Are We Well?

In this episode, Neelam sits down with Sonya Martinez Ortiz, a Chicana therapist, consultant, and founder of Rooted Soul. They explore the intersection of individual healing and systemic change, discussing how wellness and social justice are intricately linked. Sonya shares her extensive background in trauma recovery, community development, and social change, highlighting her recent role as execut...

In this episode, Neelam welcomes Dr. Tamara Stevenson, a distinguished higher education leader and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Stevenson shares her journey as the first African-American faculty member in Westminster University's communication program to earn multi-year contracts and achieve the rank of associate professor. With a strong background in organizational communica...

In this episode,Neelam welcomes Heather MacDonald, founder of Contemplating Life Choices, a coaching and leadership development practice aimed at supporting diverse women and mothers dealing with burnout and career transitions. Heather shares her journey and expertise in helping clients get unstuck and take actionable steps towards their goals. With a background in strategy and communications, she...

In this episode, Neelam engages in a thought provoking conversation with financial expert Zachary Smith about the concept of financial healing and reimagining money as a tool for liberation. Zachary, a seasoned financial executive with over 25 years of experience at notable institutions, shares his insights on generational wealth and its significance. He emphasizes the importance of time as a reso...

In this episode, Neelam welcomes Chandani Patel, the Inaugural Director of Equity and Inclusion at Roland Hall. They explore the often overlooked topic of perimenopause, particularly focusing on the experiences of women of color. Neelam and Chandani share their personal stories and insights, emphasizing the importance of open conversations surrounding perimenopause symptoms. Chandani discusses her...

In this episode, Neelam welcomes Dr. Kathryn Bond Stockton, a distinguished professor and expert in queer theory, to explore the complexities of gender queerness and identity through the perspectives of children and their caregivers. With a rich background in equity, diversity, and literature, Dr. Stockton discusses her extensive work, including her recent book, "Genders," and highlights her contr...

In this heartfelt episode, Neelam welcomes her brother, Dhiraj Chand, for a unique sibling check-in that doubles as a love letter to their inner children. Dhiraj, a Deputy Chief Philanthropy Officer at the University of Utah, shares insights from his extensive 16-year career in higher education, focusing on transformational giving and the importance of building meaningful connections. The conversa...

In this episode, Neelam welcomes Dr. William A. Smith, a distinguished professor at the University of Utah and a leading voice on the psychological impacts of racism. They explore the concept of racial battle fatigue, which Dr. Smith coined in 2003 to describe the chronic stress experienced by black and brown communities due to racism. With appointments in psychiatry, education, and ethnic studies...

In this episode, Neelam explores the emotional implications of divorce with expert guests Nicole Salazar-Hall, a family law attorney, and Dr. Natalie Malovich, a clinical psychologist specializing in high conflict divorce. Together, they discuss the challenges families and children face during and after divorce, emphasizing the importance of navigating these emotionally charged situations with car...

In this episode of Are We Well?, host Neelam Chand welcomes Dr. LaShawn Williams, a licensed clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience, to discuss the often overlooked impact of ADHD on black and brown communities. With a rich background in higher education and a focus on healthcare and wellness, Dr. Wills shares her expertise in guiding individuals, particularly women, through chall...

In the Season 2 launch of Are We Well, Neelam dives into deeply personal conversations about healing and identity. This season brings even more powerful and insightful stories, exploring experiences that often go unnamed. Topics include living with ADHD, navigating perimenopause, coping with grief, engaging in inner child work, addressing money wounds, and unpacking the societal pressures faced by...

In this episode of Are We Well?, host Neelam Chand engages in a heartfelt conversation with Morgan Williams Brown, who shares her personal journey through grief. The discussion highlights the profound impact of loss, particularly following the passing of her brother, Cameron. As the founder and CEO of Blended Studios and former CEO of EverWoke, Morgan reflects on how their experiences have shaped...

In this episode of Are We Well?, host Neelam Chand welcomes Poonam Kumar for an insightful discussion on breaking generational traumas and patterns inherited from family and ancestors. As South Asian women, they explore the complexities of their unique backgrounds, including the differences in their maternal influences. Poonam shares her impressive career journey as the Principal Advisor of Commun...

In this episode of Are We Well, host Neelam Chand is joined by Areesh Ahmed, co-founder of Oak River Group, to explore the themes of self-doubt, self-sabotage, and the inner critic through a spiritual lens. With nearly two decades of friendship, Neelam and Areesh delve into how these challenges have impacted Areesh's journey as an entrepreneur and his personal life. Areesh shares his experiences w...

In this episode of the Are We Well podcast, host Neelam Chand welcomes back Kilo Zamora for a heartfelt conversation about wellness in the aftermath of the recent election. As emotions run high and the nation feels increasingly divided, Neelam and Kilo explore the chaos and uncertainty many are experiencing. Kilo emphasizes the importance of introspection and understanding one's feelings during tu...

In this episode of "Are We Well?", host Neelam Chand welcomes David Brooks for a deep and insightful conversation about healing and creativity. Neelam and David explore the concept of detaching from societal norms—the "matrix"—to tap into true creativity and purpose. David shares his personal spiritual journey, emphasizing how his experiences shaped his desire to create a more just world through a...

In this episode of Are We Well?, host Neelam Chand sits down with her dear friend and expert in yogic movement, Princesse DesRose. Together, they explore the profound connection between healing trauma and the body through the practices of yoga and intentional movement. Princesse, an internationally trained yoga therapist and founder of Lumiere Wellness, shares her insights on whole body wellness a...

In this episode of Are We Well?, host Neelam Chand engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Shawn Newell, a community integrator and former vice president of a major industrial supply company. They explore the themes of fear and ego in the context of creating social change. Neelam highlights Shawn's extensive background, including his service on multiple boards across Utah and nationally,...

In this introductory episode Are We Well?, host Neelam Chand is interviewed by producer Christine Baird, revealing the origins and inspiration behind the show. Neelam, a Desi American and mother based in Salt Lake City, shares her extensive background as a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) practitioner. With over a decade of experience advocating for social justice, she launched h...

In this episode of Are We Well?, host Neelam Chand sits down with intuitive healer and spiritual guide Giulia Tizzano. They explore the deep connections between belief systems and true self-alignment, discussing how patterns can hinder personal growth. Giulia shares her extensive background in holistic healing, which includes over 500 hours of yoga therapy, Reiki mastery, and shamanic practices le...

In this episode of "Are We Well?", host Neelam Chand welcomes social change consultant Kilo Zamora for an engaging conversation about wellness and healing through the lens of social justice. Kilo, a respected educator at the College of Cultural and Social Transformation at the University of Utah, brings a wealth of experience in creating transformative learning environments and advocating for marg...

This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics, including suicide ideation, PTSD, and depression. Listener discretion is advise d. In this episode of Are We Well?, host Neelam Chand sits down with Nikki Walker for a heartfelt conversation about her personal journey with mental health and wellness. Rather than discussing her impressive career in public relations and DEI, Nikki opens up about...

In this episode of Are We Well, host Neelam Chand is joined by her dear friend Yvette Romero Coronado, a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience. Together, they explore the significance of centering healing in the pursuit of social change and the journey of rediscovering one's true self. Yvette shares her rich background as the granddaughter and daughter of Mexican migrant...

Hi, I'm Neelam—a small business owner, mother, daughter of immigrants, social justice advocate, and spiritual seeker in Salt Lake City, Utah. I’m passionate about exploring what it truly means to be well, both personally and collectively. My healing journey has led me to build a vibrant community of creatives, entrepreneurs, social justice leaders, and healers. On "Are We Well?," I connect with th...