The MyndStories Podcast

MyndStories

Hello there! Welcome to The MyndStories Podcast! Here, we share insights and guidance to help every Indian navigate their unique mental health journey. We have open conversations with therapists, gender rights activists, and business leaders, among others. Listen as they share stories about personal struggles and how they overcame them. Join us for new episodes every week.

Write to podcast@myndstories.com to tell us what you would love to hear about more. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcasts! Visit www.myndstories.com for your daily dose of mental wellness. Find us on Instagram @wearemyndstories.

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Episodes

3. The rider by Naomi Shihab Nye
Feb 1 2024
3. The rider by Naomi Shihab Nye
Can we outrun loneliness? In The Rider, poet Naomi Shihab Nye seems to suggest that we can. Loneliness can be escaped. The rider, then, is you, me, and anyone who wants to escape this crushing feeling. Loneliness, that most ubiquitous of emotions, goes from abstract to concrete in this conversational, free-verse poem. Loneliness gains a persona and if you leave it behind you can be a champion. The poet says that doing so is "A victory! To leave your lonelinesspanting behind you on some street cornerwhile you float free into a cloud of sudden azaleas"Srividya Sivakumar brings this poem to life through her magical and compelling reading, accompanied by a short reflection on the poem. Listen to it on The Poetic Pause, a podcast that explores the hidden life of poems, the joy they give us, the beauty they offer and the comfort they bestow. Read the poem here: https://poets.org/poem/riderMeet Srividya SivakumarSrividya Sivakumar is a critically acclaimed poet, TEDx speaker, teacher, and voiceover artist. She believes in using her voice to drive change, spark conversations, and encourage you to slow down.QOTDCan you recall a poem that delves into loneliness, like The Rider? Would you like to share it with us?Write to us to be part of the conversation to make mental health cool - podcast@myndstories.comThis is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.
The one with glimmers
Jan 25 2024
The one with glimmers
Have you heard of glimmers? They are the opposite of triggers. Glimmers are small moments of safety, joy, love, and contentment. This episode of Dear Mynd explores the sense of wonder essential to finding glimmers that help in enjoying a fuller life. It makes a case for holding on to a sense of wonder and awe and what it can bring to a person’s well-being. 'What the Dark Sounds Like’ is a charming look at the world from the eyes of a child. His ready acceptance of the presence of magic all around us is a timely lesson for all of us.Dear Mynd aims to create and encourage conversations around mental health. We do this through stories through shared experiences that teach us that we are not alone. We are, after all, our stories. And our stories are us. Details of the episodeObserving the world around us has multitudes of benefits.Awe can create better positive feelings and health.Magic is above, below, and all around us. Meet the hostSrividya Sivakumar is a reader, a teacher, and a speaker. But what occupies her mind are those strange things that come hardbound or within soft paperbacks or on a device.  Books. Yes, she’s a self-avowed bibliophile and a firm believer in the magic that 26 letters and a few punctuation marks can create.  A critically acclaimed poet, TEDx Speaker, and voiceover artist, Srividya believes in using her voice as a vehicle – one that drives change, sparks conversations, inspires calm, and encourages you – to slow down, one story at a time.Author bio What the Dark Sounds Like is written by Aparna Kapur and illustrated by Krishna Bala Shenoi. Most of Aparna Kapur’s friends are imaginary, and she is happiest when making things up. When not writing or editing children’s books, she can be found poring over a book or pouring herself a large cup of coffee. She has completed a master's degree in wild writing from the University of Essex.Krishna Bala Shenoi's illustrations, spanning a variety of styles, have accompanied children's literature in books produced by esteemed publishing houses across India. Resources and attributionWhat the Dark Sounds Like is written by Aparna Kapur and illustrated by Krishna Bala Shenoi. It is published on Storyweaver.org. To readDevotions: The Selected Poems of Mary OliverWild: An Elemental Journey by Jay GriffithsBraiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererThe Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow LindberghThe Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven PinkerAwe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life by Dacher KeltnerQOTDWhat does the dark sound, look, and feel like to you?Write to Srividya - podcast@myndstories.com. Visit  www.myndstories.com. Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn
2. Little stones at my window by Mario Benedetti
Jan 18 2024
2. Little stones at my window by Mario Benedetti
What about joy makes us feel a tad worried about embracing it wholeheartedly? Nightmares about bad luck and the evil eye hold us back from truly enjoying the good times, revelling in them so they leave a shining mark on our souls.In his poem, Little Stones at My Window, Mario Benedetti writes a tender letter to joy, to its miraculous properties of creating well-being and delight, to its patient waiting at the window, throwing little stones to get our attention. Except, our attention is elsewhere- pursuing other things. As the poet says, how about thinking, “I'm convincedjoy doesn't need to throw any more little stonesI'm comingI'm coming.”Srividya Sivakumar brings this poem to life through her magical and compelling reading, accompanied by a short reflection on the poem. Listen to it on The Poetic Pause, a podcast that explores the hidden life of poems, the joy they give us, the beauty they offer and the comfort they bestow. Read the poem here: http://tinyurl.com/2p8z4598 Meet Srividya SivakumarSrividya Sivakumar is a critically acclaimed poet, TEDx speaker, teacher, and voiceover artist. She believes in using her voice to drive change, spark conversations, and encourage you to slow down.QOTDThe poet uses ‘little stones at my window’ to describe joy. How would you describe joy?Write to us to be part of the conversation to make mental health cool - podcast@myndstories.comThis is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.
The one with gratitude
Jan 11 2024
The one with gratitude
Kindness moves the world.  And so does gratitude.This episode of Dear Mynd explores the lasting effects of good deeds and how kindness and gentleness brings joy to everyone. 'Lulah, the Fish, and the Whale,’ is an unusual exploration of the power of gratitude and the magic of empathy all while having a whale of a time!Dear Mynd aims to create and encourage conversations around mental health. We do this through stories, through shared experiences that teach us that we are not alone. We are, after all, our stories. And our stories are us. Details of the episodeA small deed can have gigantic results. Kindness is neither big nor small - it just is. Everyone is capable of kindness- child, adult, creature. There is nothing random about random acts of kindness. Gratitude can bring a lot of happiness and unexpected beauty to life.Meet the hostSrividya Sivakumar is a reader, a teacher, and a speaker. But what really occupies her mind are those strange things that come hardbound or within soft paperbacks or on a device.  Books. Yes, she’s a self-avowed bibliophile and a firm believer in the magic that 26 letters and a few punctuation marks can create.  A critically acclaimed poet, TEDx Speaker, and voiceover artist, Srividya believes in using her voice as a vehicle – one that drives change, sparks conversations, inspires calm, and encourages you – to slow down, one story at a time.Author bio "Lulah, the Fish, and the Whale" is written by Jade Maitre, and illustrated by Anna Vilchynska. Jade is the founder of Storyberries.com, which offers free children's stories online, and enjoys more than 20 million reads a year.  Jade’s first work of adult fiction was shortlisted for The Australian Vogel Literary Award 2011.Jade previously worked as a lawyer, an editor for human rights publications at UNESCO, a communications consultant for NGOs, and as the Digital Media Editor for MTV Australia and New Zealand. She has also been published as a travel writer and a journalist.Resources and attributionLulah, the Fish, and the Whale is written by Jade Maitre, illustrated by Anna Vilchynska and is published on Storyberries.To readMy Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologises by Fredrick BackmanWonder by R J PalacioThe Rabbit Listened by Cori DoerrfeldThe Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charles MackesyThe One and Only Ivan by Katherine ApplegateQOTDTell us about the kindest thing someone has ever done for you. Write to Srividya - podcast@myndstories.com. Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice.Visit www.myndstories.com. Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Vaishnavi Madarkal: Embracing the challenges and superpowers of ADHD
Jan 10 2024
Vaishnavi Madarkal: Embracing the challenges and superpowers of ADHD
ADHD has challenges. But it also has its superpowers.Join Ankit Narasimhan in this enlightening episode of The Therapy Room as we delve into the complex world of ADHD with Vaishnavi Madarkal, Psychologist, Life Coach and Trauma Therapist. From dispelling misconceptions to exploring the nuanced manifestations of ADHD, Vaishnavi shares her views on the importance of early diagnosis, and the role of individualized approaches. She also explains the power of occupational therapy, the importance of parental guidance, and the role of societal awareness in fostering empathy for those navigating the challenges and strengths associated with ADHD. About The Therapy RoomThe Therapy Room is a segment where our hosts Smitha Murthy and Ankit Narasimhan talk to mental health professionals for insights on life's challenges, which range from managing everyday stressors to chronic anxiety. Tune in as we explore topics around mental health issues, emotional wellbeing, and techniques to help you heal. Quote from the conversation"Healing yourself is so underrated because the impact is not just for yourself, it's for everyone around you and for generations to come."We talk aboutThe need for sensitivity and understanding ADHDThe causes and manifestations of ADHDMisdiagnosis and the importance of early diagnosisGender differences and challenges The role of parents, self-work, and occupational therapy in healingADHD's superpowers and how to rise above its struggles Vaishnavi's bio Vaishnavi Madarkal is a Psychologist, Life Coach and Trauma Therapist who specializes in ADHD, personality disorders, and depression, anxiety and stress management. She has over 4 years of expertise in counseling and has facilitated various mental health workshops. Vaishnavi seeks to empower individuals on their mental health and personal growth journey by integrating Indic Psychology with contemporary, evidence-based approaches like Scehma Therapy, IFS, CBT & DBT.Connect with VaishnaviLinkedIn ResourcesWhat is ADHD?Causes and symptoms of ADHDHow parents can help a child with ADHDHow occupational therapy can be helpfulAre there benefits to ADHD?ADHD misconceptionsWrite to us  - podcast@myndstories.comVisit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey. Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.
1. Wild Geese by Mary Oliver
Jan 4 2024
1. Wild Geese by Mary Oliver
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the struggles of everyday life? Do you feel the pressure of being a "good" person? In Mary Oliver's poem ‘Wild Geese’ she urges us to focus on staying true to ourselves. In her gentle way, the poet says, "You do not have to be good.You do not have to walk on your kneesfor a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.”Instead, she suggests turning to the beauty of the natural world for inspiration and light.Srividya Sivakumar brings this beauty to life through her magical and effective reading of Wild Geese, accompanied by a short reflection on the poem. Listen to it on The Poetic Pause, a podcast that explores the hidden life of poems, the joy they give us, the beauty they offer and the comfort they bestow. Read the poem here: http://tinyurl.com/4f577da8 Meet Srividya SivakumarSrividya Sivakumar is a critically acclaimed poet, TEDx speaker, teacher, and a Voiceover artist. She believes in using her voice as a vehicle to drive change, spark conversations, and encourage you to slow down.QOTDWhat are some of your favorite Mary Oliver poems?Write to us to be part of the conversation to make mental health cool - podcast@myndstories.comThis is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.
Talking neurodivergence and life with Akshay CM
Jan 3 2024
Talking neurodivergence and life with Akshay CM
What are mental health conversations without the diversity of neurodivergence? Smitha Murthy talks to Akshay CM, who was diagnosed with C-PTSD and Autism last year. But Akshay is more than that. He tells us just how he leads life through all the invisible disabilities, finds joy in everyday conversations and interactions, and the power of manifestation. It's not a conversation about neurodivergence, really. It's about life. About pain. A lot of fun. And a remarkable tree. Quote from the conversation"I believe a lot in being gentle. In being kind."We talk aboutInvisible disabilitiesLife as a person with autism and being an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person)A manifesting treeMasking and its impact in neurodivergent individualsAkshay's bio Akshay is a DEI and talent management consultant who works to make workplaces more diverse and inclusive. He has a Master's degree in Sociology and a Master's in Communication and Media Studies. Akshay is a mental health advocate and frequently talks about being neurodivergent on his LinkedIn profile. Find Akshay on LinkedIn.QOTDWrite to us to be part of the conversation to make mental health cool - podcast@myndstories.comThis is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.
From page to screen: Where books meet movies
Dec 14 2023
From page to screen: Where books meet movies
Swati Nair and Srividya Sivakumar dream about buttered popcorn and cold coffee as they talk about books and movies and the indelible connection between the two. Which is better? Books? Or movies? No matter which camp you pledge allegiance to, you’re sure to enjoy this episode. Some of the movies will come as no surprise. The Godfather. Atonement. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Others might have you looking for the nearest library - The Tea Dragon series and Birds Art Life, for example.It's all on the Mynd Readers, a podcast that explores mental health through literature, reading, and culture. This podcast is devoted to the magic of stories and how they transform us. Details of the episodeHow books and movies are connected.  What images take shape in a reader’s mind about characters.What constitutes a comfort read.  Recommendations from listeners.ResourcesTo read:The Tea Dragon book series by Kay O'NeillBirds Art Life: A Year of Observation by Kyo MaclearThe Middleman by SankarBehold the Dreamers by Imbolo MbueShantaram by Gregory David RobertsThe Lincoln Highway by Amor TowlesTo read and to watch:V or Vendetta by Alan Moore, and illustrated by David LloydAtonement by Ian McEwanThe Help by Kathryn StockettRemains of the Day by Kazuo IshiguroThe Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.The Harry Potter series by JK RowlingThe Godfather by Mario PuzoWaltz with Bashir by Ari FolmanWild by Cheryl StrayedTo Kill a Mockingbird by Harper LeeOne Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken KeseyRita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption by Stephen KingInto the Wild by Jon KrakauerGone with the Wind by Margaret MitchellPonniyin Selvan by KalkiThe Devil Wears Prada by Lauren WeisbergerAttributionDialogue from Atonement courtesy RomComs.The Godfather theme music courtesy SeasonalMantis.Dialogue from The Godfather courtesy Paramount Movies.QOTDWhat is your favourite book-to-movie adaptation? Tell us about it at podcast@myndstories.com.This is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice.Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.Find us on  Instagram and LinkedIn.
Kanika Choudhary: Understanding emotions for a better life
Dec 7 2023
Kanika Choudhary: Understanding emotions for a better life
Do you think anger is a "bad" emotion? Is there a difference between emotions and feelings?In this episode of The Therapy Room, we talk to Kanika Choudhary, Lead Clinical Psychologist at DocVita about examining our inner selves with curiosity and compassion.  Kanika shares some powerful guidelines on understanding emotions, and the underlying needs/stories they communicate. She gives us some suggestions on how to allow them space to transform from reactions to responses by being vulnerable and curious.Listen to the full episode to get in-depth answers to how you can cope with anger, trauma, sadness, and other important emotions which we tend to avoid or not address.About The Therapy RoomThe Therapy Room is a segment where our host Smitha Murthy talks to mental health professionals for insights on life's challenges, which range from managing everyday stressors to chronic anxiety. Tune in as we explore topics around mental health issues, emotional wellbeing, and techniques to help you heal. Quote from the conversation"Anger is a vessel that's carrying something for you."We talk aboutHow emotions give us information about the world and orient our actionsThe difference between feelings and emotionsHow anger can be helpful when channeled wellDifferent ways to process trauma Practical tips on responding vs reacting, and managing "bad" emotionsKanika's bio Kanika Choudhary is a queer-affirmative, licensed clinical psychologist and psychotherapist with over 9 years of experience online and offline. She consults for families, couples, children, and young adults. She helps individuals with mood disorders, anxiety, stress, grief, anger, trauma, and others.  Kanika is trained in third wave CBT, trauma management, and emotion-focused therapy. Connect with KanikaWebsite | LinkedIn Our partnerThis episode is made possible thanks to support from Docvita, a platform that aims to make mental health more open, supportive, and accessible through their services.ResourcesWhat is neurodiversity?Anxiety and neurodivergenceEmotions vs feelingsHow anger can be helpfulNegative emotions are key to wellbeingPrimary and secondary emotionsEmotional curiosityWrite to us - podcast@myndstories.comListen to more episodes on www.myndstories.com .*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.
The timeless magic of classics
Nov 23 2023
The timeless magic of classics
Srividya Sivakumar and Swati Nair dig deep into what makes works of literature iconic and unforgettable. Why novels like Rebecca and Wuthering Heights stand the test of time and how mental health is a strong, enduring theme.  Along the way they ask questions about the characterization of women characters in the novels, how mental health is depicted in books, and how atmosphere and language creates an unforgettable experience for the reader. It's all on The Mynd Readers, a podcast that explores mental health through literature, reading, and culture. This podcast is devoted to the magic of stories and how they transform us. Details of the episodeHow books and stories are related to childhood memories. Why some stories continue to endure. The definition of a classic. The characterization of mental conditions in the classics. ResourcesTo readRebecca by Daphne du MaurierWuthering Heights by Emily BronteThe Collected Works of William ShakespeareI Felt a Funeral in my Brain by Emily DickinsonHope is the Thing With Feathers by Emily DickinsonThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark TwainPride and Prejudice by Jane AustenOliver Twist by Charles Dickens1984 by George Orwell Lord of the Flies by William GoldingAround the World in 80 Days by Jules VerneGora by Rabindranath Tagore The Gift of a Cow (Godaan in Hindi) by PremchandOther recommended readingAnne of Green Gables by L M MontgomeryBlack Beauty by Anna SewellThe Railway Children by E NesbitQOTDWhat classics do you go back to time and again? Tell us about it at podcast@myndstories.comThis is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey. Find us on  Instagram and LinkedIn.
Words within us with Shreya Ramachandran
Nov 8 2023
Words within us with Shreya Ramachandran
In this episode, Smitha talks with author Shreya Ramachandran about writing, books, and mental health. Well, that's a given. Shreya talks about how she managed anxiety from a young age and the process of writing a fictional book about a girl who lives with depression. Shreya gives us simple ways to manage anxiety, including meditation, investigating our thoughts, and being curious about the thoughts themselves instead of accepting them as truth. Quote from the conversation"How to focus on yourself means, maybe, making difficult decisions for yourself, including asking for health-related help." We talk aboutWriting and journalingAnxiety and meditationWorking with our thoughtsChoosing the right therapistWhy sleep is the best marker of happinessShreya's bio Shreya Ramachandran is a writer based in Mumbai, and her debut young adult novel, 'The Worlds Within You,' was published by Penguin India in 2022. It was shortlisted for the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar Award, 2023.Find her book online on Amazon.Authors that Shreya recommends:Andaleeb WajidUrvashi BahugunaGayathri PrabhuManjiri IndurkarA book that Smitha recommends:The Book of Angst: Understand and Manage Anxiety by Gwendoline SmithThe Bell Jar by Sylvia PlathFind Smitha's book online.Write to us to be part of the conversation to make mental health cool - podcast@myndstories.comThis is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.
The one with soul
Nov 2 2023
The one with soul
Dear Mynd aims to create and encourage conversations around mental health. We do this through stories and that simple fact that connects us all: our human experiences. We are, after all, our stories. And our stories are us.This episode of Dear Mynd explores the theme of courage in adversity, the sheer dint of self-will and the ability to look at a glass half-full, never half-empty. In his well-loved poem, Invictus, William Ernest Henley touches upon themes such as finding strength in times of loneliness, the importance of always being hopeful, and the acceptance of the realisation that we have the ability to control our own fate and destiny. Details of the episode• The importance of hope and holding on it, especially in difficult times. • How suffering is often dwarfed by the surety that it is the spirit, not the suffering that is unconquerable.• That triumph over adversity is not just a thought, but something we can all practise.  Meet the hostSrividya Sivakumar is a reader, a teacher, and a speaker. But what really occupies her mind are those strange things that come hardbound or within soft paperbacks or on a device.  Books. Yes, she’s a self avowed bibliophile and a firm believer in the magic that 26 letters and a few punctuation marks can create.  A critically acclaimed poet, TEDx Speaker and a Voiceover Artist, Srividya believes in using her voice as a vehicle - one that drives change, sparks conversations, inspires calm and encourages you - to slow down, one story at a time.Poet bio Poet, critic and editor, William Ernest Henley has numerous collections of poetry including, A Book of Verses and Hawthorn and Lavender. His poetry contains themes of inner strength, and determination. Henley was the editor of the Scots Observer, and the Magazine of Art. It is believed that William Ernest Henley is the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's character Long John Silver in Treasure Island. His poem, Invictus,the one we are visiting today, is the piece he is most identified with. Resources To Read:Wild: From Lost to Found by Cheryl StrayedThe Checklist Manifesto by Atul GawandeBewildered by Laura WatersTo Listen:‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell‘Lose Yourself’ by Eminem‘Girl on Fire’ by Alicia KeysQOTDHow do you navigate the need for social interactions and the need to have solitude?Write to Srividya - srividya@myndstories.comThis is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Sanchita Agrawal: Breathing through life's challenges
Oct 25 2023
Sanchita Agrawal: Breathing through life's challenges
In this very first episode of our new podcast series, The Therapy Room, we talk to Sanchita Agrawal, a licensed Clinical Psychologist at DocVita for some answers. Very often, every day, we are all dealing with unresolved emotions, past experiences, and behaviors that act as triggers. Sanchita shares insightful tips and outlines grounding and relaxation exercises to calm ourselves in difficult situations. We talk about:How to manage anxiety in everyday lifeUnderstanding triggers and how to cope with them What to do when you feel overwhelmed and panickyHow to perform a grounding exercise and what tools you can useA breathing exercise that brings immediate relief when stressedSanchita's bio Sanchita Agrawal is a licensed clinical psychologist with experience in both in-patient and outpatient departments in the government and private sectors. She practices cognitive behavior therapy, motivation enhancement therapy, behavior modification, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and her aim is to help individuals of various ages with emotional and behavioral difficulties such as depression, anxiety, OCD, schizophrenia, autism, ADHD, and others. Connect with SanchitaWebsite | LinkedInOur partnerThis episode is made possible thanks to support from Docvita, a platform that aims to make mental health more open, supportive, and accessible through their services.ResourcesThe difference between counselors and psychologistsLack of mental health professionals in India  Tap into the 5-4-3-2-1 or Five Senses grounding/coping technique for anxietyManage anxiety with these 5 grounding techniquesA guided video demonstrating the five sense techniqueUnderstanding triggersUsing mindfulness to improve your mental healthFinding calm with the 9 breaths purification techniqueCore emotions in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)How to do paced breathing for relaxation Building an emotional vocabularyWays to take time out and practise self-careWrite to us - podcast@myndstories.com or visit www.myndstories.com
The one with love
Oct 19 2023
The one with love
