Mind Over Maya

About Mind Over Maya

Mind Over Maya is a podcast about personal growth, wellness, and navigating the challenges of adulthood. I share my own experiences with building healthy habits, managing stress, and finding balance, offering candid reflections along the way. Expect real talk on everything from mental health to career development, alongside lighthearted stories from my everyday life. This is a space for exploring what it means to keep growing and improving, with relatable insights and an honest approach to life's ups and downs.

Publisher

Maya Rizwan

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Sept 2024

Latest episode

21 Aug 2025

Latest episodes

9 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Aug 2025

   ep 9: finding my footing

   In this episode of Mind Over Maya, I reflect on what it means to find stability after a season of survival. Now that I’ve turned 23 and started a new job with real structure and support, I’m stepping into a calmer chapter, one focused on routines, peace, and intentional growth. I talk about: Starting a new job that finally feels aligned Why fun doesn’t always feel fun anymore and how it disrupts progress Letting go of distractions (including situationships and social energy drains) Balancing TikTok, YouTube, MCAT prep, and real life How I'm redefining consistency, especially when progress feels slow Why I’m done performing and choosing honest presence over perfection This episode is for anyone rebuilding after burnout, learning to protect their energy, or navigating their early 20s while chasing big dreams. If you’re juggling healing, hustle, and heart then this one’s for you. Follow along: IG | Twitter | TikTok: @medicallymaya Website: medicallymaya.org (https://medicallymaya.org/)

2. 

   9 Jul 2025

   ep 8: closing twenty-two

   In this special birthday episode, I reflect on the highs and lows of the past year as I turn 23. From the power of therapy and navigating cultural tension in healing, to setting boundaries, grieving toxic family dynamics, and rebuilding after job loss, this episode is as raw as it is empowering. I talk about the personal growth I’ve experienced, the habits I’ve let go of, and how I’m stepping into this next chapter with clarity and pride. Whether you're in a season of rebuilding, boundary-setting, or just trying to make it through the day, I hope this episode reminds you that growth is happening... even in the quiet moments. Follow along on my journey @medicallymaya or visit medicallymaya.org (https://medicallymaya.org/).

3. 

   20 Jun 2025

   ep 7: mid-year crisis

   Maya explores rebuilding structure and rediscovering passions after leaving unfulfilling situations, emphasizing self-prioritization and creating an aligned life.

4. 

   20 Jun 2025

   ep 6: the exit

   Host Maya reflects on rebuilding her life after leaving unfulfilling situations, focusing on creating structure, rediscovering passions, and aligning with her true purpose.

5. 

   2 Feb 2025

   journey january

   Welcome to the first Mind Over Maya episode of 2025! January has been a journey - one full of challenges, growth, and self-discovery. From tirelessly searching for my missing cat Milan to re-evaluating my habits and mindset, this past month has pushed me in ways I never expected. In this episode, I reflect on how I’m shifting my approach to discipline, setting SMART goals, and embracing the discomfort that comes with pushing myself toward the future I envision. I also share exciting updates about the podcast, including my plans to expand to YouTube, take my content more seriously, and grow this platform into something even more impactful. This episode is all about momentum, resilience, and refusing to settle - because success isn’t about talent, it’s about execution. If you’re looking for motivation to reset your focus and step into 2025 with intention, this episode is for you. Let’s move forward together - listen now and let’s make this year the year of action!

6. 

   6 Jan 2025

   goodbye 2024

   Hey everyone! This episode is a quick one, but I wanted to take the time to reflect on 2024 and officially say goodbye to the year. It’s been full of challenges, growth, and learning, and I’m so grateful for all the support from you along the way. I also share some updates about what’s next for Mind Over Maya and how I’m preparing for an even better 2025. This is a short and sweet reset before diving into the heavier topics in the next episode. Thanks for being here—let’s say goodbye to 2024 and welcome the new year together!

7. 

   29 Dec 2024

   thankful in 2024

   In this episode of Mind Over Maya, I take a moment to reflect on everything that’s been happening lately. From juggling five volunteer positions and grad school applications to working on my website and balancing personal growth, it’s been a lot—but I’m learning to manage it all. I also share a fun update about my Halloween festivities, including pumpkin carving and painting with my family, and my excitement for the upcoming holiday season. I dive into my thoughts on the Brown University admissions process and the realities of special master’s programs, including the financial and emotional investment they require. Plus, I discuss the importance of presenting yourself authentically in academic spaces and staying prepared for the opportunities you pursue. On the lighter side, I chat about my growing interest in fashion, my skincare routine, and reconnecting with hobbies like painting and skateboarding. This episode is packed with updates, insights, and honest reflections on balancing ambition with self-care. Tune in and join me on this journey!

8. 

   13 Oct 2024

   maya isn’t rushing it

   Welcome back to the second episode of Mind Over Maya! In this episode, I’m reflecting on turning 22 and how it feels to see friends and people my age starting to get married. It’s surreal, honestly, because while I’m incredibly happy for them, it feels like such a distant milestone for me right now. I’ve had moments where I’ve wondered, ‘Am I behind? Should I be thinking about that too?’ But then I remind myself that everyone’s on their own timeline, and it’s okay that I’m focused on other things right now. I dive into what my version of growth looks like at 22, which is very different from what some of my friends are experiencing. For me, personal growth has been about reading more, focusing on my health, and building self-care routines that make me feel good, both mentally and physically. I’ve started paying more attention to things like my nails, hair, and skin—not just to look good, but because it helps me feel centered and balanced. I’ve also been working hard on staying consistent with exercise, which has been one of the biggest ways I’ve been investing in my well-being. It’s amazing how much sticking to a routine can impact your mood, energy, and overall mental health. I also share a bit about how I’ve been learning a new language through Duolingo, and I just hit over 400 days! That’s been a really rewarding journey, and it’s another way I’m challenging myself and keeping my brain engaged. This episode isn’t just about what I’m doing now but also about how I’m thinking about the future. I keep seeing friends travel more, and it’s really inspired me to start planning my own trips. I talk about how I want to explore more and make travel a bigger part of my life going forward. It’s something that feels like the next chapter for me, and I’m excited to dive into it. Finally, I reflect on body image and the way creators like Liv Schmidt often promote skinniness as the ultimate goal. I get candid about how that messaging doesn’t resonate with me anymore. I’ve come to realize that beauty isn’t just about having a perfect body or fitting into a specific mold—it’s about how all the different parts of you, both inside and out, come together. I talk about how focusing on one aspect of your body can invite others to judge you based on that alone, which is something I’m moving away from. Instead, I’m learning to embrace all the unique parts of myself and focus on what really makes me feel happy and fulfilled. This episode is all about reflecting on where I am in life right now—what I’m focusing on, what I’m letting go of, and what I’m looking forward to. I hope you enjoy this candid conversation, and I’m excited to take you along as I continue to navigate my 20s!

9. 

   11 Sept 2024

   maya starts a podcast

   Welcome to the very first episode of Mind Over Maya. In this debut episode, I open up about my personal growth journey and set the tone for what this podcast will cover. With fall just around the corner, it felt like the perfect time to launch and explore deeper conversations about life, health, and creativity. This podcast will be a space for me to candidly share my thoughts, experiences, and lessons learned. I reflect on the launch of my new website and some of the projects I’ve been working on, like my science-focused podcast. I also talk about navigating consistency in my self-care routines and how I’ve started taking better care of my mental and physical health. I explore what the 75 Hard Challenge looks like for me, among other wellness habits I’ve adopted. This episode touches on how I’ve been learning to rely on myself more during stressful times and how that shift has helped me grow. I also get into turning 22 and the pressures of adulthood. It’s easy to feel like life is moving fast, but I remind myself that I’m in control of shaping my future. One of the highlights of this episode is my thoughts on friendships and how I’ve learned to let go of connections that weren’t serving me. As a new podcaster, I share how starting Mind Over Maya has been a fun but challenging experience. I was inspired by another podcast I discovered years ago, which taught me that the joy of creating is more important than the number of listeners. I also sprinkle in personal stories—like my Duolingo streak and some recent adventures with friends—making the episode feel personal and relatable. This podcast is all about sharing personal growth, life lessons, and candid reflections on the things that matter most. If you’re ready to join me on this journey, hit the subscribe button and stay tuned for more episodes of Mind Over Maya!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

138

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 21 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

17

Social presence

0

YouTube

64

Engagement

0

Contact Mind Over Maya

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.