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  1. Home
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  3. /Why Aparna Subramonian believes being misunderstood is the greatest teacher

Why Aparna Subramonian believes being misunderstood is the greatest teacher

Why Aparna Subramonian believes being misunderstood is the greatest teacher
Hosted by MyndStories|June 4, 2025

Aparna Subramonian, a brand marketer, writer, and self-proclaimed quirky cat lover, didn’t grow up trying to fit in. She grew up thinking she's a boy, fell in love with her best friend in seventh grade, and later discovered she had ADHD. All while battling social mores in a small, conservative city like Coimbatore. 

Smitha has a warm, honest, and often humorous exploration conversation in this delightfully candid episode with Aparna, journey through gender, sexuality, neurodivergence, and self-acceptance. 

We discuss

  • Aparna reflects on her eccentric early years  
  • Reflecting on the surreal experience of believing she was a boy and her first queer relationship 
  • The unique way she came out to her family
  • Her relationship with ADHD, the relief of finally having a label,  
  • The joys and challenges of living with a neurodivergent partner
  • How her biggest anchor is her community made of friends she can unmask with 

Aparna's bio 

Aparna Subramonian is a writer, storyteller, and brand strategist from Hyderabad. She’s queer, neurodivergent, and passionate about creating systems that accommodate brains like hers. Also, she loves cats. A lot.

Connect with Aparna

LinkedIn 


QOTD

How have you managed your neurodivergence? Write in and tell us - podcast@myndstories.com

Credits

  • Smitha Murthy, host and episode planner.
  • Ravi Kumar, sound designer and editor.


Liked our episode? Visit www.myndstories.com for more.

Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

*Disclaimer -
The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.

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