Sakura, Sikhi & Strength

AAnand
  • 5.0 (8)
  • RELATIONSHIPS

Welcome to Sakura, Sikhi & Strength - a podcast about finding strength in the space between cultures and thriving through life's constant changes. I'm Asees Sethi Anand, your host, and as someone born in Japan, raised in Los Angeles, educated globally and now living in New York City, I understand what it means to navigate life between worlds. This podcast is for anyone building careers, starting families, caring for loved ones, and writing their own definition of success - all while honoring the beautiful complexity of multicultural identity. Whether you're a third-culture kid, second-generation immigrant, or simply someone who feels caught between cultures, this show is your space to feel seen, understood, and empowered. Join me for honest conversations about resilience, growth, and finding your strength in the spaces that make you uniquely you.  New episodes coming weekly. Subscribe now so you don't miss a single story. Connect with me:  Instagram: @sakurasikhistrength  Email: hello@sakurasikhistrength.com

  1. SEP 9

    Episode 13: Season 1 Reflections & Finding the Glimmers

    As Season 1 of Sakura, Sikhi & Strength concludes, I'm reflecting on the journey from feeling displaced between cultures to discovering that these "in-between spaces" are actually where I found my greatest strength. This finale episode connects the themes that emerged across 13 conversations about resilience, identity, and authentic living. What I used to see as my biggest challenge - this multicultural identity that sometimes left me feeling like I didn't fit anywhere - became the source of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and comfort with uncertainty that helps me thrive in complex situations. Key themes from Season 1: How multicultural experiences build rather than confuse professional and personal capabilitiesThe transformative difference between authenticity and perfectionism in relationshipsWhy self-compassion is strength, not weakness, and enables sustainable growthHow wisdom differs from intelligence in building meaningful livesUnderstanding cherry blossom philosophy: embracing impermanence and renewalThe concept of "glimmers" - moments of joy that exist alongside life's challengesHow personal challenges become sources of wisdom rather than obstacles to overcomeEssential insight: Your challenges don't disqualify you from strength - they're often where you discover it. The spaces between cultures, expectations, and life stages aren't where you get lost. They're where you develop the emotional intelligence that helps you navigate complexity and build authentic connections. This finale introduces "glimmers" - those moments of connection and purpose that remind us why we keep growing, even during difficult periods. When you shift your mindset and become open to possibility, you become available to receive moments of joy that were probably there all along. Season 1 explored third culture identity, multicultural friendships, lessons of strength and resilience from Gurbani and Sikh scriptures, self-compassion, generational wisdom, and personal health challenges. Each conversation revealed how embracing rather than fighting our complex experiences creates the foundation for resilience and community. The bottom line: Every ending makes space for a new beginning. Season 1 built exactly what we hoped for - a community of people committed to growing stronger together while embracing the beautiful complexity of modern life. Thank you for sharing this journey. Your vulnerability, engagement, and commitment to authentic growth have made this community everything I imagined and more. Connect with Sakura, Sikhi & Strength 🌸☬️💪:  🎧 Available everywhere you listen to podcasts: https://linktr.ee/sakurasikhistrength  Instagram: @sakurasikhistrength  Tiktok: @sakurasikhistrength  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sakurasikhistrength  Send your thoughts: hello@sakurasikhistrength.com #seasonfinale #multicultural #identity #resilience #authenticity #selfcompassion #thirdculture #glimmers #cherryblossoms #strength #community #personalgrowth #emotionalintelligence #mindset #vulnerability #podcast #sakurasikhistrength

    7 min

  2. SEP 2

    Episode 12: Beyond the Diagnosis - Playing the Long Game with MS

    After 15 years of privacy, I'm sharing something deeply personal - my journey with multiple sclerosis. At 26, five months into marriage everything changed with a diagnosis that would reshape how I understood strength, planning, and what it means to build a life when the rules suddenly shift. Joined by Dr. Stephen Krieger, neurologist at Mount Sinai at the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for MS who has walked this entire journey with me, we explore what it means to build a meaningful life rather than allowing a diagnosis to rewrite your definition of what's possible. The conversation covers mindset shifts that transform how you approach uncertainty, the strategic decisions behind disclosure timing, and why sometimes the greatest courage comes from asking "why not me?" instead of "why me?" Key themes explored: The transformative mindset shift from "why me?" to "why not me?"How family foundations prepare us for challenges we never expectedThe strategic importance of choosing when and how to share health informationWhy asking the right questions in crisis moments provides clarity and directionModern MS treatment evolution and genuine hope for newly diagnosed patientsBuilding sustainable success that accommodates health realities without compromising ambitionThe art of playing the long game when chronic illness changes your rules but not your dreamsEssential insight: Strength isn't about never falling down - it's about getting back up again and again, choosing to keep playing the long game even when you don't know all the rules. This episode is especially relevant for anyone navigating health challenges, chronic illness, or profound uncertainty about the future. It demonstrates that you can achieve everything you set out to do professionally and personally - not in spite of chronic illness, but alongside it. The bottom line: Sometimes the greatest strength comes from protecting others even in our own difficult moments, choosing perspective over self-pity, and building meaningful lives with both realism and hope. Connect with Sakura, Sikhi & Strength 🌸☬️💪:  🎧 Available everywhere you listen to podcasts: https://linktr.ee/sakurasikhistrength  Instagram: @sakurasikhistrength  Tiktok: @sakurasikhistrength  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sakurasikhistrength  Send your thoughts: hello@sakurasikhistrength.com #multiplesclerosis #chronillness #resilience #health #strength #hope #uncertainty #longterm #mindset #healthcare #diagnosis #empowerment #vulnerability #lifelessons #medicaljourney #podcast #sakurasikhistrength

    44 min

  3. AUG 26

    Episode 11: Unlearning the Performance Trap - The Power of Giving Yourself Grace

    When was the last time you gave yourself the same compassion you'd give your best friend? In this deeply personal episode, I explore the transformative power of unlearning the performance trap that keeps us believing our worth must be constantly proven and earned. Through vulnerable stories about the moment a doctor told me I needed to "take a break" (and I genuinely didn't understand what he meant), I examine how perfectionism can masquerade as high standards while actually undermining our capacity for genuine self-care and sustainable achievement. Key themes explored: The crucial difference between confidence and actually believing you're worthyWhy overachievers often struggle with self-compassion despite outward successHow "performing even during downtime" prevents us from receiving actual restThe hidden costs of tying your worth to your performanceWhy being "nice" to everyone can become a form of self-abandonmentPractical ways to start treating yourself with the kindness you give othersHow giving yourself grace creates ripple effects in all your relationshipsEssential insight: Grace is "unmerited favor" - kindness you don't have to earn. When you apply that to yourself, it breaks the performance trap that keeps you running on empty. This episode is especially relevant for anyone who gives everyone else the benefit of the doubt but struggles to extend that same grace to themselves. The bottom line: You don't have to earn your place in this world. You're already enough exactly as you are. And learning to give yourself the same compassion you show others isn't selfish - sometimes it's necessary. Connect with Sakura, Sikhi & Strength 🌸☬️💪:  🎧 Available everywhere you listen to podcasts: https://linktr.ee/sakurasikhistrength  Instagram: @sakurasikhistrength  Tiktok: @sakurasikhistrength  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sakurasikhistrength  Send your thoughts: hello@sakurasikhistrength.com #selfcompassion #grace #perfectionism #overachiever #selfworth #personalgrowth #mentalhealth #selfcare #boundaries #womenempowerment #performance #selfcriticism #kindness #vulnerability #lifelessons #mindset #selflove #growthmindset #podcast #sakurasikhistrength

    11 min

  4. AUG 19

    Episode 10: Climbing Trees and Building Character - Life Lessons from my Nanima

    In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with my maternal grandmother, Veena Singh (Nanima), for an intimate conversation spanning 84+ years of wisdom, resilience, and unwavering faith. Born in what was then part of India, Nanima's early years took her from her birthplace to Persia and eventually to 1940s Delhi, where she witnessed incredible social and historical changes while building a life rooted in Sikh values and unconditional love. Wisdom That Transcends Generations: The difference between "raising children" and "child rearing" - why intentional parenting mattersHow understanding that "nothing is permanent" becomes a source of strength during life's inevitable challengesWhy stable, loving homes create confident adults who can navigate any circumstanceA mother's boundless love in action: extraordinary stories of creative problem-solving and determinationMaintaining cultural and spiritual identity while adapting to changing timesUnforgettable Stories: From climbing over 200 trees as a fearless child in Delhi to hosting legendary 1970s dance parties (complete with grandfather's floor-clearing tango performances!), Nanima's stories span the delightful to the dramatic. Her account of retrieving medical equipment for her blind son's surgery demonstrates what becomes possible when love drives action. Timeless Insights: "Nothing is permanent" - Nanima's beautiful comparison of life's challenges to the sun's daily journey offers perspective for anyone facing difficulties. Her legacy wisdom about holding your identity and self-esteem regardless of circumstances speaks to universal human struggles. Whether you're seeking parenting guidance, spiritual grounding, or inspiration from a life fully lived, this conversation offers insights that deserve to be preserved across generations. Connect with Sakura, Sikhi & Strength 🌸☬️💪:  🎧 Available everywhere you listen to podcasts: https://linktr.ee/sakurasikhistrength  Instagram: @sakurasikhistrength  Tiktok: @sakurasikhistrength  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sakurasikhistrength  Send your thoughts: hello@sakurasikhistrength.com

    39 min

  5. AUG 12

    Episode 9 (Part 2): Seeds of Faith - Growing up Sikh and Gurbani Wisdom with Inderpreet Singh

    In Part 2 of this enlightening series, technology leader and Sikh scholar Inderpreet Singh shares what Gurbani (Sikh scriptures) actually teaches about building resilience, maintaining optimism, and finding strength through life's inevitable challenges. This episode explores profound spiritual concepts made accessible for modern life, from the daily practice of Chardi Kala (ascending spirits) to understanding how divine remembrance becomes medicine for contemporary ailments. Deep Teachings Explored: Chardi Kala: The Sikh practice of maintaining optimism regardless of external circumstancesHow consistent spiritual remembrance builds unshakeable resilienceWhy love and oneness (Ik Ong Kar) form the foundation of all Sikh wisdomPractical applications of ancient teachings for modern challengesThe beautiful connection between Sakura (cherry blossoms) and Sikh strengthMemorable Insights: "The sakura represents strength and resilience, constantly coming back regardless of weather and climate - just like Sikhi has survived through much adversity because of deep spiritual roots." Inderpreet's ability to make complex Gurbani teachings accessible while maintaining their depth offers both Sikh community members and universal audiences practical wisdom for daily life. This concludes our two-part exploration of multicultural Sikh identity and spiritual resilience. Part 1 covered Inderpreet's global journey and spiritual awakening - essential context for understanding these deeper teachings. Whether you're seeking spiritual grounding, exploring different faith traditions, or looking for practical wisdom about resilience, this conversation offers timeless insights for modern challenges. Connect with Sakura, Sikhi & Strength 🌸☬️💪:  🎧 Available everywhere you listen to podcasts: https://linktr.ee/sakurasikhistrength  Instagram: @sakurasikhistrength  Tiktok: @sakurasikhistrength  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sakurasikhistrength  Send your thoughts: hello@sakurasikhistrength.com

    39 min

  6. AUG 5

    Episode 9 (Part 1): Seeds of Faith - Growing up Sikh and Gurbani Wisdom with Inderpreet Singh

    In Part 1 of this two-part series, I speak with Inderpreet Singh, a technology leader and Sikh scholar whose multicultural journey beautifully illustrates how faith evolves across cultures and continents. Born in Delhi but raised across Japan, Canada, and India, Inderpreet's story takes us from being teased as "Triple Bun Samosa" in boarding school to finding his Sikh identity actually strengthened in a Catholic educational environment. This Episode Explores: How childhood challenges build lifelong resilienceThe surprising ways interfaith environments can deepen faithWhen inherited spiritual practices become conscious choicesMulticultural upbringing as spiritual preparationThe moment academic curiosity leads to spiritual awakeningMemorable Quote: "The journey of constantly being resilient is actually what Sikhi is all about. The journey itself is the goal rather than the goal itself." Inderpreet's insights about how "seeds were being planted" throughout his global childhood offer wisdom for anyone navigating spiritual development in multicultural contexts. Coming Next Week: Part 2 dives deeper into what Sikh scriptures teach about finding strength through adversity and the practice of remembrance. Whether you're familiar with Sikhi or hearing about it for the first time, this conversation offers universal insights about resilience, faith, and finding strength through life's challenges. Connect with Sakura, Sikhi & Strength:  🎧 Available everywhere you listen to podcasts: https://linktr.ee/sakurasikhistrength  Instagram: @sakurasikhistrength  Tiktok: @sakurasikhistrength  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sakurasikhistrength  Send your thoughts: hello@sakurasikhistrength.com

    36 min

  7. JUL 29

    Episode 8: Smart vs Wise - Why Intelligence Isn't Enough

    Smart vs Wise: Why Intelligence Isn't Enough We celebrate degrees, test scores, and credentials - but what about wisdom? In this introspective episode, I share vulnerable stories about my real estate career journey to explore the crucial difference between being smart and being wise. Through personal examples, I examine how our obsession with intelligence often overshadows the development of wisdom - the ability to read context, understand nuances, and make decisions aligned with our deeper values. Episode Highlights: Why "intelligence without wisdom is like having a Ferrari with no GPS"The hidden costs of "playing small" in career advancementHow to distinguish between truly wise decisions and fear-based choicesTeaching children to value both analytical skills and emotional intelligenceThe price tag that often comes with wisdom-based decisionsKey Question: "Would you rather raise smart kids or wise kids? And more importantly, can we actually nurture both?" This episode is essential for parents balancing family and career, professionals making strategic decisions, and anyone questioning whether they're moving fast or moving smart. Connect with Sakura, Sikhi & Strength:  🎧 Available everywhere you listen to podcasts: https://linktr.ee/sakurasikhistrength  Instagram: @sakurasikhistrength  Tiktok: @sakurasikhistrength  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sakurasikhistrength  Send your thoughts: hello@sakurasikhistrength.com

    11 min

  8. JUL 22

    Episode 7: Growing Up Global - A Third Culture Kid's Perspective with Gia Kiteishvili

    What does it look like to grow up as a third culture kid in today's world? In this refreshing conversation, Asees sits down with 11-year-old Gia Kiteishvili, a half-Korean, half-Georgian young student growing up in New York City, to explore identity, belonging, and resilience from a Gen Z perspective. Gia brings a unique viewpoint to our understanding of multicultural identity – from attending Korean school as an international student to describing how her multicultural background helps her "read the room better" and understand how the world works. Her insights reveal how today's third culture kids are navigating identity with confidence and wisdom beyond their years. Key themes explored: Why "home is a feeling rather than a place" for multicultural kidsHow growing up with multiple cultures enhances your ability to "read the room"The instant connection third culture kids feel with each otherWhy understanding different perspectives creates "one unfiltered view of the world"How cultural resilience gets passed down through generationsThe importance of blocking out hurtful opinions while embracing what makes you uniqueWhy schools need more interactive cultural educationGia's perspective on everything from Korean jump rope dancing to Georgian cheese bread, from standing her ground in friendship conflicts to coaching herself through ski races, offers both validation for other young third culture kids and invaluable insights for parents raising globally mobile children. This episode proves that the next generation of third culture kids are not just surviving between worlds – they're thriving, leading with empathy, and using their multicultural superpowers to build bridges in an interconnected world. About Gia Kiteishvili: An 11-year-old student living in New York City with Korean and Georgian heritage. She has attended school in Korea, is an avid skier on a race team, and brings fresh perspective to the third culture kid experience. New episodes drop every Tuesday at 6AM EST.  🎧 Available everywhere you listen to podcasts: https://linktr.ee/sakurasikhistrength  Connect with Sakura, Sikhi & Strength:  Instagram: @sakurasikhistrength  Tiktok: @sakurasikhistrength  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sakurasikhistrength  Email: hello@sakurasikhistrength.com

    22 min
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to Sakura, Sikhi & Strength - a podcast about finding strength in the space between cultures and thriving through life's constant changes. I'm Asees Sethi Anand, your host, and as someone born in Japan, raised in Los Angeles, educated globally and now living in New York City, I understand what it means to navigate life between worlds. This podcast is for anyone building careers, starting families, caring for loved ones, and writing their own definition of success - all while honoring the beautiful complexity of multicultural identity. Whether you're a third-culture kid, second-generation immigrant, or simply someone who feels caught between cultures, this show is your space to feel seen, understood, and empowered. Join me for honest conversations about resilience, growth, and finding your strength in the spaces that make you uniquely you.  New episodes coming weekly. Subscribe now so you don't miss a single story. Connect with me:  Instagram: @sakurasikhistrength  Email: hello@sakurasikhistrength.com

Information

  • Creator
    AAnand
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Sakura, Sikhi & Strength
  • Show Website
    Sakura, Sikhi & Strength