Love Matters With Evelyn Sharma: Recent Episodes
Express Audio
Want to talk about sex openly? Are you figuring out how to be happily single? Or are you at odds with your family over your partner choice? Love Matters is here to help you navigate the ups and downs of love — with the help of celebrity guests and influencers!
Each week, Bollywood actress, entrepreneur, mother and wife Evelyn Sharma hears from a listener with a relationship challenge and speaks to well-known Indians, who open up about their own experiences of love.
The podcast provides a space to talk about the love and relationship topics that are important to Indians. Tune in and email us at lovematters@dw.com to have your relationship challenges features!
What happens when love crosses religious lines? In this episode of Love Matters, Leeza Mangaldas speaks with writer Alina Gufran, author of No Place to Call My Own, about growing up in a Hindu–Muslim household, navigating identity, and dismantling stereotypes around interfaith love. How does faith influence who we choose to love? What do identity, belonging, and family expectations mean in modern relationships? And can love bridge cultural and religious differences? Tune in for a candid conversation on love, faith and dating in contemporary India. And share your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear your experiences.
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_BANQfJbw0lPAGHtAeX5nw
CREDITS:
Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Charulata Biswas (IE)
Researcher and Editor
Sana Rizvi (DW)
Video Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)
Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Editorial Support:
Shashank Bhargava (IE)
Prerana Deshpande (DW)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.dw.com
What happens when you stop looking for someone to complete you and start embracing the idea of being whole on your own? In this episode of Love Matters, host Leeza Mangaldas sits down with globetrotting diver and travel content creator Sharanya Iyer. From quitting a stable 9-to-5 at 27 to navigating life as a single Indian woman in her 30s, Sharanya speaks candidly about dealing with societal pressure, busting myths about marriage and motherhood, and finding joy in independence and solo travel. Tune in for insights on self-love, financial freedom, and why singlehood can be a choice—not a compromise. Plus, find out where Sharanya thinks the sexiest men live!
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_BANQfJbw0lPAGHtAeX5nw
Sharanya Iyer’s Socials:
Instagram: :https://www.instagram.com/trulynomadly/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TrulyNomadly/about
CREDITS:
Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Charulata Biswas (IE)
Researcher & Editor
Sana Rizvi (DW)
Video Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)
Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Editorial Support:
Shashank Bhargava (IE)
Prerana Deshpande (DW)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.Learn more about DW:https://www.dw.com
Are we really more connected—or lonelier than ever? And have we all forgotten how tob e good friends? In this episode of Love Matters, Leeza Mangaldas sits down with artist, illustrator, and feminist thinker Priyanka Paul for an unfiltered conversation about the friendship crisis of our times. From ghosting and “polite friendships” to the impact of social media and doomscrolling, they explore why adult friendships feel harder, and what it takes to nurture real connection. Tune in and join the conversation about why friendships matter more than ever.
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: / leezamangaldas
YouTube: / @leezamangaldas1
Priyanka Paul’s Socials:
Instagram
https://priyankapaul.art/
CREDITS:
Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Charulata Biswas (IE)
Researcher & Editor
Sana Rizvi (DW)
Video Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)
Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Editorial Support:
Shashank Bhargava (IE)
Prerana Deshpande (DW)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.dw.com
Is not posting about your partner on social media a major red flag? What is a "soft launch" in relationships? And is AI making us worse at dating? Author and cultural commentator Ria Chopra joins sexuality educator Leeza Mangaldas on Love Matters for a deep dive into how the internet has become the sixth love language of Gen Z – shaping how young people date, express affection, and negotiate boundaries. Ria and Leeza unpack why digital behaviour now feels as meaningful as real-life gestures. They explore online identity, creator-partner dynamics, privacy, emotional signalling through memes, and the new etiquette of dating in a hyper-connected world. A thoughtful, relatable conversation for anyone navigating relationships in the age of the feed.
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: / leezamangaldasYouTube: / @leezamangaldas1
Ria Chopra's socials:
https://www.instagram.com/riachops/
https://x.com/riachops?lang=en
https://riachops.com/
CREDITS:
Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Charulata Biswas (IE)
Researcher & Editor:
Sana Rizvi (DW)
Video Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)
Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Editorial Support:
Shashank Bhargava (IE)
Prerana Deshpande (DW)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.
Learn more about DW: https://www.dw.com
Amol Parashar joins Leeza Mangaldas on Love Matters for a refreshingly honest conversation about intimacy, masculinity and the myths around sex. From awkward first experiences to confidence, communication, boundaries and consent — Amol shares his take on what men want and how intimacy evolves with experience. Watch for grounded insights, funny confessions, and a reminder that sex is about connection, not performance.
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: / leezamangaldas
YouTube: / @leezamangaldas1
CREDITS:
Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Charulata Biswas (IE)
Researcher & Editor:
Sana Rizvi (DW)
Video Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)
Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Editorial Support:
Shashank Bhargava (IE)
Prerana Deshpande (DW)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.
Learn more about DW:https://www.dw.com
Actor and writer Shreya Dhanwanthary joins Leeza Mangaldas to unpack how dating, sex, and self-worth shift from your 20s to your 30s. From first dates and people-pleasing habits to embracing self-confidence, body positivity, and dating apps in your 30s, they explore the lessons learned along the way. Shreya shares her journey of rejecting societal conditioning, defining her own femininity, and finding freedom in being single. Whether it’s navigating dating apps, understanding intentions, or breaking free from gender norms, this conversation is full of honesty, humor, and heartfelt advice for anyone figuring out love on their own terms.
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: / leezamangaldas
YouTube: / @leezamangaldas1
Shreya Dhanwanthary's socials:
Instagram /shreyadhan13
X https://x.com/shreyadhan13
CREDITS:
Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Charulata Biswas (IE)
Researcher & Editor:
Sana Rizvi (DW)
Video Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)
Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Editorial Support:
Shashank Bhargava (IE)
Prerana Deshpande (DW)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.dw.com
Journalist Isha Bhatia Sanan joins Leeza Mangaldas to discuss how parents can initiate open, age-appropriate conversations with their children about sex, puberty and periods, normalizing these topics and removing the associated shame. Not only is Isha Bhatia the host of shows such as "BaeBaak Isha" on DW Hindi and Jansatta, she is also the mother of a nine-year-old. She therefore draws on both professional and personal experience. She also compares talking to your kids about such topics with how it was during her own adolescence. What’s it like to parent in the digital age? And how can parents teach their children about consent and boundaries? Listen to this insightful episode of Love Matters for practical, judgment-free parenting tips.
Trigger warning: This podcast contains discussion over sensitive issues, consumable for listeners above the age of 18.
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas
YouTube: / @leezamangaldas1
Isha Bhatia Sanan’s socials:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ishabhatiasanan/?hl=en
X https://x.com/IshaBhatiaSananYoutube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLCuIl3osNffydlUfGFKWSx9svkLbRC45CREDITS:
Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Charulata Biswas (IE)Researcher & Editor
Sana Rizvi (DW)Video
Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Editorial Support:
Shashank Bhargava (IE)
Prerana Deshpande (DW)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.dw.com
On this episode of Love Matters, stand-up comedian and creative writer Supriya Joshi talks about her experience with Living Apart Together (LAT) – a modern relationship style where couples choose to maintain their own spaces while staying emotionally connected. From balancing independence, freedom, and love, to the challenges and joys of long-distance connections, Supriya shares candid insights on why space might actually strengthen relationships.
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas?igsh=YnlsNGs4aDdyMXV6
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@leezamangaldas1?si=UHzm8giwj5RJqHtF
Supriya Joshi’s Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/supaarwoman/?hl=en
CREDITS:
Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Researcher & Editor
Sana Rizvi (DW)
Video Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)
Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Editorial Support:
Shashank Bhargava (IE)
Prerana Deshpande (DW)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.dw.com
In this candid conversation, actor Shahana Goswami opens up about her journey of owning her sexuality, body positivity, and the freedom to explore desires without shame. From discovering sexual energy at a young age to embracing polyamory, Shahana discusses how family, friendships, and supportive environments shaped her understanding of intimacy. She talks about the importance of connection over performance, breaking myths around women’s libido, monogamy, and polyamory, and why discussing sex openly is vital in a society that often shames it. Shahana also shares insights from her personal projects, highlighting the beauty of the human form and the power of authenticity. Watch this episode to hear her thoughts on flowy sexual connections, embracing nudity, polyamorous relationships, and why she believes judgment and shame around sexuality should be challenged.
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas?igsh=YnlsNGs4aDdyMXV6
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@leezamangaldas1?si=UHzm8giwj5RJqHtF
Shahana Goswami's Socials:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shahanagoswami/
X - https://x.com/shahanagoswami
CREDITS:
Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Researcher & Editor
Sana Rizvi (DW)
Video Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)
Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Editorial Support:
Shashank Bhargava (IE)
Prerana Deshpande (DW)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.dw.com
Comedian Kenny Sebastian gets real about fatherhood, emotional dads, and the struggles of modern parenting in this episode of Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas. From his own relationship to his parents to the invisible “dad guilt” that many fathers feel, Kenny shares candid stories about raising a child, supporting his partner, and unlearning traditional ideas of masculinity. Discover why trying to be the “cool dad” can backfire, Kenny’s surprisingly effective trick to get a baby to sleep, and the parenting advice he wishes someone had given him. Honest, hilarious, and heartfelt, this conversation is a must-watch for dads, parents-to-be, and anyone curious about the realities of modern fatherhood.
Leeza Mangaldas' Instagram
Youtube
Kenny Sebastian's Instagram
Youtube
CREDITS:
Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Researcher & Editor
Sana Rizvi (DW)
Video Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)
Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.dw.com
Honest, bold, and never boring – Love Matters is back with a brand-new season. Hosted by Leeza Mangaldas, India’s leading voice on sexuality education and pleasure positivity. Open conversations about love, dating, desire and all the juicy bits in-between. The first episode drops on October 4th. Make sure to tune in on your favorite podcast platform!
dwlovematters
How does your mental health affect your relationships? What’s it like to have a partner who suffers from a mental illness? And how can we support each other, balancing mental health issues and personal needs? In this candid episode of Love Matters, Leeza Mangaldas and Ira Khan, founder of the Agatsu Foundation, explore emotional resilience, self-awareness, and navigating vulnerability. Ira also talks about her personal experience navigating her clinical depression with her partner and what steps one can take to ensure healthy communication. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform! #LoveMatters
HELP IS A CALL AWAY
MENTAL HEALTH HELPLINE NUMBERS
AASRA
Contact: 9820466726
Email: aasrahelpline@yahoo.com
Timings: 24x7
Languages: English, Hindi
Snehi
Contact: 9582208181
Email: snehi.india@gmail.com
Timings: 10am - 10pm, all days
Languages: English, Hindi, Marathi
Fortis MentalHealth
Contact: 8376804102
Timings: 24x7; All days
Languages: Achiku, Assamese, Bengali, Dogri, English, Gujarati,
Hindi, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi,
Rajasthani, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu
Connecting NGO
Contact: 9922004305, 9922001122
Email: distressmailsconnecting@gmail.com
Timings: 12pm - 8pm; All days
Languages: English, Hindi, Marathi
Vandrevala Foundation
Contact: 18602662345
Email: help@vandrevalafoundation.com
Timings: 24x7
Languages: Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati and English
Find the resources mentioned in our episode at: https://www.agatsufoundation.org/
Credits:
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/reels/?hl=en
Ira Khan’s Instagram:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/khan.ira/?hl=en
Agastu Foundation Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agatsufoundation/?hl=en
Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Charulata Biswas (IE)
Researcher & Editor
Sana Rizvi (DW)
Video Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)
Audio Editor
Suresh Pawar (IE)
Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.dw.com
Get in touch: lovematters@dw.com
How do societal expectations shape who we are? In this powerful episode of Love Matters, Leeza Mangaldas and Writer and Curator, Aroh Akunth explore gender, identity, and breaking free from labels. Learn how to embrace your authentic self while navigating societal pressures. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform!
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/?hl=en
Aroh Akunth’s Social handles:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/arohakunth/?hl=en
Credits:
Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Charulata Biswas (IE)
Researcher and Editor
Sana Rizvi (DW)
Camera (DW):
Christian Dransfeld
Ralph Meiling
Marek Neumann-Schönwetter
Sound (DW):
Tabea Senne
Video Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)
Audio Editor
Suresh Pawar (IE)
Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.dw.com
Get in touch: lovematters@dw.com
Is sexual dissatisfaction in long-term relationships inevitable? In this episode of Love Matters, Storyteller and Mythologist Seema Anand and Leeza Mangaldas tackle the challenges of sexless marriages, sexual shame, and rebuilding intimacy. Discover practical advice on communication, redefining pleasure, and keeping the spark alive. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform!
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/?hl=en
Seema Anand’s Instagram:
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/seemaanandstorytelling/?hl=en
Credits:
Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Charulata Biswas (IE)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Researcher & Editor:
Sana Rizvi (DW)
Audio Editor:
Suresh Pawar(IE)
Seema Anand Photo Credit
Sujata Setia of @butnaturalphotography
Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.dw.comGet in touch lovematters@dw.com
How do traditional gender roles around money impact modern relationships? In this episode of Love Matters, Leeza Mangaldas and Nikhil Taneja discuss navigating finances in partnerships, breaking patriarchal norms, and embracing equality in love. From splitting bills to addressing societal pressures, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone rethinking relationship dynamics. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform!
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/?hl=en
Nikhil Taneja’s Social handles:
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/tanejamainhoon?igsh=MXZxbzk2eDF0emQ2Nw==X- https://x.com/tanejamainhoon?s=21
Credits:
Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Charulata Biswas (IE)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Researcher & Editor:
Sana Rizvi (DW)
Audio Editor:
Suresh Pawar(IE)
Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.dw.com
Get in touch lovematters@dw.com
In this episode of Love Matters, host Leeza Mangaldas welcomes writer Karuna Ezara Parikh for an intimate conversation about a woman’s relationship with her body. Known for her acclaimed works, including The Heart Asks Pleasure First, Karuna shares her deeply personal journey, from navigating the pressures of the media’s gaze to being diagnosed with lung cancer. Together, they discuss self-care, societal expectations, and reclaiming agency over one’s body. Karuna also reflects on how her diagnosis reshaped her perspective on health, beauty, and life itself. This heartfelt episode offers insights and inspiration for anyone seeking to redefine their relationship with themselves.
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/
Karuna Ezara Parikh's Social handles:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/karunaezara/
X- https://x.com/karunaparikh
Credits:
Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Charulata Biswas (IE)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Researcher & Editor:
Sana Rizvi (DW)
Audio Editor:
Suresh Pawar (IE)
Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.dw.com
Get in touch lovematters@dw.com
Unlock love's cosmic secrets and discover how astrology, numerology, tarot and cosmic intuition shape relationships and your own existence. Love Matters host Leeza Mangaldas and astrologer Zohra Shakti explore divination's insights into love, self-discovery and modern relationships. Watch this episode for an enlightening cosmic journey.
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/
Zohra Shakti's Social handles:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/woodstock_witch/
Website: https://www.woodstockwitch.com/
Credits:
Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Charulata Biswas (IE)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Researcher & Editor:
Sana Rizvi (DW)
Audio Editor:
Suresh Pawar (IE)
Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.dw.com
Get in touch: lovematters@dw.com
Love Matters is back!
Listen to all the episodes of your favourite podcast now!
Love Matters is a podcast produced by The Indian Express and DW, Germany's international broadcaster - that explores love, sex, and relationships in India. Currently hosted by Leeza Mangaldas, India’s top sexuality educator, Love Matters features conversations with remarkable guests whose unique expertise and lived experiences are sure to strike a chord. Each episode will navigate a complex and often taboo topic, unravelling identity, social norms, desire, gender, pleasure, and most of all, the irrepressible force that is love. If you have a question, topic idea, guest suggestion, or feedback, you can email us at lovematters@dw.com
In this episode of Love Matters, Dr. Karan Rajan, NHS surgeon and the internet’s favourite doctor, joins host Leeza Mangaldas to tackle men’s sexual health myths head-on. From masturbation and penis size to erectile dysfunction, Dr. Karan debunks pervasive misinformation. They dive deep into the psychological and cultural pressures men face around body image, performance pressure and masculinity. Plus, they discuss the rise of Viagra misuse among young men and the vital link between mental health and sexual well-being. Don’t miss this candid and insightful conversation!
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/
Dr. Karan Rajan's Social handles:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drkaranrajan/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DrKaranR/
X- https://x.com/drkaranrajan
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/DrKaran
Website - https://www.drkaranrajan.com/
Credits:
Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Charulata Biswas (IE)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Researcher & Editor:
Sana Rizvi (DW)
Video Editor:
Praveen Kumar (IE)
Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.dw.com
Get in touch lovematters@dw.com
We've all been there- curled up in bed, feeling like the world is crashing down after a breakup. But what if the breakup is actually an opportunity for growth? Join Leeza Mangaldas and content creator, actor and writer Merenla Imsong in another episode of Love Matters. They dive into the messy yet transformative world of breakups. From understanding self worth to closures, here's a fresh perspective on healing from a heartbreak.
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/
Merenla Imsong's Social handles:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/merenla_imsong
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@mimsong1280
Twitter: https://x.com/MerenlaImsong
Credits:
Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Charulata Biswas (IE)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Researcher & Editor:
Sana Rizvi (DW)
Audio Editor:
Praveen Kumar (IE)
Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Learn more about DW: https://www.dw.com/
Get in touch: lovematters@dw.com
What happens when you discover your true sexuality after tying the knot in a traditional marriage? In this episode of Love Matters, Leeza Mangaldas speaks with standup comedian Anshita Koul about her groundbreaking personal journey. Married in her 20s in a heteronormative setup, Anshita later came out as queer in her 30s. They discuss the complexities of navigating identity, love, and societal expectations while in a committed marriage. How does coming out shift the dynamics of a relationship, and what are the challenges of finding yourself when the world expects you to fit into pre-defined boxes? Tune in to hear Anshita’s candid and humorous take on coming out in a deeply patriarchal society, her evolving perspective on marriage, and how she discovered her true self. Anshita Koul is an internationally touring standup comedian, currently based in Berlin. She also works as a Hindi Producer for the show EcoIndia at DW.
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/
Anshita Koul's Social handles:
Website - https://anshitakoul.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anshitakoul/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/koulanshita
Credits:
Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Charulata Biswas (IE)
Researcher & Editor:
Sana Rizvi (DW)
Audio edit and mixing:
Suresh Pawar (IE)
Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Learn more about DW:
/ dwasia
https://www.dw.com
Get in touch: lovemattersdw.com
Love Matters is launching a new season soon, featuring amazing guests and exciting topics! We're also thrilled to announce a special podcast episode that will be recorded live at a podcast festival in Berlin, Germany. For the first time ever, our cherished listeners can join the audience for this live recording. So, if you're in Berlin or will be there at the end of August, listen up!
Being bisexual is often met with a whole lot of stereotypes, and there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding that topic, coming from both the heteronormative society and within the queer community. What are the unique challenges of coming out as a bisexual woman in India? What prejudices do bi people confront? And what is it like to navigate straight and queer spaces when you're bisexual?
