At some point in life, some people may step back from their everyday routines and wonder why things haven’t gone as they planned or why they still aren’t happy.

In this episode, I speak to Sarita Babber, who shares her story of self-discovery and how she uses mindset techniques to break through barriers that she never knew were there for most of her life, caught in patterns shaped by childhood conditioning and cultural expectations. As the eldest daughter in her family, she saw and experienced situations differently from her siblings, and this impacted her throughout life.

Sarita’s journey from unconscious living to conscious alignment highlights a common challenge:

“Your inner world shapes your outer world, and if there’s misalignment between your thoughts, emotions, and energy, life can feel like a constant struggle.”

This awakening prompted her to learn more and become an Alignment coach, knowing that more people can benefit from these techniques, just as she has.

Sarita discusses the importance of aligning one’s mind, body, and energy to overcome blocks and achieve personal growth. She emphasises the significance of self-reflection, journaling, and various techniques such as Ho’oponopono and affirmations in fostering emotional healing.

The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by South Asian women and the need for self-care and community support.

Sarita offers practical advice for those feeling stuck and highlights the transformative power of mindset and energy alignment.

A useful and interesting conversation, I hope you enjoy it too!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alignment Coaching

02:57 Identifying and Overcoming Blocks

05:44 The Journey of Self-Reflection

08:56 Techniques for Healing and Alignment

11:41 Daily Practices for Self-Care

14:25 Transforming Mindset and Energy

17:18 The Importance of Self-Care for Women

20:10 Creating a Supportive Environment

23:07 The Role of Affirmations and Visualisation

26:02 Building a Community for Growth

29:21 Empowering Future Generations

32:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About Sarita

She is a certified NLP and Transformational Life Coach and brings her life experience to help people realise that it’s not all mindset, but also energy and emotions that we don’t know how to process. These get stuck in our physical body and cause problems, keeping us stuck in various parts of life.

Sarita focuses on healing through ho’oponopono, EFT and meditation, NLP to help align with your best version so you are able to manage your energy, emotions and mindset and manifest the life you want to live.

https://www.youtube.com/@awakenyourselftoday

The Alignment Blueprint Optin Page

https://www.instagram.com/awakenyourselftoday/

In this episode, I speak with Dr Deepal Amin, a GP and transformational coach, about the importance of lifestyle medicine and its role in promoting longevity, especially for South Asian women.

It’s common to hear that we put our health on the back burner because of so many other competing priorities, but without our health, we wouldn’t get very far. I believe the tide is turning, and women are looking for ways to focus on their health in a way that does not only rely on medication but lifestyle changes.

During this conversation, we went deep into many aspects of health where Deepal is personally working to make a difference.

We discuss the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, the significance of personalised health interventions, and the holistic approach of lifestyle medicine, encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being. In fact, healthy relationships are also good for health!

Deepal shares her personal journey into this field, the unique health risks faced by South Asian women, and the importance of prioritising health amidst busy lives.

Our conversation also touches on proactive health measures and advanced diagnostics that can help individuals take charge of their health.

There’s a lot here to think of when it comes to health, but Deepal’s advice is that having balance is important, take one area at a time, and focus on what you can do.

If you’re interested in Deepal’s services, please do get in touch with her:

Website: www.livlifelong.com

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn

Offer

Free 20-minute discovery call.Essential Insight 360 Assessment for £99 (normally worth £180) - includes detailed pre-assessment questionnaire, 1 hour assessment and a comprehensive report.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lifestyle and Longevity Coaching

04:47 Understanding Lifestyle Medicine

07:51 Deepa’s Personal Journey into Lifestyle Medicine

14:22 The Importance of Health for South Asian Women

19:49 Midlife Reset Program for Women

24:44 Prioritising Health in a Busy Life

33:55 Proactive Health and Diagnostics

I’m thrilled to share insights from our latest episode of How Round Is Your Roti? where I had the pleasure of chatting with the fabulous Jas Chana. Jas is not just a personal stylist but a beacon of confidence for women looking to rediscover their style.

Growing up in a traditional Asian family, Jas was surrounded by vibrant fabrics and the hum of a sewing machine, thanks to her seamstress mother. This early exposure ignited her passion for fashion, leading her to become a style and confidence coach. In our conversation, Jas shared how fashion is more than just clothes—it’s about feeling good and expressing oneself authentically.

Listen to hear about:

* Her passion for fashion and how her parents supported her choices in this field.

* Using sewing as a link to our heritages —our mothers and grandmothers before us —who could design and create clothes.

* The common issues Jas sees with her clients and her style tips.

* The pressure of following fashion trends and how to avoid them if they’re not for you.

* Our views on sustainability in fashion.

* Having a separate Asian wardrobe and how to manage this (because mine is often out of control!).

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their style and confidence. Jas’s insights are not only practical but also inspiring. I took a lot from her straightforward approach to looking good and feeling even better.

Chapters

00:00 Journey into Fashion: A Personal Story

07:49 Understanding Personal Style and Client Needs

15:53 The Importance of Wardrobe Editing

24:01 Fashion vs. Personal Style: Finding Your Identity

29:46 Sustainability in Fashion: A Conscious Approach

About Jas

Jas Chana is a personal stylist and style confidence coach who helps busy, professional women rediscover their personal style and learn to dress their curves with confidence.

Based in Essex and London, Jas works closely with her clients to help them look stylish, feel put-together, and embrace their individuality, whether they’re heading to the boardroom or the school run.

With over 15 years of experience in the fashion industry, spanning styling, personal shopping, retail, fashion design, and fashion marketing, Jas brings a uniquely well-rounded perspective to every client transformation.

Her signature approach combines body-positive styling, practical wardrobe solutions, and mindset-focused guidance to transform the way women see themselves, starting from the outside in.

Instagram @jaschanastylist

Pinterest https://uk.pinterest.com/jaschanastylist/

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/jas-chana-stylist/

Being a parent is hard at the best of times, but when your child is going through a mental health crisis, it can be hard not to blame yourself.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Hansa Raja, the inspiring founder of a charity in Sussex that supports parents and carers of children struggling with mental health issues. She shared how her personal experiences led her to create a safe space for parents to connect and support each other, emphasising that no parent should feel alone.

Hansa’s charity, Holding Space, has supported over 1,500 parents in Sussex, offering one-to-one support, workshops, and webinars. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of community and peer support, especially when navigating the complexities of parenting a child with mental health challenges. We discussed the societal pressures parents face and the need for non-judgmental spaces where they can share their experiences without fear of blame.

Our conversation also touched on the broader implications for workplace culture, highlighting the need for organisations to support parents and carers. Hansa’s passion for creating inclusive environments where parents can thrive both at home and work is truly commendable.

I speak with many women who decide to do something themselves when they see a lack of support in the community or workplace. I hope this conversation inspires others to do what they believe in.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hansa Raja and Her Journey

02:53 The Birth of Holding Space: Supporting Parents

05:42 Navigating Workplace Challenges for Parents

08:57 Creating Safe Spaces in Work Environments

11:42 The Evolution of Parenting and Support Systems

14:29 Encouraging Open Conversations About Mental Health

17:19 Empowering Women in the Workplace

20:38 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

Connect with Hansa

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansa-raja/

Website:

https://www.holdingspace.org.uk/

Hi everyone,

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Ananya, a South Asian breathwork and meditation facilitator, on my podcast. Ananya’s journey from a scientific background to becoming a breathwork advocate is both inspiring and enlightening, and I wanted to share some key insights from our conversation.

Ananya’s story begins with her childhood exposure to breathwork through her grandparents, who were deeply involved in Kriya Yoga and meditation. Despite this early introduction, it wasn’t until her twenties, during a period of personal loss, that Ananya truly embraced breathwork. She found solace in these practices, which helped her navigate grief and later, pregnancy loss.

One of the most fascinating aspects of our conversation was Ananya’s explanation of the science behind breathwork. She highlighted how breathwork can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This physiological response can have profound effects on our mental and physical well-being, from lowering heart rates to improving symptoms of chronic conditions like IBS and PTSD. Ananya’s scientific background adds a layer of credibility to her advocacy, bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern science.

As a novice to breathwork myself, I was curious about how to incorporate these practices into daily life. Ananya shared practical tips, emphasising that even a few minutes of focused breathing can make a difference. Techniques like box breathing or simply extending the exhalation can be done discreetly, even in a busy workplace. This accessibility makes breathwork a valuable tool for anyone looking to manage stress and anxiety.

Our conversation also touched on the cultural aspects of breathwork and healing, particularly within the South Asian community. Ananya spoke candidly about the challenges of discussing grief and loss, which are often stigmatised topics. Her openness about her own experiences with pregnancy loss and her efforts to debunk myths surrounding it are both brave and necessary. By sharing her story, Ananya hopes to create a supportive space for others to explore their own healing journeys.

