Breaking the Browndary Podcast

In this episode of Breaking the Browndary, I’m joined by Ananya, a workplace wellbeing and pregnancy loss specialist, certified coach, trauma-informed breathwork practitioner, and former reproductive biologist — for a thoughtful conversation on pregnancy loss, grief, healing, and the cultural silence that so often surrounds these experiences.We begin with a short grounding breathwork practice you can follow along with in the episode, before exploring Ananya’s personal journey through miscarriage, the pressure many South Asians feel to carry loss quietly, and the ways grief can show up emotionally, physically, mentally, and at work.✨ In this episode, we explore:🤍 Pregnancy loss and the silence that can surround it🌿 A grounding breathwork practice for grief and anxiety🫂 Miscarriage in South Asian communities💭 How grief can affect the mind, body, relationships, and work🌸 Pregnancy after loss and the emotions it can bring👧🏽 The pressure to be the “good Indian girl” while carrying pain privately🧠 Cultural shame, stigma, and inherited silence🫁 Breathwork, healing, and creating space for grief in the body💼 How workplaces can better support those affected by pregnancy lossThis is a compassionate conversation for anyone who has experienced pregnancy loss, is navigating pregnancy after loss, or wants to understand better how to support someone through it.Please share this episode with someone who may need it.---------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Ananya:Website: www.ananyaampersand.comInstagram: @ananyaampersandFree resources:🎧 Pregnancy loss audio bundle + PDF guide:https://ananyaampersand.myflodesk.com/freemiscarriageaudiobundle🧰 First response toolkit for HR professionals supporting staff through pregnancy loss:https://ananyaampersand.myflodesk.com/firstresponsekit🌿  Guided breathwork and meditation practice specifically for pregnancy after loss: https://ananyaampersand.myflodesk.com/pregnancyafterlossaudio-------------------------------------------------------------------If this episode resonated with you, I’d be so grateful if you followed Breaking the Browndary and left a review. It genuinely helps the podcast reach more people who might benefit from these conversations.Thank you for being here, for listening, and for supporting this space. You can follow ⁠@breakingthebrowndary on Instagram and always feel free to share your reflections with me there — I’d genuinely love to hear from you.Stay blessed,Rhea x-------------------------------------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Introduction to Grief and Pregnancy Loss02:37 Grounding Practice for Healing06:20 Ananya's Personal Journey with Pregnancy Loss17:26 Navigating Grief in South Asian Culture21:50 The Impact of Interracial Relationships on Grief24:48 Friendships and Grief26:30 Tools for Coping with Grief30:44 Understanding Support in Friendships During Grief34:26 The Pressure on Women and Male Factor Infertility34:49 Navigating Grief and Emotional Flexibility38:44 Cultural Taboos and the Role of 'Aunties'40:36 Pregnancy After Loss: Myths and Realities43:05 The Male Perspective on Grief and Support45:53 Workplace Policies and Support for Grieving Parents49:14 Future of Bereavement Leave and Support Resources

In this episode of Breaking the Browndary Podcast, we sit down with Ria Lakhani, a creator and brand founder redefining what it means to be a modern South Asian woman. She’s the visionary behind On Cloud Dine, a feel good food platform that celebrates culture through recipes, restaurant finds, and her beloved “Dad Hacks” series. Ria opens up about her journey from pursuing a traditional law career to following her passion for cooking, freelancing, and content creation.We discuss: 💼 Leaving law & breaking South Asian stereotypes🍳 Building a career as a full-time content creator💸 The money side of freelancing and how it all works👩🏽‍👩🏽‍👧🏽 Family expectations + cultural pressures ( being the eldest daughter)🧠 Overcoming imposter syndrome & self-doubt🌱 Advice for aspiring creators: how to just start🎙️ Breaking the Browndary shares global stories of South Asians who are rewriting the rules, breaking cultural expectations, and living boldly.👇🏽 Follow along if you want real convos on culture, self-growth & identityInstagram: @breakingthebrowndary-----------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro & Rapid Fire12:09 The Journey from Law to Content Creation14:48 The Wake-Up Call: A Life-Altering Accident17:59 Finding Freedom in India20:55 Building a Brand: The Slow Process24:07 Time Management and Avoiding Burnout26:33 Family Support and Cultural Heritage28:12 The Journey of On Cloud Dine32:01 Navigating the Creator Economy37:30 Challenges in Content Creation42:38 Cultural Pressures and Personal Growth49:16 Breaking Boundaries in Content Creation--------------------------------Ria's socials: @on_clouddine @Ria_lakhs

