In this episode, we are joined by Mishika Narula and Srisruthi Ramesh, founders of Brown Girl Bookshelf, during their recent trip to London. We talk about how what started as a passion project has since grown into a global community of over 40,000 readers, all united by a love of literature and a curiosity to discover a diverse range of stories.

Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(02:35) How Brown Girl Bookshelf began(07:35) Navigating co-founder dynamics(14:52) A foolproof system (20:20) How guest reviewers are selected(29:25) Beyond South Asian stereotypes in literature(32:20) How books are selected for reviews on BGB(34:30) On the risk of burnout(42:20) Handling co-founder disagreements(45:00) Being the go-to platform for South Asian readers and authors(51:30) How to get back into reading after a hiatus(01:00:18) What Sri and Mishika are currently reading(01:03:04) What do Mishika and Sri have strong game in?Find Brown Girl Bookshelf (BGB) on: Website: https://browngirlbookshelf.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/browngirlbookshelf/

Today we sit with Anshu Ahuja, the founder of DabbaDrop, to explore how she took inspiration from the traditional Dabbawala system to cater to a modern, busy but conscious audience. We talk about how over the past 7 years she has spent building a 7-figure values-led meal delivery business rooted in culture, community, and sustainability.

(0:00) Introduction(5:00) Anshu’s childhood and upbringing(13:30) The ethos of DabbaDrop(20:25) Transitioning from TV to entrepreneurship (23:00) I didn’t have a grand plan(31:35) How DabbaDrop works(34:50) The research behind the regions(41:25) How zero-waste is achieved(43:32) Aspirations for expansion(52:17) What Anshu is currently excited about(53:35) A key learning from 7 years in business(55:55) What does Anshu have strong game in?

Find DabbaDrop on:

Website: https://dabbadrop.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dabbadrop/

In this conversation, we welcome Niki Mahon, founder of jewellery brand NIKITA. Fourteen weeks into her pregnancy, she offers some of her most candid reflections on a decade of entrepreneurship.Niki reveals the evolution from spreading herself thin across every aspect of her business to embracing the ‘inch wide, mile deep’ philosophy - focusing on what truly drives returns in a product-led enterprise, giving us some real life examples from her business.In conjunction, we explore her inner transformation through her early thirties: her fertility journey, the reality of pregnancy, her nesting journey and how her ambition has not dampened but grown through embracing her femininity.

(00:00) Introduction(03:45) The beginning of the pregnancy(05:32) Telling your employees you are pregnant(06:45) Striking a balance between professional and friendship(09:36) Niki’s shifting relationship with social media(14:18) ‘Inch-wide, mile-deep’ ethos in business(19:30) Nikita’s strategy on running ads(25:54) The mindset shift over the years as a founder(29:05) Living a softer life whilst having the highest turnover (33:57) Niki’s fertility journey(45:00) Preparing the business for maternity leave(50:32) Embracing her inner femininity (56:49) What does Niki have strong game in?

Find Niki and NIKITA on:

NIKITA Website: https://nikitabyniki.com/

NIKITA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikitabyniki/

Niki's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikimahon

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Creative director and choreographer Bhavini Jagpal, founder of Bespoke the Company believes that movement should be for anyone and everyone. We deep dive into her early days as the eldest of three sisters, her experience training and performing with dance companies in London since the age of 16, and the gaps she noticed in the industry that she has made it her mission to fill through her company, Bespoke. We talk about the pressures around looking and dressing a certain way when you are performing, but also when training. We also discuss the nature of collaborative working in a dance team as well as creating a family atmosphere where people feel safe for their voice and opinion to be heard, where everyone is treated equally.Something that comes up near the end is this concept of a dance 'avatar' which really hit home. This idea that you can temporarily separate from yourself when you're performing, and that is actually a healthy thing.(00:00) Introduction to Bhavini Jagpal, founder of Bespoke(02:35) Adapting Bespoke to the digital age(04:30) The values and ethos behind the company(06:30) Going from being loud to more introverted(09:20) Exploring team dynamics(13:40) The pressure of being the founder(14:30) Making the headspace to create(18:30) Dance styles covered across the team(23:25) Movies were the heart and soul of my inspiration(26:00) Bhavini’s dance training journey(28:06) You shouldn’t have to look or dress a certain way to be a dancer or take class(43:15) Maintaining focus and clarity on what Bespoke stands for(49:00) Non-desi choreographers that inspire Bhavini(50:37) The dance avatar(54:02) Bespoke’s Europe Tour(58:50) The process of hiring new dancers(01:00:40) On taking Bespoke full time(01:06:10) What does Bhavini have strong game in?Find Bhavini and Bespoke on: Bespoke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bespokethecompany/Bhavini's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhavini_jagpal/To be the first to get updates on new episodes, please do give us a subscribe or follow!

