Shows
Riyan's POVOverstimulated but Figuring It Out | Balancing Schedules, Boundaries, and Big EnergyA brain dump episode 2025-08-1215 minRiyan's POVIt’s Giving Hyper-Independence: I Moved Again, Started School, & Made New FriendsA catch up episode —I moved again, started school, and somehow made friends in a town where I knew no one. But the heart of this episode is about being hyper-independent, dealing with friendship trauma, and learning how to actually let people in.Because making friends means giving people access—it means opening the gate a little. And that’s something I’ve really been learning lately. At some point, doing it all alone starts to feel like isolation. And maybe—just maybe—it’s okay to let people show up for you.2025-07-2915 minRiyan's POVHow to Be so Unbothered It’s Offensivenot to toot my own horn but the art of being unbothered? mastered it. there’s so much freedom in not caring. life gets lighter when you stop performing.2025-07-1519 minRiyan's POVUnfiltered Q&A (ft. My Sister)A long overdue sit-down with my sister, Bahja Abdi.We talked about everything; moving out, sisterhood, adulting, med school, growing up, and just figuring life out as we go. It’s a Q&A, an advice session, and a little bit of a rant all in one.2025-07-0850 minRiyan's POVHow I Got Into Med School: The Full Pre-Med RecapThis is the full pre-med debrief. From working in clinics, research labs, and volunteering to studying for the MCAT and everything in between — I’m walking you through exactly what I did, how I did it, and what each job actually looked like day-to-day. If you’re curious about what pre-med actually takes, this one’s for you. (I might do a part two!)2025-07-0152 minRiyan's POVCan’t Copy Flow | How to Be Authentic Without PerformingThis episode is all about dropping the mask, letting go of the performance, and learning how to be real — even when it’s uncomfortable.2025-06-2418 minRiyan's POVThey’re Gonna See You Anyway: How to Let Go of the Fear of Being PerceivedI got this question during a Q&A and realized it deserved a whole episode. The fear of being perceived is something we all struggle with, but once you learn to let go of it — everything changes. In this episode, I’m talking about what it really means to be seen, why it’s so scary, the science behind it, and how I rewired my mindset to show up as my full self.2025-06-0315 minRiyan's POVTaking a Year Off Was the Best Thing I Did | Self-Realignment, Boundaries & Becoming MultifacetedIn this episode, I reflect on everything my gap year taught me — from protecting my energy to redefining success and learning to live with intention. If you’re in a season of change, this one’s for you.2025-05-2719 minRiyan's POVTired of Deciding, Socially Drained, and Stuck in TransitionTransition periods aren’t always easy — in fact, they’re usually exhausting. I’m learning to trust myself to make the right decisions, and as someone who’s not quite an extrovert or an introvert, I’ve realized I need to stop overexerting myself because it takes me at least three days to recharge my social battery.2025-05-2020 minRiyan's POVFinding My Creative Identity & Becoming My Own AestheticHow I stopped trying to fit into an aesthetic and started becoming it — one outfit, one photo, one small moment at a time.2025-05-1314 minRiyan's POVConfidence Without the EgoA lot of people think you can’t be confident and humble at the same time — but I completely disagree.In this episode, I talk about my own journey of rediscovering confidence by reconnecting with my self-worth and beliefs. Not the performative kind of confidence, but the kind that’s quiet, real, and rooted.I also get into how I’ve learned to actually like myself — without losing humility — and why it’s possible to be grounded, grateful, and still know your value.2025-05-0617 minRiyan's POVMessy Truth About Finding Your IdentityFinding yourself is a messy journey — but it’s one of the most important journeys you’ll ever take. In today’s episode, I’m talking about identity, feeling lost, chasing curiosity, and why it’s okay to not have it all figured out yet. You’re not behind. You’re just becoming.2025-04-2916 minRiyan's POVStop Waiting for Permission for a Life You Want to LoveI used perfection as an excuse and waited for permission so I wouldn’t have to take responsibility. It made me a shell of who I was — scared to mess up, scared to start. In this episode, I talk about how that mindset kept me stuck, and what happens when you finally let go of being perfect. Let life be messy. Forget perfect. Just be.2025-04-2227 minRiyan's POVI Have Insecurities, But I’m Not an Insecure PersonTalking about insecurity—not the surface stuff, but the kind that pushes you to grow. A reminder that you can be grateful for who you are and still want more for yourself.2025-04-1521 minRiyan's POVHow I Got Over Being the Quiet GirlThis one’s for my shy girls, my introverts, and anyone who’s ever dealt with social anxiety. In this episode, I open up about my own experiences — from quiet, controlled routines to becoming more sociable, expressive, and stepping out of my comfort zone. Let’s talk about what it really takes to grow into the version of yourself that’s not afraid to take up space. 2025-04-0821 minRiyan's POVChoosing Happiness AnywayEven when life is messy, I still want to choose happiness. In this episode, I reflect on joy, ambition, and why we don’t need to wait for a “perfect moment” to feel good.2025-04-0111 minRiyan's POVThe Struggle of Making Adult FriendsNo one prepares you for how weird, awkward, and overthought adult friendships can be. This is my honest take on growing up and trying to find your people.2025-03-2520 minRiyan's POVDoing More vs. Doing What MattersAre you just busy, or are you doing something that truly matters to you? There’s a difference between being busy and being passionate. A lot of the time, we think our purpose is to just be productive—but are we being intentional about how we spend our time? Is this something you’re truly passionate about, or just something to keep you occupied?2025-03-1817 minRiyan's POVMaturity Over Ego: The Upgrade You NeedMaturity isn’t just about age—it’s about mindset. In this episode, I dive into what it really means to be mature, from self-control and accountability to letting go of ego and finding peace within yourself.2025-03-1118 minRiyan's POVStop Doing Things Just Because You “Should” I used to force consistency, thinking it meant doing everything every day. But that only led to burnout. In this episode, I share how I redefined consistency and why doing things because you want to, not because you should, changes everything.4o2025-02-2517 minRiyan's POVHow I Keep My Peace and Protect My EnergyKeeping my peace means protecting my energy, minding my business, and staying focused on myself. In this episode, I share how I prioritize myself, avoid negativity, and move through life with confidence.2025-02-1814 minRiyan's POVYou Can’t Stay Checked Out ForeverEver feel like you’re just going through the motions, barely present in your own life? Like you checked out for a moment, and suddenly, weeks—or even years—have slipped by? In this episode, I talk about what happens when we disconnect for too long, how life keeps moving whether we’re paying attention or not, and why being present matters. Because at the end of the day, the two biggest moments in life are being born and actuallyliving. Let’s make sure we don’t miss the second one.2025-02-1121 minRiyan's POVLetting Go of the Plan: Embracing Creativity and VersatilityIn this episode, I share my journey of letting go of a rigid career path and embracing versatility. I talk about shifting from a structured mindset to a more creative and open approach, finding freedom in exploring different interests, and learning that success isn’t always linear.
2025-02-0426 minRiyan's POVMe vs. Me: The Journey to Self-ForgivenessToday, I’m opening up about one of the toughest battles I’ve faced: forgiving the hardest person to forgive—myself. Anxiety had its grip on every corner of my life, dictating my thoughts, decisions, and even my sense of worth. It kept me stuck in an exhausting cycle of self-criticism, constantly second-guessing myself and questioning if I was ever enough. But through reflection and growth, I’ve learned that breaking free starts with showing myself the grace I give to others. This is my journey of learning to let go, to forgive, and to finally breathe again.
2025-01-2822 minRiyan's POVHustle Smarter, Not HarderIn this episode, we explore the toxic side of hustle culture and the romanticization of constant productivity. Join me as I share my take on achieving balance, why rest is essential for true success, and how to hustle smarter—not harder—on the journey to peace and fulfillment.
2025-01-2128 minRiyan's POVLoneliness is the Best TeacherIn this episode, we explore loneliness and how it can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and growth. I share my personal journey through loneliness, how it became my greatest teacher, and the benefits of embracing solitude. Tune in to learn how you can transform loneliness into an opportunity for personal growth and inner peace.
2025-01-1621 minRiyan's POVUnpack Imposter SyndromeIn this episode, I open up about my own experiences with imposter syndrome and share the tips and tricks that have helped me overcome it. We’ll dive into what imposter syndrome really is, explore the different types, and unpack how both your brain and environment play a huge role in why we feel this way. Whether you’ve struggled with self-doubt or just want to understand why so many of us feel like frauds, this episode is all about reclaiming your confidence and owning your worth.2025-01-0726 minRiyan's POVMy 2024 ReflectionIn thins episode I reflected on this year's of struggles, challenges, adventure, travel, and countless firsts. Here's to growth and everything 2024 taught me. Happy New Years!2024-12-3124 minRiyan's POVLife Doesn’t Have to Be So HardGrowing up, I often heard that life is complicated, like it’s some kind of rule we all have to follow. It’s almost ingrained in us—if life isn’t full of struggles and complications, it somehow lacks value.
But is that really true? Over time, I’ve come to realize that complications don’t make life more meaningful—simplicity does. In this episode, I’m breaking down why we overcomplicate things, how I’ve learned to simplify my own life, and why focusing on what truly matters can make life so much easier.2024-12-2424 minRiyan's POVThe Journey to Finding Your VoiceIn this episode, I talk about the journey of finding your voice, building self-trust, and overcoming decision fatigue. We explore why trusting yourself is so powerful, how second-guessing drains your energy, and how science—yes, dopamine—can help you make decisions confidently. It's time to take the driver's seat of your life. 2024-12-1724 minRiyan's POVThe One Where We Expect Too MuchWe’ve all been there—setting expectations so high they’re bound to let us down. In this episode, I talk about how our expectations can lead to heartbreak, why we set them in the first place, and how perfectionism ties into it all. Most importantly, I’ll share how to let go of the outcomes, set healthier expectations, and find joy in the process instead of the result.2024-12-1022 minRiyan's POVThe One Where We Stop ApologizingIn this episode, I reflect on realizing how often I over-apologize, explore the reasons behind it, and share tips to break the habit. Let’s own our space unapologetically!
2024-12-0321 minRiyan's POVHow to Build Confidence and Overcome Self-DoubtIn today’s episode, I share a quick update on what’s been going on in my life lately. I got a DM the other day asking where I got my confidence, and it got me thinking—confidence isn’t something you’re born with, it’s something you learn. So, I’m breaking it down: what confidence actually is, how I’ve worked on mine, and how you can too.
2024-11-2624 minRiyan's POVThe Comparison Trap: Why You Don’t Have to Measure UpComparison—it’s something we all do, whether we realize it or not. From scrolling through Instagram to evaluating our careers or relationships, it’s easy to feel like we’re falling short. In this episode, I explore the impact of comparison on our mental health, share personal stories of navigating this struggle, and discuss practical ways to break free from the comparison trap. It’s time to stop measuring ourselves against others and start focusing on our own journey.
2024-11-1923 minRiyan's POVThe One Where Rejection Hits DifferentRejection sucks—I just got rejected from my top schools, and it stings. Today, I’m diving into why rejection hurts, the science behind it, and how to turn it into something positive. If you’re dealing with it too, this one’s for you.
2024-11-1220 minRiyan's POVNew Chapters Are Scary but NecessaryIn this weeks episode, I take a moment to pause, reflect, and share everything that’s been happening lately—new challenges, unexpected growth, and the journey of balancing it all. Grab a cozy spot, and let’s catch up!
2024-11-0520 minRiyan's POVThe One Where I Finally Say NoThis episode, we’re digging into why people-pleasing is so hard to shake. I’m talking about how it starts, the conditioning that keeps us saying yes even when we don’t want to, and why setting boundaries feels nearly impossible. We’ll look at what keeps us stuck in this cycle and, more importantly, how to finally break free. If you’re tired of putting yourself last and want to learn how to start saying no without the guilt, this one's for you.
2024-10-2923 minRiyan's POVThe One Where Life's Hard, Why Make It HarderBeing human comes with countless physical, mental, and emotional struggles. In this week's episode, I dive into the complexity of relationships and interactions, highlighting the importance of kindness—whether it's online or in person. We never truly know what someone else is going through, and a small act of compassion can make all the difference.
2024-10-2219 minRiyan's POVThe One Where We Age Faster Than We ThinkIn this episode, we talk about epigenetics and explore how your lifestyle, diet, and environment can influence your genes and impact how you age. We break down the difference between chronological age and biological age and dive into how DNA methylation can either slow down or speed up the aging process. We live in a world where many of us are aging faster due to the changes in our epigenome. I don’t know about you, but I’m not looking to age faster or deal with chronic diseases in the future! So, tune in to learn more about how...2024-10-1522 minRiyan's POVRedefining Diet CultureIn this episode, I explore the misconceptions of diet culture, particularly the idea that there's one "perfect" diet for everyone. I dive into research on why certain diets are perceived as healthier than others and challenge the notion that one size fits all when it comes to nutrition. Ultimately, I share my perspective on what we truly need to eat for overall health, based on both the research and a balanced approach to individual needs.
2024-10-0120 minRiyan's POVUnderstanding Stress and How to Manage ItIn this episode, we explore the nature of stress and how it can be both harmful and motivating. Join me as we discuss the different types of stress and its effects on our bodies and minds, including long-term impacts. You may not realize it, but we’re all adrenaline junkies living in a culture where stress is the norm. I’ll share techniques that have helped me manage my stress addiction and find balance in my life.2024-09-2422 minRiyan's POVSimple Habits to Boost HappinessIn this episode, I dive into the concept of universal happiness, exploring what truly brings joy to people's lives. I offer tips on some simple, everyday things that have brought me happiness and that others have found fulfilling. From the small moments of gratitude to the connections we build with others, happiness is often found in the little things we sometimes overlook. Join me as I unpack these ideas and share insights on how embracing simplicity can lead to a more content and joyful life.2024-09-1715 minRiyan's POVFiguring Out Life in Your 20sIn this episode, Riyan dives into the challenges of life in your late teens and early 20s—the pressure to have it all figured out as soon as you become an adult. She explores the journey of finding your passions and writing your own story, reminding us that life isn’t black and white. It’s full of twists and turns, and it’s okay to feel lost, as long as you’re still searching for your direction.
2024-09-1018 minRiyan's POVSurvival Guide to CollegeAs we all know, fall is around the corner, which means school is on its way. For this episode, Riyan gives her tips and tricks for a successful school year. As a recent graduate, it's only right. 2024-09-0321 minRiyan's POVWelcome to Riyan's POVWelcome to Riyan's POV podcast! This episode is short and sweet. Riyan introduces herself, shares a bit about the past few years, and talks about what she’s up to now. Riyan is a 21-year-old recent graduate figuring out life, with a background in science because, well, science rocks! Episodes will be uploaded every Tuesday—though this week, I'll be uploading twice since this episode is really short. Stay tuned!
2024-09-0309 min