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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. For this episode of “Obbligato,” a show dedicated to AAPI classical musicians, composers, and scholars, host Isabel Li interviews Indian American composer Reena Esmail, who blends Hindustani musical themes with western classical compositional styles. Music in this episode: – This Love Between Us “Prayers for Unity”: II. [Sikhism] – Lacrimosa (from Malhaar: a Requiem for Water) – Terra infirma: IV. roaming the ghost forest Transcript Isabel Li: I'm Isabel Li, here for a new edition of “Obbligato,” which explores the AAPI community in the classical music world. Today, we're featuring the Indian American composer Reena Esmail and her unique compositions that blend Hindustani music with Western classical styles and how she writes music about religion, spirituality, and even environmentalism. Welcome, Reena, to Apex Express. Reena Esmail: Hey! It's so great to be here. IL: My first question for you is one that's probably a little bit loaded, but how do you identify and what's your story? RE: I don't know, it's interesting because I work in many different situations, and I think I always identify as the thing that isn't whatever the dominant situation is that I work in. Right? So it's like when I'm in America, I identify as an Indian American. When I'm in India, I identify as an American. When I'm working in Western classical music, I'm the person who knows stuff about Hindustani music. When I'm working in Hindustani music, I'm the person who knows stuff about Western music. So really. Actually, I think of identity not as a fixed thing, but as how you, um, delineate yourself, how you're unique in the situation you're in. You know, it's interesting because especially in the case of Asian Americans, Asia is such a broad thing, right? There are so many more East Asians in Western classical music than there are South Asians. Certainly in my generation. You know, I was surrounded by Chinese, Korean, some Japanese people who were always, you know, playing the piano when I was playing the piano. And, um, there really was not many other Indian people. And, you know, I'll, I'll actually say that even within India, um, you know, if you look at me in America, I'm just Indian. If you look at me in India, I have a very unusual lineage, which is that my dad is from the region of Gujarat and his family is Muslim. My mom is from the region of Goa and her family is Catholic. And so because of that, when I was expressing interest in music, My mom was the one who had more of kind of a musical knowledge in her family, even though there's no professional musicians in her family. So because Goa was colonized by Portugal, there is this element of Western classical music in Goan culture. And so because of that, my mom was like, oh, let's give her guitar lessons, let's give her piano lessons. And so that's how I landed up in Western classical music as opposed to doing Indian classical music. Um, so yeah, I kind of went through the Western classical scene. I was very interested in being a pianist. And, you know, I'm glad that I'm glad I'm a failed pianist in all honesty, because I see what my colleagues who are real, you know, professional pianists have to go through. And I just don't think I have what it takes to do that. It's really an intense job. Um, but when I was in high school, um, one of my theory teachers kind of said, hey, you know, you might be a composer. It seems like you think like a composer thinks, why don't you try composing and why don't you try writing things down? and one thing led to another. And basically a year and a half to two years after studying, I got one of a very few spots in the undergrad program in composition at Juilliard. And that was a point where my parents kind of said, okay, you know, we don't know a lot about the music world, but it seems like if she got into Juilliard, she's probably like somewhat good at this. Maybe we should kind of see how this goes. And, you know, from there on, I pursued composition. IL: And when and why did you start to study Indian classical music, which is a big element in your compositions now? RE: Yeah, absolutely. So I think it's interesting because in every generation, I've seen so much change in how the diaspora views itself. And certainly when I was growing up, you know, I know this is hard to believe, but there were not if you were an Indian going to school, you were kind of the only one. If you were an Indian music, you were kind of the only one. So there was this element where when I went to Juilliard, um, there were I to my knowledge, two Indians in the entire school, me and an actress who had actually come from Calcutta. And so people were trying to, you know, make conversation with me and they'd be like, well, you know, do you do stuff with Indian classical music? And I would just be like, no, I'm trying so hard to even write music for orchestra and, you know, string quartet and all the things that my peers are trying to do. Like, is that not enough? Because I'm Indian, I also have to be doing all this other stuff. And so I resisted it for a long time because I was just trying so hard to do one thing well. But then, you know, I think what, what made me kind of unique is that, you know, I stood out, I was Indian and then, you know, when I was young, that felt really cool. The older I got, the more I thought, well, you know, I know I'm from this culture that has incredible music and I know it when I hear it, I know nothing about it, and maybe I should actually pursue it. And so I really separately kind of started meeting Indian musicians who lived in New York, and I would just ask them questions, and I got to know them. And I realized that while we didn't share a type of music, we did share a culture and we did share a love of music because it is interesting that the culture of Indian classical music is actually quite similar to the culture of Western classical music. You know, you study with a teacher over a really long period of time. You're practicing for hours a day. The kind of personality that would love Western classical music would also love Indian classical music. And so I just made friends with some of these Indian classical musicians. And of course, being a composer, I thought, why don't I put them in my music? You know, how do I do that? And so it was really just curiosity that led me down that path. And for many years, that path was very separate. Because again, I know it's very hard to believe now, but there was a time where people really did not want these cultures to be combined, and people just really looked down on cultures that were not, you know, the dominant Western European classical culture. And so I kept them really separate. And even when I started combining them, people were like, oh, that's sweet. She does stuff with Indian music, you know? And it was really not taken seriously. It's only really in the last decade that people have been embracing other musical cultures. And I mean, how glad I am that that's happening. But it was very, very hard fought and very separate at first. IL: And on that note, how do you navigate the unique challenges of composing with both these cultures in mind, but also being situated in the United States, where people come from all different backgrounds? And how do you as a composer approach that in this context? RE: I mean, I think it's interesting because first of all, I am musically bilingual now, so I can. I went to India, I studied Indian classical music. Seriously. I still work with Indian classical musicians very closely. And so, you know, I can be working on a piece that has Indian classical musicians in it, and I can turn to them and immediately speak in their language and their musical language. And then I can turn to the Western musicians and speak in their musical language. So every single piece I write, especially the ones that involve Indian classical musicians. There is a way through those pieces, both through the Western lens and through the Indian lens. And so I think I'm working in a position where I actually do know how to speak both those languages. And when you do speak both those languages, you know, just the way that if you speak any two, you know, verbal languages, you would know that there are sounds that are cognates. And so you're like, oh, I say the sound. So maybe and it means one thing in one culture and one thing in another culture. But you know that that sound is the same. And so with musical language, you can actually use those musical cognates to connect across cultures by saying, just listen for this thing. And when you listen for this thing, interpret it through the lens of your own culture. So that's certainly how I work. But, you know, I mean, again, I want to say that's not the only way to work. I don't think that you have to be, you know, I mean, again, there's probably most people who are listening to this probably have one musical culture and then maybe they know much less about the other musical culture. That is also fine. You know, you don't need to be an expert in order to want to explore and, and love a thing that's just, you know, where I am because it's the, the center of my musical practice. IL: Well, let's hear a selection from Reena Esmail's oratorio, “This Love Between Us.” This is the second movement titled Sikhism. David Hill conducts Juilliard415 with the Yale Schola Cantorum. [MUSIC: This Love Between Us “Prayers for Unity”: II. Sikhism] IL: That was Sikhism, the second movement from the oratorio This Love Between Us by Reena Esmail, who is here in conversation with me today on KPFA for APEX Express. Something that I really found interesting in especially your work — and I'm sure this has been asked many times, but This Love Between Us: Prayers for Unity. This oratorio that you wrote, beautiful work where you use words from the seven major religions of India. And each movement of the choral work is also named after a different religion. In what ways did you adhere to or challenge norms of spiritual music? Because religion is so religion and music are so deeply tied together. How did you challenge those norms or how did you express those norms when you wrote this work? RE: You know, I think it's interesting because my own spiritual background is very kind of multi spiritual multi-faith. But like I said, my, my father is, is my father's side of the family is Muslim. My mom's side of the family is Catholic. My husband is Hindu. All of them grew up in a very singular practice in each of their religions. But for me, I grew up, you know, around my mom and my dad and then, you know, my husband later. And just there's a part of me that takes in the essence of each of these spiritual traditions. And, you know, I'm trying to kind of find what feels true to me in each of those places. And so to me, you know, this love between us is, is a place where I'm trying to essentially say, yes, we express things differently through whatever cultural, uh, history, that language or that that religion emerged through. And yet we're all trying to get at that same numinous thing. And, you know, I mean, I'm not saying, oh, all religions are the same. Definitely not. You know, there's, there's many different ways to practice things. And, you know, your unique way into your spirituality is your own. And that's, that's amazing. But also, we all kind of our cultures form religions for a certain reason, and it's because we want to try to understand things that are beyond ourselves. And so that's essentially what the piece is saying. So I know I'm sure there are purists who are like, you shouldn't be combining these things, but, you know, there's always going to be purists who do that and there's a role for that. But that's not really my role. So, I mean, I picked the pieces and I picked the religion specifically because of the numbers of people who practice that religion currently within India. And so it is like the largest, um, populations, you know, like Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, all, all of those things. And then there's one little tiny religion, Zoroastrianism. And while they are not, there's not many of them within India. They are the ones who are practicing Western classical music in India. So people like Zubin Mehta and all, they are Parsis that are Zoroastrians. So I thought, you know, it's important to include them too, because it's a piece that involves a lot of Western classical musicians. IL: I'm wondering now, as a composer who's working with music of different languages and religions and origins and also evoking a lot of these spiritual truths that are pretty universal in nature. What is your view on the function of music? There's the platitude that music is a universal language. Do you how to what extent do you agree with that? RE: You know, yeah, it's hard to, to, um, to think of music as a universal language. But I think sometimes we, how can I say this? It's such a broad question. When we are working in a form that isn't completely narrative, it gives us a little more chance to get at things that don't have to follow logically after one another. They're just feelings that we're able to feel. And I like working even when there are words, you know, there are certainly words in all of these, these, uh, pieces in this love between us. But I feel like sometimes we just feel something within us. And, you know, I experience this a lot when I have a piece performed, people will come up to me and say like, oh, this made me feel like this. And then the next person will come up to me and say, oh, this made me feel exactly the opposite thing. And I, I really love that we can have those experiences. And, you know, recently it's been really interesting because people have been asking these questions like interviewers, you know, before performances will be like, well, what do you want the audience to feel? And I'm like, oh, I don't want to answer that question. I want you to feel whatever you feel. There's nothing right to feel. And often, I mean, I'm not the one to ask. I'm so close to the music because when I'm listening, I'm thinking like, okay, was that C sharp in tune? Okay, you know, that's what I'm feeling. And I certainly don't want them to feel that. So I don't know. I think it's, it's just exciting to see how when we get out of these, what we should do this and this is the right thing to do. And this is the only way to do it. Um, how do we behave? And there are so few spaces left where if we don't say exactly the right words at the right time to the right people, you know, if we don't have exactly the right opinions that everyone around us has, We are so condemned and music might be one of the last places that we're allowed to feel whatever's inside of us. IL: Mhm. That's really interesting to think about. I think art in general is very beautiful because it allows people to interpret it in many different ways. I think for your music, you really draw on cultural specificity in terms of Hindustani music. What advice would you give to other young composers or also maybe artists of different mediums in creating that balance between specificity and universality? RE: Yeah, I think the thing is that the way into a deep practice is specificity. You know, I know people have asked me like, oh, you've done stuff with Indian music. Are you going to do stuff with other music? And I'm like, gosh, there's still so much to explore. I could have like three lifetimes and still not explore everything I want to explore just in the relationship between Indian and Western classical music. I mean, goodness knows I have four degrees in Western classical music, and I still am barely scratching the surface of it. Right. So I kind of feel like specificity is important because it allows you to access depth. And yet, you know, when you are specific about a certain thing, um, like for instance, like a scholar who only speaks Italian, I mean, they're going to know more than someone who maybe speaks five words of each language, right? So they can transfer over at a higher level and make more sophisticated points and understand the world with a more universal lens if they've gone really deep on one thing. So I would say, you know, to young composers, to young musicians, pick one practice and know it really, really well and deeply become go as far as you possibly can and then, you know, try to see if you can find relations between your primary practice and a different practice. Um, and I mean, some people, you know, I know in this generation that's coming up, that's like in their teens and twenties, there are South Asian, uh, kids who are here whose parents have come from India that are learning Indian and Western classical music side by side. And I think that's great. I mean, that's awesome. But I would also say make sure you don't just learn halfway. Both of those things, you know, if you're going to learn them, if at least with one thing, try to go as absolutely far as you can. IL: Let's hear another example of Reena Esmail's bilingual musicality with her work, Malhaar: A Requiem for Water, which was recorded fairly recently. The vocalist is Graycen Gardner with the choir conducted by Amy Fogerson. [MUSIC: Lacrimosa (from Malhaar: a Requiem for Water)] IL: Composer Reena Esmail used Indian classical instruments in that work, titled Malhaar: A Requiem for water. The vocalist was Graycen Gardner, with the choir conducted by Amy Fogerson. Percussionist was Rohit Panchakshari. I'm Isabel Li in conversation with composer Reena Esmail on this edition of Apex Express here on KPFA 94.1 FM. So when you integrate Hindustani classical Hindustani music, Indian classical music and those instruments into your scores, did you happen to did you have to develop a way to translate the notation of those notes in Western classical music notation, or vice versa? RE: Yeah, it it begs the greater question of what is notation for? Right? Because notation is essentially a way for Western musicians who read notation to look at a thing and be able to associate sounds with that thing. And so when I'm notating for Western classical musicians, I'm