Journal of the Journey
Bengali aloo bhorta (mashed potatoes mixed with chilli spices, with cilantro toppings with a drizzle of mustard oil).
02/07/2025
In this very first episode, we introduce ourselves and share a bit about where we live, how we met, and why we’re starting this podcast. As four Bengalis who grew up in different parts of the diaspora—one in the U.S. and three in Canada—we’ve often found ourselves reflecting on how those experiences shaped us.
This podcast is our space to explore the things that matter most to us: food, culture, identity, and the often funny, sometimes bittersweet realities of growing up Bengali away from Bangladesh. We’re excited (and honestly a little nervous) to take this leap, learn the ropes of podcasting, and connect with others who might resonate with our stories.
Tune in as we set the tone for what’s to come—honest conversations, shared memories, cultural curiosities, and the joy of rediscovering who we are through each other’s eyes.
02/21/2025
In this second episode, we open up about our personal journeys—who we are beyond the mic—and revisit the core purpose behind this podcast. We speak from the heart about why Bengali culture means so much to us, and why preserving it feels more urgent than ever.
As part of this conversation, we dive into the importance of language, especially in the context of International Mother Language Day on February 21. We reflect on how many of us in the diaspora still speak Bengali, how fluently, and the ways we each try to keep the language alive in our daily lives. We also explore the powerful historical roots of the day, honoring those who fought for the right to speak their mother tongue.
This episode is about connection—between past and present, homeland and diaspora, language and identity. Join us as we continue to learn, remember, and reclaim what makes our culture so beautifully complex.
03/21/2025
In this deliciously nostalgic episode, we dive into the world of Bengali food—the kind that lives in our memories and the kind that fills our kitchens today. We reminisce about the dishes we grew up eating at dawats, the everyday meals that shaped our childhoods, and the flavors that instantly transport us back to Bangladesh.
From the unique ingredients that scream “home” to the foods we miss because we no longer live there, we talk about what makes Bengali cuisine so deeply personal. We also dig into traditional practices—like using pata and puta, preparing live animals, and the fine art of descaling fish—and what it means to keep those customs alive (or not) in the diaspora.
We share who does the cooking in our homes now, where we go to find that comforting home-cooked taste, and how food connects us not just to culture, but to each other. Come hungry for memories and stories—we’re serving them all.
04/04/2025
In this episode, we open up about what it was like growing up Bengali in the diaspora—navigating the push and pull between two cultures, two sets of expectations, and often, two very different versions of ourselves.
We talk about the challenges of learning and holding onto our languages, bringing home-cooked meals to school that “smelled ethnic,” and the unspoken rules we learned to follow in order to fit in. From switching languages mid-sentence to balancing household traditions with outside influences, we explore the layered experiences of being raised in a world that didn’t always understand us.
We also reflect on how major world events, like 9/11, deeply impacted the way Bengalis—and South Asians more broadly—were perceived and how we adapted our behavior in response. This episode is a heartfelt conversation about identity, belonging, and growing up in between cultures.
04/06/2025
In this special episode, we sit down with two longtime friends—one Turkish American and one American Bengali—who recently made a long-awaited trip to Bangladesh together. Having grown up side by side in the U.S., they decided it was time to explore the homeland of one of them and discover what Bangladesh had to offer.
They take us along for the ride as they share stories of unforgettable meals, incredible sightseeing adventures, and moments that were both surprising and deeply meaningful. From visiting historic landmarks to experiencing the everyday rhythm of life in Bangladesh, their journey is filled with insights, laughter, and reflection.
We also talk about the cultural contrasts and similarities they noticed between Bangladeshi culture and their own, and what it was like to see the country through each other’s eyes. Whether you're planning your own visit or just curious about what Bangladesh feels like today, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, identity, and discovery.
04/11/2025
In this episode, we dive into the vibrant celebration of Boishakh—the Bengali New Year. While one of us has never celebrated it before, the other two hosts share their personal memories of Boishakhi festivities, both in Canada and in Bangladesh, painting a picture of what this special day feels like.
We explore the historical roots of Boishakh, its cultural significance, and how it has become a powerful symbol of unity across Bangladesh. From traditional foods like panta ilish and seasonal sweets to colorful fairs, music, and street parades, we talk about what makes Boishakhi so joyful and meaningful.
Whether you’ve celebrated it your whole life or are just learning about it for the first time, this episode is a celebration of community, culture, and the beauty of starting fresh—Bengali style.
04/18/2025
In this deeply meaningful episode, we explore the Liberation War of 1971—the pivotal conflict that led to the creation of Bangladesh. With the help of a special guest, a fellow creator affectionately known as @the.bideshi,” we walk through the events that built up over time, eventually culminating in a people’s uprising against oppression.
Together, we unpack the historical and political context that gave rise to the war, the injustices that pushed ordinary Bangladeshis to say enough is enough, and the incredible courage it took to stand up against a powerful army. Through this conversation, we aim to better understand the human cost of war and the spirit of resistance that shaped a nation.
This episode isn’t just about history—it’s about remembrance, identity, and honoring the resilience of those who fought for freedom.
04/25/2025
In this emotionally grounded segment, we take a pause from the jokes and nostalgic memories to sit with the more complicated parts of growing up as children of Bangladeshi immigrants. While the curfews, “joota threats,” and strict rules might bring some laughs now, they often masked deeper struggles—feeling misunderstood, unloved in the way we needed, or carrying the crushing weight of our parents’ sacrifices. This is the space where we explore the quiet hurt: moments when love felt like control, when resentment simmered under the surface, and when we were deeply confused by the colorful Bengali insults thrown our way—things that sounded outrageous and funny, but often left us wondering, "Wait… am I actually a dog’s child?" Through honest conversation, this segment gives space to reflect, validate those experiences, and open a dialogue around healing and empathy.
05/02/2025
This week on Dawat on Friday, we sit down with @thehungrycoderr—a Bangladeshi food influencer who’s mastered the art of recreating those unforgettable, homestyle Bengali meals that take you straight back to your mother's kitchen. From the unmistakable clang of traditional Bangladeshi kitchen utensils to the bold flavors of aloo chicken er jhol and fuchkas, this episode is a savory celebration of memory, identity, and passion.
We talk food, of course—but also entrepreneurship, community building, and the unexpected ways a love for cooking can turn into a platform. Our guest shares behind-the-scenes insights into creating content as a Bengali food lover, along with some fun culinary hot takes. Plus, our host confesses to some very specific Bengali food aversions (sorry, shutki haters).
05/10/2025
This week on Dawat on Friday, we’re catching up with the vibrant @bosetanaya — a food, travel, fashion, and lifestyle influencer living in the heart of Doha. From stunning flatlays to soul-searching captions, Tanaya has carved out a unique space online, and today, she brings that same authenticity to our mic.
We dive into what a day in the life of a typical Qatari actually looks like — and trust us, it’s not what you expect. Late nights, luxe cafés, perfume libraries, and a surprising social rhythm that keeps the city buzzing long after midnight.
We also talk about Tanaya’s journey as an entrepreneur and boutique owner, what it’s like building a brand in Qatar, and how she navigates life as a creative in a place that’s still evolving its cultural scene. Of course, we couldn’t skip the big one — the 2022 FIFA World Cup. We ask Tanaya about media narratives, migrant labor controversies, and what she saw from the inside.
Whether you’re curious about life in the Gulf, dreaming of starting your own thing abroad, or just here for the food and fashion — this one’s for you.
05/23/2025
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we explore the ongoing issue of colourism within the Bengali community, how it quietly begins at birth and is passed down through generations via unspoken preferences, auntie comments, marriage prospects, and media ideals. We unpack how lighter skin is often unfairly associated with beauty, value, and privilege, while darker skin is met with judgment or pity.
Through honest conversation and our own lived experiences, we talk about how these internalized beliefs shaped us as children, and how we've slowly begun to reclaim our narratives, choosing to embrace our skin with pride. We speak on the pain, the healing, and the power of unlearning harmful standards, and how storytelling plays a key role in breaking the cycle.
We also pay homage to other marginalized communities globally who face racism and colourism daily, drawing solidarity and strength from shared struggles.
