Chai-Side Chats: Recent Episodes
Chai-Side Chats
Chai-Side Chats is an interdisciplinary talk show/podcast initiative that aims to bring artists together into dynamic discussions around creativity and creative process, the arts, healing, personal growth, identity, spirituality, mental/emotional well-being, and much more. In addition to deep, introspective conversations and reflections, each episode also features a special interactive experience where guest artists (and viewers/listeners) are guided through experiential expressive arts activities designed to awaken their creativity through collaboration and community.
In this interview episode of Chai-Side Chats, our host Aishwarya is in conversation with multidisciplinary artist Maya Rau Murthy about how she dares to do what she dreams as an artist and her journey of exploring her artistry and healing from mental health challenges as a dancer, composer, and konakkol artist. The episode concludes with an experiential activity that offers a glimpse into Maya's rhythmic talents and impromptu creative expression through rhythm!
Follow Chai-Side Chats on social media!
IG: @chaisidechats
FB: @chaisidechats
About Maya Rau Murthy
IG: @mayaraumurthy
https://mayaraumurthy.com
About Aishwarya
https://www.aishwaryasubramanian.com
Our host Aishwarya interviews Indian vocalist Sindhu Natarajan about her journey in navigating the career of full time artistry and musicianship, along with deep explorations and conversations about vulnerability, insecurity, self-worth, and what it means to be thriving as a musician. The episode concludes with an experiential activity in which some of these topics are further explored through the arts.
Watch full episode on YouTube (including experiential activity) here
Follow Chai-Side Chats on social media!
IG: @chaisidechats
FB: @chaisidechats
About Sindhu Natarajan
IG: @squindu86
YouTube: @sindhunatarajan5206
About Aishwarya
https://www.aishwaryasubramanian.com
In this interview episode of Chai-Side Chats, our host Aishwarya is in conversation with Navya Maitri Konda about the various aspects, challenges, strengths, and growing edges in the journey of a Bharatanatyam dancer, including discussions on motivation, discipline, learning, practice, and performance of one's craft as an artist. The episode concludes with an experiential activity in which Navya and Aishwarya explore their (artistic) identities further through visual art.
Watch full episode on YouTube (including experiential activity) here
Follow Chai-Side Chats on social media!
IG: @chaisidechats
FB: @chaisidechats
About Navya Maitri Konda
IG: @navyamaitri
YouTube: @navyamaitrikonda3233
About Aishwarya
https://www.aishwaryasubramanian.com
In this season 4 premiere episode of Chai-Side Chats, our host Aishwarya is in conversation with two interdisciplinary artists Kamala Devam and Asha Rowland and speaks with them about their creative process of honing their craft as dancers and the balancing act of bridging multiple dance styles in their hybrid choreography work.
Watch full video episode on YouTube here
Follow Chai-Side Chats on social media!
IG: @chaisidechats
FB: @chaisidechats
About the Guest Artists:
Kamala Devam
https://kamaladevamcompany.com
IG: @kamaladevamco
@kamaladevamcompany7131
Asha Rowland
https://asharowland.weebly.com
IG: @asha.d.rowland
@asharowland
About Aishwaryahttps://www.aishwaryasubramanian.com
In this season finale solo episode of Chai-Side Chats, our host Aishwarya talks about intersections between creativity and conformity in artistic practice. The episode also explores questions around what it means to conform to a particular art form, along with a discussion on the impact of social media and current trends on artistic expression.
About Aishwarya
Aishwarya is an interdisciplinary practitioner, artist, mental health therapist, expressive arts healer, and podcast/talk show host. You can learn more about her work and offerings on her website.
Follow Chai-Side Chats on Social Media!
IG: @chaisidechats
FB: @chaisidechats
YouTube (Video/Interview Episodes)
In this solo audio-only episode of Chai-Side Chats, our host Aishwarya discusses some of the signs and possible reasons for burnout in artists and creatives. She offers insight on how to develop a personalized self-care plan from her perspective and experience as both an artist and a mental health therapist.
About Aishwarya
Aishwarya is an interdisciplinary practitioner, artist, mental health therapist, expressive arts healer, and podcast/talk show host. You can learn more about her work and offerings on her website.
Follow Chai-Side Chats on Social Media!
IG: @chaisidechats
FB: @chaisidechats
YouTube (Video/Interview Episodes)
In this episode of Chai-Side Chats, our host Aishwarya is joined by two prolific artists - Farah Yasmeen Shaikh and Mishka Mukherji - in a discussion around culture and community as South Asian dancers in the diaspora. They also talk about themes related to one's responsibility as an arts educator and the guest artists share their processes when it comes to creating solo dance work. As always, the episode concludes with an interactive and introspective experiential activity with the guest artists (experiential activity is available to watch in video version of the episode linked below).
