Who are you when the thing that defined you is taken away?

What happens when the life you planned no longer exists?

How do you grieve a future that never happened?

Can uncertainty become a place of growth instead of fear?

 

In this deeply moving episode of A Really Good Cry, Radhi sits down with cognitive scientist and author Dr. Maya Shankar for an honest conversation about identity, loss, and navigating life’s most unexpected transitions. Dr. Maya is the author of The Other Side of Change: Who We Become When Life Makes Other Plans, a book rooted in both science and lived experience.

 

Maya shares the story of her childhood as a violin prodigy — accepted into Juilliard at nine and studying under Itzhak Perlman — until a career-ending injury at fifteen forced her to grieve not just the violin, but the version of herself she thought she would be. She opens up about how losing the violin meant losing her confidence, her identity, and the future she had built her entire life around.

 

She also speaks candidly about her fertility journey, including miscarriage, surrogacy, and the realization that some desires are shaped by cultural expectations of womanhood. Maya reflects on how choosing to pause her path to motherhood brought unexpected peace and clarity.

 

Radhi shares her own experiences of identity loss — from moving to New York and no longer being able to practice as a clinical dietitian, to navigating grief after the peaceful passing of her grandmother. Together, they explore how identity can unravel when the “what” of our lives changes, and why anchoring ourselves in why we do things allows us to evolve without losing ourselves.

 

In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why identity rooted in roles and achievements is fragile
How grief shows up when we lose a future we imagined
The difference between what you do and why you do it
Why humans crave certainty — and how to live without it
How to find safety in community instead of clear answers
What the “end of history illusion” reveals about personal growth
How mental time travel can help ease anxiety and fear
Why witnessing human goodness can restore hope and meaning

 

This episode is a gentle reminder that change doesn’t mean something went wrong — sometimes it means life is asking you to become more than you planned.





Follow Maya Shankar: 

https://mayashankar.com/

https://changewithmaya.substack.com/p/introducing-change-with-maya-shankar

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmayashankar

https://www.instagram.com/drmayashankar





Follow Radhi:

https://www.instagram.com/radhidevlukia/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxWe9A4kMf9V_AHOXkGhCzQ

https://www.facebook.com/radhidevlukia1/

https://www.tiktok.com/@radhidevlukia

Who are you when the thing that defined you is taken away?
What happens when the life you planned no longer exists?
How do you grieve a future that never happened?
Can uncertainty become a place of growth instead of fear?
&nbsp;
In this deeply moving episode of A Really Good Cry, Radhi sits down with cognitive scientist and author Dr. Maya Shankar for an honest conversation about identity, loss, and navigating life&rsquo;s most unexpected transitions. Dr. Maya is the author of The Other Side of Change: Who We Become When Life Makes Other Plans, a book rooted in both science and lived experience.
&nbsp;
Maya shares the story of her childhood as a violin prodigy &mdash; accepted into Juilliard at nine and studying under Itzhak Perlman &mdash; until a career-ending injury at fifteen forced her to grieve not just the violin, but the version of herself she thought she would be. She opens up about how losing the violin meant losing her confidence, her identity, and the future she had built her entire life around.
&nbsp;
She also speaks candidly about her fertility journey, including miscarriage, surrogacy, and the realization that some desires are shaped by cultural expectations of womanhood. Maya reflects on how choosing to pause her path to motherhood brought unexpected peace and clarity.
&nbsp;
Radhi shares her own experiences of identity loss &mdash; from moving to New York and no longer being able to practice as a clinical dietitian, to navigating grief after the peaceful passing of her grandmother. Together, they explore how identity can unravel when the &ldquo;what&rdquo; of our lives changes, and why anchoring ourselves in why we do things allows us to evolve without losing ourselves.
&nbsp;
In this episode, you&rsquo;ll learn:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why identity rooted in roles and achievements is fragile</li>
<li aria-level="1">How grief shows up when we lose a future we imagined</li>
<li aria-level="1">The difference between what you do and why you do it</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why humans crave certainty &mdash; and how to live without it</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to find safety in community instead of clear answers</li>
<li aria-level="1">What the &ldquo;end of history illusion&rdquo; reveals about personal growth</li>
<li aria-level="1">How mental time travel can help ease anxiety and fear</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why witnessing human goodness can restore hope and meaning</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
This episode is a gentle reminder that change doesn&rsquo;t mean something went wrong &mdash; sometimes it means life is asking you to become more than you planned.
 
Follow Maya Shankar:&nbsp;
<a href="https://mayashankar.com/">https://mayashankar.com/</a>
<a href="https://changewithmaya.substack.com/p/introducing-change-with-maya-shankar">https://changewithmaya.substack.com/p/introducing-change-with-maya-shankar</a>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmayashankar">https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmayashankar</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/drmayashankar">https://www.instagram.com/drmayashankar</a>
 
Follow Radhi:
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/radhidevlukia/">https://www.instagram.com/radhidevlukia/</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxWe9A4kMf9V_AHOXkGhCzQ">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxWe9A4kMf9V_AHOXkGhCzQ</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/radhidevlukia1/">https://www.facebook.com/radhidevlukia1/</a>
<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@radhidevlukia">https://www.tiktok.com/@radhidevlukia</a>

This podcast won’t solve all your problems, but it WILL go through them with you. Radhi Devlukia brings you a new weekly show called A Really Good Cry, a space where we can embrace the real, the messy and the beautiful parts of life that can be difficult to digest alone, together. Tune in for a good ole’ laugh, maybe shed a tear or two, and join a community where you can have a really good cry!

There's no small talk here, we are diving straight in and it’s gonna get real. Whether it’s raw, unfiltered conversations, debate and discussions of different perspectives and life experiences or going on an emotional rollercoaster. A Really Good Cry is there for you to learn, connect, and find comfort together - that allows us to see the world and ourselves with a new perspective. 

Some episodes will also feature surprise guests, including celebrities, scientists, experts and more. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Tag @areallygoodcry on Instagram with your best crying face for a chance to be featured on our social media channels. Like, comment and follow @areallygoodcry on Instagram if you want the chance to be featured on episodes. You can also subscribe to get exclusive and bonus content. Radhi will give listeners the opportunity to be part of the show by responding to dms, comments, questions and more. 

This podcast won’t solve all your problems, but it WILL go through them with you. Radhi Devlukia brings you a new weekly show called A Really Good Cry, a space where we can embrace the real, the messy and the beautiful parts of life that can be difficult to digest alone, together. Tune in for a good ole’ laugh, maybe shed a tear or two, and join a community where you can have a really good cry!
There's no small talk here, we are diving straight in and it’s gonna get real. Whether it’s raw, unfiltered conversations, debate and discussions of different perspectives and life experiences or going on an emotional rollercoaster. A Really Good Cry is there for you to learn, connect, and find comfort together - that allows us to see the world and ourselves with a new perspective. 
Some episodes will also feature surprise guests, including celebrities, scientists, experts and more. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Tag @areallygoodcry on Instagram with your best crying face for a chance to be featured on our social media channels. Like, comment and follow @areallygoodcry on Instagram if you want the chance to be featured on episodes. You can also subscribe to get exclusive and bonus content. Radhi will give listeners the opportunity to be part of the show by responding to dms, comments, questions and more.

A Really Good Cry

This podcast won’t solve all your problems, but it WILL go through them with you. Radhi Devlukia brings you a new weekly show called A Really Good Cry, a space where we can embrace the real, the messy and the beautiful parts of life that can be difficult to digest alone, together. Tune in for a good ole’ laugh, maybe shed a tear or two, and join a community where you can have a really good cry!
There's no small talk here, we are diving straight in and it’s gonna get real. Whether it’s raw, unfiltered conversations, debate and discussions of different perspectives and life experiences or going on an emotional rollercoaster. A Really Good Cry is there for you to learn, connect, and find comfort together - that allows us to see the world and ourselves with a new perspective. 
Some episodes will also feature surprise guests, including celebrities, scientists, experts and more. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Tag @areallygoodcry on Instagram with your best crying face for a chance to be featured on our social media channels. Like, comment and follow @areallygoodcry on Instagram if you want the chance to be featured on episodes. You can also subscribe to get exclusive and bonus content. Radhi will give listeners the opportunity to be part of the show by responding to dms, comments, questions and more.

