CulturallyOurs: Recent Episodes
Karthika Gupta
Welcome to CulturallyOurs, a show where we explore global cultural diversity in an intimate way through conversations and narratives around lifestyle, culture, food, art and travel. Join host, Karthika Gupta as she talks to people from all over the world who have intimately experienced different cultures as a way to understand each other’s worlds from the inside out.
In this episode we talk with Monique Sourinho, a commercial food stylist, food photographer, recipe developer and food blogger who shares her food journey and her creative journey. Monique has been a part of CulturallyOurs since the very beginning and we are so thrilled to be talking with her on the podcast. Monique also talks about comfort foods and digs deep into the science behind what and why. She says food especially comfort foods are often very emotional – we have all have different ones for different reasons.
Episode Homepage: https://culturallyours.com/2021/12/15/commercial-food-styling-and-photography-with-monique-sourinho/
Episode Shownotes: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/commercial-food-styling-and-photography-with-monique-sourinho/
Show Homepage: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/
Today we dive deeper into the tradition of holiday baking and Christmas cookies to understand the history of these delicious sweet treats. More importantly, how did the first Christmas Cookie come to be? What is the true origin of this delicious custom? Why are Christmas cookies popular? How and where did the tradition of baking cookies during Christmas start? Plus what are some of the most favorite Christmas cookies from around the world.
Karthika chats with Bhavna Kalra, a fellow Bombay girl and an Australian Indian to the CulturallyOurs podcast. Bhavna runs a company called The Modern Desi Co where she aims to connect cultures through food. She talks about her food journey and all the various Indian cuisines that have been a part of her childhood and life. Indian cuisine is so much more than just curry and butter chicken and we get deep into some of her favorites.
Episode Webpage: https://culturallyours.com/2021/11/23/indian-home-cook…ith-bhavna-kalra/
Show Notes: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/indian-food-with-bhavna-kalra/
Show Website: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/
In this episode let’s look at some tips and strategies on redefining our relationship with food and being more mindful around it to practice more healthy eating. Healthy eating is more than nutritious meals. Food is embedded in our very identity. It has the power to connect us to our culture, bring us together as people and a community, and help us socialize with one another.
Show Notes: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/practice-mindful-eating-techniques/
Show Website: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/
We talk to Suwanee Lennon, a Thai American, a military wife, a mom, a photographer and as if that was not enough, she is also an aspiring food blogger. Her mission is to teach you how to make Thai food the real authentic way. She also spoke about her childhood in Thailand and then here in the US when she was adopted by her American mom and lived in a multi-cultural household. Her food journey is certainly very diverse, and she tries to instill that in her kids as well.
Episode Website: https://culturallyours.com/2021/11/03/thai-cuisine-with-suwanee-lennon/
Show Notes: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/thai-cuisine-with-suwanee-lennon/
Show Website: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/
In this episode Karthika talks with Becky Hadeed, a fellow podcaster and host of the Storied Recipe Podcast where she talks to guests all over the world about their food and culture and recreates the same dishes at her own home. Becky was such a delight to speak with. She shared her culinary beginnings of being introduced to food at an early age with her mom, her family, and their food dynamics as well as how her podcast has really opened her up to so many different cuisines, cultures, flavors, spices, and dishes.
Episode Website: https://culturallyours.com/2021/10/27/storied-recipes-with-becky-hadeed/
Episode Notes: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/storied-recipes-with-becky-hadeed/
Show Website: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/
Karthika talks to Sylvia Fountaine who is an ex-chef turned uber successful food blogger and the creator of Feasting At Home. Through her food blog, Sylvia shares incredible multicultural recipes from all over the world inspired by her own multicultural household of Egyptian and Finnish backgrounds.
They also talked about comfort foods, foods that our bodies just crave because they know what is good and what is wholesome, and how our microbiome really gives us great insight into foods that our bodies crave.
Episode Homepage: https://culturallyours.com/2021/10/06/multicultural-cuisines-with-sylvia-fountaine/
Episode Transcript: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/multicultural-cuisines-with-sylvia-fountaine/
Show Website: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/
Karthika talks about indigenous cuisine with Chef Elena Taylor of Wisconsin’s Ho-Chunk nation. Chef Elena talks about how foods can heal, foods can nourish – not just the people who is eating but also the person who is cooking it and how food is a vessel for bringing people together. She also talked about ancestral seeds and how they are such an integral part of preserving our country’s history and narratives. Seeds that are passed down from generation to generation can keep the story going forward and help us connect to our past so beautifully. She says every ingredient has a destiny and people (growers) who help it along its journey deserve our utmost respect.
Episode Homepage: https://culturallyours.com/2021/09/15/indigenous-food-culture-with-chef-elena-terry/
Episode Show Notes: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/indigenous-food-culture-with-chef-elena-terry/
Show Website: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/
In this episode Karthika introduces Season 06 of the CulturallyOurs podcast which is all about global cuisines – food from around the world – through conversations with people about the food that they make and the foods that they eat. Exploring the world through food is a great way to get the inside scoop on how food and lifestyles are interconnected. How we life affects the food we eat and how we eat impacts the way we live our lives. Come explore the world with us through food and educate yourselves on the diverse cuisines all around you.
Episode Transcript: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/exploring-global-cuisines/
Show Website: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/
In this episode, we explore the ethics of travel with Thuha Nyugen. Thuha lives in Sweden and is studying tourism and sustainability. She shares her thoughts and her experiences around the ethics of tourism and we also talk about some of the trends in the tourism and travel space. We also discuss issues like dark tourism, sustainability, responsible travel as well as the need for diversity and inclusion in the tourism space.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/
Episode Show Notes: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/the-ethics-of-travel-with-thuha-nyugen/
Episode Website: https://culturallyours.com/2021/04/06/the-ethics-of-travel-with-thuha-nyugen/
In this episode, we explore Morocco with Leonie Zaytoune. Leonie is from Holland but moved to Marrakesh to be with her husband. She shares some beautiful and unique adventures in her adopted home country. She also share some off-the-beaten path adventures around Morocco away from the super touristy places – a country that is known all over the world for its incredible natural beauty and cultural diversity. From restaurants to outdoor spaces, Leonie take us on a beautiful adventure – right from the comfort of our homes.