Originally premiered on YouTube on February 24, 2023Watch full video episode on YouTube here
Follow Chai-Side Chats on social media!
IG: @chaisidechatsFB: @chaisidechats
About the Guest Artists:
Farah Yasmeen Shaikhhttps://nooranidance.comIG: @farahyasmeenshaikh
Mishka Mukherji https://mayurdance.org IG: @mayur.dance
About Aishwaryahttps://www.aishwaryasubramanian.com
In this solo episode of Chai-Side Chats, Aishwarya discusses ways to build and rebuild trust in oneself when it comes to creativity and the creative process. She explores reasons (such as trauma, self-doubt, a strong inner critic) contributing to why folks may have lost a sense of trust in themselves and how to work towards addressing them as they manifest through creative blocks and challenges.
About Aishwarya
Aishwarya is an interdisciplinary practitioner, artist, mental health therapist, expressive arts healer, and podcast/talk show host. You can learn more about her work and offerings on her website.
Follow Chai-Side Chats on Social Media!
IG: @chaisidechats
FB: @chaisidechats
YouTube (Video/Interview Episodes)
In this episode of Chai-Side Chats, our host Aishwarya is in conversation with singer-dancer Snigdha Venkataramani and Bharatanatyam dancer Ganesh Vasudeva about themes related to clarifying one's artistic voice/vision, exploring and navigating artist identities, and deconstructing decision-making and the creative process in collaborative work. The episode ends with an experiential activity in which the guest artists explore storytelling through reflective movement (experiential activity is available to watch in video version of the episode linked below).
Originally premiered on YouTube on December 2, 2022Watch full video episode on YouTube here
Follow Chai-Side Chats on social media!
IG: @chaisidechatsFB: @chaisidechats
About the Guest Artists:
Snigdha VenkataramaniIG: @snigdha_layadhwaniFB: @layadhwaniYouTube: @layadhwaniacademyofperform3665
Ganesh VasudevaIG: @ganesh.p.vasudevaFB: @ganesh.p.vasudevahttps://www.ganeshvasudeva.com
About Aishwaryahttps://www.aishwaryasubramanian.com
In this follow-up to the first solo episode of Chai-Side Chats Season 3, Aishwarya continues with the topic of finding freedom in the creative process by speaking about ways to take action in moving towards authentic creative expression as artists/creatives, including a consideration of the impact of deadlines on the creative process and how to move from a place of stuckness and towards action. As always, the episode ends with an experiential activity offering to reflect on habits and routines in one's own creative life.
About Aishwarya
Aishwarya is an interdisciplinary practitioner, artist, mental health therapist, expressive arts healer, and podcast/talk show host. You can learn more about her work and offerings on her website.
Follow Chai-Side Chats on Social Media!
IG: @chaisidechats
FB: @chaisidechats
YouTube (Video/Interview Episodes)
In this first interview episode of Chai-Side Chats Season 3, our host Aishwarya is in conversation with Bharatanatyam dancers Surabhi Bharadwaj and Nitya Narasimhan about their experiences with balancing motherhood and their artistry, their approaches to teaching dance in the diaspora, and navigating privilege as practitioners of an appropriated art form. The episode concludes with a reflective experiential activity that takes the guest artists and viewers/listeners into an exploration of their internal worlds.
Originally premiered on YouTube Watch full video episode on YouTube here
Follow Chai-Side Chats on social media!
IG: @chaisidechats FB: @chaisidechats
About the Guest Artists:
Surabhi Bharadwaj https://www.surabhibharadwaj.com IG: @surabhi.bharadwaj YouTube: @Surabhi Bharadwaj
Nitya Narasimhan https://nityanarasimhan.com IG: @nittuwit YouTube: @Nitya Narasimhan
About Aishwarya https://www.aishwaryasubramanian.com
In this first solo episode of Chai-Side Chats Season 3, Aishwarya talks about the process of finding freedom in creativity and artistic practice. Using metaphors and experiential activities as offerings for listeners to expand their definitions and experiences of creativity, the episode outlines some tips and tricks for acknowledging resistance and overcoming stuckness, which is the first step towards finding freedom in creative expression.
About Aishwarya
Aishwarya is an interdisciplinary practitioner, artist, mental health therapist, expressive arts healer, and podcast/talk show host. You can learn more about her work and offerings on her website.
Follow Chai-Side Chats on Social Media!
IG: @chaisidechats
FB: @chaisidechats
In this season 2 finale episode of Chai-Side Chats, our host Aishwarya is joined by co-host and special guest Shobha Subramanian along with guest artists Daya Ravi, Lakshmi Swaminathan, Deepti Mukund, and Lakshmi Babu to discuss trend vs. tehraav, aging as Indian classical dancers, and their spiritual journeys of dancing.
Originally premiered on YouTube on May 7, 2022
Watch and listen to full episode on YouTube here
About our co-host:
Shobha Subramanian Jayamangala School of Music and Dance www.jayamangala.org IG: @jayamangala1991
About our guest artists:
Daya Ravi Natraj School of Dance
Lakshmi Swaminathan Natananjali School of Dance Website FB: @natananjali
Deepti Mukund Natyabhoomi School of Dance Website
Lakshmi Babu Kuchipudi Dance Academy IG: @kdacademy FB: @kuchipudidanceacademy1
Follow Chai-Side Chats on Social Media!
IG: @chaisidechats
FB: @chaisidechats
Join the host Aishwarya Subramanian in conversation with two dancers and physical therapists - Dr. Divya Raghavan and Dr. Sneha Gazi - about the intersections between physical healing and recovery, injury prevention, and mental-emotional well-being, along with their own personal stories of healing and journeys into this work. They specifically talk about their processes and approaches in treating physical injuries for artists, dancers, performers, and athletes.
Originally premiered on YouTube on March 12, 2022
Watch and listen to full episode on YouTube here
About the guest artists
Dr. Divya Raghavan Website IG: @rightstackpt
Dr. Sneha Gazi Website IG: @snehaphysicaltherapy
Follow Chai-Side Chats on Social Media!
IG: @chaisidechats
FB: @chaisidechats
In this episode, our host Aishwarya Subramanian chats with DJs and music producers Srihari Sritharan aka Dr. Srimix and Sidd Kelam about their journey and experiences in music and dance, the Desi Dance Network scene, collaborations, and managing burnout as creatives. This episode also features a special experiential exercise where listeners can get a glimpse into the live mashup-making talents of our guest artists!
Originally premiered on YouTube on February 12, 2022
Watch and listen to full episode on YouTube here
About the guest artists
Srihari Sritharan / Dr. Srimix Linktree IG: @sriharipotter
Sidd Kelam Soundcloud IG: @siddkel
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IG: @chaisidechats
FB: @chaisidechats
Join Aishwarya Subramanian in a deep and reflective conversation with Aks and Lakshmi of Eclipse Nirvana as they discuss their journey and process of finding their niche as artists in electronic Bhakti music, creating and releasing intentional content on YouTube, and seeking refuge, purification, and inner peace through their creative and artistic practice.
Originally premiered on YouTube on January 29, 2022
Watch and listen to full episode on YouTube here
About the guest artists
Eclipse Nirvana by Aks and Lakshmi Website YouTube Channel IG: @eclipsenirvana
Follow Chai-Side Chats on Social Media!
IG: @chaisidechats
FB: @chaisidechats
In this special roundtable episode of Chai-Side Chats, our host Aishwarya is in conversation with three prolific Indian dancers based in the United States - Sonali Skandan from Jiva Dance, Preeti Vasudevan from Thresh Dance, and Nadhi Thekkek from Nava Dance Theater. Tune in for a reflective conversation on all things related to tradition, cultural torchbearing, and solo vs. group work in Indian dance spaces.
Originally premiered on YouTube on January 8, 2022
Watch and listen to full episode on YouTube here
About the guest artists
Sonali Skandan Website IG: @sonaliskandan
Preeti Vasudevan Website IG: @vasudevan.preeti
Nadhi Thekkek Website IG: @navadancesf
Follow Chai-Side Chats on Social Media!
IG: @chaisidechats
FB: @chaisidechats
In this episode of Chai-Side Chats, our host Aishwarya is in conversation with mental health therapists and artists Dr. Aparna Ramaswamy and Dr. Sarika Persaud on the intersections of psychology, spirituality, and philosophy, including how mythology and meaning-making intersect with mental health, archetypes, personal growth, and creating one's life story.
Originally premiered on YouTube on December 11, 2021
Watch and listen to full episode on YouTube here
About the guest artists
Dr. Aparna Ramaswamy Website
Dr. Sarika Persaud Website IG: @doctor.samosa
Follow Chai-Side Chats on social media!
IG: @chaisidechats
FB: @chaisidechats
In this episode of Chai-Side Chats, our host Aishwarya engages in dynamic conversations with guest artists Shilpa Agarwal and Madhavi Reddi about the creative process of writing, including their ways of coping with self-doubt and using arts and healing experiences for self-inquiry and self-knowledge.
Originally premiered on YouTube on November 13, 2021
Watch and listen to full episode on YouTube here
About the guest artists
Shilpa Agarwal Website
Madhavi Reddi Website
Follow Chai-Side Chats on Social Media!
IG: @chaisidechats
FB: @chaisidechats
Kicking off season 2 with a bang, this special roundtable episode, in partnership with Jayamangala School of Music and Dance, features our host Aishwarya in conversation with Jaya Bala (vocal music teacher), Shobha Subramanian (dance director of Jayamangala), Sandhya Srinath (violinist), and Srinath Bala (mridangam artist) about teaching Indian classical arts in the diaspora and Jayamangala's upcoming 30-year anniversary celebrations.
Originally premiered on YouTube on October 16, 2021
Watch and listen to full episode on YouTube here
About the guest artists
Jayamangala School of Music and Dance Website
Srinath Bala Website
Sandhya Srinath Website
Follow Chai-Side Chats on Social Media!
IG: @chaisidechats
FB: @chaisidechats
This Chai-Side Chats episode features two talented visual artists - Shanthi Chandrasekar and Rupy C. Tut - in conversation about intuition, their influences and inspirations, and intermodal/interdisciplinary creative collaborations with artists from other art mediums and disciplines.
Originally premiered on YouTube on April 18, 2021
Watch and listen to full episode on YouTube here
About the guest artists
Shanthi Chandrasekar Website
Rupy Tut Website
Join our host Aishwarya Subramanian in conversation with dancers, dance therapists, and mental health professionals Nalini Prakash and Dr. Gayathri Ganapathy about the healing and the therapeutic aspects of dance, movement, and the arts.
Originally premiered on YouTube on April 4, 2021
Watch and listen to full episode on YouTube here
About the guest artists
Nalini Prakash Website
Dr. Gayathri Ganapathy Website
Podcast host Aishwarya Subramanian joins multidisciplinary theater artists and storytellers Anu Yadav and Divya Rajan-Sriram as they take a deep dive into the world of storytelling and its intersection with spirituality, social justice, and healing. Don't miss the exclusive storytelling experiential exercise in the second part of the episode!
Originally premiered on YouTube on March 21, 2021
Watch and listen to full episode on YouTube here
About the guest artists
Anu Yadav Website IG: @anuyadavishere
Divya Rajan-Sriram IG: @roots_ecllctive
Tune in for a dynamic discussion with Carnatic Vocalist Roopa Mahadevan and violinist/interdisciplinary artist Anjna Swaminathan about their friendship and musical collaborations, artist/stage personas, and using elements of humor and comedy in creative expression.
Originally premiered on YouTube on March 7, 2021
Watch and listen to full episode on YouTube here
About the guest artists
Roopa Mahadevan Website IG: @roopama
Anjna Swaminathan Website IG: @anjnaswaminathan IG: @anjnajokes
In this episode of Chai-Side Chats, our host Aishwarya Subramanian engages in reflective conversation with vocalist Ganavya Doraiswamy and Mridangam artist Rajna Swaminathan about creativity, flow, rituals, and transcending barriers in the world of music and the process of artmaking. A special experiential activity with the guest artists continues in the second half of the episode!
Originally premiered on YouTube on February 21, 2021
Watch and listen to full episode on YouTube here
About the guest artists
Rajna Swaminathan Website Twitter
Ganavya Website IG: @ganavya
Tune into a dynamic discussion with Indian dancers and choreographers Brinda Guha and Daniel Phoenix Singh on the politics of cultural appropriation, "fusion", and social justice in the world of South Asian Dance in the diaspora.
Originally premiered on YouTube on February 7, 2021
Watch and listen full episode on YouTube here
About the guest artists
Brinda Guha Website
Daniel Phoenix Singh Website
This episode of Chai-Side Chats features our host Aishwarya Subramanian in conversation with Indian dancers and Indian dance educators Lori Clark and Shruthi Mukund about representation, culture, and the business side of propagating, performing, and presenting Indian dance in the diaspora.
Originally premiered on YouTube on January 24, 2021
Watch and listen on YouTube
About the guest artists:
Lori Clark FB: @yasminadooda
Shruthi Mukund Blog
Join our host Aishwarya Subramanian as she talks with Indian classical artists Ramya S Kapadia and Kasi Aysola about their artistic practices, collaboration, self-growth, and the fun of art-making! They also engage in an expressive arts experiential activity at the end of the episode to awaken their creativity.
Originally premiered on YouTube on January 10, 2021
Watch and listen to full episode on YouTube
About the guest artists
Ramya S Kapadia https://ramyaskapadia.com IG: @ramyakapadia
Kasi Aysola https://www.prakritidance.com IG: @kasiaysola