In this episode of the "Words That Make Us" podcast, Rama and Tony discuss the topic of “Food”. Listen to them discuss the foods of their childhoods and respective countries. What are some statistics about meat and other foods around the world? How is food seen in stoicism, Islam and Christianity? How is the food industry evolving to keep up with modern trends? They also share with you some poems about food. Trigger warning: If you find the topic of eating disorders triggering, be sure to skip the poem “The Diet” by Carol Ann Duffy. On Eating and Drinking (from The Prophet) Kahlil Gibran  https://poets.org/poem/eating-and-drinking-0   Evolution of Diet / Timeline https://www.nationalgeographic.com/foodfeatures/evolution-of-diet/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_food   Learning to eat the stoic way https://thestoicgym.com/the-stoic-magazine/article/127 Organic Foods Statistics https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/organic-food6.htm   On US food consumption https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nZxOh7ghMjKeo2Y49_mb98OIzP1GUa2t/edit#gid=2065436962   Corned Beef and Cabbage BY GEORGE BILGERE https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/52248/corned-beef-and-cabbage “The Diet” by Carol Ann Duffy https://poemanalysis.com/carol-ann-duffy/the-diet/ FUN FACTS ABOUT FOOD! https://www.thefactsite.com/100-random-food-facts/ If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback, please send us an email at:  wordsthatmakeus@gmail.com

In this episode of the "Words That Make Us" podcast, Rama and Tony discuss the topic of “Holidays”. Listen to them as they discuss the different types of holidays and holiday makers. Which are the most visited countries? Which countries make the most revenue from travel? What is “Paris Syndrome”? What are some poems about travel and the feelings it conjures. Country tourism revenue and statistics: https://ourworldindata.org/tourism Paris Syndrome: https://qz.com/emails/quartz-obsession/1850677468/paris-syndrome-troubles-in-tourism#:~:text=Symptoms%20include%20dizziness%2C%20anxiety%2C%20vomiting,in%20Paris%2C%20in%20the%201980s.   Shakespeare on holidays: https://www.folger.edu/blogs/shakespeare-and-beyond/how-william-shakespeare-invented-the-holiday-romcom/   History and evolution of holidays https://www.inghams.co.uk/blog/inghams/the-history-and-evolution-of-holidays-and-travel/#:~:text=31%20BC%2D1484%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Romans,the%20way%20to%20southern%20Egypt! https://culturetourist.com/cultural-tourism/history-of-travelling-how-people-started-to-travel/ https://familyholidaycharity.org.uk/our-story/how-times-have-changed-social-history-holidays Holidays  - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow  https://poets.org/poem/holidays Vacation - Rita Dove https://poets.org/poem/vacation If Once You Have Slept On An Island by Rachel Lyman Field https://allpoetry.com/If-Once-You-Have-Slept-On-An-Island Extreme Wanderlust: https://www.elitedaily.com/life/culture/damaging-side-effects-wanderlust/610398 The types of travelers: https://travel.earth/different-types-of-travellers/ If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback, please send us an email at:  wordsthatmakeus@gmail.com

In this episode of the "Words That Make Us" podcast, Rama and Tony discuss the topic of “dreams”. Listen to them as they discuss the meaning of dreams and why women dream differently (and more) than men. How do dreams appear in Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Sufism? What are the most recurring dreams? Of course expect some poetry too. The story of Prophet Yusuf in the Quran: https://www.al-islam.org/enlightening-commentary-light-holy-quran-vol-7/section-6-kings-dream-yusufs-interpretation What are dreams and what do they mean? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dreams-and-dreaming What is daydreaming and what does it mean? https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/daydreaming-and-concentration-what-the-science-says/ https://www.verywellmind.com/positives-about-daydreaming-5119107 Dreams by Langston Hughes 1901 –1967 https://poets.org/poem/dreams Why women dream more than men: https://www.dreams.co.uk/sleep-matters-club/women-dream-men Recurring dreams: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/dreams/dream-interpretation/recurring-dreams#what-are-the-most-common-recurring-dreams Dreams by Langston Hughes 1901 –1967 https://poets.org/poem/dreams The Dream That Must Be Interpreted by Rumi https://www.stillnessspeaks.com/dream-must-interpreted-rumi/ If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback, please send us an email at:  wordsthatmakeus@gmail.com