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual abuse and trauma. Please listen with care.In this powerful episode of Breaking the Browndary, we explore what it truly means to come back home to your body. I’m joined by ⁠⁠Anisah⁠⁠, a holistic therapist specialising in somatic healing, trauma recovery, and nervous system regulation.We don't hold back- diving straight into intergenerational trauma, cultural shame, and the conditioning that’s kept so many of us stuck in cycles of control, people-pleasing, and emotional suppression. But we come out of the other sideto explore how we can start reconnecting to our bodies, reclaim our inner safety, and actually feel free.  Anisah breaks down how the bottom three chakras—root, sacral, and solar plexus—hold the blueprint for survival, shame, and power struggles, and how reconnecting with the body through simple somatic tools can create deep shifts right now. You’ll walk away with real tools to:🔹 Understand somatic therapy  & using it in daily life (aka: healing through the body, not just your brain)🔹 Break free from survival mode and generational trauma🔹 Use the chakra system as a roadmap for healing (Root, Sacral & Solar Plexus)🔹 Real-life grounding tools to root into your power(yes, including hugging trees 🌳)🔹 Practical ways to regulate your nervous system and not just pushing through it🔹 Set boundaries and navigate cultural expectations(without spiralling into guilt)🔹 Honour your South Asian roots while creating your own path🔹 Abundance vs scarcity mindset and how it links to our lineage🔹Connect to your body's innate intelligence and start inner child healing This episode is an activation. Take notes, take deep breaths, and get ready to remember your body’s wisdom.-------------------------------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Introduction to Breaking Boundaries01:02 Rapid Fire Round: Healing Practices08:07 Anisah's Journey to Somatic Healing 13:00 Understanding Somatic Healing15:52 The Throat Chakra: Speaking from your Authenticity18:00 Intergenerational Trauma in the South Asian Community20:25 The Root Chakra: Survival21:28 The Sacral Chakra: Shame23:23 The Solar Plexus Chakra: Control26:11 Reclaiming Our Heritage and Healing29:36 Understanding Ancestral Healing and Privilege30:36 Cultural Expectations and Personal Growth31:57 Setting Boundaries in Relationships35:10 Representation and Identity in the South Asian Community37:45 Abundance vs. Scarcity Mindset40:08 The Impact of Somatic Healing44:01 Connecting with your Body's Innate Language46:28 Honouring the Female Cycle48:53 The Mind-Body Connection in Healing50:16 Guided Somatic Practice: Practical Tools for Somatic Healing53:51 Grounding Practise: Nervous System Regulation55:18 Tree Technique: Nervous System Regulation57:24 Reclaiming Power and Community Healing01:00:08 Continuing the Conversation on Healing------------------------------------------------------------------Anisah's Socials: Instagram:@holistic.anisahTik Tok: @holistic.anisah------------------------------------------------------------------If you enjoyed this episode, please do give a follow to Breaking the Browndary Podcast and leave a review as it really helps it to grow. Stay tuned for the next episode as we explore the incrediblestories of South Asian millennials and beyond, who have challenged conventional norms, and are living life on their own terms.Instagram:⁠⁠ @breakingthebrowndary⁠⁠ Stay blessed,Rhea x

Feeling stuck in your life, career, or relationships? Let's break it down and give you some practical, tangible steps to get un-stuck. I promise you this episode isn't just waffle- it's full of frameworks we can use to actually get un-stuck and overcome our limiting beliefs. Meet Bhavya Arora , a certified life transformational and career coach, and author of “Where The F**k Do I Go From Here?” (yes, that’s the actual title). She’s helped hundreds move from stuck to glowing and grounded – and now she’s coaching us.This isn’t just another fluffy self-help chat — we get into:🔹 The silent pressure South Asians face to “have it all figured out”🔹 Feeling like you're behind in your 20s and 30s (spoiler: you're not)🔹 Real frameworks to rewire your limiting beliefs🔹 How to actually take action when fear has you frozen🔹 Breaking free from family expectations + doing life your wayBhavya breaks it down with practical tips, mindset shifts, and 🔥 life coaching exercises you can apply today.✨ This one’s for you if you’re ready to stop playing small and start building a life that feels like yours.--------------------------------------------------------------------🔗 Connect with Bhavya Instagram: @forwardfocuslondonFacebook: Forward Focus LondonLinkedIn: Forward Focus LondonTikTok: @forwardfocuslondon--------------------------------------------------------------------Don't forget to subscribe to Breaking the Browndary Podcast and leave a review as it really helps the podcast grow. Stay tuned for the next episode as we explore the incredible stories of South Asian millennials and beyond, who have challenged conventional norms, and living life on their own terms.Instagram: @breakingthebrowndary Stay blessed,Rhea xChapters00:00 Intro & Rapid Fire06:00 Bhavya's Personal Story: From Fear to Freedom17:40 Common Struggles of Millennials: Career, Relationships, and Growth19:05 Common career struggles in 20s & 30s21:08 Common relationship struggles in 20s & 30s22:45 Common personal growth struggles in 20s & 30s24:52 The importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone26:21 Unpacking South Asian Specific Issues27:53 Practical Advice for Breaking Free from Family Expectations32:40 Practical Life Coaching Scenarios 1-442:17 The One-Size-Fits-All Myth in Personal Development46:09 Life Coaching Scenario 549:46 A Practical Framework for Overcoming Limiting Beliefs58:11 Understanding Quantum Leaping and Its Impact01:01:04 The Power of Choice in Creating Change01:05:17 Breaking Boundaries: Personal and Professional Growth

This episode is for the South Asian woman who is healing, glowing & building her soft, rich girl life. ✨ This is all about real self-development, womanhood, and healthy habits—from a South Asian lens.In this juicy episode, I sit down with Rishani—a self-development YouTuber and podcaster with 80K+ subscribers—who’s become the big sister figure for so many women navigating their 20s and 30s. We’re unpacking what it really means to become that girl—not just aesthetically, but from within. We talk about:💫 Breaking out of survival mode, creating a safe space from toxic households & finally choosing yourself💫 Feminine energy hacks to glow from the inside out and attract growth & abundance effortlessly💫 Mindset shifts to level up your life & career and become your dream self💫 The truth about healing, self-love & becoming "that girl" 💫 Growing your platform while staying true to who you arePlus:🔹 How to tap into your feminine energy without guilt or shame🔹 Balancing masculine & feminine energy in a high-achieving world🔹 Inner work > outer glow: underrated glow-up advice no one talks aboutWhether you're navigating toxic family dynamics, feeling stuck, or just ready to glow differently this year—this episode is your reminder to slow down, turn inward, and choose you. 💖Don't forget to follow Breaking the Browndary Podcast and leave a review as it really helps the podcast to grow. Stay tuned for the next episode as we explore the incrediblestories of South Asian millennials and beyond, who have challenged conventional norms, and are living life on their own terms.Follow me at⁠ @breakingthebrowndary⁠ on Instagram, and feel free to send me feedback,or anything you've learned from the podcast. I would love to hear your thoughts. Your support is greatly appreciated.Rhea xChapters00:00 Introduction to Breaking Boundaries12:30 Navigating Womanhood and Self-Development19:34 Understanding Feminine Energy24:54 Tapping into Feminine Energy32:11 The Journey into Self-Development39:09 Glow Up Tips: Internal vs External44:28 Thriving in Toxic Environments47:19 The Quality of Connections50:22 Authenticity and Self-Expression52:08 Navigating Social Media as a Creator56:32 Starting Your Content Creation Journey01:00:22 Sustainability in Social Media Careers

Today, we have a JUICYYY episode which is all about dating. In a world where South Asians are often caught between tradition and modernity, dating can feel more confusing than ever.  Our special guest is Niti, a South Asian dating coach, who’s here to help us navigate the complexities of dating in today’s world.We’re diving into how to date with intention, avoid burnout, and set boundaries that feel empowering, all while staying true to yourself. Niti shares key insights on how to align your dating intentions, build trust in the early stages, and uncover blind spots that might be holding you back. Plus, we explore the role of dating apps and how to approach relationships without the pressure of timelines. The conversation wraps up with Niti’s ebook, ⁠Unrushed Romance,⁠ a guide to dating without pressure. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or lost in the modern dating world, this episode is for you.-----------------------------------------------------------Key Topics covered:🔹 How to align your intentions before dating🔹 Building trust in the early stages of dating🔹 Common blind spots we encounter in relationships🔹 Showing up authentically while dating🔹 Setting healthy boundaries in relationships🔹 Avoiding burnout & overwhelm in the dating scene🔹 How to be intentional when dating🔹 How can we become better at dating and finding our partner- mindset shifts that change everything-----------------------------------------------------------Don't forget to follow or subscribe to Breaking the Browndary Podcast and leave a review as it really helps the podcast grow. Stay tuned for next week's episode as we explorethe incredible stories of South Asian millennials and beyond, who have challenged conventional norms, and living life on their own terms.Follow me at @breakingthebrowndary on Instagram, and feel free to send me feedback, or anything you've learned fromthe podcast. I would love to hear your thoughts. Your support is greatlyappreciated. Stay blessed,Rhea x

In this episode i'm joined byShilpa⁠, a London-based management consultant, writer and the founder of Kahaani Collective⁠,a platform dedicated to fostering professional and creative growth for South Asians. Shilpa opens up about her journey of navigating cultural identity, career challenges, and personal growth as a South Asian woman. We dive into topics such as self-validation, breaking free from family expectations, and the influence of social media on self-perception and worth. Shilpa emphasises the need for young South Asian women to reclaim authority over their lives and make decisions that align with their true selves, despite societal expectations.Through her platforms, she aims to increase exposure on the South Asian experience, across all aspects such as mental health, self-respect, motivation and unlearning toxic mindsets, and a space where individuals can share their experiences and feel understood. This episode is for you if you're:✨ A South Asian breaking boundaries in life & career✨ Struggling to balance personal freedom with family expectations✨ Tired of seeking validation from others & ready to trust yourself✨ Looking for real conversations about independence, self-worth, and authenticityKey points covered:🔹Reclaim Your Power: How to make decisions that feel true toyou, even when family and culture say otherwise.🔹Breaking Free from Expectations: The unspoken pressures of being a South Asian woman—and how to navigate them.🔹The Truth About Moving Out & Living Independently: Is it worth the risk? What no one tells you about it.🔹Self-Validation & Critical Thinking: How to trust your own voice in a world full of noise.🔹The Role of Social Media: Are influencers shaping our beliefs more than we realise?🔹The Power of Storytelling: Why sharing your journey can create real change.🔹Balancing Tradition & Individuality: How to stay connected to your rootswithout losing yourself.------------------------------------------------------------------Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Background01:09 Rapid Fire Round02:57 Family Dynamics and Breaking Free from Societal Expectations10:48 What is Consulting?12:57 Being the Eldest Daughter14:58 Do Parents Know Best? Upholding Family Expectations18:49 Challenges of Moving Out and Navigating Community Expectations21:42 Living Independently as a Brown Woman24:40 Dealing with Judgement & Criticism26:16 Creating Your Safe Space27:52 The Power of Critical Thinking and Self-Validation30:05 Navigating Social Media and the Influence of Influencers37:50 The Importance of Storytelling and Building Community44:31 The Need for Media Literacy and Discerning Consumption50:22 The Journey of Vulnerability, Self-Acceptance, and Self-Love51:53 Breaking Boundaries: Making Decisions Based on Personal Beliefs---------------------------------------------------------------------Don't forget to follow Breaking the Browndary Podcast and leave a review as it really helps the podcast grow. Stay tuned for the next episode as we explore the incredible stories of South Asian millennials and beyond, who have challenged conventional norms, and are living life on their own terms.Follow me at @breakingthebrowndary on Instagram, and feel free to send me feedback, or anything you've learned fromthe podcast. I would love to hear your thoughts. Your support is greatly appreciated.Stay blessed,Rhea x 

Heyyy lovelies! Let’s kick off the year with some real talk about MONEY! It’s time to reset your finances in 2025 and make this year your most prosperous yet. 💸✨ In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Sanskriti Nigam— founder of @brownwomanwealth, Financial Wellness Coach, Chartered Accountant, and Investor. With 15 years in the Big 4 and a passion for empowering others, Sanskriti’s here to help you take control of your money and break through financial barriers. You're going to want to take notes. We dive into her journey of navigating money in immigrant communities, building generational wealth, and shifting mindsets around financial freedom. Whether you’re juggling a 9-to-5 or dreaming of long-term growth, Sanskriti’s got actionable tips to help you take the reins of your financial future. Let’s reset our finances in 2025 and make it the year we truly thrive! 🌟 Topics Covered 🔷 Sanskriti’s journey from Chartered Accountant to Financial Wellness Coach. 🔷 How cultural influences shape financial decisions in immigrant communities. 🔷 Practical steps to build wealth while working a 9-to-5 job. 🔷 The importance of financial literacy in breaking generational cycles. 🔷 Common misconceptions about building wealth. 🔷 Tips for creating and maintaining an emergency fund. 🔷 What is a SIPP, and how can it help you grow wealth for the future? 🔷 Mindset shifts: Scarcity mindset vs. wealthy mindset. 🔷 How to challenge family expectations around money and tradition. 🔷 Investing for long-term growth and understanding your financial goals. 🔷 The importance of tracking your expenses and paying off high-interest debt. 🔷 Breaking generational cycles of financial trauma to empower the next generation. Key Takeaways 🔷 Start tracking your income and expenses to build a clear picture of your financial situation. 🔷 Build an emergency fund for financial stability. 🔷 Pay off high-interest debt to improve your financial health. 🔷 Understand how cultural mindsets shape your money decisions. 🔷 Financial freedom means having control and choices, not just wealth. 🔷 Challenge traditional family financial advice if it doesn’t align with your goals. 🔷 Break generational cycles of financial trauma to empower future generations. 🔷 Invest with clarity on your goals and take small, intentional steps toward wealth building --------------------------------------------------------------- Don't forget to follow or subscribe to Breaking the Browndary Podcast and leave a review as it really helps the podcast grow. Follow me at @breakingthebrowndary on Instagram, and feel free to send me feedback, or anything you've learned from the podcast. I would love to hear your thoughts. Your support is greatly appreciated.  Stay blessed, Rhea x Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only. It is not financial advice. Always consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions.

Welcome back to another episode Breaking of the Browndary! 🎙️ In this episode, we dive into the history and cultural identity, as well as the present day of the Indo-Caribbean community with Vinay Harrichan, founder of⁠ The Cutlass Magazine.⁠ From personal stories of resilience to the cultural legacies of Indian indentured laborers, this episode is a heartfelt homage to a heritage often overlooked. 🌍❤️ Vinay shares stories of the Indo-Caribbean diaspora, discussing the impacts of Indian indentureship, his family's heritage, and the historical and social challenges faced by Indo-Caribbean descendants today. Together, we explore the significant cultural journey from India to the Caribbean and its lasting influence on politics, religion, and identity in the Indo-Caribbean community. ----------------------------------------------------------  Topics covered: 🔹 Indo-Caribbean history: migration and indentureship vs slavery 🔹 High rates of suicide and sexual abuse in ships carrying indentured labourers 🔹 Gender roles: women as property in Indo-Caribbean societies 🔹 Matriarchy in the community due to men’s reduced life expectancy 🔹 Preserving Indo-Caribbean culture and legacy, including food and traditions 🔹 Intersectionality between South Asian and Caribbean cultures 🔹 Caste and class discrimination within the Indo-Caribbean community 🔹 Navigating rejection and identity in Caribbean and South Asian communities 🔹 Reviving and preserving Indo-Caribbean heritage: music (soca, chutney, calypso), food, and language (Bhojpuri) 🔹 Modern Indo-Caribbean culture in the UK ---------------------------------------------------------- Timestamps: (00:00) Exploring Indo-Caribbean Identity and History (12:35) Enduring Resilience in Indo-Caribbean Culture (21:15) Preserving Indo-Caribbean Heritage and Legacy (25:42) Navigating Indo-Caribbean Identity and Recognition (31:26) Navigating Indo-Caribbean Identity and Acceptance (43:24) Indo-Caribbean Culture and Music Fusion (55:11) Indo-Caribbean Identity and Cultural Preservation (01:03:31) Indo-Caribbean Caste and Culture Integration ---------------------------------------------------------- Don't forget to follow or subscribe to Breaking the Browndary Podcast and leave a review as it really helps the podcast to grow. Follow me at ⁠@breakingthebrowndary ⁠on Instagram, and feel free to send me feedback, or anything you've learned from the podcast. I would love to hear your thoughts. Your support is greatly appreciated. Stay blessed, Rhea x

In this empowering and feel-good conversation, we sit down with Rakhi Sachdev, an empowerment and embodiment coach for Women of Colour (WOC). Rakhi shares her insights on how women can deepen their relationship with their bodies, reclaim pleasure, and challenge the perfectionistic and people-pleasing tendencies ingrained in them. As a first-generation British-born Gujarati woman, Rakhi’s unique perspective on cultural and societal expectations sheds light on the importance of self-trust, vulnerability, and authentic self-expression. Listen to understand the transformative power of connecting to our bodies, how we can redefine and connect to our bodies and pleasure, and value ourselves. Topics Covered: 🔹 Personal and Cultural Background: Growing up as a first-generation British-born Gujarati woman. Influence of Bollywood and cultural heritage on self-image and beliefs. 🔹 Journey of Empowerment: Transition from perfectionism and people-pleasing to self-trust and empowerment. Personal experiences with body image issues and the quest for perfection. 🔹 Understanding and Reclaiming Pleasure: What is pleasure, and why is it important for women, especially WOC? How societal expectations and perfectionism affect our connection to pleasure. The role of play and pleasure in creating possibilities. 🔹 Embodiment Practices: Connecting to the body as an antidote to shame and vulnerability. Dance and mirror work as tools for self-empowerment and rewriting beliefs. The significance of savoring moments and entering a childlike state for joy and self-connection. 🔹 Sexual Pleasure and Body Connection: Defining sexual pleasure and how women can connect to it. Combatting internal and external barriers to experiencing pleasure. The importance of vulnerability and lowering guards to fully embrace self-expression. 🔹 Overcoming Cultural and Societal Barriers: Addressing respectability politics and the “hush hush” culture surrounding pleasure. Breaking generational cycles of perfectionism and shame. Advice for women feeling disconnected from their bodies and those seeking to reconnect. -------------------------------------------------------- Don't forget to follow or subscribe to Breaking the Browndary Podcast and leave a review as it really helps the podcast grow. Follow me at @breakingthebrowndary on Instagram, and feel free to send me feedback, or anything you've learned from the podcast. I would love to hear your thoughts. Your support is greatly appreciated.   Stay blessed, Rhea x