I’ve been extremely successful in many areas of my life.

• I’m Ivy League educated (every Indian parent’s dream). I hold dual master’s degrees from Hofstra University (Special Education) and Columbia University (Social Work).
• I’m the daughter of Indian immigrant parents which is pretty huge (just ask any Brown person you know 🙂
• I’m a vegetarian chef. I’m a graduate of The Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts in Austin, TX, where I pursued my lifelong dream of nourishing people’s bodies and minds. My dad and I competed in The Food Network’s Food Truck Face Off, strutting our skills and working our butts off to create yummy Indian edibles from love. It was not only fun, it solidified my desire to bring food into the “delicious living” conversation.
• I’m an Ayurveda enthusiast. I spent two months in India to return to my roots and study Ayurveda Therapy and Nutrition. I now incorporate facets of Ayurveda into my way of life and it’s another valuable modality that I use to help heal myself and those around me.
• I’m a best-selling author. My book, a collaboration with Sandra Yancey, Marcia Wieder, Lisa Sasevich and Lisa Nichols, called Succeeding in Spite of Everything, is a best-seller. I also have blogged and written for some of the coolest sites on the cyber web.
• I’ve been on countless podcasts. I absolutely love using my voice to help inspire others. If you google “Vasavi Kumar podcast interview” you’ll find a ton of shows that I’ve been on
• I’m regularly seen on TV. I was on VH1’s Basketball Wives, was the resident “Keeping It Real Guru” on Kansas City Live, where I answered viewers’ questions on topics like the stuff that holds them back or how to deal with mean people. I love answering all the juicy questions! I’m also on Good Day Austin from time to time (where I now live)
• I’m a former radio show host. My show, Deep Talk, featured some of today’s most celebrated and respected leaders. I have had the honor and pleasure of interviewing change agents like John Gray, Neale Donald Walsch, Ali Brown, Lisa Nichols, and Sonia Choquette.
   

My life is one where I’m satisfied (most of the time). People instantly trust me which is by far one of the greatest gifts I can give to someone. I have made a living doing meaningful work that I’m good at, and I truly believe I can do anything.

There’s a secret to my outward and inward success. Many of our favorite celebrities, artists, and singers share this secret, but not many people will ever come out and talk about it.

One thing though

You can’t learn it but you may have experienced it personally or might already have some form of it.

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I’m here in India and have just received word that the documentary that I was able to be a part of is now available for viewing and sharing.

As you may already know, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) back in my early twenties. At the time I thought I was completely screwed for life and would have to take medication forever.

What I know now and honestly believe at the very core of my being is that all diseases start in the mind. I am now living medication free and have deepened my application and knowledge of non-Western methods to heal myself. I am grateful to my parents and my family and friends who have always supported me, especially during my darkest hours. 

Surprisingly, I found that the food that I eat, both the quality and quantity, has a HUGE effect on my mood.  

That is why I am so excited to share this with all of you. During my last month of culinary school at The Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts, I had the pleasure of being part of of a short documentary titled, Good food, Good mood. My instructor Chef Rachel was teaching about sushi rolling during our Macrobiotics module and I had the chance to share my thoughts as well about how food affects our mental health.

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As you may already know from me sharing my personal story with you:

I have bipolar disorder.

Now to some, this may seem like a lifelong curse.  A jail sentence.

When I was first diagnosed back in 2002 I thought my life was over.

I never imagined that I would get married, start a business, be on TV, and overall just be happy.

It seemed impossible.

And, I am proof that internal strength outweighs any physical or mental “obstacle..”

If there is one thing I can talk about till I’m blue in the face- it’s mental illness and the nature of the human condition.

The fact of the matter is– we all have issues. For some these issues show up in the form of a diagnosis, such as bipolar disorder, for others it shows up as unhealthy eating habits, abusive relationships, lack of money, and lack of overall life satisfaction.

Vasavi