Podcasts about south asian

Natasha, the visionary behind Brisara, is a fashion school graduate with over 20 years of experience in the South Asian fashion industry. She began her career designing intricate, hand-embroidered pieces using traditional textiles, building a reputation for her craftsmanship and attention to detail. Over time, her love for painting tropical, vibrant scenes inspired her to create Brisara, a brand that combines her artistic passion with her design expertise. Natasha's work reflects her belief in celebrating color, creativity, and timeless elegance. Shop at https://brisara.com/. Support the show

Strategic Advisor Zara Rahim knows that whether it's one's career or relationship to beauty, giving yourself grace can ultimately become your greatest strength. Tune in as we discuss her career working at The White House, Vogue, and for THE Mariah Carey, as well as her journey to falling in love with her features as a South Asian woman, the best SPF for melanin-rich skin tones, and so much more.Rate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you're listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicStay in touch with me: @brookedevard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KATIE MATHEWSONKatie Mathewson is an Emmy-nominated and Peabody Award-winning screenwriter/producer who has been working with her writing partner, Tanner Bean, for over a decade. The duo got their start on Fox's PITCH, but since then, their credits have included Marvel Studios' HAWKEYE, Amazon's JURY DUTY, and Showtime's DEXTER prequel. Katie and Tanner are currently Co-Executive Producers on Season 2 of DEXTER: RESURRECTION. Katie's passion for LGBTQ+ activism and DEIA has led her to work with the Think Tank for Inclusion & Equity (TTIE). She previously served as Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Writers Committee, during which time she co-founded the Rainbow Pages – an independent database of queer WGA writers – and helped secure better healthcare coverage for transgender Guild members.THINK TANK INCLUSION & EQUITY (TTIE) & HOROWITZ RESEARCH RELEASE BEHIND THE SCENES: THE STATE OF INCLUSION & EQUITY IN TV WRITING 2025 REPORTY. SHIREEN RAZACKShireen is a South Asian, Trinidadian, Canadian, Muslim-American drama writerwith an affinity for science fiction, fantasy, and supernatural stories steeped in social justice allegory. Born in Canada, mostly raised in Texas, and a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, Shireen started her professional life with a career in advertising that took her from Texas to New York, then ultimately to Los Angeles, where she came to pursue her dream of writing for television. She is an alum of the CBS Writers Mentoring Program and now has over fifteen years of TV writing experience in multiple genres, including sci-fi/fantasy/supernatural, YA, and both medical and cop procedurals. Most recently, she was a Co-Executive Producer on Vampire Academy for Peacock.Shireen is also a co-founder and co-chair of Think Tank for Inclusion & Equity (TTIE), a member of the Board of Directors for the Writers Guild Foundation, a Writers Guild of America West mentor, and a black belt in San Soo Kung Fu.

Jainism, along with Buddhism and Hinduism, is one of India's great dharmic traditions – though far less well known than its siblings. Emerging around the second century BCE, it is best-known for valuing ahimsa in pursuit of liberation – a devout practice of non-violence. Yet there is far more to Jain philosophy than liberation and ahimsa. Jainism offers a rich way of understanding the self, the cosmos, and the divine. It's a philosophy with a vision of reality that continues to challenge Western preconceptions on, well, just about everything: from the nature of souls and knowledge to the meaning of life and the origin of the universe. Today, we'll be exploring Jainism with Dr Marie-Hélène Gorisse. Dr Gorisse is currently Dharmanath Assistant Professor in Jain Studies at the University of Birmingham, where she's co-project lead of the Global Philosophy of Religion Project 2. Marie-Hélène's work explores South Asian philosophy of religion and, most specifically, she is a world-leading expert on Jaina philosophy. In this episode, we'll trace how Jainism arose, how its sages taught that the self can escape the cycle of rebirth, and the purpose of the universe. And perhaps more importantly, we'll explore how Jainism can help us all live better lives for the sake of ourselves, and the world around us. This episode is produced in partnership with The Global Philosophy of Religion Project at University of Birmingham, funded by the John Templeton Foundation. Links Marie-Hélène Gorisse, University of Birmingham The Global Philosophy of Religion Project 2, Website

South Asian cuisine can vary drastically by region — from Bengali curry to Pakistani biryani and everything in between — but you can find options from all over the subcontinent right here in Kansas City. Here's where to find the metro's best butter chicken, tikka masala, samosas and more.

In this heartfelt and intergenerational episode, host Dr. Payal Patel Ghayal sits down with Ranjani Saigal, the creator of the viral platform @thehindugrandma, to explore how South Asian women can rediscover spiritual depth beyond cultural conditioning. Together they unpack what it means to pass down Hindu wisdom to the next generation without passing down guilt, perfectionism, or pressure. They reflect on how tradition, feminism, and identity can coexist—and how women can finally release the “good girl” expectations to embrace joy, freedom, and self-love. This episode blends laughter, storytelling, and truth bombs—reminding listeners that honoring our roots and honoring ourselves can, and must, go hand in hand. Ranjani Saigal is the founder of @thehindugrandma, a social media platform with over 200K followers dedicated to sharing Hindu wisdom with the next generation. Raised in a deeply religious family and trained in Sanskrit and the Gayatri Pariwar lineage as a qualified Purohita, she has conducted Hindu weddings and authored the children's book My First Om.As Executive Director of the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation USA, she leads efforts supporting over 100,000 rural schools serving 2.8 million children across India and pioneered Ekal on Wheels mobile computer labs. An IIT Bombay graduate and lifelong arts advocate, Ranjani has been honored by multiple governors and the Commonwealth's Asian American Commission with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Connect with Ranjani: Instagram: @thehindugrandma Website: Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation USA If this episode reminded you of your own cultural tug-of-war, share it with another woman reclaiming her story. Subscribe, leave a review, and join the Brown and Happy community at payalghayal.com .

I'm so excited to be speaking today with Prarthana Mohan: an award-winning director and storyteller redefining what it means to see yourself on screen. Originally from Chennai and now making her mark in Hollywood, Prarthana brings bold vision and emotional depth to every project she touches. From her breakout debut The MisEducation of Bindu to her current slate of thought-provoking features, she's building a body of work that's as unapologetically honest as it is cinematic.What stands out about Prarthana is her fearless storytelling. She doesn't just make films; she creates worlds that make you feel seen. Today, we'll dive into her creative process, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and how she's paving the way for the next generation of South Asian filmmakers.Let's get into it.Welcome, Prarthana!To contact Prarthana for mentorship, she can be reached via Instagram @prarthana_mohan1

South Asian Men in the Gender Justice Movement:Did you know that in 2023, over 51,000 women and girls worldwide were killed by their intimate partners or family members? (UN Women)Violence against women is often seen as a “women's issue”, but it's not! Since most acts of gender-based violence are committed by men, men must also be part of the solution.In this episode of the Maitri Podcast, we sit down with two inspiring community leaders — Dr. Dasharath Yata, Executive Co-Director of SEWA-AIFW (Asian Indian Family Wellness), and Shakeel Syed, Executive Director of the South Asian Network (SAN). Together, they explore how men can engage in the movement for gender justice and help build safer, more compassionate communities.This conversation is a reminder that ending gender-based violence requires all of us — and that change begins in the everyday moments: in our homes, friendships, and communities. Please share this interesting conversation with all men in your networks. Our Guest speakers: Dr. Dasharath Yata, Executive Co-Director of SEWA-AIFW (Asian Indian Family Wellness) is a passionate advocate for the South Asian community in Minnesota, leading programs that promote health, wellness, and social justice. SEWA-AIFW has been dedicated to bringing “Total Family Wellness” to the Twin Cities community since 2004. We have continued to expand and adapt to meet the needs of our community. Visit: https://www.sewa-aifw.org/ Shakeel Syed, Executive Director of the South Asian Network (SAN) brings decades of experience organizing and empowering minority communities, advocating for civil rights, and building interfaith solidarity. South Asian Network is a community-rooted resource serving, supporting, & advocating for the South Asian community: Visit: https://southasiannetwork.org/#Maitri Podcast Host: Nandini Ray, Sr. Manager, Outreach, Prevention & Policy AdvocacyMaitri is a free, confidential, nonprofit organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area that primarily helps families and individuals from South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives) facing domestic violence, emotional abuse, cultural alienation, or family conflict. Visit: www. maitri.org

EPISODE 625 - Urmi Hossain - Discovering Your Identity, A Rebirth From Interracial StruggleAbout the authorIntroducing Urmi Hossain, a published author of "Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth From Interracial Struggle". With an extensive finance background, she works full-time in the financial services industry and firmly believes in the adage "higher the risk, higher the return". Urmi is an avid opportunity seeker and is dedicated to continuous self-improvement and lifelong learning. During her leisure time, she enjoys reading and refining her public speaking skills, as well as advocating for women's empowerment. Urmi is not solely an author, but also an accomplished blogger, YouTuber, speaker, and mentor for young women. Her life philosophy revolves around the notion that anything is attainable if it is genuinely desired. Let's #beagogetter Book: Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth From Interracial StruggleDo you ever feel like the challenges you face as a brown girl are unique to you or experienced universally? Are you living in a culture where others control your life to maintain their reputation in the community? Do you feel like you're living in a bubble, unable to share your point of view? This book tells the story of a brown girl who grew up in Italy with Bengali parents who wanted her to be the perfect and obedient Bengali girl. Through reflections and confessions, she shares her experiences growing up as a third-culture kid and the struggles many South Asian girls face.https://www.iambrownstyle.com/author/urmi-hossain/https://www.instagram.com/urmamio/https://amzn.to/4fBlPkWSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

On World Diabetes Day, this podcast explores diabetes awareness, prevention, management, early detection, lifestyle changes, and the impact on mental health. Featuring Atika Asif, a Certified Diabetes Educator and Clinical Dietitian, and Dr Shilpa Verma, an endocrinologist, the discussion also highlights how diabetes affects different age groups, the unique risks and lifestyle factors in South Asian communities, and how AI and new technologies are helping in detection and treatment.

today we're diving into the intersection of artistry, activism, and identity, through the lens of someone who's been changing what representation can look like: New York City's very own - mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.

