Keywords

mental health, leadership, self-care, slowing down, redefining success, immigrant stories, autoimmune health, work-life harmony, slow living, storytelling, resilience, community, nature, self-care, personal growth, authenticity, purpose

Summary

Dimple Dhabalia shares her journey from a childhood in immigrant communities to a career in service. Her perspective offers powerful tools for transforming stories and crafting a life filled with purpose, connection, and compassion. This conversation explores the impact of vicarious trauma, the importance of self-care, and how leaders can foster well-being in themselves and others. Dimple shares personal experiences of living intentionally amidst life's chaos, offering deep wisdom gained from her own life’s challenges. She catalyzes her pain into life lessons and advocacy work to help others live with more balance and compassion. Discover practical insights on slowing down in a fast-paced world, challenging inner narratives, and embracing your unique path.

Key topics

Impact of trauma and vicarious trauma invservice work

The importance of mental health and self-care for leaders

Redefining success and embracing life fully

Conditioning of productivity and dehumanization in society

Strategies for slowing down and living in harmony

The importance of nature and awe in fostering perspective

The dialectic of holding pain and hope

Micro practices for slow living amidst a busy world

Challenging and rewriting internal narratives

The role of community and collective care in resilience

Sound bites

"We are more resilient than we give ourselves credit for."

"Hopeful action takes courage and collective imagination."

"We have the capacity to hold pain and possibility together."

"Being human is messy, but serving other humans is messier."

"Self-care must always go hand in hand with community care."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Living, with Dr. Monica Shah

00:33 Introduction to Dimple Dhabalia

03:22 Cultural Background and Community Influence

05:30 Mental Health Issues and a Call to Service

06:49 Education and Early Career Choices

08:30 Experiences in Public Service

11:01 Personal Struggles and Relationship Challenges

12:28 Grief and Its Impact on Life Decisions

13:37 Finding Purpose in Asylum Work

14:25 Vicarious Trauma and Professional Challenges

17:43 Leadership and Advocacy in Humanitarian Work

19:18 Health Crisis and Its Lessons

22:25 Self-Worth Beyond Professional Identity

24:54 The Dehumanization of the Industrial Revolution

27:00 Compartmentalization and Its Consequences

28:49 The Burden of Leadership

29:47 Work-Life Harmony

30:56 Humanizing Service Work

32:16 Challenging the Narrative of Service Before Self

33:06 Living the Best Version of Your Life Now

37:03 Appreciating the Vastness of Nature

38:39 Holding Pain and Possibility

40:05 Importance of Community

41:43 Slower Living in a Fast-Paced World

45:12 Navigating Identity Through New Ventures

46:23 Connection Through Grief

47:11 The Power of Our Internal Stories

47:58 Practicing Self-Compassion

49:09 Challenging Internal Narratives

50:57 Self-Compassionate versus Self-Critical Coaching

52:02 The Journey of Overcoming Our Stories

53:37 Redefining Success in a Cultural and Societal Contexts

55:16 Finding Meaning in Life Choices

56:52 Reflecting on Life, Connecting the Dots

58:42 Embracing the Complexity of Life

59:33 Tips for Gratitude Practice

01:02:25 Opportunities for Daily Reset

01:03:42 Rewriting Your Own Story

01:04:53 Tips for Charting Your Own Path

01:08:04 Where to Find Dimple

01:09:41 Outtakes

Guest links

Tell Me My Story: Challenging the Narrative of Service Before Self - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXYZ1234

Dimple Dhabalia's Website - https://dimpledhabalia.com

Roots and Clouds Journal - journal.rootsintheclouds.com

Dimple Dhabalia on Instagram - https://instagram.com/dimpstory

love in action cards - https://loveinactioncards.com/

Keywords

psychology, life transformation, mindfulness, out-of-the-boxliving, trauma, societal expectations, LGBTQ+, DBT, dialectical behavior therapy, self-exploration, personal growth