In this episode of Love Matters, Leeza Mangaldas talks to writer and editor Saumyaa Vohra about her personal experiences. From coming out to yourself and your family to differences in dating men and women, join their insightful and open conversation. They also delve deep into the story of Saumyaa Vohra's book "One Night Only" – one of the few Indian novels to feature a bisexual protagonist. Find out how she came up with the idea and why she portrayed her character deliberately flawed and "the least likeable." Tune in now!
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/
Saumyaa Vohra's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saumyaavohra/
Credits:
Produced by: Patricia Szilagyi (DW), Charulata Biswas (IE)
Research & Guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi (DW)
Project Manager: Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava (IE), Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style), Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Sound Editor: Suresh Pawar (IE)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Learn more about DW:https://www.facebook.com/dwasia
https://www.dw.com/
Female pleasure and sex positivity are not often talked about very openly. What does sexual agency look like for women in contemporary India? And how does it differ from the ubiquitous images we see in media coverage and pop culture of the sexually liberated western women? In this episode of Love Matters, host Leeza Mangaldas is in conversation with book author and psychologist Amrita Narayanan about the many nuances of women’s sexuality in the context of a patriarchal society. What can sexual empowerment look like within the Indian context? And how does female pleasure pivot between “rapture and distress”?
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/
Amrita Narayanan’s X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmritaShrink
Credits:
Produced by: Patricia Szilagyi (DW), Charulata Biswas (IE)
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi (DW)
Project Manager: Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava (IE), Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style), Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Sound Editor: Suresh Pawar (IE)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Learn more about DW:https://www.facebook.com/dwasia
https://www.dw.com/
What’s it like dating as a gay man? And how does it compare to loving men as a cis-hetero woman? In this episode of Love Matters, host Leeza Mangaldas is comparing notes on “loving men” with writer, translator and co-founder of Pink List India, Anish Gawande. From meeting potential partners to power structures within relationships and their personal red flags when dating men. What are the differences and commonalities in relationships with current and previous lovers? And what can mainstream society learn from queer perspectives? Tune in to hear about these topics and many more.
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/
Anish Gawande’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anishgawande/?hl=en
Credits:
Produced by: Patricia Szilagyi (DW), Charulata Biswas (IE)
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi (DW)
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler (DW)
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava (IE), Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style), Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Sound Editor: Suresh Pawar (IE)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.facebook.com/dwasia
https://www.dw.com/
Being a mother often seems to be the inevitable and most desirable role a woman can have in India. The question is never if, but when and how many children a woman will have. But why is this considered the “natural” destiny and the one and only true fulfillment of a woman’s life? How can there be a choice for - or against - motherhood? And what are the challenges for those who do not want to have children? In this episode of Love Matters host Leeza Mangaldas and writer Dr. Amrita Nandy unpack this sensitive subject; looking at how society romanticizes motherhood, the obsession with having biological children as well as finding purpose and kinship beyond being a parent. Join them in their candid and insightful conversation.
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/
Amrita Nandy’s book - Motherhood and Choice: Uncommon Mothers, Childfree Women - https://amzn.eu/d/64MsN7x
Credits:Produced by: Patricia Szilagyi (DW), Charulata Biswas (IE)
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi (DW)
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler (DW)
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava (IE), Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style), Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Sound Editor: Suresh Pawar (IE)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Learn more about DW:https://www.facebook.com/dwasiahttps://www.dw.com
Dear Listeners, Love Matters is going on a short break and the next episode featuring the incredible Amrita Nandy will be available on the 6th of January.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.facebook.com/dwasia
https://www.dw.com
What determines who we love and desire? Is it just down to personal preference? Or isn’t it rather ingrained in our minds through what we learn and see growing up and through pop culture all around us? And when it comes to love and relationships in India: aren’t societal forces shaping the way we love much more than we’d like to think?
In this episode of Love Matters, host Leeza Mangaldas explores these questions and many more with the help of Christina Dhanuja, Writer, Researcher and Convenor of the Global Campaign for Dalit Women. They also tackle questions like - how does endogamy shape the way we see what is deemed desirable and how do power imbalances based on caste affect the real-life experiences of interpersonal relationships and can they be addressed? And much much more.
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/
Christina Dhanuja’s Website: https://christinadhanuja.com/
Credits:
Produced by: Patricia Szilagyi (DW), Charulata Biswas (IE)
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi (DW)
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler (DW)
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava (IE), Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style), Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Sound Editor: Suresh Pawar (IE)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.facebook.com/dwasia
https://www.dw.com
Public discourse around sexual consent is often rigidly configured around “Yes” and “No”. But how can we go beyond just this basic binary framework to make room for the more complex and nuanced emotions we may experience in our sexual lives? Can we create an environment of such radical kindness that we can make room for maybe, so we can explore our desires as they unfold instead of having to always preempt them for fear of our safety?
Join Leeza Mangaldas and Paromita Vohra, Filmmaker, Writer and Founder of Agents of Ishq, in this episode of Love Matters, as they explore these questions and more in a candid conversation about attraction, pleasure, and rejection. How do these factors shape our relationships, and can we redefine the way we perceive them in a consensual world?
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/
Paromita Vohra’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bombay.rosie/
Credits:
Produced by: Patricia Szilagyi (DW), Charulata Biswas (IE)
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi (DW)
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler (DW)
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava (IE), Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style), Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.facebook.com/dwasia
https://www.dw.com
Why is it so important that we continue to nurture meaningful friendships and carve out time for fun and play, even as adults? Despite busy schedules, marriage and kids, and changing priorities, how can we ensure we make and keep friendships thriving throughout our lives?
In this episode of Love Matters, host Leeza Mangaldas explores all this and more with Comedian and Writer, Rohan Joshi, who shares his personal experiences, and how he has navigated friendship while adulting.
Credits:
Produced by: Patricia Szilagyi (DW), Charulata Biswas (IE)
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi (DW)
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler (DW)
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava (IE), Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style), Anant Nath Sharma (IE)
Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.facebook.com/dwasia
https://www.dw.com
What does it mean to be Desi and kinky? What can we learn about consent from the kink community, and what unique possibilities for self-expression and self-discovery does kink afford its practitioners? In this episode of Love Matters, host Leeza Mangaldas discusses all this and more with Jaya Sharma, founding member of The Kinky Collective. Jaya is a kinky queer feminist activist and writer who's worked on issues of gender and education for over 20 years.
