Sense of Self Podcast By Dr. Gowri Aragam The Mission Entertainment Andrew C. Coles Elizabeth Rose Allison Keeley cover art

Sense of Self

Sense of Self

By: Dr. Gowri Aragam The Mission Entertainment Andrew C. Coles Elizabeth Rose Allison Keeley
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About this listen

 Sense of Self showcases women of color who are confronting and challenging the stories they believe about themselves. Conversations between psychiatrist Dr. Gowri Aragam and our guests demonstrate—but do not preach—about therapeutic concepts, particularly personal narrative, its origins, and the power of reclaiming one's own story.2024 Sense of Self Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences
Episodes
  • I Spent My Childhood Shapeshifting to Be Loved with Janis Vogel

    I Spent My Childhood Shapeshifting to Be Loved with Janis Vogel
    Jul 2 2025

    "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.
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    45 mins
  • Breaking 20 Years of Silence: Why I Finally Told My Story with Francisca Alegría

    Breaking 20 Years of Silence: Why I Finally Told My Story with Francisca Alegría
    Jun 25 2025
    Trigger Warning: The following episode contains discussion of sexual abuse. For 20 years, Chilean filmmaker Francisca Alegría carried a secret that shaped every relationship, every creative choice, and every moment of self-doubt. The sexual abuse she experienced at age six became a "dark well" that she thought would define her forever. Today, she's an internationally recognized filmmaker, soon-to-be-married, and finally free from the shame that once consumed her. This is her story of breaking the silence and reclaiming her narrative. 📚 Essential Insights: - Why staying silent often feels safer than speaking up - How childhood trauma manifests in adult relationships - The unexpected connection between pain and creativity - Practical steps for healing from sexual abuse - How to support survivors in your life 🎬 About Our Guest: Francisca Alegría is a Chilean filmmaker whose work has been recognized at Sundance Labs. Her journey from trauma survivor to acclaimed storyteller proves that our wounds don't have to define our worth. Connect with Francisca! instagram.com/franciscalegria/ 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.
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    49 mins
  • From Being Bullied to Being Mayor: How Politics Became My Therapy with Sumbul Siddiqui

    From Being Bullied to Being Mayor: How Politics Became My Therapy with Sumbul Siddiqui
    Jun 18 2025
    Sometimes the hardest job becomes your greatest teacher. Sumbul Siddiqui never expected that becoming Cambridge's first Muslim mayor would force her to confront the bullied child she once was - or that leading through COVID would become the ultimate confidence-building experience. In this raw conversation, she reveals how public service became an unexpected form of therapy, teaching her to trust herself even when the world seemed to be watching and waiting for her to fail. 📚 Essential Insights: - How childhood bullying shapes adult leadership styles - The connection between public service and personal healing - Why representation matters for both communities and individuals - Practical tools for building confidence in high-pressure situations - The role of therapy in maintaining perspective during public attacks 🎓 About Our Guest: Sumbul Siddiqui served as mayor of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and continues to advocate for inclusive leadership and mental health awareness in public service. Connect with Sumbul! instagram.com/councillorsiddiqui/ 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.
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
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