N.R.I. Woman cover art

N.R.I. Woman

N.R.I. Woman

By: Bettina Tauro & Ninorah Brookshire
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 Stories worth listening to Social Sciences
Episodes
  • #78 Rema and Shweta: Unbecoming Who You Were Told To Be

    #78 Rema and Shweta: Unbecoming Who You Were Told To Be
    Dec 11 2025
    There’s a particular loneliness that comes with succeeding in ways your community celebrates while quietly unraveling in ways they refuse to acknowledge. Shweta Ravi Shankar and Rema Chari know this terrain intimately. As South Asian women who’ve navigated immigration, motherhood, and multiple cultural identities, they’ve learned that the hardest migration isn’t across oceans – it’s the journey from who you were raised to be to who you’re brave enough to become. This conversation goes beyond surface-level empowerment to explore the messy, non-linear work of healing generational patterns, challenging mental health stigma, and building communities where women’s full humanity is finally welcome. Key Takeaways* Building authentic communities requires both courage to show up fully and compassion to hold space for others* Living between cultures requires constant negotiation of conflicting identities and expectations* True transformation begins with unlearning the societal scripts written for you, not by you* Motherhood often becomes the catalyst that forces us to confront unexamined beliefs and inherited trauma* Mental health struggles remain deeply stigmatized in South Asian communities, creating isolation when support is most needed* Challenging cultural norms means redefining success on your own terms, not your community’s metrics* Vulnerability and shared experiences create pathways to healing that isolation never can* Intentional practices—gratitude, mindfulness, continuous learning—anchor us during upheaval Why This Episode Matters This conversation breaks the silence around what South Asian women abroad carry but rarely speak aloud—the invisible weight of cultural expectations, the isolation of motherhood far from home, the exhaustion of performing perfection while crumbling inside. By sharing stories marked by vulnerability rather than polish, Shweta and Rema create permission for listeners to acknowledge their own struggles and reimagine what’s possible beyond the limitations they’ve inherited. In communities where mental health remains taboo and women’s needs consistently rank last, this episode offers something revolutionary: validation, practical wisdom, and the radical hope that transformation isn’t just possible—it’s your birthright at any stage of life. If this resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway on social media using #NRIWomanPodcast and tag us to connect with women on similar journeys. Connect with the guests: https://www.instagram.com/chai_break_podcast/ Please help our guests’ voices be heard by sharing this podcast with your friends and family. Don’t forget to follow us on our socials, and please rate us wherever you’re listening so more people can find us. Thank you, and we are so grateful for your support. #DesiMentalHealth #SouthAsianMentalHealth #BreakTheStigma #ImmigrantMotherhood #NRIwoman #SpecialNeedsParenting #CaregiverJourney #SelfCareIsNotSelfish #MotherhoodUnfiltered #MentalHealthMatters #ResilienceStory #ParentingWithPurpose #FindingYourself #CaregiverSupport #MomLife#NRIWomanPodcast #RealWomenRealStories #PodcastCommunity Subscribe!YouTubeApple Podcast AppGoogle PodcastsSpotifyCastboxStitcherTuneIn Get in touch.Instagram: @nriwomanpodcastTwitter: @nri_womanFacebook: NRI WomanEmail: hello@nriwoman.comLinkedIn: http://bit.ly/2WSSQ2p
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  • #77 Moushmi Kapadia: Mountains, Bikes and Breaking Free

    #77 Moushmi Kapadia: Mountains, Bikes and Breaking Free
    Dec 5 2025

    What happens when life throws you an unimaginable curveball? For Moushmi Kapadia, her child’s muscular dystrophy diagnosis marked the beginning of an unexpected journey, not just as a caregiver, but as a woman rediscovering herself.

    Moushmi opens up about navigating the emotional chaos that followed her child’s diagnosis, the crushing weight of societal expectations around motherhood, and the powerful realization that caring for herself wasn’t selfish; it was survival. Through tennis courts, mountain trails, and long bike rides, she found her way back to joy, one pedal stroke at a time.

    This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt lost in their role as a caregiver, parent, or partner. It’s a reminder that finding yourself again isn’t just possible – it’s essential.

    Key Takeaways
    *Acceptance isn’t giving up: it’s redirecting your energy toward what you can actually influence
    *Self-care isn’t selfish: it’s the foundation that allows you to show up for others
    *Not everyone will understand your journey, and that’s okay, find your people
    *Physical movement can be emotional medicine, whether it’s sports, hiking, or dancing
    *Unlearn the “shoulds: especially around parenting and caregiving roles
    *Face your fears incrementally, including the scary ones about being away from your loved ones
    *Your happiness matters, not just for you, but for everyone around you

    Why This Episode Matters If you’re a parent, caregiver, or anyone who’s lost themselves in the needs of others, Moushmi’s story will resonate deeply. This conversation challenges the narrative that self-sacrifice equals love and offers a different path. One where taking care of yourself isn’t the opposite of caring for your family, it’s what makes it sustainable.

    Have you experienced a similar journey? We’d love to hear your story. Share your thoughts with us on social media or leave us a review!

    Connect with the guests: https://www.instagram.com/missmanyhands/

    Please help the voices of our guests be heard by sharing this podcast with your friends and family. Don’t forget to follow us on our socials, and please rate us wherever you’re listening so more people can find us. Thank you, and we are so grateful for your support.

    #NRIwoman #SpecialNeedsParenting #CaregiverJourney #SelfCareIsNotSelfish #MotherhoodUnfiltered #MentalHealthMatters #ResilienceStory #ParentingWithPurpose #FindingYourself #CaregiverSupport #MomLife#NRIWomanPodcast #RealWomenRealStories #PodcastCommunity

    Subscribe!
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    Google Podcasts
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    TuneIn

    Get in touch.
    Instagram: @nriwomanpodcast
    Twitter: @nri_woman
    Facebook: NRI Woman
    Email: hello@nriwoman.com
    LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/2WSSQ2p
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  • #76 Maria Menezes, Dr Dipali Prabhu, Sophia Gonsalves: Circle of Grey

    #76 Maria Menezes, Dr Dipali Prabhu, Sophia Gonsalves: Circle of Grey
    Nov 27 2025

    Maria Menezes, Dr. Dipali Prabhu, and Sophia Gonsalves are the founders of Circle of Grey – a community built around one simple belief: growing older should feel connected, creative, and joyful.

    They talk about the very real loneliness many older adults face, especially after COVID changed the way we interact. What started as a small effort to check in on seniors has evolved into a vibrant space where people come together to talk, create, laugh, and feel seen.

    The conversation is honest and refreshing. Maria, Dipali, and Sophia share how community activities, from art to storytelling to simple weekly chats, help boost confidence and bring back a sense of purpose. They also talk about why younger people need these intergenerational relationships just as much as seniors do.

    Their hope? To build a world where aging isn’t something quiet or isolating, but a stage of life filled with connection, meaning, and friendship.

    Key Takeaways
    * Social connection is powerful in reducing loneliness — especially for older adults.
    * COVID-19 changed how we relate to one another, making intentional interaction even more important.
    * Younger and older generations both benefit when they spend time together.
    * Creativity can restore confidence and spark joy at any age.
    * Offering a variety of activities keeps seniors engaged and excited.
    * The Circle of Grey hopes to expand into more in-person gatherings.
    * Ageing is not a decline — it’s another chapter with its own beauty.
    * Community involvement empowers everyone involved, no matter their age.
    * Meaningful connections are essential for emotional well-being.
    * Circle of Grey is building a space where friendship and joy are central to ageing.

    Connect with the guests: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2707544266178231

    Please help the voices of our guests be heard by sharing this podcast with your friends and family. Don’t forget to follow us on our socials, and please rate us wherever you’re listening so more people can find us. Thank you, and we are so grateful for your support.

    #nriwoman #CircleOfGrey #RedefiningAging #AgingWithDignity #CommunityMatters #IntergenerationalConnections #CombatLoneliness #HealthyAging #CreativityAtAnyAge #ElderlySupport #AgePositive #SocialConnection #LifeInLaterYears #ConnectedCommunities #MeaningfulAging #SeniorWellbeing #HumanConnection #NRIWomanPodcast #RealWomenRealStories #PodcastCommunity

    Subscribe!
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    Apple Podcast App
    Google Podcasts
    Spotify
    Castbox
    Stitcher
    TuneIn

    Get in touch.
    Instagram: @nriwomanpodcast
    Twitter: @nri_woman
    Facebook: NRI Woman
    Email: hello@nriwoman.com
    LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/2WSSQ2p
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    Less than 1 minute
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