Conversations with Chai

Harshil Thakker isn’t just another creator — he’s the CEO of Apeiron, a powerhouse brand that bridges the creator economy and nightlife. From shooting for global icons like Steve Aoki to building a business that sells out clubs on the regular, Harshil has mastered what it really means to be a boss in today’s culture. In this episode, we break down:The difference between calling yourself a CEO vs....

In this episode of Conversations with Chai, I sit down with Hass from My First Kicks to talk all things sneaker culture — from the first pair that got him hooked, to how the game has completely changed in 2025.We break down resellers, the hype machine, sneaker drops to watch, and why podcasting and clipping culture feels like the new hustle. This episode is for sneakerheads, culture lovers, and an...

In this episode, DJ and professional chaos agent Eddin joins us to build his dream girl from scratch. From first date rules to red flags, DJ stigma to Love Island hypotheticals, we dive deep and keep it unfiltered. Timestamps3:05 – Why is Eddin single6:45 – What’s Eddin’s type7:50 – Is being a DJ a red flag10:40 – Would he date a bottle service girl15:22 – Defining the dream girl19:09 – Go-to firs...

In this episode, we dive deep into NYC’s underground poker scene — the hidden games happening in penthouses and private rooms all over the city. From massive wins and brutal losses to how to actually manage your money as a gambler, Gary breaks down what it’s really like inside New York’s poker underworld.👉 Chapters:0:55 How I know Gary + NYC poker ecosystem 4:55 Casino poker vs underground poker...

NYC nightlife is changing — fast. And not everyone’s built for it. In this episode, I sit down with Jacob Savocci, owner of The Morgan in Brooklyn, to talk about what it really takes to run a successful business in New York City — without selling your soul. From flipping a busted venue into a culture-first bar, to navigating greed, burnout, and building while raising a family — this is one of the...

uhm... I talk about my dad on a pod instead of just going to therapy?

📣 Why This Mayoral Election Could Change American PoliticsIn this solo episode of Conversations with Chai, Ihram Chowdhury dives deep into why Zohran Mamdani isn’t just running for office — he’s redefining what it means to be a politician in America. This isn’t about local politics. It’s about the signal it sends nationally if New York elects someone like Zohran. From Gaza to housing to the futur...

This week on Conversations with Chai, we’re stepping into the glittering, high-stakes world of New York's Diamond District with none other than Chandan the Jeweler — a go-to name for top Punjabi artists and a rising force in the high-end jewelry space, crafting custom pieces that can hit a $250K price tag. We break down the real difference between TikTok jewelry and true luxury, lab-grown vs....

Join me for an in-depth conversation with the multi-talented Mumzy Stranger, where we dive into his journey through the UK South Asian scene, reminisce about the Stranger Family era, and discuss pioneering artists like Rishi Rich and Jay Sean. We explore how collaboration can elevate South Asian music to a global audience, why the communication gap between veterans and new talents is holding the i...

In this episode, I’m joined by comedian Nimesh Patel for an in-depth conversation on his journey through comedy and beyond. Starting at 14:52, Nimesh shares his insights on why SNL stands as the greatest sketch comedy show in history. Then, at 22:45, we discuss what truly made him stand out early on and set the stage for his flourishing career. Next, at 28:05, Nimesh offers a candid look into how...

Description:This week on Conversations with Chai, I sit down with Saumya Gopal and Akash Gheewala, fresh off their time on Popshift's Desi Me Dating! We get into:🔥 Did their DMs go wild after the show? (10:07)💭 The negatives of the brown community in NYC (23:02)💔 Why is dating in NYC’s brown scene so unserious? (31:15)👀 Should you cut off opposite-gender friends if your partner is uncomfor...

This episode of Conversations with Chai is packed with stories, insights, and big questions. I break down:🔹 Adnan Syed Case Update (6:26) – Reacting to the latest developments in the case that captivated the world through Serial.🔹 Can Podcasts Get VC Money? (18:30) – Sharing my firsthand experience pitching this podcast to venture capitalists, the challenges I faced, and whether podcasts have a...

In this episode of Conversations with Chai, we are honored to host the multifaceted actress and producer, Poorna Jagannathan. Renowned for her dynamic roles across film and television, Poorna joins us to discuss her latest venture as Lucky in Hulu's new series, Deli Boys. Exploring Deli Boys and the Character of LuckyDeli Boys is a dark comedy that follows two Pakistani American brothers who, upon...

In this episode of  @CONVERSATIONSWITHCHAI  we dive into the new Fantastic Four Trailer (13:20) and Jonathan Majors potentially rejoining Marvel (21:20). Ihram then gives his take on the Diddy Documentary "Fall of Diddy" (30:10). We wrap this pod with a message to Artist Managers (41:00) and a reaction to AP Dhillon announced for the NBA All Star Game.

In this episode of  @CONVERSATIONSWITHCHAI  our host gives his SuperBowl Prediction (6:25), answers a few fan questions, including whether South Asian DJs are "appropriating" their own culture (9:20), and also gives reacts to new music from  @TheWeeknd  and  @SHUBHWORLDWIDE  (31:30). Also, Ihram cannot escape the media around Blake Lively + Justin Baldoni (34:10),  @PopShift  new season...

In Episode 65 of "Conversations with Chai," Ihram gives his opinion on Nora Fatehi and Jason Derulo's latest track, "Snake" (2:10). We then address listener questions in our Fan Q&A segment (beginning at 12:00). The discussion shifts to the recent inauguration and the debate over whether the U.S. is evolving into an oligarchy, with insights into Elon Musk's role in...

In Episode 64 of "Conversations with Chai," Ihram delves in and reacts to some recent headlines in the diaspora and creatorship. 6:20 – Hasan Minhaj joins KCC as an investor and brand partner 15:20 – Ihram reacts to the new Billy Khan song "Mian Twins" and gives some advice to artists 22:30 – Grace O'Malley opens up about her compensation at Barstool, prompting a response f...

Dive into an extraordinary conversation with Tazin Khan, CEO & Founder of Cyber Collective, as we explore: Intuitive Design and Menstrual Cycles in Business (2:15): Learn how Tazin structures her company's workflow around feminine and intuitive cycles, fostering a more natural and empathetic approach to leadership. Meta’s Content Policy Shake-Up (29:10): Unpack Meta’s controversial changes to...

Join rappers Spitty and RMS , along with DJ Mrii , as we explore the evolution of the South Asian music industry and diaspora culture. We break down the Canada Punjabi music wave and discuss AP Dhillon’s record label and its impact on artistry and revenue streams ( 17:10 ). Dive into how businesses like Kolkata Chai and Indo Warehouse represent the growth of the diaspora ecosystem ( 24:10 ). Plus,...

In this episode of Conversations with Chai, we sit down with Zain and Ish, the visionary founders of Rastah, a trailblazing fashion brand making waves globally. From their humble beginnings as a revenue-losing venture to dressing icons like Zayn Malik and Justin Bieber, Zain and Ish share their journey of resilience, creativity, and grit. Dive deep into the strategies, challenges, and pivotal mome...

In this episode, we engage with Divya Robin, a licensed psychotherapist and wellness educator based in New York City and Hoboken, NJ. Specializing in anxiety, life transitions, and millennial challenges, Divya offers her expertise on effectively navigating conflicts in various aspects of life. Utilizing evidence-based techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy, she provides practical strategies...

In this episode, we delve into the globalization of basketball and its impact on South Asian athletes with Gautam Kapur, CEO and Founder of Brown Ballers, Sarju Patel, former Cornell basketball captain, and Varun Ram, former University of Maryland guard. We explore the NBA's global reach and discuss India's potential to embrace the sport (12:33). The conversation shifts to Name, Image, and Likenes...

In this episode of Conversations with Chai, Ihram sits down with Mashnun and Mohuya, hosts of the Difficultish podcast, to dive deep into the intricacies of being South Asian creators. They explore what it means to navigate the creative industry as Bengalis, the challenges of being boxed in as "brown creators" instead of just creators, and how competitiveness shapes the brown creative space. Times...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Rohma Siddiqui as she shares her terrifying experience with filler removal that nearly cost her life. Rohma opens up about her rare autoimmune response to dissolving fillers, a journey filled with pain, uncertainty, and a drastic shift in her mindset. Join us as we dive deep into the unexpected dangers of cosmetic procedures, the life lessons Rohma learne...

In this episode of Conversations with Chai, we sit down with Sufi Malik to go beyond the headlines and explore her journey through fame, online criticism, and her perspective on love and life. Join us for a candid conversation about navigating public life, finding silver linings, and what the future holds for Sufi. Timestamps: 4:22 – Getting to Know Sufi: Her background and the experiences that sh...