A Fireside Chat with Aastha Kottary, a Mental Health Advocate and Podcast Host of Slow Down with Aastha - an award winning audio podcast for mental wellness discussions, self-growth, and emotional development. She is the Founder and Creative Director of Elevate - a homegrown brand that promotes Indian craftsmanship by combining spiritual jewellery with healing gemstones.IG: @slowdownwithaastha Podcast- Spotify: Slow Down with Aastha

01:15 Aastha's Introduction02:18 Neuro-coaching?18:00 Trauma, scope, and referrals20:00 Tools: challenging core beliefs22:00 Adverse Childhood Experiences -ACEs and Self-Stigma23:00 Aastha's lived experiences 28:00 Mind–body–spirit connection29:00 Buddhism and Power of Acceptance31:00 Starting the Podcast 37:00 India vs. Canada: Systems & History50:00 Dance and Expressive Arts in healing57:00 Collaborative Care Model: Support systems01:00:07 Thyroid, PCOS without Medicines

01:02:00 No support? Build community & Connect with resources

01:03:00 Community, Honesty and Boundaries01:04:00 World Mental Health Day GratitudeNeuro-coaching Aastha discussed her journey into neuro-coaching, explaining how it addresses self-limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns by exploring their roots in past experiences. She emphasized the importance of challenging these beliefs and using tools like understanding brain chemistry and circadian rhythms to empower individuals. Mental Health JourneysPower of Therapy and alternative approaches like meditation in recovery and how founding a podcast to help break the stigma around mental health in India served as a catharsis. Stigma exists in both India and Canada; the conversation around mental health is more open in Canada.Challenges in Mental Health CareHistorical and current issues surrounding mental health treatment in Canada, highlighting the systemic problems of isolation, coercion, and restraint in emergency units and hospitals. Intergenerational trauma caused by past atrocities against Indigenous peoples and those with mental health issues, noting the lack of proper funding and support for mental health care. Global Mental Health Awareness Ishaa shared her personal mental health journey, highlighting how dance and yoga played crucial roles in her recovery. She emphasized the importance of a collaborative and community approach to mental health care, rather than relying solely on biomedical treatments. Aastha discussed the differences in mental health perceptions between India and the UK, noting that while each country faces unique challenges, there are also global issues like work-life imbalance.

Support Networks Importance of support systems in mental health, highlighting how a strong support network can help individuals avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms like drugs and alcohol. Aastha shared her personal experience of receiving unwavering support from her family during challenging times, which helped her persist through therapy and medication trials. They emphasized that while professional help is valuable, support can also come from chosen family, friends, or even nature, and encouraged people without traditional support systems to seek help in various forms.

Role of social media in creating peer support groups and emphasized the importance of awareness and access to mental health resources. Ishaa advocated for the collaborative care model, emphasizing the need for authentic relationships and addressing early childhood trauma as part of prevention. Art and Expression for Mental HealthIshaa and Aastha discussed the importance of letting go of past burdens and the role of acceptance in mental health. They explored how various forms of art and expression, such as dance and journaling, can help release emotions and improve well-being. Ishaa expressed a passion for fostering community and honesty, while Aastha shared her journey of managing health issues through lifestyle changes and emotional expression.

Rajeev Balasubramanyam was born in Lancashire and studied at Oxford, Cambridge, and Lancaster universities. He is the prize-winning author of In Beautiful Disguises. He has lived in London, Manchester, Suffolk, Kathmandu, and Hong Kong, where he was a Research Scholar in the Society of Scholars at Hong Kong University. He was a fellow of the Hemera Foundation, for writers with a meditation practice, and has been writer-in-residence at Crestone Zen Mountain Center and the Zen Center of New York City. His journalism and short fiction have appeared in The Washington Post, The Economist, New Statesman, London Review of Books, The Paris Review, McSweeney’s, and many others. He currently lives and works in Berlin.

Connect with the Author:

https://www.instagram.com/the.mind.revolutionary?igsh=dDd3YjR5NGlnNDls

--Topics Discussed: WHAT ROLE DOES OUR INNER CHILD PLAY IN OUR ADULT LIFE, AND HOW MAY WE ATTAIN ACCESS TO GETTING IN TOUCH WITH OUR INNER CHILD?

HOW DOES INTERGENERATIONAL TRAUMA IMPACT THE WAY WE NAVIGATE FAMILY RELATIONS? HOW MAY WE ADDRESS, ACCEPT AND CREATE COMPASSION FOR EACH OTHER, ESPECIALLY WITHIN FAMILIES? WHAT ROLE HAS PATRIARCHY PLAYED IN YOUR LIFE AND HOW HAS THAT INFLUENCED BOTH YOUR WRITING AND EXPERIENCES IN FATHERHOOD? AS SOUTH-ASIANS, WE EXPERIENCE DYSFUNCTION WITHIN OUR FAMILY SYSTEMS REGARDLESS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS- WHY DO YOU FEEL WE OFTEN RESORT TO MASKING AND SUPPRESSING EMOTIONS? INTERSECTION OF POLITICS AND SPIRITUALITY – ACCORDING TO RAJEEV: “WE NEED HEALED WARRIORS, HEALED ACTIVISTS AND HEALED HEALERS IN POLITICS” : WHAT IS THE PATH TO ACHIEVING THIS? HOW MAY ONE VIEW POLITICS DEVOID OF HATRED, AGGRESSION AND FEAR? THE CONCEPT OF : ‘MYTH OF THE NATION’ AND THAT NATIONS ARE A CONSTRUCT – IT MAY BE EASIER SAID THAN IMPLEMENTED. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE FOR OUR CIVILIZATION TO UNLEARN CENTURIES OF OUR OWN WRONGDOINGS? WHEN YOU SAY THAT ONE OF THE GREATEST ACTS IS TO HAVE COMPASSION FOR ABUSERS ON A MICRO LEVEL OR FOR OPRESSORS ON A MACRO LEVEL- HOW MAY ONE DEVELOP THIS AND MORE IMPORTANTLY SUSTAIN IT? HOW DID YOU GET TO PRACTICE ZEN AND HOW HAS THIS IMPACTED YOU AS AN ARTIST, HUMAN-BEING, PHILOSOPHER AND NOW FATHER?

🎙️ As July Disability Pride Month comes to an end, Ishaa converses with Leah Georgini, Executive Director of ISPS-US- International Society of Psychological and Social Approaches to Psychosis- US Chapter, to explore mental health, psychosis, advocacy, and healing from both clinical and lived experience perspectives. Dive into topics like stigma, psychiatric trauma, community care, and reclaiming purpose! 🔗 Learn more about ISPS-US: https://www.isps-us.org #MentalHealth #Psychosis #LivedExperience #ISPSUS #Stigma #MadStudies #HealingJourney 01:30 Chapter 1: Leah’s Journey & ISPS US MissionLeah Georgini introduces herself as Executive Director of the U.S. chapter of the International Society for Psychological and Social Approaches to Psychosis (ISPS US). 02:00 Chapter 3: Occupational Therapy in Psychosis SupportLeah outlines the role of occupational therapy (OT) in mental health, emphasizing the “doing, being, becoming, belonging” framework. 00:06 Chapter 4: Purpose & Meaning: Finding Your IkigaiDrawing on the Japanese concept of Ikigai, Ishaa and Leah explore how identifying purposeful roles and routines can anchor recovery. They connect this to real-world examples—bridging educational gaps, managing medication side-effects—and stress that healing extends beyond clinical interventions to encompass purpose and meaning.00:07 Chapter 5: Building Daily Structure & Community RolesLeah challenges capitalist views of productivity, arguing that meaningful occupation isn’t solely about paid work. She advocates beginning with basic self-care—nutrition, sleep rhythms—and exploring volunteer or caregiving roles that align with personal values, thereby restoring structure, predictability, and social connectedness.00:11 Chapter 6: Confronting Coercion & Trauma in Psychiatric CareIshaa raises the issue of forced isolation and restraints in psychiatric settings. Leah labels these practices as grave human rights violations and discusses her master’s research on self-stigma.00:24 Chapter 7: Bridging Advocacy & Clinical PracticeThey turn to strategies for uniting advocates and clinicians. Leah remains optimistic that most practitioners want to help but are hampered by systemic constraints—contrasting the U.S. and U.K. models. Together, they underscore how small acts of compassion (preferred foods, therapeutic foot-baths) can rebuild trust and humanize care pathways.00:33 Chapter 8: Language, Labels & Self-IdentificationThe conversation shifts to the power of terminology—psychosis, schizophrenia, spiritual awakening—and the inescapable link between any chosen label and stigma. Leah argues for honouring each person’s right to self-identify and construct existential meaning, rather than imposing externally defined medicalized labels.00:35 Chapter 9: Embracing Mad Studies & Historical MemoryIshaa reflects on her engagement with Mad Studies and recounts visiting an exhibition commemorating long-term institutionalized patients buried on campus grounds. She discusses reclaiming “mad” identity, confronting the dark history of involuntary confinement, and leveraging historical awareness to rights-based advocacy.43:00 Chapter 10: Normalizing Psychosis vs OverpathologizationLeah draws parallels within neurodiverse experiences and advocates rare instances of hearing voices or transient paranoia should not be deemed pathological. She critiques pharmaceutical influences that medicalize everyday cognitive lapses, cautioning against defaulting to medications and the biomedical model as a sole solution.

How can I really help my teen? If that question lives in your heart—you’re not alone. In this webinar, Internationally certified Mental Health Clinician Susan Raphael and Educator Vinod Chopra share raw, practical insights for parents and caregivers navigating teenage mental health and addiction challenges from a place of knowing through lived experiences. From understanding early warning signs to building trust and emotional expression vs. supression- this conversation can help to transform fear into calm action rooted in preventative measures. It is ok to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. We are one conversation away from creating safe, stigma-free spaces to expression and feel a sense of belonging within family and community settings.

EXPRESSION VS. SUPRESSION

Tune in. Commune. Engage. Be part of the change.#TeenMentalHealth #ParentSupport #AddictionAwareness #SusanRaphael #SustainableRecovery #Whatiswrongwithmyteen #Findingorderindisorder #IshaaVinodChopra

What actually is neurodivergence?

For Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we chatted with Aditi Gangrade - co-founder and CCO of @muchmuch.media and @muchmuchspectrum to deconstruct, dissect and unpack societal norms, stereotypes and notions of ‘normality’. 

Let’s celebrate the beauty of neurodiversity reimagine our perspectives of neurodivergence - let us learn, unlearn, & relearn the essence of Neurodiversity through Celebration!

#neurodivergence #neurodivergent #neurodiversityacceptance #neurodiversityweek #neurodiversityweek2025 #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters

Dr. Alok Kulkarni is a distinguished interventional psychiatrist from India with extensive training in psychiatry from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, an Institute of National Importance. He was part of India’s first government-funded telepsychiatry program and later became a member of The Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK, after excelling in its rigorous examinations. In 2022-23, he was awarded the prestigious IMH Marshall Fellowship at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, where he gained expertise in cutting-edge clinical trials and treatments for bipolar disorder. Dr. Kulkarni specializes in non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, including tDCS, rTMS, and ECT, and is a recognized voice in national and international media advocating for mental health. His work has been featured in prominent Indian publications, earning him accolades such as the S S Jayaram and Aryabhata awards. Currently, he consults at the Manas Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, a premier center for mood disorders in India, as the CEO. Ishaa’s approach extrapolates her lived experiences in mental health and applies it to education, mental health advocacy, and multidisciplinary arts. She aims to foster empathy, positivity, and self-awareness while sparking mental health discussions and reducing stigmas by creating safe spaces for stigmatized conversations in the AODA, Sunnybrook Patient and Family Advisory Committee(s). As a Member Artist of the Workman Arts Organization, she integrates dance therapy into the community for healing and expression by infusing Latin, Indian Classical and Folk styles as a facilitator. As a Research Associate of a York Master’s Thesis documentary project titled ‘Unfinished,’ she explores her journey in mental health vis-à-vis multidisciplinary arts. Her memoir 'Finding Order in Disorder' explores Dance & Art therapy. She is the Founder and CEO of Finding Order in Disorder Foundation a non-profit for Mental Health. 00:03 - Introduction & BackgroundDr Alok shares his journey in psychiatry, including his education, clinical experience, and specialization in bipolar disorder.02:33 - Holistic & Integrative Mental Health ApproachesDiscussion on holistic mental health care, including psychotherapy, yoga, neurostimulation techniques, and alternative treatments.04:55 - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) ExplainedA deep dive into CBT, how it works, and how restructuring negative thought patterns helps patients with anxiety and depression.07:40 - Yoga, Meditation & Alternatives for Mental HealthThe pros and cons of yoga and meditation for psychiatric conditions, including psychosis, and exploring alternative mindful activities like art and dance.15:39 - Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health How the pandemic affected global mental health, increased anxiety, and highlighted the importance of mental well-being.19:26 - Breaking Mental Health Stigma & Self-StigmaThe role of advocacy, open conversations, and public figures in reducing stigma around mental illness and promoting mental health awareness.22:25 - Resilience & Early Childhood DevelopmentThe impact of childhood experiences on mental health, the nature vs. nurture debate, and how resilience is built over time.32:12 - Caregivers' Role & Collaborative Mental Health CareThe importance of caregivers in a patient’s recovery, the challenges they face, and how to create a support system for individuals with mental health conditions.42:09 - Comorbidities & Medication Side Effects in Bipolar DisorderExploring the overlap between bipolar disorder and conditions like ADHD, OCD, and anxiety, as well as how medications may contribute to specific side effects.46:30 - Conclusion & Final ThoughtsClosing remarks, key takeaways, and how viewers can reach out for support or more information on mental health topics.Concept & Host: Ishaa Vinod Chopra Editing, Content & Design: Tanvi Nerlekar

Dr. Aninda Sidhana is a leading psychiatrist specializing in women’s mental health and psychosexual medicine. With over a decade of experience in general hospital psychiatry and neuropsychiatry, she addresses critical issues such as stress management, sexual health, and gender-based mental health disparities. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and mental health awareness, she actively writes, educates, and mentors future professionals.

Recognized with the Women of Substance Award and Women Resilience Award 2024, she also serves as a Goodwill Ambassador, advancing gender equality, healthcare access, and human rights under the UN SDGs.

“When women rise, we all rise together.”Expertise: Women’s Mental Health, Psychosexual Medicine, Marital Therapy, AddictionsCurrent Role: Assistant Professor, Dr. S.S. Tantia M.C.H. & Research CentreAffiliations: International Association of Women’s Mental Health, Guest Faculty at JSS Mysore, India.

--

Ishaa’s approach extrapolates her lived experiences in mental health and applies it to education, mental health advocacy and multidisciplinary arts. She aims to foster empathy, positivity, and self-awareness while sparking mental health discussions and reducing stigmas by creating safe spaces for stigmatized conversations in the AODA, Sunnybrook Patient and Family Advisory Committee(s). As a Member Artist of the Workman Arts Organization, she integrates dance therapy into the community for healing and expression by infusing Latin, Indian Classical and Folk styles as a facilitator.

In her Memoir ‘Finding Order in Disorder’ ; in lucid, simple prose, she addresses what it is like to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, how it affects interpersonal relationships, and how societal norms influence our understanding of and responses to mental health issues.

As a Research Associate of a York Master’s Thesis documentary project titled ‘Unfinished,’ she explores her journey in mental health vis-à-vis multidisciplinary arts. She is currently the Founder and CEO of the NGO titled: Finding Order in Disorder Foundation.

00:00 Introduction

00:03 Welcome & Guest Introduction

00:21 Dr. Sidhana’s Background & Work

03:00 Importance of Mental Health Awareness

03:10 The Need for Open Conversations

05:30 Challenges & Stigma in Mental Health

08:00 Women's Mental Health & Well-being08:15 Unique Challenges Faced by Women

10:40 Role of Education in Mental Health

12:30 Addressing Psychosexual Health

15:00 Overcoming Barriers to Mental Health Support

15:20 Cultural & Systemic Obstacles

17:45 Breaking the Silence on Women’s Mental Health

20:30 Encouraging Access to Mental Health Services

22:00 Role of Advocacy and Future Initiatives

22:15 The Impact of Dr. Sidhana’s Work

24:30 Importance of Mentorship & Spreading Awareness

26:40 Vision for the Future of Women’s Mental Health

28:00 Closing Remarks & Call to Action

28:20 Final Thoughts from Dr. Sidhana

29:15 Encouragement to Seek Mental Health Support

29:45 Closing Message & Gratitude

Concept & Host: Ishaa Vinod Chopra

Editing, Subtitles & Design: Tanvi Nerlekar

Ambika Aruna Ganesh is a Life Coach, Facilitator and a Spiritual explorer. A resourceful and compassionate coach with 10 years+ experience and multidisciplinary skill set has worked with 500+ clients from across the world using mindfulness. Mindfulness is a way of operating peacefully in today’s VUCA world. She uses the framework of psychology, mindfulness and reference of ancient Indian modalities to bring the desired results and inculcate a sense of 'sukoon'- a sense of love, peace and purpose.To practice mindfulness dedicatedly, she lives in Tamil-Nadu with her Guru.

Here she is seen with Podcast host Ishaa Vinod Chopra whose approach extrapolates her lived experiences in mental health and applies it to education, mental health advocacy and multidisciplinary arts. She aims to foster empathy, positivity, and self-awareness while sparking mental health discussions and reducing stigmas by creating safe spaces for stigmatized conversations. In her Memoir ‘Finding Order in Disorder’ ; in lucid, simple prose, she addresses what it is like to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, how it affects interpersonal relationships, and how societal norms influence our understanding of and responses to mental health issues. As a Research Associate of a York Master’s Thesis documentary project titled ‘Unfinished,’ she explores her journey in mental health vis-à-vis multidisciplinary arts. She is currently the Founder & Executive Director of a nonprofit NGO titled: Finding Order in Disorder Foundation.

00:07 Reconnecting After a Long Time Catching up after years and reminiscing about shared experiences at SIMC.00:19 A Journey of Name and IdentityDiscussing a personal journey, including a spiritual transformation and name change.00:46 Adopting a New Identity Reflections on identity, self-discovery, and societal expectations.03:43 Challenges of Being a Celebrity Kid Exploring childhood, media attention, and overcoming personal struggles.04:42 The Healing Power of Dance Sharing experiences of learning and teaching Kathak as a spiritual and meditative journey.08:18 Life After Divorce Navigating therapy, yoga, and personal growth post-divorce.09:17 Mental Health and Societal Perceptions Addressing mental health stigma and challenges in different cultural contexts.10:57 Finding a Guru and New Beginnings Rediscovering purpose and teaching dance in Dalhousie.13:30 Starting Over in Toronto Moving back to Mumbai and eventually settling in Toronto.16:05 Meditation, Mindfulness, and Spiritual Growth Deep insights into meditation, mindfulness, and the unconditional awareness of breath.29:40 Navigating Abuse and Recovery Personal stories of breaking free from abusive relationships.35:25 Moving Cities and Starting Fresh Embracing new beginnings and the challenges of relocation.41:41 Mental Health Advocacy and Research Discussing the creation of ‘Finding Order in Disorder Foundation’ focused on mental health and social justice.57:52 The Power of Connection and Friendships Cherishing relationships and finding meaningful connections.52:50 Looking Ahead with Positivity Reflections on personal growth, goals, and the importance of staying resilient through the power of Kinship & Community

The podcast features Dr. Adam W.J. Davies, Professor at the University of Guelph, RECE.

They have a PhD in Curriculum Studies & Teacher Development & Sexual Diversity Studies & Women & Gender Studies - Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto

They are interviewed by Ishaa Vinod Chopra, a final-year student at George Brown College's School of Early Childhood, RECE, Performing Artist (Kathak), Mental Health Advocate & Author of a memoir titled 'Finding Order in Disorder'.

The discussion focuses on advocacy, mental health, and the challenges early childhood educators face as it aligns with this year's World Mental Health Day theme of 'Prioritizing Workplace Mental Health.'

Dr. Davies and Ishaa talk about a statement issued by the AECEO (Association for Early Childhood Educators Ontario), co-authored by Dr. Davies, Brooke Richardson, Michelle Jones, and, supported by the Board of Directors and staff of AECEO. , titled “At the Intersection of Safety, Ethics, Mental Health, and Well Being: Disrupting the Status Quo Regulatory Approach in Ontario.” The statement addresses sanism, the discrimination against individuals with mental health diagnoses.

It critiques the College of Early Childhood Educators' regulatory practices, particularly their annual renewal form, which asks educators to disclose any disabilities (mental or physical) that could impact their ability to practice safely.

According to the issued statement, this regulatory approach may harm marginalized educators due to the vague and unclear disclosure requirement.

--

There is further discussion on Dr. Adam W.J Davies's research topics, which include LGBTQ+ children and youth in the early years and K-12 schooling; inclusion for children with disabilities & sexuality education, employing the use of critical theory, including queer theory, mad studies, and critical disability studies.

--

A George Brown College, Early Childhood Degree: Solutions Project, ft. Dr. Adam W.J Davies

Interviewed by Research Intern/Student: Ishaa Vinod Chopra

Location Courtesy: University of Guelph

Camera, Editing: Ilse Moreno