Three Takes: 3 Women, 3 Generations, 1 Family Unpacking the Questions We All Ask

Three Takes
  • 4.9 (7)
  • Self-Improvement

Welcome to Three Takes, a multi-generational podcast hosted by Mona and her daughters, Minali and Ishana, representing Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z perspectives. Together, they explore the intersection of career, wellness, and family life, providing authentic conversations and valuable insights to empower women in their work, life, and relationships. Each episode dives into a thought-provoking question, as they share their unique 'takes' on a diverse range of topics, from navigating professional challenges to fostering personal growth and maintaining healthy relationships. More than just a podcast, Three Takes is a shared space for us to evolve together as a growing community, inviting listeners to reflect and connect.

  1. 1d ago

    How Do We Create Belonging in a Disconnected World? | Paula Toledo - E30

    Paula Toledo, artist, entrepreneur, and founder of Ode to Wonder Consulting, joins Mona and Minali to explore what it really means to belong—and why being surrounded by people doesn't necessarily mean we feel connected. Drawing from her own experience with profound loss, Paula shares how grief changed her identity, community, and sense of belonging, and creativity, play, and wonder helped her rebuild. She explains why social media can't replace genuine connection, why you can feel lonely even with a full calendar, and how social prescribing, art, nature, and community can help people reconnect. The conversation also explores belonging in the workplace, the importance of feeling both valued and valuable, and how intentionally noticing moments of awe and wonder can strengthen our connection to ourselves and others. Key Takeaways: • Belonging means feeling seen, valued, accepted, and like you contribute something meaningful. • Grief can create secondary losses that affect identity, community, and a sense of belonging. • Play, creativity, music, and community can help us reconnect with ourselves during difficult periods. • Social media can facilitate connection, but it doesn't necessarily create true belonging. • You can have a full calendar and still feel lonely if you don't feel genuinely seen or connected. • Social prescribing can connect people with meaningful activities, including art, music, nature, and community. • Belonging in the workplace requires seeing employees as whole people—not just their skills. • Awe and wonder can be cultivated by intentionally noticing beauty, kindness, creativity, and meaningful moments. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – Why Belonging Matters (01:42) – Loss and Rebuilding (05:30) – Rediscovering Play and Wonder (09:35) – Finding Hope After Loss (14:16) – Can Social Media Create Belonging? (15:50) – What Does It Mean to Truly Matter? (20:21) – Why You Can Feel Lonely Around People (25:06) – Why a Full Calendar Doesn't Mean You Aren't Lonely (28:59) – What Is Social Prescribing? (32:40) – Practical Ways to Reconnect (34:30) – The Power of Awe and Wonder (37:12) – Belonging in the Workplace (38:00) – Empathy, Authenticity, and Trust (43:17) – Where Do I Already Belong? Key Topics Discussed: Three Takes, Paula Toledo, Ode to Wonder, Belonging, Loneliness, Social Isolation, Grief, Loss, Identity, Community, Connection, Social Health, Play, Creativity, Music, Art and Wellbeing, Awe and Wonder, Social Media, Mattering, Workplace Belonging, Psychological Safety, Trust, Empathy, Social Prescribing, Art Prescriptions, Nature, Workplace Culture, Human Connection More of Three Takes: Email us at connect@threetakes.com Start a conversation at https://threetakes.com/ DM us on Instagram (@three.takes) at https://www.instagram.com/three.takes/

  2. Jul 21

    How Do You Navigate Watching Your Parents Grow Older? - E29

    Mona, Minali and Ishana unpack how aging transforms the parent-child relationship, the grief of witnessing physical decline, and the challenge of balancing independence with caregiving. They share deeply personal stories about family, mortality, dignity, and the difficult conversations that can ultimately become the greatest gifts we give our loved ones. From navigating long-distance caregiving to preparing for end-of-life decisions with compassion, this episode offers practical wisdom alongside powerful emotional insight. Whether your parents are aging today or you're simply preparing for the future, this conversation will leave you with a renewed appreciation for time, family, and the importance of making every moment count. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – Returning Home And Facing The Reality Of Aging Parents (02:00) – Why Seeing Parents Grow Older Changes Everything (04:00) – Letting Go Of The Parents We Once Knew (07:00) – The Emotional Challenge Of Accepting Physical Decline (09:00) – When Independent Parents Become Dependent On Family (12:00) – Preserving Dignity While Supporting Elderly Loved Ones (14:00) – Why Every Family Needs To Talk About Death (19:00) – Balancing Independence With Elder Care Responsibilities (20:00) – The Truth About Nursing Homes And Professional Care (22:00) – Preventing Caregiver Burnout While Supporting Parents (24:00) – The Small Moments That Reveal Our Parents Are Aging (26:00) – Accepting Aging With Compassion, Gratitude, And Love Key Topics Discussed: Three Takes, Ishana Nigam, Minali Nigam, Mona Nigam, generational advice, watching parents grow older, how to cope with aging parents, realizing your parents are aging, how watching your parents grow older changes you, caring for elderly parents, adult children and aging parents, changing relationship with parents, helping aging parents without taking away independence, supporting aging parents from a distance, appreciating your parents before it's too late More of Three Takes: Email us at connect@threetakes.com Start a conversation at https://threetakes.com/ DM us on Instagram (@three.takes) at https://www.instagram.com/three.takes/

  3. Jul 7

    Is Your Work a Job, a Career, or a Calling? - E28

    Mona, Ishana, and Minali dive into a heartfelt conversation about what makes work meaningful and how that definition shifts across generations. Ishana, on the brink of starting her consulting career, grapples with balancing passion projects and the quest for daily purpose. Minali, a physician nearing the end of her training, reflects on how her sense of meaning in medicine has evolved. Meanwhile, Mona, a seasoned business coach, shares wisdom from her journey, from prioritizing stability in her early career to now valuing legacy and growth. Together, they explore: generational perspectives on work, from financial stability to fulfillment; why balance and purpose might be more intertwined than we think. Whether you’re just starting out, mid-career, or redefining your path, this conversation offers timeless lessons on aligning work with what truly matters to you. Key Timestamps: (00:00) - Defining meaningful work (00:10) - Financial security vs. fulfillment across life stages (00:14) - Reframing meaning beyond daily tasks (00:18) - Generational values in the workplace (00:22) - Employer role in work-life balance (00:26) - Eudaimonia and achievement Key Topics Discussed: Three Takes, Ishana Nigam, Minali Nigam, Mona Nigam, generational advice, meaningful work and purpose, generational differences in careers, work-life balance strategies, career values and fulfillment, finding purpose in jobs More of Three Takes: Email us at connect@threetakes.com Start a conversation at https://threetakes.com/ DM us on Instagram (@three.takes) at https://www.instagram.com/three.takes/

  4. Jun 23

    Why Is It So Hard to Make New Friends As Adults?? - E27

    Mona, Minali and Ishana explore the fears of moving to a new city, the reality of creating a new support system, and why lasting friendships are built through showing up—not luck. From leveraging existing connections and embracing technology to maintaining friendships through different life stages, this discussion offers practical insights for anyone navigating adulthood, relocation, or personal growth. Making friends as an adult can feel surprisingly difficult. Once school, college, and structured environments disappear, building meaningful relationships often requires intentional effort, vulnerability, and consistency. Whether you're moving across the country or simply looking to expand your circle, this episode will leave you feeling hopeful and equipped to build authentic relationships. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – Why Making Friends As An Adult Feels So Difficult (01:12) – Leaving Comfort Zones And Starting Over In A New City (02:35) – Building A Support System Beyond Family And Work (03:55) – The Power Of Simply Showing Up And Taking Initiative (06:18) – Why Deep Friendships Take Time, Trust, And Consistency (07:28) – The Emotional Challenge Of Putting Yourself Out There (08:32) – Are Friendship Apps The New Normal For Adults? (10:42) – Introverts Vs Extroverts (14:18) – Why Being Selective About Friendships Is Healthy (16:05) – How The Strongest Friendships Naturally Develop Over Time (18:15) – Why Quality Matters More Than Quantity In Adult Relationships (19:02) – The Secret To Maintaining Long-Distance Friendships (22:18) – Overcoming The Fear Of Starting Fresh In A New City (23:10) – Becoming More Intentional About Welcoming Newcomers Key Topics Discussed: Three Takes, Ishana Nigam, Minali Nigam, Mona Nigam, generational advice, how to make friends as an adult, why making friends as an adult is so hard, how to build friendships in a new city, making friends after moving to a new city, how to meet new people as an adult, how to create a support system as an adult, building meaningful friendships in adulthood, starting over in a new city alone, overcoming loneliness after moving, how to maintain adult friendships More of Three Takes: Email us at connect@threetakes.com Start a conversation at https://threetakes.com/ DM us on Instagram (@three.takes) at https://www.instagram.com/three.takes/

  5. Jun 9

    Are You Being Resilient? Or Just Stuck? And When Is it Time to Stop Trying? - E26

