From Tears to Smiles: Dealing with Grief the Brown Way

Send us a textIn this episode of the Bold Brown British podcast, I, Quarina, delve into the often overlooked yet crucial topic of unpaid labour and its impact on the lives of brown individuals in contemporary British society. This episode explores the multifaceted nature of unpaid work, from domestic chores to community service, and how it intersects with issues of race, gender, and class.Key Highlights:Understanding Unpaid Labour:We begin by defining what unpaid labour entails. It’s not just the tasks we do at home but extends to cultural and community obligations, especially within brown families where communal support is pivotal.Cultural Expectations:As brown individuals, many of us have grown up with certain cultural expectations around unpaid labour. From looking after younger siblings to participating in religious or community events, we discuss how these roles are often assigned without question and how they shape our identities.The Gender Divide:Unpaid labour is frequently gendered, with women often bearing the brunt of domestic responsibilities. We examine how these expectations play out in brown communities and the pressure this places on women who strive for both career success and fulfilling traditional roles.Economic Impact:What does unpaid labour mean in terms of economic value, and how does it affect the financial independence of those who predominantly perform it? We discuss the invisible contributions to the economy and the lack of recognition they receive.Balancing Act:Many brown British individuals juggle unpaid labour with professional careers, often leading to stress and burnout. We share personal stories and discuss how to balance these responsibilities without compromising one’s well-being.Breaking the Cycle:How can we begin to break free from the traditional expectations of unpaid labour? We explore strategies for change, from encouraging equitable division of chores within families to advocating for broader societal recognition of unpaid work.Join us as we uncover the hidden costs of unpaid labour and explore ways to challenge the status quo. This episode is a call to action for fair recognition and redistribution of unpaid work, fostering a society where everyone’s contributions are valued equally.Support the showTell us your thoughts on instagram @boldbrownandbritish or Visit our Linktree

Send us a textOur guest is Varuni Sinha, a New York-based writer and multimedia producer, who has spent years sharing the untold stories of immigrants through her work. Her memoir, Golden Handcuffs, is a powerful account of the silent struggles that South Asian women, like herself, face as immigrants in America—an experience often overshadowed in mainstream discussions.Varuni’s story is a stark reminder of the real-life challenges, from the oppressive immigration laws to daily microaggressions, that hold many immigrants back in a society that paradoxically relies on their contributions. Whether it’s the isolation that impacts mental health, the constant feeling of being othered, or the restrictions on work and rights, her experiences resonate with the struggles of countless immigrants trying to find their footing in a place that isn’t always welcoming.Today, we’ll be diving into some key topics that Varuni is passionate about—mental health in the face of isolation, what it really means to leave behind everything for a new life, and how the political and social landscape in the U.S. affects immigrants in both overt and insidious ways.We’ll also explore how these issues intersect with broader societal problems like labour shortages, economic inequality, and even political identity. This conversation won’t be the typical left or right debate—today, we’re stripping away the politics to focus on the real stories behind the headlines.So, whether you’re an immigrant yourself, someone connected to the immigrant experience, or just curious about the stories that don’t make it into the mainstream, this episode is for you.Support the showTell us your thoughts on instagram @boldbrownandbritish or Visit our Linktree

Send us a textWhat is it about breakups that suck so much? How do we navigate it? Support the showTell us your thoughts on instagram @boldbrownandbritish or Visit our Linktree

Send us a textIn this episode of Bold Brown British, I dive into the whirlwind of modern dating and the frustration of feeling like you can't connect. Whether it's online dating, meeting through friends, or even at your local Tesco’s (where the romance section is just the discounted ready meals aisle), it often feels like everyone is searching for the same thing but ends up with something entirely different. I’ll explore the common struggles—whether it’s mismatched expectations, commitment issues, or the superficiality of it all. But don’t worry, amidst the chaos, I’ll share some real hope and practical advice to keep you moving forward. Tune in for a candid discussion on navigating the modern dating scene with humor, honesty, and a pinch of spice!Support the showTell us your thoughts on instagram @boldbrownandbritish or Visit our Linktree

Send us a textIn this episode of the Bold Brown British Podcast, host Quarina delves into the vibrant world of neurodiversity, exploring the unique tapestry of human cognition. By focusing on conditions like ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and dyslexia, we shed light on how these neurospicy differences contribute to the rich diversity of our society.Quarina takes listeners on a journey to understand what neurodiversity means and its importance in the modern world. She emphasizes how embracing diverse cognitive styles can transform our communities, workplaces, and educational systems. Discover how the concept, coined by sociologist Judy Singer in the late 1990s, challenges traditional norms by celebrating the unique contributions of neurodivergent individuals.This episode is perfect for anyone seeking to broaden their understanding of neurodiversity. Whether you’re a parent, educator, employer, or simply curious about the diverse ways people think, you’ll gain insights into creating more inclusive environments that harness the creativity and innovation of neurodiverse minds.Key topics covered include:The definition and significance of neurodiversityAn exploration of conditions like ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and dyslexiaThe role of neurodivergent individuals in history and societyStrategies for fostering inclusive spaces that celebrate cognitive diversityJoin us as we embrace the spice of neurodiversity and celebrate the unique threads each of us brings to the tapestry of humanity. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion that promises to expand your perspective and inspire change.Support the showTell us your thoughts on instagram @boldbrownandbritish or Visit our Linktree

Send us a textCan the intoxicating rush of the initial spark in relationships blind us from recognizing a deeper, more meaningful connection? In this captivating episode of Bowl Brown British, we promise to unravel the myths surrounding the elusive "spark" and reveal its true significance in the quest for lasting love. You'll walk away understanding why the excitement might feel like love but often fades, potentially leading us to overlook what truly matters.Through heartfelt listener stories, along with personal anecdotes, we shed light on the importance of shared values, open communication, and mutual support as the foundations of enduring relationships. Learn how the initial thrill can sometimes cloud our judgment, making it easy to confuse excitement with anxiety. We challenge the notion that a relationship without a spark is inherently lacking, advocating for cultivating lasting connections that outshine the transient thrill of the spark. Tune in and discover a balanced approach to finding true, lasting love.Support the showTell us your thoughts on instagram @boldbrownandbritish or Visit our Linktree

Send us a textBrown British, Quarina discusses the evolving landscape of South Asian representation in British media. 🌟📺 From inspiring dramas to side-splitting comedies , discover how these narratives are changing perceptions and empowering our community. Join the conversation and let’s celebrate the strides being made while pushing for even more authentic storytelling.  #BoldBrownBritish #SouthAsianRepresentation #MediaDiversity  Support the showTell us your thoughts on instagram @boldbrownandbritish or Visit our Linktree

Send us a textJoin Quarina in this insightful and entertaining episode of the Bold Brown British podcast as she dives into the world of code-switching. Discover what code-switching is, why we do it, and how it manifests in our daily lives as brown Brits. From language and accent changes to behavioural shifts, Quarina explores the humorous and challenging aspects of navigating multiple cultural identities. Tune in to learn how to embrace this unique skill, stay true to yourself, and celebrate the richness of our multicultural heritage. Whether you're sipping chai with Auntie Ji or hanging out with mates at the pub, this episode is a must-listen!#BoldBrownBritish #CodeSwitching #Podcast #BritishAsianSupport the showTell us your thoughts on instagram @boldbrownandbritish or Visit our Linktree

Send us a textToday I want to talk about something that’s been on my mind lately: success and happiness.In this episode, I talk about redefining success and happiness. I share my personal journey of realizing that ticking off traditional milestones like grades, promotions, and accolades doesn't always lead to genuine happiness. Instead, I explore how true fulfillment comes from within and how we can balance external achievements with internal contentment.I also discuss the immense pressure from our cultural backgrounds, where success is often synonymous with academic and professional excellence. This episode delves into the importance of self-awareness, the value of mental health, and the role of community support systems in our overall well-being.Whether you’re looking for relatable experiences or seeking inspiration to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life, tune in to Bold Brown British. Let’s navigate this journey together. Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!Support the showTell us your thoughts on instagram @boldbrownandbritish or Visit our Linktree

Send us a textIn this heartfelt episode, we delve into the inevitable yet challenging topic of death and dealing with grief. As brown people in modern British society, our experiences with loss are unique, shaped by rich cultural traditions and personal stories.Join me as I share my personal journey of losing my beloved grandfather, our playful TV battles over cricket and cartoons, and the profound impact his passing had on my life. We’ll explore how different brown communities handle death through rituals and customs, providing comfort and connection during these tough times.Discover practical tips for navigating grief, from talking about your feelings to finding joy and humour amidst the sorrow. Whether you’re looking for solace, understanding, or simply a relatable conversation, this episode is for you.Tune in to Bold Brown British for an episode that’s as much about healing as it is about honouring the memory of our loved ones. Let’s support each other through this universal experience with empathy, laughter, and a bit of cultural insight. Don’t miss it!Support the showTell us your thoughts on instagram @boldbrownandbritish or Visit our Linktree