariane sits down with entrepreneur, creative visionary, and founder of Aflora Tulum, Maxine Nienow, to explore the unexpected path from circus arts and photography in New York to creating one of Tulum's most celebrated wellness communities. After a life-changing accident involving her father, Maxine found herself questioning what mattered most. The experience sparked a profound shift, bringing her closer to her family and inspiring a bold decision: leave New York, return closer to home, and build something meaningful alongside her father. What began as a small real estate project evolved into Aflora, a seven-and-a-half-acre creative oasis designed around community, nature, art, wellness, and connection. Throughout the conversation, Maxine shares: • Why curiosity is more powerful than expertise • How asking questions became her greatest leadership skill • What it was like earning the respect of seasoned engineers as a young creative woman leading a massive development • The role motherhood played in reshaping her vision • Why she believes magic is not escapism, but something we actively create • How community is built through participation, not perfection The conversation moves beyond entrepreneurship into deeper territory: family, responsibility, creativity, love, and the courage to trust life's unexpected turns. It's a reminder that success doesn't always come from following a plan. Sometimes it comes from following a feeling. And sometimes the life you're meant to build begins with the life you're willing to leave behind. Because magic, as Maxine says, isn't a destination. It's something we create together. Click here (https://www.afloratulum.com/) to see what Aflora Tulum is all about and maybe plan your next holiday there. Follow Maxine on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/maxinenienow/). Follow Aflora Tulum on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/afloratulum/).

4. 

   2 Jun 2026

   Ode to the Unsung Heroes

   After taking a month off, I returned from Los Angeles with an unexpected lesson. I went to support my mom during a difficult health challenge and arrived carrying fear, anxiety, and plenty of assumptions. What I found instead was a world of extraordinary kindness. This episode is a tribute to the nurses, caregivers, doctors, and staff who quietly show up for people during some of life's most vulnerable moments. In This Episode • Why this trip to Los Angeles was unlike any other • The stories fear tells us before reality arrives • What I learned inside a rehabilitation clinic • The invisible work we rarely celebrate • How compassion changed my perspective on illness, aging, and care Reflection Who in your life is doing important work that often goes unseen? Quote "From wanting to escape reality, I learned to embrace it." #uclaeastberkeley

5. 

   29 Apr 2026

   Dr. Ashkan Ghavami on Beauty, Flawed Expectations, and what actually makes you ugly

   Dr. Ashkan Ghavami has spent 20 years reshaping faces, bodies, and noses in Beverly Hills. He is also one of the rare surgeons who will tell you no, and mean it. In this conversation, Ariane and Ashkan go well beyond the operating table. They talk about why patients who look stunning still can't see it, why social media has made an entire generation less resilient, and why the most beautiful thing in a room is never the most filtered person in it. Dr Ash as I like to call him, shares what moved him into plastic surgery in the first place (hint: it started at eight years old on Sunset Boulevard), what Ozempic is actually doing to people's bodies, and why he considers saying no his favorite thing to do in practice. We also get into the stuff nobody really talks about: the jealous friend who talks a patient out of loving her results, the celebrities who cancel without a word, and the quiet epidemic of people using lawyers as weapons while calling it justice. What comes through clearly is this: beauty, to him, is not a standard. It's a relationship between proportion, personality, and the courage to stop microanalyzing yourself through 120 selfies. And ugly? That one he answers fast. It's not a crooked nose. Not even close. What you'll walk away with: Why the selfie camera is doing more psychological damage than any surgery The honest truth about Ozempic, including what it does to the people who don't need it Dr Ghavami's full longevity protocol: sleep, movement, hormones, and the supplement he thinks everyone over 35 should know about Why the best plastic surgery patients are the ones who come in already content How to stay youthful without outsourcing the work to a needle If you want to know more or make an appointment for a consultation, click here (https://www.ghavamiplasticsurgery.com/). You can follow him on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drghavami).

6. 

   15 Apr 2026

   A voice that wasn't taken

   Five years ago, Bibi was one of the top students in her class in Kabul. Then, one day, armed men walked into her school and sent every girl home. The “second order” never came. Today, the school bell still rings, but for Bibi and thousands of girls, it no longer signals possibility, only absence. Her story is not just about lost education, but about suspended dreams, a future paused, and a voice that refuses to disappear. In this episode, I share Bibi’s words alongside a personal reflection on voice, the one we lose, the one we silence, and the one we choose to reclaim. Her story forced me to confront something uncomfortable: freedom isn’t just given, it’s used. Or wasted. This is a conversation about contrast, courage, and responsibility. If Bibi’s voice moves you, follow her journey and writing on Substack. Her words deserve to be heard. Follow Bibi on Substack (https://bibiw1.substack.com/) and support her voice.

7. 