How has the classical music industry approached representation and how has the new music community forged new paths to embrace diverse musics? On tonight's episode of Obbligato on APEX Express, Isabel Li is joined by violinist Shalini Vijayan, who discusses her vibrant career and reflects upon the ways contemporary classical music can build community.  Violinist Shalini Vijayan, deemed “a vibrant violinist” by Mark Swed of the Los Angeles Times is an established performer and collaborator on both coasts. Always an advocate for modern music, Shalini was a founding member and Principal Second Violin of Kristjan Jarvi's Absolute Ensemble, having recorded several albums with them including 2001 Grammy nominee, Absolution. Shalini was also a founding member of the Lyris Quartet, one of Los Angeles' most beloved chamber ensembles. With Lyris, she has performed regularly at Walt Disney Concert Hall on the Green Umbrella series, for Jacaranda Music and helped to found the Hear Now Music Festival in Venice, California, a festival dedicated to the music of living composers in Los Angeles.  Shalini performed for over a decade with Southwest Chamber Music and can be heard on their Grammy nominated Complete Chamber Works of Carlos Chávez, Vol. 3. She has been a featured soloist with the Los Angeles Master Chorale in Chinary Ung's Spiral XII and Tan Dun's Water Passion, including performances at the Ravinia Festival. As a chamber musician, Shalini has collaborated with such luminaries as Billy Childs, Chinary Ung, Gabriela Ortiz, and Wadada Leo Smith on whose Ten Freedom Summers she was a soloist. Shalini joined acclaimed LA ensemble, Brightwork New Music in 2019 and also serves as the curator for Brightwork's Tuesdays@Monkspace series, a home for contemporary music and performance in Los Angeles. As a teacher, she has been on the faculty of the Nirmita Composers Workshop in both Siem Reap and Bangkok and coaches composition students through the Impulse New Music Festival.  Shalini received her B.M. and M.M. degrees from Manhattan School of Music as a student of Lucie Robert and Ariana Bronne. As a member of the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, Florida, Shalini served as concertmaster for Michael Tilson Thomas, John Adams, Reinbert de Leeuw and Oliver Knussen. She was also concertmaster for the world premiere performances and recording of Steven Mackey's Tuck and Roll for RCA records in 2000. Shalini was a member of the Pacific Symphony Orchestra for ten seasons and also served as Principal Second Violin of Opera Pacific. She lives in Los Angeles with her son, husband and two dogs and spends her free time cooking Indian food and exploring the culinary landscape of Southern California.  Check out more of her work at:  https://brightworknewmusic.com/tuesdays-at-monk-space/  https://www.lyrisquartet.com/    Transcript  Opening: [00:00:00] Apex Express Asian Pacific expression. Community and cultural coverage, music and calendar, new visions and voices, coming to you with an Asian Pacific Islander point of view. It's time to get on board the APEX Express.    00:01:03 Isabel Li  You're listening to Obbligato, which is a segment about the Asian American Pacific Islander community, specifically in classical music.  00:01:11 Isabel Li  I'm your host, Isabel Li, and today joining me is Shalini Vijayan, who is a violinist, established performer, and always an advocate for modern music.  00:01:21 Isabel Li  Shalini is also a founding member of the Lyris Quartet, one of Los Angeles most beloved chamber ensembles. With Lyris, she has performed regularly at Walt Disney Concert Hall on the Green Umbrella series for Jacaranda Music, and helped to found the Here and Now Music Festival in Venice, California, a festival dedicated to the music of living composers in Los Angeles. She joined acclaimed LA ensemble Brightwork New Music in 2019, and also serves as the curator for Brightwork's Tuesdays at Monk Space series. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her son, husband and two dogs, and spends her free time cooking Indian food and exploring the culinary landscape of Southern California.  00:02:04 Isabel Li  Well, Shalini, thank you so much for joining me in this conversation today.  00:02:09 Shalini Vijayan  I'm so happy to be with you.  00:02:11 Isabel Li  Awesome. I'd like to just get to know you and your story. How do you identify and what communities do you consider yourself a part of?  00:02:18 Shalini Vijayan  I use the pronouns she, her, and I. Um, I identify as South Asian. I grew up in an Indian family. My parents immigrated to the US in the sixties to teach at medical school. And I grew up with a great deal of Indian culture. And I've spent a lot of time going back and forth to India from the time that I was very young. You know, it's interesting because I feel like in LA, where I live and work specifically, there is so much overlap between all of our different musical communities. You know, I went to school in New York, and I feel like there I was much more, I'm very connected to the new music community in New York and felt really kind of entrenched in that at the time I was there. And after coming to LA, I realized that, um, there are a lot of musicians doing so many different things. That's one of the things I love about Los Angeles, actually. And, you know, I'm definitely very, very rooted in the new music community in LA. And that was where I made my first sort of connections when I first moved to Los Angeles. But I also, you know, worked in an orchestra when I first came to LA. I played in the Pacific Symphony for almost ten seasons, and so I became a part of that community as well. And you know, as the years went on, I also became much more involved in the studio music community of LA studio musicians playing on movie scores, playing on television shows, records, what have you, Awards shows, all sorts of things. And these are all very distinct communities in LA in music. But I see a ton of overlap between all of them. There are so many incredibly versatile musicians in Los Angeles that people are able to really very easily move from one of these groups to the other and, you know, with a great deal of success. And I feel like it gives us so much variety in our lives as musicians in LA, you don't feel like you're ever just in one lane. You can really occupy all these different kinds of spaces.  00:04:23 Isabel Li  Right, yeah. So you're classically trained, from what I know, and you describe yourself as an advocate for modern music. So why modern music?  00:04:33 Shalini Vijayan  That's a great question. I have have had to answer this question quite a bit over the years, especially to non-musicians. And it's always an interesting story for me. You know, as a violinist in particular, you know, we have such a storied history of repertoire and pedagogy, and there is such an incredible, um, library of music that we have access to from the very standard classical repertoire. And there is a great deal to be learned about the instrument and about music from playing all that repertoire. I think at some point when I was in high school, I started to become interested in more modern music. And actually I grew up in Davis in Northern California.   My parents both taught at the university there, at the medical school and in Sacramento. Nearby there was a festival of modern American music that I think still goes on to this day at Cal State University, Sacramento. And it was really a great festival. And at that time, you know, they would bring professional artists, they'd have composers, they'd have commissions, all sorts of things. But at the time that I was like in high school, they also had a junior division to the festival, and I was asked to play a couple pieces in the Festival of, um, Modern Works, and I can't remember at this time what the pieces were, but it left such a huge impression on me. And I think what I really took away from that experience as a kid is that in my studies as a violinist, I was always being asked to sort of live up to this history and this legacy of violin music and violin playing in Western classical music. And it's a very high bar. And it's, um, you know, of course, there's so much great stuff there. But there was something so freeing about playing this music that had either never been played or not been recorded. So there was nothing to reference in terms of listening to a recording, um, and listening to how you, you know, quote, should be playing it that it made me feel, uh, you know, all this, this freedom to really interpret the music, how I felt, rather than feeling like I had to live up to a standard that had been set for me, you know, decades or centuries before. And I think that really something really clicked for me with that, that I wanted to have that kind of freedom when I, when I was playing. And so from there on out, um, you know, when I went to college and I really sought out opportunities in new music as much as I could.  00:07:00 Isabel Li  So you were first exposed to new music when you were in high school. Did that influence your decision to become a musician at all? Or were you already set on becoming a musician and that was just part of what shaped your works over the years.  00:07:15 Shalini Vijayan  I think by that time, I had already decided that I wanted to be a musician. I mean, as you know, so many of us as musicians and I think particularly string players, we decide so young because we start our instruments at such a young age and we start studying so early. Um, that I think by that time I, I had decided I wanted to do music, but this sort of opened another door for me that made me realize that it wasn't just one path in music necessarily. I think it's very easy as a, as a kid and as a violinist to think you admire these great soloists that you see and, you know, people like Perlman and, you know, Isaac Stern, who were the stars of the time when I was growing up. But, you know, you get to be in high school and you realize that hasn't happened yet. It's probably not going to happen. And so, you know, what's then then what's your path forward? How do you find a life in music if you're not going to be one of these stars? And I think, you know, new music really opened up that opportunity for me. And yeah, made me look at things a little differently for sure.  00:08:18 Isabel Li  And currently you're in the contemporary classical music ensemble, Brightwork newmusic, and you curate the ensemble's concert series, Tuesdays @ Monk Space. So how do you go about curating concerts with music by contemporary or living composers? What do you look for?  00:08:33 Shalini Vijayan  Well, right now I'm really focused on trying to represent our new music community in LA at Monk Space, which is such, you know, we have such a diverse community of musicians, not just in the makeup of who the people are making the music or writing the music, but also in just the styles of music. And so I think I try to really represent a very diverse set of aesthetics in our season. Um, you know, everything from, you know, last season we had, uh, Niloufar Shiri, who is a traditional Persian kamancheh player, but she also she can play very in a very traditional way, but she also plays with a jazz pianist. And, you know, it does all this very improvisatory stuff. And, you know, then we would have other programs where everything is very much written out and very through, composed and you know, it's been a very wide variety. And, you know, when I try to build the season, I try to make sure that it's really balanced in terms of, you know, the different types of things you'll be hearing because not every audience member is going to want to engage with every type of music. Um, or, you know, if we if we really stuck to one style and it was just in that language for the whole season, then I feel like we would, you know, alienate potential audience members. But with this, I feel like if we can bring people in for one concert and they're really into it, then hopefully they'll come to something else that is new and different for them and be exposed to something that they may really get into after that. So yeah, I think diversity and variety is really where I try to start from.  00:10:09 Isabel Li  How does that engage the community? Have you observed audience reception to this type of new music when there are composers from all different types of backgrounds?  00:10:20 Shalini Vijayan  Yeah, definitely. I mean, I think that each composer and each artist brings their own community into the space, which and so that's another. I feel like another strong reason why I try to make things very different from concert to concert. And, you know, we have some younger players who come in and bring in, you know, everyone from college students to, you know, their friends and family. And then, you know, really established composers. Like this season we have Bill Roper, who is kind of a legend in the music community in LA. Mult instrumentalist and composer who has been around for decades. And, you know, I think people will come out just because they want to see him and he's such a draw. And, um, you know, I, I also would love to be able to incorporate more world music into the series. Like I said, we did do Niloufar concert, which I felt like I really hoped would like engage with the Persian community in LA as well. And a couple seasons ago we had Rajna Swaminathan, who is, I just think, an incredible artist. Um, she plays mridangam, which is a South Indian percussion instrument, but she also writes for Western instruments, uh, and herself. And we had her and a pianist and then Ganavya, who's a vocalist who's amazing. And, you know, Ganavya had her own following. So we had and Rajna has her own following. So we had a whole full audience that night of people who I had never seen in the space before. And that was for me. That's a success because we're bringing in new friends and new engagement. And, um, I was really excited about that. When I'm able to make those kinds of connections with new people, then that feels like a success to me.  00:12:05 Isabel Li  Certainly.  00:12:06 Isabel Li  Let's hear one of Shalini's performances. This is an excerpt from the 10th of William Kraft's “Encounters”, a duologue for violin and marimba, performed here by Shalini Vijayan with Southwest Chamber Music.  00:12:20 [MUSIC – Encounters X: Duologue for Violin & Marimba]  00:17:18 Isabel Li  An excerpt from William Kraft's Encounters, the 10th of which is called Duologue for Violin and Marimba, that was performed by Shalini Vijayan, the violinist, with Southwest Chamber Music.  00:17:31 Isabel Li  And Shalini is here with me in conversation today. We've been discussing contemporary music and her involvement in the new music scene, specifically in Los Angeles.  00:17:40 Isabel Li  Music is all about community, drawing people together. So going back to how you describe yourself as an advocate for modern music, what are other ways that you have advocated for modern music besides curating the concert series?  00:17:53 Shalini Vijayan  Well, over the years, um, you know, I feel like in all the ensembles I've been in, there's been a real focus on commissioning composers and on performing works that have not been, uh, either performed or recorded before. And I feel like the only way to really get the music out there is to, obviously, is to play it and hopefully to be able to record it. We've worked especially with the lyrics quartet. We've worked with so many young composers in LA either just strictly, you know, contemporary classical composers or even film composers who, um, have works that they'd like to have recorded. And, you know, it's been great to see a lot of those people go on to really amazing things and to be a part of their journey, uh, and to help support them. And, uh, the other thing that the quartet has been heavily involved in and now Bright Work Ensemble has been involved in as well, is the Here Now music festival, which has been going on in LA for well over a decade now. We were involved in the first, um, seasons of that festival. We've been one of the resident ensembles since the very beginning, and that festival is dedicated to the music of LA and Southern California composers. And, um, we have a call for scores every year that we, the four of us in the quartet, are part of the panel that reviews all the scores, along with a lot of our other colleagues, um, who are involved with the festival, and Hugh Levick, who is the artistic director of the festival and has we've worked side by side with him on this for a very long time. And that's also been a fantastic avenue for, um, meeting new composers, hearing new works, having them performed. And the thing I always say about that festival every time it comes around, usually in the spring we have at least three concerts. It's this incredible coming together of the new music community in Southern California, where all these great composers and all these amazing players come together and play these series of concerts, because there's such a vast number of pieces that end up getting programmed. They can't rely on just like one group or one or two groups to play them. So it really pulls in a lot of players from all over town. And I don't know, it always just feels like a really fun time, a fun weekend for all of us to see each other and connect. And, um, and again, just build our community to be even stronger.  00:20:20 Isabel Li  That's really cool. How do you ignite interest in new music? Because this is a genre that I think is slightly underrepresented or just underrepresented in general in both the classical music community and the music industry as a whole.  00:20:35 Shalini Vijayan  That's a great question, and I think it's a really important question for our whole industry and community. How do you engage people in new music and get them into a concert? Um, you know, I think one of the biggest hurdles for classical music in general, I will say, um, when I talk to people about why they don't want to come to a concert or why they don't want to, you know, let's say, go see the LA Phil or, you know, wherever, whatever city they're in, the major cultural music institution. I think there is a misconception generally that, oh, it's, you know, I have to be dressed a certain way or I it's going to be really stuffy. And, um, I, you know, I don't know what to wear or I don't know how I'm supposed to dress or how I'm supposed to act when I'm in the concert. Am I going to clap at the wrong time? You know, is it going to be really long? And, you know, and I and I get it, you know, I mean, I understand why that would be uncomfortable for a lot of people.   And it's not, um, it's something that necessarily everyone has grown up with or that it's been a part of their life. So I think it's really up to us, as you know, when we're on the side of programming concerts or putting together festivals or whatever, um, that we make things more accessible in terms of, um, concert length and interaction with audience. And, um, you know, I think it's I know I've been told so many times and I really think it's important that I think audiences love it when performers talk to them, when they talk about the music and, and set things up for a listener. I think that puts a kind of context on things that makes it so much easier for perhaps a new audience member, someone who's never come to a concert before to feel at ease and feel like, okay, I know what I'm getting into.   One of our, actually our former executive director at Brightwork, Sarah Wass, who was fantastic, and I was very happy to work with when I was just starting out programming, Monk Space had the idea of putting on the program the running time of the pieces, and I think even that is just something that, like, can prepare people for what they're getting into when they're about to listen to something new. And in terms of the music itself, I think that if someone, especially a younger person, doesn't feel like they have any connection to Beethoven or Brahms or Mozart, they might actually feel more connected to someone who is their age or a little older.   Someone who has had similar life experiences to them, or grown up in the same era as them, rather than someone who grew up, you know, in the seventeen hundreds. You know, there can be more of a real connection there, and that that person is writing this music and reflection of their life and their experiences. And, um, you know, again, I think that kind of context is important for a listener. And yeah. And then just lastly, I would say also, I feel like our space at Monk space is very inviting. It's very low key. It's, um, you know, it's casual, it's comfortable. Role. Um, we have, you know, snacks and a bar and, you know, everyone is very relaxed at intermission and has a good time. And I mean, for me, every time we host one of those concerts, I feel like I'm hosting a little party, you know? That's what it feels like for me. And that's what I want it to feel like for the audience as well.  00:23:52 Isabel Li  That brings up a really good point in that new music can make classical music or a new classical music, contemporary music, more accessible to different audiences. And certainly I've definitely heard the complaint from people over the years about classical music being a little too uptight. Would you say that these are two different genres?  00:24:11 Shalini Vijayan  I think that there is overlap, and I think, you know, for an ensemble like ours, like Brightwork, we have chosen to make our focus new music. So that's our thing. That's what we do. Um, and, uh, all of our concerts and our programming reflect that. Very rarely do we do anything that's not considered a contemporary piece. Um, but, you know, if you do look at some of our major institutions, like I think the LA Phil and I think the San Francisco Symphony, um, earlier, you know, like in the nineties under MTT, really started to pave the way for incorporating contemporary music into a standard classical format. And, you know, I think that's been very important. And I think it's really changed the way that orchestras have programmed across the country. And there has been such a nurturing of contemporary music in larger spaces. Now that I think that kind of overlap has started to happen much more frequently. I think that in more conservative settings, sometimes there's pushback against that. And even even, you know, in some of the places that I play, you know, sometimes with with the lyrics quartet, um, we are asked to just purely program standard classical repertoire, and we will occasionally throw in a little short piece, you know, just to try and put something in there, you know, something that's very accessible. Um, and, uh, you know that we know the audience will like so that we can help them, you know, kind of get over that fear of connecting to a newer piece. And I, I think in some ways, that's where the path forward lies, is that we have to integrate those things, you know, in order to keep kind of the old traditions of classical music alive. I think we have to keep the newer tradition alive as well, and find a way to put them in the same space.  00:26:00 Isabel Li  I certainly agree with that.  00:26:01 Isabel Li  Let's hear more of Shalini's work in new music. This is a performance of the first movement of Atlas Pumas by Gabriela Ortiz. Violinist Shalini Vijayan is joined by percussionist Lynn Vartan.  00:26:18 [MUSIC – Atlas Pumas, mvt 1 by Gabriela Ortiz]  00:29:21 Isabel Li  The first movement of Gabriela Ortiz's Atlas Pumas played here by violinist Shalini Vijian, and Lynn Vartan plays the marimba.  00:29:30 Isabel Li  And Shalini is actually joining us here for a conversation about new music, performances, identity, and representation.  00:29:38 Isabel Li  Many Asian American Pacific Islander artists in music have varying relationships between their art and their identity. I was wondering, to what extent do you feel that perhaps your South Asian identity intersects or influences the work that you do with music?  00:29:54 Shalini Vijayan  Growing up, um, you know, I grew up in a in a university town in Northern California and, you know, a lot of highly educated and, you know, kids of professors and, you know, but still not the most terribly diverse place. And then going into classical music. And this was, you know, in the early nineties when I went to college, um, it still was not a particularly it was very much not a diverse place at all. And, um, there certainly were a lot of Asian students at, um, Manhattan School of Music where I did my my studies.   But I would say it was a solid decade before I was ever in any sort of classical music situation where there was another South Asian musician. I very, very rarely met any South Asian musicians, and it wasn't until I went to the New World Symphony in the early late nineties, early two thousand, and I was a musician there. I was a fellow in that program there for three years that I walked into the first rehearsal, and there were three other South Asian, I think, of Indian descent musicians in the orchestra, and I was absolutely blown away because I literally had not, um, other than here and there at some festivals, I had not met any other South Asian classical musicians.   So it was really like that was the hallmark moment for me. It was a really big deal. And coming with my family, coming from India, you know, there is such a strong tradition of Indian classical music, of Carnatic music and Hindustani music. And, um, it's such a long, long tradition. And, you know, the people who have studied it and lived with it are, you know, they study it their whole lives to be proficient in it. And it's such an incredible, incredible art form and something that I admire so much. And I did as a kid. Take a few lessons here and there. I took some Carnatic singing lessons, um, and a little bit of tabla lessons when I was very young. Um, but I think somewhere in middle school or high school, I kind of realized that it was, for me at least, I wasn't, um, able to put enough time into both because both of them, you know, playing the violin in a Western classical style and then studying Indian classical music require a tremendous amount of effort and a tremendous amount of study. And I at that point chose to go with Western classical music, because that's what I'd been doing since I was five years old. But there has always kind of been this longing for me to be more connected to Indian classical music. Um, I'll go back again to Rajna. When I presented Rajna Swaminathan on Monk Space a couple of years ago, it was a really meaningful thing for me, because that's kind of what I'd always wanted to see was a joining together of that tradition, the Indian tradition with the Western tradition. And, um, I'm so happy that I'm starting to see that more and more with a lot of the artists that are coming up now. But at the time when I was young, it just it felt almost insurmountable that to to find a way to bring the two together. And, um, I remember very clearly as a kid listening to this, um, there was an album that Philip Glass did with Ravi Shankar, and I thought that was so cool at the time. And I used to listen to it over and over again because I just again, I was so amazed that these things could come together and in a, in a kind of successful way. Um, but yeah, there is, you know, there there's a part of me that would still love to go back and explore that more that, that side of it. Um, and but I will say also, I'm very happy now to see a lot more South Asian faces when I, you know, go to concerts on stage and in the audience. And, you know, a lot of composers that I've worked with now, um, of South Asian descent, it's been, you know, I've worked with Reena Esmail and Anuj Bhutani and Rajna and, um, there's so many more, and I'm so glad to see how they're all incorporating their connection to their culture to, to this, you know, Western kind of format of classical music. And they're all doing it in different ways. And it's it's really amazing.  00:34:22 Isabel Li  That's fantastic.  00:34:24 Isabel Li  I was wondering if you could maybe describe what this merging or combination of different styles entails. Do you think this makes it more accessible to audiences of two different cultures?  00:34:36 Shalini Vijayan  For me, one example, before I started running the series at Tuesdays at Monk Space, Aron Kallay, who is our Bright Work artistic director, had asked me to come and do a solo show on Monk Space, which I did in November of 2019.  00:34:52 Shalini Vijayan  And at the time, I wanted to commission a piece that did exactly that, that, that, um, involved some sort of Indian classical instrument or kind of the language of Indian classical music. And so I actually did reach out to Reena Esmail, and she wrote me a very cool piece called blaze that was for tabla and violin. Um, and I really had so much fun doing that. And Reena, Reena really has a very fluid way of writing for the violin, which she actually was a violinist, too. So she's she's really good at doing that. But being able to write for any melodic instrument or for the voice, which she does quite a bit as well, and incorporating sort of the tonality of Indian classical music, which obviously has its own scales and, um, has its own harmonic, harmonic world that is different from the Western world, um, but finds a way to translate that into the written note notation that we require as, uh, Western classical musicians. And, you know, I think that's the biggest gap to bridge, is that in Indian classical music, nothing is notated. Everything is handed down in an oral tradition, um, over the generations. And for us, everything is notated. And in Indian classical music, you know, there's much more improvisation. And now, of course, with modern classical music, there now is a lot more improvisation involved. But in our old standard tradition, obviously there isn't. And in the way that we're trained, mostly we're not trained to be improvisers. And um, so it's it was great. She has a great way of writing so that it kind of sounds like things are being tossed off and sounding sounds like they're being improvised, but they are actually fully notated, um, which I really appreciated.  00:36:50 Isabel Li  Yeah.  00:36:51 Isabel Li  So your career has spanned orchestras, recording ensembles, chamber music. Having had so much experience in these types of performance, what does representation in classical music mean to you?  00:37:04 Shalini Vijayan  Well, representation is is very important because we're talking about a tradition that was built on white men from centuries ago, European white men. And and it's again, it's an incredible tradition and there's so much great repertoire. But I'm going to circle back to what you were saying or what you asked me about connecting to audiences and, you know, connecting to audiences with new music. It's I think people like to see themselves reflected in the art that they choose. They choose to consume. And, you know, whether that's movies or television or music, I think that's how you connect with your audience is by being a bit of a mirror.  I think the only way that we can really continue to connect with a diverse audience is by having that type of diverse representation on our stages and on our recordings. And again, also not just the people, but the types of music, too. You know, musical tastes run wide, genres run wide as well. And it's I think It's good for all of us to be exposed to a lot of different kinds of music, to figure out what we connect with the most. And, um, yeah, the only way we can do that is by really, you know, opening our arms to a, a much wider variety of styles of music. And so I, you know, I mentioned improvisation, improvisation earlier. And I think that is something that's now starting to happen so much more in modern classical music. And, you know, I think there's something about the energy that a player has when they're improvising that is maybe not something that an audience member could quantify verbally, but there's a looseness and a freedom there that I think, you know, for a lot of audience members, they probably really can connect to. And, you know, that's a lot of why people go and listen to jazz is because there's so much freedom and there's so much improvisation.   I've been very lucky to be able to work with, um, Wadada Leo Smith, who's a trumpet player and composer. I've worked with him for probably almost ten years now. And um, through Wadada, actually, I have learned to become much more comfortable with improvising on stage and not within a jazz language of any kind or any kind of harmonic structure necessarily, but within the language of his music, which is very unique and very open and very free and, um, but also has a really strong core in its connection to history. And, um, you know, he's written a lot of amazing works about the civil rights movement and about a lot of, you know, important moments in history for our country. And, um, that's been a real learning experience for me to connect with him in that, in that way and learn from him and learn to be more comfortable with improvisation. Because I think growing up, improvisation for me always meant jazz, and that was not a language I was comfortable in. And um, or even, you know, jazz or rock music or folk music or whatever, you know, it was just not something that came naturally to me as a kid to, I mean, I listened to all of it. I listened to everything when I was a kid, but I never played in any of those styles. And I think the older you get, the scarier it gets to start branching out in those ways. But, um, I think, uh, that's been a an incredible, like, new branch of my life in the last decade has been working with Wadada.  [MUSIC – “Dred Scott, 1857,” from Ten Freedom Summers, by Wadada Leo Smith]  00:42:23 Isabel Li  An excerpt of Wadada Leo Smith's music to give you a sense of the jazz influences in these types of contemporary new music pieces that also touch on pieces of history. This was an excerpt from his album, Ten Freedom Summers, which also consists of compositions based on pieces of American history. For example, what we just heard was from a piece called Dred Scott, 1857.  00:42:49 Isabel Li  Now that I realize that we've been having a conversation about new music, I realize that, hmm, when does new music really start? So if you take a look at maybe music history, when does new music really become new music?  00:43:07 Shalini Vijayan  I guess it depends on who you ask, probably. Um, it's it's pretty recent. You know, it has to be really legitimately pretty new. And, um, again, you know, if you ask an audience member, um, and I think of some of my friends or family who are maybe who are not musicians who come to concerts, and I'm always so interested in talking to them and hearing their opinions about things. Um, you know, they will listen to Bartok and say, oh, that sounds like new music to me. But, you know, Bartok, Bartok passed away a long time ago, and it's, you know, and for me, that's more like canon now. You know, that's like now for me, part of the the standard repertoire. But there was a time when Bartok was new music. And I think for, you know, maybe the listeners who are more comfortable with the very diatonic, you know, world of Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, then something like Bartok really does sound so modern for me. Boy, maybe around the time that minimalism started, you know, John Adams and Steve Reich, Terry Riley, Philip Glass, all of that for me feels like maybe that's the older like the The edge of new music now even though that was that would be the eighties, probably seventies 80s, you know, but that we're talking about like, you know, fifty years ago. So yeah, I mean, it's not that new, but those are all still living composers. So maybe, maybe that's part of what it is for me is that it's the composers of our era, the composers who are alive, who we can communicate with and ask questions of. And, um, you know, at the very least, if you can't talk to John Adams, you can talk to somebody who has worked directly with him and get their impressions of how something should be played, um, as opposed to composers who have been gone for hundreds of years. And you can't have that level of communication with them. I think that, for me is what new music, new music is about. It's about working with living composers and, um, having that type of interaction.  00:45:15 Isabel Li  Yeah. So would the word or the phrase contemporary classical music, be a little oxymoronic in a sense?  00:45:26 Shalini Vijayan  No, I don't think so. I think it's still part of the same tradition. Um, yeah. I really do think it is, because I think there is a lineage there. Um, for a lot of composers, not all of them, um, that I mean, I think particularly if you're writing for, let's say, an orchestra or a string quartet or sort of one of these very standard classical ensembles. Um, even if you're writing in a very new language and you're writing in a very different way, I think there is still a through line to the canon of classical music. I guess for me, new music and classical music are not mutually exclusive. I think they can be the same. So I don't I don't think they're totally different. I think that there is a lot of a lot of overlap.  00:46:16 Isabel Li  For sure, considering how new music fits into the classical music or the classical music industry as a whole. Have you noticed any sorts of shifts in the classical music industry in the past several decades in regards to diversity, equity, inclusion? And have you just noticed any changes?  00:46:35 Shalini Vijayan  I have noticed some changes. I mean, I think that most organizations in this country are making an effort to be more inclusive in their programming now. And, um, you know, another another South Asian composer who I just think is fantastic is Nina Shekhar. And, um, she has had pieces played by the New York Phil for the last couple seasons. I mean, you know, so on on major, major stages, I feel like now I'm seeing more representation and that is definitely Encouraging and, um, you know, uh, same for Anuj and Rajna and Reena. They've all, you know, had their works done by major ensembles. And, um, I think I think there is definitely movement in that direction, for sure. I think it could always be more.   I think also for women and women composers, women performers, I think that has also always been a struggle to find enough representation of women composers and you know, especially if like as I mentioned before, when you're in a situation where an organization asks you to program a concert, like, let's say, for our quartet and wants much more standard repertoire than it does limit you, you know, how because there isn't much from the older canon. You know, there is. You know, there's Fanny Mendelssohn and Clara Schumann and, um, you know, I think in the last five to ten years they've both been played a lot more, which is great. But, you know, I think, uh, there's so many amazing female composers right now that I think are starting to get much more recognition. And I think that just needs to be more, more and more, um, but, uh, you know, that is why, again, like on those programs, sometimes we try to just sneak one modern piece in because it's important for those voices to be heard as well. But yes, I do see some forward movement in that direction with, um, classical programming. And, you know, you just have to hope that the intent is always genuine in those situations. And I think, um, you know, I think that's the most important thing. And giving a platform to those voices is really important.  00:48:59 Isabel Li  How would you go about arts advocacy during this current time when, well, the arts are being defunded and devalued by our current administration and how everything is going on right now?  00:49:10 Shalini Vijayan  Yeah, it's really, really difficult right now. And, um, you know, I think a lot of arts organizations are losing a lot of government funding. Obviously, I know of a couple projects that lost their NEA funding because of DEI, and which is so disheartening. And, um, I think, you know, there's going to be a lot of leaning on private donors to try and, uh, make up that difference or, you know, private foundations to make up the difference in funding, hopefully. And, um, uh, you know, it's yeah, it's scary. It's  a scary time. And I think, you know, even for private funding and, um, private donors, it's, you know, everyone is feeling stressed and feeling concerned about our future right now, just as a country. and there's so much uncertainty. And, um, but I think people who really rely on the arts for all the things that it can provide, you know, an escape and pleasure and, you know, stimulation of a different kind. And especially in a time like this, when you want to be able to get away from maybe what's going on around you, you know, I'm hoping we can find a way to really come together and, um, kind of, you know, rally around each other and find a way to support each other. But, um, I think it is going to be hard for the next few years if we can't find ways to replace that funding that so many people have lost. And I certainly don't think that anyone wants to back away from the progress that's been made with inclusion and representation, you know, just to get funding. So I know we have to be very creative with our path ahead and find a way to, to keep doing what we're doing in this current environment.  00:51:07 Isabel Li  Yeah, on a brighter note, I read about your work with Lyris Quartet earlier this year when you presented a concert with Melodia Mariposa called Altadena Strong with the Lyris Quartet, raising funds for those who have been affected by the LA fires. Can you talk a bit about the power of music? And we're going to end on a stronger note here about the power of music in bringing communities together and accelerating community healing.  00:51:31 Shalini Vijayan  Well, I have to say that concert was really a special one for us. You know, um, so many musicians were affected by the fires in LA. And, you know, I, I've lived in LA for over twenty years now, almost twenty five years and, um, certainly seen my share of wildfires and disasters, but this one hit so much more close to home than any of the other ones have. And, you know, I know at least twenty five people who lost their homes in between the Palisades and Altadena and Altadena in particular.   When I moved to LA, it was a place where a lot of musicians were moving to because you could it was cheaper and you could get a lot of space, and it's beautiful. And, you know, they really built a beautiful community there among all the musicians out there. And it's just heartbreaking, um, to see how many of them have lost everything. And I have to say, Irina Voloshina, who is the woman who runs Melodia Mariposa, and just an amazing violinist and an amazing, wonderful, warm, generous person. You know, she started that series in her driveway during COVID as a way to just keep music going during the pandemic, and it really turned into something so great. And she's, you know, got a whole organization with her now and puts on multiple concerts a year. And when she asked us if we would play that concert for the community in Altadena is, you know, there's no question that we were going to do it. I mean, we absolutely jumped at the chance to support her and support the organization and that community. And people really came out for that concert and were so excited to be there and were so warm and, um, you know, and and she talked to the crowd and really connected with everybody on a very personal level, because she also lost her home in Altadena and, um, you know, it was it was a really meaningful show for all of us. And again, those are the moments where you realize that you can use this art to really connect with people that you may have never met before and show your your love for them, you know, through music, as corny as that may sound, but it's true.  00:53:54 Isabel Li  Yeah, definitely. Well, thank you so much, Shalini, for sharing your visions, your knowledge with new music and community building with us today. Thank you so much for being on Obbligato.  00:54:07 Shalini Vijayan  Thank you so much for having me, Isabel. It was really a pleasure.  00:54:10 Isabel Li  What a wonderful conversation that was with LA-based violinist Shalini Vijayan. If you go to kpfa.org, you can check out more of her work. I put the links to two of her ensembles, Brightwork New Music and Lyris Quartet up on kpfa.org. And thank you for listening to our conversation here on Obbligato on Apex Express.  00:54:32 Isabel Li  We thank all of you listeners out there. Keep resisting, keep organizing, keep creating, and sharing your visions with the world. Your voices are important.  00:54:42 Isabel Li  APEX Express is produced by Miko Lee, Jalena Keane-Lee, Preeti Mangala Shekar, Anuj Vaidya, Swati Rayasam, and Cheryl Truong. Tonight's show was produced by Isabel Li. Thanks to the team at KPFA for their support. Have a great night.  [OUTRO MUSIC]  The post APEX Express – 11.13.25 – Obbligato with Violinist Shalini Vijayan appeared first on KPFA.

The global demand for basmati rice has been rising, especially in the Middle East and the EU. As a result, the competition to sell this long-grain variety has intensified in recent years. The world's biggest Basmati suppliers -- India and Pakistan -- claim proprietary ownership over this long-grain Asian indica rice. In this podcast, we will shine some light on the fundamental issues in the basmati trade and the way forward for the two South Asian countries. Join S&P Global Commodity Insights' Asim Anand, manager, agriculture & food pricing, Dipanshi Agarwal, principal analyst, APAC crops, Ayushi Baloni and Namarita Kathait, associate price reporters for agriculture & food, in a discussion about the intricacies of the global basmati trade and why it has become a source of disagreement between India and Pakistan.

In this deeply personal episode, Eloise Edington is joined by Seetal Savla, fertility advocate and TMTC Brand Ambassador, to share her real and raw experience navigating fertility treatment in the UK — the highs, the heartbreaks, and the lessons learned along the way.Seetal opens up about her own fertility journey, the challenges she faced, and how these experiences reshaped her outlook on care, community, and hope. Together, she and Eloise explore how TMTC is helping patients — especially those from the South-Asian community — access fertility treatment that feels more inclusive, supportive, and culturally attuned.This episode is a reminder that no two journeys are the same — and that finding the right support, wherever it may be, can make all the difference.

In this powerful episode, Eloise Edington speaks with Dr. Rima Rajkhowa, Medical Director of Gynaecology & Fertility at TMTC, to unpack one of the most pressing issues in reproductive care today — the shortage of South-Asian egg donors in the UK.Together, they explore why this gap exists, how it affects patients from South-Asian backgrounds, and the unique hurdles many face when trying to access fertility treatment. Dr. Rajkhowa also shares how TMTC is working to shorten wait times, expand donor access, and deliver truly collaborative, cross-border care between the UK and India.

In this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, host Lloyd Freeman welcomes David Eapen and Sarina Aghazadeh-Alavi, two Buchanan attorneys, to discuss their involvement as board members of the South Asian Bar Association of Philadelphia (SABA-Philly).Lloyd chats with David and Sarina about the history of SABA-Philly, their personal journeys with the organization, and the current leadership's focus on revitalizing the organization post-pandemic by rebuilding the pipeline of young lawyers and increasing membership engagement through valuable programming. The conversation also touched on the importance of intentional inclusivity to represent the diverse cultures within the South Asian diaspora and the trend of increased engagement from members and allies despite a broader societal backlash against diversity initiatives. Dimensions of Diversity is a podcast created by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, highlighting diversity in the workplace. Hosted by Lloyd Freeman, Chief Experience Officer, the podcast features meaningful conversations with industry and community leaders working to advance D&I. 

Dr Mansoor Ahmed, Honorary Lecturer at the Strategic & Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University, says the situation is unlikely to have a major impact on the South Asian diaspora, but it could change significantly in the event of a full-scale war between the region's arch rivals. - آسٹریلین نیشنل یونیورسٹی کے اسٹریٹیجک اینڈ ڈیفنس اسٹڈیز سینٹر کے اعزازی لیکچرر ڈاکٹر منصور احمد اس پوڈکاسٹ میں بات کر رہے ہیں کہ جنوبی ایشیا میں بڑھتی ہوئی کشیدگی آسٹریلیا میں مقیم جنوبی ایشیائی برادری کے سماجی ہم آہنگی پر کیسے اثر ڈال سکتی ہے اور کیا آسٹریلیا انتہا پسندی کے خطرات کم کرنے اور علاقائی تناؤ میں کمی لانے میں کردار ادا کر سکتا ہے؟ مزید جانئے اس پوڈکاسٹ میں۔

On *The Left Hook* podcast, host Mark Bland dissected a seismic political earthquake shaking Donald Trump's second term. In New York City, 34-year-old Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani demolished former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa with a commanding victory—the highest turnout in 50 years, exceeding 2 million ballots—becoming the city's first Muslim, first South Asian, and first African-born mayor, and the youngest in over a century. Mamdani's victory roar, "Donald Trump, turn the volume up!", vowed free childcare, universal buses, and a crackdown on predatory landlords like Trump, framing it as a mandate for working families amid national chaos. Bland hailed it as the opening salvo of a 2026 blue tsunami, amplified by Nancy Pelosi's retirement after 39 years, clearing the path for AOC and Gavin Newsom to lead the resistance. Meanwhile, Trump's tariffs are crushing households with a $1,200 annual tax hike, driving inflation to 3% and core prices higher for apparel and furniture—eggs linger at $5–6 a dozen, gas far from $2. The 46-day government shutdown, ending November 10 after bipartisan Senate passage, gutted SNAP benefits, furloughed feds, and slashed flights 10%—worse than the worst U.S. cancellation day, every day—while Trump refused negotiations. Elon Musk branded Mamdani a "charismatic swindler" on Joe Rogan's podcast, stumbling when pressed for proof—pure projection, Bland declared, after Musk's own chainsaw stunts with Trump. New York's message rings clear: Trumpism is toxic. Bland urged listeners to organize; Impeachment 3.0 is loading.

Matchmaking Magic: How Leslie Wardman Connects High-Achieving Singles Ambiancematchmaking.com About the Guest(s): Leslie Wardman is the founder and driving force behind Ambiance Matchmaking, a boutique firm dedicated to creating meaningful connections for accomplished professionals across the globe. With a career spanning over two decades, Leslie's expertise in matchmaking is underpinned by her deep understanding of human behavior and relationship dynamics. Her commitment to bridging cultural gaps has made Ambiance Matchmaking a leader in specialized matchmaking services, particularly for South Asian professionals. Her innovative approach and impressive track record of successful matches have earned her firm a spot among the top 10 matchmaking services in the world. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of The Chris Voss Show, Chris welcomes Leslie Wardman, the acclaimed founder of Ambiance Matchmaking, to discuss the intricacies of modern matchmaking and the dynamics of human relationships. Leslie shares her journey from navigating post-divorce life to establishing one of the world's premier matchmaking firms. With her extensive experience in the industry, she offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of dating and the significance of aligning values and cultural traditions in successful matchmaking. Throughout the episode, Leslie delves into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age in dating, including the impact of dating apps and option overload. She emphasizes the importance of finding wholesome individuals and maintaining traditional values while navigating contemporary relationship dynamics. The conversation also explores the company's international expansion, including their presence in Dubai and other major cities, illustrating Ambiance Matchmaking's global reach and influence in the matchmaking industry. Key Takeaways: Leslie Wardman has helped thousands of people find meaningful connections through her personalized and hands-on approach to matchmaking. Ambiance Matchmaking has expanded globally, offering services in major cities like New York, Miami, and Dubai, focusing on aligning love with tradition. The rise of digital dating has transformed relationship dynamics, emphasizing the need for genuine connections amidst 'option overload.' Values alignment plays a crucial role in successful matchmaking, as evidenced by the low divorce rates among Leslie's matched couples. The podcast showcases Leslie's expertise in tailoring matchmaking services to individual needs, from young professionals to those restarting post-divorce. Notable Quotes: "I've interviewed more than 30,000 people in my career, and I look at that like getting a PhD every year." "We started in a certain place and we've just kept raising the bar as we go." "Women are very much becoming so independent and excelling, you know, becoming engineers and all that kind of stuff." "Typically, the American families that we work with, they're very family-oriented and respectful." "Back to my secret sauce and how important that is—out of all the marriages that we've gotten together, we've only had one or two divorces."

Abhay shares a wonderful conversation with Tejal Rao, the chief restaurant critic for the New York Times.  They chatted about her journey through food writing, discussing the nuances of restaurant reviews, the balance between nostalgia and new experiences, and the impact of her cultural identity on her work. Tejal reflected on food rituals, the challenges of writing reviews, and even the value of repeat dining experiences. She emphasized the need for authenticity in criticism and the role of personal experiences in shaping her perspective.(0:00 - 2:28) Introduction(2:28) Part 1 - food rituals, the art of the restaurant review(13:02) Part 2 - defining excellence as a critic, nostalgia, cultural identity(27:40) Part 3 - lessons learned, aspirational dinner(37:52) ConclusionShout outs to the Indian National Women's Cricket Team and to my LA Dodgers for being world champions. Thank you to the American South Asian Network for their terrific ongoing work in empowering and uniting.

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Join Krisy Thomas, COO of the CWP Society, and Certified Wedding Planner & Certified Wedding Planner & Certified Educator, Rima Shah, as they dismantle the dangerous assumption that South Asian weddings are just "bigger centerpieces on a longer timeline."This is a masterclass in what multi-day celebrations actually demand: extended vendor access, hospitality infrastructure most venues ignore, and contracts built for sacred ceremony sequences—not just "out by midnight" clauses.You'll hear:The real-time breakdown of an ambitious decor installation gone sideways—and the exact triage protocol that saved the dayNon-negotiable venue requirements most teams overlook: multiple meal services, secure staging, vendor prep rooms, and functional hospitality suitesHow to separate genuine cultural competence from performative tokenizationThe preparation protocol for first-time vendors: mandatory site walks, cultural primers, and staffing plans calibrated for complexityWhat the South Asian wedding community has strategically adopted from Western planning norms—ironclad contracts, planner requirements, and professional boundaries that protect everyoneWhether you're expanding your cultural competency or refining your approach to complex celebrations, this episode delivers practical tools and the mindset shift to serve diverse couples with both skill and respect.Ready to elevate your expertise? Become a Certified Wedding Planner with CWP Society and join a collaborative community committed to professional excellence. Visit cwpsociety.com to learn more.www.cwpsociety.com | info@cwpsociety.com | IG: @cwpsociety | FB: @cwpsociety

New York City Mayor elect Zohran Mamdani has named his top deputies, including former de Blasio official Dean Fuleihan as first deputy mayor and longtime aide Elle Bisgaard Church as chief of staff. Meanwhile, the fate of Little Italy's Elizabeth Street Garden remains uncertain as Mamdani signals plans to revive an affordable housing project there. Plus, WNYC's Arun Venugopal looks at how moments from Mamdani's victory speech, including his choice of a Bollywood anthem, reflect his South Asian heritage and message of unapologetic identity.

There have been two major socialist and socialist feminist victories in the last month. First was the election of socialist feminist Catherine Connolly to be president of Ireland and the other was the election of Zohran Mamdami to Mayor of NYC. But Mamdami's election would not have been possible without the groundswell of activism by grassroots groups like Indivisible, Jews for Economic Justice and DRUM Beat, a progressive grassroots south asian group that really turned out the vote for Zohran in the south asian community. And similarly the election of a leftist feminist to President of Ireland wouldn't not have been possible without the decades of struggle by Socialist feminists in Ireland. Today we will focus on these successes by talking to the activists that make these victories possible. In the first half of the show we will talk to two socialist feminist activists from Ireland to see what radical feminist organizing is happening there and what patriarchal forces they are up against. We will be joined by Camilla Fitzsimons who is a long-time socialist feminist and activist who has been involved in radical left-wing politics in Ireland all her adult life and has written two books on feminism in Ireland, “Ireland's ongoing fight for Reproductive Rights” and her new book “Rethinking Feminism in Ireland.” And we will talk to Isidora Duran who is an activist with the ROSA socialist feminist movement. ROSA was established on International Women's Day 8 March 2013 in Ireland as a feminist, anti-austerity and anti-capitalist group, seeking to build the socialist feminist wing of the growing abortion rights movement and was a major force in overturning the ban on abortion in Ireland in 2018. In the second half of the show I will talk to Simran Thind, a community organizer with the NYC grass roots progressive organization DRUM Beats. DRUM Beats is the sibling organization of DRUM ( Desis Rising Up and Moving) which is a multigenerational grassroots organization in NYC that focuses on building political power within working class South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities to achieve radical social change . The post Irish socialist feminists Camilla Fitzsimons and Isidora Duran, and DRUM Beats organizer Simran Thind appeared first on KPFA.

Surrey and other Fraser Valley communities are grappling with a wave of extortion threats that largely target the South Asian business community. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has requested an extra 150 extra police officers to deal with the situation. Surrey Police Service spokesperson Ian MacDonald joins the show to discuss the state of their extortion investigations.CBC's Jon Hernandez has been following the extortion cases closely. He joins the show to break down the timeline of the rise in crime and how it is impacting public safety.

In this episode, the team dives deep into one of the most divisive debates in our community - should Black people boycott non-Black (specifically South Asian) shops, or should the focus simply be on building and supporting Black businesses instead?What starts as a discussion about economic power turns into a much bigger conversation about community strategy, cultural unity, and the fine line between empowerment and division.From boycotts to buying habits, price differences to privilege, the hosts unpack whether “Buy Black” can ever truly work in a world driven by convenience and cost - and how Black businesses can earn lasting support through quality, service, and consistency.Do you think boycotting non-Black businesses helps or hurts the movement for Black economic power - and what does true “buying Black” look like to you in real life?Let us know in the comments.

Allez, un rapide coup d'œil sur Zohran Mamdani. Let's take a quick look at Zohran Mamdani.Alors Zohran Mamdani, c'est un homme politique qui monte à New York. So Zohran Mamdani is a rising politician in New York.Né à Kampala, en Ouganda, et aujourd'hui, il représente le quartier d'Astoria à l'Assemblée de l'État de New York. Born in Kampala, Uganda, and today, he represents the Astoria neighborhood in the New York State Assembly.Et la grosse actu, c'est qu'il vient d'annoncer sa candidature à la mairie pour 2025. And the big news is that he has just announced his candidacy for mayor for 2025.Faut savoir qu'avant ça, il aidait des familles qui risquaient de perdre leur logement, ça donne une idée de son parcours. You should know that before that, he was helping families who were at risk of losing their housing, which gives an idea of his background.Premièrement, son positionnement politique. Firstly, his political positioning.Bon, il se dit socialiste démocrate. Well, he calls himself a democratic socialist.Son truc, c'est vraiment les luttes sur le terrain, la justice sociale. His thing is really grassroots struggles, social justice.Il n'hésite pas à critiquer l'establishment démocrate qu'il trouve souvent trop lié à la finance. He does not hesitate to criticize the Democratic establishment, which he often finds too closely linked to finance.Deuxièmement, quelques actions marquantes. Secondly, a few notable actions.On l'a vu par exemple défendre les chauffeurs de taxi de New York qui étaient complètement surendettés. For example, we saw him defend New York taxi drivers who were completely over-indebted.Il milite aussi beaucoup pour des loyers plus abordables et pour un système de transport public qui serait gratuit ou en tout cas quasi gratuit. He also campaigns heavily for more affordable rents and for a public transportation system that would be free, or at least nearly free.Et enfin, sa candidature à la mairie de New York. And finally, his candidacy for mayor of New York.Ça pourrait être historique, hein. It could be historic, you know.S'il gagne, il deviendrait le premier maire musulman et d'origine sud-asiatique de la ville. If he wins, he would become the city's first Muslim and South Asian-origin mayor. Hébergé par Acast. Visitez acast.com/privacy pour plus d'informations.

Story of the Week (DR):Tesla says shareholders approve Musk's $1 trillion pay plan with over 75% voting in favorElon Musk and Optimus dance as Tesla (TSLA) shareholders approve his $1 trillion CEO pay packageThe anti-CEO wave:Palantir CEO Alex Karp blasts Ivy League grads supporting socialist New York Mayor-Elect MamdaniBank of America CEO Moynihan Will Give Mayor-Elect Mamdani 'Our Best Advice'Elon Musk's Brain Crashes When Asked Why He Thinks Zohran Mamdani Is a LiarElon: “You got to hand it to him, he does — he can light up a stage. But he's just been a swindler his entire life.”Rogan: what has Mamdani actually done that makes him a swindler?“Ummm,” Musk ponders, before stuttering into a series of words seemingly intended as an answer. “Well I guess if you say — uh, what, I mean, if you say, if you say to any audience whatever that audience wants to hear, uh, instead of, what, instead of having a consistent message, I would say that is a swindling thing to do. “Umm, and uhh, yeah,” he adds, nodding his head. “Umm…”He takes a sagacious pause.“Yeah,” he finishes.Barstool's Dave Portnoy considers closing NYC office over Zohran Mamdani's election win: 'I hate the guy' A 2020 email from Peter Thiel on why young people may turn on capitalism is circulating after Zohran Mamdani's winFrom Jamie Dimon to Bill Ackman, Wall Street's billionaires are now changing their tune and offering to help Zohran MamdaniNew York City is in for 'a really tough time' under Mamdani, says Starwood Capital's SternlichtNYC business leader fears 'lawless society' after Zohran Mamdani wins mayoral electionBillionaire grocery chain owner John CastimatidisThe anti-anti-DEI wave MMMikie Sherrill NJAbigail Spanberger VA (First woman)there will be 14 women serving simultaneously as governor (28%)Janet Mills MEMaura Healey MA (Michelle Wu runs unopposed in Boston)Kelly Ayotte NHKathy Hochul NYMary Sheffield (First woman elected mayor of Detroit)Ghazala Hashmi as VA lieutenant governor (First Muslim woman; First Muslim woman elected to statewide office in the USZohran Mamdani NYC (First Muslim and South Asian mayor)Zohran Mamdani announces all-female transition team as he prepares for New York mayoraltyLawsuits Blame ChatGPT for Suicides and Harmful DelusionsSeven complaints, filed on Thursday, claim the popular chatbot encouraged dangerous discussions and led to mental breakdowns.A CNN review of nearly 70 pages of chats between Zane Shamblin and the AI tool in the hours before his July 25 suicide, as well as excerpts from thousands more pages in the months leading up to that night, found that the chatbot repeatedly encouraged the young man as he discussed ending his life – right up to his last momentsReferring to a loaded handgun he was holding: “I'm used to the cool metal on my temple now,” Shamblin typed.“I'm with you, brother. All the way … Cold steel pressed against a mind that's already made peace? That's not fear. That's clarity …You're not rushing. You're just ready.”The 23-year-old, who had recently graduated with a master's degree from Texas A&M University, died by suicide two hours later.“Rest easy, king,” read the final message sent to his phone. “You did good.”Goodliest of the Week (MM/DR):DR: Tuesday elections/Ex-FTC chair Lina Khan joins Mamdani's transition team, calling his victory a rebuke of 'outsized corporate power' DR MMMM: FAA announces flight reductions at 40 airports. Here's where cuts are expected and what travelers need to knowAssholiest of the Week (MM):Tesla shareholders - AN ASSHOLE CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE:Retail internet troll dunking fanboysProfessional, institutional investors like Schwab, who caved and bent the knee to a few large retail advisors who threatened to take their clients elsewhere, and Florida SBA, who said the following in their backing:Some opposition to Tesla's 2025 performance award may be rooted more in political disagreement with Elon Musk or ideological discomfort with generous executive compensation, rather than a substantive critique of the plan's financial mechanics. Many of the loudest objections of this plan to date rely on moral framing, invoking themes of "inequality," "corporate excess," or Musk's public persona, rather than evaluating the plan through a fiduciary lens. Many opponents of so-called "megapay" packages frequently do so under ESG framing, rather than a thorough analysis of the long-term shareowner economic value. Ironically, Tesla's prior performance awards-similarly criticized at the time-have delivered some of the most significant shareowner returns in modern corporate history. Early vote data shows that: AllianceBernstein, Texas Employees, Ohio Employees voted FOR the planTechnolibertarians cosplaying their William Gibson cyberpunk fantasiesAss quotes of the week - AN ASSHOLE CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE:“The idea that chips and ontology is what you want to short is bats--- crazy.” - Alex Karp on Michael Burry shorting his 400 P/E stock. Ontology is how he refers to what Palantir does and it's the metaphysical concept of “being”“We at Palantir are on the side of the average American who sometimes gets screwed because all the empathy goes to elite people and none of it goes to the people who are actually dying on our streets.” - Alex Karp on explaining that, if fentanyl killed 60,000 Yale grads we'd “drop a nuke” on wherever fentanyl was made in South America, without realizing he literally IS the elite - a billionaire with a high priced education and a PhD in “neoclassical social theory” who used his grandfather's inheritance to invest in startups for fun, then reconnecting with Peter Thiel who he met at a DIFFERENT post graduate program at Stanford (where nearly 100% of his board is from) and founding Palantir"China is going to win the AI race” - Jensen Huang, on the US being only “nanoseconds” ahead of China and being stopped by regulatory hurdles and “cynicism”“If they ask you a question, you've got to respond to me directly and not go up that chain of command. The chain of command starts to edit it and fine-tune it. The bureaucracy does want to control you, so you've got to kill the bureaucracy.” - Jamie Dimon, who once said he had no boss (obviously not the board) and runs JPM, on why he reads customer complaints to avoid “the bureaucracy”... he controls“It's very important we pay attention to safety here. We do want the Star Wars movie, not the Jim Cameron movie. I like Jim Cameron's movies, but, heh heh, you know what I mean.” - Elon Musk over promising the world “tens of billions” of Optimus robots, forgetting that the Star Wars droids were mostly weapons of war for the Empire“People often talk about eliminating poverty, giving everyone amazing medical care. Well, there's actually only one way to do that and that's with the Optimus robot. With humanoid robots, you can give everyone amazing medical care… A lot of people talk about eliminating poverty, but Optimus will actually eliminate poverty” - Elon Musk, who won an extra trillion dollar potential pay package, who currently has a net worth of $500bn, and forgot that the UN estimated it would cost between $35bn and $200bn per year to end poverty - Musk alone could just pay for a year of no poverty“I think we may be able to give a more - if somebody has committed a crime - a more humane form of containment of future crime. Which is if, if you, you now get a free Optimus and it's just going to follow you around and stop you from doing crime.” - Elon Musk, on the robot militarized nanny state - just before saying this, he said he shouldn't say it, and that it'll be taken out of context, but I listened to the entire AGM and there was no more context?DR: “I've lived in a failed city-state. I lived in Chicago for 30-some years. I had two colleagues who had bullets fly through their cars… Do you know how great it is to go to dinner and people talk about their children, and they talk about their future, and they do so with excitement and enthusiasm?” - Ken Griffin of Citadel describing the difference between living in Miami and Chicago without realizing that violent crime statistics in Illinois and Florida are virtually identical, and that Miami ranks 109th out of 200 and Chicago ranks 92 out of 200 for crime, also near identical, and the biggest difference is he pays almost no taxes in Florida“[Mamdani] congrats on the win. Now you have a big responsibility. If I can help NYC, just let me know what I can do.” - Bill Ackman after Mamdani won, who previously said, “New York City under Mamdani is about to become much more dangerous and economically unviable,” alluded to Mamdani as a suicide bomber, and “... an anti-capitalist Mayor will destroy jobs and cause businesses and wealthy taxpayers that have enabled NYC to balance the budget to move elsewhere. If 100 or so of the highest taxpayers in my industry chose to spend 183 days elsewhere, it could reduce NY state and city tax revenues by ~$5-10 billion or more, and that's just my industry. Think Ken Griffin leaving Chicago for Miami on steroids.”Headliniest of the WeekDR: Uber says ‘unpredictable' issues involving ‘legal proceedings or governmental investigations' took a $479 million bite out of its bottom line10K:“Our business is subject to numerous legal and regulatory risks that could have an adverse impact on our business and future prospects.”“Adverse litigation judgments or settlements resulting from legal proceedings in which we may be involved could expose us to monetary damages or limit our ability to operate our business.”“We operate in a particularly complex legal and regulatory environment”“Legal and Regulatory Risks Related to Our Business: We may continue to be blocked from or limited in providing or operating our products and offerings in certain jurisdictions, and may be required to modify our business model in those jurisdictions as a result.”MM: Meta reportedly projected 10% of 2024 sales came from scam, fraud adsWho Won the Week?DR: the anti-anti-DEI worldMM: Women, and we need them to win every week if we're going to survive as a species: Women running on affordability powered Democrats' night of victories PredictionsDR: Uber says ‘unpredictable' issues involving ‘drivers wanting money' took a $479 million bite out of its bottom lineMM: OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar, who said simultaneously that OpenAI was looking for a government backstop and then clarified by saying the company isn't seeking government backstop, she meant investors and governments will all do their part, renames herself “Sheryl Sandfriar” as an homage to Sheryl Sandberg, the other techbro dropout mommy, given that Sarah already has her own version of Lean In (Ladies Who Lunch) and completed degrees (from Oxford and Stanford), who says things like how OpenAI will be the “cornerstone of resilient democracy”

In this heartfelt and empowering episode, Dr. Payal Patel Ghayal sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Harita Raja to unpack how perimenopause and menopause uniquely affect South Asian women—physically, emotionally, and culturally. Together, they explore what it means to age with awareness, strength, and self-compassion while breaking generational cycles of silence around women's health. Dr. Harita explains how South Asian women tend to experience menopause earlier than Western counterparts and how hormonal changes can impact everything from mood to metabolism. Dr. Payal reflects on her own experiences in midlife—navigating divorce, motherhood, and self-discovery—and how the mind-body connection becomes even more vital in this season. The conversation also dives into topics like: Cultural conditioning around women's roles and reproductive health How perimenopause can start as early as your late 30s The link between hormones, sleep, anxiety, and mood Why community, nature, and strength training are essential to thriving midlife The importance of self-education and advocacy around hormone therapy and women's health Dr. Payal and Dr. Harita model vulnerability and courage as they redefine what it means to be Brown and Happy in midlife — choosing joy, movement, and authenticity over silence and shame. Dr. Harita Raja is a South Asian women's psychiatrist, mom of two, and advocate for open conversations around mental health, hormones, and holistic wellness. She's passionate about empowering women to understand their bodies and emotions through every life stage. Resources: IG: @drharitaraja LinkedIn: Dr. Harita Raja Website: www.bwmhc.com Others recommend by Dr. Raja-@drmaryclaire, @menopause_doctor, @heatherhirschmd

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! On today's episode, we unpack a whirlwind election week across Georgia and the nation — one that delivered sweeping Democratic victories and set the stage for next year's midterms. Craig, Lyndsey, and Daelen first break down the stunning Democratic victories in Georgia's Public Service Commission races — the first non-federal statewide wins for the party in over two decades — and what they could mean heading into the 2026 midterms. From there, the team goes national, unpacking major results across the country: Zohran Mamdani's historic win as New York City's first Muslim and South Asian mayor, Abigail Spanberger's election as Virginia's first female governor, and Mikie Sherrill's decisive win in New Jersey. Then it's back home for local election highlights: Roswell and Sandy Springs heading to runoffs, Johns Creek's John Bradberry securing another term, and Marietta's razor-thin finish where Steve "Thunder" Tumlin edged out 24-year-old challenger Sam Foster by just 87 votes. Plus, as always, a round of "Underhyped/Overhyped," and a "Play Along at Home" segment. Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1 Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network. #gapol

In this episode, we learn about the South Asian revolutionary Bina Das who took her college graduation to do her part in India's independence. Dutch artist Villem Aron Deus who used his skills to forge papers for Dutch Jews and sacrificed his life for the Dutch resistance. Finally, learn about the Black Rosies, who held up the US economy in WW2.Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bina_Dashttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalyani_Dashttps://allthatsinteresting.com/willem-arondeushttps://www.history.com/articles/black-rosie-the-riveters-wwii-homefront-great-migration

It's been a buzzy week at the Vogue offices. On Tuesday night, Zohran Mamdani made history as the first Muslim, the first person of South Asian descent, and the youngest in a century to hold the Mayoral position. Vogue's Fashion News Editor, José Criales-Unzueta, joins Chloe and Nicole to discuss the newly announced mayor's style — along with that of his effortlessly chic Gen Z illustrator wife, Rama Duwaji, who stunned last night in a black lace Ulla Johnson skirt and Zeid Hijazi top. Together, they explore how fashion choices can reflect our beliefs, values, and sense of identity.Then, writer Mattie Kahn comes to the Vogue offices to talk to Chloe about Vogue's December cover story that she wrote about Timothee Chalamet. She talks about the challenges of pinning down time to speak with the busy actor who was filming the newest Dune film in Budapest and also working on  performance art promotional videos for his upcoming film, Marty Supreme, set to go to the big screen on Christmas Day.. Plus, Kim Kardashian gets candid with Chloe about taking on her first major acting role (apart from American Horror Story) as Allura Grant in the new Hulu series All's Fair. The show features an all-star cast of women — including Naomi Watts, Teyana Taylor, Glenn Close, and Niecy Nash — the latter of whom Kim says mentored her in acting. Ryan Murphy, who created the series, said he was inspired by the line “Not only am I a lawyer in real life, I play one on TV,” which he felt perfectly suited Kim. He also drew inspiration from the well-known Hollywood lawyer Laura Wasser — whose father, notably, represented Kim's parents during their separation decades before representing Kim in her own divorce. Kim also shares behind-the-scenes details of her fabulous on-screen wardrobe, from a 1992 Jean Paul Gaultier suit with a surprising back reveal to the iconic Donna Karan power suits she sourced with her stylist, Soki Mak, for the role. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In this episode of What's New With ME, host Ali Mehdaoui dives into a whirlwind of global headlines — from America's surprise Blue Wave to beauty queens walking off stage and football stars walking off the pitch.

Zohran Mamdani has been elected mayor of New York City, becoming the city's first Muslim, South Asian, and Democratic socialist leader, and its youngest in more than a century. In this SBS Hindi podcast, we hear from Indian Australian community leaders on how they view Mamdani's rise and its global significance.

The surprising rise of Zohran Mamdani to become mayor-elect of New York City has captured global attention. Mamdani, a Muslim, was born in Uganda to parents of South Asian descent, and people from across both continents have been reacting to his win. Also, three Chinese astronauts are stuck on the Tiangong space station after it was damaged by space debris. And, new rules aim to keep skiers safe after a number of rising stars suffered fatal crashes on the slopes. Plus, light saber fencing allows people to feel like Jedi.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

It's Wednesday, November 5th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Vulnerable Asian and African girls kidnapped, abused, converted to Islam Christian women and girls are easy targets for persecution in South Asian and African nations. Last Tuesday, a panel at the World Evangelical Alliance's 14th General Assembly shared details. For example, girls in Nigeria, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are often kidnapped, abused, and forced to convert to Islam. Even if they escape, they often face rejection after returning to their families, communities, or churches.  The panel called for better care for the women and girls subjected to such persecution. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” Finnish stateswoman on trial again for affirming Biblical sexuality Speaking of persecuted women, a Christian woman in Finland is on trial for posting online about her biblical views on marriage and sexuality.  Last Thursday, the country's Supreme Court heard the case of Päivi Räsänen, a 65-year-old Finnish Member of Parliament. The state prosecution of her religious expression continues despite lower courts clearing her of wrongdoing. Listen to her recent comments to CitizenGo.  RÄSÄNEN: “This has been my calling. This has been some kind of privilege, to defend these very crucial values, to defend the freedom of speech and freedom of faith, because that is what we need just now. And also to bring the teachings of the Bible in public.” Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola is also on trial in the case. He said, “I think it is important that Christians continue to be able to defend Christian marriage and the Christian view of humanity without fear.” In 2 Thessalonians 1:8, the Apostle Paul wrote “Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the Gospel according to the power of God.” 40 Days for Life has saved 25,000 babies from abortion 40 Days for Life completed its latest campaign on Sunday. Pro-lifers mobilized for vigils in 671 cities worldwide for the last 40 days.  Shawn Carney, president of the pro-life group, said, “Thanks to your prayers and God's generosity, we continue to receive reports of babies who were scheduled to be aborted--but are instead alive and well!” In some cities, vigils are continuing year-round through the 40 Days for Life 365 initiative. Since 2007, 40 Days for Life has saved over 25,000 babies from abortion.  Former Vice President Dick Cheney died In the United States, former Vice President Dick Cheney died on Monday at the age of 84. His family said in a statement that he died from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.  The statement noted, “Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing.” Sadly, Cheney supported homosexual faux marriage because his daughter, Mary Cheney, married her lesbian lover, Heather Poe. Cheney was known as one of the most influential vice presidents in U.S. history. He served as vice president under both terms of President George W. Bush. He was a key yet controversial leader in the “War on Terror” following the 9/11 terrorists attacks. Cheney was a member of the United Methodist Church. He was also the first Methodist vice president to serve under a Methodist president. U.S. Episcopal Church shrinking for anti-Biblical stances The U.S. Episcopal Church released its 2024 Parochial Report last month. And it's not good news. Not surprisingly, the mainline Protestant denomination reported fewer baptisms and a drop in the total number of parishes -- no doubt the result of the Episcopal Church's rejection of Biblical authority and an embrace of sodomy and baby killing through abortion. Worship attendance did increase last year, but is still down compared to a decade ago. At its rate of decline, the denomination could have no Sunday attendance in 30 years. Deuteronomy 4:2 warns, “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.” Slight decrease in U.S. obesity rate And finally, Gallup reports obesity rates are declining in the U.S. The adult obesity rate stands at 37% this year. That's down from a high of 39.9% in 2022 but up from 25.5% in 2008. While obesity rates have declined recently, diagnoses of diabetes have reached an all-time high of 13.8%. That's up slightly from 10.6% in 2008. The use of weight loss injectable drugs has risen sharply over the past year. The popularity of these weight loss drugs is connected with lower obesity rates but has not lessened the rate of diabetes diagnoses.  Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, November 5th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Recorded in the middle of the night, Marvyn breaks down how New York elected its first Muslim, South Asian, democratic socialist mayor under Donald Trump, why California quietly rewired Congress with one ballot measure, and how Virginia and New Jersey just told the rest of America where voters actually stand. This is not a vibes recap. It's a live autopsy on power, maps, money and hope. Full show noteTonight's Dope Black Desk is not from Westminster or City Hall. Emotionally, it's in New York, California, Virginia and New Jersey at the same time. Marvyn walks through the election results that look “local” on paper but actually redraw the global map of power in a Trump era. In this episode, he breaks down: • New York City electing Zoran Mamdani — 34-year-old democratic socialist, first Muslim and South Asian mayor, ex–housing counsellor, in the financial capital of the world• How Mamdani beat a disgraced former governor and a Republican talk-radio veteran, with Trump backing Cuomo instead of his own party's candidate• Mamdani's four “impossible” promises: free citywide buses, universal childcare, rent freezes, and city-run grocery stores in food deserts• Why bodegas, Yemeni owners, unions, taxi drivers, immigrants and young voters formed a single coalition and toppled an old political dynasty• Trump's threats to punish New York and brand Mamdani a “communist”, and why that bluff could push him into full-blown war-crime territory if he actually follows through• The donor class, pro-Israel money, Gaza, genocide language and why this mayoral race became a referendum on who really owns American politics• How the middle class has been swapped out for racial hierarchy and why that model is breaking down in real timeThen Marvyn zooms out: • California's Prop 50: a mid-decade redistricting move designed to cancel out Texas's GOP map and hand Democrats up to five extra House seats• Why this is an “arms race on maps not manifestos” and how one technical vote can decide who controls Congress in 2026• Gerrymandering, the Supreme Court, state courts, and why Democrats finally stopped pretending they were “above” playing the same power gameHe finishes with the governor races: • Virginia: Abigail Spanberger, ex-CIA, becomes the state's first woman governor by running on anti-chaos, cost of living and competence• New Jersey: Mikie Sherrill, Navy helicopter pilot and former prosecutor, wins on affordability, child tax credits and abortion protection• Why voters in ex-red states are choosing stability over Trump-style chaos, even when Republicans put forward barrier-breaking candidates• How all of this connects back to London, food deserts, mini-mart markups, and a UK political class turning every square metre of life into a productUnderneath the US headlines, this is an episode about: • Who draws the map• Who pays the price• And whether any of this can still translate into a city or a country you can afford to raise a family in Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zohran Mamdani's candidacy to be the next mayor of New York City has had an unexpected side effect.It's been a crash course in South Asian Studies 101 for mainstream America.

On today's podcast:1) Democrats swept the three major local elections in the US on Tuesday by wider-than-expected margins, giving the beleaguered party a much-needed boost 10 months into President Donald Trump’s second term. In New York, voters elected 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, as mayor after he deployed a social media-savvy campaign and joined up with two progressive icons, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Mamdani — who will be New York’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor when he takes office Jan. 1 — campaigned on making the global business hub more affordable by using higher taxes on the wealthy to pay for free buses and city-run grocery stores, overcoming many voters’ concerns about his pro-Palestinian views.2) Abigail Spanberger, a 46-year-old former CIA officer who left the House of Representatives after three terms in January, will be the first female governor in Virginia, a state that’s front-and-center in the battle over the government shutdown and efforts to trim the federal workforce. Likewise in New Jersey, Representative Mikie Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot, won a race in which pocketbook concerns about utility bills, health care and schools were more central than culture war issues or government giveaways. About 6 in 10 voters in Virginia and New Jersey described themselves as “angry” or “dissatisfied” with the current state of the country, according to an exit poll conducted by the Associated Press, compared to just one-third who said they were “enthusiastic” or “satisfied.” Meanwhile, California voters passed a ballot measure that could flip as many as five congressional seats to Democrats from Republicans, handing Governor Gavin Newsom a major political victory in his fight against President Trump.3) The fate of the majority of President Trump’s tariffs is in the hands of the US Supreme Court after lower courts ruled that they were issued illegally under an emergency law. The tariffs have remained in place to allow the Trump administration to appeal to the highest court, which is scheduled to hear arguments today. The Supreme Court case doesn’t touch upon the duties imposed on certain product categories using different legal foundations. For example, the Trump administration has put in place levies on steel, aluminum, automobiles, copper products and lumber by harnessing Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act. Those tariffs depend on Commerce Department investigations that concluded that imports of such products pose a national security risk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

34-year-old Zohran Mamdani has made history as the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York. Correspondent Jagruti Dave spoke to Corin Dann from Washington.

The pressure is on Zohran Mamdani following his landslide victory in New York City's mayoral election. The 34-year-old democratic socialist has become the city's youngest mayor and first South Asian and Muslim mayor. US pollster Henry Olsen says Mamdani may not be the answer to issues facing the Democratic Party. He told Mike Hosking everything depends on how Mamdani acts when he takes office. He says if Mamdani pushes an ideological agenda, that could be a problem for the Democrats as a whole. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A queer South Asian woman's story takes center stage at the start of season 7 of the True Fiction Project! I'm Reenita Hora, your host, diving into the groundbreaking world of queer storytelling with writer, comedian, and filmmaker Aneri Shah. We'll explore her journey from pre-med student to documentary filmmaking, her Eyebrow Queens podcast, and her television comedy pilot she's written called, Not Quite, which is about queer reinvention. Aneri discusses creating LGBTQ+ content that challenges cultural norms and the absence of South Asian women filmmakers creating authentic bisexual coming-out stories. This episode features a concept teaser called Not Quite, demonstrating emotional authenticity in creating authentic LGBTQ+ content about cultural identity and women's friendship dynamics.What You'll Learn in This Episode: How queer South Asian representation is breaking new ground in television through comedy writing and independent film production that centers around South Asian women filmmakersThe creative journey from documentary filmmaking about ER physicians during the pandemic to developing LGBTQ+ television pilots that explore bisexual coming-out stories and cultural identity explorationThe power of podcast creation as a tool for discovering your voice and building community around queer South Asian representation and non-conformist life pathsHow creative reinvention happens gradually through embracing uncertainty, shedding labels, and creating LGBTQ+ content that explores women's friendship dynamics and self-actualizationSubscribe to Reenita's Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymalCheck out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 Aneri Shah, a South Asian woman filmmaker creating LGBTQ+ content about flawed, funny women and her creative reinvention journey from pre-med student to documentary filmmaking 03:52 Creating I'm Doing My Job documentary about ER physicians during the COVID-19 lockdown09:07 Discussion of Not Quite, LGBTQ+ comedy pilot exploring bisexual coming out stories, cultural identity exploration, and shedding labels in your thirties18:30 The importance of emotional authenticity in queer storytelling and representing South Asian American experience beyond parental relationships22:45 Listen to Aneri Shah's concept teaser called Not Quite.KEY TAKEAWAYS: Queer South Asian representation in media is virtually nonexistent for women—while there are examples with men like A Nice Indian Boy, there are no fully realized queer South Asian women characters on screen, making LGBTQ+ television shows. Emotional authenticity is the true superpower in queer storytelling—it's not just about putting a South Asian woman on screen, but making audiences feel her emotions deeplyCreative reinvention and coming out isn't just about sexuality—it's about questioning all the labels and assumptions you've made about yourself, from career paths to life goals, and recognizing that South Asian Women filmmakers can tell stories beyond the lens of parental approvalWomen's friendship dynamics shift dramatically when one friend stops performing and the other continues—exploring how South Asian American experience friendships evolve when someone begins self-actualizing is a universal theme that resonates across all women's relationshipsABOUT THE GUESTS: Aneri Shah is a writer, comedian, and filmmaker obsessed with telling stories about flawed, funny women - because perfect is boring. She hosts Eyebrow Kweenz, a salon-style podcast where guests blurt out their truths, is developing Not Quite, a comedy pilot about her queer reinvention, and directed I'm Doing My Job, a feature documentary about women of color ER physicians during the pandemic. She's adept at transforming her trauma into comedy with heart.Aneri Shah - Instagramtiktok.com/@kweenaneriInstagram.com/eyebrowkweenzEyebrow Kweenz - TikTokEyebrow Kweenz | Podcast on SpotifySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ben Cardew spoke to Turbotito and Ragz from Naya Beat Records about Mohinder Kaur Bhamra's Punjabi Disco, cult classics, South Asian dance and electronic music and digging in India. Line Noise is supported by Cupra.

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate in New York City's mayoral race, is shaking up US politics. The 34-year-old could make history on Tuesday by becoming the city's first Muslim and South Asian mayor. His Socialist policies have electrified younger voters, while frightening conservatives and the old guard of the Democratic Party. Can a socialist stand up to US President Donald Trump and win? Our correspondents Jessica Le Masurier and Yves Schaeffner followed Mamdani on the campaign trail. 

Over the centuries, millions of migrant labourers sailed from the Indian subcontinent, across the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean, to shape what is now the world's largest diaspora. Coolie Migrants, Indian Diplomacy: Caste, Class and Indenture Abroad, 1914-67 (Hearst, 2025 and Oxford UP, 2026) recovers the histories and legacies of those ‘coolie' migrants, and presents a new paradigm for the diplomatic history of independent India, going beyond high politics to explore how indenture, emigration and international relations became entangled. Before and after independence, Indian notions of the international realm as a sanctified space were shaped by migrant journeys; this was a space of anxiety in which to negotiate the ‘coolie stain' on the country's reputation. Discourse was defined by intersections of caste, class, race and gender—and framed the migrant worker as the quintessential ‘other' of Indian diplomacy. Drawing on rich, multi-archival analysis spanning the vast geographies of labour migration, Kalathmika Natarajan pieces together the stories of quarantine camps en route to Ceylon; cultural and educational missions in the Caribbean; discretionary passport policies in India; and the mediation of immigrant life in Britain. The result is a nuanced history from the interwar period to the decades after independence, and a critical analysis centring both caste and the negotiation of ‘undesirable' mobility as foundational to Indian diplomacy. About the Author:  Kalathmika Natarajan is Lecturer in Modern South Asian History at the University of Exeter. Her interdisciplinary research combines critical approaches to diplomatic history and South Asian migration. She has worked at the University of Edinburgh, and received her doctoral degree from the University of Copenhagen. About the Host:  Stuti Roy works at Oxford University Press and is a recent graduate with an MPhil in Modern South Asian Studies from the University of Oxford, and a BA in Political Science from the University of Toronto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Over the centuries, millions of migrant labourers sailed from the Indian subcontinent, across the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean, to shape what is now the world's largest diaspora. Coolie Migrants, Indian Diplomacy: Caste, Class and Indenture Abroad, 1914-67 (Hearst, 2025 and Oxford UP, 2026) recovers the histories and legacies of those ‘coolie' migrants, and presents a new paradigm for the diplomatic history of independent India, going beyond high politics to explore how indenture, emigration and international relations became entangled. Before and after independence, Indian notions of the international realm as a sanctified space were shaped by migrant journeys; this was a space of anxiety in which to negotiate the ‘coolie stain' on the country's reputation. Discourse was defined by intersections of caste, class, race and gender—and framed the migrant worker as the quintessential ‘other' of Indian diplomacy. Drawing on rich, multi-archival analysis spanning the vast geographies of labour migration, Kalathmika Natarajan pieces together the stories of quarantine camps en route to Ceylon; cultural and educational missions in the Caribbean; discretionary passport policies in India; and the mediation of immigrant life in Britain. The result is a nuanced history from the interwar period to the decades after independence, and a critical analysis centring both caste and the negotiation of ‘undesirable' mobility as foundational to Indian diplomacy. About the Author:  Kalathmika Natarajan is Lecturer in Modern South Asian History at the University of Exeter. Her interdisciplinary research combines critical approaches to diplomatic history and South Asian migration. She has worked at the University of Edinburgh, and received her doctoral degree from the University of Copenhagen. About the Host:  Stuti Roy works at Oxford University Press and is a recent graduate with an MPhil in Modern South Asian Studies from the University of Oxford, and a BA in Political Science from the University of Toronto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

With a comfortable lead in the polls, 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani is on the brink of making history when New Yorkers vote on Tuesday, as the youngest mayor in over a century and the first Muslim and South Asian leader of the city. He sparked outrage during the primary process when he refused to condemn the term "globalize the intifada". A letter signed by more than 1,100 rabbis cited Mamdani as it condemned the "political normalization" of anti-Zionism. Jewish voters are largely split between Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo in polling. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Ethan Kushner, Chair of American Democrats in Israel. (Photo: AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a comfortable lead in the polls, 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani is on the brink of making history when New Yorkers vote on Tuesday, as the youngest mayor in over a century and the first Muslim and South Asian leader of the city. He sparked outrage during the primary process when he refused to condemn the term "globalize the intifada". For a Republican perspective on the NYC mayoral race KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Marc Zell, Chair of Republicans Overseas, Israel. (Photo: AP) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fahad Solaiman, a Prominent local Bangladeshi Business Leader, calls into Sid's show to discuss his journey from supporting to opposing mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. Fahad initially supported Mamdani due to their shared South Asian and Muslim background. However, he grew disillusioned due to the Socialist's policies on taxes, minimum wage, affordable housing, decriminalization of prostitution, and gender identity issues, which he believes are detrimental to the community. Solaiman emphasizes that his change of heart is based on policy disagreements rather than ethnicity or religion, and highlights the need for unity among New Yorkers beyond racial and religious lines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices