Sultana Ali And Amy Chauhan

Shows

Just ChaiWomen and LeadershipWe are focusing on women and leadership, speaking with the incredible Julia, a high-powered executive who leads with authenticity. How can we grow our careers and find purpose and power in our work journey? How can we bounce back from a challenging performance assessment? What lessons have served us in leadership? Your two favorite brown girls are discussing all that and more with Julia in this transformative conversation. In this episode, we discuss: Julia’s career journey The value of a good mentor Not feeling represented The qualities of a good leader How Brené Brown has help...2022-04-2459 min

Just ChaiThe Mind-Body ConnectionIn our second season, we are bringing some popular guests back. Crystal joins us in this episode to discuss how what you think and feel play a big role in your physical health as well. We share some good stories, tips for going to the doctor, and how to tune into your body and experience greater wellness. - Catching up on binge-worthy TV shows - University of Michigan study - Empowered patient - Back to the basics - Amy shares a story on using food as medicine - Using neurofeedback loops to heal - The body knows wh...2022-03-0748 min

Just ChaiFebruary RefreshWe start a new season with this episode and are taking a look at the new year in February. New Year’s resolutions or goals may feel like they are in the rearview mirror already, but don’t lose heart. Your two favorite brown girls are here to help you reassess your goals and plans for 2022, and tap into energy to head in the direction of your dreams. Join us for a re-energizing conversation. In this episode, we discuss: Reconnecting and the weather When does the new year start? Relieving ourselves of the pressure from setting goals...2022-02-1145 min

Just ChaiAdulting 201We heard a lot from you about your questions, and advice, on “adulting”--from career to marriage to therapy. It was too good to not share, so we are bringing you a second conversation. This episode also concludes our first season, and we hope to come back to you with new episodes soon. Stay tuned and make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss anything. In this episode, we discuss: We’re doing stuff and making it happen Currently four planets in retrograde---lots of things outside our control Amy dishes proverbs The importance of showing empathy t...2021-09-1947 min

Just ChaiAdulting 101Were you handed a manual on how to be an adult? Didn’t think so. Your two favorite brown girls are answering listener questions and addressing complaints about adulting--bring it on! And there’s so much we heard from you (including advice), that we will have a follow-up conversation! In this episode, we discuss: Amy’s first name basis relationship with Jon Bon Jovi Madonna has the answer to everything Life as a musical (and….sound effects) Adulting while still feeling like a kid “Nobody knows what anybody’s doing.” Hard work and misery? The subjects on an adulting...2021-07-0249 min

Just ChaiHair!As Brown girls, hair is a symbol of strength and a connection to our ancestral roots. And for many people, hair is also tied to identity and phases of life. We are talking with Amy’s hairstylist/hair therapist, Priya, in a special episode. When a client is in her chair, she isn’t simply trimming away split ends; she’s helping people release their worries, concerns, and stories they long to change. And we even talk hair tips! You won’t want to miss this one. In this episode, we discuss: The biggest bag of Bugles, ever! “Chop, chop...2021-05-3042 min

Just ChaiTV TalkAs we have spent the longest time at home since childhood, nostalgia has taken hold of our entertainment options. And we are also looking for new and interesting stories to captivate our attention. Yes, we are talking television. Your two favorite brown girls are dishing what we are watching and the throwback TV that keeps us smiling during tough times. Prepare for lots of laughter. In this episode, we discuss: Amy’s Zen vibe Making it to the end of the week Way back when we waited for Netflix DVDs Overheards from Amy’s Mom “Sex and the City”...2021-05-0831 min

Just ChaiSpring CleaningWe all have a relationship with our stuff, but as we spend more time than ever living amongst our stuff in pandemic times, the change of seasons welcomes a refresh in the form of spring cleaning. Your two favorite brown girls are discussing how to deal with sentimental attachments to your things, our approach to cleaning, and how to reinvent your space from inside out. In this episode, we discuss: Cinder-Amy Child of the 80s and free weekend labor Not having one’s own “stuff” or space The fear of scarcity Amy’s sacred utility box The great purge of...2021-04-1744 min

Just ChaiThe Release of ForgivenessWe have all said or heard “I’m sorry” before, but forgiveness goes beyond an apology. In this conversation, we are going deep on forgiveness--how to do it well and why it matters (that includes giving yourself grace on the things you didn’t accomplish during quarantine). Your two favorite brown girls dish the advice and stories on forgiveness, with a dose of laughter. In this episode, we discuss: Why do we have lawns in the first place? Finishing projects you start Movie and a song What we didn’t accomplish during the pandemic Sound effects Sultana’s...2021-03-2854 min

Just ChaiSpring ForwardFeeling ready, or not ready, for a change? As the seasons change and we move into Spring, your two favorite brown girls are talking about all the things: mercury retrograde (a little woo-woo for you), finding closure (or not) as seasons shift in life, avoiding burnout, meditation, letting go of perfection, and examining our thoughts. In this episode, we discuss: Checking in Mercury retrograde (and its effects) “Take it all back!” “I’ve got the power” Vaccine update The illusion of control Inspiration of gardening shows (and a good nature analogy) What the pandemic is teaching us Dealing...2021-03-2439 min

Just ChaiEmbracing and Redefining our Cultural HeritageWe upgrade this week from two brown girls to three when our friend, Felicia Dhanani, joins us. We chat about her cultural heritage, what traditions she is passing along to her daughter, her take on cultural appropriation (and what that means in places like the yoga studio), her journey to heal, and how she’s living her best life as a single Mom (you will want to check out her “Lioness Pride” community for single mothers). In this episode, we discuss: Felicia’s quiet space (and cool floor desk!) Her cultural identity -- an Indian girl born in...2021-03-1442 min

Just ChaiParenting with AuthenticityPrepare to be inspired to think about parenting from a different perspective---and to think about your own childhood and how you would “re-parent” yourself if you could. We talk with Devin Jae Wilber---photographer, entrepreneur, and Mom to two beautiful children, one with autism--about how showing up authentically as a parent and releasing perfection has given her greater joy and the opportunity to contribute to others. And, we laugh a lot too! In this episode, we talk about: Katy Perry and lions Introducing Devin Jae Wilber -- “Mom extraordinaire” + photographer + entrepreneur The “Mom” expectations “If I can’t keep a plant alive” ...2021-03-0849 min

Just ChaiEating with IntentionWe’ve all heard the adage, “you are what you eat,” but what does that really mean? We discuss how our childhood and culture shaped our food habits, vegetarianism, and how to add intention to your daily diet with some humor, stories, and sass. In this episode, we talk about: Amy’s morning oatmeal How our eating in childhood shaped our eating as adults The scarcity mindset The origin story of Sultana’s vegetarianism “How did we not know that chicken came from chicken?” The celebratory aspects of meat How parents felt about our food choices Amy’s Long Island food...2021-02-2249 min

Just ChaiValentine’s Day Edition: Your Love & Relationship Questions, AnsweredOn this most strange and special of holidays, we are going beyond the greeting card, and supporting our listeners by answering your challenging questions about love and relationships. Your love gurus are here for you! Grab a cup of chai (or coffee or tea) and join us. In this episode, we discuss: Amy’s hair + Valentine’s Day plans Reversing roles on Valentine’s Days (single to coupled, and coupled to single) How Amy made Valentine’s Day special when she was single Remembering our “Valentine’s Day Sux” party from college Managing Valentine’s Day expectations The power of friends...2021-02-1452 min

Just ChaiBook Club: “Untamed” By Glennon DoyleFor our first book club selection, we read Glennon Doyle’s memoir, “Untamed.” Direct, compelling, and unapologetic in its delivery, this collection of life snapshots call attention to deeper issues that exist in society, particularly in the way women are taught to behave and move in the world. With Glennon’s strong narrative voice, she delivers a powerful punch to all those who seek to have more life in their life. Whether you’ve read it or not, you will gain a nugget of wisdom from the discussion. In this episode we cover: The structure of the book How the bo...2021-02-1415 min

Just ChaiLessons in Inclusion and Compassion from Special EducationChildren with special needs can teach us a lot about paying attention, having patience, and demonstrating understanding. We are speaking with Andy, who has spent his career working with children with behavioral health challenges, and he shares his wisdom that can apply for all children and parents (plus, he’s Amy’s significant other, so we can hear him spill the tea!) Grab a cup of chai (or coffee or tea) and join us. In this episode, we discuss: Welcoming Andy Amy’s annoying habits The personalities of Amy and Andy’s doggies Defining special needs How to approach...2021-02-0834 min

Just ChaiActing as a Personal AwakeningHave you ever watched a film and felt stunned by the character portrayal or the depth of emotion you felt during a scene? Our friend Crystal knows that experience of memorizing scripts, diving into a role, and going deep within to tap a source of vulnerability. Once an artistic and extroverted child, life led her down a different path. As she became a mother and began thinking how life could look differently for her, she took acting classes, which transformed her. Your two favorite brown girls have a fun and inspiring conversation with Crystal about the process and art...2021-01-3148 min

Just ChaiWho Am I?Identity is an important part of how we live, who we spend time with, and how we make decisions. Ultimately, it comes to define us...but your two favorite brown girls believe that you have power and choice to shape that direction. While there are certain pieces of identity, including culture, that you take throughout life; you can evolve who you become. Through sharing personal stories of identity, we hope to help you in considering your own (and of course, expect some laughter). Grab a cup of chai (or coffee or tea) and join us. In this episode, we...2021-01-2448 min

Just ChaiTuning In To Your IntuitionWe are featuring a unique conversation on Amy’s porch on a windy day (safe and social distanced) recorded over the holiday break with Sultana’s mother, Marybeth. As a “clairvoyant” related to other naturally intuitive women, Marybeth has shared spiritual visions and readings to help people over the years. We go behind the cards and astrology charts to talk about intuition and faith. Grab a cup of chai (or coffee or tea) and join us for an interesting, vulnerable conversation. In this episode we discuss: Introducing Sultana’s mother, Marybeth What is intuition? (e.g. “when life sla...2021-01-1742 min

Just ChaiAnnouncing: Just Chai "Book Club"Since we are talking about resolutions, we want to read more this year. Perhaps this thought resonates with you. So your two favorite brown girls are starting a Just Chai "book club." We will select a book to read every month or so and announce it, and then we will discuss it in a special segment in an upcoming episode (and perhaps even invite a special reader to join us!). Our first selection for January is Glennon Doyle's inspiring and fiery memoir, "Untamed." Please read along with us! And we want to hear from you--what books would...2021-01-1601 min

Just ChaiNew Year, What Now?It’s 2021, and it’s hard to say what that means for all of us with a rocky start in January. Your two favorite brown girls are back to help you save your “new year.” We talk about New Year’s resolutions during tumultuous times and how you can successfully set intentions for your 2021. Grab a cup of chai (or coffee or tea) and join us. In this episode we discuss: New year, new hair Dealing with the unexpected start to 2021 “What am I going to ask of this year?” Pursue the low-hanging fruit--what’s achievable now The act of i...2021-01-1041 min

Just ChaiMoney, HoneyAfter an “aha” moment, leadership and brand management expert La Toya Hodge overcame a job loss and paid off her student loans and debt in four, short years. Today, she runs a “secret” money tips group for women on Facebook and continues to successfully build wealth. She shares her hard-earned financial wisdom in a fun conversation with your two favorite brown girls. Join us as we show you the money! In this episode we discuss: From flossy, flossy to financial powerhouse Why people struggle to talk about money “Sushi shame” Evolving financial behaviors from what we learned grow...2020-12-2049 min

Just ChaiWhat About Your Friends?In the words of Misty Copeland, “Anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.” For many of us, that is our friends--the “extended family” we create over our lives. But friendships can come with their own special challenges and change over time--with life circumstances, relationships, and distance. In this episode, your two favorite brown girls are answering your questions about friendship. Grab a cup of chai (or coffee or tea) and join us for all the hard-earned life advice, along with some laughs. In this episode we discuss: Scandal in the first two...2020-12-1549 min

Just ChaiHow Faith Can EvolveWe all grow up with beliefs, a faith with certain values, morals we abide by, or even a set of rules. But that faith may look differently as we age, grow, and experience life’s unpredictable circumstances. We speak with our mutual friend, Jason, about his upbringing as a Christian, how his window on the world evolved over time, and what he believes today. Grab a cup of chai (or coffee or tea) and join us for an interesting, vulnerable conversation (and a gentle warning: there's sensitive content, so listen when there aren't little ears around) In th...2020-12-0749 min

Just ChaiThe Superhero ComplexSuperheroes are a staple of our culture. As children, we may have watched them on TV and in movies, dressed up like them, and wanted to become them. But what makes a superhero and how does that change as we grow up? Grab a cup of chai (or coffee or tea) and join us for a fun, vulnerable conversation. In this episode we discuss: The origin story of Amy’s unabashed Superman obsession Unpacking what makes a superhero “Show and tell” of Sultana’s vision board A moment for Star Wars fans Everyday heroes Qualities we struggle...2020-11-2945 min

Just ChaiMaking Chai of 20202020 has been a challenging year, but that doesn't make it a loss. Two American Born Desi friends (brown girls, for short) discuss the deeper meaning of this year--and how to find the silver lining in it all. Grab a cup of chai (or coffee or tea) and join us for a fun, vulnerable conversation. In this episode we discuss: Things all girls of the 80s had, loved, or envied for (caboodles) An embarrassing "early" career story Secret ingredients for the perfect cup of chai (and childhood memories of chai-making) What 2020 is teaching us Thoughts on mask-wearing M...2020-11-2257 min