Episodes
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Have you felt like an outsider even when you're surrounded by family?
In this candid and engrossing conversation, Raksha Daryanani speaks to Smitha about her unique life journey – growing up in a multicultural society, navigating the impact of her parents' divorce, and healing from devastating relationships. She shares the challenges she faced in navigating a tight-knit but isolated Indian community, where she often felt like an outsider, and how she learnt to set boundaries and develop self-awareness.
Raksha's journey so far is nothing less than inspiring. Listen in for her insights on how to overcome some of life's toughest challenges.
Dealing with a multicultural society Managing toxic and manipulative relationships How therapy turned out to be a turning point Demonstrating resilience in coping with her parents' divorce Finding a stronger sense of belonging and acceptanceEmphasizing the importance of embracing impermanence
We discuss
Raksha's bioRaksha Daryanani grew up in South America and studied and lived in England. Currently, she lives in Barcelona, Spain. She works as a content manager, where she writes and edits. She is also a voiceover artist.
Raksha loves to read extensively, especially fiction and enjoys sharing stories. She loves writing poetry and attending open-mic nights to perform them.
Connect with Raksha
LinkedIn | Substack
QOTDShare your story of resilience with us. Write in and tell us - [email protected]
Liked our episode? Visit www.myndstories.com for more.
Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice. -
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There are very few things more fulfilling than a healthy and thriving relationship.
However, the process of finding one can often be challenging.Two years ago, we spoke to Clinical Psychologist, Prachi Saxena on how to build healthy relationships. Host Ankit Narasimhan has an illuminating conversation with her once more to find out more about how to manage dating and finding love.
We discuss
Authenticity and navigating through the fear of not being accepted.Doing the self work to attract the right person for us.Situationships - why they happen and how to handle them.How do we know when we’ve found the right person for us?Struggles of dating apps.How do we know when the right time to break up is?Navigating through different world views.The one thing that Prachi’s clients struggle with the most.Prachi’s bio
Prachi Saxena is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist with nearly 2 decades of experience. She is the founder of the Emotional Wellness Initiatives which is an online psychological and emotional wellbeing services platform.
In her work in the field of mental health she has appeared as an expert on several platforms including magazines like Femina, Better Homes and Gardens and Child, and websites like Twinkle Khanna's Tweakindia.comConnect with Prachi
LinkedIn | Emotional Wellness Initiatives
QOTDWhat are you struggling with in your relationships? Write in and tell us your story - [email protected]
Grown Up Girls PodcastOur previous conversation with Prachi on building healthy relationships
Resources
Ankit Narasimhan, host and episode planner.Ravi Kumar, sound designer and editor.
Credits
Liked our episode? Visit www.myndstories.com for more. Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.
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Imagine a melody so potent it can calm your racing thoughts, soothe your anxieties, and set the tone for a day filled with balance and clarity.
Welcome to the second episode of The Mynd Durbar, where host Anitha Aswath takes you on a spellbinding journey through the mystical world of Raag Ahir Bhairav.
From the legendary santoor maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma to Bollywood's silver screen, Ahir Bhairav has woven its way through Indian culture, leaving a trail of tranquility in its wake.
But this isn't just about appreciating music. It's about discovering a powerful tool for mental health, emotional regulation, and starting your day with intention.
Join us as we unpack the force of Ahir Bhairav, exploring how its unique blend of authority and tenderness can transform your morning routine and, perhaps, your life.
We discuss
The mood and characteristics of this morning raag, known for its blend of strength, serenity, and devotion.How the movements between notes in Ahir Bhairav have a soothing effect on the nervous system, making it ideal for emotional regulation.Anitha shares her first encounter with Raag Ahir Bhairav.The raag's appearance in popular culture.How Ahir Bhairav navigates various emotions, from mindful meditation to touching upon melancholy.How the frequencies in classical Indian music can improve concentration and cognitive function
Anitha's bio
Anitha Aswath is an Executive Coaching Leader and DEI consultant with 26 years of rich experience. She has trained over 4000 leaders and professionals and has more than 700 hours of coaching hours to her credit.Anitha's other pursuits include blogging, photography, travelling and of course, music. "Perseverance is a virtue: an invaluable lesson music taught me," she says. She is a voice over artist and trained singer. She is an eternal student of Indian Classical music.
Connect with Anitha
LinkedIn
QOTD
What's your favorite song in raag Ahir Bhairav? Write in and tell us - [email protected]
Resources
The effect of Ahir Bhairav on stressDepression and Raag Ahir Bhairav
Enjoying our podcasts?
Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.
Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.
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What if the very thing society labels as a "disorder" could be a gateway to discovering your truest self?
Smitha has a deep conversation with Ishaa Vinod Chopra – dancer, author, and mental health advocate - who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 16. But rather than letting this label define her, Ishaa transformed her journey into a powerful narrative of resilience, creativity, and self-discovery. Her memoir, "Finding Order in Disorder," is a testament to finding beauty in the chaos and strength in vulnerability.
This conversation is all about embracing the full spectrum of human emotion and finding grace in every moment.
Powerful quotes from the conversation
"Just know that after having a dark day with complete darkness, there will be light again. Sometimes the wait for that brightness and sunshine may be longer, sometimes it may be shorter, but rest assured it will be there."
"The intensity of those emotions are what make who we are. And I don't think I would trade that."
"There is some sort of beauty as well in having that disorder in your life."
We discuss
Why the "disorder" in bipolar disorder might actually be a hidden gift How Ishaa uses Kathak dance as a powerful tool for emotional expression and healingThe importance of finding your own coping mechanisms (dance, yoga, journaling for Ishaa) The surprising truth about what really happens during manic and depressive episodesHow family support can make or break a mental health journey The unexpected lessons learned from embracing rather than fighting your diagnosisThe value of honest conversations about mental healthIshaa's bio
In her memoir ‘Finding Order in Disorder’ Ishaa Vinod Chopra addresses what it is like to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, how it affects interpersonal relationships, and how societal norms influence our understanding of and responses to mental health issues.
Ishaa identifies as a BIPOC, mental health advocate, artist and educator. She utilizes multidisciplinary arts from two generations of filmmakers to cope with, learn from, and reflect on life and its vagaries. She holds a Performing Arts Degree in Kathak and a Diploma in Early Childhood and is in her last year of an Honors Bachelor at George Brown College, Canada.
She aims to foster empathy, positivity, and self-awareness while sparking mental health discussions and reducing stigmas by creating safe spaces for conversations in committees such as the AODA (Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act), Patient and Family Advisory Committee(s) and as chair of George Brown College Advocates Club. As a Member Artist of the Workman Arts Organization funded by CAMH, she integrates dance therapy into the community for healing and expression by infusing Latin, Indian Classical and Folk styles as a facilitator and performing artist.
You can purchase Ishaa's book here - https://amzn.in/d/hinsrHw
Connect with Ishaa
LinkedIn | YouTube | LinkTree I Instagram
QOTD
How do you manage chaos and darkness? Share your thoughts to - [email protected]
Liked our episode? Visit www.myndstories.com for more.
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Find India's most diverse mental health podcasts here. Our podcasts are a safe space where we share insights, guidance, personal experiences, and tips to help you navigate your mental health journey.
Perspectives, guidance, advice, and explainers. It's all here. We hope you can nurture your well-being and face life's challenges better with us.
Check our website at www.myndstories.com for mental health conversations, news, features, and events.
Write to us - [email protected]
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Sometimes we lose ourselves in the quest to achieve our goals.
Everyday stress can turn into chronic fatigue, overwhelm can turn into exhaustion, and bad days can trickle into dysfunctionality. Before we know it, we realize we're burnt out and we simply can't continue the way it's been.
How do we recognize this early so we can prevent this? What steps can we take to alleviate it? What are the causal factors?
We dive into all of this in this episode.
Understanding what burnout feels like.Learning to differentiate between burnout and everyday stress and overwhelm.How does meaning and purpose correlate with burnout?Ways we can recognize burnout early and alleviate it.Debating Sam Altman's (CEO of OpenAI) take on burnout.Anurakti’s personal experience navigating through burnout.
We discuss
Anurakti's bio
Dr. Anurakti Mathur has a PhD in Psychology and an MBA in Human Resources Management with over 14 years of experience in Learning & Development. She has proven expertise in Leadership Development, Psychological Assessment, and Behavioural Skills Training and Coaching. She’s recognized for expertise in effective diagnosis, development and delivery of training programs.
