The Brown Girl Blueprint

Tulsi Patel
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Biweekly

Lately, life has felt a little overwhelming - like I’m just about holding it together. Some days it’s home-cooked meals, other days it’s hospital food. I forget to reply to messages, fall asleep on the sofa mid-chapter, and question everything from my career to whether I’ve made my family or myself proud. As women, especially minority women, there’s this constant pressure to achieve, to exceed, to prove our worth. So I’ve been searching for who I am beyond the job title - from my roots to my soul. I’m Dr. Tulsi Patel, a British-born Gujarati Indian junior doctor in London. I know how rare it is to see Asian women represented in certain spaces. That’s why I created The Brown Girl Blueprint - a podcast celebrating inspiring Asian women who are breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible. Through honest conversations, we’ll explore identity, ambition and cultural pride. Because there’s no single way to be an Asian woman. Every story matters.

  1. Oct 27

    Sita Said No: The Woman Behind Diwali

    Why do so many of us celebrate Diwali every year without ever really knowing the story of the woman who came home with Rama? In this episode of The Brown Girl Blueprint, my very first solo episode, I share the story of Sita ahead of Diwali on Sunday 8th November. I revisit the version of the Ramayana most of us grew up with, then explore the parts that usually get left out: her trial by fire, her exile while pregnant, and her final refusal to prove herself again. I also look at how women writers have been retelling Sita's story for centuries. What You'll Discover - The Story We Skip: How Sita, a princess born from the earth who chose to follow Rama into exile, was asked to prove her faithfulness after being rescued, and later abandoned when the kingdom questioned her. - Women Rewriting Sita: How writers from the 16th-century Bengali poet Chandrabati to Volga, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, and Samhita Arni with artist Moyna Chitrakar have reclaimed Sita's voice. - The Power to Leave the Room: Why Sita's final, quiet "no" offers a radical lesson in boundaries for South Asian women still auditioning for approval from family, work, and community. Whether you grew up lighting diyas without knowing Sita's full story, or you are learning to set boundaries of your own, this Diwali is a reminder to honour both the one who came home and the woman who chose her own path. Books Mentioned: The Forest of Enchantments by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni The Liberation of Sita by Volga Sita's Ramayana by Samhita Arni and Moyna Chitrakar The Ramayana by Valmiki Follow The Brown Girl Blueprint: Instagram | TikTok Connect with Tulsi: Instagram | TikTok The Brown Girl Blueprint is produced by Urban Podcasts.

    Sita Said No: The Woman Behind Diwali

  2. Oct 12

    How to Build a Circle of Good People With Pinky Lilani CBE

    What if the secret to true professional success isn’t just about what you know, but how much kindness you are willing to show along the way? In this episode of The Brown Girl Blueprint, I sit down with Pinky Lilani CBE, founder of the Women of the Future programme and the Asian Women of Achievement Awards. Over the last 25 years her portfolio of events, initiatives and networks has supported the next generation of leaders and reached thousands of women across the globe. Named one of the 100 most powerful women in the UK by BBC Radio 4, she was appointed OBE in 2007 for services to charity and CBE in 2015 for services to women in business, and she is currently Deputy Lieutenant for Greater London. Pinky shares her extraordinary journey from arriving in the UK with a semi-arranged marriage and zero culinary skills to self-publishing a successful cookbook, cooking spicy Bombay potatoes in bookstores, and ultimately building a global network that champions women. We dive deep into her philosophy on networking, the power of humility, and why kindness is the ultimate currency in both life and business. What You’ll Discover - Redefining Networking: Why true connection is built on humility, integrity, and purpose rather than transactional relationships or arrogance. - The Power of Kindness: How simple, daily acts of kindness can open unexpected doors and why you should always aim to do something for someone who can never repay you. - Navigating Career and Family: A candid look at the unique challenges women face today regarding work-life balance, and why your career will always be there, but your children's early years will not. Building a meaningful life requires a balance of ambition and deep, genuine connection. By focusing on core values and remaining transparent and kind, you can create a legacy that lasts far longer than any job title. Connect with Pinky Lilani: Instagram | LinkedIn | Wikipedia Follow The Brown Girl Blueprint: Instagram | TikTok Connect with Tulsi: Instagram | TikTok The Brown Girl Blueprint is produced by Urban Podcasts.

    How to Build a Circle of Good People With Pinky Lilani CBE

  3. Sep 28

    Can We Make Saris Cool Again? With Rasmita Kerung

    How do you preserve your cultural heritage when you leave your home country at just 16 years old? In this episode of The Brown Girl Blueprint, I sit down with Rasmita Kerung, the founder of Sarir Poshak, a sustainable sari brand celebrating traditional handloom craftsmanship. Rasmita shares her journey of moving from Nepal to the UK as a teenager, navigating a new culture, and eventually launching a business that reconnects her with her roots. We explore the rich history of the sari, the importance of sustainable fashion, and how she balances multiple careers alongside the pressures of modern womanhood. What You’ll Discover - Preserving Tradition Through Sustainable Fashion: Why Rasmita chose to focus on handmade, organic cotton saris, and how handloom craftsmanship supports artisans while fighting back against fast fashion. - Reclaiming the Sari for a New Generation: Breaking the stigma that saris are only for married women or special occasions, and simple ways younger women can embrace this elegant, versatile garment. - Juggling Multiple Passions: How Rasmita balances life as a dental nurse, a home salon owner, and a sustainable fashion entrepreneur, all while navigating the cultural expectations placed on South Asian women. Whether you are looking to reconnect with your own heritage, curious about the art of the handloom, or trying to balance multiple passions in your 30s, Rasmita’s story is a beautiful reminder that our roots can be the ultimate foundation for our future. Connect with Rasmita Kerung Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow The Brown Girl Blueprint:  Instagram | TikTok Connect with Tulsi: Instagram | TikTok The Brown Girl Blueprint is produced by Urban Podcasts.

    Can We Make Saris Cool Again? With Rasmita Kerung

  4. Sep 14

    Can Children's Books Change Beauty Standards? With Author Moniza Hossain

    Why do comments about staying out of the sun or praising "fairness" still echo through our families and communities, and what impact does this have on our children? In this episode of The Brown Girl Blueprint, I sit down with Moniza Hossain, a children's author whose recent book, Ritu and the Sun, explores the deep-seated issue of colourism through a child's lens. We dive into the historical roots of skin-tone prejudice, how it manifests globally from Bollywood to social media algorithms, and why unlearning these biases is essential for the next generation. What You’ll Discover - The Roots of Colourism: How deeply ingrained prejudices from colonialism and classism continue to quietly influence beauty standards, self-worth, and opportunity within our own communities. - The Impact on the Next Generation: Why children internalise harmful beliefs about their skin tone from a shockingly young age, and how adults can gently unlearn and dismantle these inherited biases. - Empowerment Through Literature: The vital importance of diverse representation in children's books, and how stories can equip young people with the tools to celebrate their natural beauty. Colourism is not just an external battle; it is often passed down by those who love us most, out of a misplaced desire to protect us from a prejudiced world. By bringing these conversations into the light and providing our children with stories that reflect their true worth, we can begin to break the cycle for good. Books Mentioned: - Ritu and the Sun by Moniza Hossain - Bad Things Happened Here by Moniza Hossain - Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho - Farah's Nose by Humera Malik - Made for More by Chloe Ito Ward - Watercress by Andrea Wang - Discworld by Terry Pratchett - Persuasion by Jane Austen - Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë Connect with Moniza Hussain: Website | Instagram Buy Moniza Hussain's Books Amazon | Good Reads Follow The Brown Girl Blueprint:  Instagram | TikTok Connect with Tulsi: Instagram | TikTok The Brown Girl Blueprint is produced by Urban Podcasts.

    Can Children's Books Change Beauty Standards? With Author Moniza Hossain

  5. Aug 31

    Breaking Free From The 'Good Girl' Narrative with South Asian Therapist Nisha Jandu

    What does it really take to unlearn the "good girl" conditioning that so many South Asian women inherit, and how do we begin to choose ourselves without drowning in guilt? In this episode of The Brown Girl Blueprint, I sit down with Nisha Jandu, an integrative therapist and founder of Inner Space Therapy, alongside my Aunt Rekha (you will hear me say Rekha Masi - which means maternal aunt in my language!), for a deeply honest, cross-generational conversation. We explore the heavy expectations placed on South Asian women, the invisible strings of duty and people-pleasing, and why culturally nuanced therapy is essential for true healing. What You’ll Discover - Breaking the "Good Girl" Narrative: How the pressure to be compliant, quiet, and constantly accommodating shapes our identities, and why unlearning this conditioning is vital for mental health. - Navigating Guilt and Boundaries: Why saying "no" feels so unsafe to our nervous systems, and how to tolerate the discomfort of setting boundaries without abandoning your own needs. - The Power of Culturally Nuanced Therapy: Why generic mental health approaches often fall short for South Asian women, and the freedom that comes from working with a therapist who truly understands your cultural background. Whether you are an eldest daughter carrying the weight of your family's expectations, or someone simply trying to figure out what you actually want out of life, this episode is a reminder that it is never too late to dream bigger and reclaim your voice. Connect with Nisha Jandu: Instagram | Inner Space Therapy Follow The Brown Girl Blueprint:  Instagram | TikTok Connect with Tulsi: Instagram | TikTok The Brown Girl Blueprint is produced by Urban Podcasts.

    Breaking Free From The 'Good Girl' Narrative with South Asian Therapist Nisha Jandu

  6. Aug 17

    What If Your Wardrobe Isn't the Problem? With Personal Stylist Neelam Mistry

    Have you ever looked at your wardrobe and felt like none of it really reflects who you are? In this episode of The Brown Girl Blueprint, I sit down with personal stylist and author Neelam Mistry to explore how personal style goes far beyond fashion - it is about identity, confidence, and giving yourself permission to be seen. We dive deep into the duality of dressing as a woman of the diaspora, the unlearning of harmful body narratives, and how to blend Eastern and Western wardrobes to fully express your personality. What You’ll Discover - The Three Pillars of Personal Style: Why understanding your body, the psychology of colour, and your unique self-expression are the true foundations of a great wardrobe. - Navigating the Diaspora Gaze: How to unlearn Eurocentric beauty standards and reclaim your confidence by blending your Eastern and Western cultural identities. - Curating with Intention: Practical advice on moving away from fast fashion, organising your wardrobe seasonally, and using platforms like Pinterest to build a style that makes you feel truly visible. Whether you are trying to figure out how to repurpose your wedding outfits or simply want to break away from an all-black wardrobe, this conversation will inspire you to step into your full power and dress for yourself. Connect with Neelam Mistry: Instagram | Website | Adorn Narrative Follow The Brown Girl Blueprint:  Instagram | TikTok Connect with Tulsi: Instagram | TikTok The Brown Girl Blueprint is produced by Urban Podcasts.

    What If Your Wardrobe Isn't the Problem? With Personal Stylist Neelam Mistry

  7. Aug 3

    Why More Women Should Work in Energy with Engineer Jaz Rabadia MBE

    How do you go from working part-time on a supermarket checkout to leading sustainability for global giants like Starbucks, WeWork, and Just Eat? In this episode of The Brown Girl Blueprint, I sit down with the incredible Jaz Rabadia MBE, a trailblazing engineer and one of the UK’s most influential voices in sustainability. Jaz shares her inspiring journey from navigating her ‘Brindian’ heritage and overcoming A-level setbacks to accidentally discovering her passion for energy management. What You’ll Discover: - Engineering Your Own Path: How Jaz turned a university dissertation at Sainsbury’s into a highly successful corporate career and eventually earned an MBE for her advocacy. - Navigating Infertility in Silence: The emotional toll of undergoing IVF while climbing the corporate ladder, and why sharing your most vulnerable moments can build powerful communities. - The Power of an Intentional Inhale: Why stepping back from the corporate grind at 40 became a necessary pivot to reclaim energy, redefine success, and make space for what truly matters. Whether you are trying to break into a male-dominated industry, quietly navigating a personal struggle, or simply trying to figure out how to blend a high-powered career with family life, Jaz's big sister energy and hard-won wisdom will leave you feeling inspired to shine anyway. Connect with Jaz Rabadia MBE: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website | Blog Follow The Brown Girl Blueprint:  Instagram | TikTok Connect with Tulsi: Instagram | TikTok The Brown Girl Blueprint is produced by Urban Podcasts.

    Why More Women Should Work in Energy with Engineer Jaz Rabadia MBE

  8. Jul 20

    From the NHS to NYU: How Dr Anjelli Wignakumar Matched into General Surgery in America

    What does it actually take to pack up your life, leave the NHS, and rebuild your medical career from scratch in the United States? In this episode of The Brown Girl Blueprint, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Anjelli Wignakumar, a British doctor who successfully matched into general surgery at NYU. We dive deep into her journey from completing her foundation training in London to navigating the intense USMLE exams, securing a research fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, and ultimately conquering the US Match process. What You’ll Discover: - Mastering the USMLE Exams: Practical advice on the best resources, how to effectively use Anki, and why consistency beats cramming every time. - Navigating the Match Process: A behind-the-scenes look at the interview trail, including why you should always check your junk mail and what programme directors are really looking for. - Building a Life Abroad: The realities of moving across the pond, from dealing with initial anxiety and finding your "US family" to navigating the cultural differences in American dating. If you have ever considered taking a massive leap in your career or if you just need a reminder that your hard work will eventually bear fruit - this conversation is for you. Connect with Anjelli Wignakumar: LinkedIn | Instagram Follow The Brown Girl Blueprint:  Instagram | TikTok Connect with Tulsi: Instagram | TikTok The Brown Girl Blueprint is produced by Urban Podcasts.

    From the NHS to NYU: How Dr Anjelli Wignakumar Matched into General Surgery in America
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Lately, life has felt a little overwhelming - like I’m just about holding it together. Some days it’s home-cooked meals, other days it’s hospital food. I forget to reply to messages, fall asleep on the sofa mid-chapter, and question everything from my career to whether I’ve made my family or myself proud. As women, especially minority women, there’s this constant pressure to achieve, to exceed, to prove our worth. So I’ve been searching for who I am beyond the job title - from my roots to my soul. I’m Dr. Tulsi Patel, a British-born Gujarati Indian junior doctor in London. I know how rare it is to see Asian women represented in certain spaces. That’s why I created The Brown Girl Blueprint - a podcast celebrating inspiring Asian women who are breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible. Through honest conversations, we’ll explore identity, ambition and cultural pride. Because there’s no single way to be an Asian woman. Every story matters.

Information

  • Creator
    Tulsi Patel
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Tulsi Patel & Urban Podcasts
  • Show Website
    The Brown Girl Blueprint