G+T Conversations

By Gwenda + Tatjana

Welcome to G+T Conversations, the ultimate global lifestyle podcast!

Tune in every Friday, as Gwenda + Tatjana (both in their thirties, both Germans and living in Mumbai) discuss everything from urban... more

· Leisure

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FAQs about G+T Conversations:

How many episodes does G+T Conversations have?

The podcast currently has 32 episodes available.

G+T Conversations episodes:

December 27, 20243.10 - Atomic Habits: How Small Changes Create Big Impact in Your Life
In today's episode, Tatjana interviews Gwenda about her favorite book ATOMIC HABITS and they talk about how small changes create a big impact in your life.
Follow G+T Conversations on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join the conversation.
G+T Catch-up:
It's the season finale :) We loved having more guests on the show and will continue having guests in season 4 (send us your recommendations)
Some of our favorite episodes: Menopause with Rachel Kurian and 72 hours in Mumbai.

Gwenda and Tatjana had a very productive annual goal sessions. You can listen to our goalsetting episode from season 1.
Some of the things we mentioned in this episode:
Gwenda's favorite book of all times: ATOMIC HABITS

Gwenda's elevator pitch for Atomic Habits: it's the one book that will change your life! It's science-backed with lots of practical examples. You can implement the concepts right away while reading the book.

We all have habits whether we consciously implement them or just follow a certain way of doing things.
Habits create discipline and discipline = freedom.

Habit Stacking: add a new habit on top of an existing habit to increase the chances of sticking to it (example: After journaling in the morning, I read 10 pages.)

Accountability partners help you stick to your habits (example: join a book club if you want to read more)

Tiny habits and small changes can create a big impact in your life.

Small habits compound over time, creating a powerful cumulative effect. 1% improvements daily can lead to significant progress, while 1% declines can have the opposite effect.

While setting your big annual goals, think of 2-3 small daily habits that you can implement to achieve those goals (example:

Ali Abdaal: How to Be Effortlessly Disciplined: 5 Mindset Shifts

Don't try to implement too many new habits at the time. Focus on 2-3 new habits at a time, and after a few months, those habits become second nature (like brushing our teeth in the morning) and you can start working on a new set of tiny habits.

The Habit Loop: 1. Cue (a trigger that initiates a behavior), 2. Craving (the motivation behind the habit), 3. Response (the habit or action itself), 4. Reward (the benefit that reinforces the habit).

The 4 Laws of Behavior Change: 1. Make it obvious - use cues to remind you of the habit (example: leaving your gym clothes out), 2. Make it attractive - link habits to rewards or things you enjoy (example: pairing workouts with listening to a favorite podcast), 3. Make it easy - reduce friction and lower barriers to entry (example: starting with just two minutes of exercise), 4. Make it satisfying - provide immediate gratification or a sense of accomplishment (example: buy yourself flowers on the way back from the gym).

Never miss two days in a row.

Don't have a zero day: do the bare minimum (example: you might have missed the gym, but instead of doing nothing -aka having a zero day- you do 10 push-ups at home).

1% better every day

Progression > Perfection

Measure your progress (example: habit tracker, fitness tracker, reading list, etc)

Atomic habits are an investment into the future to become the best version of yourself

Replace bad habits by replacing them with good habits (example: instead of scrolling on your phone at night, read 10 pages of your current book)
Follow G+T Conversations on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can also connect with us on our personal accounts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@gwendaschobert⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@craving_expat_life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Tune in every Friday for a new episode.
* G+T Conversations is created using Spotify for
Podcasters. The music is Motivating Indie Rock (30s) by UNIVERSFIELD (https://freesound.org/s/755863/, License: Attribution 4.0) and Fifties Stomp Clap Loop 115BPM.wav by waggstar (https://freesound.org/s/698782/, License:
Creative Commons 0).
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31min
December 24, 20243.9 - Queer in India: Exploring LGBTQ+ Life with Suraj Namboodiri
In today's episode, our hosts Gwenda and Tatjana talk about being Queer in India with our podcast guest Suraj Namboodiri.
Follow G+T Conversations on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join the conversation.
G+T Catch-up:
Gwenda and Tatjana are in the Christmas spirit with festive events such as a cake mixing ceremony in Bandra, the Christmas Tree Lighting at Tatjana's husband's hotel.

Gwenda attended the Indian Sports Management Conference.

Tatjana and her husband enjoyed a few child-free days because their daughter went on a overnight trip with school.

Gwenda and Tatjana caught up in person with our podcast guest Suraj over coffee before recording today's episode.

How can you be a good ally? Research and Empathy.
Some of the things we mentioned in this episode:
Our podcast guest is Suraj Namboodiri who is a fitness coach, an actor, and content creator. He is a queer person living in Mumbai and you can follow him on Instagram at @thefitgayunicorn

Representation matters: seeing positive queer characters in Bollywood movies and overall media is important for young people to grow up knowing that being queer is totally fine.

Lack of Support System: Coming out is linked to fear of being outcast by family, friends, and overall society.

Section 377 was removed in 2018 and de-criminalized same-sex relations.

Post 2018, companies and organizations have started to implement anti-homophobic policies to protect queer people.

We continue to fight for equal rights like same-sex marriage, etc.
Some Queer Instagram accounts to follow:
Naz Foundation: https://www.instagram.com/naz_foundation/

Yes, We Exist: https://www.instagram.com/yesweexistindia/

Sushant Divgikr: https://www.instagram.com/sushantdivgikr/

Suraj Namboodiri: https://www.instagram.com/thefitgayunicorn/

Honey Imm Home: https://www.instagram.com/honey.imm.home/

Trinetra: https://www.instagram.com/trinetra/

Follow G+T Conversations on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can also connect with us on our personal accounts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@gwendaschobert⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@craving_expat_life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Tune in every Friday for a new episode.
* G+T Conversations is created using Spotify for
Podcasters. The music is Motivating Indie Rock (30s) by UNIVERSFIELD (https://freesound.org/s/755863/, License: Attribution 4.0) and Fifties Stomp Clap Loop 115BPM.wav by waggstar (https://freesound.org/s/698782/, License:
Creative Commons 0).
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36min
December 13, 20243.8 - Mindful Moments: Daily Mental Health Tips for a Happier You
Welcome back to season three of G+T Conversations! We
are your hosts, Gwenda + Tatjana, and in this episode, we talk about mental health.
Follow G+T Conversations on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join the conversation.

G+T Catch-up:
Gwenda went on her first vacation with her boyfriend. She stayed at Ronil Goa and absolutely loved the hotel.

Gwenda introduced her boyfriend (famously known as Mr. G) to Tatjana.

Tatjana was impressed by her daughter being outgoing when meeting new people.
Some of the things we mentioned in this episode:
Definition: Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Good mental health doesn’t mean being happy all the time—it’s about finding balance, coping with challenges, and staying connected with what matters.
Follow G+T Conversations on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can also connect with us on our personal accounts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@gwendaschobert⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@craving_expat_life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Disclaimer: We are no medical professionals and the things we talk about in this episode are purely based on our own experience. We highly encourage you to seek professional support to ensure your mental well-being.

Tune in every Friday for a new episode.
* G+T Conversations is created using Spotify for
Podcasters. The music is Motivating Indie Rock (30s) by UNIVERSFIELD (https://freesound.org/s/755863/, License: Attribution 4.0) and Fifties Stomp Clap Loop 115BPM.wav by waggstar (https://freesound.org/s/698782/, License:
Creative Commons 0).
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46min
November 22, 20243.7 - Beyond the Books: The Scoop on Book Clubs + Why You Need One
Welcome back to season three of G+T Conversations! We
are your hosts, Gwenda + Tatjana, and in this episode, Gwenda interviews Tatjana about her Susegad Book Club and the ins and outs of book clubs in general.

Follow G+T Conversations on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join the conversation.

G+T Catch-up:
Tatjana attended a book signing of William Dalrymple (“In Xanadu”) and a book club with Jerry Pinto (“Em and the Big Hoom”).

Gwenda’s boyfriend surprised her by coming to Mumbai a few days before they left for their first vacation together.

Some of the things we mentioned in this episode:
Tatjana’s Susegad Book Club @susegadbookclub and their 100th book, “Stoner” by John Williams

The book publishers market is estimated to top nearly USD 96.1 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 141.7 Billion by 2033.

We are discussing if people still read at all, why they should join a book club and what it is like to run an (online) book club. Tatjana also shares some tips for everyone wanting to start their own book club.

Follow G+T Conversations on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can also connect with us on our personal accounts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@gwendaschobert⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@craving_expat_life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Tune in every Friday for a new episode.

* G+T Conversations is created using Spotify for
Podcasters. The music is Motivating Indie Rock (30s) by UNIVERSFIELD (https://freesound.org/s/755863/, License: Attribution 4.0) and Fifties Stomp Clap Loop 115BPM.wav by waggstar (https://freesound.org/s/698782/, License:
Creative Commons 0).
...more
30min
November 15, 20243.6 - Kids Rule the Mic: A Special Children's Day Episode with our Favorite Kid
Welcome back to season three of G+T Conversations! We are your hosts, Gwenda + Tatjana, and in this episode, we have a very special guest on the show for our Children's Day edition. Follow G+T Conversations on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join the conversation.

G+T Catch-up:
Gwenda got interviewed by the Indian Super League (ISL) about her journey to become a Mumbai City FC fan.

Tatjana visited Goa for a meet-up with her book club to celebrate their 100th book.

Some of the things we mentioned in this episode:
UN Children's Day is on 20 November. However, different countries have additional children's days on different dates. For example: India celebrates Children's Day on 14 November which is the Birth Anniversary of Former Prime Minister Jawharlal Nehru. And in Germany, there are actually two dates: The former East celebrated on 01 June and the former West on 20 September.

As per the 2024 World Population Review, there are currently an estimated 2 billion children in the world ages 0 to 14 years old. India is home to almost 20% of the world's children.

Poverty is the main cause of children's rights violations around the world. As per UNICEF, roughly 1 billion children worldwide experience multidimensional poverty – meaning they lack necessities like food, water, shelter, education and health care. Some 333 million children live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $2.15 each day.

Follow G+T Conversations on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can also connect with us on our personal accounts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@gwendaschobert⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@craving_expat_life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
Tune in every Friday for a new episode.

* G+T Conversations is created using Spotify for Podcasters. The music is Motivating Indie Rock (30s) by UNIVERSFIELD (https://freesound.org/s/755863/, License: Attribution 4.0) and Fifties Stomp Clap Loop 115BPM.wav by waggstar (https://freesound.org/s/698782/, License: Creative Commons 0).
...more
32min
November 12, 20243.5 - Thriving as an Expat: Real Stories and Tips for Life Abroad
Welcome back to season three of G+T Conversations! We are your hosts, Gwenda + Tatjana, and in this episode, we speak about all things Expat Life. Follow G+T Conversations on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join the conversation.

G+T Catch-up:
Tatjana and her family re-visited Dubai (the city she met her husband, and one of her expat locations).

Gwenda celebrated her company's 4th birthday on the day of recording (06 Nov).
Some of the things we mentioned in this episode:
Expats vs Migrants: Expats move to a different country other than their home country for a short and specific time for a job, education, etc. with the plan to return to their home country after the time period (usually 2-3 years). Migrants move to a different country on a permanent basis and make the new country their "home country".

Globally, there are approximately 870 million expats

Tatjana's Expat stints: Netherlands, Switzerland, UK, Dubai, India

Gwenda's Expat stints: Venezuela, Singapore, India

Don't compare cultures - every culture is different, none is better or worse.

Different communication styles in different cultures - learn to understand each other.

Downsides of Expat Life: you are far away from friends and family (especially during holidays and birthdays); homesickness and cultural shock.

Expat Life is not for everyone - and that's okay!

Technology makes it so much easier to stay in touch with friends and family.

ATTITUDE is everything! Be open minded, stay positive, and look at the good side of things!

Create your own little safe spaces whether that's your home, a favorite cafe, a neighborhood park, etc.

Stay authentic to who you are and don't lose yourself in the new country/culture.

Continuing your hobbies or starting new hobbies is a great way to meet new people and make local friends.

Join expat communities such as ACIW, Mumbai Connexions, Aadhaar, Bombay Expats, and country specific groups by the Consulates.

Consider talking your expat transition through with a life coach or therapist to help you during this phase of your life.

Follow G+T Conversations on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can also connect with us on our personal accounts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@gwendaschobert⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@craving_expat_life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
Tune in every Friday for a new episode.

