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Almirah Radio Hour

Almirah Radio Hour

By Almirah Radio Hour

A podcast that brushes the dust off of local politics, art, and culture. A podcast by Nina Bhattacharya and Sheela Lal.
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Episode 10: A Symphony of Anger

Almirah Radio HourDec 19, 2016

00:00
43:43
Aerogram #2: Rising Voices

Aerogram #2: Rising Voices

In this little missive from Sheela -- an aerogram, if you will! -- we hear about some Asian American movers and shakers.

Find Nina on Instagram at @radio.rani and Sheela on all social at @queenofblah. Follow Rising Voices of Asian American Families at @risingvoices_aaf.

Want to tell us what's on your mind? Drop us a voice message from your phone or computer. We'd love to hear from you!

Music by Saraswathi Jones. Art by Mili Sethia.

May 05, 202002:20
Tracklist for Tenderness (ft. Ava Sophia)

Tracklist for Tenderness (ft. Ava Sophia)

Apr 12, 202046:23
Aerogram #1: COVID Contemplation

Aerogram #1: COVID Contemplation

Apr 05, 202004:04
Uninformed Hot Takes

Uninformed Hot Takes

Mar 30, 202036:27
Leave Us A Message!

Leave Us A Message!

Mar 21, 202001:10
The False Hope of Sunshine

The False Hope of Sunshine

This week, Nina and Sheela talk about the role of community during hardship, do a quick friendship inventory, and discuss why April was the worst month.
May 30, 201944:16
Genrebending Justice ft. Saraswathi Jones

Genrebending Justice ft. Saraswathi Jones

This week, Nina sits down with musician and organizer Saraswathi Jones for a conversation that spans artistic colonialism, genre labels, the history of Bangladesh, and her own first memories of music.
Apr 25, 201945:50
What To Do With Discomfort?

What To Do With Discomfort?

This week, Nina and Sheela wrestle with everything that is uncomfortable, especially the topics where they still feel like they are learning…. Whew.
Apr 01, 201940:51
To See and Be Seen ft. Nafisa Isa

To See and Be Seen ft. Nafisa Isa

This week, Nina interviews organizer and advocate, Nafisa Isa. Nafisa is the Program Manager at the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, and the brains behind some of the most intentional, creative, and intersectional museum and community work we've seen. They discuss accessible art spaces, growing up in the South, Bengali things, and their diaspora wishlist.
Mar 08, 201901:03:18
Welcome to Season Two!

Welcome to Season Two!

In this week's episode, Nina and Sheela catch up on their creative projects and discuss the impact of the new film, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga
Feb 19, 201938:00
Episode 31: Be A Friend, Help Bandhu Gardens!

Episode 31: Be A Friend, Help Bandhu Gardens!

You might remember Minara Begum and Emily Staugaitis of Bandhu Gardens from one of our favorite interviews, “Episode 14: Growing Together in Detroit.” Well, Bandhu Gardens needs our help! On November 9, over $1600 worth of equipment was stolen from the Bandhu Gardens hub + kitchen—everything from weed whacker to a mower. This is a heartbreaking loss for a tiny-but-mighty organization building community power and resilience in Hamtramck, MI.

Can you help us help them? Pitch in on their GoFundMe and spread the word! www.gofundme.com/bandhu-gardens-tool-replacement
Nov 12, 201808:29
Episode 30: It's More Than Magic ft. Aditi Juneja

Episode 30: It's More Than Magic ft. Aditi Juneja

Hey, you! After a brief hiatus, we are back! In this week’s episode, Sheela interviews lawyer, writer, and organizer, Aditi Juneja, to discuss everything from Aditi’s research on policing in South Africa and the linguistics of disability, to her feature in “Forbes 30 Under 30” and self care.
Oct 15, 201843:28
Episode 29: Sacred Representation

Episode 29: Sacred Representation

Sheela and Nina continue last week's conversation on representation, and discuss Netflix's Sacred Games series and burlesque.

Follow us at @almirahradio. Follow Nina at @onlynina. Follow Sheela at @queenofblah.

Our opening track is "Laung Gawacha" by Nucleya. Our cover art is by Mili Sethia.
Aug 22, 201820:08
Episode 28: Cultural Exports 4 Soft Diplomacy

Episode 28: Cultural Exports 4 Soft Diplomacy

This week, Sheela and Nina talk about the power of Asian American literature, the intersections of mind and body in dance, and... how the U.S. exports black culture for soft diplomacy. They also discuss how non-black artists need to take a step back and examine their influences critically--and that casteism has no place in hiphop. Yikes.

