The Ex-Files: Vandana Shah #54

Despite increasing visibility, there remains a profound lack of understanding about the transgender experience in our society. Too often, trans individuals face discrimination, violence, and appalling prejudices rooted in ignorance about what it means to be transgender. In this episode, Celia Sandhya Daniels courageously takes us through her journey from struggling with gender dysphoria as a child without the language to understand it, to her evolution in embracing her authentic identity as a trans woman. Her story lays bare the confusion, isolation, and pain that can come from having one's inner sense of self conflict with societally-imposed gender roles and expectations. Celia's narrative highlights critical issues like: The importance of education and having proper terminology to articulate one's truth The vulnerabilities and risks trans people face, even in LGBTQ+ spaces The challenges of coming out and navigating relationships through transition Overcoming trauma to live visibly and use your voice for change As a recognized LGBTQ+ leader and advocate, Celia doesn't just share her experiences - she provides invaluable insights into how to be a better ally through empathy, unlearning biases, and active support of the trans community. The importance of education and taking the time to learn and use the correct pronouns and terminology cannot be overstated. By making this effort, we validate trans individuals and see them as they want to be seen - not through our own limited lens or preconceived notions. Using proper pronouns lets trans people know their identity is recognized, accepted and respected, rather than erased or undermined. It's about seeing them for who they truly are. Connect with the guests:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celiasandaniels/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celiasandaniels/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Celia.S.Daniels/Website: rebekon.com Please help the voices of our guests be heard by sharing this podcast with your friends and family. Don’t forget to follow us on our social and please rate us wherever you’re listening so more people can find us. Thank you and we are so grateful for your support. Subscribe!YouTubeApple Podcast AppGoogle PodcastsSpotifyCastboxStitcherTuneIn Get in touch.Instagram: @nriwomanpodcastTwitter: @nri_womanFacebook: NRI WomanEmail: [email protected]: http://bit.ly/2WSSQ2p

We're thrilled to host interculturalist Pratha Shetty, who guides us through the fascinating world of cross-cultural understanding. We learn about Pratha's early fascination with why people from diverse cultures think and act differently. This curiosity sparked a career unveiling complex cultural concepts through educational tools, speaking, and writing. A highlight is the colorful children's book Pratha created called "When I Grow Up," which teaches cultural empathy through storytelling. Pratha enlightens us on going beyond superficial stereotypes to grasp the nuanced essence of varied cultures. This episode encourages listeners to reflect on their cultural curiosity, embrace the beauty of differences, and engage in the transformative process of building bridges across diverse backgrounds. You'll never see culture the same way. Connect with the guests:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pratha-shetty-0b938097/?originalSubdomain=inEmail: [email protected]: https://amzn.to/30d13mIPlease help the voices of our guests be heard by sharing this podcast with your friends and family. Don’t forget to follow us on our social and please rate us wherever you’re listening so more people can find us. Thank you and we are so grateful for your support. Subscribe!YouTubeApple Podcast AppGoogle PodcastsSpotifyCastboxStitcherTuneIn Get in touch.Instagram: @nriwomanpodcastTwitter: @nri_womanFacebook: NRI WomanEmail: [email protected]: http://bit.ly/2WSSQ2p

In this episode, Shilpa offers wisdom on nurturing your passions with patience, making time for what inspires you, looking beyond labels to live authentically, and uplifting others along the way. With humor and compassion, Shilpa opens up about her multifaceted life, from balancing family and work to staying motivated through struggles. Learn Shilpa’s advice on personal growth, the insights she’s gained from mentors, and her thoughts on unlocking your potential through deep listening. Discover keys to fulfillment, creativity, and empowerment. Shilpa’s story provides inspiration to mindfully tend your diverse interests, thrive with purpose, and elevate the world around you. Connect with the guests:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amateur.author2019/Email: [email protected] help the voices of our guests be heard by sharing this podcast with your friends and family. Don’t forget to follow us on our social and please rate us wherever you’re listening so more people can find us. Thank you and we are so grateful for your support. Subscribe!YouTubeApple Podcast AppGoogle PodcastsSpotifyCastboxStitcherTuneIn Get in touch.Instagram: @nriwomanpodcastTwitter: @nri_womanFacebook: NRI WomanEmail: [email protected]: http://bit.ly/2WSSQ2p

On our show today is the multi-talented Aarti! With degrees in two seemingly contrasting fields - psychology and computer engineering - Aarti has cultivated a distinctive perspective that fuses logic and artistic creativity. Aarti talks about her interests, from nurturing her flair for writing and painting, to channeling her energy into Bollywood dance, to succeeding in technical careers by blending left-brain analytics with insight into the human psyche. She shares how she manages to integrate talents across the spectrum. Where does she draw inspiration when shifting between such different modes of thinking? Her story highlights how we can break out of the boxes we put ourselves into to access our full potential. Aarti's story proves that with an open mind, we can expand beyond perceived limitations between logic and creativity. Connect with the guests:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/istandforwe/Website: https://iamaarti.com/Email: [email protected] help the voices of our guests be heard by sharing this podcast with your friends and family. Don’t forget to follow us on our social and please rate us wherever you’re listening so more people can find us. Thank you and we are so grateful for your support. Subscribe!YouTubeApple Podcast AppGoogle PodcastsSpotifyCastboxStitcherTuneIn Get in touch.Instagram: @nriwomanpodcastTwitter: @nri_womanFacebook: NRI WomanEmail: [email protected]: http://bit.ly/2WSSQ2p

Anu Sehgal is a spirited cultural educator whose adventure spans over 25 years from India to the US. Hers is a heartwarming story of craving authentic Indian experiences and how that desire transformed her into an advocate for cultivating cultural awareness, heritage, and language in children. "The Culture Tree," Anu's brainchild initially focused on language education has now blossomed into a delightful mix of cultural events and community bonding. Anu's story isn't just hers; it's an opportunity for all of us to embrace and revel in the richness of cultural diversity. Get ready to engage, learn, and be inspired! Connect with the guests:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theculturetree/Website: https://theculturetree.com/Email: [email protected] help the voices of our guests be heard by sharing this podcast with your friends and family. Don’t forget to follow us on our social and please rate us wherever you’re listening so more people can find us. Thank you and we are so grateful for your support. Subscribe!YouTubeApple Podcast AppGoogle PodcastsSpotifyCastboxStitcherTuneIn Get in touch.Instagram: @nriwomanpodcastTwitter: @nri_womanFacebook: NRI WomanEmail: [email protected]: http://bit.ly/2WSSQ2p

Meet Anuradha Gupta, a passionate angel investor and the creative mind behind Vows for Eternity, a globally renowned matchmaking firm. Anuradha's journey is all about following her heart, understanding people, and taking a unique path in the business world. Growing up in India and later living most of her life abroad, Anuradha sensed a missing piece in the typical matchmaking process. The usual exchange of biodata felt shallow, pushing her to dream up a platform that goes beyond mere numbers and really connects by exploring people's life stories, experiences and dreams. Join us as we unfold the inspiring story of Anuradha Gupta. She's not just reshaping modern matchmaking; she's infusing it with heart and soul, making it a journey of genuine connections and meaningful unions. Connect with the guests:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anuradhaguptavfe/Website: https://www.vowsforeternity.com/Please help the voices of our guests be heard by sharing this podcast with your friends and family. Don’t forget to follow us on our social and please rate us wherever you’re listening so more people can find us. Thank you and we are so grateful for your support. Subscribe!YouTubeApple Podcast AppGoogle PodcastsSpotifyCastboxStitcherTuneIn Get in touch.Instagram: @nriwomanpodcastTwitter: @nri_womanFacebook: NRI WomanEmail: [email protected]: http://bit.ly/2WSSQ2p

Meet Sharan, the creative soul with Becker Muscular Dystrophy, who, despite the challenges, remains a creator, an inspiration, and a unique voice in the big conversation about life. This conversation isn't about putting a spotlight on someone because they are differently-abled; it's an open invitation for all of us to think about how we see and connect with people whose experiences and circumstances might be different from our own. So, grab a seat as we dive into some deep questions about life, love, and purpose, all seen through the lens of Sharan Anil's extraordinary story. This episode is an engaging and heartfelt exploration of resilience, creativity, and the beauty found in embracing our unique journeys.Connect with the guests:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharan_actionartPlease help the voices of our guests be heard by sharing this podcast with your friends and family. Don’t forget to follow us on our social and please rate us wherever you’re listening so more people can find us. Thank you and we are so grateful for your support. Subscribe!Apple Podcast AppGoogle PodcastsSpotifyCastboxStitcherTuneIn Get in touch.Instagram: @nriwomanpodcastTwitter: @nri_womanFacebook: NRI WomanEmail: [email protected]: http://bit.ly/2WSSQ2p

Roshni isn't just making waves in the fast-paced world of PR marketing – she's leaving an unforgettable impression on high-profile South Asian celebrities, not just in North America but globally. Beyond being the co-founder of the wildly popular Urban Asian news platform, her story goes way beyond the usual tale of success, reaching past the shiny exterior of her career. Beyond her professional accolades, she unveils the layers of her journey, especially her experiences with mental health. In this episode, Roshni shares insights that extend far beyond the boardrooms and red carpets. Her goal is clear – to inspire others by breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. Through her candid discussions, she seeks to create a safe space where individuals can openly share their experiences without judgment. Get ready for a thought-provoking and compelling conversation that transcends the typical boundaries of success stories. Join us as we navigate the intersections of success, mental health, and the transformative journey that unfolds in the intricate spaces in between. Connect with the guests:Email: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/missroshni/https://www.instagram.com/urbanasian/Please help the voices of our guests be heard by sharing this podcast with your friends and family. Don’t forget to follow us on our social and please rate us wherever you’re listening so more people can find us. Thank you and we are so grateful for your support. Subscribe!Apple Podcast AppGoogle PodcastsSpotifyCastboxStitcherTuneIn Get in touch.Instagram: @nriwomanpodcastTwitter: @nri_womanFacebook: NRI WomanEmail: [email protected]: http://bit.ly/2WSSQ2p

In this episode, we explore the fascinating journey of manifestation through quantum jumping through Bianca's lens. Discover how she taps into intuition and spiritual insight to navigate the complexities of life, offering a refreshing perspective on creating your reality, even in the face of uncertainty. Bianca shares her personal stories and insights, offering practical wisdom on manifesting your desires, overcoming obstacles, and embracing the unknown with confidence. Join us as we delve into the magic of manifestation with someone who has mastered the art of bringing dreams to life. Get ready for an empowering conversation that goes beyond the conventional, where law meets mysticism, and manifestation becomes a tangible force in shaping the life you desire. Connect with the guests:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biancagracias/Website: https://wellness-center-dubai.business.site/Please help the voices of our guests be heard by sharing this podcast with your friends and family. Don’t forget to follow us on our social and please rate us wherever you’re listening so more people can find us. Thank you and we are so grateful for your support. Subscribe!Apple Podcast AppGoogle PodcastsSpotifyCastboxStitcherTuneIn Get in touch.Instagram: @nriwomanpodcastTwitter: @nri_womanFacebook: NRI WomanEmail: [email protected]: http://bit.ly/2WSSQ2p

We couldn’t have picked a more informative episode to end our season with. Sanya Sharma is a 19-year-old law student based in the UK and the founder of the global organization Scarlet Udaan. The aim of the organization is to raise awareness of Female Genital Mutilation. The team has members from different parts of the world including India, UK, Indonesia, US, Canada and many more.The World Health Organization estimates that 200 million females around the world have undergone FGM/C. The name Scarlet Udaan, comes from the word 'Scarlet'- a brilliant red colour which signifies the strength in one's womanhood; and the word 'Udaan'- is a Hindi word which means 'to soar' or 'to fly': It symbolizes freedom and the limitless possibilities that exist for an individual. Through the organization, she hopes to bring awareness of Female Genital Mutilation and the impact it has on the lives of females belonging to different communities all around the world. She believes, together, we can end Female Genital Mutilation.This is Sanya sharing an untold story and we hope you'll listen. Connect with the guests:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Sanya-Sharma/100011979015019LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanya-sharma-9a72291ab/Please help the voices of our guests be heard by sharing this podcast with your friends and family. Don’t forget to follow us on our social and please rate us wherever you’re listening so more people can find us. Thank you and we are so grateful for your support. Subscribe!Apple Podcast AppGoogle PodcastsSpotifyCastboxStitcherTuneIn Get in touch.Instagram: @nriwomanpodcastTwitter: @nri_womanFacebook: NRI WomanEmail: [email protected]: http://bit.ly/2WSSQ2pCredits:This episode is edited by Eric Heidbreder