The Brown Girl Podcast - podcast cover

The Brown Girl Podcast

The Brown Girl Podcast was created to elevate the voices, stories, and unique experiences of the South Asian diaspora. We discuss everything from financial literacy, dating & relationship norms, divorce, mental health, and other lifestyle topics to empower the everyday brown girl (or guy)!
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Episodes

Ep 57 - Friendship Breakups & Maintaining Adult Friendships w/ Sonya Patel

In this episode, Julie and Sonya Patel, host of Your Big Sis! Podcast dive into all things friendships and maintaining adult friendships. We discuss the following: Friendship Breakups and our personal stories, what led to the breakups, how they unfolded, and how we feel about them now. Outgrowing Friendships: What are the signs that a friendship is no longer serving you? Pet Peeves in Friendships Maintaining Adult Friendships: How do we nurture genuine bonds amidst life’s responsibilities? What ...

Nov 19, 202453 minSeason 1Ep. 57

Ep 56 - Sustainability, Consumerism, & Culture w/ Shila Wattamar

In this episode, Julie and sustainability expert Shila Wattamar dive into practical steps for living sustainably and discussing how our daily choices—from fashion to food—impact the planet. Topics explored: Introduction – Meet sustainability expert Shila and learn what inspired her sustainability journey. Why Sustainability Matters– Simplifying sustainability and why it's critical today. How our daily Habit Impact the Planet – Surprising ways everyday actions, like shopping and energy use, affec...

Oct 29, 202448 minSeason 1Ep. 56

Ep 55 - Engagement Diaries: Timelines, Prenups, Fertility, and Non-Negotiables | A Solo Episode

In this solo episode, we dive into: The podcast's return after a long break Julie's reflections on being recently engaged The importance of embracing your single years Differences between dating in your 20s vs. 30s Perspectives on biological clocks and fertility testing Dating non-negotiables and Pre Nuptial Agreements Balancing privacy and authenticity on social media while navigating relationships Tune in for this discussion on love, life, and personal growth. SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT Check out Lendi...

Oct 15, 202434 minSeason 1Ep. 55

Ep 54 - Navigating "You're Doing Too Much" w/ Arshiya Kherani

In episode 54, Julie speaks with Arshiya Kherani. Arshiya is a Leadership Coach who partners with rising leaders with hyphenated backgrounds through her program, Niyah Coaching. She is a storyteller & entrepreneur at heart, and is a Co-Founder at Potluck Stories, an LA-based community organization that hosts monthly interactive storytelling events that amplifies underrepresented voices. Tune in to hear Arshiya walk us through the various twists and turns she's encountered in her 20s and cont...

Feb 14, 202451 minSeason 1Ep. 54

Ep 53 - Black & Malayalee Indian Love w/ Jenova Juliann Pryor

In episode 53, Julie speaks with Jenova Juliann Pryor on her Blindian relationship journey. Jenova, a Malayalee Indian American, and her husband, Denzel Pryor, became an internet sensation after their wedding video — showcasing Denzel reciting parts of his vows in Malayalam — went viral in 2022. In this episode, we discuss Jenova's upbringing and cultural community How she met her husband What it was like telling her parents and family Challenges and triumphs of navigating a Blindian relationshi...

Jan 31, 202439 minSeason 1Ep. 53

Ep 52 - Breaking up with our Dating Icks w/ Sonya Patel

In Episode 52, Julie chats with Sonya Patel, host of Your Big Sis podcast. We discuss all things dating faux pas and talk through various submissions from listeners of things that are immediate turn offs! We discuss vaping, confidence, table manners, bragging, infidelity, and more. Thank you to our SPONSOR: Pajama Sutra , a South Asian owned loungewear brand on a mission to inspire women to lounge like a goddess. Pajama Sutra offers an exquisite range of loungewear that includes robes, kaftans, ...

Jan 16, 202448 minSeason 1Ep. 52

Ep 51 - Five Habits I Adopted in 2023 to Carry Into 2024 | A Solo Episode

In Episode 51, Julie records a solo episode diving into 5 habits she adopted in 2023 that she will carry into 2024. Time Management Hacks - The Two Minute Rule and the Pomodoro Method Maxing out my 401k contributions and Increasing all my other general investments Nighttime routine Blocking use of social media apps in the morning Normalizing delayed text messages Resources discussed: Download my free guide " My Personal Systems for Savings and Investing " HERE I share insights into exactly how I...

