What if the very thing holding you back is actually your most powerful guide to personal growth and fulfilment?
In this powerful episode of Unlayered, Pan Perera sits down with Penny Locaso, a renowned behavioural scientist, Leadership Coach, and TEDx speaker, to challenge everything you thought you knew about fear.
๐ง๐ผ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐น๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ:
ย ย โข Reframing fear from an enemy to a powerful inner compass for growth.
ย ย โข ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐น๐ผ๐ด๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น & ๐ฃ๐๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ผ๐น๐ผ๐ด๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ: Understanding the innate warning system vs. conditioned responses.
ย ย โข Decoding fight, flight, freeze, and the often-overlooked 'fawning' (people-pleasing) threat response.
ย ย โข "๐๐ถ๐๐๐น๐ฒ '๐' ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐บ๐ฎ๐": How seemingly minor childhood experiences create physiological imprints that shape our adult fears and beliefs.
ย ย โข ๐ ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฟ๐ผ ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐: Practical, small steps to build vulnerability and overcome resistance.
ย ย โข ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ง๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ฐ ๐๐๐น๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐๐๐: Why prioritising constant productivity fuels burnout and disconnects us from self-compassion.
ย ย โข This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the invisible forces shaping their lives, embrace vulnerability, and courageously unlayer what's truly holding them back.
๐ Don't forget to follow the show! ๐
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๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐
Guest
Penny Locaso
Behavioural Scientist | Leadership Coach | Creator of the Intentional Adaptabilityยฎ framework
๐ Explore More from Penny Locaso:
๐ Website: https://hackinghappy.co
๐ผ LinkedIn: / pennylocaso
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackinghappyco/
Lead without losing yourself (Mini-guide) - https://hackinghappy.kartra.com/page/MvJ432
๐๐ผ๐ป๐ป๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฃ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ
LinkedIn | โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/panperera/โ
Instagram | โ https://www.instagram.com/pan.perera/
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pan.perera
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/panpereraofficial
So many chase the dream of going abroad. Few talk about what happens after.
In this heartfelt conversation, Pan sits down with Srishti, a Gen Z migrant and aspiring psychologist, to explore the hidden emotional cost of migration, where ambition collides with identity, belonging, and digital disconnection.
๐ง๐ผ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฝ๐น๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ:
The Myth of Making It Abroad โ how social media shapes unrealistic expectations of migrant life
The psychology behind comparison, digital addiction, and the anxious Gen Z mind
โLiminal identityโ โ the in-between space of two cultures, and finding peace with both
Small steps to rebuild connection and confidence in a new country.
Reframing โWhat ifโฆโ fears into โSo what?โ empowerment
How awareness, reflection, and self-compassion can bridge the migrantโs inner gap.
๐ If this resonates, follow the show, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this necessary conversation.
Episode Resources
Watch on YouTube: โ https://www.youtube.com/@pan.pereraโ โ
Guest
Srishti Bahl
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/srishtibahl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/srishti__bahl?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Connect with Pan Perera
LinkedIn | โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/panperera/โ
Instagram | โ https://www.instagram.com/pan.perera/
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pan.perera
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/panpereraofficial
In a time of divisive headlines and anti-immigrant rallies, this question cuts to the very heart of a national conversation.
In this timely conversation, Pan sits down with Divesh Sareen, author, tech entrepreneur, TEDx speaker and a powerful voice for the migrant community.
Drawing on the ancestral echoes of the 1947 Partition and his own journey from Punjab to Australia with just $1000 in his pocket, Divesh unlayers the psychology behind the "us vs. them" mentality.
It's a deep dive into the nature of fear, the fierce determination of the migrant spirit, and a powerful reframe of what it means to be "Australian by choice."
๐ง๐ผ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฝ๐น๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ:
Unlayering the human fear behind the current immigration debate.
The ancestral roots of resilience, passed down from survivors of the 1947 Partition.
"Going to war with yourself": The immense internal battle of the migrant journey.
Moving from feeling like you belong to "neither" country to forging a new, powerful identity.
Shifting the narrative of the migrant experience, from being a "burden" to a "builder."
