Life of a Global Desi

8. Growing up Queer. Ft. Varun Singh

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

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!

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!

6. Why try Vipassana? Ft. Arvind Eashwar

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?

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.

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?

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?

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.

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!

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!