the for us podcast

we're back to regular episodes this week! and today, i'm talking about something that i already talk about a lot... w/ some nuance. why is it important to stay grounded? what does that mean for someone about to go to college? that's what i tackle today. love, nandini

the last in our little marathon of book reflections! and honestly i think this is one of my favorite reads (if not my favorite) of the summer. such a compelling story about mental health, what it means to connect with someone else, and a reminder to LIVE. 10/10 absolutely reccommend!!love, nandini

cont. with our book reflections marathon, today i talk about jennifer niven's holding up the universe, a beautiful reminder of how healing relationships grounded in empathy can be. 10/10 recommend this book to everyone, but especially if you (like me) have struggled with vulnerability in your friendships <3love, nandini

it's important to find value and draw lessons even from books that we may not have loved... and that's what i do in today's episode on dustin thao's you've reached sam. it's a novel that explores grief, closure, and connection in a world where technology is at the center of many of our close relationships. listen now!love, nandini

this book took me back to my anxious pre-teen years, but not in the way i expected. it reminded me to have compassion for the person i was, who helped me become the person i was today. amy sarig king's book is full of raw human emotion, the ways we cope with change, and a beautiful reminder to be patient with ourselves. highly highly recommend!!love, nandini

sometimes a little healthy change is just what we need to get that spark back. today, i dive into why that change is so important, what a healthy change of scenery looks like, and how small changes have helped me deal with the bigger ones. love, nandini

happy five years to our little podcast community! this year i wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on five books that have had a deep impact on my personal growth (and the podcast). these books have all been talked about on the show before, but i wanted to especially reflect on the impact they've had on my personal journey, and how they've changed both myself and the show. love, nandini

in this part of my ultimate guide, i share my top 5 tips for staying academically strong during my high school years. one of my biggest successes, i think, was being able to stay consistent with my studying and grades across all four years while never working myself so hard that i felt overwhelmed or exhausted by academics alone. listen to the episode to get more!love, nandini

back with the first book reflection of the summer!! this week i talk about roll of thunder, hear my cry by mildred d. taylor, and i don't know how it took me so long to pick up this book, but i couldn't have read it at a better time. it's culturally significant but also an gem of individual experiences that feel universal. stay tuned for more book reflections in coming weeks!love, nandini

shower realization to podcast topic pipeline is so real because this entire episode is based on something i realized last month... and it's that the things that we do while being scared, rather than trying to shove down that fear, are often the things we're the most proud of. today, i talk about how that fits in to times of change, why we don't need to fear our fear, and how we can simultaneously hold our anxiety without letting it hold us back. love, nandini

college decisions aren’t just about where you get in. sometimes, that means choosing integrity over pride, even when it’s hard. in this episode, i’m talking about how pride can cloud judgement in the college decision process (people-pleasing, chasing prestige, ignoring your gut), and why living in your values means more than living up to external expectations. love, nandini

in this episode i continue my ultimate high school survival guide, focusing on junior and senior year. i talk about how junior year becomes a time to challenge yourself, but in a way that’s actually for you and not just for validation or external pressure. then senior year shifts again. it’s less about proving anything and more about appreciating how far you’ve come, being present, and learning to say yes to the moments that matter. love, nandini

in this episode i start my ultimate high school survival guide, starting w/ freshman and sophomore year. i talk about how freshman year is really about building routines, adjusting, and finding your footing in a new environment. then sophomore year becomes more internal. it’s less about figuring out the system and more about questioning yourself, letting go of old expectations, and starting to understand who you actually are. listen in for tips, advice, and my reflections on the past 4 years!!love, nandini

in this episode i reflect on my senior retreat and the things that stayed with me after it ended. i talk about the moments that felt unexpectedly meaningful, the thoughts i keep coming back to, and what i’m choosing to carry with me moving forward. this isn’t really a recap, more just an honest reflection on what shifted, what felt real, and what i don’t want to forget as i move into this next chapter.love, nandini

easily one of my all-time favorites. t.h. white brings such humanity and depth to some of the world's favorite characters of all time. and not only that, but the modern commentary that he's able to make through those characters is just a beautiful reminder of the power of literature. give it a read!https://www.amazon.com/Once-Future-King-T-White/dp/0441627404love, nandini

this book quite literally changed the way i think-- about leadership, about relationships, and about how i want to live my life. reading this book while in the midst of one of the most foundational leadership experiences of my life, i can easily say that the themes and message of brene brown's research in this book is applicable not just in a leadership setting, but in a human setting, in everyday life. give it a read!https://brenebrown.com/hubs/dare-to-lead/love, nandini

in this episode i talk about the idea that manifestation only works when it’s paired with real momentum. it’s easy to focus on visualizing the life you want, but imagining something isn’t the same as moving toward it. i reflect on the gap between intention and action, and how small steps, consistency, and effort are what actually turn dreams into reality.love, nandini

if you've been keeping up with the podcast for the past few months, you know that senioritis hit me like a ton of bricks. 3 months and a lot of self-reflection later, i have not just clarity, but a solution that has helped me through one of the most challenging seasons of my life. love, nandini

in this episode, i talk about what it really means to trust the process, especially during periods of change or uncertainty. we hear that phrase all the time, but it’s a lot harder to live it when you’re in the middle of uncertainty. i get into the uncomfortable waiting, the quiet growth that comes from these periods, and the tension between wanting answers and learning to let things unfold. love, nandini

in this episode i reflect on reconnecting with the things i loved as a kid and how returning to them helped me feel more aligned with my authentic self. i talk about what it means to listen to your younger self, follow joy without overthinking it, and let go of the pressure to outgrow what once made you feel alive. this is a conversation about remembering who you were before performing, and gently finding your way back.love,nandini

in this episode i reflect on "twice" by mitch albom and the quiet ways it reframes growth, love, and regret. i talk about how growth isn’t always about changing your life but about shifting your perspective, why the ordinary moments often end up being the ones that matter most, and how love can mean releasing control rather than holding on tighter. this is a gentle conversation about presence, acceptance, and learning to see your life with a little more clarity. highly highly recommend if you like romance and if you don't (like me!). mitch albom never dissapoints!love, nandini

this episode is a reflection on the great divorce by c.s. lewis and the ways it made me think about growth, resistance, and the choices we make when change feels uncomfortable. i share the moments that challenged me, the questions the book left me with, and how it relates to the way we hold onto what’s familiar even when we know it’s holding us back.love,nandini

in this episode i reflect on how 2025 shifted my perspective and changed the way im approaching the year ahead. instead of jumping straight into goals and resolutions, i talk about the lessons that stayed with me and how they’re shaping my mindset, boundaries, and intentions for 2026. this is a conversation about moving forward with more clarity, less pressure, and a deeper sense of trust in myself as i step into a new year with a new theme: embracing discomfort. love, nandini

in this episode i talk about what it really means to live into your values. not just naming the things that sound good on paper but actually choosing them in the small, unglamorous moments that make up your day. i get into how our reactions, habits and relationships all mirror what we believe deep down and how those little moments of alignment slowly shape who we become. this is a conversation about micro choices, self trust, and learning to build a life that reflects what matters to you, even when it feels uncomfortable or inconvenient.love, nandini

in this episode i talk about what ambition looks like when it isnt fueled by fear. as a high school senior standing on the edge of a new chapter, ive been rethinking what it means to want things without letting pressure or panic shape the process. i get into how our culture glamorizes stress, why purpose feels so overwhelming at this age and how slowing down actually gives you more clarity into your purpose. love, nandini

this week i’m sharing my reflections from my trip to chicago and what the city reminded me about detachment, having fun, and living in the moment. from wandering the streets to soaking in little moments, i talk about letting go of control, embracing the unexpected, and the version of me that showed up when i allowed myself to just be present. it’s a conversation about slowing down, enjoying the ride, and finding freedom in the everyday.love, nandini

this week i’m breaking down the myth of effortless friendship and the idea that real friends should just click instantly, never have conflict, and stay close without trying. growing up, we’re sold this story that friendship should always feel easy, and when it doesn’t we assume something is wrong. but the truth is that intentional effort, honest conversations, and showing up even when it feels uncomfortable are what actually make friendships meaningful. i talk about why effortless friendships are often just proximity friendships, how to tell the difference between healthy effort and emotional overgiving, and why vulnerability matters more than perfect chemistry. if you’ve ever felt guilty for wanting more from your friendships or confused about why staying close takes work, this episode is for you.love, nandini

this week i’m getting into emotional minimalism and what it actually looks like to have less chaos in your inner world. not because you’re numb or avoiding things, but because you’re choosing what really deserves your energy. i talk about the emotional noise we carry without realizing it, the pressure to care about everything, and how simplifying your inner world can make space for clarity, calm, and better decisions. if you’ve been feeling stretched thin or overwhelmed by your own feelings, this episode is basically a deep breath.love, nandini

this week i’m talking about the side of healing that no one really talks about: the confusion, the loneliness, and the weird in-between moments where you’re not who you were but not fully who you’re becoming yet. we always hear that growth is beautiful, but sometimes it just feels like loss. i get into what that process has actually looked like for me, why it’s so uncomfortable, and how i’ve learned to see the mess as part of becoming whole again.love, nandini

the flash taught me more about life than i expected. in this episode, i’m reflecting on what the show made me think about community, staying true to your values, and not being afraid to have hard conversations. it’s less about superheroes and more about what it means to show up for the people you love (and yourself) even when it’s uncomfortable.love, nandini

burnout isn’t just about doing too much. it’s about losing touch with yourself in the process. in this episode, i’m sharing 5 tips that actually helped me move through burnout and start feeling like myself again. from getting to the core emotion behind your burnout to going back to basics, setting boundaries, regulating your nervous system, and reconnecting with what really motivates you. this one’s all about slowing down, healing your energy, and finding balance again.love, nandini

in this episode i’m diving into circe by madeline miller, a book i first read at 13 and didn’t really connect with, but revisited this summer for a class and found so different. this time it felt like such an insightful reflection on growth, resilience, identity, and navigating life, especially as a young woman. i share the quotes that stood out to me most, the lessons i took away, and how this story of transformation and self discovery mirrors so many of the challenges we face in our own lives.here's the link on goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35959740-circelove, nandini

this year, one theme that’s been showing up for me is "digging deeper, " not chasing every new trend or starting from scratch, but taking the habits and routines i already have and finding small ways to enrich them. in this episode, i’m sharing how little shifts have had a big impact on how grounded, present, and confident i feel. love, nandini

this episode has been coming for a while.... and i'm so glad that i actually sat down to record it. this is a topic that is so important to me and the people close to me, and i wanted to spend an episode to share what no one tells you about college apps... the emotional side of it. love, nandini

over the past few months, i've been dealing with a lot of self-doubt. with competitions, college apps and class changes, imposter syndrome has felt real. but i've also learned how to navigate self-doubt and how to get out of my mind, into my body and out into the world, transforming doubt into determination. love, nandini

a little social media experiment has turned into a crazy lifestyle realization, and i don't want to spoil the results, so you'll have to listen to today's episode to find out how it went! love, nandini

i wasn't expecting to learn this much from a childhood classic. but reading the original "alice in wonderland" in Lewis Carroll's original style had so many beautiful lessons to offer, from childhood reflections to deep insights about the future. 10/10 would recommend the book! its not a super hard read, and its just honestly a lot of fun. amazon link: https://a.co/d/dXIx0Xclove, nandini

emotional safety is the baseline of any type of connection or growth. we have to feel safe in our minds and bodies if we want to enter vulnerable situations, show up bravely and be authentically ourselves, and today, i break down my journey with emotional safety, anxiety, and how i've built my own safety net. love, nandini

my reflections on Evolve: Two Minute Wisdom by Radhanath Swami. (amazon link to buy) https://www.amazon.com/Evolve-Minute-Wisdom-Radhanath-Swami/dp/938128301X(goodreads)https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20492657-evolve

there's no way i can give an accurate description of this episode so.... listen to it! (no but seriously its a good one)love, nandini

firstly.... the audio on this episode is messed up (sorry!), but its not horrible, so do with that what you will. but this is such a fun episode about my trip to rome, florence and london! i had two main takeaways to share from the trip, so listen in for that!love, nandini

this week, i share a realization that has been a huge part of my journey with confidence, but also in detaching from material results. trusting my ability to succeed, but also my ability to learn and grow through a situation, is far more beneficial than expecting results based on material outcome. love, nandini

when old feelings creep back, i'm someone who gets frustrated easily. but those feelings, and the fact that they're coming back, are indicators that we still have more to learn from those feelings. this week, i talk about my experiences with this, and how i've struggled and grown with the "feeling relapse"love, nandini

happy four years! thank you for this incredible journey and all the lessons and experiences i've been able to share on this incredible platform! cheers for more to come <3 this year, i decided to do a little episode roulette, and i honestly had so much fun making fun of my 12-year old self's voice and getting a little emotional about my growth over the past few years. can't wait to see what the next four have in store!love, nandini

we all have those days when we're just feeling so out of it... but there's work to be done, growth to experience and a whole life to be lived. in this week's episode, i give a pep talk for those lazy moments, and hopefully you (and myself tbh) get out of that lazy slump and back into the world. love, nandini

today's episode is vulnerable. i'm still working through a period of discomfort and reevaluating my understanding of confidence, and that's what i share today. while i can't offer a lot of advice/solutions for this yet, what i can offer is a reminder to embrace discomfort as signs of growth to come. love, nandini

a little different than some of my more recent episodes, but something thats at the front of my mind right now....all the emotions that come with junior year! if you've ever felt this way (as i think most of us have), you're not alone!love, nandini

so it turns out that april DOESNT have to be an intensely stressful month....this week, i share four tips on balancing the busyness of the month so that we can actually enjoy the beauty of spring that april offers us. historically, i haven't been great at this, but this year has been different. listen to this week's episode to hear all about it!love, nandini

catharsis is beautiful. it is necessary. and it is so individualized for each and every person. understanding how we release emotion is a huge part of healing, and learning to embrace that as a facet of growth is a journey that i've been trying to pay a little more attention to. love,nandini

this week, i reflect on my experiences with friendship, exploring how good association has been critical to my growth in the past month. i also go into the societal expectation of having a "best friend" and my understanding of what a long-lasting, connective friendship is truly made of. love, nandini