Dirty Brown

At age seven, Reet German was brought from India to Canada by a father she had never met, leaving her mother behind. In this episode of Dirty Brown, Reet joins host Kriti J to discuss how that moment of "shock" birthed a lifelong performance of being the "Good Girl" - and the radical, "besharam" choices she made to burn that script down.From checking herself into a hospital alone at her lowest point, to selling everything and world-schooling her daughter across 20 countries, Reet's story is what it actually looks like to stop performing and start living on your own terms.Connect with Dirty Brown:InstagramYouTube Connect with Reet GermanChapters00:00 Introduction: "I Was In Shock": Uprooted From India at 701:04 Meet Reet German: The Woman Behind Reignite with Reet01:24 Growing Up in Punjab: A Childhood Full of Love and Roots04:20 The Day Everything Changed: Brought to Canada by a Stranger07:38 "Someone Pulled the Rug Out": The Trauma of Displacement09:09 Learning the Art of Performing: The Good Girl is Born14:00 The Checklist Life: Marriage, House, Baby - and Emptiness21:00 Hitting Rock Bottom: Checking Herself Into Hospital Alone23:20 People Pleasing to Free: Selling Everything and Starting Over27:28 Going Back to India After 31 Years28:38 Trusting Her Gut: Finding Her Mother in a Punjab Village34:06 "It Didn't Happen TO Me. It Happened FOR Me."36:21 Closing: She Came With the Real Story

What does it actually cost a brown woman to choose herself - for decades?Manisha Solomon is an Indian woman in her 50s, unapologetic, and refuses to be invisible. In a culture that expects brown women to fade into the background after 50, Manisha has spent her entire life doing the opposite - and paying the price for it.In this episode of Dirty Brown, Manisha opens up about growing up with an emotionally absent mother, being forced to become independent at age 8, and writing a declaration at 12 that she would never get married. From cycling alone to Muay Thai to acting in her late 40s, she has never once asked for permission.We also get into:What it's like to be estranged from your mother as a brown womanHow she raised her son as the complete opposite of how she was raisedWhy she has never once felt invisible - even in her 50sKeeping her last name, having a child outside of marriage, and not caring what the community thinksThe Badchalan Energy Quiz - how her answers changed from her 20s to her 50sChapters:00:00 Introduction: "Maybe I Just Am"00:25 Meet Manisha Solomon: The Brown Woman Who Refuses to Fade02:22 Forced to Grow Up at Eight: The Cost of a Broken Home05:04 Estranged From Her Mother: Why She Never Looked Back07:02 Grieving a Mother Who's Still Alive: The Kit Kat Theory10:32 Acting in Her Late 40s: A Brown Woman Choosing Visibility14:25 How She Dresses, How She Defies: Style as Rebellion at 5216:42 She Wrote a Declaration at 12: No Marriage, One Child17:58 Having a Kid Outside Marriage & Keeping Her Last Name20:46 The 12-Year-Old Who Wrote the Rest of Her Life22:04 Raising a Professional Archer Instead of a Doctor or Engineer24:00 The Badchalan Energy Quiz: Age 20 vs Age 5228:04 What She'd Tell Her Teenage Self About the Woman She Became30:55 Kriti's Closing Reflection: What Unlearning Actually Costs

She's spent 11 episodes asking the questions. This time, she's answering them.In this special milestone episode, your host Kriti J switches seats and Shruti Sridhar takes the mic. What follows is one of the most honest conversations on the podcast yet: why Dirty Brown started from a place of anger and why Kriti is glad she waited, what it really means to be a brown woman living between two worlds, and the cultural script she's been quietly rewriting for the last decade.Plus: the Badchalan Quiz makes a return — and this time, the host is in the hot seat.In this episode:The real story behind the name Dirty BrownWhy COVID cracked everything openWhat's coming next for the podcast - including the naughty stuffKriti's vision for what Dirty Brown can becomeChapters:00:00 Intro00:19 Dirty Brown Turns 10: The Host Gets Interviewed01:06 15 Years in Tech, H1B Dreams and Why COVID Changed Everything03:42 What Is Dirty Brown and Where Did the Name Come From?05:07 How the Badchalan Aurat Series Was Born08:30 Indian Woman Abroad: Identity, Marriage Pressure and the Cost of Freedom13:56 What Makes Kriti - Hobbies, Books and the Feminist She Became17:24 Have You Led a Full Life? Taking Risks and What's Coming Next24:57 Badchalan Energy Quiz: Is Kriti a Certified Badchalan?27:30 OutroConnect with Dirty Brown:Instagram

Is life for Indian women better abroad? In Part II of our deep dive into the "India vs. Abroad" debate, host Kriti J and guest Sugandha S move from the safety of the streets to the safety of the systems we live in.If Part I was about the physical "Safety Tax," Part II is about the "Negotiation Tax." We explore sexism at workplace and systemic issues in India vs Abroad.We also get deeply personal about the "Marriage Script." In a culture that often views a woman’s 30s as a deadline, how do we use financial independence to reclaim our autonomy? From healing after emotional abuse to finding a "frequency match" in a partner, we discuss why choosing to stay unmarried isn’t a pause - it’s a move toward a more authentic life.Chapters:00:00 Intro00:29 Sexism in Global Workplace02:19 Paternity Leave & The Caregiver Trap03:55 Normalizing Period Leave in the Office05:28 Marriage Pressure and Family Expectations08:29 Financial Independence & Female Autonomy09:49 Red Flags: Dating Apps & Modern Feminism12:33 Relationships, Trauma & Healing14:29 Part I & II conclusion17:03 Outro

On paper, lives of these two Indian women are remarkably similar - both are independent, childfree women working on their passions. However, their daily "negotiations" with physical space look very different. From the audacity of Uber drivers in Gurgaon to the subtext of racism and isolation in Toronto, host Kriti J and her long-time friend Sugandha explore the invisible "Safety Tax" that women pay just to exist. In this conversation, we discuss:Why Sugandha feels she had to buy her safety by purchasing a car and paying a premium for gated housing.The psychological "bubble" Kriti creates to ignore unwanted attention in public spaces. The reality of harassment while running outside, from night-time training to ultra-marathons. How the "Tax" of living abroad often involves navigating microaggressions and the feeling of being an "other." This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Next episode available in two weeks. Make sure to follow!Chapters00:00 Introduction00:52 Unmarried, Childfree, Independent01:27 The Freedom Myth: Comparing Life in Toronto & Gurgaon04:15 Why Independence in India Costs a Premium06:50 The Runner's Dilemma09:03 Street Harassment13:00 The Racism Tax for Brown Women Abroad15:08 Strategy of Avoiding "Lustful Eyes"17:51 Navigating Freedom and Societal Pressures19:50 What's nextFollow Dirty Brown on socials

What happens when a "good girl" trades an MBA for ultramarathons and designer career paths for desert dust? In this episode of Dirty Brown, Sugandha Singhal joins host, Kriti J to discuss how endurance training became her ultimate tool for self-discovery and social rebellion - from defying the "settled" timeline of her 30s to overcoming self-image issues. It’s a conversation about reclaiming your body, your time, and your right to be "difficult.00:00 - Intro00:16 - Meet Sugandha Singhal00:34 - Reality of Ultra Running05:27- Why most people quit (and she stayed)07:35 - The 12-hour daily grind11:36 - The "Bulky" Myth: Women's fitness in India16:05 - UPSC/MBA dreams vs reality: No regrets19:36 - Badchalan Energy quiz23:58 Part II Teaser24:42 - BloopersFollow on socialsInstagram: @_sugs_ , @moveasy.co Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@_dirtybrown_⁠

India’s complex relationship with fair skin - From the "Fair and Lovely" ads of our childhoods to the 4,000-year history of the caste system and colonial rule, we explore the "trifecta" of forces - colonialism, capitalism, and media - that fuel the obsession with light skin.Listen to personal stories of navigating family pressure and "ghostly" makeup shades, and sit down with cosmetologist Dr. Priyanka Mall to learn why skin-lightening remains the most requested treatment in Indian clinics today. Join us as we sweep away the myths and move toward a safe space of radical self-love.00:00 Intro01:02 What's with chai making us darker!03:10 The faces of Fair & Lovely05:25 Media Representation and Colorism07:59 History of colorism and Trifecta of colonialism, capitalism & media11:58 Conversation with Dr. Priyanka Mall 25:03 Current State of Colorism and Activism26:46 Media Representation and Its Effects28:22 Self-Acceptance and Ongoing InsecuritiesInstagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@_dirtybrown_⁠About Our Clips - We use short excerpts from various media in this episode for discussion, review, and commentary, consistent with fair use guidelines.Some images by https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/Music byKamalesh Siddu⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Mykola Odnoroh⁠⁠⁠

A brown woman in her 40s refusing every "good girl" expectation - that's Mita. In this first episode of the Badchalan Aurat series, host Kriti J talks to Mita about her life as a stand-up comedian, activist, and blogger. Mita shares her journey starting stand-up in midlife , navigating societal pressure with humor, and redefining nurturing, purpose, and womanhood on her own terms. Listen as they discuss Mita's dark humor and the hilarious results of the "Big Badchalan Energy Quiz". Plus, Mita gives a sneak peek into her upcoming stand-up gig in Ottawa.Check out her blog: https://shescomeundone.orgMita's IG: @mitadoingthingsInstagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@_dirtybrown_⁠Chapters:00:00 Intro01:13 Welcome Mita Patel03:46 Breaking Stereotypes: The Life of a Brown Woman11:36 The Journey of a Comedian14:55 Badchalan energy quiz20:53 Impact of blogging and activism25:09 it’s Bolly o’clockAbout Our Clips - We use short excerpts from various media in this episode for discussion, review, and commentary, consistent with fair use guidelines.Music by Kamalesh Siddu⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Mykola Odnoroh⁠⁠⁠Nigori kaisi jawani hai

If you’ve ever been shamed for choosing yourself, this episode is for you! Host Kriti J is joined by our fav guest Shruti S where they delve into the portrayal of female characters in Bollywood, discussing the prevalent tropes of the 'Abla Nari' and 'Badchalan Aurat'. They explore nuanced characters in modern films, who exactly is the badchalan aurat and the importance of reclaiming the 'Badchalan' identity.Check out this exciting episode with an exciting announcement at the end!Chapters:00:00 Slurs00:24 Episode introduction01:41 Abla nari and badchalan tropes05:49 Nuanced Female Characters in Bollywood Films08:56 Is Bollywood becoming feminist!?10:21 Importance of Reclaiming the Narrative of Badchalan11:57 THE ANNOUNCEMENT - Dirty Brown presents Badchalan Aurat!!12:56 Closing Thoughts 14:06 Behind the scenes/BloopersAbout Our Clips - We use short excerpts from various media in this episode for discussion, review, and commentary, consistent with fair use guidelines.Movie/song videos - Cocktail, Piku, Thappad, Girls like to swingMusic by - ⁠⁠Kamalesh Siddu⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Mykola Odnoroh⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@_dirtybrown_

In this bonus episode, host Kriti J is joined again by Shruti S and they share their take on the new movie Aap Jaisa Koi . They break down the clash of conservative and progressive values, the underdeveloped main characters, and the slow pacing that makes parts of the movie a slog. Amid the clichés and missed opportunities, Kusum Bhabi emerges as the real hero, reclaiming agency and driving change in her world. A short, candid review that highlights gender, patriarchy, and feminist arcs, along with the saris, jewelry, and visual treats that make it worth a watch.About Our Clips - We use short excerpts from various media in this episode for discussion, review, and commentary, consistent with fair use guidelines.Official song videos - Aap Jaisa Koi trailer [1, 2]Music by - ⁠Kamalesh Siddu⁠, ⁠Mykola Odnoroh⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@_dirtybrown_

We love dancing to them, but are we also complicit in the male gaze? In this episode, host Kriti J is joined by longtime friend and fellow Bollywood nerd Shruti S to unpack the complicated world of item numbers - the seductive, high-energy songs Bollywood can’t seem to quit. Together, they create the Dirty Brown Test — a feminist lens for evaluating whether item songs like Choli Ke Peeche, Oo Antava, and Sheila Ki Jawani are empowering or just... problematic. Spoiler: the answers aren’t as obvious as you think. Tune in for hot takes, cultural commentary, and some serious Katrina Kaif appreciation.Chapters:00:00 Intro to episode01:34 Introduction to Item Numbers in Bollywood02:22 Defining Feminism in Item Numbers04:08 The Dirty Brown Test: Evaluating Item Numbers06:51 Choli ke peeche - A feminist perspective12:18 Ooh Antava: A Contrast in Representation20:43 Sheila ki jawani - Duality of empowerment and objectification25:14 The role of female choreographers27:58 Item numbers are here to stay. So, what now?About Our Clips - We use short excerpts from various media in this episode for discussion, review, and commentary, consistent with fair use guidelines.Official song videos - Choli ke peeche, Sheila ki jawani, Ooo antavaMusic by - Kamalesh Siddu, Mykola Odnoroh from PixabayInstagram: ⁠@_dirtybrown_

Host Kriti J unpacks media’s messy reaction to Blue Origin’s all-female spaceflight. Why did a mission featuring trailblazers like Amanda Nguyen and Aisha Bowe get reduced to Katy Perry memes and "rich girl" shade? Kriti dives into the nuance, calls out the quiet patriarchy, and reclaims the narrative. It’s about more than celebrity—it’s about who gets to belong in the cosmos.Chapters: 00:00 Celebrating Milestones and Community Support01:15 The Controversy of Space Tourism07:14 The Double Standards in Celebrity Space Flights09:35 The Nuance of Representation in Space11:04 Concluding Thoughts on Space and Gender DynamicsImages from Blue origin instagram and Heute.atMusic by: Alehandro Vodnik, Ivan Ohanezov, Felix_quinol from PixabayInstagram: @_dirtybrown_

Host Kriti J explores the experiences and challenges surrounding menstruation in a conversation with the guest speaker, Toni Knight. The speakers share personal stories about their first periods, cultural perspectives on menstruation, and the stigma associated with it. They discuss the importance of education, the potential impact of diet on menstrual health, and the need for open conversations about these topics. Chapters:00:00 - Introduction02:10 - Messy first period stories & support for young girls17:25 - Lesser know period facts, painful cramps & menstrual health30:35 - Breaking the stigmaShow notes:Rupi Kaur’s instagram post Books/articles that speakers have read to better understand periods The better period food solution by Tracy Beckerman (book)You can have a better period by Le’Nise Brothers (book) Self-care down there by Taq Kaur Bhandal (book) Blood by Dr. Jen Gunter (book)  In the flo by Alisa Vitti (book)  Padded assumptions: A critical discourse analysis of patriarchal menstruation discourse (journal)Music by: Alehandro Vodnik and Ivan Ohanezov from PixabayInstagram: @_dirtybrown_

"Men are like sand - the tighter you hold on to them, the more they slip away"? More like a pile of red flags. Your host, Kriti J, tears apart this fuckboy wisdom, exposing the misogyny and emotional unavailability hiding behind the poetry. Show notes: Interview with Professor Kate Manne.  Music by Alehandro Vodnik and Ivan Ohanezov from Pixabay