Life of a Global Desi

28. Mom backpack travels with toddler. Deenaz a.k.a. Backpacking Indian Mama.

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 11:14:37 -0400

What is backpack travel with a toddler like? How does one hostel-hop across Europe with a baby? How can moms keep up their love for travel with baby et al? We explore all these questions on Episode 28! Meet Deenaz a.k.a. Backpacking_Indian_Mama, a media and communications professional, a freelance travel writer and mom blogger. Deenaz has travelled across 17 countries and 23 states in India with her family. She solo backpacked to three destinations with her toddler Arianna (across Germany, Cambodia, and Barcelona, Spain). Having backpacked across multiple countries with a little kid, she is trying to encourage more Indian mothers to take up backpack travelling with their children to explore your inner strength and the beauty outdoors. Deenaz writes about travel and parenting in several publications including The Indian Express, The Times Of India, Women's Web among others. She has been featured on TV on a chat show for the TravelXP channel network called The Chatroom, in print for The Hindu, The Indian Express and online for Travel and Leisure Magazine, Tripoto etc. and has delivered two TEDx talks based on her travel journey with her child.

She has worked with multinationals such Google India, RR Donnelley and Williams Lea in the fields of online advertising and market research. Throughout her life, she has nurtured her interest in using communication for social change. She is married to an Indian Army officer and has a daughter (Arianna) aged 5. When not traveling, she loves cooking and latin dancing.

Enjoyed this episode? Share your stories with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and lifeofaglobaldesi@gmail.com. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, JioSaavn, Stitcher, YouTube, Google Podcasts and anywhere else you listen to podcasts!

27. Growing up first generation Indian in the US with Samira Bandaru

Sat, 12 Sep 2020 12:48:36 -0400

On this episode we explore the idea of 'Indian-ness' with Samira Bandaru, a Product and experience designer from Georgia Tech; who shares her thoughts of growing up first generation Indian in the US. When is someone Indian enough? Does having an Indian accent count? Must one be defined solely by their racial and cultural identity?

It is hard enough to define what it means to be an Indian in India, leave alone trying to define what it means to be an Indian born and living outside of India. The American born desi comes in many flavors. Primarily dictated by the lived experiences of the individual in question. The Indian diaspora and their descendants are an ever-evolving bunch and it's time we move beyond conveniently boxing individuals. Instead, appreciate them for the uniqueness in interests, experiences and diversity of thought that they each bring to the table. Join us in the conversation and check out Samira's food blogs at Yesterday's goods.

Share your stories with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and lifeofaglobaldesi@gmail.com. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, JioSaavn, Stitcher, YouTube, Google Podcasts and anywhere else you listen to podcasts!

26. Desi women taking charge of their life. Cindy Gunraj, Founder of Stillness Blooms

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 21:30:31 -0400

Why do so many desi women feel like they are not in control of their own life? Why is there immense pressure on desi women to conform to norms set by the desi tribe? What steps can desi women take to find their authentic voice in the community and how can family and friends around her support them during challenging life transitions? We speak with Cindy Gunraj, the founder of Stillness Blooms about her challenging life transformation and how she found her calling as an Author, life coach and entrepreneur!

Cindy Gunraj has successfully overcome many life transitions. Divorce was the catalyst for her major life shifts. Growing up, she was immersed in a culture where women act as caretakers in the home but are taught to suppress their voice and desires. Cindy’s time as a performer allowed her to develop her communication skills, which led to awakening a new voice and identity, and shedding the limiting cultural beliefs. On her journey working across multiple industries (global health, pharmaceutical medical education, real estate, and yoga), she met many people who were struggling with owning their power to live a truly wholehearted, authentic life. This paved the way to the creation of StillnessBlooms, a safe space to help empower others to overcome their limiting beliefs. Cindy attained her BA in Management and Economics, from Goucher College. She is a Certified Divorce Coach® and RYT® Yoga Certified teacher. Cindy is also a speaker who specializes in presentations and workshops to empower others to overcome difficult life situations. She’s spoken at the United Nations, Unicef, Dress for Success Worldwide, and Hewlett Packard. Cindy loves hiking, meditation, and spending time with her puppy, Joy.

25. Desi foods we miss. What's on your list?

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 21:32:25 -0400

One of the hardest things about living away from India is a long list of mouthwatering foods that take you back to emotions of comfort or nostalgia. Each of us, including our foodie guest Nikhil Raju, list 7 desi foods that we miss from back home in India and share it with each other. Let's find out what we have in common! Would LOVE to hear in the comments if your list matched ours or if you had foods that we completely missed.

24. Art of Cooking and Sustainable Food Choices with Urban Farmie Shruthi Baskaran

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 21:37:09 -0400

On episode 24 we chat with Shruthi Baskaran, an engineer-turned-consultant and food-fairy from Chennai. She moved to the US to pursue an engineering degree at Penn State. She has since worked at Boston Consulting Group, the United Nations, and received a dual MS-MBA from Stanford University. She currently works at BCG Seattle, almost exclusively on social impact projects, particularly around food systems. She’s meandered, both professionally and geographically and has lived, worked and traveled to more than 60 countries in the last decade. Oh, and she runs a food blog called Urban Farmie, which is all about seasonal vegetarian food inspired by unique flavors from her globetrotting. She lives in Seattle with her Nigerian partner. Hope you enjoy this mouthwatering conversation with Shruthi. You can find Shruthi on Medium and watch her Stanford Tedx talk.

23. Student Life in the US. Grad school at Harvard & MBA at Darden UVA

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 21:42:00 -0400

Demystifying Student 👩🏻‍🎓life in the US. Why did we decide to pursue graduate degrees in the US? And what is the academic rigor, campus life, food, extracurriculars, social life, recruiting, and money situation like in universities in the US?

We would to hear about student life in other parts of the world as well. Please reach out to us to be featured on our podcast!

Share your student stories with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and lifeofaglobaldesi@gmail.com. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, JioSaavn, Stitcher, YouTube, Google Podcasts and anywhere else you listen to podcasts!

22. Moving back to India. Ft. Kunal, Nikhil, Sandy

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 21:46:50 -0400

Why did 3 millennials move back to India 🇮🇳 from the US 🇺🇸 and Singapore 🇸🇬? What are some things to consider? What were the biggest surprises? What did they miss about India when outside, and what do they miss about prior countries when back home in India? Listen in to Episode 22 to hear Nikhil, Kunal and Sandy’s Moving back to India stories!

21. Travel Adventures of a Tiny Lady and working with WWF - Nickolai Kinny Withmore

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 21:51:42 -0400

Our guest for this episode is Nickolai Kinny - Whitmore, who has spent her life writing, wandering and wayfaring 4ft 11inches above ground. Her blog Adventures of a tiny lady is her 12-year-old travel diary. When she's not traveling she's working hard to save the planet with WWF, one of the biggest nature charities of the world. She has freelanced and worked with the likes of NASA, Forbes, Techcrunch, Airbnb and even Netflix all whilst traveling around the globe. These days she is based out of Surrey, England where she can be found growing her own food and working on her 3rd book. So excited to talk to her about travel, writing, and living in UK!

20. Moving to US for Undergrad Ft. Pallavi Janiani - Host of The Caffeinated Brown Girl Podcast

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 21:56:36 -0400

What is moving to the US for undergraduate studies at 18 like? And how does one discover their voice through podcasting? Pallavi Janiani our guest on episode 20 is inspiring and wise beyond her years who discovered her identity and voice by creating the @caffeinatedbrowngirl podcast! Join us as we learn about how this Gen-Zer explores life and its many adventures!

19. When are you getting married beta? Ft. Kaveri, Mandira, Stefy, & Aarati

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 21:05:16 -0400

If you are a single girl nearing 30, expect this interrogation by everyone you meet. We talk to Kaveri Kumar, Mandira Ravindran, Stefy Sara Mathew and Aarati Rao. Four brilliant, intelligent, smart, and ambitious women all turning 30 this year — the question they get asked most often ‘When are you getting married?’ What is their response? How often do they think about this question themselves? What advice do they have for prying/well-meaning adults who ask this question?

Share your comments with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and lifeofaglobaldesi@gmail.com. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, JioSaavn, Stitcher, YouTube, Google Podcasts and anywhere else you listen to podcasts!

18. Let's talk about racism.

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 21:09:55 -0400

What makes racism so complex is the subtle variations it gets served up to all people of color. Racism isn’t binary. It's not black or white, but all shades of brown. Racism is a spectrum and we all exist on it. How does racism show up in the Desi context in the US, abroad and in India? What can we do to change systemic racism, deep-rooted racist mindsets, and truly bring about reform?

17. Festivals and Holidays. Missing the old while embracing the new. Desi vs. Globe.

Fri, 29 May 2020 20:44:05 -0400

When we move to a new country, we miss the familiar but embrace the new. Same goes for festivals and holidays! Which Indian festivals does one miss? Which new ones do we start celebrating? And which ones are we yet to discover? No matter what the answers, the common thread remains the same. The idea of family, friends, togetherness, celebration and food! Join us as we discover what these were for us and please share your experiences as well.

16. The Daily Commute to Work. Desi Vs. Globe.

Fri, 22 May 2020 20:48:54 -0400

What are some key differences in your daily commute to work in India and around the world? How has the lockdown changed your daily commute to work? Are you missing your long traffic filled drive to work? Or are you missing your shoulder-to-shoulder subway train jostle? To reminisce about all of it, listen to us rant about the daily ritual we all perform of our commute to work on this Desi Vs. Globe episode!

Share your comments with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and lifeofaglobaldesi@gmail.com. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, Google Podcasts and anywhere else you listen to podcasts!

15. What does it take to be 'Ironman'? Ft. Solonie Singh Pathania

Fri, 15 May 2020 20:52:12 -0400

What does it take to be the third Indian woman to complete the Ironman Triathlon? What is a triathlon? Why is it called Ironman and not Iron-woman? How does one rock a full-time job and still be a formidable triathlete? What are added challenges of training with minimal infrastructure in a country like India? Is it really mind over matter? For all this and more tune into the Episode 15 with Solonie Singh Pathania, who personifies what it means to be superhuman and gritty as grit! She is a TEDx speaker, featured in India Today, FitShit, Business Line, RedBull, and you can just google her!

14. How do we compare 'Household Chores' in and outside of India? Desi Vs. Globe

Fri, 08 May 2020 20:55:49 -0400

Household Chores - How do Desis get it done when it comes to 'roti' (feeding yourself), 'kapda' (clothing yourself) and 'makaan' (keeping a house)? We explore the world of a difference when it comes to household chores in India 🇮🇳and when outside of it. Let us know your experience when you first traveled outside of India and tried to use a dishwasher, washer dryer or roomba for the first time!

13. What does it take to be a top photographer? Ft. Arjun Menon | Art Leaves a Mark

Fri, 01 May 2020 21:00:02 -0400

How do you take an indelible experience in life, channel it into art, and transform into a compelling storyteller through photography? Arjun Menon, founder of 'Art Leaves a Mark' talks about alternate Desi careers, social media being a "funny thing", the ephemeral nature of instant gratification, being a globe trotting adventurer and the grueling yet rewarding process of true expression. His projects 'The Extraordinary|Indian Army', India Change the Perception, Sounds of Cochin, #TimeOut have garnered Millions of eyeballs which we all have been falling in love with over and over again!

What do you think about following your passion? Do you have the courage to do it? Share your comments with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and lifeofaglobaldesi@gmail.com. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, Google Podcasts and anywhere else you listen to podcasts!

12. Why 'Slow Travel'? Ft. Vikas Plakkot

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 21:01:33 -0400

Vikas Plakkot takes us on an insightful and deliberate journey to immerse in the 'Slow Travel movement'. Braving over the 'FOMO, the fear of missing out', developing a mindset that rejects traditional ideas of tourism, encourages one to soak in cultures, and keep yourself open to new experiences is a luxury, today Vikas can never go back to being just a tourist ever again. A transformative Teach for India fellow, co-founder of Just for Kicks, a TEDx speaker, a travel journalist with NatGeo, avid slow traveller, Vikas is looking for his next adventure at the moment. Follow Vikas on Twitter.

11. Why are Indians obsessed with Bollywood?

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 21:01:09 -0400

Aarati: I was in LOVE with Shah Rukh Khan! Archana: Who wasn't?

For gems like this listen to this episode! Raj-Simran, Laila-Majnu, and the god awful Bollywood stereotypes! Growing up, were you too cool for Bollywood and pretend to be so even today? How did it shape your idea of LOVE? Why are we movie star struck? Is Bollywood evolving? What is the promise of new-age cinema? Do desis relate to Bollywood more after moving abroad? Join us as we explore how Bollywood shaped us and continues to do so. Have anything to add?

10. Why explore 'Offbeat Tracks'? Ft. Vandana Vijay

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 21:05:21 -0400

What adventures does one encounter when they explore 'Offbeat Tracks'? How many stereotypes does a woman entrepreneur need to shatter to be taken seriously? How does a leader lead in times of crises, especially if you are the CEO of an experiential travel company?Vandana Vijay, founder of OffBeat Tracks demystifies all this and much more, on our 10th episode! A TEDx speaker, fitness freak, and a major foodie, but her deep rooted love for the Himalayas and its cultural diversity takes the cake! So excited as we journey to double digits episodes with a strong and empowered voice in Vandana Vijay! Hope you can travel virtually with us on this episode!

9. Who are Indian Army Brats?

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 21:08:47 -0400

How "Braty" are Indian Army Brats? Is life difficult growing up moving every two years or is it privilege? What are some pros and cons of being a Fauji Kid? What skills from an Army childhood can we apply to being global desis?

If you are an Army Brat & relate to any parts of this, share your comments with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and lifeofaglobaldesi@gmail.com. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, Google Podcasts and anywhere else you listen to podcasts!

8. Growing up Queer. Ft. Varun Singh

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 20:53:45 -0400

What is growing up Queer Desi like? What role does pop-culture play in education about LGBTQ? What did the reading down of Section 377 do for the movement? What still remains to happen so one day everyone, despite perceived differences can dream equally? For all this and more, join in a delightful conversation with Varun Singh who leads the India pride chapter at work and demonstrates action to inclusion. Varun is a great sport and suggested alternate titles to this episode which include "Life of a Gay-Sha", "Global Gaysi", "the gaytheist manifesto", "Homo-genius", "Life of bi", "I'm Queerious"! We love all of them and his sense of humor is palpable as you listen! Which are your favorites?

Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and lifeofaglobaldesi@gmail.com. Listen, rate (5 stars!) and review on Apple Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, Google Podcasts and anywhere else you listen to podcasts!

7. Why is driving a nightmare in India? Desi Vs. Globe

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 20:58:35 -0400

Introducing a new segment called "Desi vs. Globe!" We demystify the subtle (or stark!) contrasts between India and the Globe across a myriad of topics. Today, we pick - Driving! Why is driving etiquette so distinct between India vs. the rest of the world? Why are roadways more structured in the western world? Why do we honk in India? Hit Play for an emphatic rant and analysis!

6. Why try Vipassana? Ft. Arvind Eashwar

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 21:01:32 -0400

Our first interview guest is Arvind Eashwar! A technophile, a serial entrepreneur, and a sports fanatic. Arvind leads international expansion for ITLITE, a business travel SaaS platform. He started off as a consultant with McKinsey, since has transitioned to the startup world founding MondoBoard and AltSoul. Arvind is a big fan of self-development and today you will be hearing him demystify Vipassana & meditation which believe it or not helped get more connected to the real world as opposed to the virtual one!
Connect with him on Twitter.

Share your comments/thoughts on Vipasssana with us! Will you be trying it? Write to us at LifeofaGlobalDesi@gmail.com, Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!

5. Minimalism - Fad or Fab?

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 20:04:18 -0500

Less is more. The new mantra of the millennial or age old wisdom? Why is the global desi generation shunning 'bigger is better' and adopting 'keep it simple'? What deep humans needs are unmet in this age of ultra-luxury, hyper-consumerism, and super-size it? And why EVERYONE is talking about minimalism and Marie Kondo?

Join us as we explore how and why minimalism might finally set our souls free. Share your comments/thoughts on minimalism with us! Write to us at LifeofaGlobalDesi@gmail.com.

4. Growing up middle class in India.

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 19:47:05 -0500

What are some pros and cons of growing up bourgeoisie (french for middle class!)? Which middle class values translate to strong aspects of your life even today? Join us as we get share growing-up-middle-class memories that molded us for life. We invite your to share yours!Write to us at LifeofaGlobalDesi@gmail.com, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook.

Disclaimer: India 🇮🇳is very complex and diverse in its economic structure, cross referenced with caste, class, background, and cultural nuances make it very hard to define a true 'middle class'. Shared here is a very specific experience of childhood in a middle class Indian Army family structure.

3. Are Indian with accents pretentious?

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 17:25:44 -0500

Why do Indians suddenly develop an accent when they are abroad? Is it them trying to be cool or just a flight or fight response to fit in? What does having an accent say about you? How does your mother tongue influence your accent? Join us as we dig deep into the idea of languages and accents.
Write to us at LifeofaGlobalDesi@gmail.com, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook to share, how do you pronounce your name when in foreign lands or share your accent anecdotes with us!

2. Why are Indians obsessed with Engineering, MBA and Medicine?

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 18:41:50 -0500

Growing up Indian (especially in the 90s/early 2000s), why did adults make it sound like Engineering (followed by MBA) or Medicine were the only real career options? What post-colonial structures, deep-rooted insecurities, and risk averse mindsets contribute to this phenomenon that result in this prevalent stereotype? What are some sure shot advantages to following the herd vs. breaking free to follow your true calling? Are GenZers are making their own rules and are adults attempting to grow with the times?

Join us as we explore these questions on this Episode. And a big reveal about what we studied growing up -- no surprises there! Share your career stories with us! Write to us at LifeofaGlobalDesi@gmail.com, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook. Keep listening & stay curious!

1. Where are you from? Idea of Identity.

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 15:55:07 -0500

What are we trying to assess when we ask the Q - "Where are you from?" Why are we asking that question? Who do we ask it of more often? Is it a mere geographic query? Why do we categorize people into preconceived boxes in our mind? Is it out of fear and suspicion? Or is it out of pure curiosity to learn about the myriad of colors, races, cultures, experiences, and ideologies people come in?
Ultimately, with time and the willingness to move beyond the obvious exterior differences, do we realize that in the end, people of the world (no matter where they are 'from') are all from 'here' and more similar than we might expect. If only, we can move beyond the loaded Q.
Share your thoughts with us on our social media and write to us LifeofaGlobalDesi@gmail.com!

Life of a Global Desi - Welcome Trailer!

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 15:38:54 -0500

Welcome to the podcast by two brown Indian girls, living and working globally! Join us siblings on a journey as we learn, explore, and uncover what it means to be a Global Desi. Write to us on lifeofaglobaldesi@gmail.com, social media! Keep listening and stay curious!