the fem word radio
episode 1
Hosts: Monika & Natasha Samtani
Guest: Flavia
“Things are going to be hard and we need to appreciate the hard times and the dark times,” stated ever so eloquently by Flavia. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, this woman does it all. Inspired to begin her career in music following a difficult breakup, one of Flavia's goals is to have her voice connect to her fans. Listen in to our first ever radio interview where we talk success, hardships, and learning to love yourself.
episode 2
Hosts: Monika & Natasha Samtani
Guest: Rohit & Chhavi Bhargava
When it comes to freelance writing, Rohit & Chhavi Bhargava have noticed that women tend to set their rates lower for the same quality of work as men. As co-founders of Ideas Press Publishing, one of their incentives is to pay all of their writers the correct amount that coincides with their work ethic. With their platform, Rohit and Chhavi aim to publish a limited amount of books per year that incorporate persuasive storytelling. Listen our second radio interview to find out more on this dynamic duo!
episode 3
Hosts: Monika & Natasha Samtani
Guest: Erin Lowry, The Broke Millennial
On this episode we speak with Erin Lowry, founder of the Broke Millennial. Lowry has built her entire career on what her parents have taught her about being realistic with how money works from such a young age. Listen in as we discuss her second book, saving tips, and getting financially naked with your significant other.
episode 4
Hosts: Monika & Natasha Samtani
Guest: Aneesha Joshi
In this episode we speak to Aneesha Joshi, an Indian-American actress and model based in Mumbai, India. Growing up in Maryland with a father originally being from India, her cultural identity was carved out at a young age. Listen in where we discuss auditions, navigating Mumbai, and more!
episode 5
Host: Natasha Samtani
Guest: Stella Smyth
Stella Smyth is definitely a name will want to remember. The 18 year old singer, songwriter, and producer is a badass upcoming artist motivated to provide emotional support through her music. As a mental health advocate, she founded a mental health club at her high school and hopes to continue raising awareness post-grad through her songs.
episode 6
Hosts: Monika Samtani & Madlyn McAuliffe
Guest: Emily Montague
In this episode we talk to Emily and Madlyn, both contributors to The Fem Word. Listen in as we discuss must read books that toy with gender roles.
episode 7
Hosts: Monika Samtani & Natasha Samtani
Guest: Emilie Aries
Emilie Aries, the founder of “Bossed Up,” is an award winning women’s development coach among other things. In our seventh episode we talk about burnouts that come from a lack of self care and how to advocate for our own personal health. Listen to learn how to have that work-life balance and be the boss ass woman you can be
episode 8
Hosts: Monika Samtani & Natasha Samtani
Guest: Guneet Monga
Guneet Monga is a key producer of the Academy Award winning documentary, “Period. End of a Sentence.” The film takes place in a rural village outside Delhi, India and discusses a revolution against the stigma around menstruation. In this episode we discuss all that went into the seven year project and what this means going forward in educating women and men on menstruation.
episode 9
Hosts: Natasha Samtani
Guest: Amanda Rea
As a singer, songwriter, and actress, Amanda Rea moved to LA to pursue a career in Hollywood. In this episode, we discuss the journey and hard work that goes into working in the industry while being able to support oneself.
episode 10
Hosts: Natasha Samtani
Guest: Sara Spadacene
Sara Spadacene can be seen in various commercials and shows and lives in LA to pursue her career in acting. The Elon University musical theater grad discusses what being in the industry is like and how she stays motivated to achieve her goals.
episode 11
Hosts: Monika & Natasha Samtani
Guest: Tanerélle Stephens
Tanerélle Stephens is a singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, model, and actress, who isn’t afraid to show her authenticity to her fans. After moving to LA from Atlanta seven years ago, Stevens got her BFA and currently creates content as an independent artist. We discuss the social responsibility that comes with being an influential figure and how Tanerelle has found her identity through the process.
episode 12
Hosts: Monika & Natasha Samtani
Guest: Allyson Redpath
In our twelfth episode, we talk to Allyson Redpath, the founder of Citrine Angels, a DC based group that provides early stage investment opportunities and education to female investors. Growing up in DC, with an early exposure to business from her father, Redpath decided to attend Wharton business school. Listen as we discuss her educational journey that has led her to found such an amazing organization.
episode 13
Hosts: Monika Samtani
Guest: Debra Alfarone/Maimah Karmo
After losing her parents and dropping out of high school, Debra Alfarone shares her story of how she surpassed the heartache and pain that she suffered. Maimah Karmo shares her story of battling a multitude of obstacles, including being a refugee, getting struck by lightning, being held at gun point, and overcoming breast cancer. In this episode, these two powerful females express the positivity they maintained while facing adversity and share their insight on overcoming challenges that are presented in life.
episode 14
Hosts: Monika & Natasha Samtani
Guest: Ashley Kechian
In our fourteenth episode, we speak with Ashley Kechian about her career in content production, comedy writing, and stand up comedy. She discovered her love for film in New York, and moved out west to dive into her career. After attending college in California, she began building her career behind the camera and through her ability to bring out laughter in others. Listen as we hear Kechian explain being a woman in a male dominated job and talk about her passion for the comedy world.
episode 15
Hosts: Monika & Natasha Samtani
Guest: Deprise Brazel
Deprise Brazel pursued her law degree and landed her dream job as a Music Attorney. In this episode, Brazel discusses the importance of doing what you love and letting your ambitions guide you to becoming powerful. Listen as we hear more about Brazel's role in the music industry and the path she took to making her goals a reality.
episode 16
Hosts: Monika Samtani & Emily Montague
Guest: Monika Samtani & Emily Montague
In this episode, we hear from the co-founder of The Fem Word, Monika Samtani, and a contributer and staff writer to The Fem Word, Emily Montague. Together, they discuss a range of ways that females are currently empowering other women in society. Listen as we discuss everything from television series to the founder of GIRL.STRONG.
episode 17
Hosts: Monika & Natasha Samtani
Guest: Monika & Natasha Samtani
Monika and Natasha Samtani, the co-founders of The Fem Word and a mother daughter duo, go in depth about their lives at the age of 27. Natasha, a current 27-year-old, gains insight from her mother as to the differences that existed when she was her daughter's age. This powerful pair shares wisdom about career choices and comparison struggles due to the media.
episode 18
Hosts: Monika Samtani & Emily Montague
Guest: Chloe Gillespie & Caroline O'Rourke
In our eighteenth episode, we take a closer look at sorority life on a college campus. Chloe Gillespie and Caroline O'Rourke, two juniors at Elon University, help us to reveal the truths behind greek life. Listen as we hear Gillespie and O'Rourke break the stigmas associated with greek organizations to help create a positive impression on sororities.
episode 19
Hosts: Monika Samtani & Emily Montague
Guest: Prerna Pickett
Prerna Pickett, author of If You Only Knew, shares her insight into the human experience that her characters go through. Listen as Pickett discusses the values and social norms that her characters endure in her new novel.
episode 20
Hosts: Monika Samtani
Guest: Priyanka Shetty
In her play, The Elephant In the Room, Priyanka Shetty shares her story about embracing her Indian heritage in the United States. Starring as the lead and solo actor, she shares the truths of overcoming predjudice in America to deliver a powerful story.
episode 21
Hosts: Monika Samtani
Guest: Tanvi Gandhi
Hindi Film Producer, Tanvi Gandhi, talks about dealing with the COVID-19 lockdown in India, the effect on women, and how Indians are staying positive during the quarantine. Listen as we hear how the global pandemic is affecting one of the world's most populated countries.
episode 22
Host: Monika Samtani
Guest: Je'net Kreitner
Je’net Kreitner is the founder of Grandma's House of Hope with 17 homeless shelters in Orange County, CA. The mission is to end homelessness and hunger in Orange County. And during COVID-19 the staff is working even harder to ensure the safety of those in most in need.
episode 23
Host: Monika Samtani
Guest: Patricia Nzolantima, Founder, Working Women’s Hub
Patricia Nzolantima is advocating for women's economic empowerment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during COVID-19 and beyond..
As the founder of Working Ladies Hub, her focus during the coronavirus has been to train women in the Congo to start their own business and become 'Women of the Future'.
episode 24
Host: Natasha Samtani
Guest: Dr. Sameer Samtani
It's a candid sit down 'AMA' chat between The Fem Word co-founder Natasha Samtani and Dr. Sameer Samtani - her dad - about (almost) everything. Dr. Samtani is a radiologist and also gives an interesting perspective about working on the frontlines during Covid-19
episode 25
Host: Monika Samtani
Guest: Diana Hosford
Diana Hosford is the Vice President of Sports & Entertainment for TAPS, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). This organization provides comfort, care, and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. Now, as COVID-19 has impacted lives all over the globe, Diana and the TAPS team have pivoted provide care to those in need all across America. She discusses her experiences with TAPS, as well as her own battles with loss and adversity.
episode 26
Host: Natasha & Monika Samtani
Guest: Sandy Alibo & Kuukua Eshun
Sandy Alibo and Kuukua Eshun are the Co-Founders of Skate Gal Club, the first club connecting & empowering girls and women in Ghana through skateboarding. Sandy and Kuukua tell us that skateboarding is more than just a sport, it's a social environment in which women can dare to be vulnerable..and lift each other up through this inspiring community.
episode 27
Host: Monika Samtani
Guest: Andrea Roane & Dr. Linda McGhee
Dr. Linda McGhee is a clinical psychologist who speaks about disparities, treatment, and race. Andrea Roane is an award-winning journalist. With the current state of affairs in our country right now, they discuss what non-black people can do to be better advocates for the Black Lives Matter movement.
episode 28
Host: Natasha & Monika Samtani
Guest: Laura McKinney
Laura McKinney graduated as the student body president of Penn State University - and had the added responsibility of uplifting her peers during COVID-19. Monika and Natasha Samtani catch up with The Fem Word’s first intern about these unusual times, and her work with Haitian families during the pandemic.
episode 29
Host: Monika Samtani & Kamryn Testa
Guest: Leslie Lee
Artist Leslie Lee set out to raise awareness of the U.S. gunfire epidemic and founded the Soul Box Project, which collects and exhibits thousands of hand-folded origami boxes. Each box honors one victim, offering healing through art for those seeking solace, and visual support for all initiatives working for a safer, more civil society.
episode 30
Host: Monika Samtani
Guest: Ananya Birla
She’s a platinum recording artist, leads a micro-lending firm, and founded a mental health foundation. The Fem Word’s Monika Samtani has a powerful and candid conversation with Ananya Birla. She may be a billionaire’s daughter, but at age 25, she is blazing her own path and using her platform to lift others.
Host: Monika Samtani
Guest: Farah Alibay
Farah Alibay is conquering Mars and bringing women along with her. The Fem Word's Monika Samtani speaks with this trailblazing NASA engineer about her cool career and even cooler ambition to rise to the top.