A Millennial Mind

If you feel lost right now, stuck in the same routines, or like your life has stopped feeling like your own - this episode will feel like a deep exhale. This week on A Millennial Mind, I sit down with Mimi Ikonn to talk about one of the most universal experiences we go through as adults:outgrowing your old life… but not yet knowing who you’re becoming. Mimi opens up about identity shifts, evolving relationships, ego deaths, career changes, intuition, and what happens when your “perfect life” no longer fits. If you’re navigating a transition or craving reinvention, this conversation is for you. This episode is for you if you are: • feeling lost or “stuck” in life • outgrowing old identities, habits or relationships • craving a fresh start but scared to make a change • navigating big life transitions (career, relationships, motherhood, purpose) • wanting to reconnect with yourself again • ready to reinvent your life from the inside out In this episode, we dive into: • why you feel stuck - and what that feeling is really telling you • how to recognise when you’ve outgrown your old life • the psychology behind feeling lost • how to create a life that actually fits who you are now • what identity shifts feel like in real time • how to level up without burning your old life to the ground • how intuition guides reinvention • practical steps for starting over 00:00 Introduction: Embracing Change 01:14 Guest Introduction: Mimi Ikonn 02:46 Navigating Life Transitions 04:28 Facing Fear and Embracing Growth 06:42 The Importance of Self-Awareness 18:18 Modeling Healthy Boundaries 26:07 Overcoming Self-Sabotage 46:41 Facing Self-Doubt and Embracing Vulnerability 50:13 The Fear of Success and Its Implications 51:34 Balancing Ambition and Personal Life 56:51 The Reality of Parenting and Sacrifice 01:07:04 Preparing Mentally for Parenthood 01:15:32 The Power of Affirmations and Growth Mindset 01:24:24 Living Boldly and Embracing Adventure 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast This week's episode includes a paid advertisement by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try and get your exclusive discount at betterhelp.com/millennialmind to become your best self ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do smart, strong women fall for toxic people? This week on A Millennial Mind, Anchal returns to share the full, unfiltered truth about being love-bombed, manipulated, defrauded and stalked by someone she thought she could trust. I’ve known Anchal for a long time now - but I never knew the depth of what she survived. This isn’t just a “bad breakup story.” It’s a traumatic experience of narcissistic abuse, coercive control, love bombing, gaslighting, trauma bonds, financial manipulation, stalking behaviours and the psychology behind why victims stay. But most importantly: how she rebuilt her life, healed her self-trust, and took her power back. If you’ve ever questioned your intuition, blamed yourself for ignoring red flags, or felt ashamed for being manipulated — this episode will change the way you see yourself forever. 💚Who This Episode Is For: Women who’ve experienced love bombing, people pleasing, guilt-tripping or emotional manipulation Anyone recovering from a toxic relationship, narcissistic partner or financial betrayal People who want to understand the psychology of narcissists and trauma bonds Survivors of stalking, harassment, obsession, coercive control or emotional abuse Anyone who wants to rebuild boundaries, confidence and self-trust ✍🏼What You’ll Learn: How narcissists use love bombing, guilt and mirroring to gain control Why strong, independent women still get targeted How manipulation escalates into financial fraud, stalking + psychological fear The mindset traps that keep victims from leaving How to recognise early red flags before they escalate How to rebuild your identity after abuse, trauma and shame Why it is never the victim’s fault Real examples on how to rebuild peace, safety and boundaries 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you tired of saying yes when every part of you is screaming no? In this week's episode of A Millennial Mind, I sit down with Annalie Howling — performance coach, trauma specialist, and boundaries queen — to unpack the truth about people pleasing, approval addiction, and why so many of us feel guilty putting ourselves first. We dive deep into the psychology behind saying yes, how it’s linked to childhood conditioning, and what it actually takes to stop caring what everyone thinks. If you’ve ever been called “too nice,” struggled to set boundaries, or felt drained trying to please everyone — this one’s for you. ✨ Who It’s For: Chronic people pleasers who can’t say no Anyone struggling with guilt, shame, or overgiving Women tired of being the “good girl” Anyone learning to protect their peace & energy 💡 What You’ll Learn: Why people pleasing starts — and how to break the pattern How to set boundaries without guilt or fear The link between self-worth and saying no Practical tools to stop overgiving & reclaim your energy If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll just do it to keep the peace,” this is the episode for you. It’s time to stop being 'liked' - and start being respected. 00:00 Introduction – Why We People Please 01:05 Meet Annalie Howling: Turning Pain into Purpose 04:20 The Truth About People Pleasing and Self-Abandonment 08:30 When Helping Others Becomes Self-Harm 12:45 The Guilt of Saying No 15:20 The Connection Between Guilt, Shame, and Self-Worth 18:40 Trauma, Control, and Learned Helplessness 23:10 Why Some People Resist Healing 26:00 Narcissism, Victimhood, and Emotional Boundaries 31:10 How to Set Boundaries Without Feeling Selfish 35:45 Understanding Shame in People Pleasing 40:15 Fawning: The Hidden Trauma Response 45:30 Healing from Childhood Shame and Conditioning 49:50 Recognizing and Validating Your Own Trauma 54:10 Breaking Generational Patterns of Guilt 58:30 Setting Boundaries with Family and In-Laws 01:02:10 Why “Good Girls” Struggle to Say No 01:05:00 Speaking Up When It Feels Uncomfortable 01:09:30 Letting Go of the Need to Please 01:12:00 Final Reflections – Living Unapologetically 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if everything you’ve been taught about healing is only half the story? In this episode of A Millennial Mind, I sit down with Lekhmi, founder of The 111 Approach - a celebrity Reiki Master and intuitive healer who blends science and spirituality to explain how energy healing really works. I used to think Reiki and energy work were a bit “woo-woo,” until my own experience changed everything. We talk about the science of energy healing, how your nervous system and emotions affect your body, and the small ways you can start to self-heal and reconnect with your intuition. If you’ve ever wondered “is energy healing real?” or just want to feel more grounded, calm and connected - this episode is for you. ✨ Who It’s For: Skeptics who want to understand the science behind energy healing Anyone curious about Reiki, vibration, and holistic health People looking to reduce stress, regulate their nervous system, and reconnect with themselves ✨ What You’ll Learn: How energy healing and Reiki actually work The link between emotions, the nervous system, and physical health Why intuition and frequency are key to self-healing How to tell real healers from fakes in the wellness space Simple ways to restore balance and heal your body naturally 00:00 Introduction and Initial Skepticism 00:51 Exploring the Concept of Energy Healing 01:16 Guest Introduction: Luck Me and Her Unique Approach 02:53 Personal Experiences and Changing Perspectives 04:34 Understanding Reiki and Energy Healing 05:55 Childhood Intuition and Suppression 12:09 Reconnecting with Intuition and First Reiki Experience 14:36 Skepticism and Scientific Perspective 18:32 The Science and Practice of Reiki 28:29 Personal Stories and Spiritual Connections 38:20 A Childhood Intuition 39:34 The Power of Intuition and Skepticism 40:38 Gut Health and Intuition 41:23 Energy and Vibrations 42:30 Embracing Emotions and Healing 42:46 Connecting with Intuition and Energy Healing 44:42 Personal Stories of Energy Healing 49:22 The Placebo Effect and Healing 51:04 Scientific Studies on Energy Healing 52:13 Reiki in Hospitals 52:48 Identifying Genuine Practitioners 57:03 Empowering Self-Healing 01:03:23 One Minute Wellness Practice 01:09:12 The Power of Collective Meditation 01:14:11 Crystals and Energy 01:17:39 Final Thoughts on Energy and Intuition self 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could feel incredible with more energy, focus and calm without spending a fortune? In this week's episode of A Millennial Mind, Coral Pearl breaks down the truth about biohacking: what it really means, how to start biohacking on a budget, and why you don’t need expensive supplements, trackers or cold plunges to optimise your body and mind. Coral shares practical, science-backed ways to support your nervous system, balance your hormones, improve gut health and boost natural energy. She explains how small, affordable biohacks — from better sleep and sunlight to real food and mindset shifts — can transform your wellbeing, longevity and mental clarity. We talk about the habits our ancestors lived by, the modern wellness myths that keep us sick, and how to eat, move and live in a way that supports your biology. I wanted to have this conversation because Coral makes wellness and biohacking feel achievable again. No elitism, no pressure — just simple, evidence-based tools to reconnect with your body and feel like yourself. If you’ve ever felt lost in the health space or overwhelmed by expensive trends, this one will remind you that real health starts with simple, accessible habits. These are all real-world examples that Coral has tried and tested herself to turn her life around and, she says, improve her health for the better. ✨ Who this episode is for Anyone curious about biohacking, wellness or longevity but unsure where to start Listeners tired of expensive wellness trends and quick fixes People looking to improve gut health, nervous system balance and natural energy Those wanting to understand the science of stress, recovery and nutrition Millennials searching for affordable, realistic health and lifestyle habits 💡 What you’ll learn What biohacking really means and how to do it on a budget The low-cost daily habits that improve focus, energy and mood How to regulate your nervous system naturally The connection between nutrition, inflammation and mental health Why modern wellness gets health wrong and how to simplify it 0:00 - What if everything you’ve been taught about health is wrong? 1:00 - Why Coral stopped trusting traditional medicine 3:05 - The “ancestral living” lifestyle explained 5:00 - Biohacking isn’t just for the rich — here’s how to start for free 7:30 - Grounding, breathwork, and sunlight: the ultimate morning trio 9:45 - Coral’s wild morning routine (and the headband hack!) 11:10 - How biohacking changed her energy, sleep & focus 13:20 - The truth about mouth taping and deep sleep 15:10 - Why blue light might be ruining your health 17:00 - How to calm your nervous system instantly 20:00 - The trampoline trick that boosts your mood 25:30 - Coral’s 5AM morning routine & discipline secrets 29:00 - Her full step-by-step health routine revealed 33:00 - From vegan to ancestral eating — why she switched 36:00 - Are plant-based diets actually bad for you? 39:00 - What pesticides are doing to your gut 42:00 - The 3 foods Coral would *never* eat again 45:00 - The shocking truth about milk and pasteurisation 47:00 - How to find what really works for your body 49:00 - Coral’s message for anyone feeling stuck in their health journey Follow Coral Peal: https://www.instagram.com/coral.peal 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Note: Some topics discussed might be triggering. In this deeply personal and heartfelt episode of 'A Millennial Mind,' I sit down with one of my closest friends, Dr. Rhona Eskander, as she opens up for the first time about her harrowing journey into motherhood. From experiencing a traumatic miscarriage and the emotional turmoil that followed, to navigating the complexities of fertility treatments, and finally, the unforeseen challenges of a high-risk pregnancy that led to an emergency C-section and a NICU stay for her baby, Rhona bravely shares it all. This conversation sheds light on the silent struggles many parents face, the societal pressures around fertility, and the importance of mental health and support during such times. I am incredibly grateful for Rhona's vulnerability and hope this episode fosters understanding and compassion for those facing similar battles. Please listen with care, and if you know someone who might benefit from this, share it with them. ✨ Who This Episode Is For Anyone who has faced pregnancy loss or fertility struggles Mothers navigating premature birth or NICU experiences Women processing grief, anxiety, or trauma after childbirth Parents learning to find strength and gratitude through adversity Anyone seeking an honest look at modern motherhood 00:00 Opening Up About a Personal Journey 00:05 The Miscarriage Experience 00:20 Navigating Fertility Challenges 00:34 Emergency C-Section and NICU 00:52 Introduction to the Episode 02:17 Rona's Fertility Journey 03:05 Egg Freezing and Societal Pressures 05:12 Struggles with Conception 06:06 The Miscarriage and Its Aftermath 07:05 IUI and Pregnancy Success 15:15 The Trauma of Miscarriage 24:40 Pregnancy Journey and Mental Health 30:40 Concerns About Baby's Growth 34:58 Discovering the Gentle Birthing Method 36:02 Dealing with Placental Insufficiency 36:54 The Pressure of Not Showing During Pregnancy 38:57 Navigating Public Perception and Body Image 42:26 The Trauma of an Emergency C-Section 49:15 The NICU Journey 51:05 The Importance of Mental Health and Support 01:07:28 Reflections on the NHS and Final Thoughts This week's episode includes a paid advertisement for Better Help. You can get your exclusive discount as a Millennial Mind listener using the link ⁠www.betterhelp.com/millennialmind⁠ to start your therapy journey and become your best self. 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠 🔑 Keywords / Tags pregnancy journey, miscarriage story, pregnancy loss, emergency c-section, 30 weeks premature, premature birth, NICU baby, motherhood journey, fertility struggles, pregnancy complications, maternal health, emotional healing, premature baby story, Rhona Eskander, A Millennial Mind, Shivani Pau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of 'A Millennial Mind,' I sit down with Dr. Marta Deiros Collado, a clinical psychologist with 20 years of experience and a mother of two. We dive into the hot topic of smartphones and social media, exploring whether they're helpful tools or harmful threats, especially for children and parents. Dr. Marta shares her insights on the fear and misconceptions surrounding technology, and offers evidence-based strategies for finding balance and boundaries in our digital lives. We also discuss the impact of screen time on relationships and mental health, and how parents can build healthier tech habits for themselves and their kids. If you've ever struggled with screen time or are concerned about your children's digital habits, you won't want to miss this enlightening conversation. Please don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe to support more meaningful and impactful discussions like this. ✨ Who This Episode Is For: Anyone who feels anxious, guilty, or overwhelmed by their phone use Parents trying to help children build healthy screen habits Millennials and Gen Z struggling with digital burnout or social media anxiety People who want to create boundaries with technology without a digital detox Anyone curious about the psychology of screen time and mental health 💡 What You’ll Learn: Why notifications trigger anxiety and how to calm your brain’s response The science behind phone addiction and emotional overstimulation How to build a healthier relationship with social media and tech Practical tools to set digital boundaries at home and work How parents and kids can find balance and connection offline Why technology itself isn’t bad, it’s how we use it that matters Jump to: 00:00 Introduction: Are Smartphones a Tool or a Threat? 01:06 Challenging the Smartphone Narrative with Dr. Marta 02:07 Meet Dr. Marta: Clinical Psychologist and Mother 02:39 The Dual Nature of Smartphones: Tool and Threat 03:23 The Emotional Impact of Smartphone Use 04:34 The Importance of Awareness and Mindful Use 05:46 The Role of Technology in Modern Life 08:09 The Science Behind Smartphone Use and Its Effects 08:56 Addressing Misconceptions and Media Fear-Mongering 10:23 The Balance Between Technology and Human Experience 15:02 Smartphone Habits and Compulsive Behaviors 36:25 The Impact of Smartphones on Relationships 38:52 Balancing Screen Time and Family Time 40:08 Deciding When to Give Kids Smartphones 42:26 Navigating Social Pressures and Exclusion 45:28 Building Trust and Open Communication 48:12 Creating Healthy Digital Habits 51:21 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Esteem 01:01:46 Setting Boundaries and Family Phone Pledges 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠 phone anxiety, social media anxiety, smartphone addiction, digital burnout, digital wellbeing, screen time anxiety, notifications stress, tech and mental health, social media balance, phone detox, screen time habits, parenting and technology, kids screen time, mindful tech use, digital balance, Dr Martha Deiros Collado, Shivani Pau, A Millennial Mind Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of A Millennial Mind, I’m