In this week’s episode of Speak Shame, Dr Connie Kerali speaks with Vasavi Kumar, licensed therapist, mindset coach, voice actor, TV host, and author of Say It Out Loud. Vasavi shares how she began to stop doubting herself and regain trust in her voice by developing an “immaculate” inner narrative - one that is kind, encouraging, and safe - so that external criticism no longer carries the same weight. She explains how her work has evolved over 15 years alongside her own personal growth, and how sharing the truth with emotion and precision helps her connect with clients who are on a similar path. Vasavi offers a practical example of challenging limiting beliefs by reframing the fear of raising prices for her Out Loud School. She also reflects on Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance as a reminder for women of colour and children of immigrants to stay true to their culture without whitewashing themselves for acceptance. Vasavi discusses how grief after her father’s death in May 2025 led her to temporarily silence herself, and how returning to speaking out loud helped her process emotions and reduce shame. She closes by emphasising that shame festers in silence and isolation, and that everyone needs a safe place to be witnessed and express themselves - one of the reasons she created the Out Loud School, which she notes is not therapy but is therapeutic.

00:00 The impact of silencing yourself and why shame shrivels when voiced

01:05 Introduction to Speak Shame and guest Vasavi Kumar

03:45 Vasavi’s “first chapter”: ending self-doubt and trusting her voice

07:00 Rewiring the inner narrative and treating yourself with respect

12:40 Helping others while doing your own ongoing inner work

15:40 How telling the truth and sharing personal stories attracts aligned clients

19:10 A practical reframe: challenging limiting beliefs when raising prices

27:10 Bad Bunny, authenticity, and refusing to whitewash culture for acceptance

35:30 Grief, losing your voice after her father’s death, and returning to expression

42:10 Why not using your voice affects mental, emotional, physical and financial wellbeing

48:15 Finding a safe place to “say it out loud” and what Out Loud School offers

55:10 Where to find Vasavi and her remarkable woman inspiration

VASAVI KUMAR

• Instagram: @MyNameIsVasavi

• Website: vasavikumar.com

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