Dead Talk

Deep, Down & Desi

In the last episode of this series, Saima and Maleena talk about the power of talking. Grief can be one of the biggest tests to your mental health. So is there a ‘right’ way to cope with loss? They invite Rabbil to the café to hear his story about how he lost his Aunt and his subsequent struggles with depression. Hypnotherapist Dipti then joins them to give her professional opinion and chat about her own story of grief that inspired her career as a mental health practitioner. Saima opened Masala Wala cafe with her family, a small Pakistani restaurant that serves her mother’s recipes with love and charm. Out of nowhere, she was diagnosed with incurable lung cancer, before she even turned 30. Her life has been dramatically cut short - without treatment, she wouldn’t be here today. After dealing with her diagnosis, she talks frankly on how she’s getting over dying, so she can get on with living. Maleena, a Journalist and Producer, lost her brother when they were both teenagers, after a long battle with leukemia. As she became an adult, her father passed away suddenly and without warning. She shares openly what it’s like growing up with grief, the guilt of being left behind and how her identity as a British Asian was tested to its limits. Together, they bond over their unique perspectives on life and death and ponder the ultimate question - why? Join them for their chat over a cup of chai - this could be the most important podcast of your afterlife...

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this programme you can find support at the BBC Action line for bereavement: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4MmhHDSbdDmTpVJhBs2v4Py/information-and-support-bereavement