In this episode of The Dr. Melissa Show: The Stories That Shape Us, Dr. Melissa Carman—licensed therapist, executive coach, and founder of CNY Mental Health Counseling—sits down with Arel Moodie, award-winning speaker and founder of Talkadot, a software platform helping speakers, educators, and coaches collect powerful audience feedback to grow their impact and credibility.

Arel’s story spans from growing up in public housing in Brooklyn to building an internationally recognized speaking career, being featured in a Disney+ documentary (Own the Room), and hosting a top-ranked podcast. But in this conversation, he shares the quieter truths behind those accolades: the emotional burden of being a “success story,” the armor of likability, and the moment he realized his drive for achievement was rooted in pain.

This episode is a vulnerable and deeply insightful exploration of what it really means to grow—and to rewrite the story you’ve told yourself for years.

🎙️ Dr. Melissa and Arel explore:

• How Arel’s childhood shaped his hunger for success—and the deeper story behind it
• What happens when your life is built on proving you’re “not nothing”
• Why likability became his emotional armor—and how he learned to feel safe without it
• The quiet pressure of being “the one who made it” and the grief that follows
• Why he built Talkadot—and how it helps people turn real impact into proof
• What it looks like to shift from performance to presence in leadership and life

🎧 Featured Resources from This Episode:

• www.talkadot.com – Real-time feedback and credibility tools for speakers, coaches, and educators
• Arel Moodie’s Website – Speaking, media, and personal story
• Disney+ “Own the Room” – Arel’s featured documentary
• Art of Likability Podcast (Legacy) – Arel’s previous podcast on relationships and personal growth

⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional counseling or mental health treatment. Listening to this podcast does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health concern, please reach out to a licensed professional.

🔹 Brought to you by CNY Mental Health Counseling, PLLC
We proudly serve individuals, couples, and families across New York State and partner with schools, nonprofits, and corporate teams to support mental wellness and resilience.
🌐 Learn more: www.cnymhc.com
📍 Please note: Due to state licensure laws, services are only available to residents of New York State.

💼 Looking for executive or performance coaching support?
Explore Dr. Carman’s work with global leaders, entrepreneurs, and high-performing teams:
🌐 www.drmelissacarman.com

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This is what we explore in depth inside my private executive coaching practice. If you're a high-performer or leading a team navigating growth, identity, or burnout—let’s talk.