the Beyond podcast

That's a wrap on season 2, friends!  Not so long ago, I had a dream of starting this podcast, and then my dream came to life! I met with so many incredible guests and listeners who helped me turn this show into a safe space for us to feel less alone and unstuck from our ruts. We've covered everything from burnout and anxiety to women's health and mindset, and I'm so grateful fo...

You might know her as "the villain" from Netflix's Indian Matchmaking , but my friend Aparna Shewakramani is so much more than a label. In this candid episode, we’re going behind the reality TV edit to talk about what it truly means to be an unapologetic, strong-willed woman in a world designed to put you in a box. Aparna shares her fascinating journey of how she transformed a negat...

Hey my friends! Do you ever feel like your attention is constantly being pulled in a million different directions? In this episode, I'm getting real about why our focus feels so scattered and why it's not entirely our fault. I'll dive into the neurobiology of distraction, breaking down how our brains are wired to crave constant stimulation and why that "multitasking superwoman&...

Dr. Flora welcomes renowned cardiologist Dr. Purvi Parwani, director of the Women's Heart Clinic at Loma Linda University Health, for a deep dive into the often-misunderstood realm of women's cardiac health.  They tackle the critical issue of how medical research, historically based on men, has often overlooked women's unique cardiac physiology and disease presentation.  Dr. Parwani...

Hey my friends! In this episode, I'm joined by the incredible Naseem Sayani for some real talk on money and financial empowerment . We're tackling uncomfortable truths and debunking the myth that women aren't good with money by looking at fascinating data. Naseem shares practical steps for starting your investment portfolio , even if you're beginning with just cash. We talk abo...

Burnout has become a buzzword—but, friends, do you really know what it looks like in your own life ? In this quick but powerful episode, I am breaking down the five stages of burnout , how they show up in real life (like snapping at your partner or working while watching TV), and what warning signs to look out for—especially if you’re a high-achieving woman juggling work, family, and everything in...

Feeling successful on paper but secretly battling exhaustion, guilt, and the endless pressure to do it all? This special episode is a raw, real-talk invitation from Dr. Flora to every high-achieving woman – from doctors to lawyers to busy moms – who's been living the "yes" woman script.  This isn't about quick fixes or just "thinking positive." Dr. Flora explains why...

In this episode, Dr. Flora dives deep into the power of "micro breaks" – tiny, impactful pauses throughout your day.  Tune in to find out how these short resets can prevent burnout, enhance focus, and reduce stress, backed by science.  Dr. Flora also guides listeners through the five stages of burnout, helping them identify where they might be on the path, and offers actionable tips for...

Hi Beyond Listeners! I recently sat down with Niki Patel from Home Shanti for a deep dive into the importance of setting boundaries in our family relationships, especially within a cultural context like South Asian families. Niki shared her personal journey, from her first big boundary at 17 over a secret relationship, to navigating in-laws and creating a supportive home environment. We explored h...

Hey friends! In this episode, I'm getting super personal about something many of you have asked about: my decision to stop trying for more kids and fully embrace our wonderful family of three. You know I've shared my infertility journey before, so this time, I'm diving into how we found so much clarity and peace in choosing to have an only child . I'll walk you through the two...

This episode features a powerful conversation between Dr. Flora and board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Jasmine Sawhne, diving into the critical topic of mental well-being in our demanding modern lives.  They unravel the nuances between everyday stress, chronic burnout, and clinical depression, particularly highlighting the often-unseen struggles of "high-functioning depression," where exte...

On this quick episode, Dr. Flora unpacks the often-confusing nature of passive aggression, from backhanded compliments to subtle sabotage.   She delves into the underlying reasons why individuals exhibit this behavior, such as learned helplessness or a desire for control.   Tune in to learn Dr. Flora's two-fold approach to dealing with passive aggression! It's time to end the burnout cycle an...

Friends, feeling like you're constantly chasing your tail? Join me and the incredible Mona Patel as we dive into the realities of being a working mom, especially within the South Asian community. Discover how to tackle cultural pressures, master time blocking , and make mental health a priority. This episode is packed with personal insights on journaling, silent self-check-ins, and understand...

