In Jessica's 15 years in India, there have been countless interesting and exciting moments.    Here in our 50th EPISODE she reflects on 2 dumb newbie mistakes, 1 religious experience, 1 natural disaster and 1 wild animal story.    Hear about the crazy, dumb mistakes that Jessica made as a young intern in India and the other wild experiences that come with living off the beaten path.    Learn more about Jessica and Abhishek's life in Bihar, whey they moved back to India after settling in the US and how Jessica learned fluent Hindi. Chalo!    LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:   www.patreon.com/invisibleindia   Join our Patreon community today to get special insights into the show! _________________________________________    Find more including the audio version on:  https://invisibleindiapodcast.com/episodes _________________________________________     Follow Invisible India on social media -     Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/invisibleindia Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheInvisibleindia TikTok- http://tiktok.com/@invisibleindia Twitter- https://twitter.com/IndiaInvisible _________________________________________     www.invisibleindiapodcast.com     The Invisible India Podcast’s opening and closing music is performed by Christopher Hale on Sitar and Ed Hanley on Tabla on Raag Bhimpalasi. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/invisibleindia/support

Invisible India

50 | The Top 5 Most Raw Experiences I Have Had in India

Is COVID really worse in American than India?   What did it feel like on the ground in India during the world's biggest lockdown.   Why on earth would anyone travel between the US and India right now?    Listen to Jessica and Abhishek share about their experience traveling from Bihar, India to Chicago and BACK AGAIN in the middle of a pandemic! Why did they go? What were their observations? What was the flight like? We answer questions that many people have asked us in the past few months about the differences between India and America during the COVID experience.  _________________________________________    See us face to face on the YouTube version on: https://youtu.be/m-ZgjwHQu44 _________________________________________     Follow Invisible India on social media -     Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/invisibleindia Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheInvisibleindia TikTok- http://tiktok.com/@invisibleindia Twitter- https://twitter.com/IndiaInvisible _________________________________________     www.invisibleindiapodcast.com     The Invisible India Podcast’s opening and closing music is performed by Christopher Hale on Sitar and Ed Hanley on Tabla on Raag Bhimpalasi. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/invisibleindia/support

49 | COVID in India vs the US

The standard for Indian-Americans is seemingly impossibly high wherever they go. Not fully accepted as "American" nor fully embraced as "fully Indian."  Rashmili Vemula and Gurtej Singh join Jessica in a conversation about assimilation, cultural retention and language learning as Indian-Americans. Rashmili talks through her Telegu roots and how dance was a connection point to Indian culture. Gurtej shares how American Sikhs are used to being a minority wherever they go.    Check YouTube for the video of our conversation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIrG7vE8Ua4&ab_channel=InvisibleIndiaPodcast Don't forget to subscribe on your favorite platform- iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts and all major streaming platforms.    _________________________________________    Find more including the audio version on: https://invisibleindiapodcast.com/episodes _________________________________________     Follow Invisible India on social media -     Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/invisibleindia Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheInvisibleIndia TikTok- http://tiktok.com/@invisibleindia Twitter- https://twitter.com/IndiaInvisible _________________________________________     Check out the Carolina Desi: -iTunes- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carolina-desi/id1218531161 -Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/thecarolinadesi/?hl=en _________________________________________     www.invisibleindiapodcast.com     The Invisible India Podcast’s opening and closing music is performed by Christopher Hale on Sitar and Ed Hanley on Tabla on Raag Bhimpalasi. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/invisibleindia/support

48 | Learning Indian Languages as Indian-Americans | w/ The Carolina Desi

Direct vs indirect communication has been a painful point for Indians working with Westerners and vice versa. Craig Storti, author of “Speaking of India” draws on his decades of international consulting experience to share about the common pain points between Western and Eastern professionals. Jessica and Craig dive in deeper to see how these differences in direct vs indirect communication impact personal relationships, marriage, parental relationships between 1st generation diaspora desis and their parents who grew up in South Asia. Get “Speaking of India” here. Listen and follow Invisible India on social media to see how you can get a free copy of the book. https://www.amazon.com/Speaking-India-Bridging-Communication-Working/dp/1941176119 Consider supporting us on Patreon in 2021! If you’ve gained from this free podcast we put out twice a month, please consider jumping onto patreon and becoming a part of the community- where you can be more closely connected with us and get personal attention to your questions, thoughts and even have a chance to have a shout out on the show. Thanks for considering supporting us. The more support we have, the  more we can put into making this podcast even better.  www.patreon.com/invisibleindia ______________ Follow Invisible India on social media - Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/invisibleindia Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheInvisibleIndia TikTok- http://tiktok.com/@invisibleindia Twitter- https://twitter.com/IndiaInvisible _______________ www.invisibleindiapodcast.com The Invisible India Podcast’s opening and closing music is performed by Christopher Hale on Sitar and Ed Hanley on Tabla on Raag Bhimpalasi. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/invisibleindia/support

47 | Working in India - Navigating Professional and Personal Relationships in India with Craig Storti

In this bilingual episode, Jessica tells all the questions you may be wondering about what its like to be a foreigner in India, how she learned fluent Hindi and what it is like being married to an Indian while living in a conservative community in North India. do people treat her weird as a foreigner? how do people react to her speaking fluent Hindi? how did Abhishek's parents feel about their son marrying an American?  Hear her answers and how she relates some of the off the wall things you may have never thought about being a foreigner in India, married to an Indian and living immersed in Indian culture! Find more including the audio version on: https://invisibleindiapodcast.com/jessica-tells-all-hindi-learning-marrying-an-indian/ Follow Invisible India on social media - Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/invisibleindia Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheInvisibleIndia TikTok- http://tiktok.com/@invisibleindia Twitter- https://twitter.com/IndiaInvisible _________________________________________ www.invisibleindiapodcast.com The Invisible India Podcast’s opening and closing music is performed by Christopher Hale on Sitar and Ed Hanley on Tabla on Raag Bhimpalasi. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/invisibleindia/support

46 | Jessica Tells All | Learning Hindi & Marrying an Indian

At first glance, one may assume Aparna Mulberry is a Western woman who has merely visited India. But only a few moments after speaking to her, you realize the depth and knowledge of her experiences as growing up in the Amritapuri Ashram in Kerala, India.    Aparna is an American born, but India raised woman who spent her formative years in Kerala. Fluent in Malayalam, her story of finding her place of fitting in in India and also America is inspiring and enlightening for anyone living a multicultural life or finds themselves struggling to raise children in a cross-cultural environment.    Now married to a Spanish woman, living in France, her multicultural journey continues. During this episode, she reflects on her Indian roots and gives Jessica advice on raising children in a context where they may feel they are “third culture kids” between worlds.    Find more including the audio version on: https://invisibleindiapodcast.com/growing-up-white-in-india/ Follow Invisible India on social media -   Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/invisibleindia Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheInvisibleIndia TikTok- http://tiktok.com/@invisibleindia Twitter- https://twitter.com/IndiaInvisible _________________________________________   www.invisibleindiapodcast.com   The Invisible India Podcast’s opening and closing music is performed by Christopher Hale on Sitar and Ed Hanley on Tabla on Raag Bhimpalasi.   --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/invisibleindia/support

