Facing the Moment: Insights & Action for Times of Crisis

About Facing the Moment: Insights & Action for Times of Crisis

This podcast centers on conversations that address various crises and focus on how to navigate them with abundant fortitude and a bit of hope. As we discuss relevant observations, together we will identify meaningful actions that will generate valuable insights. Hosted by Toufic Hakim, PhD. Learn more at FoundationIFS.org.

Publisher

Foundation for Self Leadership

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 May 2025

Latest episode

17 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

27 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Sept 2026

   Mothering Through Threat & Uncertainty

   How do mothers find the strength to raise safe, connected, and hopeful children when their own sense of safety is deeply shaken by forces beyond their control? In this episode of the Facing the Moment podcast, host Toufic Hakim, PhD, is joined by Ana Morante, LMFT, CFLE—an IFS and EMDR trained marriage and family therapist, certified family life educator, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) assistant trainer. Together, they explore the deeply human, intimate experience of parenting amidst acute environmental threats, immigration instability, and economic hardship. The conversation delves into the internal and external resources that help mothers protect their children without transferring fear, the cultural expectations of mothers as the "savior" of the family, and how accepting a "good enough" approach can foster resilient connections and secure attachment. In this episode, you will learn: The Impact of Environmental Uncertainty: How chronic external threats—such as immigration status, economic instability, and fear of deportation/ICE—impact the nervous system and intimate family dynamics. The "Family Savior" Trap: The psychological cost of cultural mandates that place the burden of family survival solely on mothers, and how running on empty leads to anxiety, detachment, or system overload. Accessing Generational Resilience: How to connect with the internal "wisdom of life" passed down through generations, utilizing simple quieting practices like conscious breathing and meditation. The Power of Safe Connections: The critical role of external resources, including safe relationships, community-building, and shared moments of joy, play, laughter, song, and dance. Deciphering Children's Silent Language: How children energetically sense their mother's emotional state from birth, and how they express fear differently across development (externalized outbursts vs. internalized super-compliance/stomach aches). Creating a Safe Emotional Harbor: Why parents are not meant to solve all of life's challenges for their children, and how validating a child's pain and perspective can heal relationship blockages and foster secure attachment. Support this podcast. Your donation supports production, outreach, and the continuation of meaningful conversations on Facing the Moment. ⁠www.foundationIFS.org/support

2. 

   26 Aug 2026

   Holding on Through Physical Illness

   This episode of Facing the Moment explores the profound impact of physical illness, chronic conditions, and disability on the human experience Host Toufic Hakin, PhD, welcomes Nancy Sowell, MSW, LICSW,  a lead Internal Family Systems (IFS) trainer and psychotherapist, to discuss how individuals can maintain their identity and find meaning when their bodies no longer cooperate as expected. Throughout the conversation, Nancy shares her personal journey with psoriatic arthritis, offering a unique perspective that blends professional expertise with lived experience. The discussion delves into the deep connection between physical pain and emotional suffering, noting that both activate the same regions of the brain. Key topics covered in this episode include: Befriending the Body: Shifting from a mindset of "fighting" an illness to one of curiosity and validation, specifically learning to befriend the fear that naturally arises with medical uncertainty. The Concept of Well-being vs. Cure: Understanding that well-being is always possible and is found through an internal relationship of self-compassion, even when a medical cure is not available. Navigating Identity and Shame: Addressing how illness can alter one's sense of self and why many people experience unexpected feelings of shame following a diagnosis. Practical Wisdom for Caregivers: How families and colleagues can support loved ones by asking rather than assuming what is needed, and how caregivers can avoid depletion by listening to their own needs. Finding Balance: The importance of internal "parts work," setting boundaries by learning to say "no," and engaging in practices like nature, art, or yoga to restore a sense of equilibrium. This episode serves as a guide for anyone living with illness, caring for a loved one, or seeking to understand the internal wisdom and resilience available within the mind-body system. Support this podcast. Your donation supports production, outreach, and the continuation of meaningful conversations on Facing the Moment. ⁠www.foundationIFS.org/support⁠ Share your feedback with us: https://forms.gle/z8v6pB2XXkzZj9DDA

3. 

   5 Aug 2026

   Upholding Dignity Through Racial Tension

   In this episode of Facing the Moment, we explore the fundamental human need to be seen, respected, and treated with dignity, a right too often denied throughout history due to race and identity Toufic Hakim, PhD sat in conversation with Requina Barnes, MSW, an IFS-trained social worker, legacy healing coach, and former board member of the Foundation for Self-Leadership Together, they dive deep into the complexities of racial tension in 2026, discussing how to preserve our humanity and pursue justice without surrendering compassion Requina shares personal insights on navigating systemic racism in the workplace and legal system, and how the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS) can help individuals differentiate between "young parts" driven by childhood programming and "adult parts" capable of courageous advocacy Whether you are looking for practices to stay grounded in emotionally charged moments or seeking to become a more trustworthy ally, this conversation offers a roadmap for cultivating resilience and hope for future generations Support this podcast. Your donation supports production, outreach, and the continuation of meaningful conversations on Facing the Moment. ⁠www.foundationIFS.org/support⁠ Share your feedback with us: https://forms.gle/z8v6pB2XXkzZj9DDA

Who has been a guest on Facing the Moment: Insights & Action for Times of Crisis

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Jen Wilford MSW
• Fadi Petro
• Dr Aizaiah Yong

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

14

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

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