Summary

What if stepping off the beaten path wasn't just a daringadventure, but a profound way to understand yourself better? Kiki Fehling, a psychologist who traded in her traditional career for the open seas, reveals how deliberate experiments with discomfort and core principles like dialectical thinking can unlock a more authentic path. Her story of surviving a heart attack at 29, and later choosing to live on a sailboat for a year, demonstrates how breaking prescribed paths fosters self-discovery, creativity, and deep fulfillment.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How to challenge the 'rules' you've internalized and cultivate a flexible, values-driven life within the structures of our daily lives
• The role of mindfulness and playful experimentation in overcoming fears, shame, and societal expectations

• How living on a sailboat taught a profound connection to nature and the endless possibilities beyond traditional paths
• Practical tools from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and self-compassion practices

This episode is perfect for anyone feeling stuck, curious about unconventional living, or seeking new ways to align their life with their true self. By sharing her own journeys - big and small - Kiki exemplifies the power of intentional risk-taking and mindful adjustment. These insights will inspire you to explore, experiment, and trust that accepting life’s fluidity is where growth and fulfillment truly reside. Prepare to see life as an ever-changing dance with nature and self - hit play to rethink what’s possible for your life.

Key topics

External life events serve as crucial catalysts for internal re-evaluation.

Internalized societal expectations often mask our true preferences.

Changing internal narratives about fixed identities can enable profound transitions.

Environments shape behavior, but internal agency enables adaptation.

Small experiments cultivate the courage to diverge from prescribed paths.

Dialectics are a mental model for fostering flexibility amid life's constant flux.

Self-compassion, mindful inquiry, and body-based practices offer a route to internal clarity.

Sound bites

"Real transformation begins when we challenge our own stories."

"Approaching change as a series of small experiments reduces fear."

"Life is unpredictable, and change is constant."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Living, with Dr. Monica Shah

00:33 Introduction to Kiki Fehling

03:19 Kiki's Journey: From Traditional Paths to Unconventional Choices

07:44 Shifting Expectations After a Health Scare

11:23 Navigating Internalized Expectations

14:27 Building Your Life Worth Living: Lessons from Therapy

17:51 Exploring Flexibility in Life Choices

20:32 Small Steps to Big Changes: The Sailboat Decision

22:59 The Weight of Expectations: Perception vs. Reality

25:09 Embracing Uncertainty and Change

26:22 Navigating Life Choices with Dialectics

28:15 The Challenge of Open Possibilities

29:57 Awareness and Acceptance in Life Choices

31:21 Facing Challenges: Anxiety, Shame, and People-Pleasing

32:47 Opposite Action: Approaching Fear and Shame

35:19 Self-Compassion, Movement, and Interconnectedness in Healing

39:05 Understanding People-Pleasing: A Psychological Perspective

45:35 The Reality of Nuanced Identities

46:47 Living Life on a Sailboat: Embracing Adventure andChange

48:55 Overcoming Identity-Related Barriers to Change

50:45 Embracing Creativity and Nature Through Change

53:48 Finding Stability in Uncertainty

56:14 Bringing Connectedness into Structured Life

59:05 Tips for Going Off the Beaten Path

01:01:01 Where to Find Kiki

01:03:04 Outtakes

Guest links

Kiki Fehling's Website

Upcoming LGBTQ+ Mental Health Workbook, by Kiki Fehling

Kiki's Instagram

Social media handle on all platforms: @dbtkiki

Keywords

authenticity, life transitions, identity, building community, self-discovery, life lessons, resilience, self-love, living in the questions, radical acceptance, fulfillment

Summary

Dr. Monica Shah shares her journey of balancing dance, psychology, and personal growth, highlighting both the challenges and joys of living authentically. She charts her path to self-love through rebuilding her life multiple times, and she reflects on feeling lost while becoming herself. Discover insights on radical acceptance, building community, and embracing life's uncertainties.

Key Topics

Balancing career, passions, and personal life

The importance of nurturing self-love and authenticity

Challenges of life transitions

Overcoming changes in social circles

The role of radical acceptance in living well

Releasing control over how you think your life should go

Building authentic community

Sound bites

“You can both want something in your life and feel satisfied in your life just as it is.”

“Releasing control helps you cultivate more enjoyment in the moments that you experience.”

“Not needing to have an answer right now and also trusting that one will unfold with time.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Living, with Dr. Monica Shah

03:17 My Journey: Roots and Influences

07:09 Navigating Career Choices, Fears, and Identity

08:28 Life Changing Decisions

10:15 Rebuilding Life in Vancouver

12:26 Feeling Unsettled and Getting Unstuck

13:27 Pursuing a Doctorate and New Beginnings

15:08 Support Systems and Community

16:05 Challenges of Shifting Social Circles

16:55 Embracing Sadness

17:42 Questioning Traditional Norms and Beliefs

18:37 Holding Onto Yourself Amidst Others' Voices

20:01 Living with Openness and Uncertainty

21:13 Dealing with Modern Dating

21:49 Self-Discovery, Authenticity, and Fulfillment

25:21 Radical Acceptance and Realms of Control

27:17 Gratitude and Living in the Questions

28:28 Joy and Purpose

29:35 Reflections on My Journey

Guest links

Website – www.drmonicashah.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drmonicashah

Keywords

coaching, personal growth, transformation, ambition, purpose, self-doubt, ideal life, women empowerment, high achievers, entrepreneurship, community support

Summary

What happens when you have the title, the success, the achievements - and you still feel like something’s missing?

In this episode, Hannah shares her journey from thriving in a corporate career to stepping into her calling as an executive life coach.  We talk about redefining ambition, navigating career transitions, and discovering a purpose that feels aligned. Hannah and I explore:

• Why success doesn’t always equal fulfillment
• The quiet “not enough” feeling that many people carry
• How your purpose isn’t fixed - it evolves as you do
• What it really means to design your ideal life (hint: it starts with your everyday experience)
• And why joy and fun are not luxuries - they’re essential

This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and ask yourself: Am I chasing success - or creating a life that actually feels good?

If you’re questioning your next chapter or craving deeper purpose, this conversation will remind you: you don’t have to abandon ambition - you just have to align it.

Key topics

Achievement is often confused with self-worth.

Many high achievers struggle with feelings of not being good enough.

Community support is vital during major life transitions.

Your purpose can evolve and change over time.

Defining an ideal life involves envisioning daily experiences.

Joy and fun are essential for a fulfilling life.

Unhealthy ambition can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction.

Women often face unique pressures regarding purpose and achievement.

It's important to explore interests without the pressure of outcomes.

Sound bites

"What do you actually truly want?"

"I always confused achievement for love."

"You can shift and change your purpose."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Living, with Dr. Monica Shah

01:57 Hannah's Journey: From Corporate to Coaching

05:41 Patterns in High Achieving Women

08:29 Societal Influences on "I'm Not Enough" Beliefs

11:33 Healthy Ambition vs. Unhealthy Ambition

14:31 Challenges in Career Transitions and Entrepreneurship

18:22 Support Systems When Going Against the Grain

22:34 Confronting Parts During Times of Change

24:16 Coping with Isolation and Financial Fears as an Entrepreneur

27:22 Understanding Purpose and Purpose Anxiety

31:29 Finding Purpose in Your Day-to-Day

34:07 Women and Purpose

35:05 Crafting Your Ideal Life

37:37 Joys of Leading An Ideal Life

40:05 Locating Your Internal Compass

42:04 Finding Community and Starting Small

44:10 Joy for the Sake of Enjoyment

45:26 Where to Find Hannah

47:11 Outtake

47:49 Subscribe

Guest links

Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram

Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn

Access the Free Career Confidence Course

Visit www.hannahkissel.com

Keywords

creativity, success, rejection, aging, single life, risk-taking, personal growth, artistic journey, resilience, personal fulfillment

Summary

What does success really mean - especially in the arts, in Hollywood, and in life?

In this conversation, Ulka shares her journey from a stable IT career in Montreal to pursuing her passion for the arts in LA. We highlight how aging in Hollywood brings both challenges and hard-earned wisdom, and why embracing your current chapter - whether single, partnered, thriving, or uncertain - is essential to living well. Ulka discusses redefining success in the arts, especially when life doesn’t follow the traditional timeline, and encourages listeners to take risks and follow their curiosity. We look at the benefits of late career transitions, challenging the idea that it’s ever “too late” to pivot or start something new, and underline how growth happens when we stay curious and honest with ourselves. Through honest reflection on creativity, aging, singledom, rejection, and personal growth, this conversation reframes what it means to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

If you’re seeking clarity, inspiration, and permission to define success for yourself, this episode is for you.  By questioning traditional prescriptions for happiness, we open space for more authentic ways of living and creating.

Key topics

Making a big life change can start with a quiet decision.

Success in the arts is not solely defined by monetary gain.

Rejection is often not personal; it's about fit.

Aging in Hollywood can be challenging, but wisdom grows with age.

Living authentically means embracing your current situation, whether single or partnered.

Curiosity can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth.

It's important to redefine what success means to you personally.

Taking risks is essential for personal fulfillment and growth.

Your past experiences can inform and enhance your current pursuits.

Focus on the process rather than the outcome to find fulfillment.

Sound bites

"No knowledge is wasted."

"What am I aging into?"

“Action begets action.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Living, with Dr. Monica Shah

00:33 Ulka Mohanty: A Modern-Day Renaissance Woman

01:33 The Journey to LA: A Leap of Faith

08:37 Redefining Success in the Arts

14:32 Navigating Rejection and Building Resilience

20:42 Benefits of Late Career Transitions

27:45 Challenging Traditional Prescriptions

30:16 Cultural Pressures to Be in Partnership

33:49 Navigating the Question of Singledom

37:10 Aging in Hollywood: Shifting Perspectives

42:07 Embracing Curiosity, Risk, and Action in Your Life

47:52 Where to Find Ulka

49:46 Outtakes

50:55 Subscribe

Guest links

Website: www.ulkamohanty.com

Instagram: @UlkaM

Keywords

mental blocks, podcasting, self-doubt,motivation, perfectionism, resilience, procrastination, overcoming challenges, self-criticism,self-compassion

Summary

In this solo episode, Dr. Monica Shah shares her journey of launching a podcast while navigating various mental and physical blocks. She discusses the common challenges people face when trying something new, including time management, life circumstances, overwhelm, procrastination, perfectionism, and self-doubt. Dr. Shah emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and resilience in overcoming these obstacles. The conversation serves as a guide for listeners who may be facing similar blocks to embarking on something new, encouraging them to embrace their unique paths in life.

Key topics

It's normal to feel nervous when starting something new.

Common blocks include time management, life circumstances, and overwhelm.

Self-doubt is a common barrier to pursuing goals.

Motivation often comes after taking action, not before.

Perfectionism can hinder progress and creativity.

Procrastination often stems from fear and overwhelm.

Comparison to others can diminish motivation.

Setting external deadlines creates accountability and can distract from mental blocks.

Self-criticism is detrimental; self-compassion is crucial when facing challenges

Embrace the journey and learn from each experience.

Sound bites

“Work in the windows of time.”

"Done is better than perfect."

"Just start somewhere and you can modify as you go."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Living, with Dr. Monica Shah

00:37 Pulling Back the Curtain: My Podcast Journey

02:51 My Why

04:11 Block #1: Time

05:38 Block #2: Life

06:12 Block #3: Overwhelm

07:05 Block #4: Intellectualizing

08:19 Block #5: Procrastination

09:26 Block #6: Perfectionism

11:22 Block #7: Motivation

12:50 Block #8: Self-Doubt

13:34 Block #9: Vulnerability

14:39 Block #10: Social Comparison

15:35 Setting Goals and Deadlines

16:31 Block #11: Self-Criticism

18:42 Reconnecting with My Why

19:30 First Solo Show Done!

20:59 Please Like, Share, and Subscribe

Guest links

Passengers on the Bus metaphor (from ACT)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z29ptSuoWRc

Keywords

Immigration journey, belonging, intuition, change, travel, resilience, identity, personal growth, authenticity, family, identity, redefining home, self-acceptance, resilience, living authentically, India to Canada, healing, trusting yourself, identity and belonging

Summary

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, I sit down with Reet German to explore her transformative journey of immigration,identity, and belonging. From moving from India to Canada to traveling the world with her family, Reet shares how embracing change reshaped her understanding of home, self- acceptance, and personal growth. We discuss the role of intuition in decision-making, the challenges of embracing change, and how leaning into discomfort can lead to profound healing and resilience. Reet opens up about redefining success on her own terms, living authentically, and cultivating compassion for oneself during times of uncertainty. Her story serves as a call for us all act as active participants in our own lives.

This conversation is for anyone navigating life transitions, questioning where they belong, or seeking the courage to trust themselves more fully. Whether you’re an immigrant, a traveler, or simply someone longing to feel at home within yourself, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom for living a more intentional life.

If this episode resonates, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone navigating change or searching for belonging.

Key topics

Reet's journey from India to Canada shaped her identity.

The quest for belonging is a lifelong journey.

Intuition plays a crucial role in decision-making.

Embracing change can lead to personal growth.

Traveling the world offers valuable life lessons.

Home is a feeling, not a physical place.

Resilience is built through facing challenges.

Leaning into discomfort can lead to transformation.

Living authentically requires self-acceptance.

Compassion for oneself is essential in the healing process.

Sound bites

"You are your own home."

“Be an active participant in your life.”

"Clarity comes after action."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Living, with Dr. Monica Shah

00:33 Reet German: Coming Home to Yourself

02:12 Journey of Transformation: Searching for Self

11:08 The Quest for Belonging: Navigating Identity and Acceptance

22:05 Breaking Through: Facing Pushback, Uncertainty, and Change

28:57 Embracing Uncertainty: Deciding to Travel the World

34:03 You Are Your Own Home

35:52 Redefining Success, Creating Your Dreams

38:16 Lessons from Parenting and Self-Discovery

39:49 Joys of Choosing Your Path

41:51 Cultivating Compassion and Acceptance in Relationships

42:49 Be an Active Participant in Your Life

44:27 Progress Over Perfection

46:10 “Lean In” to The Challenge

50:34 Where to Find Reet

Guest links

Instagram: @reetgerman

Podcast: Reignite with Reet

Keywords

authentic living, parallel careers, family dynamics, dance, law, personal growth, community support, unconventional paths, self-discovery, acceptance, unexpected opportunities, multi-hyphenate life, multiple passions, creative career paths, redefining family, overcoming fear, practice and preparation, self-discipline, staying curious, openness to possibilities, lifelong learning, happiness through authenticity, designing your life

Summary

In this episode we explore the journey of Natasha Bakht, an award-winning dancer and law professor who navigates dual passions through a parallel career. Natasha shares her influences, including her supportive family and the impact of her dance teacher, and highlights the importance of acceptance in creating a foundation for living uniquely. The discussion delves into how to lead a multi-hyphenate life, the significance of community, and the unexpected paths that can lead to fulfillment. Natasha emphasizes making choices based on oneself, using practice and preparation to combat fear, and the beauty of creating a family beyond conventional norms. We discuss how openness can lead to the most unexpected joys, underlining the importance of staying open to both possibilities that we can imagine and those that we cannot imagine.

Key topics

Living authentically means honoring your truth.

Support and acceptance at a young age can shape one's identity.

Navigating parallel careers can be fulfilling.

Individual choices must be made when charting your own path.

Embracing unconventional paths leads to unique experiences.

Community support is vital for personal growth.

Curiosity keeps life exciting and fresh.

Practice and preparation are essential for overcoming fear.

Being open to new possibilities can lead to unexpected joys.

Creating a family can take many forms beyond convention.

Sound bites

"You're not alone on this journey."

"Curiosity allows you to remain new."

"Practice is key to overcoming fear."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Living Authentically

02:00 Natasha Bakht: Defining Your Own Life

05:05 Influences Of Family and Culture

08:39 The Role Of Acceptance In Shaping Identity

12:10 Navigating Parallel Careers

14:32 Finding Balance Between Dance And Law

16:16 Embracing Individual Choices

18:43 Using Happiness As Your Guide

21:16 Charting A Non-Traditional Path

23:25 Leading A Multi-Hyphenate Life

26:22 Navigating Multiple Interests and Career Paths

27:39 Unexpected Joys Of An Unexpected Life

29:40 Embracing Curiosity And Lifelong Learning

31:57 The Importance of Practice and Preparation

35:32 Openness To Possibilities: Re-Defining Family

41:52 Where To Find Natasha

Photo Credit: Neo Media group

Keywords 

artistic expression, cultural identity, personal growth, women's empowerment, dance, creativity, immigrant experience, self-discovery, resilience, life reinvention after 40, unlocking your true power, overcoming self-doubt and fear, finding your true potential, becoming your own champion, nurturing your desires, art and activism, starting over in a new city, growth through struggle, fertility journey, creative empowerment tips, New York arts scene

Summary

In this conversation, Rachna Nivas shares how personal struggles, cultural heritage, and artistic expression shape identity and fuel creativity. We explore the challenges and triumphs of the artist’s journey, uncover the transformative power of moving to a new place, and discuss how women in their forties experience a powerful awakening. Learn how nurturing your desires, embracing your cultural roots, and becoming your own champion can lead to personal fulfillment and self-discovery. Whether you’re an artist, a creative soul, or someone seeking life reinvention, this episode will inspire you to overcome self-doubt, recognize your true power, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

Key topics

Cultural heritage plays a significant role in personal identity.

Artistic expression can be a powerful form of activism.

The journey of an artist is filled with challenges and triumphs.

Personal struggles fuel creativity and growth.

Moving to a new place can open new opportunities.

Women in their forties experience a powerful awakening.

Nurturing your desires is essential for personal fulfillment.

You must be your own champion in pursuing your dreams.

Self-doubt is overcome by recognizing your true power.

Sound bites

“Answer the intuition.”

"Wisdom is sexy."

"Your plan is actually blocking you."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Living

00:35 Rachna Nivas: A Journey of Artistic Expression

03:34 Influence of Family and Activism

08:45 Embracing Cultural Pride and Authenticity

12:05 The Unexpected Path to Arts and Activism

18:54 Deciding to Follow the Artistic Path

24:23 Confronting Financial and Societal Pressures

27:17 Challenges of Choosing This Path

31:09 Bridging Art and Activism

34:44 Confronting Loss: A New Chapter in NYC

39:30 Redefining Womanhood and Creative Power

41:32 Intuition as a Light Through Darkness

44:47 Embracing Age and Wisdom

47:31 Rewards of Risk-Taking

51:19 The Beauty and Power of Aging

55:49 Nurturing Desires and Going Against the Grain

01:00:13 Belief in Possibility

01:05:27 Where To Find Rachna

Guest links

Instagram: @rachnanivas

Website: www.rachnanivas.com

Rachna is a performing artist, choreographer, educator, community organizer, scholar, and activist of Indian classical art.  A radical artist whose practice is both deeply protective of tradition but also interrogative, her work is rooted in feminine consciousness and Eastern philosophies that challenge Eurocentric cultural paradigms. 

She is co-founder and co-artistic director of Leela Dance Collective, and is building her own solo body of work in a generative chapter of her artistic journey. 

As an educator and community organizer, Rachna also currently directs Leela New York’s thriving training institution.  She was also a recipient of the New York Public Library for Performing Arts Dance Research Fellowship and is currently an artist in residence at 92NY's Harkness Dance Center.  

Keywords 

creativity, uncertainty, intuition, career transition, creative career paths, overcoming fear, trusting the process, life transformation, making a career change, full-time creative career, diversifying career paths, creative entrepreneurship, leap of faith in life and work, transitioning from a stable career to a creative one, using intuition and trust to navigate life decisions, personal growth, community support, stress management, iconoclast

Summary

In this episode, we follow Ishita’s journey from aspiring doctor to full-time creative director and choreographer. Rejecting limiting labels, Ishita shows how embracing uncertainty and trusting your intuition can guide major life and career decisions. We dive into practical strategies for managing stress by controlling reactions rather than external circumstances, the importance of community support, and how diversifying career paths can provide stability in uncertain times. We also discuss leaps of faith, trusting the process, and self awareness fueling personal growth. If you’re considering a career pivot, pursuing a creative passion, or seeking guidance in navigating life transitions, Ishita’s story offers inspiration, actionable insights, and encouragement to trust yourself and embrace the journey.

Key topics

Ishita rejects label culture, believing it limits human complexity.

Her journey involved a significant pivot from medicine to dance.

Embracing uncertainty is essential for personal growth.

Community support plays a crucial role in navigating career challenges.

Stress management is about controlling reactions, not the stressors themselves.

Diversifying career paths can provide stability in uncertain times.

Transitioning to full-time creativity requires a leap of faith.

Unexpected joys can arise from embracing spirituality and trust in the process.

Intuition is a vital compass for making life decisions.

Sound bites:

"Uncertainty is the rule."

"Stress is something that you choose to do."

"We're all making it up!"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Living

00:33 Ishita Mili: From Medicine toMovement

02:57 Accepting Complexity, Rejecting Labels

05:10 Jumping Off "The Path" With No Plan

08:26 Uncertainty As The Rule, Embracing The Unknown

11:37 Dealing With External Pressure And Critics

15:02 Stress As A Choice, Managing Your Reactions

19:37 Self-Care As A Necessity

21:22 Transition To Being A Full-Time Creative

24:49 Taking The Leap, Doubting The Decision

29:05 Developing Faith In The Journey

30:44 Surrendering To The Flow of Life

33:00 Trying Without Knowing

34:22 Intuition As Your Compass

36:10 Accepting The Path As It Unfolds

38:38 Where To Find Ishita

Guest links

Instagram: @ishitamili @imgedance

Website: www.imgedance.com

Ishita Mili is a Bengali American director, choreographer, and scientist. She founded [IMGE] Dance as a performance company based in dance, film, and music, and over the last 8 years, IMGE has built bridges across concert, commercial, musical theater, academic, and independent arts industries through their distinct intersection between Indian and American classical to street styles.

Ishita was awarded Artist of Exceptional Merit by the Asian American Arts Alliance, received a Folks Arts Apprentice grant under theNJ State Council of the Arts, and taught the IMGE methodology at Princeton University and Gonzaga University. She most recently completed the LabWorks '24-'25 cohort at New Victory Theater and received a 2025 Individual Artist Fellowship award from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Ishita is also a deeply involved community advocate and activist. She is the founder of South Asian American Arts Solidarity (SAAAS), the co-host of the South Asian Performing Arts Summit, and is also the co-host of Kinetic Dance Film Festival.

Alongside her achievements in the arts world, Ishita holds a BS in Chemistry and MBS with a concentration in Drug Discovery and Development, and spent 5 years working in biotechnology.