Is the 11+ right for every child? And are parents preparing for it in the right way?

In this episode of Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth speaks with experienced 11+ tutor Deepa Kirpalani about the grammar school 11+ journey.

Deepa explains why the 11+ is not only an exam for children, but also a process that requires parents to be informed, realistic and emotionally prepared. From choosing the right schools to understanding catchment areas, consortiums, tutors, mock exams and exam formats, this conversation gives parents a clear roadmap through the grammar school process.

We discuss when preparation should begin, what groundwork children can build from Year 3, how to choose target schools, why mock scores should be treated as indicators rather than final predictions, and how parents can support their child without turning the journey into unnecessary pressure.

Deepa also shares a powerful reminder: children may forget their mock scores, but they will remember how their parents supported them throughout the journey.

In the next part of this conversation, we will discuss the independent school process in more detail, including applications, exams, interviews and results.

A practical episode for parents beginning—or already navigating—the 11+ journey.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:19 Is the 11+ Right for Every Child?

02:12 When Should 11+ Preparation Begin?

05:42 Should Every Child Take the 11+?

07:27 Grammar, Independent and Super-Selective Schools

11:01 Catchment Areas and Consortiums Explained

16:45 Common Mistakes Parents Make

19:29 How to Choose the Right 11+ Tutor

21:04 How Many Schools Should Parents Apply To?

25:13 School Reputation vs the Right Fit

32:55 Making the 11+ Journey Less Stressful

40:18 Subjects, Online Resources and Exam Formats

43:43 Mock Exams and Time Management

50:50 Preparing for Different Grammar School Exams

54:45 Henrietta Barnett and QE Boys Explained

59:27 Managing the Wait for Results

1:03:56 CAF Form and School Ranking

1:06:01 National Offer Day and Next Steps

[11 plus, 11+ exam, 11 plus preparation, grammar school, grammar school admissions, 11 plus grammar school, 11 plus tutor, Deepa Kirpalani, 11 plus parent guide, 11 plus mistakes, 11 plus mock exams, grammar school catchment, 11 plus catchment area, school consortiums, when to start 11 plus preparation, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, 11 plus maths, 11 plus English, super selective schools, Henrietta Barnett, QE Boys, 11 plus school selection, parent pressure, Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth]

SPOTIFY DESCRIPTION

Can yoga become a full-time career? Can you study psychology after engineering? And what does it really take to build an unconventional career in wellness and mental health?

In this episode of Unblur the Path, Lakshmi speaks with Swathi, a yoga teacher and counselling psychologist, about her journey from engineering and IT to yoga teaching, psychology, counselling, and mind-body healing.

Swathi explains how yoga first became part of her personal recovery, how she trained professionally as a yoga teacher, and how she later studied MSc Psychology to deepen her understanding of the human mind. She also shares the realities of freelancing, financial uncertainty, building a client network, burnout in mental health careers, and the difference between a counsellor, counselling psychologist, clinical psychologist and psychiatrist.

This episode is useful for students, parents, career changers, and anyone exploring careers in yoga, psychology, counselling, wellness, mental health, or holistic healing.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction
01:58 Swathi’s work as a yoga teacher and counselling psychologist
03:47 From engineering and IT to yoga
07:59 How to study yoga professionally
12:19 Life after yoga certification: training, observation and teaching
14:43 Studio teaching, freelancing and building a network
19:28 The real challenges: money, uncertainty and risk
26:06 Yoga, science and the mind-body connection
28:09 COVID, upskilling and the shift towards psychology
34:01 Studying MSc Psychology after engineering
38:41 Combining yoga and counselling in practice
45:39 Counsellor, psychologist, clinical psychologist and psychiatrist explained
54:27 Advice, work-life balance and Swathi’s life mantra

Listen to Swathi’s career journey on Unblur the Path.