45 | Growing Up White in India with Aparna Mulberry

This month we are focusing on Transnational Adoption and hearing the stories of 3 families who are perfectly blended, where at least one member of the family is South Asian.   What are the things adoptive parents need to be aware of before adopting from India? What is it like to be Indian parents of an adopted African-American child?  What is it like to be two Australian parents living in India with two adopted Indian children?  This week,  we talk to Mahi. She and her husband are an Indian American couple in a metropolitan city in the US. They both work in communities where they serve low-income African American families and have felt the desire to foster and adopt a child from that community.  Their open-minded, welcoming approach will touch your heart. Mahi dives into cultural adaptation and how her Indian family has reacted to welcoming a black child into their multicultural family. She also shares the importance for support and friendships in community.  Our second guest is Melinda.  Melinda, a white Australian, lived in India for 25 years doing social work. She and her husband adopted 2 children from India and raised them there before moving to Australia. She shares difficult truths behind the pain and rage that adoptees can feel when being separated from their birth families. Melinda sheds light on the importance of doing your research and being deeply committed to supporting your child through the identity challenges they will go through as an adoptee. If you missed Part 1, where Jacob, a Tibetan-Nepali man shares his journey of being adopted and growing up in the US, check out Episode 43.  __________________________________________    Follow Invisible India on social media -   Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/invisibleindia/  Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheInvisibleIndia  TikTok- http://tiktok.com/@invisibleindia  Twitter- https://twitter.com/IndiaInvisible  _________________________________________    Find the audio version everywhere podcasts are found! iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, JioSaavn, etc.  www.invisibleindiapodcast.com   _________________________________________    The Invisible India Podcast’s opening and closing music is performed by Christopher Hale on Sitar and Ed Hanley on Tabla on Raag Bhimpalasi.   _________________________________________   #indianculture #interracialcouple #interracialmarriage #interracialdating #lovemarriage #arrangedmarriage #indianwedding #learnhindi #fluentinhindi #foreignerinindia #videshi #multicultural #multiculturalfamily #mixedcouple #iloveindia #indianshaadi #adoption #transnational #transnationaladoption #trans #adoptee #indian #indianadoption --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/invisibleindia/support

44 | The Realities of Transnational and Cross-Cultural Adoptions Among South Asians | Part 2

This month we are focusing on Transnational Adoption and hearing the stories of 3 families who are perfectly blended, where at least one member of the family is South Asian.   What is it like to be adopted as a South Asian into a totally different culture across the world?  What is it like to be Indian parents of an adopted African-American child? What is it like to be two Australian parents living in India with two adopted Indian children? This week, we hear from Jacob, born into a Tibetan Nepali family, who was later adopted by an American family and raised in Indiana. As an adult, Jacob went back to Nepal for a job and reconnected with his family, learned the language and immersed himself in Nepali culture for several years. He talks about wrestling with his identity, and the joys of his ever expanding family ties.  Our second guest is Mahi. Mahi and her husband are an Indian American couple in a metropolitan city in the US. They both work in communities where they serve low-income African American families and have felt the desire to foster and adopt a child from that community.  Their open-minded, welcoming approach will touch your heart.  Listen in to our next episode for part 2 of Mahi's story and hear from Melinda in Australia who is raising two Indian teens in Australia after decades in India.  A listener alerted us to this important petition regarding promotion of adoption in India. Please sign it and make a difference! www.change.org/SafeSurrender  __________________________________________    Follow Invisible India on social media -    Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/invisibleindia/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheInvisibleIndia TikTok- http://tiktok.com/@invisibleindia Twitter- https://twitter.com/IndiaInvisible  _________________________________________    Find the audio version everywhere podcasts are found! iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, JioSaavn, etc.  www.invisibleindiapodcast.com   _________________________________________    The Invisible India Podcast’s opening and closing music is performed by Christopher Hale on Sitar and Ed Hanley on Tabla on Raag Bhimpalasi.   _________________________________________   #indianculture #interracialcouple #interracialmarriage #interracialdating #lovemarriage #arrangedmarriage #indianwedding #learnhindi #fluentinhindi #foreignerinindia #videshi #multicultural #multiculturalfamily #mixedcouple #iloveindia #indianshaadi #adoption #transnational #transnationaladoption #trans #adoptee #indian #indianadoption --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/invisibleindia/support

43 | Tibetan-Nepali & American | Transnational and Cross-Cultural Adoptions Among South Asians | Part 1

Indian weddings are generally a multi-day affair, including a number of rituals and family get togethers. And lets not forget the food! After 10 years of marriage, Jessica and Abhishek reflect on what they would change about their "Big Fat Indian Wedding." What are the important things to include and what doesn't matter years later? What do a bride and groom need to compromise? Is it better to have one ceremony or two? How do you convince your family to include what you want in your wedding? See the YouTube version of Abhishek and Jessica talking face to face here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3Ha0aMeq34&ab_channel=InvisibleIndiaPodcast __________________________________________ Follow Invisible India on social media - Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/invisibleindia/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheInvisibleIndia TikTok- http://tiktok.com/@invisibleindia Twitter- https://twitter.com/IndiaInvisible _________________________________________ Find the audio version everywhere podcasts are found! iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, JioSaavn, etc. www.invisibleindiapodcast.com _________________________________________ The Invisible India Podcast’s opening and closing music is performed by Christopher Hale on Sitar and Ed Hanley on Tabla on Raag Bhimpalasi. _________________________________________ #indianculture #interracialcouple #interracialmarriage #interracialdating #lovemarriage #arrangedmarriage #indianwedding #learnhindi #fluentinhindi #foreignerinindia #videshi #multicultural #multiculturalfamily #mixedcouple #iloveindia #indianshaadi --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/invisibleindia/support

42 | What We Would Change About Our Indian Wedding

From the outside, the Indian educational system is a confusing landscape that produces some of the world's top talent, CEOs and world leaders, yet is criticized for inequality and illiteracy.  What are the basic building blocks of Indian education? How did India move from the Guru/Shishya ancient system to a high tech, competitive enterprise? Does the Indian school system really start at age 3? Shubhada Ranjan is the Head of Public Relations at a 3000 student school in Patna City, Bihar. A product of Indian education herself, college professor and community activist, she explores common questions and misconceptions about the Indian system from a unique global perspective. Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jessica and Shubhada Ranjan explore many common questions and misconceptions about the Indian school systems.  See the YouTube version of Shubhada and Jessica talking face to face here: https://youtu.be/92JxeIbmHqI __________________________________________ Follow Invisible India on social media - Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/invisibleindia/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheInvisibleIndia TikTok- http://tiktok.com/@invisibleindia Twitter- https://twitter.com/IndiaInvisible _________________________________________ Find the audio version everywhere podcasts are found! iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, JioSaavn, etc. www.invisibleindiapodcast.com _________________________________________ The Invisible India Podcast’s opening and closing music is performed by Christopher Hale on Sitar and Ed Hanley on Tabla on Raag Bhimpalasi. _________________________________________ #indianculture #interracialcouple #interracialmarriage #interracialdating #lovemarriage #arrangedmarriage #indianwedding #learnhindi #fluentinhindi #foreignerinindia #videshi #multicultural #multiculturalfamily #mixedcouple #iloveindia #indianshaadi --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/invisibleindia/support

41 | Exploring Indian Education with Educational Expert Shubhada Ranjan

Indian weddings are knock-down, drag-out get togethers work remembering! What are 10 aspects that are unique to Indian weddings? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/invisibleindia/support

40: 10 Unique Aspects of Indian Weddings

Karl Rock, popular YouTuber in India, tells Jessica more of his personal story of marrying his Indian wife, making India home and learning Hindi. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/invisibleindia/support

39: Karl Rock on Love and Making India Home

Robin Singh of Peepal Farm is going against the grain of consumerism in India. A practitioner of radical compassion, he and his colleagues started an organic farm, animal refuge and place for people to connect to nature. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/invisibleindia/support

38: Peepal Farm Founder Robin Singh on Organic Farming, Veganism & Rediscovering the Indian Dream

What does it take to successfully learn Hindi? Jessica breaks down tips and tricks and answers the most common questions about how to learn Hindi. What is unique about learning Hindi and why you can't learn Hindi from a book. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/invisibleindia/support

37: How I Learned Fluent Hindi - Tips & Tricks for Success (Bilingual Hindi & English Episode)

What is it like to be a black woman married to an Indian man? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/invisibleindia/support

36: Multicultural Black and Indian Family - Growing up Gupta - Part 2

Cross cultural couple doing life in India. Exploring the less known aspects of Indian culture, off the beaten path. Instagram- Ihttps://www.instagram.com/invisibleindia/ Twitter- https://twitter.com/IndiaInvisible Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheInvisibleIndia