Multi-faceted Ami Thakkar Raval’s podcast captures stories from the diaspora
Embark on a journey of discovery and laughter with Ami Thakkar Raval, the founder and host of the “Tuckered Out” podcast. Raval’s show dives into the personal journeys of South Asian pioneers worldwide, challenging mainstream narratives through her authentic platform.
As a finalist for The Anthem Awards (which you can vote for), Raval’s podcast recognizes impactful work across various core causes, and amplifies voices that spark global change. From her diverse experiences as a lawyer, backup Bollywood dancer, analyst, freelance writer, and more, she brings a unique perspective to each episode.
In this interview with SEEMA, Raval delves into her experiences as a first generation South Asian, her role as wife and mother, and her commitment to fostering connections through storytelling.
Your journey has been quite diverse, from law to writing, podcasting, and even DJing. How did these varied experiences shape your perspective and influence the content of your podcast?
It has been quite a ride! Having worked in several industries and lived in 10 cities around the world, I’ve been able to pull from my experiences throughout my 135 interviews and connect with so many of my guests on a more personal level. All guests come from different backgrounds and narratives, and I believe my journey has played a huge part in the success of the podcast and becoming a host that (hopefully) audiences and guests can relate to.
What motivated you to start “Tuckered Out,” and how has the podcast evolved since its launch in 2017?
I started this podcast because frankly, I was tuckered out from all the big moves due to my husband’s job. I was also navigating the best but most challenging role as a new mother, and mainly [trying to] determine what my true calling was. So as a first-generation South Asian born in the U.S., I decided to interview the diaspora of South Asian trailblazers around the world to hear how they figured it all out. I wanted to share the South Asian story, highlight all the fantastic contributions the community is making in various industries, and to laugh as much as possible.
“Tuckered Out” has evolved in several ways since I launched it in 2017. I started off with a co-host, and I was reaching out to trailblazing friends for interviews (also, I knew they couldn’t say no to me). Since then, I’ve changed my format, my logo, my mission, and, frankly, my approach to the entire process. Most importantly, I now have a production team (shoutout to Ginni Media) to help with the producing and editing of the show and have a much deeper understanding of the industry. I truly feel like I have finally found my dharma (my calling).
You’ve interviewed an impressive array of guests on your podcast, including Hasan Minhaj, Kal Penn, and Lisa Ray. How do you go about selecting your guests, and what do you look for in their stories?
Honestly, it’s been a mix of different approaches when it comes to guests. When I first launched the podcast, I was reaching out to good friends who were making a difference within their industries. As the podcast evolved, I would ask friends for introductions, reach out to guests who could speak about current events, and make a lot of cold calls and emails. As the podcast grew, I’ve had more and more agents reach out to me about getting their clients on the pod.
When thinking about my guests, I’m looking for trailblazers, experts, and prominent voices from the South Asian diaspora who can talk about the messiness of growing up brown, have honest conversations about personal and professional journeys, and discuss all those topics South Asians tend to shy away from. I also love a good uncle joke. Episode topics have ranged from the highs and lows of working in Hollywood to the Pfizer vaccine rollout here in the US.
I look for the impact the guest has had within their industry, unique stories, and those people who are shining stars in our community but haven’t had the opportunity to share their story with the world.
Your podcast focuses on the South Asian diaspora’s stories and experiences. What do you believe are the most important narratives that need to be shared, and how does “Tuckered Out” contribute to this storytelling?
The goal of “Tuckered Out” is to have open and vulnerable conversations about the messiness of being South Asian and representing South Asian culture. “Tuckered Out” shares the South Asian story from all points of view and all backgrounds and showcases all the amazing roles South Asians are playing around the world in all industries.
When I think of the podcast and the past few years, the word impact comes to mind. As the host, I want to shine a light on underrepresented voices, on those that always felt like the underdog, on WOC, and on the next generation of South Asians all over the world.
I think what this pod has also done for me (and hopefully our extremely diverse community) is to show that we all do share common threads, narratives, and goals.
Balancing a career as a lawyer, writer, podcaster, and DJ while being a wife and mom must be quite demanding. How do you manage to juggle these roles, and do you have any tips for achieving work-life balance?
