#18: Redefining career, identity and purpose in motherhood with Neha Ruch

New Beginnings: Rebuilding My Wellbeing & What’s Next

After a solid pause, I’m back. In this impromptu re-entry episode, I’m sharing an honest update on where I’ve been, what the last year stripped away, and why this new season feels grounded, clear, and deeply different. I reflect on last year as a time of intense shedding — across identity, relationships, career, health, and self — and what it was like to sit in the in-between after everything old fell away, but before the new fully took root. I also take you behind the scenes of how chronic stress and nervous system overload impacted my body and wellbeing — and the gentle, sustainable approach I’m taking to rebuild from the inside out. No extremes. No perfection. Just real life, habit by habit. In this episode, I share: * What last year revealed when the “lights came on” * Why slowing down was essential for true integration * How stress, routine loss, and midlife shifts impacted my health * The realistic way I’m rebuilding strength, movement, sleep, and nourishment * Why structure can be a form of self-care (not control) * The creative and career shifts that led me back to podcasting and writing * How this podcast is evolving — more levity, real conversation, and lived experience * What’s coming next, and why this chapter feels rooted rather than rushed Think of this episode as a voice note to catch you up — and an invitation into a softer, more honest way of moving forward. ✨ Join The Well Circle on Substack ✨ My newsletter and community space for deeper connection, healing and sharing all things motherhood, midlife, growth and wellbeing. Inside, you’ll find: * Reflections, stories, and behind-the-scenes shares you won’t hear on the podcast * Practices and insights to support your nervous system and daily rhythm * A space to feel less alone in the mess and magic of midlife and motherhood * Real conversation, community, and sisterhood — without pressure or performance Join us here: 👉 https://mishanicolevayner.substack.com/subscribe Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2384460/support]

#21: Healing from Chronic Illness to Self-Love & Thriving with Nitika Chopra

Healing Chronic Illness, Self-Abandonment & Coming Home to Yourself The moment I stumbled across Nitika Chopra’s Truth Talks column on Substack, I was instantly pulled in. Her courageous vulnerability stood out in a space that often feels filtered and performative. I was immediately curious: what’s the root of this kind of strength, clarity, and embodied self-love? I discovered that Nitika had spent years navigating life with multiple chronic illnesses — including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and myasthenia gravis — all while trying to find answers inside a broken medical system. Her healing journey wasn’t linear or shiny — it was layered, painful, and, as she says, a pilgrimage. One that led her back home to herself. Since then, Nitika has built a life and career grounded in radical self-trust, authenticity, and purpose. She’s: * The founder of Chronicon, a movement and event series centering people with chronic illness * The creator of The Chronicon Foundation, which expands access and equity in healthcare and wellness * A powerful writer and storyteller, sharing deeply on her Substack Truth Talks * A mentor and guide to others navigating healing through her Life Mastery Incubator In this powerful conversation, we explore: * The emotional and spiritual toll of living with chronic illness * How grief, shame, and emotional abandonment shaped Nitika’s early identity * Her journey through codependency, misalignment, and self-abandonment * The practices that helped her reclaim her body, voice, and boundaries * Why ancestral healing, nervous system work, and self-belonging were keys to her recovery * The difference between authentic sharing and overexposing yourself online 🔗 Connect with Nitika: * Substack: The Truth with Nitika Chopra [https://nitikachopra.substack.com/] * Instagram: @nitikachopra [https://instagram.com/nitikachopra] * Chronicon: chronicon.co [https://chronicon.co/] Have a question you’d love me to explore on the show? 🎙️ Send your voice note here: https://www.speakpipe.com/YWLTheDeepWell [https://www.speakpipe.com/YWLTheDeepWell] ✨ Your Well Life just got an upgrade. ✨ Subscribe to the premium version of the podcast for exclusive, locked episodes that go beyond the surface for $8/month Subscribe now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2384460/subscribe [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2384460/subscribe] ✨ Join The Well Circle on Substack✨ Misha’s private community space for deeper healing, sisterhood, and ongoing support. Inside you’ll receive: * FREE access to the Your Well Life Podcast Premium with exclusive episodes * Monthly video trainings with simple but powerful practices to support your nervous system, realign your rhythm, and bring more ease to your every day * Unfiltered Voice-note shares to help you feel less alone in the mess and magic of motherhood * Access to our private chat space for real conversations and connection with our community * Access to optional 1:1 support sessions for when you need extra care Join us here: https://mishanicolevayner.substack.com/subscribe [https://mishanicolevayner.substack.com/subscribe] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2384460/support]

