Lindsay Buck joins us to hear all about Arjuna's 12 year exile. Satish takes the opportunity to re-tell the reason for Arjuna's exile with a puppy dog twist. Lindsay's suspicions of multiple characters gives Satish room to talk about multiple variations in the story, while we also throw in some of our own.

Arjuna visits all the holy sites of ancient India, but it's not all dull walking and mediation. He also meets 'marries' and fornicates - creating whole new families while banned from visiting his first. Krishna also comes in and helps a cousin out when Arjuna can't stop thinking about Krishna's sister Subhadra. We get to tour Krishna's home of Dwaraka through Arjuna's eyes, which has some fun throwbacks to our Krishna Chronicles.

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/nymmpodcast to get access to additional content.


Lindsay Buck
Lindsay is a landscape architech and artist living in the Twin Cities area. She's passionate about nature and preserving the history and stories of the earth. Lindsay would like everyone to know about a local initiative, Water Over Nickel. 

Water over Nickel is an initiative by the Mille  Lacs Band of Ojibwe and allied organizations to protect Minnesota’s people, natural resources, and cultural sites from the negative impact of nickel mining. Their efforts are grounded in their commitment to preserve Minnesota’s natural environment and water resources for generations to come. 

Find out more about nickel mining, the impact it has on the environment and what you can do to help.

https://waterovernickel.com/

S.P. Jayaraj is the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two novels, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow.  He is also a Creative Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching. The Mahabharata and other global mythology inspires him in all his projects.

spjayaraj.com

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

We are back to following the story of the Pandavas! After our stint with Krishna, we are pleased to welcome our friend Rachael Gaetz to recap the Pandavas adventures through the eyes of King Dritarashtra.

Dritarashtra, Duryhodana and Karna are not happy to discover that the Pandavas are still alive and less pleased about their marriage to Draupadi. The scheming begins immediately, but the politics of the situation have vastly changed. They no longer have the upper hand but are still determined to somehow come out on top.
Rachael is enthralled to hear about these Pandavas marriage to Draupadi. She is curious what the lady Draupadi thinks of Narayana coming in and convincing her men to make a vow about how they spend their time with her.

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/nymmpodcast to get access to additional content.


Rachael Gaetz
in her own words
I’m a portrait photographer in the Twin Cities. I’m also a busy mom of four and can often be spotted with a coffee in hand, a big messy bun on my head, and a baby on my hip. I’m here to create images that YOU will be obsessed with -- pictures you will be eager to post today as well as cherish decades from now. My business BelleAmiss Photography strives to take the stress out of photo sessions while capturing life's beautiful imperfections. You will leave feeling great about YOU and your photo experience.
https://belleamiss.com/

S.P. Jayaraj is the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two novels, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow.  He is also a Creative Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching. The Mahabharata and other global mythology inspires him in all his projects.

spjayaraj.com

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

Today we welcome our dear friend Andy Blissenbach and tell him all about Bheem's killing, mating, and fathering of demons- It's a wild ride!

Satish comes in making parallels between Andy and Bheema - He is particularly happy to introduce him to the powerhouse Pandava, Azure and Andy set each other off on the literal naming of characters in the epic, and we scratch the surface of some of the dietary wisdom within the Mahabharat.

 
Which demon fascinated you the most?​
Let us know in the comment section of the episode page.
https://spjayaraj.com/nymm-13/

Andy Blissenbach is a father, a teacher, an elementary school soccer coach, a writer and mythologist, and an all around entertaining guy.

S.P. Jayaraj is a mythology and Mahabharata fanatic and the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two novels, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow.  He is also a Creative Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching. He draws inspiration from global mythology.

spjayaraj.com

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/spjayaraj

#Mahabharata #ComedyMeetsCulture #Comedystorytelling #IndianMythology #MahabharataRetold #MythologyNerd #Bheem #Rhakshasa

Support the show

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Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

Today we welcome our new friend Lindsay Shimizu and tell her the infamous story of the house of lac - the story that creates the first great divide between the Kauravas and the Pandavas.  References to game of thrones, modern politics, and other geekdoms galore as we laugh through an otherwise pretty horrific murder plot. 😬 Azure and Lindsay wonder about the indoor plumbing situation of a tinder box mansion, and Satish struggles to stay on topic when Lindsay reveals she's seen one of his favorite Bollywood movies.

