That's So Hindu

Hindu American Foundation
  • 5.0 (3)
  • HINDUISM
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

The podcast that interviews entrepreneurs and activists, politicians and professors, journalists, entertainers, spiritual teachers, and more on how Hinduism shapes their work and lives. All American. So Hindu. Brought to you by the Hindu American Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Unmasking Digital Tribalism & How Hate Spreads Online | Joel Finkelstein, Network Contagion Research Institute

    20 HR AGO

    Unmasking Digital Tribalism & How Hate Spreads Online | Joel Finkelstein, Network Contagion Research Institute

    In this insightful interview, Suhag Shukla speaks with Joel Finkelstein from the Network Contagion Research Institute. They discuss the spread of anti-Indian and anti-Hindu hate online, the shift from policy debate to radicalized rhetoric, and strategies for community resilience. Discover how digital tribalism fuels misinformation and what communities can do to foster understanding and safety. Read more:  https://networkcontagion.us  https://networkcontagion.us/reports/from-policy-drift-to-purity-grift-how-a-small-network-hijacked-the-immigration-debate/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Digital Tribalism and Hate Speech 02:47 From Policy Drift to Purity Grift 05:55 The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Hate 08:58 Understanding the Immigration Debate and Its Impact 11:45 Cultural Contributions of the Indian Community 14:43 The Generational Shift in Community Engagement 17:41 Recurring Tropes in Anti-Indian Sentiment 20:38 The Intersection of Anti-Indian and Anti-Semitic Rhetoric 23:34 The Political Pendulum and Its Effects on Hate Speech 26:32 The Need for Community Awareness and Action 29:26 Proactive Solutions for Addressing Hate 32:36 Conclusion and Call to Action Keywords digital tribalism, hate speech, anti-Indian hate, social media influence, community resilience, misinformation, immigration debate, online extremism, social media algorithms, community building Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min

  2. 16 APR

    How our spiritual connection to nature is an intimate part of yoga | Lydia Picoli

    In this episode of That’s So Hindu, Mat McDermott speaks with Lydia Picoli about the profound connection between yoga, nature, and spirituality. Discover how outdoor practices, eco-psychology, and personal spiritual journeys can transform your understanding of self and the environment. Learn more: https://resoul.earth Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Yoga and Nature Connection 02:01 Personal Journey and Spiritual Awakening 06:21 Bringing Nature into Daily Life 09:57 The Healing Power of Nature 12:43 Bridging the Gap: From Fitness to Spirituality 16:59 Academic Background and Spiritual Psychology 21:11 Foundational Moments in Spiritual Journey 23:27 The Search for Truth and Personal Responsibility 27:33 Reconnecting with Nature and Spiritual Practices 34:42 The Power of Intuition and Personal Experience 39:24 Cultural Appropriation and the Essence of Yoga 43:39 Inner Work vs. Outer Activism: Finding Balance Keywords Yoga, Nature, Spirituality, Eco-psychology, Meditation, Personal Growth, Earth Day,  Key Topics  Yoga and nature connection Outdoor yoga practices and benefits Spiritual psychology and personal transformation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    53 min
  3. Reclaim traditional Indian nutrition for better health | Neha Shah, Diaspora Nutrition

    9 APR

    Reclaim traditional Indian nutrition for better health | Neha Shah, Diaspora Nutrition

    In this episode of That’s So Hindu, Mat McDermott speaks with nutritionist Neha Shah (Diaspora Nutrition). They discuss the impact of Western diets on Indian immigrants, traditional Indian dietary wisdom, and practical strategies for maintaining health through culturally rooted nutrition practices. Learn more:  https://www.instagram.com/diasporanutrition/  https://diasporanutrition.com/  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Diaspora Nutrition 03:09 Understanding Cardio Metabolic Disease 06:11 Cultural Wisdom vs. Western Diets 09:01 The Role of Traditional Foods 11:54 Calorie Counting and Food Relationships 14:41 Modernizing Indian Meals 17:56 The Importance of Sourcing Ingredients 20:58 Healthy Swaps for Immigrants 23:57 Seasonality and Eating Patterns 26:40 Ayurveda and Traditional Wisdom 29:42 Integrating Traditional Grains 32:52 Final Thoughts and Resources keywords diaspora nutrition, Indian immigrants, traditional Indian diet, gut health, metabolic health, Ayurveda, food sourcing, seasonality, holistic health, cultural wisdom   key topics Impact of Western diets on Indian immigrants Traditional Indian dietary wisdom and practices Gut health and metabolic disease in diaspora populations Food sourcing, seasonality, and preparation methods Ayurveda and holistic health principles Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min

