Unlayered

In a time of divisive headlines and anti-immigrant rallies, this question cuts to the very heart of a national conversation.

In this timely conversation, Pan sits down with Divesh Sareen, author, tech entrepreneur, TEDx speaker and a powerful voice for the migrant community.

Drawing on the ancestral echoes of the 1947 Partition and his own journey from Punjab to Australia with just $1000 in his pocket, Divesh unlayers the psychology behind the "us vs. them" mentality.

It's a deep dive into the nature of fear, the fierce determination of the migrant spirit, and a powerful reframe of what it means to be "Australian by choice."

𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱:

• Unlayering the human fear behind the current immigration debate.

• The ancestral roots of resilience, passed down from survivors of the 1947 Partition.

• "Going to war with yourself": The immense internal battle of the migrant journey.

• Moving from feeling like you belong to "neither" country to forging a new, powerful identity.

• Shifting the narrative of the migrant experience, from being a "burden" to a "builder."

• Divesh's mission is to create platforms where migrants can own their stories and shape the future.

🔔 If this resonates, follow the show, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this necessary conversation.

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

00:00 - Intro: The Unspoken Question - "Who is a Real Australian?"

02:26 - The Ancestral Echo: How the 1947 Partition Shaped a Worldview

08:41 - The "Chosen One": The Migrant's Burden and Purpose

14:18 - The Price of a Dream: Loneliness, Sacrifice & Early Days in Australia

22:04 - "Going to War with Yourself": The Mindset of a Migrant

24:29 - A Personal Crossroads: Challenging the Rules of Arranged Marriage

33:05 - THE DEEP DIVE: Unlayering the Human Fear Behind the Immigration Debate

44:22 - The Empowering Reframe: From Burden to Builder

48:03 - "After the WHY": The Next Layer of a Purpose-Driven Life

57:37 - Unlayering the Layers: Worthiness, Permission & Owning Your Story

01:04:56 - Who is a True Leader? (It's Not the Title)

01:08:37 - The Layer Divesh Has Unlearned About Giving Back

Episode Resources

Watch on YouTube: ⁠https://youtu.be/RJGSQ2TAgxE

Guest

Divesh Sareen

Website: https://diveshsareen.me/

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/diveshsareen

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

Upcoming Events: https://theleaderspeaks.com.au/shop/

Connect with Pan Perera

LinkedIn | ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/panperera/⁠

Instagram | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/pan.perera/

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pan.perera

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/panpereraofficial

How does a top career coach with over 78,000 followers on LinkedIn be open to failing 360 days a year?

In this deep and revealing conversation, Pan unlayers the man behind the brand, Varun Negandhi. He shares his journey from the streets of Mumbai, where he learned about "invisible scripts" around money and the relentless drive of a city that never sleeps, to becoming one of the most respected voices in the career development space.

𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱:

• The spiritual practice of focusing on action, not the outcome (and how it keeps him grounded).

• The "invisible scripts" about money, wealth, and success he had to unlearn from his Mumbai upbringing.

• Internal Locus of Control: The mindset of "making things happen" vs. "things happen to me."

• The "Skydiving Mentality": How he made the brave leap to move to the US during a recession.

• Why he invested over $40,000 in his own education (and the ROI you can't measure).

• The two things missing from most job interview answers: specifics and structure.

• A vulnerable look at the daily uncertainty of entrepreneurship and how he pushes through.

  
  

🔔 If this was helpful, hit the like button, subscribe and share it with an entrepreneur or friend who needs to hear this.

Episode Resources

Watch on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@pan.perera⁠⁠

Guest

Varun Negandhi

Website: https://www.beyondgrad.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vnegandhi/

Connect with Pan Perera

LinkedIn | ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/panperera/⁠

Instagram | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/pan.perera/

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pan.perera

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/panpereraofficial

Behind every viral post is a story you rarely hear.

In this episode of Unlayered, Pan sits down with Amanda Boyce, Australia’s #1 Aussie English Coach, with over 129,000 followers, to discuss the unseen struggles behind social media success.

She opens up about the emotional toll of hateful DMs, the immense pressure of being a public figure, and the burnout that comes from building a dream from the ground up.

𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱:

• Moving to India with no plan, no Hindi, and starting life from scratch

• Losing her sense of voice in her own home while adapting to a new culture.

• How living the migrant experience firsthand made her a more empathetic and effective teacher.

• Why "connection over correction" is the key to confident communication.

• The myth of "perfect English" and why you don't need to erase your accent to belong.

• Practical advice for anyone feeling scared to speak up or share their work with the world.
  

🔔 If this was helpful, hit the like button and subscribe for more unlayered conversations that will help you be more healed.

Episode Resources

Watch on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@pan.perera⁠⁠

Guest

Amanda Boyce

Website: https://www.aussieenglishwithamanda.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aussie.english.with.amanda/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aussieenglishwithamanda

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aussie.english.with.amanda

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aussie.english.with.amanda

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-rajpoot-boyce/

Connect with Pan Perera

LinkedIn | ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/panperera/⁠

Instagram | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/pan.perera/

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pan.perera

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/panpereraofficial

What if the root of your anxiety isn’t in your mind, but in your body?

In this profound and practical episode, Pan sits down with Jon Otorongo, a former therapist with over 3500 hours of experience in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Before that, he had overcome years of addiction through indigenous plant medicine healing.

He is the founder of OTORHONGO, a brand that weaves psychology, somatic healing, and music. Today, he helps early-stage entrepreneurs break free from fear and self-doubt so they can heal their inner wounds and confidently bring their visions to life.

Jon unlayers the revolutionary idea that the root of our anxiety lies not in our thoughts, but in a dysregulated nervous system. This is a masterclass in "bottom-up" healing.

𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱:

• Jon's personal journey from addiction and self-hatred to becoming a therapist and musician.

• Why anxiety is a bodily experience, not just a mental one (and the science behind it).

• The direct link between childhood stress, neglect, and adult anxiety (and even ADHD).

• Accessible tools for healing that cost no money: The power of nature, music, and authentic self-expression.

• How unhealed trauma shows up as imposter syndrome and procrastination for entrepreneurs.

• A simple, guided somatic technique to instantly calm your nervous system.

  
  

If this resonates, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear they are not alone.

Episode Resources

Watch on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@pan.perera⁠⁠

Guest

Jon Otorongo

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/jon_otorhongo/

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/otorhongo/

Free Guided Somatic Exercise | https://otorhongo.kit.com/bc1c21c6c3

Connect with Pan Perera

LinkedIn | ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/panperera/⁠

Instagram | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/pan.perera/

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pan.perera

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/panpereraofficial

In one of the most vulnerable conversations on Unlayered yet, Pan sits down with writer and podcaster Vishva to explore the invisible walls of a childhood built from trauma, fear, and the weight of unspoken truths.

Vishva shares his raw, unflinching story of navigating deep depression and the lasting impact of a physically abusive environment, all while wearing a smile for the outside world.

This is a deep dive into the process of escaping the past, not by running from it, but by turning inward to face, understand, and finally heal the child left behind.

𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱:

- The "life of the party" mask and the hidden reality of smiling depression.

- How a single dropped cup could trigger a deep, conditioned fear of being hit.

- The tools that helped: Using writing as a form of "prison escape" and a lifelong healing practice.

- Building a support system: The journey of finding people who truly understand.

- The critical distinction between psychological fear (thought) and physical fear (instinct).

- Navigating the stigma of mental health within a traditional culture.

- A powerful, heartfelt letter to his younger self on finding peace.

If this resonates, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear they are not alone.

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𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

00:00 - Intro: A Story That Needs to Be Heard

01:22 - Beyond Labels: Who is Vishva?

03:18 - Writing as a "Prison Escape"

06:47 - Unmasking "The Life of the Party": The Hidden Battle with Depression

09:42 - How Migration Shapes the Healing Journey

15:11 - The Roots of Fear: "Dropping a Cup Meant Getting Hit"

20:42 - The Support Systems That Helped and The Ones That Didn't

26:39 - What is True Awareness?

30:04 - The Inner Child: Building Space Around a Wounded Past

38:06 - Dissecting Fear: Psychological vs. Physical

49:53 - The Power of Surrender (and Why It's Not Giving Up)

57:41 - On Shame and Sharing Your Art with the World

59:56 - A Message to Parents: Nurturing a Child's True Nature

01:06:19 - The Role of Self-Compassion in Healing

01:11:42 - A Letter to My Younger Self
𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀Watch on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@pan.perera⁠⁠

𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁

Vishva Prasad

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/wroteabookonce

Tiktok | https://www.tiktok.com/@wroteabookonce

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishvapl?

Vishva’s Book: Undercurrents | https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1791789005?ref_=mr_referred_us_au_au

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗿𝗮

LinkedIn | ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/panperera/⁠

Instagram | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/pan.perera/

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pan.perera

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/panpereraofficial

In this third episode of Unlayered, Pan sits down with Jen, an English language teacher from the UK who is navigating life and work in Australia.

This is a refreshingly honest and practical chat about the often-overlooked challenges of moving to a new country, even when you speak the language. Jen shares hilarious and insightful stories about decoding Aussie culture, from workplace communication to the baffling world of slang.

They explore how vulnerability, humour, and understanding the subtle rules of conversation are essential tools for not just finding a job, but finding your sense of belonging.

𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱:

• The surprising communication differences between British and Australian workplaces. • How to use small talk to calm your nerves (especially on unexpected calls with recruiters).

• 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗲 𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴: From 'doonas' and 'hospo' to being "flat out like a lizard drinking."

• Power dynamics in conversation and the art of "saving face" when you don't know the answer. • Why being your authentic self (and even mentioning you bake cake) is a superpower in interviews.

• Turning the feeling of being "in-between cultures" into your greatest strength.

If this resonates, follow the show, leave a review, or share it with someone navigating their own unlayering.

𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀

Watch on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@pan.perera⁠⁠

𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 Jen Entwistle | ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-entwistle-297335116/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/learn_english_with_jen/

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗿𝗮

LinkedIn | ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/panperera/

⁠Instagram | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/pan.perera/

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pan.perera

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/panpereraofficial

In this second episode of Unlayered, Pan sits down with Rahul Bharadwaj,  a business analyst, sports coach, and founder of Soulful Learning. 

They reflect on the emotional undercurrents many of us carry into adulthood:

From growing up in a traditional household in India to questioning the education system, Rahul shares how he’s been slowly unlearning who he was told to be and instead building something meaningful for the next generation.

Topics explored:

• Rahul’s difficult childhood shaped many of his reactions, beliefs, and decisions as an adult.

• The deep craving for parental validation.

• Why traditional education system may be broken.

• The invisible skills children learn through sport.

• Why “having a job” is no longer a safety net.

• Personal growth through healing and reflection.

If this resonates, follow the show, leave a review, or share it with someone navigating their own unlayering.

Episode Resources

Watch on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@pan.perera⁠⁠

Guest

Rahul Bharadwaj | ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-bharadwaj-20/

Free Workshop: Modern Parenting Series - 12 Soulful Conversations (August 2025 to July 2026)

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-modern-parenting-series-12-soulful-conversations-tickets-1491786717229

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/soulful_learning.au

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/soulful.learning.au

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@soulful.learning

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/soulful-learning/

Connect with Pan Perera

LinkedIn | ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/panperera/⁠

Instagram | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/pan.perera/

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pan.perera

What if the very things you hide are what holds the key to your healing?

In the first episode of Unlayered, Pan sits down with Sharan Bhinder, a senior leader at LinkedIn and someone who has had a profound influence on his own growth.

They discuss the hidden layers we carry: childhood stories, unspoken expectations, and the thoughts we accept without question.

Topics explored:

- What it means to embrace your shadows

- The lasting impact of being bullied or labelled in childhood

- Migrant identity and the search for belonging

- Mindfulness practices that actually work

- Self-awareness as the foundation of leadership

- How gratitude changes your inner world

- The quiet power of noticing your thoughts

It’s not a conversation about fixing. It’s about noticing.

Noticing who you are beneath the noise.

If this resonates, follow the show, leave a review, or share with someone silently going through it.

Episode Resources

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pan.perera⁠

Guest

Sharan Bhinder | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharan-bhinder/

Connect with Pan Perera

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/panperera/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/pan.perera/