Through the Looking Glass

Are you looking for some guidance? Do you want to thrive in your 20s? In this week’s episode, Lavanya shares her list of things you wish you knew in your 20s! Lavanya turning 30 recently reflects on the lessons, tough truths, and personal growth that shaped her during her 20s. From learning the power of saying “no” to cultivating financial independence and recognizing the value of self-love, Lavan...

Are you a second generation South Asian trying to balance cultural expectations? Navigating traditional gender roles, generational conflicts, parental pressure can all be challenging! In this week’s episode on "Through the Looking Glass," Lavanya interviews Dr. Nadia Huq, a clinical psychologist specializing in family dynamics. Dr. Huq shares insights on generational shifts, the nuances of managin...

Were you ever told to be a “good girl” by your family? To please others, avoid mistakes, and keep the peace? In this episode of Through the Looking Glass Podcast, Lavanya dives deep into the "good girl" syndrome, a mindset that many women, especially in South Asian communities, have internalized from a young age. She discusses the impact of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and sacrifice c...

Are you losing friends? Are you called out for being a "pick-me girl"? This week on Through the Looking Glass Lavanya talks about pick-me-girl syndrome and the dynamics of female friendship etiquette. Discover the definition and signs of a "pick-me girl" and learn how to shift from being one to embracing the empowering role of a girl's girl. Lavanya breaks down five practical steps to go from pick...

Are you considering starting your own company? And you feel like an imposter? Highly recommend tuning into this episode of Through the Looking Glass, with Dhaval Patel. He is the CEO and founder of Lotus Labs, dedicated to empowering individuals with limited mobility. Dhaval shares his personal disability story that sparked the creation of the Lotus ring and how he went from an Apple engineer to a...

Do you feel like you don’t deserve your success? Do you question your talents or abilities? – You may be feeling imposter syndrome! In this week's episode Lavanya shares how to overcome imposter syndrome. Lavanya discusses the various signs of imposter syndrome, including her personal journey with imposter syndrome, reflecting on her experiences as an engineering student in a male-dominated field....

Are you the one getting played or manipulated? Chasing an emotionally unavailable man? GIRL, STOP and listen to this episode. Welcome back to Through the Looking Glass Podcast. In today's episode, Lavanya shares a list of dating rules that resonates with her. Whether you're navigating situationships, learning to let him take the lead, or setting strong boundaries, these rules are designed to help...

Are you someone who constantly needs reassurance in a relationship? Do you have a fear of abandonment? Do you think you can only count on yourself? – You may have an insecure attachment! This week on Through the Looking Glass, Lavanya delves into attachment styles. With social media overload about anxious and avoidant attachment styles, it's hard to what information is accurate. If you are serious...

Are you going through an identity crisis? Maybe you are one of the graduates this May, and you are struggling with identity change as a student, or you moved cities or pivoted careers. This week on Through the Looking Glass Podcast, Lavanya talks about going through identity shifts. This episode is particularly relevant for graduates tackling life-altering transitions. Lavanya shares insights on r...

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a heated argument? Whether it's with your significant other, family, or colleagues, communication breakdowns can be daunting. In this episode of Through the Looking Glass Podcast, host Lavanya introduces “DEAR MAN”, a Dialectical Behavior Therapy technique. Lavanya dives into the seven-step process of DEAR MAN. It teaches a strategy for effective commun...

Are you trying to climb the corporate ladder? This week’s episode on Through the Looking Glass, Lavanya shares her top 10 tips for climbing the ladder and becoming a corporate BADDIE and BOSS. Drawing from her professional experiences, Lavanya breaks down strategies for success in the workplace. Lavanya guides you through each step, offering practical advice and personal anecdotes to empowers list...

Do you have a toxic family member? This week’s episode on Through the Looking Glass, Lavanya delves into setting healthy boundaries and dealing with toxic behavior among brown family members. Lavanya describes recognizing and addressing unhealthy dynamics within familial relationships to improve your emotional and physical well-being. Generational trauma often perpetuates patterns of behavior such...

Have you ever considered moving to a new country? This week’s episode on "Through the Looking Glass," Lavanya goes down memory lane about Marcos’ journey spanning continents. Marcos Salido, originally from Spain, moved to America at the age of 16, to immerse himself in new cultures! He shares his experiences navigating through the educational systems of both Spain and the US, from Anchor...

In this week's episode, the tables have turned! I am in the interviewee's chair and got the opportunity to delve in my story of how I got started with podcasting. I sat down with Kathy Mou, a fellow podcaster and host of Ignite your Power Podcast. We spoke about my childhood and career particularly as a South Asian woman and immigrant in the US. Throughout the episode, we discuss the chall...

If you don’t love and accept yourself – how can you expect other people to? This episode is for you if you are struggling with self-love and acceptance. Welcome back to "Through the Looking Glass"! In this episode, Lavanya delves into the intricacies of self-love, offering insightful strategies to help you embrace your worth and empower yourself on your journey towards personal fulfillme...

In this week’ episode, delve into the realms of self-discovery, purpose, and raising your vibrational energy with Kathy Mou. Kathy shares her personal journey of overcoming depression and finding her life purpose. She is an empowerment coach and host of “Ignite your Power” podcast. Lavanya and Kathy discuss the power of gratitude, self-love, and the importance of embracing life's challenges. D...

Do you need advice on friendship drama? Join Lavanya, your host, in this cozy bonus episode where I answer the internet’s friendship questions. Lavanay provides valuable insights on handling friendship challenges, dealing with one-sided relationships, and making new connections as an adult. From learning to set boundaries to the importance of trusting your instincts, Lavanya shares personal experi...

(Solo episode) Are you struggling to find your confidence? In today's episode, we're exploring the essential steps to be your confident self in 8 simple steps! I'm Lavanya, your host, and I'm thrilled to kick off the year with a positive self-improvement episode. Season 2 of "Through the Looking Glass"! will dive into the unique struggles that ambitious South Asians, part...

(Solo Episode) In this week’s insightful episode, your host, Lavanya Uthaman, takes you on a journey of reflection and gratitude as she delves into the unique struggles faced by ambitious South Asians, especially millennials. Lavanya shares three significant milestones from 2023, expressing gratitude for personal and professional growth. Discover the top five lessons Lavanya learned throughout the...

(Video Episode) Are you an ambitious female professional aspiring to be a BOSS? You need to meet Joanna Pinkerton, the CEO of the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). Joanna shares her remarkable journey from an engineering background to becoming CEO. In our candid conversation, she reflects on her first job in a medical office, shedding light on the early experiences that shaped her perspective...

(Video Podcast) Welcome to this week’s episode of "Through the Looking Glass," where friendship takes center stage! Maliha and I dive into the heart of what friendship truly means to us. We explore the evolution of friendships and the importance of loyalty, mutual respect, and the unique dynamics that shape platonic connections. From childhood simplicity to the complexities of adult frie...

(Video Podcast) Are you struggling with imposter syndrome, gender biases and want to know how to find your voice to speak up? Tune in to this week’s episode of "Through the Looking Glass," with the inspiring Dr. Taha Khan, a pediatric neurologist, child rights activist, and founder of the Child Awareness Project. Dr. Khan shares her remarkable journey from becoming a physician to her fin...

[Video Podcast] How have your struggled to remain positive and maintain healthy boundaries? In this week’s episode on Through the Looking Glass, Maliha is back with a refreshing conversation on the power of maintaining a balance that energizes your life. I kick off the conversation by dissecting positivity’s healthy and toxic manifestations. Maliha shares her insights on maintaining a positive min...

[Video Podcast] Welcome to a heartfelt and eye-opening episode with special guest Nicole Melendez Pena, a fitness enthusiast and finance professional. Nicole, affectionately known as "Boyfriend Nicole," opens up about her weight loss journey, sharing her experiences growing up and her evolving relationship with body positivity, and a healthy lifestyle. Our conversation delves into adoles...

[Video Podcast] Are you in your 20s or 30s, trying to juggle the complexities of work and life? In this week’s episode on Through the Looking Glass, I am introducing a debate series with Maliha Masood! We explore the various challenges and triumphs of our professional journeys, particularly amidst the challenging backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. We dive deep into finding balance during this pivo...