hpy hour

On this episode of HPY Hour, Anurag sits down with Dr. Starlyn Hawes, a health and rehab psychologist, and health MPowerment Coach passionate about guiding individuals through life's complexities with empathy and insight. Dr. Hawes shares her journey from academic advising to her holistic practice, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and empowerment in navigating life's transitions. Together, they delve into the challenges of balancing multiple roles, the mental load often carried by women, and the transformative journey of perimenopause. Dr. Hawes offers practical strategies for maintaining self-awareness and empowerment amidst life's demands. This episode provides an honest, insightful look at the art of living a balanced and empowered life, highlighting the essential elements needed to foster genuine self-discovery and resilience. 🔗 https://www.mindfullybalancingwellness.com/ - Clinical practice https://www.drstarlynhawes.com/ - Coaching + Consulting #SelfAwareness #Empowerment #MentalHealth #DrStarlynHawes #HPYHourPodcast #mindfullybalancingwellness #perimenopause #menopause #mentalload

On this episode of HPY Hour, Anurag sits down with Dr. Karen Egu, a clinical psychologist dedicated to advancing mental health through innovative therapy approaches. Dr. Egu shares her journey from hospital settings to her private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area, highlighting how severe mental illness and trauma shape therapeutic practices, and the evolving role of technology in therapy.Together, they explore the challenges of clinician burnout, the importance of human connection, and the delicate balance of maintaining professional boundaries. Dr. Egu offers practical insights into integrating technology with traditional therapy methods to enhance patient care and connection.This episode provides an honest, insightful look at the future of therapy and the essential elements needed to foster genuine human connections in a digital age.🔗 Learn more about Dr. Karen Egu at drkarenagu.com#MentalHealth #Therapy #TechnologyInTherapy #HumanConnection #DrKarenEgu #HPYHourPodcast #Anurag

On this episode of Happy Hour, Meera sits down with Portia Bajwa from SANSARA Counseling, a clinical social worker dedicated to fostering emotional safety and personal growth. Portia shares her insights on how family dynamics and past experiences shape our relationship patterns, emphasizing the importance of experiential therapy in achieving authentic connections. Together, they explore the challenges of emotional resilience, the role of cultural narratives in attachment, and the significance of healthy communication in building secure relationships. Portia offers practical tools for understanding emotional triggers, enhancing connection, and healing relational wounds with compassion. This episode provides an honest, insightful look at what it truly takes to thrive in relationships, especially for those navigating complex personal histories. 🔗 Learn more about Portia at sansaracounseling.com #EmotionalSafety #RelationshipGrowth #ExperientialTherapy #AttachmentTheory #CommunicationSkills #HealingJourney #HappyHourPodcast #Portia #Meera

On this episode of Hpy Hour, @anuragagarwalla sits down with Dr. Sarah Schewitz, a licensed psychologist who helps high achievers build the same success in their personal relationships that they’ve created in their careers.Dr. Schewitz brings deep expertise in attachment theory and trauma-informed care, sharing why even subtle emotional wounds—what she calls “little t” trauma—can impact how we connect with others. Together, they unpack how past experiences shape relationship patterns, and why nervous system regulation is key to emotional resilience.They also dive into the common struggles high performers face in love and connection, the impact of cultural narratives on attachment, and the importance of healthy communication in building secure, lasting relationships. Dr. Schewitz offers grounded, practical tools for recognizing emotional triggers, improving connection, and healing relational wounds without shame or blame.This episode is an honest, insightful look at what it really takes to thrive in relationships—especially for those who are used to thriving everywhere else.🔗 Learn more about Dr. Sarah Schewitz at drsarahschewitz.com#AttachmentTheory #RelationshipHealth #HighAchievers #EmotionalHealing #TraumaInformed #NervousSystemRegulation #TherapyTools #SecureAttachment #CommunicationSkills #LoveAndSuccess #MentalWellness #HealingJourney #HpyHour #DrSarahSchewitz

