Not Your Aunty

In this episode, we delve into the recent controversy sparked by a misogynistic Newsweek article condemning Taylor Swift as a role model. We explore the double standards women face in society and highlight Taylor's monumental achievements in the music industry, her philanthropic efforts, and her role as a champion of women's rights and independence. From her record-breaking concerts to her fight against gender bias and her personal growth as an artist, we showcase why Taylor Swift is an inspiring figure for young women worldwide. Join us as we celebrate her resilience, talent, and transformative impact on both music and society. 00:00 Misogynistic Criticism of Taylor Swift 00:57 Double Standards in Society 01:16 Taylor Swift's Unmatched Success 02:37 Swiftquake: The Impact of Taylor's Concerts 02:58 The Controversial Opinion Piece 04:39 Taylor Swift's Philanthropy 05:47 Reclaiming Her Music: A Power Move 08:30 Taylor Swift's Political Stance 12:15 The Kanye West Feud 13:54 Taylor Swift's Personal Growth 22:35 The Travis Kelce Relationship 24:54 Standing Up Against Harassment 26:45 Conclusion: Taylor Swift as a Role Model

In this thought-provoking discussion, Kiran and Shunali explore the increasing trend of therapy in India and how it relates to societal changes. They delve into the impact of weather on mental states, the prevalence of therapy among their acquaintances, and share insights from a neuroscientist on neuro biofeedback. The conversation covers the de-stigmatization of minor mental health issues, the commercial aspects of therapy, and concerns about over-reliance on therapeutic sessions. They debate the importance of resilience, threat of over-medication, and the rise of therapy jargon in everyday life. The episode challenges viewers to reconsider the balance between seeking professional help and nurturing self-resilience.

In this episode, our hosts delve into the multifaceted relationship women have with their hair. They share personal anecdotes about their own hair traumas, discuss the significance of hair in various cultures and mythologies, and explore the modern-day obsession with hair, especially in the age of social media. The conversation also touches on hair politics, spiritual symbolism, and the extreme lengths some people go to for their hair. Tune in to hear insights from a therapist and amusing personal stories that highlight just how powerful and influential hair can be in shaping our identities. 00:00 Introduction 00:11 Ballet Exam and Hair Obsession 01:21 Psychological Impact of Hair on Self-Image 01:54 The Longest Relationship: Women and Their Hairstylists 02:36 Childhood Hair Trauma Stories 10:35 Generational Hair Trauma 11:54 Hair Experiments and Disasters 14:42 Cultural and Mythological Significance of Hair 17:46 The Power and Politics of Hair 18:07 Hair Ceremonies and Cultural Significance 18:22 Counterculture and Liberation Through Hair 19:05 Workplace Hair Challenges for Black Women 19:31 Hair and Personal Transformation 20:15 Hair in Black Magic and Superstition 20:31 A Personal Story of Hair and the Supernatural 23:25 Self-Expression Through Hair 28:17 Spiritual and Cultural Symbolism of Hair 32:03 Modern Hair Trends and Social Commentary 34:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts #hair #hairextensions #notyouraunty #podcast #kiranmanral #shunalishroff #bingepods

