Chai Time Podcast

May is a meaningful month in so many ways. It's AAPNHI Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. For many of us, it's also a time to reflect on family, community and how we care for one another.

Claudine Kwan Vass, Founder of Fort Bend Pets Alive talks about advocacy, humane treatment and the powerful impact of community in saving animal lives. From adoption events to policy changes, this conversation is one you don't want to miss.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month, observed in April, raises awareness about sexual violence. supports survivors and promotes conversations around consent and healthy relationships.Tasneem Rajan, Daya Executive Director and Deepika Modali, TAASA SART Lead Strategist shares insights, resources and ways we can all be part of creating safer, more compassionate communities.

Anuradha Nigam, a Houston-based realtor and former high school counseling department head with over 25 years of experience guiding students and families. Born in the U.S., raised in India, and having lived around the world, she brings a deep understanding of the immigrant journey and the challenges of navigating unfamiliar systems. Today, she carries that same counseling approach into real estate helping first-time buyers and families make informed, confident decisions.In addition, Anuradha has been a dedicated SEWA volunteer for over a decade, leading community workshops focused on education, mental health and understanding the American system.

An inspiring conversation on Building Your Community with guests Mahtab Moradi, Director of Behavioral Health from IBN Sina Foundation and Neelofer Ali, Education Program Director from Rupani Foundation.Together we explore how early childhood development, family-centered programs and community partnerships can create lasting change in underserved communities.

For 30 years Daya has stood as a beacon of hope, compassion and empowerment for South Asian survivors of domestic violence and abuse - providing support, advocacy and healing.Co-Founder Lakshmy Parameswaran and Director of Development, Charanya Ravikumar reflect on the past, celebrate the present and look toward the future of this incredible organization.

Your lungs work for you every second, it's time we learn how to care for them. Dr. Deven Patel from Houston Methodist discuss ways to protect our lungs, early warning signs, tips to strengthen our breathing and overall wellness and the impact of pollution, smoking and lifestyle.

A heartfelt conversation on Understanding Love Languages with Mahtab Moradi, Director of Behavioral Health for IBN Sina Foundation.Explore how knowing and speaking each other's love language can strengthen relationships, deepen connection and improve communication in every area of life.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.This episode is on Healthy Relationships and Teen Dating Violence. Our guests, Mansi Baxi, Daya Client Advocate and Misbah Lakhani, Daya Outreach Coordinator talk about red flags, healthy boundaries and ways to support teens with awareness and compassion.Let's keep these conversations going, because Awareness Saves lives!

Living with depression and bipolar disorder doesn't just affect one person. It impacts marriages, families and children too.In this episode, we open up an honest and thoughtful conversation with licensed therapist Mahtab Moradi from IBN Sina Foundation.We explore what these conditions can look like in everyday life, how they impact emotions, relationships, work and self-identity, and why awareness and empathy matter.Whether you're on your own journey, supporting someone you love, or simply wanting to learn more, this episode is a reminder that no one has to face mental health challenges alone.

Let's learn and create awareness together!Our guests Tasneem Rajan and Elisabeth Swim shares insights, real-world impact, and how the helpline supports survivors with compassion, dignity and hope.

When empathy runs deep, burnout can quietly take hold.In this episode, we explore the fine line between caring for others and caring for yourself. Tune in as we talk about empathy fatigue, the signs of burnout and practical ways to protect your energy while staying compassionate.A must-listen for caregivers, leaders, entrepreneurs and anyone who gives from the heart.

Covering key end of the year immigration updates for 2025 with Lynn Alazem, Founder and Managing Attorney of Envoy Immigration.

Mansi Baxi, Client Advocate and Charanya Ravikumar, Director of Development & Outreach from Daya Houston talk about what healing truly looks like and the steps that lead us toward safety, strength and hope.

An insightful conversation with Kartik Mehta, Entrepreneur and Founder of Biogiene and Dr. Rachana Sutaria, board-certified OBGYN and Aesthetics on smart toilets, bidets and modern hygiene, and what this means for women's health, seniors and families.

A powerful conversation on Social Media Awareness with the incredible students from the Elkins High School Excel Club. From online safety to cyberbullying, digital responsibility and the impact of social media on today's youth, these young leaders are bringing REAL insights, honest experiences and thoughtful perspectives to the table.

We dive into the signs, symptoms and emotional shifts of perimenopause with Ruchika Behal. We talk about what really happens during this transition, how to support your hormones naturally and why this stage can be a time of empowerment and renewal.A real conversation every woman needs to hear.

A heartfelt conversation on Relay for Life, The American Cancer Society's signature event that unites communities in the fight against cancer.Katie Smith and Brenda Martin share their inspiring journeys of leadership, resilience and purpose through years of service and advocacy. From personal loss to building hope, their stories remind us of what it truly means to Relay for Life, Love and Community.

With 15 years of chaplaincy experience, Hilary Chala shares how faith and compassion guide healing for both patients and healthcare professionals.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We're unpacking this vital topic with Tasneem Rajan and Misbah Lakhani from Daya Houston. Don't miss this empowering, informative conversation.

Thriving in Midlife and Beyond with Dr. Lola Ashaye is your trusted space for navigating the second half of life with confidence, vitality and purpose.Dr.Ashaye brings wisdom, science and inspiration to guide you through unique challenges and opportunities of this chapter. Whether you're redefining your health, rediscovering your passion or reimagining what's next, this podcast will equip you to thrive - mind, body and soul.Visit website: www.intouchprimarycare.com

Life and Leadership coaching go hand in hand because how you lead yourself shapes how you lead others.Mitali Paul and Lin Lin Yan dive into mindset shifts, practical tools, and real-life strategies to help you grow with clarity, confidence and purpose.

Community clinics are more than just healthcare centres. They are safe, welcoming spaces right in the neighborhood where people can access affordable, quality care. The goal is to make healthcare accessible, affordable and inclusive for everyone, no matter their background or income.Community clinics remind us that good health isn't just about treating illness, but about supporting whole lives.

Life for teens and young adults today is not easy, from juggling school, friendships, family and all the noise from social media can feel overwhelming.Sometimes the smallest things like listening without judgement, going for a walk together or just checking in can make a big difference.Let's remind our youths that they are not alone and their feelings are valid.

Leadership and Spirituality with Lasandra Collins.A powerful conversation on how faith, authenticity, and inner wisdom shape the way we lead.

Imagine a world where no child must choose between education and a simple nutritious meal. For millions of children in India that choice has been made easier thanks to one remarkable organization Akshaya Patra Foundation.In this episode, we uncover the heart and hustle behind this incredible mission. We talk about the challenges of feeding millions daily, the life-changing impact these meals have on education and hear the stories that keep the team going.

A Powerful and thought-provoking show on Domestic Violence with Aparna Asthana and Tasneem Rajan from Daya Houston.Together, we will amplify the voices of survivors, celebrate their strength, and explore how we can support one another in the journey of transformation.

In this episode on Immigration Unpacked with Attorney Lynn Alazem, we explore the policies and realities behind immigration in today's world. From navigating legal systems to understanding lived experiences, this is where we bring clarity, compassion, and conversation to the table.

In honor of Disability Pride Month, we're diving into a conversation that lives at the intersection of identity, community, and culture. It isn't just about awareness, it's about pride. It's about shifting the narrative from pity to power, from limitations to liberation.In this powerful conversation, I'm joined by Misbah Lakhani, Outreach Coordinator at Daya Houston - a nonprofit doing incredible work to support South Asian Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Misbah's work centers around advocacy, education, and creating a safe culturally grounded space for healing and empowerment.

Let's talk about Parenting Teens!In this episode we dive into the challenges, the surprises, and the meaningful connections we have with our teens. Whether you're a parent, educator, or just curious about what today's teens are navigating, this conversation is for you.

We dive into the world of Prehabilitation, an innovative approach that prepares your body for surgery, reduce recovery time and improve outcomes.Dr. Atiya Dhala from Houston Methodist breaks down what prehabilitation entails, talk about the benefits and ways to implement prehab strategies in your life.

We're opening up a conversation that's long overdue-the intersection of domestic violence and men's health. From physical injuries to mental health struggles, the impact is real, and the silence around it is costing lives.Whether it's fear of not being believed, cultural expectations around masculinity, or the lack of resources specifically for male survivors, this issue lives in the shadows. Let's shed some light.

In this soul-stirring episode, Denika Carothers-Certified Master Life Coach, Emotional Wellness Specialist, and creator of Let The S.H.I.T. Go dives deep into the sacred healing journey of the feminine heart and womb. She unpacks how unprocessed S.H.I.T. (Shame, Hurt, Insecurities, and Triggers) can silently sabotage emotional well-being, relationships, and even a woman's creative and intuitive power.Denika reveals the powerful link between the wounded heart and the womb, and how healing this connection unlocks a woman's ability to rise fully in her truth, voice, and divine purpose.

Your pancreas might be small, but it plays a huge role in your health, especially when it comes to blood sugar balance and digestion.Dr. Ashish Saharia and Diana Appou from Houston Methodists shares tips and advice on having Healthy Pancreas.

Honoring AAPI Heritage Month. A time to celebrate the diverse cultures, rich traditions and significant contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to American Society.Daya Houston is a nonprofit organization that empower South Asian Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence through culturally specific services and educate the community in an effort to end the cycle of abuse.Visit website: dayahouston.org

The Gottman Method is all about improving connection, navigating conflict better, and just making relationships feel more solid. Let's break it down together and see how it can help in real, everyday ways with Kim Nguyen and Mahtab Moradi from IBN Sina Foundation.

Building resilience is the process of developing the mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility to adapt to stress, adversity, or change. It involves cultivating self-awareness, maintaining a positive mindset, strengthening coping strategies, and building supportive relationships.Resilience doesn't mean avoiding hardship, it means facing it with courage, learning from setbacks, and continuing to grow stronger through life's challenges.

This Sexual Assault Awareness Month let's come together for real talk, healing and change.A powerful Chai Time conversation with Tasneem Rajan, Executive Director of Daya Houston and Gayatri Joshi, Client Services Manager.

Breast Health is an ongoing journey that involves awareness, healthy choices and regular checkups. By staying proactive and informed, you can take control of your well-being and reduce potential risks.Dr. Tozzi is a Surgical Oncologist with Houston Methodist. His interest and dedication to cancer care matured over his early studies in medical school and post graduate training, where he learned about the foundation of cancer biology and acquired the skills of cancer research.

Social media has become an integral part of modern childhood, shaping how kids connect, learn, and express themselves. While it offers opportunities for creativity, education, and socialization, it also presents challenges that can impact mental health and well-being.What are your thoughts on kids and social media? Let's start the conversation!

ADHD is often misunderstood as simply being restless or easily distracted, but it's so much more than that. It affects focus, impulse control, and organization, making daily tasks more challenging for both kids and adults.In this episode Dr. Umair Virk and Mahtab Moradi from IBN Sina Foundation discuss ADHD facts, myths and life hacks.

Celebrating International Women's Month with Daya's Director of Community Safety, Swati Narayan. In this conversation we explore the history of the movement, highlighting gender equality and recognizing the power and achievements of women.

Manifestation is a concept popular in self-help, spirituality, and personal development circles, where it's believed that our thoughts, emotions, and energy can shape our external circumstances.Manifestation blends elements of mental discipline, spiritual insight, and practical action.

In this research-packed episode, we explored the vital role of Women's Behavioral Health and it's impact when we champion it's cause.

A healthy family relationship is characterized by open communication, mutual respect, trust, support, shared values, quality time spent together, and the ability to express feelings openly while respecting individual boundaries, allowing each member to feel loved and valued within the family unit. Daya Houston's Client Advocate Mansi Baxi shares an overview on Healthy Relationships.

Cervical Health Awareness Month is a time where we encourage you to learn more about Cervical Health and Cervical Cancer Prevention.

2024 was the year for growth. When we take time to recognize our thoughts and experiences we establish a solid foundation. The deeper we dive into our core identity the further we open the door for a purposeful connection. Investing time and effort for ourselves is crucial. It is the most important and powerful relationship in life.

The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness; however, it can also be stressful for many people. Mahtab Moradi shares valuable tips on ways we can manage holiday stress.

Financial skills are important for children to learn, as it can help them make sound financial decisions throughout their lives.

Marc-Antoine and Neelofer Ali from Rupani Foundation shares valuable insights on ways the Foundation serves families in the community. Rupani Foundation believes that investing in children ensures securing a healthy future. Using Early Childhood Development as a tool for socio-economic change to underprivileged communities.