Zo's In A Pod: Recent Episodes
Zoya Mehani
...Going Places! This podcast is about anything and everything (aka I really haven't figured this out yet). It's more of a personal blog of this 30 something woman from India who is a bit like everybody but still a misfit wherever she goes. There may be some conversations thrown in between her monologues every now and then. What it (and as a consequence, she) hopes to be eventually is funny and endearing.
I got diagnosed with cancer. It was unexpected, as suchthings are. This episode is personal, emotional, and an attempt to share a bit of what the first month of this long journey has been like. My dear friend (and the person I recorded my first ever podcast with) Dujju is the host. I dedicate this episode to the people who held my hand at my weakest, and stand as pillars while I fight the battle of my life.
Chances are you have atleast one European city on your travel bucket list (if not all). Dreamy reels from influencers (or your friends who took a job in Luxembourg) keep beckoning you. But it’s not a cheap destination for an average Indian – so how do you plan a stress-free vacation to a continent with 50 countries to choose from? I caught hold of Sudarshan, a (self-proclaimed) Europe travel consultant, and asked him the secret behind getting to those historical European towns with cobblestone streets, mulled-wine stores, and beautiful flowers – turns out, a simple strategy shift can help you get the best out your next trip to Europe.
Also featured in the episode:
- Sudarshan’s Instagram page: sudarshanravich@
- The 10-day itinerary to anywhere in EU: http://tinyurl.com/y6cx8su9
Dive into the underwater world with me and Shalini, certified Open Water divers, dive buddies, and water babies for life. We unpack anxieties from our early dives and try to describe the magical realm beneath the waves. Also in this episode - how I unknowingly crashed a honeymoon, got kicked in the face, and lost my dive buddy
In this episode, Nupur and I share what it's like to be on a career break. We get into what to expect when you let go of a stable source of income, why we highly recommend a sabbatical atleast once in your life, and how to answer "what do you do" when you are jobless.
Join me and dating app veteran Nupur as we discuss the horrors of modern dating. We dissect it all – why do people blow hot and cold, why first dates are exhausting, the hubris of straight men, and what single women are looking for.
All to answer that dreaded question that stops being cute after you cross 30 – why are you still single?
In this Episode:
- Why dating is hard work
- How do you decide to keep dating after 3 dates
- What are married people doing on dating apps
- The psyche of someone who blows hot and cold
- How to read between the lines of texting
- Making friends on dating apps
- Why men think 4 is actually 6
- Everyone should go to therapy
- The litmus test of a strong partnership
A mid-week rant about the shame around pap smears and Voldemort...I mean vagina (gasp, shudder, block)
Ending the long hiatus with a short episode on travelling solo - is it worth it?
Also in this episode: a secret admirer's declaration found in my apartment lift and how unfinished orga$ms are linked to my sudden return to podcasting
Find me on Instagram @zos_inapod
In this wanderlust-y episode, I ask Saksham 5 questions on his travel style. He uses every opportunity to regale me with travel stories, that will take you all the way from Ladakh to the Andamans. No, neither of us is a travel-blogger nor are we putting pins in every corner of the map. We just talk about the joy that travelling brings to everyone irrespective of how often they experience it. That, and the right count of underwear to pack for a trip.
In this shortie episode, Zo shares 5 simple tips on defeating nagging self-doubt that keeps you from living up to your potential. That and a shark story.
After a girl's night out (that was quite the rager), GG, CK, and I sat down to record our thoughts on Indian Weddings. From importance of Sabysachi lehengas to why men lie about their height on matrimonial sites, we discussed it all. Tune in to listen to two North Indians and one South Indian try making sense of Indian weddings and weddings-to-be!
Music by SoulProdMusic from Pixabay
Does your 9 to 5 fulfill you or are you normal? If you work on someone else's terms, chances are you have had days where you just want to quit. An increasing number of hustlers though choose a different route - they start passion projects on the side, and draw meaning (and money) from these businesses instead of relying on a bad boss's whims. Tune in as I speak to Subarna, an OG hustler who started Pundora. "Steeped in the heart of rustic India, Pundora is run by a community of women who believe in the philosophy of 'Art for Good'. It was founded as a social venture amidst the Pandemic in 2020, to create a bridge between the artisans' huts to your homes."
Maybe you are 17 mins away from starting your own little side hustle!
IG link: @pundora.in | Website: www.pundora.in
In today's episode, I introduce you to Bhabna - a passionate dog rescuer in Bangalore. She will break myths about Indies, unravel the horrifying nature of humanity when it comes to pets, and hopefully leave you with a few thoughts on how to do better.
IG links for people/organizations that can do with love:
@himalayantails (does amazing work in the remote areas of Uttarakhand without any support)@bullu_bow_wow (works with dogs in Mohali, again with very little support)
@tug_n_shred_crew (two brothers doing all they can to help doggos)
@roar_rehab (work for rehab of handicapped dogs in Bangalore)
@freagles.of.india (rehoming of Beagles used in labs for drug testing)
@cupa_india (one of the oldest organizations in Bangalore, working with trauma and accident cases)
@secondchancesanctuaryindia (helping clean up the mess breeders leave in their wake)
@dogtales.in (Kolkata based young girl, fighting the system for our furry friends)
@funandfur (Delhi based girl, working to save dogs every day)
Today's episode is special. I've recorded it on my birthday with 5 amazing surfers I had the privilege to share waves with the previous week. You would think surfing is just a fun activity that gives an adrenalin rush, but these surfers will give you a perspective you may not have thought of. Tune it to have Taranjeet, Noel, Glynie, Hannah, and Rakhul tell you why they surf - and why you should too.
IG for Soul and Surf: @soulandsurfindia
(transl: Surf's Up! Learnt How To Get Up)
Despite a rough beating and a mighty embarrassing first day, I decided to continue my surf journey and showed up the second day. Listen in to see if I did any better!
Ever wondered what it feels like to try surfing for the first time in your life? It's a lot of wipe outs and strike outs! Tune in to learn how I fared. Maybe it inspires you to go surfing too, or maybe you just find this charming monologue a fitting start to your day... and that's good too.
Transl: Surf's Up! Learnt How To Fall Today