The Desi Condition Show

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Yash, who shares his personal journey through the dark and often misunderstood world of suicidal thoughts, and his eventual attempt. Yash opens up about the events that led to his lowest point, and the path to recovery that followed. Through this candid conversation, Tanushree and Yash explore the complexities of suicidality through their shared expe...

Today, we're joined by Nandi Sharma, an actor from Los Angeles, who bravely shares his journey of overcoming sex addiction. Nandi begins by helping us understand what sex addiction is and how it manifested in his life. He provides a candid account of his personal history, detailing how his response to trauma led to self-sabotaging behaviors, with sex addiction emerging as a particularly destructiv...

In this episode, we sit down with Varsha Mathur, licensed dating and relationship coach with 7+ years of experience to discover the plight of finding “the one.” We begin with her personal journey into coaching and the inspiration behind the decision to specialize in relationships. Varsha offers valuable insights into the challenges individuals face in dating, such as confidence issues and past tra...

Tanushree welcomes Ramya Chunduri, a seasoned social worker and caregiver, and they deep dive into the challenges and responsibilities of caregiving. With a diverse background spanning substance use medicine, domestic violence, and pediatric oncology, Ramya shares her personal journey navigating the complexities of professional caregiving and familial adversity. Reflecting on the interplay of cult...

Tanushree invites licensed mental health therapist Ayushi and together they journey into the world of attachment styles, exploring the four main types: Anxious, Avoidant, Disorganized, and Secure. We examine how these styles develop, influenced by factors such as childhood experiences, and discuss their impact on relationships and interactions. The discussion explores how attachment styles manifes...

We sat down with Marya Kazmi from Brown Girl Interrupting, a Pakistani/Bangladeshi American talk show host, writer, and advocate for race and equity. As a divorced mother of four children, Marya shares her raw and candid experiences post-divorce, discussing the challenges of single parenthood, navigating the dating world, and the journey of healing. From reevaluating preconceived notions about mar...

This episode explores why it's crucial to extend our care beyond issues directly affecting us by drawing parallels between current global events and South Asian history. Our discussion takes a deep dive into the concept of decolonizing the mind, urging listeners to question entrenched beliefs and engage in acts of self-love as tools for personal and collective liberation. We connect the dots betwe...

Ruhina Mehra (authenticity coach & guide) delves into Tanushree’s transformative journey of exploring her decision to shift from engineering to teaching. As we navigate her story, we uncover the pivotal moments that led her to trust her instincts and make a career transition. The audience gains insights into her self-discovery process, understanding the sensations in her body and mind as she e...

In this episode, Tanushree and Anu (The Desi Condition’s Communications Lead) explore the evolutionary purpose of friendships as we grow into adulthood. They navigate the anatomy of the unspoken “friendship contract” and the ever-evolving dynamics that shape our social connections from a young age.  From the three circles of friendship—outer, inner, core—to the delicate balance of vulnerability an...

In this episode of The Desi Condition Show, Ankur Varma, licensed Chicago-based psychotherapist specializing in ADD/ADHD and creator of Brown Man Therapy, delves into the complexities of ADD/ADHD in South Asians. Ankur shares insights into his work and how he became involved in addressing the executive functioning issues associated with the disorder. He provides a holistic view of ADD, emphasizing...

Vinay Harrichan, creator of Cutlass Magazine, discusses mental health in the Indo-Caribbean diaspora. The conversation delves into the generational traumas faced by Indo-Caribbeans, including alcoholism, domestic abuse, and the history of suicide, highlighting the tragic portrayal often seen in media and the need to celebrate resilience. The conversation then explores the positive aspects of survi...

In this episode featuring Dr. Asha Rao, an occupational therapist specializing in early intervention for children with disabilities in the northern suburbs of Illinois, listeners are introduced to her comprehensive approach to therapy, rooted in a strengths-based, neurodivergent affirming practice that prioritizes cultural relevance and trauma-informed care. Through her work and advocacy, particul...

In this episode, Tanushree delves into the multifaceted connotations surrounding the term "aunty" within South Asian cultures, unpacking its societal significance and the stereotypes it engenders. Throughout, she draws parallels to Bollywood references, showcasing how media representations both reflect and perpetuate societal norms. She touched upon the unequal treatment of widows and widowers, hi...