joined by Abigail Foster, an accountant, money expert, and founder of Elent Financial. Abigail has built a reputation for making money simple, relatable, and actually enjoyable to talk about. In this episode, we dive deep into the truth about money in 2025: from renting vs buying, saving and investing, and even the fairness of inheritance tax. Abigail also unpacks how childhood experiences shape our money mindset, why budgeting feels so overwhelming, and the practical steps millennials and Gen Z can take to feel more financially free. If you’ve ever felt stressed about money, stuck in financial habits, or just confused by the UK tax system, this episode will help you make sense of it all. ✨ Who This Episode Is For Millennials and Gen Z who want to feel in control of their finances. Anyone stuck between renting vs buying and wondering what’s right for them. People who want to start investing but don’t know where to begin. Those struggling with budgeting, saving, or money mindset. Anyone curious about UK money topics like taxes, inheritance, or the cost of living. 📚 What You’ll Learn How your childhood experiences shape your money habits today. Why budgeting feels hard - and how to make it easier. The truth about renting vs buying property in 2025. Simple steps to start saving and investing (even if you feel clueless). How to think about tax, inheritance, and wealth without overwhelm. Why shifting your money mindset is the key to building wealth. 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠 --- 🔑 Abigail Foster, Elent Financial, money mindset, budgeting tips, saving money, how to invest, investing for beginners, UK tax explained, inheritance tax, cost of living 2025, UK finance 2025, personal finance for millennials, Gen Z money tips, renting vs buying property, financial freedom, money habits psychology, A Millennial Mind podcast, Shivani Pau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's AMM Minutes segment, I chat with Sarover Auja from 'Love is Blind UK' about the challenges of getting parental acceptance in relationships and dealing with societal judgment. We delve into the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and open communication when integrating a partner into one's family. Sarover opens up about her personal journey, sharing insights on resilience post-divorce and emphasising that love transcends cultural and societal boundaries. 00:00 Introduction: The Challenge of Parental Acceptance Check out the full episode where Sarover goes into DETAIL about her Love Is Blind experience, here: 01:38 The Struggle with In-Laws and Cultural Expectations 03:06 Breaking the Cycle of Judgment and Fear 03:51 Dealing with Divorce and Societal Judgment 05:30 Love Beyond Cultural Boundaries 07:48 The Importance of Character Over Community 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarover Aujla from Netflix’s Love Is Blind joins me on A Millennial Mind to share what really happened in her marriage, why it ended in divorce, and how cultural and family expectations shaped her journey. Sarover opens up about the reality of a 91-day marriage, the red flags she ignored, and the challenges of navigating love and heartbreak in front of the world. She also reflects on what it feels like to lose yourself in a relationship — becoming “a shell of yourself” — and the powerful lessons she’s learned about self-worth, boundaries, and choosing herself. For so many millennials, love and marriage look different today than they did for our parents. Sarover’s story is raw, real, and deeply relatable — whether you’ve faced cultural pressure, heartbreak, or are simply learning to put yourself first. ✨ Who This Episode Is For - Fans of Love Is Blind curious about Sarover Aujla’s story beyond the show. - Millennials navigating relationships, marriage, divorce, or cultural pressure. - Anyone who has felt lost in love and is trying to rebuild. - Listeners looking for honest lessons on self-worth, resilience, and growth. 📚 What You’ll Learn - What really happened in Sarover Aujla’s Love Is Blind marriage and divorce. - The role of cultural and family expectations in shaping relationships. - The red flags Sarover overlooked — and the lessons she took from them. - How to heal and grow after heartbreak in the public eye. - Why choosing yourself is not selfish, but necessary. Let me know what you thought of this week's episode on the comments 💖 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices