The Chit Chaat Podcast

Reza and Natalia sit down with Simi Shah, founder of South Asian Trailblazers, an award-winning media platform showcasing influential South Asians. In the eponymous podcast, Simi examines the journeys of remarkable members of our community in various fields. Additionally, the platform runs high-impact community events to bring together South Asian leaders all over the world and looks to amplify leaders for global organizations sourcing talent. Reza, Natalia, and Simi discuss the power of storytelling in the South Asian community, the challenges of cultural isolation, and the importance of creating more representation while uplifting those who have achieved success.

Reza and Natalia speak with Shilpa Shah, co-founder of Cuyana, a modern luxury apparel and accessories brand whose mission is to provide women with "a fewer, better lifestyle." The brand, which has become a favorite among celebrities such as Jessica Alba and Ayesha Curry, aims to create timeless, elegant pieces with an emphasis on premium craftsmanship and sustainability. In their latest funding round, Cuyana raised $30 million from H.I.G. Capital. Reza, Natalia, and Shilpa discuss finding fulfillment, living with passion, and achieving success in all areas of endeavor.

Reza and Natalia sit down with Faiyaz Hussain, a seasoned and accomplished corporate attorney and litigator with extensive experience in global transactional matters and investigations into white-collar crime and anti-corruption. Having held senior positions at pharmaceutical companies like Abbott Labs and Baxter Healthcare, Faiyaz is also dedicated to pro bono work and advocating for civil rights, a space that he passionate about. He actively educates Muslim community leaders on not-for-profit governance and serves as a Senior Advisor to the Muslim Public Affairs Council. Reza, Natalia, and Faiyaz discuss the effects of 9/11 on Muslim communities, finding hope during political upheaval, and discovering one's voice in the social justice space.

Reza and Natalia sit down with Mayor Farrah Khan, the first woman of color to serve in her position and the first Muslim woman to serve as mayor of a large city in the United States. Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Mayor Khan grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and worked in biotech prior to entering politics. After becoming the first Muslim woman of color to be elected to Irvine's city council, she helped pass groundbreaking legislation, such as offering members of the LGBT community anti-discrimination protections. Since her election as mayor in 2020, Mayor Khan has spearheaded various programs that have transformed the City of Irvine, and in 2022, she won re-election. Mayor Khan, Natalia, and Reza talk about overcoming adversity, powerful role models, and the importance of South Asian representation.

*TRIGGER WARNING* — Contains subjects of Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideations

Natalia and Reza sit down with Gareth Shanthikumar, a health and wellness influencer based in Perth, Australia, who’s mission is to empower the South Asian community to maximize its potential. Inspired by his own struggles, he established MAN UP, a men's health organization dedicated to engaging young boys in conversations about the significance of expressing their emotions and opening up about their feelings. Gareth, Reza, and Natalia talk about generational trauma, how to overcome damaging stereotypes, and how to establish a positive support system. 

Reza and Natalia sit down with Rishika Advani, an Emmy-winning producer that has produced shows on Apple TV+,  Showtime,  FX,  TLC,  Discovery,  ABC, Food Network, and HBO.  A part of TV Academy, IDA, Brown Girls Doc Mafia, Women in Non-Fiction and the Producers Guild of America, Rishika got her start working as a temp at various studios. From there, she rose in the film industry and has helped create numerous critically-acclaimed projects, including Meet the Patels and Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico.  Reza, Natalia, and Rishika discuss parental expectations, pursuing dreams, and implementing culture into her work. 

In the debut episode of The Chit Chaat Podcast, Reza and Natalia chat with Pra Chandrasoma, Associate General Counsel and VP at BENlabs, Bill Gates' AI-driven product placement brand. Pra, Reza, and Natalia discuss childhood experiences, straddling the South Asian and the American identity, love and parenthood, and navigating cultural expectations.