Half Past Chai

In this episode, I reflect on the life I might be living if I had stayed in my home country.From chasing the American Dream to questioning who I would be today, this conversation explores the paths not taken, the sacrifices made, and the growth that comes from starting over in a new country. Whether you’re an immigrant, a first-generation kid, or someone who’s ever wondered how one choice can reshape an entire life, this episode will hit home.Now settle in, get cozy, and grab your chai. 💛New episodes every Monday at 7 am. Don’t forget to subscribe, and as always, we love you! Thank you for spending your Monday with us 💛🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiDonate to Team For Kids here: https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/suketuTime codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI3:40 - Why are we talking about this4:53 - What if we never left India?9:20 - What would my career be?13:12 - Did I notice how different my life was?15:30 - If you moved to the US today17:38 - Would I have made videos?22:12 - What would have been better if I stayed in India23:20 - What would have been worse if I stayed in India

We break down our real daily routines, from how we structure our mornings and workouts, to why we eat early, drink a ton of water, go to bed earlier than most people, and how those choices have improved our energy, relationship, productivity, and mental health.We also talk about why routines don’t have to be perfect to be powerful and how building a life that works for you is way more important than following what’s trending online.💬 Question for the Half Past Crew: What does your daily routine look like right now and what’s one small habit you want to improve?Now settle in, get cozy, and grab your chai. 💛New episodes every Monday at 7 am. Don’t forget to subscribe, and as always, we love you! Thank you for spending your Monday with us 💛Use use code HALFPASTCHAI10 for 10% at https://achaary.com/🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiDonate to Team For Kids here: https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/suketuTime codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI3:06 - Suketu’s routine8:42 - SPONSOR9:44 - Hallie’s routine16:49 - Pick what works for YOU

This week on Half Past Chai, we’re answering YOUR questionsFrom how creators actually make money, to red pill dating culture, intimacy in marriage, living with parents, religion and kids, jealousy, dream brands, and even whether Stranger Things is overrated… Drop into the comments and tell us: which question was your favorite?Then head to our site and submit your own for a future episode we love keeping this podcast a two-way conversation 💛 https://www.halfpastchai.com/Now settle in, get cozy, and grab your chai. 💛New episodes every Monday at 7 am. Get 10% off GHEE here: https://iloveghee.com/discount/HALFPASTCHAI10📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiDonate to Team For Kids here: https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/suketu-patelTime codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI2:17 - How do we make money?4:15 - Red pill men5:47 - If we could eat only one meal7:41 - Best things hallie cooks8:49 - Do we have siblings?9:53 - SPONSOR10:36 - Would you live with your parents14:16 - Do you feel like you wasted your 20s17:29 - Is stranger things overrated?18:42 - Is there a cash prize for running a marathon?21:02 - When do you feel like you’ve made it23:48 - What’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self?26:29 - How are you guys going to discuss religion with your kids?28:37 - How to introduce a white partner to your parents30:09 - Dream brand or guest to work with33:21 - Who’s more jealous34:42 - Do you agree on the same meals

This week on Half Past Chai, you trusted us with your anonymous confessions and wow… you did not hold back.We talk about:Keeping secrets from your spouseEmotional baggage from childhood and how it affects relationshipsCultural pressure around marriage timelinesLong-term relationships with no parental approvalLoving someone deeply… and losing them anywayNothing is off-limits in this episode. If you’ve ever felt stuck between love, culture, timing, or expectations this one’s for you.Now settle in, get cozy, and grab your chai. 💛New episodes every Monday at 7 am. Don’t forget to subscribe, and as always, we love you! Thank you for spending your Monday with us 💛🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiDonate to Team For Kids here: https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/suketuTime codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI3:01 - Our confessions4:50 - I use a bidet6:25 - I don’t want to get married9:29 - Married but texting others?13:38 - 3rd wheel turned lover?17:26 - I don’t want to get married22:40 - I want to move on

What do our parents’ marriages teach us?This week on Half Past Chai, we’re talking about the lessons we learned from each of our parents’ relationships… the good, the hard, and the things we didn’t learn at all and how those lessons show up in our own marriage today. We hope this conversation makes you feel seen, understood, and a little less alone.Now settle in, get cozy, and grab your chai. 💛New episodes every Monday at 7 am. Don’t forget to subscribe, and as always, we love you! Thank you for spending your Monday with us 💛DM Nathan to join Autonomy! 🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiDonate to Team For Kids here: https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/suketu-patelTime codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI2:04 - Parents mess up, and that’s okay5:27 - Responding with intention7:07 - We solve problems very loudly 9:57 - Love the way your partner wants to be loved13:17 - SPONSOR13:54 - Don’t quit when it gets hard16:14 - I never said I LOVE YOU to my parents18:41 - Showing care through actions20:21 - Forgive and forget21:22 - Have fun and laugh in life25:18 - Chose love even when it’s hard28:29 - It’s okay to show affection

This week on Half Past Chai, we sit down with TikTok finance creator DollarsWithDrew as he reviews our income, spending habits, money mistakes, and how we actually manage life as creators and business owners.If you’ve ever wondered how creators make money, what financial transparency really looks like, or how to think smarter about your own finances this episode is for you.Now settle in, get cozy, and grab your chai. 💛New episodes every Monday at 7 am. Don’t forget to subscribe, and as always, we love you! Thank you for spending your Monday with us 💛Dollars with Drew Instagram Dollars with Drew TiktokGet 15% off GHEE here: https://iloveghee.com/discount/HALFPASTCHAI10🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiDonate to Team For Kids here: https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/suketu-patelTime codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI2:47 - Who is Drew and why money is important.5:34 - Tracking money is important9:39 - How much we spent this year12:01 - How we shifted our mindset on money17:40 - SPONSOR18:24 - Why I started caring about money22:49 - How much we spend on eating out25:11 - Cars are expensive30:48 - Personal Care38:16 - Other expenses43:00 - Why do we need 2 cars?47:49 - How much we made in 202550:05 - Q4 REVIEW55:55 - Our NET WORTH1:02:53 - Dollars with Drew the STORY

What if 2026 is the year you stop explaining yourself?In this episode of Half Past Chai, we talk about people pleasing... what it actually looks like, where it comes from, and why so many of us feel pressure to keep everyone else comfortable, even when it costs us our own peace.We open up about our personal struggles with people pleasing, the fear of being disliked, and habits like over-explaining, avoiding confrontation, and saying yes when we really mean no. We also share small but powerful mindset shifts and boundary-setting practices we’re working on as we head into 2026.This episode is a reminder that you can be kind without self-sacrificing, that disappointment is a normal part of relationships, and that you don’t have to abandon yourself to be a good person.💛 Question for you: What do you want to change this year?Follow and DM Nathan for more info about autonomy: https://www.instagram.com/nathan.autonomy🎙 Submit your stories or questions: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchai🏃 Donate to Suketu’s NYC Marathon fundraiser for Team For Kids: https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/suketu-patelNew episodes every Monday at 7am.So settle in, get cozy, and grab your chai. ☕️💛Time codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI4:02 - How to stop caring about what others think9:46 - Stop over explaining your decisions14:54 - SPONSOR15:31 - Be comfortable with disappointing others19:19 - Kindness is a choice not an obligation 26:56 - 2 things you can do in 2026 to take control.

This week’s Questions of the Week episode gets DEEP.You all sent in some of the most emotional, complex, and honest questions we’ve ever answered, especially around:What to do when you don’t like your partner’s friendsWhether we ever regret only dating each otherHow to know when it’s time to leave a relationshipHow our finances changed after becoming entrepreneursNavigating alcohol, health changes, and lifestyle shiftsThe “are we official?” conversationOur age gap and how it’s affected our relationshipThe funniest moments, biggest purchases, and dream NYC businessThis episode is personal, vulnerable, and full of advice we wish we had years ago.So settle in, get cozy, and grab your chai. 💛New episodes every Monday at 7 am. Don’t forget to subscribe, and as always, we love you! Thank you for spending your Monday with us 💛🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiDonate to Team For Kids here: https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/suketu-patelTime codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI3:33 - Have you NOT liked your partners friends?8:27 - Do you regret only dating each other?12:43 - How do you know it’s time to break up?14:17 - What do finances look like now that you're self-employed?17:23 - How much do we make on YouTube & Instagram?18:47 - Why did we stop drinking alcohol?22:15 - Funniest experience we’ve had together25:18 - Does Suketu like running as much as Hallie?25:39 - Do you apply your Data Science skills now?26:22 - How do you ask someone to be your BF/GF?28:24 - What is one quality each of you love about each other?29:31 - Does your age gap affect your relationship?31:04 - Most the ridiculous purchase you made as a couple31:44 - If you guys could open up a shop in New York City, what would it be?

