Tuckered Out with Ami Thakkar

I dive into the details of the Georgia Senate runoff elections with my friend and public policy lawyer with Squire Patton Boggs, Amol Naik.Amol served as the Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Atlanta, where he reported directly to Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and served as a member of her Cabinet, with responsibility for Atlanta’s efforts on sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and smart cities technology. Prior to joining the administration, Amol served on the Mayor’s Transition team, leading its efforts on ethics and transparency reform.Additionally, Amol was a Mayoral appointee to the Atlanta Regional Commission. The Atlanta Business Chronicle has selected him as a 40 under 40 honoree, and the Daily Report designated him as one of the top 10 lawyers under 40 in Georgia.From basic questions about the Senate races in Georgia to his insight into election laws and his experience recounting votes, we talk about it all. He discusses the candidates in more detail, how each party has positioned itself, and what effect "Trumpism" will have on this election.

SPECIAL EPISODE: It's a new year. Thank god. Although this past year has been a long and difficult, many of you were able to share some good moments that 2020 gave you.Here are a few of those [email protected]

For my last interview of the year, I stand-up with my guest, Nimesh Patel, and talk all things comedy. Nimesh is the first Indian-American to write for SNL where he was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for his work. He is currently a staff writer for the 2nd season of A Little Late with Lilly Singh and has launched a new adult animation series called Zooidiots. www.zooidiots.com@findingnimesh

BONUS EPISODE with Gautam Gupta, SVP Head of Strategy & Consulting, Pfizer is the first in a bonus series where we discuss and dissect important current events. Gautam chats with me about Covid 'D-Day' (December 14th, 2020), the preparation leading up to the first day the vaccine was distributed, some of the logistics behind the scenes, and how the past nine months have been within the walls of Pfizer.

When it comes to South Asian representation in the media, Sheetal Sheth has had a few conversations the past 20 years on the issue. Author, actress, producer and activist Sheetal Sheth has been a trailblazer for women of color across media with 20 feature film roles and many TV show appearances throughout her compelling career. Sheetal’s story is a beautiful amalgam of strength, perseverance, grit and heart. On a side note, she can also bust out with some ghetto Gujarati (Indian language from state of Gujarat, India) when needed.www.sheetalsheth.com@beneaththesheetzwww.equalitynow.orgwww.therepresentationproject.org

I sat down and chatted with my childhood friend, Devang Shah, who is Head of Marketing at AyurPrana and previously oversaw operations at Banyan Botanicals, both in Albuquerque, NM. He teaches me the basics of Ayurveda, its universal principles and how it is actually a sister science of yoga but why it isn’t as well-known and understood.Please check out Banyon Botanicals and Live Ayurprana!www.banyanbotanicals.comwww.liveayurprana.comwww.ayurveda.com@banyanbotanicals@liveayurprana

Zameer Kassam is the Founder and CEO of Zameer Kassam Fine Jewelry, which he launched in 2011. Through every iteration of his career, one thing has remained constant: his passion for storytelling. We get to hear some of those epic stories in this episode.Follow Zameer @zameerkassamhttp://www.zameerkassam.com/

In part two of South Asians and Voting, I sit down with one of the organizers of South Asians Vote 2020, Samidh Guha. He talks to me about why South Asians Vote is really a non-partisan organization and is focused on helping to resume a normal functioning government, the reason our parent's generation has different political views, and how South Asians Vote has reached out to this group by creating three videos (hint-think Whatsapp groups that have every member of your family).

It's here guys. Election Day 2020. I thought it would be a good time to understand more about South Asians and voting here in the US and the numbers that we need to know. Here is my interview with the co-hosts of the South Asian Block Party for Biden/Harris, DJ Rekha and Rajan Shah. This is part one of my two-part series.https://iwillvote.comhttps://www.southasiansforbiden.orghttps://www.southasianwomenforbiden.comhttps://chhayacdc.org

It's rare to get a chance to sit and chat with a media mogul. Someone who started her blogging career even before the age of Facebook. Someone who had the foresight to see what was missing in a $24B media and entertainment industry. Someone who built her own empire, without anything but her own ambition, the family and friends that stood by her side, and a voice that has been heard and respected in a typically male-dominated field.Enjoy my interview with Malini Agarwal.Follow Malini Agarwal @missmalini @maliniagarwal @malinisgirltribeFollow moi @amituckeredoutwww.amituckeredout.simplecast.com

A podcast interviewing South Asian trailblazers around the world. We discuss growing up brown, personal journeys, and topics we could never talk about in front of those aunties and uncles we grew up with.

Follow Rasika @funnyogini @jalapenopopper2012Follow moi @amituckeredoutVOTE!!

From the start, DJ Kayper knew that she belonged behind the turntables- scratching, producing and making waves in an industry traditionally dominated by men. From writing fake letters to her parents so she could sneak out to deejay to working with legends such as DJ Jazzy Jeff and Diplo to letting Chris Brown know what's up, Kayper has been fearless and focused throughout her journey. This music savant has not only become a trailblazer for South Asians, she has definitely proved one thing to everyone time and time again-don't judge a DJ by her cover. If there were any doubts that "chicks" can deejay, Kayper is happy to prove you wrong.

Internationally acclaimed performer, philanthropist, author, and public speaker Lisa Rani Ray does not shy away from a challenge. With a career that spans three decades and several continents, this trailblazer has a reputation for taking on issue-orientated films with courage and grace. The two of us get a chance to play catch-up after 18 years (I basically was a chaiwallah on her movie set) and talk about it all. From her first taste of public attention, to working in Bollywood in the 90's, to how serendipity has really played a major role throughout her career. We talk about how all the unexpected turns in her life, including her multiple myeloma diagnosis, led her to completing her memoir, Close to the Bone, and her plans to continue writing in the future. From motherhood to breaking it down with Govinda to pet names for our hubby's, we pretty much cover it all. Let me tell you guys, I would be a chaiwallah for this fascinating woman any day.

Celebrity chef, restaurateur, author, and overall superwoman Maneet Chauhan knows a thing or two about best-laid plans...they often tend to go awry. From India to Nashville, we talk about her journey and relationship with food, what it is really like building a business with her husband, how she didn't know she was going to have twins and why she was born to be a judge on Food Network's Chopped. We discuss her upcoming book CHAAT and the epic train ride through India that inspired it as well as her support for the #BLM movement and what it felt like to open up a few of her restaurants in the time of Covid. After this interview, a road trip to Nashville will be happening.

Ameeth Sankaran is CEO of the Religion of Sports, a Media company co-founded by Tom Brady, Michael Strahan and Gotham Chopra. He is also an Executive Producer of Tom vs. Time, Stephen vs. the Game, Headstrong: Mental Health and Sports, and the Why Sports Matter podcast among others. We sit down and chat about why this is more than just a media company and the unique ways the team is engaging with communities around the world to help bring to life uplifting sports stories. He tells me about his first time sitting around the table with the company’s co-founders, what they do to continually strive to create new and unique content through various platforms, and how he is basically living out his fandom. We discuss #BLM and the ways ROS has been contributing to this conversation from day one. I let Ameeth know that if Tom wants to grab a drink, I’ll figure out a way to free up my schedule. Show Notes: https://www.religionofsports.com https://www.instagram.com/religionofsports https://www.facebook.com/religionofsports Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/amituckeredout http://www.facebook.com/amituckeredout Email Us: [email protected]

It's time to toy around! Ok, sorry, had to let that out. We got a chance to sit down and get to know the co-founder of Modi Toys, Avani Modi Sarkar, in this interview where she talked about it all. From moving to the US and her deep connection to the India to how she was able to create her own little India here to how Modi Toys transformed into a family business. She gives advice for those who want to start their own entrepreneurial journey and why her mom is unofficially the CEO of the company (and life in general). She also gives us some insight into some new products and answers our fun lightning round. For those of you that have kids (and even those that don't), her mantra-singing Baby Ganesh plush is definitely a unique product that you must check out! Show Notes: https://www.moditoys.com https://www.instagram.com/moditoys https://www.facebook.com/moditoysfortots https://amituckeredout.com https://www.instagram.com/amituckeredout http://www.facebook.com/amituckeredout Email Us: [email protected]

It’s the ultimate story of friendship- childhood buddies turned fellow models turned business partners working in one of the world’s most exciting industries. Megha Rao and Pooja Desai Shah both fell in love with fashion- but they were ready to carve their own unique path. We had a blast chatting with them a few weeks ago where they shared their personal stories and how holiChic by Megha was born. Tune in as they talk about how fashion in India has changed over the years, who they consider to be the ultimate Indian designer, what their biggest hurdles were launching a fashion brand and who they would love to collaborate with. They also leave us hanging with an exciting teaser which I’m still trying to figure out! The takeaway from this episode? Stay true to yourself. "Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There's no how-to road map to style. It's about self-expression and, above all, attitude." —Iris Apfel Show Notes: https://www.holichicbymegha.com/ https://www.instagram.com/holichicbymegha/ https://www.facebook.com/Holichic https://amituckeredout.com Email Us: [email protected]

From the plantations of Kerala to her backyard, Monica blends and delivers spices in her chai with her own unique and delicious twist. Although Monica currently has her own boutique consulting firm, she considers The Chai Box to be her other full-time job and credits the time teaching her kids about the Indian culture as the origins of her company. Listen in and learn about how she became a spice snob, how chai has been murdered in the US and what chai really does mean to her. And, of course, why Parle-G biscuits still rock! Monica's mantra when it comes to taking the leap into entrepreneurship- The pain passes, but the beauty remains. Show Notes: https://thechaibox.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thechaibox/ https://www.facebook.com/thechaibox/ https://amituckeredout.com Email Us: [email protected]

Varsha Mathur has one main goal- to uproot cultural stigmas and taboos with coaching and blogging topics related to dating, marriage, divorce and to focus on goals, communications skills and above all, mindfulness. After attending her first Indian wedding post-divorce, Varsha was inspired to change the course of her career and work with women who were struggling through bad relationships just as she had. Growing up in a culture where dating and sex was not talked about, Varsha realized that many of her peers had gone through similar experiences and felt that she could help fill that void. We talk about everything from dating as teenagers, to her first marriage to what her program, KnowingLuxe, is all about. Check out Varsha's program at KnowingLuxe.com and give her a call to see if this is something for you. We know we're ready for our second call with her. Links from the Show: http://www.knowingluxe.com http://www.instagram.com/knowingluxe

Filmmaker Shruti Rya Ganguly may be a successful producer, director, writer and perpetual student of the arts, but she will tell you that when it comes to making chai, she would fail miserably. From her childhood in Oman to shooting in her favorite location, Ethiopia, Shruti's story is one for the books (speaking of which, she just got an essay published in one). We talk about her roots and what drove her to finally come to terms with the idea of pursuing the arts as an actual career. From working as a intern on Bollywood films to getting her MFA/MBA to starting her very own shop, she talks to us openly about some of her setbacks and regrets but most importantly, lessons learned, starting over and her support system. She has worked with the likes of MFA classmate James Franco, collaborated with actor and producer Keanu Reeves and has helped grow brands such as Conde Nast, NYLON and MTV. And that's just to name a few things. The best part of the interview was learning that the Shruti I met 9 years ago at a bar in NYC was still the same Shruti today. With just a few more stories.

How about that time you interviewed someone you just met and became best friends immediately. That's what happened to us after we talked with Simmi Patel, founder and creator of Paper Samosa, a fantastic and innovative brand that produces artwork with a touch of Indian masala and Western pop culture-tightly wrapped in a crispy light-hearted shell of course. We talk about everything from pigs on farms to why Simmi really dances like no aunties are watching- she just goes with whatever dance move feels right. Learn how she quit her 9-5, made decisions based on the weather and what she wants her followers to takeaway from her brand. Not only will you fall in love with her work, you will want to hang out with her in SF, I guarantee you. Pancakes guys, always go with pancakes. Links from the Show: http://www.papersamosa.com http://www.simmipatel.com http://www.instagram.com/paper.samosa ___________________________________ http://www.instagram.com/amituckeredout

Damn if feels good to be a podcaster. We're bbbaaaaccccckkkkkkkk!!! Nizar (@nizarbabul) and I (@amituckeredout) had to take a small break this summer so I could officially become a Arkansonian (is that a word?). In our relaunch episode, we talk about the move to this "flyover state" and how it feels to live here as a South Asian, especially during the insane political environment in which we're living now. We are also joined by two guests, Raj Suresh (@rajdoescomedy) and Shabana Kauser (@shabanakauserart) who discuss their careers, compare accents, and explain how living in this region has helped shaped their specific artforms. We're so excited to relaunch Season 1 with this #browntabletalk and are happy to be back and plugged into a headphone near you.

She started out dancing before she started walking. She was the first South Asian dancer to enter the LA scene. She toured with Madonna. She's the Girl on the Yellow Dress in La La Land. She takes fashion to another level. From talking about Superman chadis to to the politics of dancing to becoming a forest ranger, Reshma Gajjar has been a South Asian Trailblazer since she was born. Listen to how she started off in the dance world why she got her biology/business law degree, what happened during her Bombay Dreams tryouts and how she lives in the moment every day. She is my good friend, a Shaft Crew member, a daughter, a sister, a wife. She is an artist in every sense of the word. And we could not stop laughing the entire time.

We have an editor-in-chief in da house! Now if that's not boss, I don't know what is. Our crew had a chance to chat with the indomitable Supriya Dravid, the woman in charge of one of the largest magazine brands in the world, ELLE India. Ever wonder about what an editor-in-chief does? How about how extremely cool Mindy Kaling is? And does the Bollywood audience support Priyanka Chopra's rise to fame in the US? Well, let me tell you, we chat about it all..and them some. Learn about the many hats Supriya wears, her journey to becoming editor-in-chief, the stories that she is most proud of and how beauty and fashion magazines are evolving into something more than skin deep. Thank you Supriya for taking the time out during your VACATION in Thailand to chat with us....we're not jealous or anything.... Check out ELLE India to read more great content and listen in to hear about their upcoming projects!

I don't know about you guys but I didn't realize that the Instapot could perform miracles! In this episode of Browntable Talks, we sit down with the ladies behind "Instapottin' With Poonam" and talk about it all. From how they all met to how Kinky Boots played a role in coming up with the whole idea. I even get the opportunity to jump into one of their videos and learn to make my own Instapot dish! Between the wine glasses and the random Gujurati busting out, this interview was definitely cooking! (see what I did there?)

We’re baaaaaccccckk!!! After a little bit of a break due to honeymoons in New Zealand, trips to Iceland and packing boxes for an upcoming move, our crew is back with a fascinating South Asian trailblazer interview!! Dr. Tara Narula Cangello is a cardiologist, professor, director and medical journalist with CBS. We talk to her about growing up Sikh-Italian in Miami, the hardest cases she’s had to work on and how she literally carved her own path to become a medical journalist. We also get personal with some motherhood talk while Dr. Tara schools us about the number one health concern in the South Asian community (hint, hint, something to do with the heart). Find out why serendipity is her favorite word and hear the story of how her parents first met. Super pumped to ramp up the show again with this amazing trailblazer!

It's an update folks! In this mini-episode, we discuss what we've been up to the past week, our takeaways from the first few months after launching AmiTuckeredOut, why we may be a little M!A over the next 2 weeks, and a teaser on a few of our upcoming dynamic guests. You don't want to miss these upcoming episodes, trust me. Otherwise you'll feel like that kid who gets picked last on the soccer field....LEFT OUT. Stay tuned for some big changes happening soon...we're just getting ramped up people! Ok, I'll stop putting two sugars in my coffee...

It's time to get political! In this episode of South Asian trailblazers, we talk to Communications Specialist and my college friend Parag V. Mehta. We start off our interview discussing our University of Texas at Austin days as dandia/raas champions (of course) to how the story of Matthew Shepard changed his life. We then get into Parag's impressive and expansive experience in the D.C. political scene. He addresses many important issues such as South Asians in government and their evolution as activists, questions regarding Proposition 8, his reflections on Hillary Clinton's devastating loss, what happened when Vivek Murthy (our first Indian Surgeon General) was "relieved" of his duty and how to find hope in our crazy political atmosphere today. He also highlights the story of falling asleep while taking the MCAT's, attending the first White House Diwali party organized by his friend Kal Penn, his upcoming big fat Indian wedding, Texas style of course, with his partner Vaibhav and how lotion became a subject matter when he first met with President Obama.

Who doesn't love sitting around chatting it up with some chicks and salsa? And maybe some tequila. On this week's episode, we get to laugh it up with the ladies from the Chicks and Salsa Blog, Rina Puri, Sonia Shah and Avani Patel. We cover everything from our prom nights to rollin' rotis to why Avani slays all day. They give me the inside scoop on how it really is to work together as best friends and sisters and what their ultimate goal is for the Chicks and Salsa brand. And really, how well do they know each other? We decide to test the ladies in our final segment of the episode by asking them some super deep, insightful questions. You know, AmiTuckeredOut style. Get ready to laugh it up during this candid, honest and #momsoffduty episode!

We had a blast on our first Special Edition episode- 4 Days, 4 Years of DFW SAFF! My producer and I decided to do this one off-location and head to the final after party to talk to festival attendees, actors and activists! We began the interview talking about the films of the weekend and the indomitable founder and director, Jitin Hingorani. We then jump into interviews with some of our favorite festival attendees and their takeaways from the weekend, actor and producer (and fellow Texan) Shawn Parikh (Outsourced, The Mindy Project), and the lovely Priyanka Bose (Lion, Nirbhaya The Play). Shawn shares his journey as a Texas boy from Plano to an L.A. producer, writer and actor. We get a sneak peak of his new project and the lowdown on Mindy Kaling. Yes, she's as cool as you think she is. Priyanka talks openly about how real life events led her to the phenomenal role she played in Nirbhaya The Play, her struggle growing up in Delhi wanting to be an actress and how she finally found her place amongst the madness of Bollywood. Don't mind the club music in the background and the clinking of glasses, we were all in celebration mode!

Sometimes us mama's need a little bit of guidance on how to cope with the stresses of parenthood and how to carve out a little #metime in our daily routine. I know I do! In this episode of Browntable Talks, we chat with Mindful Mama Coach Tejal Patel as she takes us through her own personal struggles during childhood and her journey to becoming a certified Kundalini yoga, meditation and mindfulness teacher...aka, the Child Whisperer. We also talk to Priya Rathod, a self-proclamined inspiration addict who has a passion for helping other mothers focus on self-care of and whose 11k Instafans agree that she definitely empowers and uplifts them through her "real talk" and mommyhood moments. We also get on the topics of our fathers and how they can also benefit from a little mindfulness practice. We just have to Jedi mind trick them. #amothersjourney #destress #mindfulmama #childwhisperer #breakthecycle #manageemotions #emotionalintelligence #4cruciallifeskills #dadscandothistoo #lawofattraction #positiveselftalk #visionboards #brenebrown #oprahchopra #icanbewoowoo #attorney #corporateamerica #inspirationaddict #puttingmoneyinthebank #deepbreathing #themasksofmasculinity

In this episode, my co-hosts and I talk about everything from scandals in India to our personal experience with racism and why stereotypes exist. We also discuss our own parents and how they dealt with racism, racial profiling after 9/11 and how the current political environment effects us all now. Most importantly, we dive deeper into the the greatest mystery of all...what exactly is Amway?

In this bonus episode, we decide to ask our favorite mompreneur, Ami Desai, questions from the Millennial point of view. Listen to Ami's advise for preventative care in your 20's, choosing the best drugstore brands, building a social media following and actually MAKING MONEY! This episode is brought to you by my millennial cohost, Nisha Bhatt, who is constantly reminding me that I need to figure out how to use Snapchat.

Continuing our South Asian Trailblazers series, we talk to host, producer, beauty and lifestyle blogger Ami Desai. Listen as she discusses her journey up until now, how Oprah surprised her on the OWNshow, how the word "harmony" defines the way she balances career and family, her favorite curse word and why donuts actually make you skinny. We will also get a chance to hear beauty questions from five of Ami's Instagram followers from all over the US. So be ready to take some notes because Ami has A LOT of great advice we could all use! Ami's daily mantra sums up the way she approaches life best- attract what you expect, reflect what you desire, become what you respect and mirror what you admire. We close with our Who Run the World segment and, as always, my Song of the Week! SHOWNOTES Interview The Journey (02:10) Presently Speaking (21:00) The South Asian POV (30:00) Getting to know Ami, Lightning Round (38:00) Listener Questions (47:10) Who Run the World/Song of the Week (1:04:25) Song: "Let's Go" by Matt and Kim Thanks to everyone for listening! Find Ami Desai on Instagram @amirawaldesai and on her site http://amidesai.com

It's 2018!! We discuss the blur that was 2017, New Year's resolutions and why Mariah Carey needs a hug. Nisha and Nizar also give a shoutout to their Who Run The World person of the week, podcaster David Chen and graphic artist Timothy Goodman.

Launching our new South Asian Trailblazers interview series, we sit and chat with the Co-Founder of Doonya Bollywood Fitness, Kajal Desai. Kajal talks about going from being a management consultant to helping create the first large-scale Bollywood dance-centric workout program that lead her to the Oprah Winfrey show and The Today Show. She shares her journey to “almost famous” and how it changed her life. Also on the show, we start our Who Run The World segment, discussing a light-hearted, inspirational moment this week that and close out with our Song of the Week. Send all feedback to [email protected] Website: http://amituckeredout.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/amituckeredout Facebook: http://facebook.com/amituckeredout

On our very first episode, we meet the team and learn a little bit more about the podcast. We then dive into the “What The…” moment of the week, discuss the #MeToo movement and how it impacts us personally as well as the brown community. We may open a bottle of wine during our discussion because, you know, why not?