The Desi Hustle

The Desi Hustle

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The Desi Hustle episodes

  • S2E2: Navigating Grief with Ambika - Finding Space to Heal

    Grief in Indian society is complex — shaped by rituals, family expectations, and the pressure to "move on" quickly. In this conversation, Ambika opens up about her personal journey through loss, describing what it felt like to be a “living ghost” and how cultural norms often blur the line between ritual and real emotional healing.We explore:• Why acknowledging your own grief matters• The role of family support during loss• How cultural expectations can complicate mourning• The deeply personal nature of emotional recoveryGrief is not just a ritual. It’s a human experience that needs space, support, and compassion.

    1 hr
  • S2E1 : Navigating Grief with Shilpa — Stories of Loss and Resilience

    In this heartfelt conversation, Shilpa Vanvari shares her journey through grief after losing her mother and her dog, exploring the complexities of loss, spirituality, and personal growth. She discusses the importance of community support, the cultural taboos surrounding death, and the significance of celebrating the lives of those we've lost. Shilpa emphasizes the need for self-care and finding joy in life while navigating the challenges of grief, ultimately highlighting the connections we forge through shared experiences of loss.


    1 hr 4 min
  • EP 18: Kaushik on Addiction & Recovery - Understanding the Challenges and Finding Support

    In this enlightening conversation, Kaushik Rai shares his transformative journey from addiction to recovery and his mission to help others through A Joy Foundation. He discusses the complexities of addiction, the differences between alcohol and drug dependency, and the importance of societal awareness. Kaushik emphasizes the need for personal responsibility in recovery and the critical role of family support. He also addresses common misconceptions about addiction and the challenges faced in running a rehabilitation center.

    Takeaways

    • Kaushik Rai founded A Joy Foundation to help others recover from addiction.
    • His personal journey through addiction lasted several years before he found recovery.
    • Understanding addiction as a disease is crucial for families.
    • The difference between alcohol and drug addiction lies in societal acceptance and availability.
    • Recovery requires personal responsibility and self-love.
    • Support systems are vital for individuals recovering from addiction.
    • Misconceptions about addiction can hinder recovery efforts.
    • Rehabilitation centers are not punishment houses; they require active participation.
    • Family support is essential, but tough love may be necessary at times.
    • Kaushik emphasizes the importance of holistic healing in recovery.
    50 min
  • Ep 17: Dapoon's Creative Hustle - Balancing Passion, Mental Health and Success

    In this episode of The Desi Hustle, https://www.instagram.com/dapoon/https://www.instagram.com/dapoon/ shares his inspiring journey from a conventional engineering path to becoming a successful animator. He discusses the challenges of pursuing a creative career in India, the importance of finding courage to overcome self-doubt, and the lessons learned during the pandemic about work-life balance. Dapoon reflects on his long dedication to animation, the evolving definition of success, and offers advice to young individuals hesitant to pursue their passions.

    57 min
  • Ep 16: When Passion Meets Purpose: Neha's Journey from Corporate Life to Creative Freedom

    Meet Neha Prasad, an SRCC graduate who traded her senior analyst role at Nielsen to build MKOJ by Neha. In this heartfelt conversation, she shares how a personal love for jewellery evolved into a purposeful business venture during the pandemic. From navigating self-doubt to redefining success on her own terms, Neha's journey reminds us that sometimes the best investment we can make is in our own happiness. Join us for an honest discussion about entrepreneurship, mental wellbeing, and finding joy in pursuing your passion.

    #TheDesiHustle #Entrepreneurship #CareerTransition #JewelryBusiness #StartupStories


    45 min
  • Ep 15: From Corporate Life to Content Creation — Monika Blends' Inspiring Journey

    In this heartwarming episode of The Desi Hustle podcast, join Monika Saha as she shares her incredible transformation from a corporate professional to a beloved food content creator with 180k followers! 🍳✨

    Discover how Monika:

    • Went from an anonymous food blogger to a confident content creator
    • Balanced motherhood, personal identity, and professional growth
    • Turned everyday cooking into a thriving Instagram community

    • Perfect for aspiring content creators, home cooks, and anyone looking for inspiration in their personal and professional journey. Monika's story proves that with passion and persistence, you can create something truly special!

      #MonikaBlends #ContentCreation #DesiMomHustle #FoodBlogger #MomLife

      42 min
    • Ep 14: Herbs and Essence — A Story of Resilience and Reinvention

      In this inspiring conversation, Sharanya Vijay shares her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the resilience and reinvention required to navigate the challenges of motherhood and business. From her initial struggles with a tuition center to the successful launch of her brand, Herbs and Essence, she emphasizes the importance of self-care, work-life balance, and the power of community support. Sharanya discusses her approach to product development, the significance of social media in her growth, and the necessity of building a reliable team. Her insights on overcoming doubts and embracing personal growth resonate deeply, making her story a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs and mothers alike.

      • Sharanya's journey reflects the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship.
      • Hiring help is essential for maintaining balance in life.
      • Self-care is crucial for personal and professional success.
      • Building a network can significantly impact business growth.
      • Every product launched must align with the brand's values.
      • Social media is a powerful tool for organic growth.
      • Expansion should be anticipated and prepared for.
      • Maintaining a strong team is vital for business success.
      • It's important to prioritize personal well-being over societal expectations.
      • Learning from past experiences shapes future decisions.
      • 42 min
      • Ep 13: From Corporate to Wellness: Sonali's Journey with Yoga and Motherhood

        In this inspiring episode of The Desi Mom Hustle podcast, host Tamanna interviews Sonali, a wellness expert and yoga instructor based in Bangalore. Sonali shares her transformative journey from a corporate career to becoming a yoga and wellness coach, specializing in pre and postnatal yoga.

        Discover how Sonali balances her roles as a wellness professional and a mother, offering valuable insights on:
        - Overcoming health challenges through yoga
        - The importance of mental health awareness during pregnancy
        - Managing mom guilt and finding work-life balance
        - The power of self-care and mindfulness for working mothers
        - Misconceptions about postpartum fitness
        Sonali's motto, "Stop wishing for a change, start working for it," resonates throughout the conversation as she discusses personal growth, motherhood, and the importance of taking action towards your goals. This episode is a must-listen for any working mother looking to prioritize their wellness and find balance in their busy lives.
        #DesiMomHustle #WorkingMoms #Wellness #Yoga #Motherhood #WorkLifeBalance

        24 min
      • Ep 12: The Birth of a Calling: From IT to Empowering Moms-to-Be

        Umama, a childbirth educator, shares her journey of becoming a birth educator and the importance of having a positive birth experience. She emphasizes the need for mothers to have knowledge and support during pregnancy and labor. Umama discusses the changes she has seen in mothers over the years, including increased awareness and willingness to try for a VBAC after multiple C-sections. She also addresses misconceptions about childbirth and the importance of listening to one's intuition. Umama shares her personal challenges as a birth educator and the satisfaction she derives from supporting mothers. She highlights the need for supportive doctors and the impact of childbirth education on mothers' confidence and empowerment. Umama also discusses the balance between her profession and personal life, as well as her self-care practices. She concludes by offering advice to her younger self and addressing the challenges she faces in coaching mothers.

        25 min
      • Ep 11: Small Town, Big Dreams: Balancing Motherhood and Creativity with Anjana Dhanavanthan

        In the latest episode of "The Desi Mom Hustle," we sat down with the multi-talented Anjana Dhanavanthan, a podcaster, voiceover artist, and content creator who's mastering the art of balancing family life and creative pursuits in small-town India.

        Anjana's journey from bustling Chennai to the quieter lanes of Theni offers a refreshing perspective on how relocating to a smaller town can actually amplify one's personal and professional growth. Far from limiting her opportunities, the move has allowed Anjana to dive deeper into her passions while raising two children.

        Key takeaways from our conversation:

        1. Embracing change: Anjana's transition from city life to a smaller community has been a journey of self-discovery and adaptation.
        2. Balancing act: Learn how she juggles multiple roles - from podcasting to crocheting - while being a hands-on mom.
        3. Creating opportunities: Discover how Anjana found new avenues for her skills, including teaching podcasting to students in her children's school.
        4. Self-care and growth: Anjana shares her unique approach to self-care and continuous learning in the midst of a busy life.
        5. Redefining success: Get inspired by Anjana's practical and achievable definition of success as a working mother.
        6. Whether you're a mom looking to pursue your passions, considering a move to a smaller town, or simply curious about balancing family life with creative endeavors, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

          Tune in to hear Anjana's story and her advice for fellow moms navigating the beautiful chaos of family life and personal ambitions.

          32 min

        About The Desi Hustle

        From the publisher's feed

        "The Desi Hustle" will explore the multifaceted experiences of Indian people navigating the complexities of modern life. Each episode will dive into the unique challenges, triumphs, and insights of our guests, providing a platform for raw, honest conversations.