Well, I’m technically a “retired” lawyer. I ended up shifting gears right after I got married, and we moved to India for a few years. I’m pretty sure that most working moms will tell you that there is no such thing as a perfect work-life balance. I think it’s in our DNA to feel like we’re always dropping the ball on something—whether that’s something with the family, with work, or even trying to take care of yourself. I think the best advice is to be kind to yourself, let go of the guilt, take things day by day, and remember that there is no such thing as perfect. Perfect is boring! Carve out time for yourself—a good girl’s night out always helps!
As a board member for The Podcast Academy, you’re deeply involved in the podcasting industry. What trends or changes do you foresee in the podcasting landscape, especially regarding diversity and inclusion?
I know that the industry has faced some challenges over the past year (2023) and is going through some adjustments and changes. I think we’ll see a lot of progress in 2024, including diversity in monetization techniques, the benefit of multi-platform podcasting, increased convergence of audio and video, and the use of new technology innovations within podcasting.
I think podcasters need to continue to think outside the box and be creative while producing shows, as well as embrace more diverse voices.
In your role with The Podcast Academy, you work to advance the cultural merit of the medium. How do you see podcasting influencing cultural conversations, particularly within the South Asian community?
The reason I strongly believe in podcasting and the influence it has had in our society is because the medium feels a lot more personal compared to other forms of media. The long-form interviews, discussions, and stories have allowed us to really open up and talk to each other in a more honest, vulnerable way. It gives more space to really understand others’ stories and opinions, which is so important in this current climate of contention and conflict that we are witnessing around the world. This is especially important within the South Asian community since we are such a uniquely diverse and multicultural community.
We need to start supporting each other more and let go of the idea that there is only room for a few of us at the table.
Having worked for publications like “Vogue India” and “D Magazine”, how has your background in writing influenced your approach to podcasting, and vice versa?
I think writing has been the backbone of my creative side, which is a big reason I initially felt empowered to produce and edit the show on my own. I have recently started a Substack where I write about podcast episodes but also incorporate my personal stories and experiences, parallel to what I’m doing weekly on the podcast.
Writing to me is therapy. I journal daily, and I know that for me, writing and podcasting are two mediums where I’m truly sharing my authentic self.
You’ve lived in various places, from Mumbai to Dallas. How have these diverse locations impacted your personal and professional growth, and how do they contribute to the richness of your podcast content?
I am a big believer in getting out of your bubble and getting uncomfortable. It is the only way to continue growing and learning about yourself. I was lucky enough to live in all these amazing cities with different personalities and environments, embracing the unique cultures each of them had to offer.
It opened my worldview and allowed me to walk in other people’s shoes, something I feel like we all need to start doing. Because of this, I feel like I’m able to connect with my guests, who all come from a variety of backgrounds and industries and share their stories in a way that reflects who they really are.
As a backup Bollywood dancer for Indian pop stars, can you share a memorable experience or performance that left a lasting impact on you?
Man, that was unquestionably a very entertaining eight months of my life! I had just been laid off from Enron and ended up living in Mumbai for eight months, moving in with my dear friend Teejay Sidhu, who was a radio host for a huge radio station. I ended up trying out and then getting hired to go on tour with an Indian pop star who had a few big hits back then.
All I can say is thank God social media wasn’t really a thing! I learned that professional dancing is insanely hard, and I have so much respect for those who are in that industry (shoutout to my girl, Reshma Gajjar). Looking back, I think that time in India allowed me to tap into my creative side in ways I hadn’t before, and I am eternally grateful for that time in Mumbai—it was an education on its own.
With over 135 episodes of “Tuckered Out,” what are some of the most memorable moments or lessons you’ve gained from your guests, and how have these conversations shaped your own perspective on life and career?
During one of my last interviews for 2023, it hit me how much this podcast has become one big therapy session for me. Through all these in-depth and very vulnerable conversations, I started realizing how much I’m learning about myself, something I hadn’t even thought of when I launched this show so many years ago.
The podcast has turned into more than a hobby for me. It’s given me the confidence to raise my voice, to be proud of my own personal and professional journey, and to feel much more connected to my community. It has also evolved into opportunities I hadn’t even dreamed of, and I’m so excited to see what unfolds in 2024. Honestly, I’m just getting started.
