Podcasts about south asian

The war in Iran has sent shockwaves through global energy markets - and no region feels it more acutely than the Indo-Pacific. In this episode, co-hosts Ray Powell and Nydia Ngiow sit down with Paul Everingham, CEO of the Asia Natural Gas & Energy Association (ANGEA), who joins after spending two days at the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial in Tokyo.​With the Persian Gulf's Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, roughly 20% of the world's oil supply and a significant share of global liquid natural gas (LNG) exports are blocked. Paul explains that 70% of Asia's oil originates in the Middle East, meaning every country in the region is exposed. On the natural gas side, South Asian nations - India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh - face the sharpest pain, as they depend heavily on Qatari LNG, while North Asian buyers like Japan and Korea are somewhat shielded by receiving Australian and US supply.The conversation covers Qatar's shutdown of its LNG processing facilities and why a full restart could take six months if hydrocarbons are stripped from the plants. Paul unpacks the potential role of Russian oil and gas if sanctions are eased, the limits of pipeline alternatives from Saudi Arabia, and why coal use - already at record highs - is likely to climb further in 2026 as countries seek cheaper and more abundant alternatives.​On nuclear energy, Paul is clear: it should be part of every country's portfolio, but with a 10–20 year development timeline, it is a medium-term solution, not an immediate fix. His core advice to Indo-Pacific policymakers: diversify energy sources and lock in long-term contracts to hedge against price shocks.​The episode closes with a sobering warning: if the disruption drags on, the world faces potential rationing, surging inflation and a severe global recession.

#140: On today's episode, Hannah sits down with Shruti Viradia, founder of sensual care brand Vira, to talk about the conversations around female pleasure that women often have privately but rarely say out loud… from faking orgasms and sexual shame to reclaiming self-pleasure and building a sexual wellness brand.The girls get into:• why so many women fake orgasms and why it's far more common than people admit• growing up in a traditional South Asian household where sex, dating, and mental health weren't openly discussed• how cultural expectations and stigma shape women's relationship with sex and pleasure• the identity struggles that can come from not being able to explore your authentic self• why many women feel pressure to “perform” during sex rather than actually experience it• how pornography and media influence the way women think sex is supposed to look and sound• the shame many women carry around masturbation and self-exploration• why exploring your own body is often the first step toward better sex and deeper self-awareness• the difference between sexuality and sensuality, and why sensuality includes mental health, self-care, and body awareness• how women can begin reclaiming autonomy and confidence in their sexual experiences• why courage and honest communication are key to having better sex• how Shruti started creating clean oils, creams, and lubricants that eventually became her sexual wellness brand• redefining sexual wellness as something that supports the mind, body, and spirit—not just sex• everything you need to know about Vira products, what they're for, how to use them, and what the ingredients areThis episode is for:• women who have ever felt shame, confusion, or pressure around sex• anyone who has faked an orgasm or felt disconnected from their body during intimacy• women who want to better understand their own pleasure and feel more confident communicating it• listeners curious about the difference between sensuality and sexuality• anyone interested in bringing products into their sexual experienceCONNECT BELOW:FOLLOW VIRA HERESHOP VIRA HERE USE CODE HOWISEEIT10 for a discountCONNECT WITH HAN:FOLLOW HAN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FOLLOW HOW I SEE IT podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SHOP POD MERCH ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WORK WITH HAN: howhanseesit@gmail.comWORK WITH THE AGENCY: hannah@unapologeticstrategies.com

Ravi Patel is a powerhouse multi-hyphenate; Emmy-nominated writer, director, and actor — lighting up screens in film and television as one of the entertainment industry's most dynamic and in-demand talents. Ravi currently stars as Amit Patel in Animal Control, FOX's #1 comedy, returning in a lead role alongside Joel McHale which has been renewed for a 5th season.  On the unscripted front, Ravi brings his signature charm and comedic energy to LEGO Masters Jr., FOX's new child-friendly competition series hosted by Kelly Osbourne which is out. The four-week special event features Ravi alongside fellow celebrity partners Andy Richter, Jordin Sparks, Porsha Williams, and Alison Sweeney, teaming up with young contestants in a high-spirited, creativity- fuelled challenge. Ravi also continued his FOX unscripted takeover participating in one of television's most extreme challenges in Special Forces: World's Toughest Test (season 4), an intense, unscripted series that pushes celebrity participants to their absolute limits — physically and mentally. On the film front, Ravi recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of his groundbreaking documentary-style romantic comedy Meet the Patels, which he co-directed and starred in alongside his sister, acclaimed director/producer Geeta Vasant Patel. Blending real-life footage with animated sequences, the award-winning film struck a chord with both South Asian and broader audiences for its authentic, humorous take on bicultural identity and modern dating. One of the most streamed documentaries of the past decade, Meet the Patels also led to a narrative remake opportunity with Fox Searchlight Pictures. Ravi also created and hosted the critically acclaimed HBO Max docuseries Ravi Patel's Pursuit of Happiness. He co-created, wrote, and starred in the Netflix India comedy Bhaag Beanie Bhaag, and served as a writer on CBS' Ghosts. As an actor, Ravi has been featured in hit television series including Master of None, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Scrubs, Grey's Anatomy, Children's Hospital, Three Women, Justified, and Transformers. His film work includes Come As You Are; Long Shot (with Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron); Wonder Woman 1984; The Valet; Harold and the Purple Crayon; and Disney+'s Dashing Through the Snow. He has also appeared as a guest on Real Time with Bill Maher, Name That Tune, and Netflix's Is It Cake? Outside of entertainment, Ravi is the co-founder of This Saves Lives, a mission-driven snack company launched alongside Kristen Bell, Todd Grinnell, and Ryan Devlin. As its former CEO and board chairman, he helped scale the company before its acquisition by Good/Upworthy. Each snack sold provides a life-saving meal packet to a child in need. He continues to advise and invest in companies focused on wellness and nutrition. Ravi will also appear in Best Pancake in the Country with Nicolas Cage and will join Ben Stiller in Apple TV limited series The Off Weeks We chat about fulfilment, ADHD, writing his yearly eulogy, grief and losing his daughter, health and wellness, his poker magazine, his thoughts about acting, ambition, Meet The Patels, one's unique medicine, wellness focussed communities + plenty more! Check Ravi out on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showmetheravi/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Showme_theravi Facebook (Meet the Patels): https://www.facebook.com/MeetThePatelsFilm Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showmetheravi ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/

Happy Women's History Month! Penni interviews Emmy Award-winning journalist, CNN anchor, and senior global affairs analyst, Bianna Golodryga, for her new book, Don't Feed the Lion, a middle grade novel that courageously confronts antisemitism and hate through the lens of middle schoolers, opening the door for honest dialogue between children and the adults who care for them. Penni then sits down with Anita Verma-Lallian, a trailblazing first-time producer, entrepreneur, and investor, who speaks about Camelback Productions, Arizona's first South Asian, female-owned film company and how she is rewriting the playbook for grassroots film financing.Penni and Tammy shout out outstanding women, such as Sigourney Weaver, Shonda Rhimes, and the women nominated for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards.Plus, Katie invites us to the 46th Annual Muse Awards, honoring Actor, Founder, CEO, and Investor Gwyneth Paltrow, Actress and Singer Audra McDonald, Sex and the City Producer Jane Raab, Journalist Joy Reid, Real Women Have Curves Director Patricia Cardoso, WNBA Athlete and Lupus Advocate Izzy Harrison, and Actress and Down Syndrome Advocate Jamie Brewer. To be featured on the podcast email us at communications@nywift.org. For more great content go to NYWIFT.org.Special thanks to⁠ Elspeth Collard⁠, the creator of our podcast theme song.NEWS LINKS Nominees for the 98th Academy Awards Variety: Audra McDonald, Jane Raab and Joy Reid to be Honored at NYWIFT's Muse AwardsVariety: Gwenyth Paltrow to be Honored at NYWIFT Muse AwardsBuy your ticket to the NYWIFT Muse Awards GUEST LINKS Camelback Productions (Anita Verma-Lallian's Production Company)Link to buy Don't Feed the Lion by Bianna GolodrygaSOCIALS Bianna Golodryga: IG: @biannagolodrygaAnita Verma-Lallian: IG: @anitavermalallianCamelback Productions: IG: @camelbackproductionsNYWIFT: Instagram:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / Twitter/X⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / #NYWIFT

This week on Come Curious, Florence is joined by fertility writer, speaker and advocate Seetal Savla for a deeply honest conversation about the side of fertility journeys we rarely hear about. At 34 weeks pregnant herself, Florence sits down with Seetal to talk through the reality of trying to conceive — from early loss and years of IVF, to the emotional rollercoaster of hope, grief, and the pressure to keep going when your body and heart are exhausted. Seetal shares her experience of five rounds of IVF, navigating clinics that sometimes made her feel more like a “walking credit card” than a patient, and the stigma surrounding fertility struggles, particularly within South Asian communities where conversations about loss and infertility are often hidden behind silence. The conversation also moves into pregnancy, birth and postpartum life, including the difficult physical and emotional realities after a C-section, how reproductive trauma can resurface after birth, and why planning support in the early weeks of motherhood can make all the difference. In a surprising twist after years of IVF, Seetal also shares how she conceived naturally after deciding to step away from treatment. A reminder that fertility journeys rarely follow a predictable path. This episode is compassionate, vulnerable and full of wisdom for anyone navigating fertility, pregnancy, loss, or supporting someone who is. Follow Seetal's work and advocacy: Instagram: @seetalsavla Watch the full video, see exclusive content and support the podcast over on ⁠Patreon ⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@comecurious⁠ and DM us your questions, stories and voicenotes! Follow Florence ⁠@florencebark⁠ Follow Reed ⁠@reedamberx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karl Turner MP joins Jeremy to discuss the new files that expose Starmer's appointment of Peter Mandelson in full knowledge of his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Poppy Coburn reviews the morning papers, whilst Susan Hall exposes London Mayor Sadiq Khan over allegations he has covered up South Asian grooming gangs in London for years.Wake up with Talk Breakfast in full on YouTube, DAB+ radio, Freeview 280, Fire TV, Samsung TV Plus or the Talk App on your TV from 6am every morning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A weekly magazine-style radio show featuring the voices and stories of Asians and Pacific Islanders from all corners of our community. The show is produced by a collective of media makers, deejays, and activists. Tonight our show is called Feed Your Heart. Host Miko Lee speaks with the collaborators and creators of the Asian American Pacific Islander Restorative Justice Network: Elli Nagai-Rothe & Tatiana Chaterji.   Restorative Justice is a movement and a set of practices that stands as an alternative to our current punitive justice system. It focuses on people and repairing harm by engaging all the impacted people working together to repair the harm. RJ is built off of ancient indigenous practices from cultures around the globe, including Native American, African, First Nation Canadian, and so many others. To find out more about Restorative Justice and the work of our guests check out Info about the AAPI RJ Network on the Ripple website: www.ripplecollective.org/aapirjnetwork NACRJ conference in New Orleans: www.nacrj.org/2026-conference Show Transcript [00:00:00] Opening Music: 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.   [00:00:44] Miko Lee: Good evening. I'm your host Miko Lee, and tonight our show is called Feed Your Heart. And we are speaking about the collaborators and creators of the Asian American Pacific Islander Restorative Justice Network with the collaborators, Elli Nagai-Rothe and Tatiana Chaterji.   [00:01:03] Restorative justice is a movement and a set of practices that stands as an alternative to our current punitive justice system. It focuses on people and repairing harm by engaging all the impacted folks working together to repair that harm. RJ is built off of ancient indigenous practices from cultures around the globe, including Native American, African, first Nation Canadian, and many others. So join us as we feed your heart.    [00:02:01] Welcome to Apex Express. My lovely colleagues, Elli Nagai-Rothe, and Tatiana Chaterji. I'm so happy to speak with you both today. I wanna start off with a question I ask all of my guests, and Ellie, I'm gonna start with you and then we'll go with to you, Tati. And the question is who are your people and what legacy do you carry with you?   [00:02:24] Elli Nagai-Rothe: Hmm. I love that question. Thank you. My people come from Japan and Korea and China and Germany. My people are community builders and entrepreneurs survivors, people who have caused harm, people who have experienced harm people who've worked towards repair dreamers, artists and people who like really good food.   [00:02:51] And I carry their legacy of resilience and of gaman, which is a Japanese word that's a little hard to translate, but basically means something like moving through moving through the unbearable with dignity and grace. , And I carry a legacy to continue healing the trauma from my ancestral line the trauma and justice. And that's informs a lot of the work that I do around conflict transformation and restorative justice.   [00:03:19] Miko Lee: Thank you so much. And Tati, what about you? Who are your people and what legacy do you carry with you?    [00:03:25] Tatiana Chaterji: Thank you for the question, Miko. The first thing that comes to mind, my people are the people we're, we're, we're coming up on the cusp of a possible teacher strike, and I'm thinking about workers and the labor, movement and comrades in my life from doing work as a classified school worker for about a decade.   [00:03:46] Then my people are also from, my homelands. The two that I feel very close to me are in Finland, from my mom's side, and then in Bengal, both India, west Bengal, and Bangladesh. And my people are also those who are facing facing the worst moments of their life, either from causing harm or experiencing harm as a survivor of violence.   [00:04:08] I think about this a lot and I think about also the smaller conflicts and tensions and issues that bubble up all the time. So my people are those that are not afraid to make it better, you know, to make it right. And I carry, oh gosh, what legacy do I. I wanna say first kind of the legacy of the Oakland RJ movement that really nurtured me and the youth that I've encountered in schools and in detention on the streets in the community.   [00:04:39] Youth who are young adults and becoming bigger, older adults and, and, and also elders. To me. So sort of that's whose legacy I carry in shaping the. Society that we all deserve.    [00:04:52] Miko Lee: Thank you both for answering with such a rich, well thought out response that's very expansive and worldly. I appreciate that. Ellie, I think it was two years ago that you reached out to me and said, I'm thinking about doing this thing with Asian American Pacific Islanders around restorative justice and you're working on a project with Asian Law Caucus. Can you like roll us back in time about how that got inspired, how you started and where we're at right now?   [00:05:22] Elli Nagai-Rothe: Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, I'd forgotten that we, I had reached out to you at the early stages of this miko. The idea for this emerged in the context of conversations I was having with Asian Law Caucus around, anti-Asian violence and restorative justice. There was an enthusiasm for restorative justice as a pathway toward healing for AAPI communities. One of the things that kept coming up in those conversations was this assumption that there are no, or very few Asian restorative justice practitioners. And I kept thinking this, that's not true. There are a lot, plenty of Asian practitioners. And I think that for me reflects the larger context that we're living in the US where Asians are both at the same time, like hyper visible, , right. In terms of some of the violence that was happening. If you roll back several years ago I mean it's still happening now, but certainly was, was at the height several years ago. So like hyper visible around that, but also in terms of like my model minority status, but also at the same time like invisibilized. So that strange paradox. And so my part of that was thinking about, well, what, what opportunities exist here, right? How can we actually bring together the restorative justice, Asian restorative justice practitioners in the Bay Area to be like regionally focused to come together to talk about how do we bring our identities into more fully into our work, , to build community with each other, and then also to build this pathway for new, for emergent practitioners to join us in this work. That's a little bit of the background of how it came to be, and I'd love Tati to speak more to some of that context too.   [00:07:00] Tatiana Chaterji: Yeah, thanks Ellie. Definitely thinking about work that I was doing in Chinatown and San Francisco. I was working with Chinese Progressive Association just before actually Asian Law Caucus reached out to us with this idea. I wanna shout out Lewa and Cheyenne Chen Le Wu, who are really envisioning an alternative process for their the members of this organization who are immigrant monolingual Cantonese speakers and, and working class immigrants. What are the options available to them to respond to harm and violence in any, any number of ways? And one of the things that we really saw.   [00:07:37] Miko Lee: Non carceral, right? Non carceral options to violence and harm, right?    [00:07:42] Tatiana Chaterji: Yes, exactly. That's exactly what we were thinking of is, and in the period of time where people are talking about anti-Asian hate, they're talking about hate crimes and violence against Asian Americans, there's a simultaneous rhetoric and a belief that Asian people love police or want police interventions or actually believe al punishment. And no doubt that can be true for, for some of our community, but it is not the overwhelmingly dominant truth is what I would say. What I would say, and that actually by believing that Asian folks loved the police was its own bizarre and very toxic racial stereotyping that. Very vulnerable communities who are non-English speakers and living un under wage exploitation and other conditions.   [00:08:34] And so what we were doing was looking at what are the ways that we think about justice and the right way to respond to things and our relational ecosystems. And we began with messages from our home and family dynamics and kind of went outwards and, and everything was presented in Cantonese. I'm not a Cantonese speaker. I was working closely with those two women I mentioned and many others to think about. What is. Not just the, the linguistic translation of these concepts, but what is the cultural meaning and what applies or what can be sort of furthered in that context. And there were some very inspiring stories at the time of violence across communities in the city, and particularly between the Chinese community and the African American community and leaders in those spaces working together and calling forth the abolitionist dreams that were kind of already there.   [00:09:28] That people just want this kind of harm or violence not to happen. They don't want it to happen to anyone again. And this is some thing I think about a lot as a survivor, that that is the dominant feeling is like we, you know, vengeance are not desires for some sort of punishment or not, that this should not happen again. And what can we do to prevent that and really care for the healing that needs to happen.    [00:09:53] Miko Lee: I appreciate you bringing up this solidarity between the African American and, and specifically Chinese American communities wanting a more abolitionist approach. We don't hear that very much in mainstream media. Usually it's pitted the Asian against black folks. Especially around the anti-Asian hate. We know that the majority of the hate crimes, violence against Asian folks were perpetrated by white folks. That's what the data shows, but the media showed it was mostly African American folks. So I really appreciate lifting that part up. So take us from that journey of doing that work with a Chinese progressive association, powerful work, translating that also from, you know, your English to Chinese cultural situations to this network that you all helped to develop the A API Restorative Justice Network, how did that come about?   [00:10:45] Tatiana Chaterji: Part of the origin story is, is work that had been happening across the Bay Area. I was speaking about what's happening in Chinatown. There's also this coalition of community safety and justice that really has been diving into these questions of non carceral response to harm and violence. Then on the other side of the bay in Oakland, the Asian Pacific Environmental Network has been working with Restore Oakland to sit with survivors of crime and build up skills around circle keeping and response. So that's just a little bit of this beautiful ecosystem that we are emerging out of. It almost felt like a natural extension to go here, you know, with a pen and restore Oakland. They were thinking a lot about interpretation and language justice. And so this is also just pulling these threads together for more robust future and practice.    [00:11:41] Miko Lee: Thank you so much for making those connections. We'll put a link in our show notes because we did a recent episode on the Coalition for Community Safety and Justice, and particularly the collective Knowledge based catalog, which captures all these different lessons. So I think what you're pointing out is that all these different groups are coming together, Asian American focus groups to, Pacific Islander focus groups to be able to find, alternatives to the Carceral system in an approach to justice.    [00:12:08] Elli Nagai-Rothe: Well, so it came about through lots of conversations, lots of collaborations I feel so, honored to be able to collaborate with Tati in this work. And other folks who were, , partnering alongside the Asian Law Caucus in this larger grant that was being offered to address anti-Asian hate and violence. Ultimately through many conversations, just wanting to create a space that was created for and by Asian restorative justice practitioners. And as far as we know, it's the only. Gathering or, or network if it's kind in the Bay Area, maybe in the nation. Somebody who's listening maybe can chime in if that's true, that's not true. But as far as we know, that's the only space that's like this. And part of what we've wanted to create is certainly first and foremost because this is so much of the work of restorative justice, at least for us, is about relationships. At the end of the day, it's how we relate to each other and thinking of, of different ways than is often modeled in mainstream world about how we relate to each other.   [00:13:11] We wanted to start with those relationships and so. We created space for current practitioners in the Bay Area to come together. And we had a series of both in-person and virtual conversations. And really it was a space to offer to really build this sense of community and these relationships to share our knowledge with each other, to offer really deep peer support. And specifically we were really interested in bringing and weaving more of our cultural and ancestral ways of being into our practice of restorative justice. And so what does that look like? Can we bring more of those parts of ourselves into our work, our lived experiences into our work, and how we address and hold conflict and harm. I'll speak for myself, such a nourishing space to be part of with other practitioners. Just really allowing more of like a holistic sense of ourselves into our work. And what all the things that could that have come from that. So we've been continuing to meet, so what has this been like two years now? [00:14:12] Almost? We had, in addition to the existing practitioners who were based in the Bay Area, we held a training for like an introduction to restorative justice training that built on the things we were thinking about and learning about with each other around our Asian identities. And that was for folks who were kind of in an adjacent field, social workers, therapists, educators, folks who are doing work with API community workers. And so then we train them up and then they join this net, this larger network. And we've continued to have conversations every month, in a community of practice space. For me, such a wonderful space to be able to connect, to continue, explore together how we can bring more of ourselves into our work in a more relational, integrated and holistic way.   [00:14:56] Miko Lee: Thanks so much for that overview. I wanna go into it a little bit more, but I wanna roll us back for a moment. And Tati, I'd love if you could share with our audience what is restorative justice and what does a restorative justice practitioner do.    [00:15:08] Tatiana Chaterji: The big one. Okay. I think of restorative justice as an alternative to criminal and punitive responses to harm and wrongdoing. I think that's where the definition really comes to life. Although people who are in the field will say that actually it's before the harm or wrongdoing happens, and that it's about cultural norms and practices of caring for each other in a communal way, having each other's back relying on relationships, which also includes effective communication and compassionate communication. So Restorative justice in how I've learned it in the, in the Oakland community was, a lot of the practices were carried by a European Canadian woman named Kay PRUs, who's one of my teachers and who had also, studied with first Nations people in Canada that ish and klingit people, and that there's been some controversy over how she carried those teachings and that there's native people on all sides who have sort of taken a stand.   [00:16:12] I wanna name, this controversy because it feels important to talk about cultural appropriation, cultural survival, that circle practice and how circle is done in many restorative justice spaces will feel very foreign to a person who is indigenous, who perhaps has these ancestral practices in their own lineage, their own history and family. And this is because of colonialism and, and erasure and displacement, and. Reckoning with all of this as immigrants who are on native land, you know, from all, most of us in the API RJ network. Just what, what is this? What, how do we grapple with this? You know, how do we do an appropriate recognition of practices and traditions and how do we build and think about interconnection or the inherent and intuitive knowledge that we have to do non-car work, which is at the core, I've sort of expanded off of your prompt, but an RJ practitioner is someone who holds space for for these conversations, kind of when things are the hardest, when there is heartbreak and betrayal and harm or conflict and also what, the work of setting conditions for that not to happen or for the way that we move through those difficulties to go as best as possible.    [00:17:43] Miko Lee: Thank you for expanding on that. I'm wondering if Ellie, you could add to that about like what is a circle practice, what does that look like?   [00:17:51] Elli Nagai-Rothe: A circle practice. It can look like a lot of different things, but ultimately it's being in a circle, and being able to connect with each other. Again, I talked about how relationships are at the core. That might be when we're, when we're in circling together, we are relating to each other. We're telling our stories. We're weaving our stories together that might be happening when there's no conflict and when there's no harm. In fact, ideally that's happening all the time, that we're being able to gather together, to share stories, to be known by each other and so that if and when conflict does occur, we know how to, how to connect and how to come back to each other because the relationships matter. We know. Okay. 'cause conflict will happen. We will, we are gonna hurt each other. We're humans. That's part of being human. We're gonna mess up and make mistakes. And so a prac having a practice to come back together to say, well, what, what can we do to repair this? How can we make this right, as Tati was saying? [00:18:46] And, and so then circling, be circling up and having a circle practice can also mean when there is conflict, when harm has happened, how can we have people be able to hear one another, to understand what's happening and to repair as much as possible. Um, while doing that again in the ecosystem of relationships. So sometimes that's happening with a, a couple folks and sometimes that's happening with a whole community or a whole group of people.   [00:19:10] Ayame Keane-Lee We're going to take a quick pause from the interview and listen to Tatiana recite an excerpt from the A API RJ Network Reflection document.   [00:19:18] Tatiana Chaterji: Mirrors of each other. To prepare for our closing ritual, I pull a small table with a candle and incense from the back room into the circle. This is our last in-person gathering, and we want to end with building a collective altar for the future of RJ that is rooted in the wisdom of our Asian cultural lineages.Please think of an offering to make this vision a reality. I explain that we use our imaginations to sculpt the air in front of us, shaping it into the essence of the offering. As I have done in prison with incarcerated artists who create textures and depth of story without material props, supplies, or the frills of theater production on the outside.   [00:20:01] I volunteered to go first and model how this is done. Standing and walking towards the altar. I bring my fingers to the center of my chest and pinch an imaginary ball of thread. I want to deepen my understanding of Bengali peacemaking and justice traditions. I say pulling the thread in a vertical motion, stretching up and down to create a cord of groundedness. Realizing there are actually many dimensions. I also pull the thread forwards and backwards in a lateral direction, saying this means looking to the past and dreaming the future. I hold this grided net, gather it around my body and ceremoniously place it on the altar. Others echo the desire for bringing forward parts of their Asian lineage that aren't accessible to them. People create shapes with their bodies, making offerings to the altar that symbolize taking up space, staying grounded in a world that is shaky, reciprocity with the earth, ancestors and descendants, bringing in more ancestors permission to create and play forgiveness to self and others. Timelessness with Earth as a mirror and patience.   [00:21:14] Sujatha closes her eyes and forms an image for us through stream of consciousness. She says, I see indra's net infinite with shimmering diamonds. At each point, I notice the goosebumps raise on the skin of my arms as she continues it is as if she has reached inside of me pulling from the sutra of ra, which was part of my childhood. It is a piece of scripture and a spiritual concept that deeply grounds my practice in RJ as an adult. I see her hands, which she has raised, and fingers trembling, glimmering ever so slightly. She speaks slowly carrying us with her in a visualization de drops, mirrors. I cannot be who I am meant to be unless you are who you are meant to be. RJ is the material of the web. This was a rare moment of belonging for me, as I seamlessly reflected in the speech and cultural symbols of a peer seamless. This integration as South Asian and as an RJ practitioner, seamless, being able to hang onto a reference from religious traditions that are hidden in the diaspora or distorted by mainstream social messaging.   [00:22:28] Ayame Keane-Lee We hope you enjoyed that look into the AAPI RJ Network Reflection. Let's get back to the interview.   [00:22:35] Miko Lee: Can you each share what brought you to this work personally?   [00:22:40] Tatiana Chaterji: Sure. As a young activist involved in Insight Women of Color against Violence and aware of the work of Critical Resistance, and I had a pretty clear politics of abolition, but I didn't. Really think that it impacted me as personally as it did when I was in my early twenties and I suffered a brain injury from a vehicular assault, a hit and run that may have been gang affiliated or, a case of mistaken identity. My recovery is, is, is complicated. My journey through various kinds of disabilities has shaped me. But I think the way that I was treated by the police and by the justice quote unquote justice system, which I now call the criminal legal system, it because there was no justice. I sort of don't believe that justice is served in the ways that survivors need. yeah, I really, I got very close to the heart of what an RJ process can do and what RJ really is. I got introduced to Sonya Shah and the work of Suha bga and I was able to do a surrogate victim offender dialogue and then later to facilitate these processes where people are kind of meeting at the, at the hardest point of their lives and connecting across immense suffering and layers of systemic and interpersonal internalized oppression. [00:23:59] Just so much stuff and what happens when you can cross over into a shared humanity and recognition. It's just, it's just so profound and and from that space of healing and, and, and compassion, I've been able to think about. Other ways that RJ can look and have sort of been an advan, what is it evangelical for it? You know, I think that because we don't see these options, I, I, because I knew people, I was able to connect in this way and I would just shout out David uim, who's the one who told me that even if I didn't know the person who harmed me, that this was possible. People so often give up, they're just like, well, I have to feel this way. I have to just deal with it. Swallow the injustice and the lack of recognition. Just sort of keep going. Grit your teeth. I think we don't have enough knowledge of what's possible and so we harden ourselves to that. Yeah, I'll stop there. Thanks for listening.    [00:24:59] Miko Lee: Oh, that's the gaman that Ellie was talking about, right? In Chinese we say swallow the bitter. Right. To be able to just like keep going, keep moving. And I think so much of us have been programmed to just something horrible happens. You just swallow it, you bite it down, you don't deal with it and you move on. Which is really what RJ is trying to teach us not to do, to recognize it, to to talk to it, to speak to it, to address it so that we could heal. Ellie, what about you? How did you get involved?    [00:25:30] Elli Nagai-Rothe: Yeah. And Tati, thanks so much for sharing. I always appreciate hearing. I like your story and what draws you to this work is so powerful. For me, I'll take it a little bit more meta further back. What draws me to this work is my family history. I'm multiracial. My family, my ancestry comes from many different places. And part of that my grandparents, my aunties, uncles, Japanese Americans who were, who were born, some of them, my grandpa, and his family here in Oakland, in this area. And, um, other my grand, my grandmother and her family in Southern California. During World War II, were unjustly incarcerated along with 125,000 Japanese Americans in ways that were so deeply harmful and traumatic and are so parallel to what is happening right now to so many communities who are being detained and deported. And that experience has deeply, deeply impacted certainly my community's experience, but my family's experience of trauma.   [00:26:30] And I'm yonsei, fourth generation Japanese American. And though I wasn't directly involved or impacted by that incarceration, I feel it very viscerally in my body, that feeling of loss, of disconnection of, of severance from community, from family, from place, and, . Even before I knew what restorative justice was, I was in my body striving to find justice for these things that have happened? That drew me into conflict transformation work and ultimately restorative justice work. And that's where I found really at the, at the core, so much of this, this intuitively feels right to me. I didn't wanna have a place of, I wanted to heal. That was what I wanted to feel the feeling of, can we heal and repair and can I heal and repair what's happened in this, my experience and my family's experience and community's experiences?   [00:27:23] That work ultimately led me to do restorative justice work here in the Bay Area. I started doing that work with schools and community organizations. And so I really hold the bigger possibilities of what's possible when we think differently about how we hold relationships and how we hold deep, deep pain and harm and what's possible when we can envision a different kind of, a world, a different kind of community where we can take accountability for things that have happened. And knowing that all of us at, at different places, I know that's true in my family line, have caused harm and also experienced harm, that those things can happen at the same time. And so how can we have a sense of humanity for what's possible when we actually come, come to each other with a humility of what, how can we heal? How can we heal this together? How can we make this as right as possible? So that's, that's a bit of my story.    [00:28:13] Miko Lee: Thank you both for sharing.   [00:28:15] Ayame Keane-Lee Next we're going to take a music break and listen to Miya Folick “Talking with Strangers”   MUSIC   [00:34:05] that was “Talking with Strangers” by Miya Folick   [00:34:09] Miko Lee: I'm wondering, I know this, Asian American, Pacific Islander, RJ Circle, a bunch of it has been online just because this is how we do in these times and I'm wondering if there's something unique and empowering about doing this online. I bring that up because there have been many in person gatherings. I've been a part of this circle, so I'm really happy to be a part of it. For me, the vibe of being in person where we're sharing a meal together, we're in a circle, holding onto objects, making art together is very different from being online. And I'm wondering, if there's something uniquely positive about being online?   [00:34:47] Tatiana Chaterji: I would just say that yeah, the intimacy and the warmth and the sort of the strength of the bonds that we have in this network are, are so beautiful and it's possible to have incredible, virtual experiences together. A lot of us do movement art or theater or creative. We have creative practices of our own. And when we lead each other in those exercises, we are really just a feeling of togetherness. Like that's so special. And for people who have had that online, they know what I'm talking about. That can be really, really incredible. And, you know, we've been in the Bay Area and really in Oakland, but we want to expand or we want to think about what are all the ways that we can connect with other people. Around this intersection of API identity and RJ practice. And so that's the potential, I guess is what I would say is just to really, move across time and space that way.   [00:35:47] Miko Lee: Ellie, do you have thoughts on this, the online versus in real life?    [00:35:51] Elli Nagai-Rothe: I think there's so many wonderful things about being in person because I feel like so much, at least I don't know about your worlds, but my world, so much of it is online these days on Zoom. There is something really special about coming together, like you said, to share a meal to be in each other's physical presence and to interact in that way. At the same time when we're online, there's still so much warmth and connection and intimacy that comes from these relationships that I've been building over now, like two years for some of us. The opportunities are more about being able to reach accessibility, right? Folks to be able to come online and, and potentially even broaden. I mean, who knows what that will look like right now it's regionally focused, but maybe there's a future in which that happens to be outside the Bay Area.   [00:36:31] Miko Lee: And speaking of the future and where it's going. This initially started by, funding from one of the Stop the Hate grants, which sadly has concluded in the state of California. I'm wondering what this means for this, process that it doesn't have any set funding anymore what does the future look like?    [00:36:52] Elli Nagai-Rothe: We really wanna continue this miko and being able to continue to meet and gather in community. Right now we're continuing to meet monthly in our community of practice space to support each other and to continue to explore really this intersection, right, of restorative justice in our idea, our Asian identities. There's so much more opportunity to continue to build together, to create a larger community and base of folks who are exploring and ex doing this work together. Also for the intention of what does that mean for our communities? How can we find ways to take this practice that many of us do, right?   [00:37:27] As practitioners, how can we translate that to our community so that we know, we know at its core that this work, there are things from our cultural practices that are just. So familiar, right? Certain practices around how we you know, this radical, some of the things we talked about, radical acts of hospitality and care are so intuitive to our Asian communities. How can we translate that practice in our work so that we can continue to make this these pathways available to our community? So we hope to continue, we wanna continue to gather, we wanted to continue to build, um, and make space for more people to join us in this exploration and this opportunity for yeah, more expansion of what's possible for our communities.   [00:38:11] Miko Lee: For me as somebody who's Chinese American and being a part of this network, I've learned from other Asian American cultures about some of the practices, well, I did know about things like tsuru folding a paper crane as part of the Japanese American culture, learning different things from different community members about elements that are part of their cultures and how they incorporate that, whether that's yoga or a type of, Filipino martial art or a type of Buddhist practice. And how they fit that into their RJ work has actually helped me kind of expand my mind and made me think about more ways that I could bring in my own Chinese American culture. So for me, that was one of those things that was like a blessing. I'm wondering what each of you has learned personally about yourself from being part of this network.   [00:39:02] Tatiana Chaterji: What comes to mind is the permission to integrate cultural identity and practice more explicitly and to know that there are others who are similarly doing that. It's sort of this, this acceptance of sort of what I know and how I know it that can be special. You know, in the, in the similar way that I mentioned about cultural appropriation and the violence that various communities have felt under capitalism and white supremacist structures. Everything there is, there is, I don't, something, something so magical to just step outside of that and be like, this is, it's a mess. It's a mess out there. We are constantly battling it. How do we actually not make ourselves smaller right here?    [00:39:50] Miko Lee: I totally hear that. And I'm thinking back to this gathering we had at Canticle Farms, where I think Tati, you said, when was the last time you were in a space where you were the only Asian person and how you walk through that mostly white space and what is that like for you and how do you navigate? And so many people in the room are like, what their minds were blown. For me, I'm in mostly Asian American spaces and Pacific Islander spaces, so I'm like, oh wow, that wasn't always true for me. So that's my time in my life right now. So it was really fascinating to kind of ponder that.   [00:40:24] Tatiana Chaterji: Yeah. And I think many of us, I'm so glad that you feel that because many of us, don't really know what exactly our ancestral technologies might be, or even what to name. This gave us, again, permission to look back or to reframe what we know or that we've understood from community as being from various traditions, homelands, you know, longer legacies that we're carrying and just to, to, to, to celebrate that or to even begin to, to, to bring language to that and feel a place of our own belonging. Whereas, I mean, as a South Asian diasporic member of the diaspora, I see so many the words that are coming from Sanskrit, which has its own, history of castes violence and like sort of what the expansion and the co-optation is, is, is really quite massive to the point where I feel like I'm on the outside and I don't believe that I should own it any more than anyone else. But I think if there's a way that it's practiced that is in, in, in integrity and less commodified because it is ancient, because it is medicine. You know, that I, I deserve to feel that, you know, and to tend to be welcomed into it in, in this you know, outside of the homeland to be here in Asian America or whatever it is, and to claim it is something quite special.   [00:41:50] Miko Lee: Love that. Thank you for sharing. Ellie, what about you? What have you learned from being in part of this network?    [00:41:55] Elli Nagai-Rothe: I was just gonna say like, yes, Tati to all the things you just said. So appreciate that. I, it's very similar, similar in some ways to what Tati was saying, like the, the permission giving, the space that we, oh, permission giving that we give to each other, to to claim, like, to claim and reclaim these practices. And I think that's what I heard so often from people in this network and continue to hear that this, the time, our time together and the things that we're doing. Feel like it's, it doesn't feel like a so much about like our, what is our professional practice. And I say professional with quotes. It's more of like, how do we integrate this part, this really profound journey of ancestral reclaiming, of remembering, of healing. And, and when we do that, we're working from this really. A deep place of relationship, of interdependence, of where we're like, our identity and our sense of who we are is so connected to our communities. It's connected to the natural world. And so like how can we, that's part of what I've appreciated is like really in this deep way, how can we remember and reconnect to, in some cases, like practices, pre-colonial practices and wisdom that was suppressed or taken away, certainly in my and family experience, right?   [00:43:11] It was very deliberately state sponsored violence severed those practices. And so some of this reclaiming as a part of my own healing has been really given me more voice and space to say like, yeah, I can, I can, I want to, and I, that's part of my own practice, but also share that with the, the groups that I'm part of. And that feels a little bit. We talked about that a little bit in the network of how do we share these practices in ways that feel authentic, like Tati said, with integrity, but also what does that mean to share these practices in spaces that are outside of, you know, Asian communities? I don't know, like that's a whole other conversation, right? It feels because there is so much cultural co-opting that's happening, right? And so I feel, I think that's why this network is so valuable and, and helpful to be in a space. Of course, it's a very diverse group of Asian identities and yet it's a space where we can feel like we can try on in these practices to see what that feels like in our bodies in ways that feel really like, have a lot of integrity and a lot of authenticity and to support each other in that.   [00:44:12] And so that we can feel able to then share that in spaces than, in our communities and the work that we're doing in terms of, restorative justice work.  [00:44:19] Miko Lee: So how can our audience find out more about these circles if they wanna learn more about how they could potentially get involved?   [00:44:29] Elli Nagai-Rothe: The best way to go is to look at the Ripple Collective website, ripple collective.org. We have some information about, the A API Restorative Justice Network there. I'm hoping that we can continue this. I really am excited about, members of the network continuing to stay in relationship with each other, to support each other. Tati and I are gonna be offering a session at the upcoming national Association for Community and Restorative Justice Conference that's happening in New Orleans in July. We're gonna be sharing what we learned about our experiences with this network and centering our Asian identities and restorative justice practice. We're gonna be holding a a caucus space for Asian practitioners to come and join us. Yeah, so what else? Tati.    [00:45:14] Tatiana Chaterji: We're also compiling reflections from various participants in the network around what this has meant. What, what have they learned or discovered, and what's to come. I think a question that I've had, a question that we've been stewing on with other South Asian, , practitioners is what does you know, what does caste how does caste show up and reckoning with harm doing? And our communities are not a monolith, and, and as we are treated as part of a, sort of like a brown solidarity, third world movement space in the West, there's just a lot of unrecognized and unnamed oppression that is actively happening. So, you know, really like being, being brave and humble to, to, to talk about that.    [00:46:01] Miko Lee: Thank you both so much for sharing your time with me today.    [00:46:05] Elli Nagai-Rothe: Thanks so much, Miko.    [00:46:06] Tatiana Chaterji: Thanks, Miko.   [00:46:07] Ayame Keane-LeeTo finish off our show tonight, we'll be listening to “Directions” by Hāwane.   MUSIC   [00:49:55] That was “Directions” by Hāwane.   [00:49:57] Miko Lee: Thank you so much for listening tonight. Remember to reconnect to your ancestral technologies and hold in the power of tenderness. To find out more about restorative justice and the work of our guests, check out info about the A API RJ network on the Ripple website, ripple collective.org, and about the conference that Ellie and Tati will be presenting at at the NAC RJ Conference in New Orleans, both of which we'll have linked in our show notes.   [00:50:30] Please check out our website, kpfa.org/program/apex Express to find out more about our show and our guests tonight. We thank all of you listeners out there. Keep resisting, keep organizing, keep creating, and sharing your visions with the world because your voices are important. Apex Express is produced by Ayame Keane-Lee, Anuj Vaidya, Cheryl Truong, Isabel Li, Jalena Keane-Lee, Miko Lee, Miata Tan, Preeti Mangala Shekar and Swati Rayasam. Tonight's show was produced by me Miko Lee, and edited by Ayame Keane- Lee. Have a great night.   The post APEX Express – 3.12.26- Feed Your Heart appeared first on KPFA.

