No matter what path you’re on, it’s all just living!
And there's more than one way to do it.
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2/1/26Beyond the Spotlight: Aging, Authenticity, and Creative Fulfillment, with Ulka Mohanty
What does success really mean - especially in the arts, in Hollywood, and in life? In this conversation, Ulka shares her journey from a stable IT career in Montreal to pursuing her passion for the arts in LA. We highlight how aging in Hollywood brings both challenges and hard-earned wisdom, and why embracing your current chapter - whether single, partnered, thriving, or uncertain - is essential to living well. Ulka discusses redefining success in the arts, especially when life doesn’t follow the traditional timeline, and encourages listeners to take risks and follow their curiosity. We look at the benefits of late career transitions, challenging the idea that it’s ever “too late” to pivot or start something new, and underline how growth happens when we stay curious and honest with ourselves. Through honest reflection on creativity, aging, singledom, rejection, and personal growth, this conversation reframes what it means to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. By questioning traditional prescriptions for happiness, we open space for more authentic ways of living and creating. If you’re seeking clarity, inspiration, and permission to define success for yourself, this episode is for you.
Takeaways
Making a big life change can start with a quiet decision.
Success in the arts is not solely defined by monetary gain.
Rejection is often not personal; it's about fit.
Aging in Hollywood can be challenging, but wisdom grows with age.
Living authentically means embracing your current situation, whether single or partnered.
Curiosity can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth.
It's important to redefine what success means to you personally.
Taking risks is essential for personal fulfillment and growth.
Your past experiences can inform and enhance your current pursuits.
Focus on the process rather than the outcome to find fulfillment.
Sound bites
"No knowledge is wasted."
"What am I aging into?"
“Action begets action.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Living, with Dr. Monica Shah
00:33 Ulka Mohanty: A Modern-Day Renaissance Woman
01:33 The Journey to LA: A Leap of Faith
08:37 Redefining Success in the Arts
14:32 Navigating Rejection and Building Resilience
20:42 Benefits of Late Career Transitions
27:45 Challenging Traditional Prescriptions
30:16 Cultural Pressures to Be in Partnership
33:49 Navigating the Question of Singledom
37:10 Aging in Hollywood: Shifting Perspectives
42:07 Embracing Curiosity, Risk, and Action in Your Life
47:52 Where to Find Ulka
49:46 Outtakes
50:55 Subscribe
Keywords
creativity, success, rejection, aging, single life, risk-taking, personal growth, artistic journey, resilience, personal fulfillment
Website: www.ulkamohanty.com
Instagram: @UlkaM
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2/1/26Feeling Stuck? How to Break Through Mental Blocks and Finally Take Action, with Dr. Monica Shah
In this solo episode, Dr. Monica Shah shares her journey of launching a podcast while navigating various mental and physical blocks. She discusses the common challenges people face when trying something new, including time management, life circumstances, overwhelm, procrastination, perfectionism, and self-doubt. Dr. Shah emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and resilience in overcoming these obstacles. The conversation serves as a guide for listeners who may be facing similar blocks to embarking on something new, encouraging them to embrace their unique paths in life.
Takeaways
It's normal to feel nervous when starting something new.
Common blocks include time management, life circumstances, and overwhelm.
Self-doubt is a common barrier to pursuing goals.
Motivation often comes after taking action, not before.
Perfectionism can hinder progress and creativity.
Procrastination often stems from fear and overwhelm.
Comparison to others can diminish motivation.
Setting external deadlines creates accountability and can distract from mental blocks.
Self-criticism is detrimental; self-compassion is crucial when facing challenges.
Embrace the journey and learn from each experience.
Sound bites
“Work in the windows of time.”
"Done is better than perfect."
"Just start somewhere and you can modify as you go."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Living, with Dr. Monica Shah
00:37 Pulling Back the Curtain: My Podcast Journey
02:51 My Why 04:11 Block #1: Time
05:38 Block #2: Life
06:12 Block #3: Overwhelm
07:05 Block #4: Intellectualizing
08:19 Block #5: Procrastination
09:26 Block #6: Perfectionism
11:22 Block #7: Motivation
12:50 Block #8: Self-Doubt
13:34 Block #9: Vulnerability
14:39 Block #10: Social Comparison
15:35 Setting Goals and Deadlines
16:31 Block #11: Self-Criticism
18:42 Reconnecting with My Why
19:30 First Solo Show Done!
