Ep9: Emotions Are Universal, Finding Balance is Personal – A Deep Dive with Sarah Asem
Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla
Release Date: 03/05/2025
10: Slowing Down to Find Emotional Balance: Limin’, Learning & Letting Go
Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla
In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Caroline J. Henry to explore the power of slowing down, reclaiming balance, and integrating cultural traditions into emotional well-being. A passionate educator, humanitarian, and innovator, Dr. Henry has spent nearly two decades reshaping education and fostering emotional resilience. This conversation unpacks the ways in which society glorifies rush and urgency, often at the expense of our emotional and physical health. Through cultural practices like liming—an informal Caribbean tradition of gathering and unwinding—Dr. Henry highlights how...
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Ep9: Emotions Are Universal, Finding Balance is Personal – A Deep Dive with Sarah Asem
Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla
In this episode of Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla, we explore the universal experience of emotions and the deeply personal nature of emotional regulation with Sarah Asem, a globally recognized personal development coach and emotional intelligence expert. Sarah has worked worldwide—including in Romania, China, Ukraine, Poland, and Spain—helping individuals and organizations navigate emotions in diverse cultural, personal, and professional contexts. She has lectured at Emerson College, co-authored an SEL workbook for children, and spoken at the Wellbeing 360 Conference in Mexico....
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Ep8: Which ‘You’ is in Control? Understanding Emotional Balance
Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla
Ever feel like there are many versions of you? The calm, level-headed version… and the one that reacts before thinking? In this solo episode, I break down why this happens and how to move between different emotional states with awareness, regulation, and emotional fitness. Tune in as we explore: ✅ What emotional regulation actually means ✅ Why some things trigger you one day but not the next ✅ The science behind dysregulation & the “triggered you” ✅ Tools to shift from a reactive state to a balanced one ✅ How to build emotional resilience for the long haul The good news?...
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Ep7: Jahmaal Reminds Us That Even Healers Hurt
Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla
Even healers struggle. Even teachers need guidance. Even the strongest people feel weak sometimes. In this episode of Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla, Dido sits down with Jahmaal, an educator, entrepreneur, artist, and healer with a global perspective on emotional well-being. As someone who was born in Jamaica and has lived in Germany, India, and the United States, Jahmaal brings unique insight into how different cultures view mindfulness, self-care, and mental health—and why some truths remain universal. This conversation explores the unspoken struggles of those who help others heal....
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Ep6: Saturnie Teaches How Embracing Femininity Leads to Emotional Balance
Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla
In this episode of Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla, host Dido Balla sits down with Coach Saturnie—a Certified Professional Executive & Relationship (Femininity) Coach—to explore the connection between emotional balance, self-awareness, and the interplay of masculine and feminine energy. Together, we dive into: What femininity and masculinity really are—beyond looks or stereotypes. The power of self-discovery in emotional regulation. How societal expectations impact how we process emotions. The difference between escapism and emotional regulation—and how to tell which...
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Ep5: Mindful Tools for Everyday Life with Dr. Allison Ventura
Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla
In this episode of Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla, we welcome the incredible Dr. Allison Ventura, a child and adolescent psychologist, assistant professor, and expert in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Dr. Ventura shares practical tools for emotional regulation and dives deep into the transformative power of validation in relationships. Whether you’re new to DBT or looking for ways to deepen your emotional connection with others, this episode is packed with actionable insights. From understanding the concept of being a “super sensor” to mastering tools like mindful breathing...
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Ep4: Dr. Kate Truitt on How to Deal with Shame, Grief, and Trauma
Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla
In this episode of Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla, host Dido Balla sits down with Dr. Kate Truitt—a clinical psychologist, applied neuroscientist, CEO, and international bestselling author—to explore the transformative power of emotional regulation. Together, they unpack the importance of awareness, self-compassion, and practical tools for navigating life’s emotional challenges. Dr. Truitt introduces innovative techniques like "CPR for the Amygdala" to foster personal resilience and explains how our neurobiology is equipped with tools to help us regulate emotions. This powerful...
