From developing a collective vision, to finding your individuality, to upholding tradition while simultaneously embracing and acknowledging the contemporary impact - this conversation with Aparna & Ashwini of Ragamala Dance Company was beautiful. These sisters speak of their unique history to present, and how the work of an artist encompasses so many known and unknown aspects.  

If you’ve already had the gift of reading Author @thealkajoshi books, you’re likely already a fan! What we loved is hearing about her journey that led up to becoming an author, her inspiration for her “Jaipur Trilogy” of novels, and so much more! 📖

This excerpt from her conversation with @farahyasmeenshaikh is also a great example of not always knowing where your path is leading you, but ironically, it is usually leading you in the right direction. In Alka’s case, her story was being written - literally and figuratively - without her even knowing it! 💫

Breaking mental health stigma in the South Asian community was the “why” for the creation of South Asian Americans for Change (SAAFC) @saaforchange - a non profit organization focused on promoting emotional, physical, and social well-being through art, education and community-building.

Farah speaks with two of the co-founders - Neema Nardone @neema_nardone and Rupal Joshi @rkj5014 - who not only give deeper insight into the “why”, but also share the “how”, which includes multiple free in-person community building events to de-stigmatize topics relevant to mental health in the community, including colorism, unrealistic beauty standards and unique challenges faced by South Asian men regarding mental health.

In this special episode that is meant to encompass reflections of Ramadan, Farah speaks with Rabia Meghani and Maha Sami - both a part @nooranidance staff alongside Farah. They each share their own relationship with fasting and other aspects of Ramadan, and how this year has added a greater degree of global empathy and sensitivity.

We loved this conversation with Sabah Bano Malik who shared her unique story of moving from west to east, and making Pakistan not just home away from home, but truly home base. Once in Pakistan, @sabahbanomalik has endeavored into a role in multimedia journalism, hosting her own radio show, modeling as Pakistan’s first plus size model, becoming an author, and she is a dynamic and overall person on the internet. Sabah’s witty, straight forward, no BS approach, is equal parts thought provoking and hilarious!

We all know representation matters, and our conversation with this week’s guest is a perfect example of exactly that.

Dr. Anne Huang is the Executive Director of World Arts West, a 45 year old arts organization that supports cultural artists sustaining the world’s diverse dance traditions. As the first person of color and a cultural artist to lead the organization, annehuang29 has led @worldartswest through a transformative equity journey that we believe is truly changing the course of this organization, and setting the example for so many cultural artists.

Fashion has the potential to make a statement - sometimes literally!  This week’s guest is Salman Parekh - founder of Manto @wearmanto - a Pakistani born fashion label with a touch of the traditional, delivered on contemporary terms. Manto is bold and eye-catching, with an unapologetically rebellious streak.

We loved having the chance to hear from Salman @maansals - a storyteller, psychology-marketing enthusiast, content creator, reader, and relentless learner at heart - about how this increasingly popular brand came to be!

@auratmarch is a grassroots movement in Pakistan advocating for gender equality and rights of gender-based minorities, challenging patriarchal norms and promoting inclusivity, diversity, and intersectionality. Through peaceful protests, advocacy campaigns, and community engagement, they aim to raise awareness about gender-based violence, discrimination, and other issues faced by women and marginalized groups, with a mission to create a society where all individuals, regardless of gender, have equal rights and opportunities. 
As our guest, and of the founders of Aurat March in 2018, says so beautifully, “The root of the feminist movement is to embrace everyone so that no one is alone.”

Bina Shah is a force, to say the least. Author of six novels, including “Before She Sleeps” (a selection in @lillyslibrary) and “The Monsoon War”and two collections of short stories. Self proclaimed “writer with a global soul”, Bina’s work is recognized and sought out globally - as a commentator on women’s rights and female empowerment in Pakistan and across Muslim countries, and as a regular writer for the New York Times, the Huffington Post, Al Jazeera, the Daily Dawn, and the Independent and the Guardian.

What we love about the conversation between @bina_writer and @farahyasmeenshaikh is hearing the unique story about the writer - the one who often writes about others. 

What if we could all be colonized by art (in a good way)?! This is but one of the many aspirations of Saad Sheikh, the co-founder of The Colony in Lahore, Pakistan.

This conversation between @thesaadsheikh and @farahyasmeenshaikh took place during Farah’s recent tour, and there are so many moments throughout this episode that will leave you feeling inspired, rejuvenated and hopeful.