Why Joy Is Radical: Trauma, Healing & Cultural Shame with Dr. Tanmeet Sethi

Reframing Perspectives with Payal Beri, PhD

What if reclaiming joy is the most radical act of resistance? In this powerful episode, Dr. Payal Beri sits down with Dr. Tanmeet Sethi — integrative and psychedelic medicine physician, activist, and author of Joy Is My Justice — to explore how joy can coexist with grief, trauma, and systemic oppression.

In this episode:

00:00 The Power of Joy Amidst Oppression

01:28 Introducing Dr. Sethi: A Journey of Joy and Grief

03:31 Childhood Joy and Cultural Expectations

06:31 Navigating Tragedy and Finding Community

13:14 The Role of Empathy in Understanding Grief

22:33 Balancing Family Dynamics and Personal Joy

27:46 Exploring Joy in Marginalized Communities

31:17 Navigating Initial Resistance to Breathwork

32:22 Finding Alternative Gateways to Healing

33:12 The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care

34:07 Challenges in the Mental Health Industry

36:45 Building Trust in Therapeutic Relationships

38:08 The Power of Feeling Safe in Group Therapy

45:19 Humbling Moments in Therapy

48:19 Self-Compassion for Healers

53:22 Embracing Joy and Presence

Dr. Sethi shares how a devastating personal circumstance reshaped her understanding of joy and what it truly means to thrive in the midst of pain. She details the transformational moment that shifted “Why me?” to “Why not me?” From her lived experience as a physician and mother, to her groundbreaking work in the mental health space, she offers a revolutionary perspective: joy is not frivolous—it's necessary.

Whether you’re a changemaker, healer, or simply someone navigating hard things, this episode will leave you feeling seen — and remind you that joy is your birthright. Tune in, and be sure to support the podcast by leaving a rating and review wherever you listen!

More from Dr. Tanmeet Sethi:

https://www.tanmeetsethimd.com/

https://www.instagram.com/tanmeetsethimd/

https://tanmeetsethimd.substack.com

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https://www.rkempathy.com/

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

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This Podcast is Produced by MicMoguls.com.

This podcast is produced by MicMoguls.com