First Gen, Second Thoughts
Two humans tryna heal… who also happen to be married.
Breaking cycles isn’t just a buzzword; for us, it’s a daily practice. First Gen, Second Thoughts is a raw, relatable exploration of the intersection between cultural expectations, mental health, and the modern marriage.
Hosted by Raja and Arishma, this space serves as a gateway for those who feel like therapy "isn’t for people like us." We bring our own unique backgrounds to the conversation: Raja, an SFSU Psychology grad with an emphasis in Child Development, focuses on unearthing the roots of our behaviors to build a healthier foundation for the next generation; Arishma, a UC Davis Linguistics alumna, specializes in the art of communication and the deep connections formed—or broken—by the way we speak to ourselves and each other.
We’re peeling back the curtain on our own journeys—from the awkward first sessions to the "aha" moments—to show that healing doesn't have to be clinical or intimidating. Whether you’re navigating the weight of immigrant parents’ expectations or just trying to be a better partner, we’re here to prove that you don’t have to have it all figured out to start; you just have to start to figure it out.
We’re just two people having second thoughts about the old ways of doing things and finding better ways to move forward. Grab some chai, and let’s challenge ourselves.
firstgensecondthoughts.substack.com (https://firstgensecondthoughts.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)
After an unplanned summer hiatus, Arishma and Raja return to ask what healing really costs. They break it down into four “quarters” that make the dollar: the money to afford therapy, the time and space to pause, an environment safe enough to process in, and the emotional bandwidth to look in the mirror of your past. Raja shares the inner-child work he did over the break, and Arishma reflects on a question from her therapist: is healing a privilege, or a right you have to exercise? From cut fruit as an unspoken apology to what it means to be the eldest daughter of immigrants, this conversation is about accountability, repair, and making sure our kids don’t have to heal from us.
Connect with the Podcast:
Instagram: @firstgensecondthoughts
Email: firstgensecondthoughts@gmail.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit firstgensecondthoughts.substack.com (https://firstgensecondthoughts.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
28 May 2026
No Contact Ep.04
First Gen, Second Thoughts — Episode 4
Choosing to walk away from family members isn’t a trend, a phase, or an easy way out. It is a profound, often heart-wrenching boundary-setting tool used for self-preservation and emotional survival.
In this heavy but deeply necessary episode, hosts Arishma and Raja pull back the curtain on the realities of going no contact or low contact within immigrant family dynamics. Together, they unpack the agonizing friction between the biological urge to connect with our parents and the adult realization that some relationships cost too much of our mental peace. From navigating generational trauma and the illusion of the "perfect family" to the perspective shifts that happen during major life milestones like childbirth, this conversation dives into what it actually takes to break cycles of dysfunction.
Whether you are currently navigating family enmeshment, sitting in the painful quiet of no contact, or trying to humanize your parents through therapy without compromising your own safety, this episode is a reminder: You were never hard to love. You were just a kid.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit firstgensecondthoughts.substack.com (https://firstgensecondthoughts.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
7 Apr 2026
Addiction Ep.03
In this episode, we define addiction as a chronic brain disorder and discuss its far-reaching impact on families. Arishma provides clinical context for how addiction alters brain circuits related to reward and self-control, highlighting the emotional toll on the family unit. She also shares her perspective on the complex biological and neurological bonds children have with addicted parents, which can lead to “humanizing” them for the sake of survival. Raja shares his personal journey navigating his father’s struggles with alcohol and gambling, exploring themes of hyper-vigilance, parentification, and financial manipulation.
Connect with the Podcast:
Instagram: @firstgensecondthoughts
Email: firstgensecondthoughts@gmail.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit firstgensecondthoughts.substack.com (https://firstgensecondthoughts.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
13 Mar 2026
Pride vs. Shame Ep.02
In this episode, we dive into the complex emotions of pride and shame within the immigrant family dynamic. We explore how the pressure to succeed—from that first “Student of the Month” assembly to the weight of being a “cash cow” after graduation—can shape our identities and our relationships. This is a candid conversation about finding the courage to disappoint those we love in order to finally find ourselves, and learning that holding family accountable isn’t “mean”—it’s necessary.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit firstgensecondthoughts.substack.com (https://firstgensecondthoughts.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
27 Feb 2026
First Gen, First Steps Ep. 01
First Gen, Second Thoughts
Two humans tryna heal… who also happen to be married.
Breaking cycles isn’t just a buzzword; for us, it’s a daily practice. First Gen, Second Thoughts is a raw, relatable look at the intersection of cultural expectations, mental health, and the modern marriage.
Hosted by Raja and Arishma, this podcast serves as a gateway for those who feel like therapy “isn’t for people like us.” We’re peeling back the curtain on our own journeys—from the awkward first sessions to the “aha” moments—to show that healing doesn’t have to be clinical or intimidating.
Whether you’re navigating the weight of immigrant parents’ expectations or just trying to be a better partner, we’re here to prove that you don’t have to have it all figured out to start, but rather you have to start to figure it out . We’re just two people having second thoughts about the old ways of doing things, and finding better ways to move forward. Let’s grab some chai and challenge ourselves!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit firstgensecondthoughts.substack.com (https://firstgensecondthoughts.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
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