Burqah & Bikini

Is every woman supposed to enjoy G-Spot stimulation? What even is the G-Spot, and why do so many women feel disconnected from their sensual selves? In this episode of Burqah & Bikini, we sit down with Henika Patel, founder of the School of Sensual Arts, to explore what sensuality really means, and how women can experience deeper pleasure, confidence, and connection with their bodies. We discus...

Ever heard the endless rhetoric about women being disconnected from their bodies? What does that actually mean, and how do you know you’re disconnected from yourself? In this episode with Kiren Bhardwa, a Kundalini Activation coach, we explore the truth behind Kundalini energy: what it is, why we need it, and how it helps women reconnect to pleasure, power, and presence. In a world obsessed with “...

In this deeply personal and eye-opening conversation, we sit down with Ishta Bhatia, a French woman of Indian origin, as she shares her journey with vaginismus and vulvodynia, two often misunderstood and stigmatized pelvic pain conditions. We explore not only the physical and emotional toll of these conditions but also what it means to navigate them within the South Asian cultural context, where s...

“Why are you eating so much?” “Eat fewer calories.” “Cut the gluten.” In South Asian communities, comments like these aren’t rare, they’re routine. Often masked as concern, they echo a culture deeply entrenched in body shaming, food policing, and impossible beauty standards. In this episode, I sit down with Sarosh Ibrahim, a fearless voice dismantling toxic narratives around body image, self-worth...

Weddings may look like a celebration of love, but behind the glitz and glamour lies a web of emotions, expectations, and cultural pressures, and no one sees this more clearly than a wedding planner. In this episode, I sit down with Zoya Altaf, a seasoned wedding planner from Pakistan now based in Dubai, to unpack what really goes on behind the scenes of Desi weddings. From navigating outrageous bu...

What does privilege really offer women in Pakistan—and what does it still withhold? Of Pakistan’s 125 million women, less than 50 million live in urban centers. Only 28% participate in the labor force, and fewer than 6% ever make it to managerial roles. Education and employment are available to a tiny fraction, and even then, autonomy is far from guaranteed. In this episode, I speak with Naima Ahm...

What happens when a “good Desi girl” decides she’s done pleasing everyone but herself? Author, life coach, and internet personality Mahvish Ahmad blew up her old life to finally claim her power — sexually, emotionally, and spiritually. In this episode, I sit down with Mahvish — who has completely redefined what it means to be a fulfilled Desi woman. From growing up under the weight of "good girl"...

In this transformative episode, I sit down with Nimisha Verma, a life coach from India who helps people heal from deep-rooted mother and father wounds. This conversation is essential for anyone who wants to understand why they behave the way they do — and how parental dynamics, gender roles, and culture deeply influence our emotional patterns. Together, we unpack powerful truths about growing up i...

Who is an outcast? Are strong desi women outcasts? What makes someone an outcast? And does the definition of “outcast” shift depending on the society we’re in? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Talia, a hypnotherapist from Lahore, Pakistan now based in Canada, who works specifically with one group: outcasts. We unpack what it means to be an outcast—particularly as a Desi, South Asian woman...

What does it mean to live with anxiety in a culture where mental health is rarely spoken about — and often dismissed? In this deeply personal and powerful episode, I sit down with Masomah Alam Chohan, author of "Take Your Lunch Break Now" , an American of Pakistani descent who has lived with anxiety disorder for much of her life. We dive into what it's really like to carry anxiety through life’s m...

In this episode, I sit down with Jabeen Yusra — a Karachi-based journalist who has lived alone in multiple cities across Pakistan, long before it became "cool" or socially acceptable for women to do so. From Karachi to Islamabad to Peshawar, Jabeen shares how each city offered a different version of freedom, challenge, and identity. We dive deep into what it truly means to be a woman living alone...

In this episode of Burqah & Bikini , we sit down with Shabana, a woman born and raised in California, whose immigrant South Asian & Muslim upbringing shaped her experience as a mother, a survivor, and a surrogate. Shabana had a child outside of marriage — a decision that challenged cultural and religious expectations. She later survived domestic abuse at the hands of her brother, stood up...

In this deeply transformative episode of Burqah & Bikini , I sit down with Mohini from @evolvebeings to unravel the truth about female pleasure, body shame, sexuality, and spiritual awakening—especially in South Asian cultures where these conversations are often taboo. Whether you've never explored your body or are curious about deepening your pleasure practice, this is a safe space to begin....

In this episode of Burqah & Bikini , I’m joined by sex therapist Aashita Khanna to explore the complicated relationship South Asians have with sex. Why is so much sex... bad? And how do you even know if it is? We unpack how South Asian women are taught (or not taught) about sex, pleasure, and their own bodies, and how these messages go wrong. We also talk about global misconceptions, the flawe...

In the very first episode of Burqah and Bikini focused on trans rights, Koko sits down with Dr. Mehrub Moiz Awan — a renowned transgender activist, educator, and healer — to explore what it really means to exist as a trans person in Pakistan today. This is an unfiltered conversation about identity, sexuality, survival, and the crushing weight of class on human rights. In Pakistan, trans people liv...

In this deeply insightful and powerful episode, I sit down with transformational coach Navjot Dhaliwal to explore the layered and often conflicting dimensions of modern feminism. Together, we unpack the nuanced shifts that have taken place over the years—where women, in their fight for equality and independence, have sometimes found themselves leaning heavily into hyper-masculine energy. Many have...

In this episode, I sit down with Pallavi Barnwal, a bold and empowering sex and intimacy coach from India. Pallavi has made a name for herself by shattering taboos around sex, embracing pleasure unapologetically, and helping individuals and couples experience deeper connection and satisfaction. Her powerful journey of transformation has led her to redefine what sex means, especially in conservativ...

In this episode, I sit down with Dinara Mukh, a Hormone Health & Nutrition Specialist and TEDx speaker. She says that our menstrual cycle is our SUPERPOWER. She brings groundbreaking research to the field of menstruation and period pain—specifically dysmenorrhea, which is something almost every woman experiences. Dinara has discovered the key to solving painful periods, and she’s here to share...

In this unfiltered, hard-hitting episode, we sit down with one of the organizers of Aurat March Karachi to trace the journey of Pakistan’s most significant feminist movement. Why did it start? What resistance has it faced? And where is it headed next? With Women’s Day 2025 approaching, this conversation unpacks the history, evolution, and impact of Aurat March. From its inception to the backlash i...

In this episode, I sit down with Sana Akhand — a spiritual mentor, coach, writer, trendsetter and boundary-pusher who challenges societal norms and redefines modern relationships. A few years ago, as a 32-year-old Pakistani-American woman living in New York, Sana made a bold and unconventional choice: she got her own apartment after marriage and started dating her husband again. Her goal? To keep...

Do Pakistani women really have the freedom to make their own life choices? Can they truly choose their own spouse without family interference? In this episode, I’m joined by Zahra Salahuddin, a Pakistani journalist based in Berlin. Both Zahra and I are from Karachi, moved abroad for our master’s degrees, and later chose to stay and build our careers. We also both found life partners outside of our...

In this episode, I sit down with Tayyaba Nisar Khan, a Pakistani journalist who married a Chinese man, to explore the evolving dynamics of cross-cultural marriages in Pakistan. While it has been more acceptable for Pakistani men to marry outside their faith and culture, it has historically been considered taboo for women to do so. However, more Pakistani women are now choosing to marry outside of...

Is your womb holding you back from your full feminine power? Does it need healing, and how can you tell? In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with somatic healer and women’s coach, Saleha Bhatti, to explore the transformative practice of womb healing. Saleha specializes in guiding women to reconnect with their womb wisdom, a powerful tool that can unlock their fullest feminine potential. Togeth...

In this powerful episode, Fizza Abbas, a Pakistani journalist, shares her shocking experience when she was harassed in Karachi for wearing a dupatta with Arabic calligraphy. While riding on a motorbike with her husband, the couple was stopped by a group of men who accused Fizza of insulting the Quran, as the calligraphy on her outfit resembled Quranic verses. This isn't an isolated incident—such h...

In this powerful episode, British-Nigerian actress Zainab Balogun shares her remarkable 19-year journey to an endometriosis diagnosis — a journey filled with intense pain, dismissal from the medical community, and a profound sense of isolation. For nearly two decades, Zainab’s pain was ignored, often overlooked because of her race and gender. But instead of succumbing to the struggle, she turned h...