The Carolina Desi

Think about every detail that describes your identity: nationality, ethnicity, heritage, values, skin color, language. Now, try placing yourself in one category. Can you? Not impossible, but difficult. Quite often, the Carolina Desis find themselves erroneously placed in one category or on one side of the spectrum. "ABCD", "FOB", Too Assimilated, Not Assimilated Enough… what does it all mean? Tune in to this week's episode to learn about an intra-cultural divide within the Desi diaspora, and the effects of the associated stigma. Follow @thecarolinadesi on social media to join the conversation.

Have you found yourself questioning a significant part of your identity because of the majority? But, who hasn't? Maybe the real questions are: why and how did you grow from that experience? A central theme in their lives and others, join the Carolina Desis as they explore the effect of their religious differences without a Bible in the Bible Belt. Follow @thecarolinadesi on social media to join the conversation.

While there is no right or wrong answer, the practice and concept of physical discipline are worth discussing. Join the Carolina Desis in today's episode as they share their personal experiences and views on getting disciplined as children and disciplining as a whole. Bonus: tune in to find out why no one could babysit toddler Gurtej! Follow @thecarolinadesi on social media to join the conversation.

Consider the act of code switching, where you might change your vernacular, mannerisms, and even language based on where you are and the people around you. Have you ever thought about how the switch occurs or how it defines you as a person? Join the Carolina Desis as they explore code switching and the associated challenges of growing up multilingual. Follow @thecarolinadesi on social media to join the conversation.

What exactly makes food an integral part of family, community, and self? Is it the act of cooking? Is it sharing recipes and traditions? Or is it simply enjoying each other's company? The Carolina Desis think it's a special combo of all of the above and much more! Join them today as they discuss an aspect of heritage stemmed from cuisine. Follow @thecarolinadesi on social media to join the conversation.

Do you ever get a hankering for a nice, hot cup of Chai? So do our hosts! Join them as they discuss everything and anything related to Desi cuisine - from common misconceptions to key ingredients and their favorite desserts! Jalebi, Paneer, Lassi, Naan, and more: the Carolina Desis break it all down for you on today's episode! Follow @thecarolinadesi on social media to join the conversation.

What shocks the Carolina Desis to their cores when visiting India? On today's episode, they discuss everything from calamitous traffic, beautiful architecture, differing lifestyles, animals in the streets, and much more! Follow @thecarolinadesi on social media to join the conversation.

Originally introduced to South and Southeast Asian markets, Fair and Lovely is a fairness cream meant to lighten skin complexion. Today our hosts discuss how products like Fair and Lovely only encourage and perpetuate the already unhealthy standards of beauty pervasive in Desi cultures and beyond. Follow @thecarolinadesi on social media to join the conversation.

In this very first episode, get to know our hosts as they examine the roots, perceptions, and misconceptions associated with their "foreign" names. Follow @thecarolinadesi on social media to join the conversation.