Fired to Fearless: Unfiltered with Kiran’s 5 Year Journey

Five years ago, everything changed in an instant. In June 2020, Kiran Chawla was fired from a television station. Instead of searching for another traditional job, she made a different choice: build something new — something completely unfiltered. What started as late-night investigations shared on social media and YouTube quickly grew into something bigger.

On June 9, 2021, Kiran officially launched Unfiltered With Kiran. In this special anniversary episode, Kiran takes you inside the real story of those early days. Where she handled every part of the operation herself — reporting, writing, editing, legal work, and logistics —slowly turning a passion project into a legitimate media company.

You’ll hear how Unfiltered grew from those scrappy beginnings into what it is today: a full app, a podcast, a new website, and a growing team. Kiran also reflects on the major stories that shaped the company — covering hurricanes and relief efforts, breaking news in real time, and pursuing investigations that others wouldn’t touch. This isn’t just a recap of five years in business. It’s a story about resilience, reinvention, and what happens when you decide to bet on yourself after everything falls apart.

Timestamps

07:50 Finding Breathing Room

12:40 Building a New Future

16:24 Cookies Become a Business

20:20 Doors Finally Open

29:41 Growing the Company

35:51 Rising After Failure

'40:49 National Award Surprise

45:40 Faith and Fear