Beyond Cliché
31 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago -On this show, Almas Virani: Speaker, Author, Coach and Changemaker, starts conversations around bending gender norms and stereotypes. She discusses how we have been practicing gender roles since our upbringing to following a dream.
A long format show, with Almas interviewing the guest while they uncover their journey of challenging stereotypes and creating a new refreshing story beyond cliche, it is an informal conversation to sensitize the listeners about these binaries. Tune in to new episodes every Thursday.
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Episodes
Ep. 30: The Uncliched Love Guru with Yadhuvir Singh
January 21, 2021 00:35 - 1 hour - 61.2 MBIn this season finale episode Yadhuvir Singh, a Dating Coach for men joins Almas for an intense conversation. He breaks several myths around dating & men taking us deeper into the hearts and minds of men and what they want. In this rather deep conversation, Yadhuvir explores the psyche of men, the scars and fears they carry, the damage it does to men, and the need for men to heal themselves. Tune into this conversation to find out about the trauma release work that is he doing with men to li...
Ep. 29: The Chubby Twirler with Tanvi Geetha Ravishankar
January 14, 2021 00:35 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MBIn this episode of Beyond Cliche Tanvi Geetha Ravishankar, aka The Chubby Twirler takes us through her fairytale life as a plus-size woman. Almas and she talk about the stereotypes related to women and body size and how parents can play a crucial role in accepting their kids completely to help them build confidence. She shares her challenges with plus size clothes and the lack of fashion choices for plus size women and how she is sharing her passion for fashion through her Instagram blog, tw...
Ep. 28: Racing Beyond Gender Pitstops with Dr. Bani Yadav
December 31, 2020 00:35 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBIn this episode of Beyond Cliché, Dr. Bani Yadav, a rally driver joins Almas to break the popular stereotype - ’Women can’t drive’. She shares her interesting journey of pursuing her 30-year-old car racing dream and the odds she had to face to reach the finishing line. She accelerated her way through the stigmas related to gender, ageism, and limited belief systems as she held the steering wheel of her life and dreams at the age of 43. They talk about balancing motherhood, ageism, and the pr...
Ep. 27: Real & Reel Stuntwoman with Geeta Tandon
December 24, 2020 00:35 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBGeeta Tandon, an acclaimed Bollywood Stuntwoman joins Almas on this episode of Beyond Cliché. This inspiration woman has survived everything, the screams she experienced in an abusive marriage to fire burns and cuts that she had while performing stunts on Bollywood sets. She smashes stereotypes as she crashes through glass windows, jumps off rooftops and plays with swords, revolvers and fire. She is Bollywood’s first female stunt artist and Bollywood double, a single mom and an inspiration f...
Ep. 26: Boxing Beyond Boundaries with Neha Rothe
December 17, 2020 00:35 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBIn this episode of Beyond Cliche, International Boxing Champion and Coach,Neha Rothe is in conversation with Almas to talk about a sport many women dread and her journey since she found her passion in boxing at age 15. She shares her struggle to fit into the ring as she had to battle many stereotypes being a plus-size woman in this sport. Tune into this candid conversation as they both punch patriarchy out of the ring. You can talk to Neha Rothe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boxin...
Ep. 25: Dancing Beyond Classic Stereotypes with Charles Ma
December 10, 2020 00:35 - 41 minutes - 37.6 MBMeet Charles Ma, a mixed-race Bharatnatyam dancer who has broken many stereotypes to perform and teach this classical dance form. In this episode , Almas and Charles talk about how Charles has embodied this rather feminine dance form in his own style while embracing both masculine and feminine energies within. This conversation also explores the history of Bharatnatyam and the role of gender politics in its commercialisation. They discuss everything, right from costume, make up, to mudras, t...
Ep. 24: Women in Wilderness with Eshika Fyzee
December 03, 2020 00:35 - 42 minutes - 39 MBIn this episode of Beyond Cliche, Eshika Fyzee, a wildlife filmmaker and is the founder of Pangea Films is in conversation with Almas on the gender stereotypes related to her niche profession. Eshika and Almas trace back her journey and how she chose this trail less traveled. She breaks several myths and exposes the world of living in the wilderness through her lens. Tune in as she pictures, from her lens, the progressive turn that the wildlife filmmaking industry has taken for women to move...
