Subscribe to Hyphenly,  our new newsletter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes. ⁠https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠

On this episode of Love-ly, host Mehak sits down with TikTok creator and tech professional Jocelyn Chow for a refreshingly honest take on dating in NYC, from weird first dates and love bombing to why “almost relationships” can hurt more than real breakups. Jocelyn also opens up about growing up as the daughter of Burmese immigrants, unlearning people-pleasing, and how safety concerns often keep women from speaking up on dates. Together, Mehak and Jocelyn unpack how dating apps have changed, what to actually look for in a partner, and why third-wheeling your best friend might be the best relationship prep out there.

Hosted by: Mehak @whatthemehak on TikTok and @whatthemehak_ on IG

Producer: Saadia Khan and Shei Yu | Content Writers: Mehak I Editorial Review: Saadia Khan I Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Love-ly Theme Music: Lou Raskin | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover art design: Josephine Chai | Executive Producer: Saadia Khan

 Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠ApplePodcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us! 

Don’t forget to subscribe!

 If you want to share your thoughts about this or other episodes, reach out at [email protected]

 Follow us: @immigrantlypods (IG) |@immigrantly (TikTok)

Love-ly is an Immigrantly Media Production.

 For advertising inquiries, email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and visit Zocdoc.com/Lovely to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and visit http://Zocdoc.com/Lovely to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.

Subscribe to Hyphenly,  our new newsletter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes. https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠

In this deeply personal episode of Love-ly, host Mehak reconnects with licensed marriage and family therapist Samar Haroon, founder and clinical director of Therapy in Colour, a mental health collective centering on BIPOC and South Asian clients. The two first met as teenagers in Karachi, and now they sit down for their first real conversation, diving into topics such as therapy, bicultural identity, and generational trauma, as well as why dating today feels more complicated than ever.

Samar shares how her upbringing, moving between the U.S. and Pakistan after 9/11, growing up in a single-parent household, and later navigating hyper-religious family dynamics informs her work. She and Mehak unpack the cultural shame around therapy in South Asian communities, the impact of the Me Too movement on gender dynamics, and why so many smart, accomplished women are struggling with connection, intimacy, and dating today.

This episode is for anyone navigating love, healing, and identity across borders and expectations.

Hosted by: Mehak @whatthemehak on TikTok and @whatthemehak_ on IG

Producer: Saadia Khan and Shei Yu | Content Writers: Mehak I Editorial Review: Saadia Khan I Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Love-ly Theme Music: Lou Raskin | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover art design: Josephine Chai | Executive Producer: Saadia Khan

 Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠ApplePodcasts⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us! 

Don’t forget to subscribe!

 If you want to share your thoughts about this or other episodes, reach out at [email protected]

 Follow us: @immigrantlypods (IG) |@immigrantly (TikTok)

Love-ly is an Immigrantly Media Production.

 For advertising inquiries, email ⁠[email protected]⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and visit http://Zocdoc.com/Lovely to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.

This week on Love-ly, Mehak sits down with Srijan Makkena, a psych student and content creator who’s been speaking out about the quiet (and not-so-quiet) ways misogyny shows up, especially in South Asian communities. They talk about everything from family double standards and emotional repression to childhood trauma, healing, and what real love looks like when you’ve done the work. It's raw, real, and full of moments that might hit closer to home than expected.

Hosted by: Mehak @whatthemehak on TikTok and @whatthemehak_ on IG

Producer: Saadia Khan and Shei Yu | Content Writers: Mehak I Editorial Review: Saadia Khan I Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Love-ly Theme Music: Lou Raskin | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover art design: Josephine Chai | Executive Producer: Saadia Khan

 Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠ApplePodcasts⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ to help more people find us! Don’t forget to subscribe!

 If you want to share your thoughts about this or other episodes, reach out at [email protected]

 Follow us: @immigrantlypods (IG) |@immigrantly (TikTok)

Love the episode? Please share it, rate us, and leave a review!

Love-ly is an Immigrantly Media Production.

 For advertising inquiries, email [email protected]

Subscribe to Hyphenly, our latest newsletter, for a chance to win a gift card: ⁠https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and visit http://Zocdoc.com/Lovely to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.

Subscribe to Hyphenly, our latest newsletter, for a chance to win a gift card: https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Can you have a healthy, long-term relationship without ever living together?