In closing, Ananya offered resources for those interested in starting their breathwork practice. She provides free audios and guides designed to help individuals feel more grounded and confident. Her passion for breathwork is evident, and her dedication to helping others navigate their own paths to healing is truly commendable.

I left our conversation feeling inspired to explore breathwork further, both for myself and with my daughters. It’s a reminder that healing is a personal journey, and having tools like breathwork can be incredibly empowering. If you’re curious about breathwork or looking for ways to manage stress, I encourage you to give it a try. Links to her resources are below.

About Ananya

Ananya is a South Asian breathwork and meditation facilitator with a PhD in reproductive biology. She offers trauma-informed breathwork workshops, coaching, and resources both for individuals and in the workplace, to prevent stress and anxiety but also now—particularly for those navigating miscarriage and pregnancy after loss.

Website: ananyaampersand.com

Instagram: @ananyaampersand

Gentle breathwork to ground you through grief and healing

Free miscarriage audio meditation bundle and breathwork guide: https://ananyaampersand.myflodesk.com/freemiscarriageaudiobundle

Breathe to feel grounded and confident

Free breathwork and meditation guide: https://ananyaampersand.myflodesk.com/breathworkguide

In this episode of the How Round Is Your Roti Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sonal Dave, a remarkable woman who has carved out a unique path as one of the few female toastmasters and celebrants. Our conversation was a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of pursuing one’s passion, especially as a South Asian woman.

Sonal’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From her early days as a child performer to her career in the civil service. However, like many of us, she faced the societal pressures to conform to traditional career paths. Her story resonated with me, as I too have felt like just a number in the corporate world, especially during my time in banking.

What struck me most about Sonal was her courage to leave the civil service to pursue her true calling. She spoke candidly about the challenges she faced, including the lack of representation and recognition for Asian women in high-profile positions. Her decision to become a toastmaster and celebrant was not just a career change, but a powerful statement of self-acceptance and determination to live life on her own terms.

Sonal’s passion for public speaking and helping others find their voice is truly contagious. She emphasised the importance of life skills like communication and self-acceptance, which are crucial for both personal and professional growth. Her insights on overcoming the fear of public speaking were invaluable. I hope you, too, will benefit from the tips she provides in this episode.

As we wrapped up our conversation, Sonal and I discussed the importance of following one’s passion, even if it starts as a side project. Life is too short to live by others’ expectations, and finding joy in what we do is essential. Sonal’s story is a testament to the power of pursuing what makes us truly happy and the impact it can have on our lives.

I hope this episode inspires you as much as it did me. Remember, it’s never too late to follow your passion and create a life that brings you joy.

Subscribe now to stay updated on our latest episodes.

Thank you for listening!

Priya

About Sonal Dave

Celebrant, Toastmaster, Public Speaking Expert and Published Author.

Sonal Dave has led an exciting and eclectic career, combining her passions as an Award-Winning Ceremonies Celebrant, Toastmaster, Public Speaking Expert, and Published Author. Sonal is a member of Shishukunj and supports Saving Dreams and SKSN.

Events

https://www.sonaldaveevents.com

https://www.instagram.com/sonaldave68

Public Speaking

https://www.sonaldave.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonaldave68

I found this conversation eye-opening, as having children never seemed like a choice for me; it was expected, and I, too, expected and wanted it. In my 20s, I don’t think I was self-aware enough to realise what being a parent really meant, but my guest, Urmila, was.

In this episode, Urmila shares her conscious decision to remain child-free, a choice influenced by her upbringing and personal reflections on marriage and parenthood. "I think anyone can be a parent, but you have to really reflect whether you're eligible to be one," she asserts, emphasising the importance of emotional readiness and self-awareness.

We also hear about how her lifestyle is structured to enable her to pursue her passions and pivot to where she feels most fulfilled, and she gives her tips on how other women can find this.

It’s great to hear from women who follow untraditional paths, seeing that there are multiple avenues women can take. Perhaps this conversation shows that before making any life decisions, one needs to be familiar with their values, what brings them joy and security.

Alternatively, perhaps you need to have experience to work this out, have a listen and let me know your views.

About Urmila Menon

Urmila is a creative educator, writer, and speaker dedicated to helping high-achieving women and professionals, especially those shaped by cultural expectations, reclaim their voice through creative play and storytelling, not to make art, but to break free from perfectionism, process life deeply, and finally say what matters.Her upcoming creative non-fiction memoir, *COLOR CODED: Finding Ourselves and Our Stories* (out December 2025), is built on three foundational pillars: Identity, Creativity, and Representation. It’s a journey of unlearning, healing, and remembering who we were before the world told us to conform. This book is for anyone who’s ever felt like a misfit, been asked to dim their light, or struggled to speak up in a culture that values compliance over truth. For anyone who was told to shrink but chose to begin anyway.

Follow Urmila here: LinkedIn

Youtube

Substack

In this conversation, Anita Guru, a mindset coach and psycho educator, discusses the complexities of mental health and trauma, particularly in the context of South Asian women.

She shares her personal experiences with trauma, the impact of cultural stigma, and the importance of seeking support. She also raises the point that it’s not uncommon for South Asian households to have dealt with abuse or alcoholism, resulting in trauma that has not been dealt with. My takeaway from this is that trauma can show up later in life, particularly in relationships.

We also spoke about the common myths about trauma, the effects of intergenerational trauma, and practical advice for those struggling with mental health issues.

Anita emphasises the need for open conversations about mental health and the significance of finding supportive communities.

Join us for a candid conversation designed to break the silence and empower women to seek the help they deserve.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Mental Health and Trauma

04:33 Personal Experiences with Trauma

10:11 The Myths of Trauma

13:34 Advice for Those Experiencing Trauma

17:07 Intergenerational Trauma and Its Effects

20:09 Cultural Perspectives on Mental Health

22:56 Using Personal Experience to Help Others

About Anita Guru

Anita Guru, founder of The Mind Coach, is an experienced mindset coach, Psycho-educator and motivational speaker with nearly two decades of experience at organisations such as Deloitte, Centrica and Coca-Cola.

She has always had an interest in the human mind and behaviour and has a background in Occupational Psychology, currently training to be a psychotherapist. Anita addresses crucial mental health topics such as trauma, infertility and grief.

Website

Connect on LinkedIn

Connect on Instagram

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes a personal account of abuse.

In this episode, we highlight the double standards that many South Asian women experience, but taken to the extreme. Unfortunately, this is not a new case, but we rarely get to hear the experiences of women who are willing to talk about the abuse they have suffered at the hands of their own family.

Dorothea, at age 15, was taken to Pakistan by her father and left there without her passport, to stay with a family who were to ensure she was ‘suitably desi’, all because she had a boyfriend and her parents believed she had become too Westernised.

Her account is harrowing, from being starved, cut off from friends and family and beaten. She describes her treatment and also compares it to what happened when the same was done to her father when he was younger. The difference reveals the stark realities of gender inequality and the double standards that persist.

Join us as we explore the emotional and societal implications of these practices and discuss the pressing need for change.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:46 Personal Experiences of Cultural Control

05:57 The Impact of Cultural Expectations on Identity

11:41 Navigating Life Between Two Cultures

17:52 The Role of Parents in Cultural Transmission

23:53 The Aftermath of Trauma and Adjustment

29:43 Seeking Support and Resources for Healing

To seek support, please refer to the details below.

Website:

https://www.harmfultraditionalpractices.co.uk/

Email address: [email protected]

About Dorothea:

Dorothea has worked within the Violence Against Women and Girls sector for 15 years, including with victims of sexual violence, domestic abuse, stalking and perpetrators of domestic abuse. Dorothea has specialised in harmful traditional practices throughout her career in VAWG. Dorothea has used her lived experience to advocate for improved responses for victims of harmful traditional practices.

In this episode, Anita Patel dicusses her late diagnosis of autism and ADHD, the challenges of masking, and the cultural perceptions of neurodivergence within the South Asian community.

I loved that Anita shares so much of her lived experience, including the reactions from family and friends about her diagnosis, as well as how understanding her diagnosis changed her life, allowing her to be more compassionate with herself.

She emphasises the importance of understanding and supporting neurodivergent individuals, both personally and within organisational settings. This can have a big impact on how individuals feel and perform. There are lots of tips here that can help u be more understanding when communicating with neurodivergent individuals.

The conversation highlights the importance of compassion, curiosity, and advocacy in creating inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals, which is what Anita champions through her work as a speaker, trainer and coach.

To find out more, here are Anita’s details:

Website: www.anitapatelcoaching.com

Email: [email protected]

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Neurodiversity and Personal Journey

06:07 The Impact of Late Diagnosis and Masking

12:03 Cultural Perspectives on Neurodivergence

17:53 Supporting Neurodivergent Individuals

23:43 Organizational Changes for Neurodiversity

29:45 Advocating for Neurodivergent Needs in the Workplace