Grieving the Future You Imagined with Dr. Maya Shankar

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/20217522-a414-4876-979a-b3d1007ab780/transcript

What if starting something new isn’t the real challenge—but finishing it is?

Why do so many projects, goals, and ideas die in the “messy middle”?

What if completing a task isn’t just about willpower, but about shifting who you are at a deeper level?

Are you a person who loves beginnings but avoids endings—or could you train yourself to finish with ease?

In this episode of A Really Good Cry, Radhi Devlukia explores the gap between starting and finishing. Drawing from science, Ayurveda, and her own life, she explains why our brains crave novelty but resist follow-through—and how to move from the dopamine rush of beginnings to the serotonin stability of completion.

Through honesty, practical tools, and gentle insight, Radhi guides listeners to shift identity, build momentum, and cultivate the discipline needed to see projects through—all while learning to celebrate small wins along the way.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why starting is easy but finishing is hard—and how your brain tricks you
How to turn “too many open drawers” into actionable focus
Tools to create micro-finish lines and train your boredom muscle
How to shift from being a “starter” to a “finisher”
Ways to make progress sustainable, consistent, and personally rewarding



This isn’t about working harder—it’s about finishing smarter.

 

Follow Radhi:

https://www.instagram.com/radhidevlukia/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxWe9A4kMf9V_AHOXkGhCzQ

https://www.facebook.com/radhidevlukia1/

https://www.tiktok.com/@radhidevlukia

What if starting something new isn&rsquo;t the real challenge&mdash;but finishing it is?
Why do so many projects, goals, and ideas die in the &ldquo;messy middle&rdquo;?
What if completing a task isn&rsquo;t just about willpower, but about shifting who you are at a deeper level?
Are you a person who loves beginnings but avoids endings&mdash;or could you train yourself to finish with ease?
In this episode of A Really Good Cry, Radhi Devlukia explores the gap between starting and finishing. Drawing from science, Ayurveda, and her own life, she explains why our brains crave novelty but resist follow-through&mdash;and how to move from the dopamine rush of beginnings to the serotonin stability of completion.
Through honesty, practical tools, and gentle insight, Radhi guides listeners to shift identity, build momentum, and cultivate the discipline needed to see projects through&mdash;all while learning to celebrate small wins along the way.
In this episode, you&rsquo;ll learn:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why starting is easy but finishing is hard&mdash;and how your brain tricks you</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to turn &ldquo;too many open drawers&rdquo; into actionable focus</li>
<li aria-level="1">Tools to create micro-finish lines and train your boredom muscle</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to shift from being a &ldquo;starter&rdquo; to a &ldquo;finisher&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ways to make progress sustainable, consistent, and personally rewarding </li>
</ul>
This isn&rsquo;t about working harder&mdash;it&rsquo;s about finishing smarter.
&nbsp;
Follow Radhi:
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/radhidevlukia/">https://www.instagram.com/radhidevlukia/</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxWe9A4kMf9V_AHOXkGhCzQ">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxWe9A4kMf9V_AHOXkGhCzQ</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/radhidevlukia1/">https://www.facebook.com/radhidevlukia1/</a>
<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@radhidevlukia">https://www.tiktok.com/@radhidevlukia</a>

Finishing Things: How to Actually Complete What You Start (And  Keep Promises to Yourself)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/04ba90a0-954b-45d0-800c-b3ca0079467e/transcript

What if your skin isn’t the problem—but the messenger?

Could breakouts, hormonal imbalances, and low confidence all trace back to the same root cause?

And what if healing your skin wasn’t about adding more products—but understanding your body’s signals?

 

In this episode of A Really Good Cry, Radhi sits down with Clearstem co-founders Danielle Gronich and Kayleigh Christina for an eye-opening conversation on how to truly heal acne from the inside out. Danielle shares her years-long struggle with cystic acne and the frustration of endless prescriptions that never worked, while Kayleigh opens up about the emotional toll of post-birth-control breakouts that left her hiding from the world.

 

Together, they unpack the deeper connection between hormones, gut health, and skin—and why “clean” doesn’t always mean “acne-safe.” They also dive into how stress, sleep, diet, and hidden ingredients in skincare (and even haircare) can trigger breakouts—and the small, sustainable changes that can make a big difference.

