The Modern Millennial Arpita Mehta
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In this weekly podcast, host Arpita Mehta encourages other like-minded millennials to come on a journey with her as she uses her own life as a test run to find answers to the questions we all have. Each week, she searches for actionable advice from experts on topics ranging from health and beauty to self-improvement and career development. Arpita uses humor, honesty, and a healthy dose of self-deprecation to break down big concepts into bite-sized pieces that will leave you feeling seen and a little better informed. Welcome to The Modern Millennial, we're all just figuring it out together.
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54. Sujata Assomull ON The Renaissance of Indian Fashion, Personal Style in the Age of Trends, Tackling Ageism & More
This week on the heels of Fashion Month across the globe, we’re having a fashionable conversation with a very stylish guest. Sujata Assomull is a renowned figure in the Indian and luxury fashion industry as the founding editor-in-chief of Harpers Bazaar India, a contributing editor to Vogue India, and an author with a sharp eye for analyzing Indian style trends. She truly has an incredible personal style and such a refreshing and honest perspective on the Indian fashion industry. In our conversation, we dive into the recent growth of Indian fashion, the promotion of slow and sustainable clothes by Indian designers, and the role of aging in the fashion world.
Sujata has become increasingly vocal about ageism issues in the industry throughout recent years. We discuss how our culture is fixated on youth, the lack of representation of older people in the industry, and how to balance personal style with trends.
Plus, Sujata shares her expert tips and tricks for building an Indian fashion capsule wardrobe and her expert advice for anyone looking to break into the Indian fashion scene.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.
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Topics Covered:
The recent growth of the Indian fashion industryHow Indian designers are promoting the slow fashion movement Sujata’s perspective on re-wearing pieces, the rental market, and buying vintage Ageism in a society and industry obsessed with youth Finding a balance between staying true to your unique style and keeping up with trends Advice on just being you when it comes to fashion
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53. Dee Gautham ON The Importance of Balance, Body Neutrality, & Healing From Weight Loss Culture
The majority of millennial women I talk to, including myself and especially those raised in South Asian households, face constant and exhausting body image issues. I can’t remember a time where I wasn’t hyper-aware of my body from a very early age. Today, I’m in conversation with Dee Gautham, who has dedicated her life to changing the narrative of diet culture, especially within the South Asian community. Dee is the founder of Boss Body Revolution, a coaching company that helps women build and maintain their confidence through fitness and health. In this episode, we discuss the all-too-common relationship with disordered eating, the nuances of body image and our upbringing, and practical strategies for maintaining a healthy routine while unlearning the lifelong normalization of unrealistic beauty standards.
Dee shares her personal journey with body image, which started at the age of 13 when she began her first diet. Her experiences motivated her to found The Boss Body Revolution and address the gap in the market for health and fitness coaching tailored to South Asian women. She shares her brilliant advice and actionable tips for understanding the root of emotional eating, practicing body neutrality, building healthy habits, and shifting self-criticism into self-love.
Topics Covered:
Dee’s history with disordered eating and how she repaired her relationship with food The extremes of diet culture and how to find a middle ground for a healthy body image Understanding emotional eating and actionable tools for separating it from physical hungerHow to build a linear and consistent routine and maintain healthy nutritional habitsThe normalization of body shaming in South Asian culture Practicing body neutrality to help develop a balanced perception of your body as a whole Strategies for shifting self-criticism to self-love The role social media plays in body image, especially for millennials Undoing the negative yet lifelong ingrained beauty standards
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Follow along @themodernmillennialpodcast on Instagram.
Resources mentioned
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
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52. Career Chat: The Sisters & Founders Behind CTZN Cosmetics On Representation, Beauty, & Lipsticks
I first discovered CTZN Cosmetics when their website crashed after a viral TikTok, and I've been a huge fan ever since – their lipsticks are worn by Beyoncé (my queen), SZNA, and Megan Fox. In this episode, I sit down with the sisters behind the brand in a Career Chat to learn about their journey in creating such a groundbreaking brand that's all about inclusivity and representation in the beauty industry. We dig into the details about the initial launch of CTZN, tips for working alongside family, advice for aspiring beauty entrepreneurs, and so much more.
One of the things that sets CTZN apart is their commitment to considering complexion in every aspect of your beauty routine, from nude lipsticks to eyelid pigmentation to blush and contour. They also really understand the needs of their demographic, particularly millennials and Gen Z. Throughout our conversation, we discuss how important it is to use your platform to share important messages and the steps they've taken to create a brand committed to making a change.
Aleena, Aleezeh, and Naseeha are truly redefining the standards of the beauty industry and their approach to developing incredible and innovative products is so inspiring. So, if you're looking for a culturally responsive brand with approachable and authentic founders, CTZN is the perfect addition to your makeup collection.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Follow along @themodernmillennialpodcast on Instagram and sign up for our Newsletter.
Topics Covered:
Founding CTZN Cosmetics on the need for inclusivity and representation in the beauty industry The sisters’ process for developing their products How they use “Culture-Torials” to merge makeup tutorials with cultural awarenessThe importance of having an open mindset towards inclusivity and welcoming feedback How they have humanized the brand experience and strive for authenticity Insights and lessons from their initial ideas to launching a startup Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs entering the beauty space or working with family Why you should always stay true to your values and mission
Resources mentioned
CTZNIs the Beauty Industry a Mean Girl?Are We The Mean Girls?
