The Desi Reality: Recent Episodes
Ananya
This podcast aims to talk about mental health in the South Asian community. Specifically, it talks about topics that are highly stigmatized and aspires to break the stigma surrounding mental health, give advice, and provide a safe space for everyone.
Hey, guys! Welcome back to The Desi Reality 🥰 Today, we have Kashvi, a female South Asian author, joining us today. Kashvi is the author of the books Sinking Deep, a mental health related poetry book, and Little Kid with Big Problems, a children’s book discussing a South Asian boy named Ravi who starts at a new school and has trouble making friends📚. Both of her books have phenomenal messages regarding mental health 💬, and I’m so excited for all of you to learn more about them in today’s episode!
Go check out Kashvi's new book! https://a.co/d/5b8Z789
It has been TOO long since I’ve posted an episode 🎙️
I never thought that I would go MIA in college, but the transition truly was a whirlwind🌪️ Although I was gone for a bit, I am so excited to share all that I’ve learned, and all of my experiences with all of you! This episode goes into the social and emotional experiences that I have had as a college student—I overview all of the advice/realities that I wish I had known, hoping for any other students in the same place as me or incoming college students to be able to resonate/feel reassured of everyone’s varying journeys/experiences in first semester!
As life progresses, there is a lot that stays the same, but there’s also A LOT that can change. It’s important to stay true to yourself, no matter what ☀️Some of the most valuable lessons I have learned in the past four months are accumulated into this episode, so I hope you all enjoy listening in 🎧
Hey guys! Today, I have Dr. Nabila Ismail, a Pakistani American Pharmacist turned creator, writer and entrepreneur, joining me on this episode🎙️ She is the founder of Dose of Travel Club ✈️, encouraging diversity in travel and organizing trips with desi people in mind!
Dr. Ismail opens up about the significance of her journey to becoming a pharmacist 👩⚕️ and quitting pharmacy, a step equivalent of putting herself first. Throughout this journey, she discusses her encounters with imposter syndrome, lack of representation, and finding her purpose🫀
Dr. Ismail’s story is truly an inspiring one, revealing how applying ourselves to our passions can reveal our niches and facilitate a path for us to make an impact—an impact that we are truly proud of ☀️
On this episode, I had the privilege to speak with another incredibly talented South Asian individual☀️
Ruhi Parikh, a talented author 📚 of the trilogy Subversion, Conversion, and Aversion, joins us to talk about her experiences pursuing a career as an author, explaining the importance of South Asian representation in every aspect, describing how imposter syndrome has and continues to impact her journey💭
“I get that my field isn’t the most ideal in the Indian community, purely because it is a bit financially unstable and risky, but I’m just trying to follow my dreams and not live my life based on society’s liking.“
Ruhi is so inspiring to listen to, and I’m sure if you all read her stories, you’d be even more captivated❤️
This episode is your sign that you need to live your life for you:) Link in the bio to listen in!🎧🎙️
Setting boundaries is NOT disrespectful 🙅♀️
Let me reintroduce myself🤝 My name is Ananya, and not only am I the host of this podcast, but I am also aspiring to a career in medicine.👩⚕️ This episode is all about how I came to the realization that I wanted to pursue medicine, how I have been treated as a South Asian woman pursuing this career, and realizing that many South Asian women, including myself, view setting boundaries can be a sign of disrespect – when in reality, it is simply being professional🩻
Be sure to listen in, as I go through my journey to choosing medicine and what my experiences/thoughts have been as a South Asian woman following her dream ⛅️
Hey guys!☀️ Welcome to the official launch of The Desi Reality: Medicine 🩺 🧬🩹
This podcast episode is a collaborative for all South Asian medical professions, medical students, and aspiring medical professionals to share their journeys, stories, and experiences 📖🧑🏾⚕️I hope this chapter inspires and provides comfort to us all❤️
All of the episodes with the new logo are apart of the medical chapter of this podcast. There will still be talks on mental health, but this chapter will focus in on medical professionals. 🩻
I hope this chapter resonates with you all the way it does with me🫶🏼
Talk about a woman in STEM! 🩺
Say hello👋 to Dr. Rosy Thachil! 🎊
Dr. Thachil is a cardiologist🫀, educator👩🏫, and content creator☀️!
We dive deep as we discuss imposter syndrome—especially as a South Asian woman in medicine 🩹. We discuss her experiences with establishing credibility and pride in her accomplishments.✅
If you are looking for advice or understanding from someone who is a medical professional🏥, content creator📸, or both, then this episode is for you!🥳
Have an amazing day! ☺️
Ananya<3
Hey, guys! 👋
Happy TWO YEAR anniversary 🎊of The Desi Reality! 🎉
As I move onto 2023, I have been reflecting on my experiences in 2022. 🪞
I have learned so much: From meeting a stranger on an airplane ✈️ to friendships 👭 to approaching adulthood, I have taken all of my experiences from 2022 and channeled them into a brand new mindset for 2023.
I want to be positive☀️, kind to myself, and throw out nothing more than love into the universe🌍. I want to be the adult I’ve always wanted to be.
In today's episode, I explain all of the above, reaching a new level of vulnerability with all of you. I hope this resonates with you.
I love you all.
Ananya<3
Today, we have @sweetathansugar joining us AGAIN after a year! Time truly flies by. 🕊
She opens up about and dives deep into navigating changes in her career and personal life, finding a balance between the two. She also shares some VERY exciting 😍announcements coming soon… Especially as we think about a post-pandemic world, there is lots of uncertainty and rapid change that don’t always have a clear answer. Sweta shares tactical tips and tricks specific to her journey and recipes to success! 📚✍🏽
Sweta is a Digital Lifestyle Content Creator, Career Mentor & Coach, Keynote Speaker, and experienced Product Marketer. She's extremely kind-hearted/genuine, and we LOVE talking to her - we can talk for hours. If you are looking for an episode that is genuine yet inspiring, this episode is definitely the one for you. 🎤
…
Featuring: @sweetathansugar
💄: @puckerdupbypri
💃🏽: @eastcoastgowns
📸: @joze.woah
📍Location: Chicago, IL
Stay tuned for many more to come this holiday season! Reach out to Sweta Sridhar at contact@swetasridhar.com or www.SwetaSridhar.com 💻
Hey, guys! On today's episode, we have Dr. Anjali Ferguson joining us to talk about her children's book and experience as a South Asian female psychologist. Dr. Ferguson is a culturally-responsive clinical psychologist, speaker, and global resource on racial and social equity trauma. Both her and her husband wrote a book called The Ordinary Day, a family conversation starter about racism, colorism, and more. (There are even prompts on how to start this conversation!)
Join the conversation and find free resources for children and families like her landmark Blindian (Black + Indian) findings in her research-informed, inclusive online community, Parenting Culture. To learn how you can benefit from Dr. Ferguson's racial and social equity training, visit www.draferguson.com or join the conversation at www.parentingculture.org.
I hope you all enjoy today's episode! DM @thedesireality with any feedback you have. :)
Hey guys! Today, we have Shagun Patel joining the podcast to talk about knowing your worth, setting boundaries, cutting out toxicity, and navigating through mental health as a South Asian woman. She is one of the most well spoken and kind people I have spoken to, so I know for a fact many of you will enjoy today's episode. Her advice is phenomenal and left me with a lot of positive introspection. I hope you all experience the same!<3 Have an amazing day! Be sure to leave me feedback via DM (@thedesireality)! Also, be sure to follow Shagun on all socials!:)
Hey guys! In today's episode, we have Shanks joining me to talk about his experience as a South Asian LGBTQ+ content creator. We talked about lack of representation, discrimination he has faced from brands, struggles with finding one's identity, and advice for anyone who is struggling to come out. Be sure to listen in and DM me any feedback you have regarding this episode @thedesireality on Instagram). I hope you guys have an amazing week! I love you all.<3
Hey guys! On today's episode, one of my closest friends Sanya Mahajan is joining us to talk about toxic diet culture in general, insecurities during the summer/insecurities that come with being South Asian, and the struggles of being South Asian as well as having body image issues. Sanya is one of the sweetest, most kind hearted people I know, and all of her advice is very thoughtful + helpful. She is the founder of the Bamble Ramble podcast as well, so be sure to check it out! Be sure to DM any feedback you have to @thedesireality on Instagram.
Hey guys! Today's episode is in honor of pride month and the importance of being supportive no matter what month of the year it is. Being South Asian, a lot of individuals struggle to come out because of the extreme stigma and guilt complex we feel as immigrant children. I wanted to highlight a couple of your experiences you all have shared with me and remind you all that your identity is nothing to be ashamed of, ever. With Roe V Wade and its concerns in contingency with the same sex marriage laws, I briefly broke everything down so it is easy to understand where these concerns are coming about. I am always a safe person to come out to. I love you all- always. Please DM me if you ever need anything (@thedesireality).
Side note, it is my birthday today! Yay! I am so grateful for all of you. Please check in on your friends for me today. Thank you so much.:)
Hey everyone! Today, I have one of my close friends Japna Kaur joining me to talk about the South Asian mental health taboo, generational differences, advice, resources, and the importance of seeking the right kind of help at the right time. This episode is like being on a FaceTime call with us, so hopefully it feels like a relaxed/relatable episode for all of you to tune into. She's an aspiring YouTuber and a mental health advocate, so be sure to follow all of her socials @japnakaurr. (I love her content, and I think all of you will too!) :) Be sure to DM us if you ever need anything: @thedesireality or @japnakaurr on Instagram! I love you all! Have an amazing day. :)
Hey guys. In honor of Cooper Noriega's passing and Mens' Mental Health, I decided to do this very raw and real episode. It's extremely unstructured in comparison to my normal question answer format, but it's a real conversation that we must have. Mens' mental health matters. The South Asian cultural norms/constructs only add to the pressures and necessities to destigmatize mental health. Check in on your friends today. I love you all very much. My DMs are always open: @thedesireality. <3 I'll see you guys soon- I have a lot of episodes planned for the foreseeable future:)
Hey guys! Today, we have Simran Duggi, Ms. Teen South Asia International, joining us to talk about her experiences in pageantry, her thoughts on representation in mainstream media, how she is using her platform, her experiences with mental health, and more. I hope you all enjoy today's episode! Be sure to DM me any feedback on @thedesireality on Instagram. I hope you all are having an amazing week<333
Hey guys! Today's topic is a bit sensitive, so I want to give you all a TW regarding conversation on rape culture. We preface this in the second half of the episode, so if you'd still like to listen to the firsthand regarding how curvy women are treated in the South Asian community, you definetly can. Sonya, from YouthSpeaksCA, joins me to talk about her first hand experiences regarding both of these topics and why spreading awareness regarding this is so important. I hope you all hear the urgency of spreading awareness regarding such important topics like such. I love you all. Take your time listening to this episode if necessary. Don't hesitate to take breaks. Have an amazing day everyone. Be sure to support Sonya and her podcast @YouthSpeaksCA:) Feel free to DM @thedesireality regarding any feedback on this episode.
Hey guys! It is such an honor to have the iconic Nadia Jagessar from Indian Matchmaking join me today! We discuss her experiences on Netflix, mental health, the importance of therapy, South Asian representation, her experiences being Guyanese, and more! Nadia is such a sweetheart and has such an uplifting outlook on her experiences/passions. I hope you guys enjoy today's episode! Be sure to show her some love (@nadiajagessar on Instagram) and leave me any feedback you have on this episode! (@thedesireality on Instagram)!
HEY GUYS! Happy new year!!!! I love you all so much!! Also, happy 1 year anniversary to this podcast!! I'm so grateful to be able to spend one of my best decisions of 2021 on the same day as the new year. I hope you guys are able to listen in- I'm so grateful for every bit of your support and I truly hope you guys remember to take care of yourselves this year. This is our year. Here's to many more anniversaries in the future:) I'm so grateful for this family we've built. <33
Hey guys! Today, I have Krish Shah joining me to talk about his book called "The Game Of Life". This book is about mental health, specifically issues related to beauty, confidence, academics, and status being all apart of perception. As stated on the campaign page, the book is "a diary about love, hope, faith, and understanding." I really hope you guys enjoy listening to this episode! Be sure to check out the campaign page I am linking here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-game-of-life-by-krish-shah#/
Stay tuned for more!! Be sure to follow @thedesireality on Instagram and leave me some feedback regarding this episode!
Hey guys! Today, Aimen is joining us to talk about her journey to creating a "clean-ingredient", South Asian owned, sustainable, hybrid skincare and makeup product makeup brand. She opens up about her switch from pursuing dentistry and how she's using her background to guide her in her creative creation process. I hope this episode is a reminder to all of you to pursue what you want to do. Be sure to support Redux Makeup on Instagram (@reduxmakeup) and DM me some feedback on this episode (@thedesireality.)
I am so grateful for all of you!
Hey guys! Today's episode is all about ending child marriages. Child marriages are a lot more prevalent than you think- they are apart of almost every culture and occur in numerous places. The laws that still allow child marriages that still exist in our community is appalling. The domestic violence, physical violence, emotional violence, sexual assault, and deprivation of opportunity that has to be faced is disgusting. Sasha opens up about her experiences and how she has survived, conquered, and turned around to make a change. PLEASE check out the "resources" highlight on the @thedesireality Instagram if you are or know anyone going through a child marriage. The impacts on the physical and mental health of an individual is not worth it.
I love you all and I'm thankful for all of you. Thank you for listening in<3
Hey guys! Today's episode is with Tulsi Thakor! She is a student and amazing influencer! She opens up about her personal experiences and gives her advice to those of you going through abusive/toxic relationships, PTSD, anxiety and or depression. As she continues to represent South Asian culture in a beautiful way, she opens up to break the stigma/remind all of you that you're not alone. I've been wanting to make an episode regarding these subjects for so long and am so glad I've finally been able to. I hope this helps at least one of you. <3
I love you all. Follow Tulsi on Instagram @tulsiithakor and @thedesireality on Instagram to DM us feedback/suggest new guests/episode ideas.
Hey guys! I hope you're doing well! I hope you enjoy this episode where Hiba comes on and opens up about her unique experiences especially as a Muslim Indian woman! She's a sweetheart! Be sure to check her out on Instagram @_hibasiddiquii and follow @thedesireality/ DM @thedesireality us your feedback!
Hey guys! Today's episode is all about stepping outside of the box and realizing your creativity has a place in this world. Mathushaa Sagtidas, an extremely talented photographer, speaks about her personal experiences as well as her inspiration to pursue the kind of work she wants to. If you need a reminder that your creativity is valued even if it isn't what fits in the "traditional" norm, this is the episode for you! Be sure to check out Mathushaa (@mathuxphotos) and DM/follow @thedesireality on Instagram to give feedback/tune in for more.
AND... I hope you liked the title:) Don't let societal norms limit your passion and potential! I love you all!
Hey guys! I've been wanting to do an episode on colorism forever and I couldn't have asked for a better conversation to have had. In today's episode, I have Rachel Charles joining me to talk about her experiences with colorism and pageantry as well as her thoughts on Fair & Lovely, mental health as a South Asian, mainstream industries' roles in the perpetuation of colorist beauty standards, what we can do as allies to break stigma surrounding colorism, advice for people struggling to embrace their skin, and most importantly, the beautiful and "not so beautiful" parts of the pageant world.
I really hope you guys enjoy this episode! Be sure to follow Rachel on Instagram and Tiktok! Follow @thedesireality on Instagram for more episodes! Be sure to DM us feedback as well!
I hope you guys enjoy today's episode!
Hey guys! Welcome back to The Desi Reality! Today, we have Milan Mathew on to talk all about content creation, Eurocentric beauty standards, self love, and enjoying her own company by finding a balance between self reliance and external resources. You may know her from her iconic transition videos including her transition videos into her iconic pink Lengha! Today, she expresses how trusting herself has gotten her to where she is and how her mental health has affected her journey as her platform grows. I really hope you guys relate to her like I do- she's a sweetheart and extremely personable. I hope this puts you all in an inspired and optimistic mood! I love you all! Be sure to check out Milan on all of her platforms and follow/DM the @thedesireality Instagram for more/to give us any feedback!
Hey guys! Welcome back! Today's episode is all about staying motivated to pursue passions and taking them to places you may have never thought they could've gone. A prime example of someone who has done this is Alisha! She has several initiatives that are truly making an impact and is truly inspirational! I hope you guys enjoy today's episode! Make sure to follow Alisha and her initiatives as well as @thedesireality on Instagram!
Hey guys! I'm so excited to be back! Today's episode is all about insecurities, especially during the summer, specifically for many South Asians. From body hair to body dysmorphia, there are several things that can stop us from stepping out and having fun during the summer. I want this episode to be a reminder that you're not alone and that these insecurities should not hold you back from doing what your heart tells you to do. I hope you guys are doing well and I hope you guys enjoy this format! I kind of just sat down and spoke from the heart. Let me know if you guys liked this episode. If so, I'm happy to make more like this one! Have an amazing day and don't forget to follow @thedesireality on instagram to DM your feedback!:)
Hey guys! On today's episode, we are joined by the lovely Sweta (@sweetathansugar) to talk all about balancing out being a lifestyle and career content creator, business associate at Visa Inc., Head of Strategic Partnership & Operations at Boss Woman Collective, Director of Academic Relations at The Hustle HQ, and Leadership Council member at Upwardly Global. She talks about not only her journey, but also her advice and personal experiences, especially being South Asian, as she continues to pursue her aspirations. Be sure to follow her on instagram(@sweetathansugar) and follow @thedesireality on instagram to DM us your feedback and stay tuned for more!
Hey guys! Today's episode is all about growing up brown and opening up about growing to love our culture. I am joined by the amazing Rhea Malik (@rheaamalik on Instagram). I hope you guys enjoy this episode and I hope you all have an amazing day! Be sure to follow @thedesireality on instagram and DM us with your feedback!
Hey guys! Today we have a very special guest on today - Tanya! (@taanyaar) She joins me to talk about Eurocentric standards, being yourself, wearing what you want, and the lack of South Asian representation in the mainstream industries. She has unique take on how she grew up around her culture and brings light to ways to express yourself in a way I haven't thought about before. I really hope you guys enjoy this episode. Tanya is an absolute sweetheart, so please be sure to give her a follow on all social media platforms: @taanyaar, and our podcast instagram page @thedesireality to DM u suggestions or feedback!
Have an amazing day everyone!:) I know this time of the year can be stressful, but push through. I promise it'll be worth it!:)
Hey guys! It's Ananya! On today's episode, we have 3 very special guests. Piyali, Karthik, and Rahul are South Asian siblings from Australia who are some of the kindest and funnest people I've talked to. We have an amazing conversation surrounding the LGBTQ+ community, South Asian struggles, actively normalizing mental health, comparisons between Australia and America in terms of mental health, amazing advice, an analogy that describes South Asians so well(chai lattes) and so much more! Though this episode is a bit longer, it is definitely worth a listen. I hope you guys enjoy it! Be sure to follow @thedesireality on instagram and DM us any questions, feedback, or suggestions you have! Also, be sure to follow our lovely guests: @kjr.media , @pip_ramnath, and @rahul__.r !
Hey guys! On today's episode, I have Jazz joining me to talk all about being confident and embracing who you are despite beauty standards and social media pressures we all deal with. From personal experiences to honest advice, Jazz and I talk all about being confident in your own skin. This is one of my favorite episodes thus far and I really hope you guys enjoy it!
Be sure to follow us on instagram (@thedesireality) for updates on new episodes/DM us your feedback and Jazz on tiktok and instagram(@jazz3o1).:)
Have an amazing day!
Hey guys! Happy "day after" the 21st day of the 21 year of the 21st century! On today's episode, we have Neha Checka (@indianactivist on tiktok) joining us to talk about the struggles of being South Asian while growing up and how to push through these struggles. We also talk about how to find yourself and embrace your roots despite what others say! I really hope you guys enjoy this episode! Be sure to follow Neha on instagram (@neha.checka) and tiktok (@indianactivist) as well as our instagram (@thedesireality) for updates on episodes. Please DM us if you have any feedback! Thank you for listening in!:)
Hey guys! Welcome back to another episode! Today's episode features Eesh Manwani! We talk about how the stigma surrounding women's health and the LGBTQ+ community in the South Asian community all connects to mental health and feeling isolated/uncomfortable when talking about things that should be normalized. I hope you guys enjoy this episode!
Please be sure to follow our instagram (@thedesireality) for updates on new episode releases and to give us feedback! Also, please be sure to follow eesh on instagram and tiktok(@eesh_m).
Hey Guys! Welcome back to The Desi Reality! Today, we have Ashna joining us to talk about her journey to body confidence and self love as well as how she balances out her passions. She's a model, UIUC graduate, on the road to med school, published author, and much more. I hope you guys enjoy this episode! Be sure to follow our instagram (@thedesireality) and follow Ashna (@ashnagray) on all social media platforms!
Hey guys! It's Ananya! Today's episode is going to be talking about what this podcast is all about! I hope you guys enjoy it!