The Zarna Garg Family Podcast | Ep. 18: Beyond the Skyscrapers

[@ZarnaGarg]

Follow us on Instagram : @zarnagargfamilypodcast ❣

[@allaboutweddings1567]

Love your podcast aunty❤

[@tinaroberts5858]

Zarna, you raised your children extremely well! Your daughter is a prime example of how a smart young lady navigates a dangerous city. She's so incredibly intelligent.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Aw thank you!

[@aryanaryan7005]

This was one of the best episodes EVER. Please do more on your guys' experiences America (in general)

[@inline6-b586]

As a kid this was my experience growing up in MUMBAI! After moving to the united states, me and my sister have always loved New York. Everyone would complain about how exhausting or confusing Nyc is, but we would get on the subway and enjoy the crowd and be always vigil tho, always on the watch but also had a good time, cuz we were born in it. Its a great city, and its a privilege, and these cities build character. These three kids are so well spoken and so well aware is bcuz the city build them up!

[@ZarnaGarg]

The heart of the world!!

[@jjbjjbh]

Fantastic discussion about life in NYC vs in the suburbs. Love it when Zoya starts laughing atone of her mom’s comments ….. her expression says she can’t believe the ridiculousness of her mom’s comment and feels so hopeless about not being able to make Zarna see sense. Love all the kids. Can’t believe how mature and sensible Little Veer is for his age. Veer should thank his NYC upbringing.

[@ZarnaGarg]

NYC truly shaped us all!

[@josephanton6099]

What school does Veer attend?

[@sueysomerville]

BTW: Growing up in San Francisco, we would bicycle throughout the city, visit museums, go to the symphony and to the opera, ride the cable cars and take in the scenery. Some of us went to fantastic high schools that were totally integrated because there was an open policy that students could come from across the city to attend other schools. Our education was geared towards the academic, with most of the students going to UC Berkeley or Stanford. Unfortunately, at this time, San Francisco is a "sanctuary city" cursed with all kinds of crime and tons of homeless people. It is still a beautiful city - if the worst sections are bypassed.

[@momcanyou]

I raised 2 kids in Toronto and I am so happy for the opportunities that the city has to offer, but if I had an opportunity to raise them in New York City I would in a heartbeat. The grit, the self awareness and critical analytical abilities of kids raised in cities is on another level. Also totally on Shalab’s team love the exposure my kids have had to international cuisine because of living in a multicultural environment. My kids palate is so well developed because of the exposure to fantastic food options available in large cuties

[@tinaroberts5858]

I totally agree. I grew up in Toronto . We moved way up north when I was ten. I loved both places because they showed me so many ways of living and thriving on my own. Not to mention how to maneuver dangerous situations both in the wild and in the city.

[@ZarnaGarg]

That's so greta to hear!!

[@Pamela-yc1id]

I like how Shalabh said it so matter-of-factly "I'm always on your mother's side".

[@ZarnaGarg]

He is smart for that!

[@sonamdolkar5066]

Your kids are so sensible and conscientious. They are happy as they are now. Love your family and the honest and open discussions you have 👌👌👌❤️

[@ZarnaGarg]

Aw thank you!

[@yvonneanderson8064]

I love your family. Everyone so real and smart.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Thank you!!

[@loretta6823]

I LOVE your podcasts sooo much!!!👏🏽👏🏽please keep them coming. Zarna you are hilarious! You just crack me up. Thank you🫶🏼So I have been to New York three times and looking to go back soon. I love New York to visit!! It is thee place with so much to see and do but I could never live there. I live in the Inland Empire of Southern California born and raised and worked in downtown Los Angeles at a corporate job I just need to have my car. I love the freedom of just jumping in my own car and getting to wherever I need to get to , I love road trips and I do love to walk, which is another luxury we have either in our neighborhood at the local parks or hiking trails. I do applaud you for raising your children in one city because stability is very important👍🏽

[@nettiespiwack7586]

Zoya, Bronx HS of Science was walking distance from my house. But I did the subway the other way to go to HS of Music and Art (now LaGuardia) for which I am eternally grateful! NY shaped me and everything you said was true. I'm glad I grew up there, and when I was ready for the burbs, that was great too

[@ZarnaGarg]

NY is truly a magical place!