Connect with AnuraktiLinkedIn
QOTDHave you experienced burnout? Write in and tell us your story - [email protected]
Resources
Dealing with burnoutWhat is burnout?Sam Altman's views on burnout
Liked our episode? Visit www.myndstories.com for more. Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.
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Have you ever felt a song so deeply that it brought tears to your eyes? Or experienced a piece of music that seemed to understand your pain better than any words could?
In this inaugural episode of the Mynd Durbar, host Anitha Aswath takes us on a soul-stirring journey through Karuna Rasa - the emotion of compassion and sorrow in Indian classical music.
We'll explore how music can be our faithful companion in times of grief, a bridge to empathy, and a balm for our wounded souls. From personal stories of loss to global musical masterpieces, we're diving deep into the transformative power of melancholy in melody.
Introduction to Karuna Rasa often evoked through poignant compositions in Hindustani classical music.Anitha talks about the loss of her father in 2019 and how music became a powerful tool for facing grief and beginning the healing process.Music as a faithful companion that lifts, holds, and comforts.How Karuna Rasa in music serves as a powerful avenue for compassion and healing, allowing us to find solace in our shared human experiences
We discuss
Our host
Anitha Aswath is an Executive Coaching Leader and DEI consultant with 26 years of rich experience. She has trained over 4000 leaders and professionals and has more than 700 hours of coaching hours to her credit.Anitha's other pursuits include blogging, photography, travelling and of course, music. "Perseverance is a virtue: an invaluable lesson music taught me," she says. She is a voice over artist and trained singer. She is an eternal student of Indian Classical music.
Connect with Anitha
LinkedIn
QOTD
How has music shaped your emotions? Write in and tell us - [email protected]
The power of Indian ragasThe concept of Karuna Raga therapy - use of music in healingMusic therapy with Raag Darbari
To read
Enjoying our podcasts?Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.
Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.
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Smitha Murthy converses with Sumit Singla, an independent HR consultant, taking listeners on an emotional journey through life-altering experiences, the transformative power of animal companionship, and the enduring hope that keeps us moving forward.
From near-death experiences to the joys of parenthood, Sumit's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unexpected kindness that can be found in the darkest of times.
We discuss
Dealing with pressure to focus on education Life-changing experiences including a near-fatal accident Transitioning from a corporate job to an independent HR consultantHow animals transformed his life Finding hope and making a difference
Sumit's bioSumit Singla is an independent HR consultant with over 18 years of work experience. In addition, he is also a regular speaker at various forums. His specialties include coaching, competency development, process/policy development, performance management, and end-to-end HR transformation.
Sumit has a 4-year-old daughter. He is an animal activist and an aspiring writer.
Connect with Sumit
LinkedInQOTD
How do you stay hopeful every day? Write in and tell us - [email protected]
Liked our episode? Visit www.myndstories.com for more.
Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn*Disclaimer – The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.
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Life can throw a lot of curveballs. There are a lot of factors that impact quality of life, but the ability to handle these emotions effectively can sometimes be the deciding factor.
How different can our life be if we’re truly able to understand ourselves, master our emotions and foster healthy relationships with the people that really matter to us? It's an exciting journey to start on.
But it takes work. What does the work entail? How do we break it down strategically? Hrishika Awasthi, a counseling psychologist and Founder of SafeTherapy, takes us through the process.
Hrishika’s work on emotional intelligence early on in her career.Understanding emotional intelligence and its components.Can EQ be learnt and developed over time?Strategic approach to learning to unpack and understand your emotions.Role of mindfulness in emotion regulation.How EQ plays out in romantic relationships.How we can make EQ work actionable.
We discussHrishika’s bio
Hrishika Awasthi is currently the founder of Safetherapy which is a therapist lead platform to empower therapists and clients in their therapeutic journey. She completed her Master’s in Applied Psychology and went on to start ‘Emodite’ which was an effort to introduce emotional intelligence to school students. Apart from this, she has also worked as a corporate trainer at ‘Seekho’ which is a micro-learning-based platform to learn, mentor and hire.
Connect with Hrishika
LinkedIn | SafeTherapy
QOTDWhat aspect of EQ do you struggle with? Write in and tell us your story - [email protected]
Resources
Understanding EQ
Enjoying our podcasts? Write to us - [email protected]Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.
Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice. -
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What happens when your body doesn't cooperate?
