This week on Dil Ki Recipes, we peel back the filters and talk real marriage, not the Instagram version. From “trad wife” trends to financial expectations, unrealistic expectations, social media comparisons, pressures, setting healthy boundaries, “trad wife” ideals to in-laws, money, and the myth of perfection in marriage, this conversation is to provide insight for anyone in a marriage, especially Desi couples.

💬 Guest: Farheen Raza (@authentic.unfiltered)🌐 https://www.farheenraza.com/

⏱ TIMESTAMPS:

2:14 - Instagrammable marriage vs. reality

3:04 - How social media affects marriage expectations (reels vs. real life)

5:48 - Unrealistic expectations from social media reels

6:29 - The "trad wife" trend and gender expectations

7:30 - Domestic help differences between South Asia and Western homes

8:14 - What couples think marriage is vs. what it actually is

9:11 - Unreasonable expectations in marriage (ideal responses, perfectionism)

10:30 - The problem with "winning" arguments in marriage

11:54 - Giving each other grace and communication

13:30 - Expectations audit for couples (othering the issue vs. blame game)

14:54 - Valentine's Day bag story - managing expectations

16:33 - Money expectations and symbolism in relationships

17:24 - Values vs. budget conversations

18:30 - Codependency and maintaining individuality in marriage

20:30 - Financial pressure and social media comparisons

21:11 - Women's education and changing gender dynamics

22:30 - Values-based approach to weddings and experiences

24:41 - The "if-then" vs. "AND" formula in relationships

25:30 - Traditional vs. modern marriage templates

26:27 - Over-functioning and unreasonable expectations from parents

27:53 - Money symbolism and generational differences

28:30 - Marketing your spouse to in-laws

29:31 - Cultural criticism vs. praise in South Asian culture

31:37 - Mothers-in-law perpetuating unrealistic expectations

32:18 - Setting boundaries with intrusive in-laws

33:43 - "Your family, your mess" - protecting your partner

35:34 - Inequity in effort with in-laws

36:10 - Treating each other's family as a love language

37:42 - Healthy boredom in marriage

38:50 - Simple daily rituals vs. grand gestures

40:30 - Equity and balance in separate activities

42:10 - Social media consumption and mental health

43:31 - Myths about marriage (happy couples don't fight, etc.)

🧠 Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment below!

✨ If you have any questions regarding other topics? Please email info@dilkirecipes.com

🔔 Follow Dil Ki Recipes everywhere at @dilkirecipes or visit www.dilkirecipes.com & listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & more by looking for "Dil Ki Recipes" on your preferred streaming platform

Produced by HAZZE MEDIA | A part of the HAZZE MEDIA Podcast Network | To Learn More, visit: www.hazzemedia.com

We are kicking off season 3 of with a new episode of Dil Ki Recipes by Dr. Sheeza Mohsin! Today, I sit down with Sana Kheiri, CPC, ELI-MP, CPDS — a certified coach who helps South Asian families raise emotionally aware and compassionate teens.

Together, we unpack why Desi parents often misunderstand their teenagers, how emotional energy shapes daily interactions, and what it looks like to move from control to connection.

Whether you're a parent overwhelmed by constant conflict or a teen caught between two worlds, this episode offers practical and culturally grounded insights into:

• Understanding your teen’s emotional energy

• Shifting from blame to belonging

• Breaking generational patterns around achievement and respect

• Creating safe spaces for emotional honesty

💬 Guest: Sana Kheiri (@claritycoaching)🌐 yourclaritycoach.net📖 Also mentioned: Dr. Sheeza’s book Behind Closed Doors available here: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Closed-Doors-Emotional-conflicting/dp/1661168493

⏱ TIMESTAMPS:

0:46 – Who is Sana Kheiri?

2:48 – What “energy” means in coaching

3:39 - Energy levels: survival mode vs. awareness/compassion

4:24 - What parents should notice about their teenagers' energy

5:02 - South Asian families and duty/achievement-focused energy

6:18 – How to shift from blame to connection in parent-teen relationships

7:42 – Desi teens and the exhaustion of code-switching

8:01 - Case example: 16-year-old girl hiding herself to avoid disappointing mom

8:41 - Programming kids to disconnect emotionally

9:17 - Importance of asking open-ended questions

9:56 - Parents misreading teen behavior as rejection

10:54 - Stigma around working with coaches/therapists in Desi community

11:33 – Stigma around therapy and coaching

13:00 - Perfectionism in Desi culture ("nothing to fix")

15:48 - Guiding parents: moving from control to curiosity

16:49 – How to ask better questions as a parent

17:10 - Balancing "we" of culture and "me" of individual identity

17:46 - Homes as places of belonging vs. places of performance

19:49 – Telling kids “I understand how hard it is”

20:06 - Kids challenged by social belonging, not academics

22:05 - The word "respect" in Desi culture

22:45 – Red flags: When kids seem “too perfect”

23:52 - Respect is earned vs. given based on age

24:33 - Treating children with respect at home and in public

24:50 - Final message for teenagers: "Your worth isn't measured by approval"

🧠 Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment below!