20:59 Please Like, Share, and Subscribe
Keywords
mental blocks, podcasting, self-doubt, motivation, perfectionism, resilience, procrastination, overcoming challenges, self-criticism, self-compassion
Passengers on the Bus metaphor (from ACT) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z29ptSuoWRc
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2/1/26Redefining Home: Immigration, Intuition, and the Journey to Belonging, with Reet German
In this powerful and heartfelt episode, I sit down with Reet German to explore her transformative journey of immigration, identity, and belonging. From moving from India to Canada to traveling the world with her family, Reet shares how embracing change reshaped her understanding of home, self-acceptance, and personal growth. We discuss the role of intuition in decision-making, the challenges of embracing change, and how leaning into discomfort can lead to profound healing and resilience. Reet opens up about redefining success on her own terms, living authentically, and cultivating compassion for oneself during times of uncertainty. Her story serves as a call for us all act as active participants in our own lives. This conversation is for anyone navigating life transitions, questioning where they belong, or seeking the courage to trust themselves more fully. Whether you’re an immigrant, a traveler, or simply someone longing to feel at home within yourself, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom for living a more intentional life. If this episode resonates, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone navigating change or searching for belonging.
Takeaways
Reet's journey from India to Canada shaped her identity.
The quest for belonging is a lifelong journey.
Intuition plays a crucial role in decision-making.
Embracing change can lead to personal growth.
Traveling the world offers valuable life lessons.
Home is a feeling, not a physical place.
Resilience is built through facing challenges.
Leaning into discomfort can lead to transformation.
Living authentically requires self-acceptance.
Compassion for oneself is essential in the healing process.
Sound bites
"You are your own home."
“Be an active participant in your life.”
"Clarity comes after action."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Living, with Dr. Monica Shah
00:33 Reet German: Coming Home to Yourself
02:12 Journey of Transformation: Searching for Self
11:08 The Quest for Belonging: Navigating Identity and Acceptance
22:05 Breaking Through: Facing Pushback, Uncertainty, and Change
28:57 Embracing Uncertainty: Deciding to Travel the World
34:03 You Are Your Own Home
35:52 Redefining Success, Creating Your Dreams
38:16 Lessons from Parenting and Self-Discovery
39:49 Joys of Choosing Your Path
41:51 Cultivating Compassion and Acceptance in Relationships
42:49 Be an Active Participant in Your Life
44:27 Progress Over Perfection
46:10 “Lean In” to The Challenge
50:34 Where to Find Reet
Keywords
Immigration journey, belonging, intuition, change, travel, resilience, identity, personal growth, authenticity, family, identity, redefining home, self-acceptance, resilience, living authentically, India to Canada, healing, trusting yourself, identity and belonging
Instagram: @reetgerman
Podcast: Reignite with Reet
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2/1/26Beyond Convention: Reimagining Family, Career, and Fulfillment, with Natasha Bakht
In this episode we explore the journey of Natasha Bakht, an award-winning dancer and law professor who navigates dual passions through a parallel career. Natasha shares her influences, including her supportive family and the impact of her dance teacher, and highlights the importance of acceptance in creating a foundation for living uniquely. The discussion delves into how to lead a multi-hyphenate life, the significance of community, and the unexpected paths that can lead to fulfillment. Natasha emphasizes making choices based on oneself, using practice and preparation to combat fear, and the beauty of creating a family beyond conventional norms. We discuss how openness can lead to the most unexpected joys, underlining the importance of staying open to both possibilities that we can imagine and those that we cannot imagine.
Takeaways
Living authentically means honoring your truth.
Support and acceptance at a young age can shape one's identity.
Navigating parallel careers can be fulfilling.
Individual choices must be made when charting your own path.
Embracing unconventional paths leads to unique experiences.
Community support is vital for personal growth.
Curiosity keeps life exciting and fresh.
Practice and preparation are essential for overcoming fear.
Being open to new possibilities can lead to unexpected joys.
Creating a family can take many forms beyond tradition.
Sound bites
"You're not alone on this journey."
"Curiosity allows you to remain new."
"Practice is key to overcoming fear."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Living Authentically
02:00 Natasha Bakht: Defining Your Own Life
05:05 Influences Of Family and Culture
08:39 The Role Of Acceptance In Shaping Identity
12:10 Navigating Parallel Careers
14:32 Finding Balance Between Dance And Law
16:16 Embracing Individual Choices
18:43 Using Happiness As Your Guide
21:16 Charting A Non-Traditional Path
23:25 Leading A Multi-Hyphenate Life
26:22 Navigating Multiple Interests and Career Paths
27:39 Unexpected Joys Of An Unexpected Life
29:40 Embracing Curiosity And Lifelong Learning
31:57 The Importance of Practice and Preparation
35:32 Openness To Possibilities: Re-Defining Family
41:52 Where To Find Natasha
Keywords
authentic living, parallel careers, family dynamics, dance, law, personal growth, community support, unconventional paths, self-discovery, acceptance, unexpected opportunities, multi-hyphenate life, multiple passions, creative career paths, redefining family, overcoming fear, practice and preparation, self-discipline, staying curious, openness to possibilities, lifelong learning, happiness through authenticity, designing your life
Photo Credit: Neo Media group
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• 11/9/25Rooted and Rising: Redefining Yourself at Any Age, with Rachna Nivas
In this conversation, Rachna Nivas shares how personal struggles, cultural heritage, and artistic expression shape identity and fuel creativity. We explore the challenges and triumphs of the artist’s journey, uncover the transformative power of moving to a new place, and discuss how women in their forties experience a powerful awakening. Learn how nurturing your desires, embracing your cultural roots, and becoming your own champion can lead to personal fulfillment and self-discovery. Whether you’re an artist, a creative soul, or someone seeking life reinvention, this episode will inspire you to overcome self-doubt, recognize your true power, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
Takeaways
Cultural heritage plays a significant role in personal identity.
Artistic expression can be a powerful form of activism.
The journey of an artist is filled with challenges and triumphs.
Personal struggles fuel creativity and growth.
Moving to a new place can open new opportunities.
Women in their forties experience a powerful awakening.
Nurturing your desires is essential for personal fulfillment.
You must be your own champion in pursuing your dreams.
Self-doubt is overcome by recognizing your true power.
Sound bites
“Answer the intuition.”
"Wisdom is sexy."
"Your plan is actually blocking you."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Living
00:35 Rachna Nivas: A Journey of Artistic Expression
03:34 Influence of Family and Activism
08:45 Embracing Cultural Pride and Authenticity
12:05 The Unexpected Path to Arts and Activism
18:54 Deciding to Follow the Artistic Path
24:23 Confronting Financial and Societal Pressures
27:17 Challenges of Choosing This Path
31:09 Bridging Art and Activism
34:44 Confronting Loss: A New Chapter in NYC
39:30 Redefining Womanhood and Creative Power
41:32 Intuition as a Light Through Darkness
44:47 Embracing Age and Wisdom
47:31 Rewards of Risk-Taking
51:19 The Beauty and Power of Aging
55:49 Nurturing Desires and Going Against the Grain
01:00:13 Belief in Possibility
01:05:27 Where To Find Rachna
Keywords
artistic expression, cultural identity, personal growth, women's empowerment, dance, creativity, immigrant experience, self-discovery, resilience, life reinvention after 40, unlocking your true power, overcoming self-doubt and fear, finding your true potential, becoming your own champion, nurturing your desires, art and activism, starting over in a new city, growth through struggle, fertility journey, creative empowerment tips, New York arts scene
Instagram: @rachnanivas
Website: www.rachnanivas.com
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• 11/9/25
Trailer for Living, with Dr. Monica Shah
Introducing Living, with Dr. Monica Shah! A podcast exploring the many different ways we can lead meaningful, fulfilling lives—especially when we’re walking a path that doesn’t look like everyone else’s.
What if the traditional timeline—the job, the marriage, the house, the kids—just isn’t your path? Or maybe life didn’t unfold that way, and now you’re asking, What do I do with my life? If you’re living differently—by choice or circumstance—you’re not alone.
I'm Monica - psychologist, dance artist, writer, and your podcast host. I started this show because I kept hearing the same thing:
“I feel behind.”
Like there’s one direction and timeline we’re all supposed to follow — and if you miss a turn, you’re lost. And honestly, I’ve been there.
My own path has been far from traditional - dancing professionally while studying and working, moving to cities alone, starting over while my friends were settling down, beginning my doctorate in New York at 35 — and now, I’m forging a new career - dating - in my 40s. It’s definitely not what I expected — and, it’s full, beautiful, and real.
What I’ve learned is this: There is no one right way to live.
There are challenges and joys in every version of life, and trying to follow a checklist for living can be limiting, and keep us feeling stuck.
This podcast is for anyone who’s ever felt out of sync with the traditional model and timeline. Each episode features real stories from real people who are honoring their own truth, charting their path, and redefining what living can look like. You’ll hear honest conversations and therapeutic insights, to help you feel more confident in living a life that fits you.
So if you’re navigating change, seeking meaning, or simply questioning the blueprint handed to us — you’ve found the right place.
Join me on Living, with Dr. Monica Shah. New episodes drop the 1st and 3rd week of every month - free, wherever you get your podcasts. Because there’s no one way to live — and it’s time we start talking about it.
Before you forget, follow Living, with Dr. Monica Shah so you'll get every show as soon as it's released. Join a growing community of people redefining what living means—together.
📺 Watch on YouTube: Search @drmonicashah
📝 Find episode notes and bonus content at: www.drmonicashah.com
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @drmonicashah for more inspiration and behind-the-scenes content