Website: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/
Episode Show Notes: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/explore-morocco-with-leonie-zaytoune/
Episode Home Page: https://culturallyours.com/2021/03/24/explore-morocco-with-leonie-zaytoune/
We all know that the global pandemic of 2020 has changed so many aspects of our lives. From work, school, family gatherings, holidays, travel and so much more. While most of us spent much of 2020 grounded, a return to travel and exploration looks to be on the horizon fairly soon. As we daydream about where we want to travel, a more important question comes front and center on how we want to travel.
Lets look at all the ways travel is changing and how it can be for the better in an industry so heavily impacted by the events of 2020.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Show Notes: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/the-future-of-travel-in-a-post-pandemic-era/
Karthika explores the incredibly beautiful country of Norway and the city of Bergen with a local Lisa Stentvedt. Lisa lives in Norway and she shares her love for this city and country – unique experiences in and around her home town. She shares some off-the-beaten path adventures around Norway that can help us explore this amazing country that is famous for its incredible landscapes and natural beauty - from northern lights to the land of the midnight sun and everything else in between. From restaurants to outdoor spaces, Lisa take us on a beautiful adventure – right from the comfort of our homes. Karthika and Lisa also talk about the future of travel as seen from the eyes of a local living in a touristy location.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Webpage: https://culturallyours.com/2021/03/03/explore-norway-with-lisa-stentvedt/
Episode Show Notes: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/explore-norway-with-lisa-stentvedt/
In this episode, we explore Japan and the city of Tokyo with Barrett Ishida. Barrett is a local living in Tokyo and he share some of his favorite places to explore in and around the city. He also share some off-the-beaten path adventures around Japan away from the super touristy places – a country that seems to be the perfect mix of the new as well as the traditional. From restaurants to outdoor spaces, Barrett take us on a beautiful adventure – right from the comfort of our homes. Barrett also shares some incredible images from all his adventures around Japan on our blog.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Show Notes: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/explore-japan-with-barrett-ishida/
Episode Website: https://culturallyours.com/2021/02/23/explore-japan-with-barrett-ishida/
In this episode, we explore Mexico and Mexico City with Carol and Mario. Carol and Mario were born and raised in Mexico and a few years ago started a travel company to take explorers on a real and authentic journey exploring their home country. They share some of their favorite places to explore in and around Mexico City. They also share some off-the-beaten path adventures around Mexico – a country known for ancient history, culture, food and art history. From restaurants to outdoor spaces, Carol and Mario take us on a beautiful adventure – right from the comfort of our homes.
Website: https://www.culturallours.com
Episode Website: https://culturallyours.com/2021/02/10/explore-mexico-with-carol-and-mario/
Episode Show Notes: https://culturallyours.com/podcast/explore-mexico-with-carol-and-mario/
We all know that travel isn’t just about visiting a place and seeing the ‘pretty’ sights. Travel is an opportunity to really engage with, learn about and enrich ourselves with other cultures, lifestyles and communities. And we can do this in so many ways. By eating local foods, connecting with people we meet on our travels that go beyond the hello, learning about communities through interactions as well as visiting places like smaller museums and local art galleries. So on today’s episode, we look at some ways we can become better travelers and get the most out of any travel adventure, beyond just Instagram worth photos.
In this episode, Karthika explores Italy and the city of Vicenza with Chiara Dalla Rosa. Chiara is a local living in Vicenza and she shares some of her favorite places to explore in and around the city. She also shares some off-the-beaten path adventures around Italy away from the super touristy places – a country known for history, museums and of course amazing Italian food. From restaurants to outdoor spaces, Chiara takes us on a beautiful adventure – right from the comfort of our homes. Chiara also showcases some incredible images from all her adventures around Italy – from Puglia to Napoli and Capri.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2021/01/19/explore-italy-with-chiara-dalla-rosa/
Show Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/explore-italy-with-chiara-dalla-rosa/
In this episode, we explore the Greece and the city of Thessaloniki with Rania Kalogirou. Rania is a local living in Thessaloniki and share some of her favorite places to explore in and around the city. She also share some off-the-beaten path adventures around Greece away from the super touristy places – a country known for ancient history, museums, beaches and amazing food. From restaurants to outdoor spaces, Rania take us on a beautiful adventure – right from the comfort of our homes.
In this episode, we explore the Czech Republic and the city of Prague with Josephine and Dominic. Jo and Dom are digital nomads who have been living in Prague for a while and share some of their favorite places to explore in and around the city. They also share some off-the-beaten path adventures around the Czech Republic - a country known for beautiful national parks, mountains and hundreds of castles. From restaurants to outdoor spaces, Jo and Dom take us on a beautiful adventure – right from the comfort of our homes.
Karthika explores the concept of travel and why as humans, we all crave to explore new adventures, places and experiences. She also shares some life lessons as told by other travelers on what travel teaches us.
In this episode, Karthika explores the incredibly beautiful country of Iceland and the city of Reykjavik with a local Icelander Iris Bergmann. Iris lives in Reykjavik with her family and she shares her love for her city – unique experiences in and around the city. She shares some off-the-beaten path adventures around Iceland that can help us explore this amazing country that famous for dramatic landscapes, geothermal features, black sand beaches and waterfalls. From restaurants to outdoor spaces, Iris takes us on a beautiful adventure – right from the comfort of our homes. Karthika and Iris also talk about the future of travel as seen from the eyes of a local living in a touristy location.
In this episode Karthika explores the beautiful province of Alberta and the city of Calgary with a local Lori Mclellan. Lori lives in Calgary with her family and she shares her love for her city – unique experiences in and around the city. She shares some off-the-beaten path adventures around Alberta that can help us explore this amazing province that famous for its national parks like Banff and Jasper. From restaurants to outdoor spaces, Lori takes us on a beautiful adventure – right from the comfort of our homes. Karthika and Lori also talk about the future of travel as seen from the eyes of a local living in a touristy location.
Karthika explores the beautiful country of Jordan with a local Tracy Swift. Tracy lives in Amman with her family and she shares her love for her city – unique experiences in and around the city. She shares some off-the-beaten path adventures around Jordan that can help us explore this amazing country that is known for its ancient history, dramatic landscapes, deserts and the famous Dead Sea. From restaurants to outdoor spaces, Tracy takes us on a beautiful adventure – right from the comfort of our homes. Karthika and Tracy also talk about the future of travel as seen from the eyes of an international traveler and explorer.