* G+T Conversations is created using Spotify for Podcasters. The music is Motivating Indie Rock (30s) by UNIVERSFIELD (https://freesound.org/s/755863/, License: Attribution 4.0) and Fifties Stomp Clap Loop 115BPM.wav by waggstar (https://freesound.org/s/698782/, License: Creative Commons 0).
...more
48min
November 01, 20243.4 - The Power of Female Friendships
Welcome back to season three of G+T Conversations! We are your hosts, Gwenda + Tatjana, and in this episode, we speak about Female Friendship and why friendships are so important. Follow G+T Conversations on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join the conversation.

G+T Catch-up:
Gwenda's football team Young Guns FC hosted a Meet&Greet with Aman Dosanj (Former England Goalkeeper, Former Arsenal Goalkeeper, and Former Southampton Goalkeeper, First British South Asian representing England).

Tatjana participated in a charity walk to support the work for people with leprosy done by Rising Stars Outreach.
Some of the things we mentioned in this episode:
According to research it takes 40-60 hours of time spent together to consider someone an acquaintance, 80-100 hours to consider someone a friend, and up to 200 hours to consider someone a close friend.

How did Tatjana and Gwenda became friends? We had a common friend who "forced" us to meet up for coffee because she thought we would hit it off...

After 3 years of friendship, Tatjana moved to Goa and we were doing a long-distance friendship for a few years.

Friendships take effort!

Not every friendship is meant for forever (Eg: School and college friendships might stay alive based on shared memories, but may not give you the same energy when it comes to your present or even future. And that's okay!)

Every friendship is different and you need to figure out what works for you and your friend.

Research shows that women with strong social connections were 50% more likely to live longer than those with weak social ties. (Harvard Women’s Health Watch, 2010)

Female friendships in media are often portrayed in a b*tchy and negative way which is not true.

Men and women react very different to stress: men are usually reacting with fight or flight, while women react with tend or befriend. This is also seen in the way we communicate in friendships when we face stress.

Talking about your problems reduces your risk of developing depressive symptoms by 40%.

How to make friends as an adult? Find people with a common interests (eg. books, football, etc) by attending events, join groups, etc.

Meet new people for experiences that create connections and shared memories.

Finding friends as an adult is a bit like dating: you really have to put yourself out there and make an effort to meet new people.

Growing friendships take time and don't be scared to open up and share your thoughts, fears and dreams. Be vulnerable because that's the only way to create truly meaningful and deep friendships.

Bonus Tip: Tatjana and Gwenda plan monthly friendship dates. Each one plans a surprise activity to do together on alternative months.

Follow G+T Conversations on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can also connect with us on our personal accounts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@gwendaschobert⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@craving_expat_life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
Tune in every Friday for a new episode.

* G+T Conversations is created using Spotify for Podcasters. The music is Motivating Indie Rock (30s) by UNIVERSFIELD (https://freesound.org/s/755863/, License: Attribution 4.0) and Fifties Stomp Clap Loop 115BPM.wav by waggstar (https://freesound.org/s/698782/, License: Creative Commons 0).
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38min
October 18, 20243.3 - Hot Flashes + Hot Facts: What Menopause is Really Like
Welcome back to season three of G+T Conversations! We are your hosts, Gwenda + Tatjana, and in this episode, we invited a guest, Rachel Kurien, to speak about hot flashes and hot facts on World Menopause Awareness Day.
Follow G+T Conversations on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join the conversation.

G+T Catch-up:
Tatjana is planning another family trip (to Dubai).

Gwenda provided first aid to a female who was hit by a car. The woman is safe now, and Gwenda decided to renew her knowledge and undergo a first aid training.
Some of the things we mentioned in this episode:
18 October 2024 is World Menopause Awareness Day.

Globally, an estimated 1.2 billion women are currently going through menopause, with about 47 million new women reaching menopause each year. (Global Impact of Menopause Report, 2015)

About 93% of Indian women in rural and urban areas report having insufficient knowledge about menopause and its effects. (Indian Menopause Society 2010)

Early symptoms Rachel experienced: irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood low, GSM, and sleep.

Menopause is the one day when you haven't had a period for an entire year. Everything before is pre and everything after is post.

Biggest challenges for Rachel: sleep, hot flashes, mood dip.

Myth 1 to debunk: It's not all negative. Menopause is a time in a woman's life for change and improvement (think: caterpillar to butterfly).

Myth 2 to debunk: We lost our youth. We come into our power. Women going through menopause have so much knowledge and life wisdom.

Societal Change we need: creating awareness, evidence-based and fact-based knowledge sharing, break taboo and shame surrounded menopause, and normalize it!

Rachel's advice for us: manage your symptoms with the 5 pillars of menopause (nutrition, movement, relaxation, sleep, purpose).

Rachel's Event: The Hot Flash Bash (A symposium for women at any stage of the menopause journey) on 09 November 2024 in Mumbai.
Some books and podcasts Rachel Kurien mentioned:
'The Wisdom of Menopause' by Christiane Northrup, M.D.

'Finding Your Balance' by Nozer Sheriar and Shonali Sabherwal

'Finding Me in Menopause: Flourishing in Perimenopause and Menopause Using Nutrition and Lifestyle' by Nitu Bajekal

'The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health with Facts and Feminism' by Jen Gunter

'The Menopause Reset: Get Rid of Your Symptoms and Feel Like Your Younger Self Again' by Dr. Mindy Pelz

'Fast Like a Girl: A Woman's Guide to Using the Healing Power of Fasting to Burn Fat, Boost Energy, and Balance Hormones' by Dr. Mindy Pelz

'The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power and the Facts' by Mary Claire Haver

'The Menstruality Podcast' by Red School

'The Dr Louise Newson Podcast'

'Not Your Mother's Menopause with Dr. Fiona Lovely'
Don't forget to attend Rachel's event The Hot Flash Bash in Mumbai on 9 November 2024. You can find all information here.

Follow G+T Conversations on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can also connect with us on our personal accounts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@gwendaschobert⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@craving_expat_life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
Tune in every Friday for a new episode.

* G+T Conversations is created using Spotify for Podcasters. The music is Motivating Indie Rock (30s) by UNIVERSFIELD (https://freesound.org/s/755863/, License: Attribution 4.0) and Fifties Stomp Clap Loop 115BPM.wav by waggstar (https://freesound.org/s/698782/, License: Creative Commons 0).
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36min
October 15, 20243.2 - Mastering Social Media Effectively and Safely
Welcome back to season three of G+T Conversations! We are your hosts, Gwenda + Tatjana, and in this episode, we speak about how to master social media effectively and safely and share our tips on social media etiquette.
Follow G+T Conversations on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join the conversation.

G+T Catch-up:
Tatjana and her family went on a weekend trip to Pawna Lake and stayed at the beautiful Amanzi Resort.

Gwenda attended the India vs Pakistan cricket screening with Bucket Hatters (women's T20 world cup).
Some of the things we mentioned in this episode:
There are 140 billion messages exchanged on Whatsapp every day. That's around 1.6 million messages per second. (Source: Statista, 2023)

Different social media platforms have different purposes and require different tonality.

Don't post anything on social media that you would be comfortable saying in real life, too.

"If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all."

Be aware of cultural nuances when posting/ communicating on social media.

Don't engage in hate speech. Respect other people's opinion, and be respectful when having discussions online. Remember you can always block and report accounts that engage in hate speech.

Don’t post photographs/videos of others without their consent.

Be careful when posting photographs/videos of children (minors): cover the face, don't have school uniform, etc reveal sensitive information.

Be aware and follow laws (different countries, different privacy laws, etc)

Social media has democratized to reach out to people that are outside your network.

Follow do's and don'ts when cold messaging: DON'T send random "hi" messages. DO introduce yourself and mention why you reach out. Keep it short.

Platforms like Whatsapp are used for personal and professional communication.

Whatsapp groups etiquette: keep messages short and on topic, use tools like direct reply, pin relevant messages, reply with emoji, etc and take individual conversations between individual members on personal chat.

Don't video call someone without informing them prior (unless it's made clear between both of you that both sides are comfortable with unannounced video calls).

Fact check before you forward messages to avoid spreading fake information.

Don't click on unknown links, don't share OTPs or other sensitive information.

Don't fall for scams "friends asking for money": verify by calling the person, etc.

Report scams and other cyber crime like sexual harassment, identity theft, etc. with the platforms and with the police. (Document everything by taking screenshots/record everything to have evidence.)

Always remember: Curate your social media, follow accounts that inspire you, unfollow accounts that are not relevant for you anymore, and block accounts that create negativity for you.

Take social media breaks, refresh your mind and soul in the analog world.

Follow G+T Conversations on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can also connect with us on our personal accounts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@gwendaschobert⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@craving_expat_life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Tune in every Friday for a new episode.

