Shows
Spark of AgesBootstrapping a Community Wildfire Response/Sandeep Parikh - Altadena, Crowdfund, EffinFunny ~ Spark of Ages Ep 36Sandeep Parikh shares his journey of resilience after being displaced by the LA wildfires, discussing how the disaster tested his strength as a father, husband, and creator while inspiring new approaches to filmmaking and community building.• Surviving the devastating LA wildfires that destroyed over 9,000 structures and left countless homes uninhabitable due to toxic contamination• Co-founding Eaton Fire Residents United to map toxin spread through affected neighborhoods when official support fell short• Maintaining creativity despite compounding challenges to Hollywood from pandemic, strikes, and now natural disasters• Pioneering crowdfunding success with culturally authentic projects like DesiQuest and the...2025-04-251h 25
American Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)Going Down the Rabbit Hole with AI ~ Conspiracies, Skynet, Simulation Theory - (A·B·C·D) Sn3 Ep4Sandeep & Rekha's Kickstarter for their Movie: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rekha/afterlife-2Email Feedback: abcdpodcastshow@gmail.com🎙️ ABCD Podcast #44: Is Any of This Real? AI Roasts, Conspiracy Theories & More! 🤖🌌Join Omar Najam and Sandeep Parikh with Kaylin Mahoney for a mind-bending episode exploring reality, AI, and the internet's wildest conspiracies!This Episode's Reality-Questioning Content:🔍 ChatGPT ruthlessly roasts the ABCD subreddit (and it's surprisingly insightful!)🪐 The hilarious Nibiru cataclysm conspiracy theory explained🧠 Are we living in a simulation? Our deep dive into digital reality🤖 AI governance: humanity's salvation or...2025-03-281h 19American Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)What makes a movie "Indian"? ~ Oscars, All We Imagine as Light, Mindy Kaling - (A·B·C·D) Sn3 Ep3Support Sandeep & Rekha's Kickstarter for their Movie: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rekha/afterlife-2🎙️ ABCD Podcast #43: ABCD: Oscars Special! Hollywood Glamour with a Desi Twist 🏆✨Join Omar Najam and special guest Dael Kingsmill on the American Born Chatty Desis for a star-studded dive into awards season! From Oscar secrets to Sundance sensations, we're breaking it all down with our signature comedy style.In this glitzy episode:🎬 Oscar trivia you never knew (15-minute ceremony?! Three possible "Oscar" name origins?!)🎭 The great debate: Do the Oscars still have their magic?🇮🇳 Two Indian filmmakers makin...2025-03-0358 min
DesiQuestA Thorn By Any Other Name | DesiQuest Winter Special Episode 2Our adventurers find themselves in a magical well that is actually a prison, encountering new friends, a human prisoner and also meets a man named Raj who is on his way to the city to become a bard. They'll have to figure out how to escape, deal with untrustworthy characters, and decipher the mysteries of the well. The adventurers must decide who to trust and how to help their new friends, all while navigating a web of deceit, potential danger, and the looming possibility of a dark fate. Will they manage to escape the well, save Raj, and uncover th...2025-03-012h 13DesiQuestAlways Look A Gift Horse in the Mouth | DesiQuest Winter Special Episode 1Welcome to Winter in Vehaar! Our story begins just as the seeds of war are beginning to sprout, between our adventurers' home of Vehaar and the neighboring kingdom of Sindcastlin. It is in this choked climate that we meet our beloved heroes of Season 1 - Ash, Laddoo Auntie, Murkha, and Sitara - in an entirely new light. Behold! DesiQuest has returned, but things are... different.Wanna play D&D with the cast? Buy a seat at the table here: www.desiquest/playwiththeprosGet your DesiQuest merch: www.desiquest.com/merchBecome a Vehaari Citizen here...2025-02-202h 53American Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)How Indians Express Love in America ~ Valentine's Week, Best Food, Cow Hugs - (A·B·C·D) Sn3 Ep2 (Guest Hosts: Rekha Shankar & Keerthi Harishankar)🎙️ ABCD Podcast #42: "ABCD: Love, Food & Desi Life - The Ultimate Valentine's Episode! 💘🍛Join comedy writers Rekha Shankar and Keerthi Harishankar (plus adorable dog guests Archie & Sassy! 🐕) for a delicious blend of romance and gastronomy!This Episode's Love & Food Menu:💝 India's epic 7-day Valentine's celebration (and Keerthi's plan to make it all about her birthday!)🥘 Bloomberg's hot take: Why Indian food rules the world🌶️ Perfect flavor combos: From Channa Bale to Gobi Manchurian🐮 The hilarious failed "Cow Hug Day" saga🍲 Why every Indian dish needs five flavors to be perfectPlus These Tasty Segmen...2025-02-181h 10American Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)Can we go back to 2024? (Time Capsule Special) ~ Trump-Harris Debate, Pets, Aunties - (A·B·C·D) Sn3 Ep1Time travel with the American Born Chatty Desis as we revisit the game-changing October 2024 debate! Join us for this special episode recorded right after the historic October 2024 debate but released just after the inauguration of 2025! Political expert Mushtaq Gunja helps us unpack this pivotal moment in American politics with fresh insights and hindsight wisdom.🧠Fun fact: This episode captures a unique moment in political history through a South Asian-American lens! 🎥Deep Dive Analysis Include:🎭 Harris's strategic centrism and why it matters (or so we thought)📊 The fascinating math behind coalition-building🗳️ Why "Vote Blue No Matter Who"...2025-02-081h 25American Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)Foodie Episode with Rekha Shankar ~ Dosa, Gharana, Energy Drink or RPG Spell? - (A·B·C·D) Sn2 Ep 8🎙️ ABCD Podcast #40: Join 🙋♂️ Omar, 🧑🍳 Sandeep, and special guest host 🎨 Rekha Shankar as they devour the latest desi news and trends! 🗞️🌶️☕ Discover the cultural movement behind Indian-inspired coffee shops and their unique beverages! 🇮🇳🥤😲 Electric eels can now zap DNA into other animals - is this the start of a real-life Jurassic Park? 🐍⚡️🦖🌭 Oh no! Joey Chestnut got disqualified from the hot dog eating contest! 🍔🍛👨⚕️ "Not a Doctor!?" with Gharana Foods' Amit Patel who shares his insights on the evolving Indian food scene in America. 🍽️🇺🇸🔮 Auntie vs Auntie 2024: Biden stepping down? Trump's VP Pick. Which Auntie will ascend to the ethereal plane first? 👵🏾vs👵🏽🤯 Can you guess if these are energy...2024-08-091h 25American Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)Making Movies with More Masala than Money ~ Cow Dung, Charli XCX, Kalki 2898AD - (A·B·C·D) Sn2 Ep 7🎙️ ABCD Podcast #39: Cow Power & Lunar Lies! 🐮🌙Join Sandeep & Omar as they navigate the wild world of Desi news! 🌶️🗞️🤔 Did Omar fake the moon landing? 🚀🎬💩 Can cow poop save the planet? 🌍💨🎭 Is Bollywood going full Blade Runner? 🤖💰🏏 Did Team USA just bowl over Pakistan? 🇺🇸🏆❓ Pop Quiz: How well do you know Dr. Strangelove? 🎬🧠💃 Desi Spotlight: Charli XCX's spicy revelation! 🎵🔥🏀 NBA gets a Desi twist! Who sang the anthem? 🎤🇺🇸🔮 Auntie vs Auntie 2024: The saga continues! 👵🏾vs👵🏽(Probability now at 35% - place your bets! 💸)🐉 DnD fans! Don't miss DesiQuest at Comic Con & Gen Con! 🎲🧙♂️🎬 Help fund Sandeep's movie! Be a Patreon hero! 🦸♀️💰🤣 LOL moments guaranteed or...2024-07-181h 02American Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)Zaboo & Bladezz take on Omar Najam's Text Based RPG ~ Brahma(s), BJP, Whales - (A·B·C·D) Sn2 Ep6🛠️ *WARNING* Sandeep's video is choppy at points of the episode from technical issues during the recording.🚨Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/effinfunnyEmail List: https://mailchi.mp/effinfunnyproductions/abcd Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/effinfunny-783006672439345154Email Feedback: abcdpodcastshow@gmail.comSUBSCRIBE TO @effinfunny FOR MORE EPISODES! MERCH: https://effinfunny.myshopify.comSandeep Parikh and Omar Najam are back, and this episode's got more bugs than your first attempt at coding! Join us as they reflect on cultural identities, U.S. political updates, and the art o...2024-06-281h 05American Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)Sorry Technology, But We Are Effin Artists! ~ Apple Ad, Garcetti, DesiQuest Artist - (A·B·C·D) Sn2 Ep5Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/effinfunnyEmail List: https://mailchi.mp/effinfunnyproductions/abcd Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/effinfunny-783006672439345154Email Feedback: abcdpodcastshow@gmail.comSUBSCRIBE TO @effinfunny FOR MORE EPISODES! MERCH: https://effinfunny.myshopify.com💥WARNING💥 😅 Brace yourself for Indian uncles, AI hallucinations, Beyonce concerts, and a very opinionated dog named Maple. 🐶🎉🤣 Join the Chaos, and Get Ready to Laugh and Learn with Sandeep & Omar! 🇮🇳🇺🇸🎉On this week's American Born Chatty Desi's:🤯 What's Got Us Confused? Apple's 🍎 ad, orangutans 🦧 making medicine 🌿 – the news is WILD!🎨 Not...2024-06-151h 09American Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)How you get a BILLION people to vote ~ Lok Sabha, Ms. Marvel, Bus-sized Snake - (A·B·C·D) Sn2 Ep4Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/effinfunnySign Up for the Email List: https://mailchi.mp/effinfunnyproductions/abcd Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/effinfunny-783006672439345154Email us with any feedback for the show: abcdpodcastshow@gmail.comMention us @effinfunny in comments!SUBSCRIBE TO EFFIN FUNNY FOR MORE EPISODES!https://www.youtube.com/effinfunny?sub_confirmation=1MERCH: https://effinfunny.myshopify.comEpisode Description:Ever wonder what happens when the world's largest democracy holds an election or how a 50-foot snake can reshape our understanding of a...2024-05-221h 04American Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)We Are All One Big Cousin - Mumbai Indians, Bhajans, Virat Kohli - (A·B·C·D) Sn2 Ep3Email us with any feedback for the show: abcdpodcastshow@gmail.comEpisode Description:Join us on ABCD (American Born Chatty Desi's), where we traipse through the vibrant fields of our cultural identity, picking apart current events with a dash of cheeky family rivalry in our 'Auntie vs Auntie Watch 2024.' And wouldn't you know it, Sandeep's extended clan drops in to sprinkle some personal charm into our musings.Navigating the intricate web of family dynamics isn't for the faint of heart, but that's exactly what we do, laughing our way through familiar and eccentric...2024-05-0558 minAmerican Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)Gaming as a Grownup is a Dream... ~ PAX East, DesiQuest, Munchkin vs Gulab Jamun - (A·B·C·D) Sn2 Ep2Our latest episode captures the highs and lows of PAX East in Boston, where Omar Najam and Sandeep Parikh left our live streaming habitat for the bustling convention floor. Wander with us through the maze of game developers, dice booths, and the inevitable mishaps along the way. But it's not all chaos; we're dishing out the scoop on Dispel Dice's newest treasures that are a dream for gamers and pet owners. We even tackle the heavyweight bout of snack food: Dunkin' Munchkins versus Gulab Jamun – a debate you won't want to miss.There's nothing quite like the en...2024-04-2134 minDesiQuestNever Say Farewell - DesiQuest Episode 8Will our DesiQuest crew survive the final blows from vengeful Gods in the ultimate battle between good and evil?! ❤️🔥 https://www.desiquest.comTHANK YOU to our sponsor, the Candela Obscura Core Rulebook 📖🪄 https://darringtonpress.com/candelaIn this finale episode of the South Asian mythology inspired TTRPG 🎲 actual play DesiQuest, starring our DM (Jasmine Bhullar), Sitara (Anjali Bhimani), Laddoo Auntie (Rekha Shankar), Murkha (Omar Najam), and Ash (Sandeep Parikh), we follow our adventurers as they continue their fight against a duo of blood-thirsty Gods 💪🩸, including the keeper of the DesiQuest crew's morality scale ⚖️, the Lord of Judgement. Will a su...2024-03-271h 37American Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)Holi Ramadan Batman, It's the Easter Bunny! ~ Article 370, Vogue India, Chess Master - (A·B·C·D) Sn2 Ep1Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/effinfunnyJoin the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/effinfunny-783006672439345154Email us with any feedback for the show: abcdpodcastshow@gmail.comEpisode 33:Unpack the essence of American-born Desi life with us! Cultural curiosity meets unbridled creativity in this celebration of identity. Tradition weaves through our talk as we bask in the festive fusion of Ramadan, Easter, and Holi. If that's not enough to whet your appetite, Indrani Ganguly, the trailblazing Indian game developer, let's us is behind the curtain on her latest creation that promises to...2024-03-261h 05American Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)Sandeep & Omar at PAX Unplugged ~ New Gamers, Thumb Warfare, Session Zeroes - (A·B·C·D) Bonus EpHave you ever stumbled upon a character in a game that felt like she was crafted just for you? That's what happened to Sandeep & Omar at PAX Unplugged in Philadelphia, where they encountered Neeha, an Indian auntie with a flair for fiber arts in the board game Arch Ravels. This episode takes you through the vibrant alleys of a board game convention, where cultural diversity isn't just present—it's weaved into the very fabric of play. Join us in echoing the excitement and novelty of finding our roots reflected in the cardboard and dice of tabletop gaming.The...2024-03-071h 08DesiQuestA Heavy Heart - DesiQuest Episode 7Will our DesiQuest crew survive an etherial battle with the gods ⚡️ at the summit of Rak Tibba?! 🏔️ https://www.desiquest.comTHANK YOU to our episode sponsors:The Get Brown! 🤣 @thegetbrownsketchcomedytea9990Gharana Foods 🥨 https://www.gharanafoods.com & use code "desiquest" for 20% off!Diehard Dice‼️🎲 ✨ https://www.dieharddice.com & use code “desiquest” for a discount!In this penultimate episode of the South Asian mythology inspired TTRPG 🎲 actual play DesiQuest, starring our DM (Jasmine Bhullar), Sitara (Anjali Bhimani), Laddoo Auntie (Rekha Shankar), Murkha (Omar Najam), and Ash (Sandeep Parikh), we follow our adventurers as they pick themselves up out of...2024-02-281h 18DesiQuestOn the Edge - DesiQuest Episode 6Will our DesiQuest crew survive an attack by the strange nefarious creatures living in the shadows at the base of Rak Tibba?! https://www.desiquest.comTHANK YOU to our episode sponsor, The Get Brown! @thegetbrownsketchcomedytea9990 In this sixth episode of the South Asian mythology inspired TTRPG actual play DesiQuest, starring our DM (Jasmine Bhullar), Sitara (Anjali Bhimani), Laddoo Auntie (Rekha Shankar), Murkha (Omar Najam), and Ash (Sandeep Parikh), we follow our adventurers as they travel with their new colleague Nuri (Erika Ishii) via spider to the town of Silgar at the base of Rak Ti...2024-02-082h 19
Sleeping with CelebritiesSandeep Parikh: Wartime HOA PresidentSandeep Parikh is well known to anyone who followed the web series The Guild, where he played Zaboo. Sandeep is a writer, producer, director, and comedian in Hollywood, where he also, very importantly, serves as president of his local homeowner's association. It is this role that he explores in meticulous depth in a soothing interview that gently tackles the legal dispute between Sandeep's southern California neighbors and a contractor who did a terrible job. Hear how Sandeep reluctantly rose to power in the HOA, how he may be trapped in office for some time to come, and how the...2024-01-2447 minDesiQuestThe Thick of It - DesiQuest Episode 4Will our DesiQuest crew survive a perilous trek through the living Moribani forest?! 🌳☠️🦌www.desiquest.comIn this fourth episode of the South Asian mythology inspired TTRPG actual play, DesiQuest starring our DM (Jasmine Bhullar), and Sitara (Anjali Bhimani), Laddoo Auntie (Rekha Shankar), Murkha (Omar Najam), and Ash (Sandeep Parikh), we follow our adventurers in the aftermath of hijacking an airship & crash-landing into a jungle inhabited by powerful divine entities ✨🐍. Separated from her friends, Sitara faces death as she’s met by a mysterious force who offers to bring her to her parents - for a price. What will she cho...2024-01-092h 23DesiQuestTicket to Ride - DesiQuest Episode 3Will our DesiQuest crew survive the perils of an airship's inaugural flight in hopes reaching the mysterious mountain Rak Tibba?! www.desiquest.comIn this third episode of the South Asian mythology inspired TTRPG actual play, DesiQuest starring our DM (Jasmine Bhullar), Sitara (Anjali Bhimani), Laddoo Auntie (Rekha Shankar), Murkha (Omar Najam), Ash (Sandeep Parikh), and Namir (special guest star Luis Carazo), our adventurers accept their fortuitous invitations to the Sky Haveli, continuing their journey via flight. Ash risks it all to fulfill his destiny of returning to his ancestors' homeland amidst ever-growing tensions between Vehaarians, divided...2023-12-121h 58American Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)Your Desi name means WHAT!?! ~ Bharat or India?, BAPS Robbinsville NJ, IPhone 15 - (A·B·C·D) Ep 31Are you ready for a captivating journey? We promise you an intriguing exploration of cultural identities in our season finale, guaranteed to leave you with food for thought. We've got an exciting ensemble of segments coming your way, starting with our unique new segment 'What's Got Us Confused?' In this installment, we dive into the fascinating world of names, their historical and cultural significance, and their impact on our individual identities. Sit tight as we turn our detective lens on some monumental new temples and contemporary political events. Uncover hidden truths behind the construction of the w...2023-10-181h 06American Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)Omar and Sandeep Prove Astrology Is Real… and Break Up ~ Khalistan?, Monkeys, Lunar (A·B·C·D) Ep 30Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/effinfunny-783006672439345154Email us with any feedback for the show: abcdpodcastshow@gmail.comMention us @effinfunny in comments!Episode Description:Ever wondered if the stars could predict your perfect match? Buckle up, folks! We're embarking on a journey of discovery that encompasses our cultural identities, astrology and the cosmos, and even the affairs of the heart - all with a dash of fun and humor. And for our die-hard astrology fans, we're turning up the heat with the Celebrity Edition of Astrological Perfect Match or...2023-09-281h 11American Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)Game On, Football is for Nerds ~ Johnny Stanton, Long Snapping, Tabletop Transition (A·B·C·D) Ep 29Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/effinfunny-783006672439345154Email us with any feedback for the show: abcdpodcastshow@gmail.comJoin us as we kick off an extraordinary conversation with Johnny Stanton IV, the NFL athlete who's made an exciting shift from the football field to the realms of Dungeons & Dragons. Johnny's story is a compelling blend of sports and gaming, a journey of adaptability, and the breaking down of labels and binaries. Get ready to be inspired by his switch from college football to the NFL, and how he found his calling in D&D...2023-09-131h 26American Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)We Made Fetch Happen ~ Pets for Kids, Pets Name Game, Animal Welfare (A·B·C·D) Podcast Ep 28Ever reminisce about your childhood, about the pets that shared our laughter, our tears, and our secrets? Get cozy as we ravel threads of nostalgia, talking about our Indian immigrant roots, our families' amusingly distinct pet-related anecdotes, and how pets have ebbed their way into our lives, bringing a wave of companionship like never before.Join us as we stroll down the alley of science, understanding the heartwarming connection we share with our furry companions. Ever wonder what happens when a dog looks deeply into your eyes? Or how to establish that instant connection when you meet...2023-09-0153 minAmerican Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)Rekha Shankar's Parents Just Don't Understand ~ Seinfeld, Therapy, CEO Pay (A·B·C·D) Podcast Ep 27Join us for a lively chat with the brilliantly witty Rekha Shankar, as we navigate the thrills and spills of her journey from a childhood Seinfeld aficionado to a highly regarded writer and script doctor. Ever been banned from Slack for over-communication? Rekha has, and we undoubtedly share a hearty laugh over it. This conversation isn't just fun and games, though. Rekha offers a first-hand perspective on the ongoing Writer's Guild of America strike, revealing the intricacies of negotiations and discussing the shift in content creation from TV to streaming platforms. Drawing on her own experiences, we d...2023-08-171h 27American Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)Anjali Bhimani-from Uber to D&D star ~ Ms Marvel, GenCon, Fake or Real Games (A·B·C·D) Podcast Ep 26Gather around everyone, as we welcome the delightful Anjali Bhimani to our beloved podcast! Anjali, a master performer, shares with us her inspiring journey from a passionate child performer to a successful professional artist. We also delve into the fascinating intricacies of character-building—an essential lesson for storytellers and TTRPG enthusiasts. Prepare to be captivated!This episode is not all serious chatter, though. We're stepping into the exciting realm of board games, challenging ourselves and our listeners to guess if certain game pitches are real or just figments of our creative minds. From 'Business Monkeys' to 'Wow, th...2023-08-091h 09American Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)Mo Modi, Mo Problems ~ Indian Politics: A Chat with a Touch of Humor (A·B·C·D) Podcast Episode 25Ever thought about how the world's largest democracy impacts the global balance of power and human rights? Or how difficult it can be to assess the political leanings of news sources? We take you on an enlightening journey through these complex topics, weaving personal stories and thoughtful insights along the way. Join us as we dive into the political landscape of India, influenced heavily by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We examine the challenges of maintaining cultural identity amidst political complexities. Our lively debate allows us to explore these perspectives, often conflicting with our loved ones, and reflect on the...2023-08-0259 minAmerican Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)AmeriCON Born Desis: Conversations about Conventions ~ A Love Letter to Cosplay and Comics - (A·B·C·D) Podcast Episode 24Ever reminisced about the good old days of cosplay, comic trading, and nerve-racking fan interactions? Buckle up, because my co-host Omar and I are about to take you on a joyride through the nostalgic lanes of the convention world. As seasoned attendees and transitioned panelists, we’ll recount our fond memories, from the exhilarating hunt for a coveted comic to the unexpected thrill of being recognized by complete strangers.Ever thought about the authenticity and success of various conventions? We’ll put your query to the test with an engaging game of Real or Fake Conventions. Omar and...2023-06-3048 minAmerican Born Chatty Desis (A·B·C·D)ABCDLGBTQIA+: Unpacking Identity, Language, and Queer Consumerism - (A·B·C·D) Podcast Episode 23What does it mean to be accepted when everyone wants a piece of your wallet? This Pride Month, we're sitting down to chat about our cultural identities and how they shape our understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community. We dive into the complexities of language and pronouns, and share powerful personal stories of coming out and the role of allies in embracing these experiences.Our amazing editor, Sean, who is part of the LGBTQIA+ community, joins us as we critique the impact of consumerism and merchandising on queer individuals. Together, we explore ways to rebrand products to better...2023-06-151h 23