Podcasts about american desis

Meet Shabnum and Khan as we talk about what it was like to grow up as an Indian in the US and as a Pakistani in the UK. We're going to cover why filling out the race form was so hard growing up, what it means to be "Asian", and how the different immigration patterns of our respective countries have shaped the way American Desis and British Desis are so different. Did you know that the highest recipients of H1B visas in the US are Indians? Or that immigration to the UK from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh started post-Partition in the wake of WW2? These differences have led to the varied stories of the diaspora across the West today. Did you know that "Asian" in the US generally refers to East Asian, but in the UK it refers to South Asian? In this episode we'll ponder some of these differences. This is our intro episode, and we're looking forward to introducing ourselves to you and sharing our stories. Let us know some of your own through our Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook! Exec Producer & Host: Shabnum Gulati Regular Contributor: Khan Asghar Illustrations by: Hanifa Abdul Hameed Music: AnAkkiN on Soundcloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/user-77559481

Meet Akaash Singh (@akaashsingh)! A fellow American Born Desi Comic (see: Episode 13 with Alingon Mitra), Akaash is a regular on MTV (Wild n' Out, Guy Code), on the cast of Brown Nation on Netflix, and co-host of the American Desis podcast. Born and raised in Texas, Akaash has quite the perspective of growing up Desi in the American South. Before we realized, we went through about 8 topics in our conversation with Akaash and each one is hilarious, yet thought-provoking (as usual, right?). Hear Akaash’s take on being terrified of “real fame”, show business, aging, aunties, and a lot more. The American Born Desi Comics are BACK! The ABDC Independence Day Show was a huge success and they were picked up for the upcoming New York Comedy Festival (@nycomedyfest) as the first and only all South Asian show! Catch the ABDCs on Sunday, November 12th, 7:30p at Caroline’s on Broadway (@carolinesonbway) in New York City. Full details & ticket information here: http://nycomedyfestival.com/…/american…/ Book now with promo code "ABDC5" for $5 off! Follow @thecarolinadesi on social media to join the conversation.

We have an exciting bonus episode for you this month with TWO very fun guests. You may know these guys from Wild & Out, the American Desis pocast, Last Comic Standing, Conan, Stephen Colbert, or from their shows around New York City. Get your tickets for the ABDC show on August 15th, at Caroline's. Use promo code ABDC, before Sunday the 13th, to get $5 off your tickets. Click here: http://www.carolines.com/comedian/american-born-desi-comics/ Check out their trailer on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xEdC9GMfTtE Until next time - cheers!

The boys are back!...kinda...they drop in to wish everyone a MUCG belated happy new year and to share what's up! They explain why they haven't been around for a while and share what they are working on for the future of AD! Then, with the serious shit aside, they received some tweets about basketball and hip hop and realized that they had NEVER had a show about sports or hip hop. Well that is now fixed :) tune in and enjoy American Desis

The tides of change upon us and we here at American Desis are not immune to it. So we decided to drop a State of the Podcast episode to let y'all know what we are thinking, introduce our amazing new producer, and put out an APB for all the help we can get to make this show as amazing as possible. So tune in, and join in!

Our episodes the last few weeks have been quite serious in response to the goings on of the world. But balance is something we care about here at American Desis, and so we thought that this week we would drop something more fun. Enter Yassir Lester, maybe the funniest dude we know. One of those episodes that's just three people having a conversation. It starts off with the worst intro we have ever done and continues on to talk about twitter as a source of news, death threats, Cecil the Lion, why does news suck, and even the end point of humanity. But most importantly we talk about why Yassir has such a crush on Arjun.

On today's community episode, the boys focus on Diwali. They interview each other on what the holiday means to them and share different stories and traditions. Since the holiday represents to them the idea of community, they then reach into their emails and tweets to hear stories of how other Desis celebrated the holiday. They even hear from someone in Trinidad who shared what festivities look like down there! Hope you enjoy this holiday edition of American Desis, and hope your Diwali was full of light, love, and community!

We all see how Colin Kaepernick's relationship with the US Flag is causing a huge uproar. Well this isn't a solely American issue! Listen in to this clip as we talk, as Desis, about our relationships to our TWO flags!

On this week's episode of American Desis, we bring in someone who has melded the ideals of the professional life Desi parents pushed on us with the rebellion of working in the arts Desi parents pushed us away from. Megha Kadakia is a filmmaker, business woman, wife, activist, and dope lady! We get her on the mic to talk about her Desi-centric upbringing, her early years as a business woman, and how those impacted her career today. We also discuss whether she always set out to merge her worlds as an artist and a businesswoman, or if that happened organically. Her story takes us all over the country and gives Akaash many opportunities to make fun of me. We also get a chance to talk about her latest venture: Super Duper Princess Heroes!!

Arjun Gupta is an actor, producer, podcaster, and service member who has appeared in TV shows such as "Nurse Jackie" and "How To Get Away With Murder". His latest work is the SyFy series "The Magicians". He plays the role of Penny a drifter with supernatural abilities that attends a university for spellcasters. Arjun chats with is about his podcast American Desis, his work with the homeless, and the normalization of people of color and marginalized groups in media. Enjoy this #BGNPodcast extra! Co-hosted by Caron and Afiya Music by Sammus and Shubzilla

On this week’s episode of American Desis we welcome our first guest host: Tushar Singh. Tushar joins Akaash as they talk to Kanishk Solanki. Kanishk is a psychiatrist in New York City hospital and he breaks down for us the reasons we all need therapy. He very clearly explains how psychiatrists are trained to look at Asian Americans (East and South) with the understanding they are probably skirting some psychiatric issues. Basically if a South Asian or Asian student is referred to a clinician and they say everything is fine and I’m just a little stressed, the good clinicians will recognize that the cultural context from which they come probably means that this is more dire than that. He lays out three big factors as to why that is: high academic/professional pressure, cultural incongruities, and chronic invalidation. Listen is as Kanishk breaks these down for us all and encourages us to get the help we need!

The last few weeks have been quite intense over here at American Desis, so we thought we'd take this week to go back to our roots: conversations. We invited Akaash's friend Prashanth to have a low key, informal conversation and just see where it went. This episode is more winding than usual, but some amazing things come up- ESPECIALLY how we start off peeling back all the mythos that surrounds co-host Akaash Singh. In telling the stories of how we met, Prashanth and I get to gang up and demystify our lovable clown. We then get down to business and discuss the nature of art versus entrepreneurship, how Chipotle gives you the best meal possible, and starting a production company to serve South Asians. As always, we bring up stuff that doesn't get resolved, so throw you opinion at us! Hit us up on twitter, on the website, or call Akaash.

This week on American Desis, we decided to hold off on our discussion of the Neel Nanda interview until after the second part, which releases Monday. Instead, Arjun discusses the roles of "coolness" in the South Asian American Identity, and whether or not it is necessary for us to come together. He also discusses diversity in the entertainment world, which apparently exhausts Akaash to no end. They close with thoughts from the community- topics ranging from trigger warnings to the potential benefits of North/South Indian marriage. Keep sending us your thoughts and spreading the word. We are only as strong as our community!

Since we started "American Desis," our new listeners have missed out on some amazing content we had with "Indian, American." We also at that time did not have a space for the community to engage with the interviews. Today that all changes. We will now release once a month an old interview and be able to discuss in a few days how it stands up and get your thoughts! First up: Omi Vaidya, Bollywood Star. Bollywood is the world’s largest film industry, with over 800 films made a year. It has captured the imagination of millions of people and been portrayed in many lenses….but not this one. Our first interview takes us into the life of an American born actor who becomes a Bollywood star. Meet Omi Vaidya. We dive into what it was like growing up the only Indian in a small town in California and how that shaped him as he entered the glamorous yet strange world of Indian Cinema. *We cut out the original follow up discussion and will do another follow up in a few days, to see if we glean anything different from the interview today than we did a year ago. So hit us up and give us your thoughts!

American Desis has explored what it means to be South Asian in this country; but this week, and what will turn out to be next week as well, we flip the script. We decided to talk to an American Desi who went back to India. Meet Tushar Singh. He is an American born stand-up comic from a bastion of liberalness: Huntsville, Alabama. He is our guest today because he filmed a documentary about his experience going back to India to do stand up comedy. Filming just finished this past February, so Tushar was fresh enough to relay his experiences. But first in what could only be typical Akaash and Arjun style, they take our guest into a deep discussion about religion and its place in our culture. But don’t worry, he talks a lot about being a fat kid growing up in the South so there is plenty to laugh about. Enjoy and hit us up to be apart of our discussion in a few days.

This week on American Desis, it’s the State of the Podcast! Arjun and Akaash do their first installment of what could become a quarterly addition to the show. The episode centers around an intimate conversation of what has shifted for them over the last few months, if anything. It takes into account the things that have surprised them, concepts they still struggle with, and conclusions that have been reached. But they also look forward, discussing what should be talked about in the coming months and the types of guests that they would like to see. Hopefully by seeing behind the curtain on how they go about the creating the podcast, you guys will better understand the conversations at hand; and maybe even suggest tweaks! So tune in and get your typing fingers ready. State of the Podcast is here!

In this discussion episode about our time with Parvesh Cheena, we start of with a realization I had about my energy in the interview. Akaash and I discuss this sense that I was seeking something specific from the interview and not allowing it to just develop. I come to understand that I was looking for Parvesh to become an advocate for something that may no longer need it. We explore the root of that and discuss the possible reality that we can the world is a much better place for the gay community and we should become excited for this future generation that will guide us into a space of further openness and compassion. We then continue talking about how we want our American Desi community to be inclusive and that the politics of exclusion should not be tolerated. We then move into community and discuss the tweets and emails we have received. One of them harkened back to our live panel at USC and gave us the opportunity to talk about overlapping communities and how this concept can free some of the ethical pressure that surrounds the intrinsic exclusion that occurs when a community is formed. We can create an American Desis community that is centered around our “desi-ness” because there are other communities that focus on religion or dance or sports. We also get an email from a white man about race that triggers some conflict for Akaash, and then later Arjun makes some stupid jokes and says “hoes.” Listen. we called it swings and misses for a reason folks. Listen and enjoy!

This week on our discussion episode we take the time to discuss the interview we had with Ahmed Deria. But first Akaash and I get lost in a conversation about where I am right now, why I am there, and where my family is moving. Frankly he remembers very little of the things I have told him in the past and it makes me momentarily sad. We survive this test of our friendship, however, to dive into our conversation with Ahmed. Our focus quickly goes to his definition of home. While we underline the conversation confirms our theory that basically all immigrants who are first generation have a similar experience, there are some differences. One of the big differences is where “home” is. Akaash and I discuss Ahmed’s response to this question in relation to how for us we feel home is in India. We then segue into another difference which is Ahmed’s identity conflict between being Black vs. being African. The final topic from Ahmed’s conversation that we talk about was the label “American.” Ahmed posits a fascinating theory about what that label means in regards to what generation we are (first, second, third, etc.). We, of course, then move into community. We address an email from Sonum where I speak a length about what it means to “be a man.” Akaash then disagrees with everything I say and we, you know, talk about it. We then talk about appropriation and the few emails and tweets we have received about it. Finally, we dive into Nikki Haley and Bobby Jindal and how maybe we should thank them for creating a villain we as American Desis can bond over.

In the discussion portion of American Desis, Akaash and Arjun discuss the interview from the previous episode, then delve into a conversation with their community. Well, that's what they attempt to do...but things get away from them a little They begin speaking about Mala, but the theme of ego and shame that came up so much in her book and interview took on a life of its own. Akaash and Arjun dive into the idea that our community cares far too much about what external people think of us. It's why there is so much privacy around our families and what goes on in them. "You can't bring shame on the family, so you can't display weakness." "Don't try something risky because you might fail and that would be shameful." And of course, "Don't talk about what we are struggling with, because struggle is a perceived weakness and our 'community' may look down on us." Akaash and Arjun discuss how this has manifested itself, citing modern day Desi weddings as a prime example. Because the book is so much about family, the conversation keeps living in that area, and it segues perfectly into the community section. The fellas discuss whether or not there is a need to say "thank you" as they respond to an article that a listener emailed them about that phrase. They then speak on another emailed article about Sikhs being held out of the military. Finally they, wrap up with the, in their opinion, ridiculous trend to name kids names that are pseudo Indian so that it's easier for non Desis to pronounce.

In the weekly discussion segment of American Desis, Akaash and Arjun discuss themes that resonated with them during the interview. In response to theinterview with Sharad Nani, Akaash and Arjun discuss how refreshing and enlightening it was to speak with Naniji. They discuss how surreal it was to learn about the freedom movement from someone who witnessed it first hand, as well as the idea that "she was born a slave". They also discussed our responsibility to our peoples, both at home and abroad, vs. our responsibility to a country. As always, this is followed by interactions with our community. We discuss an important online movement to document the 1947 Partition experiences, Bobby Jindal, and the general sense of love and nostalgia that everybody had listening to Naniji. As always, we ask y'all to review and rate. Discuss and share our podcast! We are only as strong as our community and we continue to hope you join!

In the weekly discussion segment of American Desis, Akaash and Arjun discuss themes that resonated with them during the interview. This week, however, things break from the norm and the fellas open with a Memorial Day tribute to an American Desi Hero. Then they express concern for their people in India who are suffering through the heatwave. That leads to a conversation inspired by a point made by Arjun's Nani, and the fellas wonder whether struggle leads to unity. Then, one last order of housekeeping as there is a discussion about Bobby Jindal that was supposed to happen last week. Arjun is justifiably appalled by some comments made by Bobby Jindal (no surprise there), while Akaash believes we should just stop giving attention to him altogether. Then, once all the housekeeping items are taken care of, they discuss their interview with the ladies of Brown Girl Magazine. They recall the tension that the word "fluff" seemed to invoke, but repeat that in their eyes it's not necessarily a bad thing. They also speak on the struggle that it must be to report news- balancing news with entertainment, speaking on behalf of a company rather than simply yourself, and so on. Then, once again, the conversation moves to how to communicate with your parents about uncomfortable topics. Arjun recalls a story about his own parents' maturity, and Akaash implores the listeners to simply overcome the awkwardness and talk. Finally, we close with thoughts from our community. As always, we ask 'all to review and rate. Discuss and share our podcast! We are only as strong as our community and we continue to hope you join!

In the weekly discussion segment of American Desis, Akaash and Arjun discuss themes that resonated with them during the interview. In response to the two part interview with D’ Loco Kid, Akaash and Arjun discuss their gratitude and enjoyment of speaking with D’ Lo about the transgender community and his journey through that transition. They discuss the compassion with which their ignorance was received and speak candidly about their anxieties and feelings before the start of the interview. They address some of the topics from the interview that hit them hard, such as the suicide rate for trans people of color and also the shame that was put upon D Lo from an early age. Then they move into the identity of South Asian families and talk about vulnerability. Akaash drops some serious wisdom about happiness, and for once Arjun has little response. They then engage with the community through their new forum section of the website, as well as the tweets and messages they receive. This week that includes topics of queerness, Bruce Jenner, first generation vs. second generation, and a twitter rant from what we hope is a new writer for us. As always, we ask y'all to review and rate. Discuss and share our podcast! We are only as strong as our community and we continue to hope you join! 

In the new discussion segment of American Desis, Akaash and Arjun discuss themes that resonated with them during the interview. In response to this week's interview with DJ Rekha, our host discuss the nature of what was one of the more difficult interviews they have had. Akaash was particularly angry about how he felt dismissed and condescended to. They attempt to sift through the tone and attitude to get to the things they valued from the interview. Some of those topics include the necessity to know history, and how it affects the way we see the present; the nature of our community differentiating from other members of the community and how that hurts us; and fashion somehow also comes up, in regards to how the change in attitude towards South Asian clothing is reflective of where we are now. They then engage with the community through their new forum section of the website, as well as the tweets and emails they receive. This week that includes topics of black and white identity, a series of critiques about the past interview, and the possible futility of cultural preservation. They also get to announce their new partnership with audioBoom! As always we ask y'all to review and rate. Discuss and share our podcast! We are only as strong as our community and we continue to hope you join!

In the new discussion segment of American Desis, Akaash and Arjun discuss themes that resonated with them during the interview. In response to this week's interview with Aman Ali, Akaash and Arjun discuss the nature of a Muslim community versus a Desi community, and how they can integrate or be the same. They also talk about the nature of integrity and how that ties in with responsibility for entertainers. They discuss Aman's point about addiction to fame and then somehow get off topic into the nature of addiction itself. Our hosts get passionate about how dope it is that Aman is doing this for his people and addressing the issues that really affect them. They then engage with the community through their new forum section of the website, as well as the tweets and messages they receive. This week that includes topics of youtube superstars shifting paradigms, anti-blackness in the Indian community, and a white woman who seems to care more about our community than brown folk. As always we ask y'all to review and rate. Discuss and share our podcast! We are only as strong as our community and we continue to hope you join!

Mentors. Teachers. Gurus. Friends. Sponsors. What do all of these have in common? They are people who help us find the way. Whether its the way through a specific issue, as a sponsor does with substance abuse; or in a big way- how to walk though life as the most open and full version of ourselves. Sometimes they come to us and stay with us for long periods of time and sometimes they pop in for a moment of a time and then disappear. On this podcast, we have been fortunate to speak with several people who taught us something, who in some ways showed us the way. To share one of those interviews with you feels like the most appropriate way to start off this new journey as “American Desis.”  So today we are pleased to drop our interview with the wonderful Gotham Chopra. Gotham is a first generation Indian American who is now a filmmaker/story teller and while he may be well known as being Deepak Chopra’s son, in reality he is so much more. He had a big year in 2015, directing two documentaries about two legendary sports figures, Muse and the The Little Master. Muse is about the American cultural icon in Kobe Bryant, and The Little Master is about an Indian Diety Sachin Tendulkar. We start the interview at this point asking whether it was important to tell a story from both American and South Asian culture, and from there we dive right in to identity. We chart how these projects got started and learn why Gotham may need to be called the godfather of cricket in America. We explore the commonalities between these Kobe and Sachin, and how the exploration of “greatness” is the spine between both.    We then chart Gotham’s personal growth from a Journalist to a filmmaker, and how his Indian identity influenced those transitions. We discuss how he changed the spelling of his name to move further in his career, and yet as the founder of "Graphic India", feels a responsibility and passion to represent his heritage in a more grounded way. We speak on his transition from identifying as "South Asian" to "American", which leads to the hosts fascination with Gotham's ability to hold space for both identities without conflict, and how he manages to do so. Finally, the conversation moves to his son- the next generation- and how he goes about treating this next generation, as well as his responsibilities to it.   A discussion will drop in a few days. So please go to the website and comment in the forum. Also feel free to tweet us @AmericanDesis, or respond to our Facebook page at "American Desis Podcast". Also please rate, review, and subscribe to the episodes. And keep downloading!

Welcome to American Desis. This is a show where two young men, Akaash Singh and Arjun Gupta, explore what it means to be a South Asian in America today. They navigate issues such as assimilation, cultural appropriation and preservation, shame, language and accents, and even names.  In their inaugural episode, Akaash and Arjun tell you why they started this podcast, what they are trying to accomplish, and they introduce you, the listeners, to their unique format. After releasing an interview with a guest one day, they release a discussion episode a few days later. During the discussion episode, Akaash and Arjun speak on things that came up during the interview and how they personally relate to these issues. In an effort to further build a community, they read and respond to tweets, website responses, and Facebook messages from the listeners.. To give you an idea of what the discussion will be like: in this first episode Akaash and Arjun speak about a Facebook message that was sent to them recently which deals with insecurity and how it affects their ethnic identity. They also engage with some tweets about how sex fits in to the shifting the western identity of Indians and whether racism plays into South Asian success.   So who are these guests? Where do they come from? And is this discussion fun? Well, I guess you gotta listen to this episode to find out!