* G+T Conversations is created using Spotify for Podcasters. The music is Motivating Indie Rock (30s) by UNIVERSFIELD (https://freesound.org/s/755863/, License: Attribution 4.0) and Fifties Stomp Clap Loop 115BPM.wav by waggstar (https://freesound.org/s/698782/, License: Creative Commons 0).
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48min
October 06, 20243.1 - Mumbai in 72 hours: A Local's Guide to the City's Best Spots
Welcome back to season three of G+T Conversations! We are your hosts, Gwenda + Tatjana, and in this episode, we speak about our favorite places in Mumbai and our tips on what to do and where to eat when you visit the city for 72 hours.
Follow G+T Conversations on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join the conversation.

G+T Catch-up:
Gwenda is excited for Q4 of 2024 and full of energy to achieve all her goals before the end of the year.

Football season is back: Gwenda was at the first home match of Mumbai City FC.

Tatjana is 5 books ahead of her annual reading goal.

Tatjana travelled to Bali for a family vacation and she released turtles in the

We are recording this catch-up on 03 October which is the German Re-unification Day (German National Day). Learn more about former East + West Germany in podcast episode 4 of season 2.
Some of the things we mentioned in this episode:
Day 1 - South Bombay
Gateway of India (Colaba)

Taj Mahal Hotel (the building from outside is beautiful; if you stay in the hotel, you can take the heritage tour and learn about the history of the hotel)

High Tea at the Sea Lounge at Taj Mahal Hotel

Colaba Causeway for Street Shopping (souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, etc)

The beautiful Art Deco and Victorian Gothic architecture across South Bombay is UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire area of Colaba, Fort, Kala Ghoda, etc is very walkable!

CST Train Station (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus)

BMC Head Office (you can take a tour inside the building to learn about Mumbai administrative history)

Kala Ghoda neighborhood has a lot of cafes and stores such as Kitab Khana (our favorite bookstore)

Visit Art Galleries such as Jehangir Art Gallery, Method Kala Ghoda, Gallery XXL. You can check out this list of Mumbai art galleries.

CSMVS Museum (formerly Prince of Wales Museum) is a must visit to learn about the rich Indian heritage.

National Gallery of Modern Art is located right opposite of CSMVS Museum.

Tatjana's favorite cafe in South Bombay is Zen Cafe and Gwenda's favorite cafe is the Kala Ghoda Cafe.

Watch the sunset at Marine Drive and enjoy an evening walk (if you aren't tired yet).

Check out NCPA for theatre, concert, and other cultural performances.

Try Parsi food at Britannia & Co (berry pulao).
Day 2 - Bandra
Mount Mary Church is popular among tourists and locals.

Bandra Fort (perfect view for sunset and sealink)

The Steps Bandra (public space with street art)

The Taj Mahal Tea House (Tatjana's and Gwenda's favorite cafe) MUST VISIT!

Bandstand for a walk by the sea and to check out nearby Bollywood houses (SRK!)

Art in Bandra: Method Bandra, Art and Charlie, and street and mural art (Chapel Road)

Bombay Salad Co: Gwenda's absolute favorite salad place in the world
Day 3 - Across Mumbai
Juhu Area: Juhu Beach, Granth Book Store, Prithvi Theatre (you can just go to the outdoor cafe as well), SoHo House for Sunset

Dadar Viewing Deck: The best view of the Sealink

Dharavi (one of the biggest slums in Asia): You can take a tour organized by the Dharavi community to learn about the the people and the economy within this slum.

Bandra Kurla Complex: commercial hub with plenty of restaurants and 2 luxury shopping malls. Check out NMACC for musicals, theatre, art, concerts, and more.

Mahalaxmi Race Course for horse races during winter month and delicious food at Gallops

Pagoda Vipassana Global

Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Follow G+T Conversations on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can also connect with us on our personal accounts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@gwendaschobert⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@craving_expat_life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
Tune in every Friday for a new episode.

* G+T Conversations is created using Spotify for Podcasters. The music is Motivating Indie Rock (30s) by UNIVERSFIELD (https://freesound.org/s/755863/, License: Attribution 4.0) and Fifties Stomp Clap Loop 115BPM.wav by waggstar (https://freesound.org/s/698782/, License: Creative Commons 0).
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41min

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How many episodes does G+T Conversations have?

The podcast currently has 32 episodes available.