In this episode, Swati talks with Abhipsa Nanda — a multi-hyphenate woman balancing a career in tech, motherhood, creativity, and community with remarkable honesty and intention.

Together, they discuss:

• Growing up in an Indian household and finding autonomy later in life
• Building a support system while living away from family
• The importance of women's friendships and non-judgmental spaces
• Why creativity and dance help her stay grounded
• The realities of motherhood — far beyond Instagram’s highlight reels
• A life transition that reshaped how she sees herself and her choices

Abhipsa shares openly about the highs and lows of her journey, the lessons she learned through lived experience, and the joy she chooses to make space for every day. It’s a conversation that feels real, reassuring, and deeply relatable.

If you’ve ever navigated identity, loneliness, motherhood, friendships, or starting over, this episode is for you.

What happens when women stop competing and start creating space for one another? In this heartfelt solo episode, host Swati Upadhyay reflects on what it truly means to dream big—and to do so with kindness, courage, and community.

Swati opens up about the women who shaped her, the lessons she learned growing up, and why safe spaces for women matter more than ever. She talks about friendship in different seasons of life, how to repair what’s been lost to ego or misunderstanding, and why being a gentle ally can be an act of quiet revolution.

✨ In this episode, we explore:

• The balance between ambition and empathy
• The women who teach us to keep going
• How to rebuild friendships with grace
• Why kindness and justice must walk together
• Simple ways to become a safe space — for others and for yourself

Takeaways

• As women, we sometimes let go of friendship too easily.
• Life can get busy, affecting our friendships.
• Pride or ego can hinder communication in friendships.
• People may be in different seasons of their lives.
• Silence can be misread in friendships.
• A friend may seem distant but still cares.
• Reaching out can mend strained friendships.
• Real sisterhood is about persistence.
• Understanding each other's struggles is key.
• Friendship requires effort and grace.

Sound bites

• "We sometimes let go of friendship too easily."
• "Sometimes people are just in different seasons of their life."
• "We have all misread a silence before, haven't we?"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dreams and Kindness

03:18 Lessons on Dreams and Humility

Summary

In this conversation, Swati Upadhyay explores the profound impact of sisterhood and community among women. She reflects on how the support and celebration from other women have shaped her identity and growth. The discussion emphasizes the importance of building each other up, recognizing that success is not a competition but a collective journey.

Takeaways

• Every version of me has been carried by someone.
• These women are my compass.
• They have called me out when I needed to grow.
• They have celebrated me when I didn't feel worthy.
• Sisterhood is about showing up when it matters.
• It's about knowing when someone else's success doesn't threaten yours.
• Sisterhood is building each other up even when the world tries to tear you down.
• It's community over competition.
• We rise differently when we rise together.
• Sisterhood means a deep knowing of support and empowerment.

Summary

In this heartfelt solo episode, Swati Upadhyay explores the theme of empowerment and self-creation, emphasizing that women have the power to shape their lives. She reflects on her own journey, the importance of making ordinary choices that bring joy, and the need to redefine strength and resilience. Swati encourages listeners to prioritize themselves, embrace their desires, and recognize their inherent worth, ultimately inspiring them to live fully and authentically.

Takeaways

• If a woman holds the power to create life, she also holds the power to create the life she wants.
• We often forget that the strength we use for others can also be used for ourselves.
• Creating your life happens in both big changes and small, ordinary choices.
• Romanticizing life means choosing to notice the beauty around you.
• You don't have to wait for milestones to feel alive.
• Real strength looks soft and includes rest and self-care.
• Prioritizing yourself is essential for true joy and fulfillment.
• You deserve a life that feels good, not just one that looks good to others.
• You already hold the power to create the life you want.
• Start with small choices that affirm your worth and joy.

Sound bites

• "You get to create the life you want."
• "Real strength actually looks very soft."
• "Live, love and romanticize that life."

Chapters

00:00 Creating the Life You Want

02:43 The Power of Ordinary Choices

05:25 Redefining Strength and Resilience

08:02 Prioritizing Yourself and Your Joy

11:11 Embracing Your Feminine Energy

In this milestone episode of 'In Her Element', host Swati Upadhyay celebrates the journey of Baisakhi Nishibanya, a vibrant woman from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, who has made her mark in the US as a staff product manager. The conversation explores themes of cultural identity, the importance of support systems, and the balance between professional ambitions and personal passions. Baisakhi shares her experiences of navigating life transitions, embracing body positivity, and using social media as a platform for self-expression and joy. The episode emphasizes the significance of community, resilience, and authenticity in the journeys of women. In this engaging conversation, Baisakhi Nishibanya and Swati Upadhyay explore the importance of connection, gratitude, and the power of sisterhood. They discuss how social media can be a platform for positivity and friendship, the significance of gratitude in personal growth, and the value of female friendships in navigating life's challenges. They also share insights on travel as a means of personal development and the importance of living life to the fullest, encouraging listeners to pursue their passions and dreams.

Keywords

public health, epidemiology, international student, health disparities, community support, PhD journey, women in STEM, resilience, social determinants of health, cancer research

Summary

In this episode of 'In Her Element', host Swati Upadhyay speaks with Amanda Ojeurega, a PhD candidate in epidemiology, about her journey from Nigeria to the United States, her experiences as an international student, and the importance of community and resilience in navigating the challenges of a PhD program. Amanda shares her passion for health equity and disparities, the significance of support systems, and her aspirations for the future, including the impact she hopes her research will have on her home country. The conversation also touches on the lighter side of life with a rapid-fire round of fun questions.

Takeaways

• Amanda's journey reflects the non-linear paths many academics take.
• Being an international student shapes perspectives on health disparities.
• Community support is crucial for resilience in challenging times.
• Venting is a healthy way to cope with stress.
• Asking for help is essential and should not be overlooked.
• Passion drives the pursuit of meaningful research.
• Cultural backgrounds influence professional interests and goals.
• The importance of balancing academic and personal life.
• Future aspirations include bridging the gap between industry and academia.
• Building a supportive network is vital for success in STEM.

Sound bites

"Do it afraid, do it anyway."

"Venting is a coping mechanism."

"Ask for help, you will get it."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Amanda Ojeurega

01:45 Amanda's Journey from Nigeria to the US

06:25 The Impact of Being an International Student

11:04 Staying Grounded During PhD Challenges

17:09 The Importance of Community and Sisterhood

23:38 Asking for Help and Building Connections

24:05 Future Aspirations and Impact on Home Country

27:50 Rapid Fire Round: Fun Insights with Amanda

In this episode of 'In Her Element', host Swati Upadhyay engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Sumaita Chaudhury, a public health researcher and her first friend in the PhD program. They discuss the challenges of navigating identity and belonging as a teenager in a new country, the journey into public health and behavioral science, and the importance of mental health. Sumaita shares her insights on integrating data with lived experiences and the role of community in public health. They also explore the balance between professional ambitions and personal joy after completing a PhD, the significance of mentorship, and the support systems that help navigate academic and personal challenges.

This episode was chaotic in the best way — three friends from medical school, catching up across miles and years. With Dr. Vartika (Fetal Medicine Specialist) and Dr. Pranoti Toshniwal (Pediatric Cardiologist), we laughed, we got real about our journeys in medicine, and we shared the kind of life nuggets that only come out when you feel completely at home.

It’s also an episode threaded with grief. We talk about life before Jen and life after Jen — and how losing her reshaped us, softened us, and, in many ways, made us better humans.

Heartwarming, messy, and deeply human, this conversation is for anyone who’s ever found healing in friendship or carried both laughter and loss in the same breath.

✨ Dedicated with love to Jen.