Brave Table fam, buckle up! This week, I’m sitting down with my ride-or-die, the queen of saying it out loud herself, Vasavi Kumar. And let me tell you, she’s not holding back. We’re talking toxic friendships, family acceptance, and the real-deal work it takes to heal from the childhood you didn’t have. This episode is for you if you’ve ever wondered when to walk away, when to lean in, and how to navigate the complex, messy beauty of relationships.

Get ready to be inspired, triggered, and maybe even a little shook. It’s brave, it’s bold, and it’s everything you didn’t know you needed.

What you'll get out of this episode… 

You can't change family, but you can change your perspective.

Grieve the Childhood You Didn’t Have

Not every friendship needs a goodbye.

Trust your gut when the vibe feels off.

Be the friend you seek—honest, vulnerable, and boundaries.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Intro: Why Vasavi is back on the Brave Table

[00:01:00] Navigating friendships: When to hold on and when to let go

[00:03:00] Family dynamics: How acceptance can change everything

[00:07:00] Grieving the childhood you didn’t have

[00:15:00] Cultural expectations vs. personal peace

[00:18:00] The art of the slow fade: Why not every relationship needs closure

[00:21:00] Honesty and vulnerability: Becoming what you seek

[00:27:00] Tight circles, ride-or-dies, and knowing your people

[00:30:00] Closing thoughts: Making peace with what is

To receive a free gift, email a screenshot of your 5-star review of The Brave Table to [email protected] 😘

Follow along for more tips, community, and resources to brave a better you!

IG / @neetabhushan 

IG / @thebravetable 

TIKTOK / @neeta.bhushan

WEB / https://neetabhushan.com

YOUTUBE / @NeetaBhushanOfficial

Connect with today’s guest, Vasavi Kumar

IG /  @mynameisvasavi

IG /  @sayitoutloudbook

WEB / https://vasavikumar.com/

How to get through anything audio training → https://vasavi.myflodesk.com/freeaudiotraining

Want more?

Visit the website and order your copy of “That Sucked, Now What?”  → https://thatsuckednowwhat.com/

Take just 2 minutes and find what YOUR emotional type is by taking  my FREE quiz here →  theemotionalreset.com/quiz

For a weekly dose of my hacks, tools, & tips to emotionally reset, join my newsletter here → yourweeklyreset.com

If you loved this episode, check out…

Ep.# 130: The Power of Living Out Loud: Thrive Through Authenticity and Wholeness with Vasavi Kumar (Apple | Spotify)

Ep.# 18: Vasavi Kumar: How To Be More Of Yourself(Apple | Spotify)

Ep.# 232: Simone Heng On Why Loneliness is Becoming the World's Next Big Health Problem (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

Dr. Neeta Bhushan is a 5x Award Winning Author & world-renowned emotional health advocate & human connection expert. She’s written multiple best-selling books including her most recent book, That Sucked, Now What endorsed by Jay Shetty, Host of the Top 50 Mental Health Podcast The Brave Table, & CEO of Highest Self Institute, a coaching organization training coaches to become the highest versions of themselves. She’s been featured on Forbes, LA Weekly, ABC, NBC, CBS, Grazia, Ok! Magazine, Verve Magazine & Tatler. 

After realizing how trapped she felt running the million-dollar dental practice she built, Neeta embarked on a journey that led her across 45 countries as she researched blending the intersection of human behavior, ancient wisdom, Eastern philosophy, and therapeutic psychology. That knowledge, along with other life experiences overcoming multiple adversities, which include being orphaned at a young age, surviving an abusive marriage, and extensive loss, contributed to the powerful message of resilience & connection she shares in her work. Neeta is a mother of two young children, wellness junkie & lover of chai.