The Zarna Garg Family Podcast

What makes a house a home? Is it love and laughter, or just a working toilet and Wi-Fi? This week, we spiral into a family debate over whether you need magic or just a place to sit that doesn't collapse. Spoiler: no one agrees, and someone tries to put emotional value on a plant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We say that you tend to follow the religious practices you're born into — but what if every Garg in the house had a different take on their religion? In this episode, we ask every Garg what or who they believe in, to what extent religion plays a role in their lives, and how it's like developing your own religious values beyond what you were raised with. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The “perfect summer vacation” is a lie we keep booking flights for. Why even plan a vacation when you could be working, building your brand, and stacking cash? This episode dives into the chaos of travel plans, family meltdowns, and the nagging question: is a trip really worth the stress? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

***BONUS EPISODE*** If you couldn't join our special event, where I was put in the hot seat while my daughter, Zoya Garg, fact checked every crazy story from my book, tune in here! If you haven't gotten the memo yet, This American Woman is now available everywhere books are sold! And for your convenience, it is also available on Amazon (where it is a #1 top release.) Get your copy NOW and check out my Instagram post to enter the BIGGEST giveaway we've had! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, all the anger is let out on what it actually means to be late, whether it's to dinner, a party, or when your parents need you the most. How many times can you be late before your family forms a group chat without you, and is punctuality a sign of love or just basic human decency? All these answered and more, on today's episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Modern Day Motherhood: Where Zarna's offended that American moms give and give—and don't even expect their kids to take care of them when they're old. Meanwhile, the Garg kids start pushing back with their concerns and fears as they realize “taking care of your parents” isn't just a sweet idea, but the reality of what's expected of them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The things you definitely can't tell your parents—like who you love, how you feel, or that you're mildly sad sometimes. Because God forbid anyone gets offended...Lucky for you, we still revealed these secrets to prove to you how it goes over here. What's the reality of your family dynamics?

We have to stop pretending like everybody loves everybody equally. We do have favorites, and yes, that includes in the family as well. Tune in while we reveal who our favorites AND least favorites are among the Gargs. BOOK YOUR TICKET TODAY! Website: https://zarnagarg.com/Instagram : @ZarnaGarg Podcast : @zarnagargfamilypodcast

Manipulation? It's when everyone in your family is claiming to be an open book, but we've all been going against each other's backs with secrets. Brij is rushing to end the episode, Shalabh dad refuses to share his phone, and Veer realizes he couldn't trust his brother with anything he ever shared. Feelings definitely got hurt, and it turns into a disaster of an episode. Learn who the full blown liars among the Gargs are by tuning in. BOOK YOUR TICKET TODAY! Website: https://zarnagarg.com/Instagram : @ZarnaGarg Podcast : @zarnagargfamilypodcast

Today's episode features only Zarna's kids and husband, all who attempt to quantify her fame—because sure, people recognize her, but from an insider's perspective, how is her celebrity status perceived? Along the way, the siblings get in a heated debate on entrepreneurship vs. corporate, and whether starting a business is really about passion, profit, or finding an excuse to never sit through another company-wide Zoom meeting. 

Figuring out you're gay isn't the hard part — but telling your Indian parents…? The Gargs sit down with Roshan Sethi, director of the new film, “This Indian Boy,” to unpack what it was like to come out. From personal revelations to watching friends navigate the minefield of family expectations, this is the raw take on what it's like to be Indian and gay. BOOK YOUR TICKET TODAY! Website: https://zarnagarg.com/Instagram : @ZarnaGarg Podcast : @zarnagargfamilypodcast

Hosting a party is only fun until you realize you're an unpaid event planner, therapist, and janitor all at once. Guests complain, drinks spill, and the question 'Is there more food?' becomes your last straw. Why is it the norm to spend half your paycheck to stress out in your own home?BOOK YOUR TICKET TODAY! Website: https://zarnagarg.com/Instagram : @ZarnaGarg Podcast : @zarnagargfamilypodcast

You've been lied to—again. Is gut health real, or just another overpriced wellness scam? Once you figure it out, let us know, because we clearly have no idea. In this episode, we talk about the health trends WE swear by (and those that we hate), as well as finally answer the real question: Are we actually improving our lives, or just eating $12 probiotic yogurt for no reason?BOOK YOUR TICKET TODAY! Website: https://zarnagarg.com/Instagram : @ZarnaGarg Podcast : @zarnagargfamilypodcast

Pressure is a privilege—and don't get me started on the “it's not okay to charge your kids rent” drama, because it is! Every Garg had an opinion on luxury brands, becoming independent from your parents, and spending money to make money. Are we on to something, or just justifying the never-ending list of expenses?BOOK YOUR TICKET TODAY!Website: https://zarnagarg.com/Instagram : @ZarnaGargPodcast : @zarnagargfamilypodcast

It's no secret what many of you think about American politics—corruption runs deep, politicians put their own families at risk, and most people have no idea what their local representatives even do. They question why only a certain educational degree seems to ‘qualify' someone for office when intelligence isn't limited to one field. Today, the Gargs unravel the scary realities of American politics and navigate the challenge of keeping the family intact with clashing political views.BOOK YOUR TICKET TODAY!Website: https://zarnagarg.com/Instagram : @ZarnaGargPodcast : @zarnagargfamilypodcast#podcast #family #indian #comedy #newyorkcity #culture #asia #usa #healthy #parenting

If you don't know sports, are you even a man? In this episode, the boys break down why basic knowledge on sports is a measure of masculinity, and maybe even your value as a human being. We dive into the friendships built (and destroyed) over team loyalty while Zoya confesses the ways she lied about enjoying sports to impress boys.Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-zarna-garg-show/id1699849965Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-gargBOOK YOUR TICKET TODAY!Website: https://zarnagarg.com/Instagram : @ZarnaGargPodcast : @zarnagargfamilypodcast#podcast #family #indian #comedy #newyorkcity #culture #asia #usa #healthy #parenting

All jokes aside, the Zarna Garg branding might have just cost all my kids' their chance in being employed by corporate life. Not to mention that now alongside the constant eyes on me, they won't ever get that break either. When so much of your life is out on the internet, how are my young kids making a life of their own? BOOK YOUR TICKET TODAY! Website: https://zarnagarg.com/ Instagram : @ZarnaGarg Podcast : @zarnagargfamilypodcast YouTube: https://youtu.be/JLeIYPn8Xo0

Are you just lonely if you're choosing to spend your birthday alone? Are you narcissistic for wanting to spend tons of money in a lavish celebration? Dive into this episode to hear all about how we, as a family, criticize each other for the different choices we make in celebrating a new year of life. BOOK YOUR TICKET TODAY! Website: https://zarnagarg.com/ Instagram : @ZarnaGarg Podcast : @zarnagargfamilypodcast YouTube: https://youtu.be/JLeIYPn8Xo0

Taking a risk might just be the biggest gamble of all. The Gargs don't believe in gatekeeping success, so we're sharing how the government incentivizes entrepreneurship and the true rewards of working for yourself. But we're also tackling the loneliness of being your own boss and navigating the stark divide between corporate life and entrepreneurship. So, is the risk worth it?

What's worth the hype and what's just overproduced fluff? The Garg's are delving into the movies they're most excited about and breaking down self-help empires like MasterClass. Are they really the secret to success or just deceiving people to believe they can be successful? Keep watching and you'll also hear a spoiler on our next big project…

Think your family fights are messy? This week, we're serving a masterclass in chaotic disputes—complete with passive-aggressive apologies, food fights (literally and metaphorically), and desperate attempts to define what encompasses a genuine thank you.

Gift giving doesn't have to be as stressful as everyone makes it out to be.  Getting into comedy was never a part of the plan, and that only changed after one present from my daughter. Hear all about it in this quick episode!  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

Forget trophies; the Garg's prove that teaching math to the neighbor's kid and breaking gender norms might just be your ticket to college—and a spot on their holiday card list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

Ever hosted a dinner where a vegan dish caused more drama than your mother in law? Our chaotic Thanksgiving is one for the books, so tune in, grab some food (leftovers) and get ready to be frustrated at my son Brij. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

This holiday season, we unwrap the true meaning of Christmas. Spoiler alert: it's not the gifts, it's the credit debt. Here, the Garg's cry over maxing out credit cards for presents no one actually wants, and pretending that inviting your mother in law to Thanksgiving dinner isn't worse than World War III.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

What does it take to build a comedy empire with your sibling? Clayton Peters opens up about his journey with his brother, Russell Peters, from their immigrant roots in Toronto to running a global comedy brand. Clayton shares the highs and lows of his sibling bond that that fueled their success. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

Trump wins again, and America's identity is essentially in an existential crisis. Through a family lens, we unpack the chaos, from college campus divides to the Supreme Court's lifetime VIP passes, and discover why navigating our nation's future might be harder than surviving Thanksgiving dinner. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

Want real drama? Imagine a house where your kids are demanding the “American thrill,” but it's the polar opposite of your parents' cultural expectations. Yes, that means Bollywood films double as cultural education.  This episode is raw and real, but most importantly, we learn that sibling bonding is nothing short of a contact sport.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

Shalabh said it best - probably the only presidential figure hosting a foreign culture's party at his home. What an honor it was to be invited and to have brought the whole Garg family. And now you can come along with this recap where of course, no details were spared. Just for you, a very special, bonus episode. Enjoy, and Happy Diwali! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

This week's episode may have been inspired by Brij's experimentation with facial hair, but it's stylish chaos in the Garg household. From designer brands (and questionable styles) to budget-friendly basics, we navigate how first impressions and facial hair shape our unique styles.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

Ever been ghosted by your own kids in a family group chat? Been there, done that. Dive into Zoya, Brij, and Veer's private conversations, while my husband Shalabh and I just barely get through pixelated FaceTime calls. It's family communication at its finest, or rather a series of unfortunate (tech) events. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

Who would be your ultimate dinner guest—Winston Churchill or Kris Jenner? Today we debate our dream dinner guests, from historical legends to modern-day marketing masterminds like Mr. Beast. Spoiler: No son of mine should be saying Mr. Beast over George Boole. Google him. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

Screen time slowly killing you...and us too. We've got sneaky TikTok sessions and digital detox fails fueling our device addiction, FOMO, and our epic struggle to disconnect. We have a tip or two though—only if we can manage to stay off our phones long enough to share them. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

Think luxury means quality? We beg to differ. From ‘prestigious' colleges to overpriced workout gear, we're tearing down the myth of brand exclusivity and revealing the truth about value. Is it the name or the effort behind it? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

Make this sound more humanely with personality: Ever wondered what qualifies as a hobby—and how much it can cost? Join us to unpack the Garg family's quirks, from Shalab's stylish sneaker obsession to Zoya's puzzle madness that left her roommate ready to leave. And don't get me started about the pricey world of passions, from urban farming adventures to the unexpected costs of beekeeping. Wait, why are we talking about having fun again? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

Curious about how much power you really have as a citizen? Join us and dive into the tangled web of American politics, where civic duties meet constitutional confusion. Can you love your country without getting called a nationalist? Is democracy still functioning? Beats me, but Brij, after taking one AP Government Class, seems pretty certified to speak. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

Ever wonder if your siblings are your secret life coaches—or just undercover agents of chaos? Join us as we expose the hilarious and heartwarming truths of siblinghood. From raising kids without a village, to tackling sibling rivalries, get ready as we reveal the unspoken codes that keep our family (mostly) sane.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

In this episode, the Garg family dissects the sugar epidemic, exposing everything from deceptively high fructose corn syrup to the hidden sugars in everyday items like toothpaste. With Shalabh's chemical engineering expertise and Zarna's eye for misleading labels, they reveal the absurdity of our sugar-coated world, and practical tips to break free from its sweet grip. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

What if you could redesign the entire education system from scratch?  Veer maps out the perfect school, Brij advocates for financial literacy curriculum, a fitness center, and overpaid teachers, and Zarna begs to scrap humanities at large (despite her secret passion for writing). From carpentry to driving school, practical skills take center stage, but the real fun begins when each family member gets to make three outrageous wishes from a genie. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

Success lives on the other side of fear," or at least that's what we told ourselves when we turned our anxiety into advice on today's episode. We explore why confidence looks different in men and women, how introverts fake it so well, and even throw in some questionable dating advice. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

To be fully transparent, Veer is often good at being forgotten, as our third child,  but behind that quiet demeanor is a treasure trove of wisdom. As a fan favorite in this podcast series, Veer shares what he learned alongside his achieving siblings, about surviving an immigrant parent household, and meeting high expectations while living life to the fullest.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

Ever wondered how financial wisdom can transform your life? Join us while my husband, who's been knee-deep in finance for 25 years, reveals the glamorous secrets of patience in career growth and the heart-pounding excitement of low-fee index funds. Spoiler: it's like watching paint dry, but with money! The kids hone in on what financial independence mans to them, and perhaps we even share tips that might just make you a millionaire—or at least help you survive the next rent cycle.  YouTube: https://youtu.be/NbaBY7U190A Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-zarna-garg-show/id1699849965 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg BOOK YOUR TICKET TODAY! Website: https://zarnagarg.com/ Instagram :  @ZarnaGarg   Podcast : @zarnagargfamilypodcast #podcast #family #indian #comedy #newyorkcity #culture #asia #usa #food #healthy #greens #healthyeating #healthyrecipes #parenting --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

Can healthy eating be cheap- and is it even worth the fuss? Join in on our chaotic kitchen chats for some hacks on stretching your food budget while questioning the absurdities of our food system. We'll show you how to eat well without breaking the bank. You can save for the more important things in life - Hermes bags. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

Ever considered charging your kids rent? Financial independence is not just a personal milestone - it's a socio-cultural challenge, especially within immigrant families. Tune in while our kids open up about their take on parental control over finances and the pressures of becoming self-sufficient. We tackle the practicality of shared expenses, the nuances of prenups, and the cultural expectations of caring for parents in their later years. But most importantly, why kids should be paying their dues through RENT. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

What if your favorite drinks were sneakily sabotaging your health? Join the Garg family as they tackle their beverage habits, from Shalabh's soda obsession to Zoya's coffee addiction. Learn how to survive parties without booze and the eternal battle between protein shakes and chai. A not-so-serious guide to healthier habits, if you will.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

How does a lifelong vegetarian navigate raising kids in America while her husband embraces meat diets? Join us as we tackle this family feud, with Shalabh young conversion to meat-eating and our daughter Zoya's yoga-inspired veganism. We dive into the environmental impact of our diets, from factory farming to shocking vegetarian eco-costs, and share practical tips for healthier plant-based protein diets. Reflecting on our journey in parenting and feeding our kids, we discuss the challenge of instilling good dietary habits early while keeping our sanity intact. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

Ever wondered how your childhood shapes your pet ownership views? Zarna's Indian upbringing clashed with her husband Shalabh's fond memories of a childhood dog, leading their kids to get involved in the debate. The Garg family tackles societal norms that shove pet responsibilities onto moms, dream up futuristic robot pets, and dive into the ethics of adopting vs. breeding. And of course, join us for the conversation as we navigate the murky waters of pets as property vs. family.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

On today's episode, the Garg family clashes over wildly different entertainment tastes. From dad's new obsession with "Gossip Girl" to heated debates on "Squid Games" subtitles, it's chaos. Relive childhood traumas with crocodile attacks from "Kumbhari Mang" and mom's dramatic "Urta Punjab" scare tactic, and dive into all our favorite shows, guilty pleasures, and TV wars.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

Tune into this week's  Father's Day special, where my husband Shalabh and our kids dish out the messy truth about fatherhood. Laugh at Zoya's gym adventures with her dad, his desire to look all buff and big for you viewers, and Shalabh's epic fails at balancing work and family chaos. We explore South Asian stereotypes as Shalabh encourages our daughter to speak her mind and defies the traditional Indian dad mold...something I'm still deciding whether or not I appreciate.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

Imagine a family dynamic where your California-based daughter is living off of green smoothies, while Indian immigrant mother is strapping her fitness watch to her youngest son to get those steps in, as she takes her fourth nap of the day. Self-care means a few different things for the Garg family. Tune into the banter as we navigate self-care in our South Asian x American home, financial stability, and the chaos of family life.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support

Can parents and kids ever be true friends? On this episode, we tackle the cultural contrasts between American and Indian parenting, the delicate balance between support and overbearing control, and the trials of sharing personal details within a family. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zarna-garg/support