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Sense of Self

Sense of Self

By: Dr. Gowri Aragam The Mission Entertainment Andrew C. Coles Elizabeth Rose Allison Keeley
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About this listen

 Sense of Self showcases women of color who are confronting and challenging the stories they believe about themselves. Conversations between psychiatrist Dr. Gowri Aragam and our guests demonstrate—but do not preach—about therapeutic concepts, particularly personal narrative, its origins, and the power of reclaiming one's own story.2024 Sense of Self Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Breaking 20 Years of Silence: Why I Finally Told My Story with Francisca Alegría

    Breaking 20 Years of Silence: Why I Finally Told My Story with Francisca Alegría
    Jun 25 2025
    Trigger Warning: The following episode contains discussion of sexual abuse. For 20 years, Chilean filmmaker Francisca Alegría carried a secret that shaped every relationship, every creative choice, and every moment of self-doubt. The sexual abuse she experienced at age six became a "dark well" that she thought would define her forever. Today, she's an internationally recognized filmmaker, soon-to-be-married, and finally free from the shame that once consumed her. This is her story of breaking the silence and reclaiming her narrative. 📚 Essential Insights: - Why staying silent often feels safer than speaking up - How childhood trauma manifests in adult relationships - The unexpected connection between pain and creativity - Practical steps for healing from sexual abuse - How to support survivors in your life 🎬 About Our Guest: Francisca Alegría is a Chilean filmmaker whose work has been recognized at Sundance Labs. Her journey from trauma survivor to acclaimed storyteller proves that our wounds don't have to define our worth. Connect with Francisca! instagram.com/franciscalegria/ A note on ethics, process, and safety: - The individuals in this podcast have graciously shared their stories and it's important to note that while these discussions are enriching and enlightening, they are not a substitute for therapy or mental healthcare. - Please note that each guest has given their consent to participate, had full control over what aspects of their journey were shared, and either currently engages in therapy or has done so in the past. Thanks from all of us at Sense of Self and The Mission Entertainment.
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    49 mins
  • Sumbul

    Sumbul
    Jun 18 2025
    Sometimes the hardest job becomes your greatest teacher. Sumbul Siddiqui never expected that becoming Cambridge's first Muslim mayor would force her to confront the bullied child she once was - or that leading through COVID would become the ultimate confidence-building experience. In this raw conversation, she reveals how public service became an unexpected form of therapy, teaching her to trust herself even when the world seemed to be watching and waiting for her to fail. 📚 Essential Insights: - How childhood bullying shapes adult leadership styles - The connection between public service and personal healing - Why representation matters for both communities and individuals - Practical tools for building confidence in high-pressure situations - The role of therapy in maintaining perspective during public attacks 🎓 About Our Guest: Sumbul Siddiqui served as mayor of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and continues to advocate for inclusive leadership and mental health awareness in public service. Connect with Sumbul! instagram.com/councillorsiddiqui/ A note on ethics, process, and safety: - The individuals in this podcast have graciously shared their stories and it's important to note that while these discussions are enriching and enlightening, they are not a substitute for therapy or mental healthcare. - Please note that each guest has given their consent to participate, had full control over what aspects of their journey were shared, and either currently engages in therapy or has done so in the past. Thanks from all of us at Sense of Self and The Mission Entertainment.
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    38 mins
  • Hetal

    Hetal
    Jun 11 2025
    Discover Hetal’s powerful journey of self-discovery, identity, and resilience in this episode of "Sense of Self." Growing up in a large immigrant family in Bloomfield, New Jersey, Hetal navigated the complexities of cultural differences, love languages expressed through food, and the challenges of forming friendships in a predominantly white environment. Join hosts Gowri and Hetal as they delve into: The impact of family dynamics and community on shaping identity The humor and heartache of integrating cultures Hetal’s experiences with ADHD and academic pressure Her transition from college to the food industry and the world of food blogging The importance of self-advocacy, independence, and emotional well-being Lessons learned from parenting and building a career in social media From childhood memories to finding her voice in the culinary arts, Hetal’s story is a testament to the power of children of immigrants and the impact of embracing one’s authentic self. Subscribe and join the conversation about community, identity, and personal growth—especially for women of color seeking their own sense of selfA note on ethics, process, and safety: - The individuals in this podcast have graciously shared their stories and it's important to note that while these discussions are enriching and enlightening, they are not a substitute for therapy or mental healthcare. - Please note that each guest has given their consent to participate, had full control over what aspects of their journey were shared, and either currently engages in therapy or has done so in the past. Thanks from all of us at Sense of Self and The Mission Entertainment.
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    46 mins
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