Friends in this final episode of the 5MWF Travel Edition, I am wrapping up my travel series by sharing one powerful yet often-overlooked travel tip: stick to your routine . Whether you’re exploring abroad or taking a family road trip, I am sharing why honoring small daily habits—like sleep, hydration, stretching, and mindful eating—can completely shift your vacation from exhausting to energizing. ...

This episode of Beyond Podcast is a powerful exploration of transformation and the courage to be yourself.  Dr. Flora and Cat Coley have an honest conversation about Cat's unconventional path, including her rise in the corporate world and the period that led her to incarceration.  But this isn't a story of setbacks; it's a story of reclaiming your narrative. Cat shares how she helps...

On this episode of 5 Minutes With Flora, Dr. Flora offers a dose of reality for travelers seeking a smoother vacation experience.  She will be sharing her top tips for managing expectations and embracing flexibility based on what she learned during recent trip to London.  Tune in to hear how to ensure you have the most balanced and enjoyable vacation possible! It's time to end the burnout cycle an...

Ever felt like talking about "down there" is kinda taboo? You're not alone, friends! This week’s episode was a super chill chat with Dr. Ashley Winter, a urologist and sexual health whiz, who's breaking down all the awkwardness. We get into why it's wild that we don't talk about sexual health more (it's a quality of life thing, people!), and how similar lady bits...

Hey Friends! Listen, I have a question for you. Are you truly resting on vacation—or just relocating your stress?  In today’s 5MWF Episode, I am dropping into your feed straight from London with a travel-inspired reality check. I am diving into the surprising ways we might be vacationing wrong —and what to do instead if you actually want to feel recharged, refreshed, and realigned. This bite-sized...

In this episode of the Beyond Podcast, Dr. Flora interviews Dr. Mona Sodhi, an internal and obesity medicine physician, and certified culinary coach.  They discuss the importance of focusing on overall health rather than just the number on the scale. Dr. Sodhi emphasizes that weight is just one aspect of health and that factors like body composition, metabolic health, and lifestyle choices are als...

Ready for a dose of straight talk?  In this powerful episode of the Beyond Podcast, Dr. Flora serves up 3 brutally honest truths designed to shake you out of your comfort zone and ignite real change.  If you're tired of feeling stuck and craving a life with more contentment and control, this episode is your wake-up call.  Dr. Flora doesn't sugarcoat it – she delivers the hard truths abou...

In this week’s episode of the Beyond Podcast, I am welcoming pediatrician and parenting expert, Dr. Mona Amin of PedsDocTalk, for a candid conversation on navigating the complexities of modern parenting.  Dr. Mona talks about the crucial mindset shifts needed for parents to move from mere survival to truly enjoying the parenting journey. Dispelling the myth of perfect parenting, she emphasizes the...

Friends, feeling stuck in the procrastination loop? Well... YOU'RE NOT ALONE! This week, I am diving into the real science behind why we put things off, from brain biology to mindset blocks like perfectionism. Learn six practical techniques—Pomodoro, habit stacking, identity shifts, and more—to finally take control. Get ready to feel empowered to ditch the scroll, boost your self-trust, and b...

Join Dr. Flora for a captivating conversation with Avani Modi Sarkar, the dynamic co-founder of Modi Toys.  Avani opens up about her journey to create a successful business that celebrates cultural heritage and introduces children to the beauty of South Asian traditions and the Hindu faith. Hear how Modi Toys blossomed from a simple idea to a beloved brand, and discover the lessons Avani learned a...

In this episode of Five Minutes with Flora, Dr. Flora dives into a topic nearly everyone in this fast-paced world has faced: Burnout.  Today, she will be helping you to combat burnout with five "Burnout Blasters" which will help you prioritize self-care with practical strategies that won't feel like just ANOTHER thing to add to your plate.   This episode is a must-listen for anyone...

Join me and Dr. Sabrina Sahni on the Beyond podcast for a candid conversation about all things menopause and perimenopause. We are diving deep into this often-confusing transition, exploring everything from the different stages and common symptoms (it's more than just hot flashes!) to the societal taboos that keep us from talking openly. We are unpacking the science behind menopause, debunkin...