SPOTIFY KEYWORDS

yoga teacher career, counselling psychologist, counselling psychology, psychology career, yoga career, yoga teaching career, how to become a yoga teacher, yoga teacher training, psychology after engineering, MSc psychology, career change from engineering, IT to yoga teacher, engineering to yoga, wellness career, mental health career, holistic healing, mind body connection, yoga and psychology, freelance yoga teacher, unconventional career, career guidance for students, counsellor vs therapist, psychologist vs psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, stress management yoga, yoga therapy, Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth, Swathi yoga teacher

In this episode of Unblur the Path, Poonam Gehlot continues her inspiring career journey from nuclear engineering and systems engineering to personal growth, confidence and becoming Ms Asia Empress UK 2026.

Poonam shares how she moved through the nuclear and defence industry, dealt with self-doubt, took a career break, travelled solo, learned the power of saying no, and stepped into the pageant world.

This conversation is especially useful for students, parents, young professionals, women in STEM, and anyone exploring engineering careers, career growth, confidence building or personal development.

We discuss nuclear engineering, systems engineering, women in STEM, career breaks, burnout, solo travel, self-doubt, public speaking, pageant journey, AI in engineering, apprenticeships vs university, and what success really means.

A powerful reminder from this episode: confidence does not always come first — courage does.

Chapters:

00:00 Courage, Confidence & Self-Doubt
01:39 Welcome Back to Poonam’s Journey
02:40 From Nuclear Engineering to Systems Engineering
07:26 Desk Job vs Site Work in Nuclear Engineering
09:00 Career Break, Burnout & Finding What’s Next
14:26 The Power of Saying No in Your Career
16:45 Overcoming Self-Doubt at Work
20:12 Solo Travel, Personal Growth & Facing Fear
28:59 Why Courage Comes Before Confidence
31:36 Poonam’s Pageant Journey Begins
36:35 The Costume Round Inspired by Her Nani
39:28 Becoming Ms Asia Empress UK 2026
41:44 Work-Life Balance, Career Choices & Switching Companies
46:29 University vs Apprenticeships in Engineering
48:38 Resilience, AI & the Future of Engineering
51:06 What Success Really Means
53:03 Final Takeaway: Confidence Follows Courage

Subscribe to Unblur the Path for honest career conversations that help students, parents and professionals make informed career decisions.

[Poonam Gehlot, Ms Asia Empress UK 2026, nuclear engineer, nuclear engineering career, systems engineering, women in STEM, female engineer, defence industry career, chemical engineer, career break, burnout, self doubt, confidence building, courage over confidence, public speaking, pageant journey, South Asian women in STEM, women empowerment, career podcast, career guidance for students, Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth, engineering careers, STEM careers for girls, AI in engineering, apprenticeships vs university, career growth, personal development,unblurthepath, lakshmiseth]

What does a chemical engineer actually do? And how does someone working in the UK's nuclear sector become Ms Asia Empress UK 2026?

In this episode of Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth speaks with Poonam Gehlot, a chemical engineer, technical leader, women in STEM advocate, and Ms Asia Empress UK 2026.

Poonam shares her journey from choosing chemical engineering at university to working on major projects in the nuclear industry. We discuss university applications, industrial placements, graduate careers, engineering leadership, problem-solving, and the realities of working in a highly technical field.

We also explore confidence, personal growth, and why she decided to step onto the pageant stage after building a successful engineering career.

Whether you're a student exploring STEM careers, a parent guiding career choices, or a professional considering a new challenge, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration.

Topics covered:
• Chemical Engineering
• Nuclear Industry Careers
• Women in STEM
• University Applications & Clearing
• Industrial Placements
• Engineering Leadership
• Problem Solving Skills
• Confidence & Personal Growth
• Ms Asia Empress UK 2026
• Career Advice for Students

[Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineer, Women in STEM, STEM Careers, Engineering Careers, Nuclear Industry, Nuclear Energy, Engineering Leadership, Technical Leadership, Graduate Careers, University Applications, Clearing UK, Industrial Placement, Career Guidance, Career Podcast, Women in Engineering, Female Leadership, Problem Solving, Personal Growth, Confidence Building, Mrs Asia Empress UK 2026, Poonam Gehlot, Engineering Management, Students, Career Advice, Unblur the Path]

What does it really take to build a career in acting?

In Part 2 of this conversation with Ashwini Kinhikar, we explore her journey from Radio Jockey to actor, theatre artist, model, writer, and presenter. Ashwini shares how she completed 100 monologues in 100 weeks, landed her first acting roles, navigated auditions and agents, handled rejection, and built a creative career in the media industry.

We also discuss the differences between theatre and film acting, the importance of mentors, confidence, resilience, modelling at London Fashion Week, and why waiting for validation can hold us back from pursuing our dreams.

Whether you're interested in acting, media, theatre, broadcasting, or simply curious about unconventional career paths, this episode offers an honest look behind the scenes of a creative profession.

Topics covered:
• Acting careers
• Theatre vs film acting
• Auditions and agents
• Handling rejection
• Radio presenting
• Modelling and London Fashion Week
• Mentorship and personal growth
• Building confidence
• Creative careers and media industry

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: From Radio Jockey to Actor

02:11 The Pandemic, 100 Monologues & Finding Acting

08:14 Breaking into Acting: Agents, Auditions & Rejection

20:05 Films, Theatre & Life as a Working Actor

25:39 Theatre vs Film Acting: Skills, Preparation & Mindset

32:30 Mentors, Writing & Personal Growth

42:26 London Fashion Week, Reinvention & Following Dreams

57:55 Final Reflections: Validation, Success & Life Lessons

[acting career, actor, theatre actor, theatre career, film acting, acting auditions, acting agents, radio jockey, radio presenter, media career, creative careers, modelling, London Fashion Week, personal growth, career podcast, career guidance, career exploration, women in media, resilience, mentorship, Unblur the Path, Ashwini Kinhikar, storytelling, broadcasting, entertainment industry, creative professions, acting journey, career change, following your dreams, confidence building]

What does a career in radio and media really look like behind the microphone?

In this episode of Unblur the Path, Ashwini Kinhikar shares her journey from becoming a news anchor at just 18 to building a career as a radio presenter, MC, voiceover artist, storyteller, actor, and writer.

We explore the skills required for a career in media, what happens behind the scenes of a radio show, how presenters connect with audiences, the importance of communication skills, handling mistakes on air, and the role of empathy in broadcasting.

Ashwini also shares a powerful story about how a message delivered during one of her radio shows helped change someone's life.

Whether you're considering a career in media, radio presenting, acting, public speaking, voiceovers, or content creation, this conversation offers an honest and practical look at the profession.

Topics covered:

• Radio presenter career
• News anchoring
• Media industry insights
• Communication skills
• Public speaking
• Voiceover careers
• Storytelling
• Confidence building
• Career breaks and reinvention
• Behind the scenes of radio

🎙️ Part 1 of a two-part conversation with Ashwini Kinhikar.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Ashwini Kinhikar & Media Careers
03:02 Wearing Many Hats: Actor, RJ, MC, Voiceover Artist & Storyteller
04:15 Childhood Dreams and Becoming a News Anchor at 18
06:07 The Skills Required for News Anchoring
09:45 Balancing Studies, Jobs and Media Work
12:28 Marriage, Family Life and a 13-Year Career Pause
15:16 Finding Her Way Back Through Community Anchoring
17:02 How the Radio Journey Began
19:41 What Radio Presenters Actually Do Behind the Scenes
20:55 The Radio Show That Helped Save a Life
26:11 Connecting with Listeners Through Empathy and Communication
32:09 Mistakes, Growth and the Reality of Working in Radio

[media careers, radio presenter, radio jockey, RJ career, news anchor, media industry, communication skills, public speaking, voiceover artist, acting career, storytelling, broadcasting, career guidance, career podcast, women in media, content creator, presenter, anchoring, confidence, Unblur the Path, Ashwini Kinhikar, Lakshmi Seth, career exploration, career journeys, jobs explained, media professional, radio career, communication, personal growth, career change, career development]

In Part 2 of my conversation with mountaineer and explorer Satyarup Siddhanta, we venture into some of the most remote places on Earth.

Satya shares what it is really like to ski towards the South Pole, climb volcanic summits, survive in Antarctica, manage fear in extreme environments, and make critical decisions when resources are limited.

We also discuss the realities of funding expeditions, the lessons mountains teach about resilience, the role of parents in supporting unconventional dreams, and why exploration is ultimately about personal growth rather than records.

Whether you are interested in mountaineering, adventure, leadership, resilience, or simply pursuing ambitious goals, this conversation offers insights that extend far beyond the mountains.

Topics covered:
• Antarctica and the South Pole
• Volcanic summits around the world
• Expedition planning and survival
• Fear, resilience and risk management
• Everest and extreme mountaineering
• Funding large dreams
• Personal growth through adversity
• The mindset of an explorer

Guest: Satyarup Siddhanta
Host: Lakshmi Seth
Podcast: Unblur the Path

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction
02:34 Antarctica: A World Without Life
05:06 Alone on the Way to the South Pole
08:20 The South Pole Was Not What I Expected
13:13 Chasing Volcanoes Around the World
15:43 Exploring Mountains No One Has Climbed
21:53 How Explorers Survive in Extreme Conditions
29:28 Why I Started Winners and Achievers
34:31 The Truth About Funding Big Dreams
40:35 What Mountains Taught Me About Life
47:55 The Day I Thought My Dream Was Over
54:20 Dream Big. Then Chase It.

[Satyarup Siddhanta, Antarctica, South Pole, Mount Everest, mountaineering, exploration, adventure, extreme sports, volcanic summits, resilience, mental toughness, leadership, personal growth, survival stories, adventure travel, expedition planning, risk management, Guinness World Record, explorers, mountaineer podcast, Indian mountaineer, overcoming fear, inspiration, life lessons, outdoor adventure, endurance, dream chasing, Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth, motivation podcast]

What does it take to go from being an asthmatic child to climbing Mount Everest and earning a Guinness World Record?

In this episode of Unblur the Path, Satya Roop Siddhant shares his remarkable journey from software engineering to mountaineering. He talks about overcoming asthma, discovering a passion for the mountains, funding ambitious expeditions, surviving setbacks, and learning resilience through both success and failure.

This conversation goes beyond records and summits. It explores courage, calculated risk-taking, mental strength, and the mindset required to pursue a dream that seems impossible.

In Part 1, we discuss:
• How mountaineering found him
• The transition from corporate life to adventure
• The 2015 Nepal earthquake and its impact on his Everest dream
• Overcoming asthma and limiting beliefs
• Training, preparation, and funding major expeditions
• The lessons mountains teach about resilience and purpose

Part 2 will explore Antarctica, skiing expeditions, and life beyond the world's most famous peaks.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction: From Asthma to World RecordsMeet Guinness World Record holder and mountaineer Satyarup Siddhanta.

02:44 – The Accidental MountaineerHow a software engineer unexpectedly found his calling in the mountains.

05:24 – Everest, Career Choices & the 2015 Nepal EarthquakeLosing an expedition, losing funding, and rebuilding a dream.

16:28 – Living with Asthma & Discovering EverestThe trek that changed everything and sparked an extraordinary goal.

27:38 – Training for the MountainsFitness, mountaineering courses, preparation, and what aspiring mountaineers should know.

31:32 – Funding the Seven SummitsCredit cards, loans, crowdfunding, sponsorships, and relentless persistence.

39:35 – Fear, Failure & Mental StrengthCalculated risks, resilience, turning back when necessary, and learning from setbacks.

48:34 – Surviving Extreme Cold & High AltitudeAntarctica preparation, altitude adaptation, and life in the death zone.

54:35 – What's Coming in Part 2Antarctica, polar expeditions, volcanoes, and the untold side of mountaineering.

[mountaineering, mount everest, everest expedition, satya roop siddhant, guinness world record, limca book of records, seven summits, adventure sports, mountain climbing, high altitude climbing, everest climber, mountaineer, resilience, mental strength, overcoming fear, growth mindset, risk taking, leadership, perseverance, personal development, inspirational stories, motivational stories, career journey, unconventional careers, software engineer to mountaineer, entrepreneurship, winners and achievers, expedition funding, crowdfunding, nepal earthquake 2015, everest avalanche, mountaineering training, physical fitness, endurance, outdoor adventure, extreme expeditions, life lessons, purpose driven life, student career guidance, unblur the path podcast]