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What if rest wasn’t something you earned, but something essential for healing and thriving? In episode, Dr. Seema Desai and Dinesh Melwani sit down with Dr. Sonal Patel, pediatrician and fierce advocate for moms navigating the mysterious and often overlooked “fourth trimester.” But don’t let the parenting focus fool you because this conversation goes beyond childbirth and into the heart of our culture’s obsession with achievement, productivity, and the pressure to prove ourselves.

Whether you’re a parent or not, this conversation explores what it really means to slow down, why so many of us resist rest even when we know we need it, and how reclaiming ancient wisdom, from siestas to Ayurvedic practices, might offer the way forward. 

About Dr. Sonal Patel:

Sonal Patel, MD.  She is a pediatrician, neonatologist, & breastfeeding specialist whose education has been centered on infant nutrition with its impact on development and maternal wellbeing in the 4th trimester.  She founded NayaCare in 2018. NayaCare is a home health clinic focused on improving postpartum care.  She has written several articles on this subject published in Scary Mommy, Kevin MD, and Colorado Sun.  She wrote her first book, The Doctor and Her Black Bag that examines maternal mortality in historical and personal context and solutions to reduce maternal mortality.  She is a TEDx speaker: The Economics of the 4th Trimester.  She is also the co-founder, co-executive director of Center for 4th Trimester Care, a physician-led national nonprofit organization challenging the status quo of maternal healthcare. She has co-created a breastfeeding toolkit helping mothers of premature babies achieve their breastfeeding goals:  Small Steps, BIG Gains. Lastly, since 2018, she has been a member of Good Business Colorado, a nonprofit helping small businesses have a voice in policy. She lent her voice to passing FAMLI, paid family and medical leave in Colorado.  

The views expressed in the podcast do not reflect the views of any organization affiliated with the hosts or any guest.

Connect with Dr. Sonal Patel: 

Dr. Sonal Patel (@nayacare)

NayaCare

Sonal Patel, MD - Independent Business Owner - NayaCare | LinkedIn

Tiktok: @sonalpatel4tridoc

Links: 

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast

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This week we’re diving into a raw and inspiring conversation with DJ Nish, a London-based artist who’s not only rocked dance floors across the globe but also found her footing in the midst of personal transformation. From BBC radio host to unforgettable festival sets, Nish opens up about her unexpected journey into music, the pressures and double standards of the industry, and why she chose to walk away from a marriage that no longer reflected who she was.

This conversation is about much more than nightlife and career. It’s a vulnerable look at resilience, boundaries, self-worth, and rediscovering joy on your own terms. Whether you’re navigating your own season of change, wrestling with outside expectations, or just need a reminder that it’s okay to start over, this episode might be what you didn’t know you needed. 

About DJ Nish:

DJ Nish is a highly skilled and accomplished DJ with  a strong reputation in the UK and beyond. With over  15 years of experience, she is widely recognized as  one of the most sought-after DJs in the industry. With  a weekly radio show on BBC Asian Network, as well  as performing globally in cities such as Delhi,  Santorini, Hamburg, and Oslo, DJ Nish creates an energetic atmosphere that keeps the party going all night long. 

DJ Nish is known for her exceptional ability to  seamlessly blend various genres with her extensive  knowledge of diverse musical styles, allowing her to  cater to audiences of all ages and cultures. Her sets  feature a dynamic mix of genres including Bhangra,  Bollywood, Arabic, Chart, House, Dancehall, and  Afrobeats, ensuring that everyone on the dance floor  is engaged and entertained. DJ Nish's genuine  passion for music shines through in every performance, as she takes pride in reading the crowd  and adjusting her music to create an unforgettable  experience for all. With a knack for producing  captivating mixtapes and mashups of trending songs  and beats, DJ Nish has established herself as a trendsetter in the industry. 

Additionally, she has released two Bhangra singles accompanied by music videos shot in Punjab, India.

Connect with DJ Nish: 

Mixcloud: www.mixcloud.com/officialdjnish 

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@officialdjnish 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialdjnish 

Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/Nishradio 

Additional links: linktr.ee/officialdjnish 

Links: 

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast

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Seema and Dinesh are back with another duo episode and diving into a question they hear all the time: "What's the one thing I should do to grow?" But instead of giving a simple hack or shortcut, they’re challenging the very premise of the question itself. 

Through personal stories, like an unexpected journey to barbecue school, Dinesh explores how embracing new challenges without overanalyzing can lead to an epic and fulfilling life. Seema reflects on the power of shifting our mindset, choosing joy over stress, and recognizing that how we show up for anything is how we show up for everything. 

If you're looking for a fresh perspective on growth, this conversation will leave you inspired to rethink the way you approach opportunities, challenges, and even your daily mindset.