   7 Apr 2026

   Monia Pyraki - From Feeling Lost to Building an Aligned Life & Business

   The conversation with Monia Piraki covers the journey from feeling lost and disconnected to building a thriving coaching business and creating a meaningful impact. It emphasizes the importance of taking small steps, embracing failure, and prioritizing well-being and self-care. Monia's insights on authenticity, building a network, and defining success provide valuable guidance for personal growth and reinvention. Takeaways Clarity comes from taking action Consistency leads to progress and setbacks Building a network requires patience and authenticity It's never too late to start or reinvent Self-love and non-negotiables are key to personal growth Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Inspiration 05:22 Reflecting and Embracing the Present 11:29 Adapting to Change and Reinventing 18:19 Embracing Failure and Challenges 23:39 Authenticity and Consistency 29:13 Authenticity and Attracting the Right People 35:31 Prioritizing - Less and Better More about Monia here (https://monia-pyraki.com/).

8. 

   24 Mar 2026

   Kiki Izarra on Grief, Songwriting, and turning Loss into Music

   In this episode of Call Me Sensitive, I speak with singer-songwriter Kiki Izarra about grief, sisterhood, music, and the moment loss stops you in your tracks, then dares you to live differently. Kiki shares the story behind her song It’s Been More Than a Year, written after losing her sister, Rachel. We talk about the daily calls that suddenly stop, the strange guilt of moving forward, and the truth that grief does not end, it changes shape. Sometimes it sounds like silence. Sometimes it comes wrapped in melody. Sometimes it is the very thing that pushes you to stop postponing your life. This is a conversation about pain, hope, creative courage, and giving yourself permission to live fully, even after life has broken your heart. In this episode: the story behind It’s Been More Than a Year what grief changes, and what it never does why joy and sorrow can exist at the same time how loss pushed Kiki to finally claim her voice • the quiet danger of waiting too long to begin Listen to her full song here (https://open.spotify.com/artist/2x2H4UuXjtV9SuoOjrFtmA) and follow her on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/kiki_izarra/).

9. 

   17 Mar 2026

   When Skin Speaks - Epa Gousopoulos on Inflammation, Stress and Healing

   Everyone in skincare talks about glow. Very few talk about flow. In this episode, Ariane sits down with plastic surgeon and IRÄYE co-founder Dr. Epa Gousopoulos to talk about the lymphatic system, a quiet network in the body that most of us ignore… even though it has a lot to do with puffiness, skin clarity, and how our face actually looks over time. What makes this interesting is that IRÄYE didn’t start as a beauty idea. It started as medical research at ETH, working with patients suffering from lymphedema. Which naturally leads to a bigger conversation about skincare, lifestyle, patience, and why the future of beauty might be less about miracle creams… and more about how the body actually works. Turns out the glow might just be the side effect. In this episode: • Why the lymphatic system is finally getting attention • The difference between glow and flow • How a medical discovery turned into a skincare brand • Why quick fixes rarely deliver what they promise • The small habits that help your skin (and brain) function better Guest: Epa Gousopoulos Plastic surgeon & Co-Founder of IRÄYE https://www.iraye.com (https://www.iraye.com)

10. 

    3 Mar 2026

    Letting Go of Control - Crina Okumus on Fear, Loss and Trust

    Call Me Sensitive is a podcast about perception, emotional intelligence, and how highly perceptive people navigate the world. Most of us think control keeps our lives together. But sometimes control is the thing that quietly breaks everything apart. In this episode of CALL ME SENSITIVE, Ariane Tavakol sits down with author Crina Okumus to talk about something most of us secretly struggle with: control. What happens when you’ve tried to fix everything on the outside… and it still doesn’t feel right? Crina shares the moment she realized that holding everything together was slowly breaking her. We talk about fear of losing the people you love, the illusion of control, and what it actually takes to let go. Crina Okumus is the author of Let It Go, a book about emotional release and rediscovering trust in yourself. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying more than you should, this conversation might feel familiar. If you enjoy these conversations, follow Call Me Sensitive and share it with someone who might need it. Takeaways • Letting go is less about control and more about trust • Fear of losing people often hides deeper fears • The work is learning to live without constant certainty Order Let It Go (https://www.crinaokumus.com/) here.

11. 

    25 Feb 2026

    Ice Cross at 70 km/h - Why IceXPaul Started Extreme Racing at 49

    Call Me Sensitive is a podcast about perception, emotional intelligence, and how highly perceptive people navigate the world. Most people slow down in their forties. Paul decided to start racing down an ice track at 70 kilometers per hour. IceXPaul didn't start extreme sports until 41. No background. Just a realization that "I'm too old" was a lie he'd been telling himself. Five years later, he's racing World Cups against athletes half his age. Ariane Tavakol and Paul talked about the first time fear froze him completely, how he learned to separate ego from readiness, and what changes when you stop listening to everyone else's doubts and limiting beliefs. This isn't a sports story. It's about questioning the ceiling you've built for yourself. If you enjoy these conversations, follow Call Me Sensitive and share it with someone who might need it.

12. 

    19 Feb 2026

    The Wind and the Grass – Why Strength Often Looks Like Vulnerability

    Call Me Sensitive is a podcast about perception, emotional intelligence, and how highly perceptive people navigate the world. When the wind gets strong, the grass bends. The tree that refuses to bend often breaks. Strength is usually described as endurance. But sometimes strength looks like something else entirely. In this solo episode, Ariane Tavakol sits with a simple metaphor: the wind and the grass. Why the things that bend are the ones that survive? And why the rigid things, the ones that look the strongest, are often the first to snap? Strength comes from embracing discomfort Vulnerability is a source of strength If you enjoy these conversations, follow Call Me Sensitive and share it with someone who might need it.

13. 

    17 Feb 2026

    Money and Shame - Nadine Hunkeler on Why Investing Feels So Hard

    Call Me Sensitive is a podcast about perception, emotional intelligence, and how highly perceptive people navigate the world. Money isn’t just numbers. It’s emotion, fear, identity and sometimes shame. Many people feel behind when it comes to money. And that feeling often keeps them from starting at all. In this episode Ariane Tavakol speaks with financial planner Nadine Hunkeler about the emotional side of investing. Why money conversations trigger shame, confusion, and fear. And why it’s almost never too late to begin. If you enjoy these conversations, follow Call Me Sensitive and share it with someone who might need it. Learn more about this topic by watching Nadine's free workshop: https://www.financephoenix.ch/webinar-sign-up-3-pillars (https://www.financephoenix.ch/webinar-sign-up-3-pillars)

14. 

    29 Jan 2026

    A Beautiful Heart – The Quiet Strength of Feeling Deeply

    Call Me Sensitive is a podcast about perception, emotional intelligence, and how highly perceptive people navigate the world. Sensitive people often stay longer in places they should probably leave sooner. Being sensitive means feeling more. More joy. More disappointment. More empathy. And your heart shows it. A few dents. Some wear and tear. That’s not something to fix. It just means you loved while you were in it, instead of holding back to stay safe. Risk it all! So worth it. If this resonated with you, follow the podcast so you don’t miss the next episode.

15. 

    26 Jan 2026

    What Men Carry – Laskaar on Pressure, Identity and Modern Masculinity

    Call Me Sensitive is a podcast about perception, emotional intelligence, and how highly perceptive people navigate the world. A lot of men are tired. They’re just not always allowed to say it. Men today are expected to be many things at once. Strong but vulnerable. Successful but humble. Competitive but emotionally aware. In this conversation Ariane Tavakol speaks with Laskaar about the pressure men carry in modern life. We talk about branding ourselves, the constant need to prove our worth, and the quiet exhaustion many people feel behind the scenes. What stuck with me: Transformation is painful before it becomes freeing The pressure to constantly compete and prove ourselves is exhausting Balancing purposeful action with rest isn't luxury - it's survival If you enjoy these conversations, follow Call Me Sensitive and share it with someone who might need it. Suscribe to Laskaar's channel here: http://radi.al/laskaaryoutubesus (http://radi.al/laskaaryoutubesus) Follow Laskaar on: Instagram: http://radi.al/laskaarinstagram (http://radi.al/laskaarinstagram) Facebook: http://radi.al/laskaarfacebook (http://radi.al/laskaarfacebook) Spotify: http://radi.al/laskaarspotify (http://radi.al/laskaarspotify)

16. 

    12 Jan 2026

    Kindred Hearts

    Call Me Sensitive is a podcast about perception, emotional intelligence, and how highly perceptive people navigate the world. In a world that often feels overwhelming, it's very important that we pause for a minute and focus on the good that surrounds us. These are stories that remind us of the power of kindness and community.

17. 

    8 Jan 2026

    Giulia – Insights from a young podcaster

    Call Me Sensitive is a podcast about perception, emotional intelligence, and how highly perceptive people navigate the world. In this episode of Call Me Sensitive, I talk with Giulia, a 12-year-old podcaster who has a clearer perspective on attention and creativity than most adults I know. Proof that sometimes the people who see things best are the ones we’re not used to listening to yet. And please follow Giulia's podcast Life Outside the Phone (https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/life-outside-the-phone-with-giulia/id1821492591). I can promise you will learn a few things, and if you have kids, share it with them too. It might inspire them. If you enjoy these conversations, follow Call Me Sensitive and share it with someone who might need it.

18. 

    4 Dec 2025

    Start here - Why Sensitivity Is My Superpower

    This is Call Me Sensitive, a podcast about perception, emotional intelligence and the strange advantage of noticing more than most people. It’s my way of talking about what’s actually working - people doing cool things, smart things, kind things. Good news still exists - we just have to notice it. If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about how people think, lead and connect, follow the podcast.

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

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