Draft:Pedram Shojai

Early Life and Education
Pedram Shojai was born on July 21, 1975, in Tehran, Iran, and moved to Southern California during the Iranian revolution. Shojai graduated high school in 1993 and pursued the pre-med track at UCLA, before ultimately graduating with a BA in History.

Shojai's deep interest in health and wellness began at UCLA, where he discovered Tai Chi and Daoist philosophy. These experiences had a profound effect on him, ultimately leading him to become a senior student of Grandmaster Carl Totton at the Daoist Institute of LA and Share K Lew. He took ordination as a Daoist Minister and later became an Abbot of that tradition in 2010.

Career
Shojai began his professional career as an acupuncturist, but always had a passion for health-focused media. He produced his first film, Vitality, in 2012, and continued working on health-based movies, including Origins in 2014, Prosperity in 2016, and The Great Heist in 2022. During his work on these projects, he also published numerous books, which have landed him a New York Times Bestseller slot. These works include "The Urban Monk" (2016), "The Art of Stopping Time" (2017), and "Focus" (2020). All of these contributions share the purpose of promoting alternative health perspectives.

The Urban Monk
The Urban Monk brand was born out of a recognition that the challenges faced by modern individuals when working to maintain a balanced and spiritual life were often overshadowed by their immediate obligations. The Urban Monk guides its audience toward peace and serenity, the importance of balance, and the pursuit of peace within the present. Shojai has made various media appearances on the topic of The Urban Monk brand, including The Today Show on NBC, where he advocates for a more integrative approach to health and wellness.

Health and Wellness Advocacy
Shojai's contributions to alternative medicine are characterized by his opposition to the prevailing "pill-for-ill" model and his advocacy for lifestyle prevention. His beliefs state that the healthcare system’s focus should include vitalistic principles, and attempt to enhance health and quality of life rather than merely the absence of disease. His films and courses at the Urban Monk Academy are designed to teach the establishment of positive habits that contribute to overall well-being.

Awards and Recognition
Shojai's efforts have been featured in the Integrative Medicine Journal.