From pandemic recovery to workforce development, each leader shares a personal story of why giving back isn’t just philanthropy—it’s a responsibility. Together, they reveal how collaboration between corporations, nonprofits, and individuals can build a stronger, more equitable Dallas for generations to come.

Whether you’re a CEO, volunteer, or someone looking to make a difference, this episode is proof that change happens when leadership meets compassion—and when we all act like owners of our communities.

• Jean Savage (Trinity Industries): How United Way mobilized during the pandemic and inspired corporate giving through creative fundraising. (02:10) 
• Curt Farmer (Comerica Incorporated): The power of engaging CEOs and businesses to create systemic, long-term community impact. (11:34) 
• Antonio Carrillo (Arcosa Inc.): Why leadership is about service, and how United Way helps companies make measurable, local change. (17:30)
• Scott Richardson (Celanese Corporation): The long-term results of consistent focus on education and opportunity in South Dallas. (27:31)
• Jim Burke (Vistra Corp.): Why summer programs matter and how United Way bridges the gap for children and working families. (37:46)
• Steven Williams (PepsiCo North America): Building coalitions that last: what business and community can achieve together. (51:02)
• Rob Kaplan (Goldman Sachs): How strategic philanthropy and data-driven collaboration can transform a city’s future. (1:04:38)

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This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

From the silent epidemic of exhausted mothers to the stubborn realities of unequal housework—even when women are the breadwinners—Dr. Low pulls no punches in showing us why the overwhelm isn’t in our heads. It’s in the data. With humor, candor, and hard truths, she invites us to redefine success on our own terms, reclaim our roles as the protagonists of our lives, and maybe even throw away the houseplants for a while.

What you’ll hear in this episode goes far beyond economics—it’s a wake-up call for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re “failing” at doing it all. Spoiler: the system is failing you, not the other way around.

• From Single Mom Upbringing to Wharton Professor: How Dr. Low’s childhood shaped her drive for career stability and independence. (04:58)
• The Silent Epidemic of Parental Time: Why today’s parenting feels harder, and the data proving we’re not crazy for feeling overwhelmed. (05:28)
• From Journalist Dreams to Economist Reality: Dr. Low’s path from writing aspirations to a career in economics and research. (14:43)
• Facing Discrimination Myths with Data: What her research actually reveals about gender, discrimination, and reverse discrimination. (18:42)
• Winning the Bread and Baking It Too: Why female breadwinners still do more at home, and how gender roles refuse to budge. (23:13)
• The 30-Year Squeeze: How careers, childcare, and aging parents collide to make midlife especially exhausting. (31:26)
• Reclaiming the Protagonist Role: Why women must stop being supporting characters in their own lives. (35:06)
• Redefining Success in Economic Terms: Why utility—deep joy and satisfaction—is a better measure than the white picket fence. (38:48)
• Tuckered Out Moments: From pumping on Amtrak to juggling a newborn and a book launch, Dr. Low shares her real-life exhaustion stories. (43:27)

Connect with Dr. Corinne Low:

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 This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

The conversation dives into his new memoir Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef, a brutally honest look at a childhood shaped by abuse, abandonment, and redemption. Curtis shares how he found his calling in the kitchen, the mentors who helped save him, and the lessons he’s still learning as a father, husband, and restaurateur. With deep emotion and surprising humor, this episode goes far beyond food—it’s about breaking cycles, finding purpose, and refusing to let your past define you.

• Writing His Way Through the Pain: Curtis shares how his memoir Fireproof helped him process decades of trauma—and why writing was the most powerful form of therapy he’s ever experienced. (2:31)
• Telling His Kids the Truth—Before the World Could: Curtis talks about sitting down with his children to share his story before they heard it from a stranger, and how his book became a legacy of honesty and healing. (6:04)
• The Complicated Love for the Parents Who Hurt Him: Despite a violent, abusive past, Curtis opens up about finding his way back to love and forgiveness for both his parents. (11:43)
• The Stepmom Who Became Everything: Curtis reflects on the strength of Jan, the 15-year-old girl who raised him as her own—and why he still calls her his real mother. (13:11)
• Why He’ll Never Reconnect With His Birth Mother: In an emotional moment, Curtis explains why he’s at peace with keeping distance from the woman who gave birth to him but never raised him. (25:56)
• Losing His Dream Restaurant—and Starting Over: Curtis recounts the heartbreak of losing Grace, the award-winning restaurant he helped build, and how that painful experience led to something even greater. (36:52)
• Designing a World-Class Dining Experience—Down to the Menu Paper: From velvet tables to “milk paper” menus, Curtis explains why every detail at Ever is part of the guest’s emotional journey. (44:37)
• Vegetables Over Meat—Every Time: A lifelong vegetable lover (with one major exception), Curtis shares why his dishes often revolve around produce, and how carrots beat steak any day. (41:28)
• How Dharma, Metal, and Milk Paper All Show Up in His Work: From Hindu philosophy to Black Sabbath concerts to textured menus, Curtis reveals the unexpected influences that keep him creatively grounded. (48:09)

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• Chef Curtis Duffy- Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef
• Ever Restaurant

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 This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

With humility and quiet intensity, Sonita opens up about what it was like growing up as an undocumented refugee in Iran, where she wasn’t allowed to attend school or even ask for basic rights. She shares how she discovered rap—thanks to Eminem—and how it gave her a way to tell the truth no one else was saying. Her breakout song, Daughters for Sale, was more than viral—it was revolutionary. It not only saved her from marriage but inspired other girls to fight for their freedom too.

From the pain of being separated from loved ones, to the slow transformation of her mother—from someone trying to arrange her marriage to someone who now supports her music—Sonita's story is both heartbreaking and full of hope. They also talk about Sonita’s new memoir Sonita, her Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford, and her plans to work in immigration and refugee advocacy to create long-term change.

From half-bruised faces in music videos to dreams of one day performing in Afghanistan, this episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience it takes to rewrite your destiny—and how one voice can ignite a movement.

• Reunited in Canada: Sonita shares what it’s like living in Toronto with her family, including reflections on Afghan birth records, her sister’s undocumented age, and how being together again brings healing. (2:09)
• Escaping the Taliban—And Losing Her Rights in Iran: Sonita recalls fleeing Afghanistan only to face discrimination and exclusion in Iran as an undocumented refugee, including being denied access to education. (5:17)
• Why Her Mother Tried to Sell Her: Sonita explains her mother’s heartbreaking reasoning for arranging her marriage—how generational trauma, poverty, and cultural norms shaped that decision. (8:14)
• How Her Family Learned to Love Her Music: From secret recordings to hearing her rap on Afghan national TV, Sonita shares how her family slowly began supporting her artistry—culminating in her mother asking her to write a song for a murdered woman named Farkhunda. (11:00)
• Discovering Rap in a Gym—and Why She Chose It Over Pop: Inspired by Eminem’s rage-filled lyrics, Sonita explains why rap gave her the emotional outlet she needed to tell stories of child labor, child marriage, and injustice. (15:29)
• Going Viral, Getting Out: Her song Daughters for Sale went viral—terrifying and liberating her. It caught the attention of a U.S. NGO, which helped her secure a scholarship to study in America. (18:31)
• Freedom, Isolation, and Cheeseburgers: Sonita recounts her first experiences in the U.S.—from language barriers and loneliness to bike rides, fast food, and studio time that finally gave her space to heal. (22:03)
• From Rap to Rhodes: Her Education Journey: Sonita talks about graduating from Bard College with a double major in music and human rights, and her next chapter: studying forced migration at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. (25:04)
• Why She Wrote Her Memoir—And What’s Inside: She shares how her memoir Sonita was born out of a classroom assignment, why she includes music and photos, and how it tells not just her story, but the story of millions of Afghan girls. (26:50)
• Q&A With Kids—and a Dream to Return Home: In a heartwarming moment, Ami’s daughters ask Sonita about her biggest inspiration, her future goals, and her biggest pet peeve (“Telling her story again and again—and seeing no change”). (32:21)

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This podcast is produced by Ginni Media

With warmth, humor, and piercing insight, William shares what it was like growing up the youngest of four brothers in an eccentric aristocratic family, how his radical Scottish nanny shaped his worldview, and why he believes India’s greatest export isn’t Bollywood or curry—but the number zero. Ami and William discuss how Indian ideas influenced everything from mathematics to religion, why Western education omits these facts, and how colonization played a role in that erasure.

From buffets in Delhi to dancing in Goa, DJing at farmhouse parties to dinner with Aamir Khan, this episode blends deep history with cultural stories and unforgettable banter.

• From Shrubs to Shrines: William recounts a surreal night in Dallas giving a lecture at a house decorated with statues of Reagan, Thatcher, and Churchill. (2:52)
• Growing Up the Youngest: Why being the “love-bombed” youngest of four shaped William’s personality—and how he finally made peace with his brother who beat him up. (5:27)
• Nerd Forever: William describes his lifelong love of history, how he made a career from a teenage obsession, and the unusual accessories he wore to study ancient churches. (10:17)
• History Through Two Lenses: The surprising influence of William’s radical nanny and how it fueled his nuanced take on colonialism and the British Empire. (14:00)
• Why The Golden Road Matters: A crash course on how Indian mathematics, philosophy, and spirituality transformed Eurasia—and why Westerners still don’t know it. (18:15)
• India’s PR Problem: On WhatsApp uncles, Hindu helicopters, and why ancient India’s brilliance was downplayed for colonial reasons (and cringed at by younger generations). (24:34)
• Religion Without Conquest: William explains how Hinduism and Buddhism spread across Asia through persuasion, not power. (28:46)
• Tuckered Out and Booked Out: Why William is more exhausted than ever thanks to his podcast Empire, his book tour, and a lifelong habit of overworking in gardens. (37:42)

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This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

In this episode, Bing brings wit, vulnerability, and visionary insight to the conversation. He discusses his upbringing as a Taiwanese-American in the South, his early confidence, and how experiences in Shanghai helped shape his understanding of racism and privilege. He gives a masterclass in the creator economy, offering tips for monetization, longevity, and community building. He also dives into Gold House’s mission to make Asian-led creativity mainstream, explaining its work in film, venture, music, and health. Throughout, Bing emphasizes the importance of shared humanity over divisions and champions a collaborative, abundance-minded future. 

• Parents, Prom, and the Cabbage Patch: Childhood and Family Stories: Bing shares hilarious and heartfelt stories about his parents’ immigration, cultural quirks, and growing up in Knoxville, Tennessee. This includes some very memorable (and very real) parental sex talk. (2:25)
•  Magic Bikes and Southern Roots: Growing Up Asian in the South: Bing reflects on his unique childhood experience in a mostly white Southern town, noting how he didn’t face racism until moving to California. He discusses confidence, energy, and how being different can actually attract others. (5:45)
• Band Geeks and Prom Regrets: High School and Identity Formation: In this personal segment, Bing opens up about high school, popularity, belonging to many social circles, and his bittersweet prom story. He touches on early lessons in connection and rejection. (8:00)
• Buffets, Boys’ Clubs, and Chubby Cattle: Food as a Love Language: Ami and Bing bond over their love of buffets, with Bing recounting how he formed a boys’ club just to avoid eating alone at Hometown Buffet. He drops a hidden gem recommendation in NYC and name-drops Chubby Cattle Group. (12:45)
• Building YouTube and the Creator Economy From Scratch: Bing gets into the serious stuff: his pivotal role at YouTube, how he helped coin “creator,” and what current creators need to know about sustaining success. This is a goldmine for anyone working in media or content creation. (14:00)
• Gold House = The Asian Disney?: Changing Culture at Scale: Bing breaks down what Gold House actually does—from investing in ventures to pushing Asian narratives in film, music, and business. He compares it to the rise of hip-hop and explains the long-term cultural strategy. (20:30)
• We’re More Similar Than We Think”: Stereotypes and Species-Level Thinking: In a profound and slightly controversial segment, Bing argues that the most damaging stereotype isn’t about race—but about our belief that we’re all so different. He emphasizes unity over hyper-specificity. (30:00)
• Candy, Concerts, and Cracking From Burnout: Rapid Fire and Vulnerability: In a fun, fast-paced wrap-up, Bing talks about burnout, sour candy as therapy, why he doesn’t complain, and his love for Tupac and Hans Zimmer. He ends on a strong note about ethics, ambition, and resilience. (37:30)

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This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

In this episode, Dr. Sunita Sah provides expert insight into the psychological and social dynamics of defiance and compliance. She explains that people often feel a deep internal tension when confronted with situations that contradict their values but struggle to act due to societal conditioning, fear of consequences, or reluctance to challenge authority. Sunita shares personal stories about growing up in a strict Indian household, her journey from medical doctor to organizational psychologist, and how her fascination with compliance and influence led her to research this topic. She introduces key concepts from her book, including the "Defiance Compass," a framework for determining when and how to defy, and emphasizes that defiance is a skill that can be learned and practiced over time. She also reassures Ami about her difficult parenting moment, highlighting the importance of assessing safety before acting. Sunita’s research underscores the hidden costs of compliance and how individuals can reclaim their agency by standing up for their values in meaningful ways.

• A South Asian Perspective: The Cultural Battle with Defiance: Ami and Sunita bond over their shared South Asian backgrounds, discussing how immigrant upbringings shaped their views on obedience, compliance, and the challenge of saying no. (03:31)
• The Power of a Name: Why Sunita Kept Hers: Sunita shares the story of why she didn’t change her last name after marriage, despite social pressure, and how this small act of defiance can have larger implications. (04:53)
• The Parenting Dilemma: When Should You Defy?: Ami recounts a powerful personal story about an aggressive stranger confronting her daughter at a movie theater. Sunita walks her through the "Defiance Compass" framework to evaluate whether speaking up would have been the right choice. (18:03)
• Why We Comply—Even When We Shouldn’t: Sunita breaks down the five psychological stages of defiance, explaining why we often freeze in the moment and default to compliance (28:02)
• The Hidden Cost of Saying Yes: Ami shares her struggle with ulcerative colitis and how years of suppressing her voice may have contributed to her chronic stress and health issues. Sunita discusses how unchecked compliance can take a physical toll. (34:42)
• Why Women (Especially) Struggle to Say No: Sunita introduces the concept of “insinuation anxiety”—the fear of making someone feel bad by rejecting their request—and why women often feel this pressure more acutely than men. (40:08)
• How to Build the Skill of Defiance: Sunita explains why defiance isn’t just a personality trait but a learned skill, offering actionable advice on how to practice saying no in small, everyday moments. (49:05)
• Success, Oprah, and The Cure: In a lighthearted closing, Sunita shares her definition of success, her dream collaboration (hint: Oprah!), and her love for The Cure—tying back to the importance of being true to oneself. (55:34)

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 Ginni Media

His contributions to Austin’s cultural and business landscape have earned him numerous accolades, including being named Austinite of the Year and receiving the Diversity Champion of the Year award. Passionate about collaboration and innovation, Hugh remains committed to the power of in-person interactions, emphasizing their importance in an increasingly digital world.

In this episode, he takes us behind the scenes of SXSW’s evolution, recounting its early days in the 1980s when Austin’s club owners took a chance on a fledgling festival during spring break—a decision that would shape the city’s global reputation. He discusses SXSW’s transformation from a music-focused event into a multidisciplinary hub for film, interactive media, health tech, and transportation. Addressing concerns that the festival has become too corporate, he argues that while SXSW has grown, its core mission of celebrating creativity and community remains unchanged. Throughout the conversation, Hugh also shares his personal journey, reflecting on how his deep ties to Austin have influenced his leadership and vision for one of the world’s most influential cultural events.

• Ami’s life update and travel adventures: Ami shares her recent travels, including attending the Grammys and the Super Bowl, before introducing Hugh (0:30)
• How Hugh Forrest got involved with SXSW: Hugh recalls his early days in Austin, his background in publishing, and how he was hired for his desktop publishing skills (4:10)
• The birth of SXSW: A festival born from rejection: Hugh shares how SXSW came to be after a failed partnership with a New York music event, and how Austin club owners reluctantly gave them a chance (6:42)
• SXSW’s evolution: From music to tech, film & beyond: The festival’s expansion beyond music to include film, interactive media, health tech, and transportation—shaped by Austin’s growth (10:21)
• Balancing corporate growth and grassroots creativity: Hugh addresses criticisms that SXSW has become too corporate, explaining how they balance big brands with indie creatives (14:54)
• Navigating controversies: DEI, social issues and speaker curation: Discussion on how SXSW handles political and social challenges, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (1:13)
• Personal highlights: Bruce Springsteen, David Byrne and memorable moments: Hugh shares one of his biggest regrets—missing most of Bruce Springsteen’s keynote—and reflects on other standout festival moments (24:20)
• Austin’s transformation and SXSW’s role in the city’s growth: The impact of SXSW on Austin’s economy and identity, and Hugh’s thoughts on the city’s evolution (28:11)
• Hugh’s perspective: Success, creativity and the future of SXSW: Rapid-fire Q&A on success, creativity, and what excites him about the future of SXSW (35:26)

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This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Newberg provides an in-depth overview of neurotheology, explaining how it bridges science and spirituality to address critical questions about consciousness and the human experience. He discusses the biological underpinnings of religious and mystical experiences, the interplay between rituals and mating behaviors, and the neurological parallels between spiritual ecstasy and sexual bliss. His research on integrative medicine underscores the value of combining traditional medical practices with lifestyle changes and alternative therapies. Andrew also addresses the societal divisions arising from differing belief systems and proposes that understanding the neurological basis of our connections and differences can foster greater unity. His insights draw from decades of research, personal curiosity, and a desire to help people navigate the complexities of spirituality and health.
 

• Defining Neurotheology and Integrative Medicine: neurotheology is the study of the relationship between the brain and spirituality, it’s a two-way approach + integrative medicine is a holistic approach combining traditional medicine with alternative practices (3:54)
• The Role of Stress and Lifestyle in Health: how stress impacts health + the connection between mental and physical well-being + the importance of personalized, integrative healthcare (9:15)
• Andrew's Early Curiosity About Reality: Andrew reflects on his childhood questions about religion, reality, and consciousness, which led to his interest in neuroscience and philosophy (13:58)
• Sex, God, and the Brain: Exploring Connections: the biological and neurological overlap between religious, spiritual, and sexual experiences, including findings from orgasmic meditation studies. (24:47)
• The Interplay of Rituals, Spirituality, and Biology: the evolution of rituals, their grounding effects + their connections to both human and animal mating behaviors + their role in spirituality (31:21)
• Patriarchy, Religion, and the Separation of Sex and Spirituality: how patriarchal structures have historically separated sexuality from spirituality + the potential for reconnecting these elements (41:38)
• Rituals as Neutral Technologies: Dr. Newberg describes rituals as tools that can be used for both positive and negative purposes, illustrating their power to shape beliefs and behaviors (47:44)
• The Challenges of Evolving Beliefs and Societal Divisions: how ancient brain processes struggle with modern complexities + the importance of openness to alternative perspectives to bridge societal divides (49:06) 
• Rapid Fast Round (53:44)
   

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This podcast is produced by Ginni Media

Dan discusses the systemic flaws in the justice system, including racial bias, prosecutorial misconduct, and the lack of accountability for wrongful convictions. He brings a deeply personal and professional lens to the conversation, emphasizing his commitment to truth over personal recognition. He shares insights into the realities of mass incarceration, describing how systemic failures—from flawed eyewitness procedures to prosecutorial pressure—lead to wrongful convictions.

Dan also explores his relationship with JJ, which has evolved into a profound bond that underscores the human toll of these injustices. He speaks candidly about his investigative process, the importance of humanity and empathy, and his enduring advocacy for those wrongly imprisoned. His accounts of JJ’s case and his Voices from Within program highlight the potential for transformation and healing within and beyond prison walls. Dan dives into his recent book, The Sing Sing Files, and the forthcoming documentary series The Sing Sing Chronicles, which humanizes those affected by the system.

• Dan’s Reluctance Toward Self-Promotion: Dan discusses his discomfort with being in the spotlight + he reflects on the challenges of public advocacy while maintaining journalistic objectivity (3:26)
• Upbringing and Family Influence: Dan shares his childhood experiences + He credits his mother for instilling grit and resilience and his father for teaching empathy and the value of fighting for others (6:37)
• Navigating Advocacy and Family Dynamics: Dan recounts the depth of his 20-year connection with JJ + how Dan’s work evolved from investigative reporting into a deeply personal mission for truth + how Dan’s family became an integral supporter of JJ (9:52)
• Journey into Journalism: Dan recounts the early days of his career + He shares formative moments, like witnessing Michael Jordan before a game and the lessons they imparted about professionalism. (19:11)
• The Case of Robert Roberson: Robert Roberson’s case, a man on death row convicted of killing his daughter + science have debunked much of the evidence used against Roberson + Dan emphasizes the racial and procedural inequities in death penalty cases and critiques the system’s inefficiencies, high costs, and lack of deterrence (22:20)
• The Roots of Wrongful Convictions: Systemic issues leading to wrongful convictions + eyewitness misidentification, coerced confessions, and improper courtroom dynamics + JJ Velazquez’s case exemplifies these failures + the need to humanize those impacted by wrongful convictions (34:53)
• Voices from Within and JJ Velazquez’s Journey: Systemic bias in the justice system, , pointing out how former prosecutors often become judges in the same jurisdictions, fostering a “club-like” atmosphere + Dan’s and JJ’s collaboration on Voices from Within + challenging myths like “everyone in prison claims innocence + the long-lasting trauma caused by wrongful incarceration (45:00)
• The Emotional Catalyst for Justice: the emotional impact of his first encounter with JJ’s children + Dan developed a familial bond with JJ’s children + the lifelong impact of losing a parent to incarceration (51:56)
• The Pathology of Mass Incarceration: The Sing Sing Files, and the emotional impact of the documentary series The Sing Sing Chronicles + education and vocational training in prisons + need to treat prisoners with dignity and reintegrate them into society + mass incarceration as a moral failing of society (55:02)
• The Innocence Project and Personal Reflections: Dan credits the Innocence Project + Dan maintains his discomfort with being labeled as a trailblazer (1:111:07)
• Rapid Fast Round (1:12:46)

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This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

Debbie recounts her journey as a OG podcaster and explains her process of preparing deeply researched interviews that uncover her guests' stories with authenticity and depth, emphasizing the importance of respect and engagement in meaningful conversations. Debbie also opens up about her latest book, Love Letter to a Garden, a visual and personal exploration of her quest to cultivate greenery in her life. She discusses how gardening became a source of connection and creativity during the pandemic and how this new venture has inspired her future projects. 

