What happens when love crosses religious lines? In this episode of Love Matters, Leeza Mangaldas speaks with writer Alina Gufran, author of No Place to Call My Own, about growing up in a Hindu–Muslim household, navigating identity, and dismantling stereotypes around interfaith love. How does faith influence who we choose to love? What do identity, belonging, and family expectations mean in modern relationships? And can love bridge cultural and religious differences? Tune in for a candid conversation on love, faith and dating in contemporary India. And share your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear your experiences.

Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_BANQfJbw0lPAGHtAeX5nw

CREDITS:

Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Charulata Biswas (IE)

Researcher and Editor
Sana Rizvi (DW)

Video Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)

Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)

Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)

Editorial Support:
Shashank Bhargava (IE)
Prerana Deshpande (DW)

Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.

Learn more about DW:
https://www.dw.com

What happens when you stop looking for someone to complete you and start embracing the idea of being whole on your own? In this episode of Love Matters, host Leeza Mangaldas sits down with globetrotting diver and travel content creator Sharanya Iyer. From quitting a stable 9-to-5 at 27 to navigating life as a single Indian woman in her 30s, Sharanya speaks candidly about dealing with societal pressure, busting myths about marriage and motherhood, and finding joy in independence and solo travel. Tune in for insights on self-love, financial freedom, and why singlehood can be a choice—not a compromise. Plus, find out where Sharanya thinks the sexiest men live!

Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_BANQfJbw0lPAGHtAeX5nw

Sharanya Iyer’s Socials:
Instagram: :https://www.instagram.com/trulynomadly/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TrulyNomadly/about

CREDITS:

Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Charulata Biswas (IE)

Researcher & Editor
Sana Rizvi (DW)

Video Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)

Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)

Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)

Editorial Support:
Shashank Bhargava (IE)
Prerana Deshpande (DW)

Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.Learn more about DW:https://www.dw.com

Are we really more connected—or lonelier than ever? And have we all forgotten how tob e good friends? In this episode of Love Matters, Leeza Mangaldas sits down with artist, illustrator, and feminist thinker Priyanka Paul for an unfiltered conversation about the friendship crisis of our times. From ghosting and “polite friendships” to the impact of social media and doomscrolling, they explore why adult friendships feel harder, and what it takes to nurture real connection. Tune in and join the conversation about why friendships matter more than ever.

Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram:   / leezamangaldas  

YouTube:   / @leezamangaldas1  

Priyanka Paul’s Socials:
Instagram
https://priyankapaul.art/

CREDITS:

Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Charulata Biswas (IE)

Researcher & Editor
Sana Rizvi (DW)

Video Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)

Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)

Editorial Support:
Shashank Bhargava (IE)
Prerana Deshpande (DW)

Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.

Learn more about DW:

https://www.dw.com

Is not posting about your partner on social media a major red flag? What is a "soft launch" in relationships? And is AI making us worse at dating? Author and cultural commentator Ria Chopra joins sexuality educator Leeza Mangaldas on Love Matters for a deep dive into how the internet has become the sixth love language of Gen Z – shaping how young people date, express affection, and negotiate boundaries. Ria and Leeza unpack why digital behaviour now feels as meaningful as real-life gestures. They explore online identity, creator-partner dynamics, privacy, emotional signalling through memes, and the new etiquette of dating in a hyper-connected world. A thoughtful, relatable conversation for anyone navigating relationships in the age of the feed.

Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: / leezamangaldasYouTube: / @leezamangaldas1
Ria Chopra's socials:
https://www.instagram.com/riachops/
https://x.com/riachops?lang=en
https://riachops.com/

CREDITS:
Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Charulata Biswas (IE)

Researcher & Editor:
Sana Rizvi (DW)

Video Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)

Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)

Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)

Editorial Support:
Shashank Bhargava (IE)
Prerana Deshpande (DW)

Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.

Learn more about DW: https://www.dw.com 

Amol Parashar joins Leeza Mangaldas on Love Matters for a refreshingly honest conversation about intimacy, masculinity and the myths around sex. From awkward first experiences to confidence, communication, boundaries and consent — Amol shares his take on what men want and how intimacy evolves with experience. Watch for grounded insights, funny confessions, and a reminder that sex is about connection, not performance.

Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: / leezamangaldas

YouTube: / @leezamangaldas1

CREDITS:

Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Charulata Biswas (IE)

Researcher & Editor:
Sana Rizvi (DW)

Video Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)

Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)

Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)

Editorial Support:
Shashank Bhargava (IE)
Prerana Deshpande (DW)

Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.
It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.
Learn more about DW:https://www.dw.com

Actor and writer Shreya Dhanwanthary joins Leeza Mangaldas to unpack how dating, sex, and self-worth shift from your 20s to your 30s. From first dates and people-pleasing habits to embracing self-confidence, body positivity, and dating apps in your 30s, they explore the lessons learned along the way. Shreya shares her journey of rejecting societal conditioning, defining her own femininity, and finding freedom in being single. Whether it’s navigating dating apps, understanding intentions, or breaking free from gender norms, this conversation is full of honesty, humor, and heartfelt advice for anyone figuring out love on their own terms.

Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram:   / leezamangaldas  
YouTube:   / @leezamangaldas1  

Shreya Dhanwanthary's socials:
Instagram /shreyadhan13
X https://x.com/shreyadhan13

CREDITS:

Produced by:

Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Charulata Biswas (IE)

Researcher & Editor:
Sana Rizvi (DW)

Video Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)

Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)

Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)

Editorial Support:
Shashank Bhargava (IE)
Prerana Deshpande (DW)

Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.

Learn more about DW:
https://www.dw.com

Journalist Isha Bhatia Sanan joins Leeza Mangaldas to discuss how parents can initiate open, age-appropriate conversations with their children about sex, puberty and periods, normalizing these topics and removing the associated shame. Not only is Isha Bhatia the host of shows such as "BaeBaak Isha" on DW Hindi and Jansatta, she is also the mother of a nine-year-old. She therefore draws on both professional and personal experience. She also compares talking to your kids about such topics with how it was during her own adolescence. What’s it like to parent in the digital age? And how can parents teach their children about consent and boundaries? Listen to this insightful episode of Love Matters for practical, judgment-free parenting tips.

Trigger warning: This podcast contains discussion over sensitive issues, consumable for listeners above the age of 18.​

Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas
YouTube: / @leezamangaldas1

Isha Bhatia Sanan’s socials:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ishabhatiasanan/?hl=en
X https://x.com/IshaBhatiaSananYoutube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLCuIl3osNffydlUfGFKWSx9svkLbRC45CREDITS:

Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)
Charulata Biswas (IE)Researcher & Editor
Sana Rizvi (DW)Video

Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)

Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)

Editorial Support:
Shashank Bhargava (IE)
Prerana Deshpande (DW)

Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.

Learn more about DW:
https://www.dw.com

On this episode of Love Matters, stand-up comedian and creative writer Supriya Joshi talks about her experience with Living Apart Together (LAT) – a modern relationship style where couples choose to maintain their own spaces while staying emotionally connected. From balancing independence, freedom, and love, to the challenges and joys of long-distance connections, Supriya shares candid insights on why space might actually strengthen relationships.

Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas?igsh=YnlsNGs4aDdyMXV6

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@leezamangaldas1?si=UHzm8giwj5RJqHtF

Supriya Joshi’s Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/supaarwoman/?hl=en

CREDITS:

Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)

Researcher & Editor
Sana Rizvi (DW)

Video Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)

Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)

Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)


Editorial Support:
Shashank Bhargava (IE)
Prerana Deshpande (DW)


Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.


Learn more about DW:
https://www.dw.com

In this candid conversation, actor Shahana Goswami opens up about her journey of owning her sexuality, body positivity, and the freedom to explore desires without shame. From discovering sexual energy at a young age to embracing polyamory, Shahana discusses how family, friendships, and supportive environments shaped her understanding of intimacy. She talks about the importance of connection over performance, breaking myths around women’s libido, monogamy, and polyamory, and why discussing sex openly is vital in a society that often shames it. Shahana also shares insights from her personal projects, highlighting the beauty of the human form and the power of authenticity. Watch this episode to hear her thoughts on flowy sexual connections, embracing nudity, polyamorous relationships, and why she believes judgment and shame around sexuality should be challenged.

Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas?igsh=YnlsNGs4aDdyMXV6

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@leezamangaldas1?si=UHzm8giwj5RJqHtF

Shahana Goswami's Socials:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shahanagoswami/
X - https://x.com/shahanagoswami

CREDITS:

Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)

Researcher & Editor
Sana Rizvi (DW)

Video Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)

Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)

Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)

Editorial Support:
Shashank Bhargava (IE)
Prerana Deshpande (DW)


Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.


Learn more about DW:
https://www.dw.com

Comedian Kenny Sebastian gets real about fatherhood, emotional dads, and the struggles of modern parenting in this episode of Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas. From his own relationship to his parents to the invisible “dad guilt” that many fathers feel, Kenny shares candid stories about raising a child, supporting his partner, and unlearning traditional ideas of masculinity. Discover why trying to be the “cool dad” can backfire, Kenny’s surprisingly effective trick to get a baby to sleep, and the parenting advice he wishes someone had given him. Honest, hilarious, and heartfelt, this conversation is a must-watch for dads, parents-to-be, and anyone curious about the realities of modern fatherhood.

Leeza Mangaldas' Instagram

Youtube

Kenny Sebastian's Instagram

Youtube

CREDITS: 

Produced by:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)
Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)

Researcher & Editor
Sana Rizvi (DW)

Video Editor:
Meetesh Dixit (IE)

Project Manager:
Patricia Szilagyi (DW)

Executive Producer:
Melanie von Marschalck (DW)
Anant Nath Sharma (IE)

Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.

Learn more about DW:
https://www.dw.com