ROOH (Rising Over Obstacles and Healing)

Grab a cup of coffee or Chai and join us for a super casual chat. Think of it as your weekly date with your two best friends -- it's light, relatable, and the exact reminder you need that you are never alone in this beautiful mess of everyday life. Let's catch up!

Quick Reminder: We will be discussing childhood sexual abuse and maternal neglect. Please take care of yourself while listening. Last week, we heard about the secret. This week, we talk about the healing.Neharika opens up about what life actually looks like after you finally speak your truth. It hasn’t been an easy road, but she’s living proof that you don’t have to be defined by what happened to you.She shares how she moved from feeling like a victim to becoming an inspiration for others. Like she says at the end of this episode—just as a phoenix rises from the ashes, you can rise above the people who tried to keep you down.This is the conclusion of Neharika’s kahani, and a reminder that we all have the power to start over.

As South Asian women, we’re often conditioned to keep our heads down and mind our own affairs. But with everything happening in the US right now—like the shooting of Alex Peretti—it’s time we finally speak up. Posting stories on IG to create awareness is a great start, but in this episode, Monica and I talk about what should come next. We’re diving into how we can move past the screen and collectively bring about real change. Tune in!Episode Resource List: Action Beyond the Screen1. Identify & Contact Your RepresentativesDon’t just speak to your followers; speak to those who hold the pen.Find Your Reps: Use CommonCause.org or USA.gov to find your local, state, and federal officials.The Script: "I am a constituent in [Your Zip Code], and I am calling to demand an independent investigation into the shooting of Alex Pretti. I urge you to support a DHS appropriations bill that restricts ICE funding and reallocates tax dollars toward community health and VA resources instead of federal enforcement."2. South Asian Advocacy GroupsConnect with organizations that understand our specific cultural nuances and fight for policy change.SAALT (South Asian Americans Leading Together): Focuses on policy change and fighting racial profiling. saalt.orgSAAPRI (South Asian American Policy & Research Institute): Uses data and research to advocate for the South Asian community in the US. saapri.orgDRUM (Desis Rising Up & Moving): Organizing low-income South Asian and Indo-Caribbean immigrants for social justice. drumnyc.org3. Tangible Change: Reallocating Tax DollarsAdvocate for your money to stay in your community.Demand a "Clean" Budget: Contact your Senators to oppose any funding increases for ICE and CBP (Customs and Border Protection).Support Local Mutual Aid: Instead of federal over-policing, donate to local Minneapolis groups like Unidos MN or the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota who are providing direct support to those affected.4. Know Your Rights (KYR)Part of breaking cultural trauma is knowing you have the right to exist safely.ACLU KYR Guide: Download or print "Know Your Rights" cards to keep in your car or wallet. aclu.org/know-your-rightsRecording Federal Agents: Remember, you have a First Amendment right to film federal agents in public spaces as long as you do not interfere with their operations.

This week, Jyoti and Monica celebrate Lohri and discuss why the secret to a better year isn't just a resolution—it’s recognizing our worth, setting firm boundaries, and maybe adding a little more fiber to the mix. Come for the light-hearted sisterhood; stay for the big ideas that will empower your healing journey in the new year!

Desi weddings have evolved so much over the years. This week, Monica and I take a trip down memory lane to talk about the simplicity of weddings back in the day and what truly mattered then versus now.Despite all the changes and the pressure for extravagance, we discuss why it’s so important to not lose sight of what actually counts: connection, honoring your vows, and the union of two people. We also share a few personal stories from our own big days—including one moment for me where things didn't go exactly as planned, but I chose to pivot anyway. There are plenty of laughs along the way, all with the message that you need to value your happiness and peace of mind above all else. Reclaim your day.

Hey ROOH fam! This week, Monica and I are dishing out some sweet, sweet career truth with the incredibly inspiring Simmy, owner of 12th Avenue Bakery. Simmy skipped the typical South Asian career path and went all in on French pastries—but with a delicious, Indian-spiced twist. We're talking cardamom, rose, and saffron everything!This is a totally candid, light-hearted chat about what happens when you decide to bake your own way. How do you deal with the pressure? How do you actually make a bakery happen? Simmy shares her whole journey, proving that sometimes, the best recipe is the one you write yourself. You are definitely not alone if you’ve ever felt like your dreams were a little too unconventional!The Golden Biscuit 🍪: Simmy blesses us with the wisdom on how to turn a wild idea into a real career: research, internships, and taking that fearless first step. Trust us, you need this!

Guess who's back?! After a long hiatus, Monica is officially back in the ROOH studio, and we're neighbors again! In this week's chat, we’re diving into what it was actually like moving out of the big city, where Monica disappeared to, and how we finally ended up back in the same place. It's a fun, honest banter session about change, new chapters, and giving ourselves permission to just go for it.✨ Golden Biscuit: Life is short, friends. If you've been thinking about making a big change, starting that thing, or taking that leap... do it. Seriously, just do it.