About the podcast
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.

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.



About Dr. Gowri Aragam

Dr. Gowri Aragam is a rising voice in the field of psychiatry, dedicated to exploring the intersection of identity, self-narrative, and mental well-being. As a young Indian-American woman, a psychiatrist, and a new mother she understands the complexities of navigating multiple worlds and the profound impact this can have on one's sense of self.

Growing up, Dr. Aragam witnessed firsthand the harsh limitations and judgments imposed on South Asian women by society, it ignited a passion within her to uplift and empower women through compassionate, culturally attuned mental health care.

As co-founder of the Stanford Brainstorm Lab for Mental Health Innovation, the world's first academic lab dedicated to collaborative mental health tech innovation, Dr. Aragam was at the forefront of developing person-centered digital solutions. Her team worked closely with Pinterest to create the "compassionate search" feature, providing anxiety, depression, and self-harm resources to users in 23 countries.

Dr. Aragam's mission extends beyond innovation—she strives to make every patient and person feel truly seen and understood. Whether in her clinical work, tech collaborations, or emerging media ventures, she remains dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and shattering stigmas that have long silenced women, especially women of color and South Asian descent.

Currently an assistant professor of psychiatry at UCSF, Dr. Aragam brings her empathetic, trailblazing spirit to the Women's Health Center and Primary Care. Her unique background, honed through a fellowship in consultation-liaison psychiatry at UCSF and residency at Mass General Hospital/McLean, allows her to provide holistic, innovative care that honors each woman's lived experience.

In her latest venture, Dr. Aragam invites listeners to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, validation, and empowerment. Her aspiration is that "Sense of Self" becomes a catalyst for individual and community change. Her hope is that it encourages people to embrace their authentic selves unapologetically.




 

A production of The Mission Entertainment