The Brown Girl Podcast

In this episode, Julie and Sonya Patel, host of Your Big Sis! Podcast dive into all things friendships and maintaining adult friendships.    We discuss the following:  Friendship Breakups and our personal stories, what led to the breakups, how they unfolded, and how we feel about them now. Outgrowing Friendships: What are the signs that a friendship is no longer serving you? Pet Peeves in Friendships Maintaining Adult Friendships: How do we nurture genuine bonds amidst life’s responsibilities? What patterns define authentic friendships? The Meaning of Friendship and how our perspectives have changed Navigating Life Changes: Marriages, relocations, and evolving priorities. Social Media’s Role in Friendships Making Friends as an Adult ------------------------------------------------------------------- SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Seirra Thakur Label Meet Seirra Thakur Label! Seirra specializes in creating unique pieces for bridesmaids, groomsmen, and anyone who wants a truly personalized look. I personally worked with Seirra for my own upcoming wedding to create custom bridesmaid lenghas, and the experience was seamless. Even though Seirra is based in Mumbai, India, everything was handled virtually via WhatsApp video and phone calls. It was a smooth, stress-free process that made planning so much easier! Mention this podcast for 10% off your next order!  Contact: - WhatsApp: +91 98197 69197 - Email: [email protected] - Instagram: @seirrathakurlabel ------------------------------------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH SONYA   Connect with Sonya on IG: @sonya.patel Connect with Your Big Sister podcast on IG: yourbigsis_podcast   CONNECT WITH JULIE Join our Podcast NEWSLETTER  HERE Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast

In this episode, Julie and sustainability expert Shila Wattamar dive into practical steps for living sustainably and discussing how our daily choices—from fashion to food—impact the planet.  Topics explored: Introduction – Meet sustainability expert Shila and learn what inspired her sustainability journey. Why Sustainability Matters– Simplifying sustainability and why it's critical today. How our daily Habit Impact the Planet – Surprising ways everyday actions, like shopping and energy use, affect the environment. South Asian Culture and Consumerism– Shifting perspectives on consumerism in South Asian culture to promote sustainability. Environmentally-Friendly Fashion – Tips for sustainable style choices, like thrifting and choosing eco-friendly fabrics. Sustainability Myths – Overcoming the idea that eco-living is costly or difficult. Food Choices and the Environment – How our diets impact the planet and simple changes we can make. Easy Actions to Get Started: Beginner-friendly steps toward a more sustainable life. - SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT:   This episode is brought to you by Lending Jawn, your trusted partner in home financing. Founded in 2021 by Dhan Thomas to help clients achieve their dream homes, the Lending Jawn has built up an impressive track record of home sales, loan approvals, grants, and guiding individuals to become landlords or first time home buyers.   Looking for a home or investment property in NY, NJ, PA, DE, FL, or MD? Contact Dhan from Lending Jawn to get started!   Visit LendingJawn.com or follow @LendingJawn on Instagram   ==== CONNECT WITH SHILA:   Shila's company called Sustainable Me! https://sustainableme.today or visit them on IG   Shila's son, Soren Wattamar's Podcast on Sustainable Living: https://rss.com/podcasts/sustainablesoren/   Shila's book:  Simply Sustainable: Simple Behaviors for Sustainable Living available on Amazon     CONNECT WITH JULIE OR THE PODCAST:   Join our Podcast NEWSLETTER  HERE Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast   RESOURCES MENTIONED:   Vogue Article on Buying 5 Articles of Clothing for Sustainability  https://www.vogue.com/article/i-only-bought-5-items-of-clothing-this-year18    #southasianpodcasts #southasianadvocacy #thebrowngirlpodcast #southasianpodcast #desipodcasts 

In this solo episode, we dive into: The podcast's return after a long break Julie's reflections on being recently engaged  The importance of embracing your single years Differences between dating in your 20s vs. 30s Perspectives on biological clocks and fertility testing Dating non-negotiables and Pre Nuptial Agreements  Balancing privacy and authenticity on social media while navigating relationships Tune in for this discussion on love, life, and personal growth.   SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT Check out Lending Jawn, your trusted partner in home financing. Founded in 2021 by Licensed Mortgage Broker, Dhan Thomas, the Lending Jawn has built up an impressive track record of home sales, loan approvals, grants, and guiding individuals in becoming landlords or first time home buyers. Looking for a home or investment property in NY, NJ, PA, DE, FL, or MD? Contact Dhan from Lending Jawn to get started!   Visit LendingJawn.com or follow @LendingJawn on Instagram ==== CONNECT Join our Podcast NEWSLETTER  HERE Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast   RESOURCES Ep 18 - Confessions of a Divorce Attorney with Maliha Siddiqui - Listen HERE    #southasianpodcasts #southasianadvocacy #thebrowngirlpodcast #southasianpodcast #desipodcasts #BrownGirlPodcast #Relationships #DatingAdvice #PersonalGrowth #CulturalPerspectives #WomenEmpowerment

In episode 54, Julie speaks with Arshiya Kherani.  Arshiya is a Leadership Coach who partners with rising leaders with hyphenated backgrounds through her program, Niyah Coaching. She is a storyteller & entrepreneur at heart, and is a Co-Founder at Potluck Stories, an LA-based community organization that hosts monthly interactive storytelling events that amplifies underrepresented voices.  Tune in to hear Arshiya walk us through the various twists and turns she's encountered in her 20s and continues to navigate in her 30s.  You'll gain insights into: Overcoming the grip of  fear Finding your confidence The art of living with intention and finding your north star How to lean into the narrative of  "you're doing too much" Embracing pivoting and change in life's direction   Thank you to SPONSOR: Pajama Sutra, a South Asian owned loungewear brand on a mission to inspire women to lounge like a goddess. PajamaSutra offers an exquisite range of loungewear that includes robes, kaftans, rompers, pajamas, and matching mommy and me sets, that bring luxury to your everyday life.    Use code bgpodcast for 15% off. Check them out at www.https://thepajamasutra.com   Join our NEWSLETTER  HERE   Connect with Arshiya on IG: @arshiya_kherani Visit Arshiya's website: https://www.arshiyakherani.com Grab her FREE resource checklist to evaluate if you have the tools you need to achieve success as a leader who holds multiple identities and truths.   Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast    #southasianpodcasts #southasianadvocacy #thebrowngirlpodcast #southasianpodcast #desipodcasts

In episode 53, Julie speaks with Jenova Juliann Pryor on her Blindian relationship journey.   Jenova, a Malayalee Indian American, and her husband, Denzel Pryor, became an internet sensation after their wedding video — showcasing Denzel reciting parts of his vows in Malayalam — went viral in 2022. In this episode, we discuss Jenova's upbringing and cultural community How she met her husband What it was like telling her parents and family Challenges and triumphs of navigating a Blindian relationship   Advice she has for others Thank you to sponsor: Pajama Sutra, a South Asian owned loungewear brand on a mission to inspire women to lounge like a goddess.  Pajama Sutra offers an exquisite range of loungewear that includes robes, kaftans, rompers, pajamas, and matching mommy and me sets, that bring luxury to your everyday life.  Use code bgpodcast for 15% off.   Check them out at www.https://thepajamasutra.com Join our NEWSLETTER  HERE Connect with Jenova on IG: @Jenovajuliannpryor Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast    #southasianpodcasts #southasianadvocacy #thebrowngirlpodcast #southasianpodcast #desipodcasts 

In Episode 52, Julie chats with Sonya Patel, host of Your Big Sis podcast.  We discuss all things dating faux pas and talk through various submissions from listeners of things that are immediate turn offs! We discuss vaping, confidence, table manners, bragging, infidelity, and more.   Thank you to our SPONSOR: Pajama Sutra , a South Asian owned loungewear brand on a mission to inspire women to lounge like a goddess.  Pajama Sutra offers an exquisite range of loungewear that includes robes, kaftans, rompers, pajamas, and matching mommy and me sets, that bring luxury to your everyday life. Use code bgpodcast for 15% off.    Check them out at www.https://thepajamasutra.com   Join our NEWSLETTER  HERE Connect with Sonya on IG: @sonya.patel Connect with Your Big Sis podcast on IG: yourbigsis_podcast Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast   #southasianpodcasts #southasianadvocacy #thebrowngirlpodcast #southasianpodcast #desipodcasts     

In Episode 51, Julie records a solo episode diving into 5 habits she adopted in 2023 that she will carry into 2024. Time Management Hacks - The Two Minute Rule and the Pomodoro Method Maxing out my 401k contributions and Increasing all my other general investments Nighttime routine  Blocking use of social media apps in the morning Normalizing delayed text messages Resources discussed: Download my free guide "My Personal Systems for Savings and Investing" HERE  I share insights into exactly how I set up my investing and savings systems and workflows, which have  simplified my financial management and improved my confidence in setting myself up for the future.  Listen to Ep 11 - Leveling up on Mindset, Money, and Health in 2022. Listen HERE Join our NEWSLETTER  HERE Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast

In episode 50, Julie speaks with relationship coach Natasha Mahtani.  Natasha is a certified Relationship Coach and accredited Divorce Coach. Coming from a South Asian background and having lived in Liberia, England, Nigeria, Ireland, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan,  she understands the cultural nuances within relationships and more specifically, the limiting narratives and beliefs that surface in relationships across many cultures. Natasha helps women of color, globally, to increase their sense of self-worth, show up for themselves, identify and rewire their limiting beliefs and thrive in all relationships. We discuss the following: Misconceptions of what it take to have a healthy relationship Warning signs that a relationship may be heading in an unhealthy direction Communication vs comprehension Maintaining adventure and novelty and preventing the relationship from becoming stale Balancing personal space and togetherness in a relationship Social media and the impact on couples Supporting each other when facing external pressures and work related challenges Importance of forgiveness and how to build trust when trust is breached Thank you to our sponsors: ⁠Lingo Dodo⁠ | a company dedicated to helping young children preserve their culture and language.  Check out their signature product, the Lingo Pad, designed to teach kids the basics of their native language and is currently available in Gujurati, Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. ⁠The Cumin Club⁠ | a meal kit service offering authentic Indian meals made in 5 minutes or less.  All of their meals use high quality ingredients and spices specific to each region in India.  Their innovative, freeze drying technology ensures a long shelf life for all of their products, so you can always keep them on hand for those busy days. Simply add hot water, wait a few minutes, and enjoy! Join our NEWSLETTER  ⁠HERE⁠ Connect with Natasha on IG: ⁠@natashacoaches⁠ | Get her Relationship Journal | Website Connect with Julie on IG: ⁠@thejuliegeorge⁠ Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: ⁠@thebrowngirl_podcast⁠  #southasianpodcasts #southasianadvocacy #thebrowngirlpodcast #southasianpodcast #desipodcasts 

In episode 49, Julie chats with fashion entreprenuer, Megha Rao,  founder behind the renowned Indo Western fashion brand, holiCHIC by Megha.   In this chat, Julie and Megha discuss: Inception of creating holiCHIC while working a full time corporate job How she found her business partner and co-founder Making the transition from side hustle to full time business Pivoting the business in the pandemic Constructs of sustainability in the fashion world + her perspectives and experiences with gatekeeping and support within the South Asian community Role of mentorships in her journey Advice she has for other aspiring entrepreneurs and founders. Thank you to our SPONSORS Lingo Dodo | a company dedicated to helping young children preserve their culture and language.  Check out their signature product, the Lingo Pad, designed to teach kids the basics of their native language and is currently available in Gujurati, Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. The Cumin Club | a meal kit service offering authentic Indian meals made in 5 minutes or less.  All of their meals use high quality ingredients and spices specific to each region in India.  Their innovative, freeze drying technology ensures a long shelf life for all of their products, so you can always keep them on hand for those busy days. Simply add hot water, wait a few minutes, and enjoy! CONNECT WITH US: Join our PODCAST NEWSLETTER  HERE Connect with Megha on IG: @__megharao | holichicbymegha Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast   #southasianpodcasts #southasianadvocacy #thebrowngirlpodcast #southasianpodcast #desipodcasts 

In episode 48, Julie meets again with Shital Patel, known for her appearances on Indian Matchmaking (IMM) Season 2 and Season 3.  Shital originally came on our podcast in 2022 and I'm so thrilled to have her back today.  In this episode, Shital opens up about life post IMM Season 3. We mainly discuss the ending of the relationship that we saw on TV; what she learned through it, how she healed from the breakup, the challenges and unique aspects of navigating such a personal experience being in the public eye, and what she's looking forward to the most as she enters her 40s. Thank you to our SPONSORS: Lingo Dodo | A company dedicated to helping young children preserve their culture and language.  Check out their signature product, the Lingo Pad, designed to teach kids the basics of their native language and is currently available in Gujurati, Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. The Cumin Club | A meal kit service offering authentic Indian meals made in 5 minutes or less.  All of their meals use high quality ingredients and spices specific to each region in India.  Their innovative, freeze drying technology ensures a long shelf life for all of their products, so you can always keep them on hand for those busy days. Simply add hot water, wait a few minutes, and enjoy! CONNECT WITH US: Join our Podcast Newsletter HERE Connect with Shital on IG: @therealshitalpatel Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast