Half Past Chai

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

HAPPY MONDAY, Half Past Crew. This week we’re BACK with these insane assumptions that YOU guys have about US?! Did Suketu marry Hallie for a green card? What kind of meat do we actually consume? Is Suketu’s family LOADED in India? All this and more on this weeks assumptions video. Thank you all for submitting your assumptions of us! 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/vsl🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiDonate to Therapist Beyond Boarders here: https://givebutter.com/H8JMbYTime codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI4:10 - The meat we eat…8:32 - Our opposite personalities20:40 - The green card dilemma…22:02 - The rest of the assumptions

Today’s episode is a special one. Suketu is sharing the 10 most valuable lessons he’s learned from Hallie over the course of their relationship. From learning to communicate better to slowing down, being present, and choosing love daily. These are the lessons that have completely changed the way we live and love together.Whether you’re married, dating, or single, these are lessons that can transform any relationship (and honestly, your life).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 💛Donate 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 CHAI4:22 - 1. Communication is the most important9:46 - 2. Money isn't the most important thing16:11 - 3. Slow down and be present20:59 - 4. Flight the problem not the person22:42 - 5. Celebrate the small wins26:46 - 6. Sometimes a little bit of space can be the solution28:54 - 7. Be more spontaneous31:09 - 8. Protecting each other in public34:43 - 9. Don't stop dating each other38:04 - 10. Love is a daily choice

What do you do when your parents say “no” to the person you love? 💔 This week on Half Past Chai, we’re answering YOUR questions from family approval and religion to surviving the hardest seasons of life.We’re sharing:✨ How Suketu’s family first reacted to meeting Hallie (and how the relationship grew over time)✨ How we got through our lowest points and what kept us going✨ What we’d say to parents who won’t accept their child’s partner✨ How to balance work, fitness, culture, and a healthy relationshipWhether you’re struggling with faith differences, family expectations, or just trying to stay motivated through tough times this episode is for you.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://calendly.com/d/3qr-dzb-tgh/autonomy-team-game-plan?utm_campaign=halfchai&utm_source=podcast?el=adread🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiDonate to Therapist Beyond Boarders here: https://givebutter.com/H8JMbYTime codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI3:13 - Rapid Fire Instagram Questions11:02 - SPONSOR12:07 - How did Hallie meet Suketu’s family & how is the relationship now?21:18 - Dealing with hard times & dark thoughts36:07 - Will my daughters be “allowed” to take care of me?39:14 - We broke up because of different religions.46:45 - My dad won’t meet my boyfriend48:19 - Show this to your DAD.

In this episode, we're getting real and personal about a topic that’s been central to our lives lately: mental health.We’re opening up about the challenges we faced over the past year, sharing why we truly decided to leave our jobs, and what we learned about the importance of prioritizing ourselves. It's easy to get caught up in the grind and the pressure to be everything for everyone, but we've learned the hard way what can happen when you don’t put yourself first. We'll also highlight resources and help normalize the conversation around therapy and self-care.You are worthy of a healthy body and a healthy mind. So settle in, get cozy, and grab your chai. Let's get into it, Half Past Crew.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 💛Donate to Therapist Beyond Boarders 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 CHAI2:08 - Why your mental health matters4:31 - Why the last year was so hard on us12:28 - Why we really quit our jobs…27:38 - Resources for therapy30:05 - What happens when you don’t take care of yourself?37:38 - How to take care of yourself

In this week's episode, we're busting 10 common marriage myths and talking about what actually makes a relationship thrive. Does getting married make everything easier? Do happy couples never fight? Will kids really bring you closer?We're pulling back the curtain on some of the most widely held beliefs about marriage and sharing what we've learned as an interracial couple. We'll get real about the hard work, the missteps, and the intentional effort it takes to build a strong partnership.Join us as we talk about:The truth about fighting, romance, and date nightsWhy your partner shouldn't be "your everything"The importance of setting boundaries with in-lawsWhy every marriage, even a good one, can benefit from therapyHow love is a verb, not just an effortless feelingNew 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/halfpastchaiUse code HALFPASTCHAI to get 15% off https://andcollar.com/Book a call with Autonomy: https://calendly.com/d/3qr-dzb-tgh/autonomy-team-game-plan?utm_campaign=halfchai&utm_source=podcast?el=adreadTime codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI4:28 - Myth #1: Once you’re married, everything gets easier8:16 - Myth #2: Happy couples never fight12:55 - Myth #3: Your partner should be your everything16:47 - Myth #4: Date nights fix everything22:07 - Myth #5: Marriage kills romance24:52 - SPONSOR25:47 - Myth #6: Kids will bring you closer29:24 - Myth #7: You have to share everything32:28 - Myth #8: In-laws will always be a nightmare34:22 - Myth #9: Good marriages don’t need therapy39:06 - Myth #10: If you’re truly in love, it should feel effortless.

