The Brown Girl Blueprint

Tulsi Patel
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated 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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. Jun 15

    The UK’s First Sikh Female Pro Boxer: How to Rewrite the Rules with Charan Dhesi

    I love conversations like this because they remind me what real commitment actually looks like. In this episode of The Brown Girl Blueprint, I sit down with Charan Dhesi, the first Sikh female professional boxer in the UK, and honestly, her story stayed with me long after we finished recording. From starting out as a shy kid in Hull to becoming a national champion and now stepping into the professional boxing world, Charan shares what it really takes to pursue a dream in a space where you don’t often see people who look like you.  What You’ll Discover - From Shy Kid to Champion: How Charan went from standing quietly at the edge of a boxing gym to becoming number one in England by her fifth fight.  - The Reality of Elite Discipline: Four training sessions a day, strict routines, and the sacrifices required to compete at the highest level.  - Faith as Fuel: How her Sikh faith grounds her, drives her resilience, and keeps her focused through setbacks and pressure.  What really stood out to me in this conversation is the contrast between who Charan was and who she’s become. There’s something incredibly powerful about hearing someone describe themselves as the “quiet girl” at school, someone who kept to herself, and then seeing the strength, clarity, and confidence she carries today. But what’s even more inspiring is that underneath all of that is still humility, discipline, and a deep sense of purpose. This isn’t just a story about boxing. It’s about identity, sacrifice, and believing in yourself even when the path isn’t obvious. If you’ve ever doubted whether you have what it takes to pursue something big, this episode will challenge that. Connect with Charan Dhesi Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. Follow The Brown Girl Blueprint:  Instagram | TikTok Connect with Tulsi: Instagram | TikTok The Brown Girl Blueprint is produced by Urban Podcasts.

    The UK’s First Sikh Female Pro Boxer: How to Rewrite the Rules with Charan Dhesi

  8. Mar 31

    From Beyoncé to Buckingham Palace: How Jasmine Dotiwala Built Impact Beyond the Spotlight (Part 2 - The Legacy)

    I’ve been really looking forward to sharing this second part of my conversation with Jasmine Dotiwala, especially as we mark International Women’s Day. In this episode of The Brown Girl Blueprint, we go beyond the headlines and accolades to talk about what success actually looks like behind the scenes. From receiving an OBE to juggling life, work, and caring for loved ones, this is an honest, emotional, and deeply human conversation that I know will resonate with so many of you. What You’ll Discover - The Reality Behind Recognition: Jasmine shares what receiving an OBE really felt like, including the complex emotions around identity, representation, and what that honour truly means. - The Hidden Load of Caregiving: From red carpets to hospital corridors, we explore the unseen reality of balancing high-profile careers with caring for ageing parents. - Stop Apologising, Start Owning Space: A powerful reminder that women need to stop shrinking themselves and start speaking up with confidence in every room they enter. What stayed with me most from this conversation is just how universal these experiences are, even when they look completely different on the surface. Jasmine’s honesty about the pressures, the patience required, and the emotional weight of caregiving really hit home. It’s a reminder that no matter how successful someone appears, there’s always more going on beneath the surface and a lot of strength that doesn’t get seen. If you’re navigating your own version of this, whether it’s career pressure, family responsibilities, or just figuring out how to take up space without apology, I hope this episode makes you feel a little less alone and a lot more empowered. Connect with Jasmine Dotiwala Website, Linkedin, Instagram and X. Follow The Brown Girl Blueprint: Instagram | TikTok Connect with Tulsi: Instagram | TikTok The Brown Girl Blueprint is produced by Urban Podcasts.

    From Beyoncé to Buckingham Palace: How Jasmine Dotiwala Built Impact Beyond the Spotlight (Part 2 - The Legacy)
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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
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Tulsi Patel & Urban Podcasts
  • Show Website
    The Brown Girl Blueprint

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