In this episode of Half Past Chai, we’re breaking down 5 key hacks for a long-term, successful relationship... the habits and mindset shifts that have helped us grow closer as a married interracial couple.Whether you’re newly dating, engaged, married, or years into your relationship, these are practical, honest relationship tips you can start using right away.Now settle in, get cozy, and grab your chai. 💛New episodes every Monday at 7 am. Don’t forget to subscribe, and as always, we love you! Thank you for spending your Monday with us 💛Book a call with Autonomy or DM Nathan on Instagram: 🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiDonate to Team For Kids here: https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/suketu-patelTime codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI2:14 - 1. Sleep on each other4:27 - SPONSOR5:04 - 2. Intentional check-ins/scheduled time together7:28 - 3. Intentional time NOT together10:41 - 4. Plan your lives12:58 - 5. Invest in each others dreams

Why are Indian weddings SO expensive?! 🤯In this episode of Half Past Chai, we’re breaking down the real reasons Indian weddings cost anywhere from $120,000 to $300,000+ and how that compares to a typical American wedding.We dive into:💸 The real wedding stats (India vs America)🪔 Why Indian weddings are never just one day👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 How guest lists alone can explode the budget🎶 The true cost of DJs, decor, catering, outfits, jewelry & accommodations🌍 The cultural meaning behind the grandeur⚖️ Pros & cons of big Indian weddings vs smaller American weddings🤝 What a hybrid / fusion wedding can look like when cultures collideAs an interracial married couple (Indian + white), we also share our personal perspective navigating tradition, expectations, and finances and how couples today can find a middle ground that actually feels meaningful.Now settle in, get cozy, and grab your chai. 💛New episodes every Monday at 7 am. Don’t forget to subscribe, and as always, we love you! Thank you for spending your Monday with us 💛🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiDonate to Team For Kids here: https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/suketu-patelTime codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI3:56 - The Indian Wedding Stats7:18 - Our Wedding10:44 - Every Part to an Indian Wedding15:04 - Indian Weddings vs American Weddings21:03 - Pros and Cons of an Indian Wedding24:47 - How to plan a fusion wedding

This week, we’re sharing unpopular Desi opinions that might stir the family group chat… from Indian food myths to wedding expectations, parents, and mental health.So settle in, get cozy, and grab your chai. 💛New episodes every Monday at 7 am. Don’t forget to subscribe, and as always, we love you! Thank you for spending your Monday with us 💛Book a call with Autonomy or DM Nathan on Instagram: 🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiDonate to Team For Kids here: https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/suketu-patelTimecodes:0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI3:55 - #1 Indian Food Isn’t Healthy9:05 - #2 Your Parents Aren’t Always Right11:59 - SPONSOR12:36 - #3 Chai is BEST in the morning14:12 - #4 Bollywood Songs Are WAY Too Long16:17 - #5 Aunties are TOO nosy21:27 - #6 Living with In-Laws Isn’t the only way26:49- #7 It’s YOUR wedding, no one else’s31:18 - #8 You don’t have to be a dr, lawyer, OR engineer!!!35:14 - #9 Talking about mental health isn’t just American people’s problems44:07 - #10 What will people say

This week, we're spilling the chai on a big life decision: getting married young! We share our honest, sometimes chaotic, and always loving journey of saying "I do" before we had it all "figured out." From navigating job changes to building a business (and even just figuring out who does the dishes), we break down the five major, unexpected benefits of starting our forever early. If you're considering marriage, dealing with family expectations, or just curious about what it's really like to grow up alongside your spouse.So settle in, get cozy, and grab your chai. 💛New episodes every Monday at 7 am. Don’t forget to subscribe, and as always, we love you! Thank you for spending your Monday with us 💛Ahara Rasa Ghee 10% off: https://iloveghee.com/discount/HALFPASTCHAI10🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiDonate to Team For Kids here: https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/suketu-patelTime codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI4:30 - Why did we get married so young?7:38 - Facts about getting married young11:43 - The benefits of getting married young15:01 - AD (AHARA RASA GHEE)15:45 - Being aligned21:05 - Facts about getting married older27:58 - Myths about getting married young35:00 - Advice about getting married