saying, okay, what is a cellist typically seeing and what are they doing based on what they're seeing? And then how can I take that language that they know really well that they play in Bach suites, that they play in Elgar, Cello Concerto, whatever it is, how can I take that language and just move it, you know, a couple degrees outward so that they're able to express different things, right? And so it's very much a psychological thing. You know, it's not a science the way that we think of it as and we learn it as this, oh, you know, eighths and sixteenths, and they divide this way. There's a lot you can do just to make someone feel a certain way with notation. On the other hand, if I'm writing for a sitar or tabla, the question is what? What is the role of the notation? Because the role of the notation for tabla player who has only Hindustani training and doesn't read music. It's certainly not for the tabla player that I'm doing the notation. Usually what I'll do is sit down with the tabla player in a, you know, more Hindustani style and say, hey, this is what I want. I want you to have like six overtones of teental. It should be at this tempo, blah, blah, blah. And they're like, oh, got it. I see what you want me to do. Right? And so all you need to figure out is the alignment points with the Western classical musicians. And so then the notation I put in the score is not really for them. It's for a conductor, for the Western musicians to be able to understand what they are doing and to be able to cue them in and help them kind of be in dialogue to one another. So it's interesting because, I mean, these days now I'm finding that there are tabla players who are both Indian and Western classical trained, and they want a part, but parts are not a thing. When I first wrote This Love Between Us, there were no parts for the tabla and sitar player. I actually had a cue sheet that I would actually point to as they were going, so that they knew, you know, what the different cues were because a part, you know, counting rests and stuff is not going to help them at all. So I think it's mostly trying to understand how is someone perceiving something and how can you give them the information they need in the most seamless way possible so that you can express what you want to express? IL: I love how technical that entire rundown was. I also wanted to talk a bit about your work, Terra Infirma, which is pretty recent. I had the honor of attending the premiere of Terra Infirma, a harp concerto that you composed based on your experiences with the Los Angeles fires in January of 2025. Um, it was such a wonderful work. I personally really loved hearing how you musically depicted the progression of a wildfire from despair to hope. It's also not the first environment based piece that you've written. YYou've written, for example, Earth Speaks in 2015. How do you approach composing works that are so rooted in environmentalism? And of course, have, have the undertones of speaking to the larger climate crisis at hand? RE: The thing that is interesting is, you know, someone was asking me about that piece, you know, you, you're, they're asking like, how do you kind of deal with activism in your work? And I was saying like, you know, I don't really think of myself as an activist because I think these issues are so fundamental to all of us, right? It's like you turn on your tap and you're just afraid that there's only going to be so long before water stops coming up. That's not, um, it doesn't feel like activism. It just feels like, you know, fear and it feels like we're tapping into these human emotions where people are so worried about what's going to happen. We don't really know what to do. And I think, you know, with anything, most people who have fear about things, you're going to just clam up if you feel that it's too, um, too much to deal with. And it is I mean, the environmental crisis is so huge that I think most people are just clamming up. And I guess, you know, what is our role as musicians? I think it's maybe to have some moments where we're not just like on our phones, seeing pictures of things burn down and freaking out where we can actually take some time to just reflect and be with one another. Because if we're going to solve this, it's going to be together and we need to come to some kind of like calm understanding of what is happening. And so a lot of my pieces are not accusatory. They're not, you know, pointing a finger. They're not supposed to rile people up. They're supposed to actually depict that experience of what it feels like to really sit with a hard thing for a long time and come to terms with it and then figure out how to move forward. And that's certainly the case with Terra Infirma and certainly the case with my Requiem. Certainly the case with curiosity, like you were saying, it's from Earth Speaks, which is many years ago. And that piece actually talks about the, the Pasadena institution's. It was actually for an organization called Pasadena Master Chorale. They commissioned the work many years ago. And what's so funny is I now live in Pasadena. I live in Altadena, up in the hills. So it's I wasn't living here at the time, but it is, you know, a place where many scientific institutions like the U.S. Geological Survey, you know, JPL, Caltech, all these places that are really exploring the environment in important ways are based. And so the piece kind of honors that and honors how we can interact positively with our environment. We can get data, we can find ways to do things that are, I mean, beyond my understanding, you'd have to ask a scientist, but but I just love that that we're in this place that sees the environment as something to understand more deeply instead of something that's just going to turn on us at a certain point. IL: Certainly. And I'm really curious, because Terra Infirma is also a work that was paired with multimedia animation and performance. Was there anything in your compositional process that differed when you're collaborating across these different mediums? RE: Yeah. So it's interesting because so the, there was, there were projections that were happening. And also in addition to that, it was a harp concerto, but a harp concerto where the harpist was also playing percussion. And so there were some elements that were so different than what would be typically like if harpist was like, I want a concerto. You would just be like, okay, you know, she sits there, she plays these notes. They're in that one position. That's all fine. Um, there was so much more, you're right with this piece than with, um, with my normal pieces. Um, and to me it's both, how can I say this? There's, there's such a different way I have to think about it, but I think that way starts with collaboration. So Yolanda Kondonassis, the incredible harp player, and Camilla Tassi, who was the production designer. These are people I know well and I've had multiyear relationships with. And so when you're thinking about how to build something, you're totally aware of what their work is like. I knew kind of the not even what Camilla's projections were going to look like, but the way that they interact with things. We've done projects together before. And so I pretty much had the sense of how she was going to respond. And I knew what she needed to know in order for her to do her work and make things kind of match up with one another. And then also with Yolanda, a lot of the stuff I put in that was like harp and percussion together. It wasn't something that I was making her do, right? It were things that we came up with together. We've spent so long workshopping things in percussion studios in, um, you know, we've met in all these different cities and we're basically like banging things against a harp and doing, you know, just so much experimentation. So for every technique you see in the concerto, you, um, you basically there's like ten things that we didn't do that didn't put in. So you're really only seeing the best of all the kind of crazy stuff that we tried. So I do think the thing is that when you're trying to invent something new and you're trying to invent new styles and new techniques, I mean, you can think of anything, but you're trying to find the things that A practically work and B allow the performers and the artists to really express themselves. So I found that I was actually choreographing the piece before I was composing it, um, that I had to figure out, okay, where are these percussion setups going to be? What are the instruments that I want? Okay. Are these chimes going to be like over her head? Or is she going to have to reach really far to get them? Are they going to be near the low end of the harp? Things like that that seem so practical. But the difference between having to reach out far and slowly versus having to like, quickly swat something near your ear, right? It makes a different choreography. And so I thought that way first. And then I kind of put the notes and rhythms and melodies and stuff in. IL: Let's now hear a selection from Reena Esmail's Terra Infirma. This is the fourth movement titled “Roaming the Ghost Forest.” Yolanda Kondonassis is the harpist with the Interlochen Center for the Arts Orchestra. [MUSIC: Terra infirma: IV. roaming the ghost forest] IL: The harpist was Yolanda Kondonassis with the Interlochen Center for the Arts Orchestra, playing the fourth movement of Terra Infirma by composer Reena Esmail. I'm Isabel Leigh, and in this episode of Apex Express, I'm joined by Reena Esmail, the composer, in conversation about her music and her approach to making art. Something else that I really was fascinated with on your on your Instagram account. You actually made a post a while back that I found to be very powerful. It's pinned as the letter to the young artists' immigrant parents. It's such an empathetic message that I also really relate to as a daughter of immigrants in the arts. And you kind of argue that these children's pursuit of the arts is a tribute to their parents immigrant struggles. Um, what motivated you to write this letter? RE: You know, I'm so glad you asked about that because so much has changed since I wrote that letter in a really good way. You know, first of all, I will say that when I wrote that letter, if you weren't a child of, you know, like Asian immigrant parents, you. And actually, I think this is true for most immigrant parents who, you know, have kind of given up everything to move to America so that their kids can explore all these opportunities they wouldn't get in their country of origin. When I first wrote this letter, it was really just, I felt like I was saying something really new. And now I think what's really interesting is that we have both parents who understand this and, um, kind of almost this parody way of seeing what Asian parents are like. Right. For me, one thing that I, that just makes my heart sing is the comedy of Zarna Garg. I don't know if you know who she is, but she is like an Indian American comic and she plays this role of being like this very typical Indian parent. And I will say, my parents weren't really like this because again, they were two different religions and married one another. So they were already quite open minded. But like 99% of Indian parents and even my parents, sometimes they have this thing of like, well, ‘why are you going into this?' Like you should make money, you should do this stuff. And I feel like, um, since Zarna's comedy came into the world, it's such an easy way to just point a finger at that and say, hey, this is what we're really dealing with as Indian immigrants. And, you know, we all just laugh at it. And I find that, you know, sometimes my friends who are just, you know, white Americans who have been in this family has been in this country for many generations. They don't get it. But like anyone who's a child of immigrant is like, oh yes, I completely understand what she's saying. So we have that. And I think that's really healthy and awesome. And she's very talented. Um, and on the other hand, I found that when I was first going into music and I mean, I, you know, when I was 18 and I was going to go to Juilliard, my parents were certainly supportive and curious and wanted me to do whatever they thought I might be good at enough to make a living and didn't want to optimize for, oh, you need to earn the most money or you need to, etc. but most other Indians around us were like, oh my God, she's so smart. Why is she like wasting her life doing music? You know, that was kind of the dominant narrative. And so I had to become very good at explaining why. And imagine my complete disbelief when I would go to conservatory and meet people whose parents had encouraged them to do music. I was like, what is happening? Like, we're like, there'd be four siblings and all of them would be in the arts. And I was like, oh wait, you're not the black sheep of your family. Like, I mean, half of my family, I don't think really knows what I do still even. Right? And so to me, it was so important to provide some kind of context. And like you said, it's like to, to come to this country and be an immigrant and to come with a lot of skills, but to have to just work in silence for so many years with no congratulation, with no one just constantly propping you up. That is what being an artist is. And you know, it's only maybe the past 10 years of my career that I've even been visible to people. Before that, it was just me doing my thing and like, no one cared about it. It was not not glamorous at all. And for me, that's what built the kind of strength in me to be able to sustain the career that I have now. And so I think if it had been a little too easy, I don't know that I would be able to handle, um, the, what I have now. So I think what's great though is that the Indian parents of kids who are teenagers and in their twenties nowadays are not coming to me being like, oh my God, what do I do with this kid who wants to be a musician? I've failed as a parent. Which again, for those of you who are not Asian, this is totally a true thing out there. They will come to me and say, hey, look, my, my child doesn't wants to be a musician. I want to help them. I can't tell like, are they good at this? Where should they be? Can you help me understand things? And that is really what my parents did. And I will, you know, kind of go further to say — PBS did a special on me a number of years ago, and I insisted on putting my parents in this special because I wanted people to see what it looked like to have really encouraging Indian parents who, again, they weren't going in blind. They were. They would go to my teachers and be like, well, I mean, is she good? Can she do this? We don't know what these answers are. Can you help us understand? And they really relied on the right people to be able to help me get to places that they couldn't get, but they also weren't just immediately dismissive of it. And that's what allowed me to kind of have a massive advantage, because I didn't have to also go back to school and do a medical degree. Or like most of my my peers of my age actually did. So I wanted to put them on that special to actually show that that is possible. And I'm seeing more and more that it is. There are many more parents like that now. And oh my goodness, I love every one of them. IL: That's wonderful. When you look back at your compositional career and how everything has changed since then, how do you think your work has evolved? RE: Oh, so you mean like since I began being a composer? IL: Yeah. Or maybe in the past ten years, even. RE: Yeah. It's interesting because I think one of the big inflection points in my work was when I did my Fulbright in India. So before that, I really didn't know very much about Indian classical music. And then the year before that, I really started to get deeper and started to integrate my Indian and Western classical world with one another. And then, you know, I from 2011 to 2012, I went to India and what was so different was actually seeing the music in its culture and actually getting to participate as an Indian in India, studying Indian classical music. Right. Because there's no filter. You're not going through a Western filter. You're just there in this culture. And I know that many of my Indian teachers, they kind of had this attitude of like, look, we don't know what kind of music you were doing before, but we're so glad you're here and studying your own music. And this is great. And so there wasn't this sense of having to go through another culture to get to their, their music. And to me, that really changed things because I don't see myself as writing music. That's one through the conduit of the other. I just see it as two streams that are equally incredible and equally independent, and they just meet each other in these interesting places. IL: And looking ahead into the future, is there an ensemble or an artist who you haven't worked with before that you'd love to work with? Ooh. It's interesting because, like, almost everyone who comes to mind is not a musician. Um, I've worked with so many. I mean, truly, I've been so lucky to work with musicians like Gil and Orli Shaham. Yolanda Kondonassis. I'm writing a piece for Hilary Hahn and Matthias Goerne right now. It's I mean, just like literally anyone who I could ever ask to work with, I have. I don't know. I mean, to me, it's like, gosh, someone like Misty Copeland would be amazing. Like, you know, there are so many actors like the world of Indian/South Asians in comedy and in drama and stuff like that is just incredible. People like Mindy Kaling who have done incredible things to me, people like that are just going outside of just music would be fascinating to me. IL: Absolutely. And I will put a link to your website, as well as the links to the music that will also be aired on this in this episode on KPFA.org, so our listeners can learn more about you and your wonderful work. Well, Reena, thank you so much for your time and thank you for talking to me today. RE: Absolutely. The post APEX Express – 8.06.26 – Obbligato – In Conversation with Composer Reena Esmail appeared first on KPFA.

Jimmy addresses the latest news, like the U.S. military asking troops for "creative and unconventional" ideas to punish Iran, before speaking with Colman Domingo and Monica Barbaro and welcoming comedian Zarna Garg for stand-up.

Our website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram - @perksofbeingabookloverpod Facebook - Perks of Being a Book Lover. To send us a message go to our website and click the Contact button. You can find Meredith Doench at www.meredithdoench.com or on IG at @meredithdoench   If you've listened to our show for a while, you may be aware that we've interviewed several Ohio authors. Katrina Kittle, Erin Flanagan, Christina Consolino, and Sharon Short (who has also published under the name Jess Montgomery) have all been guests and all are part of a writing group called the Cute City Bitches.    But there was one writer in that group whom we hadn't yet interviewed, but now we have. Meredith Doench teaches creative writing and literature at the University of Dayton and is a writer of sapphic thrillers, which is perfect since June is Pride Month. We're delighted she joined us to talk about her latest book titled Never Say Die, a novel about a detective named Rory Scott who has to contend with her own mother-daughter issues when someone in the community for the second time in six years, kidnaps a young girl and murders a teenager. Meredith talks to us about her love of crime novels and how writing and marketing novels with LGBTQ characters has changed since she began publishing.    Our book rec segment of the show this week focuses on books with unusual narrators. These are narrators who aren't human, and they might not even be tangible. We've got books narrated by sheep, Death, and dead people, as well as a mechanically-inclined world traveling gorilla, a Mediterranean fig tree, and a centenarian tortoise.   Books Mentioned In This Episode: 1- Never Say Die by Meredith Doench  2- Crossed by Meredith Doench  3- This American Woman: A One in a Million Memoir by Zarna Garg  4- Sister Novelists: The Trailblazing Porter Sisters Who Paved the Way for Austen and the Brontes by Devoney Looser  5- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt  6- Lord of the Flies by William Golding  7- Heartwood by Amity Gaige  8- Deer Season by Erin Flanagan  9- The Keepers of the House by Shirley Ann Grau  10- Predatory Natures by Amy Goldsmith  11- A Book Recommended by a Fellow Book Lover  Michele Terranova @bookwhisperer22 - I See You've Called in Dead by John Kenney  12- Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann  13- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak  14- The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold  15- The Murderer's Ape by Jakob Wegelius  16- The Island of the Missing Trees by Elif Shafak  17- The Tortoise's Tale by Kendra Coulter    Media Mentioned: 1- Remarkably Bright Creatures (Netflix, 2026) 2- Lord of the Flies (Netflix, 2026) 3- I Know My Name is Steven (1989) 4- Sheep Detectives (2026) 5- The Book Thief (2013) 6- The Lovely Bones (2009)  

Johnny Mac previews Bill Maher receiving the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center on Sunday, June 28, filmed for Netflix, with participants including Louis C.K., Jay Leno, Stephen A. Smith, Whitney Cummings, Woody Harrelson, Arianna Huffington, and John Mellencamp, and notes past winners. He highlights Zarna Garg's comments on the Breakdown podcast about performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival to inspire women who watch her in secret, saying money wasn't her motivation, and mentions The Hollywood Reporter's note that Jessica Kirson donated her Riyadh fee to the Human Rights Campaign. The episode jokes about Knicks chatter and Jimmy Kimmel's bit on Trump possibly attending a New York game, then covers a White House lawn UFC event invite list and reports Adam Sandler won't attend. It spotlights Patton Oswalt's new YouTube special “Tea and Scotch,” his thoughts on George Carlin, Lenny Bruce, and hecklers, plus discussion of his Star Trek Strange New Worlds role.  00:00 Mark Twain Prize Preview01:12 Zarna Garg Riyadh Debate03:39 Knicks Trump Jokes04:37 UFC White House Guestlist06:44 Patton Oswalt Carlin Talk09:44 Star Trek Rant Escalates10:57 Lucas Shovel Bit12:58 New Specials Spotlight Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.

Zarna Garg guest co-hosts. Joy Behar settles scores with Deborah Vance in the final season of “Hacks.” JLo reveals her “Office Romance. ”Sandra Bullock's return to the big screen. Co-hosts divulge their “celebrity sex pass.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

She escaped an arranged marriage the DAY AFTER her mother died…and what happened next will leave you speechless.In this unforgettable episode of Mayim Bialik's Breakdown, Zarna Garg reveals the raw, shocking, and deeply inspiring story behind her rise, from fleeing tradition under unimaginable circumstances to becoming one of the boldest voices in comedy today.After losing her mother, Zarna made a life-altering decision overnight—running away from an arranged marriage and surviving by couch surfing for 2 years. What kept her going? A surprising legacy of kindness her mom left behind that saved her life.From immigrating to America with nothing, to redefining her identity on her own terms, Zarna shares what America truly means to her and why she believes destiny had a hand in her success.She opens up about love, loss, and rebellion - how she navigated dating solo (including her wildly unique online dating ad!) and ultimately found her perfect match.Encouraged by her own kids, Zarna took a leap into stand-up comedy...and never looked back. Today, she's breaking stereotypes, pushing boundaries, and challenging cultural norms with every punchline.Zarna addresses the backlash she faced for performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival—and why she did it anyway, hoping to inspire women in marginalized communities.She gets real about the tough questions:- Did her father's death change how she sees karma?- Why should you NEVER ask your partner “what are you thinking?”- Is Western culture completely misunderstanding yoga?- Are beauty standards harsher in India or America?Plus, her hilarious takes on:- Growing up influenced by American culture & sibling birth order- Why she loves Mayim's "Amy Farrah Fowler" character from The Big Bang Theory- Balancing cultural pride without “demonizing” her roots for Western audiences Zarna also shares her powerful belief that ALL religions hold value, and how she's built her own philosophy by taking the best from each.This is more than comedy. It's survival, rebellion, identity, and destiny...all wrapped in one incredible story you don't want to miss. Her perspective might completely change how you see culture, courage, and what it really means to choose your own life!Go to https://bioptimizers.com/breaker and use code BREAKER for 15% off. 2026 is the year you finally start sleeping great again.Go to https://tidd.ly/4uVltMe and use the code MAYIM50 to get $50 off your Elastique order.Check out Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam podcast and subscribe: https://unpacked.bio/nmxGet the Discounted Early Bird registration to the IANDS Annual conference before the sale ends July 15. Visit https://conference.iands.orgSee Zarna Garg on The Million Dollar Excuses Tour: https://zarnagarbtour.com/Follow us on Substack for Exclusive Bonus Content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bialikbreakdown.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BialikBreakdown.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/mayimbialik⁠⁠⁠See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zarna Garg guest co-hosts.  Plus-ones at Taylor and Travis's wedding?  The best-selling memoir, “Strangers,” leaves wives second-guessing their marriages.  “The Breadwinner,” spotlights stay-at-home dads!  Plus, Kyle Kelce on being a “type C” mom.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Currently Reading, Kaytee and Meredith are discussing: Bookish Moments: Spring cleaning and outgoing books Current Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we've been reading lately Deep Dive: the oldest books on our TBR Before We Go: our new segment featuring bookish friend posts and a something Meredith is curious about Show notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site). . . .   1:21 - Bookish Moments of the Week 6:05 - Current Reads 6:59 - A Question of Guilt by Jorn Lier Horst (Meredith, amazon link) 9:36 - Daunt Books 11:59 - How To Kill A Guy In Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson (Kaytee) 12:05 - The Novel Neighbor 17:05 - This American Woman by Zarna Garg (Meredith) 18:59 - Born A Crime by Trevor Noah  23:30 - Zarna Garg on TikTok 24:19 - The Tears of Things by Richard Rohr (Kaytee) 24:27- The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective by Richard Rohr 29:35 - Vigil by George Saunders (Meredith) 31:25 - Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders 31:33 - A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders 37:54 - The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens (Kaytee) 38:09 - Fabled Bookshop 38:13 - The Life We Bury by Allan Eskens 38:18 - Content Bookstore 42:53 - Deep Dive: The Oldest Books on our TBR 43:20 - Currently Reading Substack 43:24 - Currently Reading Website 47:22 - The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks 48:12 - 12 Years A Slave by Solomon Northrup 49:09 - Raven Black by Ann Cleeves 50:31 - How We Learn by Benedict Carey 51:57 - Aunt Dimity and the Family Tree by Nancy Atherton 53:57 - CR Season 5: Episode 18 54:00 - Aunt Dimity's Death by Nancy Atherton 56:33 - The Hunger by Alma Katsu 58:12 - Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 58:54 - Before We Go Kaytee highlights a bookish friend post Meredith brings something she is curious about   Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Grab Some Merch Shop Bookshop dot org | Shop Amazon Bookish Friends Receive: The Indie Press List with a curated list of five books hand sold by the indie of the month. April's IPL is brought to us from a new to us bookstore, Two Friends Books in Bentonville, Arkansas Love and Chili Peppers with Kaytee and Rebekah - romance lovers get their due with this special episode focused entirely on the best selling genre fiction in the business All Things Murderful with Meredith and Elizabeth - special content for the scary-lovers, brought to you with the behind-the-scenes insights of an independent bookseller From the Editor's Desk with Kaytee and Bunmi Ishola - a quarterly peek behind the curtain at the publishing industry The Bookish Friends Facebook Group - where you can build community with bookish friends from around the globe as well as our hosts Connect With Us: The Show: Instagram | Website | Email | Threads | Substack | Youtube The Hosts and Regulars: Meredith | Kaytee | Mary | Roxanna Production and Editing: Megan Phouthavong Evans Affiliate Disclosure: All affiliate links go to Bookshop unless otherwise noted. Shopping here helps keep the lights on and benefits indie bookstores. Thanks for your support!

Sachin Sahel and Dhirendra return to the #YVRScreenScenePodcast for a raucous chat anchored in A Nice Indian Boy, the 2025 American romantic comedy film directed by Roshan Sethi and based on Madhuri Shekar's play of the same name. The film follows Naveen, an Indian-American doctor, who brings his fiancé, Jay Kurundkar, a white man adopted by Indian parents, to meet his traditional family. It stars Karan Soni, Jonathan Groff, Sunita Mani, Zarna Garg, and Harish Patel. Sachin plays Manish, an orthopaedic surgeon who marries Naveen's sister – he's the first nice Indian boy we meet in the film – and Dhirendra plays a very capable but utterly terrifying wedding planner. Not only is A Nice Indian Boy everything we love in a rom-com, but it builds on the genre, bringing Queer and Indian stories into that well-established North American rom-com space, and with nary a cliché in sight.Some of the best moments in A Nice Indian Boy are those that take place around the dinner table; thus, for this episode, Sabrina invites Sachin and Dhirendra to join her at the YVR Screen Scene table to raise a glass, break some bread, and talk about A Nice Indian Boy, our industry, and how they choose to stay joyful during challenging times. Also: what it's really like to work with Jonathan Groff (spoiler: he's a delight); chasing ghosts at Riverview; disco cobblers.Episode sponsor: Fish Flight Entertainment

We are BACK not ONE WEEK LATER (!!). This episode has everything! Usha Vance, Zarna Garg, Tolstoy (particularly, War and Peace which we are totally actually going to Book Club) and of course, Priyanka and Nick. Not to mention a 10 minute detour on anthropomorphized beanie babies and a discussion of how much dumber we've gotten over our nearly ten years of podcasting together. You can be the judge of that!! Hit us up at thebrownburndown@gmail.com.

'The View' co-hosts weigh in after border czar Tom Homan announced that the federal government's immigration surge in Minnesota is ending. ABC News' Juju Chang joins to unpack the chilling twists in the latest '20/20,' which reveals how a picture‑perfect love story turned into a deadly mystery — and the detectives' dogged work to unravel it all. Watch 'Footprints in the Snow' tonight, Feb. 13 at 9/8c on ABC. Plus, comedian Zarna Garg stops by to share the wit and real‑life stories fueling her 'Million Dollar Excuses' tour, opens up about her secrets to marriage, and reflects on a full‑circle moment with former 'The View' co‑host Meredith Vieira. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Oprah to Zarna Garg, five women transformed hardship into Hollywood success. Learn how resilience, creativity, and self-belief helped them overcome poverty, discrimination, and industry barriers to become household names in entertainment. Learn more at https://davidsguide.com/zarna-garg-net-worth/ David's Guide City: Huntington Beach Address: 5267 Warner Ave Website: http://davidsguide.com

Zarna Garg is a stand-up comic, screenwriter, bestselling author, and one of the busiest people in comedy right now. But before she ever set foot onstage, she went to law school and tried her hand at entrepreneurship, failing at a vegan chili company, a tomato sauce brand, and even a matchmaking service. In this episode, Adam and Zarna reflect on how her daughter challenged her to consider a career pivot, debate the usefulness of a humanities degree, and break down the meticulous process that goes into developing a hit performance. Zarna also delivers some hot takes and tells the story of how she found her husband by posting a shockingly no-nonsense online ad.Host & GuestAdam Grant (Instagram: @adamgrant | LinkedIn: @adammgrant | Website: https://adamgrant.net/)Zarna Garg (Instagram: @zarnagarg | YouTube: @zarnagarg | TikTok: @ZarnaGarg | Website: https://zarnagarg.com/)Follow TED! X: https://www.twitter.com/TEDTalksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tedFacebook: https://facebook.com/TEDLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ted-conferencesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tedtoks Podcasts: https://www.ted.com/podcastsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zarna Garg is a stand-up comic, screenwriter, bestselling author, and one of the busiest people in comedy right now. But before she ever set foot onstage, she went to law school and tried her hand at entrepreneurship, failing at a vegan chili company, a tomato sauce brand, and even a matchmaking service. In this episode, Adam and Zarna reflect on how her daughter challenged her to consider a career pivot, debate the usefulness of a humanities degree, and break down the meticulous process that goes into developing a hit performance. Zarna also delivers some hot takes and tells the story of how she found her husband by posting a shockingly no-nonsense online ad.Host & GuestAdam Grant (Instagram: @adamgrant | LinkedIn: @adammgrant | Website: https://adamgrant.net/)Zarna Garg (Instagram: @zarnagarg | YouTube: @zarnagarg | TikTok: @ZarnaGarg | Website: https://zarnagarg.com/)Follow TED! X: https://www.twitter.com/TEDTalksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tedFacebook: https://facebook.com/TEDLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ted-conferencesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tedtoks Podcasts: https://www.ted.com/podcastsReThinking is produced by Cosmic Standard. Our Senior Producer is Jessica Glazer, our Engineer is Aja Simpson, our Technical Director is Jacob Winik, and our Executive Producer is Eliza Smith.For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/rethinking-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some rituals are spiritual. Some are silly. Some are inherited, and some are self-made. Casper ter Kuile, author of The Power of Ritual: Turning Everyday Activities into Soulful Practices, walks us through how we create all sorts of meaningful, grounding rituals. And you'll hear clips from past two years of Audacious guests who have shared the rituals that matter most to them, from morning journaling and bedtime affirmations to pre-show sign-slapping. Whether you've already got your rituals down pat, or are still developing your own special routine, this episode shows you how to honor the sacred in the everyday. This episode originally aired on May 17, 2025. Suggested episodes: Forgiveness: How we define it and how it defines us Life advice, one Audacious guest at a time Kitchen objects with a story. Listen at your own whisk Why you so salty? The anger episode Change Of Art: Stories About Tattoo Coverups Awe yeah! Exploring the magic of mind-blowing moments GUESTS: Casper ter Kuile: author of The Power of Ritual: Turning Everyday Activities into Soulful Practices. He holds Master's degrees in Divinity and Public Policy from Harvard University, and is a co-founder of Sacred Design Lab. He also co-hosts the podcast, Harry Potter and the Sacred Text Audacious guests who shared their personal rituals (in order of appearance): Dean Edwards, Jessica Jin, Kristen Geez, Anna Holland, Lena Khalal Tuffaha, Chris Crowe, Bruce W Brackett, Moon Ribas, Azie Dungey, Pony Tromper, Mary Elizabeth Kelly, Paul Marcarelli, Brad White, Begoña Gómez Urzaiz, Dr. Gale Ridge, Mehdi Hasan, Stephanie Courtney, Rosanna Ramos, Sonya Horton, Greg Viloria, Ronnie “Woo Woo” Wickers, Zarna Garg, Jada Star, Luis Mojica, RoseMarie Wallace, Mindy Glickman, David Roche, Paul Gladis, and Arwen, Aidan, and Willow Gladis Perez-Sauquillo Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are laughing out loud today with comedian and actress Zarna Garg. Born in India, Zarna started her career as a lawyer in Ohio. Since her second act in comedy, she has taken America by storm. She has appeared on The Tonight Show and Late Night, and has two comedy specials available on Hulu. Her first book, This American Woman, came out in early 2025 and became a New York Times Bestseller. Today, she sits down with Martha to talk about her rise in comedy, performing with some of the biggest names in the business, and where she gets her inspiration( hint, hint: her mother-in-law).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 213, Sarah and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) wrap up the year with the Best Books of 2025 Genre Awards. They reveal their Overall Best Books (Fiction and Nonfiction) and a full breakdown by genre, including: Best Literary Fiction, Best Romance, Best Brain Candy, Best Genre Mash-Up, and more! Plus, they share the winners for these same genres as chosen by the Sarah's Bookshelves Live Member Community. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Announcements The 2026 Reading Tracker is out! This year brings upgraded features across the board — including NEW average star rating and 5-star book tracking for every stat on the Dashboard — plus an updated Lite Tracker for those who prefer a streamlined version. Both Trackers are ONLY available to paid Patreon or Substack subscribers ($7/month) and is no longer sold separately. To avoid Apple's 30% fee, be sure to join directly from the Patreon website (mobile or desktop). Join our Patreon Community (here) OR become a Substack Paid Member (here)! Highlights Podcast reflections from 2025 — including top episodes based on download stats. A brief overview of Sarah's and Chrissie's 2025 year in reading. Their favorite books of the year: overall and by genre, including the SBL Member Community's picks. 2025 Genre Awards [12:39] Sarah The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:45]  The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [16:32]  The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:13]  One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [23:48]  The Compound by Aisling Rawle (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:47]  August Lane by Regina Black (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:03]  The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:54]  Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:36] This American Woman by Zarna Garg (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:00] Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [52:59] The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [54:44]  Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [56:29] Next of Kin by Gabrielle Hamilton (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [1:00:10]  The Elements by John Boyne (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:03:10] Chrissie Fox by Joyce Carol Oates (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:42]  Joy Moody Is Out of Time by Kerryn Mayne (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:36]  Marble Hall Murders (Susan Ryeland, 3) by Anthony Horowitz (2025) | Amazon| Bookshop.org  [21:39]  The Pretender by Jo Harkin (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:51]  What We Can Know by Ian McEwan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:28]  To Clutch a Razor (Curse Bearer, 2) by Veronica Roth (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:39]  The Love Haters by Katherine Center (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [37:03]  These Heathens by Mia McKenzie (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:31]  The Zorg by Siddarth Kara (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:11]  Misbehaving at the Crossroads by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:09] A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:38]  Awake in the Floating City by Susanna Kwan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[55:11] Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [57:16]  Future Boy by Michael J. Fox (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:01:23]  Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated by James Goodhand (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:06:07]  SBL Member Community The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:43] The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:02] Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:52]  Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:21] The Compound by Aisling Rawle (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:28]  The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:23]  One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:39] Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:57] Big Dumb Eyes by Nate Bargatze (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:15] Hot Air by Marcy Dermansky (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:17] Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:19] The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:22] Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:24] So Far Gone by Jess Walter (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:27] This American Woman by Zarna Garg (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:28] Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:20] Ordinary Time by Annie Jones (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [52:32] Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:31]  Among Friends by Hal Ebbott (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [59:25] Awake by Jen Hatmaker (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:02:33] Other Books Mentioned Leaving by Roxana Robinson (2024) [13:51]  Heart the Lover by Lily King (2025) [15:35]  Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) [15:58]  Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) [16:09]  The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) [16:11] Dream State by Eric Puchner (2025) [16:13] Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder by Kerryn Mayne (2023) [17:45]  Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (2025) [18:46]  Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez (2025) [18:56]  The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham (2025) [19:18] Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan (2025) [19:23] Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2023) [21:28]  The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark (2025) [23:03] The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman (2025) [23:07]   Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (2025) [23:13] The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) [23:15]   We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter (2017) [24:09]  Tell Me an Ending by Jo Harkin (2022) [26:03] What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (2025) [26:55] Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) [27:06]   The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis (2025) [27:12] Isola by Allegra Goodman (2025) [28:13]  Merge by Grace Walker (2025) [31:35] The Memory Collectors by Dete Meserve (2025) [31:43]  Sunrise on the Reaping by Susanna Collins (2025) [31:48] Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor (2025) [31:01] The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker (2025) [32:05] When Among Crows by Veronica Roth (2024) [33:05]  Katabasis by R. F. Kuang (2025) [34:23] Babel by R. F. Kuang (2022) [34:36] Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (2023) [34:37] A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett (2025) [34:49] The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett (2024) [34:54] Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (2025) [34:58] The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow (2025) [35:05] Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab (2025) [35:31] The Art of Scandal by Regina Black (2023) [36:49] The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) [38:54]  The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones (2025) [40:30] Hungerstone by Kat Dunn (2025) [40:37] We Love You, Bunny by Mona Awad (2025) [40:42] The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig (2025) [41:19] Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker (2025) [41:30] When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi (2025) [44:56] The Wager by David Grann (2023) [47:34]  Replaceable You by Mary Roach (2025) [49:04] The Gales of November by John U. Bacon (2025) [49:11] Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams (2025) [51:58] All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert (2025) [52:08] Awake by Jen Hatmaker (2025) [52:24] Nobody's Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre (2025) [52:28] One Day, Everyone Will Always Have Been Against This by Omar El Akkad (2025) [52:49] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [53:22] Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) [54:21] Life, and Death, and Giants by Ron Rindo (2025) [54:27] Woodworking by Emily St. James (2025) [56:16] Buckeye by Patrick Ryan (2025) [58:57] The Elements by John Boyne (2025) [59:15]   Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley (2025) [59:49] My Friends by Fredrik Backman (2025) [59:51] The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) [1:05:51] James by Percival Everett (2024) [1:08:07]  Top Podcast Episodes Ep. 199: Best Books of 2025 (So Far) with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Susie (@NovelVisits) Ep. 184: Best Books of 2024 Genre Awards with Susie (@NovelVisits) Ep. 185: Winter 2025 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) Ep. 205: Fall 2025 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) Ep. 192: Spring 2025 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) Ep. 198: Best of Thrillers with Anderson McKean of Page & Palette (@PagePalette) Ep. 188: Best of Fantasy with Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) Ep. 193: Clare Leslie Hall (author of Broken Country) Ep. 187: State of the Industry in 2024 with Kathleen Schmidt (@KathMSchmidt), author of the Publishing Confidential Substack Ep. 208: Best of Narrative Nonfiction with Elizabeth Barnhill of Fabled Bookshop (@FabledBookshop)

BROWN PEOPLE ARE EMBARRASSING US! Zarna Garg & Daughter come out as Trumpers!Akaash Singh is surprised his misogynist racist fans are being mean to his wife!Nikki Haley's son has an insane take!Also...pull ups at the fucking airport?!!?!?

From starting a tomato sauce company to launching matchmaking services, Zarna Garg's entrepreneurial spirit has always been on display. But when daughter Zoya Garg dragged her to an open-mic event and introduced her mother to the world of stand-up comedy, the older Garg seemed skeptical. Fast-forward six years later. Now, Zarna Garg has streaming comedy specials, a best-selling book and millions of followers on social media. Host Elahe Izadi spoke with Zarna and Zoya at The Washington Post's Global Women's Summit. Before a live audience, the three explore Zarna's journey to finding comedy, the changing face of the industry on social media, and how it's never too late to launch a second act in life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From starting a tomato sauce company to launching matchmaking services, Zarna Garg's entrepreneurial spirit has always been on display. But when daughter Zoya Garg dragged her to an open-mic event and introduced her mother to the world of stand-up comedy, the older Garg seemed skeptical.Fast-forward six years later. Now, Zarna Garg has streaming comedy specials, a best-selling book and millions of followers on social media. Host Elahe Izadi spoke with Zarna and Zoya at The Washington Post's Global Women's Summit. Before a live audience, the three explore Zarna's journey to finding comedy, the changing face of the industry on social media, and how it's never too late to launch a second act in life. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

In this episode of Get Hired, LinkedIn Editor Andrew Seaman is joined by Zoya Garg, the cofounder and COO of Zarna Garg Productions, the company behind comedian Zarna Garg's global success.  Zoya's unconventional career began in high school when she recognized her mother's comedic talent and entrepreneurial spirit could become an actual business. Through grassroots marketing and social media strategy, she helped launch her mom's standup career—an experience that helped her land a spot at Stanford. After graduation, Zoya returned to the family business, where she's putting her computer science and classics degrees to work in unexpected ways. In this conversation, Zoya shares candid insights about the fear and pressure facing today's graduates and gives advice on how to tap into an entrepreneurial mindset when traditional paths to success aren't available. Key Topics: How entrepreneurship has become more accessible than ever for recent graduates The power of learning to sell, regardless of your degree or industry Using AI tools to master new skills and automate complex tasks Reframing your college degree as a flexible toolkit, not a rigid career path Why putting yourself out there is now a non-negotiable for career success Links & Resources: Follow Zoya Garg on LinkedIn here Join the Get Hired community on LinkedIn here Listen to more episodes of Get Hired with Andrew Seaman here

100 EPISODES IN!

Maria Gallucci (she/her), Award-winning realtor and proud CODA and I recap the latest 5 Things: Good Vibes in DEI. This week our conversation is about Deaf athletes smashing barriers, Target's accessible checkout, Costa Rica's trans political breakthrough, and more!Here are this week's good vibes:Deaf athletes smash barriers on the courtTarget finally gets checkout rightCosta Rica votes for trans visibilitySesame Street hugs military kidsWalmart cuts the color—literallyGood Vibes to Go: Bernadette's GVTG: Watch some of Zarna Garg's stand up comedy. She has two hilarious specials on Hulu, including this year's Practical People Win. I like it when people don't take themselves or their cultures too seriously. Maria's GVTG: Try to love everybody…and support the LGBTQ+ community through your local LGBTQ center. More at lgbtqcenters.org.Read the Stories.Connect with Maria Gallucci.Subscribe to the 5 Things newsletter.Watch 5 Things Live on YouTube. Join thousands of readers by subscribing to the 5 Things newsletter. Enjoy some good vibes every Saturday morning. https://5thingsdei.com/

We're checking in this week on a brand new rom com, Roshan Sethi's 2025 adaptation of A Nice Indian Boy, starring Karan Soni and Jonathan Groff! Join in as we discuss awkward first dates, a scene-stealing performance by Zarna Garg, and the nice change of a gay rom com that's not about coming out. Plus: What's the best joke in the movie? Why would Jay smoke weed in his fiance's parents' bathroom? And where is this movie set? Make sure to rate, review, and subscribe! Next week: The Mummy (1932)----------------------------------------------Key sources and links for this episode:"Calgary Filmmaker Dreams Up a Big Gay Bollywood Wedding in New Rom Com" (CBC)"A Nice Indian Boy: Jonathan Groff and Karan Soni Make Rom Com History" (The Daily Beast)"Gay Rom-Com A Nice Indian Boy Unites Deadpool's Karan Soni, Jonathan Groff, and Roshan Sethi: 'Everyone was Turned On'" (Variety)"Out and About with Karan Soni" (OUT Magazine)

Once a homeless teen in Mumbai, now Zarna Garg's a top comedian, touring with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.Zarna Garg was in her 40s living in New York City when she went to an open mic night for the very first time. Before that, she'd never even heard of stand up comedy and was only there, resentfully, at the insistence of her children who were convinced their mother would be a success. The kids were right, and Zarna – who was desperate for a new career – found her calling in comedy. Zarna has spent her whole life reinventing herself. Born in Mumbai to a wealthy Indian family, she was kicked out by her controlling father when she refused an arranged marriage. At the time, Zarna was a teenager and grieving the sudden death of her mother to illness. Overnight, Zarna became homeless, relying on the kindness of friends for a place to stay. After more than a year of instability, she succumbed to her father's demands and agreed to be married. But just before the wedding, Zarna received a visa and arrived in the US – in pursuit of happiness and love, on her own terms. She supported herself through law school, became an unwitting pioneer of online dating, and raised a family. But decades later, Zarna was spiralling and rethinking all her life choices. Describing herself as a “manic, deranged Manhattan housewife,” she began various business ventures that “failed spectacularly.” When Zarna was ridiculed at a fancy dinner party by other guests – her husband came to her defence, declaring to the room, “one day you're going to find your thing and you're going to become unstoppable.”It was this crisis that led Zarna to become a stand up comic. After her clips started going viral online, Zarna caught the attention of some of the biggest stars of the entertainment world, and even got her own comedy special on TV. Zarna's written a book called This American Woman: A One-in-a-Billion Memoir.Presenter: Mobeen Azhar Producer: Maryam Maruf and Helen FitzhenryLives Less Ordinary is a podcast from the BBC World Service that brings you the most incredible true stories from around the world. Each episode a guest shares their most dramatic, moving, personal story. Listen for unbelievable twists, mysteries uncovered, and inspiring journeys - spanning the entire human experience. Step into someone else's life and expect the unexpected.   Got a story to tell? Send an email to liveslessordinary@bbc.co.uk or message us via WhatsApp: 0044 330 678 2784   You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5YD3hBqmw26B8WMHt6GkQxG/lives-less-ordinary-privacy-notice

A massive comedy lineup — including Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Andrew Santino, Pete Davidson, Zarna Garg, Louis CK, Jessica Kirson and many more — is heading to the first Riyadh Comedy Festival.Gianmarco Soresi's new special is packed with sharp jokes and tight writing.Michael Che recalls a backstage moment with Kanye West. Plus: Jimmy Fallon tops the trust rankings, why Steve Harvey retired from stand-up, Steve Martin cancels shows, and Guy Branum plans legal action.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac--4522158/support.Become a premium subscriber! (no ads). For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which says UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING and the bonus “DCN8” show.You also get 25+ other series  (it's only $4.99 a month with a free-trial month)Contact John at john@thesharkdeck dot com  Media Thoughts is mcdpod.substack.com dailycomedynews.substack.com DCN on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@dailycomedynews https://linktr.ee/dailycomedynews www.buymeacoffee.com/dailycomedynews  

This week on the pod, Zarna Garg joins Seth and Josh! She has them laughing the whole way through, telling them all about how she grew up in Mumbai, Chuck-E-Cheese outings in Ohio, food being a huge part of the culture in India, 3 hour breakfasts, the comedy in how Americans view weather, the impact of the TV show Three's Company, her family podcast, and so much more! Plus, she chats about her Hulu special, Practical People Win, out now! Support our sponsors: Mint Mobile Quit stalling and start saving when you make the switch. Shop plans at MINTMOBILE.com/TRIPS. Upfront payment of $45 required (equivalent to $15/mo.). Limited time new customer offer for first 3 months only. Speeds may slow above 35GB on Unlimited plan. Taxes & fees extra. See MINT MOBILE for details. Delete Me Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/trips and use promo code TRIPS at checkout. Fabric Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to help protect their family. Apply today in just minutes at meetfabric.com/trips. Policies issued by Western-Southern Life Assurance Company. Not available in certain states. Prices subject to underwriting and health questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marc Maron reflects on progressive infighting, his iconic fascism line, and the state of the left. Adam Sandler reveals how he wrote songs for SNL's 50th. Plus: the best WTF with Marc Maron episodes, Zarna Garg praises American comedy freedom, Auntie Donna supports up and comer with Grouse House, and Owen Farewell wants to defend bedbugs on the subway.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac--4522158/support.Become a premium subscriber! (no ads). For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which says UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING and the bonus “DCN8” show.You also get 25+ other series  (it's only $4.99 a month with a free-trial month)Contact John at john@thesharkdeck dot com  Media Thoughts is mcdpod.substack.com dailycomedynews.substack.com DCN on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@dailycomedynews https://linktr.ee/dailycomedynews www.buymeacoffee.com/dailycomedynews  

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Join acclaimed comedian and New York Times-bestselling author Zarna Garg for a special conversation with Ira Glass (This American Life) about her new Hulu stand-up special, Practical People Win. The conversation was recorded on July 18th, 2025, at The 92nd Street Y, New York.

Buy Zarna's Memwah!Zarna's special "Practical People Win" on HuluWhat we're watching:And Just Like That (HBO Max)I Love You Forever (HBO Max)Amy Bradley Is Missing (Netflix)Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO Max)Sinners (HBO Max)What we're reading:Listen For The Lie by Amy TineraI See You've Called In Dead by John KenneyCulpability by Bruce HolsingerThe Forty Year Kiss by Nikolas ButlerYou're Embarrassing Yourself by Desiree AkhavanJames by Percival EverettFollow us on Instagram: Memwah PodcastJoin our Facebook group! Memwah PodcastVisit us at Pronounced MemwahMusic: "Promenade" themeBuy Wendi's booksI'm Wearing Tunics NowGinger Mancino, Kid ComedianSocksWendi's SubstackBuy Ann's bookListen to Your MotherMariana's Substack

Behar joins executive producer Brian Teta to discuss the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's late night show and the important role comedians play in politics. She shares her plans to cast last week's guest, comedian Zarna Garg, in one of her plays, answers a listener question about her famous lasagna! Then, she reveals which classic movies she'll be screening with her grandson this week. Recommend movies for Joy and her grandson here: https://woobox.com/kaoojs Get tickets to Joy's plays here: https://www.myfirstexhusband.com/schedule Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zarna Garg talks new stand-up special; What to know about chronic venous insufficiency after Trump's diagnosis; James Patterson and Vicky Ward discuss new book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zarna Garg talks new stand-up special; What to know about chronic venous insufficiency after Trump's diagnosis; James Patterson and Vicky Ward discuss new book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After 16 years as a stay-at-home mom, Zarna Garg felt like she needed to reinvent herself. She tried a few different business ventures (disposable toothbrushes, vegan chilli and matchmaking), but none of them stuck. Then she decided to give comedy a go and everything changed. Now, Zarna has released a new stand-up special, "Practical People Win,” which highlights her unlikely journey into comedy. She joins Tom Power to talk about her business-oriented approach to her work, and how it sometimes pays off to take big risks when life tells you to play it safe.

Navarro joins executive producer Brian Teta to discuss her thoughts on Trump's Epstein files controversy and border czar Tom Homan saying physical appearance can be a consideration in detaining suspected illegal immigrants. Then, she shares her love for today's guest comedian Zarna Garg and and she dishes on her approach to communication in her marriage! Have a question or want advice from Brian or a co-host? Call or text us at (917) 960-3037 or leave us a message here: https://woobox.com/kaoojs. Messages may be used on a future podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the ongoing drama over the Jeffrey Epstein files continues, 'The View' co-hosts react to Pres. Trump taking aim at his own party. Then, the co-hosts share their takeaways from Wednesday night's ESPY Awards hosted by comedian Shane Gillis. After a poll said that 43% of Americans would leave their partner for $1 million, the co-hosts weigh in. Zarna Garg discusses working with comedy's A-list, her new special "Practical People Win" and memoir about finding her voice, "This American Woman."  Alyssa Farah Griffin shares her summer reading picks in Ladies Get Lit! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zarna Garg is a force of nature with a microphone. The award-winning comedian, author, producer and screenwriter brought her sharp, relatable family humor to her first streaming special, “One in a Billion.” When Zarna's not at the Comedy Cellar opening for icons like Tiny Fey and Amy Poehler or appearing on The Tonight Show and Late Night, she's selling out headlining shows worldwide. Zarna made her acting debut in New York Times Critics pick “A Nice Indian Boy.” She also has a podcast, “The Zarna Garg Family Podcast,” that explores modern life with her husband and kids. She joins Google to discuss her book, “This American Woman: A One-In-A-Billion Memoir.” The memoir tells the story of her treacherous climb from a homeless teen in Mumbai to an unhinged stay-at-home mom in New York, and then to an internationally beloved stand-up comedian. It's an exuberant story of fighting for your right to determine your own destiny and triumph beyond what you dreamed was possible. Watch this episode at youtube.com/TalksAtGoogle.

Hey BA Fam! In this episode, Mandi sits down with the unstoppable comic genius and *Official!* New York Times Bestselling author Zarna Garg to unpack her remarkable journey from stay-at-home mom to comedy superstar in her mid-40s. Less than a decade ago, Zarna was packing snacks for her kids' sports teams and tracking down missing socks in the laundry. Today, she's celebrating the release of her new book, "This American Woman: A One in a Billion Memoir", helming a sitcom pilot with comedy icons like Mindy Kaling and Kevin Hart and performing for sold-out audiences around the country. In this candid interview, Zarna gets real about the highs and lows of juggling motherhood, cultural expectations, and a career in the pressure cooker of New York City. She shares hard-earned wisdom on self-acceptance, resilience, and why women should never be afraid to think big. Follow Zarna: https://www.tiktok.com/@zarnagarg https://www.instagram.com/zarnagarg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some rituals are spiritual. Some are silly. Some are inherited, and some are self-made. Casper ter Kuile, author of The Power of Ritual: Turning Everyday Activities into Soulful Practices, walks us through how we create all sorts of meaningful, grounding rituals. And you'll hear clips from past two years of Audacious guests who have shared the rituals that matter most to them, from morning journaling and bedtime affirmations to pre-show sign-slapping. Whether you've already got your rituals down pat, or are still developing your own special routine, this episode shows you how to honor the sacred in the everyday. Suggested episodes: Forgiveness: How we define it and how it defines us Life advice, one Audacious guest at a time Kitchen objects with a story. Listen at your own whisk Why you so salty? The anger episode Change Of Art: Stories About Tattoo Coverups Awe yeah! Exploring the magic of mind-blowing moments GUESTS: Casper ter Kuile: author of The Power of Ritual: Turning Everyday Activities into Soulful Practices. He holds Master's degrees in Divinity and Public Policy from Harvard University, and is a co-founder of Sacred Design Lab. He also co-hosts the podcast, Harry Potter and the Sacred Text Audacious guests who shared their personal rituals (in order of appearance): Dean Edwards, Jessica Jin, Kristen Geez, Anna Holland, Lena Khalal Tuffaha, Chris Crowe, Bruce W Brackett, Moon Ribas, Azie Dungey, Pony Tromper, Mary Elizabeth Kelly, Paul Marcarelli, Brad White, Begoña Gómez Urzaiz, Dr. Gale Ridge, Mehdi Hasan, Stephanie Courtney, Rosanna Ramos, Sonya Horton, Greg Viloria, Ronnie “Woo Woo” Wickers, Zarna Garg, Jada Star, Luis Mojica, RoseMarie Wallace, Mindy Glickman, David Roche, Paul Gladis, and Arwen, Aidan, and Willow Gladis Perez-Sauquillo Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian Zarna Garg joins Farnoosh live at Loopwell in Montclair to celebrate the release of her memoir, This American Woman. In this candid and hilarious conversation, Zarna shares how she transformed personal crisis into a comedy career—building a thriving business from scratch after her husband lost his job. She opens up about betting on herself in midlife, using clean comedy as a strategic edge, and how she's navigated financial stress, immigrant identity, and motherhood with grit and humor.

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Seth takes a closer look at turmoil and confusion in Trump's White House after he announced he was moving his scandal-plagued national security adviser to a different job.Then, Zarna Garg talks about raising her children in New York City, touring with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler and her relationship with her mother-in-law.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Download Farnoosh's Free Investing Blueprint to learn how to begin investing for your future. Learn more about her So Money Members Club.In this week's Ask Farnoosh, Farnoosh kicks off with a look at key economic headlines—from McDonald's reporting a drop in customer traffic to new signs the U.S. economy may be cooling, including a GDP contraction and a spike in jobless claims. She also reflects on a powerful story shared by comedian Zarna Garg about how her family handled job loss during the pandemic, and why honesty with kids during financial stress can build resilience.Then, Farnoosh answers three listener questions:Elizabeth is considering a new role at a worker cooperative with a significantly lower salary. Farnoosh walks through what questions to ask about co-op structures, how to weigh values vs. pay, and whether the trade-off is worth it.A listener worried about market volatility asks how to protect their 529 college savings plan over the next 10 years. Farnoosh shares practical strategies for adjusting investment risk and preserving growth potential.A Canadian teacher in her 30s feels stuck—financially overwhelmed, burned out, and unsure how to move forward. Farnoosh offers actionable steps to regain control, find short-term wins, explore alternate income streams, and shift mindsets around job security and reinvention.Plus, a reminder to check out this week's earlier episodes with Rachel Rodgers (raising financially confident kids) and Heather Zack (estate planning 101).

I sat down with my good friend Zarna Garg, and what unfolded was a raw, unfiltered conversation about rejection, resilience, and rewriting your story — even when it feels like the world just slammed a door shut.​Zarna is one of the funniest, most driven people I know. From stay-at-home mom to touring stand-up comic, bestselling author, and opener for Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, her journey is straight-up bonkers. But the real story here? She just got devastating news — a major network passed on her sitcom — and still showed up with grace, grit, and good humor.​This episode is for every underdog, every immigrant, every late bloomer, every person who's ever asked, “Is it too late for me?” Spoiler alert: It's not. Her story proves it.​We talk about:

Zarna Garg is a comedian whose standup centers around her life as an Indian mom in America. She joins us to discuss her new book, This American Woman: A One-in-a-Billion Memoir, as well as how she's supporting the Jews in a post 10/7 world.

Zarna Garg first appeared on the Working It Out podcast in 2022 and since then her popularity has continued to rise. Zarna explains to Mike how she has built her comedy career like a business, and why performing for an audience of one or two is no different for her than performing for an audience of thousands. Mike and Zarna discuss free speech in Zarna's native India, and what it's like for her to raise her kids in America. Plus: why no one in Zarna's family has been allowed to read her memoir This American Woman.Please consider donating to Unicorn Island

Jenna and Justin weigh in on listeners' social dilemmas in ‘Guy Code.' Comedian Zarna Garg talks about her new memoir, ‘This American Woman,' wherein she writes about her childhood in India and her rise to fame after being a stay-at-home mom for almost two decades.  Ryan Serhant from Netflix's ‘Owning Manhattan' helps one listener find the home of her dreams.

This Friday: Top financial headlines from changes to student loans to the dismantling of the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. Plus: The best ways to grow and maintain strong credit. To join Farnoosh with Zarna Garg at Loopwell, reserve your spot here.

Parenting in the digital age is no joke—but thankfully, today's guest is an expert at finding the humor in the chaos. In this episode of Parenting in the Digital Age with Sam & Kanika brought to you by Meta, we sit down with the hilarious and trailblazing Zarna Garg! From stay-at-home mom to stand-up sensation, Zarna shares her journey of breaking barriers in comedy, parenting kids across the social media revolution, and navigating screen time, online safety, and digital literacy—all while keeping family at the heart of it all. Her kids were the ones who got her on social media after all! Plus, we dive into her upcoming CBS show, her must-read memoir This American Woman, and how she helps her kids embrace social media without fear. Get ready for laughs, wisdom, and real talk about raising kids in the age of IG reels and ChatGPT. Don't miss this one—hit play now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices