In this episode of Mona-Vated, I sit down with Ken Cook, co-founder of the Environmental Working Group (EWG), to dive deep into the hidden chemicals that affect our everyday lives. From pesticides in our food to unregulated ingredients in personal care products, Ken explains how EWG has been at the forefront of exposing these dangers and advocating for safer alternatives. We discuss the surprising ways chemicals end up in our bodies, the importance of transparency, and how consumer choices...

In this episode of the Mona-Vated Podcast, Mona sits down with Dr. Prithwi, a leading expert in skincare science and innovation with decades of experience. They dive deep into the world of evidence-based skincare, exploring the intricate process of formulating products that not only promise results but deliver them. Dr. P shares his years of experience in the industry, shedding light on the importance of understanding skincare ingredients, the role of clinical testing, and why not all...

In this episode of the Mona-Vated podcast, I sit down with one of my repeat guests, Dr. Sayan. (If you haven't listened to my first episode with her, I definitely recommend giving that a listen)! We have an in-depth discussion on embracing and balancing feminine and masculine energies and Dr. Sayan shares profound insights on living a life of integrity, the importance of authentic communication, and the impact of our thoughts and words on our reality. We also discuss the concept of feminine...

This is a quick episode to share a bit of an update: I've decided to change the format of the show! Instead of weekly episodes, I will be releasing one longer podcast interview each month, allowing for deeper and more meaningful conversations. I go into details of the why in this episode and discuss the importance of recognizing when something doesn't feel right and taking action. You guys already got a bit of a taste of the new format last week with my episode with Zarna Garg, and I can't...

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of the Mona-Vated podcast, I sit down with comedian Zarna Garg, whose life story unfolds like a script filled with unexpected twists. From her affluent yet complex childhood in India to a sudden loss, Zarna’s narrative takes us through the landscapes of grief, cultural challenges, and her eventual, daring leap into the world of comedy. Discover how Zarna transformed her profound experiences into a source of relentless strength and humor, offering...

Ready to discover the secrets to a long, healthy life? In this episode, you’ll hear me moderate a talk interviewing Dan Buettner from Netflix’s Blue Zones documentary. Dan is also a renowned explorer, National Geographic Fellow, and bestselling author. We discuss the fascinating world of Blue Zones—those rare places around the globe where people live the longest and healthiest lives. Dan shares insights from his groundbreaking research, including the common habits and environments that...

→ Are you curious about meditation but don't know where to start? In this episode, I dive deep into my personal journey with meditation and how it has transformed my life over the past few years. From struggling to sit still to finding profound peace, I share the highs and lows of my practice, including my experiences with Transcendental Meditation and Joe Dispenza's techniques. I share how meditation has brought me MANY unexpected changes, fostered kindness, and enhanced my overall...

Ever wondered what goes into a facial, what you should ask for, and how often you should get one? This week on the Mona-Vated Podcast, I dive deep into the range of facials, from the most basic to the most advanced, and break down everything you need to know. This is a great episode for anyone new to facials who doesn’t know where to start, and also very helpful for anyone looking to enhance their skincare routine. Discover the different types of facials, what to expect during a session, and...

It's always nice getting feedback and questions from my listeners. It helps me better understand what you all want to hear about. On today's episode of Mona-Vated Join me for a solo Q&A, where I answer your questions from personal growth and healthy living tips to practical advice on navigating life's challenges. Listen in as I share insights, stories, and actionable advice tailored to your most pressing concerns. Whether you're looking for inspiration, motivation, or just some friendly...

Our homes are one of the most important places in our lives yet we are constantly living amongst products that could harm us. In this week's episode of the Mona-Vated Podcast, we dive into practical tips and insights on minimizing harmful household products and embracing clean living. I share the things I do to personally detoxify my living space, improve indoor air quality, and choose safer alternatives for everyday products. Whether you're just starting your clean living journey or looking...

Have you ever wondered how a simple change in perspective could profoundly alter your life? In this week's episode of the Mona-Vated Podcast, I dive into the transformative power of mindset shifts and share some practical strategies and personal anecdotes about shifting from a negative to a positive mindset. Learn how I harness the power of my mind to foster positivity, resilience, and happiness in my daily life. Whether you're struggling with self-doubt, anxiety, or simply seeking a more...

Hindsight is a powerful teacher. Have you ever wondered what advice you’d give your younger self? In this week's episode of the Mona-Vated Podcast, I share the critical life lessons learned during my twenties and thirties. I share personal tips and insights I learned from past experiences, discussing themes such as the hidden strengths in perceived weaknesses, the evolution of self-perception, and the pursuit of happiness. Whether you're currently navigating your early adult years or...

Dr. Deepak Chopra is a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation. For the last thirty years, he has been at the forefront of the meditation revolution, and TIME magazine has described him as "one of their top 100 most influential people." Deepak is also the founder of the Chopra Foundation and Chopra Global. In this episode I dive into an enlightening conversation with Deepak, discussing the importance of self-awareness, detachment, and the role of...

Finding clean options while dining out can be a struggle. In this solo episode, I discuss the world of clean eating and share practical tips on how to maintain a social life and healthy diet when eating out. From understanding the benefits of clean eating and my personal experiences to decoding restaurant menus and discreetly asking the right questions, this episode offers a comprehensive guide. Whether you're a seasoned clean eater or just starting out, you'll find advice on choosing the...

Have you ever thought about going to a wellness retreat? If you’re curious about them, this episode is for you. I share my experiences and give you insight into some of the ones I've been on recently. From my life changing experiences at the Joe Dispenza retreats, to a very intense and introspective experience at a 10-Day Silent Retreat, to a nourishing, health-focused 21 days at the Hippocrates Institute, this episode offers an in-depth look at the pros and cons of different wellness...

Dr. Azita Sayan is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, an internationally recognized radio and television personality. She leads seminars and workshops worldwide and has a private practice is in Los Angeles. She is also Mona’s therapist of 10+ years! Join Mona as she sits down with Dr Sayan and shares the life-altering experiences and lessons that have shaped her into the woman she is today. With a focus on feminine energy and personal growth, this conversation explores the dynamics...

On this episode of the Monavated podcast, join Mona as she embarks on a new chapter of her podcasting journey—this time, going solo. Reflecting on her past collaborations and the evolution of her content creation from YouTube to podcasting, she shares the lessons learned and the reasons behind her shift toward a more personal and in-depth exploration of wellness. Mona dives into discussions on her transition from LA to NYC, her health journey and what brought her to clean eating, personal...

Welcome to Mona-Vated, a podcast by Mona Vand, former pharmacist-turned-holistic-focused wellness educator and entrepreneur. In this podcast (and IRL), small talk is out, and meaningful conversations are in. Mona takes you on an ever-evolving journey where she explores all aspects of well-being, from nutrition and mindfulness to spirituality, self-discovery, lifestyle and fashion. Mona believes in the power of small, consistent efforts to foster sustainable habits that promote a balanced and...

The end has come for season one of Core Self. The podcast started with just an idea -- "Let's do a podcast! It'll be fun!" -- but it's become so much more than that. Thoughtful conversations have turned into self discovery for Mona and Chloe -- and hopefully for listeners as well. From spirituality to online hate to episodes with amazing guests, it's been quite the journey. So tune in for one final episode as Mona and Chloe reflect back on their experience, highlight their favorite episodes,...

Etiquette: the customary code of polite behavior in society. Gone are the days of curtsying or even resisting the urge to gossip. But the debate still rages on about our ideas of modern etiquette. This week, Mona and Chloe dive in and try to answer the questions we all ask ourselves. Do you have to send a physical thank you note? Should you take your shoes off in someone's home? What are the rules for posting on social media for birthdays? We might not settle the debate, but we certainly had...

We've all had that one friend who is just a little bit toxic. Maybe they try to control what you do? Or they're always calling to vent but never ask about you? Or, like in Chloe's case, maybe they expect you to pay their rent?! It's so true that a good -- or bad -- friendship can shape your life. Friends should be your safe place, and for Chloe and Mona, that is their story. On this week's episode they explore why their friendship works so well, why other friendships they've had fizzled and...

This episode has it all -- products, tips, tricks and the answer to everlasting youth. Ok, not quite, but Mona and Chloe do share what they use and what they do to look and feel glam -- and it's not always about the make up. From the food you eat and the words you say to yourself to what you use to take off your make up (olive oil, anyone?), beauty isn't just skin deep. This episode is for anyone who wants to look and feel their best -- and honestly isn't that all of us? Follow @MonaVand and...

Are you ready to go deep? We’ve teased our guest this week a couple times so far this season. Deepak Chopra isn't just a meditation specialist, he's a good friend of Chloe's. Deepak has had an incredible career, from practicing medicine to embarking on a mission to promote wellness through alternative medicine, meditation and consciousness. Plus, he has written over 90 books, including his most recent, "Living in the Light: Yoga for Self-Realization." On this week’s episode, Mona and Chloe...

You may know Nema Vand from his time on "Shahs of Sunset" on Bravo, but it's time to learn who Nema really is when the cameras aren't running. In this week's episode of Core Self, Mona and Nema describe what it was really like being cast on "Shahs," including why Mona had a panic attack in their first scene. Plus, the two talk about their unique experience growing up on different sides of the country and how it helped bring them so close today. If you have brother or sister, you'll definitely...