#20: Understanding Matrescence, Rage, and the Invisible Load with Jessie Harold

What if motherhood wasn’t just something you do, but something you become? In this deeply validating conversation, I’m joined by the incredible Jesse Harold—coach, doula, and author of MotherShift—to explore the often-overlooked transformation known as matrescence: the radical, messy, beautiful evolution of becoming a mother. We talk about what it really means to navigate this identity shift, why the “bounce back” narrative is damaging, and the real reasons so many of us feel like we’re failing. From invisible labor and motherhood rage to the systemic pressures that leave moms under-resourced and overburdened, we go all the way in. Episode Highlights: * 01:59 Understanding Matrescence * 07:22 The Evolution of Motherhood * 15:03 The Concept of Self-Tending * 29:30 Systemic Challenges in Modern Motherhood * 56:44 Understanding and Validating Motherhood Rage * 01:03:26 The Mental and Emotional Load in Partnerships * 01:21:12 Empowering Mothers and Transformation Literacy ✨ Your Well Life just got an upgrade. ✨ Subscribe to the premium version of the podcast for exclusive, locked episodes that go beyond the surface. 💛 For $8/month, you’ll unlock hidden soul-led reflections not shared anywhere else. Subscribe now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2384460/subscrib [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2384460/subscribe] ✨ Want more than just our podcast drops?✨ Join The Well Circle on Substack! Inside you’ll receive: * FREE access to the Your Well Life Podcast Premium with exclusive episodes * Monthly video trainings (also available audio only podcast style) with simple but powerful practices to support your nervous system, realign your rhythm, and bring more ease to your every day * Unfiltered Voice-note shares to help you feel less alone in the mess and magic of motherhood * Access to our private chat space for real conversations and connection with our community * Access to optional 1:1 support sessions for when you need extra care Join us here: https://mishanicolevayner.substack.com/subscribe [https://mishanicolevayner.substack.com/subscribe] 🎙 Have a question you’d love me to explore on the show? Send me a voice note — I’d love to hear what’s on your heart. I’ll respond in a future episode with trauma-conscious guidance, real talk, and tools to support you. 💛 Send it here: https://www.speakpipe.com/YWLTheDeepWell [https://www.speakpipe.com/YWLTheDeepWell] Connect with our Guest Jessie Harold! www.jessieharrold.com [http://www.jessieharrold.com/] Grab her book: Mothershift https://www.jessieharrold.com/mothershiftbook/ [https://www.jessieharrold.com/mothershiftbook/] Check out her 3-month Mothershift support program! https://www.jessieharrold.com/mothershift/ [https://www.jessieharrold.com/mothershift/] 🔥 Grab our workshop ‘The Art of Thriving’ Method! A proven, trauma-informed system to help you break free from burnout, overwhelm, and survival mode—so you can finally feel nourished, energized, and in flow with your life. https://mishavayner.kit.com/products/the-reclaim-thrive-method-a-trauma-informed- [https://mishavayner.kit.com/products/the-reclaim-thrive-method-a-trauma-informed-] 👩‍💻 Grab the FREE Align & Thrive Workbook! A gentle, guided workbook to help you reconnect with yourself, build rhythms that feel good in your body, and bring more ease to your everyday life. https://mishavayner.kit.com/1ab67f6044 Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2384460/support]

#19: Breaking Mental Health Stigmas, Navigating Cultural Identities & "Fitting Indian” with Jyoti Chand

In this raw and resonant episode, Misha sits down with Jyoti Chand — South Asian writer, creator, mother of three, and the voice behind the debut graphic novel Fitting Indian — for an honest conversation about mental health, cultural belonging, and breaking cycles. Together, they explore what it means to grow up between two cultures, the pressure to be the “perfect Indian daughter,” and how humor, storytelling, and healing work helped Jyoti reclaim her identity and voice. We dive deep into the inspiration and process behind Fitting Indian— a bold and beautiful book that centers mental health, sexuality, and self-worth in a South Asian teen's life. From sobriety and sensory overload to parenting, shame, and self-acceptance, this episode is full of truth, resonance, and the kind of brave storytelling that changes lives. 🔥 Topics We Cover: - Growing up Desi in America: identity, assimilation & shame - How *Fitting Indian* was born — and why the graphic novel format mattered - The realities of depression, cutting, and alcohol use in adolescence - Sobriety and navigating social pressure without labels - The stigma around mental health and sexuality in South Asian communities - How Jyoti’s mom reacted to the book (and the healing it opened up) - Raising emotionally safe, self-connected kids - What it means to be a cycle-breaker, content creator, and real-life “cool mom friend” 📚 Grab Your Copy: Fitting Indian by Jyoti Chand — available now wherever books are sold! https://a.co/d/8SU4s1L 👀 Connect with Jyoti: Follow @mamajotes on Instagram or visit www.mamajotes.com ✨ Your Well Life just got an upgrade.✨ Craving deeper reflections, behind-the-scenes stories, and soulful Q&A with Misha? Subscribe to the premium version of the podcast for exclusive, locked episodes that go beyond the surface. 💛 For $8/month, you’ll unlock: Hidden episodes with deeper insights not shared anywhere else Subscribe now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2384460/subscribe ✨ Want more than just podcast drops?✨ Join The Well Circle on Substack—Misha’s private community space for deeper healing, sisterhood, and ongoing support. Inside you’ll receive: - 💛 Monthly video trainings with simple, powerful practices - 🌀  Raw voice-note reflections to guide you through real life - 👭 Access to our private chat space for real conversations and connection - 🧘‍♀️ Optional support sessions for when you need extra care Join us here: https://mishanicolevayner.substack.com/subscribe ✨Have a question you’d love me to explore on the show?✨ Send me a voice note — I’d love to hear what’s on your heart. I’ll respond in a future episode with trauma-conscious guidance and tools to support you. 💛 https://www.speakpipe.com/YWLTheDeepWell ✨Grab our workshop ‘The Art of Thriving’ Method!✨ A proven, trauma-informed system to help you break free from burnout, overwhelm, and survival mode—so you can finally feel nourished, energized, and in flow with your life. https://mishavayner.kit.com/products/the-reclaim-thrive-method-a-trauma-informed- ✨ Grab the FREE Align & Thrive Workbook!✨ A gentle, guided workbook to help you reconnect with yourself, build rhythms that feel good in your body, and bring more ease to your everyday life. https://mishavayner.kit.com/1ab67f6044 ✨Join our free email list✨ For insider tips, soul spills, and first dibs on offers straight to your inbox. https://mishavayner.kit.com/600d3fb48a ⭐Leave a 5-star review if you love the podcast!⭐ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2384460 Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2384460/support]

#18: Redefining career, identity and purpose in motherhood with Neha Ruch

In this episode, I sit down with Neha Ruch — founder of The Power Pause (formerly Mother Untitled) and author of the USA Today bestselling book, The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids — and Come Back Stronger Than Ever. Neha’s work is transforming how we think about motherhood, ambition, and identity in a world that often asks women to shrink themselves into boxes that no longer fit. We explore what it means to claim agency, reconnect to self-worth, and expand the narrative for modern mothers — whether you’re working full-time, taking a pause, or figuring it out one step at a time. This one will resonate deeply if you’ve ever felt caught between “doing it all” and wanting to do it your way. 🔑 Key Takeaways / Topics Covered: * Neha’s journey from Silicon Valley to starting Mother Untitled and why she rebranded to The Power Pause * What it really means to take a career pause — and why it’s often misunderstood * The emotional cost of invisible labor and the pressure to justify your choices as a mom * Why ambition doesn’t go away in motherhood — it just shifts form * The impact of societal judgment and lack of supportive structures (like paid leave and childcare) on working mothers * Powerful reframes for redefining success through each season of motherhood * How to return to work in a way that feels empowered and aligned — not apologetic * Reflections on redefining productivity, ambition, and enoughness in a culture that often measures us by outdated metrics ✨ Your Well Life just got an upgrade. ✨ Subscribe to the premium version of the podcast for exclusive, locked episodes that go beyond the surface. 💛 For $8/month, you’ll unlock: * Hidden episodes with deeper insights * Soul-led reflections not shared anywhere else Subscribe now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2384460/subscribe ✨ Want more than just podcast drops? Join The Well Circle on Substack Inside you’ll receive: * 💛 Monthly video trainings with simple, powerful practices * 🌀 Raw voice-note reflections to guide you through real life * 👭 Access to our private chat space for real conversations and connection * 🧘‍♀️ Optional support sessions for when you need extra care Join us here: https://mishanicolevayner.substack.com/subscribe 🎙 Have a question you’d love me to explore on the show? Send me a voice note — I’ll respond in a future episode with trauma-conscious guidance and tools to support you. 💛 https://www.speakpipe.com/YWLTheDeepWell Episode Resources: Connect with Neha! Sign up for her newsletter and check out her free resources on www.motheruntitled.com 🔥 Grab our workshop ‘The Art of Thriving’ Method! A proven, trauma-informed system to help you break free from burnout, overwhelm, and survival mode. https://mishavayner.kit.com/products/the-reclaim-thrive-method-a-trauma-informed- [https://mishavayner.kit.com/products/the-reclaim-thrive-method-a-trauma-informed-] 👩‍💻 Grab the FREE Align & Thrive Workbook! A gentle, guided workbook to help you reconnect with yourself and bring more ease to your everyday life. https://mishavayner.kit.com/1ab67f6044 [https://mishavayner.kit.com/1ab67f6044] ✉️ Join our free email list For insider tips, soul spills, and first dibs on offers straight to your inbox. https://mishavayner.kit.com/600d3fb48a [https://mishavayner.kit.com/600d3fb48a] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2384460/support]