Shows
Global Desi WomenThe Dance of Heritage: A Cultural Journey with Vandita ParikhSend us a textSummaryIn this episode of Global Desi Women, host Arti Salanki speaks with Vandita Parikh, founder of the Nartin School of Dance and Arts (NSDA). They discuss the importance of cultural heritage through dance, the journey of NSDA, and the impact of dance on community and identity. Vandita shares her innovative curriculum that connects storytelling with dance, the therapeutic benefits of dance, and how it evolves in the digital age. The conversation emphasizes the transformative power of dance and offers advice for young Desi women pursuing creative paths.Chapters2025-07-2641 min
Global Desi WomenAncient Wisdom, Modern Glow: Dr. Meenakshi Gupta on Ayurveda, Skincare & Soulful EntrepreneurshipSend us a textSummaryIn this episode of Global Desi Women, host Arti Salanki engages with Dr. Meenakshi Gupta, an Ayurvedic practitioner and entrepreneur, discussing her journey from India to the US, the core principles of Ayurveda, and how to incorporate holistic practices into daily life. They explore the growing interest in Ayurveda among Western communities, the challenges of being a female entrepreneur, and the launch of Dr. Gupta's skincare brand, Cia Mor. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-care, balance, and reconnecting with nature for overall wellness.Chapters00:00 Introduction...2025-07-1938 min
Global Desi WomenPower, Purpose & Public Service with Judge Juli MathewSend us a textSummaryIn this episode of Global Desi Women, Judge Juli Mathew shares her inspiring journey as the first Indian American woman elected to the bench in Fort Bend County. She discusses her motivations for entering law, the challenges she faces as a South Asian woman in a leadership role, and her commitment to empowering youth through mental health initiatives and community programs. Judge Mathew emphasizes the importance of accountability in the justice system, self-care practices for judges, and the need for representation in law. She encourages young women to take risks...2025-07-1240 min
Global Desi WomenNavigating Modern Womanhood: A Conversation with Shunali Kullar Shraff The Evolving Role of Desi Women in SocietySend us a textIn this episode of Global Desi Women, host Arti Salanki engages in a heartfelt conversation with Shunali Kullar Shraff, an accomplished author and speaker. They explore the complexities of being a Desi woman in modern society, touching on themes of motherhood, the evolving roles of women, and the impact of social media on self-expression. Shunali shares her creative journey, the challenges of balancing motherhood with her career, and her insights on the changing narrative around women's voices. The discussion emphasizes the importance of finding one's voice and the need for honest dialogue...2025-07-0546 min
Global Desi WomenEmpowering Women in Healthcare Leadership Malisha Patel: A Journey of Compassion and LeadershipSend us a textIn this episode of the Global Desi Women podcast, host Arti Salanki ( Business Coach, real estate broker ) along with co host Dr. Reena Jasani and Vinoo Palicha ( founder of Vdesi), speaks with Malisha Patel, a prominent healthcare leader and CEO of Memorial Hermann Southwest. Malisha shares her inspiring journey into healthcare leadership, discussing her early motivations, the challenges she faced as a Desi woman in a leadership role, and the importance of community involvement. She emphasizes the significance of having a strong team, the lessons learned from her experiences, and the evolving...2025-06-2847 min
Global Desi WomenEmpowerment Through Resilience Dr. Gunjan: A Journey of StrengthSend us a textSummaryIn this episode, Dr. Gunjan Malhotra shares her inspiring journey as a senior gynecologist in the Indian Army, discussing her path to medicine, the challenges she faced, and the importance of resilience and self-love. She emphasizes the empowerment of women, the significance of yoga and meditation in healing, and the need for regular health checkups. Dr. Gunjan also highlights the importance of giving back to the community and offers advice to young women pursuing their dreams.TakeawaysWomen are already empowered; they just need to...2025-06-2138 min
Global Desi WomenFrom Tech Leader to Tree Planter: Geeta’s Journey of Purpose and PlanetSend us a textIn this inspiring episode of Global Desi Women, host Arti Solanki—real estate broker, business coach, and champion for Desi women entrepreneurs—is joined by co-host Bhavana Shelley and special guest Geeta, a South Asian woman leader with over 25 years of experience at SAP, Dell, and Accenture.Geeta shares her powerful journey from corporate success to environmental activism. As the founder of One Earth One Chance, she has led over 115 community events, planted 5,000+ native trees, and now teaches sustainability at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). 🌱You’ll learn:2025-06-1445 min
Global Desi WomenBlending Dance, Science & Desi Identity — with Nima MistrySend us a textIn this empowering episode of Global Desi Women, host Arti Solanki—business coach, real estate broker, and author—is joined by co-host Vinoo Palicha, founder of VDesi ethnic wear, for a rich conversation with the dynamic Nima Mistry.A proud University of Houston alumna, Nima Mistry is a board-certified exercise physiologist, private tutor, and founder of Kathak Bells Handmade Creations—a cultural brand celebrating classical Indian dance with handcrafted ghungroos for dancers across the U.S. and Canada.With...2025-06-0749 min
Global Desi WomenFrom Healing Within to Shining Beyond: A Holistic Desi Journey with Sheetal SinghSend us a textHost: Arti Solanki Business Coach, Real Estate Broker, and Author of Hindu RitualsCo-Host: Vinoo Palicha Founder of Vdesi Ethnic WearGuest: Sheetal Singh Holistic Nervous System Chiropractor, Yoga Instructor, Director of Functional HealthEpisode Description:What does it mean to live in true alignment with your body, your culture, and your calling? In this deeply inspiring episode of Global Desi Women, host Arti Solanki and co-host Vinoo Palicha sit down with the ra...2025-05-3150 min
Global Desi WomenDiabetes, Thyroid, and Weight Loss in South Asian Women: A Deep Dive with Dr. Prasanthi TandupuSend us a textIn this episode of Global Desi Women, host Arti Solanki and co-hosts Bhavana Shelley a business analyst, Bhawna Luthra a family and marraige therapist, and Vinoo Palicha founder of Vdesi ethnic wear. As we engage with Dr. Prasanthi Tandapu, a triple board certified endocrinologist, discussing critical health issues such as diabetes and thyroid conditions prevalent in the Indian community. The conversation explores the unique risks associated with type 2 diabetes in Asians, the importance of lifestyle changes, and the complexities of the endocrine system. Dr. Prasanthi emphasizes the significance of a whole food plant-forward...2025-05-2447 min
Global Desi WomenChandni Pal on Integrative Medicine, Fashion, Purpose and Empowering Desi WomenSend us a textJoin host Arti Solanki—Business Coach, Real Estate Broker at Livin Large, and Author of Hindu Rituals—on this powerful episode of the Global Desi Women Podcast, where we spotlight South Asian women breaking barriers, balancing tradition with ambition, and building community across the globe.In this episode, Arti is joined by her insightful co-hosts:Vinoo Palicha, Founder of Vdesi, a growing South Asian ethnic wear brandBhavana Shelley, a talented Business Anal...2025-05-1738 min
Global Desi WomenNamitha Unlimited: Leadership, Sustainable Fashion & Empowering WomenSend us a textGlobal Desi Women | Hosts: Arti Solanki, co host Vinoo Palicha and Bhawna LuthraIn this inspiring episode of Global Desi Women, business coach and author Arti Solanki teams up with co-host Vinoo Palicha founder of Vdeshi ethnic wear and Bhawna Luthra a licensed family and marriage therapist to spotlight powerhouse guest Namitha Nayak — a strategic thinker, community builder, and advocate for women’s empowerment and sustainable living.Namitha, a passionate mom of three and founder of PIN (People & Plane...2025-05-1056 min
Global Desi WomenPlan Today, Protect Tomorrow: Estate Planning with Reena Bhushan, PLLCSend us a textIn this powerful and informative episode, host Arti Solanki (Business Coach, Real Estate Broker, and Author of Hindu Rituals) and co-host Bhawna Luthra (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist) sit down with Reena Bhushan, PLLC, to discuss a topic many shy away from — Wills, Trusts, and Leaving a Legacy.As a legal expert, Reena shares essential insights on why estate planning matters, especially in Desi families. From protecting your loved ones to honoring your cultural values, this conversation is all about empowering women to make informed decisions an...2025-05-0346 min
Global Desi WomenHealing Through Sound, Purpose & Community with Mayuri Radha DasSend us a textIn this powerful and soul-nourishing episode of Global Desi Women, host Arti Solanki — a business coach, real estate broker, and author of Hindu Rituals — along with co-host Bhavana Shelley, a business analyst, sit down with the incredible Mayuri Radha Das.Mayuri is a sound healer, Reiki practitioner, mindfulness coach, and co-author of the transformational book The Call Within: Finding Purpose and Sparking Transformation, which has become an Amazon best-seller in multiple countries. 🌍✨Together, we explore her beautiful journey into healing, spirituality, and inner alignment — and how she turned pain into purpos...2025-04-2645 min
Global Desi WomenBreaking Barriers: A Desi Woman’s Guide to Freedom and FulfillmentSend us a text🎙️ Global Desi Women welcomes a deeply moving and empowering conversation with Maneesha Ahluwalia, a remarkable woman who embodies courage, authenticity, and transformation. In this episode, your host Arti Solanki—real estate broker, business coach for women entrepreneurs, and author of Hindu Rituals—is joined by co-hosts Bhavana Shelley, a sharp and insightful business analyst, and Bhawna Luthra, a compassionate marriage and family therapist. Together, they explore the life journey of a woman who dared to walk away from societal expectations to embrace a path aligned with her...2025-04-1949 min
Global Desi WomenCrafting Culture: The Story of Imroz Niwas with Tannya SinghSend us a textIn this enriching episode of Global Desi Women, host Arti Solanki—a real estate broker, business coach for women entrepreneurs, and author of Hindu Rituals—is joined by her insightful co-host Bhavana Shelley, a skilled business analyst, to welcome a remarkable guest whose story blends legacy, creativity, and entrepreneurship in a deeply inspiring way.Meet Tannya Singh, the founder of Imroz Niwas, a conscious lifestyle brand that celebrates the artistry and soul of Indian craftsmanship. Born in New Delhi and raised in Houston, Tannya is a living bridge between two...2025-04-1238 min
Global Desi WomenEmpowered and Inspiring: Spotlight on Sonali BhargavaSend us a textIn this radiant episode of Global Desi Women, we shine a much-deserved spotlight on Sonali Bhargava — a woman of substance, style, and soul. A celebrated model, devoted teacher, pageant walk coach, and passionate advocate for women empowerment, Sonali is the epitome of grace, grit, and giving back.Crowned Mrs. Texas Universe 2025 and Mrs. SouthAsia World 2023, and a multi-award-winning talent and beauty queen, Sonali has walked international runways like New York Fashion Week and graced the covers of top magazines like Vogue e-magazine, MAC Personality, and Center Spread International. But be...2025-04-0538 min
Global Desi WomenEmbracing Career Transitions – Challenges and Strategies for WomenSend us a textIn this episode of Global Desi Women, host Arti Solanki—real estate broker at Livin Large Realty, business coach for women entrepreneurs, and author of Hindu Rituals—sits down with Deepika Gorji for an insightful discussion on career transitions. Deepika, a PhD in Chemistry, Product Manager in IT, TEDx speaker, and an author in the making, joins the show for the second time to share her journey of shifting careers and the challenges women often face when stepping into new industries. Career changes can be daunting, especially for women who juggle multip...2025-03-3047 min
Global Desi WomenNavigating Immigration Law: Insights from Attorney Uma MantravadiSend us a textIn this episode of Global Desi Women, host Arti Solanki—real estate broker, business coach, IT business owner, and author of Hindu Rituals—sits down with Uma Mantravadi, a highly respected immigration attorney with over 26 years of experience. As an immigrant herself, Uma brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and families navigating the complex U.S. immigration system.From H-1B visas and family immigration to recent policy changes and employer compliance, Uma shares invaluable insights on how immigrants can successfully build their futures in the U.S. S...2025-03-2442 min
Global Desi WomenHealing, Art, and Impact: Dr. Amita Bhalla’s Mission with Magic Bus to Break the Cycle of PovertySend us a textWelcome to another powerful episode of Global Desi Women! I’m your host, Arti Solanki—real estate broker at Livin Large Realty, business coach, and author of Hindu Rituals—and today, I have the absolute honor of speaking with an inspiring woman whose passion, philanthropy, and purpose-driven work are changing lives. Joining us is Dr. Amita Bhalla, a physician, artist, and philanthropist, whose journey from Mumbai to the U.S. has been fueled by a deep commitment to healing, education, and empowering underprivileged children. While she has built a thriving career in neur...2025-03-1550 min
Global Desi WomenGrace in Motion: Dr. Sunanda Nair on the Art & Legacy of MohiniattamSend us a textIn this episode of Global Desi Women, host Arti Solanki—business coach, real estate broker at Livin Large Realty, and author of Hindu Rituals—alongside co-host Vinoo Palicha, founder of Desi, an ethnic wear collection, welcomes the renowned Dr. Sunanda Nair.Arti Solanki:https://artisolanki.com/landing/book-a-free-callhttps://livinlargerealty.comhttps://s.mtrbio.com/theartisolankihttps://www.riverside.fm/?via=arti-solankiFacebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessclubforwomenentrepreneurs/https://youtube.com/@globaldesiwomen Hindu Rituals - htt...2025-02-2242 min
Global Desi WomenThriving from Within: A Conversation on Health and Wellness with Ruchika BehlSend us a textIn this insightful episode of Global Desi Women, host Arti Solanki and co-host Bhavana Shelley sit down with Ruchika Behal, a Health and Wellness Coach, to dive deep into the importance of holistic health. Ruchika, with her expertise, takes us through the powerful connection between the mind and body and how we can achieve true wellness by nurturing both.Throughout the conversation, Ruchika shares practical strategies for creating sustainable lifestyle changes that promote long-term health. We discuss the significance of mindful eating, the role of...2025-02-1540 min
Global Desi WomenDecoding Destiny: A Journey Through Numerology, Tarot & Angelic Healing with Aektaa TanejaaSend us a textWelcome to another enlightening episode of Global Desi Women! 🌟 Your host, Arti Solanki—business coach and real estate broker at Livin Large Realty—is joined by her incredible co-hosts, Bhavana Shelley, a consultant manager, and Vinoo Palicha, founder and owner of VDesi, an ethnic wear collection.In today’s episode, we sit down with the amazing Aektaa Tanejaa, a numerologist, tarot reader, and angelic healer. She guides individuals on their spiritual paths, helping them uncover clarity and personal transformation through the power of numbers, tarot insights, and angelic guidance.🔮 What You’ll...2025-02-0843 min
Global Desi WomenAncient Wisdom for Modern Wellness: Ayurveda with Sunita TarkundeSend us a textIn this deeply insightful episode of Global Desi Women, we welcome Sunita Tarkunde from Houston Ayurveda Center, a passionate advocate of Ayurveda and holistic healing. Host: Arti Solanki – Business Coach & Real Estate BrokerCo-Hosts: Bhavana Shelley – Consultant | Bhawna Luthra – Licensed Marriage & Family TherapistAyurveda, an ancient system of natural healing, has been practiced for thousands of years—but how does it fit into our modern lives? Sunita takes us on a journey through the fundamentals of Ayurveda, explaining how balancing our doshas (V...2025-02-0145 min
Global Desi WomenTurning Struggles into Strength: Finding Your True PurposeSend us a textIn this inspiring episode, host Arti Solanki is joined by co-hosts Bhavana Shelley and Bhawna Luthra to dive into the incredible journey of Ashma Khanani Moosa. A two-time cancer survivor, Ashma shares her story of resilience, hope, and determination as she transitioned into her role as an Integrative Health Wellness Nurse Coach at Science Behind Health. As an RN and Executive Board member of The Rose – Non-Profit Breast Health, Ashma has dedicated her life to making a difference.We di...2025-01-2553 min
Global Desi WomenCourage, Culture, and Crowns: Rutvi Chauhan’s Path to Mrs. Universe USASend us a textIn this uplifting and motivational episode of Global Desi Women, host Arti Solanki (business coach and real estate broker) is joined by a dynamic panel of co-hosts: Bhavana Shelley (consultant), Kavita Jasani (civil engineer turned finance professional), and Vinoo Palicha (founder of Vdesi, an ethnic wear brand). Together, they welcome the extraordinary Rutvi Chauhan, Mrs. Universe USA 2024, to share her journey of grit, determination, and success.Rutvi opens up about her path to becoming Mrs. Universe USA, a journey that was anything but conventional. From teaching herself the nuances of pageantry...2025-01-1844 min
Global Desi WomenBreaking the Stigma: Navigating Mental Health in the South Asian CommunitySend us a textWelcome to another impactful episode of Global Desi Women with your host Arti Solanki—Co-founder of Om Enterprise Inc (an IT Company), Real Estate Broker at Livin Large Realty, and Online Business Coach for Women Entrepreneurs at artisolanki.com. Arti is passionate about empowering women and sharing stories that inspire, educate, and connect.In today’s episode, Arti is joined by her co-host Bhavana Shelley, a skilled consultant with a knack for diving deep into meaningful discussions. And our esteemed guest Bhawna Luthra, MA...2025-01-111h 06
Global Desi WomenBreaking into the Market: Building Brands, Strategies, and Success in a Competitive WorldSend us a textIn this exciting episode of Global Desi Women, join me, Arti Solanki (business coach, real estate broker, and author of Hindu Religion), along with my amazing co-hosts: Bhavana Shelley– Consultant, Bhawna Luthra – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist We sit down with the brilliant entrepreneur Aditi Bhandari to explore the intricacies of breaking into the competitive market. With over a decade of experience in retail marketing and CPG brand management at industry giants like Target and PepsiCo, Aditi shares her inspiring journey of founding Blur, a strategy consultancy for consumer brands. Dis...2024-12-2144 min
Global Desi WomenWeaving Stories of Tradition and Sustainability: The Journey of Vithika Curated WeavesSend us a textIn this episode of Global Desi Women, join host Arti Solanki and co-hosts Bhavana Shelley and Karishma Shelley as we talk to incredibly talented Shruti Asher, co-founder of Breathing Fabrics Co. and the visionary behind Vithika Curated Weaves.Breathing Fabrics Co. (BFC), founded by Shruti Ashar & Mona Sheth in April’24, is a result of a simple idea coming to life through consistent action and love for comfortable, conscious fashion.Style to us is about keeping it real and classy. Each product is ha...2024-12-1451 min
Global Desi WomenDesi Women’s Health: Mental and Physical Well-BeingSend us a textIn this powerful episode of Global Desi Women, host Arti Solanki and her insightful co-hosts—Kavita Jasani, Swetha Reddy, and Rhea Palicha—take a deep dive into the often-overlooked topic of Desi women’s health. Together, they embark on a heartfelt and informative discussion about the mental and physical challenges that South Asian women face in their pursuit of well-being, while navigating the complexities of cultural expectations, family responsibilities, and personal aspirations. Arti Solanki, a trailblazer in empowering women through her work as a business coach and entrepreneur, anchors the conversation with wa...2024-12-0842 min
Global Desi WomenThe Art of Saying No: Setting Boundaries Without GuiltSend us a textIn this empowering episode of Global Desi Women, your host Arti Solanki—business coach, real estate broker, and author of the book Hindu Rituals is joined by her incredible co-hosts Bhavana Shelley, a seasoned consultant; Bhawna Luthra, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist; and Swetha Reddy, a homemaker with an MBA in Finance and Marketing. Together, they dive into a topic that resonates deeply with many women, especially those in the Desi community: The Art of Saying No: Setting Boundaries Without Guilt. Saying no can be one of the hardest things to d...2024-11-3043 min
Global Desi WomenAcross the Miles: Caring for Senior Parents Returning HomeSend us a textIn this heartfelt episode of Global Desi Women, we dive into the challenges and joys of supporting our senior parents as they return to their home country. 🌏💛I’m your host, Arti Solanki - Business Coach / Real Estate Broker, joined by two incredible co-hosts:🌟 Bhawna Luthra – a licensed marriage and family therapist, bringing her expertise on family dynamics and emotional well-being.🌟 Dr. Deepika Gorji – a PhD in Chemistry, Product Manager in IT, TEDx speaker, and an author in the making.Dr. Deepika shares her...2024-11-231h 05
Global Desi WomenAlign, Attract, Achieve: Unlocking the Law of Attraction and Vision boards!Send us a textI’m so excited to bring you this episode where we’re diving into something close to my heart—the Law of Attraction and Vision Boards! As someone who’s a business coach for women entrepreneurs, a real estate broker, and a co-owner of an IT company, I’ve seen how powerful it can be to align your thoughts and intentions to create the life you truly want. Joining me today are my amazing co-hosts: Bhavana Shelley, a brilliant consultant with incredible strategic insights, Shwetha Reddy, a homemaker who always brings a grounded...2024-11-1648 min
Global Desi WomenThe Weight of Expectations: Navigating Indian Parental Pressure and Finding Your Own PathSend us a textIn this episode of Global Desi Women, guest host Natasha Solanki joins co-hosts Karishma Shelley, Simki Palicha, and Tanvi Solanki to explore the many layers of Indian parental expectations and how they shape life’s biggest choices—from careers to relationships, and eventually, starting a family. Growing up in an Indian household often means facing high expectations in every area of life, and the hosts open up about the impact these pressures have had on them personally, beginning with career choices. They discuss how their families' guidance (and sometimes demands) influenced the paths they...2024-11-0945 min
Global Desi WomenEmpowered Goals: A Desi Woman’s Guide to Crafting an Inspiring Year AheadSend us a textAs we prepare for the new year, many of us are thinking about the goals we want to set, yet setting these goals as Desi women comes with unique cultural perspectives and expectations. Join host Arti Solanki a Business Coach / Real Estate Broker, alongside co-hosts Karishma Shelley and Bhavana Shelley, in this special episode where we break down what it means to set goals that truly resonate with our identities and ambitions.From redefining personal boundaries to navigating family expectations, we’ll talk through every aspect of building goals that feel bot...2024-11-0446 min
Global Desi WomenFrom housewife to entrepreneur: my personal journey!Send us a textFrom Housewife to Entrepreneur – My Journey UnfoldedIn today's solo episode of Global Desi Women, I’m inviting you behind the scenes of my journey from a housewife to a business owner and coach. 🌟 I am your host Arti Solanki, a real estate broker at Livin Large Realty, a business coach for women entrepreneurs, and a co founder of an IT company Om Enterprise Inc. Life was stable and comfortable, but when my husband lost his long-time job, we were faced with a decision that changed everything: starting our own busi...2024-10-2627 min
Global Desi WomenThe Power of Female Friendships: Sisterhood & SupportSend us a textIn this heartfelt episode of Global Desi Women, we explore the deep-rooted significance of female friendships and the unique sisterhood that shapes women’s lives. Arti Solanki, joined by a group of inspiring women as your co-hosts are Bhavana Shelley, Shwetha Reddy, Rhea Palicha as we unpack the emotional and psychological benefits of having strong female connections. From childhood friends who become our confidantes to the women who enter our lives later and change them forever, this episode dives into the power of shared experiences, trust, and unconditional support.We’ll disc...2024-10-2038 min
Global Desi WomenHow Technology is Empowering Indian BusinesswomenSend us a textWelcome back to another exciting episode of Global Desi Women, the podcast where we explore the unique journeys, challenges, and triumphs of Desi women around the world. I'm your host, Arti Solanki, with Co host Swetha Reddy, Natasha Solanki, Toral Gandhi and today we’re diving into a topic that’s transforming the landscape for women entrepreneurs—how technology is empowering Indian businesswomen like never before.From e-commerce platforms and social media to fintech solutions and online education, technology is opening doors and breaking down barriers that once held women back. Whethe...2024-10-1245 min
Global Desi WomenHow Technology is Empowering Indian BusinesswomenSend us a textWelcome back to another exciting episode of Global Desi Women, the podcast where we explore the unique journeys, challenges, and triumphs of Desi women around the world. I'm your host, Arti Solanki, and Co host are Natasha Gandhi, Toral Palicha, Swetha Reddy, today we’re diving into a topic that’s transforming the landscape for women entrepreneurs—how technology is empowering Indian businesswomen like never before.From e-commerce platforms and social media to fintech solutions and online education, technology is opening doors and breaking down barriers that once held women back. Whethe...2024-10-1246 min
Global Desi WomenGreat Indian Wedding Guest OlympicsSend us a textWelcome to a one-of-a-kind journey into the vibrant, chaotic, and unforgettable experience of attending an Indian wedding—The Great Indian Wedding Guest Olympics, with your host Arti Solanki, and co hosts Bhavana Shelley, Natasha Gandhi and Usha Khatri. In this episode, we’ll dive into the ultimate guest challenge, where every invitee competes in their own way to emerge as the best-dressed, the most energetic dancer, and the most culturally savvy participant. Indian weddings are not just events; they are grand, multi-day celebrations filled with traditions, colors, food, and fun. But for...2024-10-0543 min
Global Desi WomenIndian Festivals and how we celebrate it.Send us a textIn this episode of Global Desi Women, we celebrate one of the most cherished aspects of Indian culture—our festivals. Whether it’s the shimmering lights of Diwali, the vibrant colors of Holi, or the soulful celebrations of Eid, Indian festivals are rich with tradition and cultural significance. But how do these grand celebrations evolve when we're living abroad? How do we keep the spirit of these festivals alive while navigating life in a different cultural setting? Host Arti Solanki and her co-hosts Bhavana Shelley, Vinoo Palicha, and Karishma Shelley dive into...2024-09-2851 min
Global Desi WomenFashion and Identity in the Desi CommunitySend us a textIn this episode of Global Desi Women, we explore the deep connections between fashion and identity in the Desi community. Fashion is not just about what we wear—it is a reflection of our heritage, culture, and individuality. From vibrant sarees to bold lehengas and contemporary fusion styles, Desi fashion is full of rich symbolism and tradition. But how does what we wear shape who we are?Host Arti Solanki and her co-hosts Vinoo, Rhea, and Simki dive into how fashion plays a crucial role in preserving cultural identity, especially within th...2024-09-2048 min
Global Desi WomenBody Image and Beauty Standards in the Desi CommunitySend us a textIn this episode of Global Desi Women, we dive deep into the complex world of body image and beauty standards in the South Asian community. Beauty ideals in Desi culture are often shaped by traditional expectations, Bollywood influences, and societal pressures, and they can have a lasting impact on self-esteem and mental health, especially for women.Host Arti Solanki, along with her co-hosts Kavita Jasani and Bhavana Shelley, engages in a candid conversation about the *traditional Indian beauty ideals*, such as fair skin, long hair, and slim body types. They discuss...2024-09-1340 min
Global Desi WomenOur Moms—Raising First Generation in AmericaSend us a textIn this episode of Global Desi Women, host Arti Solanki is joined by Natasha Gandhi, Dr. Reena Jasani, and Karishma Shelley for an intimate and enlightening discussion about their mothers and the unique experiences of being raised as first-generation Indian Americans. The episode dives deep into the rich cultural traditions, values, and methods their moms used while navigating life in a new country, often in contrast to the approaches of mothers from other cultures.Each of the co-hosts brings their own story to the table, creating a tapestry of shared and...2024-09-0745 min
Global Desi WomenIndian Superstitions: Tradition, Fear, and the Fine Line Between Good and Bad LuckSend us a textWelcome to another captivating episode of Global Desi Women, where we dive deep into the traditions, beliefs, and customs that shape our lives. This week, we’re exploring a topic that many of us are familiar with, but few truly understand — Indian superstitions.From avoiding cracked mirrors to not stepping out when a black cat crosses your path, superstitions are ingrained in the everyday lives of many Indian families. But where did these beliefs come from, and why do they continue to influence the way we live today? More impo...2024-08-3048 min
Global Desi WomenArranged Marriage in Indian Culture: Tradition, Modernity, and MythsSend us a textIn this episode of Global Desi Women, we dive into the fascinating world of arranged marriages, a practice deeply rooted in Indian culture but often misunderstood. Join your host Arti Solanki and her co-hosts Vinoo Palicha, Natasha Gandhi, and Usha Khatri as they explore the history and evolution of arranged marriages, highlighting the generational shifts that have transformed how they are perceived and practiced today.We discuss the roles that family and parents traditionally play in arranging marriages and how young Indians are navigating this practice in the modern world. From...2024-08-2341 min
Global Desi WomenGender roles - Indian men vs Indian womenSend us a textIn this episode of Global Desi Women, we delve into the evolving landscape of gender roles in Indian society. Traditionally, Indian men and women have had distinct roles, shaped by cultural expectations and societal norms. Men were often seen as the providers, while women were the caretakers, confined to the domestic sphere. However, we've come a long way from those stereotypes.As Indian women, we've redefined our roles, learning to balance our careers, personal growth, and family life. We’ve embraced the importance of giving ourselves the time and space to pu...2024-08-1644 min
Global Desi WomenIndian Women and How They Handle Their FinancesSend us a textIn this episode of "Global Desi Women," we delve into the fascinating world of financial management through the eyes of Indian women, past and present. Traditionally, our mothers and grandmothers have been the unsung heroes of household finances. Despite limited resources and often without formal education, they mastered the art of budgeting, saving, and even stashing funds secretly for emergencies. These women, with their incredible foresight and resourcefulness, ensured financial stability for their families through simple yet effective means.Fast forward to today, and the landscape of financial management has evolved...2024-08-1237 min
Global Desi WomenIntergenerational DialogueSend us a textWelcome to our Global Desi Women podcast! I'm your host, Arti Solanki, and joining me are my wonderful co-hosts Bhavana Shelley, Vinoo Palicha, and Natasha Gandhi. Today, we’re diving into a topic that resonates deeply with many of us: intergenerational dialogue.As Indian women, we often find ourselves at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. Intergenerational dialogue is about bridging the gap between different generations, understanding each other's perspectives, and fostering a sense of mutual respect and learning.Preservation of Culture and Traditions: - Our elders hold a we...2024-08-0345 min