Desi Roots & Routes

Sanjay Parthasarathy’s Journey: From Microsoft to Major League Cricket

What does it take to bring a beloved sport to a new country—and build community in the process? Sanjay Parthasarathy is a tech entrepreneur, investor, and lifelong cricket enthusiast. Born and raised in Chennai, India, Sanjay’s journey took him from the cricket fields of his childhood to the tech halls of Microsoft and beyond. Now, as co-owner of the Seattle Orcas—one of Major League Cricket’s newest franchises—he’s on a mission to grow the game in the U.S. and foster deeper connections across cultures. In this episode, Sanjay explores how his early love of cricket shaped his path, what it meant to work alongside Bill Gates in India during the tech boom, and how he's using cricket to give back to the next generation. We’re also joined by journalist Greg Shaw, who helps us understand the broader story of cricket’s rise in America. In this episode, Sanjay shares insights to: * (01:23) His history with the sport of cricket in India * (02:27) The Seattle Orcas and Major League Cricket * (06:27) Expert Discussion with Greg Shaw about the rise of immigrant sports in the U.S. * (11:05) The Rules of Cricket * (14:21) Promoting Cricket to the next generation * (16:30) Why he left India * (19:10) Working at Microsoft * (24:46) Lessons learned from India  Desi Roots and Routes: Pathways to Success of Indians in America is brought to you by the Roundglass India Center at Seattle University. Join our host, Sital Kalantry, Professor of Law and Director of the Roundglass India Center as she delves into the incredible stories of Indian Americans exploring their roots in India and the routes they took to become inspiring leaders in America.  Subscribe to Desi Roots and Routes on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5muCDW1RPESatXBrZ9xHLT?si=1fef4f9910f14d04], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/desi-roots-routes/id1766579374], or wherever you tune in.  Stay up to date on our latest episodes and insights by visiting our website [https://www.seattleu.edu/roundglass-india-center/] and following us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/roundglassindiacenter/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@roundglassindiacenter]! And if you want more information on the Roundglass India Center, subscribe to our newsletter here [https://seattle-university.read.axioshq.com/signup/seattle-universitys-roundglass-india-center] or email us at DesiRoutesPod@gmail.com [DesiRoutesPod@gmail.com] and let us know what stories you’d love to hear next. Thanks for tuning in and remember to keep building bridges and creating connections.  Additional Resources: * Sanjay Parthasarathy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjayparthasarathy] * The Seattle Orcas [https://www.seattleorcas.com/] * Greg Shaw [https://www.postalley.org/author/greg-shaw/]

Vin Gupta’s Journey: From Military Medicine to the Media Frontlines

What does it take to lead in public health—and in public discourse? Dr. Vin Gupta is a pulmonologist, health strategist, and media commentator whose voice became a guiding light for many during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, he reflects on the key moments and choices that shaped his career—from his upbringing in Ohio to serving in the military, advising national health policy, and using media as a tool for impact.  Vin shares how 9/11 changed the trajectory of his life, why South Asians in medicine must engage more visibly in public conversations, and how his mission has evolved into tackling one of today’s greatest global challenges: the information war. We’re also joined by expert guest Dr. David Rapp, a cognitive psychologist from Northwestern University, who offers insight into the rise of misinformation—why it spreads, how it sticks, and what we can do to resist it. In this episode, Vin shares his thoughts on: * (02:23) Growing up in Ohio * (08:58) Impact of 9/11 and Military Service * (13:07) Media Commentary and Public Health * (23:15) Combating Misinformation * (31:39) Health of South Asians * (36:39) Advice for Young Professionals Desi Roots and Routes: Pathways to Success of Indians in America is brought to you by the Roundglass India Center at Seattle University. Join our host, Sital Kalantry, Professor of Law and Director of the Roundglass India Center as she delves into the incredible stories of Indian Americans exploring their roots in India and the routes they took to become inspiring leaders in America.  Subscribe to Desi Roots and Routes on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5muCDW1RPESatXBrZ9xHLT?si=1fef4f9910f14d04], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/desi-roots-routes/id1766579374], or wherever you tune in. Stay up to date on our latest episodes and insights by visiting our website [https://www.seattleu.edu/roundglass-india-center/] and following us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/roundglassindiacenter/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@roundglassindiacenter]! And if you want more information on the Roundglass India Center, subscribe to our newsletter here [https://seattle-university.read.axioshq.com/signup/seattle-universitys-roundglass-india-center] or email us at DesiRoutesPod@gmail.com [DesiRoutesPod@gmail.com] and let us know what stories you’d love to hear next. Thanks for tuning in and remember to keep building bridges and creating connections.  Additional Resources: * Vin Gupta [https://vinguptamd.com/] * Dr. David Rapp [https://psychology.northwestern.edu/people/faculty/core/profiles/david-rapp.html]

Sonora Jha’s Journey: From Journalism to Bold Fiction

How can storytelling become an act of resistance? Sonora Jha is a professor of journalism at Seattle University and an acclaimed author whose work boldly explores themes of gender, race, and resistance. From her early life in India navigating both privilege and adversity, to her groundbreaking career in journalism and her shift into academia and literary fiction, Sonora shares how her lived experiences shape her writing and worldview. In this conversation, she discusses the creative process behind her best-selling novel The Laughter, the role of satire in exploring multiple (and sometimes opposing) perspectives, and the impact of authenticity in storytelling. Literary critic Rafael Frumkin joins us to unpack the book’s unique approach to the campus novel genre and sharp critique of complicity and power in academia. In this episode, Sonora shares her perspectives on: * (02:22) Growing up in India * (05:08) Her career in journalism * (10:18) Transitioning to academia and the U.S. * (15:40) The Laughter and writing from the perspective of a white man * (18:14) Expert discussion with critic Rafael Frumkin on the impact of Sonora’s work * (23:00) Pushback on The Laughter * (28:03) Advice to young writers Desi Roots and Routes: Pathways to Success of Indians in America is brought to you by the Roundglass India Center at Seattle University. Join our host, Sital Kalantry, Professor of Law and Director of the Roundglass India Center as she delves into the incredible stories of Indian Americans exploring their roots in India and the routes they took to become inspiring leaders in America.  Subscribe to Desi Roots and Routes on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5muCDW1RPESatXBrZ9xHLT?si=1fef4f9910f14d04], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/desi-roots-routes/id1766579374], or wherever you tune in.  Stay up to date on our latest episodes and insights by visiting our website [https://www.seattleu.edu/roundglass-india-center/] and following us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/roundglassindiacenter/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@roundglassindiacenter]! And if you want more information on the Roundglass India Center, subscribe to our newsletter here [https://seattle-university.read.axioshq.com/signup/seattle-universitys-roundglass-india-center] or email us at DesiRoutesPod@gmail.com [DesiRoutesPod@gmail.com] and let us know what stories you’d love to hear next. Thanks for tuning in and remember to keep building bridges and creating connections.  Additional Resources: * Sonora Jha [https://www.sonorajha.com/] * Intemperance [https://bookshop.org/p/books/intemperance-a-novel-sonora-jha/3552e23fad94d4a9?ean=9780063440845&next=t] (forthcoming) * The Laughter [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-laughter-sonora-jha/18828784?ean=9780063240261&next=t] * Rafael Frumkin [https://www.rfrumkin.com/] * Frumpkin's New York Times Book Review [https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/14/books/review/the-laughter-sonora-jha.html] of The Laughter

Shasti Conrad's Journey: From Navigating Identity to Redefining Representation

What does it mean to lead with both purpose and identity in today’s political landscape? Shasti Conrad, the first woman of color to chair the Washington State Democratic Party, shares her powerful story of identity, activism, and political leadership. Adopted from India and raised in a small, predominantly white town in Oregon, Shasti's journey defies expectations. Her path took her from a transformative education at Seattle University to a seat in the Obama White House and into the top ranks of political organizing. Shasti opens up about the importance of inclusivity, representation, and finding your place in spaces that weren’t built for you. In this episode, Shasti shares her invaluable insights on: * (02:03) Growing up as a transracial adoptee in rural Oregon * (09:40) Discovering purpose at Seattle University * (14:11) Getting her start in national politics * (20:05) Working in the Obama White House * (27:05) Expert segment with Angela Tucker on transracial adoption * (31:49) Becoming chair of the WA State Democrats * (34:20) Advice for future leaders Desi Roots and Routes: Pathways to Success of Indians in America is brought to you by the Roundglass India Center at Seattle University. Our host, Sital Kalantry, Professor of Law and Director of the Roundglass India Center, delves into the incredible stories of Indian Americans. Exploring their roots in India and the routes they took to become inspiring leaders in America.  Subscribe to Desi Roots and Routes on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5muCDW1RPESatXBrZ9xHLT?si=1fef4f9910f14d04], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/desi-roots-routes/id1766579374], or wherever you tune in.  Stay up to date on our latest episodes and insights by visiting our website [https://www.seattleu.edu/roundglass-india-center/] and following us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/roundglassindiacenter/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@roundglassindiacenter]! And if you want more information on the Roundglass India Center, subscribe to our newsletter here [https://seattle-university.read.axioshq.com/signup/seattle-universitys-roundglass-india-center] or email us at DesiRoutesPod@gmail.com [DesiRoutesPod@gmail.com] and let us know what stories you’d love to hear next. Thanks for tuning in and remember to keep building bridges and creating connections.  Additional Resources: * Washington State Democrats [https://wadems.org/about/meet-the-chair/] * Angela Tucker [https://www.angelatucker.com/]

Krishna Thiagarajan's Journey: From Concert Halls to Cultural Leadership

What does it take to create a space where the arts can transcend barriers and bring people together? Krishna Thiagarajan, CEO of the Seattle Symphony, shares his incredible journey from performer to leader in one of the most prestigious arts organizations in the United States. Born to an Indian father and German-American mother, Krishna’s multicultural upbringing shaped his passion for music and his vision for the arts. His career has evolved from performing as a professional musician to becoming a dynamic leader, dedicated to fostering connection and innovation in the world of classical music. In this episode, Krishna shares his invaluable insights on;  * (01:34) How his multicultural background shaped his identity * (09:12) How experience informs his approach to arts administration * (12:21) Push back when challenging the status quo * (16:58) Krishna’s inclusive vision for classical music * (19:33) Segment with Professor Stephen Slawek on cross pollination in classical music * (22:59) How to balance tradition and innovation  * (26:09) Krishna’s community  * (30:21) Advice for young professionals Desi Roots and Routes: Pathways to Success of Indians in America is brought to you by the Roundglass India Center at Seattle University. Join our host, Sital Kalantry, Professor of Law and Director of the Roundglass India Center as she delves into the incredible stories of Indian Americans exploring their roots in India and the routes they took to become inspiring leaders in America.  Subscribe to Desi Roots and Routes on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5muCDW1RPESatXBrZ9xHLT?si=1fef4f9910f14d04], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/desi-roots-routes/id1766579374], or wherever you tune in. And stay up to date on our latest episodes and insights by visiting our website [https://www.seattleu.edu/roundglass-india-center/] and following us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/roundglassindiacenter/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@roundglassindiacenter]! And if you want more information on the Roundglass India Center, subscribe to our newsletter here [https://seattle-university.read.axioshq.com/signup/seattle-universitys-roundglass-india-center]! Thanks for tuning in and remember to keep building bridges and creating connections.  Additional Resources:  * Seattle Symphony [https://www.seattlesymphony.org/] * Benaroya Hall [https://www.seattlesymphony.org/benaroyahall?%40%40item_date=%3E11%2F21%2F2024] * Professor Stephen Slawek [https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/southasia/faculty/sslawek]