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Praana Cafe

Praana Cafe

By Prathyusha Parakala

Praana is the vital force that flows in all living beings and through this podcast i hope to represent all beings, and existence! We are going to talk about environment & sustainability but with a lot of hope and optimism. A journey inspired by my Expedition to Antarctica to understand the effect of Climate Change on the fragile ecosystem of our planet.
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E37 | Urban Deforestry

Praana CafeSep 01, 2022

00:00
21:47
E39 | Traveller's lens of Sustainability

E39 | Traveller's lens of Sustainability

I've been to a few places here and there. In this episode of Praana Cafe, I take you on a trip around the world, from UK to USA, Singapore and to the final stop in Uzbekistan. As a tourist, traveller or living in these countries, what has my experience been with environmental sustainability - the hits, misses and some things I have learnt about their way forward.

Do share what have you seen or observed on your travels on Fb / Insta / X : @PrathyushaCFA18

Apr 24, 202419:29
E38 | The relevance of a mountain desert - Ladakh

E38 | The relevance of a mountain desert - Ladakh

Ladakh has faced both territorial disputes and the stark effects of climate change. The region's sparsely populated villages have witnessed shifting weather patterns that have already altered people's lives through floods, landslides and droughts apart from the obvious melting glaciers. Tune into this episode to know why Ladakh has been in news (or not) since the last few months.


Podcast available on: Anchor/Spotify/Apple

Reach out to me on Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Jun 14, 202312:13
E37 | Urban Deforestry
Sep 01, 202221:47
E36 | India's Ban on Single Use Plastic

E36 | India's Ban on Single Use Plastic

Starting on the 1st of July, 2022,  India has banned the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of certain Single Use Plastic items which have low utility and high littering potential. This episode is a deep dive into what that list is, what the substitutes can be, how the ban is being implemented and the way forward on this journey. Since the ban is going to affect us all, I highly encourage you to listen and share this episode widely to enable conscious living. 

If you have doubts, or need help with resources, reach out to me via Insta/Fb/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Jul 11, 202225:25
E35 | Kids with Ideas - Earth Day

E35 | Kids with Ideas - Earth Day

Everytime I struggle with motivation or need hope, I look at kids - full of life and possibilities. This Earth Day, I have spoken to some kids - Reyansh (USA), Dev (India), Neel (Australia) about their contribution to the Environment & thoughts on Sustainability. Hope it fills your days with inspiration to take action. 

You can reach me on Insta/Fb/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Apr 22, 202211:48
E34 | Love/Hate Air Con

E34 | Love/Hate Air Con

Most of can't function normally/wholly without an Air conditioner, but that's not the reality for most of the world, and neither is it environmentally-friendly to be overly reliant on it. What are the problems and how can we offset some of it? Tune in to find out...

I'm available on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18 



Jul 30, 202114:46
E33 | Climate Crisis, 2021 - so far...

E33 | Climate Crisis, 2021 - so far...

A round up of the extreme weather events happening simultaneously all over the world. While there are heatwaves, drought and floods threatening all life, I find strength in taking collective action and contributing towards making a positive difference. 

I'm on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18 


Jul 22, 202116:58
E32 | Reflections about Seaspiracy

E32 | Reflections about Seaspiracy

Seaspiracy is a 2021 documentary about the environmental impact of fishing. This episode is a live relay of my reflections while watching this documentary, and my own life experiences which brought me to my passion & profession today. Request you to listen/watch it with an open mind and if you want to reach out to me to discuss anything, I'm on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Praana Cafe Podcast available on: Anchor.fm/Spotify/Google/Apple Podcast


[For more information Visit site: https://www.seaspiracy.org/   OR @seaspiracy on Instagram]

Apr 01, 202118:54
E31 | Women & Sustainability

E31 | Women & Sustainability

8th March is Women's Day & 14th is Mother's Day in the UK. This unscripted, unplanned discussion around the role of Women in Sustainability with my friends Emily, Demi, Matthew and Kajal reflecting on a few questions.

Would love to hear your thoughts on whether you align with the discussion or not. Reach out to me on  Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Praana Cafe Podcast available on Anchor.fm/ Spotify/ Apple/ Google Podcast

Mar 14, 202108:34
Significance of Fair Trade
Feb 19, 202121:37
S3-E1 | 2021 Intention Setting

S3-E1 | 2021 Intention Setting

New Year is usually the  time every one is thrilled to make Resolutions, but I was wondering if we could set Intentions - purposeful, thoughtful, committed little steps. Using all the knowledge we have, to actually applying them in real life. Listen to the episode and let me know how you intend to live sustainably? 

I'm on Insta/Twitter/Fb: @PrathyushaCFA18

Jan 09, 202107:41
S2-E13 | 2020 Year End

S2-E13 | 2020 Year End

A few thoughts as we wrap up the year 2020 and the decade. Wishing you all a purposeful and committed year ahead for positive Climate Action. 

Dec 31, 202008:04
S2-E12 | Birthday Roundup

S2-E12 | Birthday Roundup

As I celebrated my Birthday on the 3rd of December, I also realized its been 3 months since I got to the UK.  This episode is an update on the work that I am doing at the University specific to Environment & Sustainability, and in what other ways do I hope to engage in my year of Chevening. 

Reach out to me via Fb/ Twitter/ Instagram: @PrathyushaCFA18 

Dec 09, 202008:32
S2-E11 | Veganism Q & A

S2-E11 | Veganism Q & A

Through the month of November, I have interacted with many people regarding Veganism. Then I asked, if YOU have any Questions and you responded. Through this episode, I answered questions asked by friends, followers & listeners about being Vegan.   

If you have more thoughts reach out to me on fb/insta/twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Nov 28, 202015:49
S2-E10 | VegSoc about Veganism

S2-E10 | VegSoc about Veganism

VegSoc is one of the 250+ Student Societies at University of Birmingham. VegSoc believes in inclusivity for vegetarians, vegans and just anyone who wants to explore sustainable food alternatives. Tune into this week's episode as I speak to the President, Becca Stevens & Secretary, Hannah Lapworth about Veganism. 

You can reach out to me on fb/insta/twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18


Nov 20, 202013:05
S2-E9 | Veganism with Matthew & Hannah

S2-E9 | Veganism with Matthew & Hannah

They form the Ethics & Environment Office of the Guild of Students at University of Birmingham. While Matthew was born into a family of Vegetarians converted Vegan, Hannah recently began adopting Veganism. What are their challenges, learnings and how they navigate through these decisions, tune into this week's episode of the Praana Cafe Podcast.   

You can reach out to me on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Nov 13, 202015:23
S2-E8 | Veganism with Alex
Nov 07, 202017:16
S2-E7 | Veganism - The Basics

S2-E7 | Veganism - The Basics

November is World Vegan Month, so why not start learning about the cruelty-free lifestyle. Answering basic questions of What is Veganism, What does the diet consist of, and Why should anyone think about a Vegan lifestyle. I came up with an  acronym - HEAL. To find out what that is tune into the episode. 

To figure out your thoughts, preferences or discuss msg me on Fb/Intsa/ Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Nov 01, 202013:36
S2-E6 | Impact or Ignore Documentaries?

S2-E6 | Impact or Ignore Documentaries?

October 23rd is Sustainability Day, October 24th is Global  Day of Climate Action. While we mark these days and our OTT platforms deliver large content about Environment & Sustainability, my  thoughts are  

1. Do we go beyond entertainment, and focus on Education? 

2. After we watch these documentaries, do we take positive Climate Action at a person level?  

Share your thoughts on fb/insta/twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Oct 23, 202014:56
S2-E5 | Floods in Hyderabad - Climate, Govt & People Crisis

S2-E5 | Floods in Hyderabad - Climate, Govt & People Crisis

Hyderabad has some historical dark tryst with floods- 1908, 2000, 2016 and now the ongoing 2020 unexpected downpour that has devastated the city yet again. What happened in the past, what are the lessons learnt, and how this torrential rain need to be attributed not just to encroachments but an impending Climate Crisis that needs urgent action! 

Share your thoughts on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18 


Oct 17, 202018:15
S2-E4| In conversation with Ken O’Flaherty | COP26 Regional Ambassador for Asia/Pacific & South Asia

S2-E4| In conversation with Ken O’Flaherty | COP26 Regional Ambassador for Asia/Pacific & South Asia

As we countdown to the delayed COP26 (https://www.ukcop26.org/) , the Climate Change Conference happening in Glasgow in November 2021, I spoke to Ken about the status of energy transition in various countries, more specifically the situation of Green Finance & Renewable Energy in Asia/ India and the role of the UK in Climate Action.   

Praana Cafe Podcast: Anchor.fm/ Spotify/ Google Podcast/ Apple Podcast

I'm on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Oct 10, 202025:26
S2-E3 | Spoilt For Choice?

S2-E3 | Spoilt For Choice?

How do you navigate Consumerism, convenience and the omnipresent plastic to make sure you follow the 5Rs of Sustainability - Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle. Listen to the episode to know how I am navigating my way around in the UK while also learning hacks that you can implement! 

Share your ideas with me on fb/insta/twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Oct 03, 202009:23
S2-E2 | Recycling in UK - First Impressions

S2-E2 | Recycling in UK - First Impressions

It's World Environment Health Day on the 26th of September & one of the growing concerns is Waste Management. So, in the two weeks that I have been in the UK what are my observations about Waste & Recycling practices here. I explore this in three segments - at the Heathrow Airport, London, at my University in Birmingham and as I start shopping locally. 

What are the best practices we can adopt at home. Msg me on fb/intsa/twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Sep 26, 202010:42
S2-E1 | Studying Environment in UK with Chevening Scholarship

S2-E1 | Studying Environment in UK with Chevening Scholarship

While 2020 has been testing us in many ways, I am truly grateful for the opportunities this year has brought me. I am presently at the University of Birmingham, UK to pursue M.Sc. Environment, Development and Politics. This excitement has been amplified as I am among the few Indians chosen to be  awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship (2020-21) https://www.chevening.org/. Through this episode I will briefly touch upon reasons for choosing my course, the merit of Chevening and some key things you need to know before applying for the scholarship. 

If you have specific questions or want to hare some love on fb/insta/twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Sep 21, 202011:44
E15 | Green Ganesha

E15 | Green Ganesha

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with  great love & devotion across the country. How do we make this festival not merely a showcase but sustainable too? Also, did you know the Ganesh Festival has a special significance in the Indian Indepence Movement. Do tune in and figure out the why & how of celebrating an Eco Conscious Festival. 

Listen till the end of  the Episode for a special announcement. 

Share some love on Fb/ Insta/ Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18 

Aug 21, 202014:26
E14 | Waste (Management) in India

E14 | Waste (Management) in India

It's the 74th Independence Day of India. We have grown by leaps and bounds in the last seven decades, but one problem that India is grappling with  is the mounting waste. How can we understand the enormity of the issue, what is the lifecycle of waste & what can we do to ease management of waste. Tune into this episode of the Praana Cafe Podcast. 

Share your thoughts & love on Fb/ Insta / Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Aug 16, 202018:60
E13 | Sustainability Tips from my Mom & Dad

E13 | Sustainability Tips from my Mom & Dad

My journey in Sustainability has begun with my parents practicing it everyday. My Mother, Anuradha is a nature lover & is committed to conservation - in every household chore she inculcates conscious and zero waste living. My Father, Ramesh Babu comes from an agricultural family & passionately practices it to this day. In this episode, both of them share their Best Practices for Sustainable Living, and I'm certain there's much to takeaway. 

Share some love on Fb/ Insta/ Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18 


Aug 11, 202014:42
E12 | The Need & Power of Community for Climate Action

E12 | The Need & Power of Community for Climate Action

I am the strongest believer of individual, personal action, but sometimes when the problem is really huge, and you are out there to get to the solution, you need like minded people who come together as a community sharing similar vision and values. 

In this episode, we will explore both the Need and Power of community, along with the networks I am associated with and my learning from them! 

Share some love on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Aug 02, 202013:20
E11 | Climate Reality Project

E11 | Climate Reality Project

Having just  finished the  Climate Reality Training, I am charged up with so much content that it is only fair to share it with  a wider audience. This episode of my podcast has some key takeaways, both problems and solutions of the Climate Crisis. Just enough to make you think, act and want to explore further. 

Share some love on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Jul 28, 202014:58
E10 | Life, Death & Climate Change

E10 | Life, Death & Climate Change

While Life is unpredictable and the End uncertain, can we make our Living conscious and certain. Can we do everything within our control to ensure we care and respect for Mother Earth? 

Share your thoughts with me on FB/ Insta/ Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Jul 20, 202010:53
E9 | Falling Rain or Conserving Water

E9 | Falling Rain or Conserving Water

While some of us may or may not like Monsoon & the rain it brings, a large section of the population directly depends and is impacted by Rain Patterns. While Rain Water Conservation is ideal, have we at least begun with home water conservation? How is Climate Change, Monsoon & our life related... Listen to this week's episode of Praana Cafe 

Share some love on Social Media- Fb/ Insta/ Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Jul 12, 202016:57
E8 | Plastic Free July
Jul 04, 202014:25
E7 | The Conscious Consumer - 7 Hacks for Sustainable Shopping

E7 | The Conscious Consumer - 7 Hacks for Sustainable Shopping

Retail Therapy & Consumerism have taken over lives, but is there a way of getting all the things we want without compromise while also ensuring we are conscious of the environment & resources? In this episode I discuss 7 Hacks to find that exact sustainable balance! 

Share some love & find out about my shopping choices on Fb/ Insta/ Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Jun 28, 202015:39
E6 | The Big C - Climate Change

E6 | The Big C - Climate Change

June 21st has many things going on, of which the most important one is International Day of Climate Change.  In this episode, we will briefly understand what Climate Change is and how natural disasters from around the  world are affecting us. 

Share your messages & love on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Jun 21, 202015:52
E5 | The Unexpected Hero of Covid19- Plastic

E5 | The Unexpected Hero of Covid19- Plastic

While Plastic has surely become a huge problem in the last couple of decades, is there another side to the story? What's the role of plastic in fighting the global Corona pandemic? And more importantly, what is it we can do to tip the balance in favor of the Environment ? 

Do share some love on Insta/Twitter/Fb: @PrathyushaCFA18

Jun 14, 202017:25
E4 | 5 Tips on 5 June - World Environment Day

E4 | 5 Tips on 5 June - World Environment Day

5th June is World Environment Day and the theme of this year is 'Celebrate Biodiversity' - which includes all species on Earth, bird and beast alike. In this episode we will explore the role of India on Environment Day, some present issues that need to be addressed and of course our role, 5 tips on what we can pledge to do starting today! 

Share love n learning on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Jun 05, 202021:14
E3 | Green is the New Red - Sustainable Periods

E3 | Green is the New Red - Sustainable Periods

May 28 is World Menstrual Hygiene Day. While many women around the world have difficulty in accessing basic menstrual product, those of us who have access to information can  make more sustainable and healthy choices - both for ourselves and for the planet. Tune in to learn more about Zero Waste, Sustainable Periods. 

Share love on Facebook/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

May 29, 202017:30
E2 | Biodiversity of Antarctica

E2 | Biodiversity of Antarctica

May 22nd is International Day of Biodiversity. On this episode of Praana Cafe, we will discuss the origin of this day and of course get a glimpse of life on Antarctica. The fragile ecosystem and the glorious penguins and whales that live there. Add a few magic elements in  the episode for you to discover!

Share love on Facebook/ Insta/ Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

May 22, 202010:30
E1 | Birth of Praana Cafe

E1 | Birth of Praana Cafe

Story of a girl who was inspired by people and incidents in her life... to go on an Epic Expedition to Antarctica in 2018 to understand the impact of Climate Change on the fragile ecosystem of our planet. The events that followed and the journey before,  what has led to launching Praana Cafe!? Come with me on my journey. 

Share suggestions, ideas, love on:  Facebook/Instagram/Twitter - @PrathyushaCFA18

May 14, 202010:01