Modern Malayali

About Modern Malayali

Hi, I’m Ria, welcome to Modern Malayali! This podcast is for Malayalis born and brought up outside of Kerala, navigating culture, identity, and everything in between. We’ll talk mental health, career, marriage, colorism, and the stuff we weren’t always encouraged to say out loud. No judgment, just real, respectful conversations. It’s simply about sharing stories, listening, and maybe finding comfort in knowing that we’re not alone in these experiences. Join me as we explore what it means to be a Modern Malayali. Listen to the trailer to find out more!

Publisher

Ria

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 Jul 2025

Latest episode

31 May 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   31 May 2026

   Choosing a Different Career (and Owning It).

   Hi everyone, and welcome back to another episode of Modern Malayali! For many Malayalis, career decisions don’t just belong to us, they are decisions weighed down by family expectations, reputation, and approval. While all careers are equally worth pursuing, we all know in Malayali families, some careers are celebrated and encouraged over others. In this episode of Modern Malayali, Anu shares her journey of choosing HR and Events Management as a career path despite facing doubt and criticism. We talk about the common misconceptions around ‘non-traditional’ careers, and the reality that sometimes your work is only respected once there’s a ‘big name’ attached to it, like British Airways. Anu shares some advice and insight on navigating the external pressures and how she stayed true to what she really wanted to do. ----------------------------------------------------- About the Modern Malayali podcast: Have you ever wondered how other Malayalis live their lives outside of Kerala? I have. I've always been curious about how other Malayalis navigate their culture while living very modern, Western lives. I’m talking about the influence our culture has had on the decisions and choices we've made — from choosing a career path to choosing a life partner, from how we talk about mental health to how we spend our free time. This is a podcast where Malayalis from all over the world can connect and share stories. We’re all in this together, and I’m sure many of us have had similar experiences. Hopefully, one of these episodes will inspire or reassure you that you're not alone in this. ----------------------------------------------------- Please follow, rate, and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Music. To stay up to date with new episodes and upcoming guests, find me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/modern.malayali/) or TikTok! (https://www.tiktok.com/@modern.malayali) Instagram and TikTok are also a great ways to connect with me, and to let me know if you’re interested in being on the show! ----------------------------------------------------- Music by Kalpesh Ajugia (https://pixabay.com/users/kalsstockmedia-13377274/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583) from Pixabay. (https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583)

2. 

   9 Apr 2026

   What Really Happens at Kilukam?

   Hi everyone, and welcome back to another episode of Modern Malayali! If you’ve spent any time around Malayali communities in Europe, you’ve probably heard people talk about Kilukam. The outfits, the performances, the friend groups travelling across cities… and of course the after parties. But what actually is Kilukam? In this episode of Modern Malayali, I am joined by Megha, the co-host of Kilukam 2026. We break down Europe’s largest Malayali formal event — how it started, how it grew so quickly, and what the experience is really like if you’re attending for the first time. We talk about: How Kilukam began and why it became so popular How people actually get tickets (especially outside the UK) The performances, competitions and fashion moments The controversies and what changed this year The overall vibe of the night (and yes… the after parties) Whether you’ve been to Kilukam before, seen it all over social media, or are just curious about the hype, this episode gives you the inside story. Because wherever Malayalis go, we somehow manage to build community… and occasionally turn it into a full-scale formal event. Don't forget to check out Megha's social media pages and show some love! Instagram: @meghha.sm (https://www.instagram.com/meghha.sm?igsh=MW5zMHF1ZTlobzg5dw%3D%3D) Tiktok: @megha.sm (https://www.tiktok.com/@megha.sm?_r=1&_t=ZN-95Ot9mIJ8mE) KILUSCAM (https://www.tiktok.com/@megha.sm/video/7501799568250539286?_r=1&_t=ZN-94qZInzes79) or KILUAKM? (https://www.tiktok.com/@megha.sm/video/7596391891516574998?_r=1&_t=ZN-94qZHtGfXvi) ----------------------------------------------------- About the Modern Malayali podcast:Have you ever wondered how other Malayalis live their lives outside of Kerala?I have. I've always been curious about how other Malayalis navigate their culture while living very modern, Western lives.I’m talking about the influence our culture has had on the decisions and choices we've made — from choosing a career path to choosing a life partner, from how we talk about mental health to how we spend our free time.This is a podcast where Malayalis from all over the world can connect and share stories. We’re all in this together, and I’m sure many of us have had similar experiences. Hopefully, one of these episodes will inspire or reassure you that you're not alone in this. ----------------------------------------------------- Please follow, rate, and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Music. To stay up to date with new episodes and upcoming guests, find me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/modern.malayali/) or TikTok! (https://www.tiktok.com/@modern.malayali)Instagram and TikTok are also a great ways to connect with me, and to let me know if you’re interested in being on the show! ----------------------------------------------------- Music by Kalpesh Ajugia (https://pixabay.com/users/kalsstockmedia-13377274/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583) from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583).