In this episode of the "Words That Make Us" podcast, Rama and Tony discuss the topic of “Teachers”. Listen to them as they discuss their experiences with teaching both as students and teachers. They read a range of humorous poems and share some research about teaching. My Teacher Wasn't Half As Nice As Yours Seems To Be by Roald Dahl https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/my-teacher-wasn-t-half-as-nice-as-yours-seems-to-be/ Napoleon BY MIROSLAV HOLUB https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/51047/napoleon   Stoicism on teaching https://www.alphabetpublishingbooks.com/stoicism-relevant-teachers/ The Lesson by Roger McGough https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-lesson/ Mrs Stein By Bill Dodds  https://www.giggleverse.com/?gv_poem=mrs-stein The Supply Teacher by Allan Ahlberg https://www.poemhunter.com/allan-ahlberg/ Where in the world are teachers most respected https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/12/teachers-where-most-and-least-respected/ https://www.bbc.com/news/business-46063947 https://www.anefore.lu/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/EURYDICE-THE-TEACHING-PROFESSION.pdf European teacher salaries and other statistics https://www.euronews.com/next/2023/07/05/teachers-pay-which-countries-pay-the-most-and-the-least-in-europe#:~:text=Annual%20gross%20starting%20salaries%20of%20teachers%20(2020%2F2021)&text=Leaving%20aside%20Luxembourg%2C%20the%20annual,than%20half%20the%20German%20figure. Maya Angelou about her teacher: https://www.boredteachers.com/post/celebrities-teachers-changed-their-lives If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback, please send us an email at:  wordsthatmakeus@gmail.com

In this episode of the "Words That Make Us" podcast, Rama and Tony discuss the topic of “Laughter”. Listen to them as they discuss the different kinds of laughter and they affect both the laugher and those around them. Is it the best medicine? What do the stoics say about it? Are all jokes universal and appropriate across time and space? What is a laughing epidemic? Listen to the episode to find out and hopefully catch a few laughs.    Your Laughter by Pablo Neruda https://allpoetry.com/Your-Laughter   10 types of laughter https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/emotions/5-types-of-laughter.htm   Nietzsche: Laughter of the Herd and Laughter of the Height https://eternalisedofficial.com/2020/11/28/superhuman-laughter-nietzsche/   Why do we cry sometimes when we laugh? https://www.salusuhealth.com/news/2016/09/why-do-we-cry-when-we-laugh.html The sad clown: https://fherehab.com/learning/comedians-depressed-mental-illness The Tanganyika Laughter Epidemic https://dash.harvard.edu/handle/1/12274127 If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback, please send us an email at:  wordsthatmakeus@gmail.com

In this episode of the "Words That Make Us" podcast, Rama and Tony discuss the topic of “guilt”. Listen to them as they discuss the differences between guilt, regret, shame and remorse. What is collective guilt and what purpose does it serve? What is survivor guilt? Do different races, genders and people in general feel less or more guilt than others? Should they? There’s some great poetry, too! Do women feel more guilt than men? https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna35788411 WHITE BOY PRIVILEGE BY Royce Mann https://edition.cnn.com/2016/07/13/us/teen-slam-poet-white-privilege-hln/index.html Stoic strategies for dealing with guilt https://thebeautyinbeinginsignificant.com/stoicism-management-guilt/?utm_content=cmp-true Sociopaths and guilt https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/sociopathy/what-is-a-sociopath-symptoms-traits-treatments/ Guilt by Robert Frost http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/robert_frost/poems/812 A Hymn to God the Father by John Donne https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44115/a-hymn-to-god-the-father If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback, please send us an email at:  wordsthatmakeus@gmail.com

In this episode of the "Words That Make Us" podcast, Rama and Tony discuss the topic of “change”. Listen to them as they discuss the reasons why humans might embrace or resist change and how change in individuals and institutions can be implemented. Of course they bring to you what religion says about change and how stoicism regards it. You can also expect lots of poetry that explores the topic. Enjoy! Choosing Strategies for Change by John P. Kotter and Leonard A. Schlesinger https://hbr.org/2008/07/choosing-strategies-for-change   Journey by Rupi Kaur https://images.app.goo.gl/tJVBCTZEZaLKoYUW8   The Man Watching by Rainer Maria Rilke https://www.barefootguide.org/poetry-of-change.html The arrival of spring by RG Gregory http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/rg_gregory/poems/22110 Theory by Kurt Lewin: Unfreeze-change-refreeze https://www.mindtools.com/ajm9l1e/lewins-change-management-model   Who Makes These Changes? By  Jalal ad-Din Rumi https://allpoetry.com/Who-makes-these-changes- The Song of the Potter - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow https://discoverpoetry.com/poems/henry-wadsworth-longfellow/the-song-of-the-potter/?utm_content=cmp-true If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback, please send us an email at:  wordsthatmakeus@gmail.com

In this episode of the "Words That Make Us" podcast, Rama and Tony discuss the topic of “Music”. Listen to them as they discuss why music is powerful, where the oldest piece of music came from and why music is banned by some regimes. They also share their favourite songs and read to you poems about the power and beauty of music. Enjoy!   Quote on music in a car: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/222581-i-love-the-way-music-inside-a-car-makes-you   Music is a vicious cancer: https://theweek.com/culture-life/music/why-chechnya-has-banned-music-that-is-too-fast-or-too-slow The oldest (surviving) piece of music in the world. Video within the article: https://theweek.com/culture-life/music/why-chechnya-has-banned-music-that-is-too-fast-or-too-slow Give Me The Flute by Khalil Gibran (altered translation) https://allpoetry.com/poem/14326975-Give-Me-The-Flute-by-Khalil-Gibran   Cultural differences in scale and harmony   https://www.hoffmanacademy.com/blog/our-list-of-music-scales-from-around-the-world/   Why music moves us   https://www.pfizer.com/news/articles/why_and_how_music_moves_us#:~:text=The%20limbic%20system%2C%20which%20is,when%20our%20ears%20perceive%20music.&text=The%20chills%20you%20feel%20when,of%20pleasure%20and%20well%2Dbeing.   https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/how-does-music-make-you-feel   Erbarme Dich by Johann Sebastian Bach https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBeXF_lnj_M   The Atlantic Article: Inside the Heads of People Who Don't Like Music https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/03/please-dont-stop-the-music-or-do-stop-the-music-i-dont-really-mind/519099/   Music by John Miles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb6XtyFNawM   Waiting for a girl like you by Foreigner https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dWmKSj5HjI   Hero by Lissie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6bo14aOe1I Music and Stoicism https://www.reddit.com/r/Stoicism/comments/6i8yjb/music_is_antistoic_what_do_you_think/ If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback, please send us an email at:  wordsthatmakeus@gmail.com

In this episode of the "Words That Make Us" podcast, Rama and Tony discuss the topic of “Grief”. Listen to them as they discuss what human beings might grieve and their personal experiences with it. They read some heart-warming texts to you and tell you about some traditions around grief around the world.  For Grief by John O’Donohue https://www.ayearofbeinghere.com/2015/12/john-odonohue-for-grief.html In Lieu of Flowers by Shawna Lemay https://transactionswithbeauty.com/home/10poemsforloss The case against the five stages of grief  https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health-history/its-time-let-five-stages-grief-die https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/mar/05/mary-frances-oconnor-the-grieving-brain-grief-psychology School of Love by Nizar Qabbani https://www.heliotricity.com/nizar-qabbani-poetry/ Public Grief https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/whats-the-science-of-public-grief/ Grief rituals around the world: https://ideas.ted.com/11-fascinating-funeral-traditions-from-around-the-globe/ If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback, please send us an email at:  wordsthatmakeus@gmail.com

In this episode of the "Words That Make Us" podcast, Rama and Tony discuss the topic of “Beauty”. Listen to them as they explain what the word means to them and what they consider beautiful. Why do humans gravitate toward shiny objects? What makes them deem something or someone beautiful? Of course, there’s poetry too! Why humans like shiny things (theory): https://www.thecut.com/2014/01/maybe-we-love-shiny-things-because-were-thirsty.html What makes things beautiful, novelty or familiarity? https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/science-of-choice/202110/how-beautiful-things-make-our-lives-better Sonnet 18: Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? By William Shakespeare https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/william-shakespeare Pied Beauty BY GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/gerard-manley-hopkins Bizarre beauty standards around the world and in different eras: https://steemit.com/life/@ruth-girl/ten-weird-beauty-standards-from-around-the-world https://elle.in/bizarre-beauty-trends-history/ Change in beauty standards over time https://www.scienceofpeople.com/beauty-standards/ https://edition.cnn.com/2018/03/07/health/body-image-history-of-beauty-explainer-intl/index.html   Social Media and Beauty Standards https://www.dove.com/us/en/stories/campaigns/social-media-and-body-image.html https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/73271   Cosmetic Surgery https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshwilson/2023/01/18/cosmetic-surgery-is-on-the-rise-with-technology-and-hollywood-is-at-the-centre-of-it/ https://www.isaps.org/discover/about-isaps/global-statistics/reports-and-press-releases/global-survey-2022-full-report-and-press-releases/#:~:text=The%20report%20shows%20a%2011.2,non%2Dsurgical%20procedures%20performed%20worldwide.&text=The%20report%20shows%20a%20continuing,over%20the%20last%20four%20years. Stoic attitude to Beauty https://dailystoic.com/a-stoic-response-to-beauty/ Still will I harvest beauty where it grows by Edna St. Vincent Millay https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/148565/still-will-i-harvest-beauty-where-it-grows If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback, please send us an email at:  wordsthatmakeus@gmail.com

In this episode of the "Words That Make Us" podcast, Rama and Tony discuss the topic of “Jealousy”. Is there a difference between jealousy and envy? What nuances might there be between these words in English vs. other languages and cultures? Why is the colour green associated with jealousy? Can jealousy be used for good or is it always a toxic, negative feeling? How jealous are you and how does jealousy manifest for you?   The green-eyed monster: https://poets.org/poem/othello-act-iii-scene-iii-o-beware-my-lord-jealousy Othello Syndrome https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2507072/Paranoid-woman-Debbi-Wood-suffering-Othello-Syndrome-forces-fianc-lie-detector-test.html And God Wept: https://philipchircop.wordpress.com/2012/07/19/and-god-wept/ Is jealousy genetic? https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2013/nov/01/jealousy-genes Where jealousy comes from: https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/where-does-jealousy-come-from Delilah by Tom Jones banned https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/feb/01/delilah-welsh-rugby-union-choirs-banned-from-singing-tom-jones-hit How legal system sympathises with male jealousy- https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-29612916 A Lover’s Envy by Henry Van Dyke: https://allpoetry.com/A-Lover%27s-Envy   If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback, please send us an email at:  wordsthatmakeus@gmail.com

In this episode of the "Words That Make Us" podcast, Rama and Tony discuss the topic of “Attraction”. What does it mean to be attracted to someone? Can you control who you are attracted to? What has our childhood got to do with who we are attracted to? What do some animals do to attract a mate? Scientifically, what are the three elements of a happy relationship? Listen and find out more. Definition from WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/what-types-attraction   Bowerbirds: https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=100364   Mystery circles: https://www.livescience.com/57869-animals-with-weird-courtship-rituals.html The Ring of the Dove: https://www.imagomundi.com.br/espiritualidade/hazm_ring_dove.pdf To the Black Beloved by Langston Huges https://poets.org/poem/poem-black-beloved Unusual ways to become more attractive: https://www.jonbrooks.com/how-to-be-more-attractive/ If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback, please send us an email at:  wordsthatmakeus@gmail.com

In this episode of the "Words That Make Us" podcast, Rama and Tony discuss the topic of “Authenticity”. Listen to them as they discuss the connotations of the word in the contexts of business, relationships and as individuals. Words of the year https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/word-of-the-year The Man in the Glass by Peter Dale Wimbrow Sr. http://www.inspirationpeak.com/cgi-bin/poetry.cgi?record=155 On Self-knowledge by Khalil Gibran https://poets.org/poem/self-knowledge Authentic leadership https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathymillerperkins/2023/05/27/authenticity-the-key-to-great-leadership-and-how-to-embrace-it/ What the stoics say https://www.redalyc.org/journal/6945/694573720008/html/ Recommended reading on how to be authentic: https://www.betterup.com/blog/authentic-self I am Not I by Juan Ramon Jimenez https://allpoetry.com/I-Am-Not-I If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback, please send us an email at:  wordsthatmakeus@gmail.com

CORRECTION: Paulo Coelho does NOT come from Spain. He comes from Brazil. In this episode of the "Words That Make Us" podcast, Rama and Tony discuss the topic of “Luck”. Listen to them as they discuss the connotations of the word “luck” and debate its existence. Of course they have some poetry for you too.  If you would like to check out some of the readings on this episode, you may find them here: Are some people born lucky? https://www.furman.edu/news/are-some-people-born-lucky-a-ut-psychologist-argues-inequalitys-genetic-roots/#:~:text=She%20writes%20that%20some%20people,a%20greater%20risk%20of%20homelessness. Marcus Auelius’ take on luck: https://www.themarginalian.org/2021/09/19/marcus-aurelius-luck/ “May the Road Rise to Meet You” https://www.irishcentral.com/culture/may-the-road-rise-meet-you-irish-blessing-meaning Good and Bad Luck by John Hay https://allpoetry.com/Good-and-Bad-Luck Luck is Not Chance by Emily Dickinson https://poets.org/poem/luck-not-chance-1350 If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback, please send us an email at:  wordsthatmakeus@gmail.com

In this episode of the "Words That Make Us" podcast, listen to Tony and Rama discuss the topic of “Wealth”. Listen to them as they discuss the connotations of the word “wealth” and its synonyms. Tony, being the mathematics and business teacher, puts into perspective what it really means to be wealthy today. They read you verses from the Bible and the Quran about the topic and touch upon how wealth is seen in Sufism and stoicism. Of course they have some poetry for you too.  If you want to check out some of the readings on this episode, you may find them here: The Vanity Of Wealth By Samuel Johnson https://www.eighteenthcenturypoetry.org/works/o4986-w0670.shtml Love's Millionaire by Florence May Alt https://discoverpoetry.com/poems/florence-may-alt/loves-millionaire/ If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback, please send us email at:  wordsthatmakeus@gmail.com

In this episode of the “Words That Make Us” podcast, Rama and Tony explore the premise of “Reputation”. They kick off by reading a poem by Emily Dickenson about being a nobody. They discuss their different understandings of the term “reputation”. Is reputation the same as fame? Is it synonymous with “ego”? What role do different societies play in shaping one’s reputation and good standing? What does religion say about slander? Is public shaming ever acceptable?    Monica Lewinsky’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/monica_lewinsky_the_price_of_shame/transcript   I’m Nobody! Who are you?  https://allpoetry.com/I'm-nobody!-Who-are-you- If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback, please send us email at: wordsthatmakeus@gmail.com

In this episode of the "Words That Make Us" podcast, listen to Tony and Rama discuss the topic of “Failure”. Listen to them as they define different aspects and connotations of failure, discuss who has the biggest effect on whether children succeed or fail, and why we feel shame when we fail. If you want to check out some of the readings on this episode you might find them here: Defeat by Khalil Gibran: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/58713/defeat-56d23d566b4c3 Waiting for love by Avicii: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ncIVUXZla8 Success after failure in businesses: https://www.business.com/articles/never-giving-up-9-entrepreneurs-and-millionaires-who-failed-at-least-once/ Failure by Amos Russel Wells: https://pickmeuppoetry.org/failure-by-amos-russel-wells/ If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback, please send us email at:  wordsthatmakeus@gmail.com

In this episode of the "Words That Make Us" podcast, listen to Tony and Rama discuss the topic of “AGEING”. They discuss how different people, genders and cultures (including the Blue Zones) experience ageing. They explore the Japanese concept of Ikigai and how everyone can adopt it. Expect to learn another (less inspiring) Japanese term–Kodokushi. The conversation takes a brief dark detour but ends on a high.    Kaitlin Moran’s article on being middle-aged: https://www.redonline.co.uk/red-women/blogs/a34159053/caitlin-moran-middle-aged/   What Makes a Good Life? https://www.ted.com/talks/robert_waldinger_what_makes_a_good_life_lessons_from_the_longest_study_on_happiness?language=en   The BBC experiment on “reversing” ageing: https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/26/magazine/what-if-age-is-nothing-but-a-mind-set.html?_r=0   Growing Old by Matthew Arnold: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/52311/growing-old If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback, please send us an email at:  wordsthatmakeus@gmail.com

In this episode of the "Words That Make Us" podcast, listen to Tony and Rama continue talking about “SILENCE”. Prepare to hear about hormones, silence in relationships, melancholic silence, poetry by Khalil Gibran and poetry by Charlotte Brontë, whose poem leads them down a rabbit hole about music and toxic masculinity! You will like the last poem; it wraps everything up very neatly.   If you want to check out some of the things mentioned in this episode, try these links. An attempt to explain the verse from the Quran: https://sunnahonline.com/library/women-and-islam/419-why-two-women-witnesses    What this counselling website says about silence: https://www.pathwaysprofessional.org/   John Cage’s “music”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWVUp12XPpU If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback, please send us an email at:  wordsthatmakeus@gmail.com

In this first episode of the "Words That Make Us" podcast, listen to Tony and Rama explore the topic of "SILENCE". They read you poems from different eras and backgrounds, discuss how Sufis regard silence in comparison to how it is regarded in Stoicism, all while reflecting on their own views on the different types of silence. If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback, please send us an email at:  wordsthatmakeus@gmail.com