On this episode of Hpy Hour, @anuragagarwalla sits down with Niki Castle, a certified mental health coach and founder of Healing Minds Mental Health Coaching, to unpack how technology is influencing the mental and emotional well-being of children and teens—and what parents, educators, and caregivers can actually do about it. Niki brings her experience coaching families and student-athletes to the conversation, sharing insight into how screen time, social media, and digital culture are shaping identity, stress, and communication in young people. Together, they explore how tech can both connect and isolate kids, and why emotional regulation and healthy boundaries are more important than ever in a hyper-connected world. They discuss the role of coaching in family mental health, the limits of just focusing on “screen time,” and how parents can shift from reaction to strategy when dealing with digital burnout, mood swings, or withdrawal. Niki also offers practical tools for creating routines, improving parent-child communication, and setting up families to better support kids navigating modern digital life. This episode is a thoughtful blend of professional insight and grounded strategies for anyone who wants to raise or support emotionally resilient kids in a tech-heavy world—without fear, shame, or unrealistic expectations. 🔗 Learn more about Niki Castle at healingmindsmentalhealthcoaching.com #ChildrensMentalHealth #DigitalWellbeing #ParentingTips #TechAndTeens #ScreenTimeBalance #MentalHealthCoach #FamilySupport #YouthMentalHealth #HpyHour #NikiCastle #EmotionalWellness #SocialMediaStress #ModernParenting #DigitalBoundaries #MentalHealthEducation #CoachingForParents

On this episode of HPY Hour, @anuragagarwalla sits down with Brittnee Jordan, MS—a seasoned vocational rehabilitation counselor with over a decade of experience—who unpacks the evolving intersection of mental health, workplace accessibility, and financial wellbeing.Brittnee shares her journey into vocational counseling and mental health, shedding light on how COVID-19 shifted perceptions around remote work and workplace accommodations for people with disabilities. They explore the often-overlooked “disability tax”—the extra financial burdens individuals face—and how mindset around money deeply impacts mental health and career fulfillment.Together, they dive into how technology and AI are breaking barriers to accessibility, the stigma that still surrounds seeking mental health support, and the power of reality-based therapy to ground us in the present and help solve real-world problems.Beyond the professional insights, Brittnee opens up about her personal health journey—offering a heartfelt reflection on self-acceptance, contentment, and finding meaning beyond consumer culture.This episode is a thoughtful blend of practical wisdom, personal stories, and fresh perspectives on building a life and workplace that truly support wellbeing and authenticity.🔗 Learn more about Brittnee Jordan at brittnyjordantherapy.com

In this episode of HPY Hour, @anuragagarwalla sits down with Dr. David Cooper, PsyD—a clinical psychologist turned digital‑mental‑health innovator—to explore what it really takes to build healing that's both human and high-tech. With experience designing apps for U.S. service members and Veterans, leading mental-health strategy at Teladoc, and guiding therapists in the digital space through his work with Therapists in Tech, David brings a unique blend of clinical depth and product-minded thinking . They dive into how our early relational patterns show up in the digital age, why slowing down might be the radical move in a world of constant notifications, and how clinical insight and digital tools can actually complement—not replace—real human presence. This is a refreshingly honest and smart conversation—part soulful depth talk, part tech‑trend check—that highlights how healing shows up in both the therapy room and the app. 🔗 Learn more about Dr. Cooper at dccooper.co #HPYHour #DrDavidCooper #DigitalMentalHealth #TherapistsInTech #ClinicalInnovation #PresenceInTheDigitalAge #InnerWork #TechAndTherapy #HealingWithTools

In this episode of HPY Hour, @anuragagarwalla sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Lynn Ianni to explore what it truly takes to heal from trauma.With decades of experience in psychospiritual therapy and family systems work, Dr. Ianni shares deep insights into the inner journey of healing — from unlearning survival patterns to finding meaning, connection, and self-trust.This conversation goes beyond surface-level advice and dives into the heart of transformation, reminding us that real healing is possible when we’re ready to face what hurts.🔗 Learn more about Dr. Ianni at drlynnianni.com #HPYHour #HealingTrauma #DrLynnIanni #MentalHealth #EmotionalHealing #TraumaRecovery #InnerWork #TherapyTalk #PsychospiritualHealing

In this episode of HPY Hour, our founder @anuragagarwalla sits down with Eric Andrew Pierce, LCSW, a seasoned therapist with nearly 30 years of experience supporting the LGBTQIA+ community through trauma, anxiety, and depression.They dive into the transformative potential of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), exploring how this innovative treatment can open new pathways to healing when traditional therapy feels stuck. Eric shares insights on integrating ketamine therapy with mindfulness, EMDR, and compassionate care to foster emotional breakthroughs and resilience.This conversation offers a hopeful and grounded look at mental health innovation, healing, and the courage it takes to embrace new ways forward.🎧 Tune in now to hear Eric’s thoughtful perspective on therapy, trauma, and the future of healing.#HPYHour #KetamineTherapy #EricAndrewPierce #MentalHealthInnovation #TraumaHealing #TherapyTalk #HealingJourney

In this episode of HPY Hour, our founder @anuragagarwalla sits down with Dr. Mary Kate Roohan, a licensed clinical psychologist, registered drama therapist, and the founder of Thrive and Feel—a therapy practice devoted to emotionally sensitive and queer-identifying individuals.Together, they explore what it means to be a sensitive person in today’s world, and how emotional depth can be a source of strength rather than something to suppress. Dr. Roohan shares insights from her integrative therapeutic approach, offering tools to build resilience, self-trust, and spaces where sensitivity is honored—not hidden.This conversation is a powerful reflection on authenticity, vulnerability, and the quiet courage it takes to be fully yourself.🎧 Tune in now to hear Dr. Mary Kate Roohan’s thoughtful perspective on emotional resilience, identity, and living with intention.#HPYHour #EmotionalResilience #DrMaryKateRoohan #AuthenticLiving #MentalHealthAwareness #QueerMentalHealth #HighlySensitivePerson #ThriveAndFeel #TherapyTalk #SelfCompassion

In this episode of HPY Hour, our founder @anuragagarwalla sits down with Madlen Pashinian, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Glendale, California. With deep expertise in trauma, relationship dynamics, and emotional healing, Madlen offers a compassionate and clinical lens into some of today’s most complex relational challenges. Together, they explore the realities of being in a relationship with a narcissist—how to recognize the signs, the psychological impact of narcissistic abuse, and the path toward healing and self-recovery. Madlen also sheds light on the intersection of domestic violence and emotional manipulation, offering grounded advice for those seeking clarity, support, or a way forward. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating difficult relationships, working through trauma, or simply wanting to understand the psychology behind toxic dynamics. 🎧 Tune in now to hear Madlen Pashinian’s powerful insights on relationships, resilience, and reclaiming your sense of self. #HPYHour #MentalHealthAwareness #NarcissisticAbuse #TherapyTalk #MadlenPashinian #RelationshipsMatter #EmotionalHealing #DomesticViolenceAwareness

In this episode of HPY Hour, our founder @anuragagarwalla sits down with Hannah Maxson (@talktothe_han), a marketing strategist and wellness advocate currently leading initiatives at Centered Health. With years of experience in content, branding, and campaign development, Hannah brings a thoughtful and strategic lens to her work—fusing creativity with care in everything she does. We dive into her journey from digital strategy to wellness advocacy, and how she’s using her platform to spark meaningful conversations around mental health, intention, and sustainable growth in the marketing world. From building campaigns that resonate to setting boundaries that support longevity, Hannah shares how creatives and brands alike can navigate fast-paced environments with clarity, intention, and impact. Whether you’re building a brand, managing a team, or finding your voice in the digital space, this episode offers powerful insight into creating with heart and leading with intention. 🎧 Tune in now to hear how Hannah Maxson is reshaping modern marketing through connection, strategy, and purpose. #HPYHour #MarketingWithPurpose #DigitalWellness #CreativeLeadership #HannahMaxson #PurposeDrivenWork #MentalHealthInMarketing #BrandWithIntention

Healing and Transformation Through Therapy with Dominique Hamler In this powerful episode of HPY Hour, we sit down with Dominique Hamler, RN, MSN, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Outpatient Center (LAOP) and Founder of Counseling in Color LA. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, Dominique brings her expertise in trauma-informed care and emotional healing to the conversation. We explore how the structure of therapy, combining science and soul, can help regulate the nervous system, restore emotional safety, and foster resilience. Dominique shares her insights on the difference between post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth, and why setting boundaries is a key part of healing — not as barriers, but as bridges to deeper self-trust. Whether you're healing from trauma, supporting someone through their recovery, or looking to deepen your understanding of intentional therapy, this episode offers powerful tools for transformation. 🎧 Listen now and start your journey toward healing with Dominique Hamler. #HPYHour #HealingJourney #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #DominiqueHamler #TherapyWithPurpose #Boundaries #Resilience

What does it mean to truly heal after trauma — not just survive, but grow?In this powerful episode of HPY Hour, we sit down with therapist and somatic practitioner Aisha Ishtiaq, LMFT, to explore the deep connections between the body, trauma, and transformation. We unpack the difference between post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth, and how somatic tools can help you regulate your nervous system, reconnect with your body, and move toward emotional safety.We also dive into how to set and hold boundaries that honor your healing, and why boundaries aren’t walls — they’re bridges to self-trust and resilience.Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking to understand yourself more deeply, this conversation is a roadmap to healing with intention.Key Takeaways: • What somatic healing looks like in practice • The real difference between PTS and PTG • How boundaries shape your emotional landscapeListen now and reclaim your healing journey.#HPYHour #MentalHealthMatters #SomaticTherapy #PostTraumaticGrowth #Boundaries #HealingJourney #AishaIshtiaq #TraumaRecovery

In this powerful episode of hpy hour, we sit down with Ektha Aggarwal, licensed psychotherapist and founder of Shakti Therapy & Healing Services and Jiva Mental Health. Based in Los Angeles, Ektha is a passionate advocate for South Asian mental health, creating safe, culturally sensitive spaces for healing and self-discovery.Together, we explore the unique challenges faced by first-generation individuals—especially navigating cultural expectations around success, family, and identity. Ektha shares how she blends evidence-based therapy with holistic healing, and how she empowers clients to break generational patterns, set boundaries, and reconnect with their authentic selves.Whether you’re facing identity confusion, cultural pressure, or carrying unspoken intergenerational burdens, this episode offers both understanding and tools for transformation.Tune in and learn how reclaiming your inner Shakti can be the first step toward healing.Listen now on Spotify or YouTube, and don’t forget to share with someone who needs to hear this.

In this heartfelt episode, our founder Anurag sits down with Payal—known online as @payalforstyle—to talk about her mental health journey, her powerful road to sobriety and the deep intention she brings to parenting her two sons.Payal shares the moment she decided to shift her relationship with alcohol, what inspired her to speak openly about it, and how living more consciously has shaped her as a mother, creator, and woman.Tune in for an honest and uplifting conversation about self-awareness, voicing your values and and finding strength in vulnerability.

In this episode, Meera sits down with Anna Laifer, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) who helps leaders show up as their true selves. Anna’s journey spans from a playful, energetic childhood surrounded by high-performance athletes to a corporate career at Korn Ferry and LinkedIn, leading to her own coaching practice in 2021.Anna shares how her intuitive, curious approach meets clients where they are, creating spaces for growth and connection. Learn how she balances a thriving career with joyful living—from hosting gatherings to exploring nature.Visit Anna's website at Annalaifer.com🧠 Tune in for insights on building self-trust and leading authentically!

🎭 Can creativity unlock deeper healing?In episode 1 of hpy hour, Tess sits down with Danielle Levanas, a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, Registered Drama Therapist, and Relationship Coach, to explore the transformative power of drama therapy in mental health and personal growth.Danielle shares how storytelling, role-play, and creative expression can help clients process emotions, build self-awareness, and navigate relationships with greater clarity. We also discuss some concrete frameworks including Karpman’s drama triangle, which helps us understand our role in unhealthy communication dynamics.If you're curious about integrating more creativity into your practice—or just want a fresh perspective on healing—this episode is for you.🔗 Listen now and discover how creative arts can unlock new pathways to transformation.https://daniellelevanas.com/https://daniellelevanas.substack.com/p/on-the-fires?utm_medium=web#DramaTherapy #CreativeHealing #hpyhour #TherapistsWhoCreate #MentalHealth