american born chatty desis (a?b?c?d) by EffinFunny

Sandeep & Rekha's Kickstarter for their Movie: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rekha/afterlife-2

Support Sandeep & Rekha's Kickstarter for their Movie: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rekha/afterlife-2

🎙️ ABCD Podcast #42: 

Time 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.🧠

🎙️ ABCD Podcast #40: 

🎙️ ABCD Podcast #39: Cow Power & Lunar Lies! 🐮🌙

🛠️ *WARNING* Sandeep's video is choppy at points of the episode from technical issues during the recording.🚨

Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/effinfunny

Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/effinfunny

Email us with any feedback for the show: abcdpodcastshow@gmail.com

Our 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.

Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/effinfunny

Have 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.

Are 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. 

Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/effinfunny-783006672439345154

Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/effinfunny-783006672439345154

Ever 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 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. 

Gather 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!

Ever 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 importance of understanding.

Ever 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.

What 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.

Can you spell 'Ohdillock'? Join us as we plunge headfirst into a linguistic labyrinth in a thrilling spelling bee, designed to test our South Asian American English skills! From sharing heartfelt anecdotes about our cultural identities to discussing our philosophies on studying and test-taking, this episode is a wild ride of emotions, fun, and friendly competition.

Remember those family trips growing up with quirky traditions and unexpected adventures? I do, and this week on ABCD, we're painting a nostalgic picture of these experiences, especially those of us with immigrant parents. We'll be sharing the unique activities we engaged in, the connections we forged, and why these experiences were so special. 

Do you remember the kid shows that captured your imagination and taught you valuable life lessons while growing up? Join us on this nostalgia-filled episode of ABCD as we revisit our favorite childhood TV shows, engage in a thrilling March Madness-style showdown to find the ultimate winner, and discuss the importance of representation and diversity in children's media! Along the way, we'll explore our experiences with commercials and product placement and how they shaped our choices as young viewers.

Journey with me and my mom, Marlon Najam, as we trace our family's footprints from India to America. This is a tale woven with excitement, anticipation, and heartfelt decisions. Remembering my mother's youthful dreams of living in Canada, her love for Leonard Cohen, and the sacrifices made to give her children a life in the U.S, we paint a vivid picture of our transition. Our episode is a tribute to those who dare to dream and cross borders in search of better futures.

Does the thought of a Hollywood without writers give you the creeps? This episode is sure to keep you on your toes as my co-host Omar Najam and I take a critical look at the ongoing Writer's Guild of America strike. We'll tackle the tough issues - from the stark reality of managing a creative career in Hollywood, to the pressure studio heads are under. You'll gain deep insights into the implications of the strike on creatives and the talent pool for studios. But it's not all serious - we've infused some fun into the mix with our game of ‘World’s Worst.’ Trust us, imagining life without WGA writers has never been this amusing!

Don't you just love how certain beloved characters from childhood can influence our cultural identities? Let's discuss Apu from The Simpsons and how this character shaped us. We take you through our journey of growing up with Apu, addressing issues, controversies and sharing some personal anecdotes about navigating through racist situations. We also introduce a fresh new segment, 'Spin Off, Rewrite, Cancel' and discuss how some actors have depicted characters in brownface. 

Who knew gaming and desi culture could mix so well? On today's episode, my co-host Omar Najam and I, Sandeep Parikh, bring you a delightful combination of fun, culture, and gaming — like a hot, steaming plate of Biryani with a side of controller. Picture the scene: my hands clutching a gaming controller, Omar's voice providing a lively commentary, and between us, an intense debate — who's more desi, Mario or Link?

Remember the magic of growing up in a multilingual household? Join me and my special guest host, my mom Marla Najam, as we stroll down memory lane, navigating the linguistic labyrinth of our home, with English reigning supreme, giving way to Bengali during family visits. We also tackle my own attempts at learning Hindi in college - a journey filled with more than a few bumps in the road.

Can you believe it? One of our stand-up clips has officially gone viral with a staggering 1.4 million views on Instagram! Join me, your host Omar, my co-host Tom, our technical director Delvin, and special guest Tom Deepari as we ride this rollercoaster of virality. We'll be navigating the often rough waters of cultural identities, and of course, we'll be introducing a new segment called Whoops! where we read your comments and share our thoughts.

Hola, food enthusiasts! Ready to have your taste buds tingled and your culinary curiosities piqued? Tighten your apron strings as we whisk you away on a flavorful adventure, decoding the cultural significance of South Asian cuisine. From the comfort of family meals to the nostalgia of missing a favorite dish, we dish out our food-related memories, and their influence on our cultural identities. We'll also serve up a spicy discussion on the communal nature of meals in our culture, reminding you of the extraordinary lengths our relatives in India go to, ensuring we're well-fed.

Get ready for a heartwarming chat with the acclaimed actor and writer, Parvesh Cheena. This episode is a trip down memory lane as we talk about his journey in the acting world, working in popular shows like Outsourced, Crazy Ex Girlfriend, and even taking exciting ventures into the Star Wars universe with The Mandalorian. From his early days at the celebration theater on Santa Monica Boulevard to landing roles in phenomenal shows, Parvesh's journey is as inspiring as it gets.

Join us, your spirited ABCD co-hosts, as we embark on a hilariously enlightening journey of self-discovery and navigating the cultural labyrinth of being Indian-American. From exploring the art of walking the tightrope between two diverse cultures to unmasking the intricacies of identity, we offer a uniquely unfiltered perspective. All while throwing in some good old-fashioned humor, because what's life without a bit of laughter, right?

Hold onto your headphones, folks! Are you ready to tackle some hard-hitting topics as we navigate the intricate maze of our identities, and get knee-deep into what being a team player truly means? We promise you'll leave with a deeper understanding of yourself and your teammates as we explore the power of effective communication and empathy in the world of sports and beyond.

Have you ever wondered how your cultural identity shapes your view of intimacy and relationships? Let's embark on a fascinating journey as we navigate through the intriguing world of diverse cultural identities, and dissect the intricacies of intimacy within these. Our conversation begins with a rich comparison of traditional North American and South Asian weddings, providing insightful glimpses into the far-reaching influence of our cultural backgrounds on our perspectives of relationships.

Ever felt that uncanny sense of being a misfit, a diaspora caught in the crossfire between Bollywood and Hollywood? Ever wondered why you chuckled at Disney's marketing stint for Jack Frost? Or pondered over the snowfall in Los Angeles? That’s our world – a confusing blend of American and South Asian identities. Join us as we unpack these complexities in an engaging discussion, shedding light on our personal experiences with Bollywood films and the hurdles we've faced in forging a connection with them. 

Ever had your heart pound and palms sweat at the thought of performing in front of a crowd? You're not alone. Join us as we unpack our battles with stage fright, revealing our hiccups in taming this beast and how we've managed to find solace in breathing exercises and a shift in intentions. We promise to offer you a deep-dive into performance anxiety, giving you the tools and tips to overcome it, and maybe even help you conquer your next big stage encounter.

Ready to kick-start the year with a sense of freshness and organization? Well, strap yourselves in! We're diving straight into the tranquil world of bullet journaling, examining how embracing inefficiency can actually be beneficial. You'll learn how to structure your days while keeping in mind that what works for Instagram influencers might not necessarily work for you. 

What would you choose - the comforting flicker of a candle or the twinkling magic of Christmas lights? Buckle in as Omar and I, your hosts, unpack the heart of this festive debate, float through World Cup stories, and drop into the fascinating rabbit hole of New Year's resolutions. Weaving in energetic updates and our shared disappointment about missing a New Year's bash, we give you a fun-filled ride through these themes and more. 

Prepare to be taken on a whirlwind tour as your hosts Omar, Sandeep, and their special guest, Jasmine, navigate through a diverse array of topics. Jasmine, a game master, writer, and streamer, brings in her expertise to add depth to our eclectic conversations. We talk about everything from the delicate art of balancing life, work, and inner criticism, to the thrill of football fandom in Kerala, India and even the intriguing world of bull sperm collecting!

Picture yourself at a holiday party, the room abuzz with chatter. Now imagine you're in the corner, laughing heartily over the idea of a man-bat metal band and discussing the pros and cons of telling your kids about Santa Claus. That's the kind of wild ride we're taking you on in this latest episode. We're also digging into the pressures and joys of holiday gift-giving, reminiscing about assembling Voltron, and introducing you to the unique networking strategy called Lunchmeats.

Get ready to challenge your political assumptions as we dissect the recent elections and the ripple effects they could have on our democracy, with nuanced insights from Mushtaq Gunja of the American Council on Education. We promise an engaging conversation that digs into the absence of the anticipated "red wave", why this could be a cause for optimism, and the emotional factors that may have tipped the scales. We also take a hard look at the conversations around healthcare, and break down the ways in which traditional prediction models fell short this time around.

Ever wondered how it feels to juggle between two cultures while growing up? Make way as your hosts Omar and Sandy take you through an engaging journey of being American Born Confused Desis (ABCDs). This episode throws light on the bittersweet experiences of being an ABCD, the constant pull between cultures, and how this shapes our unique perspectives. We share delightful anecdotes and hilarious encounters that paint a vivid picture of our lives.