This is Snigdha Roy's story - a raw, honest account of an eight-year battle with infertility that ends in an unexpected miracle.
In this episode, Snigdha opens up to Smitha about the physical and emotional toll of her journey, challenging societal norms, and finding strength in vulnerability. Whether you've struggled with infertility or know someone who has, this conversation will touch your heart and change how you think about the path to parenthood.
Join us as we dive into a candid conversation about the unspoken challenges of infertility, the strength found in vulnerability, and how sometimes, life's biggest surprises come when you least expect them.
We discuss
The infertility journey and the societal pressure involved Coping mechanisms which include keeping struggles private The benefits of having a strong support systemThe process of adoption How to be kind to oneself and allowing yourself to feel everything without judgement
Snighdha's bioSnigdha is an artist and a former designer turned writer and communication specialist. Currently, she heads the content division at Appy Pie.
Connect with Snigdha
LinkedIn
QOTDHow do you show kindness to yourself? Write in with your wittiest answers and tell us - [email protected]
Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn*Disclaimer – The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.
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In this deeply personal and moving episode, we sit down with the witty copywriter Shantesh Row for a raw, unscripted conversation about vulnerability, the beauty in melancholy, life's struggles and everything in between.
From navigating professional setbacks to confronting personal demons, Shantesh opens up about his journey with refreshing honesty and unexpected optimism.
We discuss
Recent business setbacks, including the loss of a 15-year client relationship The concept of "living one day at a time"Shantesh's struggle with self-blame and the process of internal dialogueShantesh opens up about his 22-year marriage and discusses fatherhoodThe impact of losing his father as a 12-year-oldHow music serves as his go-to coping mechanismthe importance of being vulnerable and encourages us to find the "able" in "vulnerable"
Shantesh's bioShantesh Row is the Chief Creative Officer at Slant Advertising, an ad agency he co-founded in Dubai. He describes himself on LinkedIn as a: Storyteller. Quizzer. Once upon a time opening batsman and offspinner. Tried to be a Chartered Accountant. Knowledge seeker. Trivia miner. Single Malt connoisseur. Horror film maven. Interpreter of maladies. Wannabe chef. Facebook avoider. Twitter hater. Opinion junkie. Pink Floyd lover. Intense mood-swinger. Novel-in-the-making-for-ages writer. Bathroom crooner. Sit down comedian. Voyeur of life.
We think his description is way better than anything we could come up with.
Born in Mumbai, Shantesh is based in Dubai and has an affinity for LinkedIn influencers, cows, consistency, and copies, in no particular order. The link to his top-rated copywriting workshop is below.
No LinkedIn personal branding experts and influencers were harmed during the making of this show.
Connect with Shantesh
LinkedIn | Topmate
QOTDHow do you find the 'able' in vulnerable? Write in and tell us - [email protected]
Resources
Ask S anything: A conversation with Shantesh Row and Srividya SivakumarFinding the fun in life with Shantesh Row
This is a MyndStories product. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.
Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn*Disclaimer – The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.
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Have you ever had a deep, unguarded conversation with a stranger that left you feeling unexpectedly connected? That's exactly what happens in this unscripted episode of the MyndStories Minis.
Smitha has an intensely candid discussion with writer Shailya Jaggi about life, fears, relationships and finding happiness - without any plan. What starts as casual introductions leads to candid reflections on childhood experiences, insecurities, evolving family bonds and the universal quest for self-acceptance.We discuss
The vulnerabilities and insecurities of pursuing an unconventional career path How childhood experiences and unstable family situations force you to grow up quicklyThe transformation of mother-daughter relationships from traditional to deep friendshipRedefining friendship - the importance of vulnerability, granting second chances, and quality over quantity of connectionsLong-standing struggles with self-doubt and insecuritiesSharing fears like abandonmentEquating true happiness with acceptanceShailya's bio
Shailya is a writer and a marketing enthusiast who knows how to weave brands, people, and products into stories.
She believes stories have the power to bring good things. And she loves to bring them alive through her writing, scripting, and voice-acting.
Connect with Shailya
LinkedIn
QOTDHow have your childhood experiences shaped you? Write in and tell us - [email protected]
Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn
*Disclaimer – The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.
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Conflicts. They are the inevitable speed bumps on the journey of every relationship.
How we navigate these conflicts can either strengthen the bond or slowly erode it until it frays completely. Do we shut down or lash out? People please until we're a hollowed version of ourselves? Or do we learn to embrace conflict as an opportunity for growth and understanding?
Welcome to another insightful episode of the Therapy Room podcast, where we delve into the complexities of the human mind and relationships.
Host Smitha Murthy sits down with therapist Siddhida Kabara, the CEO and Founder of Dhairya Da for an intimate conversation on navigating conflicts in relationships. From romantic partnerships to familial bonds and friendships, conflicts are an inevitable part of human connection. However, it's how we manage these conflicts that truly determines the health and longevity of our relationships.
About The Therapy RoomThe Therapy Room is a segment where our host Smitha Murthy talks to mental health professionals for insights on life's challenges, which range from managing everyday stressors to chronic anxiety. Tune in as we explore topics around mental health issues, emotional wellbeing, and techniques to help you heal.
We talk about
Are conflicts inherently good or bad? Understanding the difference between a "problem" and a personal attackKnowing when to take a breakThe importance of self-awareness and honesty with oneselfRecognizing that conflicts often stem from lack of patience, adaptability, and acceptance of differences in coping mechanismsDifferentiating between adjustments and compromiseCommon conflict coping mechanismsA 5-step process for resolving conflicts
Siddhida's bioSiddhida Kabara is the CEO and Founder of DhairyaDa, which provides curated employee and company growth programs. Siddhida is also a qualified therapist who provides supervision and training to new psychologists apart from providing counseling and therapy services to individuals.
Siddhida has a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Savitribai Phule Pune University and Diplomas in community mental health and integrated counseling.
Connect with Siddhida
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
Resources
Crucial Conversations by Kerry PattersonNon violent communication by Marshall RosenbergConflict resolution mistakes to avoid
Write to us - [email protected]. Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.
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How do you manage difficult emotions?
Kaajal Ahuja has some answers.
In this insightful episode, host Smitha Murthy has an unscripted conversation with Kaajal Ahuja about vulnerability, grief, and the importance of sitting with difficult emotions.
Kaajal gets refreshingly real about the exhaustion of living behind emotional masks. For years, Kajal focused on keeping others happy at the expense of her own needs after being married at just 17 years old. But her painful "loss of self" ultimately forced her to peel back the layers and rediscover her authentic voice.
Listen to Kaajal's journey as she courageously opens up about learning to sit with - not resist - the darkness.
Quote from the conversation"Safety is not the absence of threat but the presence of connection."
We discuss:
The societal pressure to always appear happyThe lack of space for expressing difficult emotions like grief and sadnessThe exhaustion of masking emotionsThe importance of not rushing through the darkness, but rather connecting with itAllowing emotions their "due" instead of resisting Vulnerability being an invitation for others to also remove their masks and connect authentically in relationships
Kaajal's bioKaajal is an advocate for teen mental health. She is building TeenSpace, a venture that encourages teens towards a healthy mindset through curated workshops & masterclasses, therapeutic interventions and community support.
She has previously worked in customer support at HDFC Bank and Dell. She has spent four years volunteering at a government-run educational institution and also ran her own enterprise – ‘Hey Gorgeous’ – alongside, for 8 years.Connect with Kaajal:
The essential guide to working with difficult emotionsHow to embrace radical acceptanceBrene Brown on how vulnerability makes our lives better
LinkedIn
Resources
QOTDHow do you push through your darkness? Write in with your wittiest answers and tell us - [email protected]
Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn*Disclaimer – The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.
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Have you ever felt consumed by grief and loss, struggling to cope with the overwhelming void it creates? Whether it's the heartbreaking loss of a loved one, a devastating breakup, or even a job loss that shatters your identity, grief comes in many forms.
Yet, there's an unspoken pressure to "move on" quickly, leaving many to grapple with complex emotions alone. How do we process the numbness, anger, and guilt that often accompany grief? How can we find closure when loss leaves us with unanswered questions and regrets?
In this powerful episode, we dive into the depths of grief and loss with Dr. Shikha Soni, a Clinical Psychologist at DocVita and expert in positive psychology. Through empathetic storytelling and candid insights, Shikha reminds us that healing isn't about letting go, but carrying our loved ones' memories forward.
So, grab a cozy spot and let's enter the therapy room.
About The Therapy Room
The Therapy Room is a segment where our Smitha Murthy and Ankit Narasimhan talks to mental health professionals for insights on life's challenges, which range from managing everyday stressors to chronic anxiety.
Quote from the conversation"It's the labels or the words which people talk about that move on. Just leave it in the past…those memories and the person and the kind of moments which you have shared will always move forward with you."
We talk about
Understanding positive psychologyDifferent types of lossChallenges in grievingWays to process grief Managing guilt in grieving Understanding and practising gratitudeMen and emotions
Shikha's bio
Shikha Soni is a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in positive psychology to help clients deal with loss and grief through their life stories. She integrates several other approaches like psycho-diagnostics and therapies like cognitive behavior therapy, behavior therapy, marital/family therapy, and various other therapies. Shikha has a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Psychology. She completed her M.Phil in Clinical Psychology and then obtained a PhD in Psychology from IIT, Hyderabad.Connect with Shikha
Website | LinkedIn
Our partnerThis episode is made possible thanks to support from Docvita, a platform that aims to make mental health more open, supportive, and accessible through their services.
What is positive psychology?A practice towards achieving your best positive selfUnderstanding and practising gratitudeThree good things: A way to tune into positivity in life
Resources
Write to us - [email protected]. Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual ther
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Socializing can be great - it can help build connections, it helps you learn from different perspectives and it can help take your mind away from a bad day.
It can also be challenging, especially if you go through social anxiety because it can force you to face your imperfections. If you’re unable to be comfortable in your own skin, things can spiral downwards very quickly because people are bound to judge and attaching your self worth externally is never a great idea.
How do we work through this? We understand more in this episode with Pranav Varma.
We discuss
What social anxiety feels like and where it stems from.Pranav’s journey of dealing with social anxiety.Navigating through the feeling of not belonging and not being accepted.Authenticity and strengthening sense of self.Connecting with people and building more meaningful relationships.How parenting influences social dynamics down the line.Social skills that you can hone in on.Pranav’s bio
Pranav Varma is a counseling psychologist and psychotherapist who has a private practice in Hyderabad. He graduated with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Christ University, Bangalore. In terms of methodology, he finds himself drawn towards psychodynamic and relational frames of thought with a particular interest in working with groups.
Connect with Pranav
LinkedIn
QOTDHow do you manage social anxiety? Write in and tell us your story - [email protected]
Resources
Understanding social anxietyHow to live with authenticity and be your truest selfCultivating meaningful relationships
Write to us - [email protected]Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey. Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.
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Attachment styles - we all have one, but do we really understand how they impact our relationships?
In this fascinating episode of The Therapy Room, host Smitha sits down with therapist and Unfix Clinic founder Aanandita for an enlightening discussion on the different attachment styles and how they play out in romantic relationships. Whether you're anxious, avoidant, or somewhere in between, this is an eye-opening look at where our patterns come from and how to manage them with more awareness and compassion.
Listen to the full episode and get ready to rethink your thoughts on intimacy, attachment, and more.
About The Therapy RoomThe Therapy Room is a segment where our host Smitha Murthy talks to mental health professionals for insights on life's challenges, which range from managing everyday stressors to chronic anxiety. Tune in as we explore topics around mental health issues, emotional wellbeing, and techniques to help you heal.
Quote from the conversation"I think as human beings, you're flawed, I'm flawed, all of us are flawed, I think we just
need to kind of find the kind of flaw that we can work with."
We talk about
The four main attachment styles How an anxious attachment style can lead to clinginess and a strong fear of abandonment, while an avoidant style causes someone to be highly independent and avoid intimacyThe challenges of pursuing a relationship when one partner has an anxious style and the other is avoidantUsing effective communication during conflictsThe concept of a "relationship gratitude list"Why no attachment style is inherently good or badPractical advice on managing attachment stylesHow to manage conflicts with authenticity and patienceAanandita's bio
Aanandita Vaghani is the founder of UnFix, a mental health counseling firm. As a counselor and mental health behavioral therapist Aanandita works towards enhancing her clients/ patients emotional well-being and interpersonal relationships. She has accumulated significant experience in addressing a wide spectrum of mental health issues, spanning from anxiety and depression to eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorders.
Aanandita has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and has completed her MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness at New York University.