Links: 

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast

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In this episode, Dinesh and Seema have a conversation with entrepreneur and visionary Sameer Dhar for an inspiring and deeply insightful conversation. From being named one of Canada's top young leaders to founding a successful health tech startup, Sameer’s journey is anything but conventional. He takes us behind the scenes of his bold decision to live in nursing homes for a year, his drive to revolutionize healthcare accessibility, and the personal challenges of navigating identity and purpose after a major startup exit.

This is so much more than a business success story, it's a conversation about resilience, mindset, and what it means to truly be present in the journey of life. Sameer opens up about the power of intergenerational friendships, the lessons learned from stepping into the unknown, and why he believes resolve is the word that will define his year. This conversation is packed with thought-provoking moments that will leave you rethinking your own path.

Sameer is the Co-Founder & CEO of NiaHealth, a Canadian health-tech company making proactive healthcare accessible. Previously, he founded and sold the elder-tech startup Sensassure to Essity, spending a year living in nursing homes to better understand the industry. Sameer previously studied as a Schwarzman Scholar and was named one of Canada’s Top 20 Under 20.

Connect with Sameer: 

https://www.niahealth.co/ 

Links: 

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast

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In this episode we have Dr. Amruti Choudhry sharing her transformative journey from struggling with emotional eating and weight gain to achieving lasting weight loss, not through fad diets or extreme exercise, but by mastering mind management. She’s opening up about the personal struggles that led to her unhealthy habits, including cultural expectations, family dynamics, and stress, and reveals how shifting her mindset changed not only her health but also her relationships and overall well-being.

Dr. Choudhry challenges the way we think about weight loss, discussing the power of emotional regulation, identity shifts, and the deeper psychological patterns that drive overeating. Together, they’re exploring the intersection of culture, food, and personal transformation, offering insights that go beyond diet and exercise. Whether you’ve tried everything to get healthy or never considered mindset as a key factor, this episode will leave you rethinking your approach to lasting change.

Dr. Amruti Choudhry is an Advanced Certified Life and Weight Loss Coach for professionals and a Doctor/Physician in the UK. She helps people feel lighter in their minds and lives, so they can feel lighter in their bodies. Dr. Choudhry is a multi award winning Life Coach, Public Speaker and is the Host of the successful podcast “Weight Loss for Women Professionals.” 

She lost 42kg (over 92 pounds) after decades of yo-yo dieting and helps her clients get to the root cause of their overeating by becoming aware of their thoughts and feeling their emotions, to change their behaviours so they can achieve any results they want. She teaches clients how to pay attention to their body’s natural signals to create sustainable weight loss that is fun, simple and doable, without counting calories, points, macros or exercising.

She helps them rewire their brains to change their habits permanently, so they can understand what food is solving for them and give that to themselves without food. This framework works for changing any habit. She has a 1:1 programme and also has a separate weight loss group coaching programme for men and women. She does public speaking and workshops. As she also created tremendous success in other areas of life, including getting on with her mother-in-law without her changing through life coaching, she created a course on "How to get on with your MIL", which is helping hundreds of people across the world.

The views expressed in the podcast do not reflect the views of any organization affiliated with the hosts or any guest.

Connect with Dr. Choudhry: 

You can find out about her latest offers here: https://linktr.ee/amruticoaching

Website: https://www.amruticoaching.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Amruti123

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amruti.coaching/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-amruti-choudhry-123918224/

Links: 

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast

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In this special duo episode, Dr. Seema Desai and Dinesh Melwani explore the concept of mental toughness—what it means, how it develops, and whether it can be intentionally cultivated without hardship. They discuss the importance of self-reflection, doing hard things, and challenging oneself to build resilience. Seema shares personal insights on overcoming adversity, while Dinesh raises questions about privilege, parenting, and the role of discomfort in personal growth.

Together, they examine how both adults and children can proactively strengthen their mental toughness, regardless of socioeconomic background. From everyday challenges to deliberate self-improvement, conversation will encourage you to assess your own grit and consider ways to push beyond your comfort zones.

Links: 

Harvard Study: https://www.uvws.org/news/s94a63z7yun3fczjm80xh8fzivafkb 

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast

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Today on the podcast, Dr. Seema Desai and Dinesh Melwani sit down with Dr. Jay Bhatt, also known as the “Dancing Doctor.” They’re having a conversation around the intersection of happiness, intention, and well-being—both in medicine and in everyday life. Dr. Bhatt shares how a small act of joy, like dancing for a patient, can create meaningful connections and even contribute to healing. They also discuss the power of perspective, the importance of living our values, and how small moments of gratitude can shape our happiness. This episode is an inspiring discussion on breaking barriers, embracing discomfort, and finding joy in unexpected places.

The views expressed in the podcast do not reflect the views of any organization affiliated with the hosts or any guest.

