The Brown Girl Podcast

In this episode, Julie and Sonya Patel, host of Your Big Sis! Podcast dive into all things friendships and maintaining adult friendships.    We discuss the following:  Friendship Breakups and our personal stories, what led to the breakups, how they unfolded, and how we feel about them now. Outgrowing Friendships: What are the signs that a friendship is no longer serving you? Pet Peeves in Friendships Maintaining Adult Friendships: How do we nurture genuine bonds amidst life’s responsibilities? What patterns define authentic friendships? The Meaning of Friendship and how our perspectives have changed Navigating Life Changes: Marriages, relocations, and evolving priorities. Social Media’s Role in Friendships Making Friends as an Adult ------------------------------------------------------------------- SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Seirra Thakur Label Meet Seirra Thakur Label! Seirra specializes in creating unique pieces for bridesmaids, groomsmen, and anyone who wants a truly personalized look. I personally worked with Seirra for my own upcoming wedding to create custom bridesmaid lenghas, and the experience was seamless. Even though Seirra is based in Mumbai, India, everything was handled virtually via WhatsApp video and phone calls. It was a smooth, stress-free process that made planning so much easier! Mention this podcast for 10% off your next order!  Contact: - WhatsApp: +91 98197 69197 - Email: thakurseirra@gmail.com - Instagram: @seirrathakurlabel ------------------------------------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH SONYA   Connect with Sonya on IG: @sonya.patel Connect with Your Big Sister podcast on IG: yourbigsis_podcast   CONNECT WITH JULIE Join our Podcast NEWSLETTER  HERE Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast

In this episode, Julie and sustainability expert Shila Wattamar dive into practical steps for living sustainably and discussing how our daily choices—from fashion to food—impact the planet.  Topics explored: Introduction – Meet sustainability expert Shila and learn what inspired her sustainability journey. Why Sustainability Matters– Simplifying sustainability and why it's critical today. How our daily Habit Impact the Planet – Surprising ways everyday actions, like shopping and energy use, affect the environment. South Asian Culture and Consumerism– Shifting perspectives on consumerism in South Asian culture to promote sustainability. Environmentally-Friendly Fashion – Tips for sustainable style choices, like thrifting and choosing eco-friendly fabrics. Sustainability Myths – Overcoming the idea that eco-living is costly or difficult. Food Choices and the Environment – How our diets impact the planet and simple changes we can make. Easy Actions to Get Started: Beginner-friendly steps toward a more sustainable life. - SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT:   This episode is brought to you by Lending Jawn, your trusted partner in home financing. Founded in 2021 by Dhan Thomas to help clients achieve their dream homes, the Lending Jawn has built up an impressive track record of home sales, loan approvals, grants, and guiding individuals to become landlords or first time home buyers.   Looking for a home or investment property in NY, NJ, PA, DE, FL, or MD? Contact Dhan from Lending Jawn to get started!   Visit LendingJawn.com or follow @LendingJawn on Instagram   ==== CONNECT WITH SHILA:   Shila's company called Sustainable Me! https://sustainableme.today or visit them on IG   Shila's son, Soren Wattamar's Podcast on Sustainable Living: https://rss.com/podcasts/sustainablesoren/   Shila's book:  Simply Sustainable: Simple Behaviors for Sustainable Living available on Amazon     CONNECT WITH JULIE OR THE PODCAST:   Join our Podcast NEWSLETTER  HERE Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast   RESOURCES MENTIONED:   Vogue Article on Buying 5 Articles of Clothing for Sustainability  https://www.vogue.com/article/i-only-bought-5-items-of-clothing-this-year18    #southasianpodcasts #southasianadvocacy #thebrowngirlpodcast #southasianpodcast #desipodcasts 

