E169 | Breaking The Ice | Change Makers – Palakh Khanna

A single whispered conversation about periods during COVID became a wake-up call and a launchpad. We’re joined by Palakh Khanna, founder of Break the Ice, a youth-led nonprofit that creates spaces for honest dialogue around the topics many communities still treat as taboo: menstruation and period poverty, mental health, gender equality, sustainability, climate action, and youth empowerment.

We dig into why stigma survives even when people “know better.” Palakh breaks it down into two powerful forces: lack of awareness and misinformation. Using mental health as a clear example, we talk about how unclear language and casual labels can blur real conditions, and why safer conversations need both empathy and accurate information. You’ll also hear what it takes to build non-judgmental, peer-led rooms where people feel comfortable speaking up, plus when it makes sense to bring experts into the circle so doubts can be clarified without shame.

The conversation gets personal, too. Palakh shares her growth from being a “massive introvert” to becoming a speaker, and the small habits that helped, including journaling, setting micro-goals, and seeking mentorship. We also explore a future-facing idea: moving young people from participants to decision makers and co-creators, not just beneficiaries.

If you’ve ever felt “too young,” “not ready,” or unsure how to start, this one offers a grounded path forward. Subscribe for more reflective conversations, share this with someone who needs the nudge, and leave a review if you want these stories to reach more people.