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The Story Behind A Title
The Story Behind A Title episodes
- The Rich Life with Bhavajan Kumar
Bhavajan Kumar is an artist who chose to leave his life here in Toronto to pursue Bharathanatyam full time in Chennai and ever since has lived a life with such authenticity that leaves me in awe every time I’ve spoken to him. His life is so true to who he is, prioritizing spirituality and freedom. This light hearted conversation almost feels like you’re getting a glimpse into a casual chat between us but will leave you with questions to reflect on about decisions you make in your life.
On this episode of The Story Behind A Title, Bhavajan and I discuss
- Introduction / what sparked the interest to pursue the arts in Chennai
- Creating a structure vs going with the flow - the balancing act
- The difference in making decisions that feel right to you and decisions based on society's judgement of you
- Being in places you feel accepted for who you are
- The importance of taking time to reflect in solitude
- Our personas offline vs online
- The role of spirituality in Bhavajan's life
- The impact of travelling
- How do people find peace while keeping up with their responsibilities
- Closing note
Bhavajan's socials:
- Instagram - @bhavajan.kumar
- YouTube - @bhavajankumar6782
Jananie's socials
- Instagram - @jaybasky
- TikTok - @jaybasky
- Websites - www.palmrootsonline.ca | www.team3d.ca
- LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/JananieBaskaran
Episode #10! Celebrating a little milestone! The journey so far with this podcast has been beautiful! Thank you for all of your support, encouragement and love - it means the world to me! Cant wait to keep having more conversations with such extraordinary guests to find out the story behind their titles.
41 min - From Global Stardom as a Singer to the Classroom as a Teacher and Role Model - Luksimi Sivaneswaralingam
Luksimi is a singer who made her debut into the Tamil playback industry with the song “Senthoora” by music director D. Imman. Since then she has also sung for A. R. Rahman and is also working on her independent music. In addition to this she is a full-time teacher with the York District Region School Board and pursues Bharathanatyam! Being an all-rounder like Luksimi has its perks but it also has challenges she faces that many may not be aware of. This episode dives into what its like to be one of the first few singers from Toronto to get their first big break into the playback industry, how she balances the arts and her full time career in teaching and her perspective on helping children become the best versions of themselves!
On this episode of The Story Behind A Title, Luksimi and Jananie discuss
- Introduction / Luksimi’s interest in music
- Her debut song Senthoora and how she was treated as an artist since her big break
- Her experience working with A. R. Rahman
- Challenges she faces as an international singer in the playback industry
- Advice she would give aspiring singers
- Making the decision to pursue teaching
- Experiencing the pandemic as a teacher
- Changes in students’ behavior since the pandemic
- Effects of social media on students and getting recognized as a singer at school!
- How she recovers from being burnt out
Luksimi's socials
Instagram - @luksimimusic
YouTube - @luksimisivaneswaralingam6496
Spotify - Luksimi Sivaneswaralingam
LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/luksimimusic
Jananie's socials
Instagram - @jaybasky
TikTok - @jaybasky
Websites - www.palmrootsonline.ca | www.team3d.ca
LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/JananieBaskaran
50 min - Empowering the Tamil Community: A Visionary's Journey with Vijay Thanigasalam
Vijay Thanigasalam is a Member of Provincial Parliament of Ontario and the Associate Minister of Housing. After escaping a childhood filled with fear and uncertainty, he used his privileges in Canada to become the leader he is today and continues to inspire many youth to follow their heart to become leaders of the next generation. I’m glad I got to have this conversation with Vijay to give you a glimpse of who Vijay is behind his current titles!
On this episode of The Story Behind A Title, Vijay and I discuss
Introduction / Vijay’s childhood and moving to Canada
What sparked his interest to be involved in the community from a young age?
How did his close circle react to his involvement in the community?
His involvement in the arts and his passion for dance!
His inspirations / role models
Making the decision to begin his political journey
Facing criticism and handling naysayers
His message to Tami Youth
The Tamil Community Centre in Scarborough Rouge
A few lighthearted questions
Vijay's socials
IG: @vijaythanigasalamYouTube: https://youtube.com/@thethanigasalam?si=Az_Lui_m9eRRx2TSWebsite: https://www.ola.org/en/members/all/vijay-thanigasalamJananie's socialsInstagram: @jaybaskyYouTube: @TheStoryBehindATitleTikTok: @jaybasky55 min - Breaking stereotypes as a Tamil male Bharathanatyam dancer, makeup artist & veena player with Molisan (Veenix) Prem
Molisan Prem is a makeup artist, a beauty advisor for Sephora, a Bharathanatyam dancer and plays the Veena. His choices of artforms break all stereotypes set within the South Asian community and redefines what it means to pursue a goal regardless of the obstacles one may face. We hope this conversation enables an understanding of his journey and inspires you to appreciate artists from a non judgmental perspective.