3. 

   25 Mar 2026

   Moving Back Home After Independence

   Hi everyone, and welcome back to another episode of Modern Malayali! After years of living independently for studies, work, or life abroad, moving back home can feel comforting… and confusing at the same time. In this episode of Modern Malayali, I’m joined by Shilka, a newly graduated med student who’s just moved back in with her parents. We talk honestly about what it’s like returning home as an adult: adjusting to routines, navigating boundaries, handling differing expectations, and rediscovering family life from a whole new perspective. We chat about freedom, family expectations, funny misunderstandings, the joy of eating home-cooked meals, and the reality of being an adult under your parents’ roof. Please do go show Shilka (https://www.instagram.com/shilka_sabu/) some love! @shilka_sabu (https://www.tiktok.com/@shilka_sabu) ----------------------------------------------------- About the Modern Malayali podcast: Have you ever wondered how other Malayalis live their lives outside of Kerala? I have. I've always been curious about how other Malayalis navigate their culture while living very modern, Western lives. I’m talking about the influence our culture has had on the decisions and choices we've made — from choosing a career path to choosing a life partner, from how we talk about mental health to how we spend our free time. This is a podcast where Malayalis from all over the world can connect and share stories. We’re all in this together, and I’m sure many of us have had similar experiences. Hopefully, one of these episodes will inspire or reassure you that you're not alone in this. ----------------------------------------------------- Please follow, rate, and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Music. To stay up to date with new episodes and upcoming guests, find me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/modern.malayali/) or TikTok! (https://www.tiktok.com/@modern.malayali) Instagram and TikTok are also a great ways to connect with me, and to let me know if you’re interested in being on the show! ----------------------------------------------------- Music by Kalpesh Ajugia (https://pixabay.com/users/kalsstockmedia-13377274/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583) from Pixabay. (https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583)

4. 

   6 Mar 2026

   Do you speak Malayalam bro?

   Hi everyone, and welcome back to another episode of Modern Malayali! Many of us understand Malayalam perfectly well but for some of us (i.e. me) speaking it feels so awkward and is such a struggle. My guest Thomas, on the other hand, has brilliantly taken the initiative at the age of 16 to teach himself how to speak our language, Malayalam. Together we explore and reflect on why speaking our mother tongue is important to us. It’s about wanting to speak to our parents and grandparents without hesitation. About feeling closer to elders, understanding their stories, and meeting them in a language that feels more natural to them than English ever will. We talk about why so many of us struggle to speak the language, the guilt of not speaking ‘proper’ Malayalam, the fear of saying it wrong, and why learning it as an adult feels so… embarrassing. We also reflect on whether it’s worth putting in the effort now and what that effort might mean for the generations that come after us. Can we pass on a language we’re still learning ourselves? ----------------------------------------------------- About the Modern Malayali podcast: Have you ever wondered how other Malayalis live their lives outside of Kerala? I have. I've always been curious about how other Malayalis navigate their culture while living very modern, Western lives. I’m talking about the influence our culture has had on the decisions and choices we've made — from choosing a career path to choosing a life partner, from how we talk about mental health to how we spend our free time. This is a podcast where Malayalis from all over the world can connect and share stories. We’re all in this together, and I’m sure many of us have had similar experiences. Hopefully, one of these episodes will inspire or reassure you that you're not alone in this. ----------------------------------------------------- Please follow, rate, and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Music. To stay up to date with new episodes and upcoming guests, find me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/modern.malayali/) or TikTok! (https://www.tiktok.com/@modern.malayali) Instagram and TikTok are also a great ways to connect with me, and to let me know if you’re interested in being on the show! ----------------------------------------------------- Music by Kalpesh Ajugia (https://pixabay.com/users/kalsstockmedia-13377274/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583) from Pixabay. (https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583)

5. 

   20 Feb 2026

   Growing up with different rules.

   Hi everyone, and welcome back to another episode of Modern Malayali! In this episode, I’m joined by Sneha to talk about how boys and girls are often raised differently in Malayali households and families. It’s like our parents were given two different rulebooks for sons and daughters! We share our personal stories and reflect on the small, everyday differences in how we were raised: who helped in the kitchen, who had curfews, who was allowed to make mistakes, and whose choices were examined with a magnifying glass. We talk about family gatherings, teenage years, safety vs freedom, career and marriage pressures, emotional expression, and how these early experiences shape confidence, relationships, and our identity later in life. Why do girls end up in the kitchen at family gatherings while boys disappear? Why do boys get freedom early, but girls get “protection”? Why are boys taught not to show or express their emotions? And how do these small differences follow us into adulthood? This is a light-hearted conversation about understanding our upbringing and imagining a fairer, kinder future for the next generation of Malayalis. If this episode reminds you of your own childhood, share it with a sibling or friend and start the conversation. Don't forget to check out Sneha's social media pages and show some love! Instagram: ⁠@sneham_⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/sneham_/) Tiktok: ⁠@sneham_19 (https://www.tiktok.com/@sneham_19) ----------------------------------------------------- About the Modern Malayali podcast: Have you ever wondered how other Malayalis live their lives outside of Kerala? I have. I've always been curious about how other Malayalis navigate their culture while living very modern, Western lives. I’m talking about the influence our culture has had on the decisions and choices we've made — from choosing a career path to choosing a life partner, from how we talk about mental health to how we spend our free time. This is a podcast where Malayalis from all over the world can connect and share stories. We’re all in this together, and I’m sure many of us have had similar experiences. Hopefully, one of these episodes will inspire or reassure you that you're not alone in this. ----------------------------------------------------- Please follow, rate, and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Music. To stay up to date with new episodes and upcoming guests, find me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/modern.malayali/) or TikTok! (https://www.tiktok.com/@modern.malayali) Instagram and TikTok are also a great ways to connect with me, and to let me know if you’re interested in being on the show! ----------------------------------------------------- Music by Kalpesh Ajugia (https://pixabay.com/users/kalsstockmedia-13377274/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583) from Pixaby. (https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583)

6. 

   24 Oct 2025

   Bro, when are you getting married?

   Hi everyone and welcome back to another episode of Modern Malayali! We've all heard that question, from aunties, uncles, parents, friends, and sometimes even from complete strangers at weddings. But what is it really like being on the receiving end of that pressure, especially as a Malayali guy? In this episode, Johan and I talk about what that really feels like, watching your friends, even the younger ones, getting engaged or married, while you're still trying to make it past the first or second call with someone. We chat about how our generation views marriage differently compared to our parents, and how the expectation for men to be the primary provider is still a thing in our community. We also dig into some of the challenges of finding a match within the community, specifically how the geography and religion filters almost automatically eliminate so many potential prospects. Because let's be honest, in the Malayali Christian world, Catholic girls usually want Catholic guys, and crossing those lines isn't always easy. We also talk about the lessons that come with this process. About having the right mindset, putting in effort, and being willing to engage actively in the process. It’s a heartfelt, funny, and honest look at what modern marriage pressure feels like for our generation. -------------------------------------------------------- About the Modern Malayali podcast: Have you ever wondered how other Malayalis live their lives outside of Kerala? I have. I've always been curious about how other Malayalis navigate their culture while living very modern, Western lives. I’m talking about the influence our culture has had on the decisions and choices we've made — from choosing a career path to choosing a life partner, from how we talk about mental health to how we spend our free time. This is a podcast where Malayalis from all over the world can connect and share stories. We’re all in this together, and I’m sure many of us have had similar experiences. Hopefully, one of these episodes will inspire or reassure you that you're not alone in this. -------------------------------------------------------- To stay up to date with new episodes and upcoming guests, find me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/modern.malayali/) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@modern.malayali)! Instagram and TikTok are also a great way to connect with me, and to let me know if you’re interested in being on the show! -------------------------------------------------------- Music by Kalpesh Ajugia (https://pixabay.com/users/kalsstockmedia-13377274/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583) from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583).

7. 

   9 Oct 2025

   Those arranged marriage websites... you know the ones.

   Hi everyone and welcome back to another episode of Modern Malayali! We’ve all heard of them, chaavara, m4marry, shaadi. com, those websites our parents swear by when it’s time to 'start looking'. In this episode, I sit down with my special friend, Aparna, and we talk about what it’s really like being on these sites. We talk about setting up profiles (or having them set up for us), going through countless profiles our parents shove in front of us, and awkwardly pretending to be excited about complete strangers who might become your life partner. We also share our experiences about some of the people we have spoken to, some of the insecurities and doubts we've had, and of course managing expectations from our parents. We chat about the good side too, like how these platforms have actually helped people find their partners (like in my case!), or like how this process has helped refine or shape the kind of person you are looking for. It’s a funny, honest, and very relatable conversation about culture, family expectations, and finding love in the most Malayali way possible. -------------------------------------------------------- About the Modern Malayali podcast: Have you ever wondered how other Malayalis live their lives outside of Kerala? I have. I've always been curious about how other Malayalis navigate their culture while living very modern, Western lives. I’m talking about the influence our culture has had on the decisions and choices we've made — from choosing a career path to choosing a life partner, from how we talk about mental health to how we spend our free time. This is a podcast where Malayalis from all over the world can connect and share stories. We’re all in this together, and I’m sure many of us have had similar experiences. Hopefully, one of these episodes will inspire or reassure you that you're not alone in this. -------------------------------------------------------- To stay up to date with new episodes and upcoming guests, find me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/modern.malayali/) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@modern.malayali)! Instagram and TikTok are also a great way to connect with me, and to let me know if you’re interested in being on the show! -------------------------------------------------------- Music by Kalpesh Ajugia (https://pixabay.com/users/kalsstockmedia-13377274/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583) from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583).

8. 

   25 Sept 2025

   Being Malayali on opposite sides of the world: UK and SA!

   Being a new-gen Malayali comes with so many layers — balancing tradition with modern life, navigating family expectations, and building your own identity in a different country. In this episode of Modern Malayali, Sandra and I explore what it means to grow up as Malayali in places like the UK and South Africa, and how, despite living on opposite sides of the world, our experiences are unsurprisingly similar! We talk about the comfort of finding Malayali friends who understand your upbringing, to the challenges of talking about marriage pressures, nightlife, and independence with family. We get real about dating culture in the Malayali community, from secret relationships to navigating the drama that comes with dating outside of your culture or religion. Language and representation are also a big part of the conversation. We discuss why older siblings often speak Malayalam better than younger ones, and how watching Malayalam movies helps keep our culture alive. Sandra also shares her inspiring journey of starting a business, ⁠@elan_byrahael⁠⁠, (https://www.instagram.com/elan_byrahael/)selling traditional Kerala sarees in the UK, making them more accessible for the Malayali community, something we also need in SA! Stay tuned till the end for a quick little game of 'Have You Ever?' -------------------------------------------------------- About the Modern Malayali podcast: Have you ever wondered how other Malayalis live their lives outside of Kerala? I have. I've always been curious about how other Malayalis navigate their culture while living very modern, Western lives. I’m talking about the influence our culture has had on the decisions and choices we've made — from choosing a career path to choosing a life partner, from how we talk about mental health to how we spend our free time. This is a podcast where Malayalis from all over the world can connect and share stories. We’re all in this together, and I’m sure many of us have had similar experiences. Hopefully, one of these episodes will inspire or reassure you that you're not alone in this. -------------------------------------------------------- To stay up to date with new episodes and upcoming guests, find me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/modern.malayali/) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@modern.malayali)! Instagram and TikTok are also a great way to connect with me, and to let me know if you’re interested in being on the show! -------------------------------------------------------- Music by Kalpesh Ajugia (https://pixabay.com/users/kalsstockmedia-13377274/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583) from Pixabay. (https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583)

9. 

   11 Sept 2025

   The weight of expectations and career freedom for young Malayalis.

   Hey everyone and welcome back to another episode of Modern Malayali. For so many young Malayalis, career choices are more than just personal decisions, they’re deeply tied to family expectations, societal approval, and the idea of what a 'successful life' should look like. In this episode, we unpack the pressures so many of us grow up with: the push toward stable, 'respectable' careers like engineering, medicine, accounting or law, and the fear of what happens if we take a different route. My guest today is Sharon, a medical student and hugely successful content creator on TikTok. She shares her journey of navigating not just the mental strain of pursuing medicine, but also the physical effects stress has had on her health whilst also dealing with chronic illnesses. Together, we talk about why our community often treats dropping out like failure, and how we can start shifting that narrative to one of growth, exploration, and resilience. Sharon also talks about how she’s learned to cope with these pressures, the role her creative outlet has played in keeping her grounded, and why it’s so important to normalize talking about stress and mental health in our community. She also shares some tips and advice for younger Malayalis who are considered choosing a career path, and for those who perhaps are feeling stuck in their studies. Whether you’re a student right now or someone who still remembers those exhausting university years, or even if you just want to better understand the pressures so many young Malayalis face, then this conversation is for you. Don't forget to check out Sharon's social media pages and show some love! Instagram: @shazzamataz128 (https://www.instagram.com/shazzamataz128) Tiktok: @shazzamataz128 (https://www.tiktok.com/@shazzamataz128?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc) -------------------------------------------------------- About the Modern Malayali podcast: Have you ever wondered how other Malayalis live their lives outside of Kerala? I have. I've always been curious about how other Malayalis navigate their culture while living very modern, Western lives. I’m talking about the influence our culture has had on the decisions and choices we've made — from choosing a career path to choosing a life partner, from how we talk about mental health to how we spend our free time. This is a podcast where Malayalis from all over the world can connect and share stories. We’re all in this together, and I’m sure many of us have had similar experiences. Hopefully, one of these episodes will inspire or reassure you that you're not alone in this. -------------------------------------------------------- To stay up to date with new episodes and upcoming guests, find me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/modern.malayali/) and TikTok! (https://www.tiktok.com/@modern.malayali) Instagram and TikTok are also a great way to connect with me, and to let me know if you’re interested in being on the show! -------------------------------------------------------- Music by Kalpesh Ajugia (https://pixabay.com/users/kalsstockmedia-13377274/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583) from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583).

10. 

    28 Aug 2025

    Music, faith and finding your voice.

    Hey everyone and welcome back to another episode of Modern Malayali! In this episode, I sit down with Chris, a young Malayali singer who’s using TikTok and music to carry tradition forward in a whole new way. Chris shares how faith, community, and family have shaped his journey, and how he’s finding fresh ways to keep his culture alive while chasing big dreams in music and mentoring. His story is a reminder that culture is always evolving, and that the next chapter is being written by the youth. Join us for a warm, fun, and inspiring conversation about music, identity, and the many ways culture takes new shape through young voices. Don't forget to follow Chris on TikTok (chriskuriakose08 (https://www.tiktok.com/@chriskuriakose08?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc)) and share this episode with friends who love discovering new musical talents. -------------------------------------------------------- About the Modern Malayali podcast: Have you ever wondered how other Malayalis live their lives outside of Kerala? I have. I've always been curious about how other Malayalis navigate their culture while living very modern, Western lives. I’m talking about the influence our culture has had on the decisions and choices we've made — from choosing a career path to choosing a life partner, from how we talk about mental health to how we spend our free time. This is a podcast where Malayalis from all over the world can connect and share stories. We’re all in this together, and I’m sure many of us have had similar experiences. Hopefully, one of these episodes will inspire or reassure you that you're not alone in this. -------------------------------------------------------- To stay up to date with new episodes and upcoming guests, find me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/modern.malayali/) and ⁠TikTok!⁠ (https://www.tiktok.com/@modern.malayali) Instagram and TikTok are also a great way to connect with me, and to let me know if you’re interested in being on the show! -------------------------------------------------------- Music by Kalpesh Ajugia (https://pixabay.com/users/kalsstockmedia-13377274/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583) from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583).

11. 

    14 Aug 2025

    Skin deep: Colourism, culture and confidence.

    (Apologies about the poor audio quality!) Hey everyone and welcome back to another episode of Modern Malayali! Today’s episode is about a topic that I've been wanting to speak about  for a while. It’s close to my heart, and I know it’s something so many of us, especially in the Malayali community, have experienced in some way or the another. We’re talking about skin colour - more specifically, how darker skin tones are viewed within Malayali culture. In this episode I am joined by Gauri. Gauri shares her experiences of dealing with colourist comments from family and friends and how it has shaped her self-worth. She also opens up about living with eczema, which often draws further remarks from others about her skin. We talk about the cultural biases and the generational mindsets that perpetuate them. We delve into theinfluential and powerful role of media in shaping beauty standards. We explore how films, advertisements, and social media perpetuate narrow ideals of beauty, often marginalising diverse skin tones and features. Through our discussion and Gauri's personal insights, we highlight the need for more inclusive representation and the power of media to redefine what is considered beautiful. Gauri shares how she navigated the complexities of identity, self-acceptance, and resilience, and offers a heartfelt message of empowerment and solidarity to listeners who have faced similar challenges. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing your unique beauty and challenging discriminatory norms. To anyone else that's listening, if there’s one thing I would like you to take away from this episode, it’s that your skin tone is not a flaw. It’s not something to fix or hide. It’s part of you. And you don’t owe anyone “fairness” to be loved or celebrated. Dark skin is just as beautiful as fair skin :) Please go check out Gauri's Tiktok page on: @powchikawowza (https://www.tiktok.com/@powchikawowza?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc) and show some love! -------------------------------------------------------- About the Modern Malayali podcast: Have you ever wondered how other Malayalis live their lives outside of Kerala? I have. I've always been curious about how other Malayalis navigate their culture while living very modern, Western lives. I’m talking about the influence our culture has had on the decisions and choices we've made — from choosing a career path to choosing a life partner, from how we talk about mental health to how we spend our free time. This is a podcast where Malayalis from all over the world can connect and share stories. We’re all in this together, and I’m sure many of us have had similar experiences.Hopefully, one of these episodes will inspire or reassure you that you're not alone in this. Please follow, rate, and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Music. -------------------------------------------------------- To stay up to date with new episodes and upcoming guests, find me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/modern.malayali/) and TikTok! (https://www.tiktok.com/@modern.malayali?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc) Instagram and TikTok are also a great way to connect with me, and to let me know if you’re interested in being on the show! -------------------------------------------------------- Music by Kalpesh Ajugia (https://pixabay.com/users/kalsstockmedia-13377274/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583) from Pixaby (https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583).

12. 

    8 Aug 2025

    Onam is here! Keeping up with Onam celebrations outside of Kerala.

    Hey everyone, and welcome to the first episode of Modern Malayali! We're kicking things off strong by talking about the one main event that brings all of us Malayalis around the world together. Once July hits, it's like our internal Onam alarm goes off... you just know it's coming. The sarees and mundus, the sadya, the pookalams... it's all right around the corner. In this episode of Modern Malayali, I'm joined by Elina, the inspiring president of the Association of Young Malayalis in South Africa (AYMSA). We talk about the importance of celebrating our culture and traditions outside of Kerala, while also embracing our modern upbringing. Elina shares her experience of creating a space for young Malayalis to not only celebrate Onam, but also to build connections and friendships within the community - fostering a sense of belonging and cultural pride among Malayali youth. Onam doesn't have to look the way our uncles and aunties do it, it can simply be us showing up and doing our best. It doesn't need to be a copy-paste version of how it's done in Kerala either. Elina talks about the impact of creating our own version of Onam, wherever we are, in a way that feels real and meaningful to us. She also shares some tips and advice for fellow Malayalis who are passionate about building a shared cultural community. -------------------------------------------------------- About the Modern Malayali podcast: Have you ever wondered how other Malayalis live their lives outside of Kerala? I have. I've always been curious about how other Malayalis navigate their culture while living very modern, Western lives. I’m talking about the influence our culture has had on the decisions and choices we've made — from choosing a career path to choosing a life partner, from how we talk about mental health to how we spend our free time. This is a podcast where Malayalis from all over the world can connect and share stories. We’re all in this together, and I’m sure many of us have had similar experiences. Hopefully, one of these episodes will inspire or reassure you that you're not alone in this. -------------------------------------------------------- Please follow, rate, and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Music. To stay up to date with new episodes and upcoming guests, find me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/modern.malayali/) and TikTok! (https://www.tiktok.com/@modern.malayali?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc) Instagram and TikTok are also a great way to connect with me, and to let me know if you’re interested in being on the show! -------------------------------------------------------- Music by Kalpesh Ajugia (https://pixabay.com/users/kalsstockmedia-13377274/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583) from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=263583).

13. 

    31 Jul 2025

    Intro: What does it mean to be a 'Modern Malayali'?

    Hi and welcome to Modern Malayali! I'm so glad you're here. My name is Ria, and this podcast is a space for open, thoughtful conversations with Malayalis born and brought up outside of Kerala. People like me, and maybe like you, who've grown up balancing our culture, family and identity in places far from where it all started. This podcast is not about judgement or having all the answers. It's simply about sharing stories, listening, and maybe finding comfort in knowing that we're not alone in these experiences. And who knows, you may inspire someone else on the opposite side of the world with your stories. Each episode, I'll be chatting with fellow Malayalis from around the world about the ways our culture has shaped who we are and who we're becoming. Some conversations will be light and fun. Others may be a little more personal. But all of it will be honest, respectful, and real. If you are proudly 'mallu', but also not too sure what that means, then let's talk about it. Because I also don't know what that means. So join me as we explore what it means to be a Modern Malayali today.

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