Dear Mynd aims to create and encourage conversations around mental health. We do this through stories and that simple fact that connects us all: our human experiences. We are, after all, our stories. And our stories are us.This episode of Dear Mynd explores the theme of the sheer power of solitude, the freedom that comes with choosing one’s own company, willingly and exuberantly. In her poem, To Want to Love, Shreya Ramachandran touches upon themes such as the the dichotomy of wanting company and wanting only one’s own company, the weight of love and wanting to love, and the revelation that love, when asked for, can find its way to the asker.Details of the episodeThat love can be a choice one makes, not something to fall into unconsciously. The sometimes contradictory nature of wanting love and wanting to be alone. How acceptance of self is the most important love there is. Meet the hostSrividya Sivakumar is a reader, a teacher, and a speaker. But what really occupies her mind are those strange things that come hardbound or within soft paperbacks or on a device.  Books. Yes, she’s a self avowed bibliophile and a firm believer in the magic that 26 letters and a few punctuation marks can create.  A critically acclaimed poet, TEDx Speaker and a Voiceover Artist, Srividya believes in using her voice as a vehicle - one that drives change, sparks conversations, inspires calm and encourages you - to slow down, one story at a time.Author bio Shreya Ramachandran is a writer based in Mumbai, and her debut young adult novel, 'The Worlds Within You,' was published by Penguin India in 2022. It was shortlisted for the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar Award, 2023.ResourcesTo ReadWhereabouts by Jhumpa LahiriEleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail HoneymanDevotions: The Selected Poems of Mary OliverNight Sky with Exit Wounds by Ocean VuongTo ListenMaja Francis- Anxious Angel Me, Myself and I – BeyoncéLet It Be – The BeatlesQOTDHow do you navigate the need for social interactions and the need to have solitude?Write to Srividya - srividya@myndstories.comThis is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
The one that danced with the shadows
Oct 5 2023
The one that danced with the shadows
Dear Mynd aims to create and encourage conversations around mental health. We do this through stories and that simple fact that connects us all; our human experiences. We are, after all, our stories. And our stories are us.This episode of Dear Mynd explores the theme of drug addiction in a 15-year-old. It uses a first-person narrative in a story called Dancing with the Shadows by Bobby Menonn - to touch upon a range of themes such as the often innocuous start to addiction, the self-destructive nature of an addict, and the power of acceptance and love. Details of the episodeHow drug addiction starts in the life of a teenager. The 'vicious-circle' quality of drugs and its hold on a person.How love and acceptance can begin the process of healing. Meet the hostSrividya Sivakumar is a reader, a teacher, and a speaker. But what really occupies her mind are those strange things that come hardbound or within soft paperbacks or on a device.  Books. Yes, she’s a self avowed bibliophile and a firm believer in the magic that 26 letters and a few punctuation marks can create.  A critically acclaimed poet, TEDx Speaker and a Voiceover Artist, Srividya believes in using her voice as a vehicle - one that drives change, sparks conversations, inspires calm and encourages you - to slow down, one story at a time.Author bio Dancing with the Shadows is written by Bobby Menonn. Bobby says that after a long hiatus with work, where he has done various things, he has arrived at a juncture where the experience has dissolved, the knowledge has evaporated and he is just a soul in search of his purpose. Fear evaporates when there's no expectation. And so, he does the things that he feared to do 40 years ago. Cook. Garden. Write. Travel. Talk to complete strangers. Strike up friendships. Bobby thrives in being here, today. His narrative, Dancing with the Shadows, placed third in the Write Away contest organised by MyndStories. ResourcesTo ReadBeautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction - David Sheff Scar Tissue - Anthony Kiedis & Larry SlomanIn the Realm of Hungry Ghosts - Gabor MatéTo Listen:Above the Clouds of Pompeii - Bear's DenCome Away With Me - Norah JonesBetter Man - Robbie Williams QOTDDo you have a story of courage and resilience to share?Write to Srividya - srividya@myndstories.comThis is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Talking life with Krusha Sahjwani Malkani
Sep 29 2023
Talking life with Krusha Sahjwani Malkani
What does it mean to be a life coach? What does it mean to be a parent? And how do you balance life around all the things you love? Smitha has an interesting conversation about life, parenthood, life coaching and a lot more with Krusha Sahjwani Malkani an ICF certified life and career coach.This was a long and truly joyful chat with lots of takeaways and much to learn from. Quote from the conversation"Being selfish is not selfish"We talk aboutWhat does a life coaching session entailHow life coaching is similar yet different from therapy and parentingHow coaching styles can matterWhy choosing self-care is importantHow to achieve work-life balance as a motherKrusha's bio Krusha is an ICF Certified Career and Life Coach who helps women unlock their highest potential.She is also a LinkedIn Top Voice, Published Author and the Director of Asia of a global SaaS Company (Sociabble) focused on employee advocacy, engagement and internal communication.And her newest role that she cherishes most, is that of a mother. Connect with KrushaButterfly Effect Coach | LinkedInQOTDHow do you incorporate self-care in your life?Write to us to be part of the conversation to make mental health cool - podcast@myndstories.comThis is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.
The one with the shadows
Sep 22 2023
The one with the shadows
Dear Mynd aims to create and encourage conversations around mental health. We do this through stories and that simple fact that connects us all; our human experiences. We are, after all, our stories. And our stories are us.This episode of Dear Mynd explores the theme of conforming to a norm, and the difficulty of being your own person. It uses a story- The Dance of Shadows by Sharath C George - to touch upon a range of themes such as the influence of teachers, the quiet strength of a child, the importance of the creative mind, the debate between science and arts, and what it means to be a person with a different point of view. Details of the episodeThe pressure we place on children.There is no one way to look at anything.The damaging effect of resignation in a child’s life. Meet the hostSrividya Sivakumar is a reader, a teacher, and a speaker. But what really occupies her mind are those strange things that come hardbound or within soft paperbacks or on a device.  Books. Yes, she’s a self avowed bibliophile and a firm believer in the magic that 26 letters and a few punctuation marks can create.  A critically acclaimed poet, TEDx Speaker and a Voiceover Artist, Srividya believes in using her voice as a vehicle - one that drives change, sparks conversations, inspires calm and encourages you - to slow down, one story at a time.Author bio Sharath was diagnosed with ADHD at 35. Soon after, he quit his job, and found a new path as a freelance writer, marketing consultant and fledgling entrepreneur. His story, The Dance of the Shadows, placed second in the Write Away contest organised by MyndStories. ResourcesTo Read:A Book of Light: When a Loved One Has a Different Mind- Jerry PintoDriven to Distraction (Revised): Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder by Edward M. Hallowell M.D. and John J. Ratey M.D.Stories for Kids Who Dare to be Different - Ben BrooksTo Listen:My Way - Frank SinatraDalla Dalla- ITZYElizabeth Taylor- Clare MaguireQOTDHow do we encourage a person to be themself? Write to Srividya - srividya@myndstories.comThis is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
The one on the bridge
Sep 7 2023
The one on the bridge
Trigger Warning: Suicide, self-harmIn this story written specially for World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th, writer Smitha Murthy introduces us to Varsha, a young woman with a life-changing, life-saving mission. The story slowly traces a thread of a conversation, bringing it to an altogether unexpected ending. I Saw Her First explores dejection and disappointment, loss and loneliness. But it also makes an even more powerful case for compassion and empathy, for patient listening and a helping hand- one that is offered and extended, till it is taken. Details of the episode1. The corrosive pain of self-doubt.2. How a listening ear makes all the difference. 3. How suicide is a worldwide phenomenon that needs urgent addressing. Author bioSmitha Murthy has spent over two decades working on and with content. She's the co-founder of two ventures: LifeWordsmith Content and MyndStories. Smitha is the co-author of an epistolary memoir and writes for leading newspapers and magazines, including Deccan Herald and Kitaab.Resources BooksReasons to Stay Alive - Matt HaigThe Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression - Andrew SolomonHold Still - Nina LaCourThe Astonishing Colour of After- Emily X.R.PanThirteen Reasons Why - Jay AsherThe Year of Magical Thinking - Joan DidionA Tale for the Time Being - Ruth OzekiAll the Bright Places - Jennifer NivenWhen Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times - Pema ChödrönStitches: A Handbook on Meaning, Hope and Repair - Anne LamottTo understandhttp://www.aasra.info/helpline.htmlhttps://myndstories.com/campaigns/suicide-prevention/https://jedfoundation.org/resource/how-to-help-a-friend-who-is-suicidal/ https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/mental-health/suicide-prevention-employers.pdfhttps://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/data-research/suicide-dataQOTDHow do you deal with hopelessness?Write to Srividya - podcast@myndstories.comThis is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit