Have you ever felt like the problems in your community are too big, too broken, or too political for any one person to solve? Maybe you've watched something unfair play out—in a school, a hospital, a courtroom—and thought helplessly, ‘Someone should really do something about that.’ But you have no policy experience, no platform, and no idea where to start. Today, Ginni Saraswati sits down with Maaria Mozaffar, a lawyer, policy maker, and the woman behind landmark legislation like the Halal and Kosher Food Bill in Illinois, the first state in the country to mandate faith-based dietary options in public institutions. Maaria has written over a dozen pieces of legislation, all of which have become law, without ever holding elected office. You'll hear why Maaria believes sincerity is more powerful than credentials and how ordinary citizens can spark real systemic change with nothing more than a few good people and a willingness to show up. You'll also learn why she took the bar exam five times and kept going anyway, how she avoids burnout while fighting battles with the highest possible stakes, and the one message she'd share with the world if given just sixty seconds. What You'll Learn: (4:09) The surprising truth about elected officials and information gaps  (7:31) How to navigate uncomfortable conversations and bridge divides  (10:20) The three common threads behind every social injustice Maaria has worked to fix  (12:13) How to spark systemic change with zero policy experience  (15:16) Why sincerity is your most powerful political tool  (18:01) Maaria's personal rituals for avoiding burnout when the stakes are high  (30:55) The one thing she'd say to the world to spark change  Connect with Maaria: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mozaffarmaaria/ Website: https://maariamozaffar.com/  Connect with Ginni: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginnisaraswati Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theginnishow/?hl=en Website: www.ginnimedia.com

Stillness can feel impossible in a world that rewards constant motion. Before 2020, most of us were sprinting through life—our schedules packed, our minds overstimulated, our silence drowned out by screens. But what happens when we finally stop? This episode is a throwback, and was recorded in 2020, however the themes are still just as relevant today. It invites you to explore the question of stillness with Mitra Manesh, mindfulness thought leader and founder of the Innermap app. Drawing from both Eastern wisdom and Western practicality, Mitra shares her remarkable journey—from fleeing Iran during wartime to building a career teaching others how to find peace in chaos. You’ll learn how to visit your past and future with a strict itinerary, reconnect to the present moment, and embrace the art of mindful living even when the world feels uncertain. What You’ll Learn 3:49 How Mitra was first introduced to mindfulness and the practices that changed her life. 6:56 How she and her clients found meaning during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. 10:04 What it was like to literally walk out of Iran and into Turkey during the war. 17:57 How to engage with your past and future mindfully—without falling into anxiety or regret. 21:50 When she developed her “strict itinerary” theory for time-traveling through the mind. 26:18 Her favorite Rumi quote and the timeless wisdom it carries. 26:38 What befriending death taught her about joy. 31:48 Why oil pulling is part of her daily routine. 34:05 The story behind her beloved teacher. 36:13 How a 90-year-old Buddhist monk helped her rediscover fun. 38:18 Mitra’s practical advice for easing anxiety in uncertain times. About the Guest Mitra Manesh is a mindfulness educator, speaker, and founder of Innermap, a mindfulness app blending corporate training with Eastern contemplative practices. Her clients range from global executives to creative leaders seeking clarity, compassion, and calm in the modern world. Connect with Mitra Manesh Innermap Instagram

Have you ever found yourself snapping at someone for no real reason? Something small just agitates you and you overreact. Someone cuts you off in traffic. Or jumps the line in the grocery store. Under normal circumstances, you’d just let it go. But lately, these incidents are lighting a fire inside, taking you from 0-10 in 0.03 seconds. Deep down, you know the problem isn’t the person cutting you off on the road or at the store. The problem is that your chronic state of overwhelm is taking over your life. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. Today, Ginni Saraswati welcomes self-care expert Erica Diamond. As a Certified Life and Career Coach and Certified Yoga and Meditation Teacher, she helps women transform their lives of overwhelm by incorporating calming lifestyle habits to create balance and harmony.   You’ll hear how Erica’s entrepreneurial success led her on the path to burnout, and how she turned it around starting with small, practical wins. You’ll learn how we’re culturally indoctrinated to accept to chronic stress, and how you can use mindfulness to unlearn behaviors and reverse the cycle. You’ll also learn a few simple exercises that will help you find calm right now, and whenever you need it in the moment.  What You’ll Learn: The physical symptoms of burnout (0:53) The biggest mistake women make when it comes to overwhelm (4:15) Unlearning behaviors and focusing on small wins (5:24) How we’re shamed into self-care (9:17)  Finding balance between what enriches us and what feels challenging (11:17) Connect with Erica Diamond: Website: https://ericadiamond.com/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ericadiamond/?hl=en Connect with Ginni: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginnisaraswati Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theginnishow/?hl=en Website: www.ginnimedia.com

Getting unexpectedly let go at work. Struggling through a painful divorce. Losing a loved one. Reluctantly riding a roller coaster of bad luck. These are some of the most common setbacks that life sometimes dishes out… whether we want them or not.  But, while it doesn’t always feel like it in the moment, these setbacks can have a brighter side.  Setbacks can build resilience, strengthen our character, and become springboards for changes that redirect our lives. Often in profound ways.   Today, Ginni welcomes Amy Shoenthal. Not only is Amy a part of Ginni’s vibrant neighborhood community in New York (#sunnysideup), but she’s also an established author and a marketing pro. Her latest book, The Setback Cycle, shares real-life stories of people, including herself, who turned challenging obstacles into life-changing opportunities.  You’ll learn why setbacks are such a common experience shared by people from all walks of life, and how we tend to view them when we’re in the thick of it. You’ll hear stories of big setbacks and the bravery they birthed that led to profoundly positive life changes. You’ll also score a few hot tips for your next trip to Ginni and Amy’s New York neighborhood. What You’ll Learn: Identifying the roots of your expectations when times are tough (4:10) Why setbacks are such a common shared experience (11:47) Turning your biggest setback into your greatest opportunity (14:36) The catalyst for Amy’s children's book (18:48) Why  it’s important to celebrate your local unsung heroes (21:41) Resources: Pre-Order The Setback Cycle: https://www.amyshoenthal.com/the-setback-cycle Book: The Anxious Achiever: Turn Your Biggest Fears into Your Leadership Superpower by Morra Aarons-Mele  Book: The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron Book: A Magical Day in Sunnyside Written by Amy Shoenthal and Illustrated by Kate Durkin Book: Angelina Ballerina by Katherine Holabird Artist Kate Durkin: http://www.katedurkinart.com/ Connect with Amy Shoenthal: Website: https://www.amyshoenthal.com/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/amysho/?hl=en X: https://twitter.com/AmySho LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoenthal/ Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/amyshoenthal/ Connect with Ginni: Website: www.ginnimedia.com Insta: https://www.instagram.com/theginnishow/?hl=en Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ginnimedia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginnisaraswati

Are you chasing goals that never seem to land? We’ve all been there—staring at someone else’s life and wondering why they’re moving faster, making more, or living freer with the exact same goals. The truth? Having a vision isn’t enough. It’s about messy, consistent action and ruthless clarity on what actually matters. In this episode, we break down the four hidden reasons you don’t have what you’ve always wanted—and how to flip them into daily wins. From uncovering what you truly want (versus what others told you to want) to finally saying no to distractions, these shifts aren’t about hustle or willpower. They’re about designing a life that feels like yours. Winning doesn’t always look like trophies or gold medals. Sometimes it’s being home for dinner, having money saved for travel, or enjoying unhurried mornings. By the end of this conversation, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable steps to prioritize your time, energy, and money where it counts most. What You’ll Learn: Why goals and willpower aren’t enough The first reason you don’t have what you want: clarity vs. inherited goals Why being at “zero” keeps you stuck—and how to move to “one” How saying yes too often sabotages your progress The link between time, money, and getting what you truly want How to turn small, messy actions into big wins If you’re ready to stop comparing and start living your version of success, this episode gives you the roadmap.

Do you really know the people in your life—or are you just listening to what they say instead of watching what they do? After speaking to over 3,000 people in my journalism, radio, and podcasting career, and running three businesses with a global team, I think I’ve finally cracked the code to truly getting to know someone: look at their priorities. In this solo episode, I share why calendars and credit card statements reveal more than words ever could, and how you can apply this to friends, clients, and romantic partners. I’ll walk you through how priorities show up in everyday life, where actions and words don’t match, and three practical ways to save yourself time, frustration, and heartbreak. What You’ll Learn: (00:15) The real quickest way I’ve found to get to know someone (00:35) How priorities show up in relationships, business, and friendships (00:51) Why actions vs. words reveal your true place in someone’s life (01:57 )  Three ways I check if someone’s priorities align with what they say (03:05) How I address inconsistency with curiosity, not judgment Knowing someone’s priorities can be a hard truth to swallow—but it’s also one of the most freeing lessons you’ll ever learn. When you understand how people spend their two most precious resources—time and money—you’ll get to know who they really are. Connect with me: Website: https://ginnisaraswati.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theginnishow/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginnisaraswati Ginni Media: https://www.ginnimedia.com Got a great show topic idea? A guest you’d love to see on The Ginni Show? Tell me about it: (844) 543-1772

What would you do if you had nothing else to lose? Sometimes rock bottom isn’t the end. It’s actually the beginning. When survival is your only option, grit, creativity, and perspective can turn even the harshest circumstances into opportunity. This conversation will reveal why resilience and adaptability often matter more than getting everything right.  What You’ll Learn: 04:16 How sleeping behind nightclub speakers led to a billion-dollar idea 07:56 Why hunger and grit can’t be taught  15:22 The two parts of money: making it and keeping it 18:52 The single factor more powerful than talent or performance 24:24 The #1 trap entrepreneurs fall into when trying to scale  Today, Ginni welcomes Shaahin Cheyene, entrepreneur, author of Billion: How I Became King of the Thrill Pill Cult, Amazon thought leader, and founder of Podcast Cola.  You’ll learn why grit and hunger can’t be faked, how Shaahin rebuilt his wealth after losing it all, and what legacy means when you think in centuries instead of years. You’ll see how perspective can transform setbacks into stepping stones and why the ability to pivot is every entrepreneur’s hidden advantage.  Connect with Shaahin Cheyene: Website: https://www.shaahincheyenne.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaahincheyene/ X: https://x.com/shaahincheyene Connect with Ginni: Website: https://ginnisaraswati.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theginnishow/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginnisaraswati Ginni Media: www.ginnimedia.com Got a great show topic idea? A guest you’d love to see on the Ginni Show? Tell us about it: (844) 543-1772

What if engaging students (and future leaders) is as simple as knowing their “currency”? We often frame success as a single track: college or career. But what if thriving looks like something more layered, more personal, and more supported? This conversation will show you how to move beyond the false binary and build pathways that actually fit who a person is now, and who they’re becoming. From comfy sneakers in a Bronx classroom to the evolving definition of post-secondary success, you’ll hear why motivation, networks, and flexibility matter more than you think.  What You’ll Learn: 00:00 Coming Next 03:50 How sneakers in the Bronx revealed the secret to motivation 07:07 Why science is the best subject, and how to design with multiple entry points 08:52 The overlooked skills students actually need after high school 16:18 Why “college vs. career” is a false choice in the new economy 22:56 How One Goal is rewriting the future of post-secondary advising  Today, Ginni welcomes Dr. Alaina Harper, a former teacher and current leader in post-secondary pathways, who has spent her career helping students turn aspirations into reality. With humor, honesty, and vision, Dr. Harper shows us how to connect, listen, and create the environments young people need to thrive.  You’ll hear how a pair of sneakers turned a disengaged Bronx student into a motivated learner, and why designing “multiple entry points” in both science and real life makes all the difference. Dr. Harper unpacks the gap between high school and post-secondary success that so often goes unaddressed, and explains why the outdated “college versus career” binary doesn’t serve young people in today’s changing economy. She also shares how organizations like One Goal are reframing success, not as fitting into a narrow track, but as finding and pursuing a student’s true north. Connect with Dr. Alaina Harper: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alainaharper Website: https://www.onegoal.org/ Connect with Ginni: Website: https://ginnisaraswati.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theginnishow/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginnisaraswati Ginni Media: www.ginnimedia.com Got a great show topic idea? A guest you’d love to see on the Ginni Show? Tell us about it: (844) 543-1772

Is busyness really success, or just disconnection in disguise? If you’ve ever glamorized the all-nighter only to feel empty the next day, this conversation offers a saner script: purpose, presence, and small rituals that shift your nervous system in minutes. This conversation will show you that burnout isn’t just about hours worked. It’s about misalignment. And by choosing connection, you can change everything. What You’ll Learn: 03:59 Why busyness got glamorized (and why that’s shifting) 07:42 The “low moment” that pushed Aisha to rethink her purpose  13:21 The caffeine wake-up call that sparked lifestyle changes 17:32 A two-minute breathing ritual to reset and refocus 23:34 Navigating stereotypes as a South Asian woman founder  Today, Ginni welcomes Aisha Chottani, founder of Moment, a flavored water brand that brings mindfulness-inspired botanicals and adaptogens into everyday hydration. Shifting from the consulting grind to a deeply intentional business, Aisha shares how purpose (not just hustle) fuels sustainable drive and how three conscious breaths before a meeting can change your day. You’ll hear how a caffeine overload and a bout of misalignment led Aisha to build supportive rituals, revisit her South Asian wellness roots, and formulate a “functional stack”. She opens up about being underestimated in male-dominated spaces, why New York forced her to slow down to thrive, and how Moment is expanding into natural retail chains, airports, and cruise ships, making calm an everyday option. Connect with Aisha Chottani: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aishacee_/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishacee Moment: https://drinkmoment.com/ Connect with Ginni: Website: https://ginnisaraswati.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theginnishow/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginnisaraswati Ginni Media: www.ginnimedia.com

Could you walk away from a life you were good at to chase the one you were meant for? Dara Woo did exactly that, trading software engineering for the bright lights of Broadway. In this inspiring conversation, she shares how a tech job lunch break turned into a career-changing audition, and the mindset shifts that made it possible. Sometimes the most strategic move isn’t doubling down on what’s safe. It’s daring to step into the unknown.   What You’ll Learn: 2:44 Balancing auditions with a full-time tech job 5:09 Weighing stability vs. pursuing passion 8:09 The reality of performing eight shows a week 12:18 A simple daily habit to build a creative career 16:59 The kind of roles Dara wants for Asian American actors Today, Ginni welcomes Broadway actor Dara Woo, whose precision on stage rivals the demanding tech projects she once led as a software engineer. Dara reveals what it’s really like to perform in the elaborate multimedia Broadway production The Picture of Dorian Gray.  You’ll hear how she overcame Silicon Valley-bred imposter syndrome, why she swears by her “one thing a day” rule to keep momentum, and how she applies the same strategic thinking from coding to navigating the unpredictable world of acting. Dara also shares her vision for more nuanced Asian American representation on stage and screen, and her dream of one day merging her tech and creative worlds. Connect with Dara Woo: Website: https://darawoo.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silverdare/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@silverdare Connect with Ginni: Website: https://ginnisaraswati.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theginnishow/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginnisaraswati Ginni Media: www.ginnimedia.com Got a great show topic idea? A guest you’d love to see on the Ginni Show? Tell us about it: (844) 543-1772