Chaivory Tower
35 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsChaivory Tower is a podcast about public policy, urban planning, pop culture, and more. Hosted by Sidra and Zainab, drinking chai & reporting live from the ivory tower.
https://linktr.ee/chaivorytower Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chaivorytower/support
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Episodes
Ramadan Reflections
April 29, 2022 17:45 - 29 minutes - 27 MBZainab and Sidra recorded this episode while fasting, so please excuse the delirium. In this episode, they reflect on spiritual renewal during Ramadan, Online Muslim traditions, and propose some more Whacky Ideas for a Better World. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chaivorytower/support
Chaos! At the Masjid
April 28, 2022 09:14 - 8 minutes - 8.1 MBSid and Z share stories about going to the masjid in Ramadan. It's not the holy month without a little bit of chaos in the mosque and honestly we wouldn't have it any other way. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chaivorytower/support
Progress over Perfection
March 28, 2022 16:00 - 39 minutes - 36.9 MBGirlBOSS?? No! Girl, BOX your congressperson! In this episode, Sid and Z talk about shedding the need for perfection, moving through burnout, and trying to find Avan Jogia on Hinge. No Sheryl Sandberg… but we’re leaning into just being curious, chaotic, and okay with making mistakes. We’re reflecting on our journey with this podcast and launching a brand new segment called “Wacky Ideas for a Better World” where Zainab talks about why we should be allowed to fight our representatives, and Sid...
Dev Dive: The Dev Patel Episode
August 26, 2021 07:31 - 33 minutes - 45.7 MBThis episode we're doing a deep dive into Dev Patel's career and why we love him. We talk Skins, Slumdog Millionaire, and more! Dev Patel please come on our podcast. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chaivorytower/support
Sisterhood/Behnchara with Saleha
June 14, 2021 09:18 - 1 hour - 94 MBThis episode, we talk to Saleha (@soleha.777) the creator of @behnchara a virtual gathering space for women to come together in community. We discuss South Asian sisterhood and creating avenues for holding space for one another and healing. You can learn more and sign up to participate in behnchara gatherings at behnchara.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chaivorytower/support
Minisode: Suez Canal for Dummies
March 30, 2021 22:09 - 10 minutes - 14.5 MBBonus Episode Alert!!! Tune into our new segment "chaivory tower breaking down the news", a possibly recurring series where we read news stories and discuss them without doing any research. Join us as we talk about the ship that was stuck in the Suez Canal and ask the stupidest possible questions about it so that you don't have to. Sidra tries to figure out maps, and Z tries to remember what she learned about in her middle eastern history class ten years ago. It's not drunk history, it's jus...
Tinfoil Hats & WhatsApp Chats - Exploring Conspiracy Theories
March 11, 2021 19:55 - 48 minutes - 44.5 MBWe’re kicking off 2021 with Zainab telling Sidra about her favorite conspiracy theories. 2020 was a wild ride, and we’ve seen the rise of things that are stranger than fiction, so we looked into what makes people believe in conspiracy theories. From croissants, to #FreeBritney, to the royal family, join us as we try to find the truth about some of our favorite conspiracy theories from the internet, whatsapp groups, and the Islamic school rumor mill. --- Support this podcast: https://podc...
The Brain Fog Diaries: Dealing with Burnout in 2020
December 30, 2020 18:12 - 49 minutes - 68.1 MBSidra and Zainab wrap up 2020 by talking about what the collective is feeling: burnout. Sidra shares some research about her most recent affliction. We talk about what burnout feels like, causes and systemic issues that spur burnout, and share some ideas on how to do less in 2021. On this Episode: Symptoms of Burnout (1:29-6:10) Causes of Burnout (6:10-10:00) Of course it's the system (10:00-16:45) Burnout: pandemic edition (16:45-38:44) How to deal (38:44-end) References: The Ultim...
Dreaming of the Future We Deserve
October 29, 2020 20:23 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MBWe’re not Raven-Symoné but we have a vision for the future that’s better than whatever this shit is. We're taking a break from cynicism and despair to talk about hope and imagination! Also, we're sharing some resources on the upcoming election and talking about some candidates that inspire us. What are your visions for the future? Let us know! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chaivorytower/support
Indian Matchmaking & Desi Marriage Culture
August 04, 2020 17:51 - 1 hour - 88.9 MBSidra & Zainab are joined by long-time friend & our number one fan Rabee (@rabeeonline) to talk about Indian Matchmaking and our experiences with Desi marriage culture (aka a discussion on why every Desi needs to go therapy). Unfortunately, it’s Sima Auntie’s world, and we’re just living in it but we try to imagine a different world where we can just vibe, because it doesn’t have to be this way! You can get in touch with us by emailing [email protected], DMing us on Instagram or Twit...
Rent? in THIS economy?!
May 13, 2020 18:00 - 19 minutes - 27.2 MBThe rent crisis resulting from the pandemic has brought forth various strategies from tenant activists and organizers: rent freezes, rent strikes, rent forgiveness, eviction moratorium: but what does it all mean?? In this episode, Sidra & Zainab give an overview of these terms and discuss what’s being done by way of legislation and direct action. As always, feel free to send your comments, thoughts, concerns, and praises to [email protected]. Follow on Twitter & Instagram @chaivorytowe...
We Love TV
April 24, 2020 19:27 - 50 minutes - 69.1 MBIn this episode famous TV critics Zainab and Sidra discuss what makes TV so appealing, the shows we love, and ~representation~ in television. Listen to us talk about all the shows we’re watching and let us know what you’re watching in between learning guitar, crocheting, baking things (send us some please), and Facetiming everyone you know. Bringing you the social distancing content you deserve! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chaivorytower/support
Chaivory Thirst: Celebrity Crush Rankings ft. Will Ellis
April 23, 2020 18:30 - 1 hour - 94.3 MBIn this episode we're joined by special guest/friend Will Ellis (again) to discuss the good, the bad, and the humiliating celebrity crushes we have. For those of you with 3+ brain cells still in function, we also discuss "hotness" as a concept and the systems that inform who we find attractive, with citations courtesy of Will and Sidra (3:45 to 8:20). Also, Zainab cries discussing Bad Bunny. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chaivorytower/support
Minisode: Student Organizing with Sydney & Nevena
February 12, 2020 12:00 - 34 minutes - 64.1 MBIn this guest episode, Sidra gets to interview her friends and former colleagues Sydney & Nevena, current graduate students at Harvard, about student organizing, the Harvard Graduate Student Union of Auto Workers Strike, and visions for freedom futures. Listen in for a conversation about why graduate student unions are so important in academic institutions, their advice for those considering grad school, and the visions of liberation that keep them going. This episode is so fun because Sidra...
Unionize Your Workplace (and your country @ Canada??)
January 20, 2020 08:18 - 44 minutes - 61.6 MBThis episode we talk labor unions and share some examples of worker organizing that inspire us. Also, as Meghan and Harry take a mental health break from their family (relatable) we try, in vain, to unpack the monarchy and figure out if Canada is technically still a British colony. What is a commonwealth? How can the wealth be common if it's all owned by one person? Timestamps: Meghan and Harry honor the legacy of the late (Muslim) Princess Diana by saying fuck all y'all to the Royal Famil...
Bon Appe-tea
December 04, 2019 14:10 - 1 hour - 104 MBIn this guest episode Zainab sits down with friend of the podcast, Will Ellis, to discuss the online food sensation Bon Appetit. Listen to them talk about why they love BA so much, the magazine and the culinary industry's commodification of Lebanese/Levantine cuisine (08:40), their top five BA videos (24:00), and their BA test kitchen chef power rankings from best to most cursed (45:30). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chaivorytower/support
Spilled Chai-vory Tower: An Interview with Sumeera
November 18, 2019 10:19 - 38 minutes - 52.9 MBIn this guest episode we have an amazing conversation with Sumeera who is a DJ, writer/poet, and curator of Spilled Chai, an online magazine that celebrates the hyphenated identity, and explores nuance and narrative. We talk creativity, grad school, cliches in Desi art, and what inspires us. Content warning: discussion of physical and emotional abuse from 23:50 to 30:25. Find more of Sumeera's work at spilledchai.com or on Instagram (@spilledchai). Cover photo of Sumeera taken by Simrah F...
Climate Nihilism
October 31, 2019 16:36 - 44 minutes - 61.6 MBSidra and Zainab talk climate nihilism (what even is that), how war is a misnomer, and the Islamic impact on Brazilian funk (sort of, not really). MC Magrinho’s management team, please get in touch with us. Topics in this episode: Zainab, against Sidra’s and the whole world’s wishes, plays a Brazilian song she heard that samples the Quran? (mild blasphemy from 1:16 to 1:30) Jamila Jamil had a tone-deaf tweet and we talk the Bush presidency unpack the idea that “we’re at war” (3:00) #MyAl...
Episode 1: Climate Nihilism
October 31, 2019 16:36 - 44 minutes - 61.6 MBSidra and Zainab talk climate nihilism (what even is that), how war is a misnomer, and the Islamic impact on Brazilian funk (sort of, not really). MC Magrinho’s management team, please get in touch with us. Topics in this episode: Zainab, against Sidra’s and the whole world’s wishes, plays a Brazilian song she heard that samples the Quran? (mild blasphemy from 1:16 to 1:30) Jamila Jamil had a tone-deaf tweet and we talk the Bush presidency unpack the idea that “we’re at war” (3:00) #MyAl...
Episode 1 - Who We Are
October 20, 2019 23:57 - 2 minutes - 5.13 MBWelcome to Chaivory Tower, as told by Sidra & Zainab. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/chaivorytower/support
Minisode 1 - Who We Are
October 20, 2019 23:57 - 2 minutes - 5.13 MBWelcome to Chaivory Tower, as told by Sidra & Zainab. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chaivorytower/support
Throw Your Phone Away
June 01, 2019 22:00 - 1 hour - 68.3 MBWe’re back and we’re done with grad school! We’re talking about surveillance capitalism and the data being collected on us all the time. If you still have a Facebook profile by the end of this episode we will stage an intervention at your house with all your friends and family. 1:40 - Intro, reflections on graduating (Z skipped graduation it’s fine), Desi daughter struggles 10:55- Puerto Ricans ousted their corrupt Governor!!! 15:15- Pakistani model Zara Abid in blackface and the burning ...
New Year, Same Us
April 06, 2019 21:00 - 1 hour - 28.1 MBThis week we're talking about how we’re back on our same shit in the new year. From You on Netflix to the government shutdown, Sidra and Zainab are back at it!!! It’s AQUARIUS SZN and Sidra made a flyer for her own birthday party (0:30 - 1:30) We are burned out by the millennial burnout article (1:45 - 4:00) You on Netflix is a shit show you MUST watch (basically all spoilers) (4:16 - 17:14) Government shutdown and Sidra yelling about the Space Force (17:19 - 28:21) Zainab educates us a...
Grad School, It's Our Funeral! Plus, South Asian Activism ft. Barnali Ghosh & Anirvan Chatterjee
February 16, 2019 22:00 - 32 minutes - 44.9 MBTopics in this episode: This week we're talking about South Asian activism with the brilliant and inspiring co-curators of the South Asian Radical History Walking Tour, Barnali Ghosh and Anirvan Chatterjee. Also, Zainab learns a new white idiom. 1. Congrats Mrs. and Mr. Priyanka Chopra (Beginning two minutes) 2. Noah Centineo from To All The Boys I Loved Before is Zainab's spicy white fave with hot privilege (2:00- 5:39) 3. Some thoughts on Crazy Rich Asians (5:40 to 11:23 spoilers at...
Partition
February 09, 2019 22:00 - 42 minutes - 58.8 MBTopics in this episode: Environmental racism and the cost of clean air (1:00) Zainab is shocked that people continue to work in her office even though there's a wasps nest in the women's bathroom (2:00) Lebron James built an institution that is changing the game and your tax money is paying for all kinds of shady shit and we would happily pay taxes to support building capacity in the future generation! (8:45) Sondos al Qattan (instagram beauty blogger) has some terrible takes on new Kuwa...
Mental Health in Desi Communities
February 02, 2019 22:00 - 33 minutes - 45.8 MBWelcome to the Chaivory Tower summer season - we are on break from grad school and digging into issues around south asian culture in the US and abroad! Topics in this episode: Since we're having a break down nearly every episode, we thought we'd bring on a guest to talk about mental health! Zainab made a playlist of sad desi songs to cry to and you can listen to them on iTunes or Spotify (2:00) Discussion on stigma on mental health, South Asian status anxiety, and capitalism (5:00) Sidr...
Keep Families Together
January 11, 2019 22:00 - 37 minutes - 51.8 MBWe're wrapping up Season 1! We finally finished our first year of grad school and have lots of content planned for the summer. In the meantime, we're talking the World Cup, bullet trains, and Princess Diana. We'll also be talking about the policy of separating families at the border and how people are fighting back to Abolish ICE. Topics in this episode: What we learned our first year: multivariate regressions and other stuff. Statistics show everything is trash. (Beginning to 6:00) World...
