Yo Nepali Life

Have you ever been embarrassed when mispronouncing a foreign word? A lot? How about a Nepali word? Not so much? In this episode we explore the wealth of the Nepali alphabet, sounds and language in juxtaposition with English. We touch on a controversial topic about the Devanagari script, share an expert's opinions on our much evolving language, and discuss some other countries' linguistic history. 

Thanks to Satya Khadka, Utsav Adhikari, and Grace Kenneally, who chimed in with their experiences in Nepali and English languages.

Special thanks to https://www.bensound.com

Why did the #metoo movement fail to gain momentum in Nepal? In this episode we talk about how victim blaming and shaming might have contributed to this.  We also explore ways to help this movement instead of scrutinizing survivors and victims when they share their stories.

If you want to report any sexual harassment or misconduct in Nepal, please dial 1145, a 24-hour free helpline service run by National Women Commission. You can also call at 100 to report it to the police directly.

This episode explores the challenges that middle-class kids face while navigating between two worlds - humble economic backgrounds and rich, private schools. Our producer Richa reflects on her experience of attending Modern Indian School, and friends Riya and Ojashwi chime in with their stories from St. Mary’s, Kathmandu University, Gyanodaya, Little Angels', and Budhanilkantha School.

Special thanks to https://www.bensound.com

Here's a snapshot of what's coming your way in our second season

We’ve all been cooped up for a while, so it’s the perfect time to talk about travel. With two seasoned travellers who know so much about Nepal at that! On this episode, we chat with Pemba Sherpa Khambache, co-founder of NepaliTravellers and Pooja Rijal, Miss NepaliTravellers 2019. Nothing about this episode is plane – we talk about solo travel in Nepal, how travel is like for women in Nepal, different destinations, and how Pemba and Pooja are leading the efforts to promote tourism in Nepal.

What makes Sudin Pokharel, the most charismatic Nepali hip-hop artist and sports journalist, so special? Pokharel's hard hitting delivery recalls plenty of accomplished foreign rappers but he has a witty-and-thet-Nepali-wordplay charm all of his own. On this episode, we speak to DA 69 about his struggles and life abroad, his upcoming album, and his Nepali life.

Discrimination is very much a part of Yo Nepali Life, whether you’re in Nepal or abroad.   Being in solidarity is something we can strive for, but in the end, how do we become effective allies? We need to listen, we need to learn, we need to act. Movements to end discrimination need all of us. In this two-part episode, we discuss how to be an ally.  In Episode 6, we talk to Neha Rayamajhi and Pankaj Khadka, Nepali storytellers based in the US, who have seen the #blacklivesmatter movement closely. We discuss how Nepalis can listen, engage, learn, and act to support the movement.

Discrimination is very much a part of Yo Nepali Life, whether you’re in Nepal or abroad.   Being in solidarity is something we can strive for, but in the end, how do we become effective allies? We need to listen, we need to learn, we need to act. Movements to end discrimination need all of us. In this two-part episode, we discuss how to be an ally.  

In Episode 5, we talk to Pradip Pariyar, a social activist and executive director of Samata Foundation, about his experiences with casteism, how he’s leading the #dalitlivesmatter movement, and how we can support the movement.

Nepali music’s most exciting and innovative young artist – the best rapper of his generation, and that’s just the start – has now become one of its biggest. This episode, we chat with Uniq Poet about his creativity, inspirations, new album Kaalo and his Nepali life.

Tim Vickery’s knowledge of South American football is so immense that he’s nicknamed  “Legendinho” on BBC’s World Football. This week, we talk to Tim about football, Messi, the immigrant life, and everything in between.

This is the second part of episode 2. We’ve recorded this episode entirely in English. 

This week, we take a trip down memory lane, reliving the fun we had playing, watching, and living sports. Our guest this week is Aman Pratap Adhikary.  A-division footballer, host of numerous sports talk shows, and an integral part of our Nepali sports, Aman dai knows his sports – and TV for that matter.

For almost every traveler, culture shock is very real. Cuisines, language barriers, navigating foreign customs and menus– this week, the gang shares all their crazy culture shock stories. Our guests this week are our friends Richa and Dipika!

Teaser for the upcoming podcast Yo Nepali Life