Shows
Chaivory TowerRamadan ReflectionsZainab and Sidra recorded this episode while fasting, so please excuse the delirium. In this episode, they reflect on spiritual renewal during Ramadan, Online Muslim traditions, and propose some more Whacky Ideas for a Better World. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/support
2022-04-2929 min
Chaivory TowerChaos! At the MasjidSid and Z share stories about going to the masjid in Ramadan. It's not the holy month without a little bit of chaos in the mosque and honestly we wouldn't have it any other way.--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/support
2022-04-2809 min
Chaivory TowerProgress over PerfectionGirlBOSS?? No! Girl, BOX your congressperson! In this episode, Sid and Z talk about shedding the need for perfection, moving through burnout, and trying to find Avan Jogia on Hinge. No Sheryl Sandberg… but we’re leaning into just being curious, chaotic, and okay with making mistakes. We’re reflecting on our journey with this podcast and launching a brand new segment called “Wacky Ideas for a Better World” where Zainab talks about why we should be allowed to fight our representatives, and Sidra proposes a National Stipend for Birthday Spa Days.--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The...
2022-03-2840 min
Chaivory TowerDev Dive: The Dev Patel EpisodeThis episode we're doing a deep dive into Dev Patel's career and why we love him. We talk Skins, Slumdog Millionaire, and more! Dev Patel please come on our podcast.--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/support
2021-08-2633 min
Chaivory TowerDev DiveZ and Sid do a deep dive into the career of Dev Patel and why he's so lovable. Dev Patel please come on our podcast
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2021-08-2535 min
Chaivory TowerSisterhood/Behnchara with SalehaThis episode, we talk to Saleha (@soleha.777) the creator of @behnchara a virtual gathering space for women to come together in community. We discuss South Asian sisterhood and creating avenues for holding space for one another and healing. You can learn more and sign up to participate in behnchara gatherings at behnchara.com.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/support
2021-06-141h 08
Chaivory TowerMinisode: Suez Canal for DummiesBonus Episode Alert!!! Tune into our new segment "chaivory tower breaking down the news", a possibly recurring series where we read news stories and discuss them without doing any research. Join us as we talk about the ship that was stuck in the Suez Canal and ask the stupidest possible questions about it so that you don't have to. Sidra tries to figure out maps, and Z tries to remember what she learned about in her middle eastern history class ten years ago. It's not drunk history, it's just dumb bitch history. The boat might be free but we're...
2021-03-3111 min
Chaivory TowerTinfoil Hats & WhatsApp Chats - Exploring Conspiracy TheoriesWe’re kicking off 2021 with Zainab telling Sidra about her favorite conspiracy theories. 2020 was a wild ride, and we’ve seen the rise of things that are stranger than fiction, so we looked into what makes people believe in conspiracy theories. From croissants, to #FreeBritney, to the royal family, join us as we try to find the truth about some of our favorite conspiracy theories from the internet, whatsapp groups, and the Islamic school rumor mill. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice messag...
2021-03-1148 min
Chaivory TowerThe Brain Fog Diaries: Dealing with Burnout in 2020Sidra and Zainab wrap up 2020 by talking about what the collective is feeling: burnout. Sidra shares some research about her most recent affliction. We talk about what burnout feels like, causes and systemic issues that spur burnout, and share some ideas on how to do less in 2021. On this Episode: Symptoms of Burnout (1:29-6:10) Causes of Burnout (6:10-10:00) Of course it's the system (10:00-16:45) Burnout: pandemic edition (16:45-38:44) How to deal (38:44-end)References: The Ultimate Burnout Cure - Daily Om Brené with Emily and Amelia Nagoski on Burnout and How to Complete the Stress Cy...
2020-12-3050 min
Chaivory TowerDreaming of the Future We DeserveWe’re not Raven-Symoné but we have a vision for the future that’s better than whatever this shit is. We're taking a break from cynicism and despair to talk about hope and imagination! Also, we're sharing some resources on the upcoming election and talking about some candidates that inspire us. What are your visions for the future? Let us know! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/support
2020-10-2937 min
Chaivory TowerIndian Matchmaking & Desi Marriage CultureSidra & Zainab are joined by long-time friend & our number one fan Rabee (@rabeeonline) to talk about Indian Matchmaking and our experiences with Desi marriage culture (aka a discussion on why every Desi needs to go therapy). Unfortunately, it’s Sima Auntie’s world, and we’re just living in it but we try to imagine a different world where we can just vibe, because it doesn’t have to be this way! You can get in touch with us by emailing chaivorytower@gmail.com, DMing us on Ins...
2020-08-041h 05
Chaivory TowerRent? in THIS economy?!The rent crisis resulting from the pandemic has brought forth various strategies from tenant activists and organizers: rent freezes, rent strikes, rent forgiveness, eviction moratorium: but what does it all mean?? In this episode, Sidra & Zainab give an overview of these terms and discuss what’s being done by way of legislation and direct action. As always, feel free to send your comments, thoughts, concerns, and praises to chaivorytower@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter & Instagram @chaivorytower for more updates--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in...
2020-05-1320 min
Chaivory TowerWe Love TVIn this episode famous TV critics Zainab and Sidra discuss what makes TV so appealing, the shows we love, and ~representation~ in television. Listen to us talk about all the shows we’re watching and let us know what you’re watching in between learning guitar, crocheting, baking things (send us some please), and Facetiming everyone you know. Bringing you the social distancing content you deserve!--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ch...
2020-04-2450 min
Chaivory TowerChaivory Thirst: Celebrity Crush Rankings ft. Will EllisIn this episode we're joined by special guest/friend Will Ellis (again) to discuss the good, the bad, and the humiliating celebrity crushes we have. For those of you with 3+ brain cells still in function, we also discuss "hotness" as a concept and the systems that inform who we find attractive, with citations courtesy of Will and Sidra (3:45 to 8:20). Also, Zainab cries discussing Bad Bunny. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ch...
2020-04-231h 09
Chaivory TowerMinisode: Student Organizing with Sydney & NevenaIn this guest episode, Sidra gets to interview her friends and former colleagues Sydney & Nevena, current graduate students at Harvard, about student organizing, the Harvard Graduate Student Union of Auto Workers Strike, and visions for freedom futures. Listen in for a conversation about why graduate student unions are so important in academic institutions, their advice for those considering grad school, and the visions of liberation that keep them going. This episode is so fun because Sidra, Nevena, and Sydney would have these conversations in magical moments to survive grad school, and felt like such a treat to think about...
2020-02-1235 min
Chaivory TowerUnionize Your Workplace (and your country @ Canada??)This episode we talk labor unions and share some examples of worker organizing that inspire us. Also, as Meghan and Harry take a mental health break from their family (relatable) we try, in vain, to unpack the monarchy and figure out if Canada is technically still a British colony. What is a commonwealth? How can the wealth be common if it's all owned by one person? Timestamps: Meghan and Harry honor the legacy of the late (Muslim) Princess Diana by saying fuck all y'all to the Royal Family (4:10). Sidra trying to explain whether Canada is...
2020-01-2045 min
Chaivory TowerBon Appe-teaIn this guest episode Zainab sits down with friend of the podcast, Will Ellis, to discuss the online food sensation Bon Appetit. Listen to them talk about why they love BA so much, the magazine and the culinary industry's commodification of Lebanese/Levantine cuisine (08:40), their top five BA videos (24:00), and their BA test kitchen chef power rankings from best to most cursed (45:30). --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/support
2019-12-041h 16
Chaivory TowerSpilled Chai-vory Tower: An Interview with SumeeraIn this guest episode we have an amazing conversation with Sumeera who is a DJ, writer/poet, and curator of Spilled Chai, an online magazine that celebrates the hyphenated identity, and explores nuance and narrative. We talk creativity, grad school, cliches in Desi art, and what inspires us. Content warning: discussion of physical and emotional abuse from 23:50 to 30:25.Find more of Sumeera's work at spilledchai.com or on Instagram (@spilledchai). Cover photo of Sumeera taken by Simrah Farrukh. Find more of Simrah's work at simrahfarrukh.com and on Instagram (@simrahfarrukh)--- This episode is s...
2019-11-1839 min
Chaivory TowerClimate NihilismSidra and Zainab talk climate nihilism (what even is that), how war is a misnomer, and the Islamic impact on Brazilian funk (sort of, not really). MC Magrinho’s management team, please get in touch with us.Topics in this episode: Zainab, against Sidra’s and the whole world’s wishes, plays a Brazilian song she heard that samples the Quran? (mild blasphemy from 1:16 to 1:30) Jamila Jamil had a tone-deaf tweet and we talk the Bush presidency unpack the idea that “we’re at war” (3:00) #MyAlwaysExperience highlights women’s experience with substandard quality pads from Alwa...
2019-10-3145 minChaivory TowerMinisode 1 - Who We AreWelcome to Chaivory Tower, as told by Sidra & Zainab. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/support
2019-10-2103 minChaivory TowerThrow Your Phone AwayWe’re back and we’re done with grad school! We’re talking about surveillance capitalism and the data being collected on us all the time. If you still have a Facebook profile by the end of this episode we will stage an intervention at your house with all your friends and family. 1:40 - Intro, reflections on graduating (Z skipped graduation it’s fine), Desi daughter struggles 10:55- Puerto Ricans ousted their corrupt Governor!!! 15:15- Pakistani model Zara Abid in blackface and the burning trash fires of colorism and anti-Blackness 21: 45- Mark Zuckerberg retire bitch, also eve...
2019-06-021h 14Chaivory TowerNew Year, Same UsThis week we're talking about how we’re back on our same shit in the new year. From You on Netflix to the government shutdown, Sidra and Zainab are back at it!!! It’s AQUARIUS SZN and Sidra made a flyer for her own birthday party (0:30 - 1:30) We are burned out by the millennial burnout article (1:45 - 4:00) You on Netflix is a shit show you MUST watch (basically all spoilers) (4:16 - 17:14) Government shutdown and Sidra yelling about the Space Force (17:19 - 28:21) Zainab educates us all about the LA Teachers Strike (28:27 - 32:11) Grad school refl...
2019-04-061h 01Chaivory TowerGrad School, It's Our Funeral! Plus, South Asian Activism ft. Barnali Ghosh & Anirvan ChatterjeeTopics in this episode:This week we're talking about South Asian activism with the brilliant and inspiring co-curators of the South Asian Radical History Walking Tour, Barnali Ghosh and Anirvan Chatterjee. Also, Zainab learns a new white idiom.1. Congrats Mrs. and Mr. Priyanka Chopra (Beginning two minutes)2. Noah Centineo from To All The Boys I Loved Before is Zainab's spicy white fave with hot privilege (2:00- 5:39)3. Some thoughts on Crazy Rich Asians (5:40 to 11:23 spoilers at 7:09-7:20)4. Lana Del Rey and her big Zionist energy and bizarre tweet (she canceled her...
2019-02-1633 minChaivory TowerPartitionTopics in this episode: Environmental racism and the cost of clean air (1:00) Zainab is shocked that people continue to work in her office even though there's a wasps nest in the women's bathroom (2:00) Lebron James built an institution that is changing the game and your tax money is paying for all kinds of shady shit and we would happily pay taxes to support building capacity in the future generation! (8:45) Sondos al Qattan (instagram beauty blogger) has some terrible takes on new Kuwaiti law for the rights of domestic workers - we're mad about it. (9:39)Partition (12:25) Sidra...
2019-02-0943 minChaivory TowerMental Health in Desi CommunitiesWelcome to the Chaivory Tower summer season - we are on break from grad school and digging into issues around south asian culture in the US and abroad!Topics in this episode: Since we're having a break down nearly every episode, we thought we'd bring on a guest to talk about mental health! Zainab made a playlist of sad desi songs to cry to and you can listen to them on iTunes or Spotify (2:00) Discussion on stigma on mental health, South Asian status anxiety, and capitalism (5:00) Sidra doesn't know how to relax and Zainab hosts a...
2019-02-0234 minChaivory TowerKeep Families TogetherWe're wrapping up Season 1! We finally finished our first year of grad school and have lots of content planned for the summer. In the meantime, we're talking the World Cup, bullet trains, and Princess Diana. We'll also be talking about the policy of separating families at the border and how people are fighting back to Abolish ICE.Topics in this episode: What we learned our first year: multivariate regressions and other stuff. Statistics show everything is trash. (Beginning to 6:00) World Cup Updates- People can appreciate soccer as a sport AND appreciate that soccer players are also...
2019-01-1138 minChaivory TowerNo Cop AcademyTopics in this episode: Intro - grad school updates/our lifelong commitment to not having our shit together (0:00- 5:43) Zainab has an on-air breakdown after learning sim is short for simulation (5:45) RIP Sridevi and Asma Jahangir two legends (10:57) Kim K wore a sari on Vogue India and Desi men lost their minds (13:00) Sana Safinaz please fuck off forever with your racist advertisements (16:00)Sana Safinaz Faces Backlash for Racist Campaign Getty Images mixed up Kelly Marie Tran and Mirai Nigasu because there's sooooo many Asians (21:35) Quick Dev Patel thirst session/discussion...
2018-12-0159 minChaivory TowerPakistan is not PalestineIn this bonus episode we talk to Amal, a real-life Palestinian and friend of Chaivory Tower. We're unpacking what's up with Desis (and other non Palestinian Muslims) co-opting the Palestinian narrative. Desis, take a seat and pass the mic on this one. A crowd sourced list of actual Palestinian experts/media organizations to reach out to when you need someone to talk about Palestine! What is the Boycott Divestment Sanction Movement? On Normalization and why we can't "dialogue" with Zionists:"How Students are Resisting Efforts to Normalize Israeli Apartheid""American Muslims Must Not Become Tools of...
2018-11-3039 minChaivory TowerPrivate Property Rules Everything Around Me #TIMESUP at the Golden Globes and let's just let Oprah chill (2:00) Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador is being removed and why you should pay attention (4:15) PPREAM - the commodification of cities, Amazon HQ2, why do cities sell out (9:00)Zainab freaks out about how much Jeff Bezos is worth and we talk about the Black Mirror dystopia that is our future WCW: Kelly Marie Tran, the first Asian American woman to be on Star Wars, who went to Zainab's high school! (25:00)Links: Radiolab: Brown Box - an inside look at an Amazon shipping center Amazon chooses 20 finalists for...
2018-09-2028 minChaivory Tower2017 - The Low Bar is Now in Hell Grad school updates - everything is on fire but at least we made friends (0:51) Existential crises - Zainab asks what good is incremental change in an empire that is crumbling and Sidra wonders if planning is even a legitimate profession (16:10) Current events - FCC and tax plan bullshit (28:29) Worst takes of 2017 - George W. Bush is still evil and the FBI is not going to save you (33:17) Women of Color Wednesday - Divas of Karachi (44:51)--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm...
2018-08-3133 minChaivory TowerSpooky Jinn StoriesThis episode Zainab and Amal talk about how many times you have to say "jinn" to get possessed.Sidra staunchly believes if you talk about jinn, they sit around and listen, and has opted out. AKA the only person in a horror movie to survive.--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/support
2018-08-3027 minChaivory TowerKifah in Karachi Desi intellectual fuckboys and how they will be Zainab's downfall (2:10) Amir Khan and Faryal Makhdhoom (part 2): They should have just talked to each other (4:03) Sidra's first day of grad school and story about walking past MALIA OBAMA (6:43) Hurricane Harvey: Orgs to donate to that are NOT the Red Cross (11:37) Pakistani Independence Day and our uneasiness with nationalism (15:13) Kifah Interview: Suki Se (20:44) WCW: Tiffany Haddish (42:32)--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/support
2017-09-0147 minChaivory TowerPakistan: You'll Figure It Out Neymar transferred to PSG and Zainab is really emotional about it (0:45) Amir Khan's and Faryal Makhdhoom's messy Twitter fight (4:55) Zainab's observations on Pakistan (6:55) Nawaz Sharif is not my type (12:51) Climate change and the U.S. Invasion of Afghanistan (19:06)Will The Flower Slip Through the Asphalt: Writers Respond to Climate Change (Sidra discussed Rafia Zakaria's chapter, check out Rafia Zakaria's Twitter @rafiazakaria to keep updated with her work) Women of Color Wednesday: Resham Khan (25:08)Follow Resham Khan on Twitter: @reshkay_ and her blog: Resham.Online to keep updated with her recovery...
2017-08-2431 minChaivory TowerA Nuanced Self The Big Sick is a mess (5:44)The Big Sick's treatment of Brown women: The Big Sick & Brown Romance by Tanzila Ahmed; The Only Muslims Hollywood Likes are the 'Secular' Ones by Tasbeeh Herwees Mississippi Masala is way better AND HAS DENZEL WASHINGTON IN IT (14:10) Skam is amazing and Norway is in 3017 (16:17)I’m a Muslim Girl and This Is Why the New Season of 'Skam' Is So Important to Me by Naureen Nashid Glow on Netflix (19:30)GLOW Women of Color Wednesday: Fatima Asghar & Sam Bailey (24:02)Brown Girls- a webser...
2017-08-0527 min