Our Story

As a Bengali woman living in a small town in Pennsylvania, I often grappled with profound feelings of isolation and alienation. Each interaction served as a reminder of the differences that made me feel excluded and misunderstood. However, one day, I realized that loneliness could be a catalyst for growth and connection, prompting me to seek out others who shared similar experiences.

I frequently reflect on my childhood, and one of my most cherished memories is attending dawats with my family. A dawat is a dinner gathering typically hosted at someone's home, where family friends come together to enjoy a meal and each other's company. During these vibrant events, the children would eagerly mingle, playing games, sharing laughter, and gossiping about school. Meanwhile, the women engaged in heartfelt conversations, exchanging family stories, offering parenting advice, and sharing treasured recipes. The men, on the other hand, often gathered in another room, engrossed in animated discussions about politics, work, and business ventures, reflecting their camaraderie and mutual respect.

Inspired by these joyful gatherings, I proposed an idea to my friends: let’s create a podcast modeled after the concept of a dawat. Instead of meeting in person, we would host our dawat online, allowing us to connect virtually while enjoying our own meals from the comfort of our homes.

The concept is both simple and nostalgic: each episode would capture the warmth and camaraderie of a traditional dawat. We would come together, just as we did in the past, sharing our favorite dishes while catching up on life, reminiscing about old times, and discussing a variety of engaging topics that resonate with us.

To truly embody the spirit of a dawat, I suggested that each of us prepare a dish with personal significance—perhaps a beloved family recipe or a meal that evokes the essence of home. As we savor our food and chat, we would weave in stories about our cultural backgrounds, our unique experiences, and the challenges we face in our daily lives.

This format would not only allow us to reconnect on a deeper level but also create a space filled with laughter, storytelling, and heartfelt discussions—much like those lively gatherings of our childhood. By blending food, friendship, and conversation, we would craft a unique podcast experience that celebrates our connections and honors the essence of a dawat, all while adapting to the realities of our modern, digital lives.

Toni-