

The Zarna Garg Family Podcast
Family dinner table talk is dead. The new hangout for families is a shared WhatsApp message, it's a YouTube link, it's a forwarded TikTok. Join me in my new living room on The Zarna Garg Family Podcast, with my family members and other guests, as we explore modern life's most pressing issues like a modern family - through our own podcast.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 8, 2024 • 44min
Veggie Vendetta & Meat Mayhem
How does a lifelong vegetarian navigate raising kids in America while her husband embraces meat diets? Join us as we tackle this family feud, with Shalabh young conversion to meat-eating and our daughter Zoya’s yoga-inspired veganism. We dive into the environmental impact of our diets, from factory farming to shocking vegetarian eco-costs, and share practical tips for healthier plant-based protein diets. Reflecting on our journey in parenting and feeding our kids, we discuss the challenge of instilling good dietary habits early while keeping our sanity intact.
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Jul 1, 2024 • 38min
Pets As Family
Ever wondered how your childhood shapes your pet ownership views? Zarna's Indian upbringing clashed with her husband Shalabh's fond memories of a childhood dog, leading their kids to get involved in the debate. The Garg family tackles societal norms that shove pet responsibilities onto moms, dream up futuristic robot pets, and dive into the ethics of adopting vs. breeding. And of course, join us for the conversation as we navigate the murky waters of pets as property vs. family.
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Jun 24, 2024 • 35min
A Tale of TV Debates
On today’s episode, the Garg family clashes over wildly different entertainment tastes. From dad’s new obsession with "Gossip Girl" to heated debates on "Squid Games" subtitles, it’s chaos. Relive childhood traumas with crocodile attacks from "Kumbhari Mang" and mom’s dramatic "Urta Punjab" scare tactic, and dive into all our favorite shows, guilty pleasures, and TV wars.
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Jun 17, 2024 • 42min
Family Bonds and Fatherly Wisdom
Tune into this week’s Father's Day special, where my husband Shalabh and our kids dish out the messy truth about fatherhood. Laugh at Zoya's gym adventures with her dad, his desire to look all buff and big for you viewers, and Shalabh’s epic fails at balancing work and family chaos. We explore South Asian stereotypes as Shalabh encourages our daughter to speak her mind and defies the traditional Indian dad mold...something I’m still deciding whether or not I appreciate.
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Jun 10, 2024 • 37min
A Family That Self Cares
Imagine a family dynamic where your California-based daughter is living off of green smoothies, while Indian immigrant mother is strapping her fitness watch to her youngest son to get those steps in, as she takes her fourth nap of the day. Self-care means a few different things for the Garg family. Tune into the banter as we navigate self-care in our South Asian x American home, financial stability, and the chaos of family life.
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Jun 3, 2024 • 38min
Can Your Parents Be Your Friends?
Can parents and kids ever be true friends? On this episode, we tackle the cultural contrasts between American and Indian parenting, the delicate balance between support and overbearing control, and the trials of sharing personal details within a family.
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May 28, 2024 • 44min
Interracial Romance
Ever wonder how love can transcend cultural boundaries? Pull up a chair as we navigate the blending of cultures, parental expectations, and the awkward rundown on safe intimate practices. Between immigrant parents and opinionated kids, the conversation is no short of a roller coaster.
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May 20, 2024 • 42min
Fitness & Family
Exploring South Asian fitness culture, debunking walking as sufficient exercise, the power of music and weightlifting, impact of alcohol on muscle growth, incorporating lifestyle choices for exercise support, prioritizing protein and yogurt trends, significance of apparel and grooming in fitness, navigating peer pressure for health and fitness.

May 13, 2024 • 46min
Let's Roast Mom
Pull up a chair at the family dinner table, where Zarna and her family dive headfirst into the world of birth order dynamics. From the bossy eldest to the peacekeeper middle child and the rebellious youngest, they hash out 'middle child syndrome,' debate whether parental discipline is fair play, and reminisce about the sheer madness of growing up Garg-style. With enough sibling banter to rival a sitcom, this episode is an…interesting…peek into the Garg family life.
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May 6, 2024 • 43min
The 'I Do' Deadline
A battle between parents and their college-bound daughter over marriage timing, including cultural clashes, arranged marriages, and extravagant weddings. Reflecting on the challenges of balancing personal development with family obligations, inspired by public figures like the Kardashians. Exploring the complexities of marriage decisions, career aspirations, and personal fulfillment, while navigating traditional South Asian marriage traditions and family dynamics.