Divesh's mission is to create platforms where migrants can own their stories and shape the future.
๐ If this resonates, follow the show, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this necessary conversation.
๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ฝ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐
00:00 - Intro: The Unspoken Question - "Who is a Real Australian?"
02:26 - The Ancestral Echo: How the 1947 Partition Shaped a Worldview
08:41 - The "Chosen One": The Migrant's Burden and Purpose
14:18 - The Price of a Dream: Loneliness, Sacrifice & Early Days in Australia
22:04 - "Going to War with Yourself": The Mindset of a Migrant
24:29 - A Personal Crossroads: Challenging the Rules of Arranged Marriage
33:05 - THE DEEP DIVE: Unlayering the Human Fear Behind the Immigration Debate
44:22 - The Empowering Reframe: From Burden to Builder
48:03 - "After the WHY": The Next Layer of a Purpose-Driven Life
57:37 - Unlayering the Layers: Worthiness, Permission & Owning Your Story
01:04:56 - Who is a True Leader? (It's Not the Title)
01:08:37 - The Layer Divesh Has Unlearned About Giving Back
Episode Resources
Watch on YouTube: โ https://youtu.be/RJGSQ2TAgxE
Guest
Divesh Sareen
Website: https://diveshsareen.me/
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/diveshsareen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diveshsareen/
Upcoming Events: https://theleaderspeaks.com.au/shop/
Connect with Pan Perera
LinkedIn | โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/panperera/โ
Instagram | โ https://www.instagram.com/pan.perera/
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pan.perera
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/panpereraofficial
How does a top career coach with over 78,000 followers on LinkedIn be open to failing 360 days a year?
In this deep and revealing conversation, Pan unlayers the man behind the brand, Varun Negandhi. He shares his journey from the streets of Mumbai, where he learned about "invisible scripts" around money and the relentless drive of a city that never sleeps, to becoming one of the most respected voices in the career development space.
๐ง๐ผ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฝ๐น๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ:
The spiritual practice of focusing on action, not the outcome (and how it keeps him grounded).
The "invisible scripts" about money, wealth, and success he had to unlearn from his Mumbai upbringing.
Internal Locus of Control: The mindset of "making things happen" vs. "things happen to me."
The "Skydiving Mentality": How he made the brave leap to move to the US during a recession.
Why he invested over $40,000 in his own education (and the ROI you can't measure).
The two things missing from most job interview answers: specifics and structure.
A vulnerable look at the daily uncertainty of entrepreneurship and how he pushes through.
๐ If this was helpful, hit the like button, subscribe and share it with an entrepreneur or friend who needs to hear this.
Episode Resources
Watch on YouTube: โ https://www.youtube.com/@pan.pereraโ โ
Guest
Varun Negandhi
Website: https://www.beyondgrad.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vnegandhi/
Connect with Pan Perera
LinkedIn | โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/panperera/โ
Instagram | โ https://www.instagram.com/pan.perera/
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pan.perera
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/panpereraofficial
Behind every viral post is a story you rarely hear.
In this episode of Unlayered,ย Pan sits down withย Amanda Boyce, Australiaโs #1 Aussie English Coach, with over 129,000 followers, to discuss the unseen struggles behind social media success.
She opens up about the emotional toll of hateful DMs, the immense pressure of being a public figure, and the burnout that comes from building a dream from the ground up.
๐ง๐ผ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฝ๐น๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ:
Moving to India with no plan, no Hindi, and starting life from scratch
Losing her sense of voice in her own home while adapting to a new culture.
How living the migrant experience firsthand made her a more empathetic and effective teacher.
Why "connection over correction" is the key to confident communication.
The myth of "perfect English" and why you don't need to erase your accent to belong.
Practical advice for anyone feeling scared to speak up or share their work with the world.
๐ If this was helpful, hit the like button and subscribe for more unlayered conversations that will help you be more healed.