 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

 
The truth about birth control, antibiotics, and what they do to your hormones
Why exfoliation isn’t optional—and how to do it right
The most common pore-clogging ingredients hiding in your skincare and makeup
How to support your body’s detox and hormone balance naturally
The foods and supplements that may secretly be sabotaging your skin
Why healing acne starts with awareness, not perfection

 

If you’ve tried everything and still feel stuck, this episode is your reminder: your skin isn’t the enemy—it’s your body asking you to listen.

 

Follow Clearstem:
https://clearstem.com/
https://www.instagram.com/clearstemskincare
https://www.facebook.com/clearstemskincare/
https://www.tiktok.com/@clearstemskincare
https://www.pinterest.com/clearstemskincare/

 

Follow Danielle:
https://www.instagram.com/danielle.the.acne.guru/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegronich

 

Follow Kayleigh:
https://www.instagram.com/kayleigh.christina/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleigh-christina

 

Follow Radhi:
https://www.instagram.com/radhidevlukia/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxWe9A4kMf9V_AHOXkGhCzQ
https://www.facebook.com/radhidevlukia1/
https://www.tiktok.com/@radhidevlukia

What if your skin isn&rsquo;t the problem&mdash;but the messenger?
Could breakouts, hormonal imbalances, and low confidence all trace back to the same root cause?
And what if healing your skin wasn&rsquo;t about adding more products&mdash;but understanding your body&rsquo;s signals?
&nbsp;
In this episode of A Really Good Cry, Radhi sits down with Clearstem co-founders Danielle Gronich and Kayleigh Christina for an eye-opening conversation on how to truly heal acne from the inside out. Danielle shares her years-long struggle with cystic acne and the frustration of endless prescriptions that never worked, while Kayleigh opens up about the emotional toll of post-birth-control breakouts that left her hiding from the world.
&nbsp;
Together, they unpack the deeper connection between hormones, gut health, and skin&mdash;and why &ldquo;clean&rdquo; doesn&rsquo;t always mean &ldquo;acne-safe.&rdquo; They also dive into how stress, sleep, diet, and hidden ingredients in skincare (and even haircare) can trigger breakouts&mdash;and the small, sustainable changes that can make a big difference.
&nbsp;
In this episode, you&rsquo;ll learn:
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The truth about birth control, antibiotics, and what they do to your hormones</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why exfoliation isn&rsquo;t optional&mdash;and how to do it right</li>
<li aria-level="1">The most common pore-clogging ingredients hiding in your skincare and makeup</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to support your body&rsquo;s detox and hormone balance naturally</li>
<li aria-level="1">The foods and supplements that may secretly be sabotaging your skin</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why healing acne starts with awareness, not perfection</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;ve tried everything and still feel stuck, this episode is your reminder: your skin isn&rsquo;t the enemy&mdash;it&rsquo;s your body asking you to listen.
&nbsp;
Follow Clearstem:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://clearstem.com/">https://clearstem.com/</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/clearstemskincare">https://www.instagram.com/clearstemskincare</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/clearstemskincare/">https://www.facebook.com/clearstemskincare/</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@clearstemskincare">https://www.tiktok.com/@clearstemskincare</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/clearstemskincare/">https://www.pinterest.com/clearstemskincare/</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Follow Danielle:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/danielle.the.acne.guru/">https://www.instagram.com/danielle.the.acne.guru/</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegronich">https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegronich</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Follow Kayleigh:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kayleigh.christina/">https://www.instagram.com/kayleigh.christina/</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleigh-christina">https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleigh-christina</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Follow Radhi:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/radhidevlukia/">https://www.instagram.com/radhidevlukia/</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxWe9A4kMf9V_AHOXkGhCzQ">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxWe9A4kMf9V_AHOXkGhCzQ</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/radhidevlukia1/">https://www.facebook.com/radhidevlukia1/</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@radhidevlukia">https://www.tiktok.com/@radhidevlukia</a></li>
</ul>

Clearstem: Birth Control, Hormones & Your Skin: What’s Actually Happening

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/def3c569-b52b-4253-a962-b3c3006a8bc5/transcript

What if the answers you're searching for have been inside you all along?

How often do you hand your power to others without even noticing?

And could your biggest struggles be invitations to finally see yourself clearly?

 

In this deeply honest Q&A episode of A Really Good Cry, Radhi opens up like never before, responding to your most personal questions—from love and friendship to purpose, comparison, creativity, and healing. Filled with humor, vulnerability, and striking self-awareness, Radhi shares the lessons she’s learned the hard way and the ones she’s still learning now.

 

She talks about the lifelong pattern of believing others knew better than she did, how she finds calm and balance in her marriage, why friendship breakups can hurt more than romantic ones, and what it really looks like to find motivation as a creator and business owner.

 

Radhi also gets real about comparison, jealousy, burnout, emotional eating, and self-sabotage—offering not polished perfection, but raw truth and lived experience. Through it all, she reminds us that growth isn’t linear, emotions aren’t weaknesses, and you can rewrite the way you see yourself at any time.

 

In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why trusting yourself is one of the hardest—and most transformative—skills to build
How to stay an individual while loving someone deeply
Why friendship breakups can be necessary for growth
What creative blocks really mean and how to move through them
How comparison can actually reveal what you truly want
Why self-love requires evidence, not affirmations
How to recognize and interrupt cycles of self-sabotage
What it means to carry the people you’ve lost into who you become

 

This episode is a reminder that you're not alone in your questions, your doubts, or your messy middle.

 

It’s not about having it all figured out—it’s about learning to notice your life, honor your emotions, and trust that you're becoming the person you’re meant to be.





Follow Radhi:

https://www.instagram.com/radhidevlukia/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxWe9A4kMf9V_AHOXkGhCzQ

https://www.facebook.com/radhidevlukia1/

https://www.tiktok.com/@radhidevlukia

What if the answers you're searching for have been inside you all along?
How often do you hand your power to others without even noticing?
And could your biggest struggles be invitations to finally see yourself clearly?
&nbsp;
In this deeply honest Q&amp;A episode of A Really Good Cry, Radhi opens up like never before, responding to your most personal questions&mdash;from love and friendship to purpose, comparison, creativity, and healing. Filled with humor, vulnerability, and striking self-awareness, Radhi shares the lessons she&rsquo;s learned the hard way and the ones she&rsquo;s still learning now.
&nbsp;
She talks about the lifelong pattern of believing others knew better than she did, how she finds calm and balance in her marriage, why friendship breakups can hurt more than romantic ones, and what it really looks like to find motivation as a creator and business owner.
&nbsp;
Radhi also gets real about comparison, jealousy, burnout, emotional eating, and self-sabotage&mdash;offering not polished perfection, but raw truth and lived experience. Through it all, she reminds us that growth isn&rsquo;t linear, emotions aren&rsquo;t weaknesses, and you can rewrite the way you see yourself at any time.
&nbsp;
In this episode, you&rsquo;ll learn:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why trusting yourself is one of the hardest&mdash;and most transformative&mdash;skills to build</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to stay an individual while loving someone deeply</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why friendship breakups can be necessary for growth</li>
<li aria-level="1">What creative blocks really mean and how to move through them</li>
<li aria-level="1">How comparison can actually reveal what you truly want</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why self-love requires evidence, not affirmations</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to recognize and interrupt cycles of self-sabotage</li>
<li aria-level="1">What it means to carry the people you&rsquo;ve lost into who you become</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
This episode is a reminder that you're not alone in your questions, your doubts, or your messy middle.
&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s not about having it all figured out&mdash;it&rsquo;s about learning to notice your life, honor your emotions, and trust that you're becoming the person you&rsquo;re meant to be.
 
Follow Radhi:
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/radhidevlukia/">https://www.instagram.com/radhidevlukia/</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxWe9A4kMf9V_AHOXkGhCzQ">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxWe9A4kMf9V_AHOXkGhCzQ</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/radhidevlukia1/">https://www.facebook.com/radhidevlukia1/</a>
<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@radhidevlukia">https://www.tiktok.com/@radhidevlukia</a>

Q&A: Let’s Talk Relationships, Creative Burnout, Jealousy, and Self-Worth

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/8a4bb99a-6873-45f3-ae52-b3bc00699af2/transcript

Grieving the Future You Imagined with Dr. Maya Shankar

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