From EMJ to Beyond Borders Podcast: A show on gender, politics, and cross-cultural dialogue

Shreya: Could you briefly introduce yourself and your background

Aakriti: I’m Aakriti Dhawan, an Indian journalist, currently based in Germany with over six years of experience working across international newsrooms, including Deutsche Welle, the BBC, and various digital platforms. My work has largely focused on cross-border storytelling – covering gender, geopolitics, and culture – with an emphasis on making complex global issues accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. Having lived and worked between India and Germany, my perspective is shaped by navigating multiple cultural and editorial narratives.
 

Shreya: What inspired you to create the Beyond Borders Podcast, and how did your time in the EMJ programme plant the seed for it?

Aakriti: The EMJ programme has been embedded in me since 2017, aha - learning to comprehend cultures, how I want to tell stories, and the understanding of globalisation was the first step towards the Beyond Borders podcast. A platform where I share stories of going beyond the path created for you metaphorically is something I enjoyed doing behind closed doors; then why not do it out and about, where someone somewhere can get inspired by it?
 

Shreya: How does the podcast reflect the values and skills you developed during the EMJ programme?

Aakriti: At its core, the podcast reflects the EMJ programme’s emphasis on critical inquiry, cross-cultural sensitivity, and ethical storytelling. It resists reductionist narratives and instead leans into complexity – something the programme actively encouraged. It also draws on the adaptability the EMJ demanded: the ability to move between formats, audiences, and perspectives while maintaining editorial integrity.
 

Shreya: What does a typical episode look like, and how do you choose your guests and topics around gender, politics, and cross-cultural narratives?

Aakriti: For starters, I feel every person has a story to tell that needs an ear or more. The broader topics I cover include gender, entertainment, and animal rights. A typical episode is a long-form, in-person conversation that prioritises depth over speed. It is a SAFE SPACE to talk and be your absolute self and show the audience who you are and not what you are meant to be. The aim is to explore intersections rather than isolate themes, because in reality, these issues rarely exist independently of one another.

Shreya: Running an independent podcast is very different from traditional journalism or communications roles. What has been the biggest challenge, and what has surprised you most?

Aakriti: The most significant challenge has been the absence of an institutional structure – you are simultaneously responsible for editorial direction, production, and distribution. That requires a different kind of discipline and clarity of vision. On days you are sad, it's only you who can force yourself to get up and get going, that's another learning, haha!

What has really surprised me is how willing audiences are to engage with long-form, nuanced conversations – and also how open they are to letting people evolve. There’s often this assumption that everything needs to be quick and instant, but I’ve seen the opposite. I’ve also been incredibly lucky with the kind of people I’ve met along the way – the support has been genuinely invaluable. And when I step back and look at it, it’s quite surreal. In about 11 months, I’ve built something independently that’s reached close to a million views across platforms. That, in itself, feels pretty amazing.
 

Shreya: What advice would you give to EMJ students or recent graduates who want to create something of their own rather than follow a conventional career path?

Aakriti: First of all, enjoy your college days; life changes quite quickly after. Fields like media and journalism demand not just skill, but real passion and integrity, so it’s important to pursue what genuinely interests you.

I’ve always believed in one simple idea: you are you. There will always be people better or worse at certain things, but no one can replace you – so focus on becoming the best version of yourself.

From a career standpoint, start early – network, take on small gigs, say yes to opportunities even if they seem minor. Those experiences often shape your path more than you expect.