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/
Jaya Sharma’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/jayanotes?lang=en
Credits:
Produced by: Patricia Szilagyi
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Sound Editor: Suresh Pawar
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style, Anant Nath Sharma
"Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas" is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.facebook.com/dwasia
https://www.dw.com
Why was homosexuality a crime in India till 2018? Why is it that marital rape is still legal, while gay marriage is not yet legal? How does the legal system continue to shape our sexual rights, particularly for women and queer people's lives? Is constant vigilance the true price of liberty?
In this episode of Love Matters, host Leeza Mangaldas explores the impacts of patriarchy, laws, norms and the journey from 1950 to 2023, assessing the progress and challenges of women's and LGBTQ+ community rights in India with the help of Saurabh Kirpal, a Senior Advocate.
Note: This episode of Love Matters about Love and the Law was recorded in August 2023, at which point the Supreme Court had not yet reached a verdict on marriage equality. We did not know at the time of recording what the verdict would be.
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/
Saurabh Kirpal’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saurabh_kirpal/
Produced by: Patricia Szilagyi
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Sound Editor: Suresh Pawar
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style, Anant Nath Sharma
"Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas" is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.facebook.com/dwasia
https://www.dw.com
Is love truly free, or do those old caste boundaries still play a role in influencing whom we love? Can we challenge these age-old norms and create love stories that break the mold? How is the 'Bollywoodization' of weddings impacting society?
In this episode of Love Matters, host Leeza Mangaldas delves into the intricacies of contemporary love, addressing one question at a time. Joined by Anurag Minus Verma, a writer, filmmaker, and host of the Anurag Minus Verma Podcast, they unravel the complexities of modern relationships.
Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/
Anurag Minus Verma’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anuragminusverma/
Anurag Minus Verma Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/19bjmIcW7eNKccki8LwO2r
Produced by: Patricia Szilagyi
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Sound Editor: Suresh Pawar
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style, Anant Nath Sharma
"Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas" is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Learn more about DW:
https://www.facebook.com/dwasia
https://www.dw.com
Do you feel comfortable talking about what goes on in your bedroom? Why is it still such a taboo to speak about sexual health and well-being? Evelyn explores all this and more, with the help of a “Millennial Doctor” who has made it her mission to speak to the next generation about sex and health openly – both in her practice and on her incredibly popular Instagram account, @dr_cuterus.
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/
Dr Tanaya Narendra`s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_cuterus/
Produced by: Axel Scheele, Sally McGrane
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi
Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
When you’re married, you’re a team. But what happens if you decide to take your duo professional – and start a business together? In this episode, Evelyn talks to Nidhi Singh and Shikhar Singh, a couple who decided to quit their biotech jobs and go into business together – founding a hugely successful chain of samosa restaurants. She gets down to the nitty-gritty of what it’s like to work with your spouse. Is it just more of a good thing? Or way too much of one? Listen in to find out.
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram
Nidhi and Shikhar Singh`s Instagram
Produced by: Axel Scheele, Sally McGrane
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi
Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
When it comes to a couple living together without being married, India has seen a lot of change. What used to be taboo is now gaining more acceptance, especially with Gen Z. In this episode, Evelyn talks to actress Ashlesha Savant, and her partner, actor Sandeep Baswana, who have been living-in for fifteen years. They talk about why they decided to go the live-in route, and how it’s shaped their love for each other. They also reflect on the attitudes of their families and society towards living-in, in India today.
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/
Sandeep Baswana: https://www.instagram.com/baswanasandeep/
Ashlesha Savant: https://www.instagram.com/ashleshasavant/?hl=en
Produced by: Axel Scheele, Sally McGrane
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi
Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
This week we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes from Season One, in which Evelyn Sharma speaks to sex positivity influencer Leeza Mangaldas about sexual pleasure, women’s bodies, and how to talk about the stuff that is usually swept under the rug.
Show notes:
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: @evelyn_sharma
Leeza Mangaldas’s Instagram: @leezamangaldas
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi
Producers: Jennifer Collins & Nicolas Martin
Sound Engineer: Thomas Schmidt
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
Everyone wants connection. But not everyone is welcome in the online spaces we create for people to connect. In this episode, Evelyn chats to Nidhi Goyal about how we can remedy that (spoiler: it’s not hard!), and they reminisce on some hilarious, dubious encounters with dating apps, plus how Nidhi built a relationship with her partner.
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: @evelyn_sharma
Nidhi Goyal’s Instagram: @saysnidhigoyal
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi
Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
Do you find talking about money in your relationships unbearably awkward? Well, you’re not alone. But luckily for us, one couple has made it their mission to help us tackle this topic – together – for happier, healthier relationships. Today, we talk to Shivani and Pawan Agarwal about when, where and how to have these tricky conversations.
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/
Shivani & Pawan’s book: The Little Book on Financial Clarity
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
Having a baby is exciting. But for some moms, it can trigger post-partum depression. Today’s guest, the actress, writer, producer, and model Chhavi Mittal, talks to Evelyn about her own experience with PPD, how new moms can get through post-partum depression, and what a loving partner can do to help.
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram
Chhavi Mittal`s Instagram
Produced by: Axel Scheele, Sally McGrane
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi
Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
Whether it’s just a flicker of red in the distance, or it’s suddenly waving violently in your face, the dreaded "red flag" of modern dating is not always easy to spot. In this episode, Evelyn chats to relationship expert Shahzeen Shivdasani about what a red flag actually is, what it isn’t, and how understanding the difference will help you date better, love deeper and have important conversations when you need to.
Show notes:
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram handle: @evelyn_sharma
Shahzeen Shivdasani’s handle: @avec_shaz
Shahzeen’s book: Love, Lust & Lemons: Your go-to guide for relationships, dating & everything in-between!
Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
Online dating apps tend to get a bad rap. But today’s guest Surbhi Bagga takes just the opposite point of view: She thinks online apps are great for finding love. In fact, the stand-up comic, TV writer and podcast host met her current partner on not one, but two different dating apps. So whether you‘re already looking for love on Tinder, Bumble or OkCupid, or you‘re considering signing up, this is an episode especially for you.
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/
Surbhi Bagga`s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surbhi.bagga/?hl=de
Produced by: Axel Scheele, Sally McGrane
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi
Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
When you finally decide to tie the knot, you hope it’s going to be forever. But sometimes, things just don’t work out. So what happens if you find yourself a single parent who wants to get back out there and start dating? Today’s guest is a blogger, influencer, entrepreneur and single mom. She’s been using her platforms to talk about some of the challenges single parents in India face when they decide to start dating – and encouraging people to get out there and look for love!
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/
Anupriya Kapur`s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anupriyakapur/?hl=de
Produced by: Axel Scheele, Sally McGrane
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi
Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
Today, we talk to a young fashion creator about learning to love yourself -- something society doesn’t always make easy, to say the least. While still in high school, Sriram Y started posting self-portraits on Instagram, and came to see himself very differently, as a result. His message of self-love and self-acceptance has resonated with tens of thousands of followers, and even international brands have taken note.
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/
Sriram Y’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sriramyofficial/
Produced by: Axel Scheele, Sally McGrane
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi
Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
Love. Intimacy. Fulfilling sex. For a lot of people, these things can feel like they’re in pretty short supply. Luckily, sex coach and “sexpert” Pallavi Barnwal is here to talk to us about how to go about improving our intimate lives. So, whether you’re single or in a couple (or even a throuple!), if you want to take your ability to connect in the bedroom to the next level, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Show notes:
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram
Pallavi Barnwal’s Instagram
Produced by: Axel Scheele, Sally McGrane
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi
Sound Engineer: Michael Springer, Gerd Georgii
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
Dating is fun, they tell you. Go out and meet someone, they say! Whether you’re dating for kicks or looking for love, putting yourself out there takes guts. Fear, discomfort and anxiety are all part of the dating job-description. So how can we embrace these scary feelings to find the connections we crave? In this episode, Evelyn talks to psychotherapist and author Sonali Gupta about healthy anxiety, sorting reliable mental health advice from the not-so-reliable, and how to know when to get help.
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: @evelyn_sharma
Sonali Gupta’s Instagram: @mentalhealthwithsonali
Sonali’s book: https://www.guptasonali.com/my-book
Produced by: Charli Shield
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi
Sound Engineer: Michael Springer
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
Dating might look fun for everybody else, but in reality, it’s tough for pretty much everyone regardless of gender or sexual orientation. But when you’re part of the queer community in India, you also face a unique set of challenges on top of the nervousness that comes with putting yourself out there. In this episode, we chat to influencer, writer and renaissance-man Aniruddha Mahale about dating myths, finding community, and owning your desires.
Show notes:
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: @evelyn_sharma
Aniruddha Mahale’s Instagram: @akneerude
Aniruddha’s book: https://harpercollins.co.in/product/get-out/
Produced by: Jennifer Collins, Charli Shield
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi
Sound Engineer: Jonas Josten
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
As just about anyone who has ever been in love knows, heartbreak hurts. A lot. But it can also help you grow, if you really take the time to process the pain. In this episode, psychiatrist and author Dr. Shyam Bhat talks to Evelyn about what happens when your heart breaks, and how you can emerge from the experience a stronger and more empathetic person.
Show notes:
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram
Shyam Bhat’s Instagram
Produced by: Axel Scheele, Sally McGrane
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi
Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
What do you do when you fall for someone who really fits the bill, but comes from a whole different part of the world? How do you decide where and how to live together? In this episode, Evelyn, who is German-Indian, talks to French-Indian actress Kalki Koechlin about the highs and lows of merging different cultures, traditions, dreams and languages to make love work with their international partners.
Show notes:
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram
Kalki Koechlin’s Instagram
Produced by: Jennifer Collins, Charli Shield
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi
Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
We all spend a lot of time at work. So it’s not inconceivable that, if you’re single, you might just find yourself having feelings for a colleague. This can be tricky terrain, as corporate inclusion expert Pallavi Pareek explains. From how an office flirt could affect your career to when it’s time to talk to HR, this episode helps us understand how we can make romance work, at work – and when it might be better just to walk away.
Show notes:
Ungender: https://www.ungender.in/
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/
Pallavi Pareek’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pareek.pallavi/?hl=de
Produced by: Sally McGrane, Axel Scheele
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi
Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
While the Love Matters team takes a short break at the end of the year, we’re playing one of our favorite episodes from Season 1 about the controversial topic of interfaith relationships in India. Such unions are rare: Less than 2% of couples who tie the knot are from interfaith backgrounds. Inter-religious relationships are often shunned, and those who are vocal about celebrating their love publicly can face a backlash.
Evelyn speaks to actor Shruti Seth and her director husband Danish Aslam about the social media trolling they've faced for their interfaith marriage, as well as the importance of celebrating love in the face of hate and why their daughter gives them hope for the future.
Show notes:
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram
Shruti Seth’s Instagram
Danish Aslam’s Instagram
Produced by: Jennifer Collins, Nicolas Martin
Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi
Sound Engineer: Thomas Schmidt
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
If it's not bringing in the money, lifting heavy things and never shedding a tear, what does it mean to be a 'man' in India today? For many men, this is an increasingly hard question to answer. As we move away from the harmful gender stereotypes that restrict what girls and women can and cannot do, more and more men are realizing that they too suffer from patriarchal ideas about how they should lead their lives.
In this episode, Evelyn chats to writer and creator of the 'Boyish' newsletter Rajat Mittal about what holds men back from opening up, feeling their emotions and bonding with each other. And how becoming a father gave Rajat the courage to feel and speak about things he never had before.
Show notes:
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/
Boyish newsletter: https://boyish.in/
Rajat Mittal's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeinafolder/?hl=en
Produced by: Jennifer Collins, Charli Shield
Sound Engineer: Robin Funke
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
What’s life like in a ‘throuple’? That’s just one of the questions this episode dedicated to polyamory explores. Our guests Tanisha RK and Shweta Sangtani are in a committed relationship with each other and a third partner—who they also run a business with. They open up about common misconceptions -- like the idea that a polyamorous relationship involves less commitment than a monogamous one. They also share some of the best parts about being poly, which for them includes a focus on communication, emotional honesty, and taking time for yourself.
Get in touch with your relationship questions or thoughts on this week's show on lovematters@dw.com. And if you like what you hear, help others find the podcast by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing our episodes!
Show notes:
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/
Sangya Project Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sangyaproject/
Tanisha RK Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharkhootery/?hl=en
Sangya Project: https://sangyaproject.com/
Produced by: Jennifer Collins, Sally McGrane, Axel Scheele, Charli Shield
Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
In our first new episode since Love Matters' return, we dive into dating as a 20-something-year-old in India. There are a lot of assumptions out there about how young people are lovin' up on each other in today's era of hyperconnectivity and mobility. That they don't know how to meet people in person anymore, aren't serious about love and expect too much are just a few. So why not ask a couple of them what it's actually like and whether there's any truth to these notions? In this episode, Evelyn chats about love, dating and everything in between with the fun-loving and wise-beyond-their-years Gen Z social media personalities Kareema Barry and Agasthya Shah.
Get in touch with your relationship questions or thoughts on this week's show on lovematters@dw.com. And if you like what you hear, help others find the podcast by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing our episodes!
Show notes:
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/
Kareema Barry's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kareemabarry/
Agasthya Shah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agasthya.shah/
Produced by: Charli Shield, Jennifer Collins
Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii
Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler
Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style
What's it like being in a polyamorous relationship? How can you make your international love story last? What are some dating red flags to look out for? Love Matters with Evelyn Sharma is here to help you navigate the ups and downs of love — with the help of celebrities, experts, influencers and friends.
Bollywood actress, entrepreneur, and new mother Evelyn Sharma talks matters of the heart with fabulous guests, who open up about their relationship experiences and share their insights with listeners.
The podcast provides a space to talk about the love and relationship topics that are important to young Indians. Tune in! And if you have a burning relationship question that you would like featured, email us at lovematters@dw.com.
In the season finale of Love Matters, we return to the controversial topic of interfaith relationships in India. Such unions are rare: Less than 2% of couples who tie the knot are from interfaith backgrounds. Inter-religious relationships are often shunned, and those who are vocal about celebrating their love publicly can face a backlash — like our listener this week, Krutika Lele. Krutika is Hindu and her husband Tamir is Muslim and they're in a band called Interfaith. The musician says they have dealt with online harassment, prejudice and that she sometimes fears for their lives when they travel around the country. Evelyn speaks to actor Shruti Seth and her director husband Danish Aslam about the social media trolling they've faced for their interfaith marriage, as well as the importance of celebrating love in the face of hate and why their daughter gives them hope for the future.
Get in touch with your relationship questions or thoughts on this week's show on lovematters@dw.com. Help others find the podcast by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing our episodes!
Show notes:
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/
Shruti Seth's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shru2kill/
Danish Aslam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dontpanic79/
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Department Life & Style
Lead Producer: Jennifer Collins
Producer and Lead Research: Sana Rizvi
Assistant Producers: Nicolas Martin, Charli Shield
DW Format and Product Development: Laura Döing
Sound Engineer: Thomas Schmidt
Editorial Support: Snigdha Sharma, Anant Nath Sharma, Shashank Bhargava
Dating, relationships and finding love can be tough. But people with disabilities (PWDs) have their own set of challenges when trying to couple up. A lack of accessible spaces, as well as judgement and stereotyping from potential partners, strangers and friends, are just some of the obstacles India's 26.8 million disabled people face. That includes our listener Shagunn Pathak. Shagunn wants to date and find love like her peers but finds herself being labelled as needy or desperate just because she uses an assistive walking device. Why should she be treated any differently, she asks? Evelyn speaks to disability rights activist, motivational speaker and model, Virali Modi, about her experiences of dating with a disability, being in love and exploring one's sexuality. Virali talks about the importance of being unapologetically yourself regardless of whether you have a disability or not – and showing up to make a change in society. Tune in!
Show notes:
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/
Virali Modi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viralimodi_/
Emergency Response Service System (Pan-India Crisis Hotline): 112
Suicide Helplines: https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/this-is-serious/list-of-suicide-helplines-in-india/
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Department Life & Style
Lead Producer: Jennifer Collins
Producer and Lead Research: Sana Rizvi
Assistant Producers: Nicolas Martin, Charli Shield
DW Format and Product Development: Laura Döing
Sound Engineer: Thomas Schmidt
Editorial Support: Snigdha Sharma, Anant Nath Sharma, Shashank Bhargava
Slim, hairless, flawlessly fair-skinned, cellulite and blemish-free — beauty standards upheld in the media are downright unrealistic. And harmful. Three in four women find the way the media portrays beauty promotes body shaming. At the same time, India's beauty and wellness markets are growing 18% year on year, around twice as fast as in the US and Europe.
Tired of being made to feel unlovable because of their appearance, many people are embracing body positivity — the idea that all bodies are beautiful, no matter the size, shape, color, gender, or physical ability.
In this episode, we hear from a listener who has come a long way to accept and love herself, but still feels she alienated in a society where anti-fat bias prevails. And Evelyn talks with yoga instructor and body positivity convert Natasha Noel about how she came to accept herself.
Show notes:
Emergency Response Service System (Pan-India Crisis Hotline) : 112
Suicide Helplines : https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/this-is-serious/list-of-suicide-helplines-in-india/
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/
Natasha Noel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashanoel001/?hl=en
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck
Lead Producer: Jennifer Collins
Producer and Lead Research: Sana Rizvi
Assistant Producers: Nicolas Martin, Charli Shield
DW Format and Product Development: Laura Döing
Sound Engineer: Thomas Schmidt
Editorial Support: Snigdha Sharma, Anant Nath Sharma, Shashank Bhargava
More single women are living independently in India today than ever before. Many are choosing to be alone not because they cannot find a partner, but because they have found fulfillment outside a romantic partnership and marriage. They're prioritizing a relationship with themselves. In this episode, we hear from a listener who feels singlehood is the best choice for her well-being but she is still struggling with societal pressure to partner up. How can she accept herself and her decision if others around her can't? Journalist and author Sreemoyee Piu Kundu joins the show to answer these questions. Sreemoyee is single herself and has interviewed some 3,000 single women for her book Status Single: The Truth about Being a Single Woman in India. She joins Evelyn to talk about how to deal with the stigma single women in India face and how there is strength in independence.
Show notes:
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/
Status Single Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/statussinglegroup
Sreemoyee Piu Kundu on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sreemoyeekundu
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck
Lead Producer: Jennifer Collins
Producer and Lead Research: Sana Rizvi
Assistant Producers: Nicolas Martin, Charli Shield
DW Format and Product Development: Laura Döing
Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii
Editorial Support: Snigdha Sharma, Anant Nath Sharma, Shashank Bhargava
Women face enormous pressure to not only raise their children to be the best they can be and run their homes smoothly, but also to stay on top of their careers as if they had never given birth. Between these demands, many grapple with feelings of guilt about going back to work post-pregnancy and find there’s a lack of workplace support. Some two thirds of working women in India struggle to resume their careers after starting a family.
In this episode, we hear from Pooja, a mother of two trying to decide whether she can go back to work — but would that mean abandoning her children? And, if she doesn’t, will she give up her chances of ever returning to the workforce? Evelyn, who is a working mom-to-be, is joined in this episode by celebrity fitness trainer and mum Yasmin Karachiwala to talk about her journey balancing the two careers and to hear her tips for new parents.
Have any thoughts on the episode? Or would you like your question or concern featured on the show? Write to us at lovematters@dw.com
Show notes:
Evelyn Sharma’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/
Yasmin Karachiwala’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminkarachiwala/
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck
Lead Producer: Jennifer Collins
Producer and Lead Research: Sana Rizvi
Assistant Producer: Nicolas Martin
DW Format and Product Development: Laura Döing
Sound Engineer: Thomas Schmidt
Editorial Support: Snigdha Sharma, Anant Nath Sharma, Shashank Bhargava
In this episode, the Love Matters team tell you all about the making of this podcast series on love and relationships. From how the DW and Indian Express collaboration came to be and how we worked together to bridge the culture gap to how we handle sensitive issues, we discuss it all and everything in between.
Tune in.
Although, the right to practice any religion is enshrined in the Indian constitution and the Special Marriage Act allows it, marriages between people of different faiths are rare and often shunned. In fact, less than 2% of marriages in India are interfaith. In this episode, we hear from Alina, born of an interfaith marriage herself, who is juggling the different expectations of her Muslim father and Hindu mother as she dates, while also dealing with judgement from wider society. For guidance and perspective, Evelyn is joined by journalist and co-founder of the India Love Project, Niloufer Venkatraman, to talk about the stories they've gathered of love that transcends religion, caste, ethnicity and gender.
Show notes:
Would you like your questions featured on Love Matters? If so, write to lovematters@dw.com
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/
Niloufer Venkartman’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niloufervenk/?hl=en
India Love Project Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indialoveproject/
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck
Lead Producer: Jennifer Collins
Producer and Lead Researcher: Sana Rizvi
Assistant Producers: Nicolas Martin
DW Format and Product Development: Laura Döing
Sound Engineer: Thomas Schmidt
Editorial Support: Snigdha Sharma, Anant Nath Sharma, Shashank Bhargava
In this episode, we hear from listener Kheyali, who is struggling with wearing the "divorcee" label as a young woman in India. The divorce rate may have doubled in the country over the past two decades but at around 1%, it's still very low – and widely frowned upon. Women bear the brunt of society's judgement. They're most often blamed for marriage breakdowns and find themselves penalized for being without a husband even in seemingly simple things like trying to get their own apartment. Kheyali asks how she can overcome labels attached to being single and divorced at 30? How can she stand up to those who blame her for the end of her marriage? To help answer these questions, comedian and actor Kaneez Surka joins Evelyn to provide her insights into tackling the stigma and shame associated with being divorced India, the strength it takes to leave a marriage, and the joy and freedom one can find in learning to be on their own again.
Tune in!
Show notes:
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/
Kaneez Surka’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaneezsurka/
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck
Lead Producer: Jennifer Collins
Producer and Lead Research: Sana Rizvi
Assistant Producers: Nicolas Martin
DW Format and Product Development: Laura Döing
Sound Engineer: Thomas Schmidt
Editorial Support: Snigdha Sharma, Anant Nath Sharma, Shashank Bhargava
This week we hear from a listener struggling with feelings of shame about his sexuality because of society’s narrow and degrading views on homosexuality. While India overturned the colonial-era law that made same-sex relations illegal in 2018, discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community is rampant in the country, and acceptance is a long way ahead. So, in this episode, drag artist and LGTBTQ+ activist Sushant Divgikar joins Evelyn Sharma to give some heartfelt advice to our listener. Sushant also talks about how they overcame their struggles to become a "staunch believer in believing" in themselves and how they stopped letting the opinion of others dictate their life.
Stay tuned for the surprise at the end.
Show notes:
Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/
Sushant Divgikar's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sushantdivgikr/
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck
Lead Producer: Jennifer Collins
Producer and Lead Researcher: Sana Rizvi
Assistant Producer: Nicolas Martin
DW Format and Product Development: Laura Döing
Sound Engineer: Thomas Schmidt
Editorial Support: Snigdha Sharma, Anant Nath Sharma, Shashank Bhargava
Our listener has an awkward moment after her mom finds the morning after pill in her bag. She also wonders how to reassure her boyfriend she's having a good time in bed. In this episode, Evelyn Sharma speaks to sex positivity influencer Leeza Mangaldas to get advice for our listener. Leeza, a popular sex-positivity influencer on Instagram, answers questions on everything from female pleasure to safe sex. Her aim is to normalize conversations around sex and Evelyn and Leeza don't shy away from the subject!
Tune in!
Show notes:
Leeza's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/?hl=de
Leeza's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Leezamangaldas1
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck
Lead Producer: Jennifer Collins
Producer and Lead Researcher: Sana Rizvi
Assistant Producer: Nicolas Martin
DW Format and Product Development: Laura Döing
Sound Engineer: Thomas Schmidt
Editorial Support: Snigdha Sharma, Anant Nath Sharma, Shashank Bhargava
How do I keep my relationship going when I'm thousands of miles from my boyfriend? How do we communicate and trust each other? Gauri, a 22 year-old student from Bangalore sent us these questions and in this episode, we tried to help her find answers. Listen to host Evelyn Sharma as she speaks to her friends Benny Dayal, the playback singer, and Cathy, his entrepreneur wife, about dealing with the challenges of a long-distance relationship. The couple let us in on the secrets of how they make it work and also give Gauri some advice. And, there's a little surprise at the end of the show.
Tune in!
Show notes:
Benny's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennydayalofficial/?hl=de
Cathy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinedayal/?hl=de
Studies on long distance relationships used in this episode's quiz:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249719474_Idealization_reunions_and_stability_in_long-distance_dating_relationships
https://www.kiiroo.com/blogs/articles/how-to-make-your-long-distance-relationship-work-1
Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck
Lead Producer: Jennifer Collins
Producer and Lead Researcher: Sana Rizvi
Assistant Producer: Nicolas Martin
DW Format and Product Development: Laura Döing
Sound Engineer: Thomas Schmidt
Editorial Support: Snigdha Sharma, Anant Nath Sharma, Shashank Bhargava
Want to talk about sex openly? Are you figuring out how to be happily single? Or are you at odds with your family over your partner choice? Love Matters is here to help you navigate the ups and downs of love — with the help of celebrity guests and influencers!
Each week, Bollywood actress, entrepreneur, mother and wife Evelyn Sharma hears from a listener with a relationship challenge and speaks to well-known Indians, who open up about their own experiences of love.
The podcast provides a space to talk about the love and relationship topics that are important to Indians. So tune in and email us at lovematters@dw.com to have your relationship challenges features!
Love Matters is a collaboration of The Indian Express and DW, Germany's international broadcaster.