Sometimes it’s not even about the "what" that defines our purpose, but also the "how". This moment in our conversation with Anjali reflecting on how and when she wrote her book resonated so deeply with us (as I’m sure it will so many other women). We often put off what is calling us, waiting for the right time to do IT, confront IT, be IT. Sometimes the realization of the totality of what feminism can be the most important and powerful lesson. 

Hear the full episode of @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio and wherever you hear your favorite podcasts. 
#PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

In this conversation with Farhana, we hear how she balances her professional life with surfing, art creation, writing, travel, intellectual exploration, and a deep appreciation for community and nature. We are in awe of her evolving ability to reflect, grow, learn, pivot, and plant new seeds and ideas through it all.

Just one example that feels so indicative of this incredible journey is how in 2012, Farhana received a $500 Amber Grant to launch a surf storytelling platform. Thirteen years later, she has just been awarded a $10,000 Amber Grant from the same organization — this time for a sustainable beauty brand that grew directly out of that journey. This is a highly competitive business grant awarded to female entrepreneurs across the U.S and Canada, and now places Farhana in consideration for a year-end Amber Grant in the amount of $50,000. We couldn't be happier for Farhana, and know that listeners will be inspired by this and so many aspects of this episode!

Hear the full episode of @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio and wherever you hear your favorite podcasts. 
#PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

So many moments and interactions throughout this conversation were a gateway to reflection for Farah, and we are certain our listeners will feel the same way!

For those in the Bay Area, come see Nadhi and other brilliant artists of Nava Dance Theatre perform "Rogue Gestures Foreign Bodies" on Fri, Mar 13 at Dance Mission Theater in San Francisco - sourcing community interviews, historical texts, and poetry to explore the intersections of labor, agency, and belonging in our South Asian ancestry. Listen to this excerpt for a little more about the show, and get your tickets today!

Hear the full episode of @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio and wherever you hear your favorite podcasts. 
#PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

Trained as a graphic designer from National College of Arts, Lahore, Pakistan, Hamama earned her Master’s degree in Art History from the University of Missouri, Kansas City in the United States. Her thesis explored two folios (pages) from a Mughal album, Gulshan Muraqqa, at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, where she assisted the curator in research and write-ups for featured art and objects in exhibitions. While pursuing her doctorate, Bushra’s energies shifted during the initial Covid era/isolation to visual art. Meanwhile, provoked by the social, political and personal environment she was compelled to respond to her inner dialogue through painting, a passion she returned to. 

Today, Hamama practices a unique style of figurative painting defined by stylized forms that carefully preserve and highlight the soul and personality of each subject, enriched by cultural and traditional references and metaphors. Her signature bright color palette in acrylic on canvas and the application of material reflects her graphics background, separating her paintings from mainstream work. 

Fun fact: Hamama was inspired by a photo she saw of Farah and created an original work as a result! If you "watch" this episode, you might catch glimpses of this piece on both Hamama's and Farah's walls. Swipe to see this beautiful and vibrant work by Hamama.

Hear the full episode of @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio and wherever you hear your favorite podcasts. 
#PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

In 2025, Aranyani Co-founded Indian Dancers for Gaza’s children to raise awareness about the plight of children in Palestine, and later Lebanon, and helped to raise a significant amount of funds through dance performances across the world for a paediatric charity in Gaza. 
For all our fellow dancers out there, check out this excerpt where Farah and Aranyani get into notions of "tradition, contemporary, authenticity". Sound familiar? Listen to the whole episode to hear what they have to say about this and so much more! 

Hear the full episode of @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio and wherever you hear your favorite podcasts. 
#PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

There were many moments that we loved in the conversation with Mona, but this had to be one of our favorites. Lesson: acknowledging - and acting on - the importance of how our own happiness and fulfillment can positively impact those around us. 

Hear the full episode of @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio and wherever you hear your favorite podcasts. 
#PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

Based in Toronto, Canada, Mariam Magsi is a multidisciplinary artist, writer and educator using photography, poetry, performance and other arts to amplify marginalized stories, challenge norms and ignite change.

Hear the full episode of @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio and wherever you hear your favorite podcasts. 
#PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

Hear the full episode of @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio and wherever you hear your favorite podcasts.
#PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

Hear the full episode of @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio and wherever you hear your favorite podcasts. 

See the live performances in the San Francisco Bay Area on Oct 25 & 26 in Mountain View and on Nov 9 in San Francisco!

#PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

Nikita will be giving a workshop in Oakland on Sat, Oct 11, and Farah and @nooranidance company will perform on Sat & Sun in SF, sharing their unique and reflective project “Saabit Qadam - Perseverance.”

Nikita’s work will also make some special appearances in the performances! Hear them talk about all of this and more in this conversation.

Preethi & Shruti are a dynamic duo that - through their own individual and collective artistic practice, as well as through their various endeavors, platforms and opportunities they are creating for others - are sparking reflection, dialogue, inquiry, healing, and so much more.

Hear the full episode of @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio and wherever you hear your favorite podcasts. 
#PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

Throughout this episode, Arjun shares about the beautiful pathways and people that led him to where he finds himself at present. Much like his music, there is a deeply reflective nature in the way Arjun communicates, one that is profoundly introspective, but never without absorbing and learning from others, and then always sharing - whether through teaching, performing, or in developing his own artistry.

