After a long 5 month hiatus...we are back with an update! We've been acquired! That Desi Spark has been acquired by Prince Bhojwani of Asana Voices (AV), and TDS and AV have entered a strategic partnership. What does that mean? Annika stays on as host, Nita Bhojwani joins as CEO, and this episode covers all of Annika's thoughts on TDS' latest move. As for the rest, listen and find out! We're up to big things over here. We can't wait to see you along for the ride. In the ...
May 27, 2024•8 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast Relive some of the highest-rated, most listened-to episodes of That Desi Spark on The Greatest Hits! Raja Kumari is a force - a Grammy-nominated artist who has collaborated with Fall Out Boy, Gwen Stefani, and more, the face of Mac Cosmetics, nominated three times for the MTV European Music Awards for Best India Act, and made her own label album debut with The Bridge . Speaking to TDS about her career, she jumped into her South Indian roost, what it took to succeed, and how South Asians are havi...
May 27, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Relive some of the highest-rated, most listened-to episodes of That Desi Spark on The Greatest Hits! Maitreyi Ramakrishnan shot to fame as lead Devi Vishwakumar on Netflix' Never Have I Ever. Season 4, the final season of the show, aired in May of 2023. Maitreyi joined TDS for an interview that ran over time (sorry, Netflix!) discussing representation, how she coped with the haters, the love she had for the show, and what she hoped to achieve out of her career. Listen now to this interview ...
May 27, 2024•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Relive some of the highest-rated, most listened-to episodes of That Desi Spark on The Greatest Hits! Divya Robin's mental health advice on Instagram has been a blessing. And her conversation and thoughtful consideration around drawing boundaries with South Asian families was a hit. From baby steps to huge changes, she dove into alllll the considerations around drawing lines in your life for your mental health and made this episode one for the books. Listen now to this interview with Divya c...
May 27, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast Relive some of the highest-rated, most listened-to episodes of That Desi Spark on The Greatest Hits! Ramya Chunduri, LMSW, has been a social worker, counselor, advocate, and founder of Saurya Media. Her extensive work in the South Asian community and with women's centers produced a wealth of knowledge about domestic violence and gender-based violence, particularly during the pandemic. Diving into signs most people don't realize and hidden elements of these situations that we can learn ...
May 27, 2024•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast Relive some of the highest-rated, most listened-to episodes of That Desi Spark on The Greatest Hits! Jasvinder Sanghera came home from school at the age of 14 to find out she was promised to be married. Running away at great personal risk, she was supported by her sister, who herself was married young and died by suicide after suffering from abuse. These experiences led to the founding of Karma Nirvana, an organization in the UK that has helped over 30,000 people, most of whom are of South Asian...
May 27, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast Relive some of the highest-rated, most listened-to episodes of That Desi Spark on The Greatest Hits! Richa Moorjani has lit up television screens since her attention-grabbing role as Kamala, cousin of Devi, on Netflix' groundbreaking series, Never Have I Ever . Since then, she's gone onto work on Fargo, and is a proud advocate of veganism and humanitarian causes. She remains one of this show's favorite interiews. Listen now to this interview with Richa Moorjani, conducted during S...
May 27, 2024•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast Relive some of the highest-rated, most listened-to episodes of That Desi Spark on The Greatest Hits! Brown Girl Therapy, created by Sahaj Kohli, has become synonymous with immigrant mental health. Sahaj offers compassion, understanding, and validation for hundreds of thousands of South Asians on Instagram, through her workshops, conversations, events, and with her new book, "But What Will People Say?" which came out in May of 2024. In fact, the Amazon blurb of her book offered a near-p...
May 27, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast It's the last episode of That Desi Spark with Nehal as a host - but keep your eyes on TDS as it moves forward with Annika. Big things are coming! 5 years. 8 seasons. 130+ episodes. 140+ guests. The end of an era. And the beginning of another. As of January, Nehal will be leaving That Desi Spark to chase her passion of becoming an entertainment-focused content creator, a passion she discovered on TDS. When we met on a Facebook group, started a podcast, and built a business, lightning struck ...
Jan 02, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Kanika Chadda Gupta, host of That's Total Mom Sense (a hit podcast with guests like Chelsea Clinton!), joins TDS to talk through the career balance, deciding how to approach parenthood, and all the inspirational stories of incredible mothers across our diaspora and beyond. You can hear her podcast here, and follow her on Instagram ! 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 , ...
Nov 28, 2023•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast 'Tis the season to give, and American India Foundation's NY-based CEO Nishant Pandey and Chief Development Officer Kalpana Kanthan are with That Desi Spark this week to discuss the outcomes for over 17 million people this non-profit has impacted, the social programs it innovates, women in non-profit leadership, and why we all have a stake in shaping the future of our homelands across South Asia! Learn more about the American India Foundation's programs , follow them on Instagram ,...
Nov 14, 2023•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast The way parents communicate with each other is HUGE in influencing the way we, as immigrants and children of immigrants, engage with our partners. Psychotherapist and founder of Being, Sadaf Siddiqi , joins us for her second episode with TDS to talk about how we can unlearn some of the toxic behaviors and communication techniques we may have grown up with, amplify the healthier ones, and create happier relationships. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is available at all bookstore...
Nov 07, 2023•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Saumya Dave, MD , knows what South Asian women are up against - the psychiatrist and novelist is a staunch advocate for mental health, and explores what self-care really means (spoiler: it's MUCH more than than eating a brownie!) for burnout, anxiety, and societal expectations on this must-listen episode of TDS. *This episode is sponsored by Therapy in Colour and Hachette Book Group* - Therapy in Colour is a therapy practice that offers Telehealth appointments that blend psychological inter...
Oct 10, 2023•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Masculinity and mental health have come under greater scrutiny by the South Asian community in recent years. Clinical Psychology student Paritosh Joshi, a contributor to Brown Girl Magazine , joins TDS to explore how toxic masculinity impacts relationships, upholds patriarchal values, influences mental health, and creates a less inclusive atmosphere for South Asian men to seek mental health resources. Connect with Paritosh on LinkedIn ! Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is availa...
Aug 29, 2023•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast 1 in 5 girls in South Asia will drop out of school after the onset of their period. Period poverty is a global issue with wide-ranging impact. The Desai Foundation's President, Megha Desai, joins TDS to discuss their initiatives to provide access to education, period products, infrastructure, and more - and above all, dignity. 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 , Facebo...
Aug 15, 2023•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast When journalist Ruchira Gupta traveled across India to find out what was happening to young girls across the country, she stepped into the world of prostitution, sex trafficking, bribes, death threats, and more. Her riveting account of sex trafficking, her founding of Apne Aap - an NGO helping women, girls, and their children in the red light districts of Mumbai, her work with the UN and Hillary Clinton, and above all, hope, are the focus of this episode of TDS. ____ Imagine if you had a pair of...
Jun 27, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Netflix' Never Have I Ever's central characters, the Vishwakumar family, were trailblazing for South Asians on screen. Star of the series Maitreyi Ramakrishnan joins TDS to discuss her journey on the show, representation as a South Asian, her favorite memories with Devi, and so much more on this engaging episode. This episode is sponsored by Reti Swimwear , Recover Season , and Therapy in Color. Reti Swimwear, inspired by the comfort of warm sand, is a desi-inspired swimwear line. Find...
Jun 13, 2023•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sameera Qureshi, MS OTR, joins TDS to discuss her career with sexual health and Islam - what to do when values and lifestyles clash, issues around not exploring sexuality, how she's educated people about sex, and finding peace with sexual health. 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...
Jun 06, 2023•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Actress from movies like ABCD, bestselling author of "Always Anjali," and "Bravo Anjali," and outspoken activist about all politics but especially those around children, multi-hyphenate Sheetal Sheth joins TDS to discuss anti-AAPI narratives, why book bans are a problem, and how diverse literature changes lives. 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 , Facebo...
May 30, 2023•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast Clinical Neuropsychology PHD resident Nawal Mustafa joins TDS to chat through how to recognize emotional triggers and manage emotions to strengthen relationships around you and increase your emotional intelligence. 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 lightin...
May 23, 2023•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast What does representation on television and streaming REALLY mean? VP of Global Communications at Nielsen, Patricia Ratulangi, and CEO and Founder of Marginal Mediaworks, Sanjay Sharma, join TDS to discuss statistics found on Nielsen's recent study of television around women and AAPI representation, whether there's been progress made, how and why AAPI players may be overlooked, and so much more. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is available at all bookstores including B...
May 09, 2023•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast Psychotherapist Sadaf Siddiqi ( @your.being ) joins TDS to discuss inner child healing, parental boundaries, learning to set limits, attachments, and why South Asian children of immigrants may feel difficulty in speaking up for themselves. 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. Unti...
May 02, 2023•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast From working with Fall Out Boy and being nominated for a Grammy to 2023's Coachella, Raja Kumari talks to That Desi Spark about her album, The Bridge, how she broke into music, her classical Indian dance background, remaining true, 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 Voi...
Apr 25, 2023•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Seema Hari joins TDS to discuss how colorism and caste are deeply intertwined and how colorism in the South Asian diaspora (and the globe) is a much bigger intersectional issue than we realize. You can follow Seema, her activism, and her writings on Instagram . 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 As...
Apr 18, 2023•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Influencer, writer, and comedian Jyoti Chand joins TDS to discuss motherhood in the spotlight, what she'd do differently from her own parents, what she loves about South Asian families, and more on this episode of That Desi Spark. 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 ne...
Apr 04, 2023•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Simran Jeet Singh's bestselling book, "The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life," is a testament to why he was named one of Time Magazine's "sixteen people fighting for a more equal America" and is the Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s Program on Religion & Society. His compassion, pride in his faith, storytelling, and above all, his lessons in leadership and love, are a must-listen on this episode of That Desi Spark. You can follow h...
Mar 21, 2023•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast South Asian communities have a longstanding habit of celebrating boys' births, assigning responsibilities to people because of gender, and creating roles and expectations that can result in mental health struggles later in life. Dr. Shanta Kanokollu joins TDS to discuss the impact of gender socialization, how it presents itself in the ways people cope, how to undo some of the damage, and what we, collectively, need to work on. You can follow That Desi Spark on Instagram , Facebook , LinkedI...
Feb 21, 2023•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast When religion and sex come together, particularly in South Asian communities, guilt, shame, patriarchy, and talks of honor and cleanliness aren't far behind. Dr. Sarika Persaud, a PsyD who specializes in issues of sexuality, Tantra, and Vedanta joins TDS to break down those misconceptions, have a meaningful conversation on how the two can coexist, define the tantric practice, and give listeners some food for thought. Follow Sarika on Instagram at @doctor.samosa and follow TDS at @thatdesisp...
Jan 31, 2023•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 1 in 5 South Asian women experience PCOS, a reproductive disorder of the ovaries that can cause a number of symptoms - so many, that diagnosis can often be challenging or confused with other comorbid diseases. South Asian women also see a higher incidence of PCOS than other ethnicities. Anita Mirchandani, MS, RD, and CDN, joins TDS on the Season 8 premiere to discuss a healthy diet as part of PCOS management, how weight is not a metric to determine health, and swaps to make with South Asian food...
Jan 24, 2023•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Home for the holidays and in need of boundaries with family? TDS has got you covered, alongside Divya Robin, LMHC (@mindmatterswithdiv) who specializes in mental health with South Asian populations and offers an episode full of tips on how to decide if a boundary is right for you, how you should speak up, when you should draw a line, and tips to make it easier because we all know the guilt is real. Annika's book, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice, is available at all bookstores including Barnes ...
Dec 14, 2022•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