On this episode of The Story Behind A Title, Molisan and Jananie discuss:
- Introduction / Molisan's initial days pursuing the artforms his family chose for him
- Gender stereotypes in the choices of art forms
- The tough conversation with his parents about wanting to pursue Bharathanatyam
- Feeling like an outcast / standing out from the crowd
- Choosing art as his career and feedback he received
- Being a male makeup artist
- Bridal makeup and trends
- Hierarchies within artforms and treatment each group receives
- Having his show boycotted by members of his community
- A celebrity that Molisan would like to work with
- A turning point that caused a change in Molisan’s life
- Sectors that Molisan is currently providing services in
Molisan’s socials:
Instagram: @veenixartistry and @veen_ix
Jananie's socials:
Instagram: @jaybasky
YouTube: @TheStoryBehindATitle
TikTok: @jaybasky
47 min - Let’s talk Tamil food, diets that fit your ethnicity and nutrition tips for parents with Rajini Nathan
Rajini, known as “Tamil food” is known for her expertise in South Asian nutrition which stems from choosing to follow a clean, Ayurvedic diet after she was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition a few years ago. Her story is so inspiring and this episode is filled with amazing tips for choosing healthy food choices that fit your body type and ethnicity. Apart from her focus on nutrition, she is also the head of communications at Agal Wellbeing Services, A UK based charity that offers free mental health services, a radio and TV presenter, Bharathanatyam dancer and an incredible Mom! Hope you love this conversation as much as we did!
On this episode of The Story Behind A Title, Rajini and Jananie discuss
Introduction / Rajini’s background in UK
How Rajini’s interest in Tamil food started
Getting diagnosed with an autoimmune condition
Noticing symptoms of an autoimmune condition
Ayurvedic path of nutrition
Cooking classes in Toronto
Coffee and late dinners - what its doing to us
When are you supposed to have your heaviest meal
Going back to our roots when considering meal options
Making meal decisions for your children
Including your children in cooking
Mom guilt
Rajini’s secret announcement
Instagram: @Tamil_foodJananie's socials:
Instagram: @jaybasky
YouTube: @TheStoryBehindATitle
TikTok: @jaybasky
43 min - The beauty of feeling whole on your own, being a Mom and South Asian Weddings with Nila Thana
Nila needs no introduction - she is a well known model turned makeup artist based in Toronto for many years now and is known for her sense of style, creative expression and resilience! Watching or listening to this conversation will almost feel like you're part of a coffee date with them - discussing everything from stigmas they face, parenting, South Asian weddings, their love for music and much more!
On this episode of The Story Behind A Title, Nila and Jananie discuss
Being someone that women look up to now
Being an influencer while being an introvert
Nila’s love for music
Learning to tune out other people’s opinions
Being single as a South Asian woman
Learning how to handle tough situations and strength in your decisions
Self-acceptance
Following our parents traditions to raise our children
Being a makeup artist in the South Asian Wedding industry
Hindu wedding traditions
Prioritizing yourself without Mom guilt
Finding joy by bringing out your inner child
3 words that come to my mind!
Available on YouTube and Spotify!! Links are in my bio! #TheStoryBehindATitle #Podcast #Toronto #artistsoninstagram #jananiebaskaran #NilaThana #podcastersofinstagram #SouthAsianWeddingIndustry #MakeupArtistsofToronto #Parenting #BeingSouthAsian
Nila's socials:
Instagram - @nila_thana @nilathana_muah
Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@nila_thana
Jananie's socials:
Instagram - @jaybasky
Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jaybasky
39 min - Accepting failure, trusting the process & developing grit - Entrepreneurship with Manojh Subenthiran
Manojh is the CEO of WolfPack Constructions, co-founder of NineTails Development and a Realtor. Behind all these titles, Manojh is someone who believes in the concept of work hard, play hard especially in your twenties and the importance of sacrificing temporary pleasure to build a strong foundation in your business. From working as a security guard in his 20s to now running multiple businesses which are continuing to grow, this episode with Manojh will give you a little push to keep going!
On this episode of The Story Behind A Title, Jananie and Manojh discuss:
What does it take to be an entrepreneur in today’s world?
Taking that first step towards your business ideas or goals
The fantasy of entrepreneurship
Defining hustle culture
Burn out
Fear of failure
The formula to success - or does one exist?
Creating a brand for yourself
Content creation with the intention of building a brand
Book recommendations
Feminism and choosing the right role models
Future aspirations
To watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryBehindATitle
Manojh’s socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mj_suben/
Jananie's socials
https://www.instagram.com/jaybasky
Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@jaybasky
41 min - "I'm not good enough" South Asian stigma around mental health, parenting + intergenerational trauma with Angie Agrawal Holstein
Angie is a Toronto based therapist focusing on South Asian Mental Health and wellness. She has over 25 years of experience in the mental health care space, 11 years of experience as a social worker for CAMH and is now the founder of Shanti Psychotherapy. Angie’s passion to understand, dissect and dissolve many limited beliefs that South Asians live with is beyond admirable. This conversation is an eye-opening discussion to further understand one’s thought process and the importance of self compassion.
On this episode of The Story Behind A Title, Angie and Jananie discuss
- What led Angie to pursue psychology and mental health
- Focusing on South Asians Mental Health Awareness
- Belief systems - “I am not good enough”
- Self Compassion while you figure yourself out
- Being in survival mode
- Importance of therapy
- The importance of healing from one relationship before getting into another
- Couples therapy
- Why don't people like being alone?
- Desired changes in the school system with regards to mental health
- The role of language - the way we speak to ourselves and others
- Passing on trauma to the next generation
- Types of services provided at Shanti Psychotherapy
To watch this episode on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheStoryBehindATitle
Angie’s socials
- Website: https://www.shantipsychotherapy.ca/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanti_psychotherapy/
- Tik tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shanti_psychotherapy
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@shantipsychotherapy8915
Jananie’s socials
- Website: www.palmrootsonline.ca
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jaybasky
- Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jaybasky
1 hr - Standing out as a beauty influencer, love and loss with Thanuska
Thanuska is a Toronto based beauty influencer, model, dancer, sports fanatic and an all rounder when it comes to anything beauty and arts! She has created an incredible identity for herself and was one of the first Tamil women to get featured on billboards for two of Sephora’s campaigns. Thanuska takes pride in endorsing the importance of self-love and pursuing her goals regardless of any obstacles she may face.
On this episode of The Story Behind A Title, Thanuska and Jananie discuss
Self acceptance and confidence
Childhood interests and developing an interest in makeup through her Mom
Life as a beauty influencer
Sacrifices made as an influencer
Monetizing content and pitching yourself to brands
Being one of the first Tamil beauty influencers in Toronto
Reactions to some comments on Instagram
Balancing personal vs professional time with her partner, Nidun, who films/edits some of her content
The loss of her Mom and how it shaped her
What does Thanuska want to be remembered for?
To watch this episode on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheStoryBehindATitle
Thanuska’s socials
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thanuska.s/
Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thanuska.s
Jananie’s socials
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jaybasky
Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jaybasky
46 min - Travel diaries, insecurities of an independent artist and creative wins with Sahi Siva
Sahi Siva is a Tamil singer and songwriter, born and raised in the UK. A few years ago, after successfully completing his undergrad and masters in Mechanical Engineering, Sahi made the decision to leave behind his corporate life in FinTech, to pursue his career as a musician full-time. And since then, it has been a whirlwind of independent music, travel, tours, opening acts for legendary artists such as Yuvan Shankar Raja, Santhosh Narayan and much more. But is the grass always green for Sahi? Maybe not!
On the first episode of The Story Behind A Title, Jananie and Sahi discuss
- Choosing to pursue music full-time
- Dealing with low days / prioritizing mental health
- Solo travel diaries
- The importance of networking with artists
- Performing in Jaffna with Santhosh Narayan and team
- Recent controversies about the treatment independent artists get at events
- His soon to release album titled “Unnaale”
- Sahi Cinematic Universe
- A theme song for his life
- Dream collaborations
To watch this episode on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheStoryBehindATitleSahi’s socials
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sahisiva_official
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SahiSiva
Spotify - Sahi Siva
Twitter - https://twitter.com/sahisivaaa
Jananie’s socialsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jaybasky/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jananieb/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/JayBasky
Website - https://palmrootsonline.ca/
https://www.team3d.ca/
44 min
About The Story Behind A Title
From the publisher's feed
When we meet someone, we’re more likely to ask them what they do more than how they’re doing. Our “titles” have become a very prominent way of defining who we are and sometimes even restricting us…
into a specific stereotype. However, the story that lies beyond those titles will open up limitless conversations that help us understand someone in a more personal way. “The Story behind a Title” is about having conversations with the human beyond the titles they hold and understanding how their expertise creates an impact in the life of others.