Hear the full episode of @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio and wherever you hear your favorite podcasts. 
#PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

This beautiful and inspiring conversation with Phoenyx is a little extra special as it includes Aziza Noor Shaikh, Farah's daughter, as the co-host for this episode. Aziza is a direct recipient of our guest's brilliance, and throughout the conversation, you'll understand why!

Hear the full episode of @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio and wherever you hear your favorite podcasts. 
#PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

Hear the full episode of @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio and wherever you hear your favorite podcasts. 
#PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

Hear the full episode of @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio and wherever you hear your favorite podcasts. 
#PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

Hear the full episode of @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio and wherever you hear your favorite podcasts. 
#PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

Hear each of them speak about how their individual paths led them to becoming Co Founders of this skin care brand that connects generations and a community of individuals who value authenticity, heritage, and the power of nature.

Hear the full episode of @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio and wherever you hear your favorite podcasts.  

Before her building up her own theatre production house, she has served National Academy of Performing Arts in various capacities for twenty years. Kulsoom is an activist for meaningful entertainment, female empowerment, and original content. 

In this excerpt, we loved her reflection and analysis of the multiple artistic migrations that have taken place in and out of Pakistan, and how it is has impacted the artistic landscape to present day in the country. 


Hear the full episode of @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio and wherever you hear your favorite podcasts.

#PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

In her 8 years of fitness training, she has been driven by a singular mission - to ignite a fire within other women, and to empower them to find passion and purpose in their work. Rana knew firsthand, the transformative power of earning one’s own income, and yet, it wasn’t just about financial stability. It was also about autonomy, dignity, and a sense of self-worth. Rana started her own journey from timid, corporate slave to now a confident entrepreneur. The women she trains also yearn for more - more independence, more fulfillment, more control over their own lives. Rana urges all women to take the leap, to pursue their passions, and to never settle for anything less than their dreams. And most importantly, to keep trying to find something you adore doing. 

One of the ways Rana is achieving all of her desires for herself, and for others, is through a beautiful sense of community that she has helped to create. 

We chat about her journey, and the far too often tendency of being exploited by those over asking for donated products. This is a relatable topic for so many, and we appreciated Sonya’s ability to both advise others to do what is right for them, and to call it out when it isn’t working. 

Hear the full episode of @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio and wherever you hear your favorite podcasts.

Though it has been close to three decades since Nusrat Sahib's passing, needless to say, his music lives on in the minds and hearts of so many. We see this to be the case with so many great artists. With the recent passing of other true legends and masters, Ustad Aashish Khan and Ustad Zakir Hussain, the world of South Asian music, is certainly mourning the loss of their physical presence, but also reminded of the world treasures that we have in and from South Asia. 

Thanks to storytellers like Saiyna, we even have the chance to learn more about the greats. 

You must hear more about her incredible journey, when and how we will get to see the documentary, and so much more! 

Listen to the full episode of @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio and wherever you hear your favorite podcasts.

#Photojournalist #Filmmaker #UstadTheFilm #PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

Alyzeh Rizvi, co-founder of Peepal People, a South Asian pantry brand bringing vibrant, punchy flavors to American kitchens, gave us the beautiful backstory of their company, and how it showcases her Pakistani roots through fresh, small-batch, low-sodium hot sauces.

Listen to the full episode of @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio and wherever you hear your favorite podcasts.

#PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast #PakistaniEntrepreneur #PeepalPeople

On Nov 9th, Zawaya presents “We Are All Palestinian”, a concert honoring our shared humanity and the sacredness of life by diverse Bay Area communities coming together to denounce genocide and ethnic cleansing through the universal language of music, particularly by celebrating and preserving Palestinian folk music.

And, as you’ll hear in this brief excerpt from her conversation with @farahyasmeenshaikh, when creating art, Anu hopes that art can also be a place of unexpected connection for people across the globe.

Kalsoom is the Co-founder & General Partner at i2i Ventures, an early stage venture capital fund for Pakistan, and the country’s first female-founded VC fund, which opened its doors in 2019. She is also the Founder of Invest2Innovate, i2i Ventures' sister entity, which she launched in 2011 to support and unleash the potential of young entrepreneurs in growth markets like Pakistan. 

Listen to this snippet, and then to the entire conversation on @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio on Fri, Oct 4 at 9pm PST / 9am PKT

#PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

This conversation aired on @rukusavenueradio on the @iheartradio app, and is now available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts 🎙

We loved hearing about all that fill Salman's life, how and why it works for him, and so much more! 

Listen to @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio on on Fri, Aug 9 at 9pm PST / 9am PKT

#JackOfManyTrades #PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

In this episode, Zainab generously shares this powerful and moving work titled “Trailblazing”. After you hear this, we know you’re going to want to know and hear much more about this amazing heARTivist!

Farah and Eben connected on so much throughout their time together, and we just had to share a clip of this particular moment!

