Beyond Borders Podcast

Beyond Borders Podcast

by Aakriti Dhawan
Society & Culture
Season 1

Gender, Identity & Visibility: Akassh K Aggarwal on LGBTQ+ Lives & Bollywood’s Role

In this bold and heartfelt episode of Beyond Borders, Aakriti Dhawan speaks with designer, healer, and outspoken LGBTQ+ voice Akassh K Aggarwal. From his experiences navigating gender and identity to calling out tokenism in Bollywood, Akassh shares what it really means to be seen—and unseen—in Indian society. 🌈 Topics Covered: Growing up queer in a conservative environment The cost of silence and the power of voice Bollywood’s evolving (and flawed) role in LGBTQ+ representation How design, healing, and spiritual practice helped reclaim identity Why inclusion must move beyond performative gestures 💬 “It’s not just about being invited to the table. It’s about being heard when you speak.” – Akassh 🎧 Tune in for a conversation that’s deeply personal, unapologetically political, and full of truth. 🔔 Follow for more📲 Follow us on Instagram: / beyond_borderspod
S1 · E10
Jul 11, 2025
34:48

India & Pakistan: A Conversation Beyond Borders | Unfiltered Stories of Culture & Womanhood

What happens when two women—one from India, one from Pakistan—sit down for an honest, no-politics conversation about life, culture, and identity? In this episode of Beyond Borders, I speak with Alishba, a Pakistani guest, to explore what growing up across the border really feels like. From shared foods and family expectations to media narratives and gender roles, nothing is off-limits. ✨ A rare, real exchange that cuts through noise, nationalism, and inherited narratives. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations that go beyond headlines and boundaries. #IndiaPakistan #BeyondBorders #CrossBorderStories #SouthAsia #WomenVoices #CultureAndIdentity #Podcast #UnfilteredConversations #AakritiDhawan #media Disclaimer: This content is created for entertainment and conversational purposes only. We do not intend to hurt, offend, or target any individual or group. All views expressed are respectful and considerate.
S1 · E9
Jun 29, 2025
49:15

Taboo No More: ‪Nandita Khandelwal‬ Talks Periods| PCOS | Women’s Health

In this powerful episode, ⁠ @NanditaKhandelwal ⁠ (fitness and health coach) breaks the silence around women’s health issues that are often misunderstood or ignored. From period pain and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) to hormonal health and wellness, we explore why it’s time to normalize these conversations. 🔔 Follow for more📲 Follow us on Instagram: / beyond_borderspod
S1 · E8
Jun 21, 2025
47:25

Arshi Gosh on being a TransWoman | Bollywood | Transition process | Representing India

She started in a small town. Today, she wears the crown. In this powerful episode, Miss TransQueen India 2023 and Miss International Queen India 2024, Arshi Ghosh, opens up about her journey as a trans woman in India — from facing rejection and invisibility to becoming a national icon of beauty, strength, and change. We dive into what it was like growing up trans in small-town India, the pressure and power of pageantry, the deep need to be truly seen, and the ongoing fight to challenge stereotypes and claim space in a world that often resists difference. 🔔 Follow for more📲 Follow us on Instagram: / beyond_borderspod
S1 · E7
Jun 21, 2025
37:56

Press Freedom Day: Women journalists on Discrimination | Voice | Solution

(Originally published on 3rd May 2025) Meena Kotwal, Shivalika Puri, Jaishree Kumar, Shumaila Khan, and host Aakriti Dhawan discuss the layered challenges of casteism, sexism, rape threats, online harassment, and the everyday fear of being a woman journalist in India. The world’s largest democracy, yet ranked 159th in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, what does reporting, resisting, and reclaiming space as a woman in the Indian newsroom mean? 🔔 Follow for more📲 Follow us on Instagram: / beyond_borderspod Youtube: https://youtu.be/RwYa3sE1qT0
S1 · E6
Jun 21, 2025
47:51

Pallavi Garg on Women in male-dominated fields | Criminal Lawyer | Idea of a Superwoman

In this powerful talk, Pallavi Garg — a fierce #criminal #lawyer breaking barriers in a male-dominated field - shares her journey, challenges in the courtroom, and take on the 'superwoman' label often placed on #women. A compelling chat on gender, grit, and redefining success.
S1 · E5
Jun 21, 2025
30:44

Dr. Mohsin Wali on Healthcare in India| Youngest Presidential Physician | Padma Shri | MBA at 61

In this candid conversation, Dr. Wali shares fascinating insights from his decades-long medical career, what it’s like treating India’s top leaders, and his take on the future of healthcare in India as well as hope for young adults. We dive deep into a nation’s health pulse — with a few laughs along the way. 🔔 Follow for more📲 Follow us on Instagram: / beyond_borderspod
S1 · E4
Jun 21, 2025
52:24

Sashank Navaladi on music as a Universal Language| Grammy Nomination | Ali Sethi | A.R. Rahman

Sashank Navaladi, is a distinguished Indian music composer, sarod player, and vocalist. He sits with us to talk about his journey - making cross-border music, and living as a South Asian in LA. He discusses his work with #alisethi #arrahman and #beck. To everyone out there striving to build a better world for themselves—this one's for you.Host: Aakriti Dhawan Editor: Lakshay Sharma /Subham SharmaProducer: Manish KumarStudio: Metrol Studios 00:00 Intro00:25 What is it like being in the limelight 1:56 Childhood and being an overachiever 2:30 Being on Pogo3:20 Going beyond the border4:40 Berklee College of Music/Berklee Indian Ensemble6:11 The journey to attaining a Grammy Nomination8:27 Music as a universal language and Facebook gig10:55 Performing with Chris Martin and Beck13:45 South Asian community in the American music industry15:50 Music with Ali Sethi17:35 The urge to move abroad18:30 Improving the Indian music industry21:09 Working with A.R. Rahman and the country's finest23:50 Advice for someone wanting to go beyond the border Sashank and Ali Sethi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngh8wWQr61A#BeyondBorders #women #Inclusivity #Podcast #womensday #mothersday #motherhood #mentalhealth 🔔 Subscribe for more🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YR7...📲 Follow us on Instagram: / beyond_borderspod
S1 · E3
Jun 21, 2025
26:03

What Single Mothers Don’t Say Out Loud | A Conversation With My Mom

What does single motherhood really cost? In this deeply personal episode of Beyond Borders Podcast, I sit down with my mother for an unfiltered conversation about raising a daughter alone, generational expectations, mental health, and the quiet sacrifices that often go unseen. This is a Women’s Day tribute. It’s a real conversation about power, pressure, and love across generations. If this episode resonates with you, follow Beyond Borders for more conversations that challenge and connect. 00:00 Intro 00:20 How are you today? 00:30 Women today vs then 1:06 Single Parenting/Special episode 3:13 Culture, Education, and wonderful childhood 5:40 Still forced into marriage 7:36 Amothers sacrifice 9:27 The ideology of single women being bechari 11:49 impact on her mental health 13:57 Our generation and mental health 17:04 Could today’s discussion be helpful then? 17:30 Beginning of a second life 19:55 Apprieacting women in lead and power 21:10 Importance of opportunities 23:09 Proud to be a woman 23:30 Relationship of mothers and this generation 24:00 Idea of Gen Z & Millennial Dating Life 25:20 The fear of generation and marriage 27:44 Perfect marriage? 29:00 Man’s role in helping women go beyond borders 31:38 Mensturation and Men 34:08 Self-Realization 34:34 Game: guess the GenZ slang 39:35 Advice for someone wanting to go beyond the border 41:10 Ask me a question Host: Aakriti Dhawan Editor: Lakshay Sharma /Subham Sharma Producer: Suhani Rai Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondborderspodcastbyaakriti Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_borderspod/
S1 · E2
Jun 21, 2025
43:11

Reena Rai on LQBTQ community, MissTransQueen India and Hijra MAFIA

Reena Rai, the visionary behind Miss TransQueen India, is on a mission to challenge stereotypes and reshape the narrative around inclusivity. In this episode, we dive into her journey—her struggles, victories, and the impact of true representation. How do we move beyond stereotypes? And what role does it take to shape a change? Tune in for an insightful conversation that goes beyond borders! Host: Aakriti Dhawan Editor: Lakshay Sharma Producer: Manish Kumar Studio: Metrol Studios #BeyondBorders #ReenaRai #Inclusivity #Podcast #RepresentationMatters Disclaimer: This content is created for entertainment and conversational purposes only. We do not intend to hurt, offend, or target any individual or group. All views expressed are respectful and considerate. 🔔 Subscribe for more 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YR76u96WzoCtZXZKWkZGQ?si=gLZsvjTITI6Bkl_PT8E-2g 📲 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_borderspod/ #TransRightsIndia #LGBTQIndia #MissTransQueenIndia #GenderPolitics #IndianPodcast #RepresentationMatters #TransVisibility
S1 · E1
May 30, 2025
21:34
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