Roots to Routes with Anand Dattani

Anand Dattani
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  • DOCUMENTARY
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

This podcast unpacks the importance of understanding where each of us come from, and the role it's played in where we’re going. Each episode is an honest and personal conversation about legacy, identity, and the lessons passed down through generations. Each guest is someone who has broken barriers through what they're now doing, from founders and CEOs, to creatives and athletes, we explore how our roots shaped us, what we can learn from the stories of our elders, and how much culture has evolved even since our own childhoods. From societal expectations on success to relationships, I get the guest to share their own experience a on overcoming generational struggles, and their advice for the next generation. If you're someone who’s ever felt stuck between living life the way you want or fitting in, or you’re still figuring out where you belong, you're not alone here. And if you’re a guest on the show, this isn’t just about sharing your bio. It’s about sharing the stories that made you you, and leaving behind something meaningful for the next generation to hear.

  1. “You Don’t Look Like A Smith” - Trina Smith on Mixed Heritage & The Problems With Mainstream Music

    9 SEPT

    “You Don’t Look Like A Smith” - Trina Smith on Mixed Heritage & The Problems With Mainstream Music

    Trina Smith, CEO of Electric Pineapple media, grew up between two cultures, never “looking” the part, and without anyone who looked like her to follow. Her journey through identity and music reveals what it means to find belonging on your own terms. But through music, she carved a space that challenges bias, reclaims heritage, and asks whether culture is being diluted for clicks. In this episode, we dive into: The struggle of identity invalidation (“you don’t look like a Smith…”) The beauty (and challenge) of being from an in-between culture Getting into music without role models who looked like her Bias, entitlement, and the hard truths of the music industry Has music lost its soul to TikTok virality? Why culture is being diluted in mainstream music and how to protect it Honorary mentions of Ed Sheeran, Arijit Singh, Sapphire, and Will Smith 👉 Full of raw honesty, cultural truths, and lessons on identity, this episode will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt “in-between.”

    36 min
  2. Why South Asian Culture Was Sustainable Long Before It Became Cool

    26 AUG

    Why South Asian Culture Was Sustainable Long Before It Became Cool

    Growing up in a South Asian household meant reused yoghurt tubs, saving every bag, and never wasted food - but none of it was called sustainability. In the next instalment of the South Asian Heritage Month special, we explore how immigrant households accidentally became pioneers in climate-conscious living, and what we can learn from them today. From finding an unexpected love for sustainability and nature, to pursuing a career that was never considered acceptable for South Asians, Ketan shares how racism in his upbringing and breaking cultural barriers shaped his journey and what the next generation can learn from it. Expect to learn: – What Western sustainability can learn from our grandparents – What’s holding back young South Asians from choosing non-traditional careers – How Ketan teaches sustainability to his own children – What the environmental sector needs to do to stay relevant for the next generation If you like real stories, bold perspectives, and a fresh take on what sustainability actually looks like beyond just a buzzword - this one's for you. 📺 As part of our special series with South Asian Heritage Month, every episode is also available as a full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/M8eInb_iQmc Don't miss the first episode of this series with Asifa Lahore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTkJxKLFtpc 🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW If you listen on Apple Podcasts, it'd be great if you could leave a review - the bigger the show gets, the bigger the guests get!

    51 min
  3. Identity, Faith and Self-Acceptance: The Story of Britain's First Out Muslim Drag Queen

    4 AUG

    Identity, Faith and Self-Acceptance: The Story of Britain's First Out Muslim Drag Queen

    Have you ever felt like you never quite fit in with your faith, family or community? Can you still be accepted by your culture even if they say you can't? Asifa Lahore is Britain Asian, and the UK's first out Muslim drag queen, but behind the headlines is a story of identity, rejection, courage, and deep cultural pride. 🎥 Prefer to watch? Catch the full video episode on YouTube from 4pm UK time on the day of release: https://youtu.be/dTkJxKLFtpc Expect to hear: Lessons on embracing identity even when your community rejects i Why “being your authentic self” is harder than it sounds The cultural pressures of being the ‘good brown kid’ What being a role model feels like when no ones walked your path Wearing a burka on stage at London Pride The price of not being true to yourself A powerful conversation about culture, courage and redefining legacy. Follow on socials: @ananddattanipodcast This episode is part of a special 4-part series for South Asian Heritage Month — where we unpack culture, identity, and legacy in a modern world. Find out more: southasianheritage.org.uk

    41 min

  4. 15 JUL

    Malaysia, Asians' Love For Snacks, ChatGPT is Bad & Why More Doesn't = Happier

    Every culture has the good, the bad (and the ugly?). With Patricia - a writer, poet, and thoughtful observer of human behaviour -  we unpack everything from the things we love and hate of Asian family life, the culture shocks of British society, and how tech. has transformed modern day culture.   Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/7dI87QHbieU   Expect to hear: Why Malaysia is a cultural melting pot Why growing up Asian means you never leave home without snacks The shock of arriving in Britain and discovering an unexpected culture trait How ChatGPT is slowly killing the one human skill we should protect at all costs Why prosperity doesn't always lead to happiness, and what to do about it How to stop culture, society or your family from deciding what success should mean to you   📱Find us on socials INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ananddattanipodcast TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@ananddattanipodcast

    57 min
  5. Hitchhiking Across Continents - The Unforgettable Story & Life Lessons of Ramnik Karia

    23 JUN · BONUS

    Hitchhiking Across Continents - The Unforgettable Story & Life Lessons of Ramnik Karia

    I’m honoured to share the incredible journey of Ramnik Karia. Born in East Africa, Ramnik’s life has taken him across borders, cultures, and challenges - from hitchhiking his way to the UK to taking risks that would be extraordinary even today. We explore powerful lessons about resilience, hospitality, courage, and the benefits for going after what you truly want to do. Along the way, you’ll hear unforgettable stories - from bringing whisky and spices from England to India, to the world’s shortest war in Zanzibar, to how Jimmy Hendrix left an unexpected mark on his life. This is a conversation filled with wisdom, humour, and advice that future generations can truly benefit from. 💬 If this episode resonates, please rate, share, or leave a comment; and help us preserve these incredible stories for generations to come. Follow on Socials: www.instagram.com/ananddattanipodcast www.tiktok.com/@ananddattanipodcast

    30 min

  6. 20 MAY

    How Do Cultural Values Shape (and Sometimes Sabotage) Success? w/ John Wang

    Ever felt like you're living two lives? One shaped by the culture you were born into, and the other by the world you're trying to thrive in? I sit down with John Wang, speaker, entrepreneur and the creator of Big Asian Energy, to explore the silent tension of bicultural identity, especially for Asian and Asian-American communities. We discuss: - The heavy burden of growing up in a traditional household of high expectations - The unspoken cost of politeness - The 7 cultural habits holding many Asians back in their careers - What it takes to redefine success on your own terms - and some real-life shocking stories of how far some Asian Americans have gone to uphold the expectations of their family and community If you've ever felt caught between 2 worlds, struggled to speak up or felt like you don't quite belong in the workplace or society you're living in - this convo is going to speak directly to you.  Follow on socials (@ananddattanipodcast). Find the links here: https://campsite.bio/tjo 🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW If you listen on Apple Podcasts, it'd be great if you could leave a review - the bigger the show gets, the bigger the guests get

    1h 4m
  7. Is creativity being suppressed by the very communities that raised us? w/ Ketna Patel

    1 APR

    Is creativity being suppressed by the very communities that raised us? w/ Ketna Patel

    Why do so many of of us never reach our creative potential? In this episode, I sit down with Ketna Patel, a British-Kenyan-Indian mixed media pop artist, to talk about the cultural, societal, and generational barriers to self-expression—and how to break free from them. We explore: • The downside of coming from a culture with a strong community when it comes to self-expression • Why the younger generation might be less prepared to handle difficulties • How media and stereotypes impact our perception of different cultures • The generational shift in how success will be achieved in the future • How we can stop creativity from being further suppressed If you’re struggling to find your creative voice or wondering how to prepare for the future of art, culture, and success, this conversation is for you. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E8X3e9n6wkk 📱FOLLOW ON SOCIALS (& GET IN TOUCH) INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/anandsworld TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@ananddattanipodcast LINKEDIN: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/anand-dattani 🙏LEAVE A REVIEW If you listen on Apple Podcasts, it'd be great if you could leave a review - the bigger the show gets, the bigger the guests get! https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/roots-to-routes/id1548231634 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 2m
  8. Highlight 17: Why Your Loved Ones Might Not Always Be Supportive Of Your Dreams

    21 MAR

    Highlight 17: Why Your Loved Ones Might Not Always Be Supportive Of Your Dreams

    Your breakthrough might be someone else's breakdown. In this clip, Amardeep, founder of The BAE HQ, and I discuss why the people closest to you often provide the least support for your ambitions. The truth? Your commitment exposes their compromise. We explore the psychological minefield of outgrowing your circle, why family resistance is actually confirmation you're evolving, and how to navigate the painful reality that your success forces others to confront their abandoned dreams. This isn't just about chasing dreams—it's about having the courage to become who you truly are while others remain who they settled for being. If you’ve ever felt the people around you don’t fully understand you, this is the episode for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    5 min
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About

This podcast unpacks the importance of understanding where each of us come from, and the role it's played in where we’re going. Each episode is an honest and personal conversation about legacy, identity, and the lessons passed down through generations. Each guest is someone who has broken barriers through what they're now doing, from founders and CEOs, to creatives and athletes, we explore how our roots shaped us, what we can learn from the stories of our elders, and how much culture has evolved even since our own childhoods. From societal expectations on success to relationships, I get the guest to share their own experience a on overcoming generational struggles, and their advice for the next generation. If you're someone who’s ever felt stuck between living life the way you want or fitting in, or you’re still figuring out where you belong, you're not alone here. And if you’re a guest on the show, this isn’t just about sharing your bio. It’s about sharing the stories that made you you, and leaving behind something meaningful for the next generation to hear.

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