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
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✨Have a question you’d love me to explore on the show?✨
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