✨ If you have any questions regarding other topics? Please email info@dilkirecipes.com

🔔 Follow Dil Ki Recipes everywhere at @dilkirecipes or visit www.dilkirecipes.com & listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & more by looking for "Dil Ki Recipes" on your preferred streaming platform

Produced by HAZZE MEDIA | A part of the HAZZE MEDIA Podcast Network | To Learn More, visit: www.hazzemedia.com

How emotionally intelligent are we—and how can we help the next generation do even better?🌱

Emotional Intelligence expert Hiba Tanvir (@ht_compassion) unpacks why EQ is the REAL foundation for success—at home, in school, and at work on Dil Ki Recipes with Dr. Sheeza Mohsin.

Hiba Tanvir is a thought leader in Emotional Intelligence (EI) and the founder of HT Compassion, a boutique consulting firm dedicated to integrating EI into leadership and organizational development. Her innovative approach blends cutting-edge brain science with real-world application, empowering individuals and teams to drive meaningful, lasting change.

💬 “I help individuals, leaders, and teams FEEL better at work and home—merging the science of Emotional Intelligence with the creativity of Play-Doh, crayons, and wooden blocks.” - Hiba Tanvir

Connect with Hiba:

Facebook: @Hiba Tanvir

Instagram: @ht_compassion

YouTube: HT Compassion

Website: www.htcompassion.com

Book: Available here on Amazon / https://a.co/d/dPpyLSC

TIMESTAMPS ⏲00:41 — What Is Emotional Intelligence in Real Life?

02:00 — Hiba’s Background & Book Launch

04:15 — Why Emotional Intelligence Really Matters

06:50 — EQ in Parenting: Normalizing Struggles

08:14 — “Kumon for Emotional Intelligence” Analogy

08:55–09:55 — “Name It to Tame It” Technique

11:44 — Play-Doh Exercise for Emotional Regulation

12:45 — South Asian Parenting & Emotional Development

13:38 — Delayed Independence in South Asian Children

16:37 — How EQ Shapes Academic & Career Success

18:27–20:00 — EQ in the AI Era (Modern Workplace Context)

25:30 — Gender, Culture, and Emotions: Boys vs. Girls

27:19–End — Final Reflections & How to Learn More

🧠 Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment below!

✨ If you have any questions regarding other topics? Please email info@dilkirecipes.com

🔔 Follow Dil Ki Recipes everywhere at @dilkirecipes or visit www.dilkirecipes.com & listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & more by looking for "Dil Ki Recipes" on your preferred streaming platform

Produced by HAZZE MEDIA | A part of the HAZZE MEDIA Podcast Network | To Learn More, visit: www.hazzemedia.com

#EmotionalIntelligence #Parenting #EQ #LeadershipDevelopment #SouthAsianCommunity #HTCompassion #EmotionalHealth

NEW EPISODE OUT NOW: Featuring Dr. Asra Khan, this week’s episode dives deep into the realities South Asian and Muslim communities often hesitate to confront. From premarital prep and communication gaps to gender roles, social media pressures, and what “compatibility” really means — it’s time for honest conversations.

TIMESTAMPS

02:22 — The topic: Marriage challenges and divorce in the South Asian community

04:30 — Rising divorce rates and the need for community awareness

04:50 — The importance of premarital preparation and communication

05:03 — Communication gaps in South Asian and Muslim communities

05:41 — Social and cultural barriers to partner selection

06:17 — The impact of social media and unrealistic expectations

07:27 — Emotional maturity and individual growth before marriage

08:45 — Cultural myths: “Two halves make a whole” and partner compatibility

10:07 — Gender roles, empowerment, and changing expectations for men and women

12:04 — Social currency of marriage, stigma around divorce, and generational shifts

14:24 — Community standards: Education, age, and financial status in partner selection

15:54 — When to consider divorce: Safety, abuse, and chronic issues

18:08 — The importance of premarital due diligence and family involvement

19:45 — Collectivist culture: Family, community, and therapy perspectives

21:00 — The need for balance, support systems, and healthy outlets in marriage

22:42 — Emotional intelligence, attachment, and compatibility as key factors

🧠 Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment below!

✨ If you have any questions regarding other topics? Please email info@dilkirecipes.com

🔔 Follow Dil Ki Recipes everywhere at @dilkirecipes or visit www.dilkirecipes.com & listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & more by looking for "Dil Ki Recipes" on your preferred streaming platform

Produced by HAZZE MEDIA | A part of the HAZZE MEDIA Podcast Network | To Learn More, visit: www.hazzemedia.com

#DilKiRecipes #SouthAsianMentalHealth #TherapyJourney #CulturalHealing #DesiTherapists #marriageadvice #divorceadvice #datingtips #relationshipcounselor #relationshiptherapy #premaritaltherapy

Join Dr. Sheeza Mohsin on the latest episode of the Dil Ki Recipes podcast as she sits down with special guest Maryam Munis, a licensed professional counselor, to explore the unique challenges and triumphs of South Asian mental health from a therapists perspective!Together, they dive into generational differences, cultural identity, and the importance of finding the right therapist. Whether you’re a therapist, a member of the South Asian community, or simply passionate about personal growth, this conversation offers valuable insights and heartfelt advice for anyone navigating relationships, identity, and healing.Maryam Munis is a Pakistani Muslim Licensed Professional Counselor based in Irving, Texas, who specializes in supporting South Asian women navigating cultural expectations, identity, and relationships. She integrates EMDR, somatic practices, and culturally sensitive, attachment-based approaches to help clients heal trauma, build self-esteem, and reconnect with their authentic selves.TIMESTAMPS02:07 — Maryam's work with South Asian women and cultural expectations03:46 — The importance of case consultation and collaboration04:22 — Maryam's perspective: finding community as a clinician05:33 — Growth of therapy conversations in South Asian communities06:03 — Generational differences: Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, Gen Z07:09 — Stigma and privacy concerns in therapy08:34 — Trust, confidentiality, and working with therapists from similar backgrounds10:08 — Generational values and their impact on therapy12:23 — Intergenerational work: families with multiple generations13:30 — Relational work and therapist self-disclosure15:15 — Advice for new therapists working with South Asian clients17:04 — The importance of referrals and knowing your limitations19:31 — Building a network of specialists and intelligent referrals21:12 — Lifelong learning and the value of consultation23:32 — Good vibes: therapy as a journey to self-connection and cultural identityLearn more about Maryam: / themunismindset 🧠 Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment below!✨ If you have any questions regarding other topics? Please email info@dilkirecipes.com🔔 Follow Dil Ki Recipes everywhere at @dilkirecipes or visit www.dilkirecipes.com & listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & more by looking for "Dil Ki Recipes" on your preferred streaming platformProduced by HAZZE MEDIA | A part of the HAZZE MEDIA Podcast Network | To Learn More, visit: www.hazzemedia.com#DilKiRecipes #SouthAsianMentalHealth #TherapyJourney #CulturalHealing #DesiTherapists #MentalHealthAwareness #GenerationalHealing #SouthAsianWellness

In this episode of Dil Ki Recipes, Dr. Mohsin dives into the lived experiences of South Asian men as they navigate mental health, shifting gender roles, family expectations, and the dualities of bicultural identity with Manzar Lari.

Manzar, a psychologist with 40 years of cross-cultural experience, shares insights on how to unpack generations of stigma, open up about the challenges facing men in the diaspora, and share practical tools for seeking help and building healthy relationships. Whether you're South Asian or simply curious about how culture shapes masculinity, this conversation offers insights, breaking taboos and pushing for healing beyond shame.

KEEP UP WITH DIL KI RECIPES:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsheezamohsin/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dilkirecipes?_t=8qYDXdrkGbu&_r=1
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/drsheezamohsin-dilkirecipes/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drsheezamohsin/
• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@dilkirecipes
• Website: https://www.dilkirecipes.com/

Manzar Lari is a licensed psychologist, LICSW, and certified coach with decades of healthcare experience across clinical, corporate, and private practice settings. His career spans change management, project leadership, and extensive work in mental health and counseling. Currently based in Fort Lauderdale, Manzar brings a wealth of expertise in supporting individuals and organizations through transitions and personal growth.

KEEP UP WITH MANZAR:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manzar-lari-17b68a11/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082981172212#
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truekismetcounseling/
• Website: https://truekismetcounseling.com

🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations and be notified of new episodes

🧠 Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment below!
Produced by HAZZE MEDIA | A part of the HAZZE MEDIA Podcast Network | To Learn More, visit: www.hazzemedia.com

#southasian #desiculture #mensmentalhealth

What happens when you're in a loving marriage but find yourself attracted to someone else?

Let’s talk about a subject most people consider “taboo”: infidelity.

In this raw and vulnerable episode of Dil Ki Recipes, writer Sherilyn Siy shares her viral BuzzFeed article story about developing unexpected feelings for her physical therapist—and how it transformed her understanding of marriage, desire, and personal growth.

Attraction outside marriage doesn't make you a bad person; what you do with those feelings defines your character and commitment.

In This Episode:

• The moment Sherilyn realized she was attracted to someone outside her marriage

• Why emotional infidelity reveals more about ourselves than the other person

• How her husband Charles responded with extraordinary grace (his reaction will surprise you!)

• Breaking cultural taboos: South Asian, East Asian, and faith-based perspectives on infidelity

• The difference between having thoughts vs. acting on them—and why that matters

• Why successful, dynamic professionals are especially vulnerable to workplace attractions

• Esther Perel's insights: What makes affairs attractive and how marriage setups work against desire

• The antidote to infidelity: curiosity, autonomy, and absence in long-term relationships

• How to process attraction without shame or destroying your relationship

💬 Have you ever experienced attraction outside your relationship? How did you handle it? Share your thoughts (respectfully) in the comments below.

🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations about marriage, intimacy, and relationships that break cultural taboos.

BuzzFeed article by Sherilyn (click here to read): https://www.buzzfeed.com/sherilynsiy/fell-in-love-with-physical-therapist-essay

Related Episodes:

Intimacy in Marriage series (previous episode with Sherylin): https://youtu.be/Pd89tagI1RM

#Marriage #Infidelity #EmotionalAffair #RelationshipAdvice #MarriageTherapy #EstherPerel #SouthAsian #Podcast #DilKiRecipes #CouplesTherapy #Vulnerability #LongTermRelationships #MarriageGoals

In today's episode of "Dil Ki Recipes," Dr. Sheeza Mohsin sits down with Jessica Villarreal to explore the unique challenges and cultural dynamics that therapists encounter when working with South Asian couples. This conversation provides essential guidance for non-South Asian therapists seeking to build cultural competency, covering topics like family enmeshment, gender role expectations, the stigma around vulnerability and intimacy, and how to create safe therapeutic spaces for Desi clients navigating complex cultural scripts.​​

TIMESTAMPS

[00:04:22] — Understanding South Asian Relationship Dynamics: Cultural Complexity, Family Involvement & Loyalty-Based Marriages

[00:08:25] — Pressures on Desi Men: Provider Expectations, Dual Loyalty Struggles & Emotional Suppression

[00:11:15] — Breaking the Silence: Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability in Therapy

[00:12:04] — Addressing Traditional Masculinity with Compassion and Cultural Understanding

[00:15:51] — Emotional Expression Gaps: Gender Differences in Meeting Emotional Needs

[00:17:24] — Mother-Son Enmeshment: Intergenerational Patterns & Surrogate Spouse Dynamics

[00:19:39] — Navigating Mother-In-Law Relationships: When and How to Address Family Tensions

[00:22:50] — Sex and Intimacy: Breaking the Taboo with Culturally Sensitive Approaches

[00:24:56] — Defining "Liberal" in South Asian Context: Appearance vs. Internal Beliefs

[00:30:17] — Updating Cultural Scripts: Evolving Traditions Without Abandoning Culture

[00:31:06] — Building Cultural Competency: How Non-South Asian Therapists Can Create Safety for Desi Clients

Learn more about Jessica Villarreal:

Jessica works for LifeStance in Carrolton, and is accepting new patients. Expertise: ADHD, Alcohol and Drug Use Issues, Anxiety, Childhood Behavior Issues, Couple's Issues, Depression, Eating Disorders, Gender Identity, Grief, Later Life Transitions, Midlife Transitions, Postpartum Depression/Anxiety, PTSD/Trauma, Reproductive Challenges, School Avoidance, Women's Issues. Ages: 11-14, 15-17, 18-21, 22-26, 27-40, 41-64, 65+. Take the first step, call or book today.

🧠 Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment below!

✨ If you have any questions regarding other topics? Please email info@dilkirecipes.com

🔔 Follow Dil Ki Recipes everywhere at @dilkirecipes or visit www.dilkirecipes.com & listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more by looking for "Dil Ki Recipes" on your preferred streaming platform​

Produced by HAZZE MEDIA | A part of the HAZZE MEDIA Podcast Network | To Learn More, visit: www.hazzemedia.com

#culturalcompetency #therapisteducation #southasianmentalhealth #desicouples #marriagetherapy #familytherapy #therapisttraining #mentalhealth #culturallyinformedtherapy