Three Takes: 3 Women, 3 Generations, 1 Family Unpacking the Questions We All Ask

Is Your Work a Job, a Career, or a Calling? - E28

Mona, Ishana, and Minali dive into a heartfelt conversation about what makes work meaningful and how that definition shifts across generations. Ishana, on the brink of starting her consulting career, grapples with balancing passion projects and the quest for daily purpose. Minali, a physician nearing the end of her training, reflects on how her sense of meaning in medicine has evolved. Meanwhile, Mona, a seasoned business coach, shares wisdom from her journey, from prioritizing stability in her early career to now valuing legacy and growth. Together, they explore: generational perspectives on work, from financial stability to fulfillment; why balance and purpose might be more intertwined than we think. Whether you’re just starting out, mid-career, or redefining your path, this conversation offers timeless lessons on aligning work with what truly matters to you. Key Timestamps: (00:00) - Defining meaningful work (00:10) - Financial security vs. fulfillment across life stages (00:14) - Reframing meaning beyond daily tasks (00:18) - Generational values in the workplace (00:22) - Employer role in work-life balance (00:26) - Eudaimonia and achievement Key Topics Discussed: Three Takes, Ishana Nigam, Minali Nigam, Mona Nigam, generational advice, meaningful work and purpose, generational differences in careers, work-life balance strategies, career values and fulfillment, finding purpose in jobs More of Three Takes: Email us at connect@threetakes.com Start a conversation at https://threetakes.com/ [https://threetakes.com/] DM us on Instagram (@three.takes) at https://www.instagram.com/three.takes/ [https://www.instagram.com/three.takes/]

Why Is It So Hard to Make New Friends As Adults?? - E27

Mona, Minali and Ishana explore the fears of moving to a new city, the reality of creating a new support system, and why lasting friendships are built through showing up—not luck. From leveraging existing connections and embracing technology to maintaining friendships through different life stages, this discussion offers practical insights for anyone navigating adulthood, relocation, or personal growth. Making friends as an adult can feel surprisingly difficult. Once school, college, and structured environments disappear, building meaningful relationships often requires intentional effort, vulnerability, and consistency. Whether you're moving across the country or simply looking to expand your circle, this episode will leave you feeling hopeful and equipped to build authentic relationships. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – Why Making Friends As An Adult Feels So Difficult (01:12) – Leaving Comfort Zones And Starting Over In A New City (02:35) – Building A Support System Beyond Family And Work (03:55) – The Power Of Simply Showing Up And Taking Initiative (06:18) – Why Deep Friendships Take Time, Trust, And Consistency (07:28) – The Emotional Challenge Of Putting Yourself Out There (08:32) – Are Friendship Apps The New Normal For Adults? (10:42) – Introverts Vs Extroverts (14:18) – Why Being Selective About Friendships Is Healthy (16:05) – How The Strongest Friendships Naturally Develop Over Time (18:15) – Why Quality Matters More Than Quantity In Adult Relationships (19:02) – The Secret To Maintaining Long-Distance Friendships (22:18) – Overcoming The Fear Of Starting Fresh In A New City (23:10) – Becoming More Intentional About Welcoming Newcomers Key Topics Discussed: Three Takes, Ishana Nigam, Minali Nigam, Mona Nigam, generational advice, how to make friends as an adult, why making friends as an adult is so hard, how to build friendships in a new city, making friends after moving to a new city, how to meet new people as an adult, how to create a support system as an adult, building meaningful friendships in adulthood, starting over in a new city alone, overcoming loneliness after moving, how to maintain adult friendships More of Three Takes: Email us at connect@threetakes.com Start a conversation at https://threetakes.com/ [https://threetakes.com/] DM us on Instagram (@three.takes) at https://www.instagram.com/three.takes/ [https://www.instagram.com/three.takes/]

Are You Being Resilient? Or Just Stuck? And When Is it Time to Stop Trying? - E26

Mona, Minali and Ishana unpack one of life's most difficult questions: When should you keep pushing forward, and when is it time to let go? Through honest conversations about careers, relationships, business, identity, and personal growth, they explore the emotional attachments that keep us stuck and the practical frameworks that help us move forward with confidence. From societal expectations and fear of failure to values, trade-offs, and self-reflection, this episode offers actionable insights for anyone feeling trapped between persistence and change. If you've ever wondered whether you're demonstrating resilience or delaying the inevitable, this conversation will challenge the way you think about success, purpose, and personal growth. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – Why We Struggle To Walk Away From Unfulfilling Careers (02:35) – Relationships, Friendships And Knowing When To Pivot (03:45) – The Hidden Motivations Behind Why We Keep Trying (05:45) – Using Objective Data To Decide When It’s Time To Let Go (07:45) – Fear Of Wasted Time And The Pressure To Succeed (08:35) – Why People Stay In The Wrong Relationships Too Long (10:00) – Is “Never Give Up” Always Good Advice? (11:05) – When Persistence Becomes Toxic Instead Of Productive (12:00) – The Difference Between Healthy Resilience And Being Stuck (13:05) – How Values And Goal Reflection Create Better Decisions (14:10) – Finding Alternative Paths To The Life You Want (16:00) – Using AI And Life Assessments To Gain Clarity (19:15) – Understanding Trade-Offs Before Making Big Changes (22:00) – Persistence Vs Self-Punishment And Protecting Your Mental Health (23:05) – The Real Thing We’re Holding Onto: Hope, Identity Or Expectation? Key Topics Discussed: Three Takes, Ishana Nigam, Minali Nigam, Mona Nigam, generational advice, how to know when it's time to give up, resilience vs being stuck, when should you stop trying, signs it's time to move on, how to let go of a goal, when persistence becomes toxic, healthy resilience vs stubbornness, how to make difficult life decisions, knowing when to leave a relationship, when to quit a job and move on, overcoming sunk cost fallacy, fear of wasted time and failure, how to know if you're holding yourself back, making career changes with confidence, how to evaluate life trade-offs, personal growth through self-reflection, when to pivot in life, finding purpose after letting go, balancing persistence and flexibility, how to stop forcing something that isn't working, resilience vs persistence, when to walk away from a relationship, how to know when to quit, letting go of expectations, values-based decision making, overcoming fear of failure, personal growth mindset, emotional resilience strategies, how to make confident life decisions, navigating major life transitions Mentions: 7 ChatGPT Prompts That Will Actually Change Your Life: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-on-purpose-with-jay-shett-30589432/episode/7-chatgpt-prompts-that-will-actually-change-your-life-327527900 [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-on-purpose-with-jay-shett-30589432/episode/7-chatgpt-prompts-that-will-actually-change-your-life-327527900] More of Three Takes: Email us at connect@threetakes.com Start a conversation at https://threetakes.com/ [https://threetakes.com/] DM us on Instagram (@three.takes) at https://www.instagram.com/three.takes/ [https://www.instagram.com/three.takes/]

Throwback Tuesday: How Can Therapy Help Women Thrive? - E25

Mona, Ishana, and Minali open up about their personal journeys with therapy, breaking generational taboos and redefining what mental health support means across time. From college anxiety and professional burnout to pregnancy fears and self-discovery, they explore how therapy can be both transformative and grounding. Together, they discuss cultural stigmas, the evolution of emotional openness, and the many forms therapy can take, formal or not. Through laughter, vulnerability, and love, they remind us that seeking help isn’t weakness, it’s growth, courage, and self-care in action. Key Timestamps: (00:00) - Learning To Manage Anxiety (05:00) - Redefining Therapy Meaning (07:00) - Shared Exercises And Lessons (09:00) - Coping Through Life Changes (12:00) - Embracing Uncertainty Mindfully (16:00) - Power Of Thought Awareness (18:00) - Therapy Beyond The Stigma (22:00) - Family And Emotional Support Key Topics Discussed: Three Takes, Ishana Nigam, Minali Nigam, Mona Nigam, generational advice, therapy for mental health, breaking generational taboos, cognitive behavioral therapy, anxiety and self awareness, emotional healing and growth Links: The American Psychological Association’s Stress in America report found that about 22 percent of Boomers say they’ve ever received therapy, compared to 35 percent of Millennials and 37 percent of Gen Z. (Source: APA — Stress in America™: Generation Z, 2018): https://www.pacificoaks.edu/voices/blog/gen-z-view-on-mental-health/ [https://www.pacificoaks.edu/voices/blog/gen-z-view-on-mental-health/] More of Three Takes: Email us at connect@threetakes.com Start a conversation at https://threetakes.com/ [https://threetakes.com/] DM us on Instagram (@three.takes) at https://www.instagram.com/three.takes/ [https://www.instagram.com/three.takes/]

What Does It Mean to Pause Your Career and Be a Stay-At-Home Mom?

Minali and Ishana invite their friend, Aaratthi, who shares her unexpected journey from full-time professional to stay-at-home mom, navigating career disruption, motherhood, and identity all at once. From the chaos of managing twins while working remotely to the emotional shock of being laid off at a pivotal moment, this episode pulls back the curtain on the realities many women quietly face. It’s a powerful reflection on resilience, shifting priorities, and redefining success when life doesn’t follow your script. Whether you're a working parent, considering a career pivot, or simply trying to balance it all, this episode will challenge how you think about work, family, and what truly matters. Key Timestamps: (00:00) - A Layoff, Pregnancy, and an Unexpected Transition (03:00) - Realizing Staying Home Wasn’t a Choice at First (04:07) - The Mental Toll of Rejection, Burnout, and Motherhood (08:49) - Redefining Success and Career Identity After Kids (09:48) - “Good Enough” Parenting and Letting Go of Perfection (14:06) - Finding Time for Yourself as a Parent (15:09) - Mom Friendships and Feeling Understood (17:45) - The Reality of a Stay-at-Home Mom’s Daily Life (22:51) - Bedtime Routines and Late-Night “Me Time” (24:51) - Why Caregiving Is So Misunderstood (25:40) - The “Girl Boss” Era and Generational Expectations (28:39) - Childcare Costs and the Financial Reality of Staying Home (29:41) - Adjusting Work Around Family Life (30:45) - Advice for Women Considering Staying Home (34:38) - Starting “I’m Not the Nanny” on Instagram (36:44) - Presence, Motherhood, and Long-Term Perspective (37:37) - The Importance of Support Systems in Parenting Key Topics Discussed: Three Takes, Ishana Nigam, Minali Nigam, Mona Nigam, generational advice, working mom burnout, career transition after layoff, balancing motherhood and career, remote work parenting struggles, stay-at-home mom journey Mentions: https://www.instagram.com/imnotthenanny/ [https://www.instagram.com/imnotthenanny?igsh=Y2JjdXZ4cXhmaHM0] More of Three Takes: Email us at connect@threetakes.com Start a conversation at https://threetakes.com/ [https://threetakes.com/] DM us on Instagram (@three.takes) at https://www.instagram.com/three.takes/ [https://www.instagram.com/three.takes/]