Being a storyteller, first of your own stories, and then as a conduit to and for others to share theirs, is Meghna Bhat's super power. We loved hearing from her about her inspiration to embrace this calling through various mediums, and how she is empowering others to do the same.

Listen to @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio on on Fri, June 28 at 9pm PST / 9am PKT

#SouthAsianStoryteller #CulturalPracitioner #GulabiStories #PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

Rizwan Jagani is professional violist and educator of Indian and Pakistani heritage. He calls himself the “new-fit” violist due to his diverse career of many genres and styles in his performance with his most recent highlight being a performance with Grammy Award-winning Afrobeats artist, Burna Boy, in his Washington DC tour concert. He is currently finishing his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Catholic University of America.

Marvi Mazhar is a Pakistan based architect and researcher, with her practice combining visual culture, spatial advocacy and interventions. What she won’t often say about herself, but you’ll undoubtedly agree with, is that through her work, she has become not just an inspiration to many in her field, but a true change maker in thought and practice.

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!