33 episodes

Have you ever asked yourself, What if I just went ahead and did what I wanted??
As the eldest daughter of a South Asian home, doing what I wanted meant first,
considering what everyone else wanted! And every decision went through the ever
present filter of "What would people think!?" I know every culture has their
version of that...but I swear Desis live by it!!
Growing up, I  stuck to the script of what was expected of me...I was respectful,
reliable, and polite.

But truthfully, that was just because
 I didn't have the guts to go against the grain...which eventually led to a bit of
resentment of having to live to please everyone else!
 
But when I recognized that God had given me the tools to live in a way that felt
fulfilled and truthful, I decided that I couldn't care what anyone else thought!
Case in point...I stayed in a marriage way, way longer than I should have only
because that was what was expected of me! But I wasn't about to live the next 20
years the way I had lived the last 20!
So, I ended that marriage and focused on me!  
I grew my "very non-Pakistani" cleaning and organizing business and launched
another business that focused on fennel seed mixes that are a staple in South Asian
homes!   Hey, not all of us are going to be doctors and IT experts!!
I started actually BELIEVING the positive things people have said to me over the
years and ignored the voices that were more concerned about what others thought!
And it was liberating and empowering and freeing!
I created this podcast for- 
All of those men and women who have heard “What will people think?” their
whole life and have decided that they really don't care!
On this podcast 
We'll meet some really cool,  interesting men and women who've stepped out of
the cultural or familial expectations that were put upon them and are living
authentically!
We will talk about 
what society expected them to be and what they, themselves decided they would
be!
It's not always easy to step outside the box, but it makes for a great story when
you do!

I AM your host:

Farnaz Dar and this is the "Going Against the Grain” podcast.

Going Against the Grain Farnaz Dar

    • Society & Culture
    • 5.0 • 50 Ratings

Have you ever asked yourself, What if I just went ahead and did what I wanted??
As the eldest daughter of a South Asian home, doing what I wanted meant first,
considering what everyone else wanted! And every decision went through the ever
present filter of "What would people think!?" I know every culture has their
version of that...but I swear Desis live by it!!
Growing up, I  stuck to the script of what was expected of me...I was respectful,
reliable, and polite.

But truthfully, that was just because
 I didn't have the guts to go against the grain...which eventually led to a bit of
resentment of having to live to please everyone else!
 
But when I recognized that God had given me the tools to live in a way that felt
fulfilled and truthful, I decided that I couldn't care what anyone else thought!
Case in point...I stayed in a marriage way, way longer than I should have only
because that was what was expected of me! But I wasn't about to live the next 20
years the way I had lived the last 20!
So, I ended that marriage and focused on me!  
I grew my "very non-Pakistani" cleaning and organizing business and launched
another business that focused on fennel seed mixes that are a staple in South Asian
homes!   Hey, not all of us are going to be doctors and IT experts!!
I started actually BELIEVING the positive things people have said to me over the
years and ignored the voices that were more concerned about what others thought!
And it was liberating and empowering and freeing!
I created this podcast for- 
All of those men and women who have heard “What will people think?” their
whole life and have decided that they really don't care!
On this podcast 
We'll meet some really cool,  interesting men and women who've stepped out of
the cultural or familial expectations that were put upon them and are living
authentically!
We will talk about 
what society expected them to be and what they, themselves decided they would
be!
It's not always easy to step outside the box, but it makes for a great story when
you do!

I AM your host:

Farnaz Dar and this is the "Going Against the Grain” podcast.

    32 - Karen Sammer - Inspiring Others to Crush Cravings!

    32 - Karen Sammer - Inspiring Others to Crush Cravings!

    Karen Sammer was facing multiple health challenges, including pre-diabetes, but lost 135 lbs, overcame her pre-diabetes, and changed carries to become a board certified health coach. She has created a business that teaches people how to "Crush Cravings Before Diabetes Crushes You!"

    • 50 min
    31 - Vaishali Bhattacharyya - Once a Teacher, Always a Teacher!

    31 - Vaishali Bhattacharyya - Once a Teacher, Always a Teacher!

    Vaishali Bhattacharyya has a rich background in education and leadership and a passion for community service. She is heavily involved in youth and cultural organizations as well as socially-challenging issues that are not always easy to address. She has developed a love of holistic well-being that she practices in all aspects of her life, especially in her yoga practice which promotes mindfulness and wellness.

    • 1 hr 11 min
    30 - Stephanie Pellish - Not Afraid to Create What She Wants To See!

    30 - Stephanie Pellish - Not Afraid to Create What She Wants To See!

    Stephanie a wife, mom of 4, occupational therapist, and serial entrepreneur. She promotes women in their personal, family, and business growth. She aims to create communities of women to connect, support, and build the foundation to expand their confidence in all aspects of their life. Her passion is to be around women who want more for their lives and aren't afraid to go after it!

    • 54 min
    29 - Anne Zuckerman - Anything is Possible with Anne!

    29 - Anne Zuckerman - Anything is Possible with Anne!

    Anne was raised in a traditional European family. Initially, her two options were to: 1. Work in her mom's store or 2. Become a secretary. With a healthy dose of determinism, she continued her family's retail legacy by becoming a serial entrepreneur and allowing herself much more than those two options!

    • 51 min
    28 - Gerry Christopher - A Little Failure Doesn't Hurt!

    28 - Gerry Christopher - A Little Failure Doesn't Hurt!

    In this episode of Going Against the Grain, we’re joined by Gerry Christopher! Imagine working at a flower shop, then switching gears to work with missiles!!! That’s exactly what Gerry’s been through, and much more! Stay tuned to hear how she went through different career paths throughout her life. If you’re quite lost in your journey, this is a story you have to hear!

    • 52 min
    27 - Alaina Moleska - See it, Learn It, Do It!

    27 - Alaina Moleska - See it, Learn It, Do It!

    In this episode of Going Against the Grain, we’re joined by Alaina Moleska! From someone who just went with the flow, believed that she needed a man to live, and worked herself to death, Alaina flipped her life inside out and went against the grain! Stay tuned to hear her story.

    • 49 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
50 Ratings

50 Ratings

sniehaus ,

Great Podcast With Such Powerful Stories.

After a few episodes I am HOOKED. This is. A must listen podcast!

dbills60 ,

Great job.

Great job. Inspirational.

Shoe Flay ,

Review of first time, listening to podcast

Farnaz, you have a wonderful, speaking voice and the ability to connect with your guests… Wishing you all the best on this new chapter of your life… Good luck and best wishes!
Renee Atkins

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