Recent events like the death of George Floyd have prompted society to take a good, hard look at the nature of allyship and where we've fallen short. But looking forward from social media activism and marches...what's next? Liya Thachil, a community organizer on Long Island, discusses civic engagement, 2020's election cycle, actionable steps we can take to change legislation as South Asians, and making the BLM movement an intentional movement toward policy change. Annika's book, Su...
Jun 23, 2020•59 min
Welcome to the Season 4 opener of The Woke Desi! In light of recent events, conversations in the South Asian community have mirrored those being held across the world with regard to racism and race relations. But one aspect of the conversation amongst South Asians needs to be brought forward prior to the discussion on racism, and that is colorism. Former Miss America 2014, Nina Davuluri, chimes in on the mic in this episode about her docu-series, COMPLEXion, which follows the issue of colorism a...
Jun 16, 2020•57 min
On the Season 3 Finale of TWD, Richa Moorjani joins the ladies to talk about Netflix #1 show, developed by Mindy Kaling, "Never Have I Ever." Richa has an open, honest and refreshing conversation with Nehal and Annika surrounding her trajectory in acting, the groundbreaking series, criticisms of the show, working toward dreams, and more. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is available at all bookstores including Barnes and Noble , Bookshop , and Amazon ! Follow TDS on In...
May 12, 2020•51 min
Bisexual genderqueer West Indian, Indo-Caribbean writer, spiritual channel and experimental art film creatrix, Nandani Bharrat, and life coach, TEDx speaker and reiki master, Shanita Liu, join TWD to discuss the violent migration of Indian citizens to the Caribbean after the abolition of slavery (by law and not by practice), their own identities as Guyanese-American, and how this forgotten segment of the diaspora needs support to confront generations of trauma by colonization. Annika's book, Sug...
May 05, 2020•1 hr 4 min
Representation has always mattered. And it counts more than ever. The founders of CTZN Cosmetics, Pakistani sisters Aleena, Aleezeh, and Naseeha Khan, created CTZN so that every person regardless of gender could find their true match and feel seen. The ladies of TWD speak with them about their experience as a global brand and the importance of being valued and recognized as a citizen of the world. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is available at all bookstores including Barnes a...
Apr 28, 2020•44 min
With Earth Day upon us, and the environmental ramifications from humans being seen more than ever as they stay inside, TWD explores the sustainability and decolonization of fashion. Blogger/activist Aditi Mayer and Lukh Studio's Karen Desai join the ladies of TWD to discuss how fast fashion--a disposable, low quality, high output industy-- holds power in multiple areas like economies, to human rights, to upholding values of colonialism. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is a...
Apr 21, 2020•51 min
Breast cancer can be genetic--but as Dr. Anjali Malik tells TWD listeners, most are actually mutations that patients never see coming. Such was the case with Roshni Kamta, a 23-year old survivor of breast cancer, who also shares her story. Many misconceptions exist around breast cancer and South Asians, and the conversation needs to be had to correct them. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is available at all bookstores including Barnes and Noble , Bookshop , and Amazon ! Follow ...
Apr 14, 2020•1 hr 9 min
The Kama Sutra has been hailed as a book of freaks in Western culture...but is it really? A listener-requested topic, the Kama Sutra is dissected by the ladies as a spiritual and meaningful guide to sex, intimacy and meaningful interactions with partners. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is available at all bookstores including Barnes and Noble , Bookshop , and Amazon ! Follow TDS on Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn , and Twitter , and catch up with the hosts, Annika and Asana Vo...
Apr 07, 2020•26 min
Jasvinder Sanghera, CBE, a worldwide expert on honor-based violence, recognized by Prince Charles and David Cameron, and founder of the organization Karma Nirvana, joins the hosts of TWD to talk about the legal, social, psychological and cultural issues surrounding honor-based violence. This worldwide issue ranges from FGM to forced marriage to murder, and due to severe underreporting, the numbers hover around 5,000 killings in the world each year. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nic...
Mar 31, 2020•1 hr 6 min
Guest Pooja Mehta, a mental health advocate, shares her story of facing a schizoaffective disorder where she hears voices during moments of anxiety. Unlike depression and anxiety, the more commonly-supported (but still not fully accepted) mental health disorders, schizoaffective disorders are still known as "crazy" diseases, a stigma that needs to stop. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is available at all bookstores including Barnes and Noble , Bookshop , and Amazon ! ...
Mar 17, 2020•42 min
TWD interviews Melanie Chandra, actress and advocate for South Asian representation. Melanie has acted in CBS Code Black, acted and produced Surina and Mel, and more, and has created spaces in entertainment by recognizing the void of South Asians and filling it in with projects she has helped conceptualize. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is available at all bookstores including Barnes and Noble , Bookshop , and Amazon ! Follow TDS on Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn , and Twitt...
Mar 10, 2020•55 min
Hindu-Muslim relationships have ebbed and flowed since British colonialism ended in 1947...but relationships, love, and marriage have recently become more common--and no less accepted between the two populations. TWD discusses love between two religions with couple Neehar and Nadia Swali and engaged Farzeen Syed on this must-listen episode. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is available at all bookstores including Barnes and Noble , Bookshop , and Amazon ! Follow TDS on Instagram...
Feb 25, 2020•57 min
Burnout is real. In today's world, it's impossible not to feel like we have to be the perfect employees, side hustlers, passion-chasers, daughters, sons, partners, parents, and more...and that effort can be exhausting, creating a drain on the mind, body and soul. Coach Shanita Liu, an Indo-Caribbean life coach, joins TWD to discuss burnout and how we, as South Asians, can prevent it. *Full list of resources can be found on the TWD website.* Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play N...
Feb 18, 2020•54 min
*This episode is sponsored by Masala My Life* It's a crossover episode between the hosts of Yoga is Dead Podcast (Tejal and Jesal) and The Woke Desi! Talking about cultural appropriation, truly listening to diverse voices, and making yoga a more equal, representative and authentic practice, this episode is one that'll stretch your limits and make you think. *A full list of resources can be found on the TWD website. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is available at all b...
Feb 11, 2020•50 min
It's a Nehal passion topic this week! Plastic surgery has been a rising trend amongst South Asians in the last decade. India is the #4 hotspot in the world for procedures (TOI). Pakistani-Brits have been flooding the major cities for medical tourism trips to have work done. The ladies of TWD speak with Dr. Usha Rajagopal, host of her own podcast (The Beauty Balance), and board certified plastic surgeon. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is available at all bookstores includi...
Feb 04, 2020•43 min
Not sure if you want to be a mom? Waiting on a partner? Holding off because your career is priority? Egg freezing has become an option for increasing numbers of South Asian women. A proponent of egg freezing who has shared her story in the New York Post, Dr. Saya Nagori is a passionate advocate for women's health and discusses the process of egg freezing on this episode of TWD. She started FemHealth and SimpleHealth, two ventures to aid patients in being able to access the healthcare they n...
Jan 28, 2020•49 min
This episode is sponsored by Masala My Life. From healthcare consultant to MasterChef, Hetal Vasavada has carved out a career for herself in all things baking and cooking. With a fusion of Indian and American cuisine, and a cookbook titled after her brand, Milk and Cardamom, Hetal is on the rise in the food industry and the ladies of TWD talk to her about competition amongst South Asians, hate, Instagramming, and yes...whether Gordon Ramsay is a nice guy or not. *All resources, references and li...
Jan 21, 2020•58 min
On the premiere of Season 3 , the ladies of TWD sit down with KJ Dhaliwal, the CEO & Founder of Dil Mil, to discuss all things dating. Starting with KJ's journey on how this all began to getting into the best and worst dating stories to then diving into what's next with Dil Mil and how the dating scene has changed as a whole in the digital era...this season is off with a bang. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is available at all bookstores including Barnes and Nobl...
Jan 14, 2020•56 min
The holidays don't just encompass Christmas and New Year...there are hundreds of holidays across the world that immigrants celebrate throughout the year. From Eid to Diwali to Rakshabandan, the ladies of TWD talk about the takes on South Asian holidays and how we've all learned to make cross-cultural, cross-religious and beautiful celebrations our own. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is available at all bookstores including Barnes and Noble , Bookshop , and Amazon ! F...
Dec 24, 2019•24 min
Growing up, so many South Asians couldn't find their shades when shopping for makeup--a seemingly small issue but an indicator of a much larger problem. There was no representation. Slowly but surely, however, this is changing with brands like Fenty Beauty, Huda Beauty, Live Tinted and more coming to the forefront of the industry. On this special bonus episode of TWD, the ladies discuss some of the best products out there, beauty tricks and brands that are making a difference. Follow TDS on...
Dec 23, 2019•23 min
South Asian authors have made an incredible impact on literature--from Salman Rushdie to Arundhati Roy, to TWD's lifechanger--Tanuja Desai Hidier. Now, a new wave of South Asian authors are rising the ranks in literature with their "own voices" writing. TWD talks about new South Asians authors who are making their mark with new stories about feminism, racism, and the way the world really looks. Follow TDS on Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn , and Twitter , and catch up with the hos...
Dec 22, 2019•22 min
Chrissy Teigen was once lambasted for feeding her child formula. Alyssa Milano argued with Wendy Williams about breastfeeding not being sexual but a necessity. Mom-shaming has been a real issue in all cultures--from decisions on breastfeeding to cosleeping, from vaccines to potty training. The ladies of TWD are here to discuss it and how South Asians often hear the same shame from their own families. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is available at all bookstores including Barne...
Dec 21, 2019•27 min
Who doesn't remember Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge's iconic scene of Raj reaching for Simran's hand on the train? Or Kajol's makeover of the century in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai? The movies South Asians have watched have set the bar high in some ways, and...not so high, in others. In this 12 Days of TWD special, the ladies dissect Bollywood movies and how they are loved for the romance and fun, and hated for the messaging. Follow TDS on Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn , and Twitter , ...
Dec 20, 2019•23 min
We asked and you answered! One of the most hotly requested topics was to do one on careers. The ladies of TWD did a Q&A regarding questions received about careers, balance, and the ideas of women having it all...with more episodes with experts to come in the New Year! Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is available at all bookstores including Barnes and Noble , Bookshop , and Amazon ! Follow TDS on Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn , and Twitter , and catch up with the hosts, An...
Dec 19, 2019•28 min
From being a global icon to being a controversial and questionable role model, Priyanka Chopra certainly riles up the public. As the first South Asian to successfully break into the mainstream Hollywood market, she has opened doors for South Asians across the world and made a name for herself...but what about her less popular decisions? She married Nick Jonas to the squeals of millions--but was the wedding monetized too much? She presents feminism and strength--but is her brand of feminism empty...
Dec 18, 2019•26 min
From abusive messages online to the concept of boys not expressing emotions in South Asian cultures, toxic masculinity is a common problem with a solution that we need to find. On this bonus episode of TWD, Annika and Nehal dissect toxic masculinity and how manhood is defined in ways that can be detrimental to forward movement. Follow TDS on Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn , and Twitter , and catch up with the hosts, Annika and Asana Voices on IG. Until next time, keep lighting That Desi Spark!...
Dec 17, 2019•23 min
When TWD asked its Instagram followers what casual sex meant, the answer was nearly unanimous: sex without strings attached. But what does that mean? And in South Asian culture, casual sex comes with more questions about virginity, morality, and more...on this episode, the ladies of TWD dissect some of the information they've uncovered regarding casual sex and argue about whether it's such a good idea after all. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is available at all book...
Dec 16, 2019•27 min
Did you hear a crow on your roof today? Guests must be on their way! On this bonus episode of TWD, as part of the 12 Days of TWD special series, Annika and Nehal chat about all things superstitions...where they came from, and why we follow them. Enjoy, and follow us @thewokedesi on Instagram. Follow TDS on Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn , and Twitter , and catch up with the hosts, Annika and Asana Voices on IG. Until next time, keep lighting That Desi Spark!...
Dec 15, 2019•17 min
Sabyasachi. Anita Dongre. Falguni Shane Peacock. In South Asia and bridalwear, these names are as legendary as the outfits they design. But what about the fashion scandals? In this bonus episode of 12 Days of TWD, Annika and Nehal talk about fashion scandals and why they're relevant to the broader community. Follow TDS on Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn , and Twitter , and catch up with the hosts, Annika and Asana Voices on IG. Until next time, keep lighting That Desi Spark!...
Dec 14, 2019•22 min
Like the ladies covered in Episode 1 of TWD six months ago, from the "What are we?" question to getting over a heartbreak, dating encompasses so many questions and such a small number of answers. On this special episode of 12 days of TWD, Annika and Nehal answer questions sent in by listeners about all things dating. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is available at all bookstores including Barnes and Noble , Bookshop , and Amazon ! Follow TDS on Instagram , Facebook , ...
Dec 13, 2019•36 min
