Tuckered Out with Ami Thakkar

By: Ami Thakkar Raval: Podcaster and Writer
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  • Summary

  • A podcast interviewing trailblazers, experts, leaders and prominent voices around the world with a special spotlight on the South Asian community. We discuss the messiness of childhood, have honest conversations about personal and professional journeys, talk about projects that currently fulfill our souls, and discuss all those things that make us tuckered out. Because let's face it, being Tuckered Out is universal.
    AmiTuckeredOut 2020
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Biographies & Memoirs Comedy & Humour Politics & Government Social Sciences
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Episodes
  • Sex, God, and The Brain with Dr. Andrew Newberg

    Sex, God, and The Brain with Dr. Andrew Newberg
    Dec 17 2024

    Dr. Andrew Newberg is a neuroscientist and pioneer in neurotheology, exploring the relationship between brain function and spiritual experiences. As Director of Research at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health and a physician at Jefferson University Hospital, he has conducted extensive brain imaging studies on practices like prayer, meditation, and rituals. Board-certified in internal and nuclear medicine, Dr. Newberg has published over 250 peer-reviewed articles and 14 books, with his work featured in major media outlets and programs like "Dr. Oz" and "Good Morning America." Renowned globally, he was named among the "30 Most Influential Neuroscientists Alive Today."

    In this episode, Dr. Andrew Newberg provides an in-depth overview of neurotheology, explaining how it bridges science and spirituality to address critical questions about consciousness and the human experience. He discusses the biological underpinnings of religious and mystical experiences, the interplay between rituals and mating behaviors, and the neurological parallels between spiritual ecstasy and sexual bliss. His research on integrative medicine underscores the value of combining traditional medical practices with lifestyle changes and alternative therapies. Andrew also addresses the societal divisions arising from differing belief systems and proposes that understanding the neurological basis of our connections and differences can foster greater unity. His insights draw from decades of research, personal curiosity, and a desire to help people navigate the complexities of spirituality and health.

    • Defining Neurotheology and Integrative Medicine: neurotheology is the study of the relationship between the brain and spirituality, it’s a two-way approach + integrative medicine is a holistic approach combining traditional medicine with alternative practices (3:54)
    • The Role of Stress and Lifestyle in Health: how stress impacts health + the connection between mental and physical well-being + the importance of personalized, integrative healthcare (9:15)
    • Andrew's Early Curiosity About Reality: Andrew reflects on his childhood questions about religion, reality, and consciousness, which led to his interest in neuroscience and philosophy (13:58)
    • Sex, God, and the Brain: Exploring Connections: the biological and neurological overlap between religious, spiritual, and sexual experiences, including findings from orgasmic meditation studies. (24:47)
    • The Interplay of Rituals, Spirituality, and Biology: the evolution of rituals, their grounding effects + their connections to both human and animal mating behaviors + their role in spirituality (31:21)
    • Patriarchy, Religion, and the Separation of Sex and Spirituality: how patriarchal structures have historically separated sexuality from spirituality + the potential for reconnecting these elements (41:38)
    • Rituals as Neutral Technologies: Dr. Newberg describes rituals as tools that can be used for both positive and negative purposes, illustrating their power to shape beliefs and behaviors (47:44)
    • The Challenges of Evolving Beliefs and Societal Divisions: how ancient brain processes struggle with modern complexities + the importance of openness to alternative perspectives to bridge societal divides (49:06)
    • Rapid Fast Round (53:44)

    Connect with Andrew Newberg:

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Get Andrew’s books!

    Let’s talk Connect:

    • Instagram

    This podcast is produced by Ginni Media
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    56 mins
  • What If It Were You? Dateline's Dan Slepian Discusses The Pathological Failures of America’s Legal System

    What If It Were You? Dateline's Dan Slepian Discusses The Pathological Failures of America’s Legal System
    Dec 10 2024
    Dan Slepian is an Emmy-winning journalist, producer, and storyteller with nearly 30 years at NBC News. Known for his investigative work on Dateline, Dan has exposed injustices, solved cold cases, and helped exonerate the wrongfully convicted. His acclaimed podcast, Letters from Sing Sing, chronicles his 20-year fight to prove the innocence of John Adrian “JJ” Velazquez. A 2024 Pulitzer Prize finalist, Dan recently published The Sing Sing Files: One Journalist, Six Innocent Men, and a 20-Year Fight for Justice. Beyond journalism, he is a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform, focusing on the human cost of mass incarceration.Dan discusses the systemic flaws in the justice system, including racial bias, prosecutorial misconduct, and the lack of accountability for wrongful convictions. He brings a deeply personal and professional lens to the conversation, emphasizing his commitment to truth over personal recognition. He shares insights into the realities of mass incarceration, describing how systemic failures—from flawed eyewitness procedures to prosecutorial pressure—lead to wrongful convictions.Dan also explores his relationship with JJ, which has evolved into a profound bond that underscores the human toll of these injustices. He speaks candidly about his investigative process, the importance of humanity and empathy, and his enduring advocacy for those wrongly imprisoned. His accounts of JJ’s case and his Voices from Within program highlight the potential for transformation and healing within and beyond prison walls. Dan dives into his recent book, The Sing Sing Files, and the forthcoming documentary series The Sing Sing Chronicles, which humanizes those affected by the system. Dan’s Reluctance Toward Self-Promotion: Dan discusses his discomfort with being in the spotlight + he reflects on the challenges of public advocacy while maintaining journalistic objectivity (3:26)Upbringing and Family Influence: Dan shares his childhood experiences + He credits his mother for instilling grit and resilience and his father for teaching empathy and the value of fighting for others (6:37)Navigating Advocacy and Family Dynamics: Dan recounts the depth of his 20-year connection with JJ + how Dan’s work evolved from investigative reporting into a deeply personal mission for truth + how Dan’s family became an integral supporter of JJ (9:52)Journey into Journalism: Dan recounts the early days of his career + He shares formative moments, like witnessing Michael Jordan before a game and the lessons they imparted about professionalism. (19:11)The Case of Robert Roberson: Robert Roberson’s case, a man on death row convicted of killing his daughter + science have debunked much of the evidence used against Roberson + Dan emphasizes the racial and procedural inequities in death penalty cases and critiques the system’s inefficiencies, high costs, and lack of deterrence (22:20)The Roots of Wrongful Convictions: Systemic issues leading to wrongful convictions + eyewitness misidentification, coerced confessions, and improper courtroom dynamics + JJ Velazquez’s case exemplifies these failures + the need to humanize those impacted by wrongful convictions (34:53)Voices from Within and JJ Velazquez’s Journey: Systemic bias in the justice system, , pointing out how former prosecutors often become judges in the same jurisdictions, fostering a “club-like” atmosphere + Dan’s and JJ’s collaboration on Voices from Within + challenging myths like “everyone in prison claims innocence + the long-lasting trauma caused by wrongful incarceration (45:00)The Emotional Catalyst for Justice: the emotional impact of his first encounter with JJ’s children + Dan developed a familial bond with JJ’s children + the lifelong impact of losing a parent to incarceration (51:56)The Pathology of Mass Incarceration: The Sing Sing Files, and the emotional impact of the documentary series The Sing Sing Chronicles + education and vocational training in prisons + need to treat prisoners with dignity and reintegrate them into society + mass incarceration as a moral failing of society (55:02)The Innocence Project and Personal Reflections: Dan credits the Innocence Project + Dan maintains his discomfort with being labeled as a trailblazer (1:111:07)Rapid Fast Round (1:12:46) Connect with Dan Slepian:InstagramLinkedInGet Dan’s book - The Sing Sing Files!Listen to Dan’s podcast - Letters from Sing Sing! Let’s talk Connect:Instagram This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Debbie Millman Tells Us Why Design Matters

    Debbie Millman Tells Us Why Design Matters
    Nov 21 2024

    Debbie Millman is a writer, designer, educator, artist, brand consultant and host of the podcast Design Matters.Design Matters is one of the world’s very first podcasts. Broadcasting independently for 19 years, the show is about how the world’s most creative people design the arc of their lives. On top of it all, she has authored 6 books, her latest one called Love Letter To a Garden comes out in April and is a definite shift from her previous works. Which is no surprise to me because Debbie is the very definition of evolution, constantly learning, changing, growing and all the while, having a blast.

    Debbie recounts her journey as a OG podcaster and explains her process of preparing deeply researched interviews that uncover her guests' stories with authenticity and depth, emphasizing the importance of respect and engagement in meaningful conversations. Debbie also opens up about her latest book, Love Letter to a Garden, a visual and personal exploration of her quest to cultivate greenery in her life. She discusses how gardening became a source of connection and creativity during the pandemic and how this new venture has inspired her future projects.

    We also talk about what makes New York City kids so unique, why we’re both glad we didn’t peak in high school, how she designed her high school prom, and why she is still keen to keep walking up the mountain.

    • A Love Letter to Gardening: Debbie introduces her latest book + She shares how the project began during the pandemic and how it combines illustrations, photographs, and stories (2:53)
    • The Mental Health Benefits of Nature: The therapeutic value of gardening + practical advice for beginners + how gardening has enriched Debbie’s creative process and daily routine (5:56)
    • The Origins and Evolution of Design Matters: Debbie recounts the early days of Design Matters and describes its growth over 20 years + chapters of the podcast’s evolution (9:29)
    • The Art of Interview: Debbie shares her approach to conducting meaningful interviews + She reveals the challenges of navigating interviews with unengaged guests and maintaining authenticity (12:27)
    • Advice for Aspiring Podcasters: Debbie offers candid advice for podcasters, emphasizing the importance of passion, preparation, and perseverance + she advises maintaining a day job to sustain creative freedom and avoiding the pressure of chasing trends or chart (20:45)
    • Debbie’s Creative Roots and New York City Upbringing: Reflecting on her childhood in New York City + how her high school and college experiences shaped her career path (24:39)
    • Living a Creative Life Without Peaking: Debbie’s reflections on her ever-evolving career and her aspiration to continue climbing her creative "mountain." (38:36)
    • Rapid Fast Round: (39:13)

    Connect with Debbie Millman:

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • X
    • The Design Matters Podcast!
    • Get Debbie’s books!

    Let’s talk Connect:

    • Instagram

    This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.
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    43 mins

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