The Soarce

Today, I'm so excited to welcome Nina Davuluri to the show! She made history as the first South Asian woman to win Miss America, and in this episode, she gets vulnerable about topics that affect all of us almost every day. We dive into beauty standards, body image, media influence, cultural impacts, and why it's important to question norms. Nina has such a warm, unique, and truthful perspective on these complex issues, having experienced them firsthand in the pageant world. 

Nina won Miss America back in 2013, and throughout our conversation, she reflects on all the ways she's grown and changed since and how society has evolved. She opens up about how being a beauty pageant winner influenced her self-perception and how she separates beauty trends as self-care versus seeking outside validation. Nina also shares her advice for unlearning harmful beliefs, overcoming societal pressures, and deconstructing generational body image trauma, especially in South Asian households.  

Plus, we chat about how Nina has found her calling in storytelling and why sharing our personal stories is a potent tool for encouraging meaningful change and empowering the next generation to challenge the norms. 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

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Topics Covered:

• How much perceptions can change over a decade 
• Exploring the influence of pageantry on body image and beauty standards
• Why social media has a massive impact on our self-esteem 
• Nina’s journey with weight fluctuation and tips for combating negative body comments 
• Advice for unlearning harmful generational beliefs, behaviors, and colorism 
• The power of storytelling and Nina’s goals for her documentary, COMPLEXion

Resources mentioned 

• Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani 
• Made In Heaven
• Glossy by Marisa Meltzer

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• COMPLEXion

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After my recent episode on gut health, I received a flood of messages from many of you who have gone through similar experiences. It's so challenging to navigate through the influx of gut-related problems and the countless products that promise quick fixes in our modern world. That's why I invited Ayurvedic expert and coach Nidhi Pandya to the pod to simplify Ayurvedic food practices for our everyday life, because one thing I’ve learned is how and what we eat impacts so much of our everyday lives.

Nidhi's approach to Ayurveda is so refreshing! She aims to be jargon-free and demystify key digestive concepts like microbiome and Agni. In our conversation, she shares her perspective on mindful eating and how we should enjoy our foods rather than obsess over specific nutrition issues, weight management, or calorie counting. The best part about Nidhi's method is that it's effortless to incorporate into your existing daily routine. She breaks down her Inner Climate™ principles that prioritize the temperature of foods and the timing of when you eat them. 

Ultimately, your gut controls everything from stress to skin health to happiness. And it all starts with what you eat and listening to your body! So tune in for all the tips on eating with love, connecting with your food, and reclaiming your inner balance.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

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Topics Covered:

• Reframing the way you think about your nutrition 
• The core principles of how Ayurveda views food
• Demystifying microbiomes and Agni (digestive fire)  
• Understanding Nidhi’s concept of Inner Climate™
• Why Nidhi would rather eat potato chips than a cold smoothie
• Quieting the noise and jargon around digestive health 
• What to reach for during breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• A quick fact or fiction for getting started 

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• Nidhi’s Website 

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Have you heard about the "Pandemic Skip"? I recently read an article about it in The Cut, and it got me thinking about how it has affected my life, particularly my marriage. I used to feel like I was falling behind in my marriage because I thought it was supposed to be like a Bollywood romance movie. But I've realized that the pandemic has blurred my sense of time and milestones. Let's be real – navigating relationships, career, and personal growth as a millennial is so different from any other generation because of this massive time jump we experienced. 

As I celebrate my fourth marriage anniversary, I share what I believe makes up the core of modern relationships. I also highlight the lessons I've learned about choosing yourself in a relationship, nurturing your friendship, and always carving out time for those meaningful moments. 

Life is all about how you react to what it throws at you, and trust me, I'm still on the learning curve! What I do know is that marriage requires growth, evolution, and vulnerability to allow yourself to be whole alongside your best friend. I encourage you to listen in and take a moment to reflect on your journey. 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

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Topics Covered:

• How the “Pandemic Skip” altered my timeline
• My Bollywood marriage misconceptions 
• The importance of individuality and personal growth in your relationship
• Prioritizing and nurturing a friendship in your marriage
• Why you need to be going on more date nights and shared experiences  
• An invitation to take a step back to reflect on your journey 

Resources mentioned 

• The Cut: The Pandemic Skip 

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I love having deep conversations with my guests where we can really dive into what drives them and helps them succeed beyond what we see on social media. That's why I'm thrilled to introduce you to Rooshy Roy. She's an amazing entrepreneur who left her banking career to pursue her dreams, resulting in the highly successful skincare brand Aavrani. Aavrani is inspired by ancient Ayurveda rituals, traditions, and ingredients and was one of the first to bring South Asian-inspired skincare and beauty to the forefront. Rooshy's journey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship and the resilience required to reach your goals. 

In our chat, Rooshy shares how she built her brand against all odds, landed a collaboration with Lily Singh for an upcoming hair care line, and talks about the unique challenges she faces as a female South Asian founder. She emphasizes the need to stay open-minded and adaptable, as unexpected opportunities can arise when you least expect them. Rooshy also reminds you that success takes time, and patience is key, especially in the startup world. 

She talks candidly about how she nearly quit during the pandemic and offers advice on overcoming self-doubt, playing to your strengths, and staying motivated when things aren't going as planned. As a South Asian founder, Rooshy shares her experiences setting boundaries with family, breaking the traditional cycle of people-pleasing, and letting go of negative energies. And as a millennial, she's optimistic about the current narrative of vulnerability and empathy as a younger generation takes on more prominent roles in the professional world. 

Be sure to tune in because this episode is jam-packed with inspiration and insight!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

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Topics Covered:

• Aavrani’s exciting partnership with Lilly Singh 
• How to combat feeling unmotivated or uncertain about your career 
• Tips for navigating self-doubt and imposter syndrome 
• The power of self-work, setting boundaries, and surrounding yourself with people who encourage you 
• Breaking free from the vicious cycle of people-pleasing and embracing authenticity
• Rooshy's approach to managing her team with thoughtfulness and empathy
• Rooshy’s favorite ways to unwind, recommended books, productivity hacks, and her self-improvement era 

Resources mentioned 

• The Creative Act: A Way of Being

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• Website

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We made it to episode 35! Today, I'm getting really personal and sharing my health journey over the past year. I'll be honest – it's one of the hardest things I've ever had to go through till date. As women, it's so important to talk about our gut health and ask for support when we need it. Listen, everyone poops! So, let's get comfortable talking about it.

Throughout the episode, I dive into how my gut health affected my relationship with food, my loved ones, and my mental health. I share how I advocated for my diagnosis and the steps I took to reach a full recovery. Plus, I highlight how I'm finding a balance between natural remedies and Western medicine and why this journey has changed my social media presence and content.

I'm so grateful that I was able to get to the bottom of my pain and health issues and I hope If you're struggling with this or something else, please know you're not alone. Don't be afraid to share your story, seek professional help, or confide in a friend. You deserve to be heard and pain-free! 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

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Topics Covered:

• My health journey starting in December of 2021
• Getting a diagnosis of hemorrhoids and anal fissures 
• Meeting with a gastroenterologist and colorectal surgeon 
• The ways my gut health altered my mental health, physical health, and relationships 
• My surgery and the recovery
• How I took control of my health 
• A balance between natural gut health remedies and Western medicine 
• Why I’m thankful for this experience 

Resources mentioned 

• Use code TMM20 for 20% off Supergut
• Squatty Potty 

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I'm back! Today's guest, Hema Persad, is the epitome of authenticity and a personal inspiration when it comes to thinking about my career. She's an interior designer based in LA and the founder of Sagrada Studio. Her portfolio includes homes of A-list clients like Jay Shetty, Deepika Mutyala, Poorna Jagannathan, and many more. In our conversation, we get real about pivoting careers, navigating self-doubt, and finding your voice through your interior design. 

Hema's journey is a true testament to self-discovery. She began as an attorney, practicing for several years, then moved across the country to LA, where she worked in celebrity fashion styling for nearly a decade before eventually finding her passion in interior design. She shares her insights on work ethic and how she managed all this while raising a family. We touch on why self-doubt can be a driving force, the idea that you don't have to love everything you do, and her design recommendations for finding individuality in your living spaces.

Hema reminds you that sometimes, you have to shed old identities and connections to become the person you want to be. It's all part of the process of personal evolution! She’s not just an incredible interior designer; she's a genuinely inspirational person with so many life lessons to share. Tune in and soak up her wisdom! 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow along @themodernmillennialpodcast on Instagram and sign up for our Newsletter. 

