Ranika is a product manager in tech and got her eggs frozen earlier this year at the age of 30. Conversations around fertility are still stigmatized in the South Asian community and Ranika navigated this short but intense process on her own. Now she is passionate about sharing her journey, normalizing the conversation, and encouraging women to take control of their future and speaks to TDS about the process, the physical effects, factors that influenced her decision and so much more! Annika's bo...
Dec 06, 2022•31 min
The ENTIRE South Asian reality television-watching world has opinions on Cutie-gate, the wild conclusion to Love is Blind Season 3 on Netflix! TDS speaks with Zanab Jaffrey, one of the stars of the show, about her experience, mental health, competition amongst South Asians on all the things, what the show didn't include, and so much 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 Instag...
Nov 22, 2022•35 min
Speaking up for survivors of gender-based violence is more than providing logistical support as they leave harmful situations: it also involves mental health counseling for families, behavioral therapies, access to resources and more. The Bhatia Foundation (led by Anita Bhatia) and Sakhi (led by Kavita Mehra) have partnered to create programs and share their insights on domestic violence within the South Asian community. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is available at all books...
Nov 15, 2022•36 min
Clinical psychologist Dr. Anjali Ferguson, an expert in racial equity, cultural competence, and trauma - particularly with children - joins TDS to discuss a wide range of subjects: from parenting and advocating for children of color, to trauma-informed therapy, to what cultural competence should look like across settings. 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 , Linke...
Nov 08, 2022•47 min
It's back to the core TDS hosts this week as Annika and Nehal explore adult friendships, how breakups of friends can be even more devastating than amorous relationships, how to cope, and how to end a friendship gently. 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 Voices on IG. Until next time, kee...
Nov 01, 2022•45 min
Burhan, a Pakistani non-binary activist, speaks up about the transphobia across the South Asian diaspora, their experiences in both continents, and how we can change the way we speak, act, and think about what transphobia looks like. 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 Voices on IG. Until next...
Oct 25, 2022•45 min
Dr. Natasha Sriraman (@natasha.mom.md) is a pediatrician, postpartum advocate, and author of "Back to You," a book for moms, support systems, and how to make sure moms are taken care during their most vulnerable time. 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 Voices on IG. Until next time,...
Oct 18, 2022•47 min
Attachment styles influence every one of our relationships, from family to platonic to romantic - Israa Nasir of Well Guide joins TDS to discuss how these influence our connections, how they can change, and yes, the desi mama's boy stereotype. 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 Voices on...
Oct 04, 2022•58 min
Nehal took LA and had the chance to interview Love is Blind: After the Altar stars Deepti Vempati and Natalie Lee about their stories after the show wrapped, Kyle and Deepti's friendship-to-love story, her upcoming book, and so much 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 Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn , and Twitter , and catch up with the hosts, Annika and Asana Voices on IG. ...
Sep 27, 2022•28 min
South Asians make up 25% of the world's population and 50% of the world's cardiac health burden. That statistic alone is staggering, and on this week's episode, we explore initiatives aimed at including more South Asians in healthcare research, the help of Medicare in reaching our parents' generation, cardiac health risk, and more, alongside Dr. Meena Seshamani (Director of the Center for Medicare) and Prince Bhojwani (CEO and Co-Founder of ASANA Voices). Annika's book, Sugar...
Sep 20, 2022•41 min
Aparna Shewakramani turned heads and raised questions in her 2 seasons of starring on Netflix' Indian Matchmaking. She has served as a rallying point for conversations about double standards, women and their villainous portrayal on television for being independent, feminism, the actual realities of reality television, and so much more. An author, a matchmaker herself, a screenwriter, a future producer, a lawyer, a future TED talker...she gets real with TDS this week about who she is. And tr...
Aug 30, 2022•50 min•Season 7Ep. 13
When Avani Modi's brother reached out to her about creating plush toys based on Hindu dieties, she thought, "Are you crazy?" Four years later, she leads Modi Toys, a successful, homegrown venture that provides mantra-singing plush toys. She shares her journey, her vulnerabilities, and her goals with That Desi Spark on this week's episode. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is available at all bookstores including Barnes and Noble , Bookshop , and Amazon ! Follo...
Aug 23, 2022•47 min
It's WEDDING SEASON! No, not just the time of year full of South Asian weddings but the Netflix hit romcom - screenwriter Shiwani Srivastava and producer Swati Shetty join TDS to talk creative journeys, how the movie went from script to screen, what kinds of stories are being told, and what's coming next! 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 , a...
Aug 09, 2022•45 min
The internet broke for Diwali 2021 when all the celebs from Chrissy Teigen to Mindy Kaling wore a label that Annika and Nehal have loved for YEARS: Papa Don't Preach by Shubhika Sharma - and she joins TDS this week to talk empowerment in fashion, the issue of copying and how it impacts creatives, her reading list, her next big reveal, 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 ...
Jun 28, 2022•46 min•Season 7Ep. 12
Miscarriage occurs in 25% of pregnancies - it's an everyday tragedy. On this candid, vulnerable, and raw episode of TDS, Annika shared her recent loss with Nehal and the isolation, the weird and unique stages of grief, the missing-someone-you-never-met, the way partners handle it differently, the stats, some of the feelings that might help you support someone, the reproductive rights element, and the healing…all with a little humor, compassion, and hope. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can...
Jun 14, 2022•52 min•Season 7Ep. 10
Author, pharma CEO, investor, and woman of influence Hitha Palepu joins TDS to discuss multi-hyphenate identity, learning from history, owning your multitudes, and (of course) romance book recommendations. You can find Hitha's book, " We ' re Speaking : The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris: How to Use Your Voice, Be Assertive, and Own Your Story," on Amazon. Find Hitha on Instagram. And follow That Desi Spark on Instagram , LinkedIn , Facebook , and Twitter ! Annika's book, Suga...
Jun 01, 2022•56 min•Season 7Ep. 9
Founder of ShethePeople.TV, feminist, and gamechanger Shaili Chopra joins TDS to talk about women's rights, women's health in India, and She The People, India’s first women-only platform focused on content, community, and skill development. 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 Voices ...
May 17, 2022•48 min•Season 7Ep. 9
Director, producer, writer, actress, and all-around phenom Sujata Day joins TDS to discuss acting, representation, her journey to writing, directing, and producing "Definition, Please," for Netflix, and more. Follow Sujata on IG and follow That Desi Spark (and Annika and Nehal !) on IG , Twitter , LinkedIn , and Facebook . 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 , Faceb...
May 03, 2022•36 min•Season 7Ep. 8
Relationships researcher and professor Aditi Paul and artist Kahani join TDS to discuss data-backed insights into Gen Z's hookups, dating, and sexual behaviors. 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 Voices on IG. Until next time, keep lighting That Desi Spark!...
Apr 26, 2022•1 hr•Season 7Ep. 7
*This episode is sponsored by Desi Crime* The visa backlog in the United States is threatening the futures of over 200,000 South Asians who may be deported once they age out of the process. The Hidden Dream and Improve the Dream join TDS to discuss the issue, resources, and how to help. 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 wit...
Apr 19, 2022•43 min•Season 7Ep. 6
Sooraj Saxena, TikTok phenom, Shvkti founder, and all-around inspirational human, joins TDS for his first podcast appearance ever to discuss self-love, dating yourself, and finding joy. This episode is sponsored by DilMil. Follow Sooraj on IG and TikTok ! And follow That Desi Spark, Annika , and Nehal on IG , Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn ! 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 Insta...
Apr 05, 2022•44 min•Season 7Ep. 5
Child marriage is a topic within the same big conversation of honor-based violence, abuse, gender-based violence, forced marriage, and rights of women and children. At the age of 15, Sasha Taylor came home to find herself in the middle of a wedding conversation to a man much older - South Asian countries have the highest incidences of child marriage, even in the West. Would you believe the US only has protections in 6 states against marrying off children? TDS speaks to Sasha about these protecti...
Mar 22, 2022•33 min•Season 7Ep. 4
It's fitting that for Women's History Month, TDS spoke to Deepa Purushotaman , one of the youngest and first South Asian partner at Deloitte and author of "The First, The Few, The Only: How WOC Can Redefine Power in Corporate America." Deepa's TED Talk and newly released book explore topics of trauma in the workplace, how "leaning in" isn't designed for women of color, how power dynamics look very different for WOC, and so much more. Follow That Desi Spark...
Mar 08, 2022•44 min
People falling in love sight unseen? Nope, not just our aunties, uncles, and parents, but the cast of Netflix' latest hit reality show, Love is Blind! Singer and host of the show, Nick Lachey, and cast member Deepti Vempati join That Desi Spark to talk about diversity in casting for Season 2, Deepti's experience in owning reality TV as her way to find love, her self-discovery, and more. Follow Deepti on Instagram and follow Annika , Nehal , and That Desi Spark on Instagram , Twitter , ...
Feb 22, 2022•27 min•Season 7Ep. 2
It started off with two college kids in love...and led to TikTok fame! Social media stars Puja and Reza Khan went viral with their wedding video, leading to thousands of followers, and unexpected opportunities. They talked to That Desi Spark about their relationship, social media, living with Reza's parents, their future plans, and so much more. Follow Puja and Reza on TikTok and YouTube! And follow Annika , Nehal , and That Desi Spark on Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , and LinkedIn! Annik...
Feb 08, 2022•59 min•Season 7Ep. 1
Well, well, it's a new episode to kick off a reinvention of The Woke Desi to THAT DESI SPARK. It's been a transformative year for so many of us between the state of the world, job transitions, life events, and more...and we were no different. Annika and Nehal discuss what led to the change and what to expect on this podcast in this mini-episode. Keep sparking conversation and igniting the world. Follow TDS on Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn , and Twitter , and catch up with the hosts, ...
Feb 01, 2022•6 min•Season 7Ep. 1
In South Asian cultures, there is inherent pressure for women, in particular, to bond two families. This can result in stress, a lack of boundaries, and difficult relationships...but it doesn't have to be that way! Israa Nasir, therapist and founder of Well.Guide joins TWD to discuss in-law relationships and successful communication, fulfilling bonds, respect, and boundary-setting to achieve harmony and break the stereotype of saas-bahu tension. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play N...
Nov 09, 2021•59 min•Season 6Ep. 9
Ramya Chunduri joins this episode of TWD to explain how domestic violence, an issue an underreported 2 in 5 South Asian women face, has transformed through the pandemic. The UN called it a "shadow pandemic," as rates of DV increased, social media became both a place of information and of danger, and abuse transformed with the use of the internet. Recognizing DV has never been so important - if you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse, please Google your state's local South Asi...
Nov 09, 2021•51 min•Season 6Ep. 8
At the beginning of the last year and a half, a viral tweet went around about how if you hadn't learned a new language or skill during your time at home, you didn't lack time but discipline. In so many of us, toxic productivity became the norm...a glamorization of working as hard as you can and then hustling even harder. It has to stop. On this episode, TWD discusses toxic productivity, tips to overcome it, the stress of producing at all times, and how 2020 and 2021 have only made it w...
Oct 05, 2021•42 min•Season 6Ep. 7
Surrogacy in South Asia CAN be positive - however there is a nefarious underbelly to the entire industry--yes, you heard right, industry of baby-making. On Part 2 of Surrogacy, TWD explores a few different laws, issues, and ethics to consider when exploring surrogacy in South Asia (India, in particular). 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 ...
Sep 21, 2021•39 min•Season 6Ep. 6