In this episode, we explore the stigma surrounding mental health in the Muslim and South Asian communities, emphasizing the importance of therapy and vulnerability. The conversation highlights the challenges men face in expressing emotions and the significance of connection in therapeutic settings. We discuss the impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior, the difference between coping and healing, and the role of social media in shaping mental health perceptions. The episode concludes with empowering messages about creating hope and taking actionable steps towards mental well-being.

Academic and writer Timothy Mitchell joins This Is Hell! to talk about his new book his new book "The Alibi of Capital: How We Broke the Earth to Steal the Future on the Promise of a Better Tomorrow”, published by Verso Books (https://www.versobooks.com/products/3452-the-alibi-of-capital). Mitchell is the William B. Ransford Professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Columbia University. His is based in the Department of Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies. We will have new installments of Rotten History and Hangover Cure. We will also be sharing your answers to this week's Question from Hell! from Patreon. Help keep This Is Hell! completely listener supported and access bonus episodes by subscribing to our Patreon: www.patreon.com/thisishell

AmBika 'B' Sanjana, a premier Los Angeles–based South Asian American stylist and creative director, joins Abhay to talk about what it means to “author” your own style. From styling Hollywood's elite and NBA All-Stars to serving as the CEO and founder of the impactful nonprofit SEVASPHERE, Ambika shares how fashion is a narrative tool that bridges cultural heritage with modern identity while centering community service.In this deep dive, Ambika chats about her style‑based “social experiment” involving labels vs fit, the power of comfort as a baseline for confidence, and how she's combating food and housing insecurity in Los Angeles with dignity and community. Whether creating an ongoing blueprint for style and fashion or living a more meaningful life, this conversation explores how to leave a “sparkle” in every space you enter through inspiration.Chapters/Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to AmBika03:09 – Style as Authorship: Telling Your Story 05:47 – The Philosophy of Comfort and Confidence 07:42 – The Label Experiment: Brands vs. Personal Taste 12:17 – Evolving Through Eras: Styling for Life's Seasons 16:09  – Sponsor Break: Travelopod16:42 – Effort and Effortless Style 20:34 – Redefining Success Beyond Fame and Money 25:18 – Sevasphere: Bringing Dignity to Community Service 35:07 – Sponsor Break: Timberdog35:45 – Rapid Fire: AI in Fashion & Celebrating Heritage37:47 – Red Carpet Thoughts and InspirationLearn more at:https://www.styledbyambika.com/https://www.sevasphere.org/Big shout outs this week to 2026 Oscar nominee and previous guest Geeta Gandhbir for her film The Perfect Neighbor which is on Netflix now, to T20 cricket and spring training, and to everyone who hopefully enjoyed a safe and happy holi.TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING is brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.comThis episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need.  Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

Two years ago, then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told parliament there was credible evidence that the Indian government was involved in the killing of a Canadian citizen, sparking a national discussion about trans-national repression, and creating serious tension between Canada and India. Since taking over as Prime Minister, Mark Carney has put in the work trying to rebuild ties, inviting India to the G7 and visiting the South Asian country on trade missions. Yet there's still no definitive answer from the Canadian government whether India is considered a security threat. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Amarnath Amarasingam, an associate professor at Queens University, to discuss the Carney's approach to the Canada-India relationship and the reality of security threats.  We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Being a brown girl (or South Asian girl) means celebrating how far we've come but also feeling like there is still so much left to achieve. With International Women's day coming up, I sat down with Rhea Somaiya, the host of a South Asian Feminist podcast called Unapologetic by Silver Jay to have a honest girl talk of what it means to be a modern day Asian girl living in the UK or the global west.  We talk about being the first generation with financial freedom, the pressure to succeed, the history of women's rights and lack of funding when it comes to women's health research. In the episode:00:00:00 Introduction00:04:37 What does it mean to be a modern woman?00:09:08 What do you love about being a girl?00:11:23 Vogue article: Is having a boyfriend embarrassing? 00:13:15 Women advocating for themselves 00:14:40 Female friendships 00:18:41 The feminist movement 00:20:05 What I love about being a girl: getting ready 00:23:40 The story of Suffragette Princess Sophia Duleep Singh00:26:45 Women who inspire us 00:31:51 Women's safety 00:37:26 Female health 00:38:37 What we don't like about being a girl 00:39:37 The pressures we face as women 00:42:25 Girboss culture and corporate girls 00:45:55 Historical facts about women's right in the UK 00:47:54 The importance of allyship 00:49:43 South Asian FeminismDon't forget to follow or subscribe to It's Preeti Personal and leave a 5★ review as it helps other South Asian girls find the podcast and feel a little less alone

Divorce in the South Asian Community is a taboo topic but today we will uncover the conditioning, trauma and healing journey. I have a special guest join me to discuss this topic. Mohini Gima is a holistic relationship coach and the founder of Rani Rising. A proud Desi divorcee, she supports high-achieving South Asian women navigating divorce and major relational endings. After a 14-year marriage where everything “looked right” on paper, her work focuses on helping women untangle cultural guilt, identity disruption, and emotional burnout so they can make grounded, self-trust-based decisions about their lives and relationships.

JLB sits down with the director/writer/producer and lead actress of the zombie rom-com 'Didn't Die', Meera Menon and Kiran Deol. The film is discussed as well as the importance of Asian American representation. Meera also talks about losing her home in the Altadena fires just weeks before the Sundance Premiere. The backstories for these two are beautiful and so is the film. -- ABOUT "DIDN'T DIE" Didn't Die is a zombie rom-com (zom-com) directed by “The Walking Dead” director Meera Menon that is releasing to theaters March 6, 2026, via Level 33 Entertainment. Emmy-nominee Kiran Deol (Destroy All Neighbors) stars in the film, Heralded by Variety as an “enticing character-centric comedy” and by Collider as a film that “forges its own bloody patch by taking the story back to the barest of bones.” Didn't Die premiered in 2025 at the Sundance Film Festival as a Midnight Feature; merely weeks after director Menon's Altadena home was tragically consumed by the LA fires and revolves around an unfolding zombie apocalypse in rural America, as a podcast host (Deol) struggles to maintain her dwindling audience amidst the chaos. -- Follow Didn't Die on Instagram Follow Meera Menon on Instagram Follow Kiran Deol on Instagram   Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTokFollow Jon Lee Brody on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, I speak with Marieha Hussain about the story behind the Coconut Placard Case.We begin with her early life and identity as a Muslim South Asian woman in post-9/11 Britain, before turning to the protest that led to a police investigation, a criminal trial, and ultimately her acquittal.We unpack what really happened at the pro-Palestine march, and why a satirical placard featuring Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman triggered such a rapid police response.Marieha explains how an anonymous right-wing blog came to play a role in the case, and how the word “coconut”, widely understood within South Asian communities, was reframed by the state as a hate crime.Our conversation explores the tension between free speech and hate speech, the policing of protest in the UK, the emotional toll of being prosecuted, and the role community solidarity played throughout the trial.Marieha also reflects on what this case reveals about activism, racism, and state power, as well as the advice she would give to others considering speaking out.

Musicians Neel Murgai and Roshni Samlal, artistic directors of Brooklyn Raga Massive, talk about their group, which they say is a "nonprofit musicians' collective that creates cross-cultural understanding through the lens of South Asian classical music." photo: Neel Murgai and Roshni Samlal (courtesy of the guests)

Actor and theatre artist Girija Oak Godbole (Taare Zameen Par, Jawan, Vaccine War, Quarter) joins Abhay Dandekar for an in‑depth podcast interview about acting, Marathi theatre, motherhood, and Indian cinema. She talks about staying authentic in an industry obsessed with virality (yes, the blue sari!), why she rejects the “switch on–switch off” myth of acting, and how live theatre keeps her grounded and connected to audiences.​They explore the joy and pain of working across Marathi, Hindi, and Gujarati, the toxicity of language chauvinism, and why she believes translators always lose “a little something” in adaptation. Girija opens up about growing up as the daughter of an artist, choosing a full life over a never-ending race of exams and roles, and why she wants her biggest “success” to be the freedom to stop and smell the flowers.​As a mother, she reflects on the surreal love she feels for her son, how parenting cracked open new emotional depths in her acting. She also shares her big dream: producing world‑class Indian live musicals so that people from around the world come here to watch them, not just to Broadway or the West End.Chapters / Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Girija Oak, nostalgia, and connecting art to real life03:45 – The myth of “switch on–off” acting & the magic of live theatre10:30 – Language, Gujarati–Marathi backlash, and the beauty (and politics) of words17:15 – Sponsor Break - Travelopod17:49 – Exams, moving finish lines & redefining success beyond the hustle26:55 – Playing nurses, systems, and building empathy through roles31:20 – Aging gracefully on screen, relevance, and bridging “massy” and “meaningful” cinema38:20 – Producing dreams: why India deserves iconic live musicals43:50 – Parenting, unconditional love, and Rasik Maibap humility toward audiencesSpecial shout outs this week to everyone at Dhanashree Foods and Boonlife for their wonderfully healthy  and delicious foods and snacks, and to anyone out there trying their best to learn and speak Marathi - there is an online conversational Marathi language training class through Bruhan Maharasthra Mandal. https://dhanashreefoods.com/https://www.boonlife.in/https://bmmonline.org/languages/TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING is brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at https://vacation.travelopod.com/

In this episode, Sabi sits down with Ranela- marriage and family therapist, life coach, actress, and host of The Life Edit podcast - for a deeply honest conversation about what it actually takes to rebuild yourself from the ground up.Ranela shares her journey from a life heavily rooted in religion to a full identity deconstruction at 27. They go deep on codependency, attachment patterns, what it means to live between cultures as South Asian women in the West, and why the loneliest and most necessary journey is the one you have to take with yourself.This one's for anyone who's ever felt like they were climbing the right ladder only to realize it's leaning on the wrong house.Find Ranela: Instagram: @lifewithranela Podcast: The Life Edit with Ranela

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other political leaders including Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Liberal senator Andrew McLachlan have extended their warm wishes for Holi to the Indian and other South Asian communities.

This episode features Yashica Dutt, journalist and author of Coming Out as Dalit. We began with a discussion of her choice to write a memoir, the significance of the memoir as a genre of Dalit writing, the politics around passing as upper caste, and what her mother's role in the life taught her about Dalit feminism as a counter to Brahminical patriarchy. We then moved on to what her work as a journalist in India and the U.S. has revealed about the differences in the operations of caste in the two contexts. Finally, we ended with her coverage of the Zohran Mamdani campaign, both its promises and its failure to address the caste question head-on. Guest: Yashica Dutt is a journalist and author whose writings can be found on her Substack, Featuring Dalits and in New Lines magazine. Mentioned in the episode: Yashica Dutt, Coming Out as Dalit Rohith Vemula: an Indian PhD scholar at the University of Hyderabad whose suicide drew attention to widespread institutional casteism. Kumari Mayawati: first Dalit woman chief minister in India who served in the state of Uttar Pradesh as the leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party. BSP: Bahujan Samaj Party founded in 1984 and focused on representing the interests of Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and religious minorities. Origin: 2023 film written and directed by Ava DuVernay based on the life and work of Isabel Wilkerson. ST/SC Act: Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is a landmark Indian law designed to protect marginalized communities from atrocities, hate crimes, and discrimination. Cargenie Institute study: 2024 Indian American Attitudes Survey conducted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. DRUM Beats: organization that mobilizes working-class South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities. Yashica Dutt, “I reported on the Zohran Mamdani Campaign for six months and documented South Asians' rise to power in New York City” Yashica Dutt, “What Zohran Mamdani's Campaign Says About the Quiet Erasure of Caste in US Politics” Yashica Dutt, “If South Asians are prominent in the New York Mayoral Election, then where is caste?” 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

In this episode, Krisy Thomas, Senior Educator with The CWP Society, is joined by Rima Shaw, Certified Wedding Planner and Certified Educator, for a conversation that goes straight at one of the most uncomfortable moments in our industry — that jolt of panic when a couple asks you to lead a culturally rich, multi-day celebration you don't fully understand.Together, they unpack what true preparation really looks like: before the inquiry call, before the proposal, and long before the wedding day. They dig into the difference between curiosity and genuine cultural fluency, why "figuring it out as you go" ultimately fails the couples who trusted you, and how a planner's integrity shows up not just in the answers they give — but in the questions they know to ask, and the ones they're wise enough not to.The conversation covers the framework behind culturally rooted celebrations: how rituals carry sacred meaning, why the order of events is never arbitrary, and how family dynamics shape decisions that extend far beyond logistics. Rima brings real-world perspective on what planners miss when they're underprepared, what those moments feel like from the family's point of view, and how a trained team can recognize a skipped ritual and course-correct gracefully alongside the officiant.They also take on the biggest misconception in multicultural planning: no two weddings — even within the same faith — are the same. Assumptions quietly erode trust. Informed, respectful discovery builds it.This episode is as tactical as it is principled. You'll hear how to prepare beyond a Google search by building relationships with officiants and culture-immersed vendors, what questions belong in your client questionnaire, how to approach rehearsal protocols, and when the most professional answer is, "I'm not the right fit for this — yet." And they get candid about the real business case for deep specialization, particularly for complex South Asian celebrations, and why continuous education is the backbone of both stronger service and stronger pricing.Saying yes to a culturally significant wedding is a promise to lead with knowledge and respect — not an opportunity to learn on your clients.If this episode resonates, subscribe, share it with a planner who needs to hear it, and leave a review telling us the standard you hold when you say yes. Ready to invest in your expertise? Visit cwpsociety.com! www.cwpsociety.com | info@cwpsociety.com | IG: @cwpsociety | FB: @cwpsociety

This episode features Yashica Dutt, journalist and author of Coming Out as Dalit. We began with a discussion of her choice to write a memoir, the significance of the memoir as a genre of Dalit writing, the politics around passing as upper caste, and what her mother's role in the life taught her about Dalit feminism as a counter to Brahminical patriarchy. We then moved on to what her work as a journalist in India and the U.S. has revealed about the differences in the operations of caste in the two contexts. Finally, we ended with her coverage of the Zohran Mamdani campaign, both its promises and its failure to address the caste question head-on. Guest: Yashica Dutt is a journalist and author whose writings can be found on her Substack, Featuring Dalits and in New Lines magazine. Mentioned in the episode: Yashica Dutt, Coming Out as Dalit Rohith Vemula: an Indian PhD scholar at the University of Hyderabad whose suicide drew attention to widespread institutional casteism. Kumari Mayawati: first Dalit woman chief minister in India who served in the state of Uttar Pradesh as the leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party. BSP: Bahujan Samaj Party founded in 1984 and focused on representing the interests of Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and religious minorities. Origin: 2023 film written and directed by Ava DuVernay based on the life and work of Isabel Wilkerson. ST/SC Act: Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is a landmark Indian law designed to protect marginalized communities from atrocities, hate crimes, and discrimination. Cargenie Institute study: 2024 Indian American Attitudes Survey conducted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. DRUM Beats: organization that mobilizes working-class South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities. Yashica Dutt, “I reported on the Zohran Mamdani Campaign for six months and documented South Asians' rise to power in New York City” Yashica Dutt, “What Zohran Mamdani's Campaign Says About the Quiet Erasure of Caste in US Politics” Yashica Dutt, “If South Asians are prominent in the New York Mayoral Election, then where is caste?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/gender-studies

This episode features Yashica Dutt, journalist and author of Coming Out as Dalit. We began with a discussion of her choice to write a memoir, the significance of the memoir as a genre of Dalit writing, the politics around passing as upper caste, and what her mother's role in the life taught her about Dalit feminism as a counter to Brahminical patriarchy. We then moved on to what her work as a journalist in India and the U.S. has revealed about the differences in the operations of caste in the two contexts. Finally, we ended with her coverage of the Zohran Mamdani campaign, both its promises and its failure to address the caste question head-on. Guest: Yashica Dutt is a journalist and author whose writings can be found on her Substack, Featuring Dalits and in New Lines magazine. Mentioned in the episode: Yashica Dutt, Coming Out as Dalit Rohith Vemula: an Indian PhD scholar at the University of Hyderabad whose suicide drew attention to widespread institutional casteism. Kumari Mayawati: first Dalit woman chief minister in India who served in the state of Uttar Pradesh as the leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party. BSP: Bahujan Samaj Party founded in 1984 and focused on representing the interests of Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and religious minorities. Origin: 2023 film written and directed by Ava DuVernay based on the life and work of Isabel Wilkerson. ST/SC Act: Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is a landmark Indian law designed to protect marginalized communities from atrocities, hate crimes, and discrimination. Cargenie Institute study: 2024 Indian American Attitudes Survey conducted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. DRUM Beats: organization that mobilizes working-class South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities. Yashica Dutt, “I reported on the Zohran Mamdani Campaign for six months and documented South Asians' rise to power in New York City” Yashica Dutt, “What Zohran Mamdani's Campaign Says About the Quiet Erasure of Caste in US Politics” Yashica Dutt, “If South Asians are prominent in the New York Mayoral Election, then where is caste?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biography

This episode features Yashica Dutt, journalist and author of Coming Out as Dalit. We began with a discussion of her choice to write a memoir, the significance of the memoir as a genre of Dalit writing, the politics around passing as upper caste, and what her mother's role in the life taught her about Dalit feminism as a counter to Brahminical patriarchy. We then moved on to what her work as a journalist in India and the U.S. has revealed about the differences in the operations of caste in the two contexts. Finally, we ended with her coverage of the Zohran Mamdani campaign, both its promises and its failure to address the caste question head-on. Guest: Yashica Dutt is a journalist and author whose writings can be found on her Substack, Featuring Dalits and in New Lines magazine. Mentioned in the episode: Yashica Dutt, Coming Out as Dalit Rohith Vemula: an Indian PhD scholar at the University of Hyderabad whose suicide drew attention to widespread institutional casteism. Kumari Mayawati: first Dalit woman chief minister in India who served in the state of Uttar Pradesh as the leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party. BSP: Bahujan Samaj Party founded in 1984 and focused on representing the interests of Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and religious minorities. Origin: 2023 film written and directed by Ava DuVernay based on the life and work of Isabel Wilkerson. ST/SC Act: Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is a landmark Indian law designed to protect marginalized communities from atrocities, hate crimes, and discrimination. Cargenie Institute study: 2024 Indian American Attitudes Survey conducted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. DRUM Beats: organization that mobilizes working-class South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities. Yashica Dutt, “I reported on the Zohran Mamdani Campaign for six months and documented South Asians' rise to power in New York City” Yashica Dutt, “What Zohran Mamdani's Campaign Says About the Quiet Erasure of Caste in US Politics” Yashica Dutt, “If South Asians are prominent in the New York Mayoral Election, then where is caste?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/anthropology

This episode features Yashica Dutt, journalist and author of Coming Out as Dalit. We began with a discussion of her choice to write a memoir, the significance of the memoir as a genre of Dalit writing, the politics around passing as upper caste, and what her mother's role in the life taught her about Dalit feminism as a counter to Brahminical patriarchy. We then moved on to what her work as a journalist in India and the U.S. has revealed about the differences in the operations of caste in the two contexts. Finally, we ended with her coverage of the Zohran Mamdani campaign, both its promises and its failure to address the caste question head-on. Guest: Yashica Dutt is a journalist and author whose writings can be found on her Substack, Featuring Dalits and in New Lines magazine. Mentioned in the episode: Yashica Dutt, Coming Out as Dalit Rohith Vemula: an Indian PhD scholar at the University of Hyderabad whose suicide drew attention to widespread institutional casteism. Kumari Mayawati: first Dalit woman chief minister in India who served in the state of Uttar Pradesh as the leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party. BSP: Bahujan Samaj Party founded in 1984 and focused on representing the interests of Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and religious minorities. Origin: 2023 film written and directed by Ava DuVernay based on the life and work of Isabel Wilkerson. ST/SC Act: Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is a landmark Indian law designed to protect marginalized communities from atrocities, hate crimes, and discrimination. Cargenie Institute study: 2024 Indian American Attitudes Survey conducted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. DRUM Beats: organization that mobilizes working-class South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities. Yashica Dutt, “I reported on the Zohran Mamdani Campaign for six months and documented South Asians' rise to power in New York City” Yashica Dutt, “What Zohran Mamdani's Campaign Says About the Quiet Erasure of Caste in US Politics” Yashica Dutt, “If South Asians are prominent in the New York Mayoral Election, then where is caste?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

This episode features Yashica Dutt, journalist and author of Coming Out as Dalit. We began with a discussion of her choice to write a memoir, the significance of the memoir as a genre of Dalit writing, the politics around passing as upper caste, and what her mother's role in the life taught her about Dalit feminism as a counter to Brahminical patriarchy. We then moved on to what her work as a journalist in India and the U.S. has revealed about the differences in the operations of caste in the two contexts. Finally, we ended with her coverage of the Zohran Mamdani campaign, both its promises and its failure to address the caste question head-on. Guest: Yashica Dutt is a journalist and author whose writings can be found on her Substack, Featuring Dalits and in New Lines magazine. Mentioned in the episode: Yashica Dutt, Coming Out as Dalit Rohith Vemula: an Indian PhD scholar at the University of Hyderabad whose suicide drew attention to widespread institutional casteism. Kumari Mayawati: first Dalit woman chief minister in India who served in the state of Uttar Pradesh as the leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party. BSP: Bahujan Samaj Party founded in 1984 and focused on representing the interests of Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and religious minorities. Origin: 2023 film written and directed by Ava DuVernay based on the life and work of Isabel Wilkerson. ST/SC Act: Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is a landmark Indian law designed to protect marginalized communities from atrocities, hate crimes, and discrimination. Cargenie Institute study: 2024 Indian American Attitudes Survey conducted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. DRUM Beats: organization that mobilizes working-class South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities. Yashica Dutt, “I reported on the Zohran Mamdani Campaign for six months and documented South Asians' rise to power in New York City” Yashica Dutt, “What Zohran Mamdani's Campaign Says About the Quiet Erasure of Caste in US Politics” Yashica Dutt, “If South Asians are prominent in the New York Mayoral Election, then where is caste?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/south-asian-studies

This episode features Yashica Dutt, journalist and author of Coming Out as Dalit. We began with a discussion of her choice to write a memoir, the significance of the memoir as a genre of Dalit writing, the politics around passing as upper caste, and what her mother's role in the life taught her about Dalit feminism as a counter to Brahminical patriarchy. We then moved on to what her work as a journalist in India and the U.S. has revealed about the differences in the operations of caste in the two contexts. Finally, we ended with her coverage of the Zohran Mamdani campaign, both its promises and its failure to address the caste question head-on. Guest: Yashica Dutt is a journalist and author whose writings can be found on her Substack, Featuring Dalits and in New Lines magazine. Mentioned in the episode: Yashica Dutt, Coming Out as Dalit Rohith Vemula: an Indian PhD scholar at the University of Hyderabad whose suicide drew attention to widespread institutional casteism. Kumari Mayawati: first Dalit woman chief minister in India who served in the state of Uttar Pradesh as the leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party. BSP: Bahujan Samaj Party founded in 1984 and focused on representing the interests of Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and religious minorities. Origin: 2023 film written and directed by Ava DuVernay based on the life and work of Isabel Wilkerson. ST/SC Act: Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is a landmark Indian law designed to protect marginalized communities from atrocities, hate crimes, and discrimination. Cargenie Institute study: 2024 Indian American Attitudes Survey conducted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. DRUM Beats: organization that mobilizes working-class South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities. Yashica Dutt, “I reported on the Zohran Mamdani Campaign for six months and documented South Asians' rise to power in New York City” Yashica Dutt, “What Zohran Mamdani's Campaign Says About the Quiet Erasure of Caste in US Politics” Yashica Dutt, “If South Asians are prominent in the New York Mayoral Election, then where is caste?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/journalism

Julie Thomas Achettu, already a well-respected Asian American literature educator in Chicago, recently co-founded "House of Jaya," a women's apparel line that blends traditional South Asian fabrics with the fashion sense of today's South Asian American women.  www.houseofjaya.com

Latest attacks mark escalation in long-running tensions between the two South Asian neighbours. Islamabad has repeatedly blamed the Afghan Taliban for supporting militants accused of attacks in Pakistan. Also: Nine senior officers of the Chinese military have been officially removed as delegates to the country's annual parliamentary session, just days before it's due to start. US says it will ease its economic blockade on Cuba, if oil is sent to the island's private sector. Epstein files reveal the late convicted sex offender tried to buy a multimillion-dollar palace in Morocco, the day before his arrest in 2019. And the British supermarket chain, Waitrose, suspends sales of mackerel because of overfishing. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

A new cookbook offers advice for South Asian cooking techniques including how to build a Masala Dabba, how to make ordinary ingredients sing, and best practices for cooking with spices. Diaspora Spice. Co. founder Sana Javeri Kadri and recipe developer Asha Loupy discuss some of the recipes from their debut cookbook, The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook: Seasonal Home Cooking from South Asia's Best Spice Farms, which releases March 3rd. Cover art courtesy of Harvest

Decolonial Keywords: South Asian Thoughts and Attitudes (Columbia UP, 2025) presents a set of keywords and concepts embedded in the languages of South Asia and its vast cultural landscape. It reiterates specific attitudes, ways of seeing and methods of doing, which are embedded in the historical and contemporary experiences in the region. The words, concepts, ideas and attitudes in the volume explore the contexts of their production and how their meanings might have changed at different historical moments. The volume also attempts to work out if these words and concepts can infuse a certain intellectual rigor to reinvent social sciences and humanities in the region and beyond. Individual essays, which are creative, imaginative, ethnographic and historical, explore the possibility of South Asian intellectual worlds and words to create a broader crossregional and global social science and humanities. The volume argues that it is important to move away from the intellectual shackles inherited from colonial and neo-colonial experiences while also not succumbing to the traps of local reductionist nativisms and cultural nationalisms. 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

In this episode, we are joined by Mishika Narula and Srisruthi Ramesh, founders of Brown Girl Bookshelf, during their recent trip to London. We talk about how what started as a passion project has since grown into a global community of over 40,000 readers, all united by a love of literature and a curiosity to discover a diverse range of stories.Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(02:35) How Brown Girl Bookshelf began(07:35) Navigating co-founder dynamics(14:52) A foolproof system (20:20) How guest reviewers are selected(29:25) Beyond South Asian stereotypes in literature(32:20) How books are selected for reviews on BGB(34:30) On the risk of burnout(42:20) Handling co-founder disagreements(45:00) Being the go-to platform for South Asian readers and authors(51:30) How to get back into reading after a hiatus(01:00:18) What Sri and Mishika are currently reading(01:03:04) What do Mishika and Sri have strong game in?Find Brown Girl Bookshelf (BGB) on: Website: https://browngirlbookshelf.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/browngirlbookshelf/

Decolonial Keywords: South Asian Thoughts and Attitudes (Columbia UP, 2025) presents a set of keywords and concepts embedded in the languages of South Asia and its vast cultural landscape. It reiterates specific attitudes, ways of seeing and methods of doing, which are embedded in the historical and contemporary experiences in the region. The words, concepts, ideas and attitudes in the volume explore the contexts of their production and how their meanings might have changed at different historical moments. The volume also attempts to work out if these words and concepts can infuse a certain intellectual rigor to reinvent social sciences and humanities in the region and beyond. Individual essays, which are creative, imaginative, ethnographic and historical, explore the possibility of South Asian intellectual worlds and words to create a broader crossregional and global social science and humanities. The volume argues that it is important to move away from the intellectual shackles inherited from colonial and neo-colonial experiences while also not succumbing to the traps of local reductionist nativisms and cultural nationalisms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/south-asian-studies

Decolonial Keywords: South Asian Thoughts and Attitudes (Columbia UP, 2025) presents a set of keywords and concepts embedded in the languages of South Asia and its vast cultural landscape. It reiterates specific attitudes, ways of seeing and methods of doing, which are embedded in the historical and contemporary experiences in the region. The words, concepts, ideas and attitudes in the volume explore the contexts of their production and how their meanings might have changed at different historical moments. The volume also attempts to work out if these words and concepts can infuse a certain intellectual rigor to reinvent social sciences and humanities in the region and beyond. Individual essays, which are creative, imaginative, ethnographic and historical, explore the possibility of South Asian intellectual worlds and words to create a broader crossregional and global social science and humanities. The volume argues that it is important to move away from the intellectual shackles inherited from colonial and neo-colonial experiences while also not succumbing to the traps of local reductionist nativisms and cultural nationalisms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/language

Decolonial Keywords: South Asian Thoughts and Attitudes (Columbia UP, 2025) presents a set of keywords and concepts embedded in the languages of South Asia and its vast cultural landscape. It reiterates specific attitudes, ways of seeing and methods of doing, which are embedded in the historical and contemporary experiences in the region. The words, concepts, ideas and attitudes in the volume explore the contexts of their production and how their meanings might have changed at different historical moments. The volume also attempts to work out if these words and concepts can infuse a certain intellectual rigor to reinvent social sciences and humanities in the region and beyond. Individual essays, which are creative, imaginative, ethnographic and historical, explore the possibility of South Asian intellectual worlds and words to create a broader crossregional and global social science and humanities. The volume argues that it is important to move away from the intellectual shackles inherited from colonial and neo-colonial experiences while also not succumbing to the traps of local reductionist nativisms and cultural nationalisms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/indian-religions

Decolonial Keywords: South Asian Thoughts and Attitudes (Columbia UP, 2025) presents a set of keywords and concepts embedded in the languages of South Asia and its vast cultural landscape. It reiterates specific attitudes, ways of seeing and methods of doing, which are embedded in the historical and contemporary experiences in the region. The words, concepts, ideas and attitudes in the volume explore the contexts of their production and how their meanings might have changed at different historical moments. The volume also attempts to work out if these words and concepts can infuse a certain intellectual rigor to reinvent social sciences and humanities in the region and beyond. Individual essays, which are creative, imaginative, ethnographic and historical, explore the possibility of South Asian intellectual worlds and words to create a broader crossregional and global social science and humanities. The volume argues that it is important to move away from the intellectual shackles inherited from colonial and neo-colonial experiences while also not succumbing to the traps of local reductionist nativisms and cultural nationalisms.

As parents, many of us want to raise kind, empathetic kids, but we don't always feel equipped to talk about race, bias, and identity in everyday life. In honor of Black History Month, this conversation feels especially important. I sit down with culturally responsive therapist Anjali Ferguson to unpack how early children begin noticing differences and how small, ordinary moments shape their understanding of the world. We talk about the discomfort adults feel, the fear of saying the wrong thing, and why silence often teaches more than we realize. This episode is not about blame. It is about giving families tools to move forward with intention. Dr. Ferguson brings both professional expertise and deeply personal experience as a South Asian woman raising biracial South Asian and Black children. Together we explore how culture, trauma, and identity intersect in parenting, and why these conversations are not optional extras, but foundational to raising emotionally healthy kids. Her children's book, An Ordinary Day, shows how subtle bias can show up in everyday childhood experiences and how families can use those moments to build empathy instead of fear. My hope is that this episode helps parents feel less frozen and more ready to start small, stay curious, and keep showing up. We discussed:  • Why kids notice race and differences earlier than most adults expect • How racial bias forms in early childhood • The gap in culturally responsive parenting resources • Growing up between cultures and identity formation • Raising biracial children and protecting cultural identity • Everyday microaggressions and their long-term impact • How racism creates chronic stress in the body • Generational trauma and epigenetic effects • The role of racial socialization in protecting children • Why avoiding conversations about race harms kids • How parents can respond when bias shows up in real time • Teaching empathy through ordinary daily moments • Building diverse environments through books, toys, and media • Supporting kids when they experience exclusion or bias • Why parents don't have to be perfect to start • Practical ways families can talk about race at any age To connect with Dr. Anjali Ferguson follow her on Instagram @dranjaliferguson, check out all her resources at https://draferguson.com/ and buy her book “An Ordinary Day”: https://www.amazon.com/Ordinary-Day-Dr-Anjali-Ferguson/dp/B0B8BDNXVK  Additional Resources: www.parentingculture.org 00:00 The Hidden Impact of Microaggressions 00:56 Why This Conversation Matters During Black History Month 02:57 Representation in Parenting Spaces 06:34 Dr. Anjali's Personal Story: Culture, Trauma, and Identity 10:42 Racism as Trauma: A Professional Awakening 14:30 Parenting Biracial Black Children 19:32 When Do Kids Notice Race? 24:56 Inside An Ordinary Day and Why It Matters 31:37 Chronic Stress, Racism, and Long-Term Health 37:13 What to Say When Bias Happens 42:51 Why Every Family Must Talk About Race 47:18 You Will Mess Up, And That's Okay Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As parents, many of us want to raise kind, empathetic kids, but we don't always feel equipped to talk about race, bias, and identity in everyday life. In honor of Black History Month, this conversation feels especially important. I sit down with culturally responsive therapist Anjali Ferguson to unpack how early children begin noticing differences and how small, ordinary moments shape their understanding of the world. We talk about the discomfort adults feel, the fear of saying the wrong thing, and why silence often teaches more than we realize. This episode is not about blame. It is about giving families tools to move forward with intention. Dr. Ferguson brings both professional expertise and deeply personal experience as a South Asian woman raising biracial South Asian and Black children. Together we explore how culture, trauma, and identity intersect in parenting, and why these conversations are not optional extras, but foundational to raising emotionally healthy kids. Her children's book, An Ordinary Day, shows how subtle bias can show up in everyday childhood experiences and how families can use those moments to build empathy instead of fear. My hope is that this episode helps parents feel less frozen and more ready to start small, stay curious, and keep showing up. We discussed:  • Why kids notice race and differences earlier than most adults expect • How racial bias forms in early childhood • The gap in culturally responsive parenting resources • Growing up between cultures and identity formation • Raising biracial children and protecting cultural identity • Everyday microaggressions and their long-term impact • How racism creates chronic stress in the body • Generational trauma and epigenetic effects • The role of racial socialization in protecting children • Why avoiding conversations about race harms kids • How parents can respond when bias shows up in real time • Teaching empathy through ordinary daily moments • Building diverse environments through books, toys, and media • Supporting kids when they experience exclusion or bias • Why parents don't have to be perfect to start • Practical ways families can talk about race at any age To connect with Dr. Anjali Ferguson follow her on Instagram @dranjaliferguson, check out all her resources at https://draferguson.com/ and buy her book “An Ordinary Day”: https://www.amazon.com/Ordinary-Day-Dr-Anjali-Ferguson/dp/B0B8BDNXVK  Additional Resources: www.parentingculture.org 00:00 The Hidden Impact of Microaggressions 00:56 Why This Conversation Matters During Black History Month 02:57 Representation in Parenting Spaces 06:34 Dr. Anjali's Personal Story: Culture, Trauma, and Identity 10:42 Racism as Trauma: A Professional Awakening 14:30 Parenting Biracial Black Children 19:32 When Do Kids Notice Race? 24:56 Inside An Ordinary Day and Why It Matters 31:37 Chronic Stress, Racism, and Long-Term Health 37:13 What to Say When Bias Happens 42:51 Why Every Family Must Talk About Race 47:18 You Will Mess Up, And That's Okay Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

PETA International President Poorva Joshipura unpacks Survival at Stake, linking animal cruelty to pandemics, antibiotic resistance, climate change, and pollution. Abhay and Poorva chat about her journey—from a "chicken burger" awakening to driving global change—and practical roadmaps for vegan living that protect humanity. They discuss the role of empathy, cultural heritage, and the impact of technology in advancing animal rights. Poorva shares insights on the compassion economy and how businesses can align with ethical practices. The conversation also touches on the challenges and controversies faced by PETA, emphasizing the need for awareness and action in the fight against animal cruelty.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Abhay and Poorva02:30 Poorva's Journey into Animal Rights06:54 The Importance of Empathy and Awareness10:50 Strategies for Animal Advocacy14:07 Sponsor Break - Travelopod15:27 Unlearning and Building Compassion19:46 The Accessibility of Veganism Today21:33 Channeling Anger into Positive Change25:13 Cultural Practices and Animal Rights in India28:48 Sponsor Break - Timberdog30:03 The Role of the Compassion Economy32:36 Leveraging Technology for Animal Advocacy35:41 Understanding PETA's Controversial Tactics39:53 Euthanized Animals and Ethical Considerations43:53 Staying Optimistic in Animal Activism45:58 Conclusion and Shout OutsBig shout out this week to previous guest, Neal Katyal for always bringing his constitutional A game, to Paul McCartney for being one of my favorite vegans of all time and for starting Meat Free Mondays and to Kashi, the inspiration behind RuffRest by Timber Dog.TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING is brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.comThis episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need.  Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

Independent rock band Dawn in the Dark shares how learning guitar by rewinding cassette tapes in Pakistan evolved into a global music career and a nonprofit community for South Asian guitarists. We also discuss adapting to AI in today's music industry.Follow Dawn in the Dark:Instagram SpotifyWebsiteFollow Creatives Prevail:InstagramTikTokWebsiteWe would love to hear from you! Please give us a review, this really helps get others to listen in. Any suggestions on how we can improve? DM us on Instagram or TikTok.Host: Mike ZimmerlichProduced by: Omelette PrevailPost-Production: EarthtoMoiraMusic by: Daphne GreeneTech Specs:Mic and Headphone Setup:Limelight Dynamic Mic (512 Audio / Warm Audio)Vocaster One (Focusrite)MBS9500 Microphone Boom Arm (On-Stage)Pro X2 Headphones (Logitech)Light Setup:Litra Beam (Logitech)Glide Lively Wall Lights (Govee)Squares (Twinkly)Key Light (Elgato)

From the beginning of the seventeenth century, French colonies and trading posts sprawled across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In the first pan-imperial history of the early French Empire in the English language, Mélanie Lamotte shows how an increasingly cohesive legal culture came to govern the lives of enslaved and free people of African, Malagasy, South Asian, and Native American descent. She also illuminates the important role played by these populations in the development of the empire, from Louisiana to Guadeloupe, Senegambia, Madagascar, Isle Bourbon, and India. The early French Empire has often been portrayed as a fragmented conglomerate of isolated colonies or regions. Yet Lamotte shows that racial policies issued by the metropole, as well as by officials in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, significantly influenced one another. Rather than focusing on the actions of administrators, however, Lamotte also reveals the extensive influence of people on the ground—especially those of non-European descent. Through their sexuality and their labor, along with their socio-economic and political endeavors, they played a critical role in building the empire and setting its limits. As they sought justice for themselves, strove to protect their kin, and aimed to improve their social conditions, these individuals also pushed against the advancement of white dominion in unexpected ways. Archivally rich and rigorously documented, By Flesh and Toil: How Sex, Race, and Labor Shaped the Early French Empire (Harvard UP, 2026) illuminates the transoceanic connections that united the French colonial world—and recasts people of African, Malagasy, South Asian, and Native American descent as key actors in the story of empire-building. This interview is conducted by Dr Lewis Wade, a Humboldt Research Fellow at the University of Bamberg. He is the author of the prize-winning Privilege, Economy and State in Old Regime France and can be found on Bluesky @wadehistory.bsky.social. 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

From the beginning of the seventeenth century, French colonies and trading posts sprawled across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In the first pan-imperial history of the early French Empire in the English language, Mélanie Lamotte shows how an increasingly cohesive legal culture came to govern the lives of enslaved and free people of African, Malagasy, South Asian, and Native American descent. She also illuminates the important role played by these populations in the development of the empire, from Louisiana to Guadeloupe, Senegambia, Madagascar, Isle Bourbon, and India. The early French Empire has often been portrayed as a fragmented conglomerate of isolated colonies or regions. Yet Lamotte shows that racial policies issued by the metropole, as well as by officials in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, significantly influenced one another. Rather than focusing on the actions of administrators, however, Lamotte also reveals the extensive influence of people on the ground—especially those of non-European descent. Through their sexuality and their labor, along with their socio-economic and political endeavors, they played a critical role in building the empire and setting its limits. As they sought justice for themselves, strove to protect their kin, and aimed to improve their social conditions, these individuals also pushed against the advancement of white dominion in unexpected ways. Archivally rich and rigorously documented, By Flesh and Toil: How Sex, Race, and Labor Shaped the Early French Empire (Harvard UP, 2026) illuminates the transoceanic connections that united the French colonial world—and recasts people of African, Malagasy, South Asian, and Native American descent as key actors in the story of empire-building. This interview is conducted by Dr Lewis Wade, a Humboldt Research Fellow at the University of Bamberg. He is the author of the prize-winning Privilege, Economy and State in Old Regime France and can be found on Bluesky @wadehistory.bsky.social. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

From the beginning of the seventeenth century, French colonies and trading posts sprawled across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In the first pan-imperial history of the early French Empire in the English language, Mélanie Lamotte shows how an increasingly cohesive legal culture came to govern the lives of enslaved and free people of African, Malagasy, South Asian, and Native American descent. She also illuminates the important role played by these populations in the development of the empire, from Louisiana to Guadeloupe, Senegambia, Madagascar, Isle Bourbon, and India. The early French Empire has often been portrayed as a fragmented conglomerate of isolated colonies or regions. Yet Lamotte shows that racial policies issued by the metropole, as well as by officials in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, significantly influenced one another. Rather than focusing on the actions of administrators, however, Lamotte also reveals the extensive influence of people on the ground—especially those of non-European descent. Through their sexuality and their labor, along with their socio-economic and political endeavors, they played a critical role in building the empire and setting its limits. As they sought justice for themselves, strove to protect their kin, and aimed to improve their social conditions, these individuals also pushed against the advancement of white dominion in unexpected ways. Archivally rich and rigorously documented, By Flesh and Toil: How Sex, Race, and Labor Shaped the Early French Empire (Harvard UP, 2026) illuminates the transoceanic connections that united the French colonial world—and recasts people of African, Malagasy, South Asian, and Native American descent as key actors in the story of empire-building. This interview is conducted by Dr Lewis Wade, a Humboldt Research Fellow at the University of Bamberg. He is the author of the prize-winning Privilege, Economy and State in Old Regime France and can be found on Bluesky @wadehistory.bsky.social. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Electric motors without rare earths, a hardware-first climate tech startup, and a mission to replace 1 billion gas engines in a decade. In this SPOTLIGHT episode, Abhay speaks with Ankit Somani, CEO and cofounder of Conifer, about redesigning electric motors and powertrains with simple, widely available materials so electrification can actually scale.They break down what rare earth materials really are, why they're so toxic and geopolitically fragile, and how that impacts everything from EVs and data centers to humanoid robots and everyday devices. Ankit explains why Conifer is betting on hardware in a software-obsessed world, what it takes to raise capital for hard tech, and how to tell a big, unconventional story that still feels real to customers and investors.The conversation also dives into affordability, why consumers choose “cool and fun” products long before they care about emissions, and how things like e‑bikes and cleaner small machines (like leaf blowers) can change daily life and local air quality. Ankit reflects on what he had to unlearn from big companies like Google, why patience and brutal feedback define startup culture, and how his Indian American journey, parenting, and the Bhagavad Gita shape his views on action, success, and legacy.00:00 – Introduction and why reimagining how we do things matters01:47 – Conifer's mission to replace 1 billion gas engines03:39 – Engines, electric motors, and rare earth materials 101 (toxicity, supply chains, and climate)12:32 – Building a hardware-first climate tech startup in a software-obsessed world15:36 – Raising capital for hard tech and telling an unconventional, big vision story18:13 – Sposor Break: Travelopod18:48 – Selling electrification: cool, fun, and affordable vs. abstract climate consciousness25:08 – From big tech to startups: patience, humility, and real-world feedback loops33:08 – Indian American founder, education, parenting, and the Bhagavad Gita on action and legacy39:09 – What Ankit wants Conifer to stand for: trust, honesty, and long-term impactShout out to ASAN (American South Asian Network) for everything they are doing, to Neesha for turning 30, to Farhan Akhtar for the upcoming sitar lessons, and to Akshay Bhatia for the effort and almost bringing it home at Pebble Beach!TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING is brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com

Being single on valentines day can be tough, especially if all your friends and family are in relationships and you are the only one celebrating it alone. It can shine a spotlight on insecurities you didn't know were there and make you feel you are not good enough because you are not in a romantic relationship, trust me you are not alone! In today's episode, I'm joined by Virali, a self-love and somatic embodiment coach and we have a very honest chat about celebrating valentines day alone, the pressure to find the perfect relationship and how to actually sit down with your feelings and come out feeling empowered and excited about where you are in your journey to find love. In the episode:00:00:00 Introduction00:02:18 Buy yourself flowers00:03:48 Our thoughts on Valentine's Day00:08:58 Celebrating Valentine's Day single00:13:30 How to show yourself love00:16:35 Is singleness being redefined?00:20:55 Finding happiness from within00:22:15 The pressure to find love by a certain age00:26:55 Finding the right partner00:29:43 How to get to know yourself better00:33:35 How to spend time with yourself00:37:10 Build fences, not walls00:39:01 Don't be afraid to love again00:41:31 Advice for single girls on Valentine's DayIf you are feeling anxious about celebrating Valentines Day alone then Virali has a FREE Reclaiming Love Guide which you can download here: https://site.viralipatel.co.uk/download-reclaiming-love-pdf Don't forget to follow or subscribe to It's Preeti Personal and leave a 5★ review as it helps other South Asian girls find the podcast and feel a little less alone

The 2025 election not only saw the highest voter turnout in NYC in 50 years, but mobilized young and South Asian voters in record numbers to secure Mamdani's victory.

The 2025 election not only saw the highest voter turnout in NYC in 50 years, but mobilized young and South Asian voters in record numbers to secure Mamdani's victory.

Wisdom historian Deepak Ramola shares a conversation with Abhay how he collects life lessons through lived experiences and art.  Deepak reveals why trauma doesn't guarantee wisdom, why procrastination uncovers your deepest values, why deep questions truly matter, and why poetry is peace's love language.  He is a Stanford Life Design Fellow, MIT collaborator, TEDx speaker, and founder of Project FUEL. His innovative FUEL methodology—centered on turning personal and social experiences into interactive programs using creative arts—has earned recognition as one of the world's top 100 innovations in education, implemented across five continents. Since age 17, he has shaped this approach through heuristic design, including the Wise Wall Project launched in 2017 to amplify rural and marginalized voices via art and outreach. ​Chapters00:00 Introduction02:48 Procrastination Reveals Values and as a Science05:50 Productivity Syndrome Trap08:14 Good vs Bad Morality Myth11:44 Sponsor Break - TRAVELOPOD12:42 We Are Each Other's Alarm Clocks16:14 Unlearning for Wisdom20:02 Pain ≠ Automatic Wisdom23:28 Wisdom in Unexpected Places26:19 Sponsor Break - Timberdog27:12 Poetry as Peace Language33:23 Asking Growth Questions37:54 Embody Wisdom Daily38:19 ConclusionCheck out Ash Gondhalekar's authentic and incredibly tasty pizza wizardry for catering and private events in the Bay Area  Neil Dandekar creating amazing food experiences with Sea and Sky at Hotel La JollaTRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING is brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.comThis episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need.  Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

Priyanka Ganjoo is the founder and CEO of Kulfi Beauty, but her first job was in business consulting. She was drawn to the role because she loved working with people and solving problems, but she knew she hadn't found her true calling yet. Her pivot into beauty came after she got her MBA. She started in corporate, managing global retail strategy for Estée Lauder, and later transitioned into the merchandising space when Ipsy hired her to run its Glam Bag program. It was there that Ganjoo learned how to create experiences with her customer in mind by personalizing packages for millions. But as a South Asian woman, she found herself underrepresented in the brands she would source for her Glam Bags. She decided to start Kulfi to honor her heritage and create space for people and her culture. A year after launching the brand, Kulfi became the first South Asian female-owned brand to be carried at Sephora.

After a three-year hiatus, Prerak and Sofia are finally back behind the mic! A lot has changed since our last episode in 2022—we've finished our medical residencies, hit the big 3-0, and seen the world of Desi-American representation explode in ways we never imagined. In this episode, we're catching you up on everything you missed. Prerak shares the story of his residency at Stanford, his recent marriage, and how he went from medical student to marathon runner. Sofia fills us in on her time at NYU, her world travels to places like South Africa and Japan, and her new-found love for weightlifting. We also dive into the "Identity Shift" that happens when you enter your 30s—from managing finances and politics to the pressure of staying fit and avoiding "Uncle/Auntie status." Plus, we discuss the massive shift in the Desi-American landscape, including the rise of South Asian figures in the U.S. government and the "London-fication" of the NYC dining scene. We're so excited to be back with weekly episodes. Let's get into it! TIME STAMPS:  00:00 Welcome to Red, White, and Brown: The Return 00:54 Why we took a three-year break (The Residency Reality) 02:08 Goals for Season 4: Audience connection and weekly episodes 03:55 Prerak's Life Update: Moving back West, Marriage, and a new Dog 05:41 Sophia's Life Update: Global travels and surviving NYU residency 08:05 Fighting "Uncle Status": Prioritizing health and fitness 09:54 Prerak's + Sofia's Fitness Journeys & Tips for staying active with a busy schedule 17:45 Getting serious about politics, taxes, and the stock market 19:22 The "Time Crunch": Planning life, safaris, and kids 21:18 How the Desi-American space has changed since 2022 Chapters (00:00:00) - Welcome to Red, White, and Brown: The Return(00:00:54) - Why we took a three-year break (The Residency Reality)(00:02:08) - Goals for Season 4: Audience connection and weekly episodes(00:03:55) - Prerak's Life Update: Moving back West, Marriage, and a new Dog(00:05:41) - Sophia's Life Update: Global travels and surviving NYU residency(00:08:05) - Fighting "Uncle Status": Prioritizing health and fitness(00:09:54) - Prerak's + Sofia's Fitness Journeys & Tips for staying active with a busy schedule(00:17:45) - Getting serious about politics, taxes, and the stock market(00:19:22) - The "Time Crunch": Planning life, safaris, and kids(00:21:18) - How the Desi-American space has changed since 2022