In this episode, Kiran and Shunali discuss the often-blurred line between self-promotion and over-promotion. From personal anecdotes they share the pressures of promoting one's work in a world saturated with social media. The conversation explores the impact of self-promotion on authenticity, gender differences in self-promotion, and the social and psychological aspects tied to this practice. Tune in to hear their thoughts on finding a balance and the importance of genuine engagement versus the pitfalls of relentless self-promotion. 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 00:48 Personal Experiences with Self-Promotion 01:32 The Fine Line of Self-Promotion 03:24 Generational and Gender Perspectives 06:00 The Impact of Over-Promotion 09:49 Networking and Double Standards 14:54 The Corporate World and Self-Promotion 21:08 Gratitude and Acknowledgments 21:29 The Irony of Paid Leadership Offers 21:53 The Coffee Table Book Phenomenon 23:46 The Psychology Behind Self-Promotion 25:18 Social Media and the Need for Validation 28:16 The Exhaustion of Moderating Events 30:42 The Vulgarity of Relentless Self-Promotion 35:38 The Etiquette of Promoting Others 36:27 The Formula for Balanced Self-Promotion 38:40 The Vicious Cycle of Self-Promotion 38:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join Kiran Manral and Shunali Shroff in this episode as they welcome Udit Bhambri, an art aficionado with a profound understanding of popular culture and global trends. With a background in advertising and digital media, Udit dives into his journey as an art curator since the age of eight. He shares personal anecdotes about meeting legendary artists, debunks the pretentiousness around art collection, and discusses the intersection of fashion and art. From discussions on iconic figures like MF Hussain to modern pop culture phenomena such as Urfi Javed, Udit provides a unique perspective on how marketing, societal trends, and personal passion shape the world of art and culture today. Tune in for an enlightening conversation blending art, fashion, and cultural commentary. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:41 Udit's Passion for Art and Early Influences 03:05 The Quirky World of MF Hussain 06:14 Art as an Investment and the Birkin Bag Debate 12:28 The Pretentiousness in Art Circles 15:43 The Legacy of Indian Artists 19:29 Popular Culture and Social Media Influence 23:17 Urfi's Unique Fashion Journey 23:34 Celebrity Influence and Authenticity 24:06 The Role of Designers in Shaping Public Image 26:00 Art and Commercialization 29:07 The Glamour and Reality of Art Parties 31:44 The Struggles and Realities of Artists 39:09 India's GlobalFashion Influence 46:41 The Impact of Social Media on Fame

Indian talent is getting serious recognition on global platforms like Cannes. Our music, movies and other art forms have seen serious appreciation. But this year, there was also the curious case of a India influencers that landed up on the red carpet. Why were they there? To draw attention? The ladies investigate...

A book they read and a quiz they took led our hosts #ShunaliShroff and #KiranManral down a rabbit hole... and now, they want to know if you are a narcissist too. They know about themselves, but are you? Find out now! Youtube link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WMRFB_UqSg

In the latest episode of #NotYourAunty, we go into the unique attire and fashion choices associated with the Laapata Ladies. The discussion also touches upon the Met Gala, celebrating design creativity, and challenges societal norms for women in Urban and Rural India. It highlights women empowerment in rural India, emphasizing their financial independence and capabilities. Furthermore, the video explores controlling behavior in relationships, societal expectations, and the need for diverse body representation in media. The discussion extends to challenging beauty standards and typecasting in the film industry, citing concerns about actresses' future careers. Additionally, there's an appreciation for Amrapali's performance and a thoughtful analysis of Mamta's current performances. Lastly, it shares a personal journey of embracing body positivity and the importance of fitness without conforming to certain ideals. #movies #popculture 00:08 Discussions on women's fashion and attire 02:41 Met Gala celebrates design creativity 08:14 Challenging societal norms for women in Urban India 10:4 Empowerment of women in rural India 15:54 Grandmother-in-law's special gesture of cooking Sabudana Khichdi for speaker 17:57 Controlling others for survival in a limiting ecosystem is not ideal. 23:08 Challenging beauty standards and typecasting in the film industry. 25:14 Discussion on actresses' performances and impact of being in the limelight 29:46 Embracing body positivity and the journey of losing weight

Kiran Manral and Shunali Khullar Shroff are off exploring the intriguing and controversial world of India's godmen, who impact the lives of millions.  They dive into stories of famous godmen and their unprecedented influence, covering various aspects from the establishment of their own countries to accusations of criminal activities. The discussion also touches on the psychology behind people's allegiance to these figures, the difference between genuine spiritual leaders and exploitative godmen, and the complex relationship between faith, desperation, and belief in India.  Tell us your thoughts on what you think of India’s various godmen 00:00 Welcome to the World of Influencers and Godmen 00:41 Diving Deep into the Controversial Lives of Godmen 01:31 The Fascinating Case of Swami Nithyananda 03:11 Exploring the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Spiritual Leaders 05:51 The Playbook of Emotional Manipulation 08:06 Celebrity Gurus and the Illusion of Spiritual Authority 13:15 The Complex World of Spiritual Organizations 15:02 Personal Stories and Reflections on Spiritual Journeys 20:05 The Dangers of Challenging Superstitions 21:07 The Jay Shetty Controversy and Social Influence 22:55 The Phenomenon of Tony Robbins and Personal Development Gurus 23:58 The Curious Case of Vikram Yogi and Hot Yoga 25:16 The Ingenious Conman Turned Godman 28:58 Exploring the Power of Belief and Manifestation 32:07 The Dark Side of Cults and Doomsday Predictions 32:40 The Real and the Supernatural: A Night at Maheshwar 35:47 The Positive Influence of Genuine Yogis and Gurus

