Karak with Mahreen

A deep, honest conversation with Ali Zafar on music, philosophy, fatherhood, and Pakistan’s cultural identity. From his album Roshni and Lahore’s influence on his craft to freedom of expression, industry realities, and...

A deep, honest conversation on music, culture, “Khat,” Lahore’s influence, and the realities of the Pakistani industry. We talk Urdu vs Punjabi, why “Lahore Lahore Aye” hits, and the fears artists have investing in...

In this Chaiwallahs Roundtable, Karak With Mahreen brings together the faces behind Dubai’s most loved café culture — the chaiwallahs whose stories often go untold. From leaving home for the UAE to serving thousands of...

In this episode of Karak With Mahreen, we dive into the unspoken realities of womanhood in Pakistan — from the invisible rules that shape daily life to the emotional burdens women silently carry. Our guest unpacks why...

In this episode, Mahreen sits down with the powerhouse voice of Natasha Baig, one of Pakistan’s most soulful artists redefining the sound of modern Sufi music. From her early days breaking into Sufi rock to finding...

In this episode, we journey through the intersections of culture, faith, and human experience—seen through the eyes of a traveler who has lived between worlds. From discovering kindness in unexpected places to...

In this episode, we dive deep into the meeting point of Eastern, Western, and Islamic philosophies, exploring how each shapes our understanding of identity, happiness, and the human condition. From the roots of...

In this episode, we dive into the mind of an entrepreneur, exploring what drives ambition, resilience, and vision in the face of risk and uncertainty. From his first venture and early failures to finding mentors...

In this episode, we step onto the pitch of cricket culture, exploring its power to unite, divide, and inspire across South Asia and the Gulf. From the craze of fans who idolize their favorite players, to the business...

In this episode, we journey through the heart of Gulf culture with stories spanning the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman. From the warmth of Arab hospitality to the history of Omani trade, the politics of Majlis gatherings to how...

In this episode, we sit down with celebrity chef and MasterChef India judge Kunal Kapur for a delicious deep dive into the heart of Indian cuisine. From the science of food oils to why we don’t like eating alone, this...

This episode is brought to you by Brooke Bond Red label! In this episode, we bring together two voices who don’t often share the same mic — a South Asian expat raised in Dubai and a young Emirati local. From growing up...

This episode is brought to you by Brooke Bond Red label! In this episode, we bring together creators from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal to unpack what it means to be South Asian, together and apart. From biryani...

In this episode, we explore fatherhood, identity, and what it means to stay in a broken system. Topics include raising kids abroad, desi marriages falling apart, men’s mental health, public pressure, cancel culture, and...

In this episode, we explore parallel universes, reincarnation, and the nature of our thoughts. Topics include self-awareness, the struggle to sit with your mind, finding purpose, craving attention, and Gen Z’s growing...