Skincare is something I'm incredibly passionate about. I've experienced my fair share of skin troubles since my teenage years, ranging from acne to eczema and dermatitis on my scalp. It seems like a never-ending cycle of skin issues, and I know I'm not alone in this struggle.

Dr. Mona Mislankar joins me today to break down all things retinol, hyperpigmentation, sunscreen, and how to build your daily skincare routine. She is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Oath MD, a dermatologist-founded skincare line. Dr. Mislankar has a unique approach to skincare that is relatable, educational, and refreshingly real.

I've been looking to incorporate retinol into my routine to help with my acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. But, the constant noise with content on TikTok, the extensive product research, and conflicting advice from various doctors have left me feeling stuck. As someone with South Asian skin, I've always wondered if retinol is suitable or necessary for all skin types. In our conversation, Dr. Mislankar answers all of my questions and gives her insight on the best way to start using retinol for your skin type, common misconceptions about retinol, and when it’s the best time to consult a dermatologist. 

We dive into the importance of sunscreen, the effects of sun damage, and how to correctly apply sunscreen with your makeup. Dr. Mislankar emphasizes that everyone, regardless of melanated skin, skin type, or sun exposure, needs to use sunscreen daily. We talk about SPF in tinted moisturizers and other preventative measures you can take to combat sun damage. Dr. Mislankar also shares her opinion on more intense cosmetic treatments such as lasers, chemical peels, and medical spas. 

Whether you're just starting your skincare journey or have been on it for years, Dr. Mislankar gives her advice for all skin types, ages, and concerns!

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 exactly does retinol do? 
• Common myths about retinol 
• The best way to start using retinol   
• When to see a dermatologist 
• The importance of consistency with a skincare routine 
• How to determine what skin type you have  
• What causes hyperpigmentation and how to combat it 
• Hyperpigmentation in brown skin 
• Why it’s so crucial to wear sunscreen every day 
• Cosmetic treatments such as lasers, chemical peels, and medical spas 
• How to layer your makeup with your skincare 
• Dr. Mislankar’s favorite skincare products and wellness trends 

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• Check out advancedderm.com

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In this episode, I’m recapping some fun life updates, what’s been on my mind lately, and the routines and products that I'm loving at the moment. 

ICYMI, I was a hair model for Chris Appleton on the TODAY Show! It was such a pinch-me moment getting to see the behind-the-scenes of live TV and check that off my bucket list. I shared a lot about it on Instagram, which brought me back into this internal battle I have between wanting to put myself out there and celebrate my accomplishments, but also questioning if I deserve the attention and praise. 

I’m in this career transition period where I’m having to confront a lot of limiting beliefs that are blocking my success, but I’m realizing this discomfort is better than the pain of complacency. If you haven’t already listened to it, check out episode 2 with my life coach Yash Parikh where we cover mindset strategies around this topic. 

I’ve also been incorporating two practices for my mental and physical health: walking barefoot on grass and seed cycling. I’m going to dive deeper into these topics in future episodes, but listen in to hear what I’m noticing since I started exploring these wellness trends. 

Don’t miss the links below for all the shows, books, and product recommendations I highlight in this episode! 

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

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

Topics Covered:

• The back story on how I ended up on TODAY
• My newfound appreciation for all things glam and celebrity lifestyle 
• Why I wholeheartedly believe that if you don’t talk about yourself, no one else will 
• Recognizing areas of my life where I minimize myself 
• Ways that I’m actively working on building my confidence
• What I’m loving about my new morning routine 
• The basics of seed cycling is and how it’s been affecting my PMS symptoms 

Shows and movies mentioned :  

• The Bear - Season 2
• Jury Duty
• Dahaad
• Lust Stories 2 
• Brooklyn
• The Marvelous Mrs. Masiel
• 
  

Books mentioned: 

• Social Engagement by Avery Carpenter Forrey
• Dirty Laundry by Disha Bose
• The Shift by Tinx  
• This Is One Way To Dance: Essays by Sejal Shah
• The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson
• 
  

Products mentioned: 

• Makeup by Mario - MoistureGlow™ Plumping Lip Color (Cool Pink & Smoky Pink)
• Clean Skin Club Face Towels
• Supergut Mocha Latte Protein Shake
• The Scribes Journals
• Doritos Hot Mustard Flavor    

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It seems like the concept of authenticity is everywhere lately. But what does that really mean? Ashna Mankotia is a content creator who I believe fully embodies authenticity, and I admire her perspective on human connection and storytelling within her various online platforms. In this episode, we unpack how Ashna translates her authenticity into her digital content and the value of community.

We dive deep into how Ashna shares every side of herself online, finds time for the small things, and frees herself from the pressure of always being perfect and presentable. We highlight how our cultural backgrounds have shaped us and the importance of reflecting on our journeys. We also talk about embracing your successes in the digital space, finding pride in sharing success with others, and visualizing big goals for yourself. 

Beyond her Instagram and TikTok, Ashna is the founder of Saffron, a new membership community that focuses on building connections and friendships with women all across the globe. As millennials, it can be challenging to develop meaningful friendships. I love the way Ashna views shared experiences and the power of working through your problems within a group of like-minded women. 

Join us for this relatable and fun conversation about navigating life and how we each uniquely show up in the world, but we don’t need to show up alone. 

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:

• How to make time for the small things in life
• The ways Ashna incorporates storytelling into her content creation 
• Tips for staying present while keeping up with content 
• The importance of finding joy in your career
• Overcoming the pressure to always look perfect for your followers
• Why having representation of a South Asian woman who is happily living her life is revolutionary
• Developing friendships with other women 
• Ashna’s membership community, Saffron 
• Embracing confidence, big thinking, and success
• Reflecting on your journey in every stage of it 
• Ashna’s favorite beauty products 

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• Check out joinsaffron.com

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Watching Ami Desai's content over the years has been like having an older sister by my side. Her life advice has been so helpful to me in every stage of my life including those I’ve yet to experience. In this episode, we have a candid conversation about all things motherhood, so whether you're thinking about having kids, pregnant, just had a baby, or already on your second or third child, Ami’s perspective will absolutely give you comfort. 

Ami is a lifestyle and beauty expert, influencer, and on-air personality who has worked in broadcast journalism as both a producer and host. Ami has been featured multiple times on The Today Show, had a show on Oprah Winfrey’s digital network (OWN), and built her own platform where she shares her makeup, skincare, and motherhood expertise. Throughout the episode, Ami unpacks how she maintains a career as an influencer while being present for her three children. She shares her advice for staying true to yourself, seeking comfort from your loved ones, and drowning out the noise of unhelpful opinions. 

As a millennial, Ami has experience raising children before and during the digital age. We discuss the unrealistic expectations social media has put on new moms in terms of body changes and parenting styles. Ami emphasizes that new moms should feel empowered in their childbearing bodies and ignore the pressure to do things a certain way, be put together, or fit into a dress. 

Join us in our honest conversation about being a millennial mom and how to balance your career passions and parenting style in alignment with your most authentic self. 

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:

• Ami’s experience with preparing for motherhood versus figuring it out on the go
• Advice for finding your rhythm while facing outside opinions 
• Managing your different personas and finding true authenticity
• How to show up as your whole self while juggling your career and building a family
• Conversations to have with your partner when preparing for parenthood
• Understanding that your parenthood journey is fluid and ever-evolving 
• The importance of granting grace to yourself as well as other parents
• Balancing South Asian culture in an American upbringing
• Tips for staying connected with your partner while raising children
• Ami’s perspective on parenting in the digital era 
• Coping with body changes and self-consciousness during and after pregnancy
• Ami’s favorite upcoming skincare brands and current fashion trends 

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• amidesai.com 

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I'm back! And even more excited to share my conversation with global fashion influencer and entrepreneur Diipa Khosla. We dive into a range of topics that will resonate with anyone going through a career change, facing personal challenges, or trying to find a balance between the two.

Diipa has worn many hats in her life, making her the definition of a modern millennial. She's currently in a pivot era, transitioning from being primarily an online influencer to an activist and entrepreneur. Naturally, these life changes often come with feelings of imposter syndrome and self-doubt. Diipa shares some of her techniques for overcoming these feelings, which include relying on the support of your family and loved ones, emphasizing prioritization, and spending time with the things that remind us of our essence. Dealing with rejection is an experience we all face. Diipa opens up about how she manages online haters and turns rejection into a catalyst for self-improvement. She shares her approach of using rejection as a redirection, guiding her towards betterment and growth.

We also talk about how Diipa modernizes Indian traditions while honoring them in her line of Ayurveda skin and hair care, called Inde Wild. I truly believe these products were specifically designed with the modern millennial in mind because they are all-encompassing and perfect for those leading busy lives filled with travel and adventure.

Tune in to our conversation as we touch on everything in Diipa’s life, from her favorite celebrity moments to her advice on being physically and spiritually ready to take on the world.

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:

• How to recover from being overworked and manage overwhelming opportunities
• Advice for dealing with self-doubt and imposter syndrome
• The value of embracing tough love from your inner circle
• Tips for being physically and spiritually prepared to face the world
• Rejection as redirection and using it as a catalyst for growth
• Ways to remain grounded while juggling multiple responsibilities 
• Why prioritization is a key factor in all aspects of life
• Exploring the fascination with Ayurveda in the wellness industry
• Maintaining a skincare routine while traveling and leading a busy lifestyle
• Recognizing the human beings behind the online personas
• Diipa’s experience meeting Zendaya and Gigi Hadid
• Diipa’s favorite Red Carpet looks and her thoughts on emerging South Asian fashion designers

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• Check out Inde Wild

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This week, I’m joined by Yash Parikh (from Season 1) to discuss expectations and how to tackle them. We all struggle with this, whether they’re our own expectations of others or what others expect from us. We get real on how to shift the mindset and take the power and control into our own hands in these situations.

Yash likes to think of expectations as standards that are linked to actions, not intentions. We often get frustrated when people put us in situations where we either have to uphold our standards or abandon ourselves. We talk about why it’s so important to get really clear on your values for the different containers in your life, like work, romantic relationships, friendships, and family. 

I’ve been working a lot on being okay with saying no to things in order to protect my peace, which is a lot easier said than done. I’ve been focusing on how to effectively communicate and accept that I might let people down in the process. I know going through situations that push me and feel uncomfortable are proof that I’m growing and changing, so I’m trying to embrace that and step into this new version of myself. 

Tune in to hear more of my conversation with Yash on how to transform your mindset around expectations and boundaries. 

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

Topics Covered:

• How to create standards based on your values 
• Self-regulating your reaction to an unmet expectation 
• Committing to being the only person that you allow to control your experience of life
• Why we think boundaries are bullshit 
• Recognizing that you don’t have to make other people comfortable and adhere to their expectations of you at the expense of your own happiness 

Resources mentioned 

• Episode 2 - On Feeling Stuck and Personal Growth with Yash Parikh 

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• Instagram

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We hear it all the time that stillness, breathwork, and meditation are amazing tools for busy millennials, but sometimes it feels impossible to stay consistent with those grounding practices. In this episode, I’m joined by New York City-based meditation instructor Kirat Randhawa to discuss how to curate a supportive lifestyle and indulge in creative experimentation around mindfulness. 

According to Buddhist tradition, without the presence of stillness, we're not truly connected to life. Kirat dives into what stillness really means and shares simple ways that we can tap into a calmer state. Letting yourself sit and savor your morning coffee, really taking time to wash your hair, or noticing the sensations you feel when you get into bed in the evening are all examples of sustainable mindfulness practices. 

Kirat describes how stillness is the gateway to setting boundaries, preventing burnout, and creating space for healthier habits. She talks about the myth of the 21-day habit and offers her science-backed approach to implementing new practices. Plus, as a little bonus gift for listeners, Kirat guides us through a calming box breathing exercise at the end of the episode. 

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

Topics Covered:

• How mindfulness practices can be used as instruments for individual change 
• The importance of setting an intention for your practice and honoring what you really need in that moment 
• One of the easiest ways to feel more present 
• Kirat’s suggestion for what to do when you’re feeling overwhelmed in the middle of your workday 
• The key elements of moving through the world in a mindful way 

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• Instagram 

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Looking back on the last decade, the thing that has shifted the most in my life has been my identity. I think a lot of millennials can relate to that, especially as we navigate our careers, relationships, and create a life based on our own vision and values. 

I recently sat down with Pakistani-American DJ, music marketer, and food content creator Zainab Hasnain, aka @zeemuffin, to discuss what it’s like to step into a new version of yourself and shed some of the programming that so many of us first-generation immigrants face. 

We talk about our feelings around having a “multi-hyphenate” career path and the reality of monetizing your hobbies. Zee and I also dive into the pressures that come from being raised in Desi households and how we’re working to deconstruct some of that generational trauma. She recently married her Colombian-Italian husband and talks about her experience opening herself and her family to new ways of thinking, living, and celebrating. 

Zee and I also tap into ways to keep your passions and hobbies alive and why it’s so important to let yourself be a beginner. Through our lived experiences and stepping out of the bounds that our cultures may have put up for us, we can get really clear on what really makes us happy. Listen in to hear our conversation on exploring and redefining who you are in your 30s. 

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

Topics Covered:

• Developing your career around your life, not your life around your career
• How growing up in a Desi household and being the first-born daughter in her family shaped who Zee is 
• Working through the discomfort and guilt that comes when you disappoint someone you love 
• Embracing the freedom to choose your own path and create your own happiness 

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• Zee's food Instagram 

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Because millennial women are facing a unique set of stressors, guilt can be such a pervasive force in our lives. I want to break the cycle of girls and women being disproportionately affected by guilt, and joining me to discuss this is Saumya Dave, a writer, resident psychiatrist, and co-founder of thisisforHER. 

In today’s episode, Saumya and I discuss tools for understanding where your emotions stem from, how to process guilt, and ways to lift yourself out of a situation where you’re feeling guilt tripped. 

Saumya breaks down the difference between valid and unfounded guilt, and explains how getting really clear on what your values are can help you determine which kind of guilt you’re sitting with. She uses what she calls an ‘empathy thermostat’ to help her client to recognize when they’re taking on other people’s emotions or experiences. Oftentimes, guilt is piggybacking off another emotion like anger, loneliness, or fear, and we don’t even know it. 

There’s a certain contagious quality to guilt, but we can start to break that pattern by developing the muscle of saying no to things that are out of alignment. Saumya shares her tips for coming up with go-to responses and getting comfortable with upholding your standards. We also discuss what she does to stay grounded and reduce opportunities for guilt to creep in. 

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

Topics Covered:

• Where guilt comes from 
• Why doing the right thing for ourselves can invoke guilt, especially for women 
• Learning to sit and be okay with the discomfort of guilt 
• How to approach difficult conversations with people who make you feel guilty 
• Prompts to practice treating yourself with the same compassion that you do with loved ones 

Resources mentioned 

• Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski 

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I’m joined by Bridgette Hill, aka The Scalp Therapist, to discuss all things hair and scalp health. I’ve noticed major changes in my hair since I hit my mid-20s一breakage, shedding, and flyaways have become my norm. I wanted to get Bridgette’s opinion on restorative hair care techniques, what to look out for when shopping for hair products, and how our scalp health impacts hair loss. 

Bridgette is a certified trichologist and hair professional with over 20 years of experience. She’s all about healing from the inside out and provides holistic therapeutic solutions for her clients. We get into the science behind scalp and hair health, and how it’s indicative of your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Besides amping up your pre-shampoo routine, Bridgette

believes that the solution to many of our hair concerns lie within lifestyle factors like diet and stress management. 

Bridgette shares her recommended hair cleansing and drying approach for all different hair types and textures. We also touch on her tips for genetic-based hair loss and conditions like alopeciaI. Plus, I get her take on today’s top hair trends, including biotin supplements and overnight hair treatments. 

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

Topics Covered:

• What’s considered normal versus abnormal hair loss from an expert’s perspective 
• Ways to limit mechanical damage relating to hair care habits and practices
• Common misconceptions around shampoo ingredients 
• Tips to immediately change the function of your hair growth and the environment of your scalp
• The optimal way to brush, comb, and style your hair

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