What did you think of our heroes sacrificing the Nishada family?​
Let us know in the comment section of the episode page.
https://spjayaraj.com/nymm-12/

Lindsay Shimizu is a host of the Saint Paul chapter of Nerd Nite by night and a software engineer for a hospital on the west coast by day.

S.P. Jayaraj is a mythology and mahabharata fanatic and the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two novels, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow.  He is also a Creative Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching. He draws inspiration from global mythology.

spjayaraj.com

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/spjayaraj

#Mahabharata #ComedyMeetsCulture #Comedystorytelling #IndianMythology #MahabharataRetold #MythologyNerd #HouseofLac

Have an imaginative day.

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

Today we are excited to welcome our old friend Kari Kusek to the show. Kari and Azure are taken on a surprise trip back to some of the earliest Mahabharata stories that precede where we started on episode 1. 
We explore 3 (of the many) examples of queerness in Hindu Mythology. Also featuring the moon, some tree spirits, and suddenly having boobs. 

What was your favorite Gender twist in this episode?
Let us know in the comment section of the episode page.
https://spjayaraj.com/nymm-0-5/

Kari Kusek is our first out of state guest, coming all the way from Denver, Colorado where she is a middle school S.A.C. (School Assessment Coordinator) & Dean. She is also the mother of 2 teenagers and married to a delightful dude. 

S.P. Jayaraj is a mythology and mahabharata fanatic and the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two novels, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow.  He is also a Creative Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching. He draws inspiration from global mythology.

spjayaraj.com

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/spjayaraj

#Mahabharata #ComedyMeetsCulture #Comedystorytelling #IndianMythology #MahabharataRetold #MythologyNerd #QUEERSTORIES

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

Aaron Bodling joins us to hear the story of Drupada as he is attacked by the Kuru clan.

Drupada is a good king who has ruled by the wisdom he has gained from his guru, so he has no idea why a bunch of teenagers are leading an army against him. Aaron and Azure love the flashback and different version of Drupada's daughter/son Shikhandi. Satish is thrilled to rediscover Drupada's importance in the Mahabharata, and foreshadows galore with the new characters introduced at the end. 

Which of Drupada's three children are you most invested in? Shikhandi, Drishtadyumna, or Draupadi? Answer in the comments section of the episode page.
https://spjayaraj.com/nymm-11/

Aaron Bodling is a nurse and animal love in Saint Paul, MN. He and his family are proud supporters of Underdog Rescue

 Underdog Rescue 

Underdog Rescue, MN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, foster-based, rescue group dedicated to the rehabilitation and permanent placement of homeless dogs and cats of all ages and all breeds.  We believe that all animals deserve caring, responsible homes and if there is one common bond between them and their foster volunteers, it is this:

We are genuinely moved by each of the amazing animals who come into our care and we believe we are their advocates.

S.P. Jayaraj is a mythology and mahabharata fanatic and the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two novels, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow.  He is also a Creative Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching. He draws inspiration from global mythology.

spjayaraj.com

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/spjayaraj

#Mahabharata #ComedyMeetsCulture #Comedystorytelling #IndianMythology #MahabharataRetold #MythologyNerd

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

We welcome Shanan Custer to tell her the story of the exhibition.
Drona wants to show off all he has taught his students, to bring unity to the Kuru clan and dazzle everyone with Arjuna's unparalleled skill. It doesn't go well.  ☹️ Shannan expects the grudge match between Bheem and Duryhodana to be what ruins everything. Azure has specific questions on who did all the arranging. No one was expecting this character to return and  level up the boyish taunting.

