The Sharma Sessions

This episode shares the realities of what going back to work REALLY looks like after being on maternity leave. I share my personal journey of returning to work, the emotions that follow and navigating pumping breast milk in meetings! Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

This week I'm joined by Krupa Chauhan, author of 'Intentional Desi', a blog about intentional living, South Asian conditioning, limiting beliefs and choosing a life aligned with your dharma. Krupa shares her experiences of the pressures of conforming to her parents expectations - something which many South Asian's can probably resonate with - and takes us through how we can be empowered to live authentically that is true to ourselves.  If you're ready to break the cycle and want to be motivated in pursuing your passions then this episode is for you! Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

Sureena is joined by her husband, Joshua, to discuss the mental and physical load that comes with running a household and looking after children as they try to answer the question - who really has it harder, mums or dads? Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

Hello and welcome to The Sharma Sessions with me Sureena Sharma. Note this podcast was previously known as PS. Make It Make Sense, so you may hear it being referred to that in older episodes. This is the podcast where I discuss difficult topics which may otherwise be taboo in South Asian households and try to make sense of it all! I'll have guests join me to break down the stigma surrounding certain issues and to raise awareness around others.  This is a real, raw and sometimes vulnerable podcast with a lot of oversharing. If that's your vibe then sit tight, make a cup of chai and welcome to the family, this is The Sharma Sessions! And if you would like to get involved, either being on the podcast or want to share a story, advice or rant of the week the email [email protected] or send a DM on Instagram or TikTok @TheSharmaSessions

Sureena is joined by Urmi Hossain to talk about colourism. Urmi is an Italian Bengali living in Montreal and is a woman of many talents. She is a podcaster, blogger, YouTuber, self-published author, speaker, a female mentor and an advocate for women’s empowerment she is a force to be reckoned with! Go and check out Urmi's podcast 'Stories Beyond Borders'! They discuss what colourism means to them, how Bollywood/the media/skin care industry have reinforced colourism and how the narrative can be changed for future generations. Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

Olivia is back on the podcast with Sureena where they discuss grief. Sureena and Olivia highlight the power in talking through difficult emotions where they open up and share their own personal experiences with grief, how it has affected their present day and also reflect on the differences in South Asian British culture when it comes to death vs the rest of the world. Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

Sureena is joined by Ankita Joshi, who has worked closely with special educational needs (SEN) children for many years and has a breadth of experience understanding the needs and requirements of those that are neurodivergent. They discuss whether or neurodiversity is openly accepted or understood in south Asian culture, how neurodivergent children can be supported in schools and also signpost to support groups and resources.  Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

With more and more people leaving the UK, Sureena is joined by Olivia in this week's episode, where Olivia shares her reasons why she and her family moved to Dubai nearly two years ago, if the grass really is greener and reflects on the challenges our grandparents generation would have had to make in order to move to the UK for a better life. Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

Sureena is joined by her good friend Olivia, who is South Indian and has 2 daughters and 1 son. Sureena and Olivia discuss raising boys within South Asian culture and if their boys can be free from the gender based expectations that are subjected to children from a young age. They delve into historically why baby boys have been preferenced over baby girls within Asian cuture, how there can be equality in raising boys and girls and also discuss the importance of positive male role models in young boys' lives and the power that can have.   Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

In this episode Sureena is joined by her good friend Olivia, where they both discuss the concept of mum guilt and share examples of when those intrusive guilty thoughts have crept in and how they can overcome them. Being a mum is hard, but having a supportive network around makes all the difference!   Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

In this episode husband and wife duo, Josh and Sureena, discuss what a South Asian dads role is in supporting their pregnant partner. They discuss how best to cater to their pregnant partners need, how dads can some times be overlooked and also touch upon the birthing crisis and shocking UK paternity rights.  Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

In this week's episode Sureena discusses what it was like giving birth second time round, her emergency c-section vs elective c-section experience and talks openly about previously wanting to be a surrogate.   Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

After a stint away Sureena and Trishna are back discussing new babies, new jobs, salmon sperm and everything in between!   Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

In this week's episode Sureena explores how much South Asian representation matters in today's world, which artists are trailblazers on that front and how we could do more to showcase South Asian heritage. And of course there is rant of the week as well! Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

Welcome to PS. Make It Make Sense! Trishna and Sureena discuss what it means to get older, the rituals they do to try and hold on to their youth and debate whether or not they would put their parents in a care home! Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

Do you get judgements or preconceptions of who you are as a person based on where you're from? Sureena and Trishna explore what growing up as a brown girl in Southall vs South London respectively has been like and the judgements they faced. Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

In this week's episode Trishna and Sureena try to make sense of why as a generation we are all so tired! How many times have you been in a conversation with someone where they mention just how tired they are? Feels like we can't get away from it!   Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

In this raw and honest episode, Sureena discusses her experience of giving birth 2 years ago and the trauma she went through. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses topics such as near-death experiences and birth trauma. The hope is that this episode will allow others to speak more openly about their experiences and know that they are not alone in how they feel. Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

Trishna and Sureena try to make sense of the attitudes of alcohol within South Asian culture! Would you ask a woman if she was pregnant if she wasn't drinking? (The answer should be no - always no!) Why is alcohol such a focal point at an event?  Does your attitude and relationship with alcohol change over the years? Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

Joshua is back on the podcast! And this time Josh and Sureena try to make sense of and debate various topics - for example, would you put a tracker on your child's phone? Or would you allow your child to go on a sleepover? Let us know if you are Team Josh or Team Sureena!  Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

Do you find yourself doom scrolling on social media? Have you ever gone on a social media cleanse? Has the hit Netflix show 'Adolesence' made you see social media in a different way? Trishna and Sureena discuss this and more! Trishna opens up about her toxic relationship with social media and provides food for thought. Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

Trishna and Sureena are reunited! And they try to make sense of growing up brown and the beauty standards they had to live by. Whether that be dealing with body hair, weight changes or judgement because of their skin tone, they've got it all covered! Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

In this episode Sureena is joined by her very good friend, Heenal Malde. They discuss their favourite topic - periods! More specifically why it is still a taboo topic in South Asian culture and how men can be allies when it comes to supporting the women in their lives going through periods. Heenal talks openly about her experiences with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) to raise awareness about the two conditions. If you would like more information then please see the links below: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd/what-is-pmdd/  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-menstrual-syndrome/ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/ Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

In this episode we'd like to introduce you to Parampreet Bahia, or Pam as she is known to her friends. Pam talks openly about her experiences with miscarriage and infertility and the journey she has been on to rebuild herself. It is an emotional conversation, but a much needed one to break the stigma that surrounds topics like these. For anyone affected by this episode or would like more information, here are resources that Pam mentions: https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk  https://www.instagram.com/miscarriageassociation?igsh=MWo0YmI3eG9vbGZucQ==  https://www.instagram.com/tommys?igsh=bTRuN3RkYmtuZ3dy  https://www.instagram.com/asian_miscarriage_hub?igsh=MWFoMXdpdGtmaGtnYQ==  https://www.instagram.com/sayinggoodbye_charity?igsh=MXI2ZGxudTBtYmlsNA==  https://www.instagram.com/zoeadelle?igsh=eWl5ZmYyb3ZsMG14  https://hopebereavementsupport.com  Also follow Pam's Instagram and TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/afolpambuilds?igsh=eTl5c3V4b2w4ZWF5  Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

How cultured are you? Do you carry out certain traditions even though you don't quite understand the meaning behind it? And should we make more effort to learn our mother tongue? Trishna and Sureena explore this and more! Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

Guess who's back back back, back again - it's Joshua! Joshua and Sureena try to make sense of what an Asian man's role is in a household and how that may have changed over the generations. If you want to hear more about if men have become more emotional and what we hope for the next generation then have a listen now!  They also have a big announcement to make... Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

Trishna and Sureena try to make sense of superstitions and why many South Asian's (including Trishna!) live their lives by the rules of superstitions. Are there any superstitions you believe in? Would you walk under a road sign or across three drains? Let us know by getting in touch!  Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

It's Valentine's day! So of course Trishna and Sureena had make sense of all things Valentine's and ask - is it overrated? Is it celebrated by Asians? Does Valentine's day become more or less special the longer you're in a relationship? Listen to their take now!  Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

Trishna is unavailable for this week's recording but don't fear, Sureena has roped in her husband, Josh, to make sense of interfaith marriages! Sureena is Hindu Punjabi, Josh is Malayali Catholic. They talk honestly about how they navigate being part of different religions and the impact that has on bringing up their son. Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

Trishna and Sureena try to make sense of the friendships that have lasted and those that haven't and ask the question - do Asian's make better friends?    Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

In this episode Trishna and Sureena reflect on their wedding experiences and try to make sense of it all! How would your family feel if you married someone of a different religion? Would you let your sister organise your honeymoon? And did your wedding get affected by the Covid pandemic? All this and more can be found right here! Expect candid, open and honest conversations and of course laughter along the way! They also answer some of your questions too!  Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

What makes you you? What values define you? Trishna and Sureena explore this and more in the very first episode of the podcast! Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]! 

The podcast was initially known as PS. Make It Make Sense where friends Sureena and Trishna discussed all-things South Asian and the impact of being a South Asian woman in today’s society. The podcast is now called The Sharma Sessions, where Sureena continues the ethos behind the initial name of the podcast but also shines a light on topics often considered taboo in South Asian culture, whilst providing honest opinions. You can check out the trailer for The Sharma Sessions! :)  Please rate and share the podcast as it really does help! And if you'd like to get involved in the fun or want to be featured on the podcast then send a DM on Insta or TikTok, just search for The Sharma Sessions or email [email protected]!