Beyond Borders Podcast

Aakriti Dhawan
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  • Society & Culture

I Ask The Tough Question So You Don't Have To: HOSTWRITER PRIZE AWARD 2025 Beyond Borders Podcast is a global affairs and culture podcast hosted by Aakriti Dhawan — an Indian journalist based in Germany. Each week, we dive into thought-provoking conversations on politics, gender, media, identity, cross-cultural relations, and entertainment — through stories that challenge narratives and push beyond comfort zones. This podcast explores what it really means to go beyond borders — geographically, politically, and personally. I ask the tough questions so you don't have to. If you’re curious about the world and unafraid of tough questions, this is your space. Follow and subscribe to join a growing global community of listeners thinking outside the box. Donations: buymeacoffee.com/beyondborderspod #BeyondBordersPodcast#GlobalAffairs#PoliticalPodcast#Geopolitics#CurrentAffairs#CulturePodcast#MediaAndPolitics#WomenInMedia#IdentityPolitics#DiasporaVoices#IndianInGermany#CrossCultural#JournalismMatters#GlobalConversations#PodcastCommunity

  1. 2d ago

    Nothing Is Apolitical: Najib Faizi, Afghanistan's First Drag Queen | Exile & Defiance

    MINI SERIES: NOTHING IS APOLITICAL In this episode of Beyond Borders Podcast, host Aakriti Dhawan is joined by Najib Faizi, a nurse, teacher, activist, and the first-ever Afghan drag queen living in Germany. Together, they dive into a deeply moving conversation about identity, survival, and what it truly means to fight for the freedom to be yourself. Fleeing Kandahar at just eleven years old, Najib survived childhood abuse, bullying, and the heavy weight of family expectations. He opens up about finding his voice, balancing his dual life as Najib and his drag persona, Najiba, and navigating the realities of being a queer Afghan on the global stage. From debunking painful misconceptions about the drag community to sharing his dream of one day making India his home, Najib reflects on the struggle of being silenced, the constant search for safety, and how society’s fear of the unknown so often gets in the way of basic human empathy. This is a conversation about resilience, the courage to speak when you've been silenced, and the universal search for belonging. 00:00 - 01:20 Introduction 01:21 - 02:05 Najib Faizi, Afghanistan’s First Drag Queen 02:06 - 03:41 Growing Up in Kandahar: Early Life & Childhood Memories 03:42 - 05:20 Fleeing Afghanistan at 11 Years Old: The Turning Point 05:21 - 10:37 Becoming 'Najiba': Finding the Drag Queen Within 10:38 - 12:12 Religion, Islam, and Homophobia: Addressing Misconceptions 12:13 - 13:37 Expectation vs. Reality: Seeking Freedom in Western Countries 13:38 - 16:37 Rising Extremism & Safety: Comparing the Taliban and Germany's AfD 16:38 - 18:08 Beyond Drag: Balancing Life as a Nurse, Teacher, and Activist 18:09 - 20:43 Najib vs. Najiba: Understanding Dual Identity 20:44 - 23:47 Debunking Common Myths About the Drag & LGBTQ+ Community 23:48 - 25:57 Dreams & Future Goals: What Lies Ahead in the Next 5 Years 25:58 - 31:20 Personal Struggles: Facing Discrimination and Brutal Realities 31:21 - 33:51 Communication Gap with Parents: Social Stigma and Family Dynamics 33:52 - 35:29 The Role of South Asian Nations: How Regional Neighbors Can Support Afghanistan 35:30 - 38:02 Geopolitics & Unity: Why South Asia Needs Local Solutions, Not Western Intervention 38:03 - 40:29 Beyond Borders: Najib's Final Message and Advice for the World 🎧 Listen on Spotify & all audio platforms 📲 Follow Beyond Borders for weekly conversations that challenge comfort zones. #BeyondBordersPodcast #NajibFaizi #Najiba #AfghanDragQueen #Afghanistan #SouthAsia #India #QueerVoices #LGBTQ #RefugeeStories #Resilience #IndoGerman #PodcastForChange #AakritiDhawan #GlobalPerspectives #HumanRights #IdentityAndBelonging #QueerStories #DragQueen #FreedomToBeYou #CulturalExchange Disclaimer: This content is created for educational and conversational purposes only. We do not intend to hurt, offend, or target any individual or group. All views expressed are respectful and aim to promote empathy, understanding, and open discourse. Aakriti Dhawan is a journalist and storyteller bridging India and Germany. Her podcast brings raw, thoughtful conversations on politics, gender, culture, human rights, and the world we live in. 🔔 Subscribe for more 🎧 Listen on Spotify: [https://open.spotify.com/show/3EdImNjwzf4NsLeVWDDAMy?si=mCMqKgv9SaWHh3SlEm2b7w&utm_source=copy-link] 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @beyond_borderspod

    Nothing Is Apolitical: Najib Faizi, Afghanistan's First Drag Queen | Exile & Defiance

  2. Jun 15

    Is India On The Brink Of Its First Gen Z Revolution? | Cockroach Janta Party's Vijeta Dahiya speaks

    What happens when a political researcher, filmmaker, and activist decides to stop waiting for change — and becomes the voice of a movement? In this episode of Beyond Borders, host Aakriti Dhawan sits down with Vijeta Dahiya — political researcher, author, filmmaker, and spokesperson for the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) — for one of the most unfiltered conversations on Indian politics you'll hear this year. This isn't a conversation about party lines or political optics. This is about the ground realities that mainstream media won't touch — caste discrimination, exam paper leaks, unemployment, farmer abandonment, and a generation of young Indians who are done being silent. Vijeta and Aakriti go deep on the ideology behind the CJP movement, the uncomfortable relationship between religion and politics, why the caste system continues to rob millions of basic dignity, and what "so-called liberals" are getting dangerously wrong. They also address the allegations head-on — transphobia, sexism, female representation — with honesty and nuance rarely seen in public discourse. If you believe that real change starts with uncomfortable conversations, this one is for you. 📌 WHAT WE COVER: 00:00 - 01:20 Introduction 01:20 - 02:07 From Engineering to Creative Arts: The Early Jump 02:07 - 02:55 Political Advocacy, Research, and a Five-Year Vision 02:55 - 04:48 Making Haryanvi Films and the Pivot to Activism 04:48 - 05:50 Sudden Rise and Becoming the CJP Spokesperson 05:50 - 07:03 The Ideology Behind the Cockroach Janata Party Movement 07:03 - 08:22 Sonam Wangchuk's Alliance with the CJP Mission 08:22 - 09:15 The Silence of Social Media Influencers and Public Voices 09:15 - 10:18 Navigating the Association and Bond with Dhruv Rathee 10:18 - 11:39 Can You Only Question Indian Politics From Abroad? 11:39 - 17:12 Addressing the Transphobia Allegations and LGBTQ+ Rights 17:12 - 19:44 Clearing the Air: Addressing Allegations of Sexism 19:44 - 21:32 Confronting the Lack of Female Representation in the CJP 21:32 - 23:31 Religion, Caste, and the State of Modern Indian Politics 23:31 - 24:58 The Road Map to Eradicating Casteism and Jaatiwaad 24:58 - 28:20 Questioning the Narrative: Are You Anti-Liberal? 28:20 - 30:35 Debating Classism and the Modern Liberal Stance 30:35 - 35:40 Views on Reservation Quotas and the 2016 Jat Andolan 35:40 - 38:09 Clarifying the Viral Statement on Brahmanwaad 38:09 - 39:52 The Core Difference Between Hinduism and Hindu Nationalism 39:52 - 41:52 Has 'Jai Shri Ram' Shifted From a Religious to a Political Slogan? 41:52 - 46:32 Three Direct Pieces of Advice for Every Indian 46:32 - 47:52 The Final Verdict: Will Vijeta Dahiya Ever Enter Active Politics? 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations that challenge comfort zones 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3EdImNjwzf4NsLeVWDDAMy?si=Jh_-5qONReSmIQf4w9ad_Q 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @beyond_borderspod #BeyondBorders #VijetaDahiya #DharmendraPradhan #NEETPaperLeak #NarendraModi #BJP #Congress #AAP #DhruvRathee #SupriyaShrinate #AbhijeetDipke #CockroachJanataParty #BhagatSingh #Gandhi #Brahmanvaad #IndianPolitics #EducationReform #CasteSystem #ReservationQuota #Reservation #Religion #EqualityForAll #IndianFarmers #GroundRealities #SecularIndia #Democracy #PodcastIndia #RealStories #IndoGerman #GlobalPerspectives #ConversationForChange Disclaimer: This content is created for entertainment and conversational purposes only. We do not intend to hurt, offend, or target any individual or group. All views expressed are respectful and considerate.

    Is India On The Brink Of Its First Gen Z Revolution? | Cockroach Janta Party's Vijeta Dahiya speaks

  3. Jun 11

    The Germany No One Tells Indian Students About | Surya Kumar Bose Pt. 2

    In Part 2 of my conversation with Surya Kumar Bose — grandnephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, IT veteran of Siemens and Cap Gemini, and President of the Indo-German Association in Hamburg — we get into the raw realities that no one talks about. Hundreds of thousands of Indian students are now choosing Germany over the US, UK, and Canada. But what actually awaits them? The opportunity is real — but so is the backlash, the language wall, and a job market that doesn't always play fair. Surya has watched this story unfold for nearly fifty years, from the inside. We go deep on Germany's systemic failures in integration, the misleading "chance card" that trips up Indian graduates, the uncomfortable fairness dilemma in hiring — and what Surya, who himself pivoted from physics to IT and consulting, would genuinely tell young Indians dreaming of a life here. This is one of the most candid Indo-German conversations you'll hear — from a man who carries one of India's most iconic names, and has spent a lifetime building bridges between two worlds. Missed Part 1? Watch it here: https://rss.com/podcasts/beyondborderspod/2742769 ⏱️ CHAPTERS 0:00 – Introduction 1:00 – The Massive Rise of Indian Students in Germany 3:00 – The Indo-German Paradox: Opportunities vs. Backlash 9:42 – Systemic Flaws in Germany's Adaptation 12:27 – The Language Barrier & The "Misleading" Chance Card 13:48 – Job Market Realities and the Fairness Dilemma 19:27 – Pivoting from Physics to IT & Consulting 22:57 – Five Decades at Siemens: Evolution of the Workplace 29:19 – Advice for Indians in Germany and Aspiring Emigrants

    The Germany No One Tells Indian Students About | Surya Kumar Bose Pt. 2

  4. May 22

    HOW FAIR IS TODAY'S MEDIA | WOMEN IN POWER | EQUALITY and MORE Ft. Debarati Guha

    In this episode of Beyond Borders Podcast, our host Aakriti Dhawan is joined by Debarati Guha, Director of Programs for Asia at DW (Deutsche Welle). Together, they discuss issues that deeply affect women in everyday life, often ignored, as well as the fairness of the media in 2026. From being gifted a sewing machine instead of a bicycle as a young girl to constantly having to fight to make a place for herself in professional spaces, Guha reflects on the subtle ways patriarchy continues to shape women’s lives even today. The conversation also touches on workplace inequality, women not being taken seriously in media spaces, how empowerment is often spoken about without real shifts in power truly being accepted, and the unsafe realities many women still face, from rape threats and domestic violence to female foeticide and the lack of basic dignity and safety that still exists for women in many parts of society. This is a conversation about feminism, patriarchy, and womanhood. 0:00 - 1:27 Introduction 1:28 - 5:00 Growing up in an orthodox family 5:01 - 9:49 Being a "headstrong" woman at work 9:50 - 13:11 How to raise boys to respect women 13:12 - 19:21 Surviving orthodox DW language services 19:22 - 29:07 Periods, pain, and career survival 29:08 - 35:38 The pay gap & the "child vs. career" trap 35:39 - 39:14 Is women's empowerment just fake branding? 39:15 - 41:57 How the West misinterprets South Asia 41:58 - 44:13 The privilege debate: Caste & class in media 44:14 - 48:27 Does newsroom orthodoxy still exist? 48:28 - 53:44 Indian media & the death of democracy 53:45 - 56:52 How WW2 history shapes German media 56:53 - 59:35 What global news is missing 59:36 - 1:01:31 Correcting the Western narrative 1:01:32 - 1:03:00 The DW project representing South Asia 1:03:01 - 1:04:22 Final advice to go Beyond Borders Listen on Spotify & all audio platforms Follow Beyond Borders for weekly conversations that challenge comfort zones . #Podcast #Feminism #WomenInMedia Disclaimer: This content is created for entertainment and conversational purposes only. We do not intend to hurt, offend, or target any individual or group. All views expressed are respectful and considerate. Our host, Aakriti Dhawan is a journalist and storyteller bridging India and Germany. Her podcast brings raw, thoughtful conversations on politics, gender, culture, animals, and the world we live in. #DebaratiGuha #DeutscheWelle #BeyondBordersPodcast #WorkplaceInequality #WomenEmpowerment #Patriarchy #GenderEquality #WomenLeaders Subscribe for more Listen on Spotify: [https://open.spotify.com/show/3EdImNjwzf4NsLeVWDDAMy?si=lEWL0aogR-q_0Br7r9-a1w] Follow us on Instagram: @beyond_borderspod

    HOW FAIR IS TODAY'S MEDIA | WOMEN IN POWER | EQUALITY and MORE Ft. Debarati Guha

  5. Apr 17

    PART 1: The Untold Story About Bose, Partition & West Bengal Ft. Surya Kumar Bose

    In this episode of the Beyond Borders Podcast, our host Aakriti Dhawan is in conversation with Surya Kumar Bose, the grandnephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Together, they dive into themes of politics, pre-independence India, the chapters of Indian history that most of us were simply never told and the present Indo-German connection that ties it all together “Can you ever truly belong to two worlds, or are you forever caught in the friction between them?" From the streets of Berlin to the heart of the Indian freedom struggle, Surya Kumar Bose navigates a dual identity that challenges everything we know about the meaning of "home. "He reflects on the claim that pre-independence, Mohammad Ali Jinnah stated that If Subhash Chandra Bose returns to India, he would drop the idea of partition and pakistan, discusses the relationship of Hitler and Netaji and reveals the truth about the declassification of Netaji secret files in 2015 and it's real political connection with Mamata Banerjee and touches on Indian history, the erasure of the Mughal period from textbooks, and what it means to carry a legendary name in a foreign land. Surya Kumar Bose speaks about the chapters of history that textbooks choose to skip, and hearing them from someone who grew up in the shadow of this legacy gives you clarity and a new lens for looking at history that you didn't know you needed. STAY TUNED FOR PART 2 This is a conversation about history, identity, and the courage to look at the past without filters. Timestamps: 00:00 - 01:15 Introduction 01:15 - 04:30 Why Surya Kumar Bose Speaks About Netaji's Legacy 04:30 - 08:00 Netaji's Vision for India: Planning, Casteism & What Could Have Been 08:00 - 11:30 Indo-German Relations & Netaji's International Alliances 11:30 - 15:00 Netaji's Core Values: Religion, Secularism & Leading by Example 15:00 - 18:30 The Temple Story, The Tika & One Kitchen for All 18:30 - 21:30 Language, Hindustani & The Roman Script Netaji Wanted 21:30 - 25:30 Partition, Jinnah & The Mistake That Divided India 25:30 - 29:00 Mamata Banerjee, The Declassification & The RTI 29:00 - 33:00 The Shanawaz Commission & Nehru's Role in Suppressing the Truth 33:00 - 36:30 Surya Kumar's Father Carrying Secret Letters & The Risk of Execution 36:30 - 39:00 Netaji, Hitler & The Nazi Gas Chambers 39:00 - 40:00 India, The Holocaust & What We Refuse to Learn from History 40:00 - 41:00 Social Media, Gaza & WhatsApp University 🎧 Listen on Spotify & all audio platforms 📲 Follow Beyond Borders for weekly conversations that challenge comfort zones. #NetajiSubhasChandraBose #SuryaKumarBose #Jinnah #Partition #BoseFiles #IndianHistory #SubhasChandraBose #BeyondBorders #Independence #Hitler #MamataBanerjee #TMC #BJP #India #Podcast #elections #westbengal #modi #pakistan Disclaimer: This content is created for entertainment and conversational purposes only. We do not intend to hurt, offend, or target any individual or group. All views expressed are respectful and considerate. Our host, Aakriti Dhawan is a journalist and storyteller bridging India and Germany. Her podcast brings raw, thoughtful conversations on politics, gender, culture, animals, and the world we live in. #BeyondBordersPodcast #PodcastForChange #InspiringStories #IndoGerman #GlobalPerspectives #Conversation #IndiansInGermany #HistoryUncut #MeaningfulConversations 🔔 Subscribe for more 🎧 Listen on Spotify: [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YR7..] 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @beyond_borderspod

    PART 1: The Untold Story About Bose, Partition & West Bengal Ft. Surya Kumar Bose

  6. Mar 8

    She Came Out at 50. Here’s What No One Talks About | Raga D’Silva

    Women's Day Special: Raga D'silva shares her journey of coming out in her late 40s, navigating stigma, resilience, and ultimately embracing her truth. From surviving trauma and discrimination to building platforms like Speaking Minds and Older Queer Voices, Raga's story is one of courage, feminism, and advocacy. LETS CELEBRATE TOGETHER This episode discusses themes including abuse, identity, violence, and personal transformation. Some listeners may find parts of this conversation emotionally sensitive. 00:00 – Introduction 01:15 – Coming out at 49: the first public declaration 04:30 – Labels: lesbian, bisexual, or simply authentic 07:20 – Early struggles, family trauma, and stigma in New Zealand 12:45 – Balancing career achievements with identity 16:30 – Founding Speaking Minds and the power of storytelling 21:00 – Feminism explained: etiquette vs. equality 26:15 – Resilience against hate and online abuse 30:40 – Creating Older Queer Voices podcast 35:00 – Reflections on living two lives and embracing truth 38:20 – Advice for anyone going beyond borders #LGBTQPodcast #womensday #feminism #strong #abuse #cominghout #marriage #women #indianwomen #freedom #lgbtq #community

    She Came Out at 50. Here’s What No One Talks About | Raga D’Silva

  7. Feb 20

    Award- Winning Filmmaker on Trans Lives in India, Belonging, Gender Identity & the British Lens | Meera Darji

    Beyond Borders Podcast X Birmingham City University, Aakriti Dhawan sits down with an award-winning filmmaker and Senior Lecturer at BCU, Meera Darji for a powerful conversation on the lived realities of India’s trans community — the search for belonging, the gaps in public understanding of gender, and the impact of viewing Indian trans identities through a Western/UK lens. The discussion explores how conversations around gender in India are often shaped either by silence or by imported frameworks that don’t always reflect local histories and cultural contexts. From identity and visibility to policy, media narratives, and everyday belonging, this episode examines what gets misunderstood — both within India and abroad. This is a nuanced, honest conversation about community, dignity, and the need to build gender awareness beyond binaries and beyond borders. Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/1iCK3rTLGlE?si=VjMg2_ArWwpmqfQD Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_borderspod/ Apply Podcast: #TransCommunity #LGBTQIndia #GenderIdentity #TransRights #Belonging #QueerVoices #India #BeyondBorders

    Award- Winning Filmmaker on Trans Lives in India, Belonging, Gender Identity & the British Lens | Meera Darji

  8. Feb 17

    “Our People Are Buried Under the Debris” | Palestinian Ambassador on Reconstruction & India’s Role

    In this episode of Beyond Borders Podcast X The Wire, Aakriti Dhawan speaks with the Palestinian Ambassador to India, Abdullah Abu Shawesh, on the humanitarian devastation in Gaza, the politics of “ceasefire,” and the role of international actors. The Ambassador challenges the language used around the conflict, shares personal accounts from his family in Gaza, and outlines the scale of destruction — with reconstruction estimated at $57 billion. The conversation also examines India’s position on the two-state solution, its diplomatic leverage with Israel, divisions within Palestinian politics, and whether meaningful peace is still possible. Referencing international law, UN Resolution 181, and global anti-colonial struggles, this interview brings a direct Palestinian perspective to Indian audiences in an urgent and deeply political moment Youtube: https://youtu.be/ISlqktwPyqI?si=RTafpN6SMY146cIy . #beyondborderspodcast #Gaza #GazaWar #Palestine #IsraelPalestine #HumanitarianCrisis #Ceasefire #TwoStateSolution #MiddleEast #IndiaForeignPolicy #GlobalPolitics #WarInGaza / @thewirenews

    “Our People Are Buried Under the Debris” | Palestinian Ambassador on Reconstruction & India’s Role
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About

I Ask The Tough Question So You Don't Have To: HOSTWRITER PRIZE AWARD 2025 Beyond Borders Podcast is a global affairs and culture podcast hosted by Aakriti Dhawan — an Indian journalist based in Germany. Each week, we dive into thought-provoking conversations on politics, gender, media, identity, cross-cultural relations, and entertainment — through stories that challenge narratives and push beyond comfort zones. This podcast explores what it really means to go beyond borders — geographically, politically, and personally. I ask the tough questions so you don't have to. If you’re curious about the world and unafraid of tough questions, this is your space. Follow and subscribe to join a growing global community of listeners thinking outside the box. Donations: buymeacoffee.com/beyondborderspod #BeyondBordersPodcast#GlobalAffairs#PoliticalPodcast#Geopolitics#CurrentAffairs#CulturePodcast#MediaAndPolitics#WomenInMedia#IdentityPolitics#DiasporaVoices#IndianInGermany#CrossCultural#JournalismMatters#GlobalConversations#PodcastCommunity

Information

  • Creator
    Aakriti Dhawan
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Aakriti Dhawan
  • Show Website
    Beyond Borders Podcast

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