Reframing Perspectives with Payal Beri, PhD

When you think of therapy, do you picture someone lying on a couch, retelling their past while a therapist takes notes? It’s time to reframe that vision.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Payal Beri sits down with Melissa Dumaz —licensed marriage and family therapist, holistic wellness expert, bestselling author, and co-host of The Hats Podcast—to explore the multi-dimensional world of healing beyond traditional talk therapy.

With over 20 years of experience, Melissa brings insight into alternative therapeutic modalities like EMDR, Reiki, sound therapy, journaling, and somatic work. Together, they discuss:

• Why talk therapy isn’t the only path to healing
• The science and transformation behind EMDR for trauma resolution
• Navigating cultural stigma around therapy in communities of color
• How healing yourself can transform your relationships and your legacy
• What to do if you’re seeking therapy but feel resistant—or simply don’t know where to start

Whether you're new to therapy, skeptical about its value, or curious about holistic approaches to mental well-being, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and practical takeaways for your healing journey.

Guest Links:

• Learn more about Melissa at www.melissadumaz.com
• Follow @melissadumaz on all social platforms
• Listen to The Hats Podcast wherever you get your podcasts
• Check out her book: The Love Challenge: 30 Days, 30 Ways to Increase the Love in Your Relationship

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Diverse Therapeutic Modalities 

00:44 Meet Melissa Dumaz: A Holistic Wellness Expert 

03:37 The Journey to Becoming a Therapist 

07:45 The Importance of Therapy for Everyone 

09:50 Addressing Cultural Stigmas Around Therapy 

12:54 Therapy as a Tool for Personal Growth 

22:58 Exploring Different Therapeutic Modalities 

26:40 Understanding EMDR and Its Impact 

30:04 Understanding Bilateral Simulation and EMDR 

30:58 The Goal of EMDR: Neutralizing Memories 

34:17 The Microwave Age: Instant Gratification in Therapy 

35:46 The Healing Journey: Embracing the Process 

38:31 Finding Community and Support in Therapy 

40:27 The Role of a Great Therapist 

49:12 Graduating from Therapy: Embracing New Modalities 

51:12 Proactive Mental Health: Addressing Stigma 

52:38 Connecting with Melissa Dumaz

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri & Reframing Perspectives:

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• Speaking & Media: https://www.drpayalberi.com

What if the key to deeper empathy, connection, and identity lies in the stories of those who came before us?

In this moving and insightful episode, we sit down with Anika Chara, CEO and Co-founder of Root and Seed, to explore how personal loss led to a powerful mission: preserving family heritage for future generations. Anika opens up about her own journey after the unexpected passing of her mother and how that experience sparked the creation of Root and Seed—a platform dedicated to capturing and sharing family stories, traditions, and culture.

Discover how simple tools like conversation cards and workshops can spark powerful dialogues within families, and how revisiting these stories can be both healing and transformative.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why storytelling is essential for preserving cultural heritage
• How to initiate meaningful conversations with loved ones
• The emotional and psychological benefits of knowing your roots
• Practical tips to start capturing your family’s legacy today

Whether you're looking to reconnect with your past or create a stronger future for the next generation, this episode is a powerful reminder of the ties that bind us.

👉 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the episode if it resonates with you!

Connect with Anika Chara & Root and Seed:

Website: https://rootandseed.com/ 

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

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri:

Website: www.payalberi.com

Instagram: @dr.payalberi

Subscribe to the newsletter for more transformational conversations

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection to Ancestry 

00:40 Meet Anika Chara: CEO and Co-founder of Root and Seed 

01:35 The Journey of Root and Seed 

02:50 Anika's Personal Story and Motivation 

03:55 The Importance of Preserving Family Stories 

06:53 Challenges and Approaches in Storytelling 

11:17 Empathy and Legacy in Family Dynamics 

18:39 Personal Reflections and Legacy Building 

25:26 Reflecting on Family History and Migration 

26:53 Generational Trauma and Personal Impact 

27:58 Contrasting Parental Personalities 

29:30 Immigrant Mindset and Cultural Preservation 

30:32 Empowerment Through Roots and Seeds 

31:22 Evolving Cultural Traditions 

32:19 Parental Reflections and Cultural Anxiety 

38:12 Understanding and Empathy in Family Dynamics 

41:07 Taking Action to Connect with Heritage 

43:48 Reframing Ancestry and Legacy 

47:20 Conclusion and Contact Information

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri & Reframing Perspectives:

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• Speaking & Media: https://www.drpayalberi.com

What does it really mean to live inside a woman’s body, from your first period to post-menopause? And what happens when we stop treating these milestones like isolated events and start honoring them as part of one powerful, continuous journey?