Jan 02, 202423 minSeason 1Ep. 51

Ep 50 - Maintaining Healthy Romantic Relationships w/ Relationship Coach Natasha Mahtani

In episode 50, Julie speaks with relationship coach Natasha Mahtani. Natasha is a certified Relationship Coach and accredited Divorce Coach. Coming from a South Asian background and having lived in Liberia, England, Nigeria, Ireland, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan, she understands the cultural nuances within relationships and more specifically, the limiting narratives and beliefs that surface in relationships across many cultures. Natasha helps women of color, globally, to increase their sense of s...

Dec 05, 202357 minSeason 1Ep. 50

Ep 49 - Megha Rao, founder of holiCHIC on Side Hustle to Full Time Pursuit, Friendships to Founders, & the Power of Grit

In episode 49, Julie chats with fashion entreprenuer, Megha Rao, founder behind the renowned Indo Western fashion brand, holiCHIC by Megha . In this chat, Julie and Megha discuss: Inception of creating holiCHIC while working a full time corporate job How she found her business partner and co-founder Making the transition from side hustle to full time business Pivoting the business in the pandemic Constructs of sustainability in the fashion world + her perspectives and experiences with gatekeepin...

Nov 21, 202342 minSeason 1Ep. 49

Ep 48 - Shital Patel on Healing after Heartbreak, New Beginnings, & Personal Reflections

In episode 48, Julie meets again with Shital Patel, known for her appearances on Indian Matchmaking (IMM) Season 2 and Season 3. Shital originally came on our podcast in 2022 and I'm so thrilled to have her back today. In this episode, Shital opens up about life post IMM Season 3. We mainly discuss the ending of the relationship that we saw on TV; what she learned through it, how she healed from the breakup, the challenges and unique aspects of navigating such a personal experience being in the ...

Nov 08, 202351 minSeason 1Ep. 48

Ep 47 - Fall in MalayaLove (FIM) Planning Behind the Scenes w/ Matt George

In episode 47, Julie meets with her Fall in MalayaLove (FIM) co-founder, Matt George to discuss details and behind the scenes of planning the first ever FIM Speed Dating event for Malayalee Christians. Tune in to hear Matt and Julie discuss the following: Origin story and why they started FIM Initial fears or uncertainties regarding whether there would be enough interest Negative reactions or backlash from the community Finances associated with the event Success metrics of matching from the even...

Oct 25, 20231 hr 28 minSeason 1Ep. 47

Ep 46 - Infertility, IVF, & Conceiving Hope w/ Rachel Varkey

In episode 46, Julie meets with her friend Rachel Varkey, also the host of the It's Fine Podcast with Rachel Varkey. Rachel opens up about her experiences with infertility and the various treatment options she underwent to pursue a path toward motherhood. We learn about: Rachel's background and desires for motherhood growing up Process she underwent with IUI and IVF and what you can expect Impact of infertility on her marriage and how she and her husband coped Advice for those who are struggling...

Oct 11, 20231 hr 18 minSeason 1Ep. 46

Ep 45 - Summer Reflections: Missing Flights, Cohabitation, & Speed Dating Event Planning | A Solo Episode

Julie records a solo episode reflecting on the summer, featuring road trips, missing flights, and speed dating event planning. She also discusses the concept of cohabitation before marriage, while sharing her own experiences and opinions. Subscribe to our NEWSLETTER HERE GET IN TOUCH WITH US: Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/thebrowngirl_podcast/ Connect with Julie IG: https://www.instagram.com/thejuliegeorge

Sep 26, 202333 minSeason 1Ep. 45

Ep 44 - Behind the Pen: Annika Sharma on Writing, Rejection, Motherhood, & Social Media

In episode 44, Julie chats with Annika Sharma. Annika is co-founder and co-host of That Desi Spark podcast, one of the largest independently run South Asian podcasts in the world, which has led to appearances on the BBC, Forbes, and on a Spotify billboard campaign. Annika is also an author and her debut romcom novel, “Love, Chai, and Other Four-Letter Words,” the first in the Chai Masala Club series, earned starred reviews from the Library Journal and BookList, and was described as a “love lette...

May 30, 202351 minSeason 1Ep. 44

Ep 43 - Arti Lalwani on Breakfast Dates, Moving to Miami, and Indian Matchmaking

In Episode 43, Julie chats w/ Arti Lalwani from Netflix's latest Season 3 of Indian Matchmaking. You might remember her from a quick appearance in Season 2, but now she's back and sharing even more of her story in Season 3. Tune in to hear Julie and Arti chat about: How the opportunity for Indian Matchmaking came up Arti's experience being on Indian Matchmaking and working with Sima Aunty When she decided to start prioritizing finding love after focusing on her career for so long Meeting Jamal +...

May 16, 202340 minSeason 1Ep. 43

Ep 42 - Bobby Seagull on Dating, Salsa Shoes, & the Friend Zone | Indian Matchmaking S3

In this episode, Julie chats w/ Bobby Seagull from Netflix's Indian Matchmaking Season 3. If you watched the show, you know Bobby is filled with loads of enthusiasm and excitement for life, especially for the subject Math! Prior to Indian Matchmaking, Bobby has appeared several times on British television, including the quiz show University Challenge and the BBC documentary series Monkman & Seagull's Genius Guide to Britain. Bobby's passion for improving math literacy is evidenced through fr...

May 05, 202346 minSeason 1Ep. 42

Ep 41 - Sober Curiosity, Burnout, Manifesting in Bali, & One Founder's Journey w/ Aishwarya Balaji

In Episode 41, Julie chats w/ Aishwarya Balaji, founder and CEO of A Fresh Sip Aishwarya is a serial entrepreneur who is experienced and passionate about building businesses in alignment with personal values and goals She is the CEO and co-founder of A Fresh Sip, which is an alcohol-free beverage platforms that allows people to easily discover and access non-alcoholic spirits, wines, and beverages They discuss: Aishwarya's background & how she started in management consulting before launchin...

Apr 11, 202350 minSeason 1Ep. 41

Ep 40 - Infidelity, Divorce, & the Road to Authentic Living w/ Shilpa Cacho

In Episode 40, Julie speaks with Shilpa Cacho. In this episode, we get raw and real on the topic of infidelity, divorce, eloping, and ultimately finding freedom and authentic living. We know these are highly stigmatized topics in the South Asian community. Thank you, Shilpa for sharing your story so candidly. Shilpa shares with us: her experiences going through divorce from her first husband the infidelity that occurred on her marriage underlying mental and emotional issues that she was going th...

Mar 28, 202349 minSeason 1Ep. 40

Ep 39 - How 20 Years of an Undiagnosed Mental Illness Almost Ended Our Marriage w/ Shelly Sood and Nikhil Torsekar

In Episode 39, Julie speaks with married couple, Shelly Sood and Nikhil Torsekar. Shelly Sood is an author, speaker, mother of 3, wife, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Untether Your Life. Her husband of 20 years, Nikhil, had suffered from undiagnosed bipolar disorder for two decades, leading to massive devastation emotionally, mentally, and financially. After becoming suicidal, and ultimately getting diagnosed at the age of 40, Nikhil Torsekar began a journey of introspection and healing, and is...

Mar 14, 202348 minSeason 1Ep. 39

Ep 38 - Entrepreneurship, YouTube, Imposter Syndrome, & Making Other Bold Moves w/ Tina Singh, Founder of Bold Helmets

In Episode 38, we are delving into the journey of more trailblazing South Asians. Julie speaks with Tina Singh. Tina is an occupational therapist, digital content creator, mom of 3, and most recently, an entrepreneur. Tina's latest adventure is being the founder of Bold Helmets , a business that makes helmets for Sikh kids in mind to accommodate their hair. Tina comes from a Sikh background and her family follows Sikh practices, including her children wearing cloth coverings on their heads. Tina...

Feb 28, 202337 minSeason 1Ep. 38

Ep 37 - Love in the Cyber Age: A Valentine's Edition; Paid Dating Apps, Getting Stood Up, & Offer Up DMs

In Episode 37, Julie shares her tangent thoughts on paid dating apps. Then she shares a few memorable online dating stories, including the time she got stood up, got called a psycho, and had an interesting DM on Offer Up. Reference Episode 14 - Our Online Dating Scam Stories Connect with The Brown Girl Podcast on Instagram Connect with Julie on Instagram and Youtube Sign up for our b-weekly Newsletter #southasianpodcasts #desipodcasts #datingpodcasts...

Feb 14, 202326 minSeason 1Ep. 37

Ep 36 - Boarding School, Satire Comedy, Dating Diaries, & Deal Breakers w/ Matt George aka @mallutrump

In this episode, Julie speaks with Matt George. Matt is the comedic genius behind the political satire comedy account @mallutrump! Matt shares his unique upbringing and then answers a Q&A from @mallutrump fans including: What led him to start the parody account The opportunities and connections that have come from the platform How he's dealt with negativity & hateful messages from the internet What he'd like to do differently w/ @mallutrump going forward How political party affiliates in...

Jan 31, 202348 minSeason 1Ep. 36

Ep 35 - The Desi Guide to Getting Fit & Healthy w/ Dee Gautham

In episode 35, Julie speaks with Dee Gautham. Dee is the founder and CEO of The Boss Body Revolution, a health coaching company with a mission to help women transform their confidence through fitness and health. Julie and Dee discuss Dee's background and how she got into health coaching, why South Asians have a harder time adhering to fitness and nutrition, myths that exist around diet culture, and tips and advice for you to get your health and nutrition in order in 2023! THANK YOU to our sponso...

Jan 17, 202345 minSeason 1Ep. 35

Ep 34 - Reflections of 32, Change is OK, Skincare Routines, & New Year Intentions | A Solo Episode

Julie records a solo episode reflecting on turning 32. She talks through some changes she's made in 2022, a few of her personal goals/intentions for 2023 , and also answers some of the questions submitted via IG question box. Questions include skincare routines, tips for maintaining weight loss goals into the new year, and what has surprised her the most about being a podcaster. Subscribe to our NEWSLETTER HERE https://fabulous-trader-7894.ck.page/1286517d5c Get your 2023 Vision Board Template H...

Jan 03, 202341 minSeason 1Ep. 34

Ep 33 - Growing up Two Browns, Building a Fashion Brand, & Creating Diverse & Inclusive Spaces w/ Renee Kar Johnson

In episode 33, Julie talks with Renee Kar Johnson! Renee works full time in Product Management, is currently doing her MBA at the University of Chicago, AND is the founder and CEO of RKJ Designs, which is an Indo western fashion line that focuses on clothing that can be worn anytime but with a desi twist. In this episode, Julie and Renee talk about : Renee's background and upbringing as half Malayalee half Bengali How her interest in fashion and design began What it was like showcasing her colle...

Dec 20, 202250 minSeason 1Ep. 33

Ep 32 - Marrying a Man 16 Years Younger w/ Khel Baldeo

In Episode 32, Julie has guest Khel Baldeo on the show. Julie discovered Khel through a TikTok video that Khel's friend made about Khel. Khel is a 46 year old Desi woman who is engaged to her Caucasian fiancé, Mike, who is 30! In this episode, Julie and Khel discuss Khel's 16 year age relationship, including the following: How Khel and Mike met. How their families reacted How their social circles are impacted by their age gap Fears Khel has surrounding their age gap and long term future Khel's r...

Dec 06, 202250 minSeason 1Ep. 32

Ep 31 - Diary of a Transgender South Asian Man

In Episode 31, Julie speaks with a South Asian transgender man. In this episode, Julie and the guest talk about: His upbringing and how he first discovered he didn’t identify with the female sex assigned at birth Navigating telling his family and social circles Lifestyle changes he's made to support his transition (dietary, clothing, home décor, etc) Medical surgeries he will be undergoing Dating /relationships and future fertility options Dos/Don’t's of interacting with trans people and ways we...

Nov 22, 202244 minSeason 1Ep. 31

Ep 30 - The First Date Guide w/ Ann Koppuzha

In episode 30, Julie and guest Ann Koppuzha talk about tips and advice for the first date. By day, Ann is a trained attorney and runs a business helping writers and female entrepreneurs establish their digital and business strategy. In her free time, she also runs the IG blog @ModernDesiLove , which is a resource to help South Asians create happier and healthier relationships. After going through her divorce, Ann jumped back into the dating scene (which had primarily turned online at that point)...

Nov 08, 202239 minSeason 1Ep. 30

Ep 29 - Divorce, Finding my Therapist, & Working on the Best Version of Myself w/ Benny Mathew

In Episode 29, Julie speaks with Benny Mathew. Benny lives in Chicago, IL and is the founder of Orion 3 , a company he started in April 2021. Prior to that, Benny worked in corporate leading various Sales/Business Development teams. Throughout Benny's lived experiences that we will hear about on today's episode, he's become passionate about minimizing the stigma around mental and emotional health, particularly in the South Asian community. In this episode, Benny shares his journey through divorc...

Oct 25, 202246 minSeason 1Ep. 29

Ep 28 - Dating Energetics & Why You're Attracting Emotionally Unavailable Men w/ Self Worth & Dating Coach Sy Neary

In Ep 28, Julie speaks with Self Worth & Dating Coach Sy Neary. They discuss: The Energetics of Dating --> What is Masculine Energy vs Feminine energy and the role it plays in relationships (and life) Why the traits that make you successful in your careers may not be helping your dating life Why you keep attracting unavailable men Red flags + green flags of dating Moving from the "talking" phase" to the dating phase How to avoid getting attached too quickly Human Design readings - what ar...

Oct 11, 202245 minSeason 1Ep. 28
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