125 episodes
That Desi Spark (formerly The Woke Desi) ANS Entertainment LLC
-
- Society & Culture
-
-
4.4 • 117 Ratings
-
That Desi Spark, formerly known as The Woke Desi, is a bold podcast created by three founders who recognized a space void of color and conversation around the topics that impact dual-identity, South Asian millennials the most. From education to entertainment and social justice issues to social media trends, That Desi Spark approaches each episode with compassion, advocacy, and information, bolstered by subject-area experts and unfiltered celebrity moments. Founded by healthcare manager/author Annika Sharma, marketing whiz/lifestyle blogger Nehal Tenany, and hedge fund trader/producer Sridhar Pisupati, That Desi Spark ignites conversation, illuminates learning, and sparks a community to own their stories, rise up with confidence, and blaze a path forward. The podcast has been featured in the Times of India, at BBC’s CDX, and on Forbes. They have been featured speakers at multiple conferences, ViacomCBS, and universities.They can be found on the web, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
-
Goodbye, Nehal
It's the last episode of That Desi Spark with Nehal as a host - but keep your eyes on TDS as it moves forward with Annika. Big things are coming!
5 years. 8 seasons. 130+ episodes. 140+ guests.
The end of an era. And the beginning of another.
As of January, Nehal will be leaving That Desi Spark to chase her passion of becoming an entertainment-focused content creator, a passion she discovered on TDS.
When we met on a Facebook group, started a podcast, and built a business, lightning struck in a way that changed our lives. We created a lifelong sisterhood, a community that we are so grateful to be a part of, and friendships across the South Asian sphere that we cherish. We never saw it coming. And we can’t thank you enough for supporting us through our life changes - from situationships to babies! - and being a part of the community that we never dreamed would reach these heights.
We hope you’ll continue to support Annika as she takes That Desi Spark forward on her own, and follow Nehal’s journey as doors continue to open for her as a content creator. New episodes and projects drop soon - and until then, keep lighting That Desi Spark.
Follow TDS on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, and catch up with the hosts, Annika and Nehal, on their personals. Until next time, keep lighting That Desi Spark! -
Mom Sense | A Conversation with CNN Anchor turned Entrepreneur turned Podcast Host Kanika Chadda Gupta
Kanika Chadda Gupta, host of That's Total Mom Sense (a hit podcast with guests like Chelsea Clinton!), joins TDS to talk through the career balance, deciding how to approach parenthood, and all the inspirational stories of incredible mothers across our diaspora and beyond.
You can hear her podcast here, and follow her on Instagram!
Follow TDS on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, and catch up with the hosts, Annika and Nehal, on their personals. Until next time, keep lighting That Desi Spark! -
'Tis the Season to Light a LAMP! | A Conversation with American India Foundation's CEO Nishant Pandey and Chief Development Office Kalpana Kanthan
'Tis the season to give, and American India Foundation's NY-based CEO Nishant Pandey and Chief Development Officer Kalpana Kanthan are with That Desi Spark this week to discuss the outcomes for over 17 million people this non-profit has impacted, the social programs it innovates, women in non-profit leadership, and why we all have a stake in shaping the future of our homelands across South Asia!
Learn more about the American India Foundation's programs, follow them on Instagram, and visit on LinkedIn! Want to donate to the Light a LAMP Campaign? Do it here!
Follow TDS on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, and catch up with the hosts, Annika and Nehal, on their personals. Until next time, keep lighting That Desi Spark! -
Did the Way Our Parents Communicate Eff Us Up? | A Conversation with Psychotherapist Sadaf Siddiqi
The way parents communicate with each other is HUGE in influencing the way we, as immigrants and children of immigrants, engage with our partners. Psychotherapist and founder of Being, Sadaf Siddiqi, joins us for her second episode with TDS to talk about how we can unlearn some of the toxic behaviors and communication techniques we may have grown up with, amplify the healthier ones, and create happier relationships.
Follow TDS on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, and catch up with the hosts, Annika and Nehal, on their personals. Until next time, keep lighting That Desi Spark! -
Real Self-Care and the South Asian Woman | A Conversation with Psychiatrist/Novelist Saumya Dave
Saumya Dave, MD, knows what South Asian women are up against - the psychiatrist and novelist is a staunch advocate for mental health, and explores what self-care really means (spoiler: it's MUCH more than than eating a brownie!) for burnout, anxiety, and societal expectations on this must-listen episode of TDS.
*This episode is sponsored by Therapy in Colour and Hachette Book Group*
-
Therapy in Colour is a therapy practice that offers Telehealth appointments that blend psychological interventions with cultural understanding. Visit therapyincolour.com today.
The Phoenix King by Aparna Verma is on sale now! An action-packed debut of fire magic and ancient prophecy, in which the fate of a futuristic desert kingdom rests in the hands of a princess desperate for power and an assassin with a dark secret, this novel is a can't-miss!
Follow TDS on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, and catch up with the hosts, Annika and Nehal, on their personals. Until next time, keep lighting That Desi Spark! -
Toxic Masculinity | A Conversation with Clinical Psychology Student Paritosh Joshi
Masculinity and mental health have come under greater scrutiny by the South Asian community in recent years. Clinical Psychology student Paritosh Joshi, a contributor to Brown Girl Magazine, joins TDS to explore how toxic masculinity impacts relationships, upholds patriarchal values, influences mental health, and creates a less inclusive atmosphere for South Asian men to seek mental health resources.
Connect with Paritosh on LinkedIn!
The Phoenix King by Aparna Verma is on sale now! An action-packed debut of fire magic and ancient prophecy, in which the fate of a futuristic desert kingdom rests in the hands of a princess desperate for power and an assassin with a dark secret, this novel is a can't-miss!
Follow TDS on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, and catch up with the hosts, Annika and Nehal, on their personals. Until next time, keep lighting That Desi Spark!
Customer Reviews
Needs to be less scripted
Glad they’re willing to talk about what can be taboo topics in the culture but their presentation of the material needs to improve. They obviously write scripts and go line by line making the commentary feel like the news for most of the podcast. I’d recommend a format like the comments by celebs podcasts where they give the “news” but give actual thoughts/opinions so it feels authentic and is fun to listen to. I also hate the intro music but thats probably just be a personal preference.
Toxic
This is a HELLLA toxic podcast
Awakening
I found this podcast recently after reading Annika Sharma’s book, “Love, Chai, and Other Four-Letter Words” (I loved the book and looking forward to the next in the series) and enjoy it immensely. Although I’m not of South Asian descent, the topics are relevant and help me be a more understanding and inclusive person. Thank you so much!