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a href="https://www.instagram.com/ctzncosmetics/" rel="noopener noreferrer"... -
51. State of the Union: Pop Culture, Reccs, & Fun Things
POV: You're FaceTiming with me on a Sunday. Listen in for pop culture updates & reccs, thoughts on Filmare Awards, the "Pookie" episodemic, Lovers & Friends Music Tour, an official skincare routine reveal, and lot's more.
Music:
Lovers & Friends Playlist
TV Shows/Movies:
Abbott Elementary Season 3 (Feb 7th)
Heeramandi
12th Fail
Animal
Products Mentioned:
Owala Water Bottle
Uriage Thermale Serum
Klorane Micellar Water
Avene Hydrance Gel Moisturizer
Avene Cicalfate Restorative Cream
Summer Fridays Jetlag Mask
Arrae Constipation
Fashivly Personal Styling -
50. The Big 5-0: Things I Wish I Knew In My 20s, Reflections, and Non-Negotiables
Welcome to our 50th episode celebration! It's been an amazing two-year journey filled with so many ups and downs, and I'm extremely grateful for all the growth, lessons, and positive change TMM has brought into my life. I've learned so much from the amazing guests I've had on the show, and each season has been unique, filled with topics that reflect where I was in that exact moment. It has truly been so special. Today, I’m sharing the biggest lessons and insights I've gained over these two super transformative years as I’ve navigated the complexities of being a millennial woman with all of you.
I've had the privilege of chatting with over 40 incredible guests, each offering so many valuable lessons and perspectives. From choosing my own “heart” to embracing my insecurities and failures to strengthening relationships, my worldview has completely expanded from where I was when I started this podcast. Plus, as an Indian American millennial woman, it's such an honor to acknowledge our unique cultural background on my platform and how it affects the conversation about wellness, career, relationships, and mental health.
As we're still adjusting to the New Year, I also highlight my new goal of having more fun and the non-negotiables I'm taking with me into 2024. Thank you so much for being part of the TMM community, and here's to many more episodes filled with authenticity, laughter, and wellness!
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Follow along @themodernmillennialpodcast on Instagram and sign up for our Newsletter.
Topics Covered:
The beauty of the opportunity to choose your heartWhy there’s power in accepting your insecurities How to learn from failure and embrace trial and error Prioritizing more joy and fulfillment in your daily routineThe true meaning of being a “multi-hyphenate”Understanding that asking for help and taking your health seriously is a great thingThe best advice for strengthening your relationships in 2024My new non-negotiables influenced by the last two years My version of an “award show” thank you
Resources mentioned
New York Times article: 9 Ways to Improve Your Relationships in 2024Episode 24: How To Reframe Expectations and Create Standards For Yourself a... -
49. Jessel Taank ON Life, Fashion, & What It's Like To Be A Real Housewife of New York City
I've been obsessed with The Real Housewives franchise on Bravo since the very first season and excited to welcome Jessel Taank from the newest cast. , and I can't express how excited I was when my guest today, Jessel Taank, joined the cast of The Real Housewives of New York. It's truly been amazing to see Jessel breaking barriers as the first Indian and South Asian housewife on the show and being unapologetically herself the whole way through. In our chat, we talked about her journey to joining the show, her new fashion venture, ŌUSHQ, and how she manages to stay true to herself with all those cameras following her around, fashion, parenting in NYC and more.
Jessel opens up about the challenges of being put under the reality TV microscope and shares some brilliant tips for staying mentally healthy on social media and with the press. Jessel also talks about her passion for the fashion industry and how she has committed herself to making beautiful South Asian and Middle Eastern brands more accessible to everyone through her upcoming curated catalog. We also touch on some of her favorite designers as of late, how she landed in Jenna Lyons’ circle, and what she predicts for the future of the industry.
This episode is such a refreshing and inspiring way to kick off our 2024! Jessel is so authentic and grounded in her beliefs, so I know you will adore our conversation.
Topics Covered:
Jessel's IVF journey and how she navigated sharing her story The way Jessel is representing South Asian authenticity and breaking stereotypes on BravoWhy Jessel decided to join the cast The ups and downs of navigating life with cameras following her every moveHow Jessel adjusts her daily routines on and off of the show Life advice for moms raising their children in big cities How Jessel is making Indian fashion more accessible The emerging fashion designers Jessel is currently loving
Resources:
ŌUSHQ
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Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Follow along @themodernmillennialpodcast on Instagram and sign up for our Newsletter.
Customer Reviews
Chef’s kiss!
Arpita is a great host, always gives great recommendations and I enjoy whatever she puts out whether it’s on the pod, her IG or newsletter. She has the perfect voice for a podcast host. Great content! Look forward to listening anything you put out 😊
Every millennial’s go to
It feels like you’re on a FaceTime with the host, Arpita, who talks about major topics in every south Asian millennial’s life (beauty, pop culture, products, lifestyle hacks, etc). It gives you a breather from all the serious things going on in the world and simultaneously helps you elevate yourself!
Fun and refreshing listen
Arpi is already one of my go to product recommendation gals, and I love the south Asian bend to this content. Excited for all the new content this year!