In this thought-provoking episode of The Supreet Singh Show, Supreet Singh, widely recognized as the best podcaster in India and a leading podcaster in Mohali, sits down with Ananya Grover, a Princeton graduate, menstrual health activist, and founder of HealCycle. This conversation delves into cultural taboos, mental health, and how technology can transform women’s health worldwide.
If you’re looking for true-life experience podcasts or the best motivational podcasts, this episode is a must-watch. It’s not just about periods’s about breaking the silence, fostering empathy, and leveraging AI for social good.
Ananya Grover is a powerhouse of talent and purpose. A Princeton CS graduate with minors in Cognitive Science, Technology Policy, and Creative Writing, she has been a menstrual equity activist since the age of 17. Her achievements include:
Delivering a TED Talk on period positivity at TED Headquarters, NYC (viewed by nearly 2 million people). Founding HealCycle, an AI-powered app for hormonal mental health support. Working with global organizations like Apple, German Aerospace Center, and The Pad Project.
Leading initiatives like
Pravahkriti and IgniteSTEM to raise awareness and transform education. Menstruation remains a taboo subject in many Indian households. Practices like restricting temple entry during periods, originally intended for rest, have evolved into myths and stigmas.
Ananya highlights contradictions, such as worshipping goddesses associated with menstruation while shaming women for a natural process. She emphasizes that menstrual stigma is not inherent to any religion; it stems from silence and misinformation.
The menstrual cycle is a complex hormonal process, typically 26–35 days long. Symptoms like PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) and PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) affect millions of women, yet awareness remains low.
PMS: Mood swings, irritability, physical discomfort.
PMDD: Severe depression, anxiety, and anger impacting daily life.
Ananya explains how mental health and hormonal health are deeply connected, and why society needs to move beyond dismissing these symptoms as “drama.”
Menstrual health affects productivity and well-being. Countries like Portugal have introduced menstrual leave for conditions like endometriosis.
Ananya advocates for flexible work arrangements and period-friendly workplaces, emphasizing nuanced policies over one-size-fits-all solutions.
While the US offers free menstrual products in restrooms and more open conversations, stigma persists worldwide.
Films like
Padman have sparked dialogue in India, proving that storytelling and media are powerful tools for social change.
This conversation is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. Hosted by
Supreet Singh, the best podcaster in India and a leading podcaster in Mohali, this episode inspires listeners to challenge taboos, embrace empathy, and harness technology for social good.