The episode closes with a moment of reflection: a celebration of how we now stand tall in our skin—with confidence, pride, and a deep sense of self-worth that we were never handed, but fought to build.
06/20/2025
In this vibrant episode of Dawat on Friday, we sit down with Ahassan, a rising Bangladeshi-French actor living in the heart of Paris. From winning the Franco-Desi dance competition to starring in the French film Délocalisés, Ahassan’s journey is anything but ordinary. Influenced by the glamour and emotion of Bollywood cinema, he carved his own path into the world of acting, driven by curiosity, creativity, and the unwavering support of his family.
We talk about his early inspirations, his multicultural experiences, and what it’s like being a Bengali navigating the French entertainment scene. Ahassan opens up about the challenges and triumphs of living a diasporic dream and how he brings passion and purpose into everything he does. Whether through dance, drama, or daily life—Ahassan shows us that with heart and hustle, anything is possible. And be warned—his captivating and contagious smile will have your cheeks hurting by the end of the episode!
06/21/2025
In this enlightening episode of Dawat on Friday, we sit down with Mahmudul Islam who has spent years exploring one of the most elusive human pursuits: happiness. As someone who has interviewed leading researchers, psychologists, and cultural thinkers on the subject, he takes us deep into the heart of the Finnish model of happiness—the very approach that has consistently placed Finland at the top of the World Happiness Report.
We break down what makes the Finnish approach so successful: from social trust and education to minimalism, work-life balance, and a unique relationship with nature. But we don’t stop there. Together, we reflect on how happiness is defined and pursued differently across cultures—drawing comparisons with the collective resilience of Bangladeshis, the cautious optimism of Canadians, and the often individualistic hustle of American life.
06/28/2025
In this episode, we reflect on the Rana Plaza tragedy — the 2013 garment factory collapse in Bangladesh that killed over 1,100 people and injured thousands more. We explore the devastating impact of the disaster on workers, the global fashion industry’s role, and how it sparked international outrage and calls for reform. We also take a deeper look behind the lens with photojournalist Ismail Ferdous, whose powerful images from the scene helped bring global attention to the human cost of fast fashion. Through our conversation, we learn about his personal journey, what drives his work, and how he uses photography to give voice to the unheard.
06/28/2025
In this episode, we sit down with Redwan Ahmed to unpack the powerful student-led revolution that shook Bangladesh and ultimately led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Redwan offers an insider’s perspective on how the movement began, what fueled the nationwide protests, and the role students played in challenging authoritarianism. We explore the political tension, the turning points of the uprising, and what the future may hold for Bangladesh’s democracy. This is a raw, insightful conversation about youth, resistance, and reclaiming a nation’s voice.
06/11/2025
In this episode, we sit down with journalist and author Jennifer Chowdhury to explore Bengali solidarity with oppressed peoples across the globe. Grounding our conversation in the 1971 Liberation War, we reflect on the parallels and contrasts with current struggles and consider what meaningful, lasting change could look like. We discuss the role of major players, the power of media in shaping public memory, and what it takes to move from awareness to action. And of course, we couldn’t resist bringing up Zohran Mamdani, the assemblyman representing Jennifer’s own district.
06/12/2025
In this episode, we sit down with the ever-hilarious Naveed Mahbub, a stand-up comedian whose journey has taken him from corporate boardrooms to comedy clubs around the world. He shares how he got his start in comedy, what keeps him inspired, and how he navigates humor across cultures and continents. Whether he's performing in Bangladesh or abroad, Naveed’s goal remains the same: to bring joy, laughter, and a little lightness to everyone in the room. With stories that are as thoughtful as they are funny, this conversation reminds us that comedy can be both universal and deeply personal.
06/20/2025
This week on Dawat on Friday, we’re joined by the brilliant and refreshingly real Farhana Soban. We dive into the unique mental health struggles of growing up between cultures, why therapy can feel so taboo in South Asian families, from generational wounds to setting boundaries with love, this episode is a heart-to-heart for anyone who's ever felt stuck between two worlds and is ready to start healing in their own way. We get into what it really means to heal as children of immigrants, why so many of us are afraid of feeling our feelings, and how therapy can be both uncomfortable and liberating and why healing doesn’t have to mean rejecting your roots.
