PODCAST FINALE: Episode 16: Tanya Vyas, Henna Artist (The Henna Boutique) Welcome to the Season 3 finale episode of The Desi Woman Podcast and also the last show ever! In this episode I chat to Henna Artist Tanya Vyas about this ancient form of body art, touching on the cultural debates that surround using it - should it be worn at music festivals by white women, can it only be worn for weddings and special occasions? Tanya shares her views and discusses why henna plays such an important role in her life. Instead of the usual Desi Woman Reading List, Obie Matin joins me to give her views on the BBC television adaptation of Vikram Seth's A Suitable Boy, plus, I share why I'm moving on from creating this podcast, something I've been doing for the last three years! THANK YOU to everyone who has listened to previous shows. All are archived on the website: http://www.desiwomanpodcast.com Stay in touch with me: Email: Momtazbh@hotmail.com (mailto:Momtazbh@hotmail.com) Twitter: @momtazbh (http://www.twitter.com/momtazbh) Instagram: @momtazbh (http://www.instagram.com/momtazbh)   Follow Tanya: Instagram - @the_henna_boutique (http://www.instagram.com/the_henna_boutique ) Twitter: @The HennaBoutiqu Follow Literary Expert Obie: Twitter: @ObieMatin The show samples the track Indra by the Thievery Corporation.

The Desi Woman Podcast

4: The Desi Woman Podcast Finale – Episode 16: Tanya Vyas, Henna Artist

Episode 15: Sunita Harley, Careers Coach & Founder of Lucky Things Meet-Ups When Sunita decided to bring together a group of five women she'd met online for a meet-up IRL, before she knew it, word spread and over 80 women from across the UK came along to her first Lucky Things meet-up. Since then she's hosted them around the UK bringing all kinds of women together and using her 20+ year career in HR to offer careers advice, talks and workshops as part of her events.  She's also broken taboos with her open and honest blog about undergoing IVF treatment and enjoyed an early career as a model: one filled with tales! We discuss all these things and more in this episode.   Get in contact with the show: Email: Momtazbh@hotmail.com (mailto:Momtazbh@hotmail.com) Twitter: @TheCraftCafe Instagram: @The_CraftCafe   Follow Sunita: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook @LuckyThingsBlog Follow Literary Expert Obie: Twitter: @ObieMatin In this episode's Desi Woman Reading List, Obie reviews At The End of the Century by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala The show samples the track Indra by the Thievery Corporation.

3: The Desi Woman Podcast – Episode 15: Sunita Harley, Career Coach

Episode 13: Desi Women in Lockdown The coronavirus pandemic has taken the entire world by surprise but while we've all been experiencing lockdown - our actual experiences are very different from eachother's. I caught up with some of the previous guests of The Desi Woman Podcast to find out how their lives have been impacted. From Obie Matin, a teacher whose had her teaching career turned upside down to Vena Ramphal a Spiritual Coach who has been thriving these last two months through to Comedian Sadia Azmat who, without the comedy circuit it finding lockdown a challenge. This episode really feels like a journey and captures a fascinating moment in time. I hope you enjoy listening.    Get in contact with the show: Email: Momtazbh@hotmail.com (mailto:Momtazbh@hotmail.com) Twitter: @TheCraftCafe Instagram: @The_CraftCafe   Follow Sadia: Instagram, Twitter: @SukkiSingapora Follow Obie: Twitter: @ObieMatin Follow Vena: Twitter: @VenaRamphal The show samples the track Indra by the Thievery Corporation.

2: The Desi Woman Podcast – Episode 14: Desi Women in Lockdown

Episode 13: Sukki Singapora (Burlesque performer) Style Icon, Activist, Human Unicorn, Singapore's first Burlesque Superstar and star of Netflix TV show Singapore Social, Sukki Singapora is a one-of-kind Desi Queen. In our candid chat we talk about her experiences of colourism in the entertainment industry, dealing with imposter syndrome, what defines sexiness and what is was like filming reality TV show Singapore Social. Plus in 'The Desi Woman Reading List' Literary Expert Obie Matin shares the books that she's looking forward to reading in 2020.   Get in contact with the show: Email: Momtazbh@hotmail.com (mailto:Momtazbh@hotmail.com) Twitter: @TheCraftCafe Instagram: @The_CraftCafe   Follow Sukki: Instagram, Twitter: @SukkiSingapora Follow Obie: Twitter: @ObieMatin The show samples the track Indra by the Thievery Corporation.

1: The Desi Woman Podcast – Episode 13: Sukki Singapora (Burlesque performer)

Episode 12: Farhana Shaikh (Publisher & Writer)   For over a decade Farhana Shaikh has given South Asian Writers a platform to showcase their work through website ‘The Asian Writer' (www.theasianwriter.co.uk (http://www.theasianwriter.co.uk/) ), championing their successes and sharing and creating opportunities for up and coming and existing writing talent.   Realising that there was a need for more opportunities she set up publishing company Dahlia Books    In the season finale of 'The Desi Woman Podcast' I chat to Farhana about the changing perception of South Asian writers and how we can change existing narratives and representations.  Plus in 'The Desi Woman Reading List' Literary Expert Obie Matin reviews former guest from Episode 5, Kia Abdullah’s novel Take It Back.   Get in contact with the show: Email: Momtazbh@hotmail.com (mailto:Momtazbh@hotmail.com) Twitter: @TheCraftCafe Instagram: @The_CraftCafe   Farhana’s website is: www.theasianwriter.co.uk (http://www.theasianwriter.co.uk/) Find out more about Kia Abdullah: www.kiaabdullah.com The show samples the track Indra by the Thievery Corporation.

7: The Desi Woman Podcast – Episode 12: Farhana Shaikh (Publisher & Writer)

Episode 11: Sadia Azmat (Comedian) Breaking every possible stereotype about Muslim women, Stand Up Comedian Sadia Azmat has broken boundaries and then some. One half of the podcast duo who present the BBC Sounds podcast No Country For Young Women, Sadia's own brand of honest sex and relationship themed comedy has gained her an international reputation and there's no stopping this free-spirited who's about to embark on a month of shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. We chat about how she got into comedy, her recent BBC Radio 2 documentary about being single, BAME representation and why she could never be a Hijab-blogger. Plus  in 'The Desi Woman Reading List' Literary Expert Obie Matin reviews Nadiya Hussain's novel The Secret Lives of the Amir Sisters. This episode contains content of a sexual nature (but there are no swear words!) The show samples the track Indra by the Thievery Corporation.

6: The Desi Woman Podcast - Episode 11: Sadia Azmat (Comedian)

Episode 10: Babita Sharma (TV Presenter and BBC Newsreader) A BBC Journalist for over 15 years, Babita has worked across regional channels and is currently one of the faces of BBC World broadcasting internationally, that's when she's not on maternity leave... My first pregnant guest, we chat about everything from her pregnancy to dining with Tibetan monks with her eyes closed, her views on turmeric lattes and why she banned social media at her Indian-Irish wedding. That's all alongside talking about her TV series Dangerous Borders and most importantly her new book The Cornershop. Plus Literary Expert Obie Matin returns with a book review in The Desi Woman Reading List. This month we talk about Anuradha Roy's All The Lives We Never Lived. The show samples the track Indra by the Thievery Corporation.

5: The Desi Woman Podcast - Episode 10: Babita Sharma (TV Presenter and BBC Newsreader)

Episode 9: Sudha Bhuchar (Actress and Theatre Maker) "We joined the theatre not because we wanted to be stars but because it saved out lives." For over 30 years Sudha has been one of the most well-known British Asian actresses, appearing in soaps like Eastenders and Coronation Street. She was also co-Founder of Tamasha theatre company where she spent 26 years writing and producing theatre. In this month's episode I speak to Sudha ahead of her one woman show 'Evening Conversations' showing at Tara Theatre as part of a month long event featuring female artists.  Plus Literary Expert Obie Matin is back with a book review in The Desi Woman Reading List. This month we talk about Huma Qureshi's short stories 'In Spite of Oceans'. The episode also samples the track 'Indra' by the Thievery Corporation.

4: The Desi Woman Podcast - Episode 9: Sudha Bhuchar (Actress and Theatre Maker)

Episode 8: Nida Manzoor - Film & TV Director She's the woman behind some of the most progressive comedy drama shorts that have been made over the last couple of years including Lady Parts, a tv show promo about an all female Muslim Punk Band which you can watch here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOEXtrPFEzc&t=7s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOEXtrPFEzc&t=7s) We chat about how she came up with such an unexpected storyline, what it was like being an alternative teen and her plans to make a Jackie Chan style action movie. (You just know it's going to happen!) Plus there's the The Desi Woman Reading List with Obie Matin who each month recommends books by Asian female authors and this time she's chosen one of mine eek! I'm also proud of the episode because it was my smoothest editing experience so far (I'm getting better) so I feel proud! Thanks for tuning in!

3: The Desi Woman Podcast - Episode 8: Nida Manzoor (Film & TV Director)

Episode 7: Ashanti Omkar - Radio Presenter & South Indian Specialist One accurate way to describe Ashanti Omkar is that she is a Tamil Superheroine. Her impressive biography includes being a Bollywood Entertainment Journalist, a member of the London Critics Circle and hosting the first ever South Indian radio show on the BBC Asian Network.  In our inspiring chat Ashanti talks about her unconventional root into journalism, how she escaped a relationship where she was a victim of domestic abuse and how being an early adopter of tech has played a key role in her successes. Plus Literary Expert Obie Matin is back with a book review in The Desi Woman Reading List. It's an epic episode and one that I hope you will enjoy!

2: The Desi Woman Podcast - Episode 7: Ashanti Omkar (Radio Presenter & South Indian Specialist)

Episode 6: Bishi - Women in Tech Music A multi-hyphenate musical polymath, Bishi has been a pioneer in British Asian music scene for nearly 20 years, creating her own brand of sitar infused futuristic tech sounds. The London-based creative is a singer-songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist, multimedia performer, producer, composer and DJ and is the Artistic Director and co-founder of WITCiH, The Women in Technology Creative Industries Hub. In our intimate and honest chat Bishi reflects on her iconic career, which has included DJing since she was a teenager and collaborating with some of the biggest names in fashion and music.  It's a motivational listen for anyone who needs a confidence boost to follow their heart and passions.  Plus what should you read next? Literary Expert Obie Matin joins us for The Desi Woman Reading List. Enjoy the show! Photo of Bishi: Zuzanna Butkiewicz

1: The Desi Woman Podcast - Episode 6: Bishi (Musician)

Episode 5: Kia Abdullah - Travelling the world through words Does travel have a diversity issue? Guest Kia Abdullah, one half of travel blogging duo Atlas & Boots, thinks so, but luckily she's making the change happen, becoming one of the most successful and respected travel bloggers in the UK. She also has two novels under her belt and is currently completing her third. One of eight children, Kia who is of Bangladeshi heritage, grew up in East London and originally followed a conventional career path until one day she traded it in to follow her dreams of being a writer. If you've ever wondered whether you could have a blog, or dreamt about  embarking on adventures abroad, this episode will inspire and motivate you to give them a go with practical tips and anecdotes from Kia's own experiences. Plus what should you read next? Literary Expert Obie Matin joins us for The Desi Woman Reading List, in our season 1 finale.

5: The Desi Woman Podcast - Episode 5: Kia Abdullah (Author & Travel Blogger)

**Episode 4: Vena Ramphal on Desire, Dance & Dating** Vena Ramphal is a modern relationships expert, known in the media for making conversations about sex comfortable, uplifting and intelligent. Her expertise is in the Indian pleasure traditions of the Kama Sutra and classical Indian dance and she recently co-hosted the Channel 4 show Seven Year Switch on British television. In this episode of the podcast she talks openly and honesty about how we as women should be talking about sex, the perils of dating apps and how learning about erotic love at a young age shaped how she feels about a subject that remains taboo in too many cultures. Plus The Desi Woman Reading List with Literary Expert Obie Matin.

4: The Desi Woman Podcast - Episode 4: Vena Ramphal (Sex & Relationship Coach)

**Episode 3: Sana Khan - Ladoos for **lunch: the fascinating world of Desi nutrition Hands up if you've ever been in any of the following situations: Trying to escape an aunty who keeps piling biriyani onto your plate and insisting you eat it, even though you're full You're craving a ladoo but you know you've already had your weekly ghee intake It's lunchtime you're out and about and you can't find anything healthy to eat You're just too busy to eat… If any of this sounds familiar then Nutritionist Sana Khan has the advice you need, tailored specially for the food dilemmas we South Asian women are faced with, on what seems like a daily basis. Whether you're a foodie, consider yourself health conscious or want to find out more about what the field of nutrition is all about, take a listen to this episode of The Desi Woman Podcast where Sana Khan, Nutritionist at The Elixir Clinic, London will inspire your approach to healthy living. Plus The Desi Woman Reading List books review with Literary Expert Obie Matin.

3: The Desi Woman Podcast - Episode 3: Sana Khan (Nutritionist)

**Episode 2: Sadia Saeed - The truth about filmmaking: what it's really like to make your own movie** Pakistani, Australian, Brit filmmaker Sadia Saeed's first feature film Arifa has been making waves on the festival circuit. Written and Directed by Sadia she opens up about what it's really like to 'live the dream' by making a movie, feminist filmmaking and how she manages to juggle her passion for working in the movie industry with a very different day job. If you've ever wondered what really goes into making a film, then this is a must-listen. Plus The Desi Woman Reading list book reviews with Literary Expert Obie Matin.

2: The Desi Woman Podcast - Episode 2: Sadia Saeed (Filmmaker)

Insights and inspiration from game-changing South Asian women in conversation with Journalist Momtaz Begum-Hossain. Hello! Thanks for checking out more about this podcast. As a journalist for over 20 years I've had a chance to interview some amazing people and come across stories of individuals that have inspired my own ambitions. We're all in need of motivation to stay in positive spirits and the best way to do this is to hear from others, to remind you that your dreams and ambitions are also possible. In this podcast I'll be interviewing South Asian women who have all made a difference in some way, be that breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, succeeded in their career or business, or they simply have a special story that needs to be told. Each episode also features The Desi Woman Reading List where Literary Expert Obie Matin recommends the best books to read by South Asian authors. I hope you enjoy the show!

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The Desi Woman Podcast

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