On this week’s episode, Shunali Shroff and Kiran Manral are joined by the witty and talented Anuvab Pal, a celebrated polymath described by The New York Times as 'India's most intelligent comedian.'  Pal vividly shares anecdotes from his life, covering the peculiarities of Indian weddings, the peculiar names of upcoming buildings in Bandra where he resides, and his observations on contemporary Indian life. He dives into his diverse career spanning acting, screenwriting, podcasting, and especially stand-up comedy. Anuvab discusses the inspirations behind his comedy, the intricacies of performing across different audiences worldwide, and his writing routine that includes staying updated with current affairs.  The trio also explore broader themes like humour's role in society, gender dynamics in comedy, and the influence of social media on creatives. It concludes with Anuvab providing insights into his content consumption habits and his advice for maintaining productivity in the digital age. Catch the full episode now. 00:00 Exploring Bandra's Unique Building Names 00:23 Cultural Observations and Wedding Vibes 00:49 Introducing Anuvab Pal: India's Multifaceted Comedian 02:06 Tiger Tales from Calcutta Zoo 05:25 The Art of Comedy: Anuvab's Journey and Insights 11:37 From Wall Street to Stand-Up: Anuvab's Unexpected Career Shift 19:19 The Evolution of Indian Weddings: A Comedic Perspective 21:25 Wedding Mishaps and Cultural Differences 21:49 The Perils of Celebratory Gunfire at Indian Weddings 22:43 Comparing Punjabi and Bengali Wedding Vibes 23:27 The Influence of Language and Audience in Comedy 24:49 Navigating Comedy Across Cultures 26:21 The Quirks of Naming Trends and Building Names 28:19 Exploring Influencer Culture and Its Impact 30:23 Comedy Inspirations and Mentoring Moments 33:00 Understanding Humor, Power, and Gender Dynamics 37:28 Creative Process and the Challenge of Distraction 40:29 Staying Informed: A Comedian's Morning Routine

When three old friends - who have seen each other at their least glamourous - catch up, it's a lot of fun, banter and uncensored chat! Kiran Manral and Shunali Shroff sit down with Priyanka Chaturvedi, member of the Rajya Sabha, detailing her journey from a concerned citizen in Mumbai to a notable figure in Indian politics. They explore her catalyst for entering politics following the 26/11 terror attacks, her navigation through the challenges of balancing family life with a political career, and her experiences and struggles as a woman in the political sphere. They also dive into her adjustment to life in Delhi, the misconceptions about politicians, and the critical need for women's representation and mentorship in politics. Chaturvedi candidly discusses the scrutiny and trolling on social media, maintaining privacy, adherence to protocols as a public figure, and reflects on the impact of constant political news on society. Additionally, she reveals a lighter side by contemplating political comedy, underscoring her resilience, awareness, and optimistic outlook towards enhancing women's participation in politics. This is not an episode you want to miss! 00:00 Welcome! 01:17 The Unexpected Journey into Politics 01:47 Early Activism and the Shift Towards Political Engagement 03:31 From Recruitment to Politics: A Personal and Professional Transition 06:29 The Role of Social Media in Political Ascent 07:16 Challenges and Triumphs as a Woman in Politics 15:43 Balancing Motherhood and Political Ambitions 27:55 The Impact of Feminism and Women's Rights on Personal and Professional Life 34:48 Navigating Personal Choices and Legal Rights 35:09 Progressive Laws and Gender Equality in India 35:48 Debating Divorce Laws and Women's Rights 38:26 Empowerment and Politics: A Woman's Perspective 39:27 The Challenges and Triumphs of Women in Politics 50:43 Personal Stories and the Impact of Pets 54:19 Transitioning from Mumbai to Delhi: A Politician's Tale 01:02:44 The Perks and Pressures of Political Life 01:08:30 Finding Sanity in the Insanity of Politics

How important is weight loss? Important enough to risk life? It would seem so! After the initial hype, reports now say #Ozempic isn't the real wonder drug. And there's more to lose than gain. #ShunaliShroff and #KIranManral discuss. Do share your thoughts and ideas. #weightloss #drugs #health #injection #diabetes

Are we getting more stubborn or are the elders getting more stubborn? Are we in the middle of an elderly care crisis? Why does the younger generation not want to associate with their parents anymore?

In this episode, we dive into the wild world of online shopping obsessions and the rise of Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBD). From midnight scrolls to surprise packages you forgot you ordered, we break down how Amazon, Instagram, and influencers are messing with your brain and share fun, practical tips to break the “Add to Cart” habit. 01:29 Impact of Social Media on Shopping Habits 02:07 COVID-19 and the Surge in Online Shopping 03:18 The Dopamine Hit from Shopping 04:36 Designer Labels and Shopping Fatigue 05:50 The Temptation of Online Sales 06:36 Compulsive Buying Disorder Symptoms 11:45 The Influence of Beauty and Fashion Influencers 17:03 Overcoming the Urge to Shop

Everyone's got their pet peeves. What is the solution for this other than wanting to call people out on it. How do you deal with it?

We dive into the mysterious life and predictions of Baba Vanga, the blind Bulgarian mystic. From Brexit and ISIS to alien invasions and synthetic organs, we explore how her eerie forecasts connect to today’s world. With curiosity and humor, we blend mysticism, modernity, and a glimpse into our possible future in this Not Your Aunty episode. We discuss her major forecasts, including the rise of ISIS, Brexit, Fukushima disaster, and even potential future events like alien invasions and interstellar travel. We also contemplate the implications of Baba Vanga's prophecies on modern life and global events, while adding light-hearted commentary on topics like robotic integration, synthetic organs, and the evolution of human society. 00:00 Introduction to Not Your Aunty 00:16 Baba Vanga's Predictions: Past and Present 02:08 Alien Invasions and Space Travel 04:07 Future Predictions: Climate Change and Society 06:28 Synthetic Organs and Technological Advances 08:12 Nature's Revival and Artificial Sun 08:51 Human-Robotic Integration and Coffee Raves 10:06 Extraterrestrial Sea Society and Octopus Intelligence 10:48 Paul the Octopus and Predictions 11:31 Future Autonomous Underwater Communities 11:50 Climate Change and the Cooling Sun 12:33 Digital Avatars and Future Human Evolution 13:12 Global Conflicts and Natural Disasters 15:11 Astrological Predictions for 2025-2028 18:21 Positive Predictions for 2026 20:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we explore the wild conspiracy claiming Brigitte Macron is a man, unpacking its roots in misogyny and disinformation. We examine double standards for powerful women, age-gap relationships, and the dangers of viral lies—ending with the Macrons' legal battle against the conspiracist behind the false accusations.

We dive into the wild backlash over Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad—where “genes” meets “jeans.” From blonde bombshell tropes to colorism, eugenics, and beauty BS, we’re spilling all the tea. This one gets spicy!

In this episode, hosts Shunali and Kiran dive into their endless urge to travel, sharing why it's about more than work. They explore the need to escape routine and embrace discovery. From life-changing moments in Bhutan to the chaos of overpacking and airport drama, they reflect on how travel fuels growth, relationships, and joy. With laughter stories and future plans, this conversation captures the thrill and value of exploring the world.

In this fun and fearless episode we’re joined by Dr. Tanaya, better known as Dr. Cuterus, a doctor and science communicator who is changing how India talks about sex. From tackling taboos and busting myths to breaking down contraception, HPV, and teenage sexual health, she makes the uncomfortable comfortable. Tune in for a candid, empowering conversation about body literacy, better sex education, and unlearning the shame.