Miss Represented Podcast: Episode 55 - Dr. Angel Bhathal

Release Date: July 2, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In Episode 55 of the Miss Represented podcast, host Lisa Opie welcomes Dr. Angel Bhathal, a trailblazing figure who seamlessly blends her academic prowess with her accomplishments in the world of beauty pageants. Dr. Bhathal is celebrated as the first-generation Indian Canadian and the first woman with a doctorate to be crowned Miss Swimsuit USA International. Throughout the episode, Lisa and Angel delve into topics ranging from breaking cultural stereotypes to the intersection of professionalism and pageantry.

Dr. Angel Bhathal’s Background

Lisa begins by highlighting Angel's impressive credentials:

• Academic Excellence: Dr. Bhathal holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and has dedicated her career to advancing patient care in various settings, including hospitals, pharmacies, and non-profits.
• Advocacy: Angel is a passionate advocate for Plan International, focusing on gender equality and literacy worldwide.
• Multilingual and Global Citizen: She is fluent in French, Punjabi, English, and Japanese, and has traveled to 47 countries, showcasing her commitment to cultural diversity and global awareness.

Notable Quote:
"I hope to inspire women and girls to not be afraid to step out of the box." (00:34)

Pageantry Experience and Insights

The conversation shifts to Angel's journey in pageantry:

• Early Beginnings: Angel started competing in pageants at the age of 15 to overcome shyness and build confidence.
• Miss Swimsuit USA International: Unlike traditional pageants that focus on brief interviews, this competition spans a week in Mexico, allowing contestants to connect deeply with judges and showcase their true personalities through various activities like dolphin swimming and ziplining.
• Importance of Personality: Angel emphasizes that while beauty and modeling skills are important, it is one’s authentic personality that truly captivates judges and audiences.

Notable Quote:
"Your personality is what really lifts you up... your ability to connect and be authentic is what locks in winning everybody's hearts." (02:30)
Another Quote:
"Even if you walk away from a pageant with just one friend, that's winning itself." (03:55)

Breaking Stereotypes and Cultural Representation

Dr. Bhathal discusses the significance of her role in breaking cultural and generational stereotypes:

• Cultural Progression: Growing up in a conservative Indian family, Angel faced expectations to conform, such as covering swimsuits. Her title challenges these norms, demonstrating that intelligence and beauty can coexist.
• Representation Matters: Being the first Miss Swimsuit USA International of Indian and Canadian descent with a doctorate serves as a beacon for young girls from diverse backgrounds, showing them that they too can excel in multiple arenas.

Notable Quote:
"Whenever we're able to break our own cultural stereotypes, we also provide more opportunities for future generations, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds." (17:00)

Professional Life in Healthcare

Angel shares her heartfelt journey in the healthcare sector:

• Personal Motivation: Inspired by caring for her grandmother, who battled heart failure and chronic kidney disease, Angel pursued pharmacy to advocate for patient care and improve quality of life.
• Empathy in Healthcare: She underscores the importance of empathy, sharing a story about a patient she consistently advocated for, highlighting that compassionate care can make a significant difference, even in terminal conditions.

Notable Quote:
"Empathy is a skill set that my grandmother inspired in me and it also inspired my profession as well." (12:50)

Advocacy with Plan International

The episode highlights Angel's impactful work with Plan International:

• Focus on Gender Equity: Aligning with her family's history, Angel works to ensure equal access to education and human rights, combating issues like child marriage.
• Community Engagement: She organizes fundraisers and events, such as dance workshops and auctions, to raise funds and awareness for these causes.

Notable Quote:
"When you uplift a woman, you can uplift an entire village." (15:31)

Personal Growth and Living Your Own Timeline

Angel and Lisa discuss the importance of embracing one's age and personal journey:

• Defying Age Norms: Both women acknowledge societal pressures to remain youthful but advocate for recognizing the wisdom that comes with age.
• Pursuing Passions Regardless of Age: Angel encourages pursuing opportunities like pageantry without self-imposed limitations, emphasizing that motivation and belief are key to overcoming perceived age barriers.

Notable Quote:
"If you have the willingness, the motivation, and the belief that you can do it, you just have to keep going." (18:00)

Audience Engagement: "This or That" Segment

In a fun and interactive segment, Lisa and Angel engage in "This or That," revealing personal preferences and quirks:

• Preferences Highlighted:
  • Crown or Lab Coat: Crown
  • Passport Stamps or Pajama Days: Passport Stamps
  • High Heels or Comfy Sneakers: Comfy Sneakers
  • Power Suits or Pink Dresses: Power Suits
  • Beauty Queen or Bookworm: Beauty Queen
  • Making Rules or Breaking Rules: Making Rules
  • Boss Babe or Girly Girl: Boss Babe
  • Speaking Four Languages or Mastering One: Speaking Four Languages

Notable Moment:
Angel shares her love for South Africa's safaris, marking it as her favorite travel destination. (21:15)

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Angel shares her social media handle, encouraging listeners to connect with her beyond the podcast:

• Follow Dr. Angel Bhathal: Instagram @angelbattel.

The episode concludes with mutual appreciation, leaving listeners inspired by Angel's multifaceted achievements and her commitment to empowering others.

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity Matters: True connection and personality are crucial in both professional settings and pageantry.
• Breaking Barriers: Representation and challenging cultural stereotypes pave the way for future generations.
• Empathy in Healthcare: Compassionate care can significantly impact patient outcomes.
• Personal Growth: Embracing one’s journey and defying societal norms about age and profession fosters continuous personal and professional development.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• "I hope to inspire women and girls to not be afraid to step out of the box." (00:34)
• "Your personality is what really lifts you up... your ability to connect and be authentic is what locks in winning everybody's hearts." (02:30)
• "Whenever we're able to break our own cultural stereotypes, we also provide more opportunities for future generations, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds." (17:00)
• "Empathy is a skill set that my grandmother inspired in me and it also inspired my profession as well." (12:50)
• "If you have the willingness, the motivation, and the belief that you can do it, you just have to keep going." (18:00)

This summary encapsulates the essence of Episode 55, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of Dr. Angel Bhathal's inspiring journey and the valuable insights shared during the conversation.