• Ep. 4- Mental Health Through a Psychiatrist's Lens—ft. Dr. Alok Kulkarni
    Feb 21 2025

    Dr. Alok Kulkarni is a distinguished interventional psychiatrist from India with extensive training in psychiatry from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, an Institute of National Importance. He was part of India’s first government-funded telepsychiatry program and later became a member of The Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK, after excelling in its rigorous examinations. In 2022-23, he was awarded the prestigious IMH Marshall Fellowship at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, where he gained expertise in cutting-edge clinical trials and treatments for bipolar disorder. Dr. Kulkarni specializes in non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, including tDCS, rTMS, and ECT, and is a recognized voice in national and international media advocating for mental health. His work has been featured in prominent Indian publications, earning him accolades such as the S S Jayaram and Aryabhata awards. Currently, he consults at the Manas Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, a premier center for mood disorders in India, as the CEO. Ishaa’s approach extrapolates her lived experiences in mental health and applies it to education, mental health advocacy, and multidisciplinary arts. She aims to foster empathy, positivity, and self-awareness while sparking mental health discussions and reducing stigmas by creating safe spaces for stigmatized conversations in the AODA, Sunnybrook Patient and Family Advisory Committee(s). As a Member Artist of the Workman Arts Organization, she integrates dance therapy into the community for healing and expression by infusing Latin, Indian Classical and Folk styles as a facilitator. As a Research Associate of a York Master’s Thesis documentary project titled ‘Unfinished,’ she explores her journey in mental health vis-à-vis multidisciplinary arts. Her memoir 'Finding Order in Disorder' explores Dance & Art therapy. She is the Founder and CEO of Finding Order in Disorder Foundation a non-profit for Mental Health. 00:03 - Introduction & BackgroundDr Alok shares his journey in psychiatry, including his education, clinical experience, and specialization in bipolar disorder.02:33 - Holistic & Integrative Mental Health ApproachesDiscussion on holistic mental health care, including psychotherapy, yoga, neurostimulation techniques, and alternative treatments.04:55 - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) ExplainedA deep dive into CBT, how it works, and how restructuring negative thought patterns helps patients with anxiety and depression.07:40 - Yoga, Meditation & Alternatives for Mental HealthThe pros and cons of yoga and meditation for psychiatric conditions, including psychosis, and exploring alternative mindful activities like art and dance.15:39 - Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health How the pandemic affected global mental health, increased anxiety, and highlighted the importance of mental well-being.19:26 - Breaking Mental Health Stigma & Self-StigmaThe role of advocacy, open conversations, and public figures in reducing stigma around mental illness and promoting mental health awareness.22:25 - Resilience & Early Childhood DevelopmentThe impact of childhood experiences on mental health, the nature vs. nurture debate, and how resilience is built over time.32:12 - Caregivers' Role & Collaborative Mental Health CareThe importance of caregivers in a patient’s recovery, the challenges they face, and how to create a support system for individuals with mental health conditions.42:09 - Comorbidities & Medication Side Effects in Bipolar DisorderExploring the overlap between bipolar disorder and conditions like ADHD, OCD, and anxiety, as well as how medications may contribute to specific side effects.46:30 - Conclusion & Final ThoughtsClosing remarks, key takeaways, and how viewers can reach out for support or more information on mental health topics.Concept & Host: Ishaa Vinod Chopra Editing, Content & Design: Tanvi Nerlekar

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    49 mins
  • Ep.3- Survivors' Voices: Turning Pain into Power
    Feb 8 2025
    Dr. Aninda Sidhana is a leading psychiatrist specializing in women’s mental health and psychosexual medicine. With over a decade of experience in general hospital psychiatry and neuropsychiatry, she addresses critical issues such as stress management, sexual health, and gender-based mental health disparities. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and mental health awareness, she actively writes, educates, and mentors future professionals.Recognized with the Women of Substance Award and Women Resilience Award 2024, she also serves as a Goodwill Ambassador, advancing gender equality, healthcare access, and human rights under the UN SDGs.“When women rise, we all rise together.”Expertise: Women’s Mental Health, Psychosexual Medicine, Marital Therapy, AddictionsCurrent Role: Assistant Professor, Dr. S.S. Tantia M.C.H. & Research CentreAffiliations: International Association of Women’s Mental Health, Guest Faculty at JSS Mysore, India.--Ishaa’s approach extrapolates her lived experiences in mental health and applies it to education, mental health advocacy and multidisciplinary arts. She aims to foster empathy, positivity, and self-awareness while sparking mental health discussions and reducing stigmas by creating safe spaces for stigmatized conversations in the AODA, Sunnybrook Patient and Family Advisory Committee(s). As a Member Artist of the Workman Arts Organization, she integrates dance therapy into the community for healing and expression by infusing Latin, Indian Classical and Folk styles as a facilitator.In her Memoir ‘Finding Order in Disorder’ ; in lucid, simple prose, she addresses what it is like to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, how it affects interpersonal relationships, and how societal norms influence our understanding of and responses to mental health issues.As a Research Associate of a York Master’s Thesis documentary project titled ‘Unfinished,’ she explores her journey in mental health vis-à-vis multidisciplinary arts. She is currently the Founder and CEO of the NGO titled: Finding Order in Disorder Foundation.00:00 Introduction00:03 Welcome & Guest Introduction00:21 Dr. Sidhana’s Background & Work03:00 Importance of Mental Health Awareness03:10 The Need for Open Conversations05:30 Challenges & Stigma in Mental Health08:00 Women's Mental Health & Well-being08:15 Unique Challenges Faced by Women10:40 Role of Education in Mental Health12:30 Addressing Psychosexual Health15:00 Overcoming Barriers to Mental Health Support15:20 Cultural & Systemic Obstacles17:45 Breaking the Silence on Women’s Mental Health20:30 Encouraging Access to Mental Health Services22:00 Role of Advocacy and Future Initiatives22:15 The Impact of Dr. Sidhana’s Work24:30 Importance of Mentorship & Spreading Awareness26:40 Vision for the Future of Women’s Mental Health28:00 Closing Remarks & Call to Action28:20 Final Thoughts from Dr. Sidhana29:15 Encouragement to Seek Mental Health Support29:45 Closing Message & GratitudeConcept & Host: Ishaa Vinod ChopraEditing, Subtitles & Design: Tanvi Nerlekar
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    27 mins
  • Mindfulness, Healing & Kinship - ft. Life Coach Ambika Aruna Ganesh
    Jan 21 2025

    Ambika Aruna Ganesh is a Life Coach, Facilitator and a Spiritual explorer. A resourceful and compassionate coach with 10 years+ experience and multidisciplinary skill set has worked with 500+ clients from across the world using mindfulness. Mindfulness is a way of operating peacefully in today’s VUCA world. She uses the framework of psychology, mindfulness and reference of ancient Indian modalities to bring the desired results and inculcate a sense of 'sukoon'- a sense of love, peace and purpose.To practice mindfulness dedicatedly, she lives in Tamil-Nadu with her Guru. Here she is seen with Podcast host Ishaa Vinod Chopra whose approach extrapolates her lived experiences in mental health and applies it to education, mental health advocacy and multidisciplinary arts. She aims to foster empathy, positivity, and self-awareness while sparking mental health discussions and reducing stigmas by creating safe spaces for stigmatized conversations. In her Memoir ‘Finding Order in Disorder’ ; in lucid, simple prose, she addresses what it is like to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, how it affects interpersonal relationships, and how societal norms influence our understanding of and responses to mental health issues. As a Research Associate of a York Master’s Thesis documentary project titled ‘Unfinished,’ she explores her journey in mental health vis-à-vis multidisciplinary arts. She is currently the Founder & Executive Director of a nonprofit NGO titled: Finding Order in Disorder Foundation.

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    59 mins
  • World Mental Health Day Special w/ Dr. Adam W.J Davies, PhD, OCT, RECE
    Oct 10 2024

    The podcast features Dr. Adam W.J. Davies, Professor at the University of Guelph, RECE.

    They have a PhD in Curriculum Studies & Teacher Development & Sexual Diversity Studies & Women & Gender Studies - Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto

    They are interviewed by Ishaa Vinod Chopra, a final-year student at George Brown College's School of Early Childhood, RECE, Performing Artist (Kathak), Mental Health Advocate & Author of a memoir titled 'Finding Order in Disorder'.

    The discussion focuses on advocacy, mental health, and the challenges early childhood educators face as it aligns with this year's World Mental Health Day theme of 'Prioritizing Workplace Mental Health.'

    Dr. Davies and Ishaa talk about a statement issued by the AECEO (Association for Early Childhood Educators Ontario), co-authored by Dr. Davies, Brooke Richardson, Michelle Jones, and, supported by the Board of Directors and staff of AECEO. , titled “At the Intersection of Safety, Ethics, Mental Health, and Well Being: Disrupting the Status Quo Regulatory Approach in Ontario.” The statement addresses sanism, the discrimination against individuals with mental health diagnoses.

    It critiques the College of Early Childhood Educators' regulatory practices, particularly their annual renewal form, which asks educators to disclose any disabilities (mental or physical) that could impact their ability to practice safely.

    According to the issued statement, this regulatory approach may harm marginalized educators due to the vague and unclear disclosure requirement.

    --

    There is further discussion on Dr. Adam W.J Davies's research topics, which include LGBTQ+ children and youth in the early years and K-12 schooling; inclusion for children with disabilities & sexuality education, employing the use of critical theory, including queer theory, mad studies, and critical disability studies.

    --

    A George Brown College, Early Childhood Degree: Solutions Project, ft. Dr. Adam W.J Davies

    Interviewed by Research Intern/Student: Ishaa Vinod Chopra

    Location Courtesy: University of Guelph

    Camera, Editing: Ilse Moreno


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    1 hr and 24 mins