If you've ever questioned marriage, cohabitation, or what "doing it

Hosted by: Mehak @whatthemehak on TikTok and @whatthemehak_ on IG

Producer: Saadia Khan and Shei Yu | Content Writers: Mehak I Editorial Review: Saadia Khan I Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Love-ly Theme Music: Lou Raskin |

Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover art design: Josephine Chai | Executive Producer: Saadia Khan

 Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠ApplePodcasts⁠ & ⁠Spotify⁠ to help more people find us! Don’t forget to subscribe!

 If you want to share your thoughts about this or other episodes, reach out at

 Follow us: @immigrantlypods (IG) |@immigrantly (TikTok)

 Love the episode? Please share it, rate us, and leave a review!

 Love-ly is an Immigrantly Media Production.

 For advertising inquiries, email [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and visit http://Zocdoc.com/Lovely to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.

Is it ever too late to start dating? On this week’s episode of Love-ly, Mehak sits down with Aidan Taylor—host of Banterly—to unpack what it really means to be a “late bloomer” in the chaotic world of modern dating. From his first real date at 21 to navigating New York City’s intense queer dating scene, Aidan gets candid about identity, rejection, and learning to love yourself before anyone else does.

They talk about first dates, ghosting, gay bar drama (yes, including a bathroom incident), dating as a person of color in a hyper-curated app world, and what it's like to feel "behind" when everyone around you is getting engaged. It's funny, heartfelt, and full of the kind of real talk we all need more of.

If you're queer, single in your 20s, or just tired of dating timelines, this one's for you.

Hosted by: Mehak @whatthemehak on TikTok and @whatthemehak_ on IG

Producer: Saadia Khan and Shei Yu | Content Writers: Mehak I Editorial Review: Saadia Khan I

Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Love-ly Theme Music: Lou Raskin |

Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover art design: Josephine Chai | Executive Producer: Saadia

Khan

Please share the love and leave us a review on ApplePodcasts & Spotify

to help more people find us! Don’t forget to subscribe!

If you want to

share your thoughts about this or other episodes, reach out at

[email protected]

Follow us: @immigrantlypods (IG) |@immigrantly (TikTok)

Love the episode? Please share it, rate us, and leave a review!

Love-ly is an Immigrantly Media Production.

For advertising inquiries, email [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and visit http://Zocdoc.com/Lovely to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.

Ever dated someone and thought, “Wait… is this love, lust, or just emotionally expensive?” This week on Love-ly, host Mehak sits down with THE Dr. Wendy Walsh—America’s relationship expert, PhD in psychology, Time Magazine Person of the Year, and low-key TikTok therapist to unpack the mess and magic of modern dating.

From decoding avoidant attachment styles and calling out the myth of high-value men to understanding why "nice" guys might actually be the ultimate green flag, this episode is your crash course in dating with brains and boundaries. Oh, and yeah, Dr. Walsh proposed to her husband. On live radio. No big deal.

If you've ever wondered why your type is basically “walking red flag” or felt weird about liking someone who treats you well… this one’s for you. Hit play!

Hosted by: Mehak @whatthemehak on TikTok and @whatthemehak_ on IG

Producer: Saadia Khan and Shei Yu | Content Writers: Mehak I Editorial Review: Saadia Khan I

Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Love-ly Theme Music: Lou Raskin |

Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover art design: Josephine Chai | Executive Producer: Saadia

Khan

Please share the love and leave us a review on ApplePodcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! Don’t forget to subscribe!

If you want to share your thoughts about this or other episodes, reach out at

[email protected]

Follow us: @immigrantlypods (IG) | @immigrantly (TikTok)

Love the episode? Please share it, rate us, and leave a review!

Love-ly is an Immigrantly Media Production.

For advertising inquiries, email [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and visit http://Zocdoc.com/Lovely to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.

What does it mean to truly live life on your own terms?

In this powerful episode of Love-ly, Mehak is joined by Natasha Chandel, comedian, TV writer, voice artist, and former host of the hit podcast “Kinda Dating,” for a candid conversation about commitment, cultural expectations, and rewriting the rules of love.

 Natasha opens up about her journey from serially dating emotionally unavailable men to unexpectedly finding “the one” right before the COVID-19 lockdown. Through an honest conversation, they explore how immigrant identity shapes dating, why politics and values matter more than ever in relationships, and how self-worth plays a role in who we choose to love.

 Whether you’re single, healing, or questioning your love life, this episode reminds you that it's okay to change your mind, and it's never too late to choose a life that actually feels like yours.