Episode Resources
Watch on YouTube: โ https://www.youtube.com/@pan.pereraโ โ
Guest
Amanda Boyce
Website: https://www.aussieenglishwithamanda.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aussie.english.with.amanda/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aussieenglishwithamanda
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aussie.english.with.amanda
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aussie.english.with.amanda
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-rajpoot-boyce/
Connect with Pan Perera
LinkedIn | โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/panperera/โ
Instagram | โ https://www.instagram.com/pan.perera/
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pan.perera
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/panpereraofficial
What if the root of your anxiety isnโt in your mind, but in your body?
In this profound and practical episode, Pan sits down with Jon Otorongo, a former therapist with over 3500 hours of experience in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Before that, he had overcome years of addiction through indigenous plant medicine healing.
He is the founder of OTORHONGO, a brand that weaves psychology, somatic healing, and music. Today, he helps early-stage entrepreneurs break free from fear and self-doubt so they can heal their inner wounds and confidently bring their visions to life.
Jon unlayers the revolutionary idea that the root of our anxiety lies not in our thoughts, but in a dysregulated nervous system. This is a masterclass in "bottom-up" healing.
๐ง๐ผ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฝ๐น๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ:
Jon's personal journey from addiction and self-hatred to becoming a therapist and musician.
Why anxiety is a bodily experience, not just a mental one (and the science behind it).
The direct link between childhood stress, neglect, and adult anxiety (and even ADHD).
Accessible tools for healing that cost no money: The power of nature, music, and authentic self-expression.
How unhealed trauma shows up as imposter syndrome and procrastination for entrepreneurs.
A simple, guided somatic technique to instantly calm your nervous system.
If this resonates, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear they are not alone.
Episode Resources
Watch on YouTube: โ https://www.youtube.com/@pan.pereraโ โ
Guest
Jon Otorongo
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/jon_otorhongo/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/otorhongo/
Free Guided Somatic Exercise | https://otorhongo.kit.com/bc1c21c6c3
Connect with Pan Perera
LinkedIn | โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/panperera/โ
Instagram | โ https://www.instagram.com/pan.perera/
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pan.perera
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/panpereraofficial
In one of the most vulnerable conversations on Unlayered yet, Pan sits down with writer and podcaster Vishva to explore the invisible walls of a childhood built from trauma, fear, and the weight of unspoken truths.
Vishva shares his raw, unflinching story of navigating deep depression and the lasting impact of a physically abusive environment, all while wearing a smile for the outside world.
This is a deep dive into the process of escaping the past, not by running from it, but by turning inward to face, understand, and finally heal the child left behind.
๐ง๐ผ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฝ๐น๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ:
- The "life of the party" mask and the hidden reality of smiling depression.
- How a single dropped cup could trigger a deep, conditioned fear of being hit.
- The tools that helped: Using writing as a form of "prison escape" and a lifelong healing practice.
- Building a support system: The journey of finding people who truly understand.
- The critical distinction between psychological fear (thought) and physical fear (instinct).
- Navigating the stigma of mental health within a traditional culture.
- A powerful, heartfelt letter to his younger self on finding peace.
If this resonates, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear they are not alone.
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๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ฝ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐
00:00 - Intro: A Story That Needs to Be Heard
01:22 - Beyond Labels: Who is Vishva?
03:18 - Writing as a "Prison Escape"
06:47 - Unmasking "The Life of the Party": The Hidden Battle with Depression
09:42 - How Migration Shapes the Healing Journey
15:11 - The Roots of Fear: "Dropping a Cup Meant Getting Hit"
20:42 - The Support Systems That Helped and The Ones That Didn't
26:39 - What is True Awareness?
30:04 - The Inner Child: Building Space Around a Wounded Past
38:06 - Dissecting Fear: Psychological vs. Physical
49:53 - The Power of Surrender (and Why It's Not Giving Up)
57:41 - On Shame and Sharing Your Art with the World
59:56 - A Message to Parents: Nurturing a Child's True Nature
01:06:19 - The Role of Self-Compassion in Healing
01:11:42 - A Letter to My Younger Self
๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐Watch on YouTube: โ https://www.youtube.com/@pan.pereraโ โ
๐๐๐ฒ๐๐
Vishva Prasad
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/wroteabookonce
Tiktok | https://www.tiktok.com/@wroteabookonce
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishvapl?
Vishvaโs Book: Undercurrents | https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1791789005?ref_=mr_referred_us_au_au
๐๐ผ๐ป๐ป๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฃ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ
LinkedIn | โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/panperera/โ
Instagram | โ https://www.instagram.com/pan.perera/
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pan.perera
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/panpereraofficial
In this third episode of Unlayered, Pan sits down with Jen, an English language teacher from the UK who is navigating life and work in Australia.
This is a refreshingly honest and practical chat about the often-overlooked challenges of moving to a new country, even when you speak the language. Jen shares hilarious and insightful stories about decoding Aussie culture, from workplace communication to the baffling world of slang.
They explore how vulnerability, humour, and understanding the subtle rules of conversation are essential tools for not just finding a job, but finding your sense of belonging.
๐ง๐ผ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฝ๐น๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ:
โข The surprising communication differences between British and Australian workplaces. โข How to use small talk to calm your nerves (especially on unexpected calls with recruiters).
โข ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐๐๐๐ถ๐ฒ ๐๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ด: From 'doonas' and 'hospo' to being "flat out like a lizard drinking."
โข Power dynamics in conversation and the art of "saving face" when you don't know the answer. โข Why being your authentic self (and even mentioning you bake cake) is a superpower in interviews.
โข Turning the feeling of being "in-between cultures" into your greatest strength.
If this resonates, follow the show, leave a review, or share it with someone navigating their own unlayering.
๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐
Watch on YouTube: โ https://www.youtube.com/@pan.pereraโ โ
๐๐๐ฒ๐๐ Jen Entwistle | โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-entwistle-297335116/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/learn_english_with_jen/
๐๐ผ๐ป๐ป๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฃ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ
LinkedIn | โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/panperera/
โ Instagram | โ https://www.instagram.com/pan.perera/
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pan.perera
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/panpereraofficial
In this second episode of Unlayered, Pan sits down with Rahul Bharadwaj,ย a business analyst, sports coach, and founder of Soulful Learning.ย
They reflect on the emotional undercurrents many of us carry into adulthood:
From growing up in a traditional household in India to questioning the education system, Rahul shares how heโs been slowly unlearning who he was told to be and instead building something meaningful for the next generation.
Topics explored:
Rahulโs difficult childhood shaped many of his reactions, beliefs, and decisions as an adult.
The deep craving for parental validation.
Why traditional education system may be broken.
The invisible skills children learn through sport.
Why โhaving a jobโ is no longer a safety net.
Personal growth through healing and reflection.
If this resonates, follow the show, leave a review, or share it with someone navigating their own unlayering.
Episode Resources
Watch on YouTube: โ https://www.youtube.com/@pan.pereraโ โ
Guest
Rahul Bharadwaj | โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-bharadwaj-20/
Free Workshop: Modern Parenting Series - 12 Soulful Conversations (August 2025 to July 2026)
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-modern-parenting-series-12-soulful-conversations-tickets-1491786717229
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/soulful_learning.au
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/soulful.learning.au
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@soulful.learning
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/soulful-learning/
Connect with Pan Perera
LinkedIn | โ https://www.linkedin.com/in/panperera/โ
Instagram | โ https://www.instagram.com/pan.perera/
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pan.perera
What if the very things you hide are what holds the key to your healing?
In the first episode ofย Unlayered, Pan sits down withย Sharan Bhinder,ย a senior leader at LinkedIn and someone who has had a profound influence on his own growth.
They discuss the hidden layers we carry: childhood stories, unspoken expectations, and the thoughts we accept without question.
Topics explored:
- What it means to embrace your shadows
- The lasting impact of being bullied or labelled in childhood
- Migrant identity and the search for belonging
- Mindfulness practices that actually work
- Self-awareness as the foundation of leadership
- How gratitude changes your inner world
- The quiet power of noticing your thoughts
Itโs not a conversation about fixing. Itโs about noticing.
Noticing who you are beneath the noise.
If this resonates, follow the show, leave a review, or share with someone silently going through it.
Episode Resources
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pan.pereraโ
Guest
Sharan Bhinder | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharan-bhinder/
Connect with Pan Perera
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/panperera/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/pan.perera/