0_3925 Quantum materials present a fascinating avenue for exploring novel non-equilibrium properties, such as photo-induced phases and phase transitions, with potential applications in cutting-edge technologies. Despite this promise, a key challenge remains in fine-tuning and harnessing these states across a diverse range of materials. This complexity is particularly pronounced in strongly correlated systems, where the interplay between different degrees of freedom can obscure our understanding of the underlying energy landscape. Nonetheless, advances in out-of-equilibrium experiments have enabled us to isolate sub-systems and better comprehend their role in phase formation through microscopic interactions not seen in equilibrium states. While a range of spectroscopies can provide complementary insights into non-thermal states, my research has focused on utilizing time-resolved spontaneous Stokes and anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy (TR-Raman) to uncover the underlying mechanisms behind these transitions. Specifically, our study has investigated transition metal dichalcogenides as a prototype for exotic quantum materials, where TR-Raman has revealed non-thermal exotic phases and transitions.