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Seema and Dinesh have Dr. Anita Bangale on the podcast today to explore the transformative power of Flow State. Together, they’re talking about limits of labels, the treadmill of achievement, and the cultural paradigms that keep us stuck in a perpetual cycle of "what's next?" Dr. Bangale reflects on her own journey from hyper-specialization to embracing a more expansive, creative approach to life—and how becoming a mother reshaped her perspective.

You'll learn more about how Flow State can help us transcend rigid identities, harness our neurobiology as an ally, and reframe the way we approach success and fulfillment. Plus, they have a candid conversation on why stepping back from the checklist mindset might just be the key to unlocking your limitless potential.

About Dr. Anita Bangale: 

Anita is a board-certified emergency physician based in Houston, Texas, who has practiced medicine for the past 19 years, and who recently started her own practice focused on reversing trends in the mental health epidemic. She is a national mental health leader, having served as a physician leader with Brightside Health, a ketamine infusion specialist, certified mindset coach, international TEDx speaker (TEDxBreckenridge and TEDxRaleigh), and mom of 3 girls. Anita cares deeply about the power of communication and community, and she has learned that with the combination of discipline and motivation, we can achieve absolutely anything. She enjoys creating true partnerships with her patients in the emergency department and with her clients in her private practice, The Woodlands Wellness and Mind Spa. She integrates the power of coaching in her daily work, as she uses the power of empathy and neuroplasticity to help people become their ideal version of themselves. Anita truly loves working with teens, professionals and moms to guide them as they re-discover themselves, find joy and purpose, and maximize self-worth and confidence. 

In 2021, Anita delivered a TEDx talk https://www.ted.com/tedx in Breckenridge, CO, in which she spoke about how her curious toddler helped refocus her energy back to the patient and how “de-armoring” to show up as our unscripted human self helps us reconnect with each other and ourselves. At TEDxRaleigh, Anita spoke on the power of social prescription to fine tune our collective mental health. Anita also enjoys working as a physician leader with Brightside Health, a national telemedicine company focused on the treatment of anxiety and depression. 

Connect with Dr. Bangale: 

Website: https://www.anitabangale.com/ 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/anita_bangale_/ 

@anita_bangale_

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@woodlandsmindspa 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-bangale-md

Links:

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

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

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Empathy is not about “walking in another person’s shoes” as we commonly say, according to Dr. Ashok Bhattacharya. He’s on the show today sharing his experience in teaching empathy long before it became the buzzword it is now. He shares with us his story behind why understanding others became so important to him, the most important lessons he’s learned along the way, and how we can all strive to be more empathetic in our day to day lives - both toward each other AND ourselves. He also breaks down the difference between self-empathy and self-love. This is a conversation for everyone to better understand empathy in a way you’re not going to hear in popular media and news today. 

Dr. Bhattacharya is a psychiatrist in private practice for over 38 years. He is the founder of THE EMPATHY CLINIC. The clinic uses empathy to diagnose, and treat a variety of mental health disorders in individuals and couples. The clinic’s emphasis is on empathy, balance, integration of the spirit and soul, and the pursuit of optimal wellness. He also specializes in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Dr. Bhattacharya has presented at conferences around the world on the topics of Empathy and Burnout in physicians. He is a musician, author, artist, and works out six days a week. 

Connect with Dr. Bhattacharya:

https://www.empathyclinic.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashok-bhattacharya-687a6211/ 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPRzM30XZ8uscgGEx1wnEtQ 

Dr. Bhattacharya’s Charity: https://www.komen.org/ 

Links:

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

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

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What do you do when you reazlie the path you’re on was chosen for you, and not the path you would have chosen for yourself? What do you do when what you really want to do isn’t going to be understood by those around you? These are questions our guest, Swati Nigam shares with us from her unique professional experience that led to her creating the organization American Friends of HelpAge India, being named in Top 50 Women Leaders in Austin 2024, and more. Her story is an inspiring example of what it means to switch paths, embrace the unknown, and not let the judgements of others dictate what we do or don’t do. 

About Swati: 
Currently working as the Executive Director of American Friends of HelpAge India, Swati Nigam leads the organization with nearly a decade of expertise in the international nonprofit sector, specializing in program management, operations, and fundraising. A first-generation immigrant, Swati is deeply committed to addressing overlooked issues and giving voice to causes that often remain in the shadows.

Swati has held key leadership roles at esteemed organizations such as Pratham USA, Ronald McDonald House Charities, CARE USA, and CARE India. Her ability to build partnerships, lead dynamic teams, and drive growth has consistently amplified the impact of India-focused and global initiatives. With a background as a certified dental surgeon, a Master’s degree in Public Health, and certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Swati brings a unique and multidimensional perspective to her work, blending medical expertise with strategic vision.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Swati mentors women who are restarting their careers after a break, offering guidance and inspiration to help them rebuild confidence and find direction. Her passion for empowering others reflects her own journey of resilience and reinvention.

A lover of Broadway shows, live music, and global travel, Swati is equally at home exploring a good book or the vibrant coffee shops of Austin, TX. Whether she’s spearheading transformative programs or mentoring others, Swati Nigam’s mission remains clear: to make a lasting difference in areas that deserve more attention and action.

Connect with Swati: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/swati-nigam-mph-pmp/

Swati’s Charity: 

https://www.af-hi.org/ 

Links:

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

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

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How do we encourage our children to honour their culture in the modern-day landscape? How do we help them normalize their duality living in the states? These are questions Seema and Dinesh explore in this episode with Anu Sehgal, children’s author and the Founder of the largest cultural literacy and language education company for kids that focuses on South Asia. They have a conversation around the importance of this work, and the ramifications of not doing the work. She shares how to effectively encourage and foster children’s positive self worth and normalize their heritage, culture, and duality. Anu is sharing the criticisms she’s faced in this work and the incredible successes she’s had along the way. 

About Anu: 

Anu Sehgal is a children’s author and the Founder/CEO of The Culture Tree, the largest cultural literacy and language education company for kids that focuses on South Asia.  The goal of her organization is to create empathy, respect and understanding towards all different cultures and further inclusivity, while still helping address questions about Identity with heritage cultures.

She lives in New York with her family, and has two sons (aged 15 and 12). Anu believes awareness of one’s heritage, culture and language is key for children to become self-aware and confident individuals. She holds an MBA from Yale University and has worked in the corporate sector for almost 15 years. She has received several awards and recognitions for her work in cultural literacy. Anu has written 5 books that represent stories and languages of India. Anu’s books have been selected at the World Literature Festival at NYPL, Jaipur Literature Festival, Brooklyn Museum’s annual Children’s Literature Festival and Asia Society’s AAPI Literature Festival. Additionally, she and her organization have received several awards and recognitions from the NY State Assembly, Mayor’s office, The Society of Foreign Consuls and the Consulate.

Connect with Anu: 

Website: http://www.TheCultureTree.com

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-culture-tree/ 

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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What does it look like when an ambitious woman at the top of her game intentionally pauses paid work to focus on raising children? Is there a right and wrong way to approach the balance of work and professional ambitions with raising children? These are the questions and topics Seema and Dinesh dive into with guest Neha Ruch, founder of Mother United. Determined to represent the possibilities of being an ambitious woman or parent, choosing to pause or shift a career to focus on family, Neha shares her experience and the common experiences of other families and women who have made similar decisions. They have a conversation around the modern day family and how to make the best decision for your unique experience balancing family and professional life. Regardless of what you’ve chosen or are trying to decide for your family, this a conversation for everyone. 

About Neha: 

As the founder of Mother Untitled and the author of the forthcoming book, THE POWER PAUSE (Putnam, 2025), Neha Ruch is on a mission to update and elevate the perception of stay-at-home motherhood in America. A rising thought leader, influencer, and sought-after speaker in the world of women, work, parenting, and identity, Neha's mindset shifts are shared widely by tens of thousands of women, including Mandy Moore, Kourtney Kardashian, Gabby Bernstein and Joanna Goddard. 

Neha received her B.A. from Skidmore College and her M.B.A. from the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University. Prior to downshifting her career for motherhood, she led brand strategy at a number of highly successful luxury startups, including Zola and Carats & Cake. Neha immigrated to the United States from Mumbai, India, as a child, and grew up in Massachusetts. She currently resides in Manhattan with her husband, their two children, and their dog Coconut. 

Connect with Neha: 

Pre-Order her book: https://www.motheruntitled.com/thepowerpause

Website: https://www.motheruntitled.com/

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

Links:

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

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

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We have our youngest guest ever on this episode of the Happy and Human Podcast! 

Anjali Popli is on the show today sharing her experiences in taking a less-than-traditional route as a content creator, what she’s learned along the way, and what it means to let your passion drive your actions. She shares with us what inspires her and drives her to work hard and the impact her parent’s had on her seizing opportunities in her 20s. This is a fun, enlightening conversation you won’t want to miss. 

Anjali Popli is a 22-year-old from Philly and a first-gen Indian American content creator diving into the comedy and music scenes on Instagram and TikTok. Her background and love for entertainment have inspired her to build a space where she can blend humor and culture, sharing laughs, relatable moments, and original music with her community. She hopes to inspire other Indian creators to follow their creative passions and use their voice to make a change!

Connect with Anjali: 

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anjaliipop?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 

Links:

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

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

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Seema and Dinesh are bringing on Desi Daughters Founder Salina Shah to talk about something that’s impacting so many of us yet rarely talked about - taking care of aging parents. To bridge the gap on how and why this is an important topic, Salina Shah shares her insights and the reason behind her mission in creating Desi Daughters, an organization to empower other working professionals with aging Desi parents. While these conversations can be difficult, she shares her insights on how they can be more effective and the important things to keep in mind along the way. If you have also found yourself in this situation or approaching it, this episode can provide you with valuable insights and tips on approaching this process in the most helpful and loving way for everyone involved. 

Salina Shah is on a mission to empower Desi women navigating midlife and aging elders. Before her current venture, Salina was an actuarial executive and Senior Vice President at Aon. She is a co-inventor of health benefits optimization software and a Board Member of the Actuaries for Sustainable Health Care nonprofit. In parallel, Salina was experiencing the challenges of balancing working motherhood while caring for aging parents. She realized no central, culturally relevant resource was available to support people like her. To fill this void and help others, she launched Desi Daughters to empower, educate, and support other working professionals with aging Desi parents in the US or India. The response has been phenomenal! Over 3,000 members (mostly women) have joined the Desi Daughters community network in less than a year. This thriving movement redefines how we support Desi women navigating midlife and aging elders.

Connect with Salina:

Website:  www.desidaughters.com

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salinashah/ 

Five Wishes (mentioned in the show): https://www.fivewishes.org/ 

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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Join Seema and Vidya Moorthy in this episode where they discuss the value of a genuine interest in others, finding courage to dismiss preconceived rules and notions and more. Vidya shares why she believes we all have the responsibility to make it easier for someone else in some way and why our primal intention is to uplift others. They discuss the challenges women in particular face when it comes to expectations and the power in choosing the values and rules we actually want to instill - both for ourselves and those around us. 

Vidya Moorthy is President of Austin Business Woman and Founder of Austin-based Clural LLC, is a communication strategist, public speaker and a specialist in geopolitics, cross-cultural training, professional development and inter-personal communication.

She served as vice-president of Client Services at Bassett & Bassett, Incorporated, a strategic communication management firm head-quartered at Detroit, Michigan, where worked closely with community leaders, local media, legislators, lobbyists, and organizations on both corporate marketing campaigns as well as grassroots public information campaigns.

She then served as the Managing Director, Asia-Pacific Operations for Bassett & Bassett. Dedicated to making a meaningful contribution to the field of education, she founded Bassett Education India, a Life Skills training solution for students, teachers and professionals. Recognizing that effective communication is the key to professional and personal success, she is an expert trainer in psychological skills, emotional skills, non-verbal communication, networking, email etiquette, global sensitivities, media relations and nuances of different styles of communication across cultures. During her expansive professional career she has worked with teams from all over the world including European, Japanese, American and African teams. She relocated to Austin in 2021 and her company, Clural LLC provides training programs and strategic communication services for organizations and college students. Clural offers specially designed campus-to-corporate program for international students that helps them merge with their adopted country and accelerates their careers.

Connect with Vidya Moorthy:

Website: www.austinbusinesswoman.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vidya.moorthy.5/

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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Do you believe health is wealth? This is the episode for you if you need that push to finally take your health seriously. If you’re still not convinced you have “the time” or it’ll be “worth” the time, this conversation with Akash will change your mind. Seema and Dinesh have an open conversation with Akash around the never ending benefits of taking your health seriously, why you may know what to do but still can’t seem to take action, and the inside scoop on his approach with clients that creates lasting transformations. 

Dr. Akash Bajaj is a triple board-certified physician specializing in anesthesiology, pain management, and anti-aging medicine. Dr. Bajaj has excellent educational credentials. He completed his undergraduate studies at UCSD, where he graduated summa cum laude and became a member of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa & Golden Key Honor societies. He earned his M.D. and a Master’s degree in Public Health (M.P.H.) from the New York Medical College, where he was also a first responder for the 9/11 attacks. Then, following which he completed a residency in Anesthesiology at UCLA Medical Center. He pursued further training and certification in Interventional Pain Management at the prestigious UCSF.

Dr. Bajaj began to realize that as powerful as traditional medicine is for curing illness, there was less consideration on how to optimize oneself physically, emotionally, and spiritually, to avoid the onset of disease in the first place.  His curiosity led him to pursue further training and certification in Anti-Aging medicine through the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. He now focuses on optimizing his clients’ health with custom optimization protocols using all the modern tools of optimization and longevity medicine  and to allow his clients to excel and be the optimized, most badass, version of themselves, re-creating self respect, confidence, and authenticity in the process. 

Connect with Dr. Akash Bajaj: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akashbajajmd/?hl=en 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@akashbajajmd 

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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Dinesh and Seema are welcoming special guest, singer Vivek Agrawal. They have an exciting conversation around the unexpected paths we take to success, the value of embracing our passions and unique talents and how he pivoted from a career in tech as a sound engineer at Bose to making singing videos on TikTok. This is a fun and lively conversation you won’t want to miss - with a little singing surprise too!

Vivek Agrawal is a singer based in the suburbs of Chicago who aims to take Bollywood music global.  He has worked with a number of musicians in India, including Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman, and has recently grown his audience to over 250,000 followers on Tik Tok for remaking classic Bollywood songs in English.  Before pursuing music full-time in 2020, he studied at Stanford and helped created music technology products for a decade, including the Bose Frames audio sunglasses.  Now he is merging both of his talents in music and tech as he prepares to release his first album later this year.  To hear more of his music, find him on @viagrawal.

Connect with Vivek: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viagrawal/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@viagrawal?lang=en
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpCPPtfR40ZJ2HO2NaUBsIw

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