Changing Suits
Members of the South Asian Community often go through similar experiences, but don’t discuss problems outside of family out of concern for ‘what the community will say’. Over time, this has led to taboo topics, isolation, oppression, and inequality. And enough is enough. Hosted by second generation British South Asian sisters Taj and Bal, the Changing Suits podcast helps members of the South Asian Community across generation, gender, and geography develop a common understanding and awareness of issues affecting the community, so that the community can thrive. The podcast also gives people outside of the community an opportunity to deepen their understanding of South Asian culture and values so they can help build services, companies, and a society that are better and more inclusive. Tune in each week for a closer look at modern South Asian life with a dose of tradition.
Follow the show on social media @changing_suits
Episodes
140 episodes
Self-Checks Aren’t Enough: The Truth About Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer can affect anyone, but conversations around screening and research participation are still missing in many South Asian and ethnically diverse communities.In this important episode, Taj and Bal sit down with researchers for...
Are Your Relationships Just Surface Level? | The Conversations We Avoid
Are your relationships deep and meaningful or just surface level?In this episode, Bal and Taj unpack the reality of surface level relationships in South Asian families and communities. From polite small talk to avoiding difficult convers...
Is Hard Work Becoming Outdated?
Are we working smarter or just becoming more dependent?In this episode, we talk about the evolving mindset around work, productivity, and success in today’s AI-driven world. From the traditional “work hard” mentality we saw growi...
Are we good role models for young people?
Are we truly good role models for the next generation? In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the realities of modern parenting, teenage life, and cultural expectations - especially within the South Asian community.We explore h...
Real Help for Young Minds: Testing What Works in Young People's Mental Health
Why does young people's research in mental health matter? In this episode, we dive into the world of young people’s mental health research and explore how YOU can take part in studies that are actively working to improve support,...
Oversharing in Relationships: Boundaries, Family & Privacy in South Asian Culture
Oversharing in South Asian Relationships. Where do we stop ourselves?This week Taj & Bal discuss oversharing as a south asian and why they feel the need to overshare. When it comes to relationships, marriage, and family dynamics, do...
The Truth About British Asian Friendships No One Talks About
What does friendship really look like when you’re navigating life as a British Asian?In this episode, we dive into the reality of British Asian friendships - from feeling too western in some spaces to too eastern...
Why Health Inequalities Still Exist | The Need for Inclusive Research
This episode of The Cultural Barrier Podcast, is sponsored by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and we are joined by Helen Winter for an eye-opening conversation on health inequalities and the urgent need...
Breaking the Silence on Honour & Abuse | Changing Suits Podcast ft. Southall Black Sisters
In this powerful episode of the Changing Suits Podcast, we’re joined by Southall Black Sisters, a pioneering organisation that has spent decades supporting Black and minoritised women experiencing domestic abuse, violence, and systemic i...
Cancel Culture, Online Backlash & the South Asian Divorce Debate | Changing Suits Podcast
In this episode we discuss cancel culture, online backlash, and the viral divorce debate that sparked controversy online in the South Asian community. We explore how social media outrage can quickly lead to someone being “cancelled” for ...
Women Have Evolved. Have Men?
Are women in South Asian communities breaking the glass ceiling - while traditional expectations at home remain the same?In this episode of Changing Suits Podcast, we're joined by Sahdaish Kaur Pall, Counsellor and Founder & Director...
3 Worlds, 3 Generations | Navigating three perspectives
What is it really like growing up in a multigenerational South Asian household?In this episode of The Cultural Barrier Podcast, Taj and Bal explore the realities of living under one roof with grandparents, parents, and children — navigat...
Is Your Life Just a Checklist? South Asian Pressure, Marriage, Parenting & Success in 2026
Is your life starting to feel like one long checklist?In this episode, Taj and Bal unpack how South Asian culture and family expectations often push us through life via tick boxes - education, career, marriage, children, and “success” -...
What Will People Say? Divorce, Gender Roles & Cultural Pressure in the South Asian Community
“What will people say?” is a question that shapes countless decisions in the South Asian community.In this episode, we explore how cultural barriers, community dynamics, and social expectations influence relationships, divorce, gender ro...
We Are Back!!! Why "the Cultural Barrier" Still Matters
🎙️ NEW EPISODE: We Are Back!!! Why the 'Cultural Barrier' Still MattersHosts: Bal & Taj | The Cultural Barrier (Changing Suits Podcast)Have you ever felt torn between two cultures? Wondered how your upbringing shaped the way you...
How Does South Asian Culture Influence Parenting?
How do cultural backgrounds shape our parenting styles? What are the unique challenges faced by South Asian parents? How do we balance Eastern and Western influences in raising our children?In this insightful episode of Changing Suits, h...
What Role Does Self-Promotion Play in Today's World?
In today's competitive world, self-promotion is an essential skill for personal and professional growth. But why do many of us, especially in the South Asian community, find it so challenging? In this enlightening episode of Changing Suits, hos...
More Than Meets the Eye: How Much Do Appearances Matter?
Have you ever wondered how much our perceptions are influenced by appearances? Do societal biases around skin tone, weight, and height shape how we view others? How do our own experiences with appearance-based judgments impact our self-worth?
Is It The Death of Common Courtesy?
🤔 What does common courtesy mean to you? How have your upbringing and values influenced your understanding of it? Do cultural differences in courtesy lead to conflicts?Join hosts Bal and Taj on a thought-provoking journey into the realm ...
Ovarian Cancer in the South Asian Community: Why Aren't We Talking About It?
Join hosts Bal and Taj on a poignant exploration of a silent struggle often overlooked in the South Asian community. In this compelling episode, they are joined by Sbb Siddique, a thriver and advocate, who bravely shares her journey with ovaria...
What Did It Take To Build A Life In The UK?
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to pack up your life and move halfway across the world? What does it really take to leave behind everything familiar and start afresh in a completely different culture? In this episode of Chang...
Is Surrogacy a Cultural Taboo for South Asians?
What exactly is surrogacy, and how does it work? Have South Asians successfully navigated this journey before? What are the key considerations for anyone considering surrogacy today? Join hosts Bal and Taj as they delve into...
Can Activism Empower Our Kids as Tomorrow's Leaders?
Have you ever wondered how activism can shape the leaders of tomorrow? Curious about the impact of advocacy on the next generation? Wondering how you can inspire your kids to become changemakers?Join hosts Bal and Taj on a thought-provok...
I'm South Asian & I'm an Alcoholic
Have you or someone you know been impacted by the effects of alcohol? Wondering how one can navigate the challenges of addiction and emerge stronger on the other side? Curious about the journey of recovery and the support available for those st...
Behind the Smiles: The Truth of Being in Foster Care
Join hosts Bal and Taj from Changing Suits as they delve into a deeply personal conversation with Jussi Sidhu, uncovering the raw truth of her journey through foster care.From the devastating discovery of her father's suicide to the tur...