    Mona, Minali and Ishana unpack one of life's most difficult questions: When should you keep pushing forward, and when is it time to let go? Through honest conversations about careers, relationships, business, identity, and personal growth, they explore the emotional attachments that keep us stuck and the practical frameworks that help us move forward with confidence. From societal expectations and fear of failure to values, trade-offs, and self-reflection, this episode offers actionable insights for anyone feeling trapped between persistence and change. If you've ever wondered whether you're demonstrating resilience or delaying the inevitable, this conversation will challenge the way you think about success, purpose, and personal growth. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – Why We Struggle To Walk Away From Unfulfilling Careers (02:35) – Relationships, Friendships And Knowing When To Pivot (03:45) – The Hidden Motivations Behind Why We Keep Trying (05:45) – Using Objective Data To Decide When It’s Time To Let Go (07:45) – Fear Of Wasted Time And The Pressure To Succeed (08:35) – Why People Stay In The Wrong Relationships Too Long (10:00) – Is “Never Give Up” Always Good Advice? (11:05) – When Persistence Becomes Toxic Instead Of Productive (12:00) – The Difference Between Healthy Resilience And Being Stuck (13:05) – How Values And Goal Reflection Create Better Decisions (14:10) – Finding Alternative Paths To The Life You Want (16:00) – Using AI And Life Assessments To Gain Clarity (19:15) – Understanding Trade-Offs Before Making Big Changes (22:00) – Persistence Vs Self-Punishment And Protecting Your Mental Health (23:05) – The Real Thing We’re Holding Onto: Hope, Identity Or Expectation? Key Topics Discussed: Three Takes, Ishana Nigam, Minali Nigam, Mona Nigam, generational advice, how to know when it's time to give up, resilience vs being stuck, when should you stop trying, signs it's time to move on, how to let go of a goal, when persistence becomes toxic, healthy resilience vs stubbornness, how to make difficult life decisions, knowing when to leave a relationship, when to quit a job and move on, overcoming sunk cost fallacy, fear of wasted time and failure, how to know if you're holding yourself back, making career changes with confidence, how to evaluate life trade-offs, personal growth through self-reflection, when to pivot in life, finding purpose after letting go, balancing persistence and flexibility, how to stop forcing something that isn't working, resilience vs persistence, when to walk away from a relationship, how to know when to quit, letting go of expectations, values-based decision making, overcoming fear of failure, personal growth mindset, emotional resilience strategies, how to make confident life decisions, navigating major life transitions Mentions: 7 ChatGPT Prompts That Will Actually Change Your Life: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-on-purpose-with-jay-shett-30589432/episode/7-chatgpt-prompts-that-will-actually-change-your-life-327527900 More of Three Takes: Email us at connect@threetakes.com Start a conversation at https://threetakes.com/ DM us on Instagram (@three.takes) at https://www.instagram.com/three.takes/

  6. May 26

    Throwback Tuesday: How Can Therapy Help Women Thrive? - E25

    Mona, Ishana, and Minali open up about their personal journeys with therapy, breaking generational taboos and redefining what mental health support means across time. From college anxiety and professional burnout to pregnancy fears and self-discovery, they explore how therapy can be both transformative and grounding. Together, they discuss cultural stigmas, the evolution of emotional openness, and the many forms therapy can take, formal or not. Through laughter, vulnerability, and love, they remind us that seeking help isn’t weakness, it’s growth, courage, and self-care in action. Key Timestamps: (00:00) - Learning To Manage Anxiety (05:00) - Redefining Therapy Meaning (07:00) - Shared Exercises And Lessons (09:00) - Coping Through Life Changes (12:00) - Embracing Uncertainty Mindfully (16:00) - Power Of Thought Awareness (18:00) - Therapy Beyond The Stigma (22:00) - Family And Emotional Support Key Topics Discussed: Three Takes, Ishana Nigam, Minali Nigam, Mona Nigam, generational advice, therapy for mental health, breaking generational taboos, cognitive behavioral therapy, anxiety and self awareness, emotional healing and growth Links: The American Psychological Association’s Stress in America report found that about 22 percent of Boomers say they’ve ever received therapy, compared to 35 percent of Millennials and 37 percent of Gen Z. (Source: APA — Stress in America™: Generation Z, 2018): https://www.pacificoaks.edu/voices/blog/gen-z-view-on-mental-health/ More of Three Takes: Email us at connect@threetakes.com Start a conversation at https://threetakes.com/ DM us on Instagram (@three.takes) at https://www.instagram.com/three.takes/

  7. May 12

    What Does It Mean to Pause Your Career and Be a Stay-At-Home Mom?

    Minali and Ishana invite their friend, Aaratthi, who shares her unexpected journey from full-time professional to stay-at-home mom, navigating career disruption, motherhood, and identity all at once. From the chaos of managing twins while working remotely to the emotional shock of being laid off at a pivotal moment, this episode pulls back the curtain on the realities many women quietly face. It’s a powerful reflection on resilience, shifting priorities, and redefining success when life doesn’t follow your script. Whether you're a working parent, considering a career pivot, or simply trying to balance it all, this episode will challenge how you think about work, family, and what truly matters. Key Timestamps: (00:00) - A Layoff, Pregnancy, and an Unexpected Transition (03:00) - Realizing Staying Home Wasn’t a Choice at First (04:07) - The Mental Toll of Rejection, Burnout, and Motherhood (08:49) - Redefining Success and Career Identity After Kids (09:48) - “Good Enough” Parenting and Letting Go of Perfection (14:06) - Finding Time for Yourself as a Parent (15:09) - Mom Friendships and Feeling Understood (17:45) - The Reality of a Stay-at-Home Mom’s Daily Life (22:51) - Bedtime Routines and Late-Night “Me Time” (24:51) - Why Caregiving Is So Misunderstood (25:40) - The “Girl Boss” Era and Generational Expectations (28:39) - Childcare Costs and the Financial Reality of Staying Home (29:41) - Adjusting Work Around Family Life (30:45) - Advice for Women Considering Staying Home (34:38) - Starting “I’m Not the Nanny” on Instagram (36:44) - Presence, Motherhood, and Long-Term Perspective (37:37) - The Importance of Support Systems in Parenting Key Topics Discussed: Three Takes, Ishana Nigam, Minali Nigam, Mona Nigam, generational advice, working mom burnout, career transition after layoff, balancing motherhood and career, remote work parenting struggles, stay-at-home mom journey Mentions: https://www.instagram.com/imnotthenanny/ More of Three Takes: Email us at connect@threetakes.com Start a conversation at https://threetakes.com/ DM us on Instagram (@three.takes) at https://www.instagram.com/three.takes/

  8. Apr 28

    Are We Enjoying the Trip… or Just Documenting It? | E23

    Mona, Minali and Ishana unpack the modern dilemma of documenting life versus actually being present in it. From travel habits and social media validation to the subtle ways smartphones fragment our attention, this conversation dives deep into how technology is reshaping our memories. Through relatable stories from concerts to vacations to everyday moments, they explore the emotional trade-offs between capturing content and savoring real life. You’ll hear honest reflections on comparison culture, performative travel, and the surprising psychology behind why we reach for our phones. More importantly, the episode offers practical, mindful strategies to help you reclaim presence without giving up meaningful memories. If you’ve ever wondered whether your phone is enhancing your life or quietly stealing it, this episode will challenge the way you experience every moment. Key Timestamps: (00:00) - Travel Chaos and Dedication (01:10) - Rise of Constant Documentation (02:05) - Capturing Versus Experiencing Moments (02:55) - Convenience of Smartphones Explained (05:10) - Why We Take Photos (07:30) - Does Photography Break Presence? (09:10) - Social Media and Validation (10:05) - Pressure of Perfect Trips (12:20) - Disposable Camera Mindful Idea (13:45) - Struggles Disconnecting from Phones (15:05) - Balancing Technology and Experience (17:10) - Generational Differences in Photography (20:05) - Evolution of Travel Photography (21:30) - Organizing Endless Photo Libraries (22:45) - Missed Moments and Regrets (24:25) - Phone Eats First Culture (26:10) - Instagram Worthy Locations Debate (28:10) - Emotional Memory Connections (29:20) - Sharing Experiences Through Photos (30:05) - Setting Boundaries with Photography (31:10) - Meaningful Photos That Last Key Topics Discussed: Three Takes, Ishana Nigam, Minali Nigam, Mona Nigam, generational advice, being present vs documenting life, travel photography habits, social media validation psychology, mindful living travel tips, digital distraction and memory More of Three Takes: Email us at connect@threetakes.com Start a conversation at https://threetakes.com/ DM us on Instagram (@three.takes) at https://www.instagram.com/three.takes/

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4.9
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to Three Takes, a multi-generational podcast hosted by Mona and her daughters, Minali and Ishana, representing Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z perspectives. Together, they explore the intersection of career, wellness, and family life, providing authentic conversations and valuable insights to empower women in their work, life, and relationships. Each episode dives into a thought-provoking question, as they share their unique 'takes' on a diverse range of topics, from navigating professional challenges to fostering personal growth and maintaining healthy relationships. More than just a podcast, Three Takes is a shared space for us to evolve together as a growing community, inviting listeners to reflect and connect.

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