Two Chickpeas In A Podcast

On this special collaborative the Two Chickpeas are joined SilverJay from the Unapologetic Podcast, to discuss Sexual Harassment, their personal experiences with it and what else can be done to further the community, but also themselves. Experiences with sexual harassment are complex and personal, and the powerhouse podcast hosts discuss how their ever evolving knowledge of consent. has brought a new understanding to their past experiences with sexual harassment and how stories of other women facing these issues. impact them. Follow us on Instagram @TwoChickpeasinaPodcast Follow us on Tiktok @TwoChickpeasinaPodcast Listen to us on all major streaming platforms https://linktr.ee/twochickpeasinapodcast Subscribe on YouTube @twochickpeasinapodcast

The Chickpeas are joined by Executive Director from Karma Nirvana, Natasha Rattu, to discuss the Honor Based Abuse campaign and the different types of abuse that one can experience. We are proud to be partners with the UK Government on the Honor Based Abuse campaign. The episode explores: - Forced Marriages - Virginity Testing - FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) If you or someone you know is at risk, you can seek legal protection and support to stay safe. Karma Nirvana, a partner of the UK Government's Honour-Based campaign, offers confidential help. Call their helpline on 0800 5999 247 or visit karmanirvana.org.uk. #EndForcedMarriage #StopHBA #EliminateVAWG #YouAreNotAlone

In this special episode with producer and DJ duo MadStarBase, we delve into the journey of Neal and Anant in breaking barriers in he clubs in India, feeling like they didn't quite belong in their community to representing India at the Paris Olympics at the India House Paris. Follow us on Instagram @TwoChickpeasinaPodcast Follow us on Tiktok @TwoChickpeasinaPodcast Listen to us on all major streaming platforms https://linktr.ee/twochickpeasinapodcast Subscribe on YouTube  @twochickpeasinapodcast  Follow MadStarbase on Instagram  @MadStarBase  YouTube  @MadStarBase  Website https://madstarbase.com/MadStarBase - Boiler Room Goa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xl-YN320dIMadStarBase - Choli Ke Peeche - Remix | Mollywood 1.0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Zg9SBzfE5QMadStarBase - Mehbooba Mehbooba - Sholay - Mollywood 1.0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weG-kodJraE Follow BoxOut FM https://boxout.fm/ Instagram  @boxoutfm  YouTube  @boxoutfm 

The Two Chickpeas sit down with writer and actor of Vitamin D, Saher Shah,(on zoom) to talk all about this incredible and powerful production coming to Soho Theatre this Spetember (Tuesday 3rd - 21st September 2024). Saher explores the stigma of divorce in Vitamin D, the complexties of women in themselves and their relationships with one another and the patriarchy in the South Asian Community. The play is sure to take you on a rollarcoaster, to feel. a rush of emotions and a unification with the storylines. Vitamin D Soho Theatre - 3rd - 21st September. Written by Saher Shah. Directed by Melina Namdar

Join Tash as she talks to writer and producer of "Ghar Ghar' a play about South Asian families and the dysfunctional dynamics that are always there but never really spoken about. Swept under the carpet are the traumas that have never been brought up again, the conversations that are too awkward to have and the shared understanding that 'everything is fine' when really everyone is stressed and keeping up pretences. Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding, the first run of Ghar Ghar is only showing for two dates, 22nd and 23rd August 2024 at the Rosemary Theatre. Help to support to watching this play, this episode provides a deeper insight into the reasonings behind 'Ghar Ghar' was written, why it is important to see the play as well as the true realities of working in Art and Theatre with a lack of funding. Two Chickpeas will always support and share British Asian and South Asian stories for support and any help. If you have something you would like us to share please email us at twochickpeasbusiness@gmail.com Please don't forget to give this episode a like and follow!

Two Chickpeas sit down with comedian Eshaan Akbar. Eshaan began his comedy career ten years ago and has been making people cry with laughter ever since. You will have seen Eshaan on Live at the Apollo, Sex Education and soon you will see him on Celebrity Masterchef. We however saw him on BBC's Pilgrimage and in discussing this we have one of our most insightful conversations to date about religion. Eshaan is a British Asian male who once practised Islam and talks about the decision he took in his 20s to no longer practice his religion. Eshaan is also a cultural commentator in his own right as he talks about witnessing racism growing up, how his environment at home was one that never made him feel shame in who he was and how ultimately his mother, who sadly passed away a decade ago, has had the most influence in his life and it's led him to right where he is today, one of the funniest men on the planet!

In paternership with the NHS ( @NHS ) we have put together some important information on the signs and symptoms of cancer, please do share this with your friends and family. If something in your body doesn't feel right, please contact your GP practice. The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat - and patients who are diagnosed at the earliest stages, like stage 1 and 2, are far more likely to survive. For more information visit nhs.uk/cancersymptoms

Three years later and after the pandemic, The Chickpeas are once again joined by fitness and PCOS coach, Keisha Sethi. In this exciting episode get to know Keisha on a more personal level as she discusses how Fitness With Keisha is building, a new chapter in her life being a mother and the journey that has led her here. Link to our first episode with Keisha Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2h7rHh2dDnAAbQUdqHd30p Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pcos-awareness/id1493275327?i=1000537017688 Fitness with Keisha https://www.instagram.com/fitnesswithkeisha/?hl=en Special thank you to Keisha who is an absolute beautiful human being, if you'd like to enquire with Fitness with Keisha, head to her website https://fitnesswithkeisha.com/ for more details!

The Two Chickpeas are joined by broadcaster, teacher and writer, Bobby Seagull. Bobby delves into his upbringing, his role as a teacher, how maths actually helps with his dating life and his time on Indian Matchmaking. Chickpeas: Special thanks to Bobby, we loved having you on! Like, comment and subscribe if you can, it would really mean a lot to us and help us to grow the podcast further! Find us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/twochickpeasinapodcast/?hl=en TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@UC6eO3jH7OJqiXsaA7P5rLCA Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/two-chickpeas-in-a-podcast/id1493275327 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FyfRAkhN0k

What's س ? Pronounced ‘'scene'' or ‘'seen'', encapsulates the spirit of unity, belonging, and creative expression. This dynamic gathering serves as a platform where individuals from unique backgrounds can share their stories, art, traditions, and passions with a like-minded and appreciative community. For their first event, Two Chickpeas in a Podcast were invited to host a live podcast exploring our relationship with our South Asian heritage and the many stories and experiences that have made up the South Asian Diaspora in the UK today. This episode is very special and was recorded in a room full of people with love, forming new connections and a safe space to share our stories, be vulnerable and feel part of a community where we feel SEEN.

Yes we are back, 2024, and kicking it off with UROOJ ASHFAQ! @TwoChickpeasInAPodcast @UroojAshfaq @SohoTheatre   Born in Dubai, Urooj moved to Mumbai at the age of 12. She started performing at open-mic nights at 21, becoming a regular in Mumbai's young, rapidly-growing comedy scene, while citing stars like Sarah Silverman, Bridget Christie, Phoebe Waller Bridge, Josie Long and James Acaster as her creative heroes. Owing to her boundary-pushing humour and disarming charm she notched up some serious views and a loyal and growing fan base on home turf, as well as second finalist spot on TLC's Queens of Comedy (2017).   Aside from her stand-up performances, Urooj enjoys credits as a writer on numerous fiction and non-fiction projects such as Die Trying (2018), Son Of Abish (2017) and Better Life Foundation (2016). Having an in-built knack for acting, she has also featured in web series such as AIB: Honest Engineering Campus Placements (2017), Die Trying (2018), Pushpavalli (2020) and Comedy Premier League (2021) and also hosted Comicstaan Series 2 (2019).   In a noteworthy first, the 28 year-old was the first ever India-based stand-up comedian to be awarded Best Newcomer Award at the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Awards at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival for her second full-length show in English, Oh No!, backed by Soho Theatre and OML in India. In the show she introduces her personality and life in India, taking audiences through her anecdotes on therapy, her thoughts on pornography and phone etiquette, to the ways boys suppress emotions and childhood issues. With material strong on Gen Z energy, the fast-talking, quick-thinking creative powerhouse is an endearing presence onstage with her candid and engaging content. Urooj is on tour in the UK from 23rd January to 8th February 2024. Tickets are available on https://sohotheatre.com/ Like, subscribe and share with people who you think would love this episode, your family and friends that have loved watching Urooj Ashfaq!

A long awaited episode and a personal favourite for the Two Chickpeas brings you Parle Patel AKA Planet Parle. The Chickpeas sit down to discuss with the Garba King himself what Garba means, what Navratri means and why it is celebrated in Hinduism and the Hindu Culture. As well as being a comedic, social media personality and content creator, Parle also gives us an insight into designing his first collection for House of Ruhi, the reason for the brand, their ethos and aims to bring people the comfort and joy of wearing such fabrics during this Navratri season. What is Navratri? Find out at 29:40 Instagram @PlanetParle Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@planetparle CHICKPEAS: We mentioned some of our favourites from Parle's YouTube channel (but also some not mentioned but we love) which include: People at Garba, Baa and Sweetie, Indian Parents and Guests Coming Over Please do continue to like, subscribe and share with people who you think would love this episode, your family and friends that have loved watching Parle over the years!

Vim from Netflix's Indian Matchmaking -- Please do leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. We would love for you to check our YouTube page too for the full and extended version @TwoChickpeasinaPodcast on YouTube. Like, comment and subscribe if you can, it would really mean a lot to us and help us to grow the podcast further!

In this episode, one Chickpea, Natasha tells her experience and journey in wanting a rhinoplasty aka a nose job. From initial thoughts, worries and anxieties to now living her life having carried out the surgery, this episode delves deep into the emotional experience as a whole. Note from The Chickpeas: We would like to put a disclaimer out there that in no way, shape or form are we promoting surgery. This is a personal experience and journey and urge everyone to do their thorough research in taking any cosmetic surgery and speaking to healthcare professionals. We wanted to talk on this experience as it was a prominent time in Natasha's life and has been a huge part of her life and journey and wanted to share her feelings and experience on this time. We also feel that while our podcast does stem from wanting to share British Asian experiences, our podcast is also not just limited to that and we want to both address the stigmas that can be found in society in general where often this can be looked down upon. Sit back, relax and listen for some raw and honest chats and of course some laughs along the way. -- A full and extended version will be available on YouTube which includes vlog entries from the time of surgery in Istanbul 2022. Please do leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. We would love for you to check our YouTube page too for the full and extended version @TwoChickpeasinaPodcast on YouTube. Like, comment and subscribe if you can, it would really mean a lot to us and help us to grow the podcast further!

Aman Dhillon at Reeln Ltd (copied in) and Filme Shilmy are launching 'The Filme Shilmy Show' a brand new talk show based in London that will have a live audience. This venture unites UK viewers and South Asian artists (in Great Britain and internationally). Whilst such ventures are adopted well in India where actors come to promote their work, this concept encourages fulfils a current void in the UK of providing a stage with live audience to promote current and upcoming projects. There is often a demand for a platform where artists can promote and engage with local press/media at one place, especially when there are Indian artists who shoot here. The first edition is titled 'A Spotlight On British Asian Filmmakers'. Our panelists include Pravesh Kumar MBE (Little English), Nathalia Syam (Footprints On Water) and Dr Parvinder Shergill (Kaur on ITVX). Tickets: https://richmix.org.uk/cinema/a-spotlight-on-british-asian-filmmakers/-- OR via @FilmeShilmy on Instagram

THE TWO CHICKPEAS ARE BACK SEASON 3, EPISODE 1 delves into the newer experiences the both have faced recently spanning from talks on fertility, being single, being in a long term relationship and moving away from Hounslow! This episode will leave you laughing but also touches on some important issues and addresses some vulnerable emotions. If you do like the episode, please do like, comment and subscribe, it would mean the world to us! If you have a spare moment, please do also leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

The Chickpeas are joined with actor and quite the comedian, Viraj Juneja, to discuss his role as Harry in the new British Asian film by Pravesh Kumar that is 'Little English'. This film is an absolutely beautiful story full of romance and comedy yet touches our hearts with such a brilliant storyline a lot of us can relate to. 'Little English' addresses some important and quite frankly touchy and taboo topics that we delve into and why it is important for stories like this to be made in Britain today. A stunning combination of dysfunctional families, hardships and finding peace and love within your culture, the film will have you laughing and wiping your tears away. Set in Slough, 'Little English' hits very close to home. LITTLE ENGLISH opens exclusively in UK Cinemas from 17th March 2023. https://littleenglishfilm.com/ Directed by Pravesh Kumar, Starrring Rameet Rauli and Viraj Juneja as Simmy and Harry, Supported by such amazing actors including Seema Bowri, Madhav Sharma, Goldy Notay, Ameet Chana, Nikki Patel, Sanjeev Kohli, Yasmeen Khan and Shin Parwana

We sit down with poet, broadcaster, actor and all-over British Asian Superstar, Mim Shaikh. Mim has been a pioneer in the British Asian media world, from broadcasting on BBC 1Xtra and BBC Asian Network to his phenomenal documentary 'Finding Dad' and now in the new upcoming film 'What's Love Got To Do With It?' with a stellar cast with some of Britain's most iconic and celebrated actors. WLGTDWI is out in cinemas on 24th February 2023. Mim joins us to talk about WLGTDWI, we delve into the premise of the film and the importance of exploring British and Pakistani culture. We also have such an open and honest conversation about Asian culture and why we do what we do, especially in this generation. We thoroughly enjoyed this episode and an honour to see someone we have followed for a while continue to grow in his journey and keep such a humble mind about everything. Special thanks to Mim, Sharan and Destinee.

The Two Chickpeas host their first live podcast at The Natural History Museum in London Activist, Joshua Virasami and scientist, Ashar Aslam are in conversation with the Chickpeas to talk about the importance of Climate Justice and discussions of our complicated relationships with nature and its disproportionate impact on people of colour. As the conversation delves into the industrial revolution and how this has impacted climate change to the tragedy and devastation of the flooding in Pakistan, we also look to see what humans as a collective can do in order to help raise awareness of the change that will be for the future and generations to come that will too, face hardships due to the climate. This podcast was in line with the first Explorer's Night at The Natural History Museum on Thursday 26th January 2023. Thank you to The Natural History Museum and a special thanks to Nuzhat Tabassum, Khalil Thirlaway and Alison Shean

The Two Chickpeas were invited to watch Magic Mike's Last Dance and give their review on the film. Magic” Mike Lane (Channing Tatum) takes to the stage again after a lengthy hiatus and has bartender gigs in Florida. For what he hopes will be one last hurrah, Mike heads to London with a wealthy socialite (Salma Hayek Pinault) who lures him with an offer he can't refuse…and an agenda all her own. Magic Mike's Last Dance is out in all cinemas 10th February 2023.

The Two Chickpeas sit down with Sudha, invited to a special spot in her Wimbledon home, around a 30 year old table which has held many evening conversations. Middle class, middle aged multicultural mother of millennial sons, Sudha lives a “squeezed middle” life in Wimbledon. As she navigates her career, family and returning to India as a NRI (Non-Resident Indian), she is prompted to investigate her own sense of home and her place in the world. Evening Conversations is a warm-hearted monologue inspired by Sudha's banter with her dual-heritage (Pakistani/East African Indian) millennial sons who have grown up in leafy Wimbledon while her life has spanned three continents. She invites her boys to ‘crack open a cold one' and share their views on life. Will her fiercely British sons see their heritage as a place of strength or an unwelcome inheritance? Being cooped up together during the pandemic may have dampened their spirits, but it certainly sharpened their tongues. Shots are fired in the quick-fire exchanges between mother and sons, forcing Sudha to take stock.

In this episode, we speak with fellow Hounslow content creator Zainab, who you may also know as 'Cooking with Zainab'. We discuss everything from why we love food, how being Asian can influence our styles in cooking and the importance of spice! Zainab also takes us on her journey to becoming 'Cooking With Zainab' through losing her mother and the responsibilities of being the eldest sibling. However, the episode is also full of inspiration, and appreciation and is full of laughter and love for food! Find Zainab on @CookingwithZainab

We had the privilege of speaking with the inspiring, talented and eloquent Asma Khan. We spoke with Asma about her new cookbook, Ammu, which is available from all major retailers now. We explore cultural representation, the role and place of women today and food as a love language. We can't explain enough how inspiring Asma is and how much more we could talk with her, but you can get your dose of her here with the Two Chickpeas and by purchasing Ammu :) Asma Khan is the chef and owner of Darjeeling Express. She moved to Cambridge from Calcutta in 1991. Now residing in London with her husband and two boys, she comes from a royal background – Rajput on her father's side and Bengali on her mother's. After studying law, Asma went on to do a PhD in British Constitutional Law at King's College London. Cooking was always her passion and she began her food career in 2012 as a supper club in her home. In 2015, she opened a pop-up in a Soho pub to much acclaim, and Darjeeling Express the restaurant opened its doors in June 2017. A year later, her debut cook book “Asma's Indian Kitchen” was published by Pavilion on 4th October 2018. The book was the winner in the U.K. category for food publishing in Indian cuisine in the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. Asma is the first British chef to feature in Netflix's Emmy nominated Chef's Table. Her episode also received a 2020 James Beard Award nomination. Business Insider named her number 1 on their list of "100 Coolest People in Food and Drink". The Evening Standard listed her in The Progress 1000 as one of London's most influential people 2019. She has been included in the eighth edition of the GG2 Power List –profiling Britain's 101 most influential Asians and she is now the first chef to be featured on Vogue's list of 25 most influential women of year for 2020. (Taken from the Darjeeling Express Website)

We speak with Ashika Lal from California for the Two Chickpeas X Timepass Podcast crossover episode! We talk about our love and hate for all things Brown Boys, everything from fashion to dating to brown boys in the mainstream media! We had an amazing time talking with Ashika and encourage you to check out her podcast and follow her @timepass_podcast

Whether you remember her from Newsround or you watch the Countryfile Show on BBC you will know the name Sonali Shah, she joins us in conversation to talk about her new book ‘The Best Diwali Ever' that explores the special relationship held between brother and sister. The Chickpeas explore the essence of what Two Chickpeas in a Podcast is about: what it means to be a British Asian today. What that means to them and how religious festivals can be celebrated the way you want to.  Popular broadcaster Sonali Shah sprinkles Diwali magic this year with ‘The Best Diwali Ever', a heartening story about family, culture and the traditions of Diwali. The picture book, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat, is incredibly rich in colour on every page and brings to life the spirit of Diwali as well as touching on a young brother and sister relationship. ‘The Best Diwali Ever' also includes a non-fiction spread about Diwali and it is celebrated around the world and how the occasion is observed in different religions.

The Two Chickpeas talk to Sara Nisha Adams, a British Asian author from Wembley who grew up in Hertfordshire and debuts her first book The Reading List. Nisha describes how she grew up feeling as though she didn't quite know where she belonged as a mixed raced British and Asian girl. Nisha also describes how the language barrier of being unable to speak fluent Gujurati didn't hinder her strong bond with her Grandfather as they had a mutual love for Gujurati food. In this episode, Nisha speaks on how the characters have been influenced by people in her life, and how the growth in characters evoke themes and emotions that make us consider our own lives Some more on The Reading List, available in all good book shops now. A new chapter is just beginning… A love letter to reading and some of our best-loved novels, THE READING LIST is the story that everyone needs on their nightstand in 2021. Widower Mukesh lives a quiet life after the loss of his wife Naina. He shops every Wednesday, goes to Temple, and worries about his disinterested granddaughter, Priya, who tucks herself away reading whilst he watches David Attenborough. Aleisha is working at the local library on Harrow Road for the summer when she discovers a crumpled-up piece of paper in the back of To Kill A Mockingbird with a list of books that she's never heard of before – let alone read. In turn, each story on the reading list gives up its magic, transporting Aleisha away from the painful realities she's facing at home. And when Mukesh arrives at the library, desperate to forge a connection with his bookworm of a granddaughter, Aleisha discovers that the reading list will be a lifeline for him too. And so begins a new chapter between two lonely souls, who'll learn that fiction can teach them a whole lot about real life…

The Two Chickpeas are back! They are joined by FitnesswithKeisha who is a fitness trainer that specialises in helping women with PCOS. We have recorded this episode as 1 in 5 women are diagnosed with PCOS and Nikkita has been diagnosed with this condition for the last 10 years. There is so much misinformation about the condition that we had to clear up! PCOS is often referred to as 'lazy girl syndrome' but we are here to discuss how it is far from that! PCOS can affect you on a daily basis in regard to your mental health, mood swings, weight gain, hair loss - the symptoms are an endless daily battle and we are here to raise awareness on the matter in PCOS Awareness month! @fitnesswithkeisha if you would like to enquire further into her services :) @twochickpeasinapodcast if you don't already follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Artwork by @auntydoodles

Disclaimer: There may be spoilers! The Two Chickpeas were honoured to be invited to Picturehouse London to review Space Jam, A New Legacy! It was amazing to see how the film has adapted to current trends, technology and culture. The film was so nostalgic for anyone who has seen the original film but is a great family hit for audiences who haven't seen the original Space Jam! The Two Chickpeas discuss their love for the film, the giggles they had throughout and how they feel Zendya, who voices Lola Bunny, could have been utilised more in this film. Space Jam, A New Legacy is out in cinemas now and we think it is worth the trip! A massive thank you to Warner Brothers UK, Media House London and Ritika Sharma.

On Two Chickpeas, Mental Health Matters so we continue with Poonam. We look at the histories of where our parents and our grandparents have been, the stresses and traumas in life they may have faced and how this can be passed genetically especially if these haven't been dealt with and how we can break the cycle of generational trauma to manage our well-being. You can find us on Instagram: @TwoChickpeasinaPodcast Poonam: Mental_WealthMatters

The Two Chickpeas sit down with lifelong friend @kareemjarchemakeup to get the real TEA on trying to maintain a positive mindset when struggling with mental health and maintaining this in a healthy and positive way. The Chickpeas discuss how your friends can sometimes know you better than you know yourself, how this has played into our own mental health struggles and how Kareem in particular chooses to look at the glass half full no matter what life chucks his way. Kareem has overcome incredible hardship and loss and has developed his own coping mechanisms to approaching his mental health and shares how to get back on track if we lose our way.

It's Mental Health Awareness Week and The Two Chickpeas discuss their own mental health and what it means to learn about dealing with their own emotions, feelings and traumas. In this episode, they're joined by Aaron, a close friend who shares his experience of Depression; how he knew he was depressed, how he dealt with it and ultimately how he is now. The episode explores recognising physical and mental symptoms and how we can help each other when battling with mental health.

The Two Chickpeas have launched their first-ever review episode (lookout for more to come reviewing the latest film, tv and music!) and were kindly invited by Warner Brothers to the home premier of Tom & Jerry The Movie, which is now available to rent at home from 25th March. The Two Chickpeas discuss their love for the film, how nostalgic the movie is and how brilliantly it pays homage to the original episodes and how amazingly diverse the cast is!

TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️ This episode explores themes of mental and physical domestic abuse in a same-sex relationship. Please see the below organisations for help if this episode affects you. Part Two of Hakeem’s story explores what he went through to finally leave the toxic and abusive relationship he was in and he reflects on this time in his life and how he is starting life again from his 8-year abusive relationship. If this story has affected you or you have experienced similar experiences and want to seek help please see the below organisations and links. Galop - http://www.galop.org.uk/domesticabuse/ KSS Informative Support - https://www.ksscrc.co.uk/2020/04/30/research-domestic-abuse-in-lgbt-communities/ Switchboard - https://switchboard.lgbt/ Victim Support - https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/live-chat?gclid=CjwKCAiAhbeCBhBcEiwAkv2cY404WoSnuGWWtb5xXJmT8toMGLy5vChQLXEF0gSWiaZjO7Nj3gezbRoCPjUQAvD_BwE

TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️ - this episode explores domestic abuse in a same-sex relationship. Part one of Hakeem's story explores how he entered an abusive relationship from a young age and how his inexperience and fear of coming out made it hard for him to recognise that he was being abused, and even harder to leave the relationship. If this story has affected you or you have experienced similar experiences and want to seek help please see the below organisations and links. Galop - http://www.galop.org.uk/domesticabuse/ KSS Informative Support - https://www.ksscrc.co.uk/2020/04/30/research-domestic-abuse-in-lgbt-communities/ Switchboard - https://switchboard.lgbt/ Victim Support - https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/live-chat?gclid=CjwKCAiAhbeCBhBcEiwAkv2cY404WoSnuGWWtb5xXJmT8toMGLy5vChQLXEF0gSWiaZjO7Nj3gezbRoCPjUQAvD_BwE

Out and proud; we speak to Raheem who is completely proud to be who he is and will never apologise for doing so. It can be hard to own yourself with complete confidence and Raheem talks to us about how he does this, being an androgynous person and the importance of loving yourself. We also explore the ridiculousness of even having to come out as heterosexual people are not asked to and we want this to change in the future moving forward.

The Twochickpeas sit down with Guntaj, one of the running members of the @QueerPunjab page on Instagram. Guntaj explains his childhood of growing up in Mohali, Punjab. To the Chickpeas, this was interesting because of the lack of acceptance in India as a whole and knew it could not have been as easy as being open and proud from the beginning. He describes how he remembered something was 'wrong' with him and felt suffocated in feeling 'not normal' as a young person. Now, he lives in Vancouver and is comfortable with his sexuality but still understands the struggle of others silently battling their feelings because of the stigma in India and as a Punjabi. Queer Punjab is a page where people can go to express their feelings, to talk about their stories and feel heard. Guntaj tells his story of growing to become comfortable in his skin. Follow Queer Punjab on Instagram: @QueerPunjab

As the Two Chickpeas continue with another episode of South Asians from the LGBTQ+ History month they sit down with an old school friend. When Mia left school, she entered her new world of university life and there she finally was able to admit to herself, she was gay. Mia has been through the ups and downs going through school life, trying to date boys, understanding what kissing a girl meant to her, and later faced traumatic events in her life. Being a South Asian woman, Mia faced the sad reality that her parents were not accepting of her sexuality when she first told them. This led Mia and the Chickpeas to peel back layers and understand her life from a young age and to look at how far she has come now.

The Two Chickpeas are back with Season 2! We have grown leaps and bounds through our first season and are so grateful for all the guests that have joined us, chatted with us and taught us through their stories and experiences. It is currently LGBT History Month and whilst we feel we have some general understanding of the topic and are allied with this community, we have realised we haven’t even scratched the surface and have created a series of episodes based on LGBT experiences in the South Asian Community. We start with Mario who talks to us about his experience of growing up in a small town and being outed by force from people he went to school with, moving to London and letting his wings spread and basque in his freedom to them returning home to Leicester because of the coronavirus pandemic and finding himself in the closet once more as his family don’t know that he is gay.

The Two Chickpeas are joined by founder of the Desi Brotherhood, Ram Lamba. This episode explores their experiences of growing up in the UK, rejecting their culture and finding a new understanding with their culture and heritage that works for them now. Other themes in the episode explore generational trauma, developing new relationships with your parents as adults and our experiences at school in the UK. Outro for this week's episode is Laila by Mad Star Base

The Two Chickpeas are in conversation with Srini, Andrew and Riya from the National Hindu Society at Kingston University to discuss a very different Diwali this year due to the Covid-19 Winter Lockdown and how they plan to celebrate knowing they can't be with friends and family. The Two Chickpeas also explore how Diwali is celebrated in India and the Middle East and what their lives might be like if they were to live in India. Happy Diwali to everyone and we hope you are still able to celebrate with close friends and family - perhaps virtually! Let your Diwali be filled with samosas, lassis and light!

The Two Chickpeas sit down with Priya Ragu via Zoom whilst she is in London to talk about her incredible music, heritage and being added to the FIFA 21 Playlist. This is Priya's first podcast and we were lucky enough to be able to talk to her as she lets us in on different aspects of her life and what is next for her as she captures the hearts of people all across the world with her unique and soulful sound.

The Two Chickpeas are joined by Brown Girl Kim to talk about Body Positivity, they explore topics that range from social media pressure, body hair and how offensive it is to use words such as ‘fat’ and ‘skinny’. This episode explores everyone’s personal experiences with being positive about your own bodies, the struggles they still face to be body positive and the need for this conversation to keep growing and evolving.

The Two Chickpeas are joined by special guests and sisters, Nikita & Leah Chander and their cousin Aman. The episode stems from a previous conversation which got us thinking about the toxic aunties causing havoc and endless gossip across Asian communities and how we would like aunties of the future (us!) to talk moving forward in life. Aman shares her experiences of being in a bi-racial relationship and the rejection she has faced from her family and society. Listen to this unique episode of aunties in the making and how we hope to switch the conversation.

Round Our Hometown' pays homage to the Hounslow/Southall area that has raised us. This episode looks briefly at our experience of growing up in the area, what we love about it and how we used to slate the area we live in. The Two Chickpeas also spoke with Pragna Patel from Southall Black Sisters who explains what Southall was like when she moved to the country and the issues the community faced then and what they continue to face now. The Two Chickpeas also spoke with Rishi Ghatore and Nikhil Garg who have founded the new Hounslow Football Club, Hounslow Wolves.

The Two Chickpeas are joined by Harish Malhi, Founder of Diaspo, who talks to the Two Chickpeas about his experience of being British Asian, his inspiration for creating Diaspo and the incredible outcomes he has managed to achieve since launching! Find out more @joindiaspo on all social media platforms.

The revolution for Black Lives Matter spread across the world when the world saw that horrific footage of George Floyd being killed by an American police officer. If we are truly to eradicate racism then everyone has to be in this together. This special episode of Two Chickpeas in a Podcast explores what the South Asian community can do to eradicate racism towards black people, how Gandhi himself was a racist, and how the peaceful protests that took place in London and across the globe have been portrayed negatively in the media. The Two Chickpeas felt this is a time for everyone voices to be heard and this episode does just that as a number of guests have contributed their thoughts to this episode or got in touch via zoom to carry on the many necessary conversations that need to be had surrounding the Black Lives Matter Movement. This is a movement; not a moment.  Guests who have contributed towards the episode are:  Tyler Wright, Model and Activist for the Black and LGBTQ+ Community (_tywright) Maiyoraa Jeyabraba, Cracking Coconuts Podcast (@47roots)  Zed, Can't Touch My Crown Podcast (@ctmcbrand)  Nathan Johnson, Regnad (@ndoe4weeks/ @weareregnad) Tasmin Alexander, Activist (@tazzyaalexander)  Outro Track: 558 by SMITH (@ageingsmith/ weareregnad)  Artwork Photography by Whitz (@whitzdef/ @weareregnad)  Artwork by: Leah Chander (@leahchander)

The Two Chickpeas review the hit Netflix show ‘Never Have I Ever’. Whether you love it or hate it everyone is talking about this show and rightly so! The Two Chickpeas talk about everything from representation, narration and scenes they resonate within the show. Listen to the Two Chickpeas review here.

The Two Chickpeas sit down with Tejal Bathia, a close family friend, to talk about spirituality; what it means to us, what we take from it and how we use it in our everyday lives.

The Two Chickpeas are joined by the Big Sister Journal to discuss shadeism. Shadeism is discrimination based on skin colour usually from members of the same race in which people are treated differently based on the social implications and cultural meanings attached to skin colour. (Basically the whole light skin vs dark skin debate across all races!)

The Two Chickpeas are joined by special guest, NK Pole, who talks about her upbringing, her love for pole dancing and what it means to be an empowering female!