Listen to @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio on on Fri, July 12 at 9pm PST / 9am PKT

#ClimateJustice #ClimateJusticeAdvocate #PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

Listen to @heartistrypodcast on @iheartradio app @rukusavenueradio on on Fri, June 28 at 9pm PST / 9am PKT

#SouthAsianStoryteller #CulturalPracitioner #GulabiStories #PassionCompassionCommitment #Heartistry #Podcast

This excerpt from her conversation with @farahyasmeenshaikh is also a great example of not always knowing where your path is leading you, but ironically, it is usually leading you in the right direction. In Alka’s case, her story was being written - literally and figuratively - without her even knowing it! 💫

Farah speaks with two of the co-founders - Neema Nardone @neema_nardone and Rupal Joshi @rkj5014 - who not only give deeper insight into the “why”, but also share the “how”, which includes multiple free in-person community building events to de-stigmatize topics relevant to mental health in the community, including colorism, unrealistic beauty standards and unique challenges faced by South Asian men regarding mental health.

Dr. Anne Huang is the Executive Director of World Arts West, a 45 year old arts organization that supports cultural artists sustaining the world’s diverse dance traditions. As the first person of color and a cultural artist to lead the organization, annehuang29 has led @worldartswest through a transformative equity journey that we believe is truly changing the course of this organization, and setting the example for so many cultural artists.

We loved having the chance to hear from Salman @maansals - a storyteller, psychology-marketing enthusiast, content creator, reader, and relentless learner at heart - about how this increasingly popular brand came to be!

What we love about the conversation between @bina_writer and @farahyasmeenshaikh is hearing the unique story about the writer - the one who often writes about others. 

This conversation between @thesaadsheikh and @farahyasmeenshaikh took place during Farah’s recent tour, and there are so many moments throughout this episode that will leave you feeling inspired, rejuvenated and hopeful.

Season 5 kicks off with a powerhouse heARTivist!

Meet Marium Kamal - Pakistan based artist, feminist and entrepreneur. Though a graduate of a renowned arts institution in Karachi, Pakistan, it was the unlearning that Marium did, and her ability to channel her anger and frustration of the male gaze, that led her to her true path of heARTivism.

@tcfusa @tcssfbayarea

This conversation with @alamsarode on the @heartistrytalkshow hosted by @farahyasmeenshaikh resonates on so many levels - for artists, creatives, those following in someone else’s footsteps, but also carving their own path... all of it! 

Melissa is starring as Juliet in the current production of Opera San José’s @operasanjose Romeo and Juliet (running until Sept 24) as one of the title characters, and she is also one of the first-ever Wadhwani Artist-in-Residence for a South Bay opera company. 

In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness month, and to be inspired by these lived experiences, we urge you to listen, and to demonstrate your support for this organization, and the many that are doing work in this area.

Hear about Drasti’s journey with dance, dispelling the myth of “starting late” and the deeply personal and relatable topic of her upcoming full-length work “Paheli: The Riddle of Motherhood” which explores themes of identity and its evolution through motherhood.

Priyasha Shah @priyashashah is the founder and CEO of Sakhya @shopsakhya a peer-to-peer South Asian fashion resale marketplace and community which aims to finally create a hub for sustainable and accessible South Asian fashion. Priyasha began Sakhya after witnessing the sheer amount of waste being created as a byproduct of the manufacturing industry she worked in.

Hear more about Sakhya, and you can help to make South Asian fashion truly sustainable through giving once-worn clothing a new life, and be inspired by Priyasha’s story of marrying multiple passions and callings.

Hear Humayun Memon @humayunmemon share about his journey as an artist in Pakistan, and both how it was his early exposure to art that inspired him, as well as the wonderful combination of family support, AND the encouragement of teachers who knew how to lead and inspire! A beautiful conversation that describes the recipe for happiness.

With Mehar’s strong convictions on social, political, legal, and environmental issues truly being her passion, she reflects in this excerpt from her conversation with Farah about how, as she puts it, used to have her “internal misogyny”, explaining what that meant to her, what changed and why.

Omika Jikaria @omikajikaria is a business strategy consultant, meditation teacher, yoga and reiki energy healing practitioner, and dancer. In addition to putting out positive and inspirational content through dance with the @jikariasister Omika is passionate about enabling people to cultivate clarity, insight, and peace, in a world filled with distraction and excess stimulation.

We are here for all the Omika represents, and can’t wait to share her journey!

Now a semi classical performing artist, a writer and a director, Haider’s stories are socially motivated with a deep belief in the power of expression, and tries to use their own voice to help those who may not have the freedom to do so for themselves.

Afshaan is a mother, an Institute of Integrative Nutrition-certified holistic health coach, and a L1 reiki practitioner, with a deep understanding of a holistic approach to health and its impact on the mind and body. Based in Karachi, Pakistan, she guides her clients to tune into their personal character strengths, understanding their health holistically, along with their ability to achieve their health goals through habit and lifestyle changes. Afshaan’s coaching focuses on integrative nutrition-health, wellness goal setting, stress management, financial counselling, spirituality, relationships and time management.

We especially love this excerpt from Farah’s conversation with Megha talking about how supporting women and providing menstrual equity would literally help the GDP of India!

Affan Baghpati is a Visual Artist and Arts Educator, based in Karachi, Pakistan. This conversation is not only a window into Affan’s journey, but also shares a thoughtful and critical analysis of how and what needs to change for artists creating work in a country like Pakistan. A reflective and insightful dialogue about the art of being an artist.

Shila’s deep passion for sustainable food and the promotion of a lifestyle of sustainable consciousness, is equal parts informative and inspiring! In addition to her career as Head of Organizational Integration for @morningstarinc where she is focuses on aligning the company’s primary objectives across the different parts of the organization to ensure scale & adoption, she created her own initiative @sustainableme.today to act as a resource to those seeking various ways to live a more sustainable and eco friendly life.

As Shila so beautifully said regarding the implementation of sustainable practices in each of our lives, “It’s a dial, not a switch!” We can each find small, incremental ways to make our planet a better place for all of us!

Vu Le worked in the nonprofit sector most of his life, serving in various roles including as executive director of two nonprofits for over 13 years, and now dissects all aspects of the nonprofit sector with a thoughtful and necessary dose of levity to, as Vu says, “...work towards a world where we don’t have a lot of non profits because the government takes care of its people.”

Meet Food Network’s Kids Baking Champion, Naiel Chaudry on Tues, Apr 18 10am PST / 6pm GMT / 10pm PKT

Naiel Chaudry is a 13 year old entrepreneur, baker, volunteer, philanthropist, and public speaker whose love for baking not only landed him on Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship Season 11, as one of the 12 kid bakers from across the US, but Naeil was named the Kids Baking Champion! Naiel and his younger sister run their own baking business, Lá Jawab Treats @lajawabtreats and he is the first Pakistani American boy to appear on Kids Baking Championship.

This is an episode that will truly speak to the artist and non-artist alike!

Be ready to be inspired by her vision, her reflective nature, and her awakened state of always striving to be happy.

And... think you know what “ABCD” is? Well Tejal is also the founder of @abcdyogi - a global community led by South Asian yoga and mindfulness teachers, where it stands for “AnyBornConscientousDesiYogi”

We touched on all of this, and so much more!

At the age of 40, she decided to follow her heart and went on to open her own theatre production company - The Tortilla Entertainment Company which produces unique theatrical events and uses theatre in corporate training.

Surina co-produced “The Giants” a sumo wrestling docuseries currently airing on Rakuten TV and is the winner of 2022 Sports Industry Award for Best Original Content Series, and “Lemon” - a comedic short that premiered at Tribeca, played in festivals worldwide and aired on United Airlines and Amazon Prime, where it became one of the most watched shorts on Amazon.

Her recent producing stint in India had her developing a sitcom for Netflix India, as well as producing and directing the podcast My Ex-Breast for Audible.

Clearly on a roll, Surina also just completed her directorial debut, “Title Fight: Between Two Worlds”, a feature-length documentary about Arjan Singh Bhullar, the first South Asian MMA heavyweight champion of the world.

She co-founded the award-winning Berkeley South Asian Radical History Walking Tour, which uses storytelling and theater to share narratives of local South Asian American resistance movements, from immigrant freedom fighters in the 1910s, to queer and feminist organizing a century later.

Over the course of the pandemic, she created over seventy new photographic pieces, inspired by the work of Asian American, South Asian, and women artists, as well as California native plants. Her Unfaithful Re-Creations series plays with color, dark humor, immigration, and pandemic themes.

Michelle Jacques is the Artistic Director of CHELLE! (SHELL) and Friends New Orleans big band, CHELLE’S JUKE JOINT Acappella Ensemble, Vice President of the Governors Board of The Recording Academy and Board member of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. CHELLE’S Juke Joint has toured Germany and Austria performing in Acappella festivals. Michelle’s credits include: recipient of the 2021 InterMusic SF Musical grant, City Of Oakland, Individual Artist grant for 2008, winner of the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards for “Best Folk/Progressive Song”, and with Grammy Award winning producer Greg Landau’s soundtrack for the 2010 movie “La Mission”.

David and Michelle are coming together for a performance as part of the San Francisco International Arts Festival @sfiaf2022 for the US premiere of FRE!HEIT (freedom in English) @counterpulse in San Francisco.

She shared the story of reuniting with her birth father in A Princess Found: An American Family, an African Chiefdom, and the Daughter Who Connected Them All, coauthored with Tracy Trivas and published by St. Martin’s Press. A Princess Found is now being adapted into a major motion picture for Disney Studios by award-winning filmmaker Stephanie Allain.

Princess Sarah and her brother Hindo Joseph Kposowa founded the non-profit Sierra Leone Rising which provides clean drinking water, sanitary pads for girls, education, medical attention, resources to build schools and technology centers, and more throughout Sierra Leone. Her work in business and technology has led her to create upcoming projects including an animation show with Randy Jackson as well as a Roblox game to connect and educate children about cultures around the world.

Raaginder has performed in prominent venues all over the world such as The White House, Wembley Arena, Kennedy Center, and many more. Through these endeavors and experiences, Raaginder's art brings forth a new, intense, and interesting sound for his audiences to hear.

Byb's innate technical and aesthetic sensibility is rooted in the culture and dances of the Republic of Congo, and his professional foci are the interdisciplinary areas of theater, traditional, Afro-urban and contemporary dance. Byb brings an innovative approach to his concepts and choreography, and has performed internationally and toured throughout the world with companies originating from Africa, Europe and the United States.

Much of what Mashal is and believes has been formed by the stories and movies of a childhood spent steeped in an amalgamation of Tolkien, Star Wars, The Arabian Nights, Winnie the Pooh, The Shahname, Bladerunner and Lewis Caroll - this allows her to embrace the impossible, create without fear and believe without hesitation in the magical power of stories and the arts.

Zulfikar is currently based in Karachi, Pakistan, after receiving MAH in History of Art from the University of Edinburgh in 2014 and an MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute in 2016. has shown work and curated exhibitions globally, as well as spoken extensively on the intersections of faith, radical thought and futurity at Columbia University, UC Berkeley, NYU, Stanford and the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture.

And if all of this isn't enough, Muneeb also wears a red-cherry nose as a medical clown, performing participatory shows for children with cancer in curative and palliative care, as part of their psycho-social well-being.

Misha’s work has been photographed and written about in numerous publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and i-D, and she has created custom pieces for women including Cardi B, Gigi Hadid, Halsey and Joy Crookes. She was recently honoured on the Forbes Under 30 List. Her work continues to be an explorative and radical celebration of women, their agency and their bodies.

After acquiring his BA in acting from TAFE Australia, training with various companies in Sydney, and forming his own company "Eastern Flavas Dance Company" in 2003, Wahab marked his presence in Pakistan at the Sufi Festival in 2006. His trademark contemporary Sufi dance style has set benchmarks and is regarded as the identity of modern dance from Pakistan, and Wahab performs extensively as part of showcases for international delegations representing the culture of Pakistan.

In addition to his brilliant artistry, Wahab has a genuine desire to change the way Pakistanis see and experience all forms of dance, hoping to stretch beyond the boundaries of the perceptions of what dance can be, and ultimately, to share its power, beauty and humour with a broad audience.

Since childhood Ami has been pursuing acting. After graduating with a BA from Boston University, Ami moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in Television and Film, and it became clear that she was going to chart her own path as an Asian woman in this industry.

Ami realized that she wanted to share all the tools and tips that guided her to achieving much of what she had visualized for herself, which is where her program, Awakened Joy, came into existence.

The actor was able to manifest her dream talent manager, an incredible community, a recurring Korean American on her dream show, "This is Us", attract financial abundance, and the list goes on. The most important thing Ami realized is that it's not about the external wins that will make you fulfilled, it's what's going on in our inner lives - abundance is all about feeling good.

Hear how the dance style and the culture of Hip Hop is growing and evolving in what might seem like an unlikely place, and how the Hip Hop community is creating a supportive and inclusive culture for all who are interested. Taishi is also one of the co-founders of Anarchy @weareanarchy - a Hip Hop freestyle crew based in Karachi, Pakistan.

Raasti Said Diwan @yogi_raasti is the founder & owner of Karachi based wellness studio Yoga Lift @yogaliftpk which provides an array of yoga and wellness classes for men and women both. Raasti is also an internationally certified yoga instructor with a 200 hour certification in Ashtanga vinyasa, a 50 hour aerial yoga certification, yoga alliance continuing education credits in Somatic Movement and Prenatal Yoga, and is currently pursuing her 300 Yoga Teacher Training with San Francisco based Jason Crandell.

These days through her pregnancy, she is delving into restorative and healing practices, giving her body the space and ease it needs at this time.

Maria Aeiliya Jafri @mariaoffthehandle is a registered yoga instructor with a 200 hour training in vinyasa & hatha yoga and 50 hour training in Aerial yoga. Maria has been practicing yoga for over 10 years, and has been teaching for 2 years. She is also the co-founder of Jump Chinese @jumpchinese - a Mandarin Chinese Learning Program.

Maria’s favorite aspect of practicing yoga is the self love, acceptance and compassion she gains everytime she steps on the mat. Marias favourite part of teaching is inspiring wellness and self awareness in her clients. Overall Marias yoga is quirky, strong and passionate! Follow her yoga journey @mariaoffthehandle

Shaheen was born to a Baloch family in a small village of Badin Sindh. She was a survivor of multiple forms of systematic abuse throughout her childhood, and eventually sought out a marriage with the hope that this would provide the change that she needed in her life, but found this to be untrue. Shaheen eventually moved to Karachi with her daughter, and embraced, though she had know for a while, that she was queer. With the quality of her education either being stunted or lacking in quality, Shaheen took it upon herself to educate herself in various ways, and is now a Rapper, Mouth Harpist, Content Creator and Poet. She hopes that by sharing her stories of trauma, she can help others to know they are not alone and seek the support they need. Shaheen also hopes to break these cycles of abuse that are ignored and perpetuated in many societies and communities.

Listen to this short excerpt of Shaheen talking about the importance of sexual education in all societies, and how it needs to begin in the home, and how she is doing that with her own daughter.

Meenu is a silversmith with over 10 years of working in the artisan retail sector with her studio practice based art jewelry brand Vaasvara Jewelry @vaasvara and more recently, her new artisan made social enterprise start up Fyoli Fyoli @fyolifyoli Passionate about the environment and craftspeople of the world, Meenu believes that the handmade economy is going to play a crucial role towards attaining a more sustainable future for this planet and the people. As she reflects on the kind of impact she would like to leave in this world she embraces and lives the idea that the world we deserve exists at the intersection of Social, Gender and Environmental justice.

Saloni is a social entrepreneur with over 12 years of international fashion design & management experience. A fashion design graduate from Parsons, New York, Saloni is trained in couture & ready-to-wear at reputed fashion houses Oscar De La Renta, Diane Von Furstenberg, Zac Posen, & Naeem Khan. Her commitment to creative life & craftsmanship has evolved from working with artisans for design projects starting @agaatifoundation - building an Ethical, Eco friendly & Equitable Artisan Economy that is deeply rooted in creativity nurtured by human hand & soulful spirit. @salonirathor @agaati.california

As a musician, the Trinidadian-American has been featured on NPR, Billboard, Rolling Stone India, MTV India, and VH1 India; and she has performed internationally, playing festivals like SXSW, CMW, Women’s Redrock Festival, Tune In Tel Aviv, Linda Perry’s Rock N Relief, Pyramid Yoga Festival and more. Her visual art has been part of Adidas “Nite Jogger” campaign and she has been nominated for Best Music Video at the South Asian Film Festival two years in a row, including one nomination for her directorial debut on her music video “Gaslight.” Her debut album “The Id” came out in October 2021 and in December of 2021, Trish gave her first TEDx talk @tedxdelthornewomen

In 2021, Sahasra led Navatman to present a a dance theater film - a recreating of the Mahabharata, and to pass down the Mahabharata as ever-changing, versatile, and relevant and that which does not belong to one tradition, religion, or group of people. In this excerpt from this episode on Heartistry, Sahasra's shares why she feels this is such an important topic.

Sima Belmar, Ph.D. @simabelmar is a Lecturer in the Department of Theater, Dance, & Performance Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. She is @odcsf Writer in Residence and host of the new podcast Dance Cast. She has been writing the “In Practice” column for @dancersgroupsf In Dance since 2017.

Pramit Baul is the host of The Kathak Podcast @kathakkachakkar which has weekly episodes featuring conversations with Kathak Practitioners across the globe.

Andréa Spearman has been a student, teacher, choreographer, and performer of a variety of modern-based movement in the San Francisco Bay Area and is the host The Black Landscape @theblacklandscape - a podcast featuring a series of conversations with Black leaders in a variety of industries all in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Priya Shah exemplifies so much of what Heartistry is all about, and is the living definition of what we call "heARTivism".

Be inspired by this conversation which exemplifies the beauty and power of women supporting and uplifting other women, and hear what both Sonali and Farah are currently up to.

This conversation addresses issues of tokenism, prejudice about those who wear hijab, and how Bushra has even received feedback about her work being "too Muslim" or "not Muslim enough". Bushra's goal is to stay true to her evolution as a writer, while sharing stories that are reflective of her own experiences.

Susanna Barkataki @susannabarkataki is an Indian yoga practitioner in the Shankaracharya tradition, supporting practitioners to lead with equity, diversity and yogic values while growing thriving practices and businesses with confidence. Susanna's recently published book "Embrace Yoga's Roots: Courageous Ways to Deepen Your Yoga Practice" is a phenomenal history guide to the many facets of Yoga - not just asana as many in the western world have been exposed to - and is an interactive and reflective exercises that allow the reader to reflect on their own assumptions, perspectives, privilege identities as well as target identities.

Throughout the month of October, 2021, Susanna is doing a Virtual Book Tour with a series of events and conversations. What Susanna shares in this episode will have you feeling awakened and enlightened, and eager to learn and do more to ensure that we are not perpetuating the systems that degrade and disrespect practices such as Yoga, and instead work towards dismantling them.

Take a listen to a few excerpts from this episode which will undoubtedly leave you to wanting to hear the whole conversation!!

Now more than ever, there is an imperative for us to reflect within and act with courage on the ways in which we show up in the world around us, to co-create an anti-racist and equitable world. Change begins within us and ripples out to the world around us. This is an offering integrating Yoga and Social Justice, bringing together diverse perspectives and voices. The course will have relevant tenets from Yoga philosophy, reflection prompts, centering practices and readings to support your own path.

Previous guests on the Heartistry Talk Show, we hear from Anjali and Monique what called them to do this in 2020, and learn more about what they have coming up this year.

Hear more about this initiative, the intensive, the amazing people involved, and why these conversations and practices are critical now, and into our future.

When Priya's not dancing and writing, Priya is a public health professional, working to improve access to healthcare services globally. Priya holds a Bachelors in Public Health from Rutgers University and a Masters in Public Administration from Columbia University's School of International Public Affairs.

Take a listen to this excerpt from the conversation as Rupy shares her perspective on an artist needing to determine their priorities, and her belief in the devotion one must have to their art as an artist.

1 - Karla Quintero tells us a little more about the intention and importance of the Danzacuentos series.
2 - Mario Ismael Espinoza conveys the importance of (re)connecting with your cultural community, and for Mario that was through the arts.
3 - David Herrera shares the multilayered experience of a child of immigrants and the place that many in this category experience of "navigating the space in between."

Ariana Delawari is an Afghani artist - musician, filmmaker - and activist. In this episode, she humanizes and grounds the very complex socio-political crisis we are witnessing right now in Afghanistan.

Take a listen to this excerpt from the conversation between Ariana and Sonali, where Ariana states a call to action the international community, and specifically to South Asians to "Create a movement of the renaissance of the beauty of our collective region..." and that "...shining that light is one of the strongest ways to awaken consciousness away from this extremism."

Thank you to both Sonali and Ariana for their passion, compassion and compassion - both truly emulate the meaning of heartistry.

Take a listen to this excerpt where Mona talks about how she uses her own personal experience with domestic violence in her comedy routine - an unlikely combination that has taken the shame out of this often "'taboo" topic for Mona and for many others.

A firm believer in sharing knowledge and resources, and with the patience of teaching coming very natural to her, Shazia hopes to convey that cooking can be approachable and most importantly, that no matter how much we avoid our passions, your passion will find you.

In this excerpt from Farah's conversation with Mariam, she shares her experience that is likely all too relatable to many women.

From Bombay to the Bay Area Mona's talent caught the eye of leading Bollywood choreographers like Farah Khan, Bosco Caesar, and Ganesh Hegde, and she has collaborated with Shaan, Alisha Chinai, Sunidhi Chauhan, Kunal Ganjawala, and the maestro himself – A.R. Rahman. Mona is also the founder of Bombay Jam, an internationally acclaimed Bollywood Dance Fitness program.

At Boston's Berklee College of Music, Annette is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Berklee Indian Ensemble @berkleeindianensemble Besides performances with several Grammy winning legends including A.R. Rahman, Bill Whelan, Nona Hendryx, and Zakir Hussain, Annette has spent over a decade touring the globe with internationally acclaimed vocal quartet, Women of the World @womenoftheworldmusic - disruptors in the a cappella world, singing in 37 languages and counting.

Annette is also the musical composer of a unique collaboration which will premiere on the next episode of the Heartistry Video Series "Social Change Through heARTivism" on Wed, June 23.

This excerpt is Annette offering her take on "Heartistry", giving us yet another reason to love and admire all that she is, and all that she does!

Take a listen to an excerpt from the episode where Aditya is reflecting on his expanding perspective and approach to his art and activism, as he took time over the past year to reflect.

The organizations we are raising funds for are:
Home of Hope, Inc @homeofhopeinc
Indian Muslim Relief & Charities @imrc_usa
Khalsa Aid @khalsaaidusa

@farahyasmeenshaikh will be in conversation with representatives from two of the organizations -

Altaf Ghori @altaf_go of Indian Muslim Relief & Charities
Neelam Bhavnani @nbhavnani & Shivaani Sharma @shivaanisharma of Home of Hope, Inc.

Each guest offers insight into the work being done on the ground in India, how funds are being allocated, and why each of us need to continue to demonstrate support even as the media cycle and attention fades away, giving the impression that the crisis is resolved.

Please join us on May 23 at 5pm PST / 8pm EST to show your support, enjoy the performances, and most importantly, raise funds to help. For more information, please visit the link in bio @nooranidance

Anu Sehgal is the Founder of @theculturetree Anu @anuseghalny grew up in India and is a native Hindi speaker. She is an active parent and believes an awareness of one’s heritage, culture and language is key for children to become self-aware and confident individuals. Anu founded The Culture Tree five years ago, with a desire to fill a vacuum for quality and educational South Asian events and classes in the New York City area.

As a cultural educator, she provides children with authentic, immersive and inspiring experiences, offering the children and their families cross-cultural exposure that can help develop knowledgeable, open-minded and respectful individuals.

In this excerpt, Sahil K reflects on his decision between two paths for his future career, and how ultimately, and thankfully, he chose his music.

Each artist is in conversation with Farah, sharing how they use their artistic practice of performing, choreographing and teaching to advocate for equality and justice, and the unique ways they are raising awareness about various systems of oppression through their passion, compassion, and commitment displayed through their heart led art and activism. This beautifully powerful combination is what we call heARTivism.

First listen to this episode and then watch the entire episode, including excerpts of their dance related work.

When Chitra Peña became the mother of two Indian-Puerto Rican daughters, she embarked on a mission to preserve and share culture with them through language. Through her company, TaariMaa @taarimaa Chitra creates resources that teach language and emotional intelligence. Her goal is to make native languages fun and approachable to parents and children alike, and help them build strong bonds.

A #PayYourArtists post that went viral is how they connected. Hear Kayla Pecchioni share what compelled her to vent on social media, the overwhelming response to it, and so much about her brilliance as an Actor, Dancer & Singer!

Kayla Pecchioni @kaylapecchioni is a professional stage actor and educator, living in East Harlem, NYC. Most notably, Kayla spent nearly two years touring with the Broadway show THE BOOK OF MORMON, as Nabulungi. Other select credits include: DREAMGIRLS (South Korea), the RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR, and Maggie in A CHORUS LINE at SIGNATURE THEATRE - where she became one of the first Black women to ever play this classic role. Outside of performing, Kayla is on the teaching faculty of The Broadway Collective, where she prepares upcoming artists for the professional industry. She is devoted to normalizing mental health stigma, and spreading an overall message of kindness.

Farah and Suhaee talk about the challenges she has faced as a woman and a dancer in Pakistan, and how she also uses dance to heal her own trauma as well as teaches dance to others as a form of therapy.

This excerpt highlights just one of the topics Setso talked about. Be sure to listen to the whole episode to also hear some of her (in the moment) amazing vocals, as well as some of her beautiful tracks.

Seetal is that rare, but wonderful combination of sharing & absorbing, leading & learning - a blend that we can all learn a lot from!

Hear this excerpt of Amit talking about the gender appropriation that takes place in various dance forms, and the need to create conversations within and about dance to reexamine these gender roles.

Sheherazaad (aka Sanjana Shukla) is a performer-composer, whose new-age sound echoes her experiences as a child of diaspora. She pulls from traditional South Asian and Western classical, where her contemporary, modern synthesis can be described as alternative-folk & experimental ballad. Her original lyricism re-interprets existing Hindi-Urdu poetic forms, channeling questions of identity, mother tongue, homeland, and displacement. She recently released her debut album, "Khwaabistan" (Dreamland), encompassing her rich vocals and moving lyrics, enveloped in melodies that will stay with you for days.

Chanpreet is an actor, poet and a writer. Having performed on stage in various theatrical productions as well as in films both in the US and India, Chanpreet is often recognized for his versatility and portrayal of complex characters He writes in English and Hindi, receiving praise from readers of both languages. Alongside his pursuit of arts, he also works as a Director at a multi-national consultancy firm advising large companies based in Silicon Valley.

Listen to 2 excerpts from our conversation with Sanjana and Chanpreet as they speak about the importance of "finding celebratory moments that are very private" during the creation process rather than waiting for it to be shared with others, as well as pushing oneself outside of their comfort zone to "truly know what lies instead of you" and always remaining authentic to who you are.

A perfect example of the phrase "when one door closes, another one opens", Saba leads her life with her heart as her guide - always in search of various ways to give back and make this world a better place for all.

Listen to 2 excerpts from our conversation with Saba to hear 1) the important distinction between persistence and stubbornness, and 2) Saba's thoughts on the importance of time for rest and reflection versus just jumping into the next "thing".

Throughout the episode, Nikita shares her journey, her aspirations and thoughts and multiple perspectives on South Asian representation in arts and entertainment, and so much more.

Previously a city government attorney, a prosecutor, and a solo practitioner before becoming a consultant and coach, Toya acknowledges the harmful effects of racism, sexism, homophobia, and oppression on her clients - most of whom are women of color - offering them a 20/20 vision needed to truly see someone today while holding a vision for what is possible in their future.

Joshinder's journey is a testament to the importance of following one's calling and "finding your personal legend".

Raj has interviewed many high profile newsmakers including Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, Colin Powell, Tyler Florence, Jed York and many more. In 1995, Raj became the first Indian sportscaster in the U.S. before he transitioned to primary news anchor in 2011.

Hear Raj talk about the richness of his career thus far, and specifically, these unique times (to say the least) for anyone in news media as he covers a global pandemic, consecutive years of wildfires in California, and the upcoming election.

Art has always been an important part of Ria's life, and for her own audiences, she strives to connect with them, help them feel understood, and ultimately, evoke change.

We love the heart and artistry she is putting into every aspect of her vision and products, and the way she is sharing these lost rituals with the world. Tune in to hear more about Michelle's incredible journey!

Meena’s journey is one of ebbs and flows, as she navigates a path that is constantly providing new challenges and opportunities. Her constantly evolving trajectory, and her energetic outlook on so very many things, will both inspire and energize.

Hear more about this initiative, the intensive, the amazing people involved, and why these conversations and practices are critical now, and into our future.

She released her first single “Alright” at the end of 2019 and has since released a number of self-produced and written songs, some even accompanied by videos. With plans to debut her first EP this year, and her newest song “Call Me” just released last week, hear Samica talk about her journey, her creative inspirations and much more!!

Founder of @paraviontea and most recently her newest venture in response to Covid 19 @moocowmarket addressing the issues of the breakdown in our food supply chain, Alexandra leaves no stone unturned and is always sourcing new and exciting ideas to share with the world.

Sheetal continues to shatter ceilings with her commitment to representation of South Asian women and girls on screen and on page - evident in the roles she plays and the books she writes - and through her advocacy work, her activism and her consistent support of equality and human rights. She's a woman who stands behind her beliefs in all aspects of her life!

Farah follows up in a convo with both her mother and father @nooraniamjad about systemic racism as they reflect on their experiences in the U.S. as people of color and in acknowledgment of the privilege they have had as South Asians in this country in comparison to Black communities. An important and inspiring dialogue for all generations.

Hear her share more about her role as Kamala in @neverhaveiever and much more about her journey to get this place in her career! . . .

In addition to Brinda's unique artistic sensibility, she is deeply committed to arts as activism, with the belief that artists have a responsibility to start a dialogue to create positive changes. This is reflected in Brinda's own projects such as @wisefruitnyc a curated event to highlight NYC-based artists who can yield action with the event honoring and benefiting Planned Parenthood Action Fund of NYC.

Masuma strives to find the balance between mom life and entrepreneur life with Pink Banoo and now with her new found passion for styling from the inside out through her newest venture @b.wellstyled While the search for balance is a never ending one, Masuma is most proud of not only the courage to believe in her dreams, but also the ability to embrace change and to pave a path towards what her heart desires.

@alinoorani and the Forum along with a broad coalition of faith, civil rights, business and immigration organizations have launched the #AllofUS campaign to reach Americans nationwide to make the case that across countless sectors, immigrants — regardless of status — are doing essential work on the front lines fighting COVID-19 and keeping the nation safe and healthy.

@farahyasmeenshaikh talks to Ali about what inspired him to be a part of this important work, and how he and his team are deeply committed to "meet people where they are but don't leave them there."

Hear from Anisha, how her commitment to this dance form never waivered, and yet how she has found a unique path to preserving it and sharing it with the world.

Kai’s journey from a very young age exemplifies discipline, persistence and the ability to follow her dreams and calling in the face of various obstacles along the way.

Her life is full of inspiration, and wait until you hear what/who inspires her!