Shows
Down to BrownGun violence survivor Nirmitha Iyangar on why South Asians should act on gun control, intersectionalities with gender-based violence, and our community’s relationship with traumaIn the final episode of Down to Brown, Lahari talks to Nirmitha Iyangar, apparel designer, mother, and gun violence survivor. Nirmitha is a long-time Down to Brown listener, and when talking to Lahari, realized it was time to tell her story. Together, Lahari and Nirmitha talk about the harrowing incident; ways South Asians can take action with gun control and why we should care; how gun violence intersects with gender-based violence in our communities; and our community's journey with trauma. You can get more involved in the fight towards gun control here: https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/take-action/volunteer/https...2023-03-271h 32
Down to BrownWho's responsible, the consumer or seller? Jigisha of Ji Clothing and Living on consumer behavior, responsible cultural appreciation, downstream consumer impact to craftsmen and moreLahari talks to Jigisha, founder of Ji Clothing and Living about our responsibility as consumers, especially in the context of the interiors and textiles space. We unpack the "trendiness" of purchasing local artisan-made work, how our behavior impacts craftsmen from countries outside the US, the "savior complex" of purchasing goods, and how we can be adapt to be more fair and equitable consumers. 2023-03-091h 00
Down to Brown"VC you, women of color": Victoria Kennedy & Isabelle Seale believe the new unicorns are companies by women of color; the importance of investing in them, unpacking generational wealth, access to financial literacy, and moreLahari talks to Victoria Kennedy and Isabelle Seale, who are product and design leaders turned investors who set early stage companies up for long term success. Their VC, Seed to Harvest, believes companies built by and for women of color (WOC) are the new unicorns. We talk about the basics of the VC world, exploring generational wealth as it impacts WOC, and access to financial literacy. Learn more about them on their website https://www.seedtoharvestvs.com/This episode was sponsored by Brooklyn Delhi, use code LAHARI10 at checkout for 10% off!2023-03-011h 22
Down to Brown"VC you, women of color": Victoria & Isabelle believe the new unicorns are companies by women of color; the importance of investing in them, unpacking generational wealth, access to financial literacy, and moreLahari talks to Victoria Kennedy and Isabelle Seale, who are product and design leaders turned investors who set early stage companies up for long term success. Their VC, Seed to Harvest, believes companies built by and for women of color (WOC) are the new unicorns. We talk about the basics of the VC world, exploring generational wealth as it impacts WOC, and access to financial literacy. Learn more about them on their website https://www.seedtoharvestvs.com/This episode was sponsored by Brooklyn Delhi, use code LAHARI10 at checkout for 10% off!2023-03-011h 20
Down to BrownThe Spare of the Royal Family, an Heir to privilege, racism, & colonization: UK-Desi Mitali Dargani & US-Desi Lahari Rao review Prince Harry's new bookHost meets host! Host of Down to Brown, Lahari Rao chats with Mitali Dargani, host of London-based Brown Game Strong, to review Prince Harry's book, Spare. They examine how Prince Harry, a man who is building a global platform to vouch for racial equity and media toxicity, delivered his value proposition in his book. We approach it from a lens of 2 women who's ethnic and nationalities fuse India, British, Spanish, and American identities. We ask universal questions around intentionality, family trauma/patterns, forging your own path, global history, etc.2023-02-161h 54
Tollywood KaburluWriter Padmabushan Review + Interesting FactsCredits
Banner: Chai Bisket Films, Lahari Films
Runtime: 123 minutes
Cast: Suhas, Tina Shilparaj, Ashish Vidyarthi, Rohini Molleti, Goparaju Ramana, Sri Gouri Priya
Music: Shekar Chandra and Kalyan Nayak
Cinematography: Venkat R Shakamuri
Editor: Kodati Pavan Kalyan, Siddhartha Thatholu
Production design: Yellayya S
Costumes: Rajini
Lyrics: Bhaskarabhatla
Story - direction: Shanmukha Prashanth
Producers: Anurag Reddy, Sharath Chandra and Chandru Manohar
Release date: 3 February, 2023
Interesting Facts:
Team learned marketing strategy from Adivi Sesh for paid pre...2023-02-1441 min
Down to BrownDon't let the cultural "taboo" fool you - menstrual health is women's health and Gita Vellanki's solution for women through NeeshiGita Vellanki is the founder and CEO of Neeshi. Working with medical experts and doctors, Neeshi uses natural superfoods at the right ratio can help you balance your hormones naturally to result in no heavy periods & ridding cramps naturally. Lahari Rao asks Gita how her upbringing and identity brought her to this path of helping women live healthier lives, common stories she hears, and how menstrual health and health are the same.2023-02-0950 min
Down to BrownJanani Ramachandran, Councilmember Oakland District 4 on political activism, recognizing privilege & using global perspective to drive participation in our local activities Janani Ramachandran is City Councilmember for Oakland, district 4. She is the youngest member to be sworn into this position in Oakland, as well as the first South Asian and queer woman of color. Janani talks to host Lahari Rao about how her global upbringing between India and the US informed her perspective to take action locally. As someone who strives to be the voice for the voiceless, Janani has exposure to the trials that face both countries, and shares her thoughts on how South Asians can become more involved and why it is so important.Show notes: (1...2023-01-2638 min
Down to BrownCan we do better in 2023, than 2022 did for feminism, Lahari Rao asksHost of Down to Brown, Lahari Rao, returns after 5 months to address her thoughts on 2022 and what it meant for women and women of color - that it blew. With the overturning of Roe v. Wade and trends that women saw in business, media, and politics...she thinks we can do better in 2023. Lahari talks about a Down to Brown 2023 that focuses on women coming together to find their true voices and selves - whether it's their bodies, minds, or spirits.2023-01-1221 min
New Books in Indian ReligionsMani Rao, "Saundarya Lahari: Wave of Beauty" (HarperCollins, 2022)Today I talked to Mani Rao about her translation Saundarya Lahari: Wave of Beauty" (HarperCollins, 2022)Saundarya Lahari is a popular Sanskrit hymn celebrating the power and beauty of Sakti, the primordial goddess. In one hundred verses, it underlines the centrality of the feminine principle in Indian thought.Attributed to Adi Sankaracarya, Saundarya Lahari is a valuable source for understanding tantric ideas. Every verse is associated with yantras and encoded mantras for tantric rituals, and specific verses in the hymn are considered potent for acquiring good health, lovers, and even poetic skills.Raj Balkaran is a...2022-12-2944 min
New Books in Literary StudiesMani Rao, "Saundarya Lahari: Wave of Beauty" (HarperCollins, 2022)Today I talked to Mani Rao about her translation Saundarya Lahari: Wave of Beauty" (HarperCollins, 2022)Saundarya Lahari is a popular Sanskrit hymn celebrating the power and beauty of Sakti, the primordial goddess. In one hundred verses, it underlines the centrality of the feminine principle in Indian thought.Attributed to Adi Sankaracarya, Saundarya Lahari is a valuable source for understanding tantric ideas. Every verse is associated with yantras and encoded mantras for tantric rituals, and specific verses in the hymn are considered potent for acquiring good health, lovers, and even poetic skills.Raj Balkaran is a...2022-12-2944 min
New Books in South Asian StudiesMani Rao, "Saundarya Lahari: Wave of Beauty" (HarperCollins, 2022)Today I talked to Mani Rao about her translation Saundarya Lahari: Wave of Beauty" (HarperCollins, 2022)Saundarya Lahari is a popular Sanskrit hymn celebrating the power and beauty of Sakti, the primordial goddess. In one hundred verses, it underlines the centrality of the feminine principle in Indian thought.Attributed to Adi Sankaracarya, Saundarya Lahari is a valuable source for understanding tantric ideas. Every verse is associated with yantras and encoded mantras for tantric rituals, and specific verses in the hymn are considered potent for acquiring good health, lovers, and even poetic skills.Raj Balkaran is a...2022-12-2944 min
Cultured, or Nah?S4 E10: Perceptions of Love Growing Up South AsianBollywood, our parents' marriages, Disney movies, Hollywood - all of it would have been enough to throw us into a doozy. How did you think about love and dating growing up? What has changed for you, and what do you hope for now? In this episode, Shabnum sits down with fellow podcasters Lahari Rao (of Down to Brown podcast) and Mitali Dargani (of Brown Game Strong podcast) and the three compare their childhoods, influence of their parents' relationships, what they saw in the media, and the impact of their relatives' perceptions and relationships on their conceptions of love both...2022-11-161h 31
Down to BrownWe need to talk about domestic abuse + violence in South Asian communities (Kavita Mehra of Sakhi, Gayle Paul MFT)[TRIGGER WARNING ]In the wake of Sania Khan's tragic murder, Lahari Rao, host of Down to Brown focuses on domestic violence and abuse, and its silent prominence within the South Asian community. In the first 40 minutes, she talks to psychologist Gayle Paul, MFT, to understand the psyche of domestic abuse situations and how the victim experiences it. They cover ways to safely support a friend or loved one going through this. https://gaylepaul.comNext, she speaks with Kavita Mehra, executive director of Sakhi, to dive into why domestic abuse and violence IS truly a South Asian...2022-07-281h 04
Down to BrownThe Mainstream Rise of Ayurveda, Is it Here to Stay? (Lisa Mattam, Sahajan) What exactly is Ayurveda? Who has the right to practice it? Teach it? Lahari Rao talks to CEO and founder of Sahajan, Lisa Mattam. Lisa shares what she knows about Ayurveda, how she founded Sahajan, and her journey to celebrate this South Asian wellness practice on a global stage. They also get into the potential risks of popularizing Ayurveda, and "who" is truly an expert in it. You won't want to miss this conversation!2022-07-0851 min
Down to BrownSex. Let's get real about it, Brown sisters (Sonalee Rashatwar) Down to Brown host Lahari Rao talks to the fabulous, superfat queer bisexual non-binary sex therapist Sonalee Rashatwar (they/he) !! They cover fatphobia, sexual trauma that exists in South Asian communities, what colonization has to do with the way we feel about bodies and sex, gender and sexual fluidity, how some people love sex and others are meh…aka everything! This episode we replace the chup chup rapid fire round to ask audience submitted questions at the end. Listen and follow Down to Brown on IG @downtobrown_2022-04-2859 min
Down to BrownPregnancy loss, joy, & peace (Namrata Rohack)Lahari reflects on what she's learned and unlearned about the podcast's intention and impact. Tune in at 07:00:00 to meet Namrata Rohack, our special guest today.Namrata lives in Jacksonville, FL with her husband and two cats. As she went through her journey to become pregnant, she learned so much about herself. She learned what mattered to her, how not to be a people pleaser and find joy in her life. Through her journey of becoming pregnant, she realized she wanted to help women who have been in her position (trying to get pregnant, loss of a pregnancy...2022-03-231h 00
Down to BrownLionsgate first ever Inclusive Marketing team: Does Hollywood * really * care about inclusion? (Kamala Avila-Salmon and Mana Yamaguchi)Kamala Avila-Salmon is the first ever Head of Inclusive Content for Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. Kamala and Mana Yamaguchi, VP for Inclusive Marketing and Business Strategy for the same team, join Lahari it talk about what their team at Lionsgate is doing to address the gaps between authentic and inclusive storytelling in movies. We ask tough questions: does Hollywood really care about POC storylines? Should we "just be happy" with tokenized representation? What does it mean to show a full story about a character? How will we talk about multiracial stories one day?Join us to hear...2022-03-011h 13
Down to Brown3 love stories: Loving them, loving brown me (Jolly Singh, Roshni Kamta, Sofie Khan)Within the brown community, our love stories are diverse, complex, and beautiful. This episode spotlights 3 brown women who share brown and brown love, queer brown love, & interracial brown love. Listen to Jolly Singh, Sofie Khan, and Roshni Kamta share their stories. Follow us on IG @downtobrown_2022-02-1923 min
Down to BrownWearing a sari to skateboard, Aunty Skates challenges the toxic aunty narrative (Aunty Skates, Oorbee Roy) Oorbee Roy is better known on the internet as "Aunty Skates," with her badass videos of skating in a sari and helmet (safety first!) Oorbee and Lahari talk about how we might've come to the "Toxic Aunty Culture" we came to know in the US, and ways to shift that as we interrupt the cycle. We discuss British Colonialism, white supremacy, the patriarchy's way of turning women against each other, and being the "hero" of our own stories. Follow us on IG @downtobrown_2022-01-311h 00
Down to BrownCan we achieve a new normal of fitness and wellness in these unprecedented times? (Sareena Rama)Sareena Rama, Portland-based fitness and wellness professional, talks to Lahari about wellness in these "unprecedented times." She shares her philosophy on shifting the perspective of fitness, pulling from traditional South Asian practices. We also cover yoga taught by those outside of the South Asian diaspora and the relationship between brown communities and fitness. Follow us on IG @downtobrown_About our guest: Sareena is a fitness and wellness professional based in Portland, Oregon. She is a loving dog-mom, plant-based human, a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, and an advocate for accessible wellness.2022-01-1849 min
Down to BrownAnd Just Like That, they added diversity. Sort of? 2 Brown girls review the season half (Sahiti Karempudu)Sahiti Karempudu and Lahari Rao review the latest revival, 'And Just Like That,' of the beloved TV series, 'Sex and the City.' Sahiti is a former lawyer, current public servant in her hometown of Austin, TX, and claims to have a shoe collection that rivals Carrie Bradshaw. Sahiti and Lahari discuss what the show might be accomplishing, and the diversity that it’s desperately trying to include. Of course, you bet we tackled that Diwali episode. Follow the podcast on @downtobrown_ on IG!2022-01-101h 16
Down to BrownAre we ready for 2022? Riding Solo, Lahari wonders (Lahari Rao)Down to Brown is welcoming 2022 with cautiously optimistic arms. In this short introduction into Part 1 of 2022, Lahari talks about her wedding and the feelings (of utter confusion) it inspired in her as a brown gal. She also announces a few changes coming up for this season. Stay tuned for our next episode and follow Down to Brown at IG @downtobrown_2022-01-0315 min
Down to Brown#43 A South Asian Journey, White Ally (Christine Chitnis)In the 2021 Down to Brown finale, Lahari talks to Christine Chitnis, writer, photographer , and four-time author. We anchor our conversation on her book "Patterns of India: A Journey Through Colors, Textiles, and the Vibrancy of Rajasthan". We start with her love story with her Indian husband and how it sparked her appreciation of Indian culture and stories. We then cover what it means to be working through your identity as first-generation vs. as interracial parents, raising multiracial kids, the South Asian male identity, masculinity as experienced by women, and more!2021-12-141h 31
Down to BrownTeaching math at San Quintin State Prison (Anila Yadavalli)Anila Yadvalli is a STEM Program Coordinator with Mt. Tamalpais College leading mathematics educational programs for San Quentin State Prison. A big part of what we cover is the humanity of people and the right to a good education - something that can feel a bit more nuanced when we consider the stigmas surrounding the carceral system. We discuss what attracted her to this role, her teaching and leadership experiences with incarcerated people, and how she views her role in this American system as a South Asian-American.2021-11-2257 min
Down to BrownShop Kynah Kyndah crushing the South Asian fashion game (Aisha Rawji, Shop Kynah)Aisha Rawji, CEO & founder of Shop Kynah, had a vision to redefine the way women customize, shop and wear Indian attire. 4 years later, she’s building a strong brand that offers a personalized experience that empowers women through South Asian (SA) fashion. Lahari and her talk about the increasing mainstream popularity of SA wear, cultural appropriate vs. appreciation, entrepreneurship, and FaceTiming the Duke of Hastings himself.Follow us on @downtobrown_ on IG for more.2021-11-101h 00
Down to BrownHow much does my South Asian-American experience influence my love life? A lot, actually. (Sabrina Lakhani)Sabrina Lakhani is a behavioral scientist who went through a tumultuous marriage and divorce with her best friend before the age of 30. She rigorously deconstructed her belief system and transformed her insecure attachment pattern. Now, she's on a mission to help clients fast-track their healing journey, especially with the lesser known and researched patterns that apply to South Asians and other collectivist cultures. On Down to Brown, we talk about what about the South Asian - American experience uniquely interacts with our attachment formation, and how our parents/families can model both positive and negative patterns.Follow...2021-11-031h 09
Down to BrownShop Kishmish's making scents of communities, friendship, and candles (Fatima Aslam & Zareen Abbasi) Down to Brown's Lahari talks to Fatima Aslam and Zareen Abbasi, co-founders of Shop Kishmish. Fatima and Zareen are an infectious duo, who shine their love for community in their products that inspire nostalgia and connection to South Asian moments. We cover what it's like going into business with your best friend, breaking into underrepresented spaces while also understanding competition, and the dynamics of being Pakistani-American entrepreneurs in the South Asian space. You won't want to miss this one!2021-10-2600 min
Down to BrownWhat does the identity search look like for brown women? (Natasha Khawja) Lahari Rao of Down to Brown talks to Natasha Khawja, founder of 'Purpose and Chai.' Lahari & Natasha hone in on the 4 factors that define self identity, and how they experienced them as brown women. They cover the purpose of shame and pain, how the outlets of repression in brown society, and the nuance of "divorcing" family. Natasha also shares with us her journey with her now-husband, coming from different backgrounds. Follow us at @downtobrown_2021-10-201h 08
Down to BrownRiding Solo: Lahari vs. Intergenerational Trauma (Lahari Rao)Lahari Rao, host of Down to Brown, tries something new: a solo episode. After her parents' visit from India, she talks about a breakthrough with her dad on generational trauma. She also talks about why we need to normalize the conversation to function better as humans, especially as look at balancing multiple identities.2021-10-0527 min
Down to BrownThe Secret Life of Bollywood (Shabnum Gulati, Cultured or Nah) Shabnum Gulati, host of Cultured or Nah, and Lahari continue their conversation in a new direction: Shabnum's year in Mumbai auditioning for Bollywood. They cover the experience she had living her childhood dream, approaching research and networking, acting/speaking in Hindi, body dysmorphia, and more. We ask the question...how does a brown, American-Indian gal make it in Bollywood?2021-09-281h 08
Down to BrownMeera Beauty Co: How to Build a Radically Inclusive Brand (Harsh) Down to Brown host Lahari talks to Meera Beauty Co founder, Harsh. Together, Lahari and Harsh talk inclusive beauty and ask big questions. How does Meera Beauty Co tackle diversity in a world where there’s always a point of view we might miss? Can we ever truly represent all experiences? What is the relationship between the beauty industry and the LGBTQIA+ community? How can we challenge some of our “age old” ways of thinking? Listen for answers!Follow us on IG on @downtobrown_2021-09-131h 22
Down to Brown#35 Meera Beauty Co: How to Build a Radically Inclusive Brand (Harsh)Part 2 of Down to Brown 2021 kicks-off with Meera Beauty Co founder, Harsh. Together, Lahari and Harsh talk inclusive beauty and ask big questions. How does Meera Beauty Co tackle diversity in a world where there’s always a point of view we might miss? Can we ever truly represent all experiences? What is the relationship between the beauty industry and the LGBTQIA+ community? How can we challenge some of our “age old” ways of thinking? Listen for answers!Follow us on IG on @downtobrown_2021-09-131h 22
Down to Brown#35 Meera Beauty Co: How to Build a Radically Inclusive Brand (Harsh) Part 2 of Down to Brown 2021 kicks-off with Meera Beauty Co founder, Harsh. Together, Lahari and Harsh talk inclusive beauty and ask big questions. How does Meera Beauty Co tackle diversity in a world where there’s always a point of view we might miss? Can we ever truly represent all experiences? What is the relationship between the beauty industry and the LGBTQIA+ community? How can we challenge some of our “age old” ways of thinking? Listen for answers!Follow us on IG on @downtobrown_2021-09-131h 22
Down to BrownThe genuine and intentional influencer, Simply Sabrina (Sabrina Molu, Hey Simply) Finale of Down to Brown, Part 1 of 2021. Sabrina Molu, editor-in-chief of Hey Simply, might've just created one of the few corners in the internet that remain positive and sincere. Sabrina talks to Lahari Rao, host of Down to Brown, about her identity as both Pakistani and Indian, why she founded herself creating her own brand and publication, and how she approaches her work.Learn more at www.downtobrown.com2021-08-1357 min
Down to BrownPooja dreams of ice creams (Pooja Bavishi, Malai) Pooja Bavishi of Malai ice cream in Brooklyn, NY, talks to Lahari about how her personal journey of being a Desi immigrant shaped the stories she wanted to tell about her identity and culture. She turned to a creative outlet to tell this story - ice cream. We cover the joy of giving joy to others, finding a place you feel understood, and loads of facts about ice cream! Listen to this episode curious and hungry.Follow the podcast on https://www.instagram.com/downtobrown_/2021-08-051h 04
Down to BrownSo, what did you think of season 2 NHIE? (Shikha Kaiwar)Shikha Kaiwar is a writer, pastry chef, and tech gal living in London. She visits Down to Brown to review season 2 of Netflix's 'Never Have I Ever' with Lahari, where they chat about how a show with strong diversity and South Asian representation challenged them to see friendships, family, love, the diaspora, and themselves, differently. You won't want to miss this short and fun review. Learn more about Shikha Kaiwar on her website, www.shikhalamode.com2021-07-2943 min
Down to BrownThe wild Indian girl, the wildly adventurous (Priya Mareedu) Lahari of Down to Brown gets a chance to talk to Priya Mareedu, model and adventurer. On Instagram, Priya is known as @thewildindian girl, and has a 168K+ following tracking her outdoor lifestyle, gorgeous modeling, and global travels. Priya talks to Lahari about how she identifies with her South Asian identity and where she connects with and honors her parents, while living a seemingly "alternative" lifestyle. She goes into traveling as a lone woman, including some of the details we take for granted. Most importantly, they get into the joy of taking risks and seeing failures as pivots, standing...2021-07-231h 12
Down to BrownTwo early and mid career women walk into a pod (Sanjana Jhaveri)Sanjana Jhaveri is a manager at Facebook, co-founder of Privosa, and a fusion fashion blogger/creator. She and Lahari talk about their careers in their respective points of it - early and mid. They ask how their South Asian identities uniquely influenced their desire to honor their parents' hopes and dreams, while also carving their own paths. They both discuss tech, networking, building confidence, moving forward, etc.2021-07-1557 min
Down to BrownInfluencer life & the South Asian you "should" be (Cas Jerome) Lahari Rao talks to Instagram star Cas Jerome (@casjerome,) represented by Slash Management. We talk about how hard it is to be a brown woman trying to be the person they "should" be according to South Asian AND American society, approaching it from the lens of messages from social media and the influencer world. We talk touch on racism in the influencer community, what it means to deviate from the conventional South Asian woman's look/feel, dating as an influencer, and being unafraid to be your most authentic self.Follow the podcast on @downtobrown_2021-07-081h 28
Down to BrownShabnum travels to see if her childhood dream of Bollywood acting is her path (Shabnum Gulati of podcast Cultured or Nah?) Part 1 of 2. In their first collaboration together, podcasts Down to Brown's and Cultured or Nah's hosts, Lahari Rao & Shabnum Gulati respectively, come together to talk about Bollywood. Shabnum, who spent a year auditioning for Bollywood in Mumbai, and Lahari healthily critique the impact of the films they watched growing up in the 90s as kids: the role women played and the agism they observed, relationships and marriage, and divorce.Follow Down to Brown on Instagram @downtobrown_2021-07-021h 04
Down to BrownPersonal style, personal power (Roz Kaur, creative stylist) Roz Kaur is a 54- year-old creative stylist and a pro-diversity and age advocate. Currently, she is a senior stylist at Anthropologie, but has a rich past of working in fashion. We talk about where her inspiration comes from, owning "desi" style, crediting cultures in fashion, working at Anthropologie, Roz's relationship with her age, and what true style is.2021-06-251h 16
Down to BrownDo I really need to "belong" somewhere? (saahil m)saahil m. (Brown Girl Mag editor for the Brown Boy section, Fullbright scholar, & starting their MFA in Creative Writing this year,) talks to Lahari about their journey to understand who they are. They talk about the tension of belonging - how one can reject and accept oneself on their path to examining their intersectional identities. They touch on their ethnolinguistic minority community, Bhagnari (now in modern-day Karachi, Pakistan.) We also cover the power of language, unlearning to learn, and extending grace.2021-06-171h 08
Down to BrownI don't see color...ism, Anita talks about the perception of dark skin in societies and Hollywood (Anita Kalathara)Anita Kalathara, actress, and Lahari of Down to Brown talk about colorism and its impact in our lives. We cover the challenges of being brown-skinned in the entertainment industry, as well as what it did to our self-esteem and sense of identity. We also cover the implications it has for jobs, desirability, dating, family, and more. Ultimately, we identify the ultimate danger of colorism: racism and white supremacy. You won't want to miss this one!Follow us on IG @downtobrown_2021-05-271h 09
Down to Brown#24 Friends who mental health together, stay together (Mina Toor)Longtime friend Mina Toor and Lahari Rao approach mental health from the perspective of 2 friends diving into how the topic was discussed in their families. They talk about how they learned to express their mental state despite upbringings that didn't always teach them that, loved ones they've lost to mental health struggles, and how one can find a therapist. This is a bonus episode, in honor of May's Mental Health Awareness and AAPI Heritage Month.2021-05-2445 min
Down to BrownWhat's language got to do, got to do with it? (Reena Bhansali)Reena Bhansali, founder of 'Hindi by Reena' and Lahari Rao of Down to Brown center their conversation about language, and how it can - or not - help one feel better connected to their culture. Reena and Lahari also talk about how they found partners with people outside of their cultures - Greek and Russian - and how that determined conversations futures, family, and children. They also cover vulnerability and communication, the foundation for any community, whatever language you speak.Follow us on IG at @downtobrown_2021-05-2053 min
Down to BrownBurnout and the Power of Self-Talk to Fight It (Radha Dalal)In observation of May’s Mental Health Awareness & Asian and Pacific Islander Month, Down to Brown partners with Radha Dalal of Pink Rose Wellness. We cover burnout and how it can uniquely show-up for South Asians. Most importantly, we discuss strategies to improve the way you talk to yourself to help mitigate the effects.2021-05-1744 min
Down to BrownMental Health, but Make it South Asian (Niralli D'Costa, Psychotherapist)Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion about suicide, depression, anxiety, and sexual assault/violence.Down to Brown's Lahari Rao talks to Niralli D'Costa, Psychotherapist/MFT, about mental health in the South Asian space. In addition to getting to know the wise Niralli, we talk about mental health themes in the South Asian community, stigmas against therapy, the LGBTQ community, getting help, and insights to move us forward as a collective. We also cover anxiety, depression, suicide, & domestic violence.2021-05-131h 52
Down to BrownWhere's chai *really* from and how it became a symbol of the South Asian global and colonial history(Ayan Sanyal of Kolkata Chai Co.)Down to Brown's Lahari Rao sits with Ayan Sanyal, co-founder of Kolkata Chai Co, a chai company with a cafe in NYC and online marketplace. We discuss the vibrant community their chai shop hosts, what the history of this drink is, and what it means to us today - especially as children of immigrants. We also get into brown boy and brown girl culture, and how we can support each other as we learn how to break long existing cycles of misogyny and patriarchy in our societies.Follow @downtobrown_ on IG for more info/updates!2021-05-061h 23
Down to BrownAin't Nobody Got Time for Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Najwa JavedDr. Najwa Javed, Podiatrist-turned-entrepreneur, talks to Lahari about Imposter Syndrome, a commonly occurring feeling that one will be exposed as a "fraud" or "phony", despite external evidence. When coupled with the stigmas and messages internalized by brown women, this can result in a lot to unpack and work on so that women can own their successes and navigate their life with a strong sense of self. We cover what it is, why it occurs, how to mitigate, and how Dr. Javed has experienced this in her life as a woman, a professional, and mother.2021-04-291h 14
Down to BrownWhen your art goes viral and becomes a part of a culturally historical moment, a presidential election (Colors of Honey) Hanifa Abdul Hameed, known as Colors of Honey, rose to popularity in 2020 when her digital art went viral. You may recognize her from the "Kamala Aunty for VP" sweatshirts sold by Meena Harris on Phenomenal. Lahari talks to Hanifa about who she is behind her art: the uprise of digital art/illustrations, Hanifa's upbringing, identifying with culture and/or religion, negative and positive reactions, exploring the division in South Asian society, our first times learning about caste, and the pressure to represent all of the South Asian and American experience.2021-04-161h 16
Down to BrownPutting the "I" in Fertility & Vaginismus, how it affects South Asian but is quietly swept under the rug (Dr. Gaya Murugappan)Lahari talks to Dr. Gaya Murugappan, MD, at Stanford Hospital, about fertility, sex, and vaginismus. We start with egg freezing is and the scientific process, comparisons to previous generations, sex vs. reproduction. and the privilege of affording newer fertility treatments.The second half of the conversation brings us to raising awareness on vaginismus, specifically the secrecy, hurt, and shame associated with it. We go into how it happens, how to support someone who has it, what treatments are available, and why we should care about this - whether or not you identify as a woman.2021-04-091h 01
Down to BrownHow to be a Bad Indian Daughter (Shanehi Shah)Shanehi Shah, social impact strategist, and Lahari talk about being a Bad Indian Daughter. What do we mean by that? The concept of becoming your true self after examining and challenging internalized messages of what "good" looks like growing up as South Asian women. In addition, we cover: guilt and conflict, the pain of letting go, "cautionary tales" about women we should refrain from identifying as, not wanting kids, conversations about race with parents, and conflict avoidance and obedience.2021-04-021h 25
Down to BrownKeeping the acting dream alive until one fine day, Netflix (Richa Moorjani) Lahari sits down with Richa Shukla Moorjani, actress, dancer & activist best known for her role of "Kamala" on Netflix's Never Have I Ever. They cover Richa's journey pursuing acting, especially as she navigates success, failure, and, most importantly, the times in between. We dive into the dualities she has to balance between her Indian and American community, both in the support she receives and the pressure she feels from expectations, criticism, etc. Plus, she talks about her passion for environmental and animal activism. Richa is a great example of how to focus on what you can do/control, and...2021-03-2651 min
Down to BrownAnti-Asian violence today & our collective anti-racist journey didn't happen overnight (Heejin Irene Koo, Revolutionnaire)Heejin (Irene) Koo, of the changemaker platform Revolutionnaire, and Lahari talk about what the Asian-American community is experiencing with increased violence and hate in the recent year. Irene helps us understand the history leading up to today, why elderly Asian-Americans are being targeted, and what it's like to process this as a Korean-American in NYC.2021-03-201h 00
Down to BrownWhat do animal liberation and human rights have in common? A lot. Take it from someone who's protested in front of Jeff Bezos (Priya Sawhney, Direct Action Everywhere)Priya Sawhney is a co-founder of the global animal rights network Direct Action Everywhere (DxE). Her investigatory work has been featured in The New York Times and Washington Post, and has reached tens of millions via social media.Since she first was exposed to animal conditions in Punjab and after immigrating to the US, Priya has passionately advocated to liberate animals from abuse and violence. We talk about how understanding animal liberation only helps us better understand the fundamentals of human liberation - that no body is better than the other. (Especially in connection with the Black...2021-03-111h 21
Down to BrownMaking nutrition accessible for South Asian audiences - whether you're eating parathas or pancakes (Sarika Shah, MS, RD)Sarika Shah, MS, RD is known as "The Indian Nutritionist" on Instagram. On her platform she helps her clients and followers understand how to nourish themselves best, without giving up cultural roots. She covers how and why she got into the nutrition space, the emphasis of foods and movement in Indian and American culture, and Q&A on commonly wondered myths about food.(Timestamp: 0:00-2:30 is the introduction, 2:30 onward includes discussion with guest.)2021-03-0438 min
Down to BrownEgg Freezing: Just 2 BFFs talking fertility (Priya Macpherson, Lahari Rao)Priya Macpherson and Lahari discuss a woman's choice to freeze - or not - freeze her eggs. We cover motivations for freezing, the privilege associated w/ family planning, Wired's article on the implications for women's careers, and the concept of "social freezing".Note: We're not doctors, so this conversation is based on personal experience/opinion and articles/research. We'll be following-up with an episode featuring a medical expert next!2021-02-2548 min
Down to Brown(Part 2) My American, Blindian Life: The Search for Belonging (Roshanda Smunt)Part 2 of 2. Roshanda Smunt, Copywriter and Story Strategist, talks to Lahari about how she found her voice and story as a Black and Indian woman. Rosh shares heart-pulling experiences of how she navigated love, divorce, identity, and therpay as a Blindian gal on the search to belong.2021-02-1235 min
Down to Brown(Part 1) My American, Blindian Life: The Search for Belonging (Roshanda Smunt) Part 1 of 2. Roshanda Smunt, Copywriter and Story Strategist, talks to Lahari about how she found her voice and story as a Black and Indian woman. Rosh shares heart-pulling experiences of how she navigated love, divorce, identity, and therpay as a Blindian gal on the search to belong.2021-02-1230 min
Down to BrownA black and Indian marriage lays the foundation for the beginning of a social movement to bring the two communities together (Jonah Batambuze, The Blindian Project)Lahari interviews Jonah Batambuze, founder and CEO of the Blindian Project. We discuss how it started, how to strengthen the relationship between our Black and Indian communities as we combat anti-blackness, and the importance of seeing oneself in the world.2021-02-1235 min
Down to Brown#9B I Nose Better Now - Embracing Indian Beauty (Swasti Shukla Buick)Swasti Shukla Buick of Buzzfeed and Lahari continue to delve into the nuances of Indian beauty standards. They lament over the Fair and Lovely narrative in the media, the cycle of judgment in our families, and drawing better boundaries to protect self-compassion. We also cover Swasti's love for the horror genre and the intention to better accept and own our unique beauty. Includes 'chup chup' round.2021-02-0742 min
Down to Brown#9 Part 1 I Nose Better Now: Embracing Indian Beauty (Swasti Shukla Buick)Swasti Shukla Buick, who you'll recognize from Buzzfeed, & Lahari discuss working through internalized misconceptions about body and beauty. They cover the cycle of judgment, South Asian noses, "pretty for an Indian girl," ever-changing trends, lifting weights/bodybuilding, and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Part 1 of 2.2021-01-3127 min
Down to Brown(Part 1) Baking cakes and making moves towards culinary inclusion and accessibility (Hetal Vasavada, Milk and Cardamom)Part 1 of 2. Hetal and Lahari talk about inclusion in cooking media, working with her daughter Elara, pursuing a career outside the pressure of STEM, and building our confidence. We wrap with a chup chup round.2021-01-2742 min
Down to Brown(Part 2) Baking cakes and making moves towards culinary inclusion and accessibility (Hetal Vasavada, Milk and Cardamom)Part 2 of 2 episodes. Hetal Vasavada, founder of Milk & Cardamom, tells us how her career led her to the culinary space, making it to MasterChef, and South Asian representation in food.2021-01-2429 min
Down to BrownEpisode 6: "Wait, what's happening to my turmeric latte?" Farmers Protests in IndiaMehak Bhargava, founder of India-based Millennials for Environment, explains what exactly is going on with the farmers protests India. We cover the impetus of this movement, what the farmers' demands are, the politics influencing it, and the interests of government and private institutions. Plus, we get a sneak peek into the Gen Z experience.Last episode of Season 1, Down to Brown.2020-12-3151 min
Down to BrownMake it make sense: American & Indian gender norms (Shelly Patel)Shelly Patel and Lahari take the conversation about Indian & American gender norms into relationships. They cover interdesi marriages, husbands who cook, daughter-in-law expectations, and the psychology of "sacrificial love" and social limits that have been placed on desi women.2020-12-1541 min
Down to BrownMake it make sense: American & Indian gender norms (Shelly Patel)Our experiences and interactions with gender norms and dynamics as Indian Americans really did a number on us. Shelly Patel and Lahari talk work through what influenced our voices, life choices, and, ultimately, the types of futures we want.2020-12-0751 min
Down to BrownBrown & Black communities, who does the Kamala win "belong" to? (Vivian Odior)Both the Brown and Black community were, and are, stirred by Kamala Harris's recent Vice Presidential elect win. Vivian Odior and Lahari cover: what this means for Black and Indian communities, the ways in which we see ourselves in this win, the pressure of having limited representation, and how the Indian and Black community have more in common than we think. So who does the Kamala win "belong" to? Everyone.2020-11-1944 min
Down to BrownFamily, Trauma, & Healing (Sruti Bharat)Sruti and Lahari talk about their journeys in understanding and identifying cyclical trauma in their families, and how they've started to heal from it. We talk mamas, the Ramayana, conflict-aversion, therapy, vaginismus, etc. (Trigger warning: topics of sexual assault are discussed.)2020-11-1258 min
Down to BrownColonized Minds (Nisha Dwivedi)Nisha Dwivedi and I talk about the elections, what a Kamala Harris win would mean, the history of colonization in India, and the contemporary impact coming from a colonized country and moving to a colonizer country.Type a message...2020-11-061h 11
Down to BrownAshamed of Fob Shaming (Charu Subramanian)Lahari and longtime friend Charu S. discuss the concept of fob shaming: feeling distressed or conscious of tendencies that seemed "too Indian," or "Fresh of the Boat" (FOB.)2020-10-2959 min
Down to BrownIntroduction: Why Am I Down to Brown? Lahari talks about the journey that brings her to Down to Brown, and the search to understand the answer to: “How do we embrace and THRIVE given the contradictions and comedy of being multiple identities?”2020-10-0509 min