In this episode of the EZ Conversations podcast, Furkhan engages in a deep discussion with Marcus Higgs, a communication coach for parents of preteens. We explore a variety of topics including the influence of words, the impact of culture, and the role of faith in shaping one’s beliefs. Marcus shares insights from his experiences teaching around the world and working with parents, emphasizing the importance of understanding personal values and virtues. The conversation delves into the power of storytelling, the significance of being a curious learner, and finding meaning through connection with others. Throughout, Marcus reflects on his journey of faith and belief, highlighting an openness to learning from different perspectives and experiences.

Marcus is a ‘communication coach’ for parents of adolescents 10 to 14 years old. He helps parents effectively show up and connect with their preteen and secure a relationship while their child is pulling away.

Marcus especially finds joy in supporting multicultural families; families who communicate across generational and cultural divides. He has served internationally (in East Asia, Europe, South East Asia, Middle East and South America) for over a decade and a half. Marcus also grew up in a diverse home himself (with a mother from the Philippines and a father from the Bahamas), so he understands the challenges of an intercultural family. 

You can learn more about him and his work at MarcusHiggs.com

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:48 Guest Background and Career Journey

03:08 The Power of Words and Communication

06:04 Exploring Faith and Cultural Experiences

10:40 Working with Children and Parenting Insights

15:56 Understanding Culture and Human Connection

21:12 Experiences as a Bible Teacher

22:52 Cherished Memories of Bible Classes

23:00 Understanding Religion Through Different Lenses

23:34 The Role of a Teacher: Learning from Students

24:59 The Power of Listening and Understanding

27:31 Creating Safe Spaces and Imaginary Friends

29:32 Exploring Evolving Beliefs and Convictions

35:55 Virtues and Values in Education and Parenting

39:50 The Importance of Self-Knowledge and Resilience

45:57 Final Reflections and Contact Information

Sponsors of the Podcast:

• BetterHelp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/ez10⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 10% off your first month of Therapy
• WeShape: https://weshape.postaffiliatepro.com/scripts/dcfogwyuk?a_aid=FurkhanDandia&a_bid=d7508fa8 for 35% all plans.
• Aura: https://aura.com/ez10 for a free two-week trial
• Plunge: https://plunge.com/ez
• Mint Mobile: ⁠https://trymintmobile.com/ez10⁠ for 15$ for an unlimited cell phone plan
• Mental: ⁠https://getmental.com/ez

If you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that:

• Instagram⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eunoiazen⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://m.facebook.com/eunoiazen⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• YouTube⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrqBp_zdRiIfBRV4wURSZ2A⁠⁠⁠
• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/furkhan-dandia-macp-mba-072a8a1ba/⁠
• Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/EzConversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Or find Furkhan’s Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠

Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com

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Furkhan Dandia Therapist and Coach

I am a men's coach, therapist, group facilitator, podcaster and author. My journey began five years ago when I was going through a separation. I found myself alone and in a shame spiral that our culture and society covertly exert on people due to the perceived "failure" of a marriage. Unfortunately, I personalized that message which led me to fall deeper into a hole, causing me to surround myself with people that did not serve me and engage in substance abuse. While seeking therapy, I was not making the wholesale changes I needed.

As part of my experience with therapy, I realized that I am not alone in the challenges men my age experience (I separated at the age of 34/35). I realized I could be a voice for men like myself and offer support in this space. In the middle of the pandemic, I applied for a Master's degree in Psychology to become a therapist. This change was a significant shift for me as I worked in the corporate world as an engineer. Once I leaned into the space of supporting other men, I also started a podcast to normalize these difficult conversations and started a men's group a year later with the support of a friend.

I thought I was giving something back when I started the men's group. However, I quickly realized I was getting substantially more from the connections I built than I initially anticipated. It was also something I needed because I was going through another breakup.

At that point, I also realized that I had not taken the time to heal, and I was outsourcing my healing through romantic relationships, substances, material acquisitions and superficial relationships. I decided to step away from the outgoing lifestyle and started to focus on my healing which was another phase of evolution for me on my journey. Over the last year and a half, I have become mindful of the people I spend my time with. I have cleaned my lifestyle of substances, toxic environments and behaviours. I have focused on my sleep, my health and my knowledge. I have improved my spiritual relationship with myself, which was lacking the most over the past five years. This is the best I have felt.

As part of my solitude journey and to find myself again, I also released a book encapsulating my journey, which I hope to share with others. My book is titled: The Pursuit of Self-Love.