Episodes

  • 10/ The Problem With the Hyphen (Identity)
    May 6 2024

    WHAT?! It's the end of Season 1 everyone!


    To wrap things up, we're diving into a complex topic we can all relate to: hyphenated identities.


    We'll be getting personal, sharing our own experiences and struggles with self-identification, both now and growing up. You'll hear about the two main viewpoints on hyphenated identities, along with the pressure to explain yourself in a way that feels truly representative. We'll also discuss the challenge of balancing all the threads of your identity.


    This topic is surprisingly complex, with debates raging across society, academia, and even grammar! But at the heart of it all lies a simple question: "How do YOU identify?"




    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    52 mins
  • 9/ Why Am I So Risk Averse?
    Apr 15 2024

    Hey everyone! This episode gets personal as we delve into the topic of risk aversion in our own Brown communities, especially for immigrants and their children.

    We kick things off by being real with you. Launching this podcast? It was a rollercoaster of excitement and hesitation – Completely embodying this theme, right? We explore the idea that many of us, you know, "sharp people with a lot to offer," often gravitate towards practical paths with clear-cut success – doctor, lawyer, engineer. Safe choices, with a roadmap, especially for immigrants and first-generation folks finding their way in a new world.


    But what about the artist's path, the entrepreneur's leap? This episode doesn't shy away from the challenges Brown folks face when venturing outside those traditional lanes. Creative fields, for example, lack that clear definition of success, making them inherently riskier. It's no wonder there can be a natural pull towards playing it safe within our communities.


    We weave our own stories into the discussion, exploring how our identities as second-generation Brown women shape how we approach risk ourselves.

    The big question we tackle this episode: Is risk aversion holding us back, or is it a strategic approach in this new world for our families? Tune in to find out!


    Don't miss out on all things Gupshup!


    Instagram: @heytheredrvarma

    Substack: https://gupshuplab.substack.com/


    While we touch on topics relating to mental health, Dr. Anu and Dr. Rashmi are not licensed mental health professionals, and this podcast is for information and entertainment purposes only. This podcast is not to be taken as professional advice. If you are seeking professional advice, please contact a mental health professional



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    49 mins
  • 8/Over prepared and Overthinking
    Apr 1 2024

    Never have I ever... felt like I didn't deserve a seat at the table? In this episode, Dr. Anu and Dr. Rashmi dive deep into the struggles of imposter syndrome and the overwhelming pressure to constantly learn and document everything we do. They'll share their own experiences and explore the research of Dr. Aurora Chang on hyperdocumentation.


    In this episode, we will explore:

    • What is imposter syndrome and why does it plague so many successful people?
    • Why do we feel the constant need to learn and document everything?
    • How can we break free from these cycles and finally feel confident in our abilities?

    Don't miss out on all things Gupshup!


    Instagram: @heytheredrvarma

    Substack: https://gupshuplab.substack.com/


    While we touch on topics relating to mental health, Dr. Anu and Dr. Rashmi are not licensed mental health professionals, and this podcast is for information and entertainment purposes only. This podcast is not to be taken as professional advice. If you are seeking professional advice, please contact a mental health professional






    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    54 mins
  • 7/ Thick Thighs Save Lives
    Mar 18 2024


    In this episode of Gupshup we dive into the world of body image, exploring the concept of body neutrality and its challenges. Drs. Anu and Rashmi share their own experiences, highlighting the challenges of achieving a healthy body image as they tackle the idea of body neutrality – the notion of accepting your body without judgment, good or bad and explore the societal pressure to fixate on appearance and the difficulty of detaching self-worth from body image.


    Make sure to tell us what you think! Love what you are hearing? Follow, Rate and Share Gupshup!


    Don't miss out on all things Gupshup!


    Instagram: @gupshup.pod I @heydrvarma

    Substack: https://gupshuplab.substack.com/

    Reddit: reddit.com/r/gupshuplabs



    While we touch on topics relating to mental health, Dr. Anu and Dr. Rashmi are not licensed mental health professionals, and this podcast is for information and entertainment purposes only. This podcast is not to be taken as professional advice. If you are seeking professional advice, please contact a mental health professional

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    57 mins
  • 6/ Silent Struggles (Part II)
    Mar 4 2024

    In the second part of "Silent Struggles," we delve deeper into the realm of behavioral addictions, aiming to decipher its nuances in comparison to substance dependence while unraveling the underlying mechanisms driving such compulsive behaviors.


    Dr. Rashmi sheds light on the intricate source of dopamine surges, emphasizing how behavioral addictions stem from an internal craving for pleasure derived from specific activities rather than external chemical stimuli.


    The episode takes a culturally sensitive approach, examining the impact of cultural factors, stress coping mechanisms, and societal pressures prevalent within immigrant communities. Through this lens, we uncover common behavioral addictions like gambling, shopping, work, and social media usage, shedding light on how these activities serve as coping mechanisms amidst the challenges of acculturation and assimilation.


    This episode delves into the unique risk factors faced by immigrants, acknowledging potential generational disparities in addiction patterns and susceptibility.


    Moreover, the episode navigates through the unique risk factors encountered by immigrants, recognizing potential generational differences in addiction patterns and susceptibility.


    For those seeking support, please connect with the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357)and the South Asian Mental Health Initiative and Network (https://samhin.org/contact/).


    Don't miss out on all things Gupshup!


    Instagram: @gupshup.pod I @heytheredrvarma

    Substack: https://gupshuplab.substack.com/

    Reddit: reddit.com/r/gupshuplabs



    While we touch on topics relating to mental health, Dr. Anu and Dr. Rashmi are not licensed mental health professionals, and this podcast is for information and entertainment purposes only. This podcast is not to be taken as professional advice. If you are seeking professional advice, please contact a mental health professional

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    46 mins
  • 5/ Silent Struggles (Part I)
    Feb 19 2024

    Part I of this 2 part series tackles the complex and often neglected issue of addiction in our communities. We'll explore the layers of stigma and misconceptions surrounding it, showing how addiction is not a moral failing.


    We'll start by debunking common myths and revealing the science behind addiction, including how genetics and environment play a role. Then look at the unique challenges faced by our communities, where cultural beliefs and the search for spiritual remedies can sometimes clash with evidence-based medical treatments.


    Don't miss out on all things Gupshup!


    Instagram: @gupshup.pod I @heytheredrvarma

    Substack: https://gupshuplab.substack.com/


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    59 mins
  • 1/ Why Do I Have So Much Brown Guilt?
    Jan 31 2024

    It's the inaugural episode ya'll! So what better to start with than our favorite topic- Brown Guilt. Ever feel like you're caught between two worlds? Navigating the expectations of your South Asian family and carving your own path can be a tightrope walk. And often, guilt becomes the unwelcome companion on this journey.


    In this episode, Drs. Anu and Rashmi delve into the complex phenomenon of "brown guilt." They untangle its roots, explore its sneaky ways of showing up, and equip you with tools to manage it and move forward with self-compassion.


    Get ready to unpack:


    Guilt overload: From chasing that perfect career to pleasing everyone, we'll explore how this complex emotion messes with your head.


    Where it all comes from: Cultural roots, family dynamics, and the quest for approval, let's dig into why feeling "not good enough" sticks around.


    Breaking free: Tips for setting boundaries, having honest conversations, and embracing self-compassion.


    Don't miss out on all things Gupshup!


    Instagram: @gupshup.pod I @heytheredrvarma

    Substack: https://gupshuplab.substack.com/


    While we touch on topics relating to mental health, Dr. Anu and Dr. Rashmi are not licensed mental health professionals, and this podcast is for information and entertainment purposes only. This podcast is not to be taken as professional advice. If you are seeking professional advice, please contact a mental health professional

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    43 mins
  • 2/ TLDR; What's My Trauma
    Jan 31 2024

    In this powerful episode, we peel back the layers of generational trauma within immigrant families, particularly South Asian families. Tracing its roots to the weight of historical burdens, from colonization and partition to ongoing conflicts, and explore its ripple effects across generations. We delve into the invisible scars - the emotional toll of conflict-based trauma, strained relationships, and even heightened physical vulnerabilities. We finish with the importance of setting boundaries, open communication, self-compassion, and seeking professional support pave the way for healing and breaking the cycle. 


    Don't miss out on all things Gupshup!


    Instagram: @gupshup.pod I @heytheredrvarma

    Substack: https://gupshuplab.substack.com/


    While we touch on topics relating to mental health, Dr. Anu and Dr. Rashmi are not licensed mental health professionals, and this podcast is for information and entertainment purposes only. This podcast is not to be taken as professional advice. If you are seeking professional advice, please contact a mental health professional

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 1 min