Desi American Life
By Desi American Life
Desi American LifeAug 02, 2021
18. Neurodivergent and Desi
Have you ever wondered about conditions like ADhD and Autism and how to advocate for people who are neurodivergent? We're excited to talk to Khushboo a program manager from Neurodiversity Pathways! Highlights include: Khushboo's experience working with South Asian families as a behavior analyst, the effects of not having agency as a child and how it trickles into adulthood, and learning more about neurodiversity and how to be an ally!
Khushboo is deeply passionate about diversity and inclusion, a Neurodiversity Specialist and a Transformational Leader, on a mission to advocate for and help provide access to high quality services for neurodivergent children and adults. Khushboo aims to make a meaningful impact in the world through education, empowerment, authentic engagement and unbridled compassion.
Neurodiversity Pathways is a social impact program under the Goodwill of Silicon Valley focused on educating and supporting neurodiverse individuals to help launch their career and organizations to integrate them into the workplace. We are a group of professionals from a diverse set of educational and experience backgrounds and bound by our common passion to make a difference in the lives of neurodivergent individuals so that their talents and expertise can make an impact in the world through their work. We are on a mission to inspire and improve the intentional inclusion of neurodistinct individuals in the workplace.
Follow Neurodiversity Pathways @ndpathways on Instagram
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Music by Thusanthan Kannan http://soundcloud.com/thuskann
17. Growing up Desi: America vs. India
Have you noticed similarities and differences between Desi Americans and Desi immigrants? We’re excited to present a podswap with Pallavi Janiani from the Caffeinated Brown Girl podcast! Highlights include: Pallavi’s experience growing up in a joint family in Jaipur, India and moving to Minneapolis during the height of the 2016 election; breaking down “ABCD” “coconut” and “FOB” stereotypes; cultural assimilation, parental strictness, dating, and everything in between!
Pallavi is a 23 year old professional from Jaipur, India currently residing in Minneapolis, MN. As host of Caffeinated Brown Girl, she features South Asian creators, pioneers and business owners who are changing the world around them, one step at a time. The show covers topics such as social justice participation, mental health, representation, dating, creative careers as well as Pallavi's experiences as an international person on a visa in a foreign land. Give it a listen here!
Follow Pallavi @caffeinatedbrowngirl on Instagram
Follow us @desiamericanpod on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and email us: desiamericanlife@gmail.com
Fill out our guest/feedback form: http://bit.ly/2KlTyi6
Music by Thusanthan Kannan http://soundcloud.com/thuskann
16. Bridgerton: Royal Life vs. Real Life
In this episode we chat about the Netflix show “Bridgerton,” share our thoughts on Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma in Season 2, and discuss color-conscious casting and South Asian representation in media. We also discuss the Meghan Markle interview with Oprah - how the comments about colorism and the family drama hit a little too close to home, and how Bridgerton’s utopian portrayal of royal life doesn’t necessarily play out in real life. We also read our favorite reactions to the show that you shared with us!
Also the special intro/outro for this episode is featuring a super dope Bridgerton Theme - Cello Cover feat. Andrew Ascenzo from Pulse Music Media! Check him out IG/TikTok/Twitter/Facebook @pulsemusicmedia
If you have any thoughts you’d like to share, feel free to DM us @desiamericanpod on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, or send us an email: desiamericanlife@gmail.com
Fill out our guest/feedback form: http://bit.ly/2KlTyi6
15. Consent & Boundaries in South Asian Communities with Dr. Varuna Srinivasan
Have you had an experience where someone crossed your boundaries? We had a very relatable and eye-opening chat with Dr. Varuna Srinivasan (@drvarunasrinivasan #southasiansexed) about the importance of consent in dating, sex and relationships (both romantic and non-romantic), and how to establish boundaries with ourselves before setting them with others. Listen to learn how toxic masculinity can also be enabled by women, and why sexual exploration is so important - particularly in South Asian communities.
Content warning: brief mentions of rape and sexual assault
Follow Dr. Varuna Srinivasan: Instagram | varunasrinivasan.com
*ANNOUNCEMENT* We're on Clubhouse! Join us for a discussion on Consent & Boundaries on 3/14 at 5pm PST/8pm EST
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Music by Thusanthan Kannan http://soundcloud.com/thuskann
14. What's Your Story: Redefining Careers ft. Jani Rad
We’re excited to present a podswap with Jani Rad from What’s On Your Mind! Jani is a professional storyteller, speaker, trainer, and mindset coach. Join us as we discuss all things career, mindset, expectations, living our lives, and navigating cultural pressure. Give Jani’s podcast a listen as well!
Follow Desi American Life @desiamericanpod on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, or send us an email desiamericanlife@gmail.com
Follow Jani on:
Instagram: @janirad.me
Website: janirad.com
TEDxMemphis talk: “What’s Your Story?”
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Music by Thusanthan Kannan http://soundcloud.com/thuskann
13. Corona Pyaar Hai Pt. 2: Success Stories!
How has the pandemic affected your dating lives? We asked our listeners to submit their Corona Pyaar Hai stories from the past year - whether they started dating someone new, got engaged, went on Zoom dates, or finally met up with someone long-distance - and we shared our favorites on this episode!
Follow Desi American Life @desiamericanpod on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, or send us an email desiamericanlife@gmail.com
Fill out our guest/feedback form: http://bit.ly/2KlTyi6
Music by Thusanthan Kannan http://soundcloud.com/thuskann
12. Single to Shaadi: Modern-Day Matchmaking with Radha Patel
Welcome to Season 2 of Desi American Life! In today’s episode, Deepti, Uma, and Priya discuss marriage and dating with Radha Patel, founder of the matchmaking service Single to Shaadi. We explore various different issues with dating within Brown culture, such as overzealous moms creating marriage profiles for their children, how to avoid ghosting, and the pressure to get married by a certain age.
Follow Radha on Instagram, Single to Shaadi Instagram & website (mention "Desi American Life" at signup for a free intro session with Radha!)
Follow Desi American Life @desiamericanpod on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, or send us an email desiamericanlife@gmail.com
Fill out our guest/feedback form: http://bit.ly/2KlTyi6
Corona Pyaar Hai Pt. 2 Story Submission: https://bit.ly/CoronaPyaarHai
Music by Thusanthan Kannan http://soundcloud.com/thuskann
11. [BONUS] Halloween & Haunts
As a special bonus, Uma, Deepti, and Swethan talk about Halloween traditions, haunted places in India, creepy ghost stories, and more.
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Fill out our guest/feedback form: http://bit.ly/2KlTyi6
Music by Thusanthan Kannan http://soundcloud.com/thuskann
10. Election Series Pt. 2: Girls Just Want to Talk Politics (Voting & Phone Banking)
In part 2 of our 2020 Election series, Deepti, Priya, and Uma discuss the upcoming national elections, and speak to a first-time Gen Z voter, and a friend who phone banked for the Wisconsin Democratic Party. They discuss the importance of voting despite feeling uncertain about the political climate and the candidates, the pros and cons of ranked choice voting, and how to balance voting for the issues that are important to you while thinking about the greater good.
Links mentioned
Follow Desi American Life @desiamericanpod on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, or send us an email desiamericanlife@gmail.com
Fill out our guest/feedback form: http://bit.ly/2KlTyi6
Music by Thusanthan Kannan http://soundcloud.com/thuskann
9. Election Series Pt. 1: Local Elections, Big Impact (ft. Sri Muppidi)
In part 1 of our 2020 Election series, Deepti, Priya, and Uma have a conversation with Sri Muppidi, a South-Asian American running for city council in Dublin, California. She talks about being a young candidate, the need for diverse candidates, and inspires us to get involved in our local communities. Stay tuned for part 2 of our 2020 Election series, where we talk about the national elections and speak to a first-time Gen Z voter and a friend who phone banked for the Wisconsin Democratic Party.
Follow Desi American Life @desiamericanpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, or send us an email at desiamericanlife@gmail.com.
Fill out our guest/feedback form: http://bit.ly/2KlTyi6
Music by Thusanthan Kannan http://soundcloud.com/thuskann
8. Spilling the RealiTEA with Vyasar Ganesan (Indian Matchmaking)
The hosts of DAL sit down with Vyasar Ganesan from Indian Matchmaking to talk about the show, his career as a writer and educator, and the role family and friends played in shaping his Desi American identity.
Vyasar on Twitter: @NotVyasarG
Vyasar's Website: vyasarwrites.com
Mentioned in the episode:
https://www.slafoundation.com/
Follow Desi American Life @desiamericanpod on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, or send us an email desiamericanlife@gmail.com
Fill out our guest/feedback form: http://bit.ly/2KlTyi6
Music by Thusanthan Kannan http://soundcloud.com/thuskann
7. H-1s, H-4s and the Unattainable American Dream
Uma, Priya, and Deepti share their immigration stories and hear from three guests who are currently on H-1B and F-1 visas (after aging out of the H-4 visa). They discuss the impossibility of the Green Card backlog, educational and career limitations, and the emotional impact that their visa status has on their Indian American identity. Listen to learn more about initiatives to support international students and the importance of researching and voting in local elections.
Some additional resources on this topic: H4 Hope, The Hidden Dream, Action for Backlogged Immigrant Children
You can check out the HONY post that Sumana was featured in here.
Follow Desi American Life @desiamericanpod on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, or send us an email desiamericanlife@gmail.com
Fill out our guest/feedback form: http://bit.ly/2KlTyi6
Music by Thusanthan Kannan http://soundcloud.com/thuskann
6. Amiya's Story: Coming Out as Bisexual
Deepti, Priya, and Uma speak with their close friend Amiya about his journey of coming out as bisexual - first to himself and then to his friends and family.
He also discusses the challenges of dating someone in another country and applying for the K-1 visa, how far the Desi community still needs to grow to accept LGBTQ+ folx, and the importance of owning your unique identity.
This is an ongoing conversation, and we'd love to hear your story if you're comfortable sharing, please feel free to reach out to any of our social media links below.
Follow Desi American Life @desiamericanpod on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, or send us an email desiamericanlife@gmail.com
Fill out our guest/feedback form: http://bit.ly/2KlTyi6
Music by Thusanthan Kannan http://soundcloud.com/thuskann
5. Ultimately Misaligned: Indian Matchmaking
Uma, Deepti, Priya, joined by Shardul from Three Good Things explore the portrayal of the modern arranged marriage process as shown on the Netflix show "Indian Matchmaking". We discuss whether the stars are truly misaligned or not, the various critiques the show has received, and our own personal experiences with matchmaking.
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Follow Shardul @shardulgo on Instagram and Twitter.
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Music by Thusanthan Kannan http://soundcloud.com/thuskann
4. Corona Pyaar Hai
Deepti, Uma, Priya, and guests Akash and Tanuja talk about the challenges of dating during quarantine, the pros and cons of long distance relationships, and how the concept of "big fat" Desi weddings might change forever after coronavirus.
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Music by Thusanthan Kannan http://soundcloud.com/thuskann
3. Quarantine Life
Join Deepti, Uma, Priya and guest Swethan as they chat about everything they’ve been up to during quarantine, from growing plants and watching sports to debunking conspiracy theories about Coronavirus on WhatsApp. They also talk about how quarantine has affected their day-to-day lives and what they’re looking forward to when it’s all over!
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Music by Thusanthan Kannan http://soundcloud.com/thuskann
2. Never Have I Ever Felt So Represented
Priya, Deepti and Uma discuss the Netflix show developed by Mindy Kaling, “Never Have I Ever,” and talk about whether they felt the show authentically represented their experiences as Desi Americans, including discussion topics contributed by the DAL audience (thanks for your support!)
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Music by Thusanthan Kannan http://soundcloud.com/thuskann
1. South Asian Allyship for Black Lives
Since the brutal murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, people everywhere have been empowered to say enough is enough. Deepti, Priya, and Uma discuss the Black Lives Matter movement, introspect on their own experiences, and talk about the responsibility that South Asians have as allies.
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Resource doc: https://bit.ly/SouthAsiansforBLM
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Music by Thusanthan Kannan: http://soundcloud.com/thuskann
Desi American Life – Intro
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Music by Thusanthan Kannan http://soundcloud.com/thuskann