Shows
Brown Queen DiariesSensuality, Psychology, and Power of Self-ExpressionWhat happens when professional expertise meets creative self-expression? Shailja's story bridges seemingly different worlds – the structured environment of behavioral therapy and the vibrant freedom of dance.In this powerful conversation, Shailja reveals how childhood experiences of racial bullying forced her to suppress her Indian identity, throwing away her lunch and lowering Bollywood music near school gates to avoid ridicule. This journey from cultural shame to proud self-expression informs both her professional approach and online presence, where she now confidently showcases her heritage through dance videos that celebrate femininity and cultural richness.As a behavioral therapist wo...2025-07-2144 min
Brown Queen DiariesFashion, Shaadi’s & moreGuest: Prerna Karnani What happens when workplace discrimination meets entrepreneurial spirit? For Prerna, founder of Shadis and More, being the only South Asian woman in decision-making roles throughout her decade-long fashion retail career sparked a remarkable transformation.After a manager bluntly told her that her desire for advancement stemmed from being "an immigrant and a woman," Prerna began questioning whether corporate Australia had space for her talents. Taking stock of what truly fulfilled her—creativity, business strategy, cultural connection, and freedom—she realized no existing job could satisfy these diverse passions. This revelation, combined with her e...2025-07-0641 min
Brown Queen DiariesMore Than Just News: The Reality of Being a JournalistGuest: Angelica Silva When Angelica told people she wanted to pursue journalism, the response was often disbelief. "Why would you pick a career where you'll make no money?" they'd ask. As a South Asian Australian woman, she was expected to follow what she calls the "golden triangle" – medicine, law, or engineering – the only careers many deemed worthy of pursuit.Today, Angelica stands firmly in her decision as an accomplished ABC journalist specializing in stories about the South Asian diaspora in Australia. In this captivating conversation, she reveals how cultural expectations shaped her early self-doubt and how f...2025-06-2252 min
Brown Queen DiariesBridging Art, Culture, and EntrepreneurshipDeepa's journey from corporate strategist to cultural entrepreneur showcases the powerful intersection of heritage, passion, and purpose. As founder of both Chandralaya School of Dance and POC Beauty, she has created platforms that celebrate and empower South Asian identity in Australia.Her dance odyssey began at just five years old in Chennai, eventually blossoming into a school that serves students from age six to sixty. What makes Chandralaya special isn't just the teaching of Bharatanatyam—it's how Deepa has expanded it into artistic commissions, cross-cultural collaborations, and community building. For many adult students, the school provides not ju...2025-06-0834 min
Brown Queen DiariesFrom Corporate to Startup SuccessWhat does it really take to leave a successful corporate career and build your own business as a woman? Sangeeta, founder of Jumpstart Studios, doesn't sugar-coat the answer. Coming from three generations of entrepreneurs, she first climbed to senior leadership at ANZ Bank before realising something fundamental was missing in her career.The entrepreneurial path wasn't straight for Sangeeta. After starting businesses in travel and food experiences (both interrupted by COVID), she discovered her true calling: helping other women make the leap from employment to entrepreneurship. Her clarity about why women struggle in both corporate and startup...2025-05-2550 min
Brown Queen DiariesColorism, Feminism & Owning Your VoiceWhat happens when a young South Asian woman decides to challenge colorism, feminism, and mental health stigma head-on? In this powerful episode of Brown Queen Diaries, we sit down with Devni Vihara, the lawyer-turned-activist whose voice is reshaping conversations about beauty standards and gender equality in our community.Devni's journey spans three countries - Born in England, raised in Sri Lanka, and finding her independence in Melbourne, she brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to her advocacy work. Her pivot from biomedicine to social justice wasn't just a career change—it was an awakening. "I realized I had a p...2025-05-0947 min
Brown Queen DiariesEpisode 8: Dance, Influence, and EmpowermentConcept & Host: Priyanka NomulaDesigned & Directed: Sandeep RajPresented by: Aussie TalkiesGuest: Manisha DagoreManisha’s journey from a caring nurse to a vibrant dance influencer encapsulates the blend of passion, resilience, and creativity. Her evolution highlights the power of dance as a transformative form of self-expression and connection, providing insights into overcoming challenges while embracing individuality. Here are some of the topics we covered:• Manisha shares her diverse background and early influences in dance• The impact of COVID-19 influenced her decision to start...2025-01-0638 min
Brown Queen DiariesEpisode 7: Breaking the StereotypesConcept & Host: Priyanka NomulaDesigned & Directed: Sandeep RajPresented by: Aussie TalkiesGuest: Hima NaiduHima Naidu shares her captivating journey as a model and mother, exploring the intricate balance between career ambitions and familial responsibilities. She emphasises the importance of self-kindness and support systems while breaking stereotypes in both fashion and motherhood, inspiring listeners to embrace their unique journeys.• Hima Naidu's background and transition from recruitment to modelling • Influence of motherhood on her modelling career • The evolution of inclusivity in the modelling...2024-12-2338 min
Brown Queen DiariesEpisode 6: Empowering AbilitiesConcept & Host: Priyanka NomulaDesigned & Directed: Sandeep RajPresented by: Aussie TalkiesGuest: Archana KoorthyJoin us for an inspiring exploration with Archana Kurthi, a dedicated dancer, behavior therapist, and advocate for individuals with disabilities, especially those with autism. Discover how her passion for dance led her to make meaningful connections with children facing developmental challenges, using her skills in ABA therapy to create positive change. Archana opens up about the profound satisfaction she feels witnessing her clients' progress and stresses the essential role of community w...2024-12-0919 min
Brown Queen DiariesEpisode 5: Women in EntertainmentConcept & Host: Priyanka NomulaDesigned & Directed: Sandeep RajPresented by: Aussie TalkiesGuest: Anita PrasadJoin us for an inspiring story of resilience and ambition with Anita Prasad, a woman who transformed her life from beauty pageants to the vibrant world of music and production. Anita's journey began in Fiji and took her to New Zealand, where she represented her new homeland in international beauty competitions. A chance encounter in Miami ignited her musical passion, leading her to overcome visa restrictions and criticism as she pursued h...2024-11-2330 min
Brown Queen DiariesEpisode 4: Mind MattersConcept & Host: Priyanka NomulaDesigned & Directed: Sandeep RajPresented by: Aussie TalkiesGuest: Bhanu Sree Can mental health challenges be more than just a personal struggle? Bhanu, a vibrant Aussie Indian with deep roots in Vijayawada, shares her harrowing yet inspiring journey through anxiety, panic attacks, and emotional extremes. Her story takes a dramatic turn when a chilling experience on tram tracks prompts her to seek the professional help that changed her life. As Bhanu bravely recounts the strain her struggles placed on her family a...2024-11-1017 minBrown Queen DiariesMind MattersWhat happens when mental health challenges unexpectedly disrupt your life? Our guest Banu shares her gripping story on Brown Queen Diaries, recounting the moment anxiety and panic attacks led her to a dangerous encounter on tram tracks. Her journey pulls back the curtain on the profound impact that mental health struggles can have on personal and family life. With raw honesty, Banu describes the strain it put on her marriage and household, the critical support from her workplace, and the decision to step back from her career to prioritize recovery. Her narrative is a poignant reminder of...2024-11-0819 min
Brown Queen DiariesEpisode 3: Motherhood and Career growthWhat if balancing a thriving career and motherhood didn't have to feel like an impossible juggling act? Join us for an eye-opening conversation as we promise to equip you with strategies and insights that can transform your approach to managing work and family life. We sit down with Kalyani Valluri, a dedicated IT professional who courageously shares her heartfelt experiences of stepping away from her career for maternity leave and the emotional whirlwind that followed. From the guilt and anxiety of leaving her child in childcare to the professional setbacks she faced, Kalyani's story is a testament to the...2024-10-2519 min
Brown Queen DiariesEpisode 2: Leadership and Community EmpowermentEpisode 2: Leadership and Community Empowerment Can juggling multiple roles lead to a fulfilling life? Meet Sahana Ramesh, Wyndham City Councillor - a remarkable woman who stands as a testament to this possibility. As the only elected representative of Indian origin in Victoria, Sahana shares her journey of balancing the complex roles of being a wife, community member, city councillor, management consultant, and business owner. Her story is one of passion and dedication to community service, deeply inspired by her family's involvement in such activities in India. Sahana offers valuable insights into managing a demanding pr...2024-10-1230 min
Brown Queen DiariesEpisode 1: Strength in IndependenceEpisode 1: Strength in IndependenceConcept & Host: Priyanka NomulaDesigned & Directed: Sandeep Raj Presented by: Aussie TalkiesGuest Name: Ruchi AroraWelcome to the very first episode of Brown Queen Diaries! In this episode, we dive into the empowering theme of "Strength in Independence" with our remarkable guest, Ruchi.Join us as Ruchi shares her inspiring journey of overcoming challenges after moving from India to Australia. From navigating a new culture and language to tackling feelings of loneliness during the pandemic, R...2024-09-2525 min