In this episode, Rashan breaks down several aspects of American life including the importance of image in America and how that affects the psyche of not just immigrants but also the young black male. The nature and similarities when it comes to South Asian and black identity struggles is a major point of discussion in this no-holds-barred conversation ..read more

In this episode, Vivaswan gives us a glimpse into the desi experience. He talks about the impact of his cultural identity on his psyche as a child and goes on to share how it evolved with his pursuits in sport and music. What it means to be a model minority, how that plays into pop culture and the responsibility that comes with being an Indian American today are some of the things that come up in this conversation.  ..read more

Ravi takes us through experiences in work, relationships and daily interactions that have shaped his identity as an Indian expat in America. The “clique” mindset, 'international student privilege’, and freedom of expression, are some of the things discussed on this episode ..read more

A huge thank you to the many folks who helped Season One of this idea come to life and a peek into what lies ahead.  WATCH the VIDEO VERSION of this episode right here. Thank you to Brian Sanders for taking a Craigslist connection to a 2 hour long phone convo with so much free info, encouragement and advice. Juan Paul Linares for donating your Audio Technica at2020 & mixer. Neha Balthazar for the poppin' logo design - main logo & the separate episode logos. Navneeth Narasimhan for sticking it out through the 8+ months, quality control, mixing! Meera Sinroja for acting i ..read more

In this episode, we take a look at the other option: going back home after study abroad. Anushya replays her experiences in the classroom and together we unravel and try to understand some of the behaviour and tendencies that surface when you find yourself in a foreign land. The nature of freelancer life, linguistic identity and the purpose of grad school for an arts student are some of the topics that come up in conversation ..read more

In this episode, the focus is on actionable steps like going out there and actually finding legal counsel. Liz Profumo and Lorraine D'Alessio of DLG Immigration talk about aspects to consider when choosing an attorney, while also explaining the artist visa from an entry level stand point. Narrated & Produced by Sandhya Ramachandran Mixed & Mastered by Navneeth Narasimhan Music Credits: Flying Pea v.1 by Daddy Scramble TERMINOLOGY OPT is optional practical training i.e. temporary employment in a student's field of study for the duration of one year, if it is post completi ..read more

In this episode, we tackle head-on the subject of work visa - for international students in the arts, in America. Attorney Sharon Brenner of Surowitz Immigration PC answers 18 questions that discuss the purview of an artist visa, factors that strengthen a petition and how to make the best use of that one year of Optional Practical Training (OPT). Narrated & Produced by Sandhya Ramachandran Mixed & Mastered by Navneeth Narasimhan Music Credits: Flying Pea v.1 by Daddy Scramble TERMINOLOGY DSO refers to Designated Student Official.  OPT is optional practical training i.e ..read more

In this episode, we talk about that transitionary period after school and before employment by focusing on music composer/guitarist Nipun Nair's journey. On one hand, there's the average issues with searching for a job as a musician. International students however have the added component of securing a work visa. This exerts its own influence when making life decisions.  Narrated & Produced by Sandhya Ramachandran Mixed & Mastered by Navneeth Narasimhan Music Credits: Flying Pea v.1 by Daddy Scramble, Jahzzar - Railroads Whiskey Co, Jahzzar - The Letter, K ..read more

In this episode, we examine factors that influence the STEM student’s journey as an immigrant in America through an interview with Arjun Shankar. The weight of finances is always on the STEM student’s mind and we see how family, prestige and other deep-rooted mentalities play a vital role in shaping the experience. Narrated & Produced by Sandhya Ramachandran Mixed & Mastered by Navneeth Narasimhan Music Credits: Flying Pea v.1 by Daddy Scramble, Plans for The Day by Cory Gray, Why you Saying That by Yshwa, Be Mine & Be Kind by Loch Lomund  TERMINOLOGY ‘correct’ is Tamil s ..read more

In this episode, we examine factors that motivate moving abroad for higher study through a look at Kulanandini Mahanta a.k.a Kula's journey. Hers is one that involved pre medical courses, Computer Information Systems, a Bachelors in Business Administration & an attempt in Marketing along the way to a career in cinematography. Narrated & Produced by Sandhya Ramachandran Mixed & Mastered by Navneeth Narasimhan Music Credits: Flying Pea v.1 by Daddy Scramble, Podington Bear by Bass Rider, Dan Lerch - O Tannenbaum, www.purple-planet.com. TERMINOLOGY STEM is field of study in ..read more