Karthika explores the Japanese concept of Shinrin-Yoku which is also known as forest bathing. Forest bathing is the practice of spending time in nature and the outdoors at a pace that allows for connection, sense of being one with nature and internal wellbeing. Therapy is not an extractive process, where we treat forests as a resource from which we extract well being for humans. Instead, it is a deeply relational practice, characterized by a sense of loving and tender connection.

Karthika explore the culture of coffee and a coffee ceremony from Ethiopia, a country where drinking coffee is much more than just a beverage in a to-go-cup. There is a ceremonial process to drinking coffee in Ethiopia that revolves around friends, family, conversation and bonding. In a traditional buna drinking no less than three cups is deemed impolite and Ethiopians believe that your spirit transforms when you complete all three rounds.

Karthika walks us through the great Indian spice box and talks about all the spices that are typically used in most Indian cooking. Spices have certain uses, flavors and add different kinds of taste to most Indian foods. The great Indian Spice box is the perfect way to store and access these commonly used spices in most Indian kitchens.

Karthika chats with Sana Javeri Kadri, founder of Diaspora Co, a spices company looking to decolonize the spice trade in India by partner with and support local farms, encourage fair trade and fair compensation for the Indian farmers, and provide the best quality of spices to her customers. Sana's vision is to focus more in quality, heirloom varieties and farms that are looking to bring the best of the best directly in the hands of the consumers.

In this episode, Karthika shares fun, educational and creative ideas for managing a staycation at home. People all over the world are experiencing a complete lockdown and social distancing as a way to control the spread of the pandemic. Luckily there are many ways to stay engaged, creatively challenged and mentally stimulated for the whole family.

In this episode, Karthika explores the traditions of Holi which is an Indian festival of Spring. Known around the world as the festival of colors, Holi is played with water, gull (pink color) and even flowers. A tradition that is deep rooted in Indian mythology, Holi has a lot of cultural significance in India and is celebrated in several unique ways around the country. The vibrancy of colors is something that brings in a lot of positivity in our lives.

In this episode, Karthika explore the dance tradition of Native American tribes. In Native American cultures, dance is a way of expression, a language in itself. Dancing promotes community interaction and meditation. Dances celebrate events such as harvest or seasonal changes, marriages, and representatives from other tribes or nations. Dances tell stories, they are used as a medium for prayer and each dance has its own significant meaning.

Anabela Silva, a musician and singer from Portugal shares her experience on the culture and tradition of Portuguese Fado music. Fado music is often about longing, jealousy, anger, sadness, but also about the daily lives of the people. Born at a time during the Portuguese explorations and revolution, the songs really speak to the innermost feelings of the singer. It often resembles the blues because of its soulful nature and you get to hear Anabela sing a beautiful Fado song about two long lost lovers.

In this episode, Karthika explores the music and dance culture of the Djabugay - Australian Aboriginal people who are the original inhabitants of mountains, gorges, lands and waters of the wet tropics of Queensland. Australia's aboriginal culture is so beautiful and so very rich in its narratives. There is an inherent connection among all living things and nature. It is considered one of the oldest living cultures because these practices are still in place.

Karthika explores Taiko music from Japan which is the ancient Japanese form of percussion music using large drums that are played in an intense, rhythmic format. Taiko is part music part dance where drummers follow choreographed routines using their whole bodies. Taiko is believed to be the heartbeat of Japan that has visualized through its long deep cultural roots. And now thanks to its modern-day revival it is becoming a more universal musical language bridging cultural gaps around the world.