Life is rarely a straight path. For Ami Thakkar Raval, it has been a winding, adventurous journey—filled with bold career shifts, cross-continental moves, and an unshakable commitment to storytelling. From her beginnings as a corporate lawyer in New York to becoming the host of Tuckered Out with Ami Thakkar, a podcast amplifying South Asian voices, Ami has proven that reinvention is not only possible but powerful.
Her story is not about neatly ticking boxes; it’s about asking deeper questions: What drives me? What connects me to others? What makes me feel alive? And those very questions gave birth to her calling as a writer, podcaster, and cultural voice for the South Asian diaspora.
Ami Thakkar Raval: Early Life and Career Foundation
A proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Ami began her professional journey in one of the most unlikely places—Enron. Working as an analyst at the energy giant was her first taste of corporate America. But unlike most who settle into the safety of a single career track, Ami embraced her natural curiosity.
While applying to graduate schools, she found herself on film sets in Texas and later moved to Mumbai to explore opportunities in media and radio. These experiences unlocked her creative instincts and gave her a front-row seat to the power of stories.
Her academic pursuits took her to DePaul University in Chicago, where she earned her J.D. and launched a career in law. Practicing in New York City, she gained the experience and discipline that only a demanding legal career can bring. But beneath the surface, the storyteller in her was still searching for expression.
A Career Across Borders and Industries
If Ami’s resume looks unconventional, that’s exactly what makes her journey extraordinary. She has lived in cities across the globe—Bombay, Dubai, Delhi, Bangalore, Dallas, Connecticut, and Bentonville. In each place, she immersed herself in new cultures and new opportunities, working with nonprofits, startups, media houses, and global corporations.
As a freelance writer, she contributed to Condé Nast publications such as Vogue and Condé Nast Traveller in India, and OK! Middle East in Dubai. She even covered glamorous events like the Dubai International Film Festival.
Her life also carried unexpected chapters—like a brief but unforgettable stint as a backup Bollywood dancer. Ami is the first to laugh about it, and perhaps that is her secret: an ability to embrace the unpredictable with humor and grace.
Ami Thakkar Raval: The Birth of Tuckered Out
By 2017, Ami had experienced enough professional reinventions to recognize a deeper truth: she wasn’t alone. Many first-generation South Asians wrestled with questions of identity, cultural expectations, and belonging. Out of that realization came her podcast, Tuckered Out with Ami Thakkar.
The name itself carries weight. Ami was “tuckered out”—drained from the endless cycle of figuring out her true calling. But instead of giving up, she channeled her exhaustion into curiosity. She began interviewing South Asian trailblazers, experts, and cultural leaders to understand their journeys.
The conversations are authentic, often funny, sometimes raw. Guests share stories about the complexities of growing up brown, the pressures of immigrant households, and the triumphs of breaking barriers. Tuckered Out quickly became a trusted platform for South Asians worldwide to see their stories reflected in the media landscape.
Notable guests have included celebrated chef Curtis Duffy, activist-rapper Sonita Alizadeh, and leaders from The Asian American Foundation. Through these dialogues, Ami has cultivated a global community of listeners who tune in not just for inspiration but also for the sense of connection they bring.
Recognition and Impact
Ami’s work has not gone unnoticed. Tuckered Out was a finalist for The Anthem Awards, which honor purpose-driven work that sparks social change. In 2025, Ami was invited to speak at the prestigious Ambie Awards, where she reflected on the influence of Ira Glass and This American Life.
She also serves on the board of The Podcast Academy, contributing to the growth and credibility of podcasting as a medium. Beyond her own show, she has moderated panels at events like Podcast Movement and spoken at South by Southwest (SXSW), bringing the South Asian narrative to global stages.
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