In this solo episode, we dive into: The podcast's return after a long break Julie's reflections on being recently engaged  The importance of embracing your single years Differences between dating in your 20s vs. 30s Perspectives on biological clocks and fertility testing Dating non-negotiables and Pre Nuptial Agreements  Balancing privacy and authenticity on social media while navigating relationships Tune in for this discussion on love, life, and personal growth.   SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT Check out Lending Jawn, your trusted partner in home financing. Founded in 2021 by Licensed Mortgage Broker, Dhan Thomas, the Lending Jawn has built up an impressive track record of home sales, loan approvals, grants, and guiding individuals in becoming landlords or first time home buyers. Looking for a home or investment property in NY, NJ, PA, DE, FL, or MD? Contact Dhan from Lending Jawn to get started!   Visit LendingJawn.com or follow @LendingJawn on Instagram ==== CONNECT Join our Podcast NEWSLETTER  HERE Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast   RESOURCES Ep 18 - Confessions of a Divorce Attorney with Maliha Siddiqui - Listen HERE    #southasianpodcasts #southasianadvocacy #thebrowngirlpodcast #southasianpodcast #desipodcasts #BrownGirlPodcast #Relationships #DatingAdvice #PersonalGrowth #CulturalPerspectives #WomenEmpowerment

In episode 54, Julie speaks with Arshiya Kherani.  Arshiya is a Leadership Coach who partners with rising leaders with hyphenated backgrounds through her program, Niyah Coaching. She is a storyteller & entrepreneur at heart, and is a Co-Founder at Potluck Stories, an LA-based community organization that hosts monthly interactive storytelling events that amplifies underrepresented voices.  Tune in to hear Arshiya walk us through the various twists and turns she's encountered in her 20s and continues to navigate in her 30s.  You'll gain insights into: Overcoming the grip of  fear Finding your confidence The art of living with intention and finding your north star How to lean into the narrative of  "you're doing too much" Embracing pivoting and change in life's direction   Thank you to SPONSOR: Pajama Sutra, a South Asian owned loungewear brand on a mission to inspire women to lounge like a goddess. PajamaSutra offers an exquisite range of loungewear that includes robes, kaftans, rompers, pajamas, and matching mommy and me sets, that bring luxury to your everyday life.    Use code bgpodcast for 15% off. Check them out at www.https://thepajamasutra.com   Join our NEWSLETTER  HERE   Connect with Arshiya on IG: @arshiya_kherani Visit Arshiya's website: https://www.arshiyakherani.com Grab her FREE resource checklist to evaluate if you have the tools you need to achieve success as a leader who holds multiple identities and truths.   Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast    #southasianpodcasts #southasianadvocacy #thebrowngirlpodcast #southasianpodcast #desipodcasts

In episode 53, Julie speaks with Jenova Juliann Pryor on her Blindian relationship journey.   Jenova, a Malayalee Indian American, and her husband, Denzel Pryor, became an internet sensation after their wedding video — showcasing Denzel reciting parts of his vows in Malayalam — went viral in 2022. In this episode, we discuss Jenova's upbringing and cultural community How she met her husband What it was like telling her parents and family Challenges and triumphs of navigating a Blindian relationship   Advice she has for others Thank you to sponsor: Pajama Sutra, a South Asian owned loungewear brand on a mission to inspire women to lounge like a goddess.  Pajama Sutra offers an exquisite range of loungewear that includes robes, kaftans, rompers, pajamas, and matching mommy and me sets, that bring luxury to your everyday life.  Use code bgpodcast for 15% off.   Check them out at www.https://thepajamasutra.com Join our NEWSLETTER  HERE Connect with Jenova on IG: @Jenovajuliannpryor Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast    #southasianpodcasts #southasianadvocacy #thebrowngirlpodcast #southasianpodcast #desipodcasts 

In Episode 52, Julie chats with Sonya Patel, host of Your Big Sis podcast.  We discuss all things dating faux pas and talk through various submissions from listeners of things that are immediate turn offs! We discuss vaping, confidence, table manners, bragging, infidelity, and more.   Thank you to our SPONSOR: Pajama Sutra , a South Asian owned loungewear brand on a mission to inspire women to lounge like a goddess.  Pajama Sutra offers an exquisite range of loungewear that includes robes, kaftans, rompers, pajamas, and matching mommy and me sets, that bring luxury to your everyday life. Use code bgpodcast for 15% off.    Check them out at www.https://thepajamasutra.com   Join our NEWSLETTER  HERE Connect with Sonya on IG: @sonya.patel Connect with Your Big Sis podcast on IG: yourbigsis_podcast Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast   #southasianpodcasts #southasianadvocacy #thebrowngirlpodcast #southasianpodcast #desipodcasts     

In Episode 51, Julie records a solo episode diving into 5 habits she adopted in 2023 that she will carry into 2024. Time Management Hacks - The Two Minute Rule and the Pomodoro Method Maxing out my 401k contributions and Increasing all my other general investments Nighttime routine  Blocking use of social media apps in the morning Normalizing delayed text messages Resources discussed: Download my free guide "My Personal Systems for Savings and Investing" HERE  I share insights into exactly how I set up my investing and savings systems and workflows, which have  simplified my financial management and improved my confidence in setting myself up for the future.  Listen to Ep 11 - Leveling up on Mindset, Money, and Health in 2022. Listen HERE Join our NEWSLETTER  HERE Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast

In episode 50, Julie speaks with relationship coach Natasha Mahtani.  Natasha is a certified Relationship Coach and accredited Divorce Coach. Coming from a South Asian background and having lived in Liberia, England, Nigeria, Ireland, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan,  she understands the cultural nuances within relationships and more specifically, the limiting narratives and beliefs that surface in relationships across many cultures. Natasha helps women of color, globally, to increase their sense of self-worth, show up for themselves, identify and rewire their limiting beliefs and thrive in all relationships. We discuss the following: Misconceptions of what it take to have a healthy relationship Warning signs that a relationship may be heading in an unhealthy direction Communication vs comprehension Maintaining adventure and novelty and preventing the relationship from becoming stale Balancing personal space and togetherness in a relationship Social media and the impact on couples Supporting each other when facing external pressures and work related challenges Importance of forgiveness and how to build trust when trust is breached Thank you to our sponsors: ⁠Lingo Dodo⁠ | a company dedicated to helping young children preserve their culture and language.  Check out their signature product, the Lingo Pad, designed to teach kids the basics of their native language and is currently available in Gujurati, Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. ⁠The Cumin Club⁠ | a meal kit service offering authentic Indian meals made in 5 minutes or less.  All of their meals use high quality ingredients and spices specific to each region in India.  Their innovative, freeze drying technology ensures a long shelf life for all of their products, so you can always keep them on hand for those busy days. Simply add hot water, wait a few minutes, and enjoy! Join our NEWSLETTER  ⁠HERE⁠ Connect with Natasha on IG: ⁠@natashacoaches⁠ | Get her Relationship Journal | Website Connect with Julie on IG: ⁠@thejuliegeorge⁠ Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: ⁠@thebrowngirl_podcast⁠  #southasianpodcasts #southasianadvocacy #thebrowngirlpodcast #southasianpodcast #desipodcasts 

In episode 49, Julie chats with fashion entreprenuer, Megha Rao,  founder behind the renowned Indo Western fashion brand, holiCHIC by Megha.   In this chat, Julie and Megha discuss: Inception of creating holiCHIC while working a full time corporate job How she found her business partner and co-founder Making the transition from side hustle to full time business Pivoting the business in the pandemic Constructs of sustainability in the fashion world + her perspectives and experiences with gatekeeping and support within the South Asian community Role of mentorships in her journey Advice she has for other aspiring entrepreneurs and founders. Thank you to our SPONSORS Lingo Dodo | a company dedicated to helping young children preserve their culture and language.  Check out their signature product, the Lingo Pad, designed to teach kids the basics of their native language and is currently available in Gujurati, Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. The Cumin Club | a meal kit service offering authentic Indian meals made in 5 minutes or less.  All of their meals use high quality ingredients and spices specific to each region in India.  Their innovative, freeze drying technology ensures a long shelf life for all of their products, so you can always keep them on hand for those busy days. Simply add hot water, wait a few minutes, and enjoy! CONNECT WITH US: Join our PODCAST NEWSLETTER  HERE Connect with Megha on IG: @__megharao | holichicbymegha Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast   #southasianpodcasts #southasianadvocacy #thebrowngirlpodcast #southasianpodcast #desipodcasts 

In episode 48, Julie meets again with Shital Patel, known for her appearances on Indian Matchmaking (IMM) Season 2 and Season 3.  Shital originally came on our podcast in 2022 and I'm so thrilled to have her back today.  In this episode, Shital opens up about life post IMM Season 3. We mainly discuss the ending of the relationship that we saw on TV; what she learned through it, how she healed from the breakup, the challenges and unique aspects of navigating such a personal experience being in the public eye, and what she's looking forward to the most as she enters her 40s. Thank you to our SPONSORS: Lingo Dodo | A company dedicated to helping young children preserve their culture and language.  Check out their signature product, the Lingo Pad, designed to teach kids the basics of their native language and is currently available in Gujurati, Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. The Cumin Club | A meal kit service offering authentic Indian meals made in 5 minutes or less.  All of their meals use high quality ingredients and spices specific to each region in India.  Their innovative, freeze drying technology ensures a long shelf life for all of their products, so you can always keep them on hand for those busy days. Simply add hot water, wait a few minutes, and enjoy! CONNECT WITH US: Join our Podcast Newsletter HERE Connect with Shital on IG: @therealshitalpatel Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast

In episode 47, Julie meets with her Fall in MalayaLove (FIM) co-founder, Matt George to discuss details and behind the scenes of planning the first ever FIM Speed Dating event for Malayalee Christians. Tune in to hear Matt and Julie discuss the following:  Origin story and why they started FIM Initial fears or uncertainties regarding whether there would be enough interest Negative reactions or backlash from the community  Finances associated with the event  Success metrics of matching from the event Feedback from participants and things they would have done differently  The volunteer team, who they are, and team memories Biz relationship dynamics between Matt and Julie Future of FIM To learn more about Fall in MalayaLove or to stay informed of future speed dating events, check out fallinmalayalove.com and sign up to be on our mailing list | IG: @fallinmalayalove THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR: Timeless Moments Event Planning, a full service event planning company.  Check them out at  IG: @timelessmoments_eventplanning or their website timelessmomentsep.com. Mention FIM or this Podcast and receive $250 off any planning package. Join our Podcast NEWSLETTER HERE Connect with Matt on IG: @mallutrump Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast

  In episode 46, Julie meets with her friend Rachel Varkey, also the host of the It's Fine Podcast with Rachel Varkey. Rachel opens up about her experiences with infertility and the various treatment options she underwent to pursue a path toward motherhood. We learn about: Rachel's background and desires for motherhood growing up Process she underwent with IUI and IVF and what you can expect Impact of infertility on her marriage and how she and her husband coped Advice for those who are struggling with conception How we can create a more supportive and empathetic community for those struggling with fertility Thank you to our episode SPONSOR: Manthrakodi Weddings | The destination for Malayalee Christian weddings Check them out at https://manthrakodi.com/ Join our NEWSLETTER  HERE Connect with Rachel | IG: @rachelvarkey Listen to Rachel's Podcast | It's Fine with Rachel Varkey Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast    #southasianpodcasts #southasianadvocacy #thebrowngirlpodcast #southasianpodcast #desipodcasts 

Julie records a solo episode reflecting on the summer, featuring road trips, missing flights, and speed dating event planning.  She also discusses the concept of cohabitation before marriage, while sharing her own experiences and opinions.    Subscribe to our NEWSLETTER HERE GET IN TOUCH WITH US: Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast  IG: https://www.instagram.com/thebrowngirl_podcast/ Connect with Julie  IG: https://www.instagram.com/thejuliegeorge

In episode 44, Julie chats with Annika Sharma.  Annika is co-founder and co-host of That Desi Spark podcast, one of the largest independently run South Asian podcasts in the world, which has led to appearances on the BBC, Forbes, and on a Spotify billboard campaign.  Annika is also an author and her debut romcom novel, “Love, Chai, and Other Four-Letter Words,” the first in the Chai Masala Club series, earned starred reviews from the Library Journal and BookList, and was described as a “love letter to both Indian culture and the streets of New York City,” by Publisher’s Weekly. It was named an Amazon Editors’ Pick and Apple Books called Annika a “Writer to Watch.” Her second book of the series, “Sugar, Spice, and Can’t Play Nice,” released May 2, 2023.   She currently lives in the New York City area. She is a lover of long conversations, superhero movies, reading, and travel.   Tune in to hear Julie and Annika chat about: Her childhood & growing up in State College, PA Various careers paths + becoming a writer  Insight into the world of book writing, connecting with publishing houses & editors Dealing w/ rejection and creative blocks   Becoming a new mom + pregnancy  Using Social media as a creative while also upholding certain boundaries on what she does and doesn’t want to share, so I really loved hearing take on it.   Join our Podcast Newsletter HERE Connect with Annika | IG: @annikasharma | Twitter @annikasharma  Listen to Annika's Podcast | That Desi Spark Buy Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge  #southasianpodcasts #southasianadvocacy #thebrowngirlpodcast #southasianpodcast #desipodcasts     

In Episode 43, Julie chats w/ Arti Lalwani from Netflix's latest Season 3 of Indian Matchmaking. You might remember her from a quick appearance in Season 2, but now she's back and sharing even more of her story in Season 3. Tune in to hear Julie and Arti chat about: How the opportunity for Indian Matchmaking came up Arti's experience being on Indian Matchmaking and working with Sima Aunty When she decided to start prioritizing finding love after focusing on her career for so long Meeting Jamal + their initial Costco and Breakfast dates What she loves most about Jamal + how they prioritize and invest in their relationship as a couple Wedding planning! Thank you to our Sponsors, Sonu Company! Sonu Company is a premium jewelry company that shares a commitment to high quality craftmanship.  Sonu was founded by two South Asian sisters, Payal and Kajal Vitha! Their goal is to educate customers in their buying journey while also retaining their commitment to sustainability and transparency. Visit www.sonucompany.com to see their full collection and use BGP15 for 15% off your order.  Join our Podcast Newsletter HERE Connect with Arti| IG: @artihlalwani Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge    #southasianpodcasts #southasianadvocacy #indianmatchmakings3 #indianmatchmaking #netflix 

In this episode, Julie chats w/ Bobby Seagull from Netflix's Indian Matchmaking Season 3.  If you watched the show, you know Bobby is filled with loads of enthusiasm and excitement for life, especially for the subject Math!   Prior to Indian Matchmaking, Bobby has appeared several times on British television, including the quiz show University Challenge and the BBC documentary series Monkman & Seagull's Genius Guide to Britain. Bobby's passion for improving math literacy is evidenced through frequent appearances on various broadcast and radio programs throughout the UK, as well as by authoring several books on the subject. Tune in to hear Bobby and Julie chat about Bobby's: Upbringing in the UK Experience being on Indian Matchmaking and working with Sima Aunty The infamous salsa dancing shoes His prior dating and relationship history + the dating apps he uses. His thoughts on dating outside the South Asian culture Friend-zoning & dealing with rejection His reactions to some of the not-so-nice feedback he's  received from the internet and TV audiences about his portrayal on the show.  Thank you to our Sponsors, Sonu Company! They also made an appearance on Indian Matchmaking Season 3. Sonu Company is a premium jewelry company that shares a commitment to high quality craftmanship.  Sonu was founded by two South Asian sisters, Payal and Kajal Vitha! Their goal is to educate customers in their buying journey while also retaining their commitment to sustainability and transparency. Visit www.sonucompany.com to see their full collection and use BGP15 for 15% off your order.  Join our Podcast Newsletter HERE Connect with Bobby| IG: @bobby_seagull | Twitter: @Bobby_Seagull | TikTok:  @bobby_seagull Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge #southasianpodcasts #southasianadvocacy #sobercuriosity #southasianfounders #indianmatchmaking #netflix 

In Episode 41, Julie chats w/ Aishwarya Balaji, founder and CEO of A Fresh Sip Aishwarya is a serial entrepreneur who is experienced and passionate about building businesses in alignment with personal values and  goals She is the CEO and co-founder of A Fresh Sip, which is an alcohol-free beverage platforms that allows people to easily discover and access non-alcoholic spirits, wines, and beverages They discuss: Aishwarya's background & how she started in management consulting before launching into the entrepreneurial space Her experiences with burnout and health struggles that led her to discover the sober curious movement  Advice and strategies for those wanting to explore mindful drinking  Starting a new company w/ a friend + relationship dynamics  Glimpses into her day to day and how juggles various responsibilities through mindfulness, morning routines,  meditation, etc THANK you to our SPONSORS, Sonu Company  Sonu Company is a premium jewelry brand that shares a commitment to high quality craftmanship.  Sonu was founded by two South Asian sisters, Payal and Kajal Vitha.  Their goal is to educate customers in their buying journey while also retaining their commitment to sustainability and transparency. From classic necklaces to elegant bracelets, and the most stunning customized engagement rings, Sonu's collection has something for everyone.  Visit their website today to invest in the perfect piece that's authentic, beautiful, and built to last.  Visit www.sonucompany.com. Use BGP15 for 15% off your order.    Join our Podcast Newsletter HERE Connect with Aishwarya | IG: @theaish | TikTok: @theaishfairy Check out A Fresh Sip | IG: ⁠@takeafreshsip ⁠| Website: www.afreshsip.com Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge  #southasianpodcasts #southasianadvocacy #sobercuriosity #southasianfounders 

In Episode 40, Julie speaks with Shilpa Cacho.  In this episode, we get raw and real on the topic of infidelity, divorce, eloping, and ultimately finding freedom and authentic living. We know these are highly stigmatized topics in the South Asian community. Thank you, Shilpa for sharing your story so candidly. Shilpa shares with us: her experiences going through divorce from her first husband the infidelity that occurred on her marriage underlying mental and emotional issues that she was going through  tips and advice for women on dating post divorce how she met her now husband, Isaac how they maintain a thriving relationship today THANK YOU to our Sponsor, Azhar PR Azhar PR is a Public Relations & Digital Marketing agency founded by Amber Sabri. Her agency is dedicated to amplifying female founders, minority-owned brands, and South Asian-owned brands through the power of PR. Whether you’re looking to build your founder presence, increase brand exposure in traditional media, or build relationships with influencers through events and collaborations, Amber and her team are dedicated to uplifting you.In industries dominated by the majority, Azhar PR is here to empower the minority. Check out https://www.azharpr.com/ or on IG @azharpublicrelations Join our Podcast Newsletter HERE Connect with Shilpa on IG: @isaac_shilpa Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge #southasianpodcasts #southasianadvocacy #southasianstigma #divorceinsouthasiancommunity

In Episode 39, Julie speaks with married couple, Shelly Sood and Nikhil Torsekar.Shelly Sood is an author, speaker, mother of 3, wife, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Untether Your Life. Her husband of 20 years, Nikhil, had suffered from undiagnosed bipolar disorder for two decades, leading to massive devastation emotionally, mentally, and financially. After becoming suicidal, and ultimately getting diagnosed at the age of 40, Nikhil Torsekar began a journey of introspection and healing, and is now a devoted husband, dedicated parent, and thriving professional. His journey of discovery and healing through higher states of consciousness led he and his wife Shelly to incorporate Mindvalley’s personal growth platform into their own lives. Nikhil has a BA from Washington University, an MS from DePaul University, and an MBA from The University of Chicago.Together, they overcame these obstacles by untethering their lives through traditional and holistic approaches to healthcare, and unconditional love for one another.  Psychology Today recently covered Shelly and Nikhil in their article entitled “A Journey of Bipolar Disorder in a South Asian Family.”Connect with us:Connect with Shelly and Nikhil on IG :@shellysoodofficial/ | WebsiteConnect with the Untether Your Life Podcast @untetheryourlife   | WebsiteJoin  The Brown Girl Podcast Newsletter HEREConnect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcastConnect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge#southAsianmentalhealth #Bipolardisorder #mentlalhealtstigma #mentalhealthawarenss #southasianculture #mentalhealthresources #bipolardisordertreatments #breakthestigma #southasiandiaspora#southasianpodcasts  #southasianadvocacy

In Episode 38, we are delving into the journey of more trailblazing South Asians. Julie speaks with Tina Singh. Tina is an occupational therapist, digital content creator, mom of 3, and most recently, an entrepreneur. Tina's latest adventure is being the founder of Bold Helmets, a business that makes helmets for Sikh kids in mind to accommodate their hair.  Tina comes from a Sikh background and her family follows Sikh practices, including her children wearing cloth coverings on their heads.  Tina created this solution after struggling for years to find helmets that would fit her kids! In this episode, Tina shares: Her background and education What led her to start her growing YouTube channel (80k+ subs) Her inspiration for starting Bold Helmets, the process, funding, etc Why she changed the name from Sikh Helmets to Bold Helmets after launching How she's dealt with Imposter syndrome and managing her mental health Resources and advice for budding entrepreneurs THANK you to our sponsors: Mudita Earth is a botanical-based skin care line for melanin-rich skin that provides effective anti-aging solutions. With all-natural ingredients, Mudita Earth products give your skin that ultra-smooth, glowing finish. Use code browngirl20 for 20% off their products.  Shop at https://www.muditaearth.com/ Join our Podcast Newsletter HERE Connect with Tina on IG: @thetinasingh or Youtube: @thetinasingh Order Bold Helmets HERE or Follow Bold Helmets on IG: @boldhelmets Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on IG: @thebrowngirl_podcast Connect with Julie on IG: @thejuliegeorge #southasianpodcasts #southasianentreneurs #southasianadvocacy