Who do you think would have won if the contest between Arjuna and Karna went forth? Let us know in the comments section of the episode page
https://spjayaraj.com/nymm-10/

Shannan Custer is an actor, improviser, writer, director, and educator based in the Twin Cities. She is a veteran of the Brave New Workshop in Minneapolis.

Shanan is performing in "Rock of Ages" with Unlabeled Theatre Company this July 11th to the 14th.

Unlabeled Theatre Company employs and educates artists and actors with disabilities. Their model is to connect these artists with shadow partners, of which Shanan is one, in order to create a fully accessible creative environment.
www.unlabeledtheatre.org

S.P. Jayaraj is a mythology and mahabharata fanatic and the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two novels, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow.  He is also a Creative Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching. He draws inspiration from global mythology.

spjayaraj.com

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/spjayaraj

#Mahabharata #ComedyMeetsCulture #Comedystorytelling #IndianMythology #MahabharataRetold #MythologyNerd

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

For this episode we continue our adventure with Nick Mroczek by introducing him to Ekalavya, the forest kid with archery skills that inexplicably are better than Arjuna's. He claims Drona taught him, but what is the real truth? Nick is skeptical of Ekalavya's methods, and Azure is disgusted with Drona's actions to keep his promise to Arjuna. 

What do you think of Ekalavya using just his imagination to perfect his archery? Let us know in the comment section of the episode page.
https://spjayaraj.com/nymm-09/

Nick Mroczek is a singer, composer by night and an IT specialist by day.

S.P. Jayaraj is a mythology fanatic and the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two novels, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow.  He is also a Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching. He draws inspiration from global mythology.

spjayaraj.com

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/spjayaraj

#Mahabharata #ComedyMeetsCulture #Comedystorytelling #IndianMythology #MahabharataRetold #MythologyNerd

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

For this episode we welcome Nick Mroczek and introduce him to the pivotal character, Drona. We also meet Kripa and Kripi. ALL of whom were born without mothers! Bizarre right?!?! Nick 'enjoys' all the splurging. Azure loves the name 'Bucket.'

What do you think of Drona so far? Let us know in the comments section of the episode page.
https://spjayaraj.com/nymm-08/

Nick Mroczek is a singer, composer by night and an IT specialist by day.

S.P. Jayaraj is a mythology fanatic ans the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two novels, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow. He is also a Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching.

He draws inspiration from global mythology.

spjayaraj.com

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/spjayaraj
Have an imaginative day.

#Mahabharata #ComedyMeetsCulture #Comedystorytelling #IndianMythology #MahabharataRetold #MythologyNerd

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

For this episode we welcome Mike Hallenbeck and tell him the origin story of Karna, one of the Mahabharata's leading characters. We first visit Karna in a previous incarnation and decide he was wearing a magical 'croissant' armor when fighting Nara and Narayana.  We explore the caste system of the Mahabharat through Karna's inability to find a teacher, and we question Parashuram's 'lap sleeping' style while hearing about the bizarre flesh eating bug demon eating through Karna.

What do you think about Karna's miserable luck? Does having shiny armor skin make up for it? Let us know in the comments section of the episode page.
https://spjayaraj.com/nymm-07/

Mike Hallenbeck is a composer, songwriter, sound designer, and mix engineer living in the Twin Cities Metro Area. His sound house Cool Cat Audio provides services ranging from voiceover engineering to custom music, sound editing, Foley, audio restoration, and final mix for clients in the spheres of corporate communications, film, animation, and multimedia.
His band, 10 Items or Fewer is music that soaks post-skiffle X-treme indie folk in the depths of flyover country and psychedelia– harboring lyrics about dinosaurs, mammoths, Evel Kneivel, Star Wars, a crashed Russian space station, and Planet of the Apes.  Find them on Spotify.

Cool Cat Audio: Coolcataudio.com
10 Items or Fewer: 10itemsorfewer.com

S.P. Jayaraj is a mythology fanatic and the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two novels, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow. He is also a Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching.

He draws inspiration from global mythology.

spjayaraj.com

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on https://www.patreon.com/c/nymmpodcast

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Have an imaginative day.

#Mahabharata #ComedyMeetsCulture #Comedystorytelling #IndianMythology #MahabharataRetold #MythologyNerd

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

For this episode we welcome childrens book author Peter Pearson and tell him of the  Pandavas meeting the Kauravas, and the beginning of the deadly rivalry between Duryodhana and Bheema. We once again dive into the theories of celibacy and brain power, and question why the wives fight for who gets to join Pandu on the funeral pyre. Satish tells the story Bheem roughhousing the kauravas too much. Peter says many things he never thought he would ever say, and Azure loves everything about the trip to the underworld of the river snakes. Also fart jokes.

Were you expecting so many snake-being ancestors and butt rubs? Tell us what you think of the episode on the comments page of the episode
https://spjayaraj.com/nymm-06/

Peter Pearson is a children's author living in the Twin Cities Metro Area.
peterpearson.com 

S.P. Jayaraj is a mythology fantasy writer the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two novels, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow. He is also a Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching.

He draws inspiration from global mythology.

spjayaraj.com

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Support the podcast and join the community on Patreon.com/spjayaraj

#Mahabharata #ComedyMeetsCulture #Comedystorytelling #IndianMythology #MahabharataRetold #MythologyNerd

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

For this episode we welcome writer Evan Kingston and tell him the origin of the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Satish tells the story of his favorite half-celibate, half-sex-crazy couple, Evan is not into buying Vayu's impressiveness because of his own biases against wind, and Azure is proud of Madri's divine threesome.

Which god or goddess would you like to have take you on a romantic spin? Answer in the comments section of the episode page.
https://spjayaraj.com/nymm-05/

Evan Kingston is a writer living in the Twin Cities Metro Area. If you would like a wonderful Christmas gift this year that challenges and honors the spirit of Christmas, email Evan at betternotcry@proton.me

S.P. Jayaraj is the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two books, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow. He is also a Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching.

He draws inspiration from global mythology.

spjayaraj.com

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/spjayaraj

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

#Mahabharata #ComedyMeetsCulture #Comedystorytelling #IndianMythology #MahabharataRetold #MythologyNerd

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

For our final episode of the Krishna Chronicles we entertain musician Steven Zubich. We've come to the end of this lovely tangent, yet the finale holds all the drama. Satish presents the stories of how Krishna gets his many wives, (and we mean MANY wives) not all of whom get along. We hear how Krishna defeats foes whom even he can't kill, and how he decisively deals with a really foolish imposter.
Azure and Steven are jaw dropping entertained between the epic-ness and pettiness of today's story.

Pianist Steven Zubich is an alumnus of the Perpich Center for Arts Education in Golden Valley, Minnesota. He earned a B.A. in music from the University of Minnesota-Duluth where he studied solo and collaborative piano with Tracy Lipke-Perry. At UMD, he received extensive musical training through supplemental coursework in piano pedagogy, musicology, music theory and composition. He was highlighted with the UMD Symphony Orchestra as the winner of UMD’s 12th Annual Concerto and Aria competition.

https://stevenzubich.com/
Visit https://phantomchorus.com/ to purchase tickets for Dealing with Dragons

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/nymmpodcast to get access to additional content.
 

S.P. Jayaraj is the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two novels, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow.  He is also a Creative Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching. The Mahabharata and other global mythology inspires him in all his projects.

spjayaraj.com

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

Kate Shuknecht joins us to hear the tragic fate of Vichitravirya, and how Satyavati and Bheeshma argue on how to continue the bloodline. They discover a solution in Satyavati's secret son. Kate is sympathetic to kings and their responsibilities, and Azure, Kate, and Satish wishes Vyasa could have done something to mask his odor before sexy-time. Satish then tells the varying stories of Ghandari and her motivations.

