Stories Between the Lines

Tis the most wonderful time of the year…isn't it? Despite the dreary weather December always bring a lot of cheer…there's something magical about this time of the year…people are a lot kinder and more giving. Whether you are religious or secular, this time of the year is festive. We all know that Christmas is always on December 25th and is about the celebration of Jesus Christ. The Jewish festival of lights is Hanukah which starts on December 18th this year…based on the lunar calendar, this eight-day festival differs each year. In the next episode of the Stories Between the Lines podcast, I bring to you the story of Indian Jews. You will get a glimpse into the history and culture small but significant community in India that still exists. May love and light fill your home and heart this holiday season.

“We didn't get to choose the childhood we were given, but we can choose what to do with the stuff of our childhood memories.” Every Thanksgiving, we have a tradition in our family to go around the table to mention one thing each of us is thankful for. And almost always, family is the #1 gratitude, followed by friends who are like family. Now more than ever, we need this reflection because we live in such uncertain times. The people in our lives who had a hand in shaping who we are and making us better people from the good and not-so-good experiences that hit us in this journey called life. Don't you wish you could take a single childhood memory, blow it up into a bubble and live inside it forever? This next episode of Stories Between the Lines Podcast may help you do just that with a compelling memoir – A Country Called Childhood, by Deepti Naval. Yes, she is the same Ms. Chamko from Chashme Baddoor, fame Hindi movie. With a poignant narration, she walks you through the corridors of her childhood while making you reflect on yours. It is a homage to her wonderful parents who shaped her life and a love letter to the beautiful city of Amritsar back in the 60s and 70s. This Thanksgiving Weekend is a perfect time to reflect on the scenes from our childhood - the most beautiful of all life's seasons.

Ponniyan Selvan – PS (Ponni's Beloved) - the Indian version of Game of Thornes Fresh Flood | Whirlwind of emotions | Sword of Slaughter | Fight for the Crown | The Pinnacle of Sacrifice. How many of you have read this literary masterpiece? Does the thought of reading over 2,000 pages (5 volumes) feel daunting? Then tune in to this episode of the Stories Between the Lines Podcast for a quick and easy version of this much-cherished novel to give you a glimpse into a story that glorifies a forgotten piece of Indian history – the Mighty Chola Dynasty. The story is a perfect blend of valor, friendship, conspiracy, vengeance, sacrifice, and love. The book will hold you captive in an era about a1000 years ago. The book is truly an Ode to Women with a progressive, no-nonsense attitude as envisioned in the 1950s by the prolific writer Kalki Krishnamurthy. Eagerly awaiting the release of this magnum opus story on the big screen as a movie. #PonniyanSelvan #PS #Cholas

When Words Fail Music Speaks – these words hold so much truth. Music has no language and  is a medium that connects people and emotions. In the next episode of the Stories Between the Podcast I have the extreme honor of presenting a delightful conversation with the Pitch Perfect Diva of Carnatic Music (South Indian Classical Music)  Padmabushan awardee Sangitha Kalanidhi Dr. Sudha Ragunathan. Her soulful voice coupled with an infectious smile has won her a legion of fans all over the world. In this episode, we get a glimpse into her multi-faceted personality beyond the mystical world of music of which she is already the reigning queen. Sound music to your years?  Tune in to listen to this exclusive conversation. Background music credits: Saregama.com

If an opportunity doesn't knock on your door-BUILD A DOOR – this is the mantra of Mrs. India USA 2022. Do you need a little pick-me-up today or a little nudge to break a mental barrier that is stopping you from taking that next step towards your dream, then listen to this episode of the Stories Between the Lines Podcast – in conversation with the real-life beauty queen Shalini Madan Sharad who does justice to the phrase – Confidence is Beautiful!

Have you ever wondered how Mother's day started and by who? This episode Stories Between the Lines Podcast has a few historical tidbits, some musings, a book recommendation specially for mom's in their midlife, and soundbites from one of the most memorable movies that portray a mother's wise words.

Feb 14th may be all about hearts and chocolates and roses, candies, and romantic relationships, but the day is also a celebration of friendships – those special girlfriends you have in your life! Here's a short and sweet episode of the Stories Between the Lines Podcast reflecting on female friendships – your inner circle – your tribe. I have included a few much-loved clips from some of our favorite sitcoms (Parks and Recreation, Friends, and Sex and the City) for some throwback moments – these clips offer a much-needed perspective (and not prescription) on friendship. How many of you say this to your friends after a girls night out – “Text me When you Get Home.” Well, I have a book recommendation by the same title that screams “Ladies Celebrate Ladies.” Music Credits: Feelin Good Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The Stories Between the Line podcast features the tasty pages of the Flavors of Home – a cookbook packed with equal parts of stunning photographs, lip-smacking recipes, and nostalgic food stories. I had a lovely chat with Dr. Veenu Chopra, who the author of this brilliant cookbook. Like her book, Dr. Chopra's life is like a perfect blend of Indian spices. She was born in Amritsar (Punjab), raised in Alleppey (Kerala), educated in Ooty (Tamil Nadu) and Trivandrum (Kerala), and has been living in New Delhi for over 40 years. Through her book, she traces her family roots from Lahore – in the pre-partition era of India, to her father's Burmese connection, and her enriching childhood in Kerala. The food story of each recipe makes this book an incredible memoir. Caution – this podcast will surely make you hungry but above all, I think it will make you want to cook! #Flavors #Spices #Food #Cooking #Cookbook #FoodTalk #Receipes Music Credits: Feelin Good Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Bhangra Bass by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Kolam is an ancient ceremonial art of connecting dots to form a beautiful pattern – it is beautiful, mathematical, spiritual, and has a hidden socio-cultural message. This episode of the Stories Between the Lines podcast celebrates this ceremonial art and to honor the women who perform this art at the thresholds of their house every day, even to this date. What's in Kolam – you may wonder. There is more to this art than what meets the eyes. Dr. Vijaya Nagarajan an Associate Professor of Theology, Religious and Environmental Studies at the University of San Francisco eloquently explains that the Kolam is about Feeding a Thousand Souls through her in-depth research on this art form. We have a duty to preserve our age-old traditions and create a bridge for the future generation to sustain these cultural treasures. Rangoli – the Art of Discovering the Indian Decoration is a perfect book for children to understand this art guided by a sweet grandmother. #Kolam #Margazhi #India #IndianArt #FolkArt #Andal #SouthIndia #Tamilnadu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StoriesBetweenTheLinesPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StoriesBetweenTheLinesPodcast Music Credit: Feelin Good Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Thanksgiving is about being grateful for what we have and the special people in our lives. Thanksgiving Dinner Table is centered around a meal, after all, sharing a meal together truly connects people. Enjoy Good Food surrounded by Good People - much to be grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving to all the listeners!!! Music Credit: Feelin Good Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

With a heartfelt hope for peace to return to the people of Afghanistan, this episode reflects on the Kite Runner by the Afghan American author, Khaled Hosseini…well-crafted story of the unlikely friendship between two boys from two drastically different social strata. The well-crafted story touches on a plethora of themes - the power of reading and writing stories, friendship, betrayal, lies, sacrifices, and then a possible redemption – a chance to make things right again! The unforgettable story and characters remain etched in the readers' minds long after the last page and possibly forever. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StoriesBetweenTheLinesPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StoriesBetweenTheLinesPodcast

This episode brings to you an exciting odyssey through the camera lens of a professional Travel Photographer, Rajat Ghosh. Taking the road less travelled, we will follow Rajat on a motorbike trip from the vibrant city of Kolkata, in India's West Bengal state, to the beautiful hill-town of Darjeeling. Rajat travels across the globe to photograph, film, and promote adventure tourism and is passionate about conserving nature trails through workshops and photography. Rajat's Photography defines him. A perpetual traveler and an avid biker with a travel philosophy, when one arrives at a destination it should be more of “Wow what a ride, all tattered and roughed up, rather than a smooth drive all the way.” Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StoriesBetweenTheLinesPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StoriesBetweenTheLinesPodcast

This episode will feature an abridged narration of the on two stories written by Shilpi Somaya Gowda. She is an international bestselling author of the novels - The Secret Daughter, The Golden Son, and the Shape of Family. Through these stories, we reflect on so many compelling topics – motherhood, separation, adoption, search for self-identity, female infanticide, societal norms that define a man and a woman, coping with the heartbreaking loss of a loved one, and the subsequent healing process… Please listen, share with friends and family, and leave us a comment – we would love to hear your thoughts. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StoriesBetweenTheLinesPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StoriesBetweenTheLinesPodcast

Hello, and Welcome to Stories Between the Line - a podcast about telling a good story for listeners who like hearing one. From stories in books, real life sagas, wanderlust odysseys, and table talk about food What could be better than talking about travel, food and books - right? This intro episode, listeners will get to know a little about stories and books that connect us.