In this episode, we explore Colorado and the city of Denver with a local Emmy Gaines. Emmy has lived in the Denver area for years and as a photography she knows some of the most epic areas to visit to experience the grandeur of Colorado - from mountains, to alpine lakes, to ice caves and small mountain towns full of charm. She also shares some off-the-beaten path adventures around Colorado that can help you explore this amazing state beyond just the mountains. From restaurants to outdoor spaces, Emmy takes us on a beautiful adventure – right from the comfort of our homes. She also shares some beautiful images of all the places she talks about via our blog.
In this episode, we explore the super popular tourist destination of Dubai with a local Sharon Cassidy. Sharon has lived in Dubai for the past 15 years and she shares her love for her city with us – unique experiences in and around the city. She also shares some off-the-beaten path adventures around UAE that can help you explore this amazing country beyond just the shopping and architecture. From restaurants to outdoor spaces, Sharon takes us on a beautiful adventure – right from the comfort of our homes. She also shares some beautiful images of all the places she talks about via our blog.
In this episode, we explore the beautiful country of Slovenia with a local Petra Jan. Petra lives in Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia and she shares her love for her city with us – unique experiences in and around the city. She also shares some off-the-beaten path adventures around Slovenia that can help you explore this amazing country that has some dramatic landscapes, diverse terrain and stunning ocean views of the Adriatic Sea. From restaurants to outdoor spaces, Petra takes us on a beautiful adventure – right from the comfort of our homes. She also shares some beautiful images of all the places she talks about via our blog.
In this episode, we explore the beautiful country of Scotland with a local Scot Abigail King. Abbi lives in East Lothian just outside of Edinburg and she shares her love for her city with us – unique experiences in and around the city. She also shares some off-the-beaten path adventures around Scotland that can help you explore this amazing country known for its dramatic landscapes, diverse terrain and stunning views. From restaurants to outdoor spaces, Abbi takes us on a beautiful adventure – right from the comfort of our homes. She also shares some beautiful images of all the places she talks about via our blog.
In this episode, we explore the beautiful country of New Zealand with a local Kiwi Megan Lawrence. Megan lives in Auckland and she shares her love for this city of sails - unique experiences in and around the city. She also shares some off-the-beaten path adventures around New Zealand that can help you explore this amazing country known for its dramatic landscapes, diverse terrain and stunning views. From restaurants to outdoor spaces, Megan takes us on a beautiful adventure - right from the comfort of our homes. She also shares some beautiful images of all the places she talks about via our blog.
In this episode, Karthika introduces Season 05 which is all about traveling the world with a local's point of view. Karthika talks about why travel is key for our personal and emotional growth, how we can travel in this new norm that we find ourselves and how season 05 will explore traveling around the world with locals who share their life, home, lifestyle and communities as a way to educate us, inspire us and allow us to dream about our next adventure.
Show Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/travel-the-world-a-locals-point-of-view/
Episode Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/2020/10/13/travel-the-world-with-a-locals-point-of-view/
In this bonus episode, we celebrate two years of CulturallyOurs with founder Karthika Gupta. Karthika shares her experiences from these past two years, CulturallyOurs’s successes and some of the lessons she has learnt along the way. Karthika also shares why owning your truth and sharing your story is important because the world needs more of what we all have to offer.
In this episode, we explore summer solstice traditions and what they mean to people around the world. From ancient civilizations like the Incas to native Americans to modern day folks, people all around the world welcome the first few days of summer with much awaited anticipation. Known as the longest day of the year, summer solstice is when much of the year goes through renewal and regrowth as the sun’s energy and light is at its peak.
In this episode, we explore one of the more popular blogposts on the CulturallyOurs website - Cross Cultural Conversation Strategies. In light of everything happening in the world and as a support to #blacklivesmatter Karthika shares some best practices and strategies on how navigate the waters of cultural diversity - because this is something that is very much required for the betterment of all aspects of life and lifestyle. Especially in today’s world, there is an urgent need to move from a segmented perspective to a more common understanding. And diverse voices and diverse ideas make the world a much better place.
In this episode, we explore the concept of Shinrin-Yoku as it is know in Japan. It is the ancient practice of forest bathing which simply is the art of getting outdoors into the woods and natural spaces as a way to re-establish our innate connection with nature.
The core element of any shinrin-yoku is to develop a sense of being and belonging. Using nature to understand where you are in the universe of your life, engage all your sense to feel connected with all that is around you and to lean in to all that the forest provides. It involves the practice of actively communicating with the land – something perhaps we all really need right now more than anything else.
Show Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/japanese-forest-bathing-shinrin-yoku-tradition/
Episode Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/06/07/shinrin-yoku-the-japanese-practice-of-forest-bathing/
In this episode, we explore the coffee culture and coffee drinking ceremony in Ethiopia. As one of the largest producers of coffee in Africa and fourth largest coffee producer in the world, much of Ethiopian Coffee is actually for local consumption. The buna or coffee ceremony is more than just drinking a cup of coffee. It is a ceremonial ritual that can go on for hours with coffee, snacks, sweet incense and lots of conversation among family, friends and neighbors.
Show Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/traditional-ethiopian-coffee-ceremony/
Episode Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/10/12/traditional-ethiopian-coffee-ceremony/
In this episode, we discuss the concept of the great Indian Spice box, a cornucopia of color, flavor and memories that you will find in almost every Indian home and kitchen. The Indian Spice box is a way to store all the necessary spices that are typically used in Indian cuisine. Karthika shares some of the most commonly used spices and their importance in Indian cuisine.
Show Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/the-indian-spice-box/
Episode Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/2020/04/07/the-tradition-of-the-indian-spice-box/
Karthika chats with Sana Javeri Kadri, the founder of Diaspora Co, spices company that is looking to decolonize the spice trade in India by partner with and support local farms, encourage fair trade and fair compensation for the Indian farmers, and provide the best quality of spices to her customers. Sana shares her research in the old way that spices were traded for hundreds of years, and still are to some extent, and how her vision is to focus more in quality, heirloom varieties and farms that are looking to bring the best of the best directly in the hands of the consumers.
In this podcast episode, Karthika shares some fun, educational and creative ideas for managing a staycation at home especially with the social distancing mandate due to the current global pandemic. From adding some culture to your dinner table, to exploring some of the world’s best museums online and beyond, there are lots of free ways to get through this phase of life that has affected people all over the world.