Connect with Aanandita
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
Types of attachment stylesHow attachment issues affect relationshipsConflict resolution communication tipsEffects of expressing gratitudeThe 5 love languages quiz
ResourcesFind us on Instagram and LinkedIn. Email us- [email protected]
*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot
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In this thought-provoking and emotionally candid conversation episode, Smitha Murthy talks to Renuka, a mental health advocate and suicide prevention activist, unfolding Renuka's life journey. It's one that has traversed darkness and light, tragedy and renewal, pain and profound healing.
Renuka peels back the layers to reveal how creative self-expression through art became a sanctuary during her deepest bouts of depression, anxiety, and the trauma of an abusive relationship. Her story is an inspiration, showing how she mustered the courage to face adversity head-on, silence her harsh inner critic, and ultimately rebuild herself piece-by-piece using the vibrant colors of her paintbrush.
Quote from the conversation"It's important sometimes to accept that we don't have to go anywhere. That sometimes the past is a constant companion and we don't, we can't just push it away."
We discuss
How art can be a great coping mechanismDealing with imposter syndromeManaging the trauma of an abusive relationship and suicideConnecting with her inner child Renuka's inspiring perspectives on her journey of healing and self-discovery
Renuka's bioRenuka S is Senior Manager, Analytics at Pure Storage. She is based in Bangalore and helped organizations solve challenges using big data.
She is also an enthusiastic toastmaster, a bird photographer, and an artist who shares her stories and pursuits on her blog - https://renuszone.blog
Connect with Renuka
LinkedIn
QOTDHave you tried art therapy? Write in and tell us - [email protected]
Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn
*Disclaimer – The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.
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Entrepreneurship is a roller-coaster. It’s a journey that takes tremendous courage to even start because there’s nothing guaranteed.
In a lot of ways, it’s a great metaphor for life. It teaches you life lessons - how to fail, how to handle adversity, and how to get back up.
Ultimately it’s worth it because you get to truly make an impact on people’s lives.We explore the intricacies of this journey with Anmol Arora - CEO and Co-founder of DocVita, a telehealth company that connects people with therapists and psychiatrists.
The story behind DocVita.Anmol’s take on finding meaning and purpose in life.How he deals with the fear of external judgement and failure.Managing possible mismatches of drive and work-ethic among his team.What the best version of himself means to him.State of mental health care in India.Anmol's biggest learning till date.
We discuss:Anmol’s bio
As the Founder of DocVita, Anmol is passionate about connecting individuals with the right doctors & therapists and supporting startups by helping them prioritize their team’s mindset & mental health.He is an IIT Indore alumnus from the class of 2016.
Before pursuing his startup full-time, he has worked as a Trainee at CERN(European Centre for Nuclear Research) in Geneva, Switzerland. He is an expert in marketing & fast product-led growth.
Connect with Anmol
Instagram | LinkedIn
QOTDWhat does becoming your best version mean to you? Write in and tell us your story - [email protected]
State of mental health in IndiaHow to move past your fears
ResourcesEnjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice!
Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.
Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice. -
Tell us what you feel. Message us.
Can we outrun loneliness?
In The Rider, poet Naomi Shihab Nye seems to suggest that we can. Loneliness can be escaped. The rider, then, is you, me, and anyone who wants to escape this crushing feeling.
Loneliness, that most ubiquitous of emotions, goes from abstract to concrete in this conversational, free-verse poem. Loneliness gains a persona and if you leave it behind you can be a champion. The poet says that doing so is
"A victory! To leave your loneliness
panting behind you on some street corner
while you float free into a cloud of sudden azaleas"Srividya Sivakumar brings this poem to life through her magical and compelling reading, accompanied by a short reflection on the poem.
Listen to it on The Poetic Pause, a podcast that explores the hidden life of poems, the joy they give us, the beauty they offer and the comfort they bestow.
Read the poem here: https://poets.org/poem/rider
Meet Srividya Sivakumar
Srividya Sivakumar is a critically acclaimed poet, TEDx speaker, teacher, and voiceover artist. She believes in using her voice to drive change, spark conversations, and encourage you to slow down.
QOTD
Can you recall a poem that delves into loneliness, like The Rider? Would you like to share it with us?
Write to us to be part of the conversation to make mental health cool - [email protected]
This is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.
Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.
Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn
*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice. - Show more