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Ep3: Abdul Introduces the Seeds for a Happy Life
Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla
In this episode of Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla, host Dido Balla sits down with Abdul Muhammad II—a life coach, mindfulness facilitator, martial artist, and creative powerhouse. Together, they explore emotional regulation, self-expression, and the transformative power of gratitude. Abdul shares his concept of the "Nine Seeds," focusing on the first three: self-expression, empowerment, and inspiration. This inspiring conversation is packed with actionable insights and practical tools to help you navigate life’s challenges with confidence, calm, and clarity. 💡 Tune in now to...
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Ep2: Major Renea Peterson Explores Finding Peace in a Chaotic World
Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla
In this episode of Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla, host Dido Balla engages in a profound conversation with Major Renee Peterson, a seasoned law enforcement officer and advocate for emotional intelligence. Together, they explore the importance of emotional regulation, the challenges of breaking stereotypes in law enforcement, and the tools that can help individuals manage their emotions effectively. Major Peterson shares her personal journey, emphasizing the significance of curiosity, embracing peace, and the concept of 'taming the dragon' as a metaphor for managing emotions. This episode...
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Ep1: Meet Dido Balla & Learn Why Emotional Regulation Matters
Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla
In this short but powerful inaugural episode of Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla, host Dido Balla introduces himself and shares insights from over 10 years as an educator in emotional intelligence and emotional regulation. Dido explains why emotional regulation is the most important skill for navigating life’s challenges and introduces The Emotional Regulation Cycle, a framework he developed over a decade to better understand emotional experiences. This practical tool is divided into four sections: sensations, emotions, thoughts, and actions. Using real-life examples, he demonstrates how...
info_outlineIn this episode of Emotionally Balanced with Dido Balla, we explore the universal experience of emotions and the deeply personal nature of emotional regulation with Sarah Asem, a globally recognized personal development coach and emotional intelligence expert.
Sarah has worked worldwide—including in Romania, China, Ukraine, Poland, and Spain—helping individuals and organizations navigate emotions in diverse cultural, personal, and professional contexts. She has lectured at Emerson College, co-authored an SEL workbook for children, and spoken at the Wellbeing 360 Conference in Mexico.
Together, we dive into how culture, gender, and societal norms influence the emotions we are “allowed” to express and how we can break free from restrictive expectations. From exploring the differences in emotional expression between men and women to discussing the power of co-regulation in parenting and relationships, this episode is packed with practical insights and tools you can apply in your daily life.
💡 Listen now to gain powerful insights into understanding, managing, and expressing emotions in a way that truly works for you.
Key Themes
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Emotions are universal, but finding balance is deeply personal
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How culture and upbringing shape emotional expression
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The ways men and women are conditioned differently to regulate emotions
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The duality of anger in men—why it’s encouraged externally but discouraged in relationships
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The role of co-regulation in relationships, families, and emotional health
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How self-awareness and emotional intelligence help us navigate cultural and personal expectations
Episode Highlights
00:00 - Welcome to Emotionally Balanced – Podcast introduction
00:28 - Meet Sarah Asem – Her background in emotional intelligence and global SEL work
03:45 - Why Culture Matters – How cultural background shapes the way we experience and express emotions
12:19 - The Role of Empathy – Why understanding others is key to emotional regulation
16:04 - Men vs. Women: Emotional Expectations – How gender shapes the emotions we’re allowed to express
19:21 - The Confusing Message About Male Anger – Society’s mixed signals about when men can and can’t express anger
27:14 - The Unspoken Rules for Men’s Emotions – What emotions men experience but aren’t encouraged to show
35:44 - How Women Express Emotion Differently – The expectations and double standards women face
41:19 - Why Co-Regulation Matters – How we influence each other’s emotions and nervous system
49:25 - Parenting with Emotional Intelligence – How to model emotional regulation for children
55:33 - Final Thoughts & Takeaways – Key lessons on emotional balance
58:03 - Wrapping Up – Podcast closeout and final remarks
Episode Links and Resources
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Connect with Sarah Asem on Instagram: @Sarah_Asem_Coach
Stay Connected with Dido Balla
📲 Instagram: @BalancedWithBalla
📧 Email: info@balancedwithballa.com
🎧 New episodes drop weekly—listen now to start your journey toward emotional balance!