2 Queer Punjabis Unpack Religion, Shame, and Self-Acceptance (with Joey Algier)

Am I (still) Just a Dumb Jock?

In this episode of Chai Me a River, Shane talks about the impending doom of the job market, the US economy, Indian DL men marrying women, and the fact that he is still a dumb jock!? Comment below your favorite part of the episode!! Got hot spicy chai? Want to share it with Shane for him to read your tea and give his 2 cents on an upcoming episode of Chai Me a River? Then fill out this form: https://forms.gle/tBk5X8ktCsuoRNQg6. Subscribe to Chai Me a River podcast on Spotify, Apple, or Youtube. * Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chai-me-a-river-with-shane-lamba/id1810562539 * Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/6BSrO9opTEne8ymJn9jtst?si=533d20eadc9042b8 #chaimeariver #lgbtq #bi #indian #desi #dlmen #DL

Michael Henry Talks Gay Culture & Hung Bottoms

This week on Chai Me a River, I sit down with comedian and actor Michael Henry for a candid, funny, and slightly unhinged conversation about navigating gay life, identity, and success. We talk about how he got into acting, his hot takes on gay culture (including the “hung bottoms” debate), and the tension between online personas and real-life authenticity. A mix of humor, honesty, and chaos you won’t want to miss!!!

Are You Gonna Be a "Good Boy" Like Me?

A new year comes with new resolutions... reading more, joining clubs, losing some weight, and trying to be more intentional about how I live my life. In this episode of Chai Me A River, I reflect on the pressure to be a “good boy”, disciplined, productive, agreeable, and what that idea really means. I also open Pokémon cards for the first time and share my very unserious opinions, before venting about a few things that already have me irritated: personal trainers who use paper plates, the new nutritional pyramid, and Indian people who don’t stand up for something. Thoughtful, chaotic, and honest, this episode blends self-improvement, cultural critique, and humor, because growth doesn’t have to be quiet or pretty. #ChaiMeARiver #NewYearResolutions #SelfImprovement #IntentionalLiving #QueerPodcast #DesiPodcast #CulturalPressure

2 Queer Punjabis Unpack Religion, Shame, and Self-Acceptance (with Joey Algier)

In this episode of Chai Me a River, host Shane Lamba sits down with guest Joey Algier for an honest conversation about the intersection of religion, queer identity, and cultural expectations. Together, they unpack the lasting impact of religious upbringing, navigating faith as a queer person, and the pressure to perform authenticity within family and society. This episode explores what it means to grow up queer in religious or culturally conservative environments, how shame and belonging are shaped early on, and the ongoing journey toward self-acceptance, healing, and personal growth. Whether you’re questioning your faith, reclaiming your identity, or unlearning cultural expectations, this conversation offers vulnerability, nuance, and reflection. Perfect for listeners interested in queer podcasts, LGBTQ+ stories, religion and sexuality, cultural heritage, and emotional growth. #ChaiMeARiver #QueerPodcast #LGBTQPodcast #ReligionAndSexuality #QueerIdentity #CulturalHeritage #SelfAcceptance #QueerHealing

Masculinity, Dating Apps & Delusion: What 2025 Taught Me

I’m bisexual, brown, and tired. Tired of this year, tired of the delusion, and very ready to let 2025 fade away... In this end-of-year episode of Chai Me A River, I spill the final tea of 2025 and reflect on masculinity, dating apps, queer identity, and the biggest lessons this year forced me to learn. This episode recaps some of my favorite moments and themes from the season. Being the token Indian person at the gay bar. Falling into the trap of desirability without commitment in LOOKING. Realizing that being bi enough or Indian enough somehow still is not enough when you are brown. MASC 4 MASC culture, gay delusions, and the ghouls and gremlins that thrive in queer dating spaces. I get honest about dating app burnout, validation addiction, commitment avoidance, and why softness and femininity still feel like liabilities in queer culture. I talk about community, loneliness, unlearning performance, and what it means to show up more honestly with yourself and others. Then I step onto my soapbox. We unpack the biggest queer delusions of 2025. Thinking the hyper-masculine man is going to save you. Thinking the DL man is secretly committed to you. Thinking hookup culture comes without consequences. Thinking femininity is bad and that you must aspire to being masc, fit, and boring. Not supporting queer events, creators, and community that actually matter. Thirsting over fitness culture while avoiding emotional growth. Relying on supplements instead of therapy. Traveling to escape a reality you refuse to fix at home. Acting like drag and queer art are “too much.” I close the episode with 2026 intentions, not resolutions. Making more money. Socializing with intent. Growing Chai Me A River and expanding my creative reach. This isn’t a polished recap or performative healing. It’s an honest 2025 reflection on masculinity, dating culture, queer identity, brownness, burnout, and choosing truth over performance. Welcome to the Chai Me A River 2025 Tea Spill ☕️