Ep. 23: India’s First Female Bartender with Shatbhi Basu
November 26, 2020 00:35 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MBIn this episode of Beyond Cliché, Almas takes us on a nostalgic journey back to the 80’s to celebrate the spirit of India’s first women bartender Shatbhi Basu. From patriachial taboos to government laws, the drinking culture has prohibited women from being across both sides of the bar. In this stirring conversation, Shatbhi, Founder of India’s First Bartending Academy shares the importance of knowledge, skills and the art of mastering the science of mixing; which clearly is not gender bound....
Ep. 22: Daddy Files
November 21, 2020 13:10 - 47 minutes - 43.1 MBIn this special International Men's Day episode, distinguish American Journalist Aaron Gouveia joins Almas to talk about involved Fatherhood and his journey of 'Raising boys to be good men' which is the title of his book. They discuss the importance of teaching boys to move beyond stereopyes and the work that Aaron has being doing in this space through his site Daddy Files. Aaron renders his support to the petition of Almas seeking more representation of Diaper changing daddys as he believes...
Ep. 21: Beyond Kitchen Rules
November 12, 2020 00:35 - 57 minutes - 52.3 MB“The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”, is a common cliché, aptly suited for this guest, but with a twist. Well, he found a way to connect with his own heart through food. Meet Sadaf Hussain, a Chef, Author, Blogger and Masterchef Finalist who has broken several rules in the kitchen to live his passion for cooking and food. In this episode, Almas explores his journey of moving beyond the boundaries of a full-time stable job to taking the leap with Master Chef. Tune in to listen to...
Ep. 20: Biking Beyond Biases with Anita Krishnan
November 05, 2020 00:35 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MBThe Motorcycle is her best friend and she has been on many roads less travelled. Anita Krishnan, is a Biker, Adventurer and Traveler. She is the Indian President for WIMA (Women International Motorcycling Association) and the Indian Ambassador for Women Riders World Relay. Tune in to this conversation where Almas leads her old pal, Anita through a conversation around motorcycling and how it is turning into a growing new-found passion for women across the globe. Anita was also the 1st Runner ...
Ep. 19: Sportswoman Spirit with Tanvi Lad
October 29, 2020 17:25 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MBIn this episode of Beyond Cliché, Athlete, and Indian Badminton Player, Tanvi Lad joins Almas to discuss common clichés around women in sports. Tanvi shares her journey of thriving as a popular badminton player and the challenges she endured post an injury. Tanvi also runs a podcast called The Millennial Athlete and these fellow Podcasters discuss various gender clichés right from terms like ‘sportsman spirit’ to why most sports are male-dominated and the societal factors that limit the grow...
Ep. 18: Rewriting Fairy Tales with Sowmya Rajendran
October 22, 2020 00:35 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MBEver wondered about the impact of fairy tales and books on young minds and gender stereotypes? Tune into this episode of Beyond Cliché with children’s books author Sowmya Rajendran to find out more. She has over 20 titles to her name and is re-writing old narratives and creating new sketches for the future. Almas and Sowmya talk about how books, cartoons, ads and movies shape gender roles and the need to change these depictions. They walk through Sowmya’s writing work and discuss her books -...
Ep. 17: The Rock Climber with Prerna Dangi
October 15, 2020 00:35 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MB“Women don’t climb trees” is a common cliché, and the guest on this episode, Prerna Dangi aka The Pahadi Girl, has climbed leaps and bounds beyond it. She’s a Professional Rock Climber and Mountaineer who climbs both rock and ice, and has a very inspirational tale to share. Prerna, the expert shares the myths and facts related to the strength and muscle required to climb and her journey so far. Tune into this episode as Almas and Prerna discuss the stereotypes around women and climbing and w...
Ep. 16: Women, Love & Stereotypes
October 08, 2020 00:35 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MBSpoken Word Artist, Writer, Performer, Actor and ex Big Brother & Big Boss Contestant, Priya Malik, is our guest on this episode. Popularly known for her feminist poetry, her storylines often depict the societal narratives of women and love. In this episode Priya and Almas talk about the idea of romance and how It is influenced by fairy tales and Bollywood movies. They discuss the patriarchal view on cheating and the gender bias associated with it and also how men and women both handle break...
Ep. 15: The Padman of Assam with Nelson Deb
October 01, 2020 00:35 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MBNelson Deb, a social entrepreneur who manufactures biodegradable sanitary products is our guest on this episode. He shares his journey on breaking taboos around menstrual hygiene in the urban and rural parts of Assam. He talks about the sanitation issues faced by women in the Northeast region of India and how he is involving adolescent girls and boys to create awareness on menstrual health management through his venture The Eco Hub. They discuss the importance of men’s involvement in support...
Ep. 14: Movies, Motherhood and Math with Anu Menon
September 24, 2020 00:35 - 47 minutes - 43.9 MBIn this episode of Beyond Cliché, Anu Menon, director of the movie Shakuntala Devi joins Almas to discuss the stereotypes surrounding women film-makers and how she balanced motherhood while making movies. They also discuss the biopic Shakuntala Devi and how the legendary math genius broke many gender stereotypes in her life. Tune in to listen to Almas and Anu smashing stereotypes in this deep conversation on Beyond Cliché. You can follow Anu Menon on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/di...
Ep. 13: A Full-Time Father with Ragou
September 17, 2020 00:35 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MBIn this episode of Beyond Cliché , Almas uncovers Ragou's journey as a full-time father. They talk about the stigma around men taking a sabbatical to take care of their children. Ragou seems to have dropped the typical male cliché on being the provider of the house and has been nurturing his daughter full time. This, straight from the heart conversation, is going to stir a lot of patriarchal mindsets around parenting roles. Ragou talks about the importance of tuning in to the child, parentin...
Ep. 12: Waging A War Against Eve-Teasing with Dipesh Tank
September 10, 2020 00:35 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MBIn this episode of Beyond Cliche, Almas has a stirring conversation with Dipesh Tank, who started War Against Railway Rowdies (WARR), to help railway officials nab hooligans and molesters in Mumbai local trains. A crusader and an avenger in his own way, he has fought multiple stereotypes when waging this war. Through this conversation, they discuss the stereotypes in the society that encourage stalking and harassment of women and how Dipesh is determined to raise his voice against it. A trul...
Ep. 11: Breaking Parenting Norms with Aditya Tiwari (Adoptive Father)
September 03, 2020 00:35 - 47 minutes - 43.1 MBAditya Tiwari, a single male parent who adopted a child with Down Syndrome joins Almas on this episode to share his story of how he broke barriers and stereotypes related to adoption and parenting. Almas uncovers Aditya's journey of finding joy in parenthood to inspiring the world through the work he does with parents. Tune into this power-packed conversation where Aditya shares his unique example of moving beyond the cliche that "Only a woman can take care of a child". You can follow Adity...
Ep. 10: Music Beyond Gender Tunes with Kamakshi Khanna
August 27, 2020 00:35 - 40 minutes - 36.8 MBWhy is a male musician referred to as a ‘Musician’ but a woman as a “Female Musician”? Kamaskshi Khanna, singer, songwriter and musician joins Almas on this episode and they discuss gender stereotypes in the music industry. They chat about stereotypical mindsets related to music as a career for women. Tune in to this episode as Kamakshi explores her journey and talks through her experiences of moving beyond cliché. You can follow Kamaskshi Khanna on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/kamakshimus...
Ep. 09: Beyond My Skin Colour
August 20, 2020 00:35 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBAll shades are lovely" affirms Chandana Hiran who joins Almas on this episode. Also known as 'That Desi Feminist', Chandana is a Changemaker and an Advocate of Body Positivity. This young Activist was inspired by her own challenges growing up as a brown-skinned girl and decided to campaign and create awareness around colorism and misogyny. Tune in to this episode to discover how Chandana embraced herself and is helping others to do the same through her campaigns. You can follow Chandana Hir...
Ep. 08: Finding my voice with Natasha Malpani Oswal
July 23, 2020 00:35 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBWomen are often trying to please everyone else and rarely follow the voice of their soul. In this episode, Almas has a candid and deep conversation with TV Producer and Writer Natasha Malpani Oswal who talks about her journey and the cliches she had to break both outside and within to find her own voice. Tune into this episode to discover Natasha's journey and how she inspires women to rediscover themselves through the poems and stories she writes and creates. You can follow Natasha Malpani...
Ep. 07: Beyond Boys Locker Room
May 21, 2020 00:35 - 1 hour - 58.7 MBWith the recent Boys Locker room incident in Delhi, this seems really apt as Harish and Almas talk about this issue from a masculinity perspective. Harish talks about his journey, the psychology behind toxic masculinity and why we need to include men as part of the solution and engage them in dialogue to deal with the gender-based violence issues. You can follow Harish Sadani on his twitter and Instagram handle: @sharsh267 You can follow Almas Virani on her twitter handle: @almasvirani11 (...
Ep. 06: Breaking Barriers with Revathi and Satyajit
March 19, 2020 00:35 - 1 hour - 60 MBRevathi Roy and her son Satyajit join Almas Virani on this episode. They discuss Revathi's pathbreaking initiatives in empowering women and how Satyajit took those lessons to heart. Tune in to the episode for a truly inspiring story ! You can follow Revathi Roy on her twitter handle: @revathi_roy You can follow Satyajit on his twitter handle @satya1286 You can listen to Satyajit's show The Paperback Podcast here: http://ivmpodcasts.com/paperback You can follow Almas Virani on her twitter ...
Ep. 05: Comedy Beyond Sexism with Trupti Khamkar
March 12, 2020 00:35 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MB"You are too funny for a girl"- is the stereotype that Almas Virani breaks in this episode with the Stand-up Comic and the Host of Gol Gappa, Trupti Khamkar. Trupti shares her journey of making her foray into acting and owning her Marathi identity. The feather to her acting cap is her funny bone. Are there clichés around women who occupy the stage of comedy? Tune in to episode to laugh with Trupti as she reveals her funny bone! You can follow Trupti Khamkar on her instagram handle: @actort...
Ep. 04: Fitspiration Beyond Femininity with Jyoti Solanki
March 05, 2020 00:35 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MB"Women should not have muscles but size zero chalega"- this is the cliché that our guest Jyoti Solanki, a Fitness Model tries to break on this episode with Almas Virani. Jyoti talks about Bodybuilding as a sport and discipline, the stigmas around it and her perseverance to follow this sport. Is it different for women to gain muscles as compared to a man's body? Are the reasons for it physiological or psychological? Tune in to this episode as our host and guest take you beyond the clichés of...
Ep. 03: Profession Beyond Prejudice with Dr. Sadaf Ulde
February 27, 2020 00:35 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBWhat kind of professions are women allowed to practice? Almas Virani questions this stereotype on this episode as she talks to Dr. Sadaf Ulde about the struggles of being a woman homeopathic doctor. Why are there women filling seats in classrooms but not the OPD section in hospitals? What is a male drawback when they want to be assistants to the senior doctors? Find out. Tune in to understand how is homeopathy a gendered profession and what are the clichés about it. You can follow Almas Vi...
Ep. 02: Beauty Beyond Size with Pushtiie Shakti
February 20, 2020 00:35 - 48 minutes - 44.1 MBOn the second episode of Beyond Cliché, Almas Virani is joined by an Actor, Pushtiie Shakti, who has challenged stereotypes around size. She shares her journey of being called cute as a kid to being teased for her size. How can one embrace one's identity beyond this filter? At what point did the rebel in her stand up? What is mastectomy? From career to television roles, how did she create her own niche? Pushtiie talks about her iconic character Mahi Talwar from "Mahi Way". Tune in to this c...
Ep. 01: Masculinity Beyond Muscles with Kunal Rajput
February 13, 2020 00:35 - 1 hour - 59.7 MBMen don't cry and the most important thing in their lives is to make money- this is the first cliché that Almas challenges as she talks to the Fitness Trainer and Fitness Brand Ambassador of Nike Training Center, Kunal Rajput. On this episode, Kunal shares his journey of being bullied in school for the way he looked, taking up engineering for a stable job and eventually breaking away from all these stereotypes by adhering to the fitness regime. How did this happen? Tune in to the episode to...
Ep. 00: Introduction
February 01, 2020 04:55 - 1 minute - 1.13 MBOn this show, Almas Virani: Speaker, Author, Coach and Changemaker, starts conversations around bending gender norms and stereotypes. She discusses how we have been practicing gender roles since our upbringing to following a dream. A long format show, with Almas interviewing the guest while they uncover their journey of challenging stereotypes and creating a new refreshing story beyond cliche, it is an informal conversation to sensitize the listeners about these binaries. Tune in to new epi...