Follow us at @almirahradio. Follow Nina at @onlynina. Follow Sheela at @queenofblah.

Our opening track is "Laung Gawacha" by Nucleya. Original music by Michael Dwan Singh. Our cover art is by Mili Sethia.
Aug 09, 201833:03
Episode 27: Imagination, Reflection, and Shrubs

Episode 27: Imagination, Reflection, and Shrubs

This week, Sheela and Nina take a step back and put each other in the reflective hot seat. Sheela talks about the growth that comes with starting her own business, while Nina thinks about what it means to cultivate radical imagination.

Follow us at @almirahradio. Follow Nina at @onlynina. Follow Sheela at @queenofblah.

Our opening track is "Laung Gawacha" by Nucleya. Original music by Michael Dwan Singh. Our cover art is by Mili Sethia.
Jul 18, 201839:50
Episode 26: It's Okay Not To Know ft. Monika Gupta

Episode 26: It's Okay Not To Know ft. Monika Gupta

This week, Sheela interviews Monika Gupta (@guptamnka), Senior Product Marketing Manager at Cisco Umbrella, graduate of the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, and fellow Missourian. They talk about the totally normal ambiguity that comes when defining a career path, creating a life outside of work, and one book pick for the summer.

Follow us at @almirahradio. Follow Nina at @onlynina. Follow Sheela at @queenofblah.

Our opening track is "Laung Gawacha" by Nucleya. Original music by Michael Dwan Singh. Our cover art is by Mili Sethia.
Jun 26, 201819:32
Episode 25: Small Talk, Social Capital, and Zombies

Episode 25: Small Talk, Social Capital, and Zombies

This week, Nina and Sheela catch up about the recent political shake-up in Missouri, small talk and social capital, South Asian American culture and what that might mean, government by contract, and book recommendations.

Our opening track is "Laung Gawacha" by Nucleya. Original music by Michael Dwan Singh. Our cover art is by Mili Sethia.
Jun 12, 201838:10
Episode 24: We Are Negatively Optimistic

Episode 24: We Are Negatively Optimistic

Sheela and Nina catch up about Missouri drama, contextualize what's been happening Sri Lanka with a broader conversation about violence and social media, discuss media and tech responsibility, and connect the work of the We Have Voice Collective to Pakistan's recent music #MeToo moment.

Content warning: We do discuss sexual assault and violence in many parts of this episode. Please do not hesitate to skip this one if you need to!

Follow us at @almirahradio. Follow Nina at @onlynina. Follow Sheela at @queenofblah.

Our opening track is "Laung Gawacha" by Nucleya. Original music by Michael Dwan Singh. Our cover art is by Mili Sethia.
May 24, 201852:38
Episode 23: Power and Process

Episode 23: Power and Process

Sheela and Nina discuss e-governance in Bangalore, talk about different approaches to learning, think about collaboration without competition, and talk about navigating feedback.

Follow us at @almirahradio. Follow Nina at @onlynina. Follow Sheela at @queenofblah.
Apr 23, 201842:51
Episode 22: Angry Missives from a Midwestern Millennial

Episode 22: Angry Missives from a Midwestern Millennial

Sheela and Nina develop the pitch for Sheela's book, talk about where vulnerability and masculinity intersect, unpack why college Indian American communities can be so toxic (looking at you, Michigan), and touch on futurism.

Follow us at @almirahradio. Follow Nina at @onlynina. Follow Sheela at @queenofblah.

In Ann Arbor? Catch Sheela's monologue in Yoni ki Baat this Friday or Saturday at 7 pm at Rackham Auditorium.

Our opening track is "Laung Gawacha" by Nucleya. Original music by Michael Dwan Singh. Our cover art is by Mili Sethia.
Mar 07, 201831:29
Episode 21: The Circles of Hell Are Cozy

Episode 21: The Circles of Hell Are Cozy

Feb 12, 201845:29
Episode 20: Death, Dates, and Performative Advocacy

Episode 20: Death, Dates, and Performative Advocacy

Jan 22, 201844:13
Episode 19: Making Dance Our Own (ft. Anjal Chande)

Episode 19: Making Dance Our Own (ft. Anjal Chande)

Nina talks to Anjal Chande about Bharatnatyam dance, what it looks like now, and why she dedicates her life to the art form. Check out her other work here.

Follow us at @almirahradio. Follow Nina at @onlynina. Follow Sheela at @queenofblah.

Our opening track is "Laung Gawacha" by Nucleya. Other original music is by Michael Dwan Singh. Our cover art is by Mili Sethia.

(photo)
Nov 24, 201735:39
Episode 18: When Bodies are Commodities

Episode 18: When Bodies are Commodities

Sheela and Nina talk about acupuncture, compensating artists, judging worth outside of profit, femme bodies and violence, and the war on drugs (historical and present).

Content warning: We discuss sexual violence in the U.S. and #MeToo from 22:30 to 32:30.

Follow us at @almirahradio. Follow Nina at @onlynina. Follow Sheela at @queenofblah.

Our opening track is "Laung Gawacha" by Nucleya. Original music by Michael Dwan Singh. Our cover art is by Mili Sethia.
Oct 27, 201744:28
Episode 17: Beyond Photo ID (ft. The Franchise Project)

Episode 17: Beyond Photo ID (ft. The Franchise Project)

Sheela and Nina talk to Emma Olson Sharkey, co-founder of The Franchise Project, an organization dedicated to educating, exciting, and empowering citizens to engage in effective voting rights advocacy at the local level. Check out their Voting Access Scorecard and learn how you can make voting more accessible: thefranchiseproject.com

Follow us at @almirahradio. Follow Nina at @onlynina. Follow Sheela at @queenofblah.

Our opening track is "Laung Gawacha" by Nucleya. Other original music is by Michael Dwan Singh. Our cover art is by Mili Sethia.
Sep 26, 201734:11
Episode 16: Food History, Foxconn, and Your Pickle-to-Roti Ratio

Episode 16: Food History, Foxconn, and Your Pickle-to-Roti Ratio

This week, Sheela and Nina talk about etiquette, complicated intersections of food history and conflict, redlining, Foxconn, and trash politicians.

You can follow us at @almirahradio. Find Sheela at @queenofblah, and Nina at @onlynina.
Aug 21, 201747:35
Episode 15: Even Amazing Brown Girls Like Us

Episode 15: Even Amazing Brown Girls Like Us

This week, Sheela and Nina talk about opportunities for brown girls, movement building, and the power of community.

Follow us at @almirahradio.
Follow Nina at @onlynina.
Follow Sheela at @queenofblah.

Our opening track is "Laung Gawacha" by Nucleya. The interview was recorded by Michael Dwan Singh. Our cover art is by Mili Sethia. Find more of Mili's work at facebook.com/esqueer.
Jul 29, 201740:52
Episode 14: Growing Together in Detroit (ft. Bandhu Gardens)

Episode 14: Growing Together in Detroit (ft. Bandhu Gardens)

This week, Nina interviews Emily Staugaitis and Minara Begum of Bandhu Gardens, an organization in Detroit that's dedicated to amplifying the culinary talent and economic opportunities of Bangladeshi women in the area. You can find Bandhu Gardens online at bandhugardens.com. A huge thank you to Emily, Minara, and Minara's family for sharing an afternoon with us earlier this spring--it's a day we will treasure dearly.

Follow us at @almirahradio.
Follow Nina at @onlynina.
Follow Sheela at @queenofblah.

Our opening track is "Laung Gawacha" by Nucleya. The interview was recorded by Michael Dwan Singh. Our cover art is by Mili Sethia. Find more of Mili's work at facebook.com/esqueer.
May 30, 201756:10
Episode 13: We're Angry and Overworked!

Episode 13: We're Angry and Overworked!

Apr 13, 201753:43
Episode 12: Sometimes I Idly Google Him

Episode 12: Sometimes I Idly Google Him

This week, Nina and Sheela discuss playing the activist long game, organizing the Indian community, our favorite Southeast Asian despot, and happy stuff.

Thanks to Kohinoorgasm for letting us showcase her track “Azaadi is Freedom is Fate” this episode. Go check out her stunning album, “Titalee,” at kohinoorgasm.bandcamp.com/releases.

Our opening track is “Laung Gawacha” by Nucleya, and our cover art is by the incredible Mili Sethia. Find more of Mili’s work at facebook.com/esqueer.

Follow Nina at @onlynina. Follow Sheela at @queenofblah.

You can download past episodes via Stitcher or iTunes. (Seriously, leave us a review!)

Feb 21, 201742:50
Episode 11: A Syllabus and Song for Change (ft. Neel Agrawal)

Episode 11: A Syllabus and Song for Change (ft. Neel Agrawal)

This week, Nina and Sheela discuss feminist comics and reproductive rights. We also interview Neel Agrawal, an LA-based percussionist and librarian about radical librarianship and musical activism. Listen to Neel’s music at neelagrawal.com, and learn more about his African drumming law project at africandrumminglaws.org.

Thanks to Sheila Govindarajan for letting us showcase her track “Ima Ima” this episode. Go check out her stunning album, “Lady of the Lake,” at govilovemusic.com. Our opening track is “Laung Gawacha” by Nucleya. Original music in this episode by Michael Dwan Singh.

Our new cover art is by the incredible Mili Sethia. Find more of Mili’s work at facebook.com/esqueer.

Follow us at @almirahradio.
Follow Nina at @onlynina.
Follow Sheela at @queenofblah.

You can download past episodes via Stitcher or iTunes. (Seriously, leave us a review!)

Jan 16, 201752:42
Episode 10: A Symphony of Anger

Episode 10: A Symphony of Anger

This week, Nina and Sheela discuss pension, education, radical empathy, self-care, anger, and risks of POC visibility.

Links:

Thanks to Doctors & Engineers for letting us showcase their track “Karle Pyar Karle (Love Imperative)” this episode. Go check out their debut EP at doctorsandengineers.bandcamp.com. Our opening track is “Laung Gawacha” by Nucleya. Original music in this episode by Michael Dwan Singh.

You can download past episodes via Stitcher or iTunes. (Seriously, leave us a review!) Find the show on Twitter at @almirahradio.

Dec 19, 201643:43
Special Episode: Short Personal Histories of Organizing While Brown (ft. Taz Ahmed)

Special Episode: Short Personal Histories of Organizing While Brown (ft. Taz Ahmed)

Sheela interviews Tanzila Ahmed (@TazzyStar) about her history in politics, organizing, Sri Lanka, and self expression. You should definitely tune into her wonderful podcast, #GoodMuslimBadMuslim. 

Dec 08, 201632:55
Special Episode: Constructive Post-Election Coping

Special Episode: Constructive Post-Election Coping

So… here we are. What next? Nina and Sheela discuss some options for taking action after the election. (But remember… always google first.)

Special thanks to Michael Dwan Singh of The Shadow Notes, who composed the music for this episode.

Nov 13, 201626:44
Episode 9: Make Empathy Viral

Episode 9: Make Empathy Viral

This week, Nina and Sheela discuss fragile masculinity, recent strikes at Harvard, election nonsense, and substance abuse in Punjab. 

Check out our recent interview with The Aerogram – it was a lot of fun: goo.gl/Wl2m9V

Tomorrow is Election Day! Go to http://rockthevote.com or Google to find your polling location. Here’s a link to ACLU’s guide to what to do if you’re faced with voter intimidation at the polls: www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/w…voter-intimidation

Thanks to Young Cardamom & HAB for letting us showcase their super danceable track, “Kanda (Chap Chap).” Give the rest of their tunes a listen.

We’re on iTunes and Sticher! Your reviews would mean the world.

Nov 07, 201645:29
Episode 8: We're Usually the Villain

Episode 8: We're Usually the Villain

This week, Nina and Sheela discuss voting, local politics, regional cinema, and representation in film.

Want to learn more about Hindie Rock Fest 2016? Come join Sheela and Nina in Cambridge, MA from October 14 to 15! Tickets and details here.

Thanks to Anik Khan for letting us showcase his new single, “Cleopatra.” Give the rest of his tunes a listen at http://soundcloud.com/anikkhanmusic.

Other links coming soon!

We’re on iTunes and Sticher! Your reviews would mean the world.

Oct 11, 201645:05
Episode 7: Academics Anonymous

Episode 7: Academics Anonymous

Sep 23, 201641:21
Episode 6: Big Tits Shouldn't Equal Big Money

Episode 6: Big Tits Shouldn't Equal Big Money

Sep 23, 201641:03