Why do you think Ghandari put on the blindfold? Answer in the comments section of the episode website.
https://spjayaraj.com/nymm-04/

Kate Shuknecht is a poet living in the Twin Cities Metro Area.

Safe Hands Rescue is a 501c3 non-profit foster based animal rescue organization based in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area.

https://safehandsrescue.org/

S.P. Jayaraj is the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two books, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow. He is also a Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching.

He draws inspiration from global mythology.

spjayaraj.com

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/spjayaraj

 #Mahabharata #ComedyMeetsCulture #Comedystorytelling #IndianMythology #MahabharataRetold #MythologyNerd

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

For this episode we welcome Aaron Fiskrataz and tell him the story of Bheeshma sticking to his vow, even if it means the end of the world. We hear how the powerless princess Amba is as relentless in taking matters into her own hands and is prepared to spend 2 lifetimes to get her revenge. Aaron is not surprised by Bheeshma's 'stick-to-itness.' and loves seeing how the story can be told through multiple perspectives.

Are you team Amba or team Bheeshma? Let us know in the comments of the episode page at
https://spjayaraj.com/nymm-03/

Aaron Fiskradatz is a Technician, Artist, and Educator in the arts who is proud to work for Upstream Arts.

Aaron is a master at broadcasting live performances, whether it is to  hundreds of fans, or sharing an online classroom with half a dozen students.

make it happen. He’ll take care of the technical know-how so that you can concentrate on your presentation. 
If you live in the Twin Cities Metro Area and you would like your in-person event streamed live to distant participants. Aaron can help you with the proper equipment setup, and even run tech for the event as it happens. Weddings, concerts, parties, whatever you’re doing to connect with others, Aaron can help you do it online at the same time.

'He's also just a swell guy to work with'- says S.P. Jayaraj

Find out more about his consulting work at aaron.fiskradatz.com
Discover more about his work in the disability community at upstreamarts.org.

S.P. Jayaraj loves bringing people together through stories. He has authored two mythological fantasy books The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow. He draws inspiration from global mythology.  Find out more about S.P. Jayaraj at spjayaraj.com

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/spjayaraj

#Mahabharata #ComedyMeetsCulture #Comedystorytelling #IndianMythology #MahabharataRetold #MythologyNerd

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

For this episode we welcome musician Rhiannon Fiskradatz and tell her the story of the tortured King Shantanu who only manages to catch a single break because of his devoted demigod son. Rhiannon needs moments of silence after Ganga seemingly murders her own children, and yells in defense of Bheeshma keeping his heritage.

 How surprised were you to here Ganga's reason for her actions?

 Let us know in the comments of the episode page at

https://spjayaraj.com/nymm-02/

 Rhiannon is among many things a musician who goes by MaMa Faerie. Her debut album, Anthems for the Apocalypse, is experimental electronic pop music and is available on all platforms.Rhiannon is also one half of Songversations, a performance series that amplifies intersectional feminism through song, story and ritual. They have taken on issues including LGBTQ+ allyship, the wellness industry, and witchcraft.

Rhiannon is heading 'Show Me Your Wings' along with Phantom Chorus Opera and our own Azure Anderson in the Twin Cities on August 1-8 and 10 at Squirrel Haus arts.
Keep up with her on her Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/mamafaeriemusic/

Check out this and all of the other amazing work she does at www.rhiannon.fiskradatz.com.


S.P. Jayaraj loves bringing people together through stories. He has authored two mythological fantasy books The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow. He draws inspiration from global mythology.  Find out more about S.P. Jayaraj at spjayaraj.com

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.
 

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/spjayaraj

Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

 Have an Imaginative Day.

#Mahabharata #ComedyMeetsCulture #Comedystorytelling #IndianMythology #MahabharataRetold #MythologyNerd

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

Welcome to the first season of Not Your Mother's Mahabharata! Each episode you will hear Satish P. Jayaraj casually tell stories from the epic Indian work, The Mahabharata to his wife  Azure Anderson and a special guest.  You, dear listener,  are treated to their entertainingly honest first reactions. The conversational approach allows variations of the story to also be told, as well as the chance to pick apart ideas that the Mahabharat brings to the forefront.

The Mahabharata is an epic Indian work that encapsulates a great deal of classic Indian Mythology. It is a magnificent story that is constantly being rewritten and retold since its inception thousands of years ago.

S.P. Jayaraj loves bringing people together through stories. He has authored two mythological fantasy books The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow. He draws inspiration from global mythology.  Find out more about S.P. Jayaraj at spjayaraj.com

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

In this first episode Satish and Azure welcome Mindy Mejia.

While Satish tells the origin story of Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata, Mindy and Azure can't help to draw connections to  Seinfeld and Twilight. Satish recalls his grandfather telling him the story of how the epic was first written down by Ganesha, and Mindy is fascinated with how Vyasa can negotiate with the god.

What was your favorite pop culture reference from this episode? Let us know in the comment section of the episode page at

https://spjayaraj.com/nymm-01/

Each episode you will hear Satish P. Jayaraj casually tell stories from the epic Indian work, The Mahabharata to his wife  Azure Anderson and a special guest. 

Our guest today is Mindy Mejia. Mindy is an internationally acclaimed thriller writer, known for mixing compelling characters with page-turning suspense against the backdrop of the US Midwest. Her books have been chosen for People’s Best New Books Pick and listed in The Wall Street Journal’s Best New Mysteries. She lives and works in the Twin Cities.  Learn more about Mindy at MindyMejia.com.

The Mahabharata is an epic Indian work that encapsulates a great deal of classic Indian Mythology. It is a magnificent story that is constantly being rewritten and retold since its inception thousands of years ago.

S.P. Jayaraj loves bringing people together through stories. He has authored two mythological fantasy books The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow. He draws inspiration from global mythology.  Find out more about S.P. Jayaraj at spjayaraj.com

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/spjayaraj

#Mahabharata #ComedyMeetsCulture #Comedystorytelling #IndianMythology #MahabharataRetold #MythologyNerd

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

For our penultimate episode of the Krishna Chronicles we are thrilled to welcome Didi Koka, who comes to us with a little more familiarity with the Dark One which makes for some deeper conversations.
Satish tells the origin story of Parashuram, the founder of all martial arts who has already appeared numerous times in our podcast.
Krishna in this episode visits the ocean, and two underworlds to perform miracles for his teacher and adopted mother. We see clear similarities with the stories of Greek Mythology's Orpheus, although with happier endings. Is there nothing this god can't do?

Didi Koka is a family physician by day and a poet, dancer, drummer and singer by night.

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/nymmpodcast to get access to additional content.
 

S.P. Jayaraj is the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two novels, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow.  He is also a Creative Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching. The Mahabharata and other global mythology inspires him in all his projects.

spjayaraj.com

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Didi would like you to know about
Joseph's Coat
Joseph's Coat is a free store providing goods and service to those in need within an environment of dignity and respect, Joseph’s Coat maintains an inclusive philosophy toward people of all ages, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, abilities and challenges. The organization offers essential support to marginalized members of our community: persons experiencing homelessness, living below the poverty line, coping with joblessness, transitioning from incarceration, battling chemical addictions, and managing mental health challenges. If you are looking for a place to donate your old winter clothes this season, Joseph's Coat will make sure it will provide warmth to people in need.
https://www.josephscoatmn.org/

Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

We continue our Krishna Chronicles with Jenny McDougal by telling her about three more avatars of Vishnu.
Jenny and Azure try to guess the only animal form that can take on the first invincible demon. We imagine the monstrous form Vishnu takes to deal with the second demon, and Satish tells the more pleasant story of the third invincible demon who is celebrated in Satish's home state of Kerala.

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/nymmpodcast to get access to additional content, including our continued discussion session with Amy "Our religious non-religiousness."
 

S.P. Jayaraj is the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two novels, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow.  He is also a Creative Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching. The Mahabharata and other global mythology inspires him in all his projects.

spjayaraj.com

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Jenny Mcdougal is a poet, home baker, mom and union steward. She is a voracious reader of fiction.

Jenny would like you to know about
The Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center (MIWRC) 

The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC) is a non-profit social and mental health services organization committed to traditional ways of being and support of Native women and their families. 

Founded in 1984, MIWRC provides a broad range of programs designed to educate and empower Native women and their families, and to inform and assist those who work providing services to the community.

MIWRC is located in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis, which has the third largest urban American Indian population in the United States.

https://www.miwrc.org/

Jenny and Satish met in a poetry class run by Deborah Keenan, someone who had a profound impact on their passion for creativity.
https://deborahkeenan.com/

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

Jenny McDougal joins us for part 4 of the Krishna Chronicles.
Krishn'a destiny to deal with his tyrannical uncle Kamsa comes a calling. 
We tell the story of Krishna and Balarama leaving their old cow herding life behind to return to the nation of his birth, all while Jenny asks the most insightful questions.

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/nymmpodcast to get access to additional content, including our continued discussion session with Amy "Our religious non-religiousness."
 

S.P. Jayaraj is the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two novels, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow.  He is also a Creative Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching. The Mahabharata and other global mythology inspires him in all his projects.

spjayaraj.com

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Jenny Mcdougal is a poet, home baker, mom and union steward. She is a voracious reader of fiction.

Jenny would like you to know about
The Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center (MIWRC) 

The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC) is a non-profit social and mental health services organization committed to traditional ways of being and support of Native women and their families. 

Founded in 1984, MIWRC provides a broad range of programs designed to educate and empower Native women and their families, and to inform and assist those who work providing services to the community.

MIWRC is located in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis, which has the third largest urban American Indian population in the United States.

https://www.miwrc.org/

Jenny and Satish met in a poetry class run by Deborah Keenan, someone who had a profound impact on their passion for creativity.
https://deborahkeenan.com/

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

We continue with our Krishna Chronicles, this time with Amy Wielunksi.

Krishna is now old enough to be cowherds and do their part for their beloved village. Krishna continues to safeguard his village from demon after demon, with some help from his thunder thighs brother, Balarama. He then, in quite astounding ways defies a couple of the other gods.

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/nymmpodcast to get access to additional content, including our continued discussion session with Amy "Our religious non-religiousness."
 

S.P. Jayaraj is the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two novels, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow.  He is also a Creative Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching. The Mahabharata and other global mythology inspires him in all his projects.

spjayaraj.com

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Amy Wielunksi describes herself as short sweet and nerdy, with a partiality towards board game nerds, but she likes nerds of all types. She is the executive director of VocalEssence which is one of the world’s premier choral music organizations. Amy is an active patron of the arts, with a focus on theater and classical music.

Amy would like everyone to know about VocalEssence.

VocalEssence, a choral arts and community building non-profit based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Every day, VocalEssence is working with singers of all ages to nurture community, inspire creativity, affirm the value of all persons, and expand the influence of choral music. In addition to producing an annual series of concerts with both professional and volunteer performing groups, the VocalEssence teaching artists and staff are in classrooms and senior living communities using music to foster connection, creativity and learning across cultures. Learn more about how VocalEssence uses the power of singing together to build community and check out the upcoming concert schedule at vocalessence.org 

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

We welcome our good friend Kale Lepak to tell Krishna baby stories.

Krishna baby deals with demon, after demon, after demon,- with each one being vastly different from the others.
We tell the story of 2 of Vishu's different avatars/forms in Hindu Mythology-
Kurma the turtle and Matsya the Fish- and we can't help but notice the parallels to Jesus Christ and expert ark maker, Noah.

S.P. Jayaraj is the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two novels, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow.  He is also a Creative Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching. The Mahabharata and other global mythology inspires him in all his projects.
spjayaraj.com

Kale Lepak is a lifelong learner passionate about understanding people. His career in research, insights, and strategy helps organizations make human-centered decisions. He enjoys traveling, cooking and sour gummy worms.

Kale Lepak supports Youth Farm.

Youth Farm is a multi-faceted youth development organization, engaging hundreds of youth each year in leadership training, farm and food classes, and community events. Through growing, harvesting, and distributing fresh, local produce in their own neighborhoods, young people are making tangible impacts while also preparing for success on whichever path they choose.
www.youthfarmmn.org

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/nymmpodcast
You will also get access to Bonus content

 Let us know what you think the comment section of the episode page.
https://spjayaraj.com/nymm-17

#Mahabharata #ComedyMeetsCulture #Comedystorytelling #IndianMythology #MahabharataRetold #MythologyNerd #culture #education #society

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

Satish decides that before continuing forward, we should venture back to explore the origin of the enigmatic lord Krishna. Drew Kellum Johnson joins us to discover the origin of the Yadavas. Starting off with two besties who have a falling out after wearing each other's clothes, followed by a king cursed with old age unless he can convince one of his sons to take the curse from him, and finally the prophesy of a heroic birth sends a damaged king on a tailspin of murder and madness.

Let us know what you think the comment section of the episode page.
https://spjayaraj.com/nymm-16

Drew Kellum Johnson (often stylized Drew d'Lakes) is a multi-instrumental songwriter, producer, and performer who captures musical ideas through a whimsical lens. Although he plays bass in Kym and the Kick and cello in Balung Getih (pronounced: Bah-lung Geht-tee), his primary focus is on his indie glam pop band, d'Lakes. Having just celebrated the release of their second album, d'Lakes has been performing in festivals, touring the midwest, and preparing the release of their second Halloween EP featuring spookified remixes of their summery upbeat pop songs (Hell Is A Blaring Library is out Friday, October 25th)..   

https://www.instagram.com/drewdlakes/

S.P. Jayaraj is a mythology and Mahabharata fanatic and the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two novels, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow.  He is also a Creative Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching. He draws inspiration from global mythology.

spjayaraj.com

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/nymmpodcast

#Mahabharata #ComedyMeetsCulture #Comedystorytelling #IndianMythology #MahabharataRetold #MythologyNerd #culture #education #society

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson

Today we were happy to have two guests with us! Mystery author Mindy Mejia and our other good friend, clay artist and yoga teacher Jenna Jo Bodling!
Satish really wanted an extra lady at the podcast table to introduce everyone to Draupadi, the dark skinned beauty that every king, prince, warrior and teenage boy wants for themselves - How will the pandavas resolve their desire for one woman?
Before we get to that, Satish tells the story of Arjuna's hot headed encounter with an elf and how that encounter probably helps the Pandavas keep their cool when facing the enemies who tried to kill them.
It's a laugh filled culture challenging season finale to Not Your Mother's Mahabharata.

Let us know in the comment section of the episode page.
https://spjayaraj.com/nymm-14/

Mindy Mejia is a best selling Mystery Author. Her lates book, a World of Hurt is the latest in her Iowa Mystery Series.

Jenna Jo Bodling is a clay artist, yoga instructor and happy mother to two girls, three cats and a do.

S.P. Jayaraj is a mythology and Mahabharata fanatic and the creator of the mythic world of Adijari that is the setting of his two novels, The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons and Legacy of the Crow.  He is also a Creative Life Coach through his business Imagination Life Coaching. He draws inspiration from global mythology.

spjayaraj.com

Azure Anderson-Jayaraj is a musician, a maker, a cat mom, an arts administrator and now a podcast editor.

Support the podcast and join the NYMM community on Patreon.com/spjayaraj

#Mahabharata #ComedyMeetsCulture #Comedystorytelling #IndianMythology #MahabharataRetold #MythologyNerd #Bheem #Draupadi

Support the show

Have an imaginative day.


Artwork and music by Azure Anderson