Fearless Fireside Chats

#08 The Real Impact of Cancer on Mental Health in the South Asian Community

This episode is for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer. In this raw and deeply personal Fearless Fireside Chat, we break down the emotional and mental toll cancer takes, especially within South Asian communities where stigma often silences open conversations.
Our special guest, Sam Suriakumar, shares his journey from being diagnosed with a brain tumour just before the pandemic in February 2020. Sam talks about navigating the shock of life-changing news, breaking cultural taboos around mental health, and finding resilience when everything feels uncertain.
We explore:
The unique struggles South Asian men face when discussing illness and mental health
How to dismantle harmful cultural stigmas
The importance of building strong support networks
Resilience, recovery, and the courage to keep moving forward
This isn’t just about surviving — it’s about thriving through the toughest times and finding strength in vulnerability.
Why you should watch or listen:
Honest insights into mental health challenges faced by South Asian cancer patients
Practical tips for building emotional resilience
Stories of hope and inspiration that break down societal barriers
Resources:
Read more about Sam's story on his blog⁠
Brain Tumour Research
Macmillan Cancer Support
Don’t miss this powerful episode — it’s time to shatter stigmas and inspire change.
Let me know what you thought of the podcast in the comments 💬, and also give it a thumbs up if you like it 👍🏾 and do not forget to subscribe.
You can also find me on⏰ TikTok📸 Instagram

#07 Redefining Wealth: From Money Myths to Financial Freedom

When was the last time you talked about money without fear? In this powerful episode, we get into the deep-rooted beliefs and societal taboos that shape our financial habits. Join Money Coach, Vig as we make room to have those hard but honest conversations around money and really learn how to reshape your mindset to align with your values.
What You’ll Learn:
How emotions like fear and guilt affect your finances
Practical tips to set and smash financial goals
The truth about financial freedom—myth or reality?
How to make smarter, value-based money choices
Freebie Alert:
Understand where your money is going each month and whether it is working FOR you or AGAINST you!
Download your FREE ‘Roadmap to Wealth’ template from Vig to help you level set on where you’re at now financially and where you want to go.
This is your wake-up call to break free from financial fear and take control of your money mindset. Empower yourself with actionable insights to build a healthier, more confident financial future.
You can also find me on
⏰ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@fearlessfiresidechats
📸 Instagram - www.instagram.com/fearlessfiresidechats
Let me know what you thought of the podcast in the comments 💬, and also give it a thumbs up if you like it 👍🏾 and do not forget to subscribe.

#06 The Unspoken Weight: Breaking the Silence Around Grief and Loss

Grief. It’s raw, messy, and often swept under the rug by cultural norms and societal expectations. In this powerful episode of Fearless Fireside Chats, we’re smashing through the silence to have the conversations that matter most.
Ramiya opens up about the pain of losing her dad as a teenager, sharing the unspoken challenges of navigating loss at such a formative age. Joining her is the incredible Sita Patel, a South Asian baby loss advocate and host of the Grieving Hearts podcast, who courageously shares her story of losing her son, Arjun, during labour due to hospital negligence.
Together, we dive deep into:
The cultural stigmas around grief and the pressure to “move on.”
The emotional toll of invalidated grief and why silence only deepens the pain.
Sita’s raw journey of remembrance, healing, and advocacy in the wake of unimaginable loss.
Practical ways to support those grieving—what to say, what not to say, and how to simply be there.
This episode isn’t just about loss; it’s about resilience, love, and breaking taboos. It’s about normalising grief as a part of life and empowering everyone to have these vital conversations, no matter how uncomfortable.
Whether you’re grieving, supporting someone who is, or curious about how cultural dynamics impact our ability to mourn openly, this episode offers real, actionable insights to navigate the journey of loss with grace and authenticity.
Let’s rewrite the narrative around grief—one honest conversation at a time.
Find Support and Resources:
If you or someone you know is navigating grief, you don’t have to do it alone. Here are some incredible organisations offering support:
General Grief Support
Cruse Bereavement Support (UK): cruse.org.uk | Helpline: 0808 808 1677
Mind (UK): mind.org.uk | Resources for mental health and grief
GriefShare (Worldwide): griefshare.org
Grieving.com (Worldwide): grieving.com | Online grief forums
Good Grief Trust (UK): thegoodgrieftrust.org
Compassionate Friends (Worldwide): compassionatefriends.org | Support for bereaved parents
Baby Loss Support
Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity - UK): sands.org.uk | Helpline: 0808 164 3332
Tommy’s (UK): tommys.org | Pregnancy and baby loss support
International Stillbirth Alliance: stillbirthalliance.org
You’re not alone, and support is always within reach.

#05 Beyond Dragons’ Den: Conquering Self-Doubt, Building Resilience, Finding Balance & Achieving Goals

The one with the Dragon Slayer! We are sitting down with Lottie Whyte, the unstoppable CEO and co-founder of MyoMaster, the UK’s fastest-growing wellness brand.
Lottie took MyoMaster to Dragons’ Den, facing off with investors and landing funding to supercharge her business. But her journey is about much more than investment—it’s about resilience, overcoming challenges, and redefining success.
Lottie shares her inspiring journey of starting MyoMaster from her kitchen table while balancing the demands of motherhood, shedding light on the real struggles faced by women entrepreneurs. We dive deep into her insights on navigating entrepreneurship, overcoming limiting beliefs, and embracing fear as a growth tool. Lottie’s story is a masterclass in resilience, offering invaluable lessons on building a successful business while maintaining work-life balance.
This episode is packed with practical advice and exercises for anyone seeking personal growth, battling self-doubt, or striving to achieve big goals. Discover how to balance career and family, reject societal expectations, and build a supportive network that lifts you up.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a working parent, or just looking to challenge your own limitations, this episode will empower you to take bold steps towards your dreams. Tune in to gain actionable insights on resilience, personal growth, and how to create your own version of success.
Please feel free to leave feedback, and also give it a thumbs up if you like it, share it, and do not forget to subscribe.
You can also find me on
⏰ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@fearlessfiresidechats
📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fearlessfiresidechats
🌍 Website - http://www.ramiyas.com

#04 Breaking the Silence: Navigating ADHD, Mental Health and The Shame in Diaspora Communities

Shhh... "Don't talk about mental health or ADHD - we're brown!"
Welcome to another empowering episode of Fearless Fireside Chats, where we challenge the cultural taboos surrounding mental health and ADHD in underrepresented communities.
This week, we sit down with Mel, who bravely opens up about her personal journey with ADHD, tackling cultural stigmas and embracing self-acceptance along the way.
Mel’s experience sheds light on the often-overlooked complexities of ADHD, moving beyond clinical labels to address the profound impact of societal pressures on mental well-being. Together, we’re smashing the silence that shrouds mental health discussions in South Asian and diasporic communities, offering hope and practical insights for those feeling isolated in their struggles.
In this open, raw discussion, we delve into the transformative power of therapy, the vital role of community support, and the courage it takes to break free from generational cycles of shame. This episode is not just about sharing stories—it's about redefining our mental health narratives, embracing vulnerability, and advocating for a world where mental well-being is a fundamental right for everyone.
Tune in for a candid conversation that encourages us all to redefine our mental health narratives, embrace vulnerability, and build a world where mental well-being is a right, not a luxury.
Please feel free to leave feedback, and also give it a thumbs up if you like it, share it, and do not forget to subscribe.
You can also find me on
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@fearlessfiresidechats
Instagram - www.instagram.com/fearlessfiresidechats
Website - http://www.ramiyas.com
Looking for more support - you can always drop me a message but here are some useful websites:
Mind: A leading mental health charity that provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem. mind.org.uk
Samaritans: Offers a free 24/7 helpline for anyone in emotional distress or crisis, providing confidential support. samaritans.org
Rethink Mental Illness: Provides advice, information, and support for people affected by mental illness, including a helpline and local services. rethink.org
NHS Mental Health Services: Offers information on mental health conditions, treatments, and where to find help in the NHS.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/ 
ADHD Foundation: A charity dedicated to supporting individuals with ADHD, providing resources, guidance, and information on ADHD management. adhdfoundation.org.uk
Calm Harm (App): A free app designed to help people manage self-harm urges. calmharm.co.uk
Headspace (App): Offers guided meditation and mindfulness practices to support mental well-being. headspace.com
BetterHelp (Online Therapy): Provides online therapy with licensed therapists, accessible globally. betterhelp.com
Talkspace (Online Therapy): An online platform connecting users with licensed therapists for mental health support. talkspace.com
7 Cups (Online Support): Provides free online chat support and therapy services for mental health issues. 7cups.com

#03 Unmasking Microaggressions: Owning Identity and Culture

In this episode we are tackling microaggressions, identity, and culture head-on.
Pavneet Khurana, an organisational psychologist, breaks down the subtle yet damaging ways prejudice creeps into our daily lives and workspaces.
Through raw storytelling, we reveal how these "paper cuts" of bias stack up, causing deep harm. Pavneet shares how self-awareness and curiosity can shift these dynamics, and the tough process of unlearning ingrained behaviours.
We dive into leadership, fear, and the challenge of showing up authentically in spaces that don’t always welcome us. From reclaiming names to unpacking diversity and inclusion in the workplace, this episode pushes us to rethink the environments we build and live in.
Join us for a conversation that isn’t just talk—it’s a call to action. Break barriers, embrace diversity, and make room for real change.
Please feel free to leave feedback, and also give it a thumbs up if you like it, share it, and do not forget to subscribe.
You can also find me on
TikTok - @ramiyas_x
Instagram - @fearlessfiresidechats
Website - http://www.ramiyas.com

#02 The Power of Vulnerability: Embracing Your True Self

Are you ready to explore self-acceptance and the art of truly knowing yourself? You’re in the right place. We are diving deep into the heart of self-growth and transformation with Alieu Fofanah, the ultimate serial experimenter.
Ever asked yourself what legacy you'll leave behind? Alieu opens up with raw honesty, sharing his unique take on life, purpose, and legacy. Through powerful, real-life stories, he walks us through resilience, vulnerability, and the relentless pursuit of self-discovery.
We unpack the challenges of hiding your true self — especially at work — and why setting boundaries is essential. Alieu’s candid reflections on burnout shed light on how to recognise, prevent, and overcome it. You’ll walk away with practical insights that could transform the way you approach your mental and emotional health.
From toxic relationships to the power of vulnerability, Alieu gets real. He says it how it is - his unfiltered approach will have you rethinking the way you navigate life’s toughest moments. This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a bold invitation to embrace your authentic self, set boundaries, and live unapologetically.
Don’t miss this episode—it’s packed with game-changing moments that will leave you inspired and ready to break free from the status quo. Tune in now, reflect, and join us in the movement to make every voice heard.
Enjoy the episode, and make sure to subscribe to Fearless Fireside Chats for more fearless, no-holds-barred conversations.
Please feel free to leave feedback, and also give it a thumbs up if you like it, share it, and do not forget to subscribe.
You can also find me on
TikTok - @ramiyas_x
Instagram - @fearlessfiresidechats
Website - http://www.ramiyas.com

#01 Why This Podcast Exists: Raw Truths on Burnout, Growth, Self-Discovery and Living with Purpose

In this first episode, I’m sharing my own personal journey – from surviving burnout (twice!) to discovering myself and navigating the highs and lows of motherhood during a pandemic.
This podcast was created for those of us who face real-life struggles but rarely get the chance to talk about them openly.
In this episode, I’ll break down why vulnerability, resilience, and growth are key to overcoming life’s toughest moments. If you’re a parent, career-driven, chasing your dreams, or just on a journey of self-discovery, this podcast is for you.
Through raw, authentic conversations, we’re uncovering the truth about what it really takes to thrive, from balancing work and family life to overcoming limiting beliefs. Whether you’re looking for advice on how to grow professionally, become more resilient, or simply feel validated in your experiences, Fearless Fireside Chats is your go-to space.
Join me as we talk with everyday people who have extraordinary stories and insights to share. If you’re passionate about personal development, mental health, self-improvement, or finding your purpose, you’ll love this podcast.
So, sit back and hit that subscribe button. Follow Fearless Fireside Chats for weekly episodes packed with real talk, practical advice, and inspiration to fuel your journey. Together, we’re building a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered.
Please feel free to leave feedback, and also give it a thumbs up if you like it, share it, and do not forget to subscribe. You can also find me on
TikTok - @ramiyas_x
Instagram - @fearlessfiresidechats
Website - http://www.ramiyas.com