In this episode, we sit with Vinay Jobanputra, the founder of Bollyqueer, London’s first fully gender non-conforming Bollywood dance company. They discuss the origins of Bollyqueer, the intention behind creating inclusive dance spaces, and the balance between loving Bollywood films and holding the industry accountable. Vinay reflects on his early experiences with dance, navigating gender norms, and the small, thoughtful decisions that shape every Bollyqueer dance class. This conversation explores what it means to build community, make room for self-expression, and create spaces where everyone feels welcome to move, express and be, exactly in the way they want to.(00:00) Introduction(00:55) What is Bollyqueer?(02:57) How to be more inclusive as an attendee of dance classes?(04:55) Should inclusivity of all genders be the norm across all dance classes?(07:10) Dismantling gender norms in Bollywood(09:15) I do love Bollywood but you have to hold it to account(11:59) The evolution of the students of Bollyqueer(15:30) Vinay’s childhood experiences as a dancer(19:10) Finally feeling empowered with dance in lockdown(21:55) Dismantling the gender binary in Bollywood companies(22:45) The realisation that 'Maybe I should teach?'(24:12) How to not stereotype based on gender in dance class(28:58) Taking Bollyqueer international(31:08) In India there was a lack of queer sober spaces(38:05) Queer joy, community and letting mistakes happen(40:45) Is Bollyqueer performing on stage going to affect self expression?Find Vinay and Bollyqueer on: Bollyqueer's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bollyqueer/Vinay's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinayjobanputraa/Follow BGS on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/browngamestrong/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@browngamestrong/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1KRk9vQUP0Rqh9GDMkr4RHApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/brown-game-strong/id1482564133To be the first to get updates on new episodes, please do give us a subscribe or follow!

In the third episode of our Mumbai series, we sit down with actress Vedika Pinto, widely recognised as “that girl from that music video”, the iconic Liggi by Ritviz. You might remember her gallivanting through a haveli in a bridal lehenga, the morning after her wedding, while her new husband lay asleep. In just a few minutes of screen time, her effortless charisma and presence made many, myself included, instant fans, eager to see more of her on screen.Fast forward seven years, Vedika has just starred in Anurag Kashyap’s latest film 'Nishaanchi', where she plays the sassy and charismatic Rinku. When we recorded this conversation earlier in the year, she couldn’t reveal much about the project, but the film is now out in the world for you to watch.As a self-proclaimed daydreamer, Vedika may come across as easygoing, but beneath that calm exterior lies a clear sense of how she wants her audience to feel when they watch her perform on the big screen.This heartwarming conversation about girlhood, self-discovery, grounding and ambition is one for anyone navigating their twenties and beyond. Recorded just as both of us returned from big trips that shifted our perspectives, it’s a gentle reminder that dreaming, reflecting, and daring to do the thing all matter just as much as the final product.

(0:00) Introduction

(4:05) Solo travels 

(11:46) Lead up to Nishaanchi promotions

(16:30) Movies force me to feel

(20:35) Behind the scenes of filming Liggi 

(30:42) Getting recognised after Liggi

(33:46) The ‘process’ question actors get asked

(37:45) The struggle with social media

(39:00) The making of Nishaanchi

(40:15) What does Vedika have strong game in?

Vedika's necklace and Mitali's earrings are by Arvino.

Find them on:

Website: https://arvino.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arvino_co/

Find Vedika on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vedikapinto/

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In the second episode from our Mumbai series, we sit down with Namrata Soni, one of India’s most celebrated makeup artists and the creative force behind some of Hindi cinema’s most iconic looks, from Main Hoon Na to Aisha and beyond.In this conversation, Namrata opens up about her two-decade journey in beauty and film, and what it took to fight for her place in Bollywood at a time when women weren’t allowed to work as makeup artists. She shares stories from her collaborations with Sonam Kapoor, Farah Khan, and many others, reflecting on the moments and choices that have shaped her remarkable career.Namrata is also the founder of Simply Nam: a homegrown, conscious beauty brand born during the COVID lockdown, designed to celebrate and serve the unique beauty needs of the Indian woman.(0:00) Introduction(1:43) Nam’s skincare routine(3:20) A daily essential beyond SPF(4:14) I was a complete tomboy(6:25) I wanted to study economics growing up(7:36) Studying makeup in London(8:27) The Hindi film industry was completely male dominated(13:45) I was manhandled and dragged out of movie sets(16:40) Do upcoming HMUAs know about the sexism in the industry?(17:35) Life working on Bollywood movie sets(23:32) Main Hoon Na, Aisha and others(26:00) The crossroads(27:45) Career regrets(29:15) Keeping up with the new age(31:45) The hunger to rise to the top instantly(33:15) Holding a conversation in the makeup chair(38:30) Pros and cons to today’s make up industry(42:30) Launching Simply Nam(49:05) A recommended multi-purpose product from Simply Nam(51:10) India’s obsession with fairness(54:00) Homegrown brands and manufacturing(57:30) What does Namrata have strong game in?A special thank you to team DSPR for making this happen.Find Namrata & Simply Nam on: Website: https://www.simplynam.com/Namrata's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/namratasoni/To be the first to get updates on new episodes, please do give us a subscribe or follow!

In this episode, we sit down with Sana Javeri Kadri, founder and CEO of Diaspora Co., the single-origin spice company reimagining what an equitable, decolonised spice trade can look like. Growing up in 90s Bombay in a mixed-heritage, progressive family, Sana witnessed firsthand the power of food and culture in shaping identity. After moving to the U.S., she uncovered the lack of transparency in the global spice trade and set out to change it; placing freshness, farmer equity, sustainability, and justice at the core of her mission.We explore Sana’s story from Mumbai to California, her queer, progressive approach to leadership, the challenges and triumphs of building Diaspora Co., and why spices aren’t just a garnish for special dishes, but the everyday backbone of our lives.(00:00) - Introducing Sana Javeri Kadri(00:55) - Sana’s childhood and blended family roots(02:16) - Growing up mixed religion in 90s Bombay(06:16) - Bullying, queerness, privilege and ambition(10:15) - Diasporic nostalgia vs. modern India(12:18) - Sana's culture shock moving to the US(15:01) - Visual art, food politics and storytelling(18:40) - Realising the broken spice trade(20:08) - Why the origins of your spices matter(24:05) - Cancellation fears, female founders & transparency(26:05) - Co-opted language in the food industry(27:29) - Scaling Diaspora Co & measuring true impact(30:23) - Workers’ equity & long-term growth goals(33:23) - Educating consumers without preaching(34:39) - Making spices more accessible(36:15) - Intentional vs. easy consumption & capitalism fatigue(37:16) - Balancing founder life, step-parenting & partnership(43:03) - Why Diaspora Co is inherently queer(46:01) - Storytelling and branding(47:02) - Climate change and regenerative farming (52:18) - Tariffs and challenges of scaling globally(53:33) - Diaspora Co expanding into Ocado & Whole Foods(55:14) - The Diaspora Co cookbook(56:31) - Branding, packaging and in-house design process(58:23) - What does Sana have strong game in?

Find Diaspora Co on: https://www.diasporaco.com/

Mitali is wearing the Käma choker & Mango Slices by Surmeyi: https://surmeyi.com/

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In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Rathika Marsh, aka The Spiritual Psychologist, whose work bridges psychology, spirituality, and embodied healing. With over 17 years of experience, she left behind a traditional psychology career to create her own transformational framework, helping people step into radical responsibility, faith, and freedom.We dive into her spiritual awakening journey, what it means to take ownership of your life, and the healing power of rituals and identity. From her experiences of growing up Tamil and embracing Carnatic vocals, to the moment she walked away from clinical psychology, Rathika shares her wisdom on how healing differs from therapy, why synchronicity matters, and the importance of not carrying what no longer serves us.This conversation touches on radical truth-telling, faith, cultural identity, women’s cycles, and the courage to trust yourself, even when it means crumbling everything you thought you knew.(00:00) Introduction(02:45) Rathika's spiritual awakening journey(12:12) - Taking radical responsibility of one’s own life(14:09) - On Tamil identity and rituals(17:45) - I’ve taken up carnatic vocals(19:19) - On quitting traditional psychology to start the Spiritual Psychologist(22:00) - What is healing and how is it different to therapy?(28:15) - Having unwavering faith in something(30:30) - We carry so much around without putting it down(40:32) - Dr. Rathika’s offerings and upcoming retreat(51:58) - What does Dr. Rathika have strong game in?Find Dr. Rathika's work on: https://thespiritualpsychologist.co.uk/

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How do you make sense of the complexities of your mind to build a life where you thrive and prioritise yourself?

In this week’s episode, we sit with Soni, a third culture kid who grew up in Gran Canaria, moved to the UK for university and work, and at 31 made the decision to move to Australia by herself. She joins us to unpack the unspoken hierarchy of ‘adulting’ - study, work, marriage, kids, and what it means to rewrite the bullsh** rules she had placed on herself as well as the importance of taking care of your mind.

We begin with discussing growing up South Asian in Spain, and the cultural and social conditioning that shaped how Soni measured success. From there, we trace her feelings around being the only unmarried one in her group of friends who are all now having kids, unpacking her discomfort with her life through therapy, and her eventual decision to move across the world solo, the discomfort of starting over, and how she’s learning to trust her own pace.

In the second half, we talk about shedding societal timelines, the grief and beauty of life transitions, and what it means to own your story, even when it’s messy or uncertain. Through it all, Soni reminds us that there’s power in doing life differently, especially when it’s scary.

(0:00) Introduction(03:19) 'I’ve always been a creative at heart'(04:19) Themes in Soni’s book ‘Your Mind Matters’(04:59) Was the corporate job stifling her creative potential?(05:41) On starting her own dance academy in Gran Canaria(09:15) The Sindhi community don’t often open up about their challenges(09:30) The mental turning point(12:20) Soni’s therapy journey(23:30) Unpacking her bullsh** rules(26:50) The ‘hierarchy of successful adulting’(39:25) The move to Sydney(50:43) Takeaways from her book ‘Your Mind Matters’(54:42) What does Soni have strong game in?

Check out Soni’s new book ‘Your Mind Matters’ where she talks about it all and more - https://a.co/d/asUv0JV

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