Connect with Dr. Jay Bhatt: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjaybhatt/ 

Links: 

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast

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In this milestone 100th episode, Dinesh and Seema celebrate the power of consistency and reflect on the journey of reaching 100 episodes. They’re joined by Avi Dhyani, a young public policy student and the youngest DNC delegate, who shares his inspiring journey from middle school to becoming a political advocate. Avi opens up about the challenges of navigating life with a disability and his dual South Asian identity, discussing how these experiences shaped his passion for public policy and overcoming self-doubt. The conversation touches on the importance of mindset, resilience, and the role of mentors in achieving personal and professional goals. Avi’s story serves as a reminder that breaking through limitations—whether they come from society or our own minds—is key to creating lasting impact.

Avi Dhyani is a public policy student at Cornell University, a dedicated political operative, and a former DNC delegate. He previously served as a legislative intern for U.S. Senator John Ossoff and worked in the district office of U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams. Avi has been privileged to work both on the legislative side and on the campaign side, gaining valuable experience in policy-making and electoral strategy. Passionate about youth engagement and AAPI community advocacy, he actively works to amplify underrepresented voices in the political sphere. During high school, he served as Vice-Chair of the Georgia High School Democrats for both his junior and senior years. With experience in campaigns, policy discussions, and grassroots organizing, Avi is committed to driving meaningful change and fostering civic participation.

Connect with Avi: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avidhyani.official/ 

Links: 

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast

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As a father, husband, cancer survivor and pediatric dentist for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dr. Deep Shah doesn’t shy from adversity and making the most of any and every situation. His work as a dentist is dedicated to make the child’s visit fun and empowering as the “Superhero Dentist”. We have a conversation with Dr. Shah on the overlooked positives of social media, finding powerful growth in obstacles, and the importance of getting out of your lane. 

Dr. Deep Shah isn’t just a dentist; he’s a superhero in disguise, dedicated to making every child’s dental visit a fun, empowering, and memorable experience! As a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Shah feels privileged to care for young smiles and sees every appointment as an opportunity to help kids discover their inner superhero while under his care.

Dr. Shah’s journey began at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where he earned his dental degree before pursuing advanced training at the renowned Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. There, he gained extensive expertise in growth and development, pediatric oral health, special care needs, dental trauma, and behavior management. His unique approach blends cutting-edge dental care with a deep understanding of developmental psychology, ensuring every child’s visit is personalized, comforting, and trauma-free.

But Dr. Shah doesn’t just stop at delivering exceptional care—he brings the fun, too! A passionate dancer since childhood, Dr. Shah has competed across the country and now enjoys choreographing and teaching dance routines. You might even catch him grooving around the clinic, rocking one of his many superhero masks and costumes to put a smile on everyone’s face.

Beyond the clinic, Dr. Shah is blessed to give back to his community and profession in meaningful ways. As the official pediatric dentist for the Philadelphia Eagles, he helps deliver smiles to youth in the community where he grew up. He also teaches at the University of Pennsylvania, where he runs the sedation program for pediatric dental residents, helping train the next generation of specialists.

In the summer of 2025, Dr. Shah will embark on his most exciting adventure yet: opening his own pediatric dental practice. With a superhero-inspired twist, this practice will be a place where kids can feel safe, empowered, and excited about their dental care.

At home, Dr. Shah cherishes time with his beautiful wife, their two awesome boys, and their loving dog, Burfi. Whether he’s traveling with his family, dancing up a storm, or bringing laughter and superhero magic to his patients, Dr. Shah is all about spreading joy and empowering young smiles wherever he goes.

Connect with Dr. Shah: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesuperherodentist/

Sidekick Smiles: https://www.instagram.com/sidekicksmiles/

Links: 

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast

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Seema and Dinesh are welcoming Nisha Patel on the podcast to have an honest conversation around sobriety. Nisha got sober at the age of 24 and shares her experience with others as well as helps her clients find healing and purpose. She answers common questions and misconceptions around sobriety, how making these kinds of changes help us become more aligned with our inner self and how to make big, long-lasting decisions. Her goal is to help people feel aligned and integrate back into a community that may not live the same way they want to lead their life. 

Nisha Patel is a dedicated professional committed to guiding individuals toward healing and leading a fulfilling life. As the owner of TheNishe, Nisha’s work is rooted in her deep commitment to empowering others to find healing and purpose. Whether working one-on-one, in group settings, or speaking to large audiences, Nisha brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and expertise to her practice.

Nisha’s holistic approach is tailored to meet each person, offering not just emotional support but also practical tools to create lasting change. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, Nisha is a licensed professional counselor and sobriety coach. Nisha offers specialized sobriety coaching services to those at any stage of their recovery journey. She also provides guidance to families and loved ones, helping them better understand and support those in recovery. Her goal is to help individuals and families thrive beyond sobriety.

Connect with Nisha: 

IG: @nishapatelcoaching

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nishajpatel

Links: 

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast