Amituckeredout

Neelu Kaur is an author, facilitator, NLP and executive coach, and a wellness and burnout management expert. She combines leadership development, neurolinguistic programming, and burnout management to offer her clients a healing hybrid of research-based professional development skills intricately intertwined with the wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda. Neely’s book, Be Your Own Cheerleader, is an Asian and South Asian woman’s cultural, psychological, and spiritual guide to self-promoting at work to get your professional needs met. Guys, this book is a must-read, even if you're not in a corporate environment. Join me as I sit down with Neelu to discuss her unique approach to focusing on the mind in the workplace, healing our relationship to mental health, and how she continues to overcome the cultural, psychological, and spiritual challenges we all face daily.We talked about: Neelu explains Neuro Linguistic Programming and what to expect in her program (3:40)Self-advocating as South Asian women (12:04)Neelu's role as

My fourth guest for my South Asian author series is Sj Sindu.As a genderqueer Sri Lankan American novelist and riveting short story writer, SJ Sindu is one of the most exciting young voices out there today. Her first novel, Marriage of a Thousand Lies, won the Publishing Triangle Edmund White Award for debut fiction and was named an American Library Association, Stonewall Honor Book. SJ’s upcoming book, The Goth House, is a collection of stories that focus on queer joy, as well as shocking cruelty. You know we love a good paradox. In today’s episode, we talk about her upbringing in Sri Lanka, her memories of the Sri Lankan war, and how much that trauma is incorporated into her writing. And I obviously couldn't resist asking her if she loves MIA as much as I do. Find out how she navigated the many intersections of ‘other” she found herself within, the hilarious last-ditch effort she made to throw her Brown parents off her trail, and what she hopes to inspire in younger generations through her work.  We talked

Once labeled as the ‘Face of Failure’ by The New York Times, Suneel Gupta is a best-selling author, renowned speaker, Harvard Medical School visiting scholar, and host of a global documentary series (presented by American Express Business Class). Suneel has studied leaders around the world to discover and share simple, actionable habits that lift our performance and deepen our state of well-being. He is also the founding CEO of Rise, a breakthrough wellness company, and has recently released Everyday Dharma, a guide through 8 essential practices for finding success and joy in what you do. A very penetrative and digestible read based on Hindu philosophy, I cannot stress enough on how relevant, healing, and insightful it was to for me.He joins me today to talk all things dharma (your essence or your calling), concepts we formulate around successes and failures, and if in fact, everyone does find what their true calling is.What we talked about:   Meet Suneel (0:19)Touring for his book Everyday Dharma and receivi

My next interview for our South Asian author series is with the indomitable Hitha Palepu.Hitha Palepu is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, CEO of Roshan Pharmaceuticals, and a lover of all things Mr. T and Taco Bell. From a young age, Hitha’s parents encouraged the belief that she didn't have to be just any one thing but her dreams would require hard work and diligence no matter what. Today we discuss how she wrote her book, We’re Speaking: The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris, in two months, why your relationship with your partner is the second most important, the clever way we can borrow confidence, and her experiences with the Vice President. What we talked about:  Keeping our last names, why being in your 40's rocks, and how I found Hitha's book (1:51)The process of writing Hitha's book on Kamala Harris (15:52)Hitha explains what a hype file is, what's in hers, and how to use them to borrow confidence (21:08)Do something about it, don't do it half-assed (26:11)How the principles instilled in Hitha by her par

Priti Tanna is the author of I Married A Coconut, a coming-of-age story turned memoir that explores Priti’s journey through navigating the dichotomy of being a first-generation Indian American. It is an incredibly insightful book about growing up South Asian and having to walk the tightrope between two seemingly opposing cultures. Today, we talk more about her book and how Priti found her path as a writer, what her childhood was like, the pearls of wisdom that came out of her healing journey, her approach to dating and marriage, and why our lives our so parallel.What we talked about:  How Priti decided to become a writer (2:27)When the book became a memoir (5:40)The true meaning behind her book title (12:17)The concept of being a coconut and the bullying we face as kids (14:53)Priti’s experience at her Hindu summer camp and how it shaped her (29:23)Why were twins (35:33)How Priti has approached dating and marriage (40:27)Priti in the Associate of Indians at Rutgers and Bollywood classic reruns  (45:17)What’s

To honor and celebrate Pride Month, you are in for a treat! This week, I am bringing back three episodes near and dear to my heart. Get ready to listen to the third episode of the mini-series, with Maneesh Goyal, where we're talking true hospitality – Indian style.I have been following my next guest for quite a while now through social media and mutual friends.  He has been doing some amazing work and also.... throwing some amazing parties- I definitely was trying to get invited to one.Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Maneesh Goyal is a self-acclaimed "insatiable people-person,"  and was determined to open the next great restaurant in NYC, which had to be Indian given his roots. That idea mixed with his desire to fulfill his father's legacy, one that started in the 80s with the first Indian restaurant—India House—in Texas, led him on a journey of self-discovery of who he truly is and love for where he comes from.Maneesh is the Founder & Partner at SONA & SONA Home and has partnered with global icon Priyank

To honor and celebrate Pride Month, you are in for a treat! This week, I am bringing back three episodes near and dear to my heart. Get ready to listen to the second episode of the mini-series, with Zameer Kassam, where we're talking diamonds – the kinds that tell your story.With a background as unique as the jewelry he designs, including time at McKinsey & Company, Harvard Business School, and De Beers Louis Vuitton, Zameer Kassam has emerged as one of the global jewelry industry’s most innovative thinkers and artists. He 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 talk about his parents' unique immigration story, how his training really started with his family jewelry business, and why he didn't feel Indian "enough" growing up. Zameer talks about how personalizing the jewelry industry truly incorporates everything he is passionate about, what his 3-part process ent

To honor and celebrate Pride Month, you are in for a treat! This week, I am bringing back three episodes near and dear to my heart. Get ready to listen to the first episode of the mini-series, with Ginni Saraswati, where we're talking podcasting.It's always nice to interview someone who has nicer equipment than you.Today I talk to fellow podcaster, Ginni Saraswati. She is Founder and CEO of Ginni Media, a podcast production company whose motto is, “Made Offbeat”- which I can relate to. She is also a contributor to Entrepreneur Media and Rolling Stone Magazine.We talk about everything podcasting, her thoughts on the industry, and where she sees it going in the next 5 years. She also talks about growing up brown in Australia, coming out to her family, and what she would like to be known for at the end of her career.Most importantly, we figure out who the OG influencer really is and I talk about the time I shook Madonna's hand, which can be a whole other podcast episode.What we talked about:  How Ginni Media was

In honor of the Indian American Impact Summit we attended last week, we're bringing back to your ears the amazing interview we had a while back with 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 cou

Anita Verma-Lallian is the CEO and founder of Arizona Land Consulting, a Phoenix-based land investment consulting company that specializes in commercial real estate. But like a true boss, Anita couldn’t stop there. She is also the founder of Arizona’s first South Asian and first female-owned film production and entertainment company, Camelback Productions. Their mission? Focusing on South Asian and minority community storytelling by uplifting the voices of those who belong to these groups. What we talked about:  Anita’s perspective on Arizona’s real estate market  (3:07)Anita discusses her latest 12 million dollar deal and bringing industries to Arizona  (5:48)The importance of Anita’s family in building her business (8:44)Anita’s inspiration for Camelback Productions (13:47)Anita’s ultimate dream story to produce (18:41)Anita’s experience growing up Indian (22:00)Rapid fire questions (27:51)Anita’s bare bones for happiness (30:41)Connect with Anita: InstagramWebsite  - Arizona Land ConsultingLet’s Connect:In

It's a special LIVE episode coming to you from East coast! The lovely and brilliant Sheetal Sheth hosted our team for her Always Anjali event, where she talked to kids from the tri-state area about her book and answered all their insightful, and honest, questions.Her co-host, Hasan Minhaj is an actor, comedian, writer, and political commentator who uses his prowess in the art of storytelling to uplift and advocate for the stories of the unique. However, before Hasan is anything else, he is a father and a family man.So it makes sense he would see the value and necessity of Sheetal Sheth’s children's book Always Anjali because guess what, he too has had his Always Anjali moments.  He also told me he can make some mean eggs.Frustrated by the uncommonness of her name, the story follows a young Indian girl's journey to embracing the beauty of being different, teaching her how to be creative and courageous when life doesn't accommodate your unique individuality. I interviewed them both to discuss all things Anjali,

New trailer, new headshots, same uncle jokes.To all the new listeners, welcome to the Tuckered Out with Ami Thakkar—where we interview trailblazers, experts, and prominent voices from the South Asian diaspora to discuss the messiness of growing up Brown, find inspiration, admiration, and most importantly, tons of laughter.To all those who have stuck with me this long, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It has been a fun ride, and we're only getting started.A special ‘thank you’ to my previous guests highlighted on this trailer: Kal Penn, Rabia Chaudry, and Rishi Malhotra. Now let’s chat with some trailblazers. Produced and Edited by Ginni Media

Aparna Shewakramani had a career in law before going on a little show called Indian Matchmaking. Overnight, she became an ambassador for women and a voice contributing to the ongoing conversations concerning sexism.She is the best-selling author of the non-fiction memoir called, “She’s Unlikeable: And Other Lies That Bring Women Down,” which discusses her experience on the show, the tired and negative tropes surrounding women, and how they must be dismantled systematically.Aparna is currently building her brand and is also a “recovering attorney” who is trying to find her place in the world and is on a constant mission to evolve and grow in ways she never dreamed of.What we talked about:Aparna’s thoughts on season three of Indian Matchmaking (3:09)Aparna discusses how crazy life has been since leaving law (13:17)What Aparna hears most from other women (20:47)Aparna’s relationship with aging (22:57)How Aparna felt growing up brown in Texas (29:57)Rapid fire questions (32:37)Aparna’s bare bones for happiness (3

Rishi Rajani is the CEO of Hillman Grad Productions, a full service media and production company with a mission to empower underrepresented artists and amplify the stories of diverse historically marginalized communities across all industries. In the 5 years since starting at Hillman Grad,  Rishi has not only learned the ropes of what it takes to be a successful producer, he also has had a crash course on how to run an exceptional media company.When he met Lena Waithe, the award-winning creator who is behind the curation of the company, they not only mutually admired each other’s energy, they agreed on the biggest mission of all- to change the idea of what diversity in Hollywood really looks like.What we talked about:How Rishi got hired at Hillman Grad (3:03)The different meanings of the word ‘producer’ (7:45)The film that had the biggest impact on Rishi (15:49)The issues in the South Asian community (24:23)The legacy Rishi hopes to leave at Hillman Grad (32:06)Rishi’s relationship to growing up South Asian I

Satnam Singh is an Indian professional wrestler and former basketball player who is currently signed to the American professional wrestling promotion, All Elite Wrestling. He became the first Indian player to be drafted into the NBA when the Dallas Mavericks selected him with the 52nd overall pick of the 2015 NBA draft. He’s also the first athlete I’ve ever interviewed on the podcast. What we talked about:Why he transitioned from basketball to wrestling (7:42)Who he would love to get in the ring with (9:42)The differences in training for basketball versus wrestling (10:13)Some of his favorite wrestling moves (11:59)Growing up in Punjab and playing basketball with his dad’s best friend (16:43)How receiving a scholarship to come play high school basketball in the US changed his life (18:07)What he learned playing in the NBA (21:07)Connect with Satnam: InstagramTwitterLet’s Connect:InstagramThis podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

I have been following my next guest for quite awhile now through social media and mutual friends.  He has been doing some amazing work and also.... throwing some amazing parties- I definitely was trying to get invited to one.Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Maneesh Goyal is a self-acclaimed "insatiable people-person,"  and was determined to open the next great restaurant in NYC, which had to be Indian given his roots. That idea mixed with his desire to fulfill his fathers legacy, one that started in the 80s with the first Indian restaurant—India House—in Texas, led him on a journey of self-discovery of who he truly is and love for where he comes from.Maneesh is the Founder & Partner at SONA & SONA Home and has partnered with global icon Priyanka Chopra- some of you may have heard of her- to bring Indian hospitality and food to the next level.We talk about growing up in Texas as South Asians, the challenges he faces in the restaurant scene that people may not know about, and how he wants to be remembered by

New trailer. Same uncle jokes. Auntie approved.Welcome to the brand new and sparkly trailer for the pod!To all my new listeners, WELCOME to the Tuckered Out family, where we interview, trailblazers, experts, and prominent voices from the South Asian diaspora to find inspiration, admiration, and most importantly....tons of laughter.To all of you who continue to listen and support, a huge THANK YOU and a promise to keep telling the South Asian story the only way I know how to-by keeping it real.A shoutout to my previous guests highlighted on this trailer- Kal Penn, Rabia Chaudry, and Rishi Malhotra. Thank you for being so generous and vulnerable during your interviews.  You are true definitions of trailblazers.  Produced and Edited by Ginni Media. Made Offbeat. 

Aizzah Fatima is an actress and writer from New York City by way of Mississippi. Aizzah has appeared on numerous television shows and films and is the lead actor/writer and producer of Americanish, which follows two sisters and their cousin as they navigate love, careers and familial pressures, a lot of which was personal to Aizzah.  The film has already won 26 awards and will be released by Sony later this yearWe talk about Dirty Paki Lingerie, her critically acclaimed comedy one woman play, how muslim girls are DTF- dismantling Islamophobia one dick joke at a time, and how we both have tried a variety of careers to figure out our calling.  We discuss the differences between South Asians in the UK versus the US and how it's so key to follow your gut when it comes to content creation.She talks about growing up brown and Muslim in Mississippi, we discuss if the American accent is sexy, and why cutting an onion in the palm of you hand makes more sense than using a cutting board. Obviously.https://www.aizzahfati

It's a special LIVE episode coming at you from the very FIRST ever South Asian House at SXSW 2023!It was a fantastic weekend in Austin celebrating South Asian thought leaders in the business, tech, film, TV, theater, music, and fashion industries including seven countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The South Asian House took place at fourth + co in the heart of Austin and SXSW.From brunch fireside chats with Rishi Rajani (Hillman Grad) and Snigdha Sur (The Juggernaut) to a South Asian Live Music Showcase to one of my favorites, the Desi Drag Brunch presented by One Minute Saree (sponsor), it was a weekend of celebration, conversation and support for the South Asian community.I may have lost the One Minute Saree competition, but I'm going to keep practicing and make a comeback!A huge congrats to the team that made it all happen, Jitin Hingorani, Monica Samtani, Kirtana Banskota, and Rohi Mirza Pandya and a big thank you to my guests on this episode, Monica Samtani (Bro

So, you may notice we’re using some different music than our usual jam, that's because it's the first single (Anokha) from our next guest and his new platform, Indo Warehouse.Kunal Merchant is a multi-hyphenate creative marketer with deep experience building and launching products, growing brands, and ensuring that his passion for music never drifts far from his focus. He is a partner and artist at Indo Warehouse, a multi-faceted label/platform that is dedicated to authentically integrating South Asian culture with electronic music.He is also the founder Mix4Change, the first global DJ-driven community working to promote change, and is a veteran  DJ and event producer, working with emerging and established brands in both nightlife and experiential capacities all over the world with a large footprint in the city he calls home now, New York.We talk about how growing up Indian in Texas means always having that supportive brown family,  what our shared experience working together in India was really like, his big