Reshma Saujani, the Indian American activist and founder of Girls Who Code, has achieved another significant milestone with her podcast My So-Called Midlife, which was recently ranked eighth among TIME’s 10 best podcasts of 2024.

The podcast has garnered praise for its honest and vulnerable exploration of the challenges women face during midlife, offering practical advice and insights on navigating this transformative stage of life.

Who is Reshma Saujani?

Reshma Saujani is a prominent Indian American activist, author, and founder of Girls Who Code, a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology.

Saujani’s work has had a profound impact on the tech world, particularly by empowering young women to pursue careers in computer science.

She also founded Moms First (formerly Marshall Plan for Moms), advocating for policies that support mothers in the workforce.

Saujani’s early career included running for the U.S. House of Representatives, and she earned her J.D. from Yale Law School. A first-generation American, Saujani grew up in Illinois as the daughter of Ugandan refugees of Indian descent.

Over the years, her work has earned widespread recognition for its focus on empowering women and advocating for their success in various spheres of life, particularly in the tech and entrepreneurial sectors.

About “My So-Called Midlife” Podcast

My So-Called Midlife is Reshma Saujani’s podcast that focuses on the unique challenges women face during midlife. Ranked eighth among TIME’s 10 best podcasts of 2024, the show has been celebrated for its raw and vulnerable approach to the midlife transition.

The podcast is a collaboration with Lemonada Media, known for producing podcasts that delve into important social issues.

The show explores themes such as the empty nest syndrome, stalled careers, and the physical changes that women often experience during midlife. Guests on the podcast share their personal stories and offer insights into how women can thrive during this transformative period.

Early episodes featured prominent figures like actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, economist Emily Oster, and Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

What Sets My So-Called Midlife Apart?

TIME magazine noted that Saujani’s podcast stands out because of its deeply personal and almost “pleading vulnerability.”

Unlike other shows that may offer advice from a position of strength, Saujani openly expresses her own challenges and seeks advice from her guests on how to navigate midlife.

This candidness makes the podcast relatable to many women who may feel uncertain about their path forward during this stage of life.

Saujani has also acknowledged the pressures and societal expectations placed on women, particularly around the age of midlife.

She has said that society often promotes the narrative that this stage is one of decline, and she hopes the podcast will help women rethink this outdated view, empowering them to embrace midlife as a time of potential and transformation.

Guests and Conversations on the Show

One of the key strengths of My So-Called Midlife is its guest lineup. The show has hosted influential women from various fields who provide valuable perspectives on midlife. Some of the early guests include:

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, actress, comedian, and producer, shared her experiences of aging in the public eye.

Emily Oster, economist and author, known for her work on parenting and decision-making, offered insights into navigating midlife with children leaving the home.

Ketanji Brown Jackson, U.S. Supreme Court Justice, discussed the balance between career and personal life at a time when many women are reassessing their goals.

These conversations are not just interviews but serve as a collaborative dialogue on what it means to thrive during midlife, offering both inspiration and practical guidance.

Saujani’s Mission and Vision for the Podcast

Saujani has always been an advocate for empowering women, and My So-Called Midlife fits into her larger mission of challenging societal norms. As she shared in an interview with The WIE Suite, she felt that women had been “conned about midlife,” with societal narratives suggesting that it’s a period of decline.

With her podcast, Saujani aims to “give millions of women experiencing midlife permission to rethink what’s possible.”

She encourages her audience to join her in dispelling the myths surrounding this stage of life and embrace midlife as a time for growth, self-reflection, and reinvention.

The Success and Recognition of My So-Called Midlife

Saujani’s podcast has resonated with listeners, leading to its recognition on TIME’s prestigious list.

By being placed alongside legendary programs like 99 Percent Invisible, My So-Called Midlife showcases not only Saujani’s talent for engaging storytelling but also her unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment.

The show has already garnered significant attention, with many women expressing how Saujani’s openness and vulnerability have helped them better understand and navigate their midlife journeys.

Saujani’s excitement about this recognition reflects her commitment to providing a platform for women’s voices. She stated, “This is truly the best gift and acknowledgment that women in midlife are finally getting the spotlight we deserve.”

How Does This Recognition Impact the South Asian Community of the USA? 

It is a significant milestone for the South Asian community in the USA. It highlights the increasing influence of South Asians in mainstream media and underscores their contributions to diverse cultural narratives.

Saujani’s success challenges stereotypes and fosters representation, inspiring South Asians, particularly women, to embrace their voices and life experiences.

The podcast addresses universal themes like midlife transitions while incorporating Saujani’s own experiences as a first-generation Indian American.

This acknowledgment amplifies the visibility of South Asian perspectives, creating a platform for shared identity and dialogue It also encourages younger generations within the community to pursue non-traditional paths and contribute to broader societal conversations.

Saujani’s achievement exemplifies how South Asians are shaping narratives that resonate beyond cultural boundaries, reinforcing their growing impact on America’s socio-cultural landscape