The South Asian Healing Podcast
Let's discuss things that don't get talked about in our community!Let's talk about it so we can heal. This includes: trauma, boundaries, tough conversations, in-laws, parents, relationships, marriage, upbringings, childhood adversities and much more!Join me as I invite several guests from our community to talk about these things. Their backgrounds include: coaching, psychotherapy, counselling, psychology & fitness.A new episode drops every Thursday at 5 am PST.Listen now!Please note: The advice, tips and discussions on these episodes are not a substitute for professional therapy. Please follow at your discretion. Follow me on Instagram for more related content and...
Re-Release: I Visited My Elementary School to Heal My Inner Child
This episode is a re-release from April 2023 and one of the most personal conversations I’ve shared.
In March 2023, I returned to my hometown and visited my elementary school. Walking through those hallways brought back memories I had carried for years. I remembered being made fun of for crying when someone stole my toy, getting pushed off the monkey bars and staying silent, and being told I needed extra help while other kids called me stupid.
Looking back, I realize those moments were never just about what happened on the surface. I was a kid carrying em...
Re-Release: What Is the Inner Child and Why Healing It Changes Everything
Your inner child still lives within you.
If you often feel sad, not good enough, emotionally triggered, or stuck in patterns you do not fully understand, this conversation is for you.
In this re-released episode, I sit down with Anoop Dhamoon to explore what inner child work really is and why healing it can change how you relate to yourself and others.
We talk about where emotional patterns come from, how childhood experiences stay stored in the body, and why moving on mentally does not always mean you have healed emotionally. We also explore...
Re-Release: Toughen Up? Rewriting the Narrative on Men’s Mental Health
This is a special re-release of a conversation that still matters.
In this episode, I expand on a speech I gave at the Kaur & Singh Movement Gala in February 2025 and share my personal journey with men’s mental health, from early struggles to eventually seeking therapy.
I talk about the pressure men face to stay silent, why vulnerability is often misunderstood, and how opening up can become a real source of strength.
If you have ever felt the need to tough it out alone or questioned whether your emotions are valid, this episode is fo...
Re-Release: Men’s Mental Health & My Story of Vulnerability
I’m re-releasing this conversation because I hear the same things from men:
“I’m fine.”
“I’ll deal with it later.”
“I don’t want to burden anyone.”
Six months ago, I sat down with Sunny Lamba on the Flawthentic ME podcast and spoke openly about what happens when men keep carrying everything alone and what changes when they finally don’t. In this episode, we talk about:
• How emotional shutdown starts early for many men
• Why anger, overworking, or drinking often become coping tools
• The disconnect between looking successful a...
Re-Release: What I Wish I Knew in My 20s: A Guide to Growth
I’m sharing this episode again because the message continues to resonate and honestly, it feels even more relevant now than when I first recorded it.
In this solo episode, I reflect on my journey and share 10 life lessons that shaped how I think about failure, resilience, self-trust, and personal growth. These are the things I wish someone had told me earlier in life and the lessons I see so many people still struggling with today.
Whether you’re in your twenties, thirties, or simply in a season of reflection, I hope this conversation offers perspective, reas...
Re-Release: When a Tough Conversation Goes Sideways - 6 Steps to Move Forward
Ever had a difficult conversation that didn’t turn out the way you hoped?
In this re-release episode, we explore six practical steps to help you navigate the aftermath of a tough discussion, from reflecting on what went wrong to finding ways to move forward constructively.
Tune in to learn how to handle these challenging moments with grace and resilience.
If you have your own experiences or need advice on managing tough conversations, reach out to me—I’d love to hear your stories and offer support!
 Follow me on Instagram:
👉 @sunnyccoac...
Re-Release: Breaking Taboos: Mental Health & Healing in the South Asian Community
In this re-released episode, I was interviewed by Ravi Toor for an open and honest conversation about mental health in the South Asian community.
We talked about the pressure many of us grow up with such as to be strong, to stay silent, and to deal with everything on our own.
I shared my personal experiences around emotional suppression, why relying only on family support isn’t always enough, and how finding safe, trusted people outside of traditional structures can be a turning point in healing.
We also discussed practical ways to set boundaries, sp...
Re-Release: Beyond Dry January: How to Break Free from Alcohol by Building Habits and Changing Your Mindset
This is a re-release of a conversation that still matters especially as we step into a new year and many people are rethinking their relationship with alcohol.
Dry January can be a powerful reset, but staying alcohol-free long term takes more than willpower.
In this episode, I share my personal journey from casual drinking to living alcohol-free, and why mindset shifts, habit change, and honest self-reflection are what actually create lasting change.
We explore:
Why “just quitting” often doesn’t last
What alcohol was really giving you (and taking from you)
Revamp Your Resolutions: Emotional Wellness & Stronger Relationships (Revisited)
As we step into a new year, it’s worth pausing and asking a deeper question :
What do I actually want to feel more of this year?
In this revisited episode, we move beyond the usual New Year’s resolutions focused on fitness, hustle, and productivity, and shift the conversation toward something just as important emotional wellness and healthier relationships.
Instead of chasing surface level goals, this episode invites you to reflect on the quality of your connections, your communication patterns, and how well you are taking care of your mental health.
I gu...
Re-Release: Breaking the Silence: Why Men’s Mental Health Can’t Wait
This episode is a revisit of a powerful conversation that still feels just as relevant today.
Originally released earlier this year, I’m bringing this episode back as I reflect on the speech I delivered at the Kaur & Singh Movement Gala, where I spoke openly about breaking the silence around men’s mental health.
In this episode, I share my personal journey—from childhood struggles to seeking therapy—and how I learned that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a form of real strength.
I unpack the societal pressure placed on men to “toughen up,” suppr...
Re-Release: Stillness Isn’t Weak: Why Men Need Mindfulness More Than Ever
I’m re-releasing this episode because the message feels more relevant than ever.
This podcast explores the power of meditation and mindfulness and why learning to sit with your thoughts can be a game-changer for men’s mental health.
 In a world that constantly demands more from men—work, relationships, expectations—it’s easy to stay busy and disconnected from yourself.
We rarely slow down long enough to actually process what we’re carrying.
In this episode, I talk about:Why sitting with your thoughts is uncomfortable—but necessaryHow mindfulness helps manage stress and emot...
Re-Release: The Christmas That Finally Felt Peaceful
Christmas 2023 was honestly the best Christmas I’ve had in years. I enjoyed it the same way I did when I was a kid. And since then, every holiday season has felt just as good.
The biggest reason? I finally learned to set boundaries and have the tough South Asian household conversations I used to avoid. I’m re-releasing this episode because this was the moment the holidays finally became fun for me again — peaceful, light, and stress-free.
With Christmas coming up later this month, this is the perfect time to use these tools proactively.
I...
Re-Release: Navigating Awkward Holiday Questions With Confidence
Dreading those awkward holiday questions again this year?
You’re not alone and you don’t have to freeze, over-explain, or feel pressured. In this re-release episode you’ll learn:Polite, grounded ways to respond to personal questionsHow to set boundaries without conflictSmooth, natural ways to change the subjectTools to protect your peace during stressful momentsWhether it's questions about your job, relationships, marriage, kids, or anything personal, this episode gives you simple strategies to stay centered and avoid holiday stress or drama.
Listen now so you can enjoy the holidays feeling prepared, peaceful, and in control. Follow...
One Year Sober: The Honest Story I’ve Never Told Out Loud
In this episode, I share the real story behind my first year sober — the blackouts, the fear, the therapy session that changed everything, and how I learned I couldn’t “control” drinking anymore.
I talk about the early months, the awkwardness, the fear of losing people, and the natural buzzes that replaced alcohol for me: deep conversations, rest, peace, mindfulness, slowing down.Â
I also open up about the hardest stretch of the year, when stress made alcohol flash in my mind again and how I realized I didn’t miss drinking, I missed the calm I used to chas...
Re-Release: Drink Less, Feel Better: Managing Holiday Pressure With Confidence
The holidays bring celebration, connection and sometimes, a bit too much drinking. For many men, it can be tough to enjoy the season without going overboard. In this episode, I share practical, real-world strategies to help you drink less while still enjoying yourself.Â
Learn how to:Pace yourself without feeling left outHandle social pressure to “just have one more”Stay confident in your choices and keep your peaceWake up clear-headed, proud, and present the next dayThis episode is all about enjoying the season mindfully—with joy, health, and balance.
Disclaimer: Everyone’s relationship with alcohol is unique...
Re-Release: Holiday Boundaries 101: Stop the Stress, Keep the Joy
The holidays are supposed to feel joyful—but sometimes they come with stress, pressure, and way too many personal questions.
“Why aren’t you married yet?”
“When are you having kids?”
“What are you doing with your life?”
 Sound familiar? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re revisiting one of our most-loved holiday talks—how to set boundaries that protect your peace without guilt or drama. You’ll learn:How to respond to intrusive questions with calm confidenceSimple ways to set (and keep) boundaries at family gatheringsWhat to do when emotions get high or peop...
Re-Release: When Parents Cross the Line: How to Set Boundaries With Love
Creating boundaries with your parents doesn’t mean pushing them away — it means protecting your peace and building a healthier relationship.
In this episode, we talk about how to communicate your needs clearly, reduce conflict, and strengthen your connection through respect and honesty.
You’ll learn simple ways to express yourself in a style your parents truly understand, so you can feel heard, valued, and supported.
Follow me on Instagram: @sunnyccoaching
When Success Isn’t Enough to Heal From Your Past
I thought success would fix everything.
The job, the title, the money. I thought once I had all that, I’d finally feel whole.
But even after I got there, something was still missing. Because success can’t heal what you haven’t faced. This episode is for anyone who’s ever hit their goals but still felt empty inside.
For the ones who look strong on the outside but are quietly fighting battles no one sees. It’s a reminder that healing doesn’t come from more work, more wins, or more status, but it comes...
Re-Release: From Misunderstood to Connected: Honest Talk About Marriage Communication
Ever felt like you’re talking, but your partner just isn’t hearing you?
This episode dives deep into what it really means to feel seen and understood in your marriage. We talk about why honest communication feels so hard sometimes, and how to start reconnecting one real conversation at a time.
Whether you’re working through conflict or just trying to strengthen your bond, this episode will give you practical ways to be heard, understood, and closer than before.
🎧 Tune in and learn how simple shifts can change the way you communicate and love.
Healing Through Hard Work: How Building My Work Ethic Changed My Life
In this episode, I talk about how developing a strong work ethic became a huge part of my healing journey.
For years, I believed hard work was about proving myself through success — grades, promotions, and never slowing down. But over time, I realized real growth comes from working on what’s inside just as much as what’s outside.
I open up about overcoming bullying, self-doubt, and burnout, and how therapy and sobriety helped me find balance.
Learning to slow down, face my emotions, and heal the parts of me I used to ignore comple...
Re-Release: Thriving Beyond Alcohol With Healthier Coping Strategies for a Fuller Life
I am re releasing one of my most impactful episodes. Quitting alcohol is more than just saying no to a drink it is about saying yes to a healthier and more fulfilling life.
But without the right tools sobriety or cutting back can feel like a constant uphill battle. In this re release I share practical and empowering coping strategies to help you manage stress find joy and build resilience without turning to alcohol.
You will learn how to replace old habits with healthier routines shift your mindset and embrace the freedom that comes with living...
Re-Release: Your Toughest Questions on Emotions & Boundaries
How do you express emotions when no one around you does?
What can you do when your family doesn’t take you seriously?
Why won’t your partner stand up to his family?
And how do you respond when people ignore your boundaries? These are real, anonymous questions from my IG community and in this episode, I’m giving honest, practical answers that you can use in your own life.Â
If you’ve ever struggled to be heard, to stand up for yourself, or to stop bottling things up, this re-release is for you.<...
Re-Release: Anonymous Relationship Questions, Real Answers
Back by popular demand, this episode dives into the real, unfiltered relationship questions you’ve been asking—anonymously.
đź’ What if your partner is always negative?
❤️ How do you keep the spark and emotional connection alive?
đź’” What if you married the wrong person?
đź‘Ş How do you handle the in-law drama without losing your peace?
These are the raw questions you sent in and I’m giving you honest, no-fluff answers. Whether you’re struggling in love, navigating family dynamics, or just want stronger connections, this re-release is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
Revisiting 12 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health in 2025 (Part 2 of 2)
We’re back with the second half of one of the most impactful conversations from earlier this year—12 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health in 2025.
In Part 2 of this special release, you’ll hear the final 6 strategies that build on last week’s episode, helping you take real steps toward stronger well-being, deeper resilience, and a more grounded 2025.If you tuned into Part 1, you already know how powerful these practices can be.
 Now, let’s complete the series together and make sure you have all 12 tools to support your journey.Your mental health deserves the time and space.<...
Revisiting 12 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health in 2025 (Part 1 of 2)
We’re revisiting one of the most impactful conversations from earlier this year—12 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health in 2025.
In Part 1 of this special two-part release, you’ll hear the first 6 strategies that can help you strengthen your well-being, reset your mindset, and prioritize what matters most.
Next week, we’ll continue with Part 2 to cover the remaining 6 strategies and complete the series.
Your mental health matters now more than ever—let’s take this time to reflect, revisit, and reapply these practices for a stronger 2025.
👉 Follow me on Instagram: @sunnyccoaching
A Guide for South Asian Men: Mental Health, Sobriety & Living Life Fully | Sunny on Amrita Sandhu’s Podcast
I joined Amrita Sandhu on her podcast to talk about what it really means for South Asian men to live fully beyond pressure, expectations, and stigma.
We cover mental wellness, emotional resilience, relationships, and navigating life without unhealthy coping habits like alcohol.Â
If you’re ready to break the “keep it together” mindset, build confidence, and live a life that actually feels yours, this episode is for you.
Sobriety Resources
SMART Recovery Meetings – In-person near Surrey BC and online (adults, family and friends programs)
Canadian Recovery Centres – Personalized recovery programs, c...
When Summer Fades: How to Face the Feelings You’ve Been Avoiding
Summer’s ending can bring up feelings you’ve been avoiding all season. In this episode, we talk about how to face those emotions head-on and take proactive steps to move forward.
Tune in to learn how to turn the end of summer into a chance to reset, reflect, and step into the next season with more clarity and confidence.
Follow me on Instagram @sunnyccoaching for more tips and reflections on mental wellness and personal growth.
The Power of a Morning Routine: Meditation, Journaling, and a Sink Full of Cold Water
In this solo episode, I share how changing my mornings from reactive to intentional transformed my mindset and mental health.
I talk about the simple routine that keeps me grounded with meditation journaling and reading along with a surprising cold water habit that sets the tone for a calm and focused day.
If you have been feeling overwhelmed start here. And if you are in Surrey or Vancouver join me live for Stronger Together A Men's Mental Health Workshop on August 21 at Fleetwood Library.
🎟️ Reserve your spot here:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/stronge...
Re-Release: Breaking the Silence: Men’s Mental Health, Healing, and Real Conversations
This is a special rerelease of one of my most meaningful episodes as we get closer to the in-person Stronger Together Men’s Mental Health Workshop on August 21.
Back in May, I hosted a workshop where walls came down, silence was broken, and men shared stories many had carried alone for years. In this episode, I open up about my own battles with bullying, low self-esteem, and shutting down emotionally—and how facing those struggles helped me build confidence, clarity, and a stronger sense of self.
This isn’t just about stress or anxiety. It’s about th...
Re-Release: What Did You Replace Alcohol With? Why Quitting Isn’t Enough for Long-Term Change
Quitting or reducing drinking is a huge step toward better health, but without the right tools, it can feel like an uphill battle.Â
This re-release of our popular episode is all about helping you thrive after quitting alcohol. Whether you’re new to sobriety or have been on this journey for a while, now is the perfect time to revisit this episode.
We explore how to replace alcohol with healthier, more fulfilling coping strategies and provide you with the motivation and insights to not just quit drinking but truly enjoy life without it.
Listen now...
Re-Release: Mindful Men: Rise Stronger with Mindfulness
I’m re-releasing this episode because I truly believe in the power of meditation and mindfulness for men’s mental health.
Life’s responsibilities often leave little room for self-reflection, and in this episode, I share how sitting with your thoughts can help manage stress, build emotional resilience, and spark personal growth.
Tune in and discover how taking a moment to breathe and reflect can lead to a more centered, stronger version of yourself.
Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sunnyccoaching/
Re-Release: How Assumptions Can Hurt and Damage Relationships
You thought they understood you, but now they’re upset and won’t talk. You didn’t mean to hurt them, so why apologize?
In this re-released episode, I share a personal moment where an assumption hurt someone close to me. What helped was recognizing the impact of my actions and approaching the situation with accountability and kindness.
This episode offers real insight into how assumptions can quietly harm your relationships and what to do instead.
Listen now and learn how to repair the damage and grow from it.Â
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Turning 35: My Reflections – Embracing Sobriety, Self-Care, and True Happiness
In this special birthday episode, I reflect on turning 35 and everything this past year has taught me.Â
From learning to slow down and truly value rest, to celebrating sobriety, these changes have helped me feel younger, happier, and more fulfilled than I ever imagined. I open up about overcoming burnout, building real confidence, and finding true peace by taking better care of my mental health and overall well-being.Â
I also share how grateful I am for the amazing people in my life who continue to support me through every chapter.
If you want to he...
Men’s Mental Health & My Story of Vulnerability W/ Sunny Lamba
I recently had the chance to be a guest on Sunny Lamba's Flawthentic ME podcast, where we dove deep into something close to my heart: men’s mental health. For so long, men have been taught to hold it all in.
We talked about:
🔹 Why so many men suppress emotions from childhood
🔹 How this shows up as anger, outbursts, or heavy drinking
🔹 Why external success doesn’t mean internal peace
🔹 The hidden stress of being “the provider”
🔹 How women can support the men in their lives
🔹 Creating safe spaces for vulnerability
🔹 Practical tools lik...
Re-Release: Standing Up for Yourself — Handle Reactions with Confidence & Strength
Ready to stop being a pushover and start owning your voice? This is the rerelease of one of my most powerful episodes! Standing up for yourself feels amazing — until you face pushback, awkward reactions, or even silence.
In this episode, I break down exactly why people react the way they do when you assert yourself, and give you no-nonsense tools to:
🔥 Stay confident even when others push back
🔥 Respond with calm and clarity — not anger or doubt
🔥 Build unshakable self-respect and boundaries
🔥 Navigate tough conversations at work, home, or anywhere
Whether you want to spea...
Re-Release: 6 Steps to Take When a Tough Conversation Goes Sideways
We’ve all been there—a conversation that was supposed to bring clarity ends in confusion, tension, or regret. What now? In this re-released episode, I break down 6 clear, practical steps to help you regroup, reflect, and move forward when a tough talk doesn’t go as planned.
Whether it’s a blow-up at work, a personal conflict, or just an awkward moment—you’ll walk away with tools to handle it with strength and self-awareness.
🎧 Hit play to turn breakdowns into breakthroughs.
And if you’ve got your own story or need support navigating a toug...
Re-Release : Breaking Free from Alcohol: Habits, Mindset, and Lasting Change
In this re-released episode, I share how I went from casual drinking to alcohol-free living. We’ll explore the mindset shifts, habit changes, and deep self-reflection that make quitting stick for the long haul.
You’ll also learn why it’s so important to understand alcohol’s role in your life—and what to replace it with.
👉 Follow me on Instagram for coaching and more: @sunnyccoaching
Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for therapy or professional help with addiction.
Re-Release: No More Deprivation: Healthier Ways to Cope Without Alcohol
Reducing or stopping drinking? Don’t let it feel like deprivation. This episode, freshly re-released, shares how to replace alcohol with coping skills that bring energy, clarity, and meaning.
Join us to find new ways to feel good and truly live.
Follow me below:
https://www.instagram.com/sunnyccoaching/
Losing a 17-Year Career, Finding a Calling: How Therapy & Healing Led to Reinvention w/ Poonum Sandhu
After losing a 17-year career and hitting an emotional low during postpartum, Poonum Sandhu never imagined that this breaking point would lead to her greatest breakthrough.In this powerful episode, the certified life and wellness coach opens up about her raw journey through therapy, childhood wounds, and learning to stand up for herself—guilt and all.
She shares how her six-year-old self shaped her adulthood, the moment she finally embraced therapy, and the transformation that inspired her to help others heal. If you've ever struggled with belonging, self-worth, or finding your purpose, this conversation will speak di...
Re-Release: When You Speak Up: 10 Common Reactions—and How to Handle Them Like a Pro
Back by popular demand! This re-release dives into one of the most requested topics: what really happens when you start standing up for yourself—and how to handle the fallout with confidence.
Whether you're asserting your needs at work, in relationships, or in daily life, speaking up often triggers a wide range of responses—from supportive to downright uncomfortable. In this episode, I break down 10 typical reactions you might face and share powerful tools to help you navigate them with clarity and strength.
You'll learn:
Why people react the way they do when you assert boun...
