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The Only in the Room

The Only in the Room

Written by: Anika Aftab
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About this listen

Ever felt like the "Only" in a room full of people? We have and we're changing the narrative. Hosted by Anika Aftab

Anika Aftab 2023
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Episodes
  • Identity in Flux: Navigating Cultural Expectations and Personal Growth in the Bengali Diaspora
    Oct 23 2023
    Join us in this episode of The Only in the Room podcast as our guest, Shompa, shares her journey of self-discovery and cultural identity within the tightly-knit Bengali community in Brooklyn. With candid honesty, Shompa discusses the challenges she faced growing up, from feeling like an outsider to battling societal expectations and cultural pressures.Shompa delves into her experiences of finding her voice and breaking free from the confines of her community's mindset. She shed light on the emotional dynamics, family expectations, and societal values that have shaped her journey as a woman of Bengali descent.Through her own platform, Shompa now advocates for change, bravely speaking out about the issues that matter to her and supporting younger generations in embracing her individuality and authenticity. Despite the difficulties encountered, Shompa finds solace and strength in the support of friends who understand her experiences.As we listen to Shompa's story unfold, we gain insights into the emotional complexities and personal growth that arise from navigating cultural identity, societal pressures, and the pursuit of one's own dreams. Join us as we explore the ups and downs, the joys and challenges of embracing who we truly are, in The Only in the Room podcast.Trigger warning: The episode contains discussions of identity, cultural expectations, familial pressure, and societal norms, which may be triggering for individuals who have experienced discrimination, cultural or ethnic conflicts, or feelings of not belonging
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    49 mins
  • "Concussions and Consciousness: Overcoming Adversity to Find Happiness"
    Oct 10 2023

    Welcome to another episode of "The Only in the Room" with your host, Anika Aftab. In today's captivating episode, we are joined by the incredible Brandon, an individual who has experienced a unique journey of self-discovery and resilience.

    Throughout this episode, Brandon shares with us the moments in life where they have felt the most alone, specifically during transitional periods like leaving their hockey career behind and immersing themselves in the world of yoga. We delve deep into the impact of external labels on our perception of ourselves and the pressure we often feel from the judgment of others.Brandon opens up about their experience of social nervousness and the powerful connections that can be forged by simply sharing our vulnerabilities with strangers. They offer us insightful perspectives on the importance of being true to oneself and the transformative power of shifting our outlook to find solace in any room we enter. Drawing inspiration from various sources, including UFC fighters, live performances, and podcasts, Brandon embodies the belief that personal growth and optimizing oneself mentally and physically can lead to a fulfilling life. They embrace the idea of constantly becoming better, not only for themselves but also to inspire those around them.Bravery and resilience come to the forefront as Brandon discusses their experience with concussions, highlighting the importance of brain health and mindfulness. They candidly share how this challenging journey forced them to confront their thoughts and distractions, ultimately leading to a conscious decision to choose optimism and happiness.Join us as Brandon reveals the power of detachment and the significance of finding peace, even in the face of constant change. We explore their deep-rooted desire to create mindfulness and normalize its practice in different demographics, starting with young people in college.We uncover the meaning of pain and its potential to serve as a positive catalyst for growth, as Brandon shares their journey of intentionally subjecting themselves to pain and embracing discomfort as a means to a better and more empowered self.Through this episode of "The Only in the Room," Brandon invites us to embark on a remarkable journey of self-discovery, highlighting the importance of reshaping our perspectives and finding joy in the present. Join us as we delve into the transformative power of resilience, mindfulness, and the beauty of constantly becoming the best version of ourselves.

    Trigger Warning: This episode discusses topics related to feelings of loneliness, concussions, mental health, loss of identity, and personal growth. Please be advised that these themes may be sensitive or triggering for some listeners. If you are in need of support, we highly encourage seeking assistance from mental health professionals or support helplines.

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    58 mins
  • The Art of Healing: Finding Peace Through Poetry
    Sep 29 2023
    Welcome to "The Only in the Room" podcast with your host, Anika Aftab. In this episode, we sit down with a remarkable guest named Nina as she shares her personal journey of heartbreak, mental health struggles, and finding solace in self-discovery. Nina opens up about her experiences with heartbreak, recounting a painful breakup that changed the course of her life. She takes us through the impact it had on her past, present, and future plans, shedding light on the often underestimated effects of heartbreak. Join us as Nina reflects on powerful words of wisdom she has learned through her own experiences and the importance of slowing down, embracing self-awareness, and appreciating life's journey. With candor and vulnerability, she shares how heartbreak and mental health struggles shaped her and deepened her understanding of others. In this episode, Nina also addresses the stigma surrounding mental health, encouraging listeners to embrace their emotions, seek support, and express themselves authentically. She touches on the power of poetry and music in healing, and offers guidance on navigating the often challenging journey of mental health.Through Nina's inspiring journey of resilience, self-discovery, and finding liberation after heartbreak, we gain insight into our own struggles and find solace in the understanding that we are not alone. "The Only in the Room" podcast offers a safe and compassionate space to explore the complexities of the human experience, and invites us all to embrace our vulnerabilities and connect with one another on a deeper level. So, join us as we listen to Nina's story, and discover how finding strength in our darkest moments can lead to a profound transformation. "The Only in the Room" is a podcast that celebrates the power of vulnerability and reminds us that we are never truly alone in our journeys.[Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of mental health struggles, anxiety, depression, heartbreak, and loneliness. Listener discretion is advised.]
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    55 mins
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