Masala Podcast: The South Asian feminist podcast

“The First Live LGBTQ Marriage Proposal, the sense of sisterhood, the love….” This very special episode of Masala Podcast Live recorded at Kings Place London on Sat 11th Sept as part of the London Podcast Festival. Our Bad Betis took over Kings Place, we had a wonderful live audience. The sense of sisterhood and support across the room was electrifying. We had four incredible guests.Raga D’Silva, LGBTQ activist.Farah Kabir, co-founder of female focussed sexual wellness brand HANX.Dr. Rageshri Dhairyawan, HIV and Sexual Health activist. As well asDr. Tina Mistry, clinical psychologist specialising in South Asian mental health. We had thefirst ever LGBTQ South Asian marriage proposal live on a podcastwhere guest Raga D’Silva proposed to their long-time partner Nicola Fenton. It was just so moving. We shed tears, we danced a little to some Indian Shaadi (wedding) music. We were witness to the most beautiful moment of love. Not just among the couple but also the huge love from the Masala Podcast community who turned up to support the podcast. READ MORE [https://www.soulsutras.co.uk/south-asian-heritage-month-masala-podcast/]

“I’m sitting in my brown-ness and actually enjoying it…” For this very special episode of Masala Podcast, Masala Podcast interviewed the women behind South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM). On this episode, we talk about what it means to be a South Asian woman in Britain today, particularly during COVID times as well as the rich bits of our culture that excite us the most. Think saris, samosas & music. READ MORE [https://www.soulsutras.co.uk/south-asian-heritage-month-masala-podcast/]

“We’re the pride of our families, we’re the shame of our families. Put a foot wrong and you’re out!“ On this episode, Anita talks about all the pressures & pains of being the “right sort” of South Asian woman. As well as the pleasures of being part of this incredible culture. Having grown up in Bradford, Anita is a proud mix of her Yorkshire and Punjabi roots. Her brand new memoir, The Right Sort of Girl, explores both those aspects of her. As well as exploring many thought-provoking & taboo-busting topics. I loved chatting with Anita for Masala Podcast, the conversation warmed my soul and made me tear up a little. Let’s hear it for this Badass Brown Girl, who is exactly The Right Sort of Girl for us all! READ MORE [https://www.soulsutras.co.uk/anita-rani-masala-podcast/]

“My husband kicked me out of the house with less than £10 in my pocket…” Meet Vandana Shah who went through a horrific divorce herself then went on to become an award-winning divorce lawyer, author, columnist and social entrepreneur. After being thrown out from her husband’s home in the middle of the night with just Rs. 750 in her bank account (around 10 pounds), Vandana rebuilt her life and became a successful lawyer, author and role model for women going through abusive marriages. Vandana is also the author of the bestseller ‘Ex Files’: The story of my divorce’ published by Penguin which looks at divorce through a humorous lens. The book is now a part of the Judicial College syllabus. READ MORE [https://www.soulsutras.co.uk/divorce-vandana-shah-masalapodcast/]

“I was told I had Vitiligo at 20 & told there was no real cure for it…” Meet Joti Gata-Aura, a Body Positivity Spokesperson & Social Media Advocate. Joti was diagnosed with Vitiligo at a young age. But she turned a difficult situation into a fantastic body. positivity movement. In this episode, Joti & Sangeeta talk about why our culture only offers space for a very limited beauty aesthetic. And how important it is for younger and older people to feel comfortable in their own skin. READ MORE