[@svatisingh1]

A+ to all of you - I grew up in Sydney and used to drive my mum's car. Now I live in London, and while I agree with Brijj that it is a privilege to live in a city where you don't have to drive, I do miss driving - that feeling of being behind the wheel is a lot of fun. I agree with Zarna too about how expensive it is to be in a big city - but you can always sell up and move somewhere cheaper later, so I think while people are young, it's good to be in a big city :))

[@ZarnaGarg]

Aw thank you!

[@Tash303]

A+ such freedom NOT having to drive, walking and having a feel for the city and life around you, diversity, culture, rich options on so many fronts....don't forget that magical sanctuary Central Park AND West Side Comedy Club where you can see Zarna live, I was just there, what a total delight!

[@shivanij3803]

Guys feel free to eat during the chat!!!! Amazing episode - great points by all of you !!😊

[@ZarnaGarg]

Thank you!!

[@kavithasridas6527]

Zarna you are a riot and an amazing inspiration! Hats off to you and your family for putting yourselves out there for the world to appreciate, get entertained, inspired and learn another perspective in life. Congratulations on your acceptance to Cornell, Brij, wish you the very best in life! Zarna and Shalabh, you have done very well raising good children, may you all continue to be good people!

[@rekhagarg9073]

Excellent discussion as always!! A++++++++ to the Garg family and especially Zarna for being so authentic and speaking her mind always.😊

[@shaliniagarwal5808]

New York City’s food is the best. And The city energises you -like Zarna said.

[@dadumurga]

Ten years of my life in New York after my MBA. I too miss riding the subway to Times Square, visiting SOHO, catching broadway shows can't trade it for anything else. And now I am in India for good, I miss it even more.

[@ZarnaGarg]

it's definitely a memory you can't forget

[@ZeeFatima-kw3ot]

Aunty Zarna I LOVEE these podcasts! I just found this playlist and I am soooo glad I did!! It’s extremely refreshing to see brown families actually communicating about every thing and keeping it so raw and like open about everybody’s emotions! Zoya, you’re my favourite!!! ❤️

[@g2u499]

Brij is correct.. considering the price of cars and insurance.. I will commute .... NYC is so diverse.... and its one of the BEST thing.Zoya says it all🎉

[@ZarnaGarg]

!!!!!

[@vinukanchi4521]

After your child has experienced two mugging incidents and an assault, I cannot imagine how as parents you can feel NY city is safe to raise children. And how the kids are so chilled about it. I could never be at peace in such a place.

[@ZarnaGarg]

NY children are just built entirely different - it's a scary thing

[@tinaroberts5858]

I'm from Ontario, Canada, and I have to say that I absolutely loved being in NYC. I'd definitely would have lived there if I could have.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Wow how is.Canada for you!

[@no-nonsense-please]

Seeing people having conversation with family this way is comforting and bringing back all the memories of little discussions with my family which is not possible ryt now for me...

[@Itsmeesarahb]

Love your videos and comedy so much!!! So funny when Shalabh was eating a snack and got caught… lolll! Loved hearing about the NY experience! I think in any place that you live, you can learn unique life lessons from….I grew up in KS and am forever thankful for that experience in so many ways. ❤❤

[@makermagazine5853]

Brij is THE MAN!! Loved the A grade for his fellow New Yorkers. A grade all day. ❤

[@ruthnoronha8206]

NY city sounds scary to outsiders that may live in smaller and less busy/ populated towns/ cities. But I loved how Zoya said NY city made her grow up independent and resilient! I know Idd be very afraid to move to NY city from Calgary Alberta Canada. So while it’s not for me it’s nice to see how you all have thrived and worked hard for the experience.

[@larisamunsch106]

I love this podcast. Zarna, I totally agree with you: I am an immigrant mother and didn’t let my son play football either, due to the associated health risks. He played other sports.

[@Gogigons]

Love this discussion. Kids love any city they grow up in if they have primarily had great experiences and made good friendships. It’s so interesting how we learn such different skills growing up in different cultures, cities and towns. They prepare us so differently growing up. To Brij’s point on meeting people and building a network, you can do that anywhere. You just need to be bold and open to reaching out to people. I live in a country town in Australia. In a small town it’s even more important to have a network and every job one gets is only through knowing someone. “Vaasta” as we say in India.

[@raj-xh7bf]

As I did my studies in New Haven, I have fond memories of Broadway half price matinees, canal street bargain electronics, ethnic food specialized to specific region in any country that can’t be matched anywhere. I wouldn’t want to live there and set up my family there. The quality of life and the vast resources of suburban life in Ohio city is unmatched anywhere.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Love that for you!

[@missnarinder]

Living in Birmingham, UK, I was surprised by the cancellation of direct flights to NYC due to lack of interest. For us outsiders, NYC's imposing industrial structures and safety concerns, as highlighted by Zoya, can be a major deterrent for potential movers. Good talk.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Thank you!!

[@preethi631]

I love the vibe and the opportunities of NYC . But I always feel relieved to leave the city after my work is done. Partly because, I am so used to living in a small city where everything is drivable including good food, grooming places and shopping but also I will miss driving.

[@ZarnaGarg]

I agree - it has its perks

[@BellaDeSai]

Very fun episode. I live in the SF Bay Area (no, Shalabh, there is no weed epidemic here!) but love NYC. Admittedly, I have the tourist mentality and experience there. However, I have family that lives in NYC and am aware of the lifestyle of the residents! That’s all I have to say….Oh, and Go Cali!!!

[@jgoodygoods512]

There are positives and negatives of everywhere right?! How cool to grow up in NYC. Your kids are awesome ZG!

[@iakid]

I grew up in NYC, agree with veer. grew up exposed with groups from all different races , religions, socioeconomic backgrounds. its a different feel that helps for self growth! I am proud to have that, however since ventured out (because of residency, fellowship and work) to other places. other states have a different culture, but will never forget NYC

[@sams6429]

Interesting topic. Asking your NYC kids if they miss things like driving, having access to properly funded schools, etc. is like asking a lifelong vegetarian if they miss meat. They can't miss what they never knew. The fact that Zoya complains it takes her half a day to Uber or carpool to get her nails done shows that never having driven just limits one's capabilities to function outside of the NYC bubble.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Truly is its own bubble, and I'm not mad!!

[@sonamdolkar5066]

Not rich but happy and family SO United 👌❤️

[@ZarnaGarg]

Haha so glad!

[@sonamdolkar5066]

Yes, A plus to Mom and Dad. ❤

[@ZarnaGarg]

Forget dad

[@whyme7011]

Zarna, we live 30 mins away from Palo Alto. Yes it is the suburbs but as Zoya mentioned kids do not learn grit by getting chauffeured around everywhere. We have been to NY 2x and loved how kids knew how to get around on their own. Running errands here takes half a day. The cost of living and food is comparable to NY. Healthcare is about the same. Many people smoke cannabis recreationally. So we have problems here too but would not want to live in NYC. Kids love where they are raised because it is all they know. This podcast is amazing. Keep up the good work. ❤

[@ZarnaGarg]

Great points!! Thank you!

[@LSTEdD1]

Agree with Brij. I love NYC as a college instructor and am lucky enough to live (less expensively) just in Connecticut a short train ride away!

[@youtubebrowser5888]

Always lived in Sub-urbs in the US and insightful to know about life in New York city. It is nice to hear from Zoya's perspective of commuting in the sub-way. Brij seems a hard core New Yorker :) . It is nice to hear from Veer on his perspective too. Funny how the kids said they didn't really care much about museums. Poor Shalabh was so cute when he said "I got hungry". I can't stop smiling when the three kids smile. Zarna, my A goes to you for the words you said while giving A to Shalabh. So heartwarming how much you regard your husband and how you do it so genuinely by putting the jokes apart.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Such a difference! Thank you!

[@smithaday9225]

Zoya explained best for me about NY. I live in the bay area. And I so agree. The hype and stress here is all because of the tech industry. I have been to NY as a visitor with my daughter when she was 13 because she wanted to be an actress, and it was a vibe she connected to. And A to all ! I hope fans can meet you all in person😊 FYI but we have a house in Kentucky. Hubby is a farm boy from KY

[@ZarnaGarg]

Aw thank you!!

[@risg4me]

oh no so short this time! I personally love busy cities! Suburbs are good for a vacation, but cities are better for living especially if you are a very ambitious person. And Zarna's reason to give Shalab the A grade is superb! So inspiring.

[@ZarnaGarg]

It has its perks!!

[@nirmalajohn3732]

Your family is adorable &so normal..

[@sueysomerville]

Another honest look at The Garg Family experiences. Wonderful to hear your thoughts on NY. As for that city, it is great to visit. However, as a 4th generation San Franciscan, I can say that California cannot be equaled.

[@ZarnaGarg]

I see..haha thank you for tuning in!

[@bubli30]

It's always interesting to hear all 5 Garg's talk. I live in the Bay Area now for over a decade and lived in the east coast for 4 years. Although I do agree with Zoya about people talking a lot about tech in the Bay Area , I don't think I can ever move back to the east coast. California has the best weather and the ability to take your kids to hikes and teach them about nature. The Bay Area is super expensive too but at least you can experience the outdoors and stay healthy.

[@ZarnaGarg]

She has some provoking thoughts!!

[@jessaabraham]

As a human it’s not freedom but safety the top priority all over the world.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Yes!

[@letitbeanonymous]

laughed out so loud when I saw shalab put food in to his mouth and was called out for it! Fantastic content delivered by the whole family!

[@ZarnaGarg]

Aw so glad!

[@michaelvilleneuve194]

Love you guys!!!

[@padmadudgaonkar7518]

I like the fact that you don’t need to drive in NYC. I live in suburbs of DC. I love this area. Best schools+all the features of NYC. Like cultural activities, opportunities. Including high cost of living.

[@ZarnaGarg]

It is a life saver

[@khalil_Lee]

I love this episode and I love New York City. I wouldn’t live anywhere else❤

[@ZarnaGarg]

Right!!

[@anna_m59]

I think it is wonderful that you guys love living in NY. I grow up in big city and I learned all these that Zoya mention it. However, I dreamed to move to suburban area where i have my own home in green lashes area . I couldn’t change my county life to city life.. I think soon as we get older we temp looking for quiet place to live..

[@ZarnaGarg]

Yess! No major regrets

[@mammacapitalist3451]

Living in the city of Chicago and can totally relate! Especially raising a family

[@ZarnaGarg]

Right!!

[@TheLostPartyCookie.]

Brij is one smart ccokie. I'm betting on him going places. All the best in Cornell!

[@ZarnaGarg]

Surely! My oldest gem

[@gauravaws20]

2.90 per trip is good. I remember it used to be 2.50 in 2012 when I was first in New York. I now live in Sydney and the fares for trains is bonkers and has nearly gone up by 50 % in last 3 years. Plus it depends on the distance you travel. The trains are way cleaner though but still 2.90 is extremely good.

[@LSTEdD1]

So funny when Zarna gets exasperated! 😅

[@lailasiddiqui263]

22:23 - so many museums and art galleries are free with a corporate ID card and we can get a NY public library card. And for the cost of a subway ride one can have a nice evening Or Just people watch near NYU near the arch or the farmers market in down town . there is so much free stuff. one year I went to the writers festival in NYU and attended many free events. Even attended a few classes with permission from the instructor . *open your mouth and ASK* is the mantra

[@ZarnaGarg]

Wow!!

[@kamakshishiv]

I completely agree with Veer, why would someone miss driving around. It's a priviledge to not drive.

[@JonasCapacite]

hello from San Francisco a) the grass is always greener on the other side. b) we too in SF have magnificent restaurants! c) I enjoy driving and having to wait on public transit d) SF does have a wonderful transit system-Bart and Muni e) hence I have friends that have moved here from LA and NY and are glad to not have a car f) Brit-your level of hustle is called youth g) I laughed so hard when Zoya said Palo Alto can be a scary neighborhood 😊

[@ZarnaGarg]

Haha omg

[@chenpinkofficial]

There are 2 diverse groups here. Understandably, Zarna's kids gave lots of pro comments about NYC as their age is Gen Z. I like suburbans and prefer a quieter environment for my age. Great pros and cons for this topic! Zoya is right about both parents paying for the kids' expenses living in NYC --- so costly but necessarily good!

[@ZarnaGarg]

Haha true!!

[@uttarakedia3940]

Born and brought up in Mumbai city everything you guys said sounds so familiar. I felt mumbai is a safer place compared to NYC from what you guys had to say. Coming to the US soon to understand why people in India have a fascination for it. 😀

[@ZarnaGarg]

Right! What a difference

[@theresaroybal9599]

I live in Colorado and the beauty of the mountains and nature is invaluable. If the apocalypse happened people from New York would be screwed without electricity they would need people like my husband who was a boy-scout to hunt and build. Lol😅

[@chenpinkofficial]

My A++ grade goes to Veer. I agree each of you contributed the pros and cons of living in NYC from a personal perspective.

[@ZarnaGarg]

The youngest!

[@eternaloptimist2511]

Zoya: such a beautiful woman! So well articulated! What an amazing family! Zarna mam❤

[@ZarnaGarg]

Aw thank you!

[@bonggirlshining]

While the hustle culture is what acts as a driving force, it also is what is making us mentally exhausted.

[@sharonjanethague7181]

That was very interesting.

[@itschloescorner]

Loved this episode! Was it difficult as a mom of littles to wrangled them in and out of the house with the elevator and groceries??

[@SangeethaA-oj3te]

Great show and cool topic. How come none of you commented on the weather in NYC?! I would like to know what you guys think of the weather there esp. during winters and in comparison to Cali. Too cold, meh or don't care?

[@tinaroberts5858]

❤❤❤❤❤. Wonderful family

[@ZarnaGarg]

Thank you!!

[@thakur5633]

Brij is really very good looking person ❤

[@pamelasaunders3736]

Your son Bridg is beyond his years. And he will have a much happier life as long as he doesn’t have to drive. I believe driving in Los Angeles caused my cancer from the stress of all the traffic I have to drive in. I’ve only been to NY once but I loved it there.. Keep your kids close.. Don’t need to drive..

[@ZarnaGarg]

Haha my gem! Thank you!

[@charmaine8512]

I miss India because I never had to drive. The transport in Bombay, Chennai was the best! When cars arrived for the middle class, I was able to hire a car to sight see but I loved my public transport as it was well connected. I think Singapore too has excellent public transport so a car would never be missed.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Right??

[@skandavasuki-ue3pb]

yoooo aunty! I think you get an A+! But I have to say I'm a Shalab Uncle fan boy

[@ZarnaGarg]

Haha!

[@peacespirit7920]

I agree with you all in Colorado I have no opinion but to drive. We don’t really have a subway that goes everywhere. Plus if you don’t have to drive you save a lot on having to pay a car

[@ZarnaGarg]

Yess!!

[@SujKanna]

The moment in the video today for me was the grading by Zarna and the reasoning as to why she gave her A to Shalabh!!

[@ZarnaGarg]

Omg haha

[@senhorita1908]

Zarna has figured it out...I reside in Mumbai and all the stuff spoken out loud makes me sad..fighting for a plate of food Bcoz someone else might surpass you..not it's not competitive it's straining in the longer run. Good timing..I always had a battle within now I know what I want

[@ZarnaGarg]

That's amazing, you are doing great!

[@sunithajoshi-o7v]

Coming to NYC on Aug from NZ. What’s the best coffee place pleaseeee? Such a fun episode!

[@lailarafiq123]

Joe coffee company

[@sukonyagogoi4462]

These kids ….. love them. Z and S.. write a book on parenting.

[@ZarnaGarg]

ON THE WAY

[@bullishharvey8793]

Dad starting eating 😂

[@ZarnaGarg]

typical

[@lailasiddiqui263]

6:07 - same thing in bombay .. 14:01 -- we are self taught to be vigilant. 👏 the. conveniences of city living are unparalleled to those who want to live their ambition. *It is complete waste of time traveling for 1.5 hours to live in a house the size of a foot ball field where unused rooms are kept locked and empty !!* And everyone cannot appreciate this. I get that. And for living in the suburbs waiting in traffic - 1.5 hrs one way without traffic is night mare. I have fallen asleep behind the wheels . How much more earlier can one wake up -( 4:30 am) to get to work ?

[@sow9619]

Driving is a skill and I would not trade it for Newyork 😅

[@ZarnaGarg]

Haha real

[@LSTEdD1]

Bit of a generalization about museums...😅 Many people love them! 😊

[@Rushhour90]

Shaleb❤❤

[@mohammadsaeed3494]

I will prefer to live in small town rather than big cities .

[@deepakrbharadwaj]

26:06 Shalabh eats one meal a day. Let the man eat

[@ZarnaGarg]

NO

[@lisaferrin]

My favorite part was the A grade zarna gave her husband for taking a risk. He def Is the north star of your family

[@ZarnaGarg]

Haha yes!

[@L20241]

Remind me london oyster card for tube bus etc

[@paulinemuthena6545]

They all deserve an A grade

[@LSTEdD1]

😅😂🤣 “Shalhab we can see you eating!!”

[@shrawanikarpe8558]

I do related with the kids. Life outside newyork in US is isolated and depressing.

[@amazingnature2731]

Little Veer is left out,not given an equal chance to talk.please give him more time and attention on the podcast. He is soooo adorable

[@niveditacandade4842]

I hate NYC!! Dirty, expensive and stressful. Love living and raising a family in the suburbs where we have a better quality of life. Still nuts to pay such high taxes in NY/NJ area but hanging on for the opportunities here.

[@ZarnaGarg]

It's the hustle energy dragging us in

[@cathyrooney3220]

Was out Saturday to pay a bill parked in front of ? Food and drink establishment chairs and table along sidewalk since covid, some still allowed outside four adults drinking beer 3 of 4 smoking a blunt each😮 they I think remove contents of cigar and replace with Marijuana 2 men one of 2 lady's well into ?30 to 40s? I wonder if it's legal does that mean in public broad day light on busy street where people walk around, shop, eat, some karaoke at pubs, movie theater it's families, teens, dog walkers and now smokers casually smoking blunts? Crazy man crazy. U all get A Thank you all!

[@doriscapet1666]

I feel the entire family is praising Manhatten without knowing how life is in the suburbs. I lived in both and I would choose the suburbs anytime. The suburbs offer offer almost the same facilities as the city but everything is nicer, bigger, cleaner, safer...and there is a sense of community you will never find in the city. And to say no New Yorker care about arts, shows, events in the city is such an ignorant statement. People who live in the suburbs have the quiet, nice, green life, they enjoy the community and also have the option to work in the city or take advantage of all the events, shows, restaurants, parades the city offer.

[@ishapatel8138]

Are u guys living in 5 different places

[@BobbieD]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@ZarnaGarg]

Just one!

[@L20241]

Brij is right we have to drive everywhere in the Bay Area! It is such a privilege to be able to not drive!!

[@ZarnaGarg]

!!!

[@rp6852]

zarna your kids will not miss driving, trust me

[@ZarnaGarg]

Haha, truly!

[@cathyrooney3220]

Born & raised southern calif. Public school 4 me sucked I was working in nurses office cleaning thermometers broke one no employee in office was trying to pick up mercury on the floor on stomach chasing it😮 was in 4th 5th grade cleaning erasers in janitors utilities room either on spinning machine or pounding them alone while students were learning I'm guessing math due to don't know a lack of 4th 5th grade certain math problems. So much more in sons education, it's what district u r in some don't care about students education it's budget!

[@BobbieD]

Too cold in New York for this Florida girl

[@ZarnaGarg]

Real...

[@cathyrooney3220]

How smart your husband is! He knows what's up!😊 whose side he is on😅

[@ZarnaGarg]

MINE