Through the Looking Glass

Were you ever told to be a “good girl” by your family? To please others, avoid mistakes, and keep the peace? In this episode of Through the Looking Glass Podcast, Lavanya dives deep into the "good girl" syndrome, a mindset that many women, especially in South Asian communities, have internalized from a young age.

She discusses the impact of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and sacrifice culture, and offers practica...

Are you considering starting your own company? And you feel like an imposter? Highly recommend tuning into this episode of Through the Looking Glass, with Dhaval Patel. He is the CEO and founder of Lotus Labs, dedicated to empowering individuals with limited mobility. Dhaval shares his personal disability story that sparked the creation of the Lotus ring and how he went from an Apple engineer to an entrepreneur. We spoke about th...

Have you ever considered moving to a new country? This week’s episode on "Through the Looking Glass," Lavanya goes down memory lane about Marcos’ journey spanning continents. Marcos Salido, originally from Spain, moved to America at the age of 16, to immerse himself in new cultures! He shares his experiences navigating through the educational systems of both Spain and the US, from Anchorage, Alaska, to Southern California...

In this week's episode, the tables have turned! I am in the interviewee's chair and got the opportunity to delve in my story of how I got started with podcasting. I sat down with Kathy Mou, a fellow podcaster and host of Ignite your Power Podcast. We spoke about my childhood and career particularly as a South Asian woman and immigrant in the US. Throughout the episode, we discuss the challenges and experiences that shaped...

If you don’t love and accept yourself – how can you expect other people to? This episode is for you if you are struggling with self-love and acceptance. Welcome back to "Through the Looking Glass"! In this episode, Lavanya delves into the intricacies of self-love, offering insightful strategies to help you embrace your worth and empower yourself on your journey towards personal fulfillment. Lavanya breaks down self-love...

In this week’ episode, delve into the realms of self-discovery, purpose, and raising your vibrational energy with Kathy Mou. Kathy shares her personal journey of overcoming depression and finding her life purpose. She is an empowerment coach and host of “Ignite your Power” podcast. Lavanya and Kathy discuss the power of gratitude, self-love, and the importance of embracing life's challenges. Discover actionable steps, from jo...

Do you need advice on friendship drama? Join Lavanya, your host, in this cozy bonus episode where I answer the internet’s friendship questions. Lavanay provides valuable insights on handling friendship challenges, dealing with one-sided relationships, and making new connections as an adult. From learning to set boundaries to the importance of trusting your instincts, Lavanya shares personal experiences and advice to guide you throu...

(Solo episode) Are you struggling to find your confidence? In today's episode, we're exploring the essential steps to be your confident self in 8 simple steps! I'm Lavanya, your host, and I'm thrilled to kick off the year with a positive self-improvement episode. Season 2 of "Through the Looking Glass"! will dive into the unique struggles that ambitious South Asians, particularly millennials, face every da...

(Solo Episode) In this week’s insightful episode, your host, Lavanya Uthaman, takes you on a journey of reflection and gratitude as she delves into the unique struggles faced by ambitious South Asians, especially millennials. Lavanya shares three significant milestones from 2023, expressing gratitude for personal and professional growth. Discover the top five lessons Lavanya learned throughout the year, ranging from the power of ...

(Video Episode) Are you an ambitious female professional aspiring to be a BOSS? You need to meet Joanna Pinkerton, the CEO of the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). Joanna shares her remarkable journey from an engineering background to becoming CEO. In our candid conversation, she reflects on her first job in a medical office, shedding light on the early experiences that shaped her perspective on systems and problem-solving. O...