In a world where divorce is still whispered about in many South Asian households, one woman is amplifying the conversation – and changing lives along the way.
‘Family Matters with Sarah’, hosted by leading family lawyer Sarah Khan-Bashir MBE, is an award-winning podcast that shines a light on the real experiences of separation and divorce within South Asian families.
Now in its fourth year, the podcast has earned its place among the Top 10 Divorce Podcasts in the UK and was recently highlighted in Clio’s ‘5 Great Access to Justice Podcasts’ list.
At the heart of the show is Sarah Khan-Bashir, a solicitor with over 25-years legal experience and the founder of SKB Law – a respected firm with offices in Bradford, London, and Cardiff, known for combining legal excellence with deep cultural insight.
Recognised as ‘Lawyer of the Year’ by both the Yorkshire Legal Awards and Modern Law Awards, Sarah brings empathy, clarity, and practicality to every episode.
With a mission to inform and empower, each podcast features open, jargon-free conversations about issues many shy away from. Listeners gain insight not just into the legal side of separation, but also the emotional, cultural and social challenges that come with it.
More than a podcast
Sarah sees her work as part of a wider mission: to support people beyond the courtroom and break down the cultural silence around divorce. Through the SKB Law Academy, she also mentors the next generation of lawyers, promoting inclusive and compassionate legal practice.
“Divorce doesn’t mean failure,” Sarah says. “It can mean freedom, safety, healing and growth. The more we talk, the more we understand – and the less people suffer in silence.”
A safe space for tough conversations: The podcast’s diverse topics range from navigating divorce and parental responsibilities to tackling taboo subjects like financial independence, abuse, and cultural stigma.
For anyone navigating difficult choices, seeking support, or simply wanting to understand more, this podcast is a must-listen.
Episodes include:
- Lenghas, Loans and Lamborghinis – Sarah and guest Zahida Ashraf, an award-winning makeup artist, discuss marriage trends, life after the Lamborghinis and why you need to protect yourself financially before your wedding.
- Marriage: Expectations vs Reality – Sarah and guest Ayesha Bhatti, an experienced therapist, explore the shifting perspectives around marriage, generational and cultural influences, and the challenges young couples face.
- Child Bride to City Champion – Sarah talks to Inayah Sher about her divorce journey from child bride to city champion. Born and raised in Bradford, Inayah was married at five-years-old, sent to Pakistan at 14-years-old, released from two years’ house arrest at 16-years-old and became a mother at 18-years-old. After raising her daughter, Inayah made the decision to leave her husband at 36-years-old.
- Keeping Purdah: Navigating Divorce with Grace and Respect – Sarah talks to Imran Manzoor, lead therapist at Breaking the Silence, an organisation he created almost ten years ago in response to the lack of mental health services for South Asian men. They talk about fatherhood, fast cars, the relationship between sons and mothers… and living life on your terms.
- When You Know It’s Over – How to deal with “lok kya kehange”. Sarah is joined by her first client Fozia Naseem, co-founder of Hop-On, about how her experience helped her to build a stronger self.
- Supporting You Beyond the Courtroom – Sarah sits down with certified divorce coach Feryial Parvez to explore the emotional and practical support a divorce coach can offer during one of life’s most difficult transitions.
- Why Do Divorced People Look So Happy? – Sarah talks to Laleen Sukhera, a Lahore-based communications consultant and the founder of the Jane Austen Society of Pakistan, about blended families, the Nikah Nama, and celebrating divorce
- What You Need To Know About Mediation – Sarah chats to experienced mediator, Derek Mason about the role of mediation in divorce and asks whether we need more culturally responsive mediators?
- Love Practically – A Conversation with Adeem Younis – Sarah and guest Adeem Younis, founder of SingleMuslim.com, explore modern matchmaking, marriage trends, and the necessity of open conversations for healthy relationships.
Family Matters with Sarah is available on all major podcast platforms and continues to grow its loyal listener base across the UK and beyond.
