What happens when a "good girl" trades an MBA for ultramarathons and designer career paths for desert dust? In this episode of Dirty Brown, Sugandha Singhal joins host, Kriti J to discuss how endurance training became her ultimate tool for self-discovery and social rebellion - from defying the "settled" timeline of her 30s to overcoming self-image issues. It’s a conversation about reclaiming your body, your time, and your right to be "difficult.

• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:16 - Meet Sugandha Singhal
• 00:34 - Reality of Ultra Running
• 05:27- Why most people quit (and she stayed)
• 07:35 - The 12-hour daily grind
• 11:36 - The "Bulky" Myth: Women's fitness in India
• 16:05 - UPSC/MBA dreams vs reality: No regrets
• 19:36 - Badchalan Energy quiz
• 23:58 Part II Teaser
• 24:42 - Bloopers

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• Instagram: @_sugs_ , @moveasy.co
• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@_dirtybrown_⁠

India’s complex relationship with fair skin - From the "Fair and Lovely" ads of our childhoods to the 4,000-year history of the caste system and colonial rule, we explore the "trifecta" of forces - colonialism, capitalism, and media - that fuel the obsession with light skin.Listen to personal stories of navigating family pressure and "ghostly" makeup shades, and sit down with cosmetologist Dr. Priyanka Mall to learn why skin-lightening remains the most requested treatment in Indian clinics today. Join us as we sweep away the myths and move toward a safe space of radical self-love.00:00 Intro01:02 What's with chai making us darker!03:10 The faces of Fair & Lovely05:25 Media Representation and Colorism07:59 History of colorism and Trifecta of colonialism, capitalism & media11:58 Conversation with Dr. Priyanka Mall 25:03 Current State of Colorism and Activism26:46 Media Representation and Its Effects28:22 Self-Acceptance and Ongoing InsecuritiesInstagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@_dirtybrown_⁠About Our Clips - We use short excerpts from various media in this episode for discussion, review, and commentary, consistent with fair use guidelines.Some images by https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/Music byKamalesh Siddu⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Mykola Odnoroh⁠⁠⁠

A brown woman in her 40s refusing every "good girl" expectation - that's Mita. In this first episode of the Badchalan Aurat series, host Kriti J talks to Mita about her life as a stand-up comedian, activist, and blogger. Mita shares her journey starting stand-up in midlife , navigating societal pressure with humor, and redefining nurturing, purpose, and womanhood on her own terms. Listen as they discuss Mita's dark humor and the hilarious results of the "Big Badchalan Energy Quiz". Plus, Mita gives a sneak peek into her upcoming stand-up gig in Ottawa.Check out her blog: https://shescomeundone.orgMita's IG: @mitadoingthingsInstagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@_dirtybrown_⁠Chapters:00:00 Intro01:13 Welcome Mita Patel03:46 Breaking Stereotypes: The Life of a Brown Woman11:36 The Journey of a Comedian14:55 Badchalan energy quiz20:53 Impact of blogging and activism25:09 it’s Bolly o’clockAbout Our Clips - We use short excerpts from various media in this episode for discussion, review, and commentary, consistent with fair use guidelines.Music byKamalesh Siddu⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Mykola Odnoroh⁠⁠⁠Nigori kaisi jawani hai