Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa walked into plastic surgery residency as one of the most confident women she knew. The eldest daughter of Indian immigrant feminists, a person who had never once questioned her own capability. And then the system got to work.

In this episode of Sense of Self, Dr. Gowri Aragam sits down with Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa, double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, microsurgeon, founder and CEO of the Institute for Advanced Breast Reconstruction, founder of Avara Skincare, and one of the most compelling voices in medicine today with over 600,000 Instagram followers, for the conversation behind the highlight reel.

What unfolds is a story about what happens when the identity you've spent a lifetime building gets systematically dismantled by the very institution you sacrificed everything to join. A story about clinical depression that had nothing to do with postpartum and everything to do with a toxic culture designed to break people. And about what it looks like to walk away from the prestige, the title, the academic institution, and build something entirely your own.

This one will stay with you.

Meet Dr. Srinivasa!
Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and microsurgeon based in Los Angeles. She is the founder and CEO of the Institute for Advanced Breast Reconstruction, with locations across LA and Austin, Texas, and the founder of Avara Skincare, a line hand-formulated with a private chemist for women at every stage of life. She is a mother of three and a growing voice on social media with over 600,000 Instagram followers.

Connect with Dhivya:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drdhivyasrinivasa/
Institute for Advanced Breast Reconstruction:
https://www.theiabr.com/
Inside Thoughts Out Loud: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/inside-thoughts-out-loud/id1879385691

Connect with Sense of Self:
Subscribe for more episodes like this: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense-of-self/id1742905024
Follow the Sense of Self Podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/senseofself.podcast/

Connect with Dr. Gowri Aragam:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgowriaragam/
Website: https://www.drgowriaragam.com/

00:00 Identity Shattered Teaser
00:16 Meet Dr Dhivya
02:45 Roots and Family Names
04:06 SoCal Upbringing Values
06:00 Confidence Built at Home
09:59 Eldest Daughter Energy
11:13 High Expectations No Anxiety
14:59 Bullying and Armor
17:11 Money Mindset and Drive
19:22 Parenting in a New Era
22:42 Residency Broke the Confidence
29:04 Toxic Labels in Plastic Surgery
30:53 Toxic Residency Spiral
32:36 Fresh Start at UCSF
35:02 Therapy and Reframing Reality
38:49 Drug Test Breaking Point
44:00 Anxiety and Burnout Fallout
46:38 Quitting to Protect Yourself
48:46 Rebuilding Confidence
51:15 Choosing Yourself Like Cancer
54:57 Life as Surgeon Entrepreneur
57:59 Why People Stay Stuck
59:05 Identity and Closing Thoughts

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

"I was completely externally focused. Who likes me? Who is accepting me? Who's giving me attention? I did theater. I was on stages. I was very externally focused." - Janis Vogel

Growing up mixed-race on Martha's Vineyard, filmmaker and coach Janis Vogel became a master of reinvention - transforming herself from skater to "homie" to clueless wannabe, all in pursuit of acceptance. But it wasn't until becoming a mother that she realized the cost of living as a canvas instead of a soul.

This raw conversation explores the exhausting work of shapeshifting for love and the profound liberation that comes from choosing authenticity.

🎯 What You'll Learn:

• The hidden cost of people-pleasing and perfectionism
• How childhood abandonment shapes adult relationships
• Why being a "good mother" requires being yourself first
• The difference between seeming okay and actually being okay
• How to break cycles without breaking your family

⚠️ Perfect for: People-pleasers, parents questioning their choices, anyone tired of performing

🎬 About Our Guest: Janis Vogel is a filmmaker, divorce coach, and mother who helps people navigate relationship transitions with authenticity and grace.

Connect with Janis!
instagram.com/janisvogel

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.

We made it to the finale of our first season, and it's a really good one. We had the opportunity to do a deep dive into Shay's journey of self-discovery and transformation. A first-generation Nigerian immigrant and doctor, Shay shares her powerful story of breaking free from the expectations and pressures placed upon her by her family, society, and herself.

Shay opens up about the impact of racism on her mental health, the challenges she faced in her surgical residency, and the pivotal moments that led her to make life-altering decisions. She candidly discusses the internal struggles she faced, the feelings of inadequacy, and the realization that she needed to prioritize her own well-being over societal expectations.

As Shay navigates different phases of her life, from Chicago to Boston to California, she reflects on the importance of finding inner peace and fulfillment beyond external achievements. She shares her journey of rediscovering her true self, embracing her strengths, and letting go of the need for validation from others.

Through Shay's story, we witness the power of resilience, self-reflection, and the courage to redefine one's sense of self. Join us as we explore Shay's path to self-acceptance, healing, and the pursuit of a life that aligns with her authentic identity.

Thank you for tuning in to Sense of Self. Stay connected for updates on future bonus episodes and the possibility of a second season. Remember, your sense of self is a journey worth exploring!

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.

Ria Tobaccowala, a former Google employee turned screenwriter and director. Ria shared her journey of self-discovery, starting from her childhood in Chicago to her experiences as a primary caregiver for a loved one. We delved into how she navigated being an outsider after a traumatic incident in high school involving photography and law enforcement. Ria also discussed her path to rediscovering her passion for storytelling and filmmaking, despite facing challenges and self-doubt. Through therapy, Ria learned to be kinder to herself, embrace the present moment, and trust in the flow of life, much like a soothing waterfall, as her name suggests. The episode highlighted the importance of self-exploration, resilience, and finding peace in one's journey of understanding oneself.

Transitioning from a successful career at Google to becoming a primary caregiver for a loved one, Ria faced life-altering decisions that prompted her to reexamine her priorities and aspirations. Through therapy, she discovered the importance of self-care, self-compassion, and being present in the moment. Ria's journey of self-discovery and resilience serves as a testament to the power of introspection, growth, and embracing one's true identity. As she continues to navigate the waters of life, Ria strives to embody the essence of a waterfall, flowing with grace and trust in the journey ahead.

Join us for the next episode of Sense of Self as we explore more stories of self-discovery and personal growth. Thank you for listening.

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.