 Hosted by: Mehak @whatthemehak on TikTok and @whatthemehak_ on IG

Producer: Saadia Khan and Shei Yu | Content Writers: Mehak I Editorial Review: Saadia Khan I

Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Love-ly Theme Music: Lou Raskin |

Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover art design: Josephine Chai | Executive Producer: Saadia

Khan

Please share the love and leave us a review on ApplePodcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! Don’t forget to subscribe!

If you want to share your thoughts about this or other episodes, reach out at

[email protected]

Follow Natasha on IG & TikTok: @natashachandel Follow us: @immigrantlypods (IG) | @immigrantly (TikTok)

Love the episode? Please share it, rate us, and leave a review!

Love-ly is an Immigrantly Media Production.

For advertising inquiries, email [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this heartfelt solo episode, Mehak takes the mic to reflect on her transformative journey through the first seven episodes of Love-ly. From navigating the highs and lows of her 2025 dating adventures to unpacking powerful lessons on boundaries, vulnerability, and healing, this is an unfiltered, introspective ride.

Mehak shares what each guest and story taught her about love, self-worth, and the art of letting go. Whether it’s the rule of three from matchmakers Huda and Yasmine, the quiet power of safe love with Justine Ang Fonte, or the emotional maturity of guests like Richard—this episode is packed with insights that hit home.

So whether you're walking, sipping coffee, or need a moment of connection, come along as Mehak opens up like never before.

 Tune in for your weekly dose of vulnerability, laughter, and real talk. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and slide into the DMs on IG(@whattheheck_ or @immigrantlypods) to share your thoughts and future topic ideas!

Hosted by: Mehak @whatthemehak on TikTok

Producer: Saadia Khan and Shei Yu | Content Writers: Mehak I Editorial Review: Saadia Khan I

Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Love-ly Theme Music: Lou Raskin |

Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover art design: Josephine Chai | Executive Producer: Saadia Khan

Please share the love and leave us a review on ApplePodcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! Don’t forget to subscribe!

If you want to share your thoughts about this or other episodes, reach out at [email protected]

Follow us on IG @immigrantlypods

On TikTok @immigrantly

Love-ly is an Immigrantly Media Production.

For advertising inquiries, email [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Love-ly, Mehak gets candid about dating outside the box and her culture. After calling off a budding long-distance romance, she reflects on the deeper reason: she's done settling for anything (or anyone) that doesn't align. Enter comedian Mariza Brussolo, who joins Mehak for an honest, hilarious, and profoundly relatable convo about cross-cultural dating, growing up with traditional values, and navigating love across borders—literal and emotional. From celibacy to cowboy fantasies (yes, she wants a rancher!), they unpack what it means to date with intention, how family and culture shape our "rules," and why finding a true gentleman in the age of dating apps is more complicated than ever.

Whether you're first-gen, cross-culturally curious, or just fed up with mediocre men and manicure-loving bros, this one's for you!

Hosted by: Mehak @whatthemehak on TikTok

Producer: Saadia Khan and Shei Yu | Content Writers: Mehak I Editorial Review: Saadia Khan I

Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Love-ly Theme Music: Lou Raskin |

Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover art design: Josephine Chai | Executive Producer: Saadia Khan

Please share the love and leave us a review on ApplePodcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! Don’t forget to subscribe!

If you want to share your thoughts about this or other episodes, reach out at [email protected]

Follow us on IG @immigrantlypods

On TikTok @immigrantly

Love-ly is an Immigrantly Media Production.

For advertising inquiries, email [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever been on a date that went so sideways that you wished there was a commercial break? In this hilarious and heartfelt episode of Lovely, host Mehak dives deep into love, relationships, and the dating trenches with comedian Richard Sarvate. From navigating family expectations to figuring out if we date people or their careers, Richard brings humor and insight into modern romance—plus shares some truly cringe-worthy dating disasters, including an ill-fated international trip.

Topics we cover:

Tune in for the laughs, the lessons, and the love!

Hosted by: Mehak @whatthemehak on TikTok

Producer: Saadia Khan and Shei Yu | Content Writers: Mehak I Editorial Review: Saadia Khan I

Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Love-ly Theme Music: Lou Raskin |

Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover art design: Josephine Chai | Executive Producer: Saadia Khan

Please share the love and leave us a review on ApplePodcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! Don’t forget to subscribe!

If you want to share your thoughts about this or other episodes, reach out at [email protected]

Follow us on IG @immigrantlypods

On TikTok @immigrantly

Love-ly is an Immigrantly Media Production.

For advertising inquiries, email [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices