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July 22, 2025 51 mins

Welcome to the premiere episode of Relationships with Ericka Ush! In this episode, host Ericka Ushliyanage sits down with Nadee Fernando-O’Driscoll, author of Labyrinth of Dreams, for a raw and inspiring conversation about navigating relationships in the face of societal pressures and cultural expectations. They explore the challenges of breaking free from conservative traditions, the stigma surrounding divorce and adoption, and the importance of embracing your authentic self in love and life.

In this episode:

  • Nadee shares the inspiration behind Labyrinth of Dreams, a fictional novel rooted in real-life experiences of secrecy, shame, and societal judgment.
  • Discussion on how cultural expectations, particularly in South Asian communities, impact women’s choices in relationships, from dating to marriage.
  • Exploration of the stigma around adoption and divorce, and how these experiences can lead to societal discrimination.
  • Insights into modern dating, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and setting personal boundaries.
  • A call to challenge outdated traditions that cause harm, with a focus on respect and equality in relationships.

This episode is for you if:

  • You’re navigating life after divorce or a major relationship loss.
  • You’ve felt the weight of societal or cultural expectations in your relationships.
  • You’re seeking inspiration to embrace your authentic self and rewrite your relationship story.

Tune in for a heartfelt and empowering discussion that will leave you motivated to challenge societal norms and live true to yourself.

If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to Relationships with Ericka Ush for weekly episodes filled with real, raw, and empowering insights to help you heal, grow, and thrive in love.

Episode Chapters:

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 00:41 Meet the Guest: Nadee Fernando-O’Driscoll
  • 04:10 Exploring Cultural and Societal Biases
  • 28:14 Embracing Authenticity and Letting Go of Societal Expectations
  • 30:40 Navigating Modern Dating with Authenticity
  • 33:53 Addressing Societal Biases and Advocating for Change

Connect with Ericka Ush on social media to share your feedback, suggest new topics, or join the conversation:

 

Connect with Nadee Fernando-O’Driscoll and learn more about her work:

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