Brown Women Health

Welcome to the Brown Women Health Podcast! In our first episode of 2024, join Priya Sanghvi and Ritika Jhawar as they dive into a crucial conversation surrounding mental health awareness within the South Asian community. Joined by esteemed psychiatrist, Dr. Harkirat Kaur, this episode explores the importance of breaking cultural stigmas and advocating for mental well-being.

Discover Dr. Kaur's journey into psychiatry and what stood out was her unwavering confidence despite the prevalent stigmas in the South Asian community. She shares her commitment to the growth of the psychiatric field and her dedication to creating more awareness.

Gain insights into the evolving landscape of psychiatry and the shift towards more holistic interventions, beyond traditional medication.

Explore common misconceptions surrounding seeking help for mental health issues within South Asian communities, and learn practical steps for erasing stigma and overcoming barriers to access care.

Delve into Dr. Kaur's personal experiences as a South Asian woman in the field of psychiatry, uncovering the challenges she's faced and the strategies she's employed to overcome them.

Tune in to this enlightening episode and join the movement towards destigmatizing mental health in South Asian communities!

Welcome to the Brown Women Health Podcast, where we explore vital health issues faced by South Asian women. In this episode, anchors Priya Sanghvi and Mariam Khan discuss the stigma around disabilities in the South Asian community with their guest, Anna Samson, who has firsthand experience navigating life with a disability.

They delve into Anna's journey with disability advocacy, influenced by personal experiences and academic knowledge. Anna shares her diagnoses, the impact they had on her worldview, and the changes she noticed after receiving them.

The conversation touches on the specific issues South Asians with disabilities face, including difficulties in accessing medical help. They also explore the Spoon theory and its relevance in understanding chronic conditions.

Throughout the episode, they highlight the intersections between South Asian culture and disability culture, emphasizing the significance of community support. They discuss how the stigma around disabilities affects social interactions within and outside the community, including friendships and dating.

Anna defines "disability" and "disability justice" and shares a powerful message for South Asians to challenge assumptions and reimagine disability positively.

Join them in breaking the stigma, promoting awareness, and fostering a compassionate society for individuals with disabilities in the South Asian community.

Did you know that South Asians have a higher risk of kidney disease due to elevated rates of diabetes and high blood pressure?

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Welcome to the Brown Women Health Podcast, where we bring you insightful conversations on various aspects of South Asian health. In this episode, your hosts Ameek Bindra and Pooja Velury, student doctors, sit down with Dr. Priyanka Gogte, a renowned nephrologist, to discuss the critical topic of kidney health. This episode is co-produced by Mrinal Gokhale and Tanushri Akula.

Dr. Priyanka Gogte, an expert in kidney health, joins us to provide valuable advice on optimizing kidney health and recognizing warning signs before it's too late. As we dive into the conversation, we explore the factors that contribute to the increased risk of kidney disease among South Asians, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Together with Dr. Gogte, we discuss her job title and function, as well as what sparked her interest in kidney health. Discover why kidneys are crucial organs for overall health and gain a deeper understanding of common kidney disorders and their warning signs. Dr. Gogte generously shares proactive lifestyle measures that can be taken to ensure optimal kidney health.

In addition, we explore how high blood pressure and diabetes specifically increase the likelihood of kidney problems. Dr. Gogte draws from her experiences working with South Asian patients, shedding light on their knowledge of kidney health and the challenges they may face.

Culturally competent care plays a significant role in Dr. Gogte's practice, and we delve into its importance and impact on patient outcomes. Together, we aim to uncover the barriers preventing some individuals in the community from seeking help for kidney-related issues and discuss strategies to overcome them.

Listen in as Dr. Gogte provides insights into early signs that indicate kidney problems, empowering our listeners to be proactive and identify potential concerns at an early stage. By tuning into this episode of the Brown Women Health Podcast, you won't just gain valuable knowledge about kidney health; you'll also be equipped with the tools to take charge of your own well-being. Don't miss out on this informative conversation that has the potential to positively impact your life.

Join podcast anchors Mariam Khan and Tanushri Akula as they delve into the world of pediatric occupational therapy (OT) and developmental disabilities with special guest Asha Rao, OT. In this episode, they explore the unique role of a pediatric OT, the specific disabilities addressed in the pediatric field, and the training differentiations for disability treatment.

Discover Asha's personal journey and the reasons behind her career choice as an OT. Uncover the distinctions between pediatric OT and other branches of OT as Tanushri asks insightful questions. Gain a deeper understanding of how OT can help children with developmental disabilities and the signals that parents should look out for to identify the need for OT intervention.

Mariam raises thought-provoking inquiries about the presence of ableism in OT, including parental beliefs and the healthcare training itself. Explore the challenges faced by disabled children, compared to adults, and how Asha strives to address these issues within her practice. The conversation also touches on disability justice and different models of disability.

Tanushri delves into the reception of Asha's work within the South Asian community. Together, they explore the attitudes and knowledge surrounding pediatric disabilities in the South Asian diaspora and the broader People of Color (POC) community. They also discuss how factors like the model minority myth and immigrant upbringing can hinder proper diagnosis and treatment, along with internalized biases that impede access to necessary care.

Finally, Mariam and Asha discuss the efforts made to reduce obstacles for patients with additional difficulties, be it financial, cultural, or mobility-related. They delve into the necessary flexibility required in the field and how Asha ensures patients receive the treatment they need.

Tune in to this enlightening episode as Mariam, Tanushri, and Asha shed light on the world of pediatric OT and the journey towards inclusive healthcare practices.

Join us for an eye-opening conversation on the Brown Women Health Podcast as we sit down with Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza, a triple Board Certified psychiatrist, social media influencer, and advocate for mental health in South Asian communities. In this episode, we delve into the topic of pill shaming and its impact on these communities, exploring the myths surrounding medications and the importance of proper understanding and support.

Dr. Mirza shares his inspiring journey, from his psychiatry career to becoming a prominent social media influencer in the mental health space. Discover what inspired his passion for pharmaceuticals and medications, and how his unique experiences have shaped his expertise in Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine.

With a keen focus on South Asian communities and communities of color, we delve into the concept of pill shaming. Dr. Mirza provides insightful perspectives on the challenges individuals face when seeking mental health treatment and how cultural factors can contribute to stigma and misconceptions.

We address common myths about psychiatric medications and uncover the truths behind them, shedding light on the signs that may indicate a need for psychiatric medicines. Dr. Mirza offers valuable guidance on effectively managing medications and making informed decisions about the right treatment options.

Dr. Mirza's vast knowledge and experience in the field, coupled with his empathetic approach, make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health awareness and breaking down barriers within South Asian communities.

Tune in to the Brown Women Health Podcast to gain valuable insights from Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza, MD, and his expertise in psychiatry, addiction medicine, and supporting mental health in diverse communities. Together, let's debunk misconceptions, combat pill shaming, and promote a more inclusive approach to mental well-being.

Join anchor Ritika Jhawar on the latest episode of the Brown Women Health Podcast as we have a captivating conversation with Ragini, the founder of Cardamom Counselling. Ragini is a qualified counsellor with a diverse background in clinical and educational spaces worldwide, including prestigious institutions like Harvard University and the London School of Economics.

In this episode, Ragini shares her expertise on various thought-provoking topics. She provides a quick summary of her publications on grief and aunty jokes, offering our listeners valuable insights. We explore Ragini's research on the burden of grief for widows in India and discuss the sources she consulted, as well as her vision for how India can move forward.

Drawing from her expertise, Ragini delves into the concept of the patriarchal bargain and shares her perspective on whether it truly represents a flexible arrangement for women in relationships. We also discuss ways in which women can connect with each other to break the aunty stereotype, including online and in-person organizations.

Ragini gives us a glimpse into her specialty as a mental health care provider, shedding light on her unique approach and the areas she focuses on. She reveals her favorite topic to discuss and shares her journey of learning about gender bias in healthcare. We explore the discrimination women face in mental healthcare, with a specific focus on the experiences of South Asian women.

Tune in to this engaging and enlightening episode as we navigate through these important topics with Ragini.

In this episode of the Brown Women Health Podcast, host Priya Sanghvi speaks with certified psychologist Dr. Kira Vimalakanthan about Autism in South Asian communities. Dr. Vimalakanthan shares her insights on common stigmas and misconceptions surrounding Autism in these communities, and sheds light on the effective programs and support interventions offered by the SAAAC Autism Centre. The conversation also touches on the controversial topic of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and the reasons why women of color often go undiagnosed. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of Autism and learn what to look out for when diagnosing girls or individuals who don't present the "typical" Autism symptoms.

In this week's episode, hosts Ritika and Ameek sit down with Shahmir H. Ali, a public health researcher at the New York University School of Public Health, to talk about his dissertation research on the effect of family structure on diet patterns.

Shahmir shares his insights on the relationship between family structure and dietary habits, and how social and cultural factors can impact our eating habits. He explains that having a higher level of educational attainment is linked to meeting more dietary recommendations, while family size does not show a consistent trend. He also discusses how young adults living alone tend to have a higher intake of healthy food groups, while older adults may consume more added sugars and processed meat due to caregiving duties.

During the podcast, we ask Shahmir some guiding questions on how we can educate communities on proper dietary recommendations, what socio-economic factors could be playing a role in Asian American adults' dietary habits, and ways we can bring up this conversation as students and family members who may not have a large say in group dynamics.

Finally, Shahmir offers some simple tips on how we can begin taking care of our diet.

Tune in to this insightful episode of the Brown Women Health Podcast to learn more about how family structure can impact our dietary habits and what we can do to promote healthier eating habits in our communities.

In this episode, co-hosts Ritika Jhawar and Ameek Bindra get real about an important topic that hits close to home for the South Asian community: heart health. They bring up a really good point about how heart disease isn't just an old people thing - it can affect younger adults and even children too! That's why they're bringing in Ashish Mathur, founder of the South Asian Heart Center, to share his insights and expertise on this issue.

But what makes this episode extra special is that they're putting the spotlight on South Asian women's heart health. Let's face it, women don't always get the attention they deserve when it comes to health issues. And South Asian women are no exception. Ritika and Ameek are here to change that, and Ashish is the perfect guest to help them do just that.

So, whether you're a South Asian woman yourself, or you know someone who is, this episode is definitely worth a listen. They'll be diving into the unique challenges that South Asian women face when it comes to heart health, and the steps we can take to improve our heart health. Get ready to learn something new and make some positive changes for your health!

In this episode of the Brown Women Health podcast, co-anchors Tanushri Akula and Priya Sanghvi are joined by Dr. Mukta Chauhan, DPT, for the final installment of our sexual health mini-series. Dr. Chauhan shares her expertise on the topic and answers some common questions related to pelvic floor dysfunction, such as the difference between pelvic health and gynecology, common signs of pelvic floor dysfunction, and conditions like vaginismus that often get mistaken for other medical issues.

Dr. Chauhan also talks about the importance of cultural competence in the field of pelvic health and shares her observations on how knowledgeable South Asian women are about pelvic health and pelvic health docs. She also explains how a pelvic PT can help someone have a better sex life and discusses the importance of knowing whether to see a gynecologist or a pelvic PT.

Join us as we delve into the world of pelvic health and sexual wellness with Dr. Mukta Chauhan on the Brown Women Health Podcast.

Happy Galentine's Day! On this special episode of the Brown Women Health Podcast, join new anchor Mariam Khan with Ameek in talking about a topic that's crucial to our health and wellbeing: sexual health. Unfortunately, sexuality and izzat (honor/shame) are often linked in South Asian culture, but we believe that it's time for us to break down these barriers and take control of our bodies.

This Valentine's Day Month, we want to empower our listeners to enjoy the holiday, the safe way. Joining us today is Student Doctor and Women's Health Advocate, Pallavi Mhaskar, to discuss STI and pregnancy prevention, as well as common sexual health myths that many of us weren't taught growing up. Pallavi will share her insights and expertise on this important topic and help us understand the importance of sexual health in our lives. Join us for a thought-provoking and informative episode!

Happy New Year! We hope that you have a wonderful 2023 :D In honor of setting New Years Resolutions, we wanted to post a #ThrowbackThursday of a recent podcast we taped on nutrition, sleep and fitness. Enjoy this snippet of a conversation we had with Anita Mirchandani, a registered dietitian and certified fitness professional. Catch the full episode 'Expert Dietitian Reveals the Simple Trick to Achieving Balance in Your Nutrition and Fitness' to learn more!

In this episode, Ameek is joined by guest speakers Prabhnoor & Naviya, recent psychotherapy graduates and currently practicing therapists.

Prabhnoor and Naviya are mental health advocates who started their own podcast, So Tell Me More: A Dive into Psychotherapy, with the goal of raising awareness of mental health and psychotherapy topics in an accessible way. They have featured various speakers from around the world on their show, discussing topics such as mental health in different cultures, the impacts of COVID-19, and therapy in pop culture.

In our episode, Prabhnoor and Naviya share their journey of learning and unlearning stigma within mental health, and how they use their education to improve the mental health of South Asian Canadians.

Join us as we delve into the important work of Prabhnoor and Naviya and learn about their experiences as therapists.

Welcome to the "Brown Women Health Podcast," where co-anchors Tanushri and Ameek dive into all things health and wellness with a focus on the experiences and perspectives of South Asian women.

In this episode, join Tanushri and Ameek as they sit down with registered dietitian nutritionist, exercise specialist, and certified fitness professional Anita Mirchandani. They'll discuss the important connection between sleep, food, and fitness and how to achieve balance in your nutrition and fitness lifestyle. Anita shares her favorite part about counseling clients - breaking down the science and applying the latest health news in a more practical, meaningful approach.

But that's not all - get to know Anita on a personal level as she shares her love for cooking, baking, and outdoor adventures with her two sons. From biking on the Bronx River Pathway to exploring new trails in Westchester County, Anita is all about leading an active and balanced lifestyle. And of course, she'll share her thoughts on the importance of moderation, including when it comes to enjoying a glass of wine.

Don't miss this informative and inspiring episode of the Brown Women Health Podcast. Tune in for practical, science-backed advice on how to prioritize rest and proper nutrition for your best health.

Get the Inside Scoop on Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention in the South Asian Community.

Join co-anchors Tanushri and Ameek on the "Brown Women Health Podcast" for a vital conversation about breast cancer awareness and prevention in the South Asian community. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they sit down with Dr. Beenish Bhaidani, an OBGYN based in the United States.

Did you know that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime? And every two minutes, someone new is diagnosed with the disease. It's crucial to be aware of breast cancer, but the subject can be taboo in our community, leading to South Asian women being diagnosed at later stages than other ethnic groups.

But there's hope - early detection and treatment can make a huge difference in the outcome of breast cancer. In this episode, Dr. Bhaidani shares the latest research and treatment options for breast cancer, as well as the importance of self-examination and regular screenings. She'll also discuss the unique challenges faced by South Asian women when it comes to breast cancer and how to navigate them.

Tune in for an informative and important episode of the Brown Women Health Podcast, where you'll get the inside scoop on how to take charge of your breast health.

Endometriosis is a common but often misunderstood condition that affects around 10% of people globally, including many South Asian women. In this episode, Tanushri talks to Elizabeth K'mali, an endometriosis survivor and advocate, about her personal experience with the disease and the challenges she has faced as a South Asian woman with endometriosis.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and potential fertility issues. While endometriosis can affect anyone, it disproportionately affects women of color and those from immigrant communities, including many South Asian women. Elizabeth shares her empowering story and shares resources for others affected by endometriosis on her Instagram accounts @southasiansurvivor and @arewehealedyetpod.

This episode is part of the Know Your Rights, Period miniseries, co-produced by Mrinal Gokhale and hosted by Tanushri Akula, our podcast research director. Don't miss this important conversation about endometriosis, intersectionality, and the importance of advocacy and education for South Asian women's health.

Pap smears sound uncomfortable, but they don't have to be! I know I have a bit of fear surrounding them as well. Listen to this candid snippet between Ameek and Dr. Vaidehi Mujumdar on decreasing your discomfort around pap smears. 

This is only a preview of our podcast with Dr. Mujumdar. Listen to the full thing "Everything You Need to Know About Pap Smears" on our page.

It's time for you to Know Your Rights, Period. Mrinal Gokhale (she/her) is a tech professional, mental health advocate, freelance writer, and author. Her first book, Saaya Unveiled: South Asian Mental Health Spotlighted, is a collection of true stories that illustrate mental health stigma in South Asian cultures.

This episode is an introduction of the Brown Women Health Menstruation Mini Series, co-produced by Mrinal Gokhale and Ameek Bindra. If you would like to suggest a topic or nominate a speaker for our podcast, DM us on our social media pages!

Virtue Mental is an international mental health nonprofit founded in May 2020. The mission of Virtue Mental is to provide free mental health resources to underprivileged communities including those who have recently immigrated to the United States. 

Listen to our chat with the Founder & CEO, Poonam Rahman!

Listen to our chat with Raaga Rambhatla, a returning guest on our podcast and current Medical Student at New Jersey Medical School. We ask her all about her first year in Medical School, get tips to survive, and the realities of being a medical student - especially during the pandemic.