#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