No Cop Academy
December 01, 2018 20:00 - 58 minutes - 33.7 MBTopics in this episode: Intro - grad school updates/our lifelong commitment to not having our shit together (0:00- 5:43) Zainab has an on-air breakdown after learning sim is short for simulation (5:45) RIP Sridevi and Asma Jahangir two legends (10:57) Kim K wore a sari on Vogue India and Desi men lost their minds (13:00) Sana Safinaz please fuck off forever with your racist advertisements (16:00) Sana Safinaz Faces Backlash for Racist Campaign Getty Images mixed up Kelly Marie Tran an...
Pakistan is not Palestine
November 30, 2018 19:00 - 38 minutes - 22.2 MBIn this bonus episode we talk to Amal, a real-life Palestinian and friend of Chaivory Tower. We're unpacking what's up with Desis (and other non Palestinian Muslims) co-opting the Palestinian narrative. Desis, take a seat and pass the mic on this one. A crowd sourced list of actual Palestinian experts/media organizations to reach out to when you need someone to talk about Palestine! What is the Boycott Divestment Sanction Movement? On Normalization and why we can't "dialogue" with Zionist...
Private Property Rules Everything Around Me
September 20, 2018 18:00 - 27 minutes - 50.5 MB#TIMESUP at the Golden Globes and let's just let Oprah chill (2:00) Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador is being removed and why you should pay attention (4:15) PPREAM - the commodification of cities, Amazon HQ2, why do cities sell out (9:00) Zainab freaks out about how much Jeff Bezos is worth and we talk about the Black Mirror dystopia that is our future WCW: Kelly Marie Tran, the first Asian American woman to be on Star Wars, who went to Zainab's high school! (25:00) Links: ...
2017 - The Low Bar is Now in Hell
August 31, 2018 18:00 - 32 minutes - 59.6 MBGrad school updates - everything is on fire but at least we made friends (0:51) Existential crises - Zainab asks what good is incremental change in an empire that is crumbling and Sidra wonders if planning is even a legitimate profession (16:10) Current events - FCC and tax plan bullshit (28:29) Worst takes of 2017 - George W. Bush is still evil and the FBI is not going to save you (33:17) Women of Color Wednesday - Divas of Karachi (44:51) --- Support this podcast: https://podcaster...
Spooky Jinn Stories
August 30, 2018 18:00 - 26 minutes - 36.3 MBThis episode Zainab and Amal talk about how many times you have to say "jinn" to get possessed. Sidra staunchly believes if you talk about jinn, they sit around and listen, and has opted out. AKA the only person in a horror movie to survive. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chaivorytower/support
Kifah in Karachi
September 01, 2017 18:00 - 46 minutes - 26.7 MBDesi intellectual fuckboys and how they will be Zainab's downfall (2:10) Amir Khan and Faryal Makhdhoom (part 2): They should have just talked to each other (4:03) Sidra's first day of grad school and story about walking past MALIA OBAMA (6:43) Hurricane Harvey: Orgs to donate to that are NOT the Red Cross (11:37) Pakistani Independence Day and our uneasiness with nationalism (15:13) Kifah Interview: Suki Se (20:44) WCW: Tiffany Haddish (42:32) --- Support this podcast: https://pod...
Pakistan: You'll Figure It Out
August 24, 2017 18:00 - 30 minutes - 55.8 MBNeymar transferred to PSG and Zainab is really emotional about it (0:45) Amir Khan's and Faryal Makhdhoom's messy Twitter fight (4:55) Zainab's observations on Pakistan (6:55) Nawaz Sharif is not my type (12:51) Climate change and the U.S. Invasion of Afghanistan (19:06) Will The Flower Slip Through the Asphalt: Writers Respond to Climate Change (Sidra discussed Rafia Zakaria's chapter, check out Rafia Zakaria's Twitter @rafiazakaria to keep updated with her work) Women of Color Wedne...
A Nuanced Self
August 05, 2017 21:00 - 26 minutes - 48.8 MBThe Big Sick is a mess (5:44) The Big Sick's treatment of Brown women: The Big Sick & Brown Romance by Tanzila Ahmed; The Only Muslims Hollywood Likes are the 'Secular' Ones by Tasbeeh Herwees Mississippi Masala is way better AND HAS DENZEL WASHINGTON IN IT (14:10) Skam is amazing and Norway is in 3017 (16:17) I’m a Muslim Girl and This Is Why the New Season of 'Skam' Is So Important to Me by Naureen Nashid Glow on Netflix (19:30) GLOW Women of Color Wednesday: Fatima Asghar & Sam B...