We also talk about what makes New York City kids so unique, why we’re both glad we didn’t peak in high school, how she designed her high school prom, and why she is still keen to keep walking up the mountain.

• A Love Letter to Gardening: Debbie introduces her latest book + She shares how the project began during the pandemic and how it combines illustrations, photographs, and stories (2:53)
• The Mental Health Benefits of Nature: The therapeutic value of gardening + practical advice for beginners + how gardening has enriched Debbie’s creative process and daily routine (5:56)
• The Origins and Evolution of Design Matters: Debbie recounts the early days of Design Matters and describes its growth over 20 years + chapters of the podcast’s evolution (9:29)
• The Art of Interview: Debbie shares her approach to conducting meaningful interviews + She reveals the challenges of navigating interviews with unengaged guests and maintaining authenticity (12:27)
• Advice for Aspiring Podcasters: Debbie offers candid advice for podcasters, emphasizing the importance of passion, preparation, and perseverance + she advises maintaining a day job to sustain creative freedom and avoiding the pressure of chasing trends or chart (20:45)
• Debbie’s Creative Roots and New York City Upbringing: Reflecting on her childhood in New York City + how her high school and college experiences shaped her career path (24:39)
• Living a Creative Life Without Peaking: Debbie’s reflections on her ever-evolving career and her aspiration to continue climbing her creative "mountain." (38:36)
• Rapid Fast Round: (39:13)

Connect with Debbie Millman:

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 This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

Beyond her role as an influencer, Nasreen is a resilient advocate for breast cancer awareness. Diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer at 40, she has courageously shared her journey, empowering women by speaking openly about her health battles and challenging the cultural stigmas that often surround such diagnoses in South Asian communities.

In this episode, Nasreen speaks candidly about the emotional and physical toll her diagnosis has taken and describes her initial shock, especially given her healthy lifestyle before the diagnosis. She talks about her ongoing treatments, the challenges of choosing between different therapies, and the side effects she endures. Nasreen shares her perspective on the need for a more proactive approach to women’s health and highlights the lack of open discussion about breast cancer. She recounts stories of South Asian women who keep their diagnoses private due to cultural stigma, hoping to inspire others to speak openly and seek support. Nasreen also touches on the joys of motherhood and how her journey has led her to a more present and intentional life. Despite the challenges, she has continued her work as an influencer, driven by her desire to help others through her openness and authenticity.

• Living with a Metastatic Diagnosis:  Nasreen describes the unexpectedness of her diagnosis + the early stages of treatment + living with metastatic breast cancer means being on indefinite therapy + importance of early detection + Nasreen opens up about the difficult side effects + the difficult choices patients face between various treatment options and the unpredictable effects of each therapy (2:56)
• A Proactive vs. Reactive Healthcare Approach: Contrasting the two approaches + how societal expectations often cause women to self-blame after a health diagnosis (8:00)
• Cultural Stigma in the South Asian Community: The cultural stigma surrounding breast cancer in the South Asian community + anecdotes of women who keep their diagnoses private out of fear + Nasreen urges more open conversations to break these stigmas + setting an example for the younger generation (10:52)
• The Things Cancer Can Teach: Nasreen reflects on how her experience has changed her perspective on life and motherhood (15:28)
• Navigating Work as an Influencer with Cancer: Explaining the flexibility needed to accommodate treatments + the support Nasreen receives from her audience and brands + emphasizing the importance of authenticity in her journey + Nasreen discusses moments of joy she has experienced + gratitude for the support network she has gained through sharing her journey (20:32)
• Rapid Fast Round (24:25)
• Final Reflections and Advice: Nasreen offers advice to listeners, encouraging them to let go of others’ judgments + the importance of breaking free from cultural shame (26:00)

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This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

For over two years now, Gardner has been the Head of Tribeca Audio and Curator of Audio Storytelling at Tribeca Enterprise. He made a great contribution to taking the “Film” out of the Tribeca Festival and pushing it further towards a multimedia festival that it has been for a while. 

In this episode, Davy discusses the evolution of the Tribeca Festival into a multimedia event and emphasizes the importance of audio storytelling. He highlights the challenges independent podcasters face, such as discoverability, and the role of curatorial entities like Tribeca in promoting innovative content. He also shares his journey from writing for the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater to his current role, stressing the need for creative risks and the value of public recognition. Finally, reflects on personal experiences, including the impact of his mother's death and the importance of recognizing and managing feelings of being "tuckered out."

“I Don't Have A Billboard On Times Square”: The challenges that independent podcasters face + audio storytelling as an emerging genre parallel to what comes to everyone’s mind when podcasting is mentioned + the disproportionate recognition the audio art form gets in the public eye and ways entities such as Tribeca can play a role in this. (04:49)

Getting Audio On The Red Carpet: Emphasizing the importance of recognizing audio creators + getting the first Getty Image and the word out there about one’s podcast (14:12)

Improv Guided My Life: Davy explains how he got into performing after being on the writing side + how improv comedy got him out of depression after his mother’s passing + the way performing and improv can support a writer’s journey (17:45)

State of Podcasting and Independent Creators: Discussing the challenges of audio as a whole is going through for decades now + the importance of creative risk-taking while not being ruled by the money tap + Davey encourages independent creators to focus on their artistry and not get discouraged by financial difficulties (22:01)

Growing Up in New York City: Davy tells about his upbringing and experiences being a high schooler in NYC + NYC as a melting pot of people from diverse backgrounds + not ending up dead as a teenager and rubbing elbows with the Ivy League kids (28:39)

Attending The Happiest College: The challenges of adjusting to the new environment both literally and figuratively + forming career-defining connections throughout the years in college (35:55)

Being “tuckered out”: The way to sustain anything is if it brings you joy + no shame in being in and out of feeling “tuckered out” when there is a constant pressure of getting back to happy + Davy shares his experiences with grief and how they shaped his perspective on life (39:00)

Concert Highlights: Davy Gardner shares his experience seeing Arcade Fire and the impact it had on his career + having a complete concert experience while watching the live recording of LCD Soundsystem's "Dance Yourself Clean" (48:42)

Connect with Davy Gardner:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Official website

Let’s talk Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

Breakdancing?  At the Olympics? Hell. Yes.  

Today is a watershed moment for the @dynamicrockers and @rocksteadycrew1977 who were just kids at the time they created this dance movement in a NYC that was going through a tumultuous time.

Welcome to another special episode where I will be interviewing trailblazers from all backgrounds. Because let's face it, being Tuckered Out is universal.

Jamaal Parham and Bashan Aquart are known as the Brooklyn-based directing team JamsBash and have spent the last decade crafting award-winning TV shows, commercials, documentaries, music videos, and a film. They worked with people like Michael B. Jordan, Robert DeNiro, Mindy Kaling, Samuel L. Jackson- just to name a few.

Their work is driven by their innate desire to tell stories of the authentic American experience, infused with magical realism and rooted in a love of boundary-pushing design and classical filmmaking technique.

We discuss breakdance's origins and growth, its cultural relevance, and whether it should be considered sport, art, or both (it’s a topic my friends), how hiphop and breaking grew together in parallel, their relationship with art and storytelling, and all agreed that stories that begin and end in NYC are stories that could never happen anywhere else or be replicated anywhere else.

We dive into their latest documentary, "Breakin' On the One," they share their thoughts on the challenges of doing comedy in "sensitive times," the importance of preserving African American cultural heritage through dance, how communication through a cypher of  movement it is such a beautifully uniquely black and brown thing, and what our Bboy names would be if we could all actual breakdance.

Mine is Trick Tucker.

Also, Bashan was attacked by a beetle during the interview.  He survived. 

• Early Creative Influences: Jamaal and Bashan's diverse backgrounds + family expectations influencing their creative careers (7:20)
• Finding their Place in the Creative Realm: The moment Jamaal and Bash discovered their calling for storytelling and filmmaking (12:00)
• Inclusivity, Humor, and Career Building: Making people laugh without offending them + transition from theater to film and TV + the importance of building long-term relationships with clients (27:00)
• "Breakin' On the One" and the NY Competitive Spirit: Creating a documentary on breakdance + New Yorkers against NY + breakdance as a life saver (38:20)
• Breakdance is Art or a Sport, its Global Spread: Jamaal details the European tour of breakdancing crews + the artistic elements of breakdance + acceptance of breakdance in Eurocentric cultures (48:30)

Connect with Jamall Parham:

• Visit Jams and Bash's website
• LinkedIn
• IMDb page

Connect with Bashan Aquart:

• LinkedIn
• IMDb page

Let's Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by 

Ginni Media

From composing music for hit shows on Amazon Prime and Netflix to collaborating legends such as  U2, Bishop Briggs, and Shawn Mendes, Rianjali’s big mission in life is to change the perspectives of South Asian musicians’ perspective in the diaspora and to encourage women to explore careers within music and film, and she does this with humor and heart through her  Mild Mannered and Timid Podcast, which Rianjali co-hosts and produces, sharing her no-holds-barred views on the society,  music, and culture of the South Asian diaspora.  

Rianjali’s production company is Mild Mannered Timid whose short films include Seeing God, which won Best Documentary at the South Asian Film Festival of America, and Saltwater, which was officially selected for the Wisconsin Film Festival and Chicago South Asian Film Festival of America.  

This  drive to break barriers and defy traditional expectations and stereotypes defines every aspect of her life from her marriage to her music to her films. She is a true trailblazer and and yes, now my soul sister 

Rinajali shares her crazy ride and lets us into her darkest moments, the challenges she faced taking care of her parents and South Asian expectations, and her decision to follow AR Rahman to Chennai. She reveals how AR Rahman became her personal Mr Miyagi and what he’s like up close and personal. We talk about how her marriage to Kunal by a queer Hindu priestess inspired her first doc; how her latest short film,Saltwater, explores communication in South Asian families; and how her film work helped her connect with her own family.

The Mild Mannered and Timid Podcast:  Challenging the stereotype of South Asian women  + using humor to deal with pain +wanting to support South Asian community + the  freedom to be honest about South Asian culture + fear of being shamed five years from now (04:48)

Breaking the Film Barrier:  Making debut movie with $800 + getting married + the tattooed, weed-smoking queer Hindu priestess + Saltwater and how Indian fathers communicate + having your film used in film classes (12:42)

Rianjali and Kunal - How the Crazies Found Each Other:  Rianjali details her husband’s talents as an attorney and musical creative + how she and Kunal connected through music + how their parents thought they were crazy + how Kunal supports and complements her.  (20:11)

Rianjali’s Dark Journey:  Rianjali’s early love of singing and how her teacher pushed her to musical high school + Giving up singing for college and being diagnosed with depression + Getting polyps on vocal cords and fighting back + Getting a “realistic” job and the stress of helping battered women. (24:44)

Enter AR Rahman:  Rianjali tells how a singing clip on Facebook led to her meeting AR + how she had to care for her sick parents + Singing for AR while he videoed her like a dad + the offer of a lifetime to go to India + Deciding to go and the guilt of  “abandoning” her parents. (30:12)   

Rianjali’s Journey Begins: Joining AR Rahman in Chennai as a purple-haired girl in a traditional Indian community + the intensity of being mentored by AR and learning on the fly + how AR took care of her like a father + her first triumphs with Amazon and Netflix and Bollywood (41:34)

Returning to Earth: Rianjali talks about finding her musical voice, being South Asian but wanting to do her own thing + the joy she took in becoming a full-time teacher + how the pandemic forced her to switch from gigging to writing music + advising people on the hard realities of the music business +  the South Asian impulse to be realistic about career choices and how it clashes with following your dream. (50:32)

Rianjali and U2: Rianjali recalls her jamming session with Bono, the Edge, and AR Rahman. (59:01)

Current and Future Projects: The excitement of making documentaries with Academy Award-Winning Vanessa Roth + plans to showcase traditional South Asian recipes and moving beyond South Asian food + having her dad star in a pilot episode, how he shared his life story with her on camera, and her love-hate relationship with him + the clash of generational attitudes towards family and ambition in South Asian culture (01:01:16)

What Now for Rianjali?  Rianjali reflects on her changing goals in life and work + her desire to be known as just a female composer + the importance of getting more women into making music and film + the pleasure of helping people on their own music journeys.

Connect with Rianjali:

• Rianjali's Official Website
• Instagram
• Mild Mannered and Timid Podcast
   

Let’s talk Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by

 Ginni Media

Bill Teck is a writer, producer, director, and the founder of the Generation ñ Media brand. His films include One Day Since Yesterday: Peter Bogdanovich & the Lost American Film (2014). A Cuban-American who grew up in Miami, Bill has been named by Newsweek Magazine as One of 20 Latinos to Watch and by Hispanic Business Magazine as One of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics in America. 

His amazing new HBO documentary, Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple, had its world premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival. Chronicling the legendary Stevie Van Zandt, it features a wealth of never-before-seen footage that traces Van Zandt's career as a producer, musician, songwriter, activist, actor, and a whole lot more. For those who know Stevie best as consigliere to Bruce Springsteen and Tony Soprano, Bill beautifully captures the story of a true Renaissance man and amazing human being.

In this episode, Bill recalls his Miami days as an out-of-place rock and roll fan in a disco town, and we bond over our love of British invasion music. Bill dives deep into the making of the documentary, revealing the challenges of keeping up with a man who never stops creating and the thrill of finding lost footage that even Stevie didn’t know he had. Bill describes how Stevie’s driving force is his passion for rock ‘n’ roll as a force for social change. Finally, he shares what observing up close Stevie’s musical originality, his fifty-year-old marriage to Maureen, and his close lifelong relationships have taught him about life and himself.

Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple debuted on JUNE 22 (8:00 p.m.–10:25 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.

• Talking Stevie Van Zandt: Falling in love with Stevie + the British invasion music scene + how Bruce Springsteen and Stevie “lived the legend” as lifelong friends (04:12)
• Landing the Dream Job: How Bill’s early love of Van Zandt inspired the documentary + the years of rejection before being accepted by Stevie’s “powerhouse” wife + being inspired by Stevie and Maureen’s touching relationship (08:53)
• Hanging out with the Legends:  Learning the secret to a great band + talking Stevie with fans Bono and Paul McCartney + singing with Eddie Vedder at 4 a.m (10:41)
• Back in the Day: Bill misses wild rock stars flying everywhere, but welcomes the new diversity of voices in the music industry (13:58)
• “This Beard Was Not Gray When I Started:” Touring Barcelona one day and going to a trial in DC the next (15:57)
• Rock and Roll Evangelist: Bill reveals Stevie’s unique way of linking music to political change (17:40)
• The Unseen Stevie Van Zandt: Stevie and Maureen’s rock and roll wedding + film of the couple falling in love + the Stevie and Mandela tape lost in a drawer (19:50)
• Quiet Pioneer: How Stevie combined hip hop with punk before Run DMC and Aerosmith, and his Grammy-winning reggae song (22:39)
• Lessons Learned: Bill relates how observing Stevie taught him not to compromise in work (24:09)
• Stevie the Mensch: Convincing Stevie to appear in the film + filming Stevie with his family +  Stevie inviting fans to eat with him + how Ami doesn’t mind Stevie wearing a Ganesh shirt  (25:16)
• Lessons From Stevie: If your first dream dies, just stay with it, because you never know what's gonna happen + how even a two and half hour film doesn’t do justice to Stevie’s career (27:07)
• Miami and Music: Bill recalls reading Rolling Stone while his friends were into disco + learning to love all music + why the Smiths are so popular with Latinos (33:32)
• Concert Stories: Bill’s most epic concert + seeing Stevie and Bruce before Hollywood stars + how Bono stopped a fight at his concert (35:30)
• What Next for Bill: (40:01)

Connect with Bill

• billteck.com
• Bill's IMDb page

Let’s talk Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by  Ginni Media

Anjali’s passion for diversity, uniting, and empowering people of all ages and cultures shines through in her life and career. She sees her role at Time Out as a gateway to building bridges between brands and consumers and fostering connections worldwide. And she is in a unique position to unite diverse communities through the shared experiences of food, culture, and general joy.

Anjali shares her incredible journey from her childhood, always feeling out of place, to finally finding her home in New York and Time Out. She reveals the challenges and the exhilaration of managing the amazingly diverse Time Out brand. We dive deep into the evolving nature of DEI, race, and what it means to be South Asian for our generation compared to our parents. We go into breaking out of the mold of Good Indian Girl and the importance of learning new things. Finally, we reflect on being the freest South Asian generation and look forward to a new era of diversity for our children even if we still have a long way to go.
 

• The Lowdown on Time Out:  Time Out’s story from its humble origins as a free magazine to its rise as a global brand + the excitement of creating food spaces and music festivals in Lisbon, Abu Dhabi. and New York + the challenges of appealing to Gen Z (5:38)
• Spreading the Time Out Message: The challenges of combining local, national, and global brands + traveling in Asia and Europe + future expansion of Time Out into Barcelona and Budapest (12:45)
• “Indians Come In All Shades, Right?”: Anjali shares her story of growing up in Manchester and the US as the only brown girl, not knowing if she’s white or black, and finding her voice in the “blonde hair” publishing world + the joy of living in New York and having a mix of everything + the shift from “multicultural” to “mainstream” marketing and uniting diverse cultures rather than emphasizing “otherness” (20:03)
• Our Parents and Us: Anjali on moving to the United States at 10 years old + Anjali and Ami envy their parents’ social lives and sense of community +  how parents allow their children freedom while keeping them grounded + how the price of freedom can be loneliness (27:48)
• Back In The Day: - Anjali shares her early days of acting and tending bar and always wanting to do new things + backpacking and worrying her poor parents + how South Asian parents give their children freedom while keeping them grounded (31:13)
• Rapid Fast Round: (38:11)
• Anjali’s Bucket List: (39:39)

Connect with Anjali:

• LinkedIn Profile
• Time Out

Let’s talk Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

Kaly, aka Kunal Patel, is a highly-respected rapper who has collaborated with artists such as Indian musical composer and Oscar winner A.R. Rahman. As a side hustle, he also happens to be an attorney.

These guys have been friends forever, but they've never really worked together. Now, in collaboration with their producer, Shankar Tucker, they have released their independent seven-track EP titled Too Grown Men, exploring themes of heartbreak and struggle and defying stereotypes.

In this episode, we dive into the familiar theme of growing up on the fence between American and South Asian cultures, their own personal growth and experiences as artists, what they each bring to their music, and their plans for the future.

Utkarsh discusses his early years in the music scene with MTV Desi, the BTS of his epic Oscar Performance with Questlove,  why he hasn't been to an ashram in India to find himself yet, and the potential plans for going on tour.  Kaly tells me about growing up Jersey without any brown people around him, why he is a rappers rapper,  how he still keeps his east coast roots living in LA, and what  it has been like working with the legendary A.R. Rahman.
 

• The Story of Too Grown Men: Utkarsh and Kaly dive into the creation of the EP and the theme of growing up between cultures and achieving a sense of freedom + Don’t Care, the first album Utkarsh and Kaly worked on together + how Utkarsh’s writing compliments Kaly’s prolific output + getting married and having kids + their producer Shankar and white people who are more Indian than Indians (03:45)
• Back in the Day: Utkarsh talks about leaving college, VJing for MTV, and his first break + the early Indian music scene and meeting Karsh Kale and future Grammy winners Goldspot(13:10)
• Indian Music Scene: Kaly celebrates his good luck in working with A.R. Rahman + Punjabi rappers going viral on TikTok + Indian artists who now write for mainstream performers (16:52)
• Out on the Road: Utkarsh lays out his movie and TV schedule for the next six months + how he’d love to tour with Kaly and his wife + not getting enough Indian food in the White House + the age and beauty of Indian culture (19:01)
• Growing up Indian and American: Kaly talks about not growing up in India and seeing his relatives in India every six months + Ami and Utkarsh go deep into what makes a healthy attitude to being South Asian and American,  proudly wear the flag on your chest or just relax and operate as a human being + Utkarsh describes being relaxed about taking roles originally for white and black people, and being less worried about what people think + Kaly and Ami discuss growing up brown and being ignored rather than discriminated against + the importance of a natural, organic pride in South Asian culture (23:40)
• Organic Chemistry in the Studio: The story of the song Bring in the 808s. From thinking up the first line driving into the studio to writing the whole song in less than an hour (30:53)
• Rapid Fast Round: Highlights include rapping at the Oscars, asking Tom Hanks' wife permission to use the restroom and changing in a janitor’s dressing room (35:24)

Connect with Utkarsh: 

• Instagram
• IMDB page
   

Connect with Kaly: 

• Instagram
• YouTube channel
   

Let’s talk Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

Maryanne has released a brand new independent track called Labor, just in time for Mother's Day, and this song really captures the journey not just of motherhood but womanhood and personal growth.

In this episode, we talk about motherhood and the journey we thought it would be,  the journey that it is, and all the beauty and ugliness of it. We talk about how motherhood is the hardest thing you'll ever do, and the most rewarding. Finally, we go deep into how we navigate the expectations of being South Asian, career, and motherhood, and how they shape the lessons we teach our children.
 

What We Talked About:

•  A Labor of Love: Maryanne reflects on being a mom at the height of her career, the expectations and judgments about motherhood, and her desire to give a gift to her daughter inspired her new song, Labor (4:48)
• The Great Journey of Motherhood: Maryanne and Ami talk frankly about the challenges of motherhood, including not wanting children and a career, difficult pregnancies, and post-partum depression, and how they would never go back and make a different decision + motherhood as the highest form of growth: how being a parent helps you reflect and heal in your own life, how children teach you what matters + Maryanne describes being a mother has made more confident and comfortable in her skin than she has ever been (7:42)
• South Asian Motherhood, Then and Now: Ami and Maryanne acknowledge how the sacrifices of their South Asian parents enabled them to pursue their dreams + the conflict between the traditional expectations of South Asian motherhood and the need to be happy and fulfilled for oneself and one’s children + how their pursuit of career and motherhood can help their children grow and live their dreams + how Ami is being a cool mom (11:47)  
• Growing Up Brown in America: Maryanne opens up about the expectations of her culture and her constant fear of how her decisions would impact her wider family + the balance between being American and celebrating and defending her culture + navigating the music and gospel worlds while being neither white nor black (17:13)
• “You Know What, Girl? There's No Typical South Asian:”  Maryanne celebrates her multiple identities of being South Asian, Christian, a female artist, and a mother all in one (19:53)

Connect with Maryanne:

• https://maryannejgeorge.com/
• Instagram
• Twitter/X
• YouTube Channel
   

Let’s talk Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by Ginni Media

In Flames, his genre-bending feature directorial debut, premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival as part of the Director's Fortnight.  A story about Pakistani women, about resilience, it’s a perfect mixture of education, entertainment and thriller, and has garnered critical acclaim and prizes worldwide.

In this episode, Zarrar delves deep into the process of creating In Flames and its subsequent controversy, and the importance of portraying Pakistan in all its complexity. He passionately expresses the importance of telling stories of Pakistani women at a time of worldwide crisis for women’s rights. He shares his thoughts on the state of Pakistani cinema. Finally, he shares his insights into living as both a Canadian and a Pakistani and learning to fall in love with all of Pakistani culture.

Zarrar is truly committed to telling stories that amplify historically marginalized communities, about voices that need to be heard.

In Flames comes out April 12th across North America
 

What We Talked About:

• The Birth of In Flames: Zarrar describes how he developed the idea for In Flames through his early short films + the strong relationships he forged with his female cast + the urgency to show this film to the world at this time of crisis in women’s rights from Iran to Roe vs Wade (3:28}
• Pakistani Culture and the Making of In Flames: Zarrar explains how he combined the genres of thriller, family drama and supernatural to capture the fear-filled lives of women in the religious society of Pakistan + why the Pakistani Oscars called the film a “lasagna” (5:56)
• Stirring the Pot: Zarrar describes how the film generated controversy across Pakistan +  navigating the censors through the controversial parts + how the film has resonated with young people and how the old guard's objections are “a badge of honor.” (9:23)
• Seeing Pakistan in A New Light: Zarrar discusses the value of an outsider’s perspective in exploring traumatic issues + how being a male director helped him tell the stories of Pakistani women + how female directors can bring the same outsider’s perspective to shining a light on toxic masculinity (11:48)
• Shooting Karachi: Zarrar describes the challenge of capturing the unique beauty of his birthplace on a microbudget + his pride in debuting his Karachi-born female lead + fleming the racier scenes in closed sets  and the importance of having females in the crew (13:53)
• “They’re Actors - They Can Act:” Zarrar opens up about filming the racier scenes in closed sets +  how his process of making cast feel safe and relaxed contrasts with the legacy of “traumatizing” actors (17:53)
• Shining a Light On Pakistan: The challenge of representing Pakistan in film without stereotypes + pride in showing the lives of Pakistani women in their complexity and diversity (21:14)
• A Karmic Moment: Zarrar shares the joy of shooting their take in a pregnancy ward at the same time a man’s wife had a baby (22:55)
• A Renaissance in Pakistani Cinema:  Zarrar reflects on Pakistan’s first attendance at the Cannes Directors Fortnight for 40 years + how Pakistani cinema emerged from the “dark ages with the help of the internet and social media” (24:21)
• Between Two Worlds: How Zarrar divides his time between Canada and Pakistani + how his children have lived in four different cities + he describes his idyllic childhood and his gratitude to for his family’s support for his career in the arts + the joy of reuniting with Pakistani culture as a member of the diaspora (27:05)
• Pakistan And Me: Celebrating the diversity of Pakistan’s subcultures + Zarrrar’s relationship with religion and his take on Islamophobia (33:29)
• Rapid Fire Round: (36:08)
• Zarrar’s Bucket List: (41:32)
   

Connect with Zarrar: 

• Instagram
• Company website
   

Let’s talk Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

The Culture Tree will be hosting their first annual AAPI Children's Literary Festival in collaboration with the Asia Society. This is a unique gathering place for writers, illustrators, publishers, and fans of AAPI literary works. It features readings, meet-and-greet sessions with authors like Priya, illustrators, panel discussions, and writing workshops, engaging the youth with the full diversity of South Asian culture.

Anu and Priya delve deep into how The Culture Tree and the AAPI Literary Fest will help immerse children in South Asian culture through the love of reading and food. We talk about the importance of food in our culture and what comfort food we still love, Anu shares her journey with The Culture Tree , and Priya discusses how her dad gets stopped at Costco to discuss his recipes that are now shared worldwide.

The AAPI Children’s Literary Festival will be in person Saturday, May 11th from 1 to 5 p.m. at 725 Park Avenue, New York City. 

What we talked about:

• Growing the Culture Tree: Anu breaks down the Culture Tree’s mission of celebration and education + the importance Anu places on the languages of South Asia + how South Asian culture is one of the most diverse in the world and the need to celebrate it all + the heartwarming support the Culture Tree receives from the wider community (3:28)
• Anu’s Journey: Growing up in an inter-religious, multilingual family and her passion for teaching South Asian languages + how having children inspired her to challenge South Asian stereotypes + her pride in seeing her kids haggling in a Delhi bazaar (7:33)
• Lit Fest: Putting Kids First: The original inspiration for the Lit Fest + TikTok and teaching middle schoolers the lost art of recipe reading + having children do their own writing and illustrating + how children run their panel discussion in the Festival (18:12)
• Priya's Kitchen Adventures: How Priya’s created an interactive cookbook that normalizes South Asian cooking from a young age + how she came to be involved in the Lit Fest + how she refused to bring Indian food to school so she could fit in + how she first promoted Indian cooking + celebrating the support she has received from Madhur Jaffrey and other South Asian cooking experts (23:15)
• Priya’s Further Adventures: Priya describes how her local Mutai shop was her first New York Times project + Her pride in her YouTube videos highlighting the unseen labor in the food industry + her latest project exploring identity beyond the South Asian American paradigm + her parents suddenly becoming famous (30:51)
• Final Goals: Anu and Priya express their hopes to promote the Lit Fest annually for children as young as five as well as middle schoolers + their wish for parents to join in the fun (35:17)
• Rapid Fire Round: (37:43)
• Anu’s Bucket List: (40:39)
• Priya’s Bucket List: (40:46)

Connect with Anu:

• Linkedin
• The Culture Tree
• Instagram
   

Connect with Priya:

• Website
• Instagram
• Linkedin
• Twitter
• YouTube

Let’s talk Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

Rochelle shares her insights into what is currently happening in Indian fashion, content, beauty,  and all things Vogue. She speaks frankly about the challenges of representing India in all its diversity and richness and describes growing up in Goa free of gender stereotypes, how her parents keep her grounded,  and the ways Vogue India is currently uncovering untold and fascinating stories all over the country.

What we talked about:

• Walking The Vogue Tightrope: Rochelle talks about the need to balance a younger audience without alienating Vogue’s original supports + appealing India’s growing market outside of Delhi + the ever-changing role of editor-in-chief and having to deal with twitter wars (2:38)
• The Vogue Sisterhood:  Rochelle talks all about learning every day from the legendary Anna Wintour and getting to see her work up close + She expresses her gratitude for the support and advice of her predecessors Megha Kapoor and Priya Tanna (8:56)
• Tapping into the Indian Zeitgeist:  How the boom in the fashion scene and demand for Indian luxury goods in even small towns reflects the growing pride in Indian identity + discovering pride marches in small Indian towns +  Indian artists not needing validation from America (22:06)
• Current Projects: Balancing 64 projects across multiple time zones + the booming beauty industry in India + celebrating the third year of Forces of Fashion (23:46)
• Rochelle’s Learning Curve: Being the youngest columnist in Hindustan Times and what she wouldn’t get away with on today’s social media  + Co-authoring Kareena Kapoor Khan's first book + Adapting to the age of cancel culture and the perspective from her mother “You’re not that important.”
• Working with Twinkle Khanna:  Rochelle shares her experience as founding editor of Tweak, and how Twinkle taught her to stand by her convictions (34:05)
• Growing Up in Goa:  Rochelle celebrates learning to change tires as well as diapers + the inspiration she draws from her parents (37:56)
• Keeping a Shanti Over You: How staying with her parents and sleeping in her old bed  keeps Rochelle’s perspective + not letting your identity be defined by your job (45:17)
• Rapid Fire Round:  (48:20)
• Rochelle’s Bucket List:  (49:36)

Connect with Rochelle:

• Linkedin
• Instagram

Let’s talk Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

Today, I am talking with the two South Asian leads in a very beloved Broadway show: Michael Maliakel and Sonya Balsara, who play Aladdin and Jasmine in Disney's Aladdin on Broadway.

Michael made his Broadway debut with Aladdin in September 2021.  He has had theater experience, including being part of the national tour of the Phantom of the Opera. Sonya also made her Broadway debut as Jasmine in Aladdin and has recently worked on the pre-Broadway lab of The Karate Kid, Sense and Sensibility, and West Side Story in Tokyo, Japan.

In this episode, we talk about South Asian representation, what working on Broadway has really meant to them, and they also share some super fun behind-the-scenes stories. 

What we talked about:

• Broadway Journey: Michael describes auditioning during COVID with a flying carpet on Zoom + how the Aladdin cast is more ethnically diverse post-George Floyd  + Sonya relates her excitement on getting her first break on Broadway. (01:49)
• History of Aladdin on Broadway:  How the show was adapted from the original movie + how the leads put their unique spin on the beloved Broadway hit (06:59)
• South Asia Takes On Hollywood:  Michael and Sonya describe their unusual position as South Asian leads in a Broadway hit + the expansion of South Asians into the entertainment industries compared to the 1980’s and the reduction of stereotyping and typecasting. (10:35)
• Wow Moments: Sonya describes the inspiration and lessons learned from playing the Girls Scout Convention on Disney Broadway + Michael talks about performing Aladdin for his parents + South Asian parents’ fears for their children’s career paths (16:08)
• Bollywood on Broadway?: How Bollywood shaped the leads’ childhood + the possibility of Broadway incorporating Bollywood in the future (21:19)
• Daily Grind of Showbiz: The unique challenges of needing to sing, dance, and act and having to do each performance as if for the first time (26:52)
• Looking to the Future: The leads describe the rare good fortune of being in a long-running show + becoming a first-time Dad mid-show  (31:34)
• Growing up South Asian: Sonya opens up about being half-Indian half-white and not totally belonging + Michael reveals how growing up Indian Catholic led to him being teased by fellow Indians + the importance of accepting and celebrating your identity (36:29)
• Fast Fun Round: Pet peeves, celebrity crushes, greatest bloopers, ultimate professional collaboration  (45:59)

Connect with Michael:

• Website
• imdb
• Instagram

Connect with Sonya:

• Website
• imdb
• Instagram

Let’s talk Connect:

• Instagram
   

This podcast is produced by Ginni Media

Rohit Bhargava is the Founder and Chief Trend Curator of the Non-Obvious Company and is widely considered one of the most entertaining and original speakers on trends and marketing in the world.

Rohit believes the world needs more Non-Obvious thinking. He helps leaders and professionals to be more open minded, see what others miss and learn to anticipate the future. He is the author of seven popular business books, including his signature Non-Obvious Megatrends which has been read or shared by more than 1 million people and was a #1 WSJ bestseller + USA Today bestseller earlier this year.

Outside of speaking and consulting, Rohit is also the co-founder of Ideapress Publishing - a fast growing independent publisher that specializes in working with top authors to publish beautiful business books.

We talk about what a Futurist does, why he is the trend  guy, what the Human Mode trend is and why it's here to stay, how starting a publishing company kept him from becoming an a&&hole, and the reasons he wanted to start supporting the South Asian community.

Kavita is the Executive Director for Sahki for South Asian Women, a survivor-led gender justice organization whose goal is to eradicate gender-based and domestic violence. Sakhi is the second largest organization of its kind in the US, and celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. It has really changed the conversation on gender-based violence in our community while uniting survivors and institutions to work together.

In our conversation,  Kavita delves into how Sakhi provides a safe space and community for survivors; the high rate of gender violence in the South Asian diaspora, the challenges in overcoming it, and its connections to South Asian culture and beliefs. We talk about South Asian family dynamics and how they have impacted us, She generously opens up about her own trauma, how it drove her to do the job she does, and how she overcomes trauma to this day

What we talked about: 

• Kavita’s Sakhi Journey:  How Kavita joined Sakhi at the advent of the MeToo movement + the challenge of COVID + preparing for the migrant crisis in New York City. (6:26)
• A Force for Transformative Change:  Sakhi’s unique holistic survivor outreach from counseling to housing + how 48% of South Asian Americans have experienced gender-based violence  +  Saki’s inclusive rebranding (10:50)
• The Need for True Community and Safety: How fear of judgment and the need to keep up appearance isolates and suffocates South Asians + how feeling like an outsider in childhood impacts adulthood  19:45)
• Live in the Trauma Or Live in the Healing: Kavita opens up about her violent and traumatic childhood + haunted by the life her mother could have had + how she found healing through her work with Sakhi + South Asians breaking the stigma around mental health. (24:31)
• The Hidden Trauma in South Asian Families: Amy and Kavita reflect on their gradual awareness of childhood toxicity + the need to educate the next generation  (29:02)
• What next for Sakhi: Celebrating Sakhi’s 35th anniversary + ringing the bell of the New York Stock Exchange + gala (34:16)
• Lessons Learned: Kavita’s anxiety, learning when to accelerate and when to slow down + Sharing internal struggles of making decisions (37:26)
• The Need for Self-Care: Kavita talks frankly about her need for regular therapy +  the case that haunts her to this day (39:30)
• Rapid Fire Questions: (42:35)
• Kavita’s Bucket List: (45:36)

Connect with Kavita:

• Sakhi for South Asian Women
• Linkedin

Let’s talk Connect:

• Instagram
   

This podcast is produced by Ginni Media

Akruti Babaria is the founder of Kulture Khazana , a business is dedicated to sharing Indian culture with children through educational and play activities. 

Her story began in 2018 after the birth of her son, Ayaan. When Akruti realized that the diverse places she has lived in had no sign of her culture or community, so she decided to do something about it

Now through Kulture Khazana, Akruti is able to shares the South Asian culture with children around the US  and all of its beautiful treasures.

Kulture Khazana has a variety of incredible Indian toys and Diwali gifts as well as games, puzzles and online story albums for kids of all ages.   Kulture Khazana is also is now the first Indian cultural toy brand founded in target.com and nordstrom.com, and now will be launching with macys.com this year!

As a mother of two little girls who is trying to share our culture as much as possible . I could not recommend checking out Kulture Khazana more.

What we talked about:

• Going full force for Holi: Akruti talks about the upcoming launch at Macy + her new products that make Holi safe and fun + her most popular product (02:52)
• The Story of Kulture Khazana:  Akruti shares her original journey to normalize Indian culture through stories  + the challenge of COVID + the diversity of products and sensory experiences in Kulture Khazana
• Personal Highlights: Akruti shares her pride in talking to her son’s school for Diwali + her new school district campaign to expand South Asian culture to all classrooms. (19:31)
• Lessons from Akruti’s Journey:  People are willing to help +  Not letting “no” ruin your larger purpose is the key to peace of mind  (23:27)
• Growing up Brown in School: Akruti opens up about being treated differently for being Indian + how it became the impetus to help Indian girls find their voice (27:18)
• Women in Indian Culture:   Challenging the subservient view of women in traditional Indian stories. (34:15)
• What Next? Akruti gives the lowdown on her upcoming projects (39:08)
• Rapid fire questions (40:10)

Connect with Akruti:

• Kulture Khazana
• Linkedin
• Instagram

Let’s Connect:

Instagram
 

This podcast is produced by Ginni Media

Nisha Pahuja is a writer, an artist, and director and now an Emmy-nominated filmmaker. Her passion for social impact is marked by a quiet courage towards exploring complex social issues that often breed division through the lens of her camera. We chat about her latest award-winning documentary "To Kill a Tiger," which has won 19 awards from prestigious festivals such as TIFF, Palm Springs International Film Festival, the Canadian Screen Awards, and Doc Aviv and has names like Dev Patel and Mindy Kaling attached to it. The film earned its way on The New York Times Most Anticipated Fall Releases list and Anne Thompson at the IndieWire’s Oscar Contenders list.

I had the pleasure of moderating the premier of the film here in Dallas with some of the executive producers and was absolutely blown away by the film.

Nisha's storytelling prowess goes beyond this latest project, with notable credits like the Emmy-nominated "The World Before Her," the documentary "Bollywood Bound," and the insightful series "Diamond Road." Her work doesn't just capture stories; it sparks conversations and challenges perspectives, especially around themes of cultural evolution, the reality of stereotypical depictions, and the grip that shame has on so many of us. As an immigrant from India to Canada, Nisha's unique vantage point enriches her narratives, bridging diverse worlds with empathy and insight. Her journey is not just about making films but also the art of fostering understanding, catalyzing change, and alchemizing adversity into inspiration.  

We talked about: 

• How Nisha got involved with Kill A Tiger and what she feels were the hardest parts to film (4:16)
• Western and eastern societal parallels around discussing and handling sexual assault (8:10)
• Nisha’s relationship with shame and the concept of shame as a cultural inheritance (12:05)
• How Karen and her family are doing now and current projects in the works  (17:20)
• What experiencing immigrating from India and growing up in Canada was like (18:50)
• Nisha’s relationship with our culture (23:50)
• The World Before Her, the initial journey to documentary making, and her perspective on representation (29:30)

Connect with Nisha Pahuja

• Instagram
• Linkedin

Let’s talk Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by

 Ginni Media

Over the span of his 20-year career, Nick Rathod has built successful campaigns, businesses, governmental and non-governmental institutions and been a key advisor to the nation's leaders. Nick has served as special assistant to the President and Deputy Director for Intergovernmental Affairs in the White House, and was also the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Obama-Biden transition team. 

Nick has also built a number of nonprofit organizations. Most notably, Nick was the founder and first Executive Director of the State Innovation Exchange. Nick has most recently served as the campaign manager for Beto's race for governor of Texas. He is now the President of Impact and a founding partner in the People of Culture Studios in Hollywood, California. 

Nick shares his vision of affecting real change by using Hollywood culture to connect people of color to the mainstream, how he brought his 20 years of experience in politics to bear on the upcoming election, and his fascinating journey of growing up brown in rural Nebraska.

Nick is also currently a partner in building the first ever sneaker and streetwear museum in Houston, TX.  NBD.

Honestly, Nick is one of those undercover badasses that has done so much in his professional journey, is sincerely the kindest to everyone, and really never asked for the spotlight. 

We need more people like Nick in this world. 

What we talked about:

• People of Culture Studios + how Hollywood movies can bring stories of sexism and patriarchy as well as people of color to Middle America + bridging Hollywood and DC. (04:35)
• DEI and the challenge of creating authentic brown stories in movies without becoming a niche. (14:27)
• #ImmaBeHonest and tackling mental health taboos in the Black and South Asian communities. (16:06)
• United Dream Fund supporting immigrant investors + building the first ever sneaker and streetwear museum in Houston. (22:24)
• Beto campaign and championing women's reproductive health, immigrants and the LGBTQ community in Texas + Nick’s love of Texas. (26:51)
• Election year: Democrats need to break out of the DC bubble and connect with people to beat Trump + how Vivek Ramaswany embodies the worst stereotypes of South Asian men. (29:54)
• How Nick’s family have supported him in his career + balancing individuality and compromise in marriage. (36:33)
• Growing up brown and poor in Nebraska and overcoming racism and bullying to develop empathy + his sister, the debt owed to his immigrant parents and taking his father to meet Obama. (39:04)
• Rapid fire questions (50:29)
• Nick’s bucket list. (51:35)

Connect with Nick: 

• Linkedin
• Instagram.com
• Twitter
• Facebook

Let’s talk Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by Ginni Media

Most importantly, her new book, The 5 Resets: Rewire Your Brain and Body For Less Stress and More Resilience, came out this past week, where she focuses on how to maintain healthy levels of stress.

In our conversation, we reflect on how the pandemic and other traumatic events of the last three  years have impacted us all. Aditi shines a light on the unique challenges that make us more stressed out than our parents and opens up about the insights into stress she gained on her journey as a patient and as an expert while sharing practical tools for navigating the new normal.

Reading this book was probably the best thing I've done for myself to start out the year!

What we talked about: 

• How stress and burnout is the norm not the exception. You are not alone and it is not your fault. (03:54)
• How information overload impacts the natural stress of parenting (08:55)
• Healthy versus unhealthy stress + achieving the “sweet spot.” (18:04)
• Dismantling the myth of multitasking + monotask to overcome stress and burnout.(21:26)
• Aditi’s stress journey + her personal techniques for relaxation. + supporting the gut-brain connection to decrease stress-triggered illness. (25:55)
• Aditi’s family immigration story + tackling  taboos of mental illness in South Asian culture and around the world. (36:14)
• Aditi’s deep connection to Bombay as key to her Indian identity. (42:09)
• Rapid fire questions. (49:05)

Connect with Aditi Nerurkar: 

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Linkedin
• Podcast

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by

 Ginni Media

Megha Tolia is the President and COO of Shondaland as well as a beacon of ingenuity and leadership. Her professional journey began at Neutrogena and spanned over 20 years, where she honed her expertise in building mission-driven, consumer-centric brands. Her trajectory took a thrilling turn when she leaped into the media universe, bringing her strategic prowess to Shondaland, the brainchild of the legendary Shonda Rhimes. Megha shares her transition from the structured world of consumer goods to the vibrant and unpredictable realm of television production. It's a narrative of embracing new challenges and the excitement of stepping into the unknown.

In our conversation, Megha delves into her personal journey, reflecting on her rich Indian heritage and the influence of her family’s immigration story.  We also discuss navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry, her role in supporting Shonda Rhimes’ vision, and her efforts to implement structure and strategy in a creative powerhouse. 

As we reflect on the year and look ahead, Megha's journey provides an inspiring example of balancing tradition with innovation, and structure with creativity. 

We talk about:  

• Moving to Dallas, Texas + adjusting to a new city (2:41)
• The learning curve of shifting from CPG to the entertainment industry + discovering the initial opportunity (8:52)
• Megha's favorite Shondaland shows to watch and work on (20:11)
• How their team has grown + what it's been like working so close with Shonda Rhimes (28:59)
• Becoming a co-founding director of the William S. Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership and SMU Cox School of Business (35:57)
• Magha's family immigration story + how she nurtured her love of dance growing up (40:45)
• Rapid Fire Questions (52:09)

Connect with Magha: 

• Linkedin

Let’s talk Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by

 Ginni Media

.

Before you go, I need to ask you a favor. Tuckered Out has been recognized by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences as a finalist for the Anthem Awards! 

What do I need from you? A simple vote to help this underdog podcast take a win home. 

Hugs and high fives, see you in 2024! 

Resources:

• Help Tuckered Out win the Anthem Community Voice Award!

Let’s Connect!

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by Ginni Media. 

She has worked on projects such as Unknown Amazon with Pedro Andrade, The Search For Q, Too Soon: Comedy After 9/11, and Black Market with Michael K. Williams. You also may have heard of the very popular United Shades of America, as well as Belly of The Booth. She also just happens to have a very long list of credits for NBC News, and MSNBC, including 10 years at Dateline NBC. 

Her focus on production and community has earned her space in Veronica Beard’s Make It Happen campaign. She is also an active member with Chief, Co-Creator of Getting Hotter, and CEO of Sorry, Not Sorry, Productions. I'm sorry, because I don't know how this woman is standing up. I mean, she is doing it all. And she has fantastic hair. I hope you guys enjoy as we peel back the layers of her illustrious 20-year career, which is as colorful as it is impactful. I really loved our conversation, where every turn was a story, every anecdote a lesson, and every laugh a memory. Tune in and let’s get Tuckered Out together with the incredible Falguni Lakhani Adams.    

We talked about:    

• Meet Falguni (2:48)
• The hippo that ate her grandfather's leg (4:40)
• Representation and inclusivity + The White House Diwali event (11:33)
• Vice TV, 'Sikhs In America', + Falguni's efforts toward amplifying diverse voices (24:17)
• Journalistic integrity + the power of authentic storytelling (34:15)
• Upcoming projects + disrupting stigma around aging and going through body changes (38:30)
• Rebranding random and learning to flow with the opportunities that flow our way along the career path (48:25)
• Growing up in Jackson Heights, Queens (57:00)
• Rapid Fire Questions (1:05:00)

Connect with Falguni: 

• Instagram
• Linkedin

Let’s talk Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

In our chat, Raja Kumari takes us on a journey through her album 'The Bridge’. Released worldwide in April 2023, this album is a work that not only showcases her unique blend of cultures but also marks her debut under her own label that launched two years prior, Godmother Records. Talk about trailblazers, guys, this woman is fearless. She has such a charismatic personality and is truly a natural-born storyteller, who by the way now has over 43 million monthly Spotify streams. 

I had such a blast interviewing her as she shared captivating insights into her transition from classical dance to hip-hop, her struggles with American labels, and her groundbreaking move back to India, where she found an audience that immediately resonated with her music. We also touch on her collaborations with absolute legends in the industry like John Legend, her approach to songwriting, and her vision for empowering women in music. Join us as we dive into Raja Kumari's world, where music is an expression of identity and a tool we can use to decorate time. Her experiences, from performing at India’s biggest music festival to working with all sorts of iconic figures, highlight her journey as an artist and a cultural innovator.  

We talked about:  

• Finding a guardian angel in Madhuri Dixit + the initial journey to making revolutionary music (2:12) 
• Touring for 'The Bridge' (14:42) 
• Transforming Svetha Rao through the birth and evolution of Raja Kumari (22:44) 
• Slaying the challenges of creating an album during a global pandemic (29:15) 
• Raja's inspiration for naming GodMother + showcasing the power of authenticity and cultural pride (36:55) 
• What’s up next for Raja + healing through music (42:23) 
• Rapid Fire Questions (50:29)  
• Raja's Soundbite For The Soul (53:43) 

Connect with Raja: 

• Official Website
• Instagram

Let’s talk Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by

 Ginni Media

.

I had the pleasure of moderating the premier of the film here in Dallas with some of the executive producers and was absolutely blown away by the film.

Nisha's storytelling prowess goes beyond this latest project, with notable credits like the Emmy-nominated "The World Before Her," the documentary "Bollywood Bound," and the insightful series "Diamond Road." Her work doesn't just capture stories; it sparks conversations and challenges perspectives, especially around themes of cultural evolution, the reality of stereotypical depictions, and the grip that shame has on so many of us. As an immigrant from India to Canada, Nisha's unique vantage point enriches her narratives, bridging diverse worlds with empathy and insight. Her journey is not just about making films but also the art of fostering understanding, catalyzing change, and alchemizing adversity into inspiration.  

We talked about: 

• How Nisha got involved with Kill A Tiger and what she feels were the hardest parts to film (4:16)
• Western and eastern societal parallels around discussing and handling sexual assault (8:10)
• Nisha’s relationship with shame and the concept of shame as a cultural inheritance (12:05)
• How Karen and her family are doing now and current projects in the works  (17:20)
• What experiencing immigrating from India and growing up in Canada was like (18:50)
• Nisha’s relationship with our culture (23:50)
• The World Before Her, the initial journey to documentary making, and her perspective on representation (29:30)

Connect with Nisha Pahuja

• Instagram
• Linkedin

Let’s talk Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by

 Ginni Media

Award-winning and always at the heart of the action, Manu's work is driven by a passion for uncovering the stories that matter. His on-the-ground reporting during the January 6 Capitol attack was so impactful, that it awarded him the David Blum Award. I learned so much from listening to him recount the events and provide his perspective on what it takes to develop a story of that magnitude. 

Manu has a truly awe-inspiring career and his journey is a testament to the evolving landscape of South Asian representation in media. Manu discusses the challenges and nuances of reporting complex political stories, offers insights into the news-making process, and shares his experiences as a South Asian journalist navigating a pivotal era in American politics. It was a fascinating conversation exploring the intersection of South Asian identity, journalistic integrity, and the relentless pursuit of truth in an era of divided media.  

We talked about: 

• Manu's role behind the scenes + developing a story as a CNN correspondent (2:38)
• How the news cycle has shifted + evolved over the last decade (8:20)
• Manu's coverage of January 6 at the Capital + discussing the news with his kids (13:43)
• The fragmented perception of media outlets + the importance of unbiased fact-based news reporting (17:36)
• Navigating stereotypes and South Asian representation in media (22:41)
• Manu's powerhouse of a family lineup and his experience growing up Brown in the Midwest (26:36)
• Rapid Fire Questions (36:09)

Connect with Manu Raju: 

• Instagram
• Twitter

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by

 Ginni Media

As the Editor-in-Chief of Vox, she’s on a mission to demystify the complexities of the world by helping her audience move out of ignorance into knowledge, no matter their background.

Throughout her storied career, she's been a force at renowned news institutions like The Atlantic, Washington Post, and The Boston Globe. She has overseen digital coverage through pivotal events like the pandemic, racial reckonings, Trump's presidency, and an historic election. 

Beyond her editorial prowess, she's a Bay Area native with a passion for travel and all things Bollywood. No doubt that Swati was meant to write and tell stories and is a true trailblazer in journalism. 

We talked about: 

• Swati's role at Vox Media and their relationship to other editorial brands (2:51)
• The essence of explanatory journalism and why we need it (5:53)
• Hiring people who live by intellectual rigor and approachability (11:16)
• Serving + maintaining a diverse audience with intention and integrity (15:03)
• Facing imposter syndrome + unlearning working twice as hard for half as much (18:21)
• Shahrukh Khan, Bollywood's influence in South Asian media, and going mainstream with niche topics (24:40)
• Highschool Swati + her relationship with brown growing up (30:05)
• Rapid Fire Questions (35:10)
• Swati's bare bones for happiness (37:27)

Connect with Swati:  

• Linkedin
• Instagram

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by

 Ginni Media

We met this year at Sundance where I was lucky enough to see her screening of Rise, a short film focusing on the struggles of women enterpreneurs today. I first got to know her after watching Chutney Popcorn back in '99, now a cult classic, which she wrote, directed, and produced herself. 

Ganatra has directed numerous television shows including Transparent, You Me Her, Better Things, Dear White People, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. She also directed the comedy-dramas Late Night and The High Note. She is also the founder of Ladies' Car Production.

We talk about her amazing 25-year journey working in Hollywood, why we are most likely related,  and why she would love to get back to her indie roots. 

We talked about: 

• Her short film Rise + how her 25-year career began (1:48)
• Chasing the next achievement and dismantling the rival fallacy (10:55)
• Nisha's experience of breaking into TV and noticing the shift in industry practices (17:46)
• Nisha's style of directing and providing actors with notes (24:12)
• Affecting cultural change through impactful art (26:44)
• Reframing our conditioning to unlearn people-pleasing tendencies (29:57)
• What’s next for Lady’s Car Production (32:35)
• Rapid Fire Questions (36:47)

Connect with Nisha: 

• Website 
• Instagram

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by

 Ginni Media

.

The SALUTE (South Asian Ladies Unite To Empower) mission is to build an impactful community of South Asian women focused on innovation, unity, and progress. Members of this community are rising leaders in their fields, who are making decisions to shape the present and influence the future.

Guys, I can't tell you how much I love this community. The founders have built something very special and profound for South Asian Women. The summit itself was not only impactful, but it felt incredibly warm and intimate, which is not easy to pull off. I had a blast talking to so many amazing South Asian women who are just dominating in their fields, checking out all their amazing brands, and also running into all sorts of friends.

It felt like one big reunion, so I hope you enjoy this very special Live episode honoring the women of SALUTE.  

In today’s episode, I talked with:  

• Founder of Girls That Invest, Simran Kaur on getting involved with SALUTE and her panel on all things investing (1:50)
• NYC Yoga and Meditation guide, Neeti Narula after leading the mindfulness break for the group (6:31)
• Managing Director at J.P Morgan Private Bank, Deevana Palazzolo on connecting with her community and sharing her expertise alongside such impactful women (10:36)
• Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Associate Dean at Stanford Medicine, Priya Signh on the importance of mentorship, aligned values, and what makes SALUTE special (17:22)
• Board Partner and former CEO of Crate & Barrel, Neela Montgomery on cultural identity and navigating the career journey (24:27)
• Founder of Brown Girl Angels, Bhargavi Varma on financial literacy and supporting brown co-founders in their founders journey (27:24)
• President and Co-Founder of GEP Worldwide, Neha Desai Shah on the many paths to impact and success (33:34)
• Speaker and Founder of Silver Linings, Parul Somani on leading her workshop and defining empowerment (36:53)
• Co-Founder of SALUTE, Neha Singh on the journey to reaching the summit, experimenting along the way, and finding your voice (42:42)
• Co-Founder of SALUTE, Era Ray on the vision behind their paid membership and her hopes for ther collective moving forward  (57:52)

Connect with SALUTE: 

• SALUTE 
• Hasan Minhaj

Let's Connect:  

Instagram

As an adult searching for an easier way to access non-toxic formulas, Rooshy reconnected with her roots by creating the beauty products she wished she had as a young Indian girl growing up in the Midwest. I deeply resonate with this because growing up in Texas, I only saw brands like AVON or Revlon, and none of it was created with my skin in mind. 

It’s definitely a beautiful thing when the journey to find a solution, molds us into the resource we once set out to find and that’s the nature of Rooshy’s story. 

Her recent partnership with Lilly Singh on her upcoming haircare line is proving that Rooshy is ready to bring these ancient rituals to the mainstream and share the beauty of the Indian culture. Join the conversation and hear all about this incredible partnership, Rooshy’s path to her current success, how she is harnessing the most powerful beauty rituals of the Ayurvedic tradition, and more. 

We talked about:   

• How the AAVRANI and Lily partnership came about  (1:51)
• The moment Rooshy knew this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship (9:32)
• Maintaining healthy competition while supporting other holistic brands (14:10)
• Rooshy's favorite beauty brands, rituals, and holistic practices + what's next for Aavrani (19:42)
• The shame of turmeric-colored fingers in childhood + how hairy legs can build character (24:20)
• Dating as the oldest daughter (29:53)
• Rapid Fire Questions  (34:17)
• Rooshy's bare bones for happiness (38:50)

Connect with Rooshy: 

• Aavrani
• Linkedin
• Instagram

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

We discuss his current role as co-founder of Religion of Sports, a sports-focused media company that was founded in 2016 by Chopra, Michael Strahan, and Tom Brady.  Gotham opens up about  his incredible journey up till now, what it was like growing up with a famous father, and what he believes is the sign of true greatness.    

We talked about:  

• Meet Gotham (1:06)
• Sports as a universal language of connection (3:36)
• The role of inspiration and finding fulfillment through failure (8:25)
• The quality that every truly elite athlete shares (14:45)
• Upcoming projects Gotham is working on in collaboration with the South Asian community, Serena Williams, and Steven A. Smith (16:45)
• Growing up with a famous father and touring with Michael Jackson as a child (22:17)
• Gotham reflects on the culture of early home life and his relationship with India (31:09)
• How Gotham's relationship with his Dad has evolved over time and influenced his career journey (34:41)
• Rapid Fire Questions (42:57)
• Gotham's bare bones for happiness (48:28)

Connect with Gotham: 

• Linkedin
• Instagram
• Religion of Sports

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

Guys, this book is a must-read, even if you're not in a corporate environment. Join me as I sit down with Neelu to discuss her unique approach to focusing on the mind in the workplace, healing our relationship to mental health, and how she continues to overcome the cultural, psychological, and spiritual challenges we all face daily.

We talked about: 

• Neelu explains Neuro Linguistic Programming and what to expect in her program (3:40)
• Self-advocating as South Asian women (12:04)
• Neelu's role as a core guide with Chief and how she got involved (16:39)
• The most difficult cultural, psychological, and spiritual aspects of Neelu's journey that had to be overcome  (20:09)
• The importance of reframing and having discussions around mental health (27:42)
• Neelu reflects on her childhood and what it was like immigrating to the U.S. (31:44)
• Neelu's relationship to South Asian culture now vs. back then (36:54)
• Neelu unpacks her journey through higher education and her quest for credentials (41:54)
• Rapid Fire Questions (48:46)
• Neelu's bare bones for happiness (52:21)

Connect with Neelu: 

• Website
• Instagram

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by

 Ginni Media

As a genderqueer Sri Lankan American novelist and riveting short story writer, SJ Sindu is one of the most exciting young voices out there today. Her first novel, Marriage of a Thousand Lies, won the Publishing Triangle Edmund White Award for debut fiction and was named an American Library Association, Stonewall Honor Book. SJ’s upcoming book, The Goth House, is a collection of stories that focus on queer joy, as well as shocking cruelty. You know we love a good paradox. In today’s episode, we talk about her upbringing in Sri Lanka, her memories of the Sri Lankan war, and how much that trauma is incorporated into her writing. And I obviously couldn't resist asking her if she loves MIA as much as I do. Find out how she navigated the many intersections of ‘other” she found herself within, the hilarious last-ditch effort she made to throw her Brown parents off her trail, and what she hopes to inspire in younger generations through her work.  

We talked about:  

• How SJ came to know she was a writer (1:54)
• How SJ's search to find her voice and genre has shifted over time (6:30)
• SJ’s genius solution to appeasing her parents and inspiring a fantastic read (8:12)
• The meaning and inspiration behind her novel Blue Skin Gods (11:48)
• SJ's new chapter book coming out in October: Goth House (18:34)
• SJ’s relationship to Sri Lanka, its culture, and growing up there until age 7 (21:34)
• The first few explicit experiences of racism and discrimination that radicalized SJ (29:29)
• Telling queer stories and exploring the many possibilities within the marginalized experience (35:18)
• Dating as a queer South Asian (36:45)
• Life as an Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (39:30)
• Rapid Fire Questions (42:09)
• SJ's bare bones for happiness (43:00)

Connect with SJ:   

• Website 
• Instagram
• Marriage of a Thousand Lies 
• Blue-Skinned Gods 

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by

 Ginni Media

He is also the founding CEO of Rise, a breakthrough wellness company, and has recently released Everyday Dharma, a guide through 8 essential practices for finding success and joy in what you do. A very penetrative and digestible read based on Hindu philosophy, I cannot stress enough on how relevant, healing, and insightful it was to for me.

He joins me today to talk all things dharma (your essence or your calling), concepts we formulate around successes and failures, and if in fact, everyone does find what their true calling is.

What we talked about:   

• Meet Suneel (0:19)
• Touring for his book Everyday Dharma and receiving affirming feedback(4:44)
• The power of telling your own story (8:49)
• Work-life balance, inner peace, and devotion to one’s Dharma (11:18)
• The arrival fallacy and shifting your perspective (19:04)
• The arrival fallacy and shifting your perspective (29:56)
• How Suneel has since connected with the people that inspired his book (44:53)
• Suneel reads his favorite excerpts from the book (48:42)
• Suneel reads his favorite excerpts from the book (53:59)

Connect with Suneel: 

• Chasing Life with Suneel Gupta 
• Website
• Linkedin

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by

 Ginni Media

.

Hitha Palepu is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, CEO of Roshan Pharmaceuticals, and a lover of all things Mr. T and Taco Bell. From a young age, Hitha’s parents encouraged the belief that she didn't have to be just any one thing but her dreams would require hard work and diligence no matter what. Today we discuss how she wrote her book, We’re Speaking: The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris, in two months, why your relationship with your partner is the second most important, the clever way we can borrow confidence, and her experiences with the Vice President. 

What we talked about:  

• Keeping our last names, why being in your 40's rocks, and how I found Hitha's book (1:51)
• The process of writing Hitha's book on Kamala Harris (15:52)
• Hitha explains what a hype file is, what's in hers, and how to use them to borrow confidence (21:08)
• Do something about it, don't do it half-assed (26:11)
• How the principles instilled in Hitha by her parents have influenced her parenting style (30:40)
• Eating no for breakfast and learning how to say it more (34:21)
• Waiting for your Doug and why partnering with the right person is so important (39:26)
• Hitha shares her experiences with meeting Kamala Harris (46:12)
• Hitha's life-saving luggage advice (50:22)
• Hitha and I's concept meeting for the ultimate South Asian collab (super top secret - do not steal or you’ll be hearing from our Aunties) (51:40)
• #5SmartReads (54:28)
• The lessons Hitha learned from her first start-up that is helping her now as CEO (55:46)
• The childhood story that Hitha feels defined her identity as a South Asian (58:49)
• Rapid fire questions (1:03:13)
• Hitha's bare bones for happiness  (1:06:44)

Connect with Hitha: 

• Instagram
• Twitter
• We’re Speaking: The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris 
• Substack 

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by

 Ginni Media

What we talked about:  

• How Priti decided to become a writer (2:27)
• When the book became a memoir (5:40)
• The true meaning behind her book title (12:17)
• The concept of being a coconut and the bullying we face as kids (14:53)
• Priti’s experience at her Hindu summer camp and how it shaped her (29:23)
• Why were twins (35:33)
• How Priti has approached dating and marriage (40:27)
• Priti in the Associate of Indians at Rutgers and Bollywood classic reruns  (45:17)
• What’s next for Priti and the feedback she received for her book from friends (48:17)
• Priti’s relationship with India now and what she would tell her younger self  (53:19)
• Rapid fire questions (58:40)
• Priti’s bare bones for happiness (1:03:06)

Connect with Priti: 

• Instagram
• So, I Married A Coconut

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

I have been following my next guest for quite a while now through social media and mutual friends.  He has been doing some amazing work and also.... throwing some amazing parties- I definitely was trying to get invited to one.

Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Maneesh Goyal is a self-acclaimed "insatiable people-person,"  and was determined to open the next great restaurant in NYC, which had to be Indian given his roots. That idea mixed with his desire to fulfill his father's legacy, one that started in the 80s with the first Indian restaurant—India House—in Texas, led him on a journey of self-discovery of who he truly is and love for where he comes from.

Maneesh is the Founder & Partner at SONA & SONA Home and has partnered with global icon Priyanka Chopra- some of you may have heard of her- to bring Indian hospitality and food to the next level.

We talk about growing up in Texas as South Asians, the challenges he faces in the restaurant scene that people may not know about, and how he wants to be remembered by those he loves.

He tells me how he and Priyanka ended up working together, his favorite memory at SONA so far, and what the true glamour of global India is today.

Here is to hoping for a future SONA Dallas to open up! 

What we talked about: 

• Maneesh's first interactions with the restaurant business (03:49)
• How he and Priyanka ended up working together (07:23)
• Maneesh's favorite experience at SONA (13:22)
• One dish that makes SONA unique (17:55)
• The pop-up at Soho House in Miami (23:08)
• The challenges Maneesh faces in the restaurant scene (24:54)
• The importance of supporting each other as a community (29:29)
• Our impact on the next generation – the aunties and uncles of the future (38:13)

Connect with Maneesh: 

• Instagram

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram

Produced and Edited by Ginni Media. Made Offbeat.

With a background as unique as the jewelry he designs, including time at McKinsey & Company, Harvard Business School, and De Beers Louis Vuitton, Zameer Kassam has emerged as one of the global jewelry industry’s most innovative thinkers and artists. He is the Founder and CEO of Zameer Kassam Fine Jewelry, which he launched in 2011. Through every iteration of his career, one thing has remained constant: his passion for storytelling.

We talk about his parents' unique immigration story, how his training really started with his family jewelry business, and why he didn't feel Indian "enough" growing up. 

Zameer talks about how personalizing the jewelry industry truly incorporates everything he is passionate about, what his 3-part process entails, and his genuine connection with each of his clients. 
 

He shows me some of the beautiful sketches he produces for each piece, talks about his partnership with Forevermark and explains traceable diamonds, the fantastic celebrities he has worked with (Ashley Judd, Hasan Minhaj), and the heartwarming story behind his family heirloom.

Recently, Zameer Kassam Fine Jewelry has become an official Harvard Business School case!!

Grab a glass of champagne (I did), it's time to talk diamonds!

What we talked about:  

• Why Zameer's childhood was different than his other South Asian friends (03:00)
• How Zameer got into the jewelry industry (06:13)
• Zameer's three-part process (21:18)
• How it looks like to have a truly personalized ring (26:01)
• Why it's worth buying personalized jewelry (30:06)
• How Zameer stays relevant in the jewelry industry (32:17)
• How the partnership with Forevermark helped shape his business (35:37)
• Some of the celebrities Zameer has worked with (39:59)
• The Harvard Business School case (50:43)

Connect with Zameer:

• Website
• Instagram

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

It's always nice to interview someone who has nicer equipment than you.

Today I talk to fellow podcaster, Ginni Saraswati. She is Founder and CEO of Ginni Media, a podcast production company whose motto is, “Made Offbeat”- which I can relate to. She is also a contributor to Entrepreneur Media and Rolling Stone Magazine.

We talk about everything podcasting, her thoughts on the industry, and where she sees it going in the next 5 years. She also talks about growing up brown in Australia, coming out to her family, and what she would like to be known for at the end of her career.

Most importantly, we figure out who the OG influencer really is and I talk about the time I shook Madonna's hand, which can be a whole other podcast episode.

What we talked about:  

• How Ginni Media was born (01:25)
• The importance of a good customer service (06:05)
• Some of the pain points Ginni had at the beginning of Ginni Media (07:18)
• The future of podcasting (11:26)
• Ginni's background - growing up as a Sri Lankan in Australia (15:20)
• The importance of being rooted in where you come from (20:28)
• How Ginni's family found out she is gay (30:27)

Connect with Ginni:

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Youtube Channel

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by Ginni Media

We start off our interview discussing our University of Texas at Austin days as dandia/raas champions (of course) to how the story of Matthew Shepard changed his life.

We then get into Parag's impressive and expansive experience in the D.C. political scene. He addresses many important issues such as South Asians in government and their evolution as activists, questions regarding Proposition 8, his reflections on Hillary Clinton's devastating loss, what happened when Vivek Murthy (our first Indian Surgeon General) was "relieved" of his duty and how to find hope in our crazy political atmosphere today.

He also highlights the story of falling asleep while taking the MCAT's, attending the first White House Diwali party organized by his friend Kal Penn, his upcoming big fat Indian wedding, Texas style of course, with his partner Vaibhav and how lotion became a subject matter when he first met with President Obama.

What we talked about:  

• How the story of Matthew Shepard changed Parag's life. (05:53)
• The importance of diversity in politics (11:17)
• The start of Parag's political career. (19:12)
• Highlights of the Obama years & Proposition 8 (22:23)
• One of Parag's proud moments (27:32)
• What happened when Vivek Murthy was "relieved" of his duty (29:49)
• Trump's election and the aftermath (38:41)
• Why Parag loves working for immigrants (45:39)
• The one thing that's holding India back (55:15)
• Rapid fire questions (01:06:16)
• Parag's upcoming Indian wedding (01:11:03)

Connect with Parag:

• Instagram
• Facebook

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by

 Ginni Media

.

Their mission? Focusing on South Asian and minority community storytelling by uplifting the voices of those who belong to these groups. 

What we talked about:  

• Anita’s perspective on Arizona’s real estate market  (3:07)
• Anita discusses her latest 12 million dollar deal and bringing industries to Arizona  (5:48)
• The importance of Anita’s family in building her business (8:44)
• Anita’s inspiration for Camelback Productions (13:47)
• Anita’s ultimate dream story to produce (18:41)
• Anita’s experience growing up Indian (22:00)
• Rapid fire questions (27:51)
• Anita’s bare bones for happiness (30:41)

Connect with Anita: 

• Instagram
• Website  - Arizona Land Consulting

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by

 Ginni Media

The lovely and brilliant Sheetal Sheth hosted our team for her Always Anjali event, where she talked to kids from the tri-state area about her book and answered all their insightful, and honest, questions.

Her co-host, Hasan Minhaj is an actor, comedian, writer, and political commentator who uses his prowess in the art of storytelling to uplift and advocate for the stories of the unique. However, before Hasan is anything else, he is a father and a family man.

So it makes sense he would see the value and necessity of Sheetal Sheth’s children's book Always Anjali because guess what, he too has had his Always Anjali moments.  He also told me he can make some mean eggs.

Frustrated by the uncommonness of her name, the story follows a young Indian girl's journey to embracing the beauty of being different, teaching her how to be creative and courageous when life doesn't accommodate your unique individuality. 

I interviewed them both to discuss all things Anjali, parenthood, and what’s next for Sheetal Sheth.   

What we talked about:   

• Why Sheetal picked the name ‘Anjali’ (5:00)
• How Hasan got involved in the Always Anjali event (10:50)
• Hasan's own Anjali moment and using your “Starbucks Name”  (12:45)
• Day to day Dad duties with Hasan (13:45)
• What Sheetal’s been up to since our last interview (19:30)
• Sheetal talks about other upcoming projects (22:45)

Connect with Sheetal:  

• www.sheetalsheth.com
• Sheetal Sheth (@beneaththesheetz) • Instagram photos and videos
• www.equalitynow.org
• www.therepresentationproject.org

Connect with Hasan:  

• Hasan Minhaj (@hasanminhaj) • Instagram photos and videos
• Hasan Minhaj

Let's Connect:  

• Instagram

To all the new listeners, welcome to the Tuckered Out with Ami Thakkar—where we interview trailblazers, experts, and prominent voices from the South Asian diaspora to discuss the messiness of growing up Brown, find inspiration, admiration, and most importantly, tons of laughter.

To all those who have stuck with me this long, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It has been a fun ride, and we're only getting started.

A special ‘thank you’ to my previous guests highlighted on this trailer: Kal Penn, Rabia Chaudry, and Rishi Malhotra. 

Now let’s chat with some trailblazers. 

Produced and Edited by

 Ginni Media

She is the best-selling author of the non-fiction memoir called, “She’s Unlikeable: And Other Lies That Bring Women Down,” which discusses her experience on the show, the tired and negative tropes surrounding women, and how they must be dismantled systematically.

Aparna is currently building her brand and is also a “recovering attorney” who is trying to find her place in the world and is on a constant mission to evolve and grow in ways she never dreamed of.

What we talked about:

• Aparna’s thoughts on season three of Indian Matchmaking (3:09)
• Aparna discusses how crazy life has been since leaving law (13:17)
• What Aparna hears most from other women (20:47)
• Aparna’s relationship with aging (22:57)
• How Aparna felt growing up brown in Texas (29:57)
• Rapid fire questions (32:37)
• Aparna’s bare bones for happiness (36:03)

Connect with Aparna: 

• Website
• Instagram
• Book

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by

 Ginni Media

In the 5 years since starting at Hillman Grad,  Rishi has not only learned the ropes of what it takes to be a successful producer, he also has had a crash course on how to run an exceptional media company.

When he met Lena Waithe, the award-winning creator who is behind the curation of the company, they not only mutually admired each other’s energy, they agreed on the biggest mission of all- to change the idea of what diversity in Hollywood really looks like.

What we talked about:

• How Rishi got hired at Hillman Grad (3:03)
• The different meanings of the word ‘producer’ (7:45)
• The film that had the biggest impact on Rishi (15:49)
• The issues in the South Asian community (24:23)
• The legacy Rishi hopes to leave at Hillman Grad (32:06)
• Rishi’s relationship to growing up South Asian Indian (37:45)
• Rapid fire questions (43:04)
• Who his ultimate collab would be (46:41)

Connect with Rishi: 

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by  Ginni Media

What we talked about:

• Why he transitioned from basketball to wrestling (7:42)
• Who he would love to get in the ring with (9:42)
• The differences in training for basketball versus wrestling (10:13)
• Some of his favorite wrestling moves (11:59)
• Growing up in Punjab and playing basketball with his dad’s best friend (16:43)
• How receiving a scholarship to come play high school basketball in the US changed his life (18:07)
• What he learned playing in the NBA (21:07)

Connect with Satnam: 

• Instagram
• Twitter

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Maneesh Goyal is a self-acclaimed "insatiable people-person,"  and was determined to open the next great restaurant in NYC, which had to be Indian given his roots. That idea mixed with his desire to fulfill his fathers legacy, one that started in the 80s with the first Indian restaurant—India House—in Texas, led him on a journey of self-discovery of who he truly is and love for where he comes from.

Maneesh is the Founder & Partner at SONA & SONA Home and has partnered with global icon Priyanka Chopra- some of you may have heard of her- to bring Indian hospitality and food to the next level.

We talk about growing up in Texas as South Asians, the challenges he faces in the restaurant scene that people may not know about, and how he wants to be remembered by those he loves.

He tells me how him and Priyanka ended up working together, his favorite memory at SONA so far, and the true glamour of global India today.

Here is to hoping for a future SONA Dallas to open up! 

Produced and Edited by Ginni Media. Made Offbeat.

Welcome to the brand new and sparkly trailer for the pod!

To all my new listeners, WELCOME to the Tuckered Out family, where we interview, trailblazers, experts, and prominent voices from the South Asian diaspora to find inspiration, admiration, and most importantly....tons of laughter.

To all of you who continue to listen and support, a huge THANK YOU and a promise to keep telling the South Asian story the only way I know how to-by keeping it real.

A shoutout to my previous guests highlighted on this trailer- Kal Penn, Rabia Chaudry, and Rishi Malhotra. Thank you for being so generous and vulnerable during your interviews.  

You are true definitions of trailblazers.  

Produced and Edited by Ginni Media. Made Offbeat.

We talk about Dirty Paki Lingerie, her critically acclaimed comedy one woman play, how muslim girls are DTF- dismantling Islamophobia one dick joke at a time, and how we both have tried a variety of careers to figure out our calling.  We discuss the differences between South Asians in the UK versus the US and how it's so key to follow your gut when it comes to content creation.

She talks about growing up brown and Muslim in Mississippi, we discuss if the American accent is sexy, and why cutting an onion in the palm of you hand makes more sense than using a cutting board. Obviously.

https://www.aizzahfatima.com/

It was a fantastic weekend in Austin celebrating South Asian thought leaders in the business, tech, film, TV, theater, music, and fashion industries including seven countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The South Asian House took place at fourth + co in the heart of Austin and SXSW.

From brunch fireside chats with Rishi Rajani (Hillman Grad) and Snigdha Sur (The Juggernaut) to a South Asian Live Music Showcase to one of my favorites, the Desi Drag Brunch presented by One Minute Saree (sponsor), it was a weekend of celebration, conversation and support for the South Asian community.

I may have lost the One Minute Saree competition, but I'm going to keep practicing and make a comeback!

A huge congrats to the team that made it all happen, Jitin Hingorani, Monica Samtani, Kirtana Banskota, and Rohi Mirza Pandya and a big thank you to my guests on this episode, Monica Samtani (Broadcast Journalist), Milan Chakraborty (Producer and Actor), Radha Patel (The Auntie Network-sponsor), Pooja Kumar (Actress), Rita Meher (Tasveer-sponsor).

I can't wait to see what big things the South Asian House team does next because guess what, we ain't going anywhere!

Kunal Merchant is a multi-hyphenate creative marketer with deep experience building and launching products, growing brands, and ensuring that his passion for music never drifts far from his focus. He is a partner and artist at Indo Warehouse, a multi-faceted label/platform that is dedicated to authentically integrating South Asian culture with electronic music.

He is also the founder Mix4Change, the first global DJ-driven community working to promote change, and is a veteran  DJ and event producer, working with emerging and established brands in both nightlife and experiential capacities all over the world with a large footprint in the city he calls home now, New York.

We talk about how growing up Indian in Texas means always having that supportive brown family,  what our shared experience working together in India was really like, his biggest takeaways working at Meta for 8 years, and why he holds Mix4Change so close to his heart.

I ask him about his third South Asian inspired brand, Indo Warehouse, how the label/platform/event space combines all of his passions, how the brand aims to expand its footprint even more globally in 2023, their insanely popular (and always sold out) events, and of course his first single, Anokha, which we had the honor to play for this episode.

Check out the site for more info about Indo Warehouse, how you can support, and tickets to the upcoming Festival of Love!

https://indowarehouse.co/

They have over 150 active shows — from daily news and policy, to tech and business, to culture and sports. Let me put it this way, Nishat knows her stuff and is truly an OG in the audio world.

We talk about her journey at Vox Media, her time at Youth Radio and the positive impact the experience has had on her career, and what it's like to be on the editorial as well as business side of things. She tells me why she continues to be bullish when it comes to the podcast industry, potential disruptive trends that we should understand, and what factors she evaluates when developing new shows for the network.

We also discuss the number one concern she hears from her mentees, what it was like working at places where no one looked like her, what success looks like for her now, and how she wants to be remembered by those closest to her.

His mission is to make earth observation mainstream by improving the awareness and adoption of satellite data and have more people interested in space.

He is also the author of the TerraWatch Space newsletter provides analysis, insights & deep-dives on Earth Observation, Satellite Data and its Applications: https://newsletter.terrawatchspace.com/  as well as the host of the TerraWatch Space podcast focused on demystifying Earth Observation, Satellite Data and their Applications: https://podcast.terrawatchspace.com/

We talk about the importance of satellite data, the latest on the space race, his thoughts on the Chinese balloon that was hovering over the US, the new space program coming out of India, and the new course he is planning on creating.

SAADA uses the power of stories to create belonging to the 5.4 million South Asian Americans by documenting, preserving, and sharing stories from the South Asian American community, so that the struggles of past and current generations for equality, inclusion, and representation are not the same struggles we leave to our children.

We talk about how a lot of childhood is shaped by the feeling that you don't belong, the incredible impact the 5.4 South Asian Americans truly have, the beautiful stories SAADA has collected from our community about their first days in the US, and how their walking tour of Philadelphia and Harlem shows that South Asians have been part of American history from the very beginning.

We both agreed that the power of storytelling can help one truly feel embraced for who they are, discuss how SAADA's book, Our Stories, is out now and in  2500 school, libraries, and homes, and the importance of having access to information in order to really understand the whole picture.

https://www.saada.org/

We were super excited to participate in the first-ever South Asian Lodge hosted by filmmaker and director Shruti Ganguly, author, writer, and producer Tanya Selvaratnam and the non-profit organization 1497, whose mission is to support and uplift talent of South Asian descent to challenge their historical exclusion from and underrepresentation in the American film and TV industry.

You can learn more about their mission here- https://www.1497.org/

A special shoutout to The Product of Culture team and Kis Cubed Events for helping make the impossible, possible.  The entire weekend ran smoothly from beginning to end.

The two days of programming included a 20th anniversary celebration of Bend It Like Beckham, as the movie’s 2003 premiere at Sundance marked a watershed event for South Asian representation in film.  Congratulations to the entire team for putting this historic event together.  It was a weekend full of love, celebration, beautiful art, and community

And thank you to all my guests on this episode, I had a little too much fun with all of you.

Shruti Ganguly

Nirjary Desai

Adeel Ahmed

Simi Chaudry

Nik Dodani

Nisha Ganatra

Alex Schmider

A VERY special THANK YOU to Greg Friedman from Park Audio Sundance 2023 for taking care of my technical issues.  You saved the pod.

After 10 years of working in politics, Bharat tried to explain how the country went from Barack Obama to Donald Trump by writing Confessions of a Campaign Manager. Then he began writing polemical fiction, such as Oasis - a desert-fantasy novel that examined what makes a family and how refugees should be treated. 

Bharat is always looking to make a political statement with his writing because he knows politics seeps into every aspect of society and believes we can’t understand each other without a firm, constant understanding of how politics affects us in all ways.

Editor's Note- This is a live podcast so please excuse all the extra background noise. It is our first live podcast!! 

We had the honor to attend Diwali On The Hudson this year, NYC's premiere Diwali event hosted by The Desai Foundation. And let me tell you, we had some good times.

 Diwali On The Hudson celebrates love, light and of course the very important work of The Desai Foundation. This year, appearances by the talented Falu and The Resistance Revival Chorus graced the stage and we had some fantastic jams courtesy of DJ Suhel! 

The Desai Foundation’s main focus for over 20 years has been empowering women and girls through community programs to elevate health and livelihood in India & U.S. During the 2021 COVID crisis, they shifted their focus to address the needs of the communities we serve, while also leveraging the programs that were already in place. The foundation is currently operating in 1000 villages, and has reached a population of over 3.4 million people. 

Their work cultivates dignity so that everyone can dream beyond their circumstances. To donate or learn more, please go to thedesaifoundation.org 

A BIG THANK YOU to all my guests for being brave enough to step up to the mic. You made this episode. 

Megha Desai 

Sindya Valloppillil 

Monica Jindal Mehta

 Heena Jain 

Falu 

Ami Sheth 

Suraj Patel 

Trisha Sakhuja-Walia 

Megha Rao and Pooja Desai Shah-Holi Chic 

Meera Shah 

Akash Jain 
 

She is strongly influenced by marine life, drawing abundant inspiration from her experiences with scuba diving expeditions and with the ocean itself. In her work, Folmsbee creates ethereal, intricate shapes, which she calls characters, that are meant to invite the public into something very private. Her painting intend to take the viewer into the work’s moment of origin.

This year, Folmsbee has become actively more involved in the marine community by working with conservation organizations such as the Galveston Bay Foundation and Correa Lab, with the hope of creating awareness about the struggles face by the marine world.

We talk about her recently commissioned 240-ft project at Houston's IAH, why her father made her host an art show at 16,  what she discovered attending art school in Chicago, and what the definition of failure really means to her.

She talks about being bullied growing up because of her dyslexia, how she discovered her passion for art, how it is so important to protect your energy as a creative, and why our hometown of Houston is officially cool.

Today, I interview Anisha Abraham, a pediatrician and author of Raising Global Teens- A Practical Handbook For Parenting In The 21st Century,  and Jo Chim, an actress turned producer, director.  They are team behind the short live action film One Small Visit which is currently in the running for the Oscar short list!  

It is a sweet film about my Anisha’s parents visit to Neil Armstrong’s parents house in the 1960’s, right after the moon landing, and the impact it had on both families. One Small Visit embodies this fight and to keep believing in coming together because fundamentally, we have a lot more in common than we have differences.

It’s a story of hope, shared humanity, and how small acts of openness and kindness can make a difference.  Lord knows we need all of those thing now more than ever.

www.onesmallvisit.com

I am SO excited and honored to have the next guest close out this year and celebrate this milestone with me. 

Rishi Malhotra developed HBO's first Subscription Video On Demand platform HBO On Demand, co-founded and led JioSaavn, one of the largest distributors of Bollywood and other Indian entertainment in the world, and also played an integral role in JioSaavn's transaction with Reliance Industries, leading to a billion-dollar integration with JioMusic in 2018.

Though JioSaavn, he has brought legends such as U2 and Beyonce to India. This man’s journey started  from launching an NYC start-up to becoming Rolling Stone's Future 25 for Music. Currently, he is CEO of Luminary, audio home to Dave Chappelle and a collection of original shows from iconic talents such as Lena Dunham, Russell Brand, Masaba Gupta, Roxane Gay, Radio Rahim, and a ton more.

We talk about working with a once in a lifetime talent like Dave Chapelle, how everything really comes down to energy transfer, how JioSaavn became a culturally important legacy company,  and the three 'E's" he abides by as a founder, CEO, and leader.

We talk about the recent launch of Luminary in India a few weeks ago, the 'SNL' type genre that he is finding to be more common in the audio world, why he will always chase goosebumps, and what the best calculator for brands should be.

We of course talk about his epic stories bringing U2 to India, why all immigrants are entrepreneurs, the best concert he ever attended, and our future jam session when we meet IRL.

"The rain falls on everyone alike.  You slingshot out of times like this, I think it's a really exciting time for a lot of industries."

For her ground breaking work in medical education, Tanaya has been awarded Sexual Health Influencer of the Year 2020 by SH24 - the online sexual health partner of the NHS, Top 25 Disruptors of India 2021 by Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Health Influencer Of The Year by the IHW Council, supported by the Niti Ayog and Ayushman Bharat.

She is now the most popular medical professional on social media in India. 

Dr. Tanaya runs @Dr_Cuterus, which has garnered over one million followers on instagram and over 50 million views on Youtube. She uses fairytales, mannequins, fun GIFs, and hilariously relatable examples to talk jargon-free and scientifically about complex medical and sexual education topics, all wrapped up with an inclusive and gender-neutral bow.

Establishing the medical content creation niche in India, Tanaya has built a thriving community that provides a safe place where no topic is too taboo to talk about!

Rohit believes the world needs more Non-Obvious thinking. He helps leaders and professionals to be more open minded, see what others miss and learn to anticipate the future. He is the author of seven popular business books, including his signature Non-Obvious Megatrends which has been read or shared by more than 1 million people and was a #1 WSJ bestseller + USA Today bestseller earlier this year.

Outside of speaking and consulting, Rohit is also the co-founder of Ideapress Publishing - a fast growing independent publisher that specializes in working with top authors to publish beautiful business books.

We talk about what a Futurist does, why he is the trend  guy, what the Human Mode trend is and why it's here to stay, how starting a publishing company kept him from becoming an a&&hole, and the reasons he wanted to start supporting the South Asian community.

Twenty years after being his production assistant on a film set in Austin, TX, Kal Penn and I get a chance to sit down and catch up about it all.

Kal Penn, is an American actor, author, academic lecturer and former White House staff member in the Barack Obama administration. You may know him from television shows such as House, Designated Survivor, Sunnyside, and How I Met Your Mother. He is also recognized for his performance in the film The Namesake and of course the Harold and Kumar series (I personally still love Taj Mahal Badalandabad). Penn has taught at the University of Pennsylvania in the Cinema Studies Program as a visiting lecturer

We talk about it all from our first impressions, to those fantastic middle school years, to his job as a farmhand right before he went to UCLA. He talks about the meaning behind the Brown Catch-22, his journey with stereotyping in Hollywood, his experience going to India with President Barack Obama, and why he needed a mini-fridge in the White House.

We of course bust out with some Gujarati (our native Indian language) which Kal definitely schools me on.

His new memoir, You Can’t Be Serious, is out and it’s a fantastic read! There just wasn't enough time to give a shout out to all the uncles and aunties we loved growing up.....

Nish leads Equal Innovation, which advises some of the world’s leading universities, governments, foundations and companies to assist them with innovation, entrepreneurship and globalization strategies. The Clinton Foundation is becoming a platform for new voices, emerging communities and finding economic development models to include in international policy discussions.

We talk about all the work that CGI (Clinton Global Initiative) is doing and what it was like to bring the band back together this year, his takeaways from working with President Clinton and Obama, how Diwali has become mainstream, and he shares some pivotal middle school moments that defined his identity as Indian-American.

She is the co-founder/ CEO of URL Media, a network of Black and Brown community news outlets that share content and revenue. Mitra is also the co-founder and publisher of Epicenter-NYC, a newsletter to help New Yorkers get through the pandemic, and an inaugural member of the URL Media network.

We discuss the impetus for launching URL Media, how Jackson Heights (her hometown) became ground zero during the pandemic,  what she realized about national news outlets, and how first serving her community led to the launching a company.

I ask Mitra if people are truly interested in Black and Brown stories, why she would love to work with Byron Allen, and what she would put up on her very own billboard.

Rahul is the Chief Creative Officer of iHeartMedia, an American mass media company that currently reaches 9 out of 10 Americans every month. 9 out of 10.  Let that sink in.

Rahul explains how the role of Chief Creative Officer not only means being a champion of the audio medium, but also means being the bridge that gives diverse voices a platform. He also breaks down of the iHeartMedia family tree, democratizing content, and the amazing new projects they are working on in the Metaverse (which he kindly tried to explain to me).

He recalls the night he called his father to let him know he would no longer be  pursuing his engineering degree (one of the many “good Indian boy” career paths), what it means to discover that you’re Indian-American, our relationship to both cultures and the fact that we’re definitely NOT confused desis (Indians), packing peanut butter in suitcases for his trips to India, and his epic version of the “big fat Indian wedding”.

Born in Queens, New York, to immigrant parents, she defied teachers who questioned her English skills by winning countless poetry and short story awards in her youth. 

With over 10 years of nonprofit experience and a long public health career, she has created a campaign aligned with girl trafficking awareness causes for her upcoming debut novel, For My Sister, which launches on October 18th 2022.

We talk about our relationship to our culture as adults and parents to daughters, how there was always an undertone of some traditional expectations growing up, why she wanted to work in public health, and her eye-opening experiences in Uganda and India.

She talks to me about what drove her to write her debut novel, why other South Asians still  have a hard time supporting one another, how her online community, Chai Mommas, was built, and our mutual love for Zarna Garg and Alka Joshi. 

We also agreed that thepla (spicy Indian roti) is the best food ever.  Even on planes.

Today I talk to fellow podcaster, Ginni Saraswati. She is Founder and CEO of Ginni Media, a podcast production company whose motto is, “Made Offbeat”- which I can relate to. She is also a contributor to Entrepreneur Media and Rolling Stone Magazine.

We talk about everything podcasting, her thoughts on the industry, and where she sees it going in the next 5 years. She also talks about growing up brown in Australia, coming out to her family, and what she would like to be known for at the end of her career.

Most importantly, we figure out who the OG influencer really is and I talk about the time I shook Madonna's hand, which can be a whole other podcast episode.

India Rising is the home for brown athletes. It is a media platform designed to develop Indian basketball, showcase next-level talent, and compete in professional tournaments around the world.

We talk about whether our genes allow Indian people to be true athletes, the impetus for starting India Rising, the highs and lows of building a very new start-up in the "brown space", and what they hope to accomplish in the next 5 years.

Gautam tells me about how they assembled their team by looking at over 60 competitive pros around the world,  how they had 7 days to create a unified team chemistry before playing in the TBT- The Basketball Tournament, and when they will start working with brown female athletes.

We talk about our college days and why joining an Indian dance team seemed to be the only way to show your "brownness" and he tells me more about the work he's doing with NBA's Asian Professional Exchange (APEX).

https://www.indiarising.co/

As many of you know, India just celebrated her 75th year of independence. Our fall season begins with one of India's most renowned authors, Suketu Metha. Suketu  is the New York-based author of Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found, which was a finalist for the 2005 Pulitzer Prize. The book was based off of two years of research and was an account of his personal experiences living in Bombay.

He talks to me about his latest article in which he shares his concern about the future of India, why it is crucial that India remains a democracy for all its citizens and the world, and the two biggest threats facing India today.

He gives me an update on his close friend, Salman Rushdie, tells me why storytellers are more powerful than we think, and how he handles our volatile environment as a writer. I ask him what Bombay and New York City mean to him, what his favorite memories were growing up in Bombay, and about his current project that he refers to as a love letter to NYC.

His latest book This Land Is Our Land: An Immigrant's Manifesto, was published in June 2019 under a 2007 Guggenheim fellowship.

Twenty years after being his production assistant on a film set in Austin, TX, Kal Penn and I get a chance to sit down and catch up about it all.

Kal Penn, is an American actor, author, academic lecturer and former White House staff member in the Barack Obama administration. You may know him from television shows such as House, Designated Survivor, Sunnyside, and How I Met Your Mother. He is also recognized for his performance in the film The Namesake and of course the Harold and Kumar series ( I personally still love Taj Mahal Badalandabad). Penn has taught at the University of Pennsylvania in the Cinema Studies Program as a visiting lecturer

We talk about it all from our first impressions, to those fantastic middle school years, to his job as a farmhand right before he went to UCLA. He talks about the meaning behind the Brown Catch-22, his journey with stereotyping in Hollywood, his experience going to India with President Barack Obama, and why he needed a mini-fridge in the White House.

We of course bust out with some Gujarati (our native Indian language) which Kal definitely schools me on.

His new memoir, You Can’t Be Serious, is out and it’s a fantastic read! There just wasn't enough time to give a shout out to all the uncles and aunties we loved growing up.....

Twenty years after being his Production Assistant on a film in Austin, TX, I got a chance to sit down with my old pal with Kal Penn to talk about his book, You Can't Be Serious, and breadth of work throughout his career

We touched on so many important topics, including his time at the White House and the challenges he faced as an Indian-American in Hollywood.  My conversation with Kal was uplifting, funny and real.  I wanted to give you just a little teaser today to get you excited because I definitely am!

The full episode will be coming out tomorrow, July 20th, so before then, make sure that you're subscribed wherever you're listening to my voice right now, and that you tell a friend about the show so they can listen too.

Also,  I'll be doing a giveaway for Kal's book, "You Can't Be Serious", so stay tuned all week for content surrounding the interview!

Enjoy the clip and be sure to listen to the full episode on Wednesday and also be sure to rate and review the podcast!

 Dr. Sumun Pendakur and I met 20 years ago when I was a production assistant on her hubby’s film set. Needless to say, I knew she was a rock star even then. 

She is a #dei strategist, consultant and trainer who has spent the last 20 years focusing on building community strength as well as institutional capacity for #socialjustice and #racialjustice in the #highereducation sector. She was the #chieflearningofficer @uscraceequity center and has built programs that address underserved needs and communities. 

We talk about the influence her parents had on her career, how they were definitely both “woke” back in the day when a lot of #southasianimmigrants were not, how she got involved in amplifying the #asianamerican voice, and the history and true meaning of the term “model minority”. 

I admit that I have had a certain narrative in my head about the South Asian community, we discuss the awful violence against out #aapi brothers and sisters, and she tells me what she finds so shocking about it all, even after being on the frontline for so long. 

This episode is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the #indianapolis #oakcreekgurdwara and #atlantaspa #massshootings #balbirsinghsodhi , #vilmakari and to all of those who have suffered because of these heinous #hatecrimes 

www.sumunpendakur.com

We're talking to a media mogul!! Malini Agarwal, aka MissMalini, is India's most famous blogger with a following of 7.5 million worldwide. 

We start out talking about how her "diplobrat" life growing up has helped shape her into the women she is today. 

Malini discusses living through a civil war in Lebanon, how her mom has been her rock and champion FOMO queen, and what led her to the City of Dreams. 

She tells me why radio is still her favorite medium, the bucket list of 24, her book, To The Moon: How I Blogged My Way To Bollywood, and some epic stories that you can only experience in Mumbai.

We of course dive into her best and worst interviews, what it is really like to work with her husband, and her plan to shed light and start conversations around cyber bullying and sexual harassment in India with #ignorenomore. 

Malini is a staunch supporter of women supporting women, as can been seen with MissMalini's Girl Tribe, and she tells me what she regrets the most throughout her legendary journey. 

And guys, there's so much more....

Today I catch up with activist, writer & speaker, Sangeeta Pillai, who is the the founder of Soul Sutras. Soul Sutras is the South Asian feminist platform that is all about tackling taboos in South Asian culture, creating safe spaces where South Asian women can explore everything from sex to mental health.

Their projects include Masala Podcast, featuring interviews with fierce South Asian women about taboo topics and Masala Monologues, a series of writing workshops and theatre shows in the UK & the US.Starting life as a blog, Soul Sutras now boasts a range of projects from podcast, theatre shows, webinar to books & beyond.

She has become a key voice in British South Asian feminism speaking at the Women of the World (WOW) 2020 and has been featured in the Huffington Post, BBC Asian Radio, Brown Girl Magazine and is the winner of British Podcast Awards 2020 & 2019.She tells me about living life in the slums of Bombay, her volatile relationship with her father and the affect it's had on her throughout life, the complicated relationship between culture and identity, and how it's so refreshing to see the younger generation of South Asian women speak up.

http://www.soulsutras.co.uk/

Well guys, it's the end of the year and of course that means reflecting back on 2021 and thinking, why did I eat my kids (both of them) entire birthday cake this year? 

I get it, trust me, I already yelled at myself in the mirror this week. And that's why I so needed to talk to my next guest! 

Dr. Amy Shah is a renowned wellness expert, immunologist, nutritionist, and author. After years of practicing nutrition and immunology, it was a personal scare in 2012 that made Shah turn to Ayurveda and take more holistic approaches to health which involves clean eating, intermittent fasting, balancing hormones, and strengthening the gut. Basically, all the things that we know we're suppose to do but just don't have time to do it! 

She has written a book, I’m so Effing Tired, which highlights some of the things we can tweak to help reach our peak mind and body health. We talk about how one huge scare back in 2012 changed her journey, why we grew up thinking taking a break for ourselves was considered selfish, how its the little tweaks that we need to make that really make the difference, and why we are so addicted to Starbucks. 

If you’ve been struggling to achieve your health goals, follow Dr Amy Shah on Instagram (@fastingmd) for some honest and thoughtful advice. www.amymdwellness.com

We talk about having our names mispronounced our entire lives, the horrific bullying she faced growing up in a predominately white neighborhood, how that has affected her personal and professional journey, and how she finally embraced being Indian-American.

She talks about the challenges shaping minds in a corporate setting as a DEI leader, the importance of impact vs. intent, why the real training of DEI initiatives starts at home, her own toxic work experience and why having an immigrant mentality stopped her from walking out, and her transition to becoming one of Linkedin Top Voices and sharing Brown experiences.

She shares a time she experienced immense heartbreak,  who she would like to collaborate with on her podcast, Brown Table Talk, and why it's so awkward to make new friends as adults (hint, you may need some drinks to help out).

Premal Dharia has spent the last twenty years dedicated to challenging injustice in the criminal system and nearly 15 years as a public defender. She has tried dozens of cases and supervised lawyers at various levels of practice. 

Premal will be joining Harvard Law School as the inaugural Executive Director of the Institute to End Mass Incarceration, launching this summer. The Institute’s mission is to end mass incarceration in the United States through a movement-centered, action-oriented organizing and advocacy program with a bold and ambitious innovation institute. 

We talk about the history of mass incarceration and the current situation as it stands in the United States. She discusses why prisoners are disproportionately Black and Latino,  her work as a public defender and civil attorney, why she thinks public defenders are key to systemic change within the criminal system, founding and directing the Defender Impact Initiative, and what we need to know about post-colonialism and the impact it has had on people of color. 

We discuss her upbringing as a South Asian woman, what she is most excited about in he new role as Executive Director, and why public defenders have the reputation they do. 

To learn more, please check out-

 https://endmassincarceration.org

https://inquest.org/

We discuss our personal experiences growing up Indian-American in Houston, TX,  when he started reflected on these experiences while critiquing ideas of Asian-American exceptionalism in the United States, how the Model Minority myth may have evolved, and his favorite conversations while hosting WNYC's Micropolis series.

We also touch upon the fear white working -class Americans still have, the idea of replacement theory,  and the political and cultural consciousness of the South Asian diaspora in the United States.

He talks to me about his perfect NYC day, the time he experienced heartbreak, who he would like to collaborate with, and good old fashion Indian uncle jokes.

Arun has appeared on PBS Newshour, On the Media and Studio 360, and has been published in The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal and Salon. He also frequently serves as an emcee and moderator of panel discussions on race, religion, and identity issues and has been a guest host of NPR's "Fresh Air.".  Arun serves as the regular fill-in host of the station's "U.S. of Anxiety" program. 

It's our first live interview almost 2 years!! I sit down with my friend, Pallavi Sharda, in our friends apartment in NYC and chat about it all. 

Pallavi knows what chasing your dreams is all about. Growing up in Melbourne, Australia, she knew from a very young age she wanted to become a Bollywood actress. 

We talk about making the decision to move to India to fulfill her dreams of working in Bollywood, her biggest takeaways from her time there and what she learned about herself, what she would tell other young women who want to make their mark on the world's largest film industry, and her relationship to Bollywood now. 

She discusses why there is still a lack of diversity and representation for South Asian women in the film industry, how being an Indian-Australian forced her to redefine herself time and time again, and the reason coming back home to Melbourne helped reclaim her voice and identity. 

An honors graduate from the University of Melbourne Law, Arts and Languages schools, Pallavi is an advocate for India-Australia relations and the strengthening of intercultural links between the two countries. She was named on the list of forty most influential Asian-Australians at the inaugural Asian-Australian Leadership Summit. 

Her film credits include Oscar nominated film Lion (2016), Bollywood films Begum Jaan (2017) and  My Name Is Khan, Dus Tola, and Besharam. (2015), and comedy Australian film Save Your Legs! (2012). She has worked in Hindi films like My Name Is Khan, Dus Tola, and Besharam. 

This year, she starred in Tom Jerry and The One, now streaming on Netflix. She also has two feature films coming out in 2022- Black Site and Wedding Season.

Dr. Meera Shah is the Chief Medical Officer at Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, the author of “You’re the Only One I’ve Told: The Stories Behind Abortion”, and the Medical Director of Whole Women’s Health Alliance in South Bend Indiana.

I ask her about her decision to join Planned Parenthood, her highs and lows the past four years, what she believes Planned Parenthood stands for for women across America, the threat abortion providers experience, and the ground-breaking work she is doing with trans and non-binary community at her clinics.

She talks about her experience working with patience from India, why the right language is so important to use and understand, what prompted her to write her book, and why everyone needs to remember that each case is unique.

We of course discuss the repercussions of Roe v. Wade being overturned, who will be affected the most, what abortion clinics are preparing for now, and what the major consequences of this decision will mean for our future

Anjali recently founded Slightly Reserved, a home for all of Anjali’s entrepreneurial and creative ventures, including an advisory firm providing legal counsel and business strategy for entrepreneurs, executives, talent, and brands. She is also a co-founder of COVID Tech Connect which sent nearly 20,000 smart devices to hospitals and senior care facilities across the US that allow critically ill patients to connect with their loved ones.

Prior to that, Anjali was the Founding Chief People Officer and General Counsel at Cheddar, the Founding Head of Social Innovation and Founding General Counsel at Warby Parker, Founding General Counsel at Acumen, and Senior Counsel at Google. 

She has recently launched The Important Things with Bobbi Brown and Anjali Kumar, a podcast that focuses on the things that really fulfill our souls. 

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, an act that would have created national standards for policing in an effort to increase accountability, sadly couldn’t reach a bipartisan deal-leaving it dead in the water. 

We all have heard about the horrific killing of George Floyd, the protests that occurred after, and the many stories that have been shared over social media. Today, I interviewed Rahul Dubey, one of Time Magazine's Heroes of 2020 who simply, as he puts it, opened the door to those in need. 

On June 1, 2020, Rahul Dubey was at home in Washington, DC, as demonstrators filled the streets to protest the killing of George Floyd. After a 7 p.m. curfew, he noticed crowds in the street outside who were seemingly trapped and being pepper-sprayed by police.

 We talk about his story of housing 70 protestors overnight to help them avoid curfew, the fear and pure terror he felt for himself and the demonstrators, and how that one night changed his life. 

 https://www.wsj.com/articles/george-floyd-should-receive-posthumous-pardon-for-drug-charge-texas-parole-board-says-11633461144

Armed with years of experience working in investment research at hedge funds and later beverage product development and branding at e-commerce darling WINC wines, Pallavi Golla dove headfirst into the apparel industry -- determined to create a next gen apparel brand for millennial families  focused on making functional clothing to make life less stressful and more comfortable.

Lark has uniquely positioned itself as a thread-to garment technical bamboo apparel brand in the $100 bn activewear market due to its exclusive Softek bamboo that is UPF 50 sun safe, temperature regulating and hypoallergenic.

They have been mentioned in numerous magazines and media outlets including Vogue, INC, Forbes, Business Insider and Huffington Post.

Pallavi was generous enough to send me and my girls some of the clothing and let me tell you, I AM IN LOVE!!!  They are comfortable, chic, clean and most importantly, we didn't want to take them off.

Neel Patel is a screenwriter and author who grew up in Champaign, Illinois and currently lives in Los Angeles, where he writes for TV and film.  His first book, If You See Me, Don't Say Hi, is a New York Times Book Review Editors’ choice, an NPR Best Book of 2018, and has been optioned for television.

His writing has appeared in Elle India, The Paris Review, on Buzzfeed.com, and many more

I chat with him about his debut Novel, Tell Me How To Be, which I found out about after Lilly Singh gave him a shoutout on her platform, Lilly’s Library.  It focuses on a mother-son relationship, Indian-American stereotypes, and has the best Guju (Gujarati) phrases sprinkled in throughout the book.  What else do you want?

We also chat about how we were both bad at math, his coming out story, why stories like this are so important to the Indian-American community, why leaving home and then coming back helped inspire his novel, and all that yummy Indian homemade food we both miss.

So I started this podcast back in 2017 after listening and being inspired by the first season of Serial, the most downloaded podcast of all time. I could not think of a better guest to round out this year than the woman who brought Adnan Syed's case to light, Rabia Chaudry.

Rabia Chaudry is a Pakistani-American attorney, author and podcast host. A childhood friend of Adnan Syed, subject of the podcast Serial (2014), Chaudry subsequently wrote a book about his case called Adnan’s Story: The Search for Truth and Justice After Serial (2016), which became a New York Times best seller. 

Chaudry co-hosts 3 podcasts- Undisclosed, a podcast on Syed's case and many others, which has now 360 million downloads, The 45th, which followed the crazy that was Trumps presidency, and The Hidden Djinn, showcasing the folklore and history behind the legends of the djinn, and connecting the tales through Islamic, Christian, and Jewish sources. She is also an Executive Producer of a four-part HBO documentary "The Case Against Adnan Syed." 

She tells me how she feels about Serial now looking back and how she is still not giving up hope, how Adnan and his family are doing now and the case as it stands, and her personal theory on what really happened. 

We also talk about her personal struggles at home during her first marriage and how law school saved her, the Safe Nation Collaborative, which she founded, and it's focus on CVE (countering violent extremism), Undisclosed, the biggest wrongful conviction podcast in the world, which has now helped exonerate nearly a dozen defendants, and her future innocence work with the Aspen Institute/ADL Civil Society Fellow. 

Rabia's second book, "Fatty Fatty Boom Boom", a memoir on food, fat, and family, is due to be out in 2022. There was so much to talk about, I have a feeling there may be a part two to this! So please enjoy my final episode of 2021 with Rabia Chaudry.

 www.rabiachaudry.com

Sonny discusses how the pandemic forced him to really understand what his kids were learning in school, the core life skills he discovered were lacking in young adults, what responsibility really means and how it can be turned into a hard skill, and his experience setting up the preliminary Ever Scouts program in his own home town.

He also talks about how tech can have a positive affect on children's growth, his biggest takeaways from building an e-commerce business in India, the three pillars that are important to him, and why he is an extreme optimist about our future.

Sonny and I met in India while he was building the earliest e-commerce fashion companies, Exclusively.In, and he made the smart decision to hire me. I can’t even recall all the epic stories we have together working there but I’m so happy we got a chance to catch up and talk about it all.

As most of you know, March is Women's History Month and the theme for IWD2022 is #BreakTheBias- in our communities, workplaces, schools, and homes.  You see it, you call it out.

I could not think of a better female powerhouse to talk to as we celebrate International Women's Day than Joya Dass.

Joya has spent 20 years covering the financial markets on TV from the floor of the NYSE, she has interviewed countless CEOs, and is considered one of the best public speaking coaches out there. 

She started LadyDrinks in 2010 with her business partner as a monthly meetup for women in film and TV to network and get jobs, and has lived in New York City since 1999  because frankly, she loves the NYC attitude. She is currently the founder of the Women's Leadership Academy, a leadership platform for executive women.  

She talks about growing up in a house witnessing domestic violence, how she has been in survival mode since the age of 18, why her super power consists of fantastic retreats for women, how she used her dating experience while doing a stand-up comedy set at Carolines on Broadway, and how it's all about preparation.

https://www.joyadass.com/

Akash Jain is a global business development and strategy executive with experience growing sports properties and establishing international operations across markets for leading organizations, including the United States Tennis Association (USTA), National Football League (NFL) and National Basketball Association (NBA).  He is currently the VP of Strategy and Planning at Major League Soccer. 

We talk about why historically soccer hasn't been as popular in the US, what has changed for US fans in the past 25 years,  the relationship with FIFA and The National Women's Soccer League,  what we can expect from the 2026 World Cup returning to North America, and why it will be the perfect (hopefully) post-pandemic celebration.

Akash also talks about his journey opening up the first NBA offices in India,  how he feels about his 5 years in Bombay growing the NBA, and we of course exchange a few India stories that may include a white tiger, Dwight Howard, and a 3 Idiots moment.

We talk about our relationship with our Indian identity as Indian-Americans and how it’s evolved through the years, how we both made soulful decisions when it came to our professional journeys, how his interest in India was more of a anthropological one versus a social one, and what it means to be a place-based person. 

We of course discuss about how we were both surprisingly fell in love with cricket and what his team at Times Bridge considers when meeting and talking to entrepreneurs. 

 #southasiantrailblazers #tuckeredoutwithami #tuckeredoutpod

I grew up in the NASA area in Houston and my neighbor was Mike Mullane, an astronaut who flew the Space Shuttle missions in the 80's and 90's.  So the idea of talking to someone who is helping revive space exploration was beyond exciting for me.

Tejpaul Bhatia leads revenue generation and monetization strategy for the commercial development of space as Chief Revenue Officer at Axiom Space.  Axiom Space is a private space company developing its own module for the International Space Station and building the first commercial space station.

Axiom Space revealed its team of four first-time astronauts who have each paid $55m to spend eight days on the International Space Station launching on March 30th.  Axiom Space AX-1 crew will travel to the ISS in a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule and will spend eight days carrying out experiments. This is the first time an all civilian crew has visited the ISS at the same time.

We talk about the history of the ISS and what the station has given humankind,  what a commercial space station really means, what he says to those people that think spending money on space programs a waste of money,  how the private/public partnerships has recharged the program, why have an all civilian crew, and how space exploration is the one place in our world where there are no borders and where there is always hope.

Zarna Garg is an Indian immigrant, mom, and lawyer turned New York comedian and TikTok star (https://www.tiktok.com/@zarnagarg) with more than 20 million views on the platform. She has performed standup at sold-out clubs across the country and headlined her own show My American Dream at the famous Carolines on Broadway. Unwilling to let the pandemic stop her, Zarna has kept audiences laughing with online comedy shows (which were recently profiled in the New York Times) and impromptu sets outside major landmarks across New York City including Central Park and The Met.

Her debut romantic comedy screenplay “Rearranged” won the Best Comedy Screenplay Award at the 2019 Austin Film Festival (placing #1 out of 11,000 scripts), and was also a 2019 Academy Nicholl Fellowships Semi-Finalist. The script has been optioned by Marginal Mediaworks.

Deepa’s book, The First, The Few, The Only-How Women of Color Redefine Power in Corporate America, will be published by Harper Business in March 2022.

Prior to this, Deepa spent more than twenty years at Deloitte and was the first Indian-American woman and one of the youngest people to make partner in the company’s history.

We discuss how it's time for all WOC to come together with our shared challenges to support one another, what it will really take to advance WOC, how many WOC tend to manifest physical ailments because they are not in their full voice, and what leadership will look like in the future.

Definition Please is one of two titles from South Asian female filmmakers debuting on Netflix from Ava DuVernay's ARRAY.

We talked about growing up in a small town as a brown girl, what really needs to change in Hollywood to get more South Asian representation, why we both love coming-of-age films,  how the model minority myth affected us personally,  and the spelling bee word that will haunt her forever

The film dropped on Netflix last week and here to do a special introduction is her childhood friend and one of my dear friends. Monica Jindal Mehta.

I decided to kick off 2022 talking to  stand-up comedian and humor writer, Meg Indurti.  Indurti writes for The New Yorker and Reductress and is a headline contributor for The Onion. In 2019, she was featured in the NBC Breakout Comedy Festival and in 2020, she was featured in the San Francisco Sketchfest.

She performs regularly at Laugh Factory, Zanies, Comedy Bar, and Comedians You Should Know.  In 2019, she was a writer for a comedic short directed by Natasha Lyonne featuring John Mulaney, Maya Rudolph, Melinda Gates, and more.

We talk about the real reason her parents immigrated to the US, why most Indians need to go through steps to figure out their "Indianness", our prom and first dance stories, how Nicholas Cage got her a job interview, and how finally feeling confident led her to a book deal.

So I started this podcast back in 2017 after listening and being inspired by the first season of Serial, the most downloaded podcast of all time. I could not think of a better guest to round out this year than the woman who brought Adnan Syed's case to light, Rabia Chaudry

Rabia Chaudry is a Pakistani-American attorney, author and podcast host. A childhood friend of Adnan Syed, subject of the podcast Serial (2014), Chaudry subsequently wrote a book about his case called Adnan’s Story: The Search for Truth and Justice After Serial (2016), which became a New York Times best seller.

Chaudry co-hosts 3 podcasts- Undisclosed, a podcast on Syed's case and many others, which has now 360 million downloads, The 45th, which followed the crazy that was Trumps presidency, and The Hidden Djinn, showcasing the folklore and history behind the legends of the djinn, and connecting the tales through Islamic, Christian, and Jewish sources. She is also an Executive Producer of a four-part HBO documentary "The Case Against Adnan Syed."

She tells me how she feels about Serial now looking back and how she is still not giving up hope, how Adnan and his family are doing now and the case as it stands, and her personal theory on what really happened.

We also talk about her personal struggles at home during her first marriage and how law school saved her, the Safe Nation Collaborative, which she founded, and it's focus on CVE (countering violent extremism),  Undisclosed, the biggest wrongful conviction podcast in the world, which has now helped exonerate nearly a dozen defendants, and her future innocence work with the Aspen Institute/ADL Civil Society Fellow.

Rabia's second book, "Fatty Fatty Boom Boom", a memoir on food, fat, and family, is due to be out in 2022.

There was so much to talk about, I have a feeling there may be a part two to this! So please enjoy my final episode of 2021 with Rabia Chaudry.

www.rabiachaudry.com

Today I chat with producers and stars of Comedy Centrals South-Asian led film, Hot Mess Holiday, Melanie Chandra and Surina Jindal!

Hot Mess Holiday helps get audiences into the festive season and  features a largely South Asian cast including Kal Penn, Ravi Patel, Richa Moorjani and many more.

The film, which debuts on December 11th, revolves around two best friends,  a young banker, Melanie (Chandra), who is unceremoniously dumped by her cheating fiancé, Rishi (Ritesh Rajan), during the Diwali holidays, and her free-spirited best friend, Surina (Jindal), who is determined to help her get lit. Along with their outrageous crew, they embark on a wild holiday adventure across Chicago, but when they come into possession of a multimillion-dollar diamond, their messy antics place their entire team in danger.

I chat with the ladies about their journey together up till now, working 16 hours a day on set, some of they crazy moments they recall while filming,  why this film in particular is so relevant for the South Asian community, and some of their upcoming projects.

We also play a little "do you really know your best friend" game- there may be some dancing involved as well.

So sit back, grab your chai, and enjoy our bonus holiday episode!

https://www.cc.com/topic/hot-mess-holiday

I get it, trust me, I already yelled at myself in the mirror this week.  And that's why I so needed to talk to my next guest!

Dr. Amy Shah is a renowned wellness expert, immunologist, nutritionist, and author.  After years of practicing nutrition and immunology, it was a personal scare in 2012 that made Shah turn to Ayurveda and take more  holistic approaches to health which involves clean eating, intermittent fasting, balancing hormones, and strengthening the gut.  Basically, all the things that we know we're suppose to do but just don't have time to do it!

She has written a book, I’m so Effing Tired, which highlights some of the things we can tweak to help reach our peak mind and body health.  We talk about how one huge scare back in 2012 changed her journey, why we grew up thinking taking a break for ourselves was considered selfish,  how its the little tweaks that we need to make that really make the difference, and why we are so addicted to Starbucks.

If you’ve been struggling to achieve your health goals, follow Dr Amy Shah on Instagram (@fastingmd) for some honest and thoughtful advice.

www.amymdwellness.com

This company not only helps take care of our planet, they also give back.  As part of its "Claim Your Crown" platform, RANAVAT has partnered with the Desai Foundation (a non-profit) to provide educational programs to men, women and children in rural India.

She talks about growing up in Wisconsin as a first generation Indian-American and  wanting to "belong", how she started embracing her roots more and celebrating our culture, how her 2010 trip to India with her father changed the course of her journey, and why she believes in Ayurvedic ingredients.

We also talk about starting your own business after kids, why it's never too late for anyone to figure out their calling, why failures (many) are so important to experience, how working with her dad growing up was really the best education she received, her favorite RANAVAT products, trolling on social media and why South Asians still can't seem to support each other, and how she's going to take me to Paris Fashion Week one of these days!

www.ranavat.com

I chat (and laugh) with the co-founders of Product of Culture, Archana Jain and  Monika Sharma!

Product of Culture (#POCNation) empowers South Asian creatives and innovators to grow and thrive globally. The organization is a WOC founded and funded collective that amplifies Brown brands + creatives with strategy, content, and experiences rooted in culture.

We discuss how the co-founders met, why they work well together, the story behind their very first pop-up event, and the upcoming POC Fest, which includes the South Asian Film Fest of America and The Founder's Summit.

We talk about building opportunities for Brown brands, why numbers don't matter in social media, and how I may be potentially hosting their dating event at POC Fest.

Based in New York City and Los Angeles, these women are changing the way South Asian creatives work and grow together.  

#supportbrowncreatives

www.productofculture.org

Today I catch up with activist, writer & speaker, Sangeeta Pillai, who is the the founder of Soul Sutras.  Soul Sutras is the South Asian feminist platform that is all about tackling taboos in South Asian culture, creating safe spaces where South Asian women can explore everything from sex to mental health.

Their projects include Masala Podcast, featuring interviews with fierce South Asian women about taboo topics and Masala Monologues, a series of writing workshops and theatre shows in the UK & the US.

Starting life as a blog, Soul Sutras now boasts a range of projects from podcast, theatre shows, webinar to books & beyond.

She has become a key voice in British South Asian feminism speaking at the Women of the World (WOW) 2020 and has been featured in the Huffington Post, BBC Asian Radio, Brown Girl Magazine and is the winner of British Podcast Awards 2020 & 2019.

She tells me about living life in the slums of Bombay, her volatile relationship with her father and the affect it's had on her throughout life, the complicated relationship between culture and identity, and how it's so refreshing to see the younger generation of South Asian women speak up.

http://www.soulsutras.co.uk/

We had the honor to attend Diwali On The Hudson this year, NYC's premiere Diwali event hosted by The Desai Foundation.  And let me tell you, we had some good times.  Diwali On The Hudson celebrates love, light and of course the very important work of The Desai Foundation.

This year, appearances by the talented Falu and The Resistance Revival Chorus graced the stage and we had some fantastic jams courtesy of DJ Suhel!

The Desai Foundation’s main focus for over 20 years has been empowering women and girls through community programs to elevate health and livelihood in India & U.S. During the 2021 COVID crisis, they shifted their focus to address the needs of the communities we serve, while also leveraging the programs that were already in place.

The foundation is currently operating in 1000 villages, and has reached a population of over 3.4 million people. Their work cultivates dignity so that everyone can dream beyond their circumstances.

To donate or learn more, please go to thedesaifoundation.org

A BIG  THANK YOU to all my guests for being brave enough to step up to the mic.  You made this episode.

Megha Desai

Sindya Valloppillil

Monica Jindal Mehta

Heena Jain

Falu

Ami Sheth

Suraj Patel

Trisha Sakhuja-Walia

Megha Rao and  Pooja Desai Shah-Holi Chic

Meera Shah

Akash Jain

We discuss the rise of health tech in Singapore, what we need to know about the healthcare system in Asia, why the healthcare system is so expensive in the US, the power dynamic between patients and doctors, and how the pandemic has shifted the relationships between governments and healthcare start-ups.

We also discuss his recent piece in Think Global Health and the 10th anniversary of his bar, 28 HongKong street in Singapore, which is often credited as the bar that gave rise to the craft cocktail scene in Singapore and Asia.  If you ever visit, you must definitely check it out!

https://my-doc.com/

https://www.thinkglobalhealth.org/article/solutions-covid-19-crisis-asia

https://www.drinkmagazine.asia/2021/10/09/celebrating-a-decade-of-28-hongkong-street/

With more than 30 years of marketing, branding and leadership experience along with 20 years of governance serving on a dozen boards, Vipe has a proven track record for leading organizational change, brand re-positioning and process change within the boardroom and a passion for inspiring, mobilizing, and empowering support for underserved communities.

On October 6th, 2021, a pipeline failure sent at least 126,000 gallons of oil into the Pacific off the coast of Orange County, creating a 13-square-mile slick. Dead fish and birds washed ashore in some areas.

On Monday, October 18th, Vipe testified in front of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources joint oversight hearing titled, “Southern California Oil Leak: Investigating the Immediate Effects on Communities, Businesses, and the Environment.

Vipe talks about the immediate and long term affects of these oil spills, if these spills are reversible,  whether the state of California will move away from fossil fuels in favor of renewable energy, why it's so important for the community, businesses and the environmental groups to work together, and how this specific ecological disaster is personal for him.

He tells me how he opened up a surf shop right after graduation, his love affair with surfing, why he decided to write a children's book focusing on protecting our oceans, and the one lesson he's learned through it all.

Please check out his recent TESTIMONY VIDEO:  https://lnkd.in/gXGWTTNX

She is the President of TAAF-The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), a convener, incubator, and funder committed to accelerating opportunity and prosperity for AAPI communities. TAAF supports advocates and organizations committed to AAPI causes so that together they can more effectively take action against hate and violence, and build the infrastructure needed to improve AAPI advocacy, power, and representation across American society.

We talk about the huge spike of anti-hate crimes against the Asian American community the past few years, the main focus areas for TAAF, and how far back the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders goes in the United States.

We also talk about our own childhood growing up in Houston as South Asians, how our generation perhaps internalized those feelings of being "the other", and why our own parents may have not had the bandwidth to comprehend racism when they immigrated to this country.

Sonal discusses the importance of the Asian American narrative and certain cultural ideas that need to change, her own journey working with Obama and Mayor Pete Buttigieg, what she ultimately wants to be known for, and why she's ready to start a band.

www.taaf.org

We all have heard about the horrific killing  of George Floyd, the protests that occurred after, and the many stories that have been shared over social media.  Today, I interviewed Rahul Dubey, one of Time Magazine's Heroes of 2020 who simply, as he puts it, opened the door to those in need.

On June 1, Rahul Dubey was at home in Washington, DC, as demonstrators filled the streets  to protest the killing of George Floyd.  After a 7 p.m. curfew, he noticed crowds in the street outside who were  seemingly trapped and being pepper-sprayed by police.

We talk about his story of housing 70 protestors overnight to help them avoid curfew, the fear and pure terror he felt for himself and the demonstrators, and how that one night changed his life. 

Recent News-Today, a Texas parole board recommended posthumous pardon for George Floyd.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/george-floyd-should-receive-posthumous-pardon-for-drug-charge-texas-parole-board-says-11633461144

When I read Shibani Joshi’s ELLE article called "The Other Side of Divorce", I knew I had to have her on the pod.

Shibani Joshi is an experienced journalist who has covered business, technology and general news for global media outlets including ABC News, Fox News Channel, Yahoo! Finance and Huffington Post. Shibani Joshi is a writer, speaker and lecturer focused on bleeding-edge tech, grounded excellence and tactical business concepts that enhance everyday life.

Previously, Shibani anchored a daily markets show and had her own dedicated technology segment on TV called “Joshi on Tech” on the Fox Business Network in New York City. In her almost 6-year tenure, she evolved into the dedicated on-air technology reporter at both Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network.

We of course talk about her journey writing and publishing the ELLE article as well as her newsletter, Boldly-Forward, but we also get into so much more.  It was SO refreshing to talk to a South Asian woman who is not only so accomplished, but who is also so open, vulnerable, and real. I think most of you ladies out there will resonate with this one.

www.shibanijoshi.com

Anita Mirchandani, M.S, R.D, C.D.N received a B.A. from NYU and a M.S. in Clinical Nutrition from NYU. After completing a dietetic internship at New York-Presbyterian hospital, Anita became a Registered Dietitian in 2011.  Anita also maintains current fitness certifications in indoor cycling, kickboxing, group exercise, and personal training. She is also an AFPA certified prenatal and postnatal exercise specialist.

We talk about growing up in Texas and in the 80s where portion control was not a concept, how we're both alive after eating Pop-Tarts 5 times a day growing up, launching India's first Greek yogurt and how Indians in general are starting to understand our common chronic diagnosis.   Anita also has a passion for  women’s health and intuitive eating and gives her top 3 pieces of advice to South Asian women about how to eat “well”.

I ask her about different diets and why they don't work, what the deal is with "gluten-free", and why balance is key to every diet. I also talk to her about my own inflammatory issues and we talk about things that I need to adjust in my day-to-day routine.  

Basically,  I am totally convinced that talking to a dietician can change your life.

Follow @FitNutAnita for interesting updates of fitness and nutrition content and check out her site, www.anitamirchandani.com for updates on ARM Nutrition.

Sriram Iyer is editor in chief of Business Insider India.  He tells me why he chose the path of journalism versus the "traditional" Indian career path, how journalism has become a lot more discerning, and why journalist need to be more than just a one-trick pony in order to succeed today.

We dive into how social media and "fake news" has affected journalism in India, his thoughts on how the Indian government has been trying to control online speech and content coming out of the country,  why the concept of "hyper-personalization" has become an issue with the media industry, and if he himself is ever worried about publishing certain stories that could potentially be polarizing.

We go over important topics such as cryptocurrency, the COVID crisis in India, and women in the workforce.  I ask him about his growth strategy for the publication,  why "labels are lazy", and who he ultimately would love to work with.

Please also check out THE FUTURE OF WORK, hosted by Business Insider India, happening Sept 16th and 17th.

https://fow.businessinsider.in/

https://www.businessinsider.in/

Before we begin our fall interviews in September, we wanted to post some of our favorite chats from this past year for the next 5 days.  The final episode for our "highlight" series is my interview with actress and author, Lisa Ray.  

Thank you for your support and for subscribing to our podcast.  We'll see you next week with all new episodes!

Internationally acclaimed performer, philanthropist, author, and public speaker Lisa Rani Ray does not shy away from a challenge.  With a career that spans three decades and several continents, this trailblazer has a reputation for taking on issue-orientated films with courage and grace.   The two of us get a chance to play catch-up after 18 years (I basically was a chaiwallah on her movie set) and talk about it all.  From her first taste of public attention, to working in Bollywood in the 90's, to how serendipity has really played a major role throughout her career.  

We talk about how all the unexpected turns in her life, including her multiple myeloma diagnosis, led her to completing her memoir, Close to the Bone, and her plans to continue writing in the future.  From motherhood to breaking it down with Govinda to pet names for our hubby's, we pretty much cover it all.  Let me tell you guys, I would be a chaiwallah for this fascinating woman any day.  

Before we begin our fall interviews in September, we wanted to post some of our favorite chats from this past year for the next 5 days. Next in line for our "highlight" series is my interview with chef, restaurateur, author Maneet Chauhan.

Maneet Chauhan knows a thing or two about best-laid plans...they often tend to go awry.  From India to Nashville, we talk about her journey and relationship with food, what it is really like building a business with her husband, how she didn't know she was going to have twins and why she was born to be a judge on Food Network's Chopped.

We discuss her upcoming book CHAAT and the epic train ride through India that inspired it as well as her support for the #BLM movement and what it felt like to open up a few of her restaurants in the time of Covid. After this interview, a road trip to Nashville will be happening.  

Before we begin our fall interviews in September, we wanted to post some of our favorite chats from this past year for the next 5 days. Next in line for our "highlight" series is my interview with author, Alka Joshi.

Alka Joshi was born in India and raised in the U.S. since the age of nine. She has a BA from Stanford University and an MFA from California College of Arts. At the age of 62, Joshi published her debut novel, The Henna Artist, which immediately became a New York Times bestseller, a Reese Witherspoon Bookclub pick, was long listed for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize and is being developed into an episodic series by Miramax TV starring Frieda Pinto. 

The sequel, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur, premieres June 2021, and will be followed by the third book in the trilogy in 2022. We talk about what it was like growing up in India and the transition to Iowa, how her family viewed dating and relationships, why she decided to break the glass ceiling on her own terms, and how she became an "accidental writer". 

She talks about the origins of The Henna Artist and how the main character, Laxmi, is an ode to her mother, her mother's own journey finding herself, why she believes women are better leaders, and how she hopes these books will be her legacy.

 www.alkajoshi.com

Before we begin our fall interviews in September, we wanted to post some of our favorite chats from this past year for the next 5 days. Next in line for our "highlight" series is my interview with comedian and writer, Nimesh Patel.

For my last interview of the year, I stand-up with my guest, Nimesh Patel, and talk all things comedy.  Nimesh is the first Indian-American to write for SNL, where he was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for his work.

We talk about growing up brown in New Jersey, how he actually did try the whole doctor route, what it was like seeing Chris Rock laugh at his jokes, and why Hasan Minhaj was sleeping on his dirty couch.  

Nimesh talks about his passion for comedy and writing, how SNL was the Harvard for a comedic education, how he got away with working in finance while pursuing his real passion, and who he thinks are the funniest people in his life.

He is currently a staff writer for the 2nd season of 'A Little Late with Lilly Singh' and has launched a new adult animation series called Zooidiots.  This one made me laugh.  The series and the interview.

www.zooidiots.com

@findingnimesh

Before we begin our fall interviews, we wanted to post some of our favorite interviews from this past year for the next 5 days.  First up, my interview with Manpreet Singh.

India’s six-month-long farmer protests, which has recently gained global attention, has been on the forefront of news around the world.  With the recent attacks on protestors and a government shutdown of the Internet, the international community is left wondering what exactly is happening there.

I chat with my friend, Manpreet Singh, trial attorney and board member of the Sikh Coalition as well as the ACLU, about the history of the Sikh community in India, what she understands about the protests, and what deregulation means for farmers in India.

She also talks about the outpouring of international support, why farmer suicides have been such a big issue, what we can do from here to support the cause, and why we should always remember "no farmers, no food".

Please check out these two organizations for more information:

https://www.sikhcoalition.org/

https://www.khalsaaid.org/

Premal will be joining Harvard Law School as the inaugural Executive Director of the Institute to End Mass Incarceration, launching this summer. The Institute’s mission is to end mass incarceration in the United States through a movement-centered, action-oriented organizing and advocacy program with a bold and ambitious innovation institute.

We talk about the history of mass incarceration and the current situation as it stands in the United States. She discusses why prisoners are disproportionately Black and Latino,  her work as a public defender and civil attorney, why she thinks public defenders are key to systemic change within the criminal system, founding and directing the Defender Impact Initiative, and what we need to know about post-colonialism and the impact it has had on people of color.

We discuss her upbringing as a South Asian woman, what she is most excited about in he new role as Executive Director, and why public defenders have the reputation they do.

To learn more, please check out-

https://endmassincarceration.org/

https://inquest.org/

We've done over 60 episodes, brought on big names, shared fantastic stories, and undoubtedly have some new listeners to the show from all around the world . So, I wanted to take this week to re-introduce myself a bit, as well as re-introduce the show -- what we're all about here at Tuckered Out, what we're trying to accomplish, and where we're hoping to go with everything.

I started this show because I wanted to tell the stories of South Asian voices around the world and share all the amazing contributions my community is a part of.  I also wanted to hear their journeys and how they found their calling because frankly, I was Tuckered Out (see what I did there) from trying to find what mine was.

The hope for this podcast is simply this- to share stories for underrepresented voices, to share lessons to those who are figuring out what their mission really is, to share what our culture and heritage represents, and of course to share laughs.   Because let's face it, I gots the jokes.

Also, I need some help from you guys!  

I  NEED YOUR VOTE for Best Asian Hosted Podcast!  Please log on to www.podcastawards.com and vote.  

I WOULD SO APPRECIATE you rating and reviewing on Apple.  It really does help support the podcast and let's face it, it helps my ego.

I WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO CHECK OUT my website and sign up for upcoming emails I'll throw your way.  I promise, they'll be entertaining.

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! You guys, I need to hear your voices, your thoughts, your random uncle jokes.  Please email me or DM me to ask questions about the podcast,  if you have suggestions on people I should  interview, if you want to collaborate, or even if you have direct questions for my guests!  I'm sure I can make that happen.  I think.

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR LISTENING AND SUPPORTING!!!  I love doing this and appreciate each and every one of you.  

ami@tuckeredoutwithami.com

www.tuckeredoutwithami.com

@tuckeredoutpodcast

Tarun Bothra and Kristin Kagetsu are co-founders of Saathi, a purpose driven manufacturing company that makes eco-friendly hygiene products. Their mission is to create hygiene products that are good for the body, environment, and community. Saathi pads are biodegradable and compostable, using plant-based materials for the leak-proof outer layers of the napkin.

Kristin has been featured on Forbes 30 under 30 as well as the Women Economic Forum.  

I have no doubt that these are the kinds of  ideas and the people that will help change our world for the better.

www.saathipads.com

We talk about making the decision to move to India to fulfill her dreams of working in Bollywood, her biggest takeaways from her time there and what she learned about herself, what she would tell other young women who want to make their mark on the world's largest film industry, and her relationship to Bollywood now.

She discusses why there is still a lack of diversity and representation for South Asian women in the film industry,  how being an Indian-Australian forced her to redefine herself time and time again, and the reason coming back home to Melbourne helped reclaim her voice and identity.

An honors graduate from the University of Melbourne Law, Arts and Languages schools, Pallavi is an advocate for India-Australia relations and the strengthening of intercultural links between the two countries. She was named on the list of forty most influential Asian-Australians at the inaugural Asian-Australian Leadership Summit.

Her film credits include Oscar nominated film Lion (2016), Bollywood films Begum Jaan (2017) and Hawaizaada (2015), and comedy Australian film Save Your Legs! (2012). She has worked in Hindi films like My Name Is Khan, Dus Tola, and Besharam.

This year, she starred in Tom Jerry and The One, now streaming on Netflix. She also has two feature films coming out in 2022- Black Site and Wedding Season.

Last March, they tried to register their marriage with the Indian Consulate in NYC under India’s Foreign Marriage Act, which is a pretty standard process for Indian citizens who get married abroad (Parag is from Texas and Vaibhav is from Delhi).  This is their story, their journey really, from the time they got denied the registration at the NYC consulate to filing  a precedent-setting petition with the Delhi High Court, urging the Indian government and its Ministry of External Affairs to recognize same-sex marriages.

We talk about the history of gay rights and laws in India, Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, attorneys Menaka Guruswamy  and Arundhati Katju, the faces behind the historic Section 377 verdict in 2018, and other gay couples who are fighting for equal and inclusive rights in India.

Parag and Vaibhav discuss their family's journey of acceptance and love, how they met at Vaibhav's first Pride parade in DC and how they were able to support each other, why we all need to understand how mental illness can play a big role for many young kids who don't have the support they need, and why it is so important for them to represent the LGBTQ+ voices in India that are not being heard, even while they worry about the safety of their own families.

And while their case is still going on, one thing is for sure-Parag and Vaibhav love their country. They see progress and they see a positive shift towards acceptance. They have faith in the Indian government, they have faith in the people, and most importantly, they have faith in true Indian values.

We talk about why she never thought she would get picked to walk into the writers’ room for the show, why the show didn’t focus on Priyanka Chopra’s cultural background, the reason she was heavily trolled online for an episode she didn’t write, why there is still a lack of diversity behind the scenes and how that affects stories revolved around minority families, and the reasons South Asians still have a hard time supporting one another when it comes to the arts.

We discuss the reason her family fled from Bangladesh while she was just 3 weeks old, how that move shaped her life and inspired her creative journey, and why identity and a strong female protagonist has been a central theme in a lot of her writings.

She discusses her debut novel, Dust Under Her Feet, and her current projects including Rickshaw Girl by Mitali Bose Perkins, which she adapted for the screen.

We also talk about the Asani Sanitary Napkin Program, which trains women in rural India to manufacture and distribute sanitary products.  We talk about why there has been such a negative stigma in our culture when it comes to women’s menstrual cycles and how we need to help change the conversation.

The Desai Foundation was born in 1997 as a family foundation started by Samir A. Desai and Nilima Desai. The Foundation had one simple goal: to serve the communities that had served them. After ten years of successful partnerships, the Desai Foundation found itself getting more and more involved in its partner organizations.

The Desai Foundation is now a robust public and programmatic organization working to empower women and children through health and livelihood in India and the U.S. The Foundation believes that empowering local community members to run projects leads to the best results. And that restoring dignity is at the center of helping people to dream beyond their circumstances.

www.thedesaifoundation.org

We talk about his American story, the reasons that pushed him to embrace advocacy, his new book, Fauja Singh Keeps Going, and his upcoming book, More of This Please, which talks to audiences about his unique experiences of racism, and shares how Sikh teachings give us a model for engaging hate without internalizing it.

We dive into his experiences growing up Sikh in San Antonio, Texas, how his faith helped him respond to racism all his life, why he wrote about the oldest marathon runner in the world, and his deep work focusing on empathy-building as an approach for personal development and social change.

www.simranjeetsingh.org

A graduate of MIT, Reshma was an advisor to the NYC Comptroller’s office for almost a decade, including during one of the City’s darkest moments, 9/11.

This past year has laid bare a failure of government on many levels and highlighted that NYC is not serving all of its people equally. Reshma is running for NYC Comptroller because right now our City needs to be able to stretch a dollar far like her parents taught her and to make sure that, as we rebuild, all New Yorkers are part of the solution.

Listen in as Reshma's talks about using her skills to fight for equity for all and why she has never wavered. Her commitment to service has remained steadfast and she is ready to apply that experience and vision to the NYC Comptroller job from day one. 

www.reshma2021.com

The startup has grown rapidly and has been recognized by Nasscom Design Awards, the Wall Street Journal Global startup showcase, Superstartups by Superbrands, Smart50CEO, HOTTECH100, and as BusinessWorld Techtors-Technology company to watch out for.

Parentune is also doing ground-breaking work by helping to open up conversations around children's mental health, autism, sexual wellness, high-risk pregnancies and much more.

They are building the future of India, one healthy child at a time.

www.parentune.com

She is the Director of Middlesex Pride and creator of Oh Queer Cupid, a queer speed dating and comedy night.

She has had bylines in i-D, HuffPost, the Guardian and was on the list of global influential women for the BBC 100 Women 2019.

She is currently writing her debut non-fiction, Burning My Roti, to be released in Feb 2022 by Hardie Grant.

www.burntroti.com

From documenting the effect of pregnancy on girl’s education in Kenya to child marriage in Nepal, and sex-trafficking across India and Bangladesh, Sharma is committed to representing people with dignity and telling underrepresented stories with impact. Sharma is an IWMF Reporting Fellow and a TED Fellow. Her work has been exhibited and shown globally including at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Smita is a member of Women Photograph and Diversify Photo and has taken HEFAT training in Mexico City organized by IWMF. She is a graduate from the photojournalism and documentary photography program of International Center of Photography, New York and has a post graduate diploma in Journalism from University of Pune.

In 2016, Smita organized a bicycle campaign along with non-profit PVCHR in Varanasi and donated bicycles to abuse survivors who were assaulted on their commute to school. The campaign was a way to de-stigmatize and reintegrate the girls in their communities and help them to continue their education.

http://www.smitasharma.com

She is a #dei strategist, consultant and trainer who has spent the last 20 years focusing on building community strength as well as institutional capacity for #socialjustice and #racialjustice in the #highereducation sector.

She was the #chieflearningofficer @uscraceequity center and has built programs that address underserved needs and communities.

We talk about the influence her parents had on her career, how they were definitely both “woke” back in the day when a lot of #southasianimmigrants were not, how she got involved in amplifying the #asianamerican voice, and the history and true meaning of the term “model minority”.

I admit that I have had a certain narrative in my head about the South Asian community, we discuss the awful violence against out #aapi brothers and sisters, and she tells me what she finds so shocking about it all, even after being on the frontline for so long.

This episode is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the #indianapolis #oakcreekgurdwara and #atlantaspa #massshootings #balbirsinghsodhi , #vilmakari and to all of those who have suffered because of these heinous #hatecrimes 💔

www.sumunpendakur.com

Beginning late 2016, Rishi envisioned, architected and scaled a new business to help purposeful ideas travel more evenly around the world. Today, Times Bridge, the global investment and partnership arm of Times Group, is the U.S.'s largest venture firm bringing the world's best ideas and technology to India and Asia.

We talk about our relationship with our Indian identity as Indian-Americans and how it’s evolved through the years, how we both made soulful decisions when it came to our professional journeys, how his interest in India was more of a anthropological one versus a social one, and what it means to be a place-based person.

We of course discuss about how we were both surprisingly fell in love with cricket and what his team at Times Bridge considers when meeting and talking to entrepreneurs.

WE ARE SUPPORTED by RocketClub, a the virtual entrepreneurship, coding, and robotics academy for kids aged 7-14! Please check them out by using the link below.

https://lnkd.in/eEVuV-N

#southasiantrailblazers #tuckeredoutwithami #tuckeredoutpod

Her debut romantic comedy screenplay “Rearranged” won the Best Comedy Screenplay Award at the 2019 Austin Film Festival (placing #1 out of 11,000 scripts), and was also a 2019 Academy Nicholl Fellowships Semi-Finalist. The script has been optioned by Marginal Mediaworks.

We talk about how both of our dads would teach us math nightly using white boards,  how he initially thought about taking the doctor route but found out early that wasn't the right path for him, and how our parents dealt (or didn't deal) with dating and relationships growing up.

Pat talks about his remarkable career path- from Wall Street to his own start-up to working at Universal, Spotify, and Twitch-and his takeaways from each role,  his experience working side-by-side with Paul Allen, and why he currently has the best job in the world.

He tells me what he looks for in storytellers, why the past 3 years have been a watershed moment for the audio industry,  how he's excited about the future with NFT's, and we discuss who should be India's version of Joe Rogan (cough, cough).

Pat mentions that it is an exciting time for creators and to remember one thing during the journey- always chase the energy.

The sequel, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur, premieres June 2021, and will be followed by the third book in the trilogy in 2022.

We talk about what it was like growing up in India and the transition to Iowa,  how her family viewed dating and relationships,  why she decided to break the glass ceiling on her own terms, and how she became an "accidental writer".

She talks about the origins of The Henna Artist and how the main character, Laxmi, is an ode to her mother,  her mother's own journey finding herself, why she believes women are better leaders, and how she hopes these books will be her legacy.

www.alkajoshi.com

Siyona’s podcast is called Little Mind Chats and focuses on helping kids breakdown the news, current events, and important topics.  She covers everything from science, the environment, politics around the world, and important figures in history such as Gandhi.

We talk about what it's like to work with her partner, her mom, on the podcast, how it's been learning remotely this past year, and what she envisions herself doing with the podcast.

She also talks about her Change.org petition focusing on banning plastic toys, who her dream interview would be with ( hint, hint Elon Musk), and also helps me out with a few interview tips!

Her slogan, "Minds Are Little, Not Our Thoughts", is spot on. One thing is for sure, Siyona is proving that we should never underestimate the power of a child's mind.

www.littlemindchats.com

Restarted at the beginning of 2020, the events of this year have seen the community grow enormously. The #BlindianProject aims to normalize Black x South Asian relationships while dismantling anti-Blackness and believes in removing negative stereotypes by creating experiences that unite our communities and inspire solidarity.  

To date, the #BlindianProject has been featured in international publications such as: The BBC World News, The Lily (Washington Post), The Times of India, BBC Asian Radio, and many others.​

@blindianproject

www.blindian-project.com

joinyaya.com

In 2015, Dr. Nagori created the first remote telemedicine eye exam. Since 2015, her company Simple Health (previously known as Simple Contacts) has grown from a team of 3 to a team of over 70 people who are passionate about increasing access to birth control and reproductive health care. Femhealth was founded by Dr. Nagori in 2019 to educate and empower individuals through evidence-based information direct from doctors.

This free resource and physician community is helping to stamp out misinformation in medicine so people have a place to find information with ease and confidence.

@doctor.saya

www.femhealthproject.com

I chat with my friend, Manpreet Singh, trial attorney and board member of the Sikh Coalition as well as the ACLU, about the history of the Sikh community in India, what she understands about the protests, and what deregulation means for farmers in India.

She also talks about the outpouring of international support, why farmer suicides have been such a big issue, what we can do from here to support the cause, and why we should always remember "no farmers, no food".

Please check out these two organizations for more information:

https://www.sikhcoalition.org/

https://www.khalsaaid.org/

We talk about how Pete Sampras' advice impacted his comedy career, what it was like closing for Jerry Seinfeld, whether he would open up for Prime Minister Modi again, and why he believes in keeping his act "clean".

He tells me why dating apps really do work, why his tour No Man's Land changed his life, what his opening monologue would be if/when he hosts the Oscars, and all about his new game show, Desi Chain, now playing on Facebook.

Rajiv has a lot more up his sleeve, but don't worry, he won't be pulling out any curse words...at least not yet.

@funnyindian

www.rajivsatyal.com

https://www.jiawertz.com/

Product of Culture (#POCNation) empowers South Asian creatives and innovators to grow and thrive globally. The organization is a WOC founded and funded collective that amplifies Brown brands + creatives with strategy, content, and experiences rooted in culture.

We discuss how the co-founders met, why they work well together, the story behind their very first pop-up event, and the upcoming POC Fest, which includes the South Asian Film Fest of America and The Founder's Summit.

We talk about building opportunities for Brown brands, why numbers don't matter in social media, and how I may be potentially hosting their dating event at POC Fest.

Based in New York City and Los Angeles, these women are changing the way South Asian creatives work and grow together.  

#supportbrowncreatives

www.productofculture.org

Joshi founded Mango and Marigold Press in 2014, a publishing company that aims to fill bookshelves across America with age-appropriate, culturally sensitive and visually vibrant books that tell tales of brown kids growing up in diasporic communities.  

@mangoandmarigoldpress

www.mangoandmarigoldpress.com

Amol served as the Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Atlanta, where he reported directly to Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and served as a member of her Cabinet, with responsibility for Atlanta’s efforts on sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and smart cities technology.  Prior to joining the administration, Amol served on the Mayor’s Transition team, leading its efforts on ethics and transparency reform.

Additionally, Amol was a Mayoral appointee to the Atlanta Regional Commission. The Atlanta Business Chronicle has selected him as a 40 under 40 honoree, and the Daily Report designated him as one of the top 10 lawyers under 40 in Georgia.

From basic questions about the Senate races in Georgia to his insight into election laws and his experience recounting votes, we talk about it all. He discusses the candidates in more detail, how each party has positioned itself, and what effect "Trumpism" will have on this election.

Although this past year has been a long and difficult, many of you were able to share some good moments that 2020 gave you.

Here are a few of those moments.

@amituckeredout

www.amituckeredout.simplecast.com

www.zooidiots.com

@findingnimesh

www.sheetalsheth.com

@beneaththesheetz

www.equalitynow.org

www.therepresentationproject.org

Please check out Banyon Botanicals and Live Ayurprana!

www.banyanbotanicals.com

www.liveayurprana.com

www.ayurveda.com

@banyanbotanicals

@liveayurprana

Follow Zameer 

@zameerkassam

http://www.zameerkassam.com/

He talks to me about why South Asians Vote is really a non-partisan organization and is focused on helping to resume a normal functioning government, the reason our parent's generation has different political views, and how South Asians Vote has reached out to this group by creating three videos (hint-think Whatsapp groups that have every member of your family).

https://iwillvote.com

https://www.southasiansforbiden.org

https://www.southasianwomenforbiden.com

https://chhayacdc.org

Enjoy my interview with Malini Agarwal.

Follow Malini Agarwal @missmalini @maliniagarwal @malinisgirltribe

Follow moi @amituckeredout

www.amituckeredout.simplecast.com