The Ropana Podcast

Ep. 1 | The Health Myths We Grew Up With — Hidden Science of Everyday Health: ENT Perspectives | with Dr. Sushmita Dutta Mukhopadhyay

We all grow up hearing certain health rules at home, about what’s good for our ears, what causes a sore throat, or how we should take care of our nose. Over time, these ideas become everyday habits that most of us rarely question. But how many of these beliefs are actually supported by medical science? In Episode 1 of Hidden Science of Everyday Health: ENT Perspectives, we explore the fascinating space where everyday health advice meets real anatomy and clinical science. Joining us for this conversation is Dr. Sushmita Dutta Mukhopadhyay, ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon, who shares insights from years of clinical experience treating conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, hearing, sinus health, and sleep. In this episode, we dive into some of the most common health beliefs many of us grew up hearing and ask: * Why do some medical myths persist for generations? * Are modern lifestyle habits quietly affecting our ENT health? Through a thoughtful and engaging discussion, Dr. Mukhopadhyay helps unpack the science behind everyday ENT health, revealing how small habits can have bigger implications than we realize. If you’ve ever wondered whether the health advice you grew up with is myth, fact, or somewhere in between, this episode will make you think differently about the way you care for your ear, nose, and throat. And this is just the start. In Episode 2 of this series, we shift the focus to something even more fundamental to health—the power of breathing, and how the way we breathe influences sleep, energy, and overall well-being from an ENT perspective. 🎧 Follow the Ropana Podcast and stay tuned for the next episode of Hidden Science of Everyday Health: ENT Perspectives.

The Cost of Success: Ambition, Identity & Loneliness ft. Aditi Sinha

Success looks exciting from the outside—big milestones, big ambitions, and the feeling that you’re finally “making it.” But what happens behind the scenes?In this episode, I sit down with Aditi Sinha, co-founder of Locale.ai and author of Things I Learned While Falling Apart, to talk about something we don’t discuss enough—the quiet loneliness that can come with ambition and success.We get into identity, heartbreak, imposter syndrome, chasing big dreams, and the strange moments where “falling apart” actually teaches you the most about yourself.If you’ve ever wondered whether success is supposed to feel this complicated… this conversation might feel a little too familiar. Tune in. 🎙️

The Neuroscience of Psychopathy| Dark Triad Ep 3 (Final) with Dr. Mohita Shrivastava

The final chapter of our Dark Triad series tackles the most misunderstood trait of them all: psychopathy. When people hear the word, they often imagine violence or crime. But psychopathy isn’t always loud or chaotic. Sometimes it’s much quieter, an absence of fear, a lack of guilt, and a striking emotional detachment that changes how someone experiences consequences, relationships, and risk. In this episode, we explore how psychopathy differs from the other two Dark Triad traits, Narcissism [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2NukKfxxHQcb7KAqUYfBUX?si=a98a5eb710da4231] and Machiavellianism [https://open.spotify.com/episode/11bEPsLXkSxRaZkquPuAC6?si=8363d2ae0f6547b2]. Where narcissism seeks admiration, and Machiavellianism seeks strategy, psychopathy may operate with fewer internal brakes: less anxiety, less remorse, and less emotional friction. Together with Dr. Mohita [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mohita-shrivastava/], we unpack questions that are as psychological as they are philosophical: * What does it actually mean to experience low fear and low guilt? * How do differences in brain systems involved in threat processing, empathy, and consequence awareness shape psychopathic traits? * Why can some of these traits look like calm leadership and bold decision-making in high-pressure environments — yet create deep harm in personal relationships? * And perhaps the most uncomfortable question of all: if someone genuinely feels little remorse, how do we think about responsibility, boundaries, and protection? This conversation moves beyond sensationalism to examine psychopathy through the lenses of neuroscience, personality structure, and real-world dynamics — helping listeners recognize patterns without reducing people to labels. Because understanding the darker edges of personality isn’t about fear. It’s about discernment. 🎧 Listen to the full episode to explore the psychology behind emotional absence, risk, and responsibility, and to complete our journey through the Dark Triad. To share your thoughts, questions, or collaborate with us, you’ll find all the links to reach out in the episode notes. Email ID: ropanapodcast@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ropanapodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreya-innovative-medic-voice/

The Neuroscience of Machiavellianism | Dark Triad Ep 2 with Dr. Mohita Shrivastava

In this episode of the Ropana Podcast, Dr. Mohita [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mohita-shrivastava/] joins me as we explore Machiavellianism, the quieter, more strategic dimension of the Dark Triad. When we call someone Machiavellian, what are we really describing? Intelligence? Manipulation? Long-term strategy? Or a personality shaped around control? We examine what psychology and neuroscience say about Machiavellian traits, including how early unpredictability, insecure attachment, and chronic stress can shape trust systems and threat responses. Could what looks like manipulation begin as adaptation, a brain learning that staying two steps ahead is safer than trusting? We also discuss the distinction between cognitive empathy and emotional empathy. Many individuals high in Machiavellian traits can read others accurately, but may not be emotionally guided by what they perceive. How does that affect relationships? And why are these traits sometimes rewarded in competitive environments, yet corrosive in close ones? This episode unpacks: • The psychology behind strategic manipulation• The trade-off between power and intimacy• Whether Machiavellian traits can change• How to protect yourself if you’ve been impacted If you’re interested in research-backed conversations about personality, power, and human behavior, follow the Ropana Podcast and stay tuned for the final episode in our Dark Triad series, psychopathy. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ropanapodcast/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/ropana-podcast-%E0%A4%B0-%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A3-whats-on-a-medics-mind/id1855796285

Neuroscience of Narcissism | Dark Triad Episode 1 with Dr. Mohita Shrivastava

What if the traits we casually label as “toxic” are actually deeply studied psychological patterns? In this episode of the Dark Triad series, we take a sharp, research-grounded look at narcissism, beyond stereotypes, beyond social media language. We explore how it shows up, how it impacts relationships, and why understanding patterns matters more than blaming people. If this conversation stayed with you, follow the podcast so you don’t miss the next episode, we’re unpacking Machiavellianism next. Also, don’t forget to read the article below by Dr. Mohita [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mohita-shrivastava/] for a deeper clinical perspective and clearer insight into the science behind narcissism. The Dark Traid [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dr-mohita-shrivastava_activity-7425387193793323008-OgSU?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAADJTUZwBixV7U9FT7NxEHG4nWZkR-w9n-GU] and How to Outsmart a Narcissist [https://www.khaleejtimes.com/lifestyle/mental-health/how-to-outsmart-narcissists] Listen. Reflect. Reach out with your thoughts.