  4. 2 APR

    Asana can be a gateway into the wider yoga tradition | Patrick Franco

    In this episode of That’s So Hindu, Mat McDermott talks with yoga teacher Patrick Franco discusses the importance of asana within the broader context of yoga philosophy. He explores how movement, breath, and mindfulness can be integrated to achieve the true goals of yoga, addressing misconceptions and highlighting the significance of lineage and authentic practice. Read Patrick’s article in Yoga Journal: https://www.yogajournal.com/teach/asana-yoga/ Practice with Patrick: https://yogarenew.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Yoga and Asana 06:06 The Importance of Asana in Yoga 10:31 Post-COVID Yoga Landscape 13:58 Asana as a Gateway to Community 29:56 Gender Dynamics in Yoga Practice Keywords Yoga, Asana, Yoga Philosophy, Movement, Breath, Lineage, Yoga Practice, Spirituality, Yoga Education Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min

  5. 26 MAR

    Think there are 4 paths in yoga? There are at least 16.

    In this episode of That’s So Hindu, Dr. Vijay Satnarine from Hindu American Foundation dives into the expansive world of yoga, revealing that there are actually 16 (possibly more) paths and practices that go far beyond the commonly known four. This discussion challenges simplified views of yoga and emphasizes its diverse and inclusive nature, grounded in spiritual traditions and practical applications. The 16 types of yoga  1. The Disciplines of the Mind & Intellect These techniques focus on refining the "instrument" of perception. Abhyāsa-yoga (Yoga of Practice): The technique of repeatedly bringing the wandering mind back to a single point of focus. Buddhi-yoga (Yoga of Discernment): Using the higher intellect to filter out sensory "noise" and make choices based on the fundamental reality of a situation. Sāṅkhya-yoga (Yoga of Analysis): The intellectual discipline of "counting" or "categorizing" the difference between the eternal observer and the transient world. Jñāna-Vijñāna-yoga (Yoga of Knowledge & Realization): The progression from theoretical understanding to direct, verifiable experience of reality. 2. The Disciplines of Action & Engagement These techniques focus on how we interface with the world without creating further cycles of suffering. Karma-yoga (Yoga of Action): Performing one's duty without attachment to personal gain. Karma-phala-tyāga (Renunciation of Results): The psychological technique of surrendering the "fruit" of action to manage anxiety and ego. Sannyāsa-yoga (Yoga of Renunciation): Not the abandonment of action, but the renunciation of the sense of doership (the ego’s claim on the action). Yajña-yoga (Yoga of Sacrifice): Viewing every action—from eating to breathing to working—as an offering to the greater whole, rather than an act of personal consumption. 3. The Disciplines of Emotional & Biological Baseline These provide the "steady ground" required for all other yogas. Sthitaprajña-yoga (Yoga of Steady Wisdom): The practice of remaining unmoved by the "dualities" (pleasure/pain, win/loss) to maintain a clear view of reality. Dhyāna-yoga / Ātma-saṃyama-yoga (Yoga of Meditation/Self-Restraint): The biological discipline of regulating sleep, food, and breath to keep the "instrument" of the body tuned. Samatva-yoga (Yoga of Equanimity): The specific technique of viewing a lump of earth, a stone, and gold with the same steady eye—recognizing the same underlying Sat in all. 4. The Disciplines of Connection & Vision These expand the individual's perspective from the local self to the universal. Bhakti-yoga (Yoga of Devotion): Reorienting the emotional faculty toward the Divine, transforming personal desire into universal love. Vibhūti-yoga (Yoga of Divine Manifestation): The technique of practicing "constant awareness" by seeing the "best of" every category (the sun among lights, the lion among beasts) as a portal to the Divine reality. Viśvarūpa-darśana-yoga (Yoga of the Universal Vision): The radical expansion of consciousness to see the interconnectedness of all time, space, and being. 5. The Disciplines of the "Field" (Contextual Reality) These focus on understanding the environment in which we act. Kṣetra-Kṣetrajña-yoga (Yoga of the Field & Knower): Distinguishing between the "Field" (the body, the mind, the world) and the "Knower" (consciousness). Guṇatraya-vibhāga-yoga (Yoga of the Three Modes): Analyzing the three qualities of nature—Sattva (clarity), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (inertia)—to understand what is driving our current behavior. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  6. Hindu at Heart: Spirituality, Service, and Medical Practice | Dr Anisha Pareddy

    12 MAR

    Hindu at Heart: Spirituality, Service, and Medical Practice | Dr Anisha Pareddy

    In this episode of That’s So Hindu, Dr Indu Viswanathan joins us again for another edition of her Hindu at Heart series of interviews. In this one she explores the inspiring journey of Dr. Anisha Pareddy, a first-generation Hindu American physician, as she shares her childhood memories, spiritual awakening, and how her faith influences her medical career and personal life. Discover insights on Hindu identity in America, the role of gurus, and the integration of spirituality and medicine. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Anisha's Journey 02:50 Growing Up Hindu in Carmel, Indiana 05:42 Cultural Identity and School Experiences 08:52 The Shift to Personal Hinduism 12:02 Academic Exploration of Religion 15:00 Finding a Guru and Spiritual Growth 17:43 Navigating Relationships and Spirituality 26:47 Hinduism: Spirituality and Practice 29:00 Navigating Relationships and Family Dynamics 36:02 The Journey to Becoming a Physician 51:31 Embracing Hindu Identity in Medicine Keywords Hindu American, spirituality, medicine, guru, cultural identity, Hinduism in America, cardiology, personal growth, faith, dharma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    58 min

  7. 5 MAR

    If not all Hindus view the Vedas as authoritative, what do they? | Devala Rees

    In this conversation, Mat McDermott and Devala Rees delve into the complexities of Hinduism, particularly focusing on the Vedas and their role within various Hindu traditions. They explore the misconceptions surrounding the Vedas, the differences between Vedic and non-Vedic traditions, and the significance of Agamas in Hindu practices. The discussion also touches on the legal definitions of Hinduism as interpreted by the Indian Supreme Court, emphasizing the diversity and fluidity of Hindu identity. Takeaways The Vedas are ancient compilations of spiritual teachings and philosophies.Not all Hindus view the Vedas as authoritative; many traditions exist outside of Vedic influence.The Vedas are not a singular source of moral commandments like the Bible in Christianity.Hinduism encompasses over 300 different traditions, each with its own sources of knowledge.Agamas, or tantras, are significant texts that many Hindu traditions follow instead of the Vedas.The Indian Supreme Court's definition of Hinduism is not universally accepted among Hindus.Many Hindus practice spirituality without adhering to the Vedas.The concept of temples in Hinduism originates from Agamic traditions, not Vedic ones.Hindu identity is complex and cannot be reduced to a single definition based on Vedic adherence.The Vedas serve as a historical touchstone but do not dictate the practices of all Hindus. Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Vedas: An Introduction 09:41 The Role of the Vedas in Hinduism 19:54 Diverse Perspectives: Vedic vs. Non-Vedic Traditions 29:51 Agamas and Their Significance in Hindu Practices 39:44 Legal Definitions and the Supreme Court's Perspective Keywords Hinduism, Vedas, Agamas, Hindu traditions, spirituality, non-Vedic, religious practices, Indian culture, philosophy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min

  8. 26 FEB

    How a Texan biker finds Devi in the film ‘Chiquita’ | Trivikram Gajulapalli

    In this episode of That’s So Hindu, Mat McDermott speaks with filmmaker Trivikram Gajulapalli about his film 'Chiquita', which explores themes of spirituality and self-transformation through the story of a Texan biker. He shares insights into the cultural influences that shaped the film, the reception it has received from audiences, and the challenges of conveying spiritual themes in cinema. Trivikram also reflects on his experiences as a filmmaker and offers advice for others looking to create meaningful stories. Read more: https://veenaavedika.com/trivikram-gajulapalli/  Takeaways Trivikram aims to tell cross-cultural stories through film.'Chiquita' focuses on a Texan biker's journey of self-discovery.The film incorporates elements of Western Hinduism.Trivikram conducted research on the experiences of Western Hindus.The film's reception has been positive among its target audience.Character development was crucial in portraying the film's themes.Trivikram emphasizes the importance of subtlety in storytelling.Art should serve a higher purpose beyond entertainment.Future projects will continue to explore Indian connections in American stories.Filmmakers should focus on authenticity and audience engagement. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Trivikram and His Work 02:05 Overview of 'Chiquita' and Its Themes 05:34 Exploring Western Hinduism and Cultural Influences 09:34 Spirituality vs. Religion in 'Chiquita' 11:39 Reception and Audience Response to the Film 14:01 Character Development and Casting Choices 16:35 Personal Experiences and Cultural Reflections 17:36 Hidden Elements and Symbolism in the Film 21:55 Veena Vedika and Future Projects 24:37 Advice for Filmmakers on Spiritual Themes 26:42 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors Keywords Trivikram Gajulapalli , Chiquita, Western Hinduism, spirituality, film, cultural stories, filmmaking advice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28 min
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About

The podcast that interviews entrepreneurs and activists, politicians and professors, journalists, entertainers, spiritual teachers, and more on how Hinduism shapes their work and lives. All American. So Hindu. Brought to you by the Hindu American Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Hindu American Foundation
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    163
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Hindu American Foundation
  • Show Website
    That's So Hindu

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