Modern, Ambitious Women Unsubscribing from Self-Doubt with Neha Ruch | AAPI Heritage Month and Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week
In honor of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week and AAPI Heritage Month, host Vanessa talks with Neha Ruch, Founder of Mother Untitled, about choosing yourself, unsubscribing from judgements and self-doubt, and finding growth and clarity in times of transition. As modern, ambitious, Asian American women raising mixed-race families, Neha and Vanessa share their perspectives on nonlinear career journeys and deconstruct the narratives behind the “stay-at-home” vs. “working” moms debate. We discuss redefining success metrics, "having it all," and healing racial and intergenerational trauma.
Neha shares her personal journey as an Indian-American mother navigating motherhood, entrepreneurship, and activism, and how she finds joy in purpose and passion. Plus: we nerd out over the best pasta in NYC and interior design, and the most valuable lessons that are NOT taught in business school.
Topics: Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, AAPI Heritage Month, APAHM, motherhood, entrepreneurship, mixed-race families, Asian heritage, purpose, passion, growth, clarity, success metrics, AAPI identity, activism, unsubscribing from judgements, self-doubt, parenting, Asian American mental health, women in leadership.
Breaking the Stigma: Neurodiversity and South Asian Mental Health
“I thought therapy was a hardcore luxury for the rich”, says Mrinal Ghokale, Author of Saaya Unveiled: South Asian Mental Health Spotlighted. Mrinal shares how growing up as a bicultural, neurodivergent and "defiant" kid enabled her to become a game-changer in mental health. We explore what it means to be neurodivergent - which can span autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and even bipolar disorder, and what society can do to be more supportive. We unpack how stereotypes around gender, the Model Minority Myth and cultural habits like “sweeping it under the rug” may actually intensify mental health conditions and isolation. Plus: building confidence through belly dancing, Desi wellness traditions like ayurveda and pranayama breathing exercises, and blending East and West when it comes to health and nutrition.
About Mrinal:
Mrinal Ghokale is an author and speaker with a passion for the human brain. She uses her voice to help shift the narrative around health and wellness. She recently published Saaya Unveiled: South Asian Mental Health Spotlighted , which shares 11 true stories of second generation Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi immigrants and how they navigate mental health in the West. Topics covered are stigma, identity, trauma, and access, along with the goal of promoting acceptance and knowledge around mental health between generations.