This week’s Questions of the Week episode gets DEEP.You all sent in some of the most emotional, complex, and honest questions we’ve ever answered especially around intercultural relationships, strict parents, breakups, identity, and navigating love when family expectations get in the way.We share our own experiences, what we learned the hard way, and how to protect your peace while still honoring your culture and your partner.💬 In this episode, we answer:Loving someone whose parents don’t accept youDating an Indian partner who hides the relationshipAge gaps, having a child, and whether Indian parents ever come aroundHow to ask an ex if you can “start over” without scaring them awayWhy anti-Indian racism feels more visible right nowIntroducing a vegetarian partner to a meat-heavy familyDealing with social burnout as a couple after nonstop obligationsThis episode is personal, vulnerable, and full of advice we wish we had years ago.So settle in, get cozy, and grab your chai. 💛New episodes every Monday at 7 am. Don’t forget to subscribe, and as always, we love you! Thank you for spending your Monday with us 💛Book a call with Autonomy or DM Nathan on Instagram: 🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiDonate to Team For Kids here: https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/suketu-patelTime codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI4:21 - Stress on your relationship8:57 - His parents didn’t accept their relationship14:05 - How long should I wait?17:22 -  How do i move past fear of societal gossip?23:04 - SPONSOR23:41 -  They asked me to convert27:05 - I am in a situationship30:07 - Racism against Indians 34:19 - dating a vegetarian37:31 - social battery drain

In this episode we sit down with Rushi Patel, med student, longtime friend, and one of those people who somehow manages to balance curiosity, creativity, and grit. We talk high school, how creative projects shaped career opportunities, and what it’s actually like to go to Harvard and then endure the grind of med school.From the awe of seeing the human body’s resilience to the rawness of trauma cases. We close by talking about the power of family, how support systems reset you when life gets overwhelming, and one simple piece of advice Rushi wants everyone to remember.So settle in, get cozy, and grab your chai.📅 New episodes every Monday at 7 AM🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiTime codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI01:06 - Meet our guest: Rishi Patel3:21 - Garba, Navratri & how we first met13:36 - The Avon lip-dub: going viral and what it taught us18:20 - College & Harvard: experience, growth, and perspective23:22 - College balance, saving, and learning to have fun30:00 - Why some careers need passion (not money)33:01 - The pre-med grind: MCAT, pre-clinicals & rotations37:02 - Surgery stories: seeing the human body’s resilience41:52 - Trauma on day one: cardiac massage & the fragility of life49:58 - RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS

Ever wondered what it’s really like to run the New York City Marathon? 🏃‍♀️💨 In this episode of Half Past Chai, Hallie breaks down everything from how she got accepted, trained all summer, fundraised, and finally ran 26.2 miles through the streets of NYC.We talk about the highs, the pain, the money behind marathon training, and why this experience changed everything for us. Whether you’re a runner, a dreamer, or just love a good story, this one’s for you.New episodes every Monday at 7 am. Don’t forget to subscribe, and as always, we love you! Thank you for spending your Monday with us 💛DM Nathan if you’re interested in my fitness plan! Suketu’s Team For Kids Fundraiser🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow usUse code HALFPASTCHAI to get 15% off https://andcollar.com/Time codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI1:57 - Why would I run a MARATHON?7:44- How I got into NYC12:41 - Suketu’s big announcement17:41 - How hard was the training?24:33 - Finances behind running a marathon27:30 - RACE DAY BREAKDOWN: exactly what happens the day of the marathon33:21 - Why I’m obsessed with the NYC Marathon

Sagar Parekh joins us for a conversation that goes beyond miles and muscles, it’s about mental clarity, connection, and finding joy in life. We talk about the realities of motivation, the impact of community and family, along with how mindfulness shows up in every stride.If you’ve ever felt intimidated by LIFE, this episode will remind you: it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress.So settle in, get cozy, and grab your chai. ☕️Follow Sagar: https://www.instagram.com/poweredbyparekh/Ahara Rasa Ghee 10% off: https://iloveghee.com/discount/HALFPASTCHAI10🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiTime codes4:16 - Who is Sagar8:57 - My content then vs now12:05 - My therapy experience17:46 - What is the PROBLEM?20:49 - Don’t give your age too much power23:18 - Everyone has problems26:07 - GHEE SPONSOR26:50 - The childhood story30:21 - My sisters are a huge inspiration39:30 - How to get into journaling43:42 - Anxiety.46:59 - Running a marathon in a Kurta56:30 - Making videos online1:05:38 - RAPID FIRE

Ten years. Countless versions of ourselves. And a whole lot of lessons learned along the way.In this episode, we’re packing a decade of love, growth, and hard-earned wisdom into one conversation, the kind of lessons you can only learn through time. From learning to grow as individuals and as a couple, to navigating trust, independence, and all of life’s “firsts” together we’ve been through it.Whether you’re in a new relationship, married, or just curious what a decade together really looks like, this episode’s for you. 💛New episodes every Monday at 7 am. Don’t forget to subscribe, and as always, we love you! Thank you for spending your Monday with us 💛🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiAutonomy: Follow Nathan!Time codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI3:08 - When we fell in love8:17 - 1. On the hard days, remind yourself who you fell in love with11:29 - 2. You’ll go through so many versions of yourselves in a relationship15:40 - 3. Your partner can’t be everything for you, and that’s okay.18:36 - 4. You both need your own space to grow.24:28 - 5. Your vows really do mean in sickness and in health28:53 - 6. Invest in experiences that strengthen your bond31:00 - 7. It really is that damn phone. 33:47 - 8. Don’t seek constant validation from your partner.36:48 - 9. Just because you have an agenda doesn’t mean your partner does. 39:08 - 10. Live in the moment

In this episode of Half Past Chai, we sit down with Brook & Harjot, an interracial husband-wife duo who’ve built a loyal following sharing relatable, funny, and heartfelt content about culture, love, and identity.We talk about what it’s truly like marrying across cultures (Punjabi & Western), the surprises, the challenges, and the joy. From family expectations to the funniest misunderstandings, and how content creation became their space to laugh together and bring others in.If you've ever wondered what it takes to balance two worlds, stay true to yourself, and build something together, this is for you.New episodes every Monday at 7 am. Don’t forget to subscribe, and as always, we love you! Thank you for spending your Monday with us 💛🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiFollow Brook & Harjot: @brookempaulTime codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI2:18 - Why did you start posting content?9:13 - How they met11:49 - Harjot’s arranged marriage20:52 - How they told the parents 28:23 - Wedding story time33:08 - Advice to couples who’s parents won’t accept their S.O.35:48 - Raising kids in 2 cultures39:00 - Social media journey & best advice for interracial couples45:48 - Rapid fire questions

This week, we’re breaking down exactly how much we made and how much we spent in Q3 of 2025. From business expenses and taxes to travel costs and takeout runs, we’re getting real about the numbers (and yes, it’s a little scary).How do two self-employed creators actually manage their money? Are we saving enough? Do we need to go back to our 9-5s? Let’s find out together.So settle in, get cozy, and grab your chai. ☕️New episodes every Monday at 7 am. Don’t forget to subscribe, and as always, we love you! Thank you for spending your Monday with us 💛Book a call with Autonomy: https://www.southasianfatloss.co.uk/vslDonate to Therapist Beyond Borders here: https://givebutter.com/H8JMbY🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiUse code HALFPASTCHAI to get 15% off https://andcollar.com/Time codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI2:31 - Q3 Finances5:57 - Our relationship with money10:27 - Why is this transparency important12:29 - July Numbers13:32 - August Numbers14:04 - SPONSOR14:41 - September Numbers16:35 - Why I was stressed19:01 - Why what we are doing is worth it21:44 - My money trama24:37 - September Spend30:08 - Net worth update

Today we’re sitting down with Rajan Chida - an entrepreneur who turned down a job offer at JPMorgan to build his own path. Instead of taking the traditional 9-5 route, Rajan co-founded Royal Oak Retreat, a luxury cabin experience in Virginia, where he’s building more than just a business he’s building a lifestyle.We dive into what it’s like going against cultural expectations, buying land, building a retreat from scratch, and why betting on yourself can be the most rewarding risk you ever take.New episodes every Monday at 7 am. Don’t forget to subscribe, and as always, we love you! Thank you for spending your Monday with us 💛Royal Oak Retreat: https://www.royaloakretreat.comDonate to Therapist Beyond Borders here: https://givebutter.com/H8JMbY🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiUse code HALFPASTCHAI to get 15% off https://andcollar.com/Time codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI2:27 - Who is Rajan Chida?8:51 - Where did the money come from?11:53 - How did the shoe business start?16:30 - How Rajan met his business partner, Renzo22:16 - How did the shoe business help you with what you’re doing now25:50 - The long game.34:14 - Do you ever question what you’re doing?37:05 - What happened when you went viral?40:01 - EVERYTHING ON YOUR PHONE46:40 - Advice for someone trying to start their own business50:08 - The technical side of the business55:13 - Rapid Fire