In Her Element : Unfiltered Stories of Women Finding Their Voice — and Their Power

What happens when we stop shrinking our desires and start asking for what we truly want?

In this solo episode of In Her Element, I reflect on the quiet courage it takes to ask for big, sometimes unreasonable things, especially when we’ve been taught to justify our wants, stay grateful, and not ask for too much.

From leaving behind a familiar life to starting over in a new field, to navigating grief, stress, and the loss of optimism in 2024, this episode is an honest conversation about how asking, clearly and boldly, can shift not just outcomes, but who we become in the process.

We talk about cultural conditioning, the inner critic, confidence built through repeated self-trust, and why clarity itself is a form of work. I also share how In Her Element began as an ask before it ever became a podcast.

This episode is not about hustle or manifestation.
It’s about alignment.
It’s about naming what you want without apology.
And trusting that the universe often meets us at our level of audacity.

If you’re standing at the edge of a decision, questioning everything, or quietly wanting more, this one is for you.

In this gentle, grounding episode of In Her Element, Swati sits down with Dr. Nayeema Tazeen, a practicing gynecologist, mother, and women’s health educator, for a conversation that feels like chai with an old friend.

From growing up as the first doctor in a family of engineers to practicing medicine in India, Nayeema shares how kindness, empathy, and lived experience shape the way she cares for women at their most vulnerable. Together, they talk openly about periods, PCOS, postpartum recovery, menopause, and the quiet ways women are taught to normalize pain instead of questioning it.

Nayeema reflects on how her own postpartum journey, grief, and motherhood changed the doctor she became, why women deserve individualized care instead of one-size-fits-all advice, and how social media can be both a tool for education and a source of misinformation.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen to your body, and remember that your questions are valid, your experiences matter, and asking for help is a form of strength.

Whether you’re navigating womanhood, motherhood, medicine, or simply learning to be gentler with yourself, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, steadied, and deeply understood.

Season 2 begins with a conversation that feels like sitting in a sunlit room with a cup of chai — gentle, grounding, and unexpectedly healing.

In this episode, Swati speaks with the radiant Shruti Mohanty, whose journey spans quiet girlhood in Odisha, the whirlwind of immigrant life in the U.S., the hidden storms of postpartum depression, and the bold courage of stepping into the world of pageantry — a world she never imagined she belonged to.

Together, they talk about:

• the emotional inheritance of growing up in strict Indian households
• the invisible labor women carry through motherhood
• the quiet ache of postpartum depression
• why friendships in adulthood look different
• choosing peace over people-pleasing
• the power of sisterhood and empathy
• and the transformative moment Shruti was crowned Mrs. Universe Texas Petite

Shruti reminds us that beauty isn’t a measurement — it’s a presence. And reinvention doesn’t begin with a milestone… it begins with permission.

This episode is for every woman rediscovering herself in the middle of life, motherhood, responsibility, or healing.
A reminder that you are allowed to evolve. You are allowed to shine. And you deserve spaces where you feel seen.

Welcome to Season 2.
Let the blooming continue. 💛

In this episode, Swati talks with Abhipsa Nanda — a multi-hyphenate woman balancing a career in tech, motherhood, creativity, and community with remarkable honesty and intention.

Together, they discuss:

• Growing up in an Indian household and finding autonomy later in life

• Building a support system while living away from family

• The importance of women friendships and non-judgmental spaces

• Why creativity and dance help her stay grounded

• The realities of motherhood — far beyond Instagram’s highlight reels

• A life transition that reshaped how she sees herself and her choices

Abhipsa shares openly about the highs and lows of her journey, the lessons she learned through lived experience, and the joy she chooses to make space for every day. It’s a conversation that feels real, reassuring, and deeply relatable.

If you’ve ever navigated identity, loneliness, motherhood, friendships, or starting over, this episode is for you.

What happens when women stop competing and start creating space for one another?
In this heartfelt solo episode, host Swati Upadhyay reflects on what it truly means to dream big—and to do so with kindness, courage, and community.

Swati opens up about the women who shaped her, the lessons she learned growing up, and why safe spaces for women matter more than ever. She talks about friendship in different seasons of life, how to repair what’s been lost to ego or misunderstanding, and why being a gentle ally can be an act of quiet revolution.

✨ In this episode, we explore:

• The balance between ambition and empathy

• The women who teach us to keep going

• How to rebuild friendships with grace

• Why kindness and justice must walk together

• Simple ways to become a safe space — for others and for yourself

Takeaways

• As women, we sometimes let go of friendship too easily.
• Life can get busy, affecting our friendships.
• Pride or ego can hinder communication in friendships.
• People may be in different seasons of their lives.
• Silence can be misread in friendships.
• A friend may seem distant but still cares.
• Reaching out can mend strained friendships.
• Real sisterhood is about persistence.
• Understanding each other's struggles is key.
• Friendship requires effort and grace.

Sound bites

• "We sometimes let go of friendship too easily."
• "Sometimes people are just in different seasons of their life."
• "We have all misread a silence before, haven't we?"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dreams and Kindness

03:18 Lessons on Dreams and Humility

Summary

In this conversation, Swati Upadhyay explores the profound impact of sisterhood and community among women. She reflects on how the support and celebration from other women have shaped her identity and growth. The discussion emphasizes the importance of building each other up, recognizing that success is not a competition but a collective journey.

Takeaways

• Every version of me has been carried by someone.
• These women are my compass.
• They have called me out when I needed to grow.
• They have celebrated me when I didn't feel worthy.
• Sisterhood is about showing up when it matters.
• It's about knowing when someone else's success doesn't threaten yours.
• Sisterhood is building each other up even when the world tries to tear you down.
• It's community over competition.
• We rise differently when we rise together.
• Sisterhood means a deep knowing of support and empowerment.

Summary

In this conversation, Swati Upadhyay explores the profound impact of sisterhood and community among women. She reflects on how the support and celebration from other women have shaped her identity and growth. The discussion emphasizes the importance of building each other up, recognizing that success is not a competition but a collective journey.

Takeaways

• Every version of me has been carried by someone.
• These women are my compass.
• They have called me out when I needed to grow.
• They have celebrated me when I didn't feel worthy.
• Sisterhood is about showing up when it matters.
• It's about knowing when someone else's success doesn't threaten yours.
• Sisterhood is building each other up even when the world tries to tear you down.
• It's community over competition.
• We rise differently when we rise together.
• Sisterhood means a deep knowing of support and empowerment.

Keywords

self-discovery, personal growth, women empowerment, individuality, community support, life transitions, embracing change, purpose, resilience, belonging

Summary

In this episode, Swati Upadhyay reflects on her journey through her 30s, exploring themes of self-discovery, individuality, and the importance of community among women. She emphasizes that each person's path is unique and valid, encouraging listeners to embrace their own wilderness and support one another in their diverse journeys.

Takeaways

• Reflecting on purpose and timing is essential in life.
• Standing alone can be a path to self-belonging.
• Everyone's journey unfolds differently; embrace your own pace.
• The wilderness is where transformation takes place.
• No two women want the same things, and that's beautiful.
• Real empowerment is about freedom to define life on your own terms.
• Celebrate choices that differ from your own.
• Support each other without needing to agree.
• Every woman carries her own wilderness deserving respect.
• We are building a community, not competing with each other.

Sound bites

• "I am the wilderness."
• "No two women want the same things."
• "We are not in a competition."

Chapters

00:00 Embracing the Wilderness of Self-Discovery

05:50 The Unique Journeys of Women

10:52 Building a Supportive Community for Women

Summary

In this heartfelt solo episode, Swati Upadhyay explores the theme of empowerment and self-creation, emphasizing that women have the power to shape their lives. She reflects on her own journey, the importance of making ordinary choices that bring joy, and the need to redefine strength and resilience. Swati encourages listeners to prioritize themselves, embrace their desires, and recognize their inherent worth, ultimately inspiring them to live fully and authentically.

Takeaways

• If a woman holds the power to create life, she also holds the power to create the life she wants.
• We often forget that the strength we use for others can also be used for ourselves.
• Creating your life happens in both big changes and small, ordinary choices.
• Romanticizing life means choosing to notice the beauty around you.
• You don't have to wait for milestones to feel alive.
• Real strength looks soft and includes rest and self-care.
• Prioritizing yourself is essential for true joy and fulfillment.
• You deserve a life that feels good, not just one that looks good to others.
• You already hold the power to create the life you want.
• Start with small choices that affirm your worth and joy.

Sound bites

• "You get to create the life you want."
• "Real strength actually looks very soft."
• "Live, love and romanticize that life."

Chapters

00:00 Creating the Life You Want

02:43 The Power of Ordinary Choices

05:25 Redefining Strength and Resilience

08:02 Prioritizing Yourself and Your Joy

11:11 Embracing Your Feminine Energy

Keywords

women empowerment, self-care, resilience, personal growth, life choices, joy, feminine energy, mental health, self-love, creating life

Summary

In this heartfelt solo episode, Swati Upadhyay explores the theme of empowerment and self-creation, emphasizing that women have the power to shape their lives. She reflects on her own journey, the importance of making ordinary choices that bring joy, and the need to redefine strength and resilience. Swati encourages listeners to prioritize themselves, embrace their desires, and recognize their inherent worth, ultimately inspiring them to live fully and authentically.

Takeaways

If a woman holds the power to create life, she also holds the power to create the life she wants.

We often forget that the strength we use for others can also be used for ourselves.

Creating your life happens in both big changes and small, ordinary choices.

Romanticizing life means choosing to notice the beauty around you.

You don't have to wait for milestones to feel alive.

Real strength looks soft and includes rest and self-care.

Prioritizing yourself is essential for true joy and fulfillment.

You deserve a life that feels good, not just one that looks good to others.

You already hold the power to create the life you want.

Start with small choices that affirm your worth and joy.

Titles

Empowerment Through Self-Creation

The Beauty of Ordinary Choices

Sound bites

"You get to create the life you want."

"Real strength actually looks very soft."

"Live, love and romanticize that life."

Chapters

00:00 Creating the Life You Want

02:43 The Power of Ordinary Choices

05:25 Redefining Strength and Resilience

08:02 Prioritizing Yourself and Your Joy

11:11 Embracing Your Feminine Energy