Brown Don't Frown Podcast Tania S H

In the final episode of Season 6, I sit down with India Rakusen, a renowned audio and TV producer and presenter. She is best known for her work on BBC's highly acclaimed productions '28ish Days Later', 'Witch', and more recently, 'Child' where India delves into the journey of conception, pregnancy, birth, and the first twelve months of a child's life, exploring the science and history behind our creation.
We discuss the influences of mothering, and the interplay between discipline and affection. India reflects on the image of the Virgin Mary and how it has shaped perceptions of perfectionism and selflessness in motherhood. She also examines the influence of different waves of feminism, from 1970s’ attachment parenting to today's challenges balancing women's independence with mothering. We touch upon childcare, nuclear versus multi-generational families, and the emotional impact of giving and receiving advice.
We also reflect on the bifurcation of medicated and unmedicated birth and the importance of compassion and empathy in recognising that every birth is a unique, special experience. Join us for a discussion that transcends "pregnancy" and "motherhood" and highlights the broader implications for social cohesion, happiness, and economic prosperity.
You can find all episodes of '28ish Days Later', 'Witch' and 'Child' on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts.
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If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please consider supporting it - all for as little as the price of a coffee! You can donate here: www.patreon.com/browndontfrownpod.
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I sit down with hosts of Two Chickpeas in a Podcast, sisters Nikkita and Natasha to talk about our podcasting journeys, including how we started out, as well as our challenges, successes and future aspirations. We also talk about our experience as second/third generation South Asians - how it has shaped us and our outlooks on life and how it differs from our parents/grandparents, including our confidence in our South Asian identity.
We also cover ambition, creativity and overachievement as a double edged sword. We round off with examining our hopes and dreams over the next decade, such as breaking the mould in terms of parting with some of the traditional expectations set by the generations before us while building acceptance and confidence in ourselves.
You can find Two Chickpeas in a Podcast on Apple, Spotify, TikTok and YouTube. Follow them on Instragram @twochickpeasinapodcast.
Sign up to our newsletter:  https://mailchi.mp/186e92c0ae06/browndontfrownpodcastnewsletter 
If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please consider supporting it - all for as little as the price of a coffee! You can donate here: www.patreon.com/browndontfrownpod.
Follow us on:
Twitter - @BDFPodcast 
Instagram - @browndontfrownpodcast 
LinkedIn - @browndontfrownpodcast

Neelam founded Cysters in 2015 as a way to challenge some of the misconceptions and stigma around reproductive health, particularly for marginalised and racialised groups. It started off as a Facebook group and has evolved to become a community-led charity which aims to address some of the systemic barriers to better health outcomes.
In this episode, Neelam's fierce dedication to improving reproductive health outcomes alongside her own lived experience come through poignantly as she shares the journey of Cysters, including its challenges and successes, as well as the significance of its core values of community, collaboration, care, and confidence. We also explore taboos in our communities, notably among South Asian women, discussing progress made and hopes for the next generation.
I ask Neelam about Cysters' mobilisation initiatives and outreach campaigns to raise awareness and empower harder to reach communities to speak openly about their health and have a seat at the decision-making table, such as "Chai and Chat" and "Cysters Smear," including its work to influence public health policy.
To join the Cysterhood, visit @cystersgroup on Instagram or www.cysters.org.

Mitali Dargani is our next guest. As creator and host of Brown Game Strong, an interview show spotlighting creative South Asian minds, Mitali tells us how the show originated from a place of community support and encouragement, and is an embodiment of lifting each other up. Yet, Brown Game Strong is not just about showing outward success, but equally, recognising the flaws, demons, and challenges we all face. 
This was a really enriching discussion in many ways as we uncovered our thought processes in being sandwiched between two mindsets: stability and taking risks, as reflected in our life choices. 
As fellow creatives in the storytelling space, we also spend some time reframing how we perceive ‘success’, sharing a sense of conscientiousness about ourselves and the world. We ask - is the need to be constantly productive the antidote to unfulfillment or the antithesis to happiness? Finally, we take an introspective look into how we think our 30s will define us. 
Sign up to our newsletter:  https://mailchi.mp/186e92c0ae06/browndontfrownpodcastnewsletter 
If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please consider supporting it - all for as little as the price of a coffee! You can donate here: www.patreon.com/browndontfrownpod.
Follow us on:
Twitter - @BDFPodcast 
Instagram - @browndontfrownpodcast 
LinkedIn - @browndontfrownpodcast

In this episode, I sit down with an inspirational former colleague and friend, Gabbie Stewart. Gabbie is originally from New Zealand but has spent many years in London with her husband and three young children. We talk about the inevitable juggle of life, personal identity, work, motherhood and everything in between. 
We consider the evolution and revolution of pregnancy and motherhood over generations, overcoming myths and fears, alongside convention and personal choices. Working mothers are well acquainted with the term ‘motherhood penalty’ and within this context, Gabbie and I talk about reaching our potential, redefining our own narratives, and reclaiming ourselves while finding ways to enjoy the present and thrive. 
Sign up to our newsletter:  https://mailchi.mp/186e92c0ae06/browndontfrownpodcastnewsletter 
If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please consider supporting it - all for as little as the price of a coffee! You can donate here: www.patreon.com/browndontfrownpod.
Follow us on:
Twitter - @BDFPodcast 
Instagram - @browndontfrownpodcast 
LinkedIn - @browndontfrownpodcast

Seetal Kaur is our next guest. She is Co-Director of Forward Culture, a social initiative focussing on the empowerment of South Asian women. Seetal explains Forward Culture exists not just for finding pride in our South Asian heritage, but also about critically evaluating previous traditions and evolving them in line with our own empowerment and identity.
In this episode, we talk about our shared experience of something that nothing and no one can ever prepare you for: motherhood. We begin with learning from previous generations, examining what has fallen away and what has stood the test of time. We discuss how soul destroying complete selflessness can be and why we shouldn't put it on a pedestal in South Asian cultures in the way that we do. We also explore setting good examples for our children, ‘unlearning’ and ‘reparenting’ and the contrasts between gentle parenting/validating emotions vs authoritative parenting/disciplinarian approaches. Seetal also shares how therapy for her has been a necessary antidote to emotional barriers and improved self-awareness.
Forward Culture offers an enriching Mentorship programme for South Asian women and runs regular workshops, events and research. You can find out more and get involved through www.forwardculture.co or head over to its Instagram @forward.culture.
Sign up to our newsletter:  https://mailchi.mp/186e92c0ae06/browndontfrownpodcastnewsletter 
If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please consider supporting it - all for as little as the price of a coffee! You can donate here: www.patreon.com/browndontfrownpod.
Follow us on:
Twitter - @BDFPodcast 
Instagram - @browndontfrownpodcast 
LinkedIn - @browndontfrownpodcast