In Part 1 of this conversation, Maalvika & Elissa chat about breakups leading to creative inspiration, perfectionism, shame, and accepting yourself. Elissa Bassist is an essayist, humor writer, and editor of the “Funny Women” column on The Rumpus. Now, she is releasing her first book, Hysterical. She writes to share her journey to reclaim her authentic voice in a culture that doesn't listen to women in this medical mystery, cultural criticism, and rallying cry.

From pages of Maalvika's journal to your ears -- she talks about special moments in her life that made her rethink/reframe her anxieties, attachment style, career goals, and dating.

TW: trauma, self-harm In the second half of the conversation, Maalvika, Saniya, & Sapna, talk finding a therapist who is right for you and what dating has been like for them. Bonus Q: where do they want their relationship with their Indian American identity to look like in five years time? Tune in to find out.

Maalvika is joined by two dear friends, Saniya & Sapna, co-hosts of Loudmouth Ladkis. Together, they discuss what it was like to grow up Indian-American, the weight of being South Asian representation, creating your own identity, how they navigate the "log kya kahenge?" mindset, and so much more.

Maalvika sits down with one of the first people she followed on Tiktok, Tara Raani. They chat about the guilt that comes with being the children of immigrants, self-doubt, pursuing the arts, commodifying culture, and the weight of representation. Follow Tara on Tiktok @tara.raani2 and on Instagram @tara.raani.

Maalvika and her best friend, Maya, answer your questions about friends who can't take the hint, validating yourself, how to stop comparing yourself (you're built different), sexism in the workplace, and their idol, FRANCES HAUGEN.

Maalvika talks about the story that is making her attempt "good" over "perfect." Also! A great big Q&A from the DM's covering getting broken up with, the mantras we tell ourselves, what centers Maalvika, and a doozy -- comparing successes.

Maalvika talks to the author of Want Me, Tracy Clark-Flory, about all things SEX and DESIRE. From faking orgasms to power in the bedroom to porn and body image -- the two discuss what it means to engage in casual sex and how to advocate for what you really want.

Maalvika and her roommate, Lauren, sit down to answer questions about boundaries, relationships (sexual, romantic, and platonic) and centering yourself. It sounds nice, but how do you do that in practice!? How do you figure out if a situationship wants something more!? Also, Lauren chats polyamory & open relationships! She is an angel human so send me nice messages about this episode I can share with her :)

Maalvika sits down with one of her all-time favorite educators, Zhenya. They talk about what the hell "authenticity" means -- in the form of owning your name, history, femininity, value systems (how to identify them and live by them), and affirmations. This conversation changed both of them for the better. I hope it resonates with you too! 3

Maalvika discusses her journey with friendship -- from feeling out of place in middle school to finding her people in college. "Your vibe attracts your tribe" is cheesy but true! Sometimes good things are instant and sometimes good things take time. Enjoy this unedited ramble about her favorite kind of relationship.

A little introduction to Maalvika, her thoughts on why trying & failing is so embarrassing, and a reminder to apply to things you're even 60% qualified for! Also, a GRAND OLD QnA about feeling replaced, beauty, "the one", and how to jazz up your life.