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What if being a “good woman” means giving up the life you actually want? Iranian-born world biker, fashion designer, and mother Maral Yazarloo refuses to accept that.

Her belief is simple: you can love your family without losing yourself.

In this powerful episode of Flirting with a Fish, Maral Yazarloo challenges society’s expectations of women, motherhood, freedom, and identity. From riding motorcycles across the world to raising her daughter according to her own values, she opens up about why she refuses to live by society’s rules or feel guilty for choosing herself.

Maral is not trying to break stereotypes. She simply refuses to let them decide how she lives.

We explore what it means to be a mother and still pursue your ambitions, why women are conditioned to be “good girls,” and how financial independence can give women the freedom to make their own choices. Maral also shares her experiences growing up in Iran, being arrested for wearing nail polish, navigating cultural identity in India, and living with the emotional weight of events affecting her home country.

She speaks candidly about motherhood, personal boundaries, social media, raising children in a world driven by attention, and why your child should learn that their own dreams and happiness matter, too.

IN THIS EPISODE:
- Why Maral refuses to feel guilty for living life on her own terms
- Motherhood, motorcycle riding, and the pressure on women to sacrifice their identities
- What does it really mean to be a “good girl”?
- Why women need financial independence to have a voice
- Growing up Iranian and the experiences that shaped her perspective
- Social conditioning, fashion, identity, and refusing to fit in
- Why she chose to keep parts of her pregnancy and family life private
- How to move forward when fear, uncertainty, and pain hold you back
- Why being kind matters more than being obedient
- The importance of teaching the next generation to choose their own path

CHAPTERS
00:00:00 - Trailer

00:01:52 - How I Became a Rider

00:04:43 - Living Life Without an Agenda

00:06:51 - Learning to Put Myself First

00:09:05 - The Problem with Society's Agenda

00:10:04 - The Iranian Good Girl Stereotype

00:10:44 - Struggling to Fit into Society

00:13:58 - The Dark Side of Celebrity Culture

00:15:55 - My Core Values for Life

00:17:42 - How I Push Through Hard Times

00:18:53 - The Cost of Self-Sacrifice

00:19:51 - Why I Don't Understand Drama

00:20:26 - My Relationship with Money

00:21:55 - Desi Firangi: My Identity Crisis

00:24:12 - The Truth About Social Media Posts

00:25:48 - What Pain Really Means

00:27:50 - What It's Really Like Being Iranian

00:32:16 - Why I Chose to Live in India

00:33:19 - Take Full Responsibility for Your Life

00:37:08 - The Horrific Rishikesh Incident with My Friend

If you've ever felt pressured to fit into society's expectations of what a woman, mother, wife, or daughter should be, this conversation is for you.

💬 Join the conversation: What does being a “good woman” mean to you? Should women ever have to feel guilty for choosing themselves? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Subscribe to Flirting with a Fish for honest conversations about identity, relationships, culture, ambition, society, and the experiences that challenge how we see the world.

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About Flirting With a Fish:
"Flirting With a Fish" is where unconventional stories meet unapologetic brilliance. This podcast celebrates individuals who dare to be different, remain committed, and redefine success in their unique ways. Expect candid humor, deep insights, and lessons that inspire change.

Follow Sonia Swaroop Choksi on:
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LinkedIn: 🔗 /soniaswaroopchoksi

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What if becoming a star actually means having fewer choices?

In this episode of Flirting with a Fish, Bollywood actor and writer Aditya Rawal talks about the difference between being an actor and becoming a star, and why fame can sometimes limit the freedom to experiment.

Aditya Rawal opens up about choosing unconventional characters, playing morally complex roles, and why he believes actors should understand their characters rather than judge them.

The conversation also explores how cinema theatres are losing their dominance as audiences move between OTT platforms, YouTube, social media, creators and streaming.

From acting and stardom to fame, power, ambition, fear and AI, Aditya shares an honest perspective on what it really means to build a long-term career as an actor.

He also talks about his work in Faraz and Daldal, character preparation, researching difficult roles, addiction, theatre and the connection between writing and acting.

What is real power? Does having more fame actually give you more freedom? And would you rather be known as a star or remembered as a great actor?

If you love Bollywood, Indian cinema, acting, filmmaking, storytelling and behind-the-scenes conversations with actors, this episode is for you.

Podcast Chapters

00:00:00 Trailer
00:01:51 How He Chooses His Roles
00:05:58 Losing Dominance of Cinema Theatres
00:07:18 Limitations of Being a Star
00:08:08 Star vs Actor
00:09:40 Judging the Character
00:11:09 Obsession for Work
00:11:46 What Scares Him
00:12:58 What Is Power?
00:16:42 What Is Ambition?
00:20:30 What Is Addiction?
00:21:58 Doing a Character With No Reference

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Follow Flirting With a Fish:
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Twitter: 🐦 /flirtingwa_fish
YouTube: /FlirtingWithAFish

About Flirting With a Fish:
"Flirting With a Fish" is where unconventional stories meet unapologetic brilliance. This podcast celebrates individuals who dare to be different, remain committed, and redefine success in their unique ways. Expect candid humor, deep insights, and lessons that inspire change.

Follow Sonia Swaroop Choksi on:
Instagram: 📷 /sonia.swaroop.choksi
Facebook: 🔵 /soniaswaroopchoksi
LinkedIn: 🔗 /soniaswaroopchoksi

Send us Fan Mail

Why does India’s education system keep changing with every government? And why is meaningful education reform so difficult to sustain?

In this episode of Flirting With A Fish, Gitanjali J Angmo questions the way education works in India from primary education and assessment to political influence, changing education policies and the challenges of building long-term reform.

We explore whether India’s education system is actually preparing children for the future, or simply continuing an old model focused on marks, degrees and conventional careers. The conversation also looks at the role of parents and teachers, and why education at home and in the early years can shape a child’s entire future.

But this conversation goes beyond schools and classrooms.

We discuss Hindu traditions, Hindutva, religious division, Indian philosophy, parenting, Swadharma, career choices and the pressure that pushes children into the same competitive race for success.

And then comes the bigger question: What happens when AI changes the jobs our children are preparing for?

As artificial intelligence reshapes the future of work, should education focus less on memorising information and more on independent thinking, self-understanding, creativity, intuition and human abilities?

Ms.Gitanjali also explores why parents may need to rethink how they define success, why children should have the freedom to discover their own path, and how the idea of Swadharma offers a different perspective on education, purpose and career.

This is a deeper conversation about India’s education system, education reform, children, parenting, Indian traditions, AI, employment, career choices and the future of learning.

Podcast Chapters-
00:00:00 - Podcast Trailer
00:02:09 - Questioning Hindutva
00:04:14 - Navratri vs Roza
00:05:32 - Wonder Why Hindus Abandon Their Own Traditions?
00:08:03 - Who Benefits From Religious Division?
00:10:47 - How We Failed In Primary Education
00:11:58 - Why Education Should Never Be Political
00:12:59 - India Is Not Poor, We Have Poor Minds In Power
00:14:16 - How Our Own System Is Exploiting Us
00:15:43 - What Does Our Education System Really Focus On?
00:23:46 - What Is True Success? Understanding Swadharma
00:26:29 - Why Parents Need Education First
00:29:21 - The Flaw In Our Assessment System
00:32:16 - How To Challenge Your Fear
00:35:33 - What Should India Fix First: Education or Employment?

Watch the full conversation and decide for yourself: what should India fix first education or employment?

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Follow Flirting With a Fish:
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About Flirting With a Fish:
"Flirting With a Fish" is where unconventional stories meet unapologetic brilliance. This podcast celebrates individuals who dare to be different, remain committed, and redefine success in their unique ways. Expect candid humor, deep insights, and lessons that inspire change.

Follow Sonia Swaroop Choksi on:
Instagram: 📷 /sonia.swaroop.choksi
Facebook: 🔵 /soniaswaroopchoksi
LinkedIn: 🔗 /soniaswaroopchoksi

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What really happens when you go under anesthesia during surgery?
How is the right anesthesia dosage decided, what happens to your brain and body, and how do anesthesiologists keep you safe throughout an operation?

In this video, Dr. Dhirja Sharma, Anesthesiologist, explains the science and safety behind anesthesia in a simple and practical way.

From anesthesia dosage and awareness during surgery to the Pre-Anesthesia Checkup (PAC), medical history, medications, allergies, sleep apnea, and pre-surgery testing, this conversation covers what every patient should know before undergoing surgery.

If you or someone you know has an upcoming surgery, understanding how anesthesia works and how anesthesiologists prepare for potential risks, can help you feel more informed and prepared.

⚠️ Important: This video is for health education and general information. Your anesthesiologist will determine the safest anesthesia plan based on your individual health, medical history, medications, allergies, and type of surgery.

What You’ll Learn

• How anesthesia dosage is determined
• How body composition and lean body mass can influence anesthesia dosing
• What happens to consciousness during general anesthesia
• Can you wake up or become aware during surgery?
• Why anesthesia has potential risks
• What happens during a **Pre-Anesthesia Checkup (PAC)**
• Why your complete medical history matters
• Why you must disclose all medications and supplements
• How smoking and alcohol can affect anesthesia planning
• Why sleep apnea is important before anesthesia
• How anesthesiologists monitor patients during surgery
• Why pre-operative tests may be recommended
• How allergies affect anesthesia and medication choices
• What patients should know before surgery

👍 If you found this episode valuable, don't forget to Like, Share, Comment, and Subscribe for more expert conversations on health, medicine, psychology, business, and personal growth.

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Follow Flirting With a Fish:
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Twitter: 🐦 /flirtingwa_fish
YouTube: /FlirtingWithAFish

About Flirting With a Fish:
"Flirting With a Fish" is where unconventional stories meet unapologetic brilliance. This podcast celebrates individuals who dare to be different, remain committed, and redefine success in their unique ways. Expect candid humor, deep insights, and lessons that inspire change.

Follow Sonia Swaroop Choksi on:
Instagram: 📷 /sonia.swaroop.choksi
Facebook: 🔵 /soniaswaroopchoksi
LinkedIn: 🔗 /soniaswaroopchoksi

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Are your everyday habits quietly damaging your hearing, sleep, breathing, and long-term health?

In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Rajesh Bhardwaj, a leading ENT Specialist with over 45 years of clinical experience, to uncover the hidden health risks of modern lifestyles. From earbuds, snoring, sleep apnea, mouth breathing, and throat problems to hearing loss, tinnitus, and the science behind healthy ears, nose, and throat, this conversation is packed with practical, evidence-informed insights.

We also discuss why many everyday habits go unnoticed until they start affecting your hearing, sleep quality, breathing, and overall well-being. If you use earphones daily, snore at night, struggle with poor sleep, or experience recurring ENT issues, this episode is for you.

🎙️ In this episode, you'll discover:

✅ Why earbuds can damage your hearing if used incorrectly
✅ The 40-20 rule for safer headphone use
✅ Why snoring and sleep apnea should never be ignored
✅ The hidden dangers of mouth breathing
✅ How noise pollution affects your hearing, heart, and brain
✅ Common ear-cleaning myths you should stop believing
✅ Why loss of smell can sometimes be an important warning sign
✅ Everyday habits that may be harming your ears, nose, throat, and sleep

Whether you're a student, working professional, parent, fitness enthusiast, or someone who wears headphones every day, this conversation will help you understand how small lifestyle changes can make a big difference.

👍 If you found this episode valuable, don't forget to Like, Share, Comment, and Subscribe for more expert conversations on health, medicine, psychology, business, and personal growth.

Watch the full episode on Youtube- https://youtu.be/Xu6xPqBvvbc

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Follow Flirting With a Fish:
Instagram: 📷 /flirting_with_a_fish
Twitter: 🐦 /flirtingwa_fish
YouTube: /FlirtingWithAFish

About Flirting With a Fish:
"Flirting With a Fish" is where unconventional stories meet unapologetic brilliance. This podcast celebrates individuals who dare to be different, remain committed, and redefine success in their unique ways. Expect candid humor, deep insights, and lessons that inspire change.

Follow Sonia Swaroop Choksi on:
Instagram: 📷 /sonia.swaroop.choksi
Facebook: 🔵 /soniaswaroopchoksi
LinkedIn: 🔗 /soniaswaroopchoksi

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What really gets an MBA graduate a ₹30 LPA package?

In this episode of Flirting With A Fish, Sonia Swaroop Choksi speaks with Mr. Rajesh Chakrabarti, former Director of MDI Gurgaon and former faculty at ISB, about what truly drives success in India's top business schools.

From IIMs and ISB to CAT, GMAT, placements, alumni networks, recruiter psychology, and MBA ROI, this conversation explores why some graduates land exceptional opportunities while others with the same MBA degree don't. They also discuss whether top B-schools create great talent or simply identify it, why work experience matters, and how ISB changed management education in India.

If you're considering an MBA or want to understand what recruiters actually value beyond grades, rankings, and placement packages, this episode offers practical insights to help you make more informed career decisions.

Support the show

Follow Flirting With a Fish:
Instagram: 📷 /flirting_with_a_fish
Twitter: 🐦 /flirtingwa_fish
YouTube: /FlirtingWithAFish

About Flirting With a Fish:
"Flirting With a Fish" is where unconventional stories meet unapologetic brilliance. This podcast celebrates individuals who dare to be different, remain committed, and redefine success in their unique ways. Expect candid humor, deep insights, and lessons that inspire change.

Follow Sonia Swaroop Choksi on:
Instagram: 📷 /sonia.swaroop.choksi
Facebook: 🔵 /soniaswaroopchoksi
LinkedIn: 🔗 /soniaswaroopchoksi

Send us Fan Mail

What if India's biggest challenge isn't war, but perception?

In this episode of Flirting With A Fish, we are joined by Ram Divedi, Economic Warfare Operator, Geopolitician, and Founder of Kutniti Foundation, for a deep conversation on how global narratives shape a nation's image, economy, and influence.

Ram explains the concept of narrative warfare, discussing how media, social platforms, and information campaigns can influence international perception. The conversation explores topics such as India's global reputation, geopolitics, Western media coverage, social media narratives, foreign policy, and why perception has become a strategic asset in the modern world.

*In this episode, we discuss:*

* What is narrative warfare?
* Is India's global image being shaped by media narratives?
* How social media influences international perception
* India's rise as a global power
* Information warfare and geopolitics
* The role of media in shaping public opinion
* Why perception matters for tourism, investment, and diplomacy


If you're interested in geopolitics, international relations, media, economics, and India's global future, this episode is for you.

Guest: Ram Divedi
Economic Warfare Operator | Geopolitician | Founder, Kutniti Foundation

Don't forget to Like, Share, Comment, and Subscribe for more conversations that challenge conventional thinking.

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Support the show

Follow Flirting With a Fish:
Instagram: 📷 /flirting_with_a_fish
Twitter: 🐦 /flirtingwa_fish
YouTube: /FlirtingWithAFish

About Flirting With a Fish:
"Flirting With a Fish" is where unconventional stories meet unapologetic brilliance. This podcast celebrates individuals who dare to be different, remain committed, and redefine success in their unique ways. Expect candid humor, deep insights, and lessons that inspire change.

Follow Sonia Swaroop Choksi on:
Instagram: 📷 /sonia.swaroop.choksi
Facebook: 🔵 /soniaswaroopchoksi
LinkedIn: 🔗 /soniaswaroopchoksi