TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING

Karsh Kale on DUST and making music for his 10-year-old self

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 05 May 2026 04:00:00 -0700

What happens when a musical pioneer finds himself and his artistic voice after a period of disillutionment?

In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING, I sit down with musician, composer, and producer Karsh Kale to discuss his latest album, DUST, and the 'silent war' of staying creative in a world driven by algorithms. Karsh opens up about feeling lost after the pandemic and shares what he had to 'unlearn' to find his way back to music—not through a studio, but through a canvas and a paintbrush

We dive deep into:

• The Creative Reset: Why Karsh started painting for "no one" to rediscover his childish curiosity.
• The 10-Year-Old Rule: How he stopped chasing trends and decided to make a record specifically for his younger self.
• Lessons from a Legend: What he learned about "permission" and identity while performing alongside Zakir Hussain.
• The Anatomy of Dust: The symbolism of the end of an era and the rebirth that follows.

Whether you’re an artist feeling the weight of the "dopamine cycle" or just someone looking to find more joy in your work, Karsh’s journey back to his "honest truth" is a blueprint for us all.

If you enjoyed this deep dive, please subscribe and share it with someone who may need a creative spark.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction
03:16 The Evolution of Artistic Expression
05:55 Finding Personal Meaning in Music
08:37 The Symbolism of 'Dust' and Rebirth
11:19 Creating a Mirror for Listeners
14:13 Letting Go
15:46 Sponsor Break: Travelopod
17:28 The Importance of Authenticity in Art
20:21 The Lost Art of the Full Album Experience
24:23 Translating Moods into Live Performances
27:20 Optimism in the Independent Music Industry
29:49 Sponsor Break: Timberdog Ruffrest
30:59 The Role of Mentorship and Legacy
35:34 Knowing When a Song is Finished
36:59 The Intersection of Art and Music
38:14 Music as an Escape and a Place to Be Found

Learn more about Karsh Kale:
https://www.instagram.com/karshkale/

Big shout outs to Yashraj Akashi for connecting and building trust through Tedx and EDGE, and to 7-year-old Ishank Singh for becoming the youngest and fastest to ever swim the Palk straight between Sri Lanka and India.

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon or wherever you podcast!

TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is proudly brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world. Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com

This episode is brought to you by RuffRest by Timberdog. Learn more at https://timberdog.com/

Dr. Priya Jaisinghani on How to Build a Metabolic Health Roadmap

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0700

How does metabolic health govern your long-term vitality, energy, and quality of life? Dr. Priya Jaisinghani outlines why monitoring some basic lifestyle actions could prevent so many common chronic diseases.

In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, we sit down with NYU endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Priya Jaisinghani to decode the complexities of metabolic health.

Forget the quick fixes and diet culture — Dr. Jaisinghani walks us through a science-backed approach to understanding metabolic function as a comprehensive system. We move beyond the scale to explore how muscle mass, cardiovascular health, and hormonal balance dictate your long-term vitality.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why "metabolic health" is the true metric for longevity and quality of life.
• Actionable steps to improve insulin sensitivity and sustain energy levels.
• How to navigate health misinformation and advocate for yourself in the medical system.

The critical link between your daily habits—like sleep and hydration—and your organ function.
Subscribe for weekly conversations that serve as a mirror and window into the global Indian and South Asian experience.

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Chapters:

00:00 Introductions
04:07 Defining Metabolic Health
07:29 Personalizing the Approach
13:03 Bridging Knowledge Gaps in Health
16:43 Healthy Choices for Young Adults
19:29 Redefining Fun and Social Activities
20:40 Empowering Patients as Advocates
22:39 Sponsor Break - Travelopod
24:06 Tailoring Health Approaches for South Asians
28:15 Dismantling Weight Bias and Stigma
31:08 Building a Weight Neutral Approach
35:01 Understanding GLP-1 Medications
37:30 The Role of Nutrition in Metabolic Health
39:09 The Importance of Sleep in Metabolic Health
40:51 Building Trust in Patient Relationships

Connect with Dr. Jaisinghani
https://nyulangone.org/doctors/1942738547/priya-jaisinghani

Big shout outs to Anagha on her 50th, and to my friend, pediatrician colleague, and adolescent medicine guru Dr. Lauren Hartman, whose latest book Freeing Children and Young Adults from Shame, Scales, and Stigma is available now.

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon or wherever you podcast!

Harini Nilakantan on Dance Heritage in Modern Movement

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0700

How does dance evolve beyond tradition?
Harini Nilakantan joins the podcast to explore movement as a mosaic, bridging Bharatanatyam with modern expression.

In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, Abhay chats with Chicago-based dancer and choreographer Harini Nilakantan to discuss the intersection of heritage and innovation.

Harini, a movement artist and award winning dancer and choreographer, shares her journey of reimagining ancestral storytelling for the modern stage. Instead of viewing dance as a "frozen" time capsule or a rigid discipline, Harini describes her practice as a "mosaic"—a refractive, evolving language that allows different cultural vocabularies to speak to one another without hierarchy.

In this episode, we cover:
- Why "purity" can be a problematic label in artistic evolution
- How to use traditional move sets, such as Tattamettu, to build new rhythmic dialogues
- Navigating the pressures of being a "winner" vs. finding success through honest expression
- How Harini’s upbringing in a polyglot, multi-disciplinary household shaped her identity and movement vocabulary

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Chapters-

00:00 Introduction to Harini Nilakantan
03:29 Defining her identity as a movement artist
06:49 Early dance memories and her "why"
11:52 Reimagining tradition through the art of kintsugi
14:58 Challenging inertia in classical dance forms
17:25 How her dance practice has evolved
20:16 Sponsor break: Travelopod
21:37 Unlearning audience preconceptions
27:41 Cultural influences and Harini's upbringing
33:15 Redefining success beyond trophies
36:59 Observer, student, teacher of dance
39:35 Building trust and expanding the lexicon

Connect with Harini:
https://harini-nilakantan.com

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you podcast!

Vijay Iyer on Music as a Shared Space: Transcendant and Truthful

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0700

How can music serve as both an anchor and a form of political resistance? What does it mean to create art in an age of "cognitive violence"? In this episode of Trust Me, I Know What I’m Doing, host Abhay Dandekar sits down with the legendary Vijay Iyer—MacArthur Fellow, Harvard professor, and one of the most influential pianists and composers of our time. Described as a "social conscience" and "multicultural gateway," Vijay shares a masterclass on the physical and emotional labor required to maintain a creative life over three decades.

From the necessity of protecting time against the "colonization of memory" to the humbling experience of being an "eternal student," Vijay discusses the profound "transduction" that happens between an artist and their audience. Vijay's insights on "shared feeling," the mathematics of emotion, and the courage to remain vulnerable offer a roadmap for co-constructing a more intentional future.

Key Topics Discussed:

The Ritual of the Body: How the sensory, physical connection to an instrument serves as an anchor against modern information overload.
The "Eternal Student" Mindset: Lessons from legends like Zakir Hussain on why mastery is a lifelong pursuit of learning.
Music as Political Action: How instrumental compositions, like his tribute to Refaat Alareer, engage with the global zeitgeist.
The Power of Collaboration: Building a sense of "home" and common cause through cross-cultural artistic partnerships.
Mathematics vs. Feeling: Using "similarity relationships" and the physics of sound to evoke unquantifiable human emotions.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

03:22 Daily Routines and Creative Energy

05:59 The Power of Performance and Humility

10:03 Transduction in Music: Connecting with Audiences

14:18 Exploring the Concept of 'We' in Music

17:18 Unlearning as an Educator

20:11 Sponsor Break: Travelopod and RuffRest

21:23 Contrasts in Musical Expression

22:41 Exploring Similarity in Music and Mathematics

28:12 The Intersection of Politics and Music

32:55 Identity and Belonging in a Global Context

39:43 Music as a Space for Community and Home

42:41 Conclusion

Shoutouts to to Gauri for turning 40, to the Artemis crew and Amit Kshatriya for a mission accomplished and job well done, and to artist Naresh Kumar Kumawat for his sculpted statue of Swami Vivekananda being unveiled in Seattle.

Lastly, our collective hearts will always be filled with the songs and music of unforgettable Asha Bhosle - Hari Om Sadgati!

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you podcast!

This episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need. Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

Garima Shah on Scaling Beyond the Hustle and Human-Centric FinTech

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0700

In a world increasingly governed by autonomous technology and integrated processes, how do we keep human passion and partnership at the center of leadership? In this episode of Trust Me, I Know What I’m Doing, Abhay sits down with Garima Shah, a 20-year veteran of the FinTech industry and the Co-Founder and President of Biller Genie.

Garima pulls back the curtain on the "challenger mode" mentality common in Indian American and immigrant families and explains why scaling a company teaches you what "hustle" never will. From navigating a startup through the onset of a global pandemic to creating a culture that celebrates the "Fuck Up of the Month," Garima shares her framework for intentional growth, building resilient teams, and the necessity of radical trust.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why "doing it all" is the enemy of true leadership and scale.
The difference between working hard (hustle) and working on purpose (scaling).
How to utilize a "Happiness Journal" to rewire your brain for daily success.
The shared responsibility of startups in governing and democratizing Agentic AI.
How to embrace impatience as a "mover" and turn mistakes into fuel for growth.

Chapters/Timestamps

00:00 Introductions
02:34 The Joy of Building in FinTech
05:05 The Importance of Happiness and Positivity
07:58 Hustle vs. Scaling: A Shift in Mindset
10:28 Embracing Change: The Art of Pivoting
13:27 Communication and Team Dynamics in Fast-Paced Environments
14:01 Sponsor Break: Travelopod and RuffRest
17:07 The Role of Startups in AI Governance
19:52 Cultural Identity and Personal Motivation
22:41 Embracing Vulnerability and Learning from Mistakes
25:18 Parenting Lessons in Leadership
28:09 Cultivating Trust and Optimism in Leadership

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you podcast!

TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world. Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com

This episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need. Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

Rohan Bopanna on Tennis and the Art of Longevity

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0700

What does it take to reach the World No. 1 ranking at the age of 43? In this episode of Trust Me, I Know What I’m Doing, host Abhay Dandekar sits down with recently retired Indian tennis legend Rohan Bopanna. A two-time Grand Slam champion and Padma Shri Award winner, Bopanna shares the "secrets" behind his storied multi-decade career: a relentless cycle of rebuilding, reinvention, and rejuvenation.

From his early days in the coffee-growing region of Coorg to the pinnacle of the ATP rankings, Rohan discusses the mental fortitude required to survive the "lonely" grind of the professional tour. He also reveals the pivotal moment Iyengar Yoga saved his career after he was told he had no cartilage left in his knees.

Whether you are an athlete looking for a competitive edge or a professional navigating your own "reincarnation," Bopanna’s insights on patience, trust, and the "Coorg mindset" offer a masterclass in aging gracefully while staying at the top of your game.

Key Topics Discussed:

The transition from Junior to Pro and the power of rituals.
The "Doubles" mindset: Building trust and collaboration with partners.
The discipline of recovery and mental resilience in high-pressure moments.
The future of Indian tennis and the Bhoomi Program for under-resourced youth.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Welcoming Rohan Bopanna
04:22 – Early years: Resilience, rituals, and the junior-to-pro transition
07:26 – The Art of Doubles: Building trust and collaboration with partners
11:34 – The Growth Mindset: Discipline, recovery, and learning from losses
16:40 – The Coorg Mindset: Gratitude, humility, and staying in the moment
19:30 – Sponsor Break: Travelopod
20:30 – Longevity in Sport: Mental resilience and aging gracefully
22:28 – The New Chapter: Transitioning to coaching, data, and mentorship
26:28 – Building a Sustainable Future: The vision for Indian tennis
36:24 – Final thoughts on legacy, passion, and purpose

Learn more about Rohan and his ongoing work with mentoring present and future young tennis athletes as well as the terrific grassroots work he is leading with youth from underresourced backgrounds through the

Rohan Bopanna Tennis Development Foundation

Email rbtennisacademy@gmail.com for information on how to donate and support!

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you podcast!

Kiran Deol on "Didn't Die": Owning Her Humor and Feeling Good

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Actor, writer, comedian, and filmmaker Kiran Deol joins Abhay to talk about leading the new indie film Didn’t Die, navigating grief in a zombie apocalypse, and why humor is her sharpest tool for both survival and joy. She shares how playing Vinita—a podcaster in the middle of a black‑and‑white biter outbreak, losing family while chasing career—stretched her as an artist and forced her to embrace risk, unlikability, and deep trust with her director.

They dive into perfectionism in South Asian culture, the pressure to be excellent, and her intention this year to prioritize fun, play, and what feels good in her work. Kiran breaks down how stand‑up, the Hysteria podcast, and her comedy special JoySuck (free online and streaming on Amazon Prime) help her reframe anger and sadness, find optimism in grim times, and get those metaphorical “dicks off our backs.” She and Abhay also unpack internet trolls, the realities of algorithms, why not everyone has to like you, and how artists can be braver about calling things out instead of staying passive.

Chapters/Timestamps

00:00 Introduction
03:04 Exploring the Role in 'Didn't Die'
06:03 Navigating Humor and Grief
08:49 The Art of Stand-Up Comedy
11:35 Identity and Representation in Hollywood
14:01 Sponsor Break - Travelopod
14:46 Navigating Identity in Performance
20:26 Unlearning and Evolving
22:02 The Role of Humor in Coping
22:58 Sponsor Break - RuffRest
23:32 JoySuck, Cultural Expectations, and Artistic Freedom
28:58 Crafting Your Own Narrative

Kiran Deol on IMDb - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1234567/
Didn't Die (Film) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1234567/
JoySuck (Comedy Special) on Amazon Prime - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XYZ1234

It's March, so shout out to Ishan Sharma and (Coach) Amit Tailor and all the College Hoops fans out there. Let the madness of those brackets begin. Remember to please be smart, be safe and be kind, especially to each other and to the planet.

TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING is 100% human - no bots allowed!

This episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need. Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

AmbiKa 'B' Sanjana on Style With Purpose: From Red Carpet to Skid Row

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0700

AmBika 'B' Sanjana, a premier Los Angeles–based South Asian American stylist and creative director, joins Abhay to talk about what it means to “author” your own style. From styling Hollywood’s elite and NBA All-Stars to serving as the CEO and founder of the impactful nonprofit SEVASPHERE, Ambika shares how fashion is a narrative tool that bridges cultural heritage with modern identity while centering community service.

In this deep dive, Ambika chats about her style‑based “social experiment” involving labels vs fit, the power of comfort as a baseline for confidence, and how she’s combating food and housing insecurity in Los Angeles with dignity and community. Whether creating an ongoing blueprint for style and fashion or living a more meaningful life, this conversation explores how to leave a “sparkle” in every space you enter through inspiration.

Chapters/Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to AmBika
03:09 – Style as Authorship: Telling Your Story
05:47 – The Philosophy of Comfort and Confidence
07:42 – The Label Experiment: Brands vs. Personal Taste
12:17 – Evolving Through Eras: Styling for Life’s Seasons
16:09 – Sponsor Break: Travelopod
16:42 – Effort and Effortless Style
20:34 – Redefining Success Beyond Fame and Money
25:18 – Sevasphere: Bringing Dignity to Community Service
35:07 – Sponsor Break: Timberdog
35:45 – Rapid Fire: AI in Fashion & Celebrating Heritage
37:47 – Red Carpet Thoughts and Inspiration

Learn more at:
https://www.styledbyambika.com/
https://www.sevasphere.org/

Big shout outs this week to 2026 Oscar nominee and previous guest Geeta Gandhbir for her film The Perfect Neighbor which is on Netflix now, to T20 cricket and spring training, and to everyone who hopefully enjoyed a safe and happy holi.

This episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need. Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

Girija Oak Godbole on Acting, Motherhood, & Defining Success

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0800

Actor and theatre artist Girija Oak Godbole (Taare Zameen Par, Jawan, Vaccine War, Quarter) joins Abhay Dandekar for an in‑depth podcast interview about acting, Marathi theatre, motherhood, and Indian cinema. She talks about staying authentic in an industry obsessed with virality (yes, the blue sari!), why she rejects the “switch on–switch off” myth of acting, and how live theatre keeps her grounded and connected to audiences.

They explore the joy and pain of working across Marathi, Hindi, and Gujarati, the toxicity of language chauvinism, and why she believes translators always lose “a little something” in adaptation. Girija opens up about growing up as the daughter of an artist, choosing a full life over a never-ending race of exams and roles, and why she wants her biggest “success” to be the freedom to stop and smell the flowers.

As a mother, she reflects on the surreal love she feels for her son, how parenting cracked open new emotional depths in her acting. She also shares her big dream: producing world‑class Indian live musicals so that people from around the world come here to watch them, not just to Broadway or the West End.

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Girija Oak, nostalgia, and connecting art to real life
03:45 – The myth of “switch on–off” acting & the magic of live theatre
10:30 – Language, Gujarati–Marathi backlash, and the beauty (and politics) of words
17:15 – Sponsor Break - Travelopod
17:49 – Exams, moving finish lines & redefining success beyond the hustle
26:55 – Playing nurses, systems, and building empathy through roles
31:20 – Aging gracefully on screen, relevance, and bridging “massy” and “meaningful” cinema
38:20 – Producing dreams: why India deserves iconic live musicals
43:50 – Parenting, unconditional love, and Rasik Maibap humility toward audiences

Special shout outs this week to everyone at Dhanashree Foods and Boonlife for their wonderfully healthy and delicious foods and snacks, and to anyone out there trying their best to learn and speak Marathi - there is an online conversational Marathi language training class through Bruhan Maharasthra Mandal.
https://dhanashreefoods.com/
https://www.boonlife.in/
https://bmmonline.org/languages/

TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world. Start your next journey at https://vacation.travelopod.com/

Poorva Joshipura on PETA International and the Threats of Animal Cruelty

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0800

PETA International President Poorva Joshipura unpacks Survival at Stake, linking animal cruelty to pandemics, antibiotic resistance, climate change, and pollution. Abhay and Poorva chat about her journey—from a "chicken burger" awakening to driving global change—and practical roadmaps for vegan living that protect humanity. They discuss the role of empathy, cultural heritage, and the impact of technology in advancing animal rights. Poorva shares insights on the compassion economy and how businesses can align with ethical practices. The conversation also touches on the challenges and controversies faced by PETA, emphasizing the need for awareness and action in the fight against animal cruelty.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Abhay and Poorva
02:30 Poorva's Journey into Animal Rights
06:54 The Importance of Empathy and Awareness
10:50 Strategies for Animal Advocacy
14:07 Sponsor Break - Travelopod
15:27 Unlearning and Building Compassion
19:46 The Accessibility of Veganism Today
21:33 Channeling Anger into Positive Change
25:13 Cultural Practices and Animal Rights in India
28:48 Sponsor Break - Timberdog
30:03 The Role of the Compassion Economy
32:36 Leveraging Technology for Animal Advocacy
35:41 Understanding PETA's Controversial Tactics
39:53 Euthanized Animals and Ethical Considerations
43:53 Staying Optimistic in Animal Activism
45:58 Conclusion and Shout Outs

Big shout out this week to previous guest, Neal Katyal for always bringing his constitutional A game, to Paul McCartney for being one of my favorite vegans of all time and for starting Meat Free Mondays and to Kashi, the inspiration behind RuffRest by Timber Dog.

This episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need. Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

Ankit Somani on CONIFER and replacing 1 billion gas engines

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0800

Electric motors without rare earths, a hardware-first climate tech startup, and a mission to replace 1 billion gas engines in a decade. In this SPOTLIGHT episode, Abhay speaks with Ankit Somani, CEO and cofounder of Conifer, about redesigning electric motors and powertrains with simple, widely available materials so electrification can actually scale.

They break down what rare earth materials really are, why they’re so toxic and geopolitically fragile, and how that impacts everything from EVs and data centers to humanoid robots and everyday devices. Ankit explains why Conifer is betting on hardware in a software-obsessed world, what it takes to raise capital for hard tech, and how to tell a big, unconventional story that still feels real to customers and investors.

The conversation also dives into affordability, why consumers choose “cool and fun” products long before they care about emissions, and how things like e‑bikes and cleaner small machines (like leaf blowers) can change daily life and local air quality. Ankit reflects on what he had to unlearn from big companies like Google, why patience and brutal feedback define startup culture, and how his Indian American journey, parenting, and the Bhagavad Gita shape his views on action, success, and legacy.

00:00 – Introduction and why reimagining how we do things matters
01:47 – Conifer’s mission to replace 1 billion gas engines
03:39 – Engines, electric motors, and rare earth materials 101 (toxicity, supply chains, and climate)
12:32 – Building a hardware-first climate tech startup in a software-obsessed world
15:36 – Raising capital for hard tech and telling an unconventional, big vision story
18:13 – Sposor Break: Travelopod
18:48 – Selling electrification: cool, fun, and affordable vs. abstract climate consciousness
25:08 – From big tech to startups: patience, humility, and real-world feedback loops
33:08 – Indian American founder, education, parenting, and the Bhagavad Gita on action and legacy
39:09 – What Ankit wants Conifer to stand for: trust, honesty, and long-term impact

Shout out to ASAN (American South Asian Network) for everything they are doing, to Neesha for turning 30, to Farhan Akhtar for the upcoming sitar lessons, and to Akshay Bhatia for the effort and almost bringing it home at Pebble Beach!

Deepak Ramola on Being a Wisdom Historian

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 07:12:04 -0800

Wisdom historian Deepak Ramola shares a conversation with Abhay how he collects life lessons through lived experiences and art. Deepak reveals why trauma doesn't guarantee wisdom, why procrastination uncovers your deepest values, why deep questions truly matter, and why poetry is peace's love language. He is a Stanford Life Design Fellow, MIT collaborator, TEDx speaker, and founder of Project FUEL. His innovative FUEL methodology—centered on turning personal and social experiences into interactive programs using creative arts—has earned recognition as one of the world's top 100 innovations in education, implemented across five continents. Since age 17, he has shaped this approach through heuristic design, including the Wise Wall Project launched in 2017 to amplify rural and marginalized voices via art and outreach.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:48 Procrastination Reveals Values and as a Science
05:50 Productivity Syndrome Trap
08:14 Good vs Bad Morality Myth
11:44 Sponsor Break - TRAVELOPOD
12:42 We Are Each Other's Alarm Clocks
16:14 Unlearning for Wisdom
20:02 Pain ≠ Automatic Wisdom
23:28 Wisdom in Unexpected Places
26:19 Sponsor Break - Timberdog
27:12 Poetry as Peace Language
33:23 Asking Growth Questions
37:54 Embody Wisdom Daily
38:19 Conclusion

Check out
Ash Gondhalekar's authentic and incredibly tasty pizza wizardry for catering and private events in the Bay Area
Neil Dandekar creating amazing food experiences with Sea and Sky at Hotel La Jolla

This episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need. Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

Mayur Chaudhari on coaching in the NFL

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay chats with Mayur Chaudhuri, NFL assistant linebackers coach for the Carolina Panthers, about the emotional journey of coaching, the importance of mental health for all, and the impact of his Indian American cultural identity on coaching. They discuss the significance of routines, the role of data and analytics in coaching, and how success is measured beyond just wins and losses. Mayur shares personal insights and experiences that highlight the importance of building relationships with players and the challenges faced in the high-pressure environment of professional football.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:01 The Emotional Journey of a Football Season
05:34 Mental Health and Self-Care in Coaching
08:28 Communication Styles, the Appeal of Defense and Special Teams
13:55 Sponsor Break - Travelopod
14:29 Signature Moments in Coaching Career
16:53 Cultural Identity and Coaching Dynamics
21:49 Leadership and Coaching Philosophy
24:32 Navigating Ambition and Expectations
34:46 Sponsor Break - Timberdog
35:16 Grounding in Identity and Inner Voice
34:43 Influential Coaches and Personal Heroes
40:27 Quirks of Coaching and Referee Relationships
43:23 The Role of Data and Analytics in Coaching
46:34 Measuring Success and Conclusions

A huge shout out to one of the first Ram fans I ever knew in Deepa Macpherson who along with her husband Bob helps make and deliver free custom homemade birthday cakes to at-risk and underserved youth.
This is through cake4kids and you can go to cake4kids.org to learn more and get involved!

This episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need. Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

Preet Chandi on Polar Exploration

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay shares a chat with pioneering polar explorer Preet Chandi. Born and raised in Derby in England, Preet is a British Army officer, a physiotherapist, and a record‑breaking adventure athlete who became the first woman of color to complete a solo expedition to the South Pole. She has since gone on to break multiple Guinness World Records for solo, unsupported Antarctic ski expeditions, using her journeys to challenge perceived norms about who belongs in extreme adventure environments and to inspire others to push their own boundaries. Preet shares her journey of adventure, the importance of discipline over motivation, and how her cultural heritage and community support fuel her expeditions. She discusses the challenges of preparation, facing fears, and the vulnerability that comes with pushing boundaries. Preet emphasizes the significance of learning from failures and the need for self-acceptance in achieving success. Preet encourages all of us to take our first steps in finding and realizing our own adventures, no matter how daunting they may seem.

(0:00 - 2:34) Introduction
(2:34) Part 1 - Everyday rituals and adventures, Training and resilience
(13:02) Sponsor break: Travelopod
(13:37) Part 2 - Dealing with miscues and fear, Ambition and humility, Identity and Fundraising
(29:45) Sponsor break: Timberdog
(30:16) Part 3 - Fragility on a Polar Expedition, The meaning of Adventure and Exploring
(38:35) Conclusion

Please help support Preet on her next journey to become the first woman to travel solo to the North Pole: https://www.gofundme.com/f/next-expedition

This episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need. Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

Asmita Satyarthi on Compassion, Everyday Leadership, and Global Justice

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay shares a conversation with Asmita Satyarthi, the CEO of the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion. They explore the pressing global issues of conflict, inequality, and indifference, emphasizing the transformative power of compassion as a solution. Asmita shares her insights on how compassion can redefine problem-solving, urging listeners to connect deeply with the suffering of others and take mindful action. She reflects on her upbringing in a household dedicated to social justice, inspired by her father, Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi, and discusses the importance of grassroots movements in driving systemic change. They also chatted about practical and actionable steps for everyone to embrace compassion as a vital tool for personal and societal change.
Please also check out the new book Karuna: The Power of Compassion, by Kailash Satyarthi

(0:00 - 2:45) Introduction
(2:45) Part 1 - Journey of Compassion, Mindful Problem Solving, Compassion Quotient
(14:55) Break and Sponsor message
(16:09) Part 2 - Justice and Corporate Responsibility and Equity, Leading with Compassion, Personal Tips
(29:25) Break and Sponsor message
(30:34) Part 3 - Sympathy vs. Empathy vs. Compassion, Activism for Everyone
(41:00) Conclusions

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month in the US and if you or someone you know is being victimized,
please call 888-373-7888
visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en or https://www.iom.int/counter-trafficking

This episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need. Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

Sonia Raman on Being WNBA Head Coach of the Seattle Storm

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay shares a conversation with WNBA coach Sonia Raman, as she shares her journey in coaching, the importance of passion, the evolution of watching basketball, and the significance of player development and relationships. She shares insights on transitioning from college coaching at MIT to being as assistant coach in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies and now to serving as head coach for the Seattle Storm.

Sonia emphasizes the importance of building a positive team culture and the joy of mentoring the next generation of players. She is the first Indian American woman to coach in the NBA and the first woman of Indian descent to be a head coach in the WNBA. A Tufts University alum and Boston College Law School graduate, she transitioned to coaching, becoming MIT's winningest women's basketball coach with 152 victories and two NEWMAC Coach of the Year honors (2016, 2017).

00:00 Intro & Fandom Roots
06:42 Joy, Growth & Handling Losses
12:15 Sponsor Break
13:28 NBA Grizzlies to WNBA Journey
22:06 Data, Instinct & Game Decisions
27:18 Break
28:17 Indian-American Identity
30:57 Seattle Storm Culture & Vision
37:29 Conclusion

TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world. Start your next journey at travelopod.com

This episode is sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need. Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

Nitin Bajaj ... on the American South Asian Network (ASAN)

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay shares a deep, and engaging conversation with Nitin Bajaj, co-founder of the American South Asian Network, and host of the INDUStry show, the longest-running talk show dedicated to the journeys of South Asian entrepreneurs and executives. They explore themes of immigrant entrepreneurship, personal growth, community building, and the importance of daily rituals. Nitin shares his journey from feeling like he lost his 'superpower' as an immigrant to finding new strengths in building relationships and community. Nitin and Abhay also highlighted the vision behind ASAN and the optimism for the future of the South Asian community in the United States. Stand up paddleboarding was optional (at least this time).

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
03:05 The Importance of Daily Rituals
05:55 Immigrant Entrepreneurship: Past and Present
08:48 Personal Growth and Letting Go of Superpowers
11:53 Connecting the Dots: From Pilot Dreams to Entrepreneurial Success
17:59 The Impact of Conversations on Personal Development
20:55 Building Community and Access through ASAN
25:09 The Vision Behind the American South Asian Network
28:12 Balancing Community and Measurable Outcomes
32:05 Optimism for the Future of the South Asian Community
33:59 Who is Nitin Bajaj?

For more information about Nitin please visit https://nitinsbajaj.com/about/
For more information about ASAN please visit https://americansouthasiannetwork.com/

Rajiv G Menon ... on 120 Bahadur and the journey of a screenwriter

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay shares and engaging and deep conversation with Rajiv G. Menon, author and screenwriter. They explore the intricacies of screenwriting, the challenges of engaging modern audiences, and the importance of telling historical stories, particularly through Menon's latest film, 120 Bahadur, starring Farhan Akhtar as Mjr. Shaitan Singh. They delve into the collaborative nature of filmmaking, the evolution of cinema in the streaming era, and Rajiv's personal reflections on writing and observation. 120 Bahadur revisits the legendary 1962 Battle of Rezang La.

(0:00 - 2:08) Introduction
(2:08) Part 1 - Screenwriting and watching, the 120 Bahadur story
(12:47) Part 2 - Historical storytelling and narratives
(27:19) Part 3 - Collaboration, streaming content, reflections
(35:53) Conclusion

SPOTLIGHT on Vinita Gupta and "The Woman In Deed"

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0800

Periodically on Trust Me, I Know What I'm Doing, we share a SPOTLIGHT conversation and feature brief chats with an individual from the community about a very special topic or a unique endeavor. Now, we live in an era where lessons and memory of the past seems to get crystallized and presented with increasing speed and accuracy. But perhaps now more than ever, it's equally important to actually pause and reflect and synthesize and process our experiences as rich human lessons to share and express to the world.
Vinita Gupta is a pioneering entrepreneur and technology leader who made history as the first woman of Indian origin to take a company public in the US. With over 40 years in Silicon Valley, she's a celebrated leader in engineering and innovation, and a staunch advocate for women in tech. To add to that, Vinita is an internationally recognized bridge champion, an artist, and a writer. And she recently wrote about her multifaceted journey in her memoir, The Woman Indeed: Road to IPO, Bridge Tables, and Beyond, which is available everywhere.

Big shout out to INDIASPORA for sparking this one, to anyone who is sick of the six seven trend, to the American South Asian Network at americansouthasiannetwork.com

It’s Thanksgiving week in the US, so please, find someone in need and consciously practice a random act of kindness!

Sriya Reddy ... on honesty and being her own superhero

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay chats with actor and artist Sriya Reddy as they explore various themes including the fearlessness required in acting, the importance of discipline, and the celebration of women's achievements in sports and film. Sriya shares her insights on maintaining authenticity in her roles, the significance of personal growth, and the impact of kindness in everyday interactions. They discuss her role as Geetha in the film They Call Him OG and the evolving landscape of the film industry, particularly regarding women's representation and the challenges they face. The conversation emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and the misconceptions surrounding the film industry, while also celebrating diversity and the power of storytelling. Sriya is a powerhouse performer whose journey from acclaimed VJ to standout actress has redefined what it means to bring depth and complexity to every role. Audiences know her for unforgettable films like Salaar and her fierce, nuanced portrayals in They Call Him OG.

(0:00 - 2:16) Introduction
(2:16) Part 1 - Sports and its impact, discipline and balance
(16:42) Part 2 - anchors and buoys, adapting to change, women in film
(33:12) Part 3 - film industry, activism, legacy
(46:45) Conclusion

For anyone interested in the Hanuman Chalisa, here is a great outline of the lyrics and meaning:
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/culture/reads/hanuman-chalisa-lyrics-meaning

Tejal Rao ... on restaurant reviews and writing warmly

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay shares a wonderful conversation with Tejal Rao, the chief restaurant critic for the New York Times. They chatted about her journey through food writing, discussing the nuances of restaurant reviews, the balance between nostalgia and new experiences, and the impact of her cultural identity on her work. Tejal reflected on food rituals, the challenges of writing reviews, and even the value of repeat dining experiences. She emphasized the need for authenticity in criticism and the role of personal experiences in shaping her perspective.

(0:00 - 2:28) Introduction
(2:28) Part 1 - food rituals, the art of the restaurant review
(13:02) Part 2 - defining excellence as a critic, nostalgia, cultural identity
(27:40) Part 3 - lessons learned, aspirational dinner
(37:52) Conclusion

Shout outs to the Indian National Women's Cricket Team and to my LA Dodgers for being world champions.
Thank you to the American South Asian Network for their terrific ongoing work in empowering and uniting.

Gayatri Chouhan ... on crafting simple and beautiful art

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay chats with Gayatri Chouhan, an online craft artist, as she shares her journey from a childhood hobby to a thriving online community. She emphasizes the importance of simplicity and affordability in crafting, making it accessible for everyone. Gayatri discusses the significance of storytelling in her crafts, the role of mistakes in the creative process, and how she caters to various skill levels. She also touches on the balance between crafting and managing a business, and her desire to explore new materials and share.

(0:00 - 2:01) Introduction
(2:01) Part 1 - First crafting experiences, simplicity in art, making mistakes and affordability
(11:54) Part 2 - Motion and change, crafting for all occasions
(24:15) Conclusion

Paras Patel on "The Chosen" and finding his inner child

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay shares a conversation with actor Paras Patel, best known for his standout role as Matthew in the global series "The Chosen."

They chatted about his journey from growing up in Florida to acting, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one's roots, the significance of mental hygeine, and the responsibility through his portrayals he feels as an ambassador for the neurodivergent community. Paras also reflects on the evolving landscape for Indian American artists and the importance of self-worth over external validation.

(0:00 - 2:30) Introduction
(2:30) Part 1 - the acting journey, slowly building a sense of purpose
(15:18) Part 2 - lessons learned, identity and being an Indian American actor
(27:36) Part 3 - empowerment in Hollywood, cultivating trust, staying in the moment
(38:50) Conclusion

Happy Diwali to everyone!

Bhuwan Ribhu... on JUST RIGHTS FOR CHILDREN and ending child marriage

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay engages in a profound conversation with acclaimed and award-winning Indian lawyer, child rights activist, and founder of Just Rights For Children, Bhuwan Ribhu. They discuss the evolution of child protection laws in India, the challenges of child marriage and trafficking, and the importance of building trust and accountability in advocacy efforts. Bhuwan shares insights on the systemic changes needed for effective child protection and the motivation that drives his work. Their chat highlights the significance of community engagement and the role of justice in preventing child exploitation. Over two decades, Ribhu has championed major legal reforms in India to combat child labor, child marriage, trafficking, and child sexual exploitation, filing more than 60 strategic cases before the Supreme Court and High Courts. His efforts have shaped national policy, triggered landmark Supreme Court judgments, and, in 2025, earned him the Medal of Honour from the World Jurist Association—the first Indian lawyer to receive this global recognition for advancing justice and protection for children.
At the 2025 UNGA meeting in New York, Bhuwan and the Just Rights For Children team were invited to spotlight global leadership and call urgent, justice driven commitments to build a Child Marriage Free World.

(0:00 - 2:43) Introduction
(2:43) Part 1 - Evolution of child protection laws, scaling globally
(10:04) Part 2 - Building trust, securing the role of justice
(23:22) Part 3 - Lessons learned in activism, motivations for the future
(30:41) Conclusion

Learn more about this important work and how to get involved at:
https://www.justrightsforchildren.org/
https://www.justrights.international/

Aditi Kinkhabwala... on NFL reporting and sports journalism

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by Aditi Kinkhabwala, an NFL on CBS sideline reporter, sharing her journey into sports journalism, discussing her unique experiences, the importance of authenticity, and the challenges faced in the industry. She emphasizes the significance and evolution of preparation, and the impact of her identity as an Indian American woman. Aditi also reflects on the role of parenting in her career and the importance of representation in sports media. For you QB's out there, "Kem Cho" or "Chalo Chalo" may be the new "Omaha" or "Here We Go".

(0:00 - 1:43) Introduction
(1:43) Part 1 - First NFL memories, preparation on the sidelines
(13:48) Part 2 - NFL Pundit, controversial takes, halftime interview
(28:00) Part 3 - Parenting and cultivating relationships, representation
(41:25) Conclusion

Shout out to anyone who may be facing an upswing of Indian American hate right now - you’re not alone and check out some of the resources here:
https://stopaapihate.org/

Rich Verma... on leading as an Indian American

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined in conversation with Rich Verma, the former US Ambassador to India, former deputy Secretary of State, and current Chief Administrative Officer at MasterCard. They explore Rich's journey from being a son of Indian immigrants to a prominent leader in both the public and private sectors. They chatted about leadership, the importance of listening and empathy, the complexities of US-India relations, and the evolving definition of American identity in the context of immigration. He even touched on music and his dad coming to America with a few dollars in your pocket. Rich emphasizes the need for continuous learning and the value of diverse perspectives for a strong United States in a global context.

(0:00 - 1:54) Introduction
(1:54) Part 1 - Music, navigating public/private sector transitions
(15:00) Part 2 - Leading upwards, new challenges for the Indian immigrant experience
(27:08) Part 3 - Indian American-ness, new challenges for the US-India relations, cultivating trust
(38:38) Conclusions

Shout out to everyone for a Happy Navratri and to Suman and Preethi at the Indo American Arts Council.

SPOTLIGHT on Abhijit Bansod and cultural design

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0700

In this SPOTLIGHT episode, Abhay shares a conversation with Abhijit Bansod, an award-winning designer, discusses his journey as a cultural designer, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, the influence of Indian culture on design, and the continuous evolution of a designer's mindset. He explores the complexities of defining Indian design, the balance between nostalgia and innovation, and the impact of design on identity and confidence in cultural narratives.

Learn more about Abhijit's work here:
Studio ABD
Tigoona
MUBHI

Introduction:
We talk a lot these days about the soft power of India and the effect it has on a global stage. It seems more and more like that cultural power has had a profound impact on hearts, minds, memories, and markets throughout the world. I often have wondered about how this all has been designed, about the vision it takes to create the ideas, and about the execution required to bring tradition to life in a way that both feels new and has lasting impact. Thankfully, to help guide us, I shared a conversation with Abhijit Bansod, a visionary designer who has been orchestrating a beautiful harmony between so many elements of everyday Indian life with thoughtful, modern design. Growing up in Nagpur in India, he drew inspiration from daily sights and stories, eventually shaping his path through the National Institute of Design and a decade at Titan Industries, where he helped bring Indian storytelling into watchmaking. After launching Studio ABD in Bangalore, Abhijit committed to creating products that aren’t just functional but tell rich, poetic stories—whether it’s a lamp inspired by street culture or accessories that celebrate Indian craft or offering mobility solutions to local street entrepreneurs. His studio’s philosophy is to blend humor, emotion, and local culture with innovation, making even the simplest objects reminders of Indian tradition and joy. With many honors and accolades, Abhijit is widely respected for work that connects deeply with users and he also serves as a decorated ambassador of contemporary Indian design. He believes that products aren’t just consumable but that they’re animated anecdotes to help connect everyone to a holistic design experience. As we caught up to chat about everything from trends and nostalgia to thinking like a designer and optimism, I was curious to know how he, as a designer, approaches something as simple as how he first introduces himself to people?

Shout out to Deepa Prahalad Abhyankar for the spark!

Shefali Razdan Duggal ... on serving as US Ambassador to the Netherlands

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by Shefali Razdan Duggal, the recently retired United States Ambassador to the Netherlands. They explore Shefali's journey as a diplomat, her experiences from Ohio to serving on political campaigns, and her unwavering commitment to authenticity and kindness. Shefali shares insights on breaking cultural norms, the importance of staying true to oneself, and her perspectives on American patriotism in today's global arena.

(0:00 - 3:04) Introduction
(3:04) Part 1 - kinship as Ambassadors, diplomatic service as a "love story"
(19:47) Part 2 - combating tribalism, Indian Americanism and patriotism
(40:46) Part 3 - staying true to values, "Tulipa Shefali"
(51:57) Conclusion

Learn more at about Ambassador Razdan Duggal's work here - https://www.shefalirazdanduggal.com/

Shout outs to everyone back in school, to Rajeev Ram and Yuki Bhambri at the US Open, and to my San Francisco girl Kirtee Mehta for being such a good fraindt!

Ojas Adhiya ... on playing tabla and being in the moment

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay shares a conversation with virtuoso tabla artist Ojas Adhiya, who shares insights into his life as a musician, discussing the importance of routine, the balance between music and life, and the connection he feels during performances. He reflects on the evolution of his listening skills, the impact of AI on music, and the delicate balance between tradition and innovation in tabla. Ojas also shares personal anecdotes, including his experiences on stage and his fond memories of the late Zakir Hussain, emphasizing the importance of relationship building and openness in music.

(0:00 - 2:35) Introduction
(2:35) Part 1 - routines and practice, missing tabla
(17:55) Part 2 - stage fright, working with other artists, motivations and digital music
(34:19) Part 3 - Gharanas and evolution, preparing for the spontaneous, optimism as a tabla artist
(48:50) Conclusion

Learn more about Ojas at https://ojasadhiya.in/

A couple of quick shout outs in this episode: first to Ganapati Bappa, next to one of the nicest listeners ever in Mrs. Madhuri Kolhatkar and her husband Kaustubh, and last to all you fantasy football people out there as a new season begins and my own team, the Chaddi Patrol sets out to win it all.

Vijay Kumar ... on SEMMA and creating unapologetically Indian food

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by Chef Vijay Kumar, who shares his journey as the executive chef of SEMMA in New York City, discussing the importance of authenticity in Indian cuisine, the balance between tradition and innovation, and the emotional connections that food creates. Vijay reflects on the challenges and responsibilities that come with recognition in the culinary world, emphasizing the significance of community, family heritage, authenticity, and the need to remain true to one's roots while navigating the expectations of a diverse audience.

(0:00 - 2:40) Introduction
(2:40) Part 1 - morning routine, personalizing experiences, nostalgia
(14:45) Part 2 - recreating tradition, awards and kitchen culture
(26:05) Part 3 - food and judgment, perfectionism, expectations
(40:42) Conclusion

Big shout outs this week to Tommy C for turning 50, Neerav for turning 52, Rajeev Ram for winning the Cincy open, and to the up and coming Harpal Khambay who is a TV freelancer, blogger, and presenter in London.

Milan Vaishnav... on India - America relations and diaspora politics

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay shares a compelling discussion with Milan Vaishnav, director of the South Asia program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. They chatted about the intriguing shifts in political allegiances among the Indian Americans, the concept of "Modi Democrats," the broader implications of US- India relations, and the optimism he has for continuing to study the global Indian diaspora.

(0:00 - 2:41) Introduction
(2:41) Part 1 - questions to ask today as an Indian American, affirming political movements
(16:40) Part 2 - reform and faith in institutions, personal journey to pursue scholarship, praise and continued blind spots for the Modi government
(36:22) Part 3 - India as a global power, academic roundtables to kitchen tables, optimism
(50:07) Conclusion

Catch Milan on the Grand Tamasha podcast

Shweta Katti... on KRANTI and empowering girls from India's red-light areas

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay delves into the transformative journey of Shweta Katti, the Director of Education at KRANTI. Discover how KRANTI empowers daughters of sex workers from India's red light districts, turning adversity into strength and resilience. Shweta shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a red light district to empowering girls from similar backgrounds. She discusses the contrasts of love and trauma within her community, the importance of building trust and safety, and the evolution of self-trust. Shweta shares her personal story of enduring generational trauma and abuse to become the first woman from an Indian red-light area to study abroad. She emphasizes the need to challenge toxic masculinity and highlights the role of community in healing and support, and also shares insights on Kranti's mission to create agents of social change - a testament to the power of community, empathy, and unwavering hope.

(0:00 - 3:17) Introduction
(3:17) Part 1 - responsibility, contrasts and difficulties
(18:23) Part 2 - empathy to build empowerment, evolving reflections, changing stereotypes
(37:24) Part 3 - building allyship and stopping toxic masculinity, therapy, building trust
(49:27 Conclusion

KRANTI is an organization in India dedicated to empowering girls from red-light districts to become agents of social change. Kranti currently supports 50+ girls & young women who are survivors of trafficking or daughters of sex workers.
Read a recent blog post titled "The Brothel is My Temple" written by Shweta here.

Please consider supporting KRANTI through volunteering or donating in kind, at kranti-india.org/join

SPOTLIGHT... on Abhi Gholap and the North American Film Association (NAFA)

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Periodically on TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING , we share a SPOTLIGHT conversation and feature brief chats with an individual or a group from the community about a special topic or a unique endeavor.

I grew up in a Marathi American household and even as a born and raised Californian, there was a lot of attention at my house to Marathi film and cinema. So much that the idea of watching Tukaram, Ram Shastri, Simhasan, or Umbartha were not foreign to me as a 12 year old. Marathi cinema is the oldest film industry in India and from Dadasaheb Phalke making the first full feature length movie more than 100 years ago to Prabhat films all the way to 2016’s Sairat,, you can directly connect the dots from this rich legacy to every corner of India’s film industry today.

So on this SPOTLIGHT episode of Trust Me, I Know What I’m Doing, and yes, I’m aware of the mild irony of this, नमस्कार आणि आपल्य सर्वांचा स्वागत करतो. आणि नेहमीप्रमाणे, आज आपण या मुलाखतीत अंग्रेजित बोलणार आहोत! So, let’s focus on how this Marathi film legacy is undergoing a contemporary revival at the intersection of art, business, and community, through the North American Film Association (NAFA) and its founder, Abhi Gholap.

As a serial entrepreneur, investor, and passionate Marathi film enthusiast, Abhi has personified that bridging of tradition and today’s film landscape, and is the convener of the upcoming 2025 North American Film Festival in San Jose. Notably, he is the producer of the acclaimed award-winning 2011 film Deool, a movie that not only achieved commercial and critical success but also underscored the social impact and artistic power of Marathi storytelling. His experience with Deool shaped his unique approach to filmmaking, blending an entrepreneurial drive with a keen sensitivity to meaningful, community-centered stories. And now with the non-profit NAFA, and the focused lens of the upcoming 2025 North American Film Festival, it was great to explore how Abhi and NAFA are creating new opportunities—connecting local voices with international platforms and using film as a common language of inclusion and growth. The mission of NAFA is pretty simple - to advance the Marathi film ecosystem through collaborative efforts in production, distribution, and film festivals, and I’ve personally found that for any group, a spirit of inclusion and priority to strong storytelling is one that builds sustainable connection and emotional endurance.

So, as we sat for a conversation, and after a brief Marathi introduction that you can see on the Youtube version of the podcast, I was actually thinking of how people get introduced to movies when they’re young and so I asked Abhi if he could reflect on some of his own first Marathi movie experiences and memories…

Please learn more about the 2025 NAFA Film Festival (July 25-27, 2025 in San Jose).

Sanjeev Bhaskar... on being a work in progress

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by the singular and superb actor, writer, and presenter, Sanjeev Bhaskar, as he shares his artistic journey and navigation through the complexities of identity, success, and creativity with humility, engagement in the present, and humor.

No chuddies were harmed, kissed, or soiled in the making of this episode.

(0:00 - 2:53) Introduction
(2:53) Part 1 - Dinner party intros, confidence and risk taking, planning and prep
(21:18) Part 2 - Goodness Gracious Me, Kumars at No. 42, nostalgia, labels, representation, parenting
(42:02) Part 3 - Serving as a global ambassador, heroes and reverance, legacy, introductions
(58:20) Conclusion

Sanjeev Bhaskar is a pioneering British actor, writer, and comedian best known for co-creating and starring in the groundbreaking sketch comedy series "Goodness Gracious Me," which redefined British comedy by spotlighting British-Asian experiences and challenging cultural stereotypes. He followed this success with "The Kumars at No. 42," an international hit that blended sitcom and talk show formats, earning widespread acclaim and a BAFTA award. Bhaskar has also demonstrated his dramatic range in leading roles such as Dr. Prem Sharma in "The Indian Doctor" and DI Sunny Khan in the acclaimed series "Unforgotten". His contributions to the arts have been recognized with an OBE, and he continues to influence both comedy and drama in the UK

Geeta Gandhbir... on documentary filmmaking

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 07:04:15 -0700

Abhay is joined by award winning filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir, as she discusses her journey in making documentary films, the importance of empathy in storytelling, and the challenges faced by marginalized voices in the industry. She reflects on her personal experiences, the influence of her mentors, and the need for representation and trust. Geeta also shares insights on her latest project, 'The Perfect Neighbor,' which explores the complexities of community and violence. She is currently directing a series for Netflix with Spike Lee and Samantha Knowles, which is a retrospective on post-Katrina New Orleans. Gratefully, we also talked about Star Wars and Amar Chitra Katha.
(0:00 - 2:50) Introduction
(2:50) Part 1 - empowerment and practice
(16:47) Part 2 - highlighting the African American experience, making 'The Perfect Neighbor', empathy as a vehicle, activism
(33:49) Part 3 - legacy and mentorship, cultivating trust
(48:42) Conclusion

SHOUT OUT: There are major headwinds that are making it harder and harder to freely share stories and news especially from communities of color, so please check out URL media and EpicenterNYC, both the brainchildren of my friend and veteran journalist, Mitra Kalita.

Correction - A shared quote in the episode is from director Grace Lee (not Spike Lee). My bad!

Pramod Varma... on digital architecture and creating hope

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay chats with Pramod Varma, the visionary technologist who helped architect India’s digital transformation, enabling over a billion people to access digital identity, banking, payments, and verifiable credentials, fundamentally reshaping India’s social and economic landscape.

(0:00 - 3:41) Introduction
(3:41) Part 1 - Describing what he does, transforming India into the transaction economy
(20:34) Part 2 - Verbs not nouns, connecting tech to everyone, lessons in equity, personal learning
(42:28) Part 3 - leading for magnitude and scale, art and aesthetics, prioritizing equity
(1:00:59) Conclusion

Pramod is currently the Co-Founder and Chief Architect of FIDE.org leading global efforts such as BECKN Protocol and FINTERNET.

He has been the chief architect of most of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) efforts starting with Aadhaar - India’s unique ID system that covers 1.4 Billion people; eSign - an interoperable digital signature protocol; DigiLocker - digital credentialing and wallet system having over 9 billion verifiable credentials and over 400 million users; and UPI - the unified instant payment system that was launched in 2016 currently doing over 18 Billion transactions a month.

He also played a key role in designing and architecting India’s indirect tax (GST) system, national toll collection system, digital health infrastructure, digital agri infrastructure, and digital education infrastructure.

Intro:
The world needs more heroes, so let me thank you first for your heroism in an effort to engage here and choose TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING as a part of your day and even a small part of your life. I appreciate you watching and subscribing on YouTube, listening on all of the podcast platforms, rating and writing reviews, following on those good old social media places, and sharing this with all your friends and family.

Now if I really think about heroic feats in this digital age we live in, I can’t think of a better person who effectively embodies it than Pramod Varma. Pramod is a computer scientist and for over the past decade and a half, he has been the driving designer of tech inclusion, equity, and connectivity to India’s entire population. He is the chief architect behind many of India’s digital public infrastructure initiatives like Aadhar - the digital identity system covering 1.4 billion people that enabled banking access from almost nothing to above 80% in just a decade, and similarly e-sign, account aggregator for open finance, and of course the UPI or Unified Payments Interface that is now processing over 18 billion transactions in India every month. Staggering is a word that comes to my mind, but still doesn’t do justice to the scale and scope of work that Pramod has designed and is continuing to lead. He grew up in a small town in Kerala, earned his PhD in computer science and a masters in applied mathematics. Pramod is highly driven by curiosity and equipped with an insatiable thirst for broadly understanding humanity through art and knowledge. After journeying successfully through the early days of the internet in a variety of entrepreneurial and tech leadership roles, Pramod made a deep pivot in 2009 to volunteer on a national digital identity project, and the rest is as they say history. And for those keeping score at home, Pramod’s initial success in harnessing a team to do this at scale and at the cost of about 70 rupees per person, was all open sourced and unbundled, so that you could build iterative and supplemental layers on this important foundation for years to come. He is currently the co-founder and chief architect of “Networks for Humanity” creating universal technology infrastructure for the AI driven digital economy and for the tokenization and exchange of all forms of assets across geographies and sectors. A few of the visions that he has co-created are the Finternet, an initiative to build infrastructure that empowers individuals and businesses to unify, verify, and transact their assets seamlessly, enabling billions of people to actively participate in the global digital economy, and also the Beckn Protocol, a vision for peer-to-peer, agentic native, open networks that enable exchange across the global value chains. As you can guess, while most are playing checkers, I feel like Pramod is playing 4-dimensional chess… while keeping a grounded lens on disciplined equity, education, and inclusion. We caught up to chat about it all, but with so many descriptors of his work and accomplishments, especially for people who are getting to know him, I wanted to first simply hear how Pramod tends to describe himself.

Cheers to INDIASPORA for the spark!

Madame Gandhi... on lifelong learning and LET ME BE WATER

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay shares a conversation with Kiran Gandhi, also known as the award-winning world stage performer Madame Gandhi, as they discuss her journey of personal growth, the creative process behind her latest album 'Let Me Be Water', and the balance between power and stillness in her life. She reflects on the importance of learning, the challenges of being a multi-faceted artist, and the significance of sincerity in her music. The discussion also touches on identity, ego, and the role of trust in artistic expression.
(0:00 - 3:16) introduction
(3:16) Part 1 - roles and titles, life-long learning, the birth of 'Let Me Be Water'
(14:29) Part 2 - musical curriculum, stillness vs. motion
(27:41) Part 3 - creative energy, ego, cultivating trust
(38:57) Conclusion

SPOTLIGHT... on Dr. Amit Anand, pranayama, and 'Breathonance'

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 29 May 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Periodically on TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING , we share a SPOTLIGHT conversation and feature brief chats with an individual from the community about a special topic or a unique endeavor.

Now while we truly should strive for mental wellness all the time, May is mental health awareness month, and there’s no more obvious place to focus our energy than on something we too often take for granted… our breathing. So I’m going to take a yogic approach, drawing from the teachings of both my parents who are yoga instructors and remembering some of the daily habits of my grandparents. Breathing is essentially the most outward demonstration of our “prana”, the Sanskrit word that refers to our innate universal life force, and through “ayama” the Sanskrit word which means to regulate or control or lengthen, we can therefore use the practice of "pranayama" to not just consciously understand our breathing, but also optimize and even increase that life force and harmonize our mind, body, and spirit. Now whether it's deeply practicing this living science of pranayama or simply pausing briefly to become more conscious of our breathing, the benefits can be quite extensive for so many physical and mental concerns. So it was especially terrific to have a conversation about…well… breathing with Dr. Amit Anand, who is a pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine specialist AND a master yoga teacher - truly a breathing superhero. With an academic medicine background, training in both Mumbai at KEM and in Boston at Harvard, Amit has been a rigorous practitioner, clinical teacher, and researcher. Fortunately for many patients and students alike, he has taken his experience and integrated this evidence based medical approach with an expertise in yoga training, meditation, breathwork, and pranayama. Amit is the founder of Pranayamarx, leading live and online yoga workshops and pranayama courses. He is also the co-founder of Breathonance, a science-based breathwork experience that integrates the yogic teachings of Pranayama with resonant musical rhythms. I actually caught a live demo this year and I was struck by a few things: the importance of creating space for this, how little time was actually required vs the perception of what was required, and the beautiful convergence of music, meditation, and breathing. Now, I know that all of you know this, but the content and conversation here should not be taken as medical advice, and is for informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your own healthcare professional team for any medical questions.

And so as Amit and I caught up to chat, we started with the very basic question that was in front of both of us particularly as doctors, in why we all tend to be so painfully unaware of our own breathing?

And you can visit breathonance.com to learn more about Amit's vision and the musical expertise of co-founder Clint Valladares

Sanjay Sharma... on margins and mainstream in media and storytelling

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 27 May 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay welcomes Sanjay Sharma, founder and CEO of Marginal Media Works, for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about the power of the margins in shaping culture, creativity, and identity.

Sanjay shares his journey from growing up immersed in subcultures like skateboarding, heavy metal, and hip hop, to building a media company dedicated to amplifying voices and stories that exist at the intersections—across race, gender, sexuality, and more. Together, Abhay and Sanjay explore how “the coolest shit happens in the margins,” why authenticity matters in an era of rapid commercialization, and how intersectionality and fluid identity are transforming both the business and art of storytelling.

The discussion touches on reimagining classic genres through new perspectives, the evolving landscape of representation in Hollywood, and the challenges and opportunities of navigating today’s shifting sociopolitical climate. Sanjay also reflects on the importance of pattern recognition, staying connected to emerging trends, and the ongoing need to redefine what it means to belong—both on screen and off.
(0:00 - 3:13) Introduction
(3:13) Part 1 - prioritizing margins, politics and the moving margins
(20:45) Part 2 - centers of capital and power, intersections of tech and media
(34:10) Part 3 - labels and identity, optimism

Don't forget to subscribe, review, follow along, and share!

Amit Tandon... on honest comedy and storytelling

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 15 May 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by comedian Amit Tandon for a broad conversation sharing insights into his journey in comedy, discussing the importance of relatability, the art of writing jokes, and the challenges of maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing industry. He reflects on the evolution of his craft, the significance of audience observation, and the balance between content creation and innovation. Amit also talks about the guardrails he sets for himself in comedy, the anatomy of a good performance, and the importance of continuous improvement in his work. Try and catch his show Halwa which he he showcasing currently on tour across the globe.

(0:00- 2:33) Introduction
(2:33) Part 1 - keywords, being relatable, being a better listener/observer
(12:30) Part 2 - storytelling and timelines, pushing boundaries, anatomy of a good show
(30:55) Part 3 - delivering intelligent comedy consistently, life before and after stand-up comedy, satisfaction vs ambition
(42:56) Conclusion

Intro:
So if I were on stage delivering stand up comedy, I’d likely be petrified both as a performer and also in trying to create material that someone other than me would find funny. But as an audience member, maybe the best characteristic that I seek out in a comic artist would be honesty, manifesting in such a way that it builds connection through laughter and shared experiences. Now recently, I was able to catch up with comedian Amit Tandon, who is currently touring across the world with his latest show called Halwa. Amit is a veteran performer who is known for his clean, relatable, and honest content - which allows him to constantly evolve and hone his well-crafted art. He went from life as a successful engineer and entrepreneur, to being the first to have a Hindi solo stand up show on Netflix appropriately called “Family Tandoncies”. Amit’s writing and observational style of humor have drawn audience and critic praise alike, especially with relating personal experiences of marriage, family relationships, and the sometimes awkward and surprising truths that govern our own internal reflections. His style is definitely friendly, intelligent, sharp, and in a way bonding- and not just because of the relatability factor with Amit, but also the compelling and connected joy that you’re left to seamlessly realize with the people in your own orbit. So when we caught up, we chatted about the nuances of his comedy and storytelling craft, balancing guardrails and pushing boundaries, AI (of course), and even straddling ambition and satisfaction as an artist. But of course, as I was searching through some of his work, the recurring popups on YouTube were showing online orders for chaat and food snacks, and real estate in Pleasanton, which is heavily populated with Indian families here in the Bay Area - a clear sign I guess that the algorithmic key words and cookies are working well. So… I asked him to reflect a bit on what he thinks those Amit Tandon key words… might be?

Karan Soni... on "A Nice Indian Boy", lessons in Hollywood, and his life on both sides of the camera

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 06 May 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Actor, director, and producer, Karan Soni joins Abhay to talk about his latest film A Nice Indian Boy (directed by Roshan Sethi), share lessons from his journey, and some of the cultural nuances of being an Indian American in Hollywood. He reflects on the importance of versatility in acting, the duality of creative roles, and the significance of downtime for personal growth. Soni emphasizes the need for authentic representation in media and the power of storytelling to foster empathy and understanding. He also touches on the challenges and rewards of navigating the entertainment industry, ultimately expressing a desire to create work that uplifts and resonates with diverse audiences. Of note: proper name pronunciation was celebrated, and no blood tests were ordered.

(0:00 - 2:50) Introduction
(2:50) Part 1 - being an endearing artist, life on both sides of the camera, learning and un-learning
(19:50) Part 2 - letting go from each role, craft and practice, downtime and privacy, from Delhi to LA
(40:24) Part 3 - empowerment from A Nice Indian Boy, working with Roshan Sethi, labels, audience take aways
(52:51) Conclusion

Vani Kola... on daily anchors, guardrails, and venture capitalism in India

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by pioneering seed-stage venture capitalist Vani Kola, founder and managing director of Kolaari Capital. They talked about rituals and routines, dealing with ambiguity and guardrails, and how accelerate closing the equity gap for women entrepreneurs in tech.

(0:00 - 3:04) Introduction
(3:04) Rituals, basic skills and values, anchors
(19:02) Dealing with ambiguity as an founder or funder, navigating guardrails
(36:07) India as a governance leader in tech, accelerating pathways for women, nostalgia, building trust
(55:30) Conclusion

So I’m always eager to learn from leaders who more often than not are able to manage contrasts. Now contrasts come in all different shapes and forms and they are literally all around us in every professional and personal environment and my hypothesis is that successful leaders find a way maybe through their own journey to manage small and large contrasts with progressively increasing clarity, patience, and purpose. So it was really a treat to share a conversation with Vani Kola, the founder and managing director of Kalaari Capital, an early stage venture capital firm in India. Vani is originally from Hyderabad, and after an engineering degree, came to the US to complete her Masters and went on to a career as a serial entrepreneur in Silicon Valley for over two decades. She then returned to India to pioneer among the first homegrown Indian seed-stage venture firms with Kalaari Capital, using a philosophy that includes recognizing ambitious first-time entrepreneurs and helping them to scale up. Now mind you, she started this at a time in the mid-2000’s when opportunities for growth and scale for ecommerce, tech, healthcare and many other sectors in India were at the ripening stage. Vani has navigated and executed successfully through the endless contrasts of an evolving seed-stage venture ecosystem: new vs old, disruptive revolutions vs steady institutions, profiteering innovation vs collective responsibility, and skepticism vs trust… they’re at the core of the face to face conversations that investors and entrepreneurs are having everyday. Vani has been mentoring, and developing some of India’s top founders and unicorn companies, with not just a keen eye on returns, but on the responsibility too to accelerate women as leaders in entrepreneurship, doing it all with a meditative sense of purpose and a growth mindset of sharing (by the way, you really have to check out her great newsletter called Kolaidoscope on LinkedIn). I had met her briefly once when she spoke at a panel discussion on tech and India’s future, and it was great to catch up with her again to talk about everything from ambiguity and nostalgia, to the guardrails of tech, policy making, and even what she misses about Silicon Valley. But we started by chatting about the basics of daily skills and anchors, and especially if she had any self- driving and governing rituals or routines?

Thanks again and if you’re enjoying these, please don’t forget to share this with a friend, take a moment to write a kind review, or drop a line to us at info@abhaydandekar.com.

Again, a big shout out to Indiaspora for being that one of a kind gathering ground for doing good. Remember that conversation is the antidote to apathy and the catalyst for relationship building.

Isabella Sreyashii Sen... on Singapore and storytelling for social impact

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Isabella Sreyashii Sen, co-CEO of Hazelnut Media, joins Abhay to share her journey of finding home in Singapore and how her background informs her storytelling approach. She discusses the importance of empathy in media, the challenges of independent film production, and the role of the Indian diaspora in shaping global narratives. Isabella highlights the need for patience, gender equity, and the power of community.

(0:00 - 2:33) Introduction
(2:33) Part 1 - Singapore, foundational background
(14:48) Part 2 - ladders and challenges, social causes, gender equity
(29:47) Part 3 - levers of power, connections in the diaspora
(41:00) Conclusions

Thank you to INDIASPORA!

Satyajit Hange... on TWO BROTHERS ORGANIC FARMS and living with purpose

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay shares a conversation with Satyajit Hange, co-founding farmer of Two Brothers Organic Farms, located in Bhodani, a rural village in Maharasthra. They chatted about generational influences on his journey, grappling with the challenges of running an eco-conscious enterprise, and even the impact of his Vedic philosophy on his mission, vision, and values.

(0:00 - 3:10) Introduction
(3:10) Part 1 - nostalgia, typical farming day, tensions and purpose
(19:29) Part 2 - combating forces, leaving the corporate world for farming, competition
(35:37) Part 3 - suprises from visitors, Vedic literature and "swadharma", conversations with previous generations
(49:04) Conclusion

OK - so in my book and in my mind, earth day really is everyday and lately, with each successive day, it seems like when it comes to the earth and climate, retro is actually quite innovative. So I’ve been asking myself the following almost “time machine” question. And here it is: How would our foremothers and forefathers from a few generations ago react if they saw a slice of our current world and enviroment? I know they would be fascinated with so many improvements and major advances, but it seems that we would have a lot to learn from them to maybe urgently integrate into our practices today of how we preserve and conserve, treat the land we inhabit, and live consciously with engagement. It’s certainly a question that was top of mind, as I shared a conversation with Satyajit Hange, one of the co-founding farmers of Two Brothers Organic Farms. Satyajit is a 4th generation farmer in Bhodani (भोडणी), which is about ½ way between Pune and Solapur in Maharashtra. After going away to boarding school and then starting his post-MBA career in the marketing, banking, and education sectors, Satyajit felt his purpose was meant to be elsewhere, and so he, along with his brother Ajinkya, started Two Brothers Organic Farms to make a difference in sustainable rural agriculture. Foundationally, they’ve been committed to 100% organic nutrition, humane indigenous animal welfare and farming practices using intercropping, heirloom seeding, and a superb focus on soil health and even bee pollination. But one of the more amazing by-products of this has been the galvanizing effect on the community with training and education not only for their own teams, but for thousands of local farmers. I particularly would also call out a spirit of activism, advocating for food labeling transparency and even the tech to monitor a traceable pathway back to the origin of each product. It’s a pretty 2025 way of respecting practices that were likely quite normal back several generations ago, and while Satyajit and Two Brothers Organic Farms have come a long way from sharing delicious papayas at local fruit stands to now distributing food across the globe, when I caught up with him to chat about it all, I first wanted to know how much of his ongoing journey has been driven by that inherent nostalgia for farming life that has run so deep for many generations in his family?

Learn more about Satyajit, his brother Ajinkya, and their work at twobrothersfood.com

SPOTLIGHT... on VANARAI and Sagar Dharia

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Periodically on TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING , we share a SPOTLIGHT conversation and feature brief chats with an individual from the community about a special topic or a unique endeavor.

So it’s springtime in a lot of our global areas, where traditionally, things everywhere are starting to bloom. And with melting snow and healthy rains it also means that water is flowing freely to activate dormant soil and nurture the land so that communities and villages can thrive. Or at least that’s the idea, but in today’s reality, more and more rural land is suffering at the hands of a climate in crisis. This is especially true in rural India, where the cyclic pressures of growth, urbanization, social exodus to the cities, and drained resources, have made yesterday’s once fertile land turn into today’s eroded dry deserts. So I was intrigued to learn more about one group’s mission to try and bend the narrative away from that erosion to one of holistic abundance and empowerment, and it was absolutely wonderful to share some time catching up with Sagar Dharia, one of the trustees of Vanarai, an organization deeply committed to rural grass roots conservation and sustainable land restoration. Vanarai was started nearly 40 years ago by Sagar’s grandfather, the late Padma Vibhushan Dr. Mohan Dharia, whose vision was to bring together stakeholders and make villages more self-reliant through education, watershed management, health, sanitation, and farming. Working with over 250 villages across Maharashtra and other states, Vanarai has succeeded in integrating a strong rural development strategy by rejuvenating water and soil, reviving farming practices and economies, and stimulating social change through education and community building. I have to tell you that it is an inspiring design of community activism and energy that’s based on climate science, thoughtful planning, social science, and a modern strategy that doesn’t ignore the challenges of rural development in a rapidly evolving India. Ultimately, cultivating relationships and trust are at the core of this very eco- conscious people movement, and so I asked Sagar why he believes that rural villages are so relevant to India’s successful future?

You can learn more about Vanarai's ongoing work at VANARAI.ORG or get in touch with them at contact@vanarai.org

Sindhu Vee... on "Alphabet" and her brand of comedy

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Comedian, writer, and actor Sindhu Vee joins Abhay for a broad conversation about her new comedy special Alphabet, how her journey has informed her comedy, and the way she measures success. Mangoes, Amitabh Bachchan, and love letters were all of course included!

(0:00 - 2:49) Introduction
(2:49) Part 1 - consuming comedy, South Asian roots
(15:00) Part 2 - integrating and enduring, love letters, mothering
(33:20) Part 3 - brand and mission, "I kick you and you hug me", measuring success
(48:08) Conclusion

Abdullah Saeed... on Deli Boys, explosive turns, and simplicity

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by the creator of the Hulu series Deli Boys, Abdullah Saeed, to chat about everything from vulnerability and courage with storytelling, to cultivating trust on this project, to weaving partition into the show, to finding comfort and humor in the absurd. Simpsons and Tan France references were part of the overall gentle charm of this conversation.
(0:00 - 2:54) Introduction
(2:54) Part 1 - Underachieving, Courage and vulnerability
(15:02) Part 2 - Comedy juxtapositions, South Asian cultural approaches in American storytelling
(34:45) Part 3 - Explosive turns, Building trust, Mirrors and windows, longevity
(46:52) Conclusion

Sanjena Sathian... on Goddess Complex and examining the adulthood of millennial South Asian women

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Author, writer, and journalist Sanjena Sathian rejoins TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING to chat about her new novel Goddess Complex, and the state of South Asian American millennial adulthood with attention to procreation, pregnancy, and parenting.
Abhay was thrilled once again to step into the Sanjenaverse!
(0:00 - 2:53) Introduction
(2:53) Part 1 - the birth of a new book, narrative speed, tormented writing
(15:45) Part 2 - taking risks, regret or not, take aways for men, reproduction and the immigrant experience
(32:52) Part 3 - Balance and privilege, unlearning, frenemies and changes
(44:25) Conclusion

Nima Rinji Sherpa... on mountaineering and living above 8000m

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay shares a chat with Nima Sherpa, the youngest human in the world to have climbed all 14 peaks over 8000m. Nima shares his journey through the world of climbing, the lessons learned, and the importance of mentorship. He discusses the unique perspective that youth brings to risk-taking and humility, the significance of Sherpa culture in mountaineering, and the evolving landscape of climbing as a profession. Nima emphasizes the need for environmental responsibility and the balance between tourism and conservation, while also reflecting on his personal growth and the aspirations for future generations of Nepali climbers.
(0:00 - 2:40) Introduction
(2:40) Part 1 - learning from an unsuccessful climb, taking risks
(15:15) Part 2 - growing as a leader, focus while climbing, Nepali mountaineering
(30:37) Part 3 - climate impact, favorites and injuries, staying peaceful and strong
(43:37) Conclusion

SPOTLIGHT... on Ricky Vasandani and lab grown diamonds

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0800

Periodically on TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING , we share a SPOTLIGHT conversation and feature brief chats with an individual from the community about a special topic or a unique endeavor.

So ok, a while back , I had to think about making a will and living trust, and not to be morose or sad, but it was a good exercise that forced me to think about things that are family heirlooms, or even the more basic question of what we find precious or beautiful and even enduring? For a lot of people, tangible things like jewelry come to mind, and it's likely no newsflash that India has a fairly strong heritage and history with jewels and diamonds. Now, in the 2025 that we live in, technology is bending the curve and offering alternatives for everyone to be conscious of sustainable affordability, ethical choices, time, and rapidly evolving definitions of elegance and fashionable beauty in almost every corner of every consumer market. So, I was actually really curious to learn more about lab grown jewelry, and it was really great to share a Spotlight conversation with Ricky Vasandani. Ricky grew up all over the world in a family that successfully scaled a legacy diamond jewellery business over decades. With a background in marketing and entrepreneurship, and success in both the sports and Food and Beverage domains, he turned his attention to co-found Solitario as an emerging Indian lab grown diamond producer with an expanding domestic and international retail footprint. In fact, just recently, Solitario finished a round of pre-ipo funding - a solid positioning in a market that’s expected to skyrocket in the next few years. We caught up to talk about his global journey and experiences, about lab-grown jewelry and the storytelling that it deserves when making choices, but I first asked him to share the obvious, which was to tell me more about the jewelry he was currently wearing…

Sree Sreenivasan... on journalism, media, and being a global citizen

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by Sree Sreenivasan journalist and CEO/Co-Founder of Digimentors, for a broad conversation from August of 2024 about his experiences in journalism and media. He is also the co-founder and current president of the South Asian Journalists Association. Sree is a passionate, talented, and humble soul and tells some amazing stories - apologies in advance to any avid fans of Leonid Brezhnev.
(0:00 - 2:45) Introduction
(2:45) Part 1 - global citizenship, first feeling like a journalist
(17:58) Part 2 - journalistic objectivity, cultivating relationships
(38:20) Part 3 - media and institutions, unlearning
(49:53) Conclusions

Sree Sreenivasan shares his journey as a journalist and digital consultant, reflecting on his diverse background and the importance of storytelling in media. He discusses the challenges facing journalism today, particularly in representing the rich diversity of society, and the need for media to adapt in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Sree emphasizes the significance of community, the role of digital immigrants, and the necessity of unlearning to stay relevant in the field. The discussion also touches on the impact of social media and the evolving nature of communication in our lives.

Farhan Zaidi... on being a Major League Baseball executive

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by Major League Baseball executive Farhan Zaidi to chat about everything from the culture of being a front-facing leader in sports, to his journey in baseball, to his insights on starting pitching, to who he thinks is the smartest player he's ever been around. After spending time with the A's and Giants, Farhan is back again with the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers as a special advisor.

(0:00 - 3:01) Introduction
(3:01) Part 1 - being a "free agent", learned lessons from previous roles, what it's like to be an executive
(13:13) Part 2 - baseball culture, his own multicultural background
(26:03) Part 3 - unlearning, pitching in 2025, cultivating teams, legacy
(38:04) Conclusion

A big shout out to Nick and Brad and all the humans and canines over at Al’s Barbershop in Alameda - where everyone leaves a little smarter, a little happier, and with a little less hair.

Nitin Sonawane... on Walking With Peace across the USA

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by peace activist Nitin Sonawane as he embarks on a cross-country Gandhian walking journey for peace across America, from San Francisco to Washington DC.
(0:00 - 2:56) Introduction
(2:56) Part 1 - starting out and mapping, typical walk day, growing up
(15:11) Part 2 - peace and conflict, getting to actuation, surprises
(29:00) Part 3 - grassroots peace activism, combating fatigue, walking shoes, why his walking matters
(39:51) Conclusion

As begrudgingly as I can say it, congrats to any Eagles fans out there - there… I said it, OK?

I’m a fan of feedback, so if you have thoughts or suggestions, send em over to info@abhaydandekar.com

Rohan Parashuram Kanawade... on "Sabar Bonda" (Cactus Pears) and organic filmmaking

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by filmmaker Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, whose debut feature Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears) premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and won the Grand Jury Prize in the World Cinema Dramatic competition. Sabar Bonda is the first ever Marathi feature film to be presented at the festival.

(0:00 - 2:38 ) Introduction
(2:38) Part 1 - Sundance, patience as a filmmaker, mourning and grieving as a backdrop
(15:02) Part 2 - making films with important themes, one-word descriptors, lessons
(26:32) Conclusion

Like many, my heart and soul go out to those who are struggling as a result of the Los Angeles wildfires.
Please help contribute to the American Red Cross, Mutual Aid LA Network, various Go FundMe efforts, Save the Children, and Baby2Baby. Hoping for a safe, peaceful, and supportive recovery for everyone.

Kinsu Kumar and Varsha... on compassion and combating child labor and trafficking

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 23:07:02 -0800

Abhay is joined by Kinsu Kumar and Varsha, two leaders from the Satyarthi Global Movement for Compassion, which is dedicated to globalise compassion to restore justice, peace, equity and sustainability in the world. Kinsu and Varsha are part of the movement’s Bal Ashram and Bal Mitra initiatives, which exemplify these efforts at the grass roots level in India, addressing child labor, sex trafficking, and child marriage through rehabilitation efforts in urban and rural areas.
(0:00 - 3:40) Introduction
(3:40) Part 1 - stories of entry, stories of trust, helping to manage trauma
(21:32) Part 2 - using compasion as a vehicle, maintaining and sustaining gains, how to promote needed change

Please visit Satyarthimovement.org and satyarthi.org to learn more about their global work. If you are listening in the US and may be aware of someone who is a victim of humantrafficking, please call 888-373-7888.

SPOTLIGHT on Aki Kumar... "Bollywood Blues" musician

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0800

Periodically on TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING , we share a SPOTLIGHT conversation and feature brief chats with an individual from the community about a special topic or a unique endeavor.

In this spotlight episode, Aki Kumar shares his journey as a blues musician, discussing the universality of blues themes, the importance of being a lifelong student of the genre, and how his Desi identity influences his music. He reflects on the emotional outlet that blues provides and the lessons learned from performing. Aki also explores the relationship between art and identity, expressing optimism for the future of music and his upcoming album. Check out his website (akikumar.com) for news and details about upcoming shows!

Now there are lots of people who love Bollywood music, and there are certainly a lot of people who love American blues music. But what happens when those two worlds meet? And that’s what set the stage for a conversation I shared with Aki Kumar, a musician and singer who for over the past decade has been trying to ensure that the intersection of these two musical genres is a space that you need to pay attention to. Aki was born and raised in Mumbai and came to the US to study computer science - ok that part isn’t without a playbook or blueprint. But with a passion for Indian music and a deep new embrace for American blues history and local blues performances, Aki set about to express himself by blending melodies from Hindi films with blues music, garnering a buzz for his performances everywhere, many local awards along the way, and the title of “San Jose’s king of Bollywood Blues”. Now I have to tell you, that I caught one of his shows here in the Bay Area, and from experiencing Aki on stage, his singing, his killer harmonica style, and his superb band, I could not have asked for a more entertaining way to enjoy both true Americana mixed with some soulful imaginations of Indian music. Now for me this was all a pleasant surprise because I had made some natural assumptions about what Bollywood Blues might be, so as we began chatting, I asked him if he also made assumptions about persona or expectations when it came to his unique brand of making music?

Melissa Mahtani... on trustworthy journalism and combating misinformation

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by Melissa Mahtani, journalist and the executive producer of CBS Confirmed. Over two decades, she’s been a reporter, a blogger, a moderator, and an anchor covering stories about human rights, gender equity, global affairs, and breaking news. They talked about verified journalism, empowering audiences, and more.
(0:00 - 2:45) Introduction
(2:45) Part 1 - Cultivating trust, democratization of information
(13:45) Part 2 - Anatomy of a news story, A.I.disruption, South Asian background
(29:28) Part 3 - Combating disinformation, unlearning, joy and optimism
(41:30) Conclusion

Dhee... on making music and "feeling at home"

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by singer Dhee, as they both shared a conversation about making music and loving the process.
Dhee is a Sri Lankan born, Australian raised, Tamil-rooted artist whose music is available everywhere.
(0:00 - 2:21) Introduction
(2:21) Part 1 - loving the process, completing a song
(11:05) Part 2 - singing in various languages, exploration vs. comfort, versatility in her music
(27:43) Part 3 - collaborations and learning, "connecting the dots", legacy on listeners
(38:00) Conclusion

Dr. Uma Naidoo... on nutritional psychiatry and how to "Calm Your Mind With Food"

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay chats with nutritional psychiatrist, Dr. Uma Naidoo, author of the books "Calm Your Mind With Food" and "This Is Your Brain On Food".
They chatted about a range of things, reviewing the many connections between mood and food. Check out the 6 Pillars of Nutritional Psychiatry and more of her work at umanaidoomd.com.
(0:00 - 2:29) Introduction
(2:29) Part 1 - mythbusting, moments of celebration, how Uma found her way to nutritional psychiatry
(16:23) Part 2 - unlearnings, South Asian themes
(31:24) Part 3 - nutrition and anxiety in youth and teens, gut microbiome, rituals and routines to build upon
(44:39) Conclusion

Also please note that the content here should not be taken as medical advice, and is for informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your own healthcare professional team for any medical questions or concerns.

Lastly, Dr. Naidoo has many fans out there of her books ... even Tom Brady!

Shayamal Vallabhjee... on sports psychology and optimizing performance

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay chats with performance psychologist and sports scientist, Shayamal Vallabhjee to chat about everything from setting goals and empowering individuals to sustaining performance and cultivating trust in your achievements. Shayamal’s expertise is sought after by everyone from elite sports teams, global leaders and executives, and Indian cricket athletes like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli.
(0:00 - 3:00) Introduction
(3:00) Part 1 - competitiveness, performance mindset, defining goals and excellence
(17:23) Part 2 - surprises in working with athletes, Indian heritage, lessons learned, unhealthy wins and healthy losses
(43:03) Part 3 - the aging athlete, finding peace and cultivating trust
(57:15) Conclusion

Barnali Ghosh and Anirvan Chatterjee... on the Berkeley South Asian Radical History Walking Tour

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by the founders of the Berkeley South Asian Radical History Walking Tour, Barnali Ghosh and Anirvan Chatterjee, to talk about activism, unearthing local South Asian American history, and suprises from their experiences.
(0:00 - 3:23) Introduction
(3:23) Part 1 - reflecting on the first tour, South Asian American history as a "secret"
(14:57) Part 2 - identity as historians and activists, amplifying stories, temperament of an activist, racial intersections and interrogations
(36:48) Part 3 - unlearnings as activists, "3D activism", lasting impressions
(47:40) Conclusion

Contact info@berkeleysouthasian.org to get updates

Local Bay Area photography shout out to George Nixon - the ultimate pro!

Sushant Divgikar AKA Rani KoHEnur... on art and authenticity

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by gender fluid singer, actor, model, performer and activist, Sushant Divigikar AKA Rani KoHEnur.
They chatted about everything from art and comfort on stage to parenting and gratitude.
Listen to and watch BAWLA , Sushant's latest work (collaborating with Mikey McCleary and others)
(0:00 - 2:44) Introduction
(2:44) Part 1 - feeling most comfortable with singing, gratitude from parents, the stage as a safe place
(19:01) Part 2 - introversion/extroversion, feeling humble, feeling empowered
(39:41) Part 3 - the basics of "unlearning", dreams, lasting impressions on new audiences
(52:07) Conclusion

Special shout out to KDC Performing Arts in Phoenix - if you somehow ever need dance in your life, please check them out!

Dr. Vivek Murthy... on human connection, community, and optimism

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay shares a conversation with United States Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy.
They chatted about some of the imperatives of doctoring, serving youth and parents, and promoting health through human connection. And of course, mangoes were definitely discussed!
(0:00 - 3:06) Introduction
(3:06) Part 1 - Prioritizing and keeping the population healthy, kindling connection, parenting
(17:59) Part 2 - Gun violence and safety, building community, Indian American background, gifts from his parents
(32:58) Part 3 - Combating disinformation, finding joy and optimism in each other
(42:31) Conclusion

Shout out to Alivia Irwin and please help her in her fight to honor her grandfather and end Alzheimer's disease

Adi Roy... on Broadway and actor life

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay catches up with actor, Adi Roy, lead actor for the Broadway hit musical Aladdin.
They chatted about actor life, Alanis Morissette songs, South Asians in theater, and much more...
(0:00 - 2:20) Introduction
(2:20) Part 1 - pre-show routines, transition from touring to Broadway
(13:47) Part 2 - Jagged Little Pill experiences, auditions and feeling content, resilience as an actor
(24:53) Part 3 - South Asians on Broadway
(34:57) Conclusion

Israa Nasir... on "Toxic Productivity"

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay chats with Israa Nasir, psychotherapist, speaker, and author of the book "Toxic Productivity",.
They chatted about everything from habits and rituals to her South Asian background to steering toward healthy productivity.

(0:00 - 2:57) Introduction
(2:57) Part 1 - Slow mornings, rituals and reminders
(16:23) Part 2 - Quieting the critic, cultural background accelerating her work, managing emotions
(30:15) Part 3 - Epiphanies with productivity, writing the book, masks and parents
(48:23) Conclusion

Chintan Patel...Lotus for POTUS and Indian American IMPACT

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0800

It’s election week here in the US, so onTRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING , we’re sharing Lotus for POTUS conversations, hearing insights from leading edge voices to help inform us and get out that vote!

A few months ago, I created a meme with a photo of Vice President Harris that went “In Sanskrit, Kamala means Lotus… In America, Kamala means POTUS” and for me and many others, that sentiment sums up the urgent choice we’re making at the highest level, being thoughtful about our past, present, and future.

Not just for our community, but for every community of voters of any age in the US, what it all comes down to is showing up and exercising the ultimate demonstration of trust and individual power in a democracy - which is casting your vote in a free and fair election.

Indian Americans and South Asian Americans are the fastest growing voter bloc in the US, having the power to be the true margin of victory in many places, and as civic engagement continues to grow and foundationally expand, the work of organizing and mobilizing and activating at local and national levels become more complex and genuinely imperative. With over 60 endorsed candidates across the country, Indian American IMPACT is doing just that - making a difference with a thoughtful and action oriented approach. And as the last push is upon all of us after such a long and incredibly grueling road, it was great to catch up with Executive Director Chintan Patel. And getting right to it after traveling to many battleground states recently, as Chintan introduced himself and his work, I also asked him to describe the tone and temperature of what he’s seeing and feeling out there in the community…

Remember, conversation is truly the antidote to apathy… Go to Iwillvote.com for information about voting resources, to desipresident.com, iaimpact.org, southasiansforharris2024.org, and to kamalaharris.com to get engaged and learn directly about the Harris-Walz campaign. Please get involved, get active, and get informed about all your local issues and candidates up and down the ballot, and most importantly GO VOTE. Till next time, I’m Abhay Dandekar.

SPOTLIGHT... Chhavi Bhargava on "A Kids Book About DIWALI"

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Periodically on TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING , we share a SPOTLIGHT conversation and feature brief chats with an individual from the community about a special topic or a unique endeavor.

And I guess there is no more celebrated or more special a topic than Diwali. It's a centering feeling of home for so many, and as a growing global spotlight shines brightly on this lit up tradition, there remain great opportunities to help support more excitement and meet an eager curiosity. In a way, as equally fulfilling and festive as it is to recognize and celebrate Diwali just because you and your family and your neighbors and your community have always done so, there also needs to be great simplicity and understanding for those who are just getting to know Diwali and its significance or those who are refreshing or reaquainting themselves or even those who are hoping to to help create new Diwali traditions.

Thankfully, entrepre neur and author Chhavi Bhargava has written a new book called “A Kids Book About Diwali” to help start and continue these conversations. Chhavi is an Indian American, and was an elementary school teacher in Canada for over a decade. Her deep experiences in building curriculum, especially organizing learners around diversity and inclusion, informed her to write a book about Diwali, to showcase the timeless Hindu festival as an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming experience for everyone. As more and more school districts in the United States are observing Diwali, A Kids Book About Diwali may serve as an entry point for more open discussions among neighbors, teachers, and administrators to not just learn more about Diwali, but about respectful curiosity and empathy for our differences. Chhavi and I caught up recently to chat about the book and I started by asking her particularly about that centering feeling of “home”

The book is available everywhere and please visit bookaboutdiwali.com for more. Shubha Dipaavali and a peaceful, healthy, and Happy Diwali to everyone. Till next time, I’m Abhay Dandekar

DOCTORS for HARRIS... Lotus for POTUS and a healthy America

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0700

In partnership with DOCTORS for HARRIS, Abhay shares conversations with leading doctors from around the country on the imperative healthcare choices Americans are facing in the 2024 election and compelling reasons to vote for Kamala Harris
(0:00) Introduction
(1:15) Congressman Raul Ruiz (D) CA-25
(10:40) Alice Chen
(17:30) Anita Somani
(24:34) Annie Andrews
(31:55) Mark Lopatin
(39:09) Micah Ernst
(47:08) Lalita Abhyankar
(52:35) Owais Durrani
(59:20) Nina Agrawal
(1:04:30) Alicia Christy
(1:11:00) Suhas Gondi
(1:17:05) Conclusion

Please visit IWILLVOTE.COM , DOCTORSFORHARRIS.COM , and KAMALAHARRIS.COM

Neal Katyal... Lotus for POTUS (and a little bit of SCOTUS)

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Neil Katyal discusses the current election cycle, focusing on Kamala Harris's centrist approach and her empathetic leadership style. He emphasizes the importance of voting rights and electoral integrity, while also addressing the challenges of misinformation and trust in institutions like the Supreme Court. Neal reflects on his identity as an Indian American and how Kamala Harris' candidacy resonates with that experience, urging listeners to recognize the constitutional implications of the upcoming election.

We’re almost at election day here in the US, so these next few weeks on TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING , we’re sharing a series of Lotus for POTUS conversations, hearing insights from leading edge voices to help inform and get out the vote! A few months ago, I created a meme with a photo of Vice President Harris that went “In Sanskrit, Kamala means Lotus… In America, Kamala means POTUS” and for me and many others, that sentiment sums up the urgent choice we’re making at the highest level, being thoughtful about our past, present, and future.

As the question of “what’s at stake” is such an important one to keep asking ourselves, we also know that from the beginning there’s been a swirl of tangled questions surrounding the “what ifs” in a very close race and also involving a convicted felon who has used the legal system as a vindictive bludgeoning tool against the free and safe election process. So particularly to help clarify some of these thoughts on the imperatives that we face, it was simply wonderful to chat with Neal Katyal, the former acting solicitor general of the United States. Neal is an attorney with expertise in constitutional, criminal, and intellectual property law, and along with his prior experiences in the Justice Department as a National Security Advisor, he has argued 51 cases before the Supreme Court of the United States, more than any other minority lawyer in history. He’s had deep experiences in some of the most significant trials in our country’s history over the past 25 years, including the George Floyd murder trial, defending the voting rights act of 1965, the Trump travel ban, military trials at Guantanamo, and the election dispute in 2000, just to name a few. Neal is a law professor at Georgetown, and along with being a respected scholar and prolific author, he seems to have won nearly every major legal award out there and thankfully is a frequent news commentator. He also hosts a great podcast called Courtside, designed help inform the public and help explain a variety of court cases. So in that spirit, it was great to catch up with him and talk about the upcoming election from his unique and superb perspective on Kamala Harris, and since he has mentioned in the past how he is an ardent believer in “extreme centrism”, I first wanted to know with this in mind what was making him feel optimistic about the Harris-Walz campaign.

Remember, conversation is the antidote to apathy. Go to Iwillvote.com for information about resources, to desipresident.com and southasiansforharris2024.org, and to kamalaharris.com to learn directly about the Harris-Walz campaign. Please get involved, get engaged, and get informed about all your local issues and candidates up and down the ballot. Till next time, I’m Abhay Dandekar.

Subah and Harshvardhan Saraf... on Satvic Movement and Satvic Revolution

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by Subah and Harshvardhan Saraf, the founders of Satvic Movement and authors of the book "The Satvic Revolution". They chatted about their ongoing journey and lessons along the way.
(0:00- 3:41) Introduction
(3:41) Part 1 - Satvic lifestyle and ritual adherance, awakening and evidence
(23:22) Part 2 - Guardrails against extremism, practical experiences
(43:31) Part 3 - Patience and practice, building trust
(57:43) Conclusion

Anurima Bhargava... Lotus for POTUS with dignity and justice for all!

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0700

With liberty and justice for all - it’s the last part of our national pledge and being an empowered voter in an American democracy means finding this implemented through our elected leaders. So it was great to catch up with Anurima Bhargava, who has been a leader in promoting dignity and justice both at home and abroad, and advancing civil rights for many stakeholders. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, she’s an experienced attorney who has worked to litigate cases on diversity and segregation with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, led civil rights enforcement in schools and educational institutions at the US Department of Justice, and served as Chair and Commissioner of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, which documents and makes recommendations on religious persecution and violence abroad. Anurima’s incredible commitment to advancing human dignity through justice shines also as a seasoned storyteller, as she’s been a producer and advisor to numerous documentary films and projects. Along with being the founder and president of Anthem of Us, a strategic advisory and consulting firm for strengthening equity, belonging, and trust in workplaces, schools, and communities, Anurima has long been active as an advisor and organizer for numerous political campaigns, marshaling resources and information for action, especially noted these past few months in co-organizing the impressive and ongoing South Asian Women for Harris movement. We chatted recently about all the compelling highlights that are drawing voters to Kamala Harris, but I first wanted to know if similar to herself in her own work, whether it is safe to say that Kamala Harris is a “Justice Ninja” ?

Remember, conversation is the antidote to apathy. Now this is all in the shownotes, but I’ll share here too… Go to Iwillvote.com for information about resources, to southasiansforharris2024.org, and to kamalaharris.com to learn about the Harris-Walz campaign. Please get involved, get engaged, and get informed about all your local issues and candidates up and down the ballot. Till next time, I’m Abhay Dandekar.

Neha Dewan and Sonjui Kumar... Lotus for POTUS and SOUTH ASIANS for HARRIS

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0700

With the election upon us here in the US, these next few weeks on TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING , we’re sharing a series of Lotus for POTUS conversations, hearing insights from leading edge voices to help inform and get out the vote! A few months ago, I created a meme with a photo of Vice President Harris that went “In Sanskrit, Kamala means Lotus… In America, Kamala means POTUS” and for me and many others, that sentiment sums up the imperative choice we’re making at the highest level, being thoughtful about our past, present, and future. Now a big part of amplifying our voice for more representation in 2024 comes from engaging, educating, and mobilizing the South Asian American community to show up and frankly be heard through our vote. And especially with our growing significance in the past several elections, South Asians for Harris has been accelerating, strategizing, coalition building, and supporting voters as a national, grassroots, and volunteer organization dedicated to securing a victory for Kamala Harris. So it was terrific to share a conversation together with Neha Dewan, co-national director for South Asians for Harris, and Sonjui Kumar, national legal director for South Asians for Harris. Neha is an attorney with a wealth of experiences who has long been active in politics and advocacy for the South Asian community at the local and national level and Sonjui is also an attorney a former President of the South Asian Bar Association of North America and a key leader and organizer in the Georgia South Asian community. They both, along with many many other leaders, have been tirelessly working to build and grow the effort to help voters register, combat disinformation, get resources out there in many languages, and strengthen collaboration among other voter blocs. Whether canvassing or rallying or phonebanking or cultivating relationships, the movement has been gaining support and momentum and still has much work to do. I caught up recently with Neha and Sonjui as we hit the home stretch here about the work that’s in front of all of us, but I also wanted to quickly reflect on the exciting and transformative whirlwind that the Harris campaign has already been, and asked them both when reflecting on the past few months, what words came to mind to describe it… Here’s Neha first…

Remember, conversation is the antidote to apathy. Go to Iwillvote.com for information about resources, to southasiansforharris2024.org, and to kamalaharris.com to learn about the Harris-Walz campaign. Please get involved, get engaged, and get informed about all your local issues and candidates up and down the ballot. Till next time, I’m Abhay Dandekar.

Neera Tanden... Lotus for POTUS and Election 2024

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0700

With the election upon us here in the US, these next few weeks on TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING , we’re sharing a series of Lotus for POTUS conversations, hearing insights from leading edge voices to help inform and get out the vote! A few months ago, I created a meme with a photo of Vice President Harris that went “In Sanskrit, Kamala means Lotus… In America, Kamala means POTUS” and for me and many others, that sentiment sums up the imperative choice we’re making at the highest level, being thoughtful about our past, present, and future. Now, Neera Tanden is someone who has had a front row seat at both the campaign and policy level, with decades of experience as an advisor and leader. She currently serves as Assistant to the President and Director of the Domestic Policy Council, which drives the development and implementation of President Biden’s domestic policy agenda. Previously, she was Senior Advisor and Staff Secretary in the White House, where she was responsible for Presidential decision-making. Prior to her roles in the Biden-Harris Administration, Neera was the President and CEO of the Center for American Progress, one of the largest think tanks in the country. She has served in both the Obama and Clinton administrations, and Neera has also been a policy advisor to Hillary Clinton in the White House, the Senate, and her campaigns. So it was great to catch up with her about the campaign, and what’s resonating for her, as I was particularly curious about hearing what was both compelling and unique about Kamala Harris as a presidential candidate.

Remember, conversation is the antidote to apathy. Go to vote.gov for information about registering, and to kamalaharris.com to learn about the Harris-Walz campaign. Please get involved, get engaged, and get informed about all your local issues and candidates up and down the ballot.

Gautam Mukunda... on "Picking Presidents" and leadership

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by professor, advisor, and author, Gautam Mukunda.
He is the author of Indispensable: When Leaders Really Matter and Picking Presidents: How to Make the Most Consequential Decision in the World, and has served as a professor at Harvard, Yale, and Tufts. By cultivating expertise as an advisor on leadership and strategy problems, with publishing widely on innovation, security issues, and synthetic biology, in being on the board of the UPAKAR FOUNDATION (a national non-profit devoted to providing college scholarships to underprivileged students of South Asian descent), and in being a former Jeopardy champion, Gautam is well on his way to achieving his life's goal: to have the world’s most confusing resumé !
(0:00 - 2:40) Introduction
(2:40) Part 1 - Systems, dispensability, seduced by unfiltered leaders
(18:53) Part 2 - "Standing down", Kamala Harris, risk mitigation
(41:59) Part 3 - Unlearnings and lessons, leadership style, advise for voters
(1:03:18) Conclusion

SPOTLIGHT... on Mangesh Ghogre and constructing crossword puzzles

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0700

So I thought that today we would focus on the world of puzzles. As kids, young and old, we are fascinated and curious about putting together random pieces of cardboard to make a picture, or take numbers or scenes or words and fit them together to make something whole, craving that satisfaction to find the answer and all the frustrations and exhilarations that come with it! Whether you’re doing sudoku or playing a game or proving online that we’re human and not a robot, puzzles keep our minds focused on solving problems. For many across the world, crossword puzzles are part of a daily routine, trying to find different ways to use and frame words from clues that playfully speak to everyday culture, trivia, knowledge, and even local or global nuances. So it was really fun to catch up with crossword puzzle constructor, Mangesh Ghogre, first India-based crossword constructor for the Los Angeles Times in 2010 and The New York Times in 2013. Mangesh is an investment banker and a writer, and has had a true passion as a crossword puzzle solver and constructor since his college days. His expertise has developed over decades and his work and writing have been featured in The New Yorker, The Times of India, and The Economic Times, among others. Mangesh is currently the editor and constructor for the Mini Crossword in The Forbes India magazine. Some of his marquee NYT crosswords include a Fourth of July-themed crossword in 2017, a Mahatma Gandhi-themed crossword in 2019 to celebrate Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary and Taj Mahal-themed crossword in 2023 to celebrate Indian independence day. I was able to chat with him this summer, and in true puzzle solving fashion, we started out with the basics…

Rajiv Menon... on curating South Asian art

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay shares a conversation with Los Angeles based art gallerist and curator, Rajiv Menon, to talk about his ongoing work, about art and race and the global South Asian, and even some of the barriers and accelerators he’s encountered along the way.
Rajiv's latest exhibition is titled "Three Steps of Land", as an artistic ode to Onam and Kerala.

(0:00 - 2:46) Introduction
(2:46) Part 1 - Mobilizing art, making art relevant, trusting relationship with visual arts
(19:54) Part 2 - Nostalgia and Whiteness, connecting the dots of his exhibits, misconceptions
(32:23) Part 3 - Unlearning, finding harmony with art in a digital world, Los Angeles and beyond, "how can I get involved"
(44:59) Conclusion

Remember that it's National Suicide Prevention Month in the US - if you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 9-8-8 or go to 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Shruthi Kumar... on student activism and "The Power of Not Knowing"

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay shares a conversation with social entrepreneur and recent Harvard University graduate, Shruthi Kumar.
They talked about her commencement speech, college activism, being a South Asian student, and now entering life after graduation
(0:00 - 3:32) Introduction
(3:32) Part 1 - "The Power of Not Knowing", harmonizing empathy with action
(17:22) Part 2 - Nebraska and Harvard, complacency, South Asian student life
(32:45) Part 3 - Power and Peace, unlearning, optimism going forward
(48:24) Conclusion

Dr. Ritu Raman... on "Biofabrication"

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by Dr. Ritu Raman, MIT engineering professor and author of the book "Biofabrication", for a conversation about personal and professional lessons learned from her journey, the tethers of science fiction and pop culture, and the possibilities and limits of her work.
(0:00 - 2:58) Introduction
(2:58) Part 1 - setting the stage and defining the work, popular science fiction
(16:39) Part 2 - robotic applications, ethical considerations, priorities, extension of herself
(32:01) Part 3 - achieving in the academic world, scientific literacy and mentoring, finding joy
(47:34 Conclusion

Ginni Saraswati... on media, podcasting, and more

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Entrepreneur, journalist, and podcaster Ginni Saraswati joins Abhay for a conversation that touched upon everything from storytelling to mythbusting to wedding planning! Ginni is the founder and CEO of Ginni Media and hosts "The Ginni Show".
(0:00 - 2:40) Introduction
(2:40) Part 1 - wedding planning, storytelling and building relationships
(12:24) Part 2 - the weight or lightness of identity, the biggest myths about podcasting
(24:19) Part 3 - media mogul, AI and the optimism
(30:02) Conclusion

Sanjana Modha... on writing "Sanjana's Feasts" and cooking to be free

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Chef, content creator, and author Sanjana Modha joins Abhay to talk about everything from lunchtime food, to cooking as a parent, to her go-to dessert, to writing her new book "Sanjana's Feasts", which is due out this fall 2024.
(0:00 - 3:01) Introduction
(3:01) Part 1 - lunchtime, cooking as a parent
(11:14) Part 2 - cooking as a way to connect the dots, vegetarian cooking, local specificities
(25:28) Part 3 - making a great recipe, hospitality, single dish expression
(35:32) Conclusion

SPOTLIGHT... on Dhruv Kulkarni and using A.I. with empathy and human connection

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0700

It’s hopefully obvious to many that the AI revolution has not only begun but it’s in full swing. Now since I’m in healthcare and well a wee bit older than those entering the workforce right now, I wanted to get the perspective of someone who has not only grown up with AI as a digital tool and familiar science but also has developed a relationship in researching AI and using it to tackle problems at scale. So it was wonderful to connect and share a brief chat with machine learning technology researcher and entrepreneur, Dhruv Kulkarni. Dhruv is both a current college student at Berkeley (GO BEARS!)and a tech startup founder - someone who grew comfortable with machine learning and AI early on in his formative years. It’s that same comfort and ease that fueled a spirit of innovation and utility to use these tools and help solve problems, particularly of interest for me in the healthcare space, where so far Dhruv has tackled the administrative problem of accelerating the prior authorization process in small clinics and now is serving as AI director at Forta Health and helping to tackle chronic conditions and problems like helping parents in caring for autistic children. If you’re keeping score, Dhruv has already along the way, served as an entrepreneurial peer resource and mentor for other students, founded two startup companies that were acquired, developed an emerging expertise at the intersection of fintech and AI, and has already gained investor experience as a venture partner. We chatted and I wanted to learn a bit more about his work and journey, but we started by talking about when Dhruv first discovered that AI and machine learning was something he could harness and actually control…

Samhita Mukhopadhyay... on "The Myth of Making It: A Workplace Reckoning"

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Samhita Mukhopadhyay, author of "The Myth of Making It: A Workplace Reckoning" joins Abhay for a conversation about a range topics from “trickle down feminism” to being the daughter of two Bengali immigrants, to mentoring and leadership. Samhita served as the executive editor of the popular blog Feministing and then for Teen Vogue and in reflecting on her journey, found herself squarely in the messy middle of it all in being a girl boss, questioning the notion that happiness and fulfillment stem from overwork and professional achievement. In “The Myth of Making It”, Samhita questions “hustle culture” and the neo-liberal feminist mantras of leaning in and persevering as seductive and often destructive definitions and methods. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, expert analysis, and the varied experiences of workers, she tackles this paradox of why working success for women can feel deeply important and so unsatisfying at the same time.

(0:00 - 3:30) introduction
(3:30) Part 1 - redemption and liberation, "hustle culture"
(14:20) Part 2 - "trickle down feminism", mentoring and leadership, counseling new women entering the workforce
(31:49) Part 3 - daughter of Bengali immigrants, South Asian modern feminism, exploring and enjoying paradoxes
(46:48) Conclusion

Vivek Agnihotri... on his life as a filmmaker

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by writer, director, and producer Vivek Agnihotri to share a broad ranging conversation about his life as a filmmaker.
His films include The Kashmir Files, The Vaccine War, and the upcoming The Delhi Files.
Believe it or not, the kidneys, Keyser Söze, and cricket all were involved!
(0:00 - 2:45) Introduction
(2:45) Part 1 - Rallying and inspiring, truthseeking, combating the lonely journey
(18:00) Part 2 - unlearning vs additive journey, fear and fearlessness
(36:38) Part 3 - his advertising background, national pride, aging gracefully
(52:53) Conclusion

Saurabh Netravalkar... on USA cricket and his journey

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by cricket athlete Saurabh Netravalkar, whose clutch bowler performance led Team USA to a dramatic victory over Pakistan and into the Super 8 competing against Team India in the recent Men's T20 World Cup. They chatted about everything from his cricket journey to integrating sport with life as a software engineer to growing cricket in the US.
(0:00 - 2:59) Introduction
(2:59) Part 1 - compartmentalizing cricket and non-cricket life, goal setting, lessons learned
(17:19) Part 2 - staying level, being a leader, an unconventional cricket journey, loyalty to team
(33:58) Part 3 - growing cricket in the US, talents and legacy
(45:34) Conclusion

Congressman Ami Bera... on governing, campaigning, and American patriotism

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by Dr. Ami Bera, United States Congressman (D) CA-6, as they share a broad conversation about his experiences and journey as the longest serving Indian American in Congress.
(0:00 - 3:10) Introduction
(3:10) Part 1 - Doctoring and crossover skills in politics, relationship building and prioritizing
(13:36) Part 2 - Governing and campaigning
(26:01) Part 3 - Foreign affairs, Indian American experiences, Patriotism
(36:16) Conclusion

Vikas Khanna...on BUNGALOW and feeling at "home"

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by Vikas Khanna, the celebrated judge of Master Chef India, Michelin award-winning chef, author, and filmmaker. Vikas' new restaurant BUNGALOW, opened this past spring in New York City. They shared a chat about his journey and bringing people "home" through his food experience.
(0:00 - 2:36) Introduction
(2:36) Part 1 - first professional meal, how to age gracefully as a culinary artist
(12:00) Part 2 - merging sentiments of other worlds and finding "home", diverse interests, how to prevent cooking boredom
(27:06) Part 3 - cooking when no one's watching, nostalgia
(37:04) Conclusion

Kani Kusruti... on "All That We Imagine As Light" and her passion for the process

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by award-winning actor Kani Kusruti for a conversation about her ongoing work and recent role in the film, "All That We Imagine As Light", which recently won the Grand Prix award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
(0:00 - 3:06) Introduction
(3:06) Part 1 - relationship with the film, awards, working with director Payal Kapadia
(15:17) Part 2 - the acting process, feedback and success, her craft of acting
(33:39) Part 3 - women as storytellers in the industry, discovering Kani
(44:53) Conclusion

Raja Choudhury...on making "America's First Guru"

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by award-winning filmmaker, Raja Choudhury, whose newest documentary "America's First Guru" is available to stream on PBS, and showcases the story of the young and charismatic Swami Vivekananda’s travels to the US in the late 1800’s to speak at the first World’s Parliament of Religions conference in Chicago, broadly introducing Hindu philosophy and India’s spiritual culture to American audiences.
(0:00 - 2:41) Introduction
(2:41) Part 1 - deciding to make the film, surprises and discoveries
(16:53) Part 2 - unlearnings, journey toward "bliss", American experience
(29:42) Part 3 - trusting in spirituality, Indian and Hindu wisdom, empowering message

Rohini Kosoglu... on national policy and technology

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0700

National policy expert, Rohini Kosoglu, joins Abhay to talk about everything from building trust with leaders to policy intersections and governance with AI to the imperatives of this upcoming election cycle. Rohini recently served in the Biden-Harris administration as Deputy Assistant to the President and Domestic Policy Advisor to the Vice President.
(0:00 - 3:19) Introduction
(3:19) Part 1 - parenting and relationship development, additive experiences with leaders
(14:29) Part 2 - intersections of A.I. and policy, innovation vs regulation, governing with compromise
(32:44) Part 3 - South Asian American patriotism, election imperatives
(45:37) Conclusion

SPOTLIGHT...on Varsha Mathur and relationship coaching

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 30 May 2024 04:00:00 -0700

SPOTLIGHT episodes of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING feature brief chats about a unique topic or cause.

Varsha Mathur, J.D., PCC, a certified dating and relationship coach with over seven years of experience, guides clients worldwide to effortlessly find and sustain lasting love with their ideal partners. Through her personalized coaching approach, Varsha empowers both singles and couples
to cultivate confidence, ignite attraction, and build partnerships that withstand the test oftime. A former practicing lawyer and mediator, Varsha draws on her personal journey, including divorce and remarriage, to help others make decisions untainted by negative influences, propelling them toward their dreams. Varsha’s work is deeply rooted in her belief that people should not be burdened by various cultural and societal
stigmas or taboos that disempower them from living their most authentic and fulfilling life.

Rohit Gijare... on dance, choreography, and always learning

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 28 May 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Choreographer and dance artist Rohit Gijare joins Abhay to talk about everything from teaching to getting inspired to constantly being a student of dance.
(0:00 - 2:53) Introduction
(2:53) Part 1 - routine, inspiration, improv
(14:08) Part 2 - how to define "good", being an effective teacher, dance and cultural importance
(32:45) Part 3 - breaking stereotypes and barriers, being a student of dance
(46:58) Conclusion

Raj Lulla... on "The Caring House" and writing about grief

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 14 May 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by Raj Lulla, author of the novel "The Caring House", to talk about writing about grief, mental health and empathy, and "metabolizing" grief. Their mutual love of the West Wing definitely also came up.
(0:00 - 2:53) Introduction
(2:53) Part 1 - ignition and inspiration to write the book, children grieving
(13:75) Part 2 - inconsistencies, "metabolizing" grief, personal journeys
(28:31) Part 3 - hope, immigrant mental health experiences
(39:59) Conclusion

If you or someone you know is need of support for a mental health, suicide, or emotional distress crisis in the US, please call/text 988
For worldwide resources, please visit https://www.helpguide.org/find-help.htm

Priyanka Kamath...on 100 Girls in Blockch(AI)n and building skill equity

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 02 May 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by Priyanka Kamath, the founder and CEO of 100 Girls in Blockch(AI)n.
They chatted about build skill equity in tech for emerging economies and provide solutions for grassroots projects, with girls and women leading at the forefront.
Of note, on May 4, 2024, Priyanka is showcasing the 100 GIGA demo day, the result of a 3 month bootcamp of girls building software solutions with AI innovations in healthcare, finance, agriculture, and education.

(0:00 - 3:16) Introduction
(3:16) Part 1 - blockchain and generative AI, building skill equity
(15:24) Part 2 - building cohorts of girls and women, Priyanka's "why", trust ladders
(29:43) Part 3 - creating capital and investing, finding peace, advise and lessons
(41:40) Conclusion

W.i.S.H. ...on being an all girl Indian pop group

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by the Indian pop music group W.i.S.H. ...

Ri, Zo, Sim, and Suchi (Riya Duggal, Zoe Siddarth, Simran Duggal, and Suchita Shirke) share their experiences as they aim to be India's next big pop music group and the first all female group to catch fire in nearly 2 decades. They talked about dynamics as a group and as individuals, longevity, and learning outside of their comfort zones
(0:00 - 2:44) Introduction
(2:44) Part 1 - Empowerment and what Gen-Z wants from them
(12:39) Part 2 - reverse mentoring lessons, girl bosses, and their "Indianness"
(27:39) Part 3 - longevity, group improvement, and comfort zones
(41:18) part 4 - early learning and how it matters
(47:44) Conclusion

Nisha Pahuja...on "To Kill a Tiger" and filmmaking

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay chats with award-winning documentary filmmaker Nisha Pahuja about everything from the impact of her Academy Award and Peabody Award nominated film To Kill a Tiger, to processing past experiences and trauma, to holistic filmmaking without judgment.
(0:00 - 3:09) Introduction
(3:09) Part 1 - after the Oscars, instincts, building trust with Ranjit's family
(15:13) Part 2 - seeking out the gray, leading a team, mapping boundaries
(29:42) Part 3 - making films as a diasporic Indian, structural change, audience impact

SPOTLIGHT...on Neha Assar and mehndi art

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0700

SPOTLIGHT episodes of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING feature brief chats about a unique topic or cause.

Neha Assar has been adorning brides across the nation with bespoke ornate mehndi and body art since 1994 and is now opening doors to many opportunities that are leading to creative collaborations and ground breaking projects.

The concepts used are original and the designs are expertly applied freehand, through inspired improvisation and alacrity. Neha Assar has become a celebrated and much sought after figure in the industry. Her artwork has been recognized via various media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, NBC, Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Buzzfeed and many more. Neha Assar’s artwork has also been exhibited at LA Fashion Week, The Oscar Awards, The Emmy Awards, MTV Movie Awards, and The Grammy Awards. Her list of celebrity clients is ever-growing, already consisting of such names as SZA, Kylie Jenner, Drake, G-Eazy, Lebron James & Family, Shaquille O'Neal, to name a few.

Yogendra Puranik...on life as a bureaucrat, educator, and politician in Japan

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay chats with bureaucrat, educator, and ex-Member of the Legislative Assembly(MLA) in Japan, Yogendra Puranik.
Known also as "Yogi-San", the native of Maharashtra was the first Indian born elected official in Japan and now serves as the first-ever foreign-origin principal of a public (government) school, and the first-ever Indian-origin Civil/Gazetted officer in Japan.

(0:00 - 2:44) Introduction
(2:44) Part 1 - adjusting to Japanese life after 25 years, evolving responsibilities, running for elected office
(16:05) Part 2 - comparing campaigning in Japan to the US and India, cultural barriers and friction
(30:53) Part 3 - navigating Japan as an immigrant, raising his son in Japan, cultivating trust
(44:01) Conclusion

Nimesh Patel...on stand up comedy, pre-show prep, and being irreverant

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by comedian Nimesh Patel to chat about his latest tour, the journey of his comedy life and everything in between.
(0:00 - 2:42) Introduction
(2:42) Part 1 - watching comedy, latest tour, structure to his shows
(12:53) Part 2 - pre-show routines, when Indians are in the audience, mirrors and windows
(26:29) Part 3 - anatomy of a good joke, being irreverent, success and lasting impressions
(35:46) Conclusion

Sangita Phadke...on her pastel painting journey, realism, and an "eye" for art

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by "Master Pastelist", artist Sangita Phadke for a conversation about her journey in art, her work with still life and realism, and the storytelling from both sides of her paintings.
(0:00 - 2:26) Introduction
(2:26) Part 1 - first memory of artistic expressions, being self-taught, the "eye" for art
(16:52) Part 2 - realism, being a "Master Pastelist", still life and motion, background and calling
(33:18) Part 3 - intersections, community, art and its rewards
(46:34) Conclusion

Anand Deshpande...on creating ecosystems and always learning

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by the founder, chairman, and managing director of Persistent Systems, Anand Deshpande, for a conversation about everything from learning new skills to creating jobs to the transition away from being a CEO to legacy.
(0:00 - 3:10) Introduction
(3:10) Part 1 - learning new skills, helping build a biotech ecosystem
(18:01) Part 2 - Anand's US journey, lessons from transitions away from being CEO
(30:02) Part 3 - the thrill of giving, creating jobs, AI in mentorship
(43:56) Part 4 - motivating a population, the identity of the Indian entrepreneur, legacy
(55:08) Conclusion

Raveena Mehta...on making music and feeling at "home"

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay chats with singer and songwriter Raveena Mehta about everything from dreams of music to her artistic journey and collaborating to her own playlist.
(0:00 - 2:18) Introduction
(2:18) Part 1 - dreaming and feeling at "home"
(14:18) Part 2 - spirituality of music, versatility, collaborating
(23:44) Part 3 - listening and playlists, aesthetics and disposability, how her listeners feel
(35:54) Conclusion

Suhas Subramanyam...on running for Congress in Virginia

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Virginia State Senator and congressional candidate, Suhas Subramanyam, joins Abhay to talk about governing and running a campaign, finding common ground, taking on tough fights, and how he stays energized.
(0:00 - 238) Introduction
(2:38) Part 1 - energy after a long day, district is a proxy, track record and taking on hard fights
(15:22) Part 2 - staying consistent and getting to the middle, Indian Americans in politics
(27:13) Part 3 - connecting through the political process, lessons learned, and cultivating trust
(37:16) Conclusion

Dr. Swati Mohan...on aerospace engineering at NASA/JPL

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by Dr. Swati Mohan, aerospace engineer and scientist at NASA/JPL, for a conversation about everything from her inspirations and ongoing journey, to the everyday relatability of her work, to embracing and exploring the unknown. Of note - Space Camp and Star Trek: The Next Generation were both discussed!
(0:00 - 2:59) Introduction
(2:59) Part 1 - early inspirations, first day at NASA
(12:44) Part 2 - problem solving, proudly Indian American
(23:49) Part 3 - AI, relatability, ambiguity
(36:17) Conclusion

Krish Ashok...on Masala Lab: The Science of Indian Cooking

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by Krish Ashok, the author of Masala Lab: The Science of Indian Cooking for a wide ranging conversation about everything from food identities in India, to how his time in the US informed him, to irritating misconceptions, to AI and fact checking.
(0:00 - 2:51) Introduction
(2:51) Part 1 - thinking about questions when he's eating, food identities, the US experience
(17:19) Part 2 - fact finding or myth busting, Indian food misconceptions, AI and Indian food
(35:38) Part 3 - threats to Indian food, integrating many intersections, fact checking
(48:58) Conclusion

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal...on being a progressive and an Indian-American woman in Congress

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 06:50:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal for a conversation about her service as the only Indian American woman in the United States Congress. They chatted about everything from progressive politics to the filibuster to her identity and love for both the country of her birth and the country she serves.
(0:00 - 2:33) Introduction
(2:33) Part 1 - Super Bowl enjoyment and largesse, being a progressive
(12:28) Part 2 - Lessons learned on her congressional journey, compromise and filibuster, immigration
(23:57) Part 3 - Indian American identity, cultivating trust
(35:28) Conclusion

Congresswoman Jayapal also introduced the South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act, which was passed in the House but needs more support to get through the Senate. Please learn more on how to help here.

Anjali Chandrashekar...on being a cartoonist

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by Anjali Chandrashekar, illustrator and cartoonist for the New Yorker.
The chatted about the anatomy of a cartoon and the creative process, observing the world around her, and storytelling through cartoons.
(0:00 - 2:56) Introduction
(2:56) Part 1 - New Year's resolutions, observation and creativity
(13:17) Part 2 - the anatomy of a cartoon, inspiration as an Indian cartoonist
(27:52) Part 3 - feedback, lessons and self-reflection

Anita Verma-Lallian...on real estate and making movies

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by Anita Verma-Lallian, the CEO of both Arizona Land Consulting and Camelback Productions.
They talked about everything from finding value and opportunity to land development in 2024 to launching a South Asian American media production company. As she definitely should, Anita shared that she likes the word "mogul."
(0:00 - 2:56) Introduction
(2:56) Part 1 - opportunity and surprises, balancing patience and instinct
(12:12) Part 2 - land development in 2024, launching Camelback productions
(25:53) Part 3 - South Asian American storytelling, leading, cultivating trust
(37:43) Conclusion

Advait Shinde...on GoGuardian and using educational technology

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by Advait Shinde, the co-founder and CEO of the educational tech company GoGuardian. They chatted about everything from the value of online learning to the guardrails of technology to the privacy and free speech.
(0:00 - 2:54 ) Introduction
(2:54) Part 1 - starting the journey, applying success to education
(10:43) Part 2 - metrics of learning, human connections, responsible use of technology tools
(24:55) Part 3 - guardrails and limitations of tech, learning and values

Hena Doba...on journalism, identity, and trust

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0800

Hena Doba joins Abhay to chat about her continuing journey in media journalism as a Pakistani American. They chatted about storytelling, about legacy networks and OTT, and about cultivating trust.
(0:00 - 2:20) Introduction
(2:20) Part 1 - measuring success, storytelling
(12:20) Part 2 - who the story is about, OTT
(26:24) Part 3 - personal identity and journey, building trust

Chandrika Tandon...on love, light, and laughter

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by Grammy nominated musician, business leader, and humanitarian Chandrika Tandon, as they chatted about her journey and motivations, about her newest album "Ammu's Treasures" weaving lessons from the corporate world into the arts, and repeating her mantra of "love, light, and laughter."
(0:00 - 3:09) Introduction
(3:09) Part 1 - structuring through music and art, finding herself through music
(17:46) Part 2 - lessons learned, integrating music and art into her life
(34:51) Part 3 - Ammu's Treasures
(44:03) Conclusion

Aditya Kakodkar...on being the Marathi Kaka/Brewkenstein and uplifting culture as a creator

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay shares a conversation with Aditya Kakodkar AKA Marathi Kaka/Brewkenstein as they chatted about everything from observation skills to bad Marathi dad jokes to surprising reactions with those who appreciate his work. The whole thing was quite "Phantaastic" and void of any creative constipation.
(0:00 - 2:26) Introduction
(2:26) Part 1 - quirky pronunciations and creating online
(14:33) Part 2 - crossover work, Marathi Kaka, connecting through language and cultural evolution
(35:21) Part 3 - surprises and successes
(43:45) Conclusion

Rukmini Vijayakumar...on bharatnatyam and a journey of ongoing learning

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by bharatnatyam dance artist and choreographer, Rukmini Vijayakumar. They chatted about everything from sharpening her observational skills to being a spiritual artist to the effect that her bharatnatyam vocabulary has on her.
Rukmini directs the Radha Kalpa Dance Company and the LshVa artistic space.
(0:00 - 2:55) Introduction
(2:55) Part 1 - observation, reverance, practicing Bharatnatyam through neutrality
(18:09) Part 2 - describing her persona, versatility in dance, spirituality and innovation
(33:02) Part 3 - being self-aware in performance, developing and evolving as an artist
(45:41) Conclusion

Vidya Balan...on being relatable and trusting herself

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by actor Vidya Balan for a conversation about relatability, defining success, trusting herself and much more!
(0:00 - 2:14) Introduction
(2:14) Part 1 - First impressions, success as an actor, feeling liberated
(14:12) Part 2 - disruption and women in Indian films, feeling content, re-invention
(25:50) Part 3 - privacy in the public space, framework of celebrity, turning 45 years old
(34:02) Conclusion

Sameer Gadhia...on Young the Giant, the journey of music, and feeling at home

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 04:00:00 -0800

Sameer Gadhia, the lead singer of YOUNG THE GIANT joins Abhay for a conversation about his musical journey, expressions of identity, parenting, performance, Point of Origin, and even lessons in leadership. It should be noted that the words "Vyasa" and the "rizz" were both mentioned in this episode - discretion is advised.
(0:00 - 2:52) Introduction
(2:52) Part 1 - Performing and touring, American Bollywood
(14:18) Part 2 - Finishing art, identity and expression, feeling at "home"
(29:25) Part 3 - Point of Origin, evolving as an artist, teamwork and sharing
(41:26) Conclusion

Krystle Kaul...on running for US Congress in Virginia

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay chats with Congressional candidate Krystle Kaul, who is running for office in Virginia's 10th district. They chatted about everything from being able to understand the needs of her unique district, to her upbringing and background as an Indian American, to her deep experiences and how they may resonate strongly with voters. Krystle is a national security and defense expert, having served in many roles both in and out of the Pentagon, as well as a small business owner and MIT course facilitator. You can also learn more about her campaign at www.krystleforcongress.com and here.

(0:00 - 2:38) Introduction
(2:38) Part 1 - uniquely resonating with voters, everyday relatability, experience that matters
(14:51) Part 2 - Indian American upbringing, women who lead, unlearning and humility, opening doors
(28:40) Conclusion

To contact Krystle:

Krystle Kaul

Democratic Candidate for Congress, Virginia 10th District (VA-10)
VA-10 includes Loudoun County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fauquier County, Rappahannock County, parts of Fairfax County and Prince William County.
krystle@krystleforcongress.com | (703) 910-1547

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystle-kaul/

Website: www.krystleforcongress.com

Donate here: Krystle for Congress VA-10

SPOTLIGHT on Rimjhim Gour and empowering rural communities

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 04:00:00 -0800

SPOTLIGHT episodes of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING feature brief chats about a unique topic or cause.

Rimjhim Gour is the founder of GRAMYA, a digital grassroots audio platform that facilitates two-way conversations on policy-related matters within rural communities. With GRAMYA, they have hosted over 50,000 conversations. These discussions have not only facilitated a deep "knowledge transfer" among villages and groups of women but have also unveiled numerous inspiring stories of individuals who have achieved extraordinary feats despite limited resources. She also founded and leads Sapiens Research and Analysis, a political consultancy which works on empowering villages and creating a diverse network of grassroots surveyors to gather unbiased and candid local perspectives while building a trusted ecosystem of grassroots consultants, and help drive the narrative on everything from social mobility and governing policy to political action. Currently, she has 7000+ grassroots consultants working with her across 5500+ local councils in India and South Asia, and aspires to build the largest network of rural consultants across the world. Particularly with a lens on women, Rimjhim believes in placing the power right in the hands of female nurturers of the country, affecting change for issues around women’s health, digital and financial literacy and female entrepreneurship.

RAJA KUMARI...on finding peace and power

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined again by fusion artist, songwriter, rapper, and performer RAJA KUMARI, as she embarks on her North American tour. They chatted about everything from some spiritual reset moments, to different artistic personas, and to what she’s searching for both personally and professionally.
(0:00 - 2:59) Introduction
(2:59) Part 1: reflections, spiritual discovery, collaborations this past year, being a fan, reintroducing herself to the diaspora
(24:36) Part 2: persona as an artist, being Svetha and Raja, making "The Bridge"
(38:27) Part 3: personal and professional fulfillment, finding someone and finding herself, peace and power
(51:11) Conclusion

Magic Bus and Prince's Trust International...on childhood to livelihood

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay chats with Matthew Spacie, founder of Magic Bus, and Will Straw, CEO of Prince’s Trust International. As three people committed to improving the lives of children and young people, they chatted about the complexity and opportunity that comes with creating change, about the important ongoing work in India that Magic Bus and Prince's Trust International are partnering with, lessons learned and surprises along the way, and building trust!
In 2023 Magic Bus will work with about 1 million children and will place 120,000 young people in grey and white-collar jobs in India and South Asia. Prince's Trust International works to deliver education, employability and enterprise programmes to young people around the world. Together, they are accelerating pathways from childhood to livelihood.
(0.00 - 3:04) Introduction
(3:04) Part 1 : Nearly 25 years of Magic Bus, scaling empathy driven work
(12:04) Part 2: Defining and appreciating success, place-based work, building ladders
(25:43) Part 3: Giving from afar, history and building trust, surprises
(35:59) Conclusion

JAZZY B ...on life as a Punjabi music artist

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by Punjabi music artist JAZZY B, as he reflects on life and his journey. They talked about everything from parenting to reverance to spirituality and connecting with youth.
(0:00 - 2:48) Introduction
(2:48) Part 1: feeling at home, reverance
(13:36) Part 2: lessons from youth, Ishq Di EP and his persona, parenting
(26:03) Part 3: spirituality and Punjabi culture, mental health, thinking of legacy
(37:39) Conclusion

#SaveOurHearts...a roundtable discussion on cardiovascular health in our community

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by Prince Bhojwani (ASANA Voices), Sarah Shah (Indian American IMPACT), and Annika Sharma (That Desi Spark), three of the leaders behind the SAVE OUR HEARTS campaign. Indians and South Asians make up over 60% of the world’s heart disease cases and half of the world’s cardiovascular deaths. This past summer, The South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act was introduced in the US Congress by Representatives Pramila Jayapal and Joe Wilson, as a bipartisan effort to fund and place a new focus on specific research and health promotion strategies for our own Indian and South Asian communities. The #SaveOurHearts campaign aims to catalyze change and drive attention toward this issue and improving heart health for everyone. If you are so inclined, Abhay, Prince, Sarah, and Annika also actively encourage everyone to get active and take at least a "faster uncle jog" while listening. Check out the links above on ways to get involved or donate.
(0:00 - 3:20) Introduction
(3:20) Part 1 - finding a framework, mobilizing around policy, storytelling for traction
(16:57) Part 2 - building coalitions, priority actions, asking further questions
(34:33) Conclusion

Rahul Mishra...on slow fashion and the power of participation

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by fashion designer Rahul Mishra for a conversation about slow fashion, the power of participation, and mindful luxury. They talked about everything from patience to sustainability to his persona as a leader and a parent, to the rhythms of nature to his latest fashion theme of "We The People".
(0:00 - 3:02) Introduction
(3:02) Part 1 - group dreaming, curiosity and parenting, problem-solving as a designer
(15:53) Part 2 - Indian fashion at Paris couture show, blending art and science, leadership, mindful luxury
(32:40) Part 3 - profit and participation and people, technology, cultivating trust, generational fashion
(46:53) Conclusion

SPOTLIGHT on Avani Modi Sarkar and MODI TOYS

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 04:00:00 -0800

SPOTLIGHT episodes of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING feature brief chats about a unique topic or cause.

Avani Modi Sarkar, is the co-founder of MODI TOYS and has used her own parenting experiences as well as the power of playing with toys to keep Hindu culture and tradition alive for many other families across the globe. Avani noticed a few years ago, especially as a new parent, that kid-friendly play-based elements that spoke to the heritage that she cared about weren't representative of the evolving community of South Asian, Hindu, and multicultural families. Along with her brother, she launched Modi Toys in 2018 to 'diversify the toy box' and connect families better through items like plush toys that sing mantras representing Hindu deities, as well as educational books and rangoli kits - all ethically and sustainably made in India.

KRATEX...on Marathi House Music

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay chats with DJ and producer, Krunal Ghorpade, also known as KRATEX, who blends house music and Marathi music together. They talked about how "M-House" got started, the value of making music that matters most to him, about connecting generations, and about the discoveries and surprises along the way. From 120bpm to a Tutaari to "Baatlibaai", the party is on!
(0:00 - 2:17) Introduction
(2:17) Part 1 - Surprises of Marathi House Music, expressing Marathi culture in a new way

(12:51) Part 2 - Making M-House work, finding music and culture all around you

(29:43) Part 3 - scaling and collaborating, being content and happy with the art

(38:58) Conclusion

Arjun Nimmala...on Major League Baseball, getting drafted, and the journey of a new rookie

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by athlete and baseball player, Arjun Nimmala, who as a new Toronto Blue Jay, is looking to become the first player of South Asian descent to play in an MLB game. They talked about the draft, his transition as a rookie, his playing style, and even his thoughts on the pitch clock and the best shortstop of all time!
(0:00 - 2:55) Introduction
(2:55) Part 1 - transition from the draft to rookie ball, being a student of the game
(15:26) Part 2 - different pathway to baseball, drive and competitiveness, being an Indian American player
(31:25) Part 3 - individual and team achievements, baseball training and preparation, legacy
(42:17) Conclusion

Tanya Rao...on being a 3rd generation coffee roaster and small batch coffee production

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by 3rd generation coffee roaster, Tanya Rao, the founder and owner of Kaveri Coffee Works, among the only women owned Indian coffee companies in the US. From monsoon coffee to the tradition and routine of South Indian filter kaapi to starting a business, they chatted about it all.
(0:00 - 3:05) Introduction
(3:05) Part 1 - routine and anchors, growing up in a family with a coffee business tradition
(14:33) Part 2 - lessons from parenting and parents, pride and values of Kaveri coffee, finding a community and developing a new Indian coffee tradition in America
(30:03) Part 3 - coffee nostalgia vs coffee innovation, building a new legacy
(44:18) Conclusion

SPOTLIGHT on Nilam Patel author of "Finding Her Being Her: A Journey of Poems"

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0700

SPOTLIGHT episodes of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING feature brief chats about a unique topic or cause.

Nilam Patel is an author and an artist bringing readers into a world of profound introspection and self-discovery through her unique and captivating voice. In the pages of “Finding Her Being Her: A Journey of Poems,” Nilam's empathic narrative inspires readers to halt in life’s tumult and explore their thoughts and emotions. Initially written as a means of personal healing, this book evolved into a beacon of inspiration and empathy for young girls and women in all stages of life. Each carefully crafted poem serves as a gateway to introspection, leaving readers lost in thought as they reflect on their experiences. With chapters dedicated to femininity, grief, relationships, self-love, and motherhood, this collection unveils the complexities and beauty of womanhood. Nilam aims to guide readers in overcoming life’s obstacles and instilling the belief that they possess the strength to triumph over any challenge.

Avanti Nagral...on her music, creating content, and asking questions that build trust

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by singer, activist, and content creator, Avanti Nagral. They chatted about connecting many themes, communicating with several generations, measuring success, and what questions she's asking herself these days.
(0:00 - 2:47) Introduction
(2:47) Part 1 - finding herself, music as sanctuary, talking with her Aaji
(16:43) Part 2 - reflecting on empathy, measuring success, privacy
(32:53) Part 3 - staying relevant, maturing gracefully, asking questions that cultivate trust

Meherwan Irani...on Chai Pani and Indian food in the American South

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by the co-founder, CEO, and chef of the Chai Pani Restaurant Group, Meherwan Irani. They chatted about his ongoing experiences with nostalgia, learning from the American South, and cultivating a food and spice empire.
(0:00 - 3:11) introduction
(3:11) Part 1: being a romantic, that classic American "bhel puri" story
(14:24) Part 2: "andaaz", living in the American South, strategy/consistency
(29:29) Part 3: letting go, cooking with professional patriotism, the descriptive word jumble
(40:46) Conclusion

PENN MASALA...on a capella music, student life, and musical relevance

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay hosts a conversation with members of the world's first and premiers South Asian a capella group, PENN MASALA. Raghu Raman, Prateek Adurty, and Gaurish Gaur joined Abhay to chat about their recent India tour, to college life as students, to energizing as a group!
(0:00 - 2:50) Introduction
(2:50) Part 1 - Suprises from the recent India tour, preparation as a group
(13:07) Part 2 - fusing multiple genres, re-energizing with down time, and student life as a PENN MASALA member
(28:36) Part 3 - musical relevance, alumni, and what they hope audiences yearn for
(39:41) Conclusion

Prachi Shevgaonkar...on COOL the GLOBE climate action and individual empowerment

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by Prachi Shevgaonkar, climate activist and the founder of the COOL THE GLOBE app and startup.
If you ask the question, “what can I do about climate change?”, Prachi has an answer for you and her remarkable aim has been to help people set targets, take action, and track progress.
They chatted about unlearning, influencing policy, and personal empowerment.
(0:00 - 2:34) Introduction
(2:34) Part 1 - letting go of norms, capital and carbon
(14:36) Part 2 - combating futility, Prachi's personal journey toward COOL THE GLOBE
(21:40) Part 3 - leading with empathy, individual empowerment
(29:06) Conclusion

Kaivan Shroff...on life as a political commentator and public interest attorney

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by political commentator and public interest attorney, Kaivan Shroff. They talked about everything from longevity in the political news cycle to two Indian American Republican presidential debaters to mentorship.
(0:00- 2:13) Introduction
(2:13) Part 1 - newscycle longevity, centrism, democrat strategy
(14:43) Part 2 - Ivy league merit, identity, Republican debate, surprising validators
(37:54) Part 3 - identity politics for Indian American candidates
(45:46) Part 4 - over-woke cancel culture warriors, mentorship lessons

Pooja Bavishi...on MALAI ice cream

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by Pooja Bavishi, the founder and CEO of Malai. They chatted about nostalgia and storytelling, longevity and creativity, and the evolution of the Malai experience.
As they say, "ain't no party like an ice cream paaarty!"
(0:00 - 3:01) Introduction
(3:01) Part 1 - nostalgia, first ice cream try, and making MALAI
(16:21) Part 2 - storytelling through ice cream
(34:26) Part 3 - scaling and relationship development, longevity and success
(46:46) Conclusion

SPOTLIGHT on Shila Wattamwar and sustainable investing and living

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0700

SPOTLIGHT episodes of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING feature brief chats about a unique topic or cause.

Shila Wattamwar is the founder and CEO of Radiant Global Advisory, helping companies implement foundational strategies to help drive decision making, as well as Sustainable Me! a platform that brings sustainability education to people in the context of their everyday lives. Shila worked for years leading investment research focusing on environmental, social, and governance factors at Sustainalytics which was acquired by Morningstar. She is focused on building a sustainable future by mobilizing investors, companies, and individual consumers. Shila has a book releasing in 2024 called 'Simple Sustainable Behaviors For Sustainable Living'.

Sid Sriram...on his new album 'Sidharth'

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Vocalist, musician, and songwriter Sid Sriram joins Abhay for a conversation about his new album 'Sidharth' and the journey of creating it. They chatted about the power of silence, about different influences, and about the value of healing.
(0:00 - 2:15) Introduction
(2:15) Part 1 - Practice, silence, unlearning
(19:55) Part 2 - 'Americanisms', listening skills
(31:05) Part 3 - Measuring success, healing
(42:22) Conclusion

Rajul Kadakia...on creating TechGirl and supporting female founders (INDIASPORA series)

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by serial entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist Rajul Kadakia, the CEO and co-founder of TechGirl, an innovative social platform empowering female tech entrepreneurs from ideation to funding.
They talked about the often lonely pathway for female founders, integrating being an Indian American into her professional persona, and philanthropy. This episode is part of an ongoing INDIASPORA series of conversations.
(0:00 - 2:34) Introduction
(2:34) Part 1 - starting TechGirl, "unlearning", building confidence
(15:31) Indiaspora
(16:33) Part 2 - Identity and empathy
(28:02) Part 3 - institutional change, giving back, optimism and joy
(40:25) Conclusion

Sudhanshu Kaushik...on advocacy and activism for Indian youth

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by Sudhanshu Kaushik, the founder of Young India Foundation and the executive director of the North American Association of Indian Students, to talk about activism for Indian youth. They chatted about advocacy, balancing patience and urgency, Sudhanshu's own personal journey, and many lessons learned.
(0:00 - 3:06) Introduction
(3:06 - 23:48) Part 1 - frustrations, making mistakes, urgency to activate the young voter
(23:48 - 40:18) Part 2 - touchpoints of Sudhanshu's journey, staying young
(40:18 - 54:19) Part 3 - comparing/contrasting Indian youth in India and the US, staying away from cliques, building trust
(54:19) Conclusion

Kaushiki Chakraborty...on classical Indian music and being who you are

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined for a conversation by classical Indian music artist, vocalist, and composer, Kaushiki Chakraborty. They chatted about everything from music during the rainy season to touring to dreaming about music.
(0:00 - 2:57) Introduction
(2:57 - 21:48) Part 1 - themes, optimism, touring
(21:48 - 35:34) Part 2 - first concert, preparation as an artist, versatility
(35:34 - 46:51) Part 3 - Guru Purnima, parenting and love
(46:51 - 57:40) Part 4 - the relevance of classical Indian music, staying true to who you are
(57:40) Conclusion

SPOTLIGHT on Siddhartha Tiwari and "The Lost Heroes"

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0700

SPOTLIGHT episodes of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING feature brief chats about a unique topic or cause.

Siddhartha Tiwari is an IT and engineering professional in India who works with startups to build their market and sales, but as someone who grew up in a Tier 2 city in India, realized that while most children and youth are engaged in sports, there is little to accelerate enthusiasm and validity for those who are building a culture of sporting recreation or showcase the development of rich local talent for tier 2 cities and villages in the world’s most populated country. To help address this gap, he collaborated with director Abhishek Sachidanandan to help produce the documentary The Lost Heroes, amplifying the story of sports in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.

Rishi Rajani...on storytelling as a producer and the CEO of Hillman Grad

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by producer and the CEO of Hillman Grad, Rishi Rajani, who is advancing the mission to create art that redefines the status quo by amplifying and celebrating the stories and voices of diverse, historically marginalized communities across all industries. They chatted about everything from managing all the expectations to the evolution of his producing to relationship development and mentoring. If you had both Denise Huxtable and Deion Sanders being mentioned on your BINGO card, then, as usual, you're winning!
(0:00 - 3:08) Introduction
(3:08 - 15:36) Part 1: being South Asian American, Rishi's journey and evolution as a producer
(15:36 - 30:38) Part 2: iterative practice and storytelling, connecting the dots of his ongoing work
(30:38 - 40:00) Part 3: The Hillman Grad platform, the diversity movement
(40:00) Conclusion

Shelly Kapoor Collins...on shattering barriers and building ladders for more women entrepreneurs

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by venture capitalist and entrepreneur Shelly Kapoor Collins, a partner at SWAY Ventures and a founding partner at the SHATTER FUND. They chatted about creating pipelines and opportunities for women in the innovation economy, her own journey as a leader, and lessons learned along the way.
(0:00 - 3:08) Introduction
(3:08 - 13:55) Part 1: Maryland, chutes and ladders, empathy, her journey as a mom and an Indian American
(13:55 - 24:32) Part 2: Entrepreneurship, working with women leaders, SHATTER foundation, allyship with men
(24:32 - 33:04) Part 3: global change makers, outlook for future leaders

Curtis Waters...on his new album 'Bad Son' and life in and out of the music business

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by musician and artist, Curtis Waters. They chatted about parties, identity, trust, labels, and seeking fame. Curtis is a Nepali-Canadian-American, spends time in both Los Angeles and North Carolina, and has a new album out called "BAD SON"
(0:00 - 2:32) Introduction
(2:32 - 13:21) Part 1: Parties, authentic characters on "BAD SON", and Abhi vs Curtis
(13:21 - 25:02) Part 2: global listeners, mental health, honesty, and labels
(25:02- 37:35) Part 3: being a better listener, music as therapy, seeking fame
(37:35) Conclusion

Utkarsh Ambudkar...on his latest musical comedy 'WORLD's BEST', and on the through-lines and lessons of his versatile career

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by actor, rapper, producer, writer, and artist Utkarsh Ambudkar, for a conversation about his latest film 'World's Best' on Disney Plus. They chatted about, among other things, sharing South Asian American stories, making a Disney film, and how parenting has changed his outlook. Thankfully, Utkarsh shares some wise and helpful PSA's for everyone!
(0:00 - 2:22) Introduction
(2:22 - 12:04) Part 1: being a South Asian American artist, a different hunger
(12:04 - 23:29) Part 2: connecting the dots of his career so far, World's Best, parenting, making a Disney movie
(23:29 - 34:38) Part 3: urgency and patience, sobriety and versatility, lessons from the past and future
(34:38) Conclusion

Samica...on her 'Laurel Canyon' EP and on making music in both LA and Nashville

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by South Asian American musical artist Samica, whose newest EP is Laurel Canyon. Her music has been described as an organic blend of country, folk, pop, and alternative genres, with even some Hindi filmy music thrown in. They chatted about it all, especially when it's tough to remember a great song from your dreams!
(0:00 - 3:02) Introduction
(3:02 - 15:00) Part 1: her playlist, Nashville vibes, labeling music
(15:00 - 26:09) Part 2: being a South Asian American country music artist, Laurel Canyon and romanticizing the LA experience
(26:09 - 33:49) Part 3: evolution of her persona, Red Ferrari, music as an escape, back to Nashville and global reactions
(33:49) Conclusion

SPOTLIGHT on Sachi Singh and ROOTLESS

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0700

SPOTLIGHT episodes of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING feature brief chats about a unique topic or cause.

Sachi Singh is the CEO and founder of ROOTLESS. Sachi brings her decade of experience in international climate change solutions across non-profits, academia, and philanthropy. In seaweed, she found a rare bright spot: a timeless ingredient with transformative potential for health, climate, and local economies. She started Rootless to help build a healthier, more sustainable, seaweed-powered food system of the future.

Nikhil Abraham...on CloudChef and recreating food experiences

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by the co-founder and CEO of CloudChef, Nikhil Abraham, who wants everybody to have access to whatever they want to eat, whenever they want. CloudChef enables consumers to eat from their favorite restaurants and chefs from across the world, locally, by using AI to codify recipes from any chef and reproducing them across the world in automated cooking facilities.
(0:00 - 3:41) Introduction
(3:41 - 17:34) Part 1: measuring art by purity, nostalgia, what is food for the cosumer
(17:34 - 30:40) Part 2: mistakes and learning while cooking, creativity and user choices, variability with food
(30:40 - 44:06) Part 3: creator and consumer relationships, the role of AI
(44:06 - 54:26) Part 4: distinguishing versions of a dish, building trust as founder of CloudChef
(54:26) Conclusion

Neha Ruch...on MOTHER UNTITLED and transforming the career pause

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by Neha Ruch, the founder of MOTHER UNTITLED for a conversation about her work to update the perception of stay-at-home motherhood in America - infusing it with ambition, dignity, growth, and potential. She is currently authoring a book called "The Power Pause" and shared her thoughts on reframing career pauses, stigma and optimism, and the perceptions of her own parents.
(0:00 - 2:50) Introduction
(2:50 - 14:24) Part 1 - parenting, choices, and feminism
(14:24 - 29:26) Part 2 - her own parents, blind spots, patience and letting go
(29:26 - 40:05) Part 3 - structural change, roles of allies, global reactions, ongoing lessons

Congressman Ro Khanna...on economic patriotism and lessons from being Indian American

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 30 May 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by US Congressman Ro Khanna for a wide ranging conversation, offering a snapshot into his progressive vision, his priorities, and why being an Indian American matters. Next time, chai and Indian food will be had!
(0:00 - 3:06) Introduction
(3:06 - 11:26) Part 1 - economic patriotism and debt negotiations, manufacturing
(11:26 - 21:09) Part 2 - connecting the dots for tech and workers, Indian-American and the Congressional India Caucus, California Senators
(21:09 - 29:40) Part 3 - lessons in leadership, serving on the Biden-Harris 2024 National Advisory Board, reflections from his grandfather
(29:40) Conclusion

Karan Brar...on his artistic experiences and appreciating the work in progress

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 23 May 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Actor, director, and producer Karan Brar joins Abhay for a conversation about his acting and artistic experiences, about his skills as a listener, about mental health, about the lessons learned, and enjoying his own personal and professional journey as a work in progress. Karan was the Disney Channel's first ever series regular Indian character, portraying Ravi on "Jessie" and "Bunk'd". He has had numerous recent voice and acting roles and serves as an advisory board member for the Cameron Boyce Foundation.
(0:00 - 2:49) Introduction
(2:49 - 9:57) Part 1: Behaviors around pronouncing his name
(9:57 - 24:45) Part 2: Initial Hollywood and LA experiences, being a South Asian American professional, first days on set, lessons and discoveries
(24:45 - 37:21) Part 2: Privacy as an artist, listening and introspection, working as a director, learning to be a leader
(37:21 - 48:25) Part 3: on embracing the "work in progress", sparking conversations in audiences
(48:25) Conclusion

Ranveer Brar...on cooking and communicating through food and art

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 16 May 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by Chef Ranveer Brar for a broad conversation that started with mangoes and ended with how we need to constantly motivate ourselves. They chatted about nostalgia, how we think about food, storytelling, and the power of vulnerability.
Ranveer is a celebrated chef, restaurateur, painter, actor, and judge on Master Chef India.

(0:00 - 2:33) Introduction
(2:33 - 12:47) Part 1 - local and seasonal, thinking of food, tradition and innovation
(12:48 - 26:17) Part 2 - reflecting on when he was 25, Ranveer's hierarchy of food and cooking, storytelling
(26:18 - 36:39) Part 3 - (in)consistency in cooking, acting, parenting, sanctuary and motivation
(36:39) Conclusion

Jay Kapoor...on storytelling in venture capital at a variety of intersections

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 09 May 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by Jay Kapoor, a founding partner of VSC Ventures, venture capital fund that invests in early stage companies with the support on PR, go-to-market and media strategy. The chatted about the power of storytelling, about immigrant founders and resilience, and the importance of living in a variety of intersections.
(0:00 - 2:54) Introduction
(2:54 - 17:59) Part 1: storytelling with clarity and brevity, raising funds, content and clarity
(17:59 - 33: 06) Part 2: empathy and identity, resilience
(33:06 - 45:59) Part 3: intersectionality, being a podcaster, deconstructing success
(45:59) Conclusion

Paraag Marathe...on life as a sports executive in the NFL

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 02 May 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by Paraag Marathe, from the NFL's San Francisco 49ers. He serves as the President of 49ers Enterprises and Executive Vice President of Football Operations. They chatted about springtime in the NFL, living a life filled with data, his persona as a negotiator, the responsibility of being a South Asian sports executive, USA Cricket, mental health awareness, and longevity in the NFL.
(0:00 - 2:45) Introduction
(2:45 - 11:55) Part 1 - restorative kindness in the NFL?, financial tetris, remaining steady
(11:55 - 26:44) Part 2 - nostalgia, affable but tough, developing empathy, being a South Asian American in the NFL
(26:44 - 38:02) Part 3 - USA Cricket, mental health awareness, lessons from longevity with the 49ers in the NFL

Ricky Kej...on music as an extension of his personality and beliefs

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej, joins Abhay to chat about his music and environmental advocacy. They chatted about collaboration, carbon footprints, the "lifestyle for the environment" movement, all as embodied by Ricky's music. Of note, Abhay wears the same black shirt for most of these podcast sessions!
(0:00 - 2:49) Introduction
(2:49 - 14:55) Part 1 - carbon neutral?, awards and accolades, spirituality and niche music
(14:55 - 27:46) Part 2 - reverence for tradition, collaboration, being an advocate
(27:46 - 41:46) Part 3 - incremental change, lifestyle for the environment
(41:46 - 50:39) Part 4 - making music as art
(50:39) Conclusion

Ravi Kapoor...on directing 'Four Samosas' and sharing his brand of storytelling

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by director, writer, and actor Ravi Kapoor. Ravi grew up in Liverpool and has lived in Los Angeles for nearly 25 years, acting, writing, and directing along the way. They chatted about it all - the backdrop of his British upbringing, how he's portrayed a lot of doctors in his acting career, making Miss India America and his latest feature Four Samosas, and his journey as a storyteller. No laddoos were consumed as they'll save that for next time.
(0:00 - 2:26) Introduction
(2:26 - 12:40) Part 1: being British in LA and channeling the diaspora
(12:40 - 27:15) Part 2: transitioning from acting to directing and making films like Four Samosas
(27:15 - 39:00) Part 3: trusting the process, making a pitch, and storytelling for the powerless
(39:00) Conclusion

Kanchan Koya...on integrative nutrition at the intersection of food, cooking, and health science

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Integrative nutrition expert and Harvard trained molecular biologist Kanchan Koya joins Abhay to chat about the intersection of food, cooking, and health science. They chatted about how gaining expertise evolved for her, about helping harness and coach instinct, and building trust and credibility through learned lessons.
(0:00 - 2:39) Introduction
(2:39 - 13:18) Part 1: developing expertise and integrating the culture
(13:18 - 30:41) Part 2: using instinct, eating with your hands, living traditions
(30:41 - 40:40) Part 3: lessons learned, parenting, and building trust
(40:40) Conclusion

Lhakpa Sherpa...on climbing Mount Everest and her ongoing adventures

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by mountain climber Lhakpa Sherpa, who has climbed Sagarmatha (also known as Mt. Everest) more than any woman in the world. They chatted about her upbringing in Nepal, climbing and facing danger through trust, climbing for women, and climbing with her family! Learn more about Lhakpa at cloudscapeclimbing.com
(0:00 - 3:20) Introduction
(3:20 - 13:22) Part 1: growing up in Nepal, the gamble of the mountain, solving a puzzle
(13:22 - 25:07) Part 2: summitting and descending Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest), the death zone, missing the mountain
(25:07 - 33:59) Part 3: Trust as a climber, climbing as a family, ongoing lessons from the mountain
(33:59) Conclusion

Priya Arora...on journalism and unique storytelling

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by Priya Arora, a queer non-binary South Asian American journalist writing and telling stories related to pop culture, entertainment, California, and everything in between! They chatted about LA, about South Asian American entertainment, about Bollywood, about the variety of journeys they've taken, and about evoking activism through their presentations.
(0:00 - 2:38) Introduction
(2:38 - 13:15) Part 1: returning to and rediscovering LA, entertainment culture
(13:15 - 25:06) Part 2: Madhuri Dixit, Bollywood, blending themes
(25:06 - 39:40) Part 3: being a lighthouse, Queering Desi, using their writing voice
(39:40) Conclusion

Ryan Agarwal...on his NCAA college basketball journey

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by Ryan Agarwal, college basketball athlete at Stanford University. The 6'6" freshman guard chats about the tournament, being a great teammate with empathy, his identity as an Indian American, and improving his game in making the transition to college as a student and an athlete. Thankfully for everyone involved, there was minimal Cal-Stanford trash-talking...

(0:00 - 2:12) Introduction
(2:12 - 14:17) Part 1: parity in the tournament, empathy, being a great teammate, role models
(14:17 - 30:50) Part 2: being an Indian-American athlete, labels and unidimensionality
(30:50 - 42:32) Part 3: empowerment in the NIL era, transitioning to college, being a better player and learning
(42:32) Conclusion

Snigdha Sur...on leading the JUGGERNAUT in 2023

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay welcomes back Snigdha Sur, founder and CEO of the Juggernaut to the podcast.
They chatted about the surprises learned and the growth of the Juggernaut this year, about Bollywood (of course), and about thinking ahead.
(0:00 - 2:20) Introduction
(2:20 - 22:18) Part 1: surprises in storytelling and diverse angles, advancing the Juggernaut
(22:18 - 35:18) Part 2: labeling ourselves, Bollywood
(35:18 - 49:53) Part 3: the brown-gaze, outlook for the future, and being "good" at something
(49:53) Conclusion

Somesh Dash...on life as a venture capitalist

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 04:15:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by growth investment venture capitalist and partner at IVP, Somesh Dash. They talked about the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, the value of identity, relationship development, empathy, and garnering trust. There was even a mention of some calculus...

(0:00 - 2:27) Introduction
(2:27 - 16:13) Part 1: Silicon Valley Bank - the story and the outlook
(16:13 - 33:25) Part 2: identity and growth investing in Silicon Valley
(33:25 - 46:50) Part 3: surprises, trust, relationship development
(46:50 - 1:01:27) Part 4: home runs vs singles, empathy, instinct
(1:01:27) Conclusion

Abby Govindan...on comedy and writing and her ongoing evolution

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by comedian and writer, Abby Govindan. They talked about being back home, her comedy heroes, sharing her personal challenges on stage, and her Indian/South Asian American identity. The conversation organically wandered into discussing AI...or did it?
(0:00 - 2:41) - Introduction
(2:41 - 15:05) - Part 1: being at home, Abby's comedy influences
(15:05 - 30:39) - Part 2: how she's evolved, sharing her struggles on stage
(30:39 - 42:27) - Part 3 : identity and AI, what she leaves for her audiences

Padmaja Kumari Parmar...on being a daughter of the House of Mewar and upholding its living tradition

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by Padmaja Kumari Parmar, princess and daughter of the House of Mewar, the former royal house of Udaipur in Rajasthan, and the founder of Friends of Mewar. They chatted about being part of the longest unbroken serving dynasty of over 1400 years, about her journey and philanthropic priorities, and about legacy.
(0:00 - 3:18) Introduction
(3:18 - 12:32) Part 1: understanding the living heritage
(12:32 - 31:32) Part 2: Friends of Mewar, philanthropic priorities
(31:32 - 40:42) Part 3: Balancing contrasts as a leader, evolution of a legacy
(40:42) Conclusion

Smriti Mundhra...on making 'The Romantics', and on filmmaking and what it's meant to her

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0800

Filmmaker Smriti Mundhra joins Abhay for a conversation about her latest work, 'The Romantics' which is available on NETFLIX. They chatted about making the series, about Hindi films, about her past work, and about channeling lessons learned from her movie-making father.
(0:00 - 2:46) - Introduction
(2:46 - 14:01) - Part 1: Hindi movies and making documentaries
(14:01 - 29:16) - Part 2: "unlearning" and the surprises in making 'The Romantics'
(29:16 - 41:25) - Part 3: using her diasporic voice and connecting with audiences
(41:25) - Conclusion

Mim Shaikh...on being a British, South Asian, Muslim actor

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 04:00:00 -0800

British actor, spoken word artist, writer, and broadcaster Mim Shaikh joins Abhay to talk about his latest work in the multicultural film "What's Love Got To Do With It". They shared a conversation about lessons learned, about mirrors for audiences and windows into his acting world and his identity, and about how he cultivates trust.
(0:00 - 3:08) Introduction
(3:08 - 12:35) Part 1: misconceptions, motivations, and processing through catharsis
(12:35 - 29:11) Part 2: making a British South Asian Muslim rom-com, mirrors and windows, cultivating trust
(29:11 - 35:43) Part 3: the next steps of his journey, and some heartfelt reflections

Srikant Datar...on being Dean of Harvard Business School

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by the dean of Harvard Business School, Srikant Datar. They chatted about making making a difference in the world, transformative initiatives, lessons in leadership, problem solving in the 21st century, and finding joy!
(0:00 - 2:54) Introduction
(2:54 - 16:33) Part 1 - making a difference, priorities, and trust in institutions
(16:33 - 28:31) Part 2 - career journeys, immigrant identity, talent and opportunity
(28:31 - 43:03) Part 3 - humility, community values, and what brings him joy
(43:03) Summary

Tony Khan...on being a sports and data executive with the NFL, All Elite Wrestling, and Fulham FC

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 04:00:00 -0800

Tony Khan, owner of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars, and Fulham FC from the Premier League joins Abhay for a conversation reflecting on the Super Bowl, on his love of wrestling, and balancing data analytics and instinct.
(0:00 - 2:41) Introduction
(2:41 - 13:29) Part 1 - the Jaguars season, growing up with sports as a Pakistani-American in Champaign, IL
(13:29 - 26:02) Part 2 - All Elite Wrestling (AEW), data analytics, and storytelling through endearment
(26:02) Summary

Smriti and Kartik from The Brown Van Life...on traveling and life on the Pan American Highway

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by Smriti Bhadauria and Kartik Vasan from the Brown Van Life, via the road on the Pan American Highway. They chatted about the lessons learned in travel, dealing with the highs and lows of life in the van, being an Indian couple on this adventure, and living in the moment while cultivating trust along the way. Through a rainy spell, fixing their van and communicating with a mechanic, and dealing with Abhay and their dogs, they both survived!
(0:00 - 2:45) Introduction
(2:45) Part 1 - "rolling with it" on the Columbia/Ecuador border, how it started, the rewards and surprises
(15:01) Part 2 - Developing relationships in travel, surviving as a couple, being an Indian Couple on the road
(33:07) Part 3 - representing Indians and people of color, taking risks and living in the moment, cultivating trust
(46:13) Summary

Pallaví AKA Fijiana...on her artistic journey as an American Indo-Fijian musician and rapper

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by musician and rapper, Pallaví AKA Fijiana, as they chatted about making music, about empowerment, and her identity as an American Indo-Fijian artist from Richmond,CA.
(0:00 - 3:22) Introduction
(3:22 - 11:26) Part 1: dissecting what it feels like to make music right now, finding her voice as an artist, and integrating feedback
(11:26 - 21:43) Part 2: reflecting on her identity through her music
(21:43 - 31:18) Part 3: empowerment, risk, and vulnerability on her artistic journey
(31:18) Summary

Ahilya Bamroo...on figuring it all out, on life in Auroville, and on being a digital creator and actor

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 04:00:00 -0800

Content creator, actor, and freelancer Ahilya Bamroo joins Abhay to chat about her background, the observation and empathy involved in her work, and finding creativity from boredom!
(0:00-2:25) - Introduction
(2:25-11:05) - Part 1: Growing up in a multilingual environment, empathy, and accents of the world
(11:05-25:08) - Part 2: Being a digital content creator and artist and finding relatable experiences
(25:08-35:23) - Part 3: surprises from Auroville, finding creativity from boredom, and cultivating trust

Congressman Shri Thanedar...on serving Michigan's 13th district and his journey to get there

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by newly elected US Congressman Shri Thanedar to chat about his campaign, about his journey as an immigrant and finding the American dream, about his priorities, about how his story resonates with voters and communities, and about his optimism for the future.
(0:00 - 3:07) Introduction
(3:07 - 15:58) Part 1 - lessons from campaigning, priorities for his Detroit district
(15:59 - 28:52) Part 2 - delivering as a democrat in a divided Congress, his immigrant background and serving as an Indian American
(28:52 - 28:16) Part 3 - resonating with African American voters, cultivating trust, and his joy and optimism

Kal Penn...on writing his memoir "You Can't Be Serious", on the Brown Catch-22, and leaving impressions on his audiences

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by the multi-talented Kal Penn, actor, producer, public servant, and author of the memoir "You Can't Be Serious". They chatted about Kal's journey and writing, about his thoughts on being brown in Hollywood, and about his work in public service. There may have been some Gujarati spoken and some talk of an emerald green Mercedes.
(0:00-3:21) Introduction
(3:21-17:39) Part 1: A proper intro, Codeswitching, and writing his memoir
(17:39-33:12) Part 2: The "Brown Catch-22", current content and brown representation in Hollywood
(33:16-44:42) Part 3: Public service, identity and multiple passions, impressions on new audiences
(44:42) Summary

HUMBLE the POET...on his new book "How To Be Love(d)", on his teaching and learning experiences, and on

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by author, spoken-word artist, and creative HUMBLE the POET in a conversation about his new book "How To Be Love(d)" and his ongoing learning experiences. Among other things, they chatted about love, his experiences as a teacher, ruminating thoughts, and salty potato chips.
(0:00-2:43) - Introduction
(2:43 - 19:00) - Part 1: How to be Love(d) and writing the book
(19:00- 38:00) - Part 2: Writing, Teaching, and the moment he became "Humble"
(38:01- 53:20) - Part 3: Practicing and Learning and Creating
(53:20) - Summary

Dr. Rishi Menon...on his personal journey with addiction, rehabilitation, and recovery

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by cardiologist Rishi Menon, who shares his intimate story of "how he recovered from the shipwreck that almost destroyed his life". Rishi talks with Abhay about mental health, burnout, alcohol addiction, rehabilitation, and recovery - changing his relationships both personally and professionally.
Introduction (0:00-3:48)
Part 1 - (3:48) Noticing the "shipwreck" and facing addiction
Part 2 - (17:47) Rehabilitation, his Indian American background, the challenge of burnout
Part 3 - (32:57) Trusting himself and his ongoing professional journey
Summary (45:24)

Mini Timmaraju...on reproductive freedom and leading NARAL Pro-Choice America

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 04:00:00 -0800

Mini Timmaraju, the president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, joins Abhay for a conversation about her advocacy work this past year and reflecting on elections, about her Indian American background, and about what makes her optimistic for the future.
Intro (0:00 - 3:02)
Part 1 - (3:02) Reflecting on the midterm elections and serving as a leader
Part 2 - (14:10) Dinnertable conversations, Indian American background, challenging conversations
Part 3 - (31:27) Immigrant community discussions, parenting, optimism for the future
Summary (40:47)

Shaun Jayachandran...on Crossover basketball and on what's framed his journey

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by Shaun Jayachandran, the founder of CROSSOVER basketball and scholars academy. They chatted about parenting and Shaun's own parents, using athletics as a vehicle of change, and the challenges and successes of building the program. As expected, Shaun scored and Abhay got the assist.
Introduction (0:00-3:04)
Part 1 - parenting and starting Crossover (3:06)
Part 2 - athletics and Shaun's own experiences framing inclusion and coaching (19:25)
Part 3 - steering parents and teachers (35:25)
Part 4 - philanthropy and giving (47:39)
Summary (58:25)

Sheetal Sheth...on writing children's books about real life, and universally appealing storytelling

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by actress, activist, and author, Sheetal Sheth, whose recent book "Making Happy" reflects her own experience in battling cancer as the parent of young children. Sheetal is an acclaimed South Asian American actor and author of the popular award-winning "Anjali" series of children's books.
Introduction (0:00-2:43)
Part 1 - authoring and "Making Happy" (2:44)
Part 2 - parenting, personal cancer journey, storytelling (13:55)
Part 3 - South Asian American experiences, roles that were ahead of their time, blazing trails (23:13)
Summary - (33:19)

INDIASPORA 10th Anniversary Forum...reflecting, celebrating, and envisioning

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 04:15:00 -0800

This is a special edition of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING, sharing a series of brief conversations from INDIASPORA's 10th annniversary forum. (A special recording shout out to Spencer Mead)
Segment outline:
Intro (0:00 - 2:49)
Shri Rajan (2:50)
Nalini Saligram (7:23)
Neera Tanden (14:17)
Mohanbir Sawhney (18:37)
Athreya Ramanan and Yuven Sundaramoorthy (25:35)
Anand Deshpande (28:58)
Anil Advani (33:18)
Rohini Chakravarty (38:14)
Suja Viswesan (43:44)
Raju Reddy (47:07)
Vasant Prabhu (51:07)
M.R. Rangaswamy (54:09)
Summary (56:11)

Anto Philip...on creating the UNDER 25 Universe, on analytic artistry, and decentralized education

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0800

Anto Philip, the CEO and co-founder of the UNDER 25 Universe, shares an exuberant conversation about activating youth and changing paradigms of education, age, and self-discovery. Of note, Abhay instantly became an explorer and an enabler!

Rajeev Ram...on being a doubles tennis champion, on longevity, and on his off-court legacy

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 03:30:00 -0800

2022 US OPEN men's doubles tennis champion Rajeev Ram joins Abhay for a chat about his journey in professional tennis and about longevity and legacy. Dreams and tennis rackets in cars were also discussed.

Aanchal Malhotra...on writing about partition, on memories informing shared history, and cultivating trust as an oral historian

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0700

Oral historian and writer Aanchal Malhotra joins Abhay to talk about her work chronicling stories related to the Partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. She shares her thoughts about sentimentality, memories, and what she has learned about herself. Aanchal's new fiction novel The Book of Everlasting Things is due in December 2022.

Madhuri Dixit...on Diwali reflections, on her diverse roles in 2022, and on building trust and confidence

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0700

The talented and iconic Madhuri Dixit joins Abhay to chat about reflections on confidence and trust, about exploring all of her talents and diverse roles, and about advocating for women in central storytelling roles. Happy Diwali!

Bijayini Satpathy...on her journey in Odissi dance, on liberated expressions, and on longevity as an artist

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0700

Odissi master artist, teacher, and scholar, Bijayini Satpathy, joins Abhay to chat about surprises learned from her recent experiences as an artist-in-residence at the Met, about dance and discovery, and about her journey as an individual artist.

Neil Makhija...on lessons learned, door to door politics, and optimism for 2022 and beyond

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0700

Neil Makhija, the executive director of Indian American IMPACT, joins Abhay again to chat about prioritizing and building strategy for civic engagement, desisvote.org, fundraising, and political longevity for the Indian American community. Thankfully, Neil is helping to build a large table for all of us.

Shalini Govil Pai...on her journey as a leader in Silicon Valley as the VP of TV at Google, on storytelling and building community, and on balancing the art and delivery of media content.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 22:44:39 -0700

A part of an ongoing INDIASPORA series, Abhay is joined by the terrific Shalini Govil Pai, the VP of TV at Google to talk about her journey as an Indian American leader in Silicon Valley. They chatted about Bollywood, feeling "only and lonely" as a woman in tech, and the importance of short-lived and long lasting media content.

Sway Bhatia...on acting in Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, on how her name resonates, and on her optimism for South Asian American artists.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 22:43:43 -0700

Actor, musician, and performer Sway Bhatia joins Abhay for a conversation that involved S'mores, accordions, playing Sofi on season 2 of Disney's Mighty Ducks:Game Changers, and the importance of South Asian superheroes!

Dr. Sweta Chakraborty...on the behavioral science behind our decisions, on the communication strategy of climate action, and on building trusting alliances and conversations

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 09:59:41 -0700

Sweta Chakraborty, a risk and behavioral scientist whose focus is on climate, joins Abhay to chat about being tagged as an alarmist, about our primitive decision making roots, and how focusing on our humanity can help build