6 Best Podcasts From South Asians in 2023
As we move further into 2023, the popularity of podcasts continues to soar. For the South Asian community, there are now more podcasts than ever that cater specifically to their interests and needs. From career advice to relationship tips, sports commentary to discussions on LGBTQI+ community, there is a wealth of content available. Whether you’re looking to learn something new, stay informed on current events, or simply be entertained, these podcasts are sure to capture your interest.
With so many podcasts to choose from, we have compiled a list of the best podcasts by South Asians.
1. Queering Desi
Host: Priya Arora
Available on: The podcast is available on a variety of platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher. Listeners can also access the podcast on the Queering Desi website.
About the host:
Queering Desi is hosted by Priya Arora, a queer South Asian writer, activist, and artist. Arora is a prominent voice in the queer South Asian community, and has written extensively on issues related to queer identity, race, and culture. She has been featured in a variety of media outlets, including The New York Times, NPR, and BuzzFeed, and has spoken at conferences and events across the United States.
What the podcast is about:
Internationally renowned as one of the most popular South Asian podcasts, Queering Desi explores the intersection of queer identity and South Asian culture, and aims to create a space for dialogue, storytelling, and community-building within this intersection. The show features conversations with a range of guests, including queer South Asian artists, activists, scholars, and community organizers, who share their personal experiences and perspectives on a variety of topics.
Why you should check it out:
If you are interested in learning more about the experiences of LGBTQ+ South Asians, Queering Desi is a must-listen podcast. The show provides a unique platform for queer South Asian voices, and offers insight into the complexities of navigating identity and culture within this community.
2. Facial Recognition Comedy
Host: Fizaa Dosani, Pallavi Gunalan, and Zahra Ali,
Available on: The podcast is available on various podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Listeners can also access the podcast on the Facial Recognition Comedy website.
About the host:
Fizaa Dosani is a comedian, writer, actress and a top South Asian podcaster who has appeared in a variety of TV shows and films. Pallavi Gunalan is a comedian and writer who has performed at venues across the country, including the Laugh Factory in Hollywood. Zahra Ali is a comedian, writer, and producer who has been featured in a variety of media outlets, including The New York Times and NPR.
What the podcast is about:
The podcast is one of the most popular South Asian comedy podcasts, featuring interviews with guests, comedy sketches, and commentary on The show offers a fresh perspective on comedy and highlights the experiences of underrepresented voices in the industry.current events, all through the lens of South Asian experiences and perspectives.
Why you should check it out:
Simply put, Facial Recognition Comedy embodies the concept of diversity. It’s a fun, vibrant, and intelligent show where no topic is off-limits. If you’re looking for a funny and insightful podcast that explores topics related to race, culture, and identity, Facial Recognition Comedy is definitely worth checking out.
3. Redefining ABCD

Hosts: Keerthi Sekar and Sneha Ameya
Available on: Spotify, Apple podcasts
About the hosts:
Keerthi and Sneha are two highly educated and culturally aware women who are passionate about exploring the complexities of the South Asian diaspora. Keerthi’s love of travel and new experiences complements Sneha’s contemplative nature, making for an engaging and thought-provoking podcast.
What the podcast is about:
Redefining ABCD offers a platform for discussing the various internal stigmas present within the South Asian community, with a focus on the hyphenated identity. The goal is to shift the conversation towards embracing more South Asian Pride in our daily lives, and to shed light on the diverse identities within this community.
Why you should check it out:
Redefining ABCD is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the complexities of the South Asian diaspora. Hosts Keerthi and Sneha challenge stigmas and celebrate diversity, promoting South Asian pride through open dialogue. Join the movement towards a more inclusive community!
4. South Asian Stories
Hosts: Sameer Desai
Available on: Spotify and Apple podcast
About the hosts:
Sameer Desai is a marketer at PepsiCo by day and the host of South Asian Stories by night. Known for his humility and charisma, Sameer launched the podcast to create a global South Asian community who can share their identities, successes, failures, and most importantly, stories.
What the podcast is about
Desi Outsiders is a podcast that focuses on Indian culture and society. Known as one of the best South Asian podcasts for those looking to relate to the Indian diaspora experience, Desi Outsiders covers topics ranging from relationships, the dynamics of living with Indian parents, education, culture, and feminism. In a nutshell, the podcast revolves around two young, successful Indian women who strive to be the voice of reason in conservative Indian households.
Why you should check it out
South Asian Stories is essentially amongst the Best podcasts by South Asians. It is an hour-long interview with exceptional South Asian people who are empowered and thriving within their industry. The interviewees range from artists, writers, athletes, filmmakers, chefs, scientists, and entertainers.
Why you should check it out: South Asian Stories is a powerful, global-perspective, thought-provoking podcast for South Asians. With insights from famous individuals like Rahul Rai, Dr. Vivek Murthy, and Wardah Khalid, this podcast urges you to spread your wings and fly, even if it means taking the road less traveled.
5. The Desi Outsiders

Host: Meenal Viz, Ankita Narayan
Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher
About the host:
The hosts of The Desi Outsiders podcast, Meenal Viz and Ankita Narayan, are two top South Asian podcasters, living in the UK who offer a unique and relatable perspective on South Asian identity and experiences. With their honesty, humor, and insights, they create a welcoming space for listeners to explore important topics and issues affecting the South Asian community.
What the podcast is about:
The podcast focuses on topics related to South Asian identity, culture, and experiences, and the hosts offer their unique perspectives on everything from mental health to dating and relationships. They discuss topics that are often taboo or difficult to talk about within the South Asian community, providing a safe and relatable space for their listeners.
Why you should check it out:
If you’re interested in learning more about the experiences of South Asians living in the UK, or simply looking for a podcast that tackles important and often overlooked topics with humor and insight, The Desi Outsiders is definitely worth checking out.
6. Pak-Cord
Hosts: Habib Ehmad
Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Play
About the hosts:
Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Habib Ehmad moved to the U.S when he was a child. After spending most of his teenage years in New York and Connecticut, he currently lives in Boston and works in Data Analytics & Strategy in the healthcare industry.
What the podcast is about:
Pak-Cord, also known as one of the best Pakistani podcasts, was started with the intention of bringing together the global Pakistani community. Full of genuine and unassuming conversations with different guests, the hour-long podcast episodes range from topics such as health, fitness, politics in Pakistan, and even online dating on Muslim dating sites.
Why you should check it out
If you’re looking for a podcast that brings together the Pakistani diaspora and has a real community feel to it, you must check out Pak-Cord. The icing on the cake is that Habib and his guests often break out into Urdu, adding authenticity to the light-hearted conversation.
FAQs
- Who are some popular South Asian podcasters?
Priya Arora of Queering Desi, Fizaa Dosani, Pallavi Gunalan, and Zahra Ali of Facial Recognition Comedy, Keerthi Sekar and Sneha Ameya of Redefining ABCD, and Sameer Desai of South Asian Stories are some top South Asian podcasters.
- What are some podcasts that discuss South Asian culture?
Queering Desi and Redefining ABCD are South Asian podcasts, which talk about the culture.
- Are there any South Asian comedy podcasts?
Facial Recognition Comedy features comedy sketches and commentary on current events from a South Asian perspective.
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