Episodes

Ep 1: The Spark: Why I Needed This Space

In this debut episode, host Swati Upadhyay shares the story behind In Her Element — what inspired it, why now, and what it truly means to be “in your element” as a woman today.

From growing up with big dreams to pivoting from medicine to public health, Swati reflects on identity, imposter syndrome, and the power of storytelling and sisterhood. This isn’t just a podcast — it’s a space for anyone starting over, finding their voice, or simply needing to feel less alone.

Ep 2: To the Woman Wondering What’s Next

What if the path you're on no longer feels like yours?

In this heartfelt solo episode, Swati speaks not as an expert — but as the big sister she once needed — to anyone questioning their next step.

She shares her story of leaving medicine, navigating uncertainty, and learning that starting over isn’t failure — it’s becoming. A reminder that you’re not behind — you’re just becoming.

Ep 3: GenAI, Real Talk & Why Women Belong in Every Room

Swati sits down with her first guest — and now friend — Suchismita Sahu, a GenAI Data Scientist at NVIDIA.

They talk about navigating tech as women, bringing kindness into AI, and finding friendship in unexpected places. This episode is about showing up as your whole self — even in sharp, data-driven spaces. Come for the science, stay for the heart.

Ep 4: Sisterhood in Science: Tea, Tenacity, and True Friends

Some episodes are conversations — this one feels like coming home.

Swati sits down with her close friend and collaborator, Amrita, to reflect on navigating academia as women of color, first-gen scholars, and quiet changemakers.

They talk invisible labor, emotional resilience, and the kind of sisterhood that sustains careers — and hearts. A love letter to friendship, laughter, and showing up for each other behind the scenes.

Ep 5: In Her Own Element: When Science Meets Self

What happens when the version of success you imagined no longer fits? In this candid conversation, Sreya shares her journey from academia to biotech — and the quiet, powerful pivots that shaped her path.

We talk about choosing industry early on, the mental toll of a PhD, and what it means to redefine success on your own terms.

Ep 6: Held by Her Work, Healed by Her Words 

In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Deepali Ernest, public health scientist and epidemiologist, reflects on the unseen costs of a PhD, the role of creativity in science, and the quiet power of kindness in academia. She shares how channeling her own challenges into compassionate mentorship has helped the next generation of researchers thrive — and why building a strong, empathetic community of women in STEM matters more than ever.

Ep 7: Of Friendships, Fetal Hearts, and Fierce Women

In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Vartika Mohan, a fetal medicine specialist, and Dr. Pranoti Toshniwal, a pediatric cardiologist, open up about the emotional weight of caring for the most fragile lives — and the courage it takes to keep showing up. From late-night hostel corridors in medical school to the high-stakes moments of counseling families, their stories are woven with friendship, resilience, and the lessons of loss. Together, we reflect on sisterhood, the humanity doctors carry into their practice, and how compassion can become its own form of medicine.

Ep 8: Beyond the Degree — Living More with Dr. Sumaita Choudhury

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Sumaita Choudhury — public health researcher and storyteller — shares the realities of navigating academia with both courage and humor. From the winding roads of a PhD to learning how to live more fully beyond it, her journey reminds us that resilience doesn’t always mean pushing harder — sometimes it means letting go, asking for help, and choosing joy. Together, we talk about sisterhood in science, the strength of community, and the importance of building a career that honors both passion and balance. A rapid-fire round adds laughter and lightness to a conversation rooted in compassion and truth.

Ep 9 : Walking Together: Resilience, Sisterhood and Science

In this deeply resonant conversation, PhD candidate and cancer disparities researcher Amanda Ojaruega opens up about her journey from Nigeria to the United States, and the realities of being an international student navigating the challenges of a doctoral program. Grounded in equity and guided by community, Amanda reflects on the support systems that have carried her — friends who become family, mentors who open doors, and the sisterhood that sustains resilience. We explore her passion for health equity, her hopes of impacting both the U.S. and her home country, and the everyday lessons of balance, belonging, and perseverance. A playful rapid-fire round brings joy to a story already brimming with heart.