Here lay the stories I collect, the lessons I learn, my growing pains, my self-discovery. While navigating adult life can be challenging, I believe there is a lot of good stuff. Let's find it together.
eyeliner's cultural history & the political power of beauty ft. author Zahra Hankir
Maalvika sits down with Lebanese-British journalist and author, Zahra Hankir to talk about her latest book, Eyeliner: A Cultural History. Hankir reveals the rich history of eyeliner and its role in social movements, performances, and everyday life. From ancient Egypt to modern Bollywood, there are over three thousand years of rich history she does justice by examining the place eyeliner holds in society. In this conversation, the ladies discuss Drag Queens and Cholas and men in Arabia, and how, for many, eyeliner isn’t just makeup, but an extension of who they are. Plus, two favorite topics: feminist resistance and online beauty culture.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
4/10/2024 • 49 minutes, 23 seconds
being cheated on & other paradigm shifts
(Not) live from Chicago, It's Saaaaaturday night! From pages of Maalvika's journal to your ears -- she talks about moments in her life that made her rethink/reframe her relationship to other girls, doubt, external validation, career goals, and confrontation. Plus, some scattered thoughts on why we need to reinvent the conversation around love languages & attachment styles.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks & Substack for even more content.
I love you! I hope it gets good. <3
3/24/2024 • 38 minutes, 57 seconds
how to cultivate self-worth
Maalvika talks about why self-worth is to life like salt is to cooking. It just makes everything better! Self-esteem, as described by Todd Rose, is the evaluation of oneself based on the alignment of beliefs and behaviors. Real self-worth is tied to what we accept for ourselves, while false self-worth may stem from external factors like physical appearance or institutional affiliations.
Building on this understanding, Maalvika outlines ten concrete methods to boost self-esteem and foster a positive self-image.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks & Substack for even more content.
I love you! I hope it gets good. <3
2/27/2024 • 25 minutes, 43 seconds
congratulations on your breakup!
Maalvika FINALLY sits down for a breakup episode. We break down the levels of breakups, what to do in each of the stages after, and how you're about to usher in a period of transformation. Tell us what resonates!
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
1/13/2024 • 25 minutes, 10 seconds
why i stopped saying "i hate men"
Maalvika dissects three of her favorite podcast conversations with Scott Galloway -- specifically the reasons this generation is struggling and the growing crisis facing boys and men. Plus, why should women care?
(Disclaimer: we will need our critical thinking hats and empathy goggles for this conversation)
Here are the episodes referenced:
Episode 1: The Number One Reason This Generation Is Struggling: Scott Galloway
Episode 2: Scott Galloway (on the crisis facing boys and men)
Episode 3: “This Is An Emergency!” The Number Of Men Having No Sex Increased 180%!
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
1/7/2024 • 37 minutes, 1 second
"discipline is self-love" and other life lessons with Ashna Mankotia
Maalvika sits down with her friend & internet big sister, Ashna Mankotia, to talk about her three jobs (a PM at a tech company, a content creator, and the founder of Saffron), what discipline looks like, why participation trophies were a great idea, and the advice she would give her 20-year-old self about her body, her dating life, and her goals.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
10/31/2023 • 37 minutes, 57 seconds
my rules for female friendship (aka my throughline & life force)
There's a certain volatility to friendship. In romantic relationships, there's a sense of obligation. There are at least some rules about how it should go. There's lots of media about what counts as "right." Whereas friendship is usually so subjective.
Maalvika sits down to walk you through a list on her phone: My Rules For Female Friendship.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
10/14/2023 • 33 minutes
30 things that will make your life fuller & make you more attractive
Maalvika's bible on living with intention to be more confident, attractive, magnetic, & happier which will make your life fuller. Tell us what resonates & what you end up implementing!
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
8/8/2023 • 34 minutes, 21 seconds
how to love being single
Maalvika tells you how she has deep gratitude for every chapter of her life, including singledom. Tangible takeaways, intimate stories, and all.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
Maalvika sits down to talk about some special moments of 2023 so far. Topics include: visiting old friends, making new friends, being open to platonic connections, and how "good people know good people."
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
5/20/2023 • 24 minutes, 47 seconds
Burn the Boats & Shark Tank Secrets ft. SHARK Matt Higgins!!!
Matt Higgins believes in taking big swings. After dropping out of high school to help provide for his mother, Higgins got his GED, enrolled in college at age 16 and went to law school. He’s since held a host of notable positions including co-founder of RSE Ventures, an investment firm that has backed restaurant industry stalwarts like Magnolia Bakery, MilkBar, and Momofuku. He was the youngest press secretary in New York City history, where he managed the global media response to 911, and also spent eight years as executive vice president of the New York Jets and made multiple guest appearances on ABC’s “Shark Tank.”
In his new book, “Burn the Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard to Unleash Your Full Potential,” Higgins outlines the winning philosophy that’s carried him along his professional path thus far. Its core thesis: Get rid of your backup plan.
In this episode, Maalvika sits down with Matt to talk about shame, risk, how to go all-in on your dreams, when to skip the steps society has laid out for you, how to extract value from failure, being scared, and being BRAVE. He also spills some Shark Tank secrets ;)
You can pick up the book here, and let us know your thoughts! Bonus points if you leave a Goodreads/Amazon review or DM Matt your thoughts on Instagram.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
4/26/2023 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 14 seconds
dealing with upheaval or loneliness? (giving you a big hug)
Maalvika gives you some tangible tips on how to deal with the sadness that comes with big upheavals of moving/breakups/etc. And the everyday loneliness too.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
4/12/2023 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
he wanted a bride, i was making my own name ft. Jenni Johnson (part 2)
The girls chat breakups, timelines (spoiler alert: they're fake), Midnights, & other good things.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Follow Jenni on Instagram at @jennijohnson & tune in to Cageless! <3
2/23/2023 • 32 minutes, 11 seconds
please heal loudly: body image & ed recovery ft. Jenni Johnson (part 1)
TW mentions of ED & body image.
Maalvika speaks with Jenni about what her motto, "PLEASE HEAL LOUDLY" means to her and the power of community.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Follow Jenni on Instagram at @jennijohnson & tune in to Cageless! <3
2/23/2023 • 22 minutes, 31 seconds
arranged marriages, not being a friend group person, & liking yourself ft. Sandalina
You can't see it but both Maalvika and Sandalina are recording in their pajamas on a Sunday night. They talk therapy; dating fatigue and looking into arranged marriages; breakups, friend groups, and male-female friendships; and finally, moving 3,000 miles away from your family to build an expansive life for yourself.
Here is Sandalina's Tiktok and Instagram.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
2/18/2023 • 42 minutes, 30 seconds
finding your passion (a how-to of sorts)
Maalvika tells you how to find your passion (hint: it's all about curiosity; passion is a bit overrated), chats passion v. discipline, and tries to untangle passion and profession. This one's for everyone asking, "how do I figure out what I want my job to be?" or "how do I choose a major?"
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
1/29/2023 • 24 minutes, 6 seconds
post-grad woes & wins ft. bestie maya
Maalvika cuddles up with her best friend, Maya, to chat all things post-grad. CAREER ANXIETY, REJECTION, BUDGETING, AND THE BEST ROOMMATE HACKS YOU'VE EVER HEARD. I hope this episode does as much for you as it did for them <3
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
11/22/2022 • 42 minutes, 10 seconds
"empathy is my competitive advantage": chatting w senior reporter, Natasha Mascarenhas
Maalvika talks to her friend, Natasha, about how she became a Senior Reporter at TechCrunch, what stability means to both of them, the loneliness that comes with ambition, professionalism, and CREATIVE WRITING! I hope it resonates with you! <3
Follow Natasha's amazing twitter: @nmasc_ and subscribe to her lovely substack! And here's her Instagram.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
11/4/2022 • 45 minutes, 14 seconds
"i am everyone and everyone is me" & other shifts
From pages of Maalvika's notes app to your ears -- she talks about some recent shifts in her life which have made things sweeter. She talks putting your phone away, attachment styles, creating a new social life, and answers a dating DM.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
9/28/2022 • 27 minutes, 48 seconds
the first 24 hours in my new apartment
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode!
Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
8/23/2022 • 22 minutes, 18 seconds
just break up (you will never be late for your own life) ft. Catherine Emond
Maalvika & Catherine ramble incoherently about being unhappy in relationships, staying for too long, gut feelings, should your partner be your best friend, the SPARK, toxicity vs. chemistry, hopelessness, grieving someone you never dated.... the whoooole breakup gamut!
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Follow Catherine on Tiktok at @xoswimmergirlxo & tune in to Dive In! <3
8/10/2022 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 27 seconds
developing personal style & answering your fashion q's ft. stylist Pooja
Maalvika is joined by her stylist friend, Pooja (@lil.puj on Tiktok) to chat all things fashion. They talk about everything from developing personal style in the world of fast trend cycles to shopping secondhand to silk scarves in hopes of inspiring you to play around more with what you already have sitting in your wardrobe. The episode ends with Pooja answering all of your burning styling questions.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
7/25/2022 • 55 minutes, 18 seconds
"for the crazy psycho bitches" ft. Elissa Bassist (part 2)
In Part 2 of this conversation, Maalvika & Elissa chat about advocating for yourself and why it can be so difficult to date men. Elissa Bassist is an essayist, humor writer, and editor of the “Funny Women” column on The Rumpus. Now, she is releasing her first book, Hysterical. She writes to share her journey to reclaim her authentic voice in a culture that doesn't listen to women in this medical mystery, cultural criticism, and rallying cry.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Follow Elissa on Twitter at @ElissaBassist <3
7/14/2022 • 31 minutes, 57 seconds
shame is the second arrow ft. Elissa Bassist (part 1)
In Part 1 of this conversation, Maalvika & Elissa chat about breakups leading to creative inspiration, perfectionism, shame, and accepting yourself. Elissa Bassist is an essayist, humor writer, and editor of the “Funny Women” column on The Rumpus. Now, she is releasing her first book, Hysterical. She writes to share the reclamation of her authentic voice in a culture that doesn't listen to women in this medical mystery, cultural criticism, and rallying cry. Pre-order now!
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Follow Elissa on Twitter at @ElissaBassist <3
7/10/2022 • 31 minutes, 29 seconds
"you will meet the love of your life in one year" & other paradigm shifts
From pages of Maalvika's journal to your ears -- she talks about special moments in her life that made her rethink/reframe her anxieties, attachment style, career goals, and dating.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
6/25/2022 • 22 minutes, 35 seconds
brown women on therapy & interracial dating ft. Loudmouth Ladkis (part 2)
TW: trauma, self-harm
In the second half of the conversation, Maalvika, Saniya, & Sapna, talk finding a therapist who is right for you and what dating has been like for them. Bonus Q: where do they want their relationship with their Indian American identity to look like in five years time? Tune in to find out.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Follow the girls on Instagram at @saniyasoniii and @_wassapna and their Podcast Instagram: @loudmouthladkis. Also, check them out on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
6/21/2022 • 41 minutes, 55 seconds
for the culture: growing up desi ft. Loudmouth Ladkis (part 1)
Maalvika is joined by two dear friends, Saniya & Sapna, co-hosts of Loudmouth Ladkis. Together, they discuss what it was like to grow up Indian-American, the weight of being South Asian representation, creating your own identity, how they navigate the "log kya kahenge?" mindset, and so much more.
Follow the girls on Instagram at @saniyasoniii and @_wassapna and their Podcast Instagram: @loudmouthladkis. Also, check them out on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
6/20/2022 • 39 minutes, 5 seconds
queer desi model, Tara Raani, on the immigrant child experience & pursuing the arts
Maalvika sits down with one of the first people she followed on Tiktok, Tara Raani. They chat about the guilt that comes with being the children of immigrants, self-doubt, pursuing the arts, commodifying culture, and the weight of representation.
Follow Tara on Tiktok @tara.raani2 and on Instagram @tara.raani.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
6/6/2022 • 25 minutes, 44 seconds
girl talk ft. bestie maya
Maalvika and her best friend, Maya, answer your questions about friends who can't take the hint, validating yourself, how to stop comparing yourself (you're built different), sexism in the workplace, and their idol, FRANCES HAUGEN's advice.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
5/30/2022 • 1 hour, 47 seconds
to hell with perfectionism + answering your DM's
Maalvika talks about the story that is making her attempt "good" over "perfect." Also! A great big Q&A from the DM's covering getting broken up with, the mantras we tell ourselves, what centers Maalvika, and a doozy -- comparing successes.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
5/24/2022 • 28 minutes, 6 seconds
desire & the performance of sex ft. sex-writer/author Tracy Clark-Flory
Maalvika talks to the author of Want Me, Tracy Clark-Flory, about all things SEX and DESIRE. From faking orgasms to power in the bedroom to porn and body image -- the two discuss what it means to engage in casual sex and how to advocate for what you really want. This conversation was illuminating for both of them. I hope it resonates with you too! <3
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
5/17/2022 • 48 minutes, 6 seconds
setting boundaries, centering yourself, & open relationships ft. roomie lauren
Maalvika and her roommate, Lauren, sit down to answer questions about boundaries, relationships (sexual, romantic, and platonic) and centering yourself. It sounds nice, but how do you do that in practice!? How do you figure out if a situationship wants something more!? Also, Lauren chats polyamory & open relationships!
She is an angel human so send me nice messages about this episode I can share with her :)
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
5/9/2022 • 35 minutes, 22 seconds
the power of your name, femininity & AUTHENTICITY ft. my brilliant Professor Zhenya
Maalvika sits down with one of her all-time favorite educators, Zhenya. They talk about what the hell "authenticity" means -- in the form of owning your name, history, femininity, value systems (how to identify them and live by them), and affirmations. This conversation changed both of them for the better. I hope it resonates with you too! <3
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
5/2/2022 • 51 minutes, 39 seconds
my journey with friendship
Maalvika discusses her journey with friendship -- from feeling out of place in middle school to finding her people in college. "Your vibe attracts your tribe" is cheesy but true! Sometimes good things are instant and sometimes good things take time. Enjoy this unedited ramble about her favorite kind of relationship.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
4/26/2022 • 24 minutes, 29 seconds
why is trying so embarrassing?
A little introduction to Maalvika, her thoughts on why trying & failing is so embarrassing, and a reminder to apply to things you're even 60% qualified for! Also, a GRAND OLD QnA about feeling replaced, beauty, "the one", and how to jazz up your life.
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3
4/19/2022 • 24 minutes, 25 seconds
what we focus on expands
Follow Maalvika's personal Instagram: @maalvikabhat and the Podcast Instagram: @showmehowgooditgetspodcast & feel free to shoot a DM if you have topics you'd like to see covered in an episode! Also, check out Maalvika's Tiktok: @maaltoks for even more content.
Love you! I hope it gets good. <3