Show Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/home-staycation-ideas/
Episode Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/2020/03/17/ideas-for-a-staycation-at-home/
In this episode, Karthika explores the Indian festival of Holi which is also known as the festival of colors. Holi is a spring festival which is celebrated all over India with much gusto and enthusiasm. A festival which derives its origins from Indian mythology, Holi is a celebration of good over evil. People throw colors, water and even flowers as they mix and mingle and generally have a great time. Today Holi is not only celebrated in India but also all around the world as a way for people to welcome Spring and happiness with all the colors flying around.
Show Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/indian-holi-festival-tradition/
Episode Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/03/20/indian-festival-of-holi-celebrating-spring/
In this episode, Karthika explore the dance tradition of Native American tribes. In Native American cultures, dance is a way of expression, a language in itself. Dances tell stories. They are used as a medium for prayer and each dance has its own significant meaning. From grass dance, hoop dance, fancy dance and even women’s traditional dances like jingle dance and shawl dance, we learn about the importance and significance of each of the dances.
Karthika also shares some dos and don’ts for experiencing a Native American pow wow, which is an inter-tribal dance celebration authentically and respectfully.
Show Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/native-american-dance-tradition/
Episode Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/2020/03/03/native-american-dance-culture/
Karthika interviews Anabela Silva, a musician and singer from Portugal who shares her insight and experience on the culture and tradition of Portuguese Fado music. Fado music talks a lot about longing, jealousy, anger, sadness, all of those feelings but also about the daily lives of the people. Born at a time during the Portuguese explorations and revolution, the songs really speak to the innermost feelings of the singer. It often resembles the blues because of its soulful nature.
Anabela also sings a beautiful Fado song about two long lost lovers - one that she sang when she was only six years old at a music concert in her village.
In this episode we explore the music and dance culture of the Djabugay people, one of Australia’s Aboriginal tribes. The Djabugay live in Eastern Queensland right by the Great Barrier Reef and have a beautiful culture and heritage that is in tuned with the land, the sea, the moutains and the animals. They use stories, dance and music to share their Djabugay perspective of connection, belonging, and ‘being part of’ country. The land, the sea, the rainforest, the rivers and the mountains are all connected.
In the recent years, in an effort to reignite indigenous culture, efforts were made to cultivate a re-introduction of indigenous lifestyle by promoting and educating the public on indigenous culture, art, lifestyle and traditions. It is really amazing to see this vibrant indigenous culture beginning to thrive as people want to understand and appreciate their roots.
Aboriginal communities in Australia are not homogenous – the many Aboriginal Nations across Australia make up one of the most diverse Indigenous cultures in the world.
In this episode we explore Taiko, which is the ancient Japanese form of percussion music using large drums that are played in an intense, rhythmic format. In Japanese, taiko literally means 'drum' though the term is also used to refer to the art of Japanese drumming, known as kumi-daiko. Taiko has been a part of the Japanese culture for centuries. In fact, Taiko has an almost mythological origin in Japanese folklore.
Taiko has enjoyed a huge resurgence of interest not only in Japan, where there are estimated around 4000 taiko ensembles, but also in North America, Europe, Taiwan and Brazil. Taiko is believed to be the heartbeat of Japan that has visualized through its long deep cultural roots. And now thanks to its modern-day revival it is becoming a more universal musical language bridging cultural gaps around the world.
Show Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/taiko-japanese-drum-music/
Episode Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/2020/01/21/culture-of-taiko-japanese-drum-music/
Taiko Drum Performance: https://youtu.be/LXekMoDadtU
In this episode, Karthika interviews Vignesh Ishwar, an award winning musician from Chennai, India. Vignesh is an IT professional turned musician who has been performing Classical Carnatic music all over India and around the world. Vignesh shares his passion for the arts and how his analytical background actually helps him with his music career. He also talks about Margazhi, the month long music festival in the city of Chennai that pretty much turns the whole city into a music arena with several hundred concerts all over the city.
Show Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/vignesh-ishwar/
Episode Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/2020/01/14/vignesh-ishwar-on-the-culture-of-carnatic-music/
In this introductory episode for Season 04, we discuss the concept of cultures and traditions - what are these two concepts and how are they similar and different at the same time. Karthika shares thoughts around what makes culture and tradition an important aspect to learn about, understand and embrace - in all ways of life.
Show Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/global-cultures-and-traditions/
Episode Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/2020/01/07/cultures-and-traditions-around-the-world/
In this bonus episode, Karthika discuss what it means to be a culturally sensitive traveler and talk about the second annual travel retreat to India. She shares five easy ways we can all be more culturally aware and culturally sensitive when we travel, especially to areas and regions that are very different from what we are used to on a day to day basis.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Shownotes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/being-a-culturally-sensitive-traveler/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2018/10/05/how-to-be-a-culturally-sensitive-traveler/
In this bonus episode, we discuss the dangerous migration journeys in the world inspired by a recent opinion piece on NPR. Karthika shares thoughts around how to think about migration from a more human angle - understanding the people and their motivations behind undertaking extremely perilous journeys in hopes of a better life.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Shownotes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/the-dangerous-journey-of-migration/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/10/29/the-human-side-of-the-migration-journey/
In this bonus episode, we celebrate one year of CulturallyOurs with founder Karthika Gupta. Karthika shares her experiences from this past year, CulturallyOurs’s successes and some of the lessons she has learnt along the way.
Karthika also shares why owning your truth and sharing your story is important because the world needs more of what we all have to offer.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Shownotes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/one-year-celebration/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/10/22/celebrating-one-year-of-culturallyours/
Karthika interviews Kirsty Lamour and her daughters Saffron Lamour, age 13 and Indy Lamour, age 11. The Lamour family are a jet setting, adventure loving family having lived in Hong Kong, Abu Dabi, China and India among others. Kirsty is a documentary photographer and both Indy and Saff are equally creative in their own way. They shared what life in other countries is like, how culture and diversity are a huge part of their everyday and how life on the road for them is one grand adventure.
Both Saffy and Indy are also huge proponents against climate change and have organized and participated in many rallies wherever they have lived - either as part of the community or through school. The Lamour girls also shared their plans for their latest adventure - a year long overland trip exploring the Indian subcontinent.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Shownotes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/kirsty-saffy-and-indy-lamour/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/10/15/kirsty-saffy-and-indy-lamour-on-living-a-global-lifestyle/
Karthika interviews Shane Mitchell, a food, culture and travel writer who had worked with some of the biggest names out like Travel and Leisure, Bon Appetite, and Saveur to name a few. She has won three James Beard awards – one of the highest honors given to people in books, journalism, broadcast media, food, and lifetime achievements.
Shane talked about her experiences in journalism for the past 30 years, her decade long journey with her book, Far Afield Food Encounters From Around The World and her connections with people and their lands. Food is such an incredibility intimate way to connect with others where we leave all biases, prejudices and ego at the door and sit down to share something deeply personal and humbling like a meal.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Shownotes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/shane-mitchell/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/10/08/shane-mitchell-on-food-as-an-extension-of-culture/
In this episode, we explore Travel as I chat with Aaron Teasdale. Aaron is an outdoors writer, traveler and photographer having won numerous awards for his articles and photos. But as Aaron puts it, that doesn’t matter as much because he really gets to do that what he loves the most, being out in nature. His family are also a big part of his adventures and according to Aaron, he wouldn’t have it any other way.
In this bonus episode, Karthika explores the importance of human connections and how a simple smile, a handshake, a hug, a hello, a voice - all matter so much more than just swipes on a screen or hearts on a post. The world can be a scary place but there is immense strength in human connection – strength to face the toughest situations if only you open yourself up to that connection – human to human, heart to heart, soul to soul.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Shownotes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/the-power-of-human-connections/
Karthika interviews Pat Wetzel, a cancer survivor and wellness advocate who shares her life pre-cancer and post-cancer. Pat is an incredible inspiration when it comes to dealing with life’s adversities. She shares how she did not let her diagnosis and her life journey from get her down. Instead she focused on her love for travel and used it to help her heal. Now she has taken that concept and created an organization called Cancer Road Trips that helps people dealing with cancer with the gift of travel and adventure.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Shownotes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/pat-wetzel/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/09/17/pat-wetzel-on-road-tripping-through-lifes-adversities/
Karthika interviews Jennifer Palmer, a wildlife biologist, women’s empowerment advocate and mindful traveler. Jen is not only a passionate wildlife and nature lover, but also the founder of an initiative called Women for Wildlife, an international movement to support, empower and unite women and girls around the world devoted to wildlife and conservation.
Jen talks about her life and experiences in living and working all over the world on issues related to conservation, wildlife and lifestyles of indigenous groups living in harmony with nature. She says the lessons we learn from these communities around how to live in balance with each other and nature teaches her so much about life in general. Nature definitely grounds her and keeps her motivated and inspired to be an agent for change.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Shownotes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/jennifer-palmer/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/09/10/jennifer-palmer-on-wildlife-conservation-and-outdoor-lifestyle/
Karthika interviews Annapurna Mellor, a travel photographer who has been featured in Nat Geo Traveler, Lonely Planet and others. Anna shares how getting photos is just one part of traveling. For her connecting with the people, place and community is more important in getting to know a local intimately - that means staying in home stays, eating where the locals do and also engaging with people before taking a single shot.
Anna also shares how being on the road so much is all about balance - like everything else in life - between the things she loves to do and spending time with people she loves.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Shownotes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/annapurna-mellor/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/09/03/annapurna-mellor-on-travel-culture-and-lifestyle/
Karthika interviews Dr. Wendy Pearlman, a professor of political science at Northwestern University who researches and teaches about conflict in the Arab world. Her research covers not only the political aspect of conflict but also focuses on the human element. She has written several books on conflict in the Arab world since traveling there in the 1990s as part of her education.
Dr. Wendy’s current book project documents interviews with displaced Syrians and focuses on the meaning of home, exile, belonging, and identify in a context of protracted war and indefinite displaced.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Shownotes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/dr-wendy-pearlman/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/08/20/dr-wendy-pearlman-on-empathy-and-understanding-to-resolve-human-conflict/
In this bonus episode we explore the importance of owning one's story, what it means to see and ways to be seen authentically. Personal stories and narratives are important in documenting our life journey. They help us connect with the people around us because at the end of the day we are all the same irrespective of color, race, religion or ethnicity. Commonality brings forth understanding and empathy. And this in turn helps brings together communities and people.
Come explore travel and lifestyle as Karthika chat with Stefania Boglioli, a nomad, a wander and a long time expat who has lived in many places around the world like Kenya, Scotland and elsewhere. Stefania shares that she really does not feel like she is from one single place. Everywhere she has lived has always felt like home. Stefania shares how she has always felt like a migrant at heart even from a very young age and how leading a nomadic lifestyle was really the best fit for her.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Shownotes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/stefania-boglioli/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/08/06/stefania-boglioli-on-living-a-nomadic-lifestyle/
Karthika interviews Nancy Economou, a wife, a mother and a social visionary whose organization Watts Of Love is on a mission to deliver safe and sustainable solar lights to people who need it the most in some of the most under-served countries and communities in the world. Nancy shares her personal life journey and how every light tells a story and every story deserves to be told.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Shownotes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/nancy-economou/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/07/30/nancy-economou-on-social-impact-as-a-life-mission/
Karthika interviews Sarah Parikh, a 17 year old high school senior who is also an accomplished dancer. Sarah shares her life and lifestyle as a dancer who started when she was around 3 years old and how dance and creativity will always be a part of her life. For someone so young, Sarah has a very mature mindset in how she deals with success and failure both in her art as well as her life. She talks about the importance of being in a team as well as surrounding yourself with people who care about you - no matter what path you choose.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Shownotes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/sarah-parikh/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/07/23/sarah-parikh-on-dance-as-a-way-of-life/
Karthika interviews Julie Pointer Adams, an author, visual creator, writer and art director from California. She is the author of a book about Wabi-Sabi in entertaining which is about the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi that honors the beauty of natural imperfections and a life of chosen simplicity. Julie shares her own life journey, what wabi-sabi means to her, the people who have influenced her life through the course of the book as well as how wabi-sabi makes its way into all aspects of her day - work, motherhood and just life in general.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Shownotes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/julie-pointer-adams/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/07/16/julie-pointer-adams-on-a-wabi-sabi-mindset-in-life/
Karthika interviews Heike Pirngruber, the lady behind PushBikeGirl who is currently on a mission to travel the world on her bicycle. She started in 2013 from her home country of Germany and now almost 6 years, 30+ countries and many thousands of miles later, she is exploring the African continent. An adventure mindset, a deep sense of curiosity and the belief that people all around the world are kind and helpful has given Heike so many wonderful memories and she shares some of those during our chat.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Shownotes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/heike-pirngruber/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/07/09/heike-pirngruber-on-exploring-the-world-on-a-pushbike/
In this episode, host Karthika Gupta introduces Season 03 of CulturallyOurs – a platform and show that explores global cultural diversity through intimate conversations with people from around the world who share their personal journeys.
Season 03 will connect with people around the world and explore their life and lifestyles as a way to understand how they live, think, work and play globally.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Shownotes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/lifestyle-and-people/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/07/02/season-03-of-culturallyours-lifestyle-and-people/
In this bonus episode for Season 02, we explore seven habits of successful entrepreneurs and businesses. Derived from Steven Covey’s 7 Habits Of Highly Successful People and all the amazing entrepreneurs we have spoken to during Season 02 of the podcast, these seven habits touch upon both personal and business related concepts. Remember business, just like life, is not a race that we need to sprint to the finish line the fastest to be successful. Take your time, enjoy the process, learn along the way, give and receive help and build a business that is not only successful but also sustainable.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Shownotes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/seven-business-habits/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/05/29/seven-success-habits/
Uppma Vridi Podcast Interview: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/uppma-virdi/
Megan Steffan Podcast Interview: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/megan-steffen/
Meeta Wolff Podcast Interview: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/meeta-wolff/
In this bonus episode for Season 02, we explore community over competition, one of the most common terminologies used in the business world today. We also talk about practical ways you can incorporate this in your life and business. Competition gets a bad rep in terms of how it can lead to unhealthy feelings of anger, jealousy and fear. But when competition is looked at as a force of good, as a way to band together to serve the broader collective, it becomes more about community and less about individual achievement.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Shownotes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/importance-of-community-over-competition-in-business/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/05/21/importance-of-community-over-competition-in-business/
Maggie O'Reilly Podcast Interview: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/maggie-oreilly/
Min Cao Podcast Interview: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/minh-cao/
In this bonus episode for Season 02, we explore purpose and how to identify your life's purpose so that you can translate that into what you want to do in business and entrepreneurship. The concept of finding purpose - the reason for being - is called Ikigai in Japanese culture. This word is derived from its literal translation of iki, meaning life and kai, meaning the realization of hopes and expectations. According to the Japanese, everyone has an ikigai. An Ikigai is essentially as basic as a person’s reason to get up in the morning and a reason to smile and enjoy life. You too can find your ikigai i.e. your reason for being and for finding your purpose by answering a few simple questions.
We have a FREE downloadable worksheet that you can use to find your own individual Ikigai. You can find the worksheet at the link below. Website: https://www.culturallyours.com Episode Webpage: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/japanese-concept-of-ikigai-finding-your-life-purpose/ Episode FREE Worksheet: http://www.culturallyours.com/ikigaiworksheet
In this episode, we explore Lifestyle, Travel and Entrepreneurship as I chat with Jody Daunton and Rachel Taylor, the creative duo behind Another Escape. Another Escape is publication that celebrates outdoor lifestyle and creative living. Jody and Rachel share their entrepreneurial journey in launching Another Escape into what it is today - a high quality lifestyle publication, which is generally read by people who are curious, creative and outdoorsy.
Jody and Rachel are not only business partners but also life partners. They themselves love the outdoors and being in nature any chance they get. And so to be doing something together as a way to inspire people to foster connection with nature, considered ways of living, environmental stewardship is the best of both worlds for them.
Website: www.culturallyours.com
Episode Show Notes: www.culturallyours.com/podcast/jody-daunton-and-rachel-taylor/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/05/07/jody-daunton-and-rachel-taylor-on-the-business-of-outdoor-lifestyle/
In this episode, we explore Art and Entrepreneurship as I chat with Hannah Beasley of Hannah Rose Creative. Hannah is a graphic designer focused on providing thoughtful and strategic branding for creatives. In fact she is the brand designer behind everything related to CulturallyOurs. Hannah started her graphic design business as a teen because she was very curious and passionate about learning all things design, graphics and coding. Now many years into her business, she is doing that what she loves - helping brands and companies with their visual identity as it related to their core mission, vision and strategy.
Hannah shares how as entrepreneurs we need to really hone in on the kind of work we want to do long terms and not be afraid to say no to the work that just keeps us busy and not really moving us towards growth.
Website: www.culturallyours.com Episode Show Notes: www.culturallyours.com/podcast/hannah-rose-beasley/ Episode Website: www.culturallyours.com/2019/04/30/hannah-beasley-on-importance-of-visual-branding-in-business/
In this episode we explore Lifestyle and Entrepreneurship as I chat with Dr. Karen Bartuch, the executive director for the center for innovation and entrepreneurship at North Central College in the Chicagoland area. Dr. Karen has had a very interesting career path starting of as a police office in the Chicago PD and then moving into the private sector before her current role in academia. We talked about how entrepreneurship is a lifestyle for her as she always looks for an opportunity to innovate no matter the role.
This mindset and thought process has led to projects and initiatives that have been widely successful. And now as the director of the entrepreneurial center, she want to help students and business owners in the community learn the benefits of innovation and creativity in entrepreneurship, no matter the industry.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Show Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/karen-bartuch/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/04/23/dr-karen-bartuch-on-creativity-as-a-tool-for-innovation/
In this episode, we explore Art and Entrepreneurship as I chat with Katie Davis of Ponderosa & Thyme. Katie is an artist, florist and entrepreneur who works with plant materials, foliage and nature as a medium to promote creativity. Katie has been in business for 16 years and now focuses on teaching and educating others on the creative process.
Katie believes that the art of using creativity as a foundation for business success is important no matter the industry. Creativity and creative process are important skills that all entrepreneurs should have to be successful in today's market place.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Show Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/katie-davis/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/04/16/katie-davis-on-being-an-artist-and-a-creative-entrepreneur/
In this episode, we explore Culture and Entrepreneurship as I chat with Uppma Virdi the founder Chai Walli, an Australian based business that is promoting the Indian culture of chai with signature Ayurvedic chai blends. Uppma is a lawyer by profession but a chai enthusiast who learnt the importance of Ayurveda from her grandfather, an Ayurvedic doctor in India. Today Chai Walli hand blends many Ayurvedic spices in their chai.
Uppma has such positive attitude and so much optimism when it comes to entrepreneurship. She is excited to try different things and looks at everything as a learning experience. Her culture and heritage are very important factors that drive her business. Her goal is to bring the culture of chai mainstream all over the world.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Show Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/uppma-virdi/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/04/09/uppma-virdi-on-promoting-culture-and-traditions-via-entrepreneurship/
In this episode, we explore Travel and Entrepreneurship as I chat with Liz Schaffer the founder and editor of Lodestar Anthology, a travel magazine based out of London. Liz is from Australia but moved to London because she really wanted to be in the heart of the creative movement in London. It is exciting, invigorating with a great sense of community and that is where Liz got the idea to start a travel magazine dedicated to one country at a time.
Liz attributes a lot of her success to that insatiable drive to make it work. She said that the day she is not excited to do it anymore and feels like she is just following a formula is when she will quit. Lodestar Anthology which stated as just a way to showcase one or two country is now up to its 11th issue and Liz has throughly enjoyed the entrepreneurial journey so far.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Show Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/liz-schaffer/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/03/26/liz-schaffer-on-using-wanderlust-and-storytelling-as-a-business-model/
Karthika interviews Ari Krzyzek, the co-owner of Chykalophia, a graphic design studio she co-founded with her husband and business partner. Ari truly believes in community over competition and believes that everyone should do what they are most passionate about. There is more than enough to go around and clients will always want to work with people they like, know and trust. She encourages other business owners to stop thinking about completion and instead think of collaborating - we are stronger together than we are apart, especially as women business owners.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Show Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/ari-krzyzek/
Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/03/19/ari-krzyzek-on-community-over-competition-in-entrepreneurship/
In this episode, we explore Travel and Entrepreneurship as I chat with Freya Dowson a non-for-profit photographer who focuses on international development and wildlife photographer from London, UK. Having worked in the non-for-profit space for many years before making the switch to free lancing, Freya shares some practical tips on how to go out on your own and not feel overwhelmed with the amount of work and hustle that is required to make it as an entrepreneur and freelancer. Freya is also a new first-time mom and she shares how changing her thought process and mental pep-talk has helped her manage all the different seasons in her life - motherhood, entrepreneurship and life - such that in each role she lives life to the fullest.
Freya believes that often the biggest thing holding us back is fear - fear for what will it be like. The biggest thing for her has been realizing that she didn’t need to have it all figured out before she did what it is that she wanted to do.
In this episode, Karthika interviews Maggie O'Reilly the designer and founder of an ethical and sustainable fashion brand in Chicago,Illinois called Mayta Collection. Travel and culture have had a huge influence in Maggie’s life and the drive to combine her passion for heritage, textiles, colors and pattern led Maggie to develop Mayta. As an entrepreneur, Maggie understands the importance of community and connection to not only build a business, but also learn from and engage with other entrepreneurs. Giving back is also extremely important to Maggie as she strives to doing good in the areas she works in. Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Show Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/maggie-oreilly/ Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/03/05/maggie-oreilly-on-sustainable-and-ethical-fashion-business-model/
In this episode, Karthika interviews Meeta Wolff, a food blogger and food photographer from Weimar, Germany. Meeta started blogging back in 2006 and used her blog as a stepping stone for her business photographing collateral for clients, sharing her photography knowledge with students and also holding food photography retreats around the world. Throughout the conversation, Meeta’s positive attitude and sense of happiness came through loud and clear. She has such a clear vision on what she wants to accomplish in life and it isn’t all skill based. Through all of it, Meeta remains true to her purpose - enjoying the journey and not focusing too much on the destination. Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Show Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/meeta-wolff/ Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/02/26/meeta-wolff-on-happiness-and-business-success/
In this episode, Karthika interviews Pravin Shekar, a 20 year veteran in entrepreneurship from Chennai India. Pravin is a serial entrepreneur, wanderer, photographer and raconteur who loves telling and sharing stories whether it is in business or in personal life. He has built multiple businesses over the years and has such great advice to share on marketing, branding and even networking, especially for introverted entrepreneurs. Pravin also shares mentoring advice and how having a good sounding board of well-wishers is a great way to grow and succeed as an entrepreneur. Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Show Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/pravin-shekar/ Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/02/19/pravin-shekar-on-serial-entrepreneurship-as-a-way-of-life/
In this episode, Karthika interviews Megan Steffen, owner and founder of Dishique, a tabletop and giftware company in Chicago, Illinois. Megan shares her journey of how an itch to do something unique and her creative talents as an artist has become a thriving and growing business over the past several years.
Megan shares her perspectives on how entrepreneurs who juggles a lot of different roles can try to maintain balance by really focusing on being present in the moment in whatever they are doing - work, play, create or spent time with family. This ensures that all those different roles are met with the success they all deserve.
Website: www.culturallyours.com Episode Show Notes: www.culturallyours.com/podcast/megan-steffen/ Episode Website: www.culturallyours.com/2019/02/12/megan-steffen-on-creativity-and-curiosity-as-a-way-to-success/
In this episode, Karthika interviews Niki Peel, a wedding and elopement photographer from Port Elizabeth South Africa. Through the conversation, Niki shares her journey in owning her own business for the past eight years, her successes and her failures and once she started focusing on what made her truly happy, the rest, as they say, was history.
Niki shares such valuable advice on how to be successful. Investing in genuine friendships and relationships with peer and industry vendors is the perfect way to really invest in the community – one that will reap benefits for years to come.
Website: www.culturallyours.com Episode Show Notes: www.culturallyours.com/podcast/nikipeel/ Episode Website: www.culturallyours.com/2019/02/05/niki-peel-on-being-different-and-owning-your-uniqueness/
In this episode host Karthika Gupta interviews Sasha Back, a 16 year old vegan food blogger and food photographer from Sydney, Australia. Through the conversation, Sasha shares her motivation for starting her business at such a young age, how she balances all the things that are going on in her life as well as her hopes and dreams for her life post-high school. The maturity with which Sasha handles her business is really quite inspiring. She values being able to connect with strangers and make an impact with her recipes and lifestyle, engaging with her audience authentically and having fun doing what she is really passionate about.
Sasha shares such valuable advice for anyone who wants to start a business though their interests and passions and is an absolute delight to listen to.
Website: www.culturallyours.com Episode Show Notes: www.culturallyours.com/podcast/sashaback/ Episode Website: www.culturallyours.com/2019/01/29/sasha-back-vegan-food-blogger-and-16-year-old-entrepreneur/
In this episode, host Karthika Gupta introduces Season 02 of CulturallyOurs – a platform and show that explores global cultural diversity through intimate conversations with people from around the world who share their personal journeys. Season 02 will explore global entrepreneurship from around the world to understand how entrepreneurs live, think, work and play globally.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com Episode Show Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/global-entrepreneurship/
In this episode Karthika interviews Mili Ghosh, a cinematographer and photographer originally from Dara Salam Africa, but now living in LA. Mili shares a lot of details around her life in Africa, her childhood and how being away from India led her on a quest to learn, understand and appreciate her Indian roots. Her creative eye developed at a very young age as she used Indian cinema and films to understand Indian culture, geography and even Indian foods.
Website: www.culturallyours.com
Episode Shownotes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/mili-ghosh/
Episode Webpage: www.culturallyours.com/2019/01/08/mili-ghosh-on-cultural-curiosity-and-first-principles-thinking/
Karthika interviews Ella Altshuler, a singer, song writer, jazz musician, author and poet originally from Azerbaijan who is now living in London. Ella openly shares her challenges growing up in communist Azerbaijan and how she challenged that restrictive culture by becoming one of the first, if not, only female Jazz vocalist. She then moved to Moscow to join a Jewish theater group but continued her singing and songwriting career. She was able to leave all of that behind and migrate to the US in the 90s and continued to build her music career. Ella attributes a lot of her success and tenacity to being an immigrant and a creative – one which made her bold and ask for things that she would have otherwise not gotten and the other helping her stay connected with her talents and helping her evolve from a musician to an author. Her latest book is now being converted to a film in Azerbaijan and Ella who went back after 30 years still felt that deep sense of connection to her home country, something she says a lot of us immigrants always have deep down. Website: www.culturallyours.com Episode Show Notes: www.culturallyours.com/podcast/ella-altshuler/ Episode Webpage: www.culturallyours.com/2018/12/18/ella-altshuler-on-being-an-immigrant-and-a-creative-artist/
Karthika interviews Yulia Denisyuk, a travel journalist and travel photographer who is an immigrant from Kazakhstan. Through the conversation, Yulia talks about her home country, her childhood in Estonia, her teens in Miami and then finally living in New York and Chicago. Her professional career too seems one of transition and movement as she navigated high school, undergraduate studies, the military, being on the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq and then her MBA which led to a corporate career in New York. But Yulia left all of that behind to pursue a career in something that she really loved to do – travel and travel journalism.
An eternal wanderer, Yulia now takes others on amazing travel adventure to places like the Middle East, Jordan and Lebanon – places that have traditional been off-mainstream because she believes in the power of real and authentic connections with people and places.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Show Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/yulia-denisyuk/
Episode Webpage: https://www.culturallyours.com/2018/12/11/yulia-denisyuk-talks-about-wanderlust-and-travel-as-a-way-of-life/
Karthika interviews Sachiko Eubanks, a photographer, entrepreneur and yoga teacher from Japan, who shares how her Japanese culture and heritage is something she relies on to help her navigate through her everyday. She shares how she finds solace in the Japanese culture of harmony, the dedication and structure of Japanese tea ceremony and the creativity of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Now as a student of these Japanese traditions, she finds herself falling in love more and more with her home country.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Show Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/sachiko-eubanks/
Episode Webpage: https://www.culturallyours.com/2018/12/04/sachiko-leans-into-her-japanese-culture-of-harmony/
We explore travel as I chat with Sonia Nicolson-Guðrúnarson – architect, artist, entrepreneur, wife and new mom to a sweet baby girl about her life’s journey from Scotland to Iceland by way of Malaysia, Japan, Australia and India.
Sonia shares how each chapter in her life is like a season and she enjoys everything that life throws her way during that season. She always shares how Iceland landscapes inspires her art work.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com Episode Show Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/sonia-nicolson-gudrunarson/ Episode Webpage: https://www.culturallyours.com/2018/11/20/sonia-nicolson-gudrunarson-describes-the-icelandic-way-of-life/
Meet Minh Cao, a wedding and fashion photographer based in Philadelphia. Minh shares her journey from Vietnam, where she grew up, to her college days in Villanova university. She also has interesting observations about culture shock for someone coming into the American education system and shares how the different work cultures she has encountered through her career have helped her overcome her fears, find her voice and her creative freedom to ultimately take the entrepreneurial route in her life.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com Episode Show Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/minh-cao/ Episode Webpage: https://www.culturallyours.com/2018/11/13/minh-cao-learns-to-trust-her-voice/
Karthika interviews Alicia Isaacs Howes, an intuitive healer, teacher and business coach who uses her management background and crystal clear intuition to develop a coaching framework and practice that connects people who are struggling with purpose, health, love, money or anything else back to the truth and love of who they are. Although Alicia knows that we are all the same underneath, she believes that the different ways we express ourselves help us learn about ourselves. Diversity makes life fun and interesting.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode Show Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/alicia-isaac-howes/
Episode Webpage: https://www.culturallyours.com/2018/11/06/alicia-isaacs-howes-connects-to-the-truth-of-her-soul/
Karthika interviews Maggie Wu, a designer and entrepreneur who lives in Hong Kong and runs her successful lifestyle brand, Maggie Wu Studio. Maggie shares her life's journey of many moves and migrations and how it has helped her listen to her inner self to live her best life. She describes all of her cultural explorations as a mosaic that allows every piece to fall into place and make a beautiful collage. Website: https://www.culturallyours.com Episode show notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/maggie-wu/ Episode webpage: https://www.culturallyours.com/2018/10/30/maggie-wu-listens-to-her-inner-self/
In this special episode, author Cherie Dost interviews Karthika about her life story, how her experiences have shaped her life, and why she chose to start CulturallyOurs.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode show notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/karthika-gupta/
Episode webpage: https://www.culturallyours.com/2018/10/05/karthika-gupta-makes-peace-with-all-of-herself/
Karthika interviews Nik Sharma, a recipe creator, food columnist and photographer, and author whose book SEASON came out October 2. Nik shares his journey from Bombay to San Francisco and his love for food and the beauty that surrounds it, and explains how the recipes he creates are often a metaphor for his experience of the world.
Website: https://www.culturallyours.com
Episode show notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/nik-sharma/
Episode webpage: https://www.culturallyours.com/2018/10/05/nik-sharma-dares-to-be-himself/
This is the pilot episode featuring host Karthika Gupta who shares her vision and mission around CulturallyOurs.