So… we quit our jobs. And now that we’ve had a full month of being self-employed, we have a lot to say.In this episode, we’re getting honest about the things no one tells you when you leave the 9–5 life… the mental rollercoaster, the unexpected stress, the new definition of success, and what it’s really like working with your spouse (spoiler: it’s not all cute cafés and midday walks).Whether you’re thinking of quitting, just made the leap, or are deep in your self-employed era, this one’s for you. We’re sharing our routine, real struggles, and the biggest lessons we’ve learned so far.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 💛🏃‍♀️ NYC Marathon Fundraiser for Hallie!: 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 CHAI3:37 - What IS our job now?5:23 - Be WAY more intentional with your time14:41 - You have to force yourself to stop working and enjoy life18:52 - You will feel more lost & scared than you did before24:27 - You WILL have more stress27:41 - You WILL BE BUSIER30:47 - You don’t have to sit at your desk to be productive33:27 - Your definition of success will always change36:42 - Your income will always be unpredictable40:17 - Others may not understand your new schedule, and that’s okay44:56 - You need a community now more than EVER

WE’RE BACK. And we went deep into the Reddit trenches.This week, we’re reading and reacting to the most jaw-dropping marriage posts we could find from messy in-law drama and work-from-home fights, to cheating scandals and influencer marriages gone wrong.You know we had to bring some Desi family chaos into the mix too. As always, we’re spilling the chai and sharing our own takes, relationship advice, and a little too much personal experience.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://calendly.com/bhavanasingh079/autonomy-game-plan-bhav?utm_campaign=halfpastchai🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiTime codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI2:45 - The WFH Situation…8:51 - Is it possible to cheat again after cheating once?14:05 - Dealing with Indian In-Laws In Our Home23:33 - A Word From Our SPONSOR: Autonomy24:51 - My wife became an influencer and now she hates me32:14 - Am I asking too much of my husband to put in more work?37:59 - Brides family didn’t come to the wedding…44:34 - Is it wrong if I’m attracted to other people?49:33 - My husband’s needs are too much

This week on Half Past Chai, we’re answering YOUR questions and you didn’t hold back. We’re diving into everything from friendship breakups and strict Indian parents to interracial love, starting a podcast, and how to navigate difficult conversations in relationships.We also share our own experiences with crying in front of each other, building trust in marriage, and how we make content creation a full-time job. Whether you're dealing with cultural pressure, want to start creating content, or just love some good relationship tea this one's for you.🫶 Topics we cover:Feeling left out in friendshipsInterracial/intercultural relationship strugglesStrict desi parents & datingHow we started our podcast and YouTube channelOur "non-negotiables" in marriageCrying, emotional intimacy & supporting your partnerAunties & uncles asking too many questionsMaking content creation a full-time careerNew 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://calendly.com/bhavanasingh079/autonomy-game-plan-bhav?utm_campaign=halfpastchai🎙 Submit your stories: https://www.halfpastchai.com/📲 Follow us: https://bio.site/halfpastchaiTime codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI3:54 - Friendship break ups8:47 - Interracial problems16:51 - What boundaries did we set after breaking up?24:00 - How to start a podcast?28:52 - Parent asks question about kids relationship37:39 - How do you make money?41:58 - Boyfriends mom walk in on us46:08 - When did we cry in front of each other?51:44 - How do you handle aunties' questions?

WE’RE BACK. Happy Monday, Half Past Crew. In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly what we spent over the first three months of the year as a married couple - from the necessary expenses to the not-so-necessary impulse buys. We’re also opening up about how we navigate tough financial conversations, balance what we want vs what we need, and keep our relationship strong through it all. So get cozy, grab your chai, and let’s get into this week’s episode.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/halfpastchaiUse code HALFPASTCHAI to get 15% off https://andcollar.com/Time codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI3:27 - Money and Relationships7:01 - Suketu’s Hot Take8:28 - Bad finances causes divorce16:43 - What’s our budget24:39 - April spending26:52 - May spending28:56 - June Spending36:01 - Our Net Worth42:18 - Transparency

This week on Half Past Chai, we’re getting real about the stereotypes around Indian men (are they really momma’s boys?), how we keep our marriage feeling fresh (and not like we’re just roommates), and the hate we get for loving each other out loud. We’re spilling our most unpopular opinions and diving into the sides of interracial relationships people don’t talk about - the messy, the funny, and the honest.If you’ve ever wondered how we handle it all - the culture clashes, the critics, the content hustle - this one’s for you. Grab your chai and let’s get into it, Half Past Crew.Let’s get into it, Half Past Crew 💬✨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/halfpastchaiUse code HALFPASTCHAI to get 15% off https://andcollar.com/Code for Learning Gujarati book https://amzn.to/3H154m7Time codes0:00 - ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS4:29 - Are Indian men momma’s boys?6:15 - How are you able to make content so fast?11:01 - Do you stress about honoring the others culture?14:33 - What are we doing NOT to be roommates22:00 - What is your most unpopular opinion27:42 - How do you deal with hate on your relationship34:29 - How many languages do we know?36:01 - Why did you leave your jobs?41:24 - When are you moving to NYC?46:47 - What are some issues Interracial Couples deal with?

Ever felt like you and your partner were just coexisting more like roommates than a couple? In this episode, we talk about how stress quietly chips away at connection, turning love into logistics. From burnout and emotional overload to petty arguments about dishes, we explore how the weight of daily life can create emotional distance and what we’re doing to come back to each other.We share honest moments from our own relationship, including the dumbest fights we’ve had (yes, cabinet doors were involved) and what those small blowups really meant underneath. We also talk about the tools we’re learning to use when we feel disconnected because sometimes the problem isn’t each other, it’s the stress talking.Whether you’re in a tough season or just feeling off with your partner, this one’s for you.Let’s get into it, Half Past Crew 💬✨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/halfpastchaiUse code HALFPASTCHAI to get 15% off https://andcollar.com/Code for Learning Gujarati book https://amzn.to/3H154m7

This week, we’re pulling back the curtain on what really happened after our breakup. We’ve talked about why we broke up but the mess, confusion, growth, and unexpected moments that followed? That’s the story we’re telling today.From accidental hugs to awkward first dates, to heartbreak, deep sadness, and ultimately choosing love… this one’s raw.Let’s get into it, Half Past Crew 💬✨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/halfpastchaiUse code HALFPASTCHAI to get 15% off https://andcollar.com/Code for Learning Gujarati book https://amzn.to/3H154m7Time codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI4:46 - The Break Up RECAP9:45 - We started talking again14:50 - Hallie went on dates with others19:35 - Who do you talk to about breaking up?26:02 - What would you tell yourself?31:07 - The turning point36:23 - For the people going through this.

One of us is in bed by 9, the other’s just getting started. In this episode, we’re talking about what it’s really like to be in a relationship where your routines don’t match - fitness, food, sleep, all of it. From early frustrations to what actually works for us now, this episode is full of real talk, small wins, and some hilarious stories. Perfect for couples figuring out how to live together, not become the same person.Let’s get into it, Half Past Crew 💬✨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 💛🤝Donate to Hallie’s NYC Marathon Charity: 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/Code for Learning Gujarati book https://amzn.to/3H154m7Time codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI3:09 - SLEEP10:45 - EATTING17:19 - FITNESS22:49 - WORKING STYLES27:57 - Our Advice

Tears, tissues, and a little bit of tea - in this episode of Half Past Chai, we’re diving into what actually makes us cry. From the first time we cried in front of each other to learning how to not panic when your partner gets emotional, we're sharing the raw, the real, and the surprisingly funny parts of it all. If you’ve ever cried, wanted to cry, or comforted a crying partner - this one’s for you. Happy Monday Half Past Crew, we hope you enjoy this episode.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/halfpastchaiUse code HALFPASTCHAI to get 15% off https://andcollar.com/Code for Learning Gujarati book https://amzn.to/3H154m7Time codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI2:13 - why we cry.10:34 - the BAD cries.14:45 - who cried first?16:52 - crying in front of each other

This week, we’re diving deep into something that’s been on both of our hearts lately: what it really means to be yourself. From shrinking ourselves to fit in, to code-switching just to feel safe, we talk about the hidden cost of hiding who we are and the freedom that comes from choosing authenticity instead. If you’ve ever felt like you’re performing a version of yourself just to be accepted, this one’s for you. Let’s get into it, Half Past Crew 💬✨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/halfpastchaiUse code HALFPASTCHAI to get 15% off https://andcollar.com/Time codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI4:00 - Who are you?10:48 - Difficult conversations14:32 - Making decisions23:30 - Why I didnt have indian friends27:00 - andCollar AD28:07 - How did Hallie feel about jealousy33:40 - What has helped us stop hiding our true selves44:11 - QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What happens when two cultures collide in a relationship? Happy Monday, Half Past Crew. We’re sharing our own journey through the messy, wonderful, and fun world of intercultural love. From navigating family expectations to learning each other’s unspoken norms, we’re unpacking how our differences have shaped our connection - and what we’ve learned along the way. 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/halfpastchaiUse code HALFPASTCHAI to get 15% off https://andcollar.com/Code for Learning Gujarati book https://amzn.to/3H154m7Time codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI7:02 - First experience Hallie had in our culture11:00 - Suketu experiencing Hallie’s culture18:40 - Some major differences22:30 - The topic of RELIGION29:58 - How have we matured

We’re getting nostalgic (and a little triggered) in this episode of Half Past Chai as we unpack the best and worst advice our parents ever gave us. From wisdom that shaped who we are today to the downright confusing “you’ll understand when you're older” moments—we’re breaking it all down.Get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe call your mom afterward. This one’s for anyone who’s ever been told, “Because I said so.”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/halfpastchaiUse code HALFPASTCHAI to get 15% off https://andcollar.com/Time codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI3:24 - Suketu’s Parents Best Advice9:24 - Hallie’s Parents Best Advice18:34 - Suketu’s Parents Worst Advice28:27 - Hallie’s Parents Worst Advice36:00 - QUESTION OF THE WEEK

WE’RE BACK. Happy Monday, Half Past Crew. In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly what we spent over the first three months of the year as a married couple - from the necessary expenses to the not-so-necessary impulse buys. We’re also opening up about how we navigate tough financial conversations, balance what we want vs what we need, and keep our relationship strong through it all. So get cozy, grab your chai, and let’s get into this week’s episode.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/halfpastchaiUse code HALFPASTCHAI to get 15% off https://andcollar.com/Time codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI2:48 - What we spent in the first 3 months of 202510:37 - January costs13:53 - February costs20:56 - March costs24:09 - What we struggle with27:28 - Our budget31:12 - Our thoughts so far this year42:18 - Updates moving on with Half Past Chai

This week, we’re joined by two of our all-time favorite Patels - Abi and Resh Patel. Think: the wiser, cooler version of us who somehow make adulting look effortless. They bring this calm, grounded energy that always leaves us feeling a little more centered and a lot more inspired.In this episode, we dive into everything from parenting and pursuing your passions to navigating Indian family dynamics, building a strong marriage, and even learning Gujarati. It’s full of laughs, real talk, and heartfelt moments.Whether you're in the middle of figuring life out or just here for the stories, this one’s got something for you. We had such a good time with Abi and Resh, and we know you will too.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/halfpastchaiThe Patels socials:Patels InstagramRasik Kaka InstagramResh InstagramPatels TikTokRasik Kaka TikTokYouTubeTime codes0:00 - WELCOME TO HALF PAST CHAI4:06 - Sharing their love story8:58 - Indian parents on dating & reality of dating in India17:20 - How to have a long-lasting marriage27:42 - Guide to handling conflicts in relationships32:56 - How to help your partner grow59:28 - Wanting to learn Gujarati