Love Matters With Leeza Mangaldas

What happens when you stop looking for someone to complete you and start embracing the idea of being whole on your own? In this episode of Love Matters, host Leeza Mangaldas sits down with globetrotting diver and travel content creator Sharanya Iyer. From quitting a stable 9-to-5 at 27 to navigating life as a single Indian woman in her 30s, Sharanya speaks candidly about dealing with societal pressure, busting myths about marriage and motherhood, and finding joy in independence and solo travel. Tune in for insights on self-love, financial freedom, and why singlehood can be a choice—not a compromise. Plus, find out where Sharanya thinks the sexiest men live!Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_BANQfJbw0lPAGHtAeX5nwSharanya Iyer’s Socials:Instagram: :https://www.instagram.com/trulynomadly/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TrulyNomadly/aboutCREDITS:Produced by:Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)Charulata Biswas (IE)Researcher & EditorSana Rizvi (DW)Video Editor:Meetesh Dixit (IE)Project Manager:Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Executive Producer:Melanie von Marschalck (DW)Anant Nath Sharma (IE)Editorial Support:Shashank Bhargava (IE)Prerana Deshpande (DW)Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.Learn more about DW:https://www.dw.com

Is not posting about your partner on social media a major red flag? What is a "soft launch" in relationships? And is AI making us worse at dating? Author and cultural commentator Ria Chopra joins sexuality educator Leeza Mangaldas on Love Matters for a deep dive into how the internet has become the sixth love language of Gen Z – shaping how young people date, express affection, and negotiate boundaries. Ria and Leeza unpack why digital behaviour now feels as meaningful as real-life gestures. They explore online identity, creator-partner dynamics, privacy, emotional signalling through memes, and the new etiquette of dating in a hyper-connected world. A thoughtful, relatable conversation for anyone navigating relationships in the age of the feed.Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: / leezamangaldasYouTube: / @leezamangaldas1Ria Chopra's socials:https://www.instagram.com/riachops/https://x.com/riachops?lang=enhttps://riachops.com/CREDITS:Produced by:Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)Charulata Biswas (IE)Researcher & Editor:Sana Rizvi (DW)Video Editor:Meetesh Dixit (IE)Project Manager:Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Executive Producer:Melanie von Marschalck (DW)Anant Nath Sharma (IE)Editorial Support:Shashank Bhargava (IE)Prerana Deshpande (DW)Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.Learn more about DW: https://www.dw.com

Actor and writer Shreya Dhanwanthary joins Leeza Mangaldas to unpack how dating, sex, and self-worth shift from your 20s to your 30s. From first dates and people-pleasing habits to embracing self-confidence, body positivity, and dating apps in your 30s, they explore the lessons learned along the way. Shreya shares her journey of rejecting societal conditioning, defining her own femininity, and finding freedom in being single. Whether it’s navigating dating apps, understanding intentions, or breaking free from gender norms, this conversation is full of honesty, humor, and heartfelt advice for anyone figuring out love on their own terms.Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: / leezamangaldas YouTube: / @leezamangaldas1 Shreya Dhanwanthary's socials:Instagram /shreyadhan13X https://x.com/shreyadhan13CREDITS:Produced by:Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)Charulata Biswas (IE)Researcher & Editor:Sana Rizvi (DW)Video Editor:Meetesh Dixit (IE)Project Manager:Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Executive Producer:Melanie von Marschalck (DW)Anant Nath Sharma (IE)Editorial Support:Shashank Bhargava (IE)Prerana Deshpande (DW)Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.Learn more about DW:https://www.dw.com

On this episode of Love Matters, stand-up comedian and creative writer Supriya Joshi talks about her experience with Living Apart Together (LAT) – a modern relationship style where couples choose to maintain their own spaces while staying emotionally connected. From balancing independence, freedom, and love, to the challenges and joys of long-distance connections, Supriya shares candid insights on why space might actually strengthen relationships.Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas?igsh=YnlsNGs4aDdyMXV6YouTube: https://youtube.com/@leezamangaldas1?si=UHzm8giwj5RJqHtFSupriya Joshi’s Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/supaarwoman/?hl=enCREDITS:Produced by:Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)Researcher & EditorSana Rizvi (DW)Video Editor:Meetesh Dixit (IE)Project Manager:Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Executive Producer:Melanie von Marschalck (DW)Anant Nath Sharma (IE)Editorial Support:Shashank Bhargava (IE)Prerana Deshpande (DW)Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.Learn more about DW:https://www.dw.com

Comedian Kenny Sebastian gets real about fatherhood, emotional dads, and the struggles of modern parenting in this episode of Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas. From his own relationship to his parents to the invisible “dad guilt” that many fathers feel, Kenny shares candid stories about raising a child, supporting his partner, and unlearning traditional ideas of masculinity. Discover why trying to be the “cool dad” can backfire, Kenny’s surprisingly effective trick to get a baby to sleep, and the parenting advice he wishes someone had given him. Honest, hilarious, and heartfelt, this conversation is a must-watch for dads, parents-to-be, and anyone curious about the realities of modern fatherhood.Leeza Mangaldas' InstagramYoutubeKenny Sebastian's InstagramYoutubeCREDITS: Produced by:Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)Researcher & EditorSana Rizvi (DW)Video Editor:Meetesh Dixit (IE)Project Manager:Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Executive Producer:Melanie von Marschalck (DW)Anant Nath Sharma (IE)Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is an initiative by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster. It is produced by DW and The Indian Express.Learn more about DW:https://www.dw.com

How does your mental health affect your relationships? What’s it like to have a partner who suffers from a mental illness? And how can we support each other, balancing mental health issues and personal needs? In this candid episode of Love Matters, Leeza Mangaldas and Ira Khan, founder of the Agatsu Foundation, explore emotional resilience, self-awareness, and navigating vulnerability. Ira also talks about her personal experience navigating her clinical depression with her partner and what steps one can take to ensure healthy communication. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform! #LoveMatters HELP IS A CALL AWAYMENTAL HEALTH HELPLINE NUMBERSAASRAContact: 9820466726Email: aasrahelpline@yahoo.comTimings: 24x7Languages: English, HindiSnehiContact: 9582208181Email: snehi.india@gmail.comTimings: 10am - 10pm, all daysLanguages: English, Hindi, MarathiFortis MentalHealthContact: 8376804102Timings: 24x7; All daysLanguages: Achiku, Assamese, Bengali, Dogri, English, Gujarati,Hindi, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi,Rajasthani, Tamil, Telugu, UrduConnecting NGOContact: 9922004305, 9922001122Email: distressmailsconnecting@gmail.comTimings: 12pm - 8pm; All daysLanguages: English, Hindi, MarathiVandrevala FoundationContact: 18602662345Email: help@vandrevalafoundation.comTimings: 24x7Languages: Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati and EnglishFind the resources mentioned in our episode at: https://www.agatsufoundation.org/Credits:Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/reels/?hl=enIra Khan’s Instagram:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/khan.ira/?hl=en Agastu Foundation Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agatsufoundation/?hl=enProduced by:Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)Charulata Biswas (IE)Researcher & EditorSana Rizvi (DW)Video Editor:Meetesh Dixit (IE)Audio EditorSuresh Pawar (IE)Project Manager:Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Executive Producer:Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style)Anant Nath Sharma (IE)Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.Learn more about DW: https://www.dw.comGet in touch: lovematters@dw.com

Is sexual dissatisfaction in long-term relationships inevitable? In this episode of Love Matters, Storyteller and Mythologist Seema Anand and Leeza Mangaldas tackle the challenges of sexless marriages, sexual shame, and rebuilding intimacy. Discover practical advice on communication, redefining pleasure, and keeping the spark alive. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform!Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/?hl=enSeema Anand’s Instagram:Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/seemaanandstorytelling/?hl=enCredits:Produced by:Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Charulata Biswas (IE)Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)Researcher & Editor:Sana Rizvi (DW)Audio Editor:Suresh Pawar(IE)Seema Anand Photo CreditSujata Setia of @butnaturalphotographyProject Manager:Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Executive Producer:Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style)Anant Nath Sharma (IE)Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.Learn more about DW: https://www.dw.comGet in touch lovematters@dw.com

In this episode of Love Matters, host Leeza Mangaldas welcomes writer Karuna Ezara Parikh for an intimate conversation about a woman’s relationship with her body. Known for her acclaimed works, including The Heart Asks Pleasure First, Karuna shares her deeply personal journey, from navigating the pressures of the media’s gaze to being diagnosed with lung cancer. Together, they discuss self-care, societal expectations, and reclaiming agency over one’s body. Karuna also reflects on how her diagnosis reshaped her perspective on health, beauty, and life itself. This heartfelt episode offers insights and inspiration for anyone seeking to redefine their relationship with themselves.Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/Karuna Ezara Parikh's Social handles:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/karunaezara/X- https://x.com/karunaparikhCredits:Produced by:Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Charulata Biswas (IE)Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)Researcher & Editor:Sana Rizvi (DW)Audio Editor:Suresh Pawar (IE)Project Manager:Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Executive Producer:Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style)Anant Nath Sharma (IE)Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.Learn more about DW: https://www.dw.comGet in touch lovematters@dw.com

Love Matters is back!Listen to all the episodes of your favourite podcast now!Love Matters is a podcast produced by The Indian Express and DW, Germany's international broadcaster - that explores love, sex, and relationships in India. Currently hosted by Leeza Mangaldas, India’s top sexuality educator, Love Matters features conversations with remarkable guests whose unique expertise and lived experiences are sure to strike a chord. Each episode will navigate a complex and often taboo topic, unravelling identity, social norms, desire, gender, pleasure, and most of all, the irrepressible force that is love. If you have a question, topic idea, guest suggestion, or feedback, you can email us at lovematters@dw.com

We've all been there- curled up in bed, feeling like the world is crashing down after a breakup. But what if the breakup is actually an opportunity for growth? Join Leeza Mangaldas and content creator, actor and writer Merenla Imsong in another episode of Love Matters. They dive into the messy yet transformative world of breakups. From understanding self worth to closures, here's a fresh perspective on healing from a heartbreak.Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/Merenla Imsong's Social handles:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/merenla_imsong Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@mimsong1280Twitter: https://x.com/MerenlaImsongCredits:Produced by:Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Charulata Biswas (IE)Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)Researcher & Editor:Sana Rizvi (DW)Audio Editor:Praveen Kumar (IE)Project Manager:Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Executive Producer:Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style)Anant Nath Sharma (IE)Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.Learn more about DW: https://www.dw.com/Get in touch: lovematters@dw.com

Love Matters is launching a new season soon, featuring amazing guests and exciting topics! We're also thrilled to announce a special podcast episode that will be recorded live at a podcast festival in Berlin, Germany. For the first time ever, our cherished listeners can join the audience for this live recording. So, if you're in Berlin or will be there at the end of August, listen up!

Female pleasure and sex positivity are not often talked about very openly. What does sexual agency look like for women in contemporary India? And how does it differ from the ubiquitous images we see in media coverage and pop culture of the sexually liberated western women? In this episode of Love Matters, host Leeza Mangaldas is in conversation with book author and psychologist Amrita Narayanan about the many nuances of women’s sexuality in the context of a patriarchal society. What can sexual empowerment look like within the Indian context? And how does female pleasure pivot between “rapture and distress”?Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/Amrita Narayanan’s X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmritaShrinkCredits:Produced by: Patricia Szilagyi (DW), Charulata Biswas (IE)Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi (DW)Project Manager: Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava (IE), Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style), Anant Nath Sharma (IE)Sound Editor: Suresh Pawar (IE)Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.Learn more about DW:https://www.facebook.com/dwasiahttps://www.dw.com/