Topics Covered:

• Advice for pivoting careers 
• How Hema transitioned from styling to interior design 
• Why you should embrace self-doubt as part of your journey
• Being a supportive yet realistic parent 
• Tips for balancing your creative passions and your career 
• High/low design approach 
• The #1 design rule you should live by 
• Hema’s favorite color palette, celebrity project, and TV shows

Resources mentioned 

• 10x Is Easier Than 2x 

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• Check out sagradastudio.com 

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Earlier this summer, I wrote down some thoughts, reflections, aspirations, and lessons on the first half of the year.  I gathered them for my newsletter as eight quick lessons I've learned about myself or hard truths I've had to come to terms with. Today, I'm diving deeper into these reflections as I continue to unlearn, grow, and nurture positive changes in my mindset. Plug in those earphones for a walk, or crank up the volume in your car for this heart-to-heart solo episode! 

We all know that classic advice - you won't be everyone's cup of tea. When you're too caught up in seeking validation and approval from others, you tend to forget who you are. I share my advice for staying true to yourself, navigating your subconscious negative self-talk, and being your own biggest cheerleader. Plus, I offer tips for picking the right people to surround yourself with, preserving your energy, and trusting your intuition. If your gut tells you 'no,' pay attention and save yourself from energy-draining situations. 

I admit that I'm still on the journey of discovering and accepting my value. But I've learned that embracing what makes you unique and cherishing your essence are the keys to realizing your self-worth. Part of this is also accepting your failures and seeing the beauty in your mistakes because that's where true evolution happens. Also, you’re allowed to switch things up, explore new possibilities, and redefine yourself whenever you want. Whether it's trying out a new hobby (for me, it's pickleball), embracing new passions, or imagining a completely different career, the only rule is to follow what brings you joy!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow along @themodernmillennialpodcast on Instagram and sign up for our Newsletter. 

Topics Covered:

• Making intentional and mindful purchases 
• Maintaining your individuality to avoid burnout
• Tips for overcoming the subconscious negative self-talk 
• Why you should be cautious of who you share your whole self with 
• The ways the digital era is disrupting our boundaries 
• Advice for navigating shifts within friendships 
• Trust your gut! 
• The constant challenges of realizing your self-worth 
• Welcoming the beauty of failure and making mistakes 
• Continue to reinvent yourself 
• A reminder that it’s never too late to do what you want to do

Resources mentioned 

• Use code TMM20 for 20% off Supergut
• Use code TMM20 for 20% off Neeshi

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Welcome to another TMM solo episode! Today, I'm sharing some recent reflections, thoughts, and pop culture moments that have been swirling around my mind. For these solo episodes, I've been jotting down random topics and ideas on my Notes app whenever they pop into my head. Sometimes the notes look like gibberish, but that's the beauty of it. It's raw, authentic, and you know I'm all about keeping things real.

Do you ever feel like you're constantly in a "work in progress" state? No matter how much you learn, grow, and evolve, there's always more to explore and discover. For me, I've been facing some decision paralysis. That feeling when you want to do something but are stuck in your own head, overthinking everything. Whether it's about a career move, a big life decision, or just figuring out your next step, I share some of my strategies and tips for self-reflection, self-improvement, and dedicating time to yourself. These tools have helped me in my daily routine to stay on task and remind myself that it's okay to feel stuck sometimes. 

By the time this episode airs, I'll have attended Beyoncé's Renaissance tour. This concert is a huge deal for me because I was a massive fan of Destiny's Child when I first moved to America from Bombay. Their music was more than just songs; it was a message of empowerment. 

Also, "Made in Heaven" season 2 is back! This Indian-produced series is transcendent and touches on universal themes that resonate with everyone. The storyline is so captivating, and the production quality is truly top-notch. Plus, I share my "Barbie" movie thoughts and my recent experience getting microneedling and a chemical peel. 

I can't wait to connect deeper with you during these solo episodes. Remember, you are a beautiful work in progress, and I'm so grateful to have you here with me on this ride!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow along @themodernmillennialpodcast on Instagram and sign up for our Newsletter. 

Topics Covered:

• A TMM update 
• My August intentions to be present, have fun, and be me
• Navigating being in a “work in progress” state
• Advice for moments when you’re feeling stuck or in decision paralysis 
• Strategies and tools to become a morning person 
• Prioritizing time with yourself by treating it like a meeting. Don't cancel it!
• Beyoncé background
• Unpacking my “Barbie” thoughts 
• “Made in Heaven” is back
• My experience with microneedling and chemical peels

Resources mentioned 

• Sign up for The New Happy Newsletter
• Download One Sec 
• My Alarm Clock – Amazon

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As I navigate this major career pivot I’m going through, Simi Shah’s podcast ‘South Asian Trailblazers’ reminds me of how important it is to let instinct and passion flow alongside ambition. Simi uses her platform to highlight South Asians have really made their mark in different industries like tech, media, healthcare, and beyond.

In our conversation, Simi and I discuss common themes of South Asian culture, storytelling, and career development. We talk about the importance of evaluating your relationship with goals and achievement, especially as first-generation South Asian immigrants. Simi shares key takeaways from her interviews with everyone from comedian Zarna Garg to the founder of ClassPass, Payal Kadakia. 

Simi also reflects on her experience with hustle culture and the subsequent burnout she faced while working in finance. She shares incredible insight for anyone who’s thinking about making a career change, including questions to help guide your next move and create a more sustainable work-life balance. Plus, Simi pulls back the curtain about what’s coming up next for the Trailblazers community. 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

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Topics Covered:

• What inspired Simi to start South Asian Trailblazers 
• Simi’s take on the ‘South Asian’ label and what it symbolizes
• Common themes from Simi’s interviews with influential South Asians 
• The two key elements of a fulfilling career 
• Understanding what’s holding you back from making a career change 
• Detaching your identity from your job title and salary 
• Simi’s standout guests and conversations from South Asian Trailblazers 

Resources mentioned 

• Use code TMM20 for 20% off your purchase at supergut.com! 
• South Asian Trailblazers: Zarna Garg
• South Asian Trailblazers: Reflections on 50 Trailblazers  
• The Defining Decade by Meg Jay 

Follow Simi: 

• Instagram
• Website
• South Asian Trailblazers on Apple Podcasts

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I've been married for four years, and my husband and I have been dating for thirteen years. We practically grew up together, and our relationship has been through so many transformations. In this episode, I'm joined by one of my favorite digital creators, Israa Nasir, to discuss the relationship dynamics in millennial marriages. She is the licensed therapist and mental health educator behind the Instagram account @well.guide. 

Israa's content on mental health is truly inspiring. She brings a fresh perspective to relationships, marriage, and emotional growth by considering the cultural, societal, and economic factors that play a significant role in the discussion. Whether you're dating, single, married, or seeking validation and guidance to improve your relationship, this episode is for you!

We dive into several aspects of modern relationships, including interdependence, independence, codependency, conflict patterns, setting boundaries, and the concept of "parallel play." Israa explores how millennials, particularly South Asian millennials, are redefining relationships by breaking away from traditional societal norms and creating their own dynamics and cultures within their partnerships.

With extensive social media experience, Israa emphasizes that while social media can be informative, you should take everything on social media about relationships and mental health at face value. Use it as a point of reference, a moment of reflection, or an opener for a dialogue, not a judgment about your partner.

Israa offers her wisdom and many practical tips for all types of relationships so you can be a healthy communicator and strengthen your connections with your loved ones! 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow along @themodernmillennialpodcast on Instagram and sign up for our Newsletter. 

Topics Covered:

• Codependency vs. hyper-dependency
• Independence and interdependence in South Asian marriage 
• Navigating differences in a relationship to meet each other’s needs
• Lessons from How To Lose a Guy In 10 Days
• What makes a relationship “toxic? 
• Identifying typical conflict patterns and effective solutions 
• Parallel play and how it relates to healthy relationship dynamics 
• Technology and social media’s impact on relationships
• Questions to ask someone when you want to get to know them on a deeper level
• Israa’s perspective on celebrity marriages 

Resources mentioned 

• Man's Search for Meaning
• Hidden Brain Podcast: When Did Marriage Become So Hard? 

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• Check out israanasir.com 

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