In this deeply insightful episode, Dr. Payal Beri sits down with renowned OB/GYN and bestselling author Dr. Suzanne Gilberg to explore the full spectrum of womanhood — from menstruation to menopause and everything in between.

With over 26 years of clinical experience, Dr. Gilberg shares why it is time to shift the way we view women’s health. This isn’t just a medical conversation. It is a cultural one. Together, they unpack the layers of silence, shame, and systemic bias that have shaped how women experience their bodies.

You will hear the stories behind the research, the lived experiences behind the stats, and the call to action for a more connected and informed approach to our hormonal health.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Why women’s health should be seen as a continuous journey, not separate milestones
• How shame around periods, sex, and menopause starts early — and why it sticks
• What most doctors miss about women’s hormones and why the research gap is still so wide
• How pelvic floor trauma often begins with cultural messaging
• What every woman should know in her 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond
• Why menopause is not the end but the beginning of your “second spring”
• How men can play an active and supportive role through every phase

Whether you are just starting your period, thinking about fertility, navigating perimenopause, or reflecting on your mother’s journey, this episode will leave you feeling more connected, informed, and empowered.

Dr. Suzanne Gilberg

Website: www.drsuzanne.com

Book: Menopause Bootcamp

Instagram: www.instagram.com/drsuzannegilberg

Facilitator Certification Program: www.drsuzanne.com

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri:

Website: www.payalberi.com

Instagram: @dr.payalberi

Subscribe to the newsletter for more transformational conversations

If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Conversation 

02:18 Dr. Suzanne's Motivation and Experience 

04:25 Cultural Norms and Medical Education Gaps 

04:49 Challenges in Medical Research and Education 

06:50 The Broken Healthcare System 

10:25 Women's Health as a Lifelong Journey 

14:12 Advice for Young Girls and Women 

15:37 The Impact of Fear and Cultural Norms on Women's Health 

21:44 Celebrating the Female Journey 

26:12 Understanding Biological Timelines and Personal Choices 

27:05 Societal Expectations vs. Personal Desires 

30:45 Men's Role in Women's Health Conversations 

35:14 Intergenerational Learning and Health Awareness 4

0:20 Empowerment Through Self-Acceptance and Community 

45:54 Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri & Reframing Perspectives:

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• Speaking & Media: https://www.drpayalberi.com

What does it really mean to be the “perfect Indian girl”? And what happens when you decide you no longer want to carry the weight of that label?

In this powerful episode, host Payal Beri sits down with Tracy, better known as The Bad Indian Therapist, for a deeply personal and paradigm-shifting conversation that challenges the cultural expectations placed on South Asian women. From generational shame and toxic guilt to navigating cultural identity, therapy taboos, and boundaries, this is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt torn between heritage and authenticity.

Tracy shares how her unconventional approach to therapy has helped South Asian women break free from the pressure to be the perfect daughter, wife, or mother — and what it means to finally take up space without guilt.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Why so many South Asian women avoid culturally similar therapists — and what that reveals
• The myth of the "perfect Indian girl" and its emotional cost
• How guilt is culturally weaponized, and how to stop it from running your life
• What boundaries really are (hint: not a Western concept!)
• How to stop tone-policing yourself when communicating needs
• Reframing parental pedestal syndrome — and making peace with your identity

Whether you’re part of the diaspora or just curious about the intersection of culture and healing, this episode will leave you thinking, reflecting, and (hopefully) reclaiming yourself.

Links & Resources:

More from Tracy:

https://thebadindiantherapist.com

Instagram: Tracy Vadakumchery (@thebadindiantherapist)

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebadindiantherapist?lang=en 

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri

Website: www.payalberi.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.payalberi/ 

Subscribe to the newsletter for more transformational conversations

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction: The Pressure of Perfection 

00:21 Meet Tracy: The Bad Indian Therapist 

02:43 Tracy's Journey into Therapy 

07:49 Cultural Competency in Therapy 

10:58 Navigating Identity and Belonging 

17:59 The Evolution of Culture and Identity 

21:28 Releasing the Perfect Indian Girl Identity 

28:30 Effective Communication vs. Tone Policing 

28:49 Direct Communication in Therapy 

31:20 Cultural Expectations and Outcome-Driven Mindsets 

31:53 Materialism and Status in Indian Culture 

32:53 White Supremacy Culture in Indian Society 

37:30 Therapists and the Fear of Judgment 

42:07 Boundaries in Indian Families 

49:51 Empathy and Parental Relationships 

50:44 The Myth of the Perfect Indian Girl 

51:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri & Reframing Perspectives:

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What if the very emotions you’ve been taught to suppress were the key to your growth?

In this powerful episode of Reframing Perspectives, host Dr. Payal Beri sits down with Bryant Alexander Jr., a transformational performance coach and founder of Reframe Creative Consulting. Bryant shares his deeply personal journey from growing up in silence, believing he had nothing to offer, to becoming a voice of leadership, emotional resilience, and collective empowerment.

Through the transformative lens of Vipassana meditation, Bryant reclaims his voice, uncovers suppressed emotions, and redefines what success truly means. This episode is a must-listen for high-achievers, entrepreneurs, and impact-driven leaders who feel trapped in performative success and are ready to step into something more authentic.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• The connection between childhood roles, emotional suppression & adult burnout
• Why resilience isn't a solo act—and how it must be built in community
• How 10 days of silent meditation reshaped Bryant’s identity and leadership style
• Why many ambitious people are unknowingly led by unhealed trauma
• How to redefine success from a place of wholeness, not woundedness
• The game-changing question Bryant asks every client before transformation can begin

Whether you're in the C-suite or just beginning your personal growth journey, this conversation will challenge what you think success looks like and offer a new, grounded path forward.

Connect with Bryant Alexander:

Website: https://reframecc.com

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

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bryant-c-alexander-jr/

Spirit Rock Meditation Center: https://www.spiritrock.org/ 

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri

Website: www.payalberi.com

Instagram: @dr.payalberi

Subscribe to the newsletter for more transformational conversations

If this episode moved you...

Follow, rate, and leave a review! It helps more people discover the power of redemption and real change.

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction to Bryant's Journey 

02:56 Bryant's Early Life and Introversion 

05:35 The Turning Point: Embracing Leadership 

07:28 Struggles with Emotional Expression 

10:35 Therapy and the Path to Healing 

18:10 Discovering Vipassana Meditation 

24:34 The Weight of Emotional Baggage 

25:20 The Power of Choice and Letting Go 

26:23 The Lifelong Practice of Enlightenment 

27:56 Integrating Healing into Daily Life 

30:53 Empathy and Community 

39:45 Understanding the 'Who' in Personal Growth 

45:10 Redefining Success

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri & Reframing Perspectives:

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• Speaking & Media: https://www.drpayalberi.com

What if prison wasn’t the end of someone's story, but the beginning of a powerful transformation?

In this soul-stirring episode, Dr. Payal Beri sits down with Andrew Murphy, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Inmate Education Association (WIEA), to discuss how higher education, empathy, and human dignity are reshaping the lives of incarcerated individuals many of whom were once seen as beyond redemption.

Through personal stories, lived experiences, and hard truths, Andrew shares how WIEA’s groundbreaking college-in-prison program is restoring hope, reducing prison violence, and helping incarcerated men become change agents in their communities even from behind bars. Together, Payal and Andrew explore the deep stigmas society places on the incarcerated and why we must rethink justice, humanity, and redemption.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Why transformation behind bars is not only possible - but essential
• How education and faith-based identity formation impact recidivism and violence
• The myth of "once a criminal, always a criminal"and how that mindset fails communities
• Real-life stories of rival gang members finding unity, fathers inspiring their grandsons, and men rewriting their legacies
• What families of the incarcerated learn when someone they love transforms inside
• Why supporting prison education helps break intergenerational cycles of crime

Support WIEA’s Mission

Want to make a direct impact? Sponsor a student’s college journey behind bars or become a monthly donor. https://www.wieawi.org 

Connect with Payal: 

Follow Dr. Payal Beri on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/dr.payalberi

Subscribe to Reframing Perspectives on YouTube: 

https://www.youtube.com/@payalberi?sub_confirmation=1 

Check out RK Empathy: 

https://www.rkempathy.com/ 

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/payalberi/

Interested in having Dr. Payal Beri speak at your event? 

https://www.payalberi.com/ 

If this episode moved you...

Follow, rate, and leave a review! It helps more people discover the power of redemption and real change.

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction and Excitement

01:31 The Moment of Conviction

03:20 Realizations and Transformations

07:15 Debunking Myths About Incarceration

10:25 The Power of Education in Prison

15:25 Stories of Transformation

23:36 Addressing Criticisms and Redemption

25:27 The Impact of the Death Penalty on Victims' Families

26:52 Redemption and Dignity for Incarcerated Individuals

28:02 Inspiring Stories of Transformation

29:18 The Ripple Effect of Education in Prison

30:42 The Power of Truth and Accountability

32:49 Life After Release: Transformations and Challenges

35:35 The Role of Faith and Education in Rehabilitation

38:51 Addressing Systemic Issues and Changing Perspectives

45:21 The Importance of Compassion and Support

48:23 Reframing Perspectives on Incarceration and Redemption

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri & Reframing Perspectives:

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In this powerful episode, Dr. Payal Beri sits down with Bhavik Shah, a mental health advocate, speaker, and former financial services executive, to explore the real cost of burnout and what it takes to create a workplace culture rooted in psychological safety.

What You’ll Learn:

• The physical and emotional toll of repeated burnout and how to recognize the warning signs
• How Bhavik navigated toxic workplace culture as a queer South Asian man in finance
• Why benefits and wellness apps are not the solution to workplace wellbeing
• How to self-advocate effectively, even when your workplace isn’t ready to listen
• Actionable insights for people managers to build trust and lead with empathy

Whether you're a rising professional, a people leader, or someone navigating the pressures of high-performance culture, this episode is your reminder that work should not be miserable. Burnout is not a badge of honor.

Resources & Mentions:

Visit Bhavik’s website: www.bhavikshah.com

Explore Bhavik’s Harvard Business Review articles: https://hbr.org/2022/10/i-survived-a-hate-crime-heres-how-my-company-supported-me

Connect with Payal: 

Follow Dr. Payal Beri on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/dr.payalberi

Subscribe to Reframing Perspectives on YouTube: 

https://www.youtube.com/@payalberi?sub_confirmation=1 

Check out RK Empathy: 

https://www.rkempathy.com/ 

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/payalberi/

Interested in having Dr. Payal Beri speak at your event? 

https://www.payalberi.com/ 

Chapters:

0:00 – Bhavik Shah’s burnout-to-advocacy journey

3:00 – The panic attack that became a turning point

6:00 – Why burnout has been normalized in hustle culture

9:00 – Navigating corporate gaslighting and identity suppression

14:00 – How personal branding pressure fuels burnout

22:00 – Why wellness apps and perks miss the point

25:00 – What psychological safety really looks like

34:00 – Practical tips for people managers and team leads

38:00 – Why self-advocacy is essential for mental health

41:00 – Final thoughts on building better workplace cultures

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help us continue these important conversations.

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri & Reframing Perspectives:

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In this episode, Payal sits down with Qasim Rashid to explore the intersection of empathy, activism, and justice. As a respected human rights attorney and advocate for civil rights, Qasim shares how his early experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to fighting injustice. The conversation dives into the realities facing immigrant communities, the dangers of performative activism, and how to build sustainable, community-based movements that last.

Listeners will walk away with practical insights into how empathy fuels real change, how to stay engaged without burning out, and what it means to lead with purpose in the face of systemic challenges.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why empathy is a critical tool in social justice work
• The long-term impact of values-driven activism
• How to identify and avoid performative allyship
• Common challenges immigrant communities continue to face
• The importance of civic education and youth engagement
• Actionable steps for sustainable community involvement

Join the Conversation:

If this episode resonated with you, please follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone committed to justice and equity.

About Qasim Rashid:

Qasim Rashid is a human rights lawyer, author of Talk to Me and The Wrong Kind of Muslim, and a former U.S. Congressional candidate. His work focuses on civil rights, religious freedom, and public policy reform, with a deep commitment to uplifting marginalized voices and creating equitable systems of justice.

Resources & Links:

Learn more about Qasim Rashid: www.qasimrashid.com

Follow Qasim on social media: @QasimRashid

Connect with Payal: 

Follow Dr. Payal Beri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.payalberi

Subscribe to Reframing Perspectives on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@payalberi?sub_confirmation=1 

Check out RK Empathy: https://www.rkempathy.com/ 

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/payalberi/ 

Interested in having Dr. Payal Beri speak at your event? https://www.payalberi.com/ 

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Qasim Rashid

02:52 Early Influences and Activism Roots

06:59 Navigating Fear and Taking Action 

08:09 Generational Perspectives on Justice 

11:28 Practical Steps for Young Activists 

19:24 The Role of Empathy in Activism 

25:32 Challenges of Empathy in Modern Society 

30:45 Rebuilding Connections in a Post-C World 

31:12 Empathy and Everyday Fatigue 

32:52 Activism: From Comfort Zone to Rage 

34:14 Sustainable Activism: A Marathon, Not a Sprint 

35:31 The Importance of Local Involvement 

38:37 The Role of Reading and Intellectualism 

46:05 Addressing Misogyny and Violence Against Women 

51:02 Empathy and Compassion in Activism 

57:26 Final Thoughts and Connecting with Qasim Rashid

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri & Reframing Perspectives:

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• Speaking & Media: https://www.drpayalberi.com

Are you tired of people assuming single = incomplete?

Being single doesn’t mean you’re missing something. It means you’re living life on your terms — and thriving.

In this powerful solo episode of Reframing Perspectives, Dr. Payal Beri challenges the outdated belief that a woman’s worth is tied to her relationship status. Through personal stories, cultural observations, and big-picture societal critique, she invites you to see singlehood as a valid, fulfilling, and powerful life choice.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The subtle ways society sidelines single women — from awkward family questions to invisible workplace bias.
• How to create fulfillment without a partner — building a life anchored in friendships, purpose, and joy.
• Why changing the conversation benefits everyone — not just women choosing independence.
• The hidden biases in our systems — from plus-one expectations to tax codes and legislation.
• Lessons from nature — what orcas, elephants, and matriarch-led communities can teach us about leadership and collaboration.

Episode Highlights 

• 00:00 Embracing Singlehood by Choice
• 00:33 Societal Expectations & Pressure
• 01:43 Building a Fulfilling Life You Love
• 02:37 Friendship as Emotional Nourishment
• 04:13 Singlehood and True Happiness
• 06:54 Confronting Judgment and Bullying
• 08:48 Workplace & Social Bias Against Single Women
• 09:36 Gender Inequality in Law and Policy
• 11:24 Rethinking Power and Collaboration
• 12:18 Lessons from the Animal Kingdom
• 14:04 Challenging Traditional Gender Roles
• 23:33 Cultural & Religious Reflections on Women’s Worth
• 27:50 Conclusion: Elevating Everyone

Why This Conversation Matters

Whether you’re single, partnered, or somewhere in between, this episode will challenge you to think differently about identity, value, and connection. You’ll walk away with a reframed perspective — one that celebrates independence, questions bias, and calls for a more inclusive definition of success.

Listen now and join the movement to normalize singlehood as a choice, not a flaw.

Continue the Conversation

📩 Join the Reframing Perspectives Newsletter — Get deeper dives into the relationship economy, empathy driven stories, and perspective-shifting ideas: 

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🎤 Hire Payal to Speak — Book Dr. Payal Beri for your event or organization: 

https://www.payalberi.com/contact 

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https://www.instagram.com/dr.payalberi/

🎥 Watch on TikTok — 

https://www.tiktok.com/@drpayalberi

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri & Reframing Perspectives:

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Have you ever pulled back from a friend’s life change because it triggered something in you? In this episode, Payal shares a deeply personal story about navigating a friendship when her close friend, Topsie, embraced Christianity — and how it challenged her own beliefs, biases, and emotional reflexes.

Through moments of hesitation, empathy, and surprising parallels, Payal uncovers the real question: How do you stay connected when your lives evolve in different directions?

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction: Personal Reflections on Religion and Friendship

01:06 A Friend's Religious Journey

02:06 Emotional Avoidance and Processing Tension

03:30 Personal Beliefs and Religious Baggage

08:46 Cultural Diversity and Community

12:05 Embracing Curiosity and Understanding

22:37 Transformative Power of Religion

28:42 Conclusion: Compassion and Commonality

This episode isn’t about religion — it’s about friendship, emotional avoidance, and leaning into discomfort as an opportunity for growth. Payal discusses the hidden grief behind resistance to a friend’s change and why emotional avoidance can quietly damage connection. She also explores how curiosity can transform discomfort into compassion.

If you’ve ever felt tension when someone you love changes in a way that challenges your worldview, this conversation offers a roadmap for staying present, respectful, and open-hearted.

Follow Dr. Payal Beri on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/dr.payalberi 

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Check out RK Empathy: 

https://www.rkempathy.com/ 

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/payalberi/ 

Interested in having Dr. Payal Beri speak at your event? 

https://www.payalberi.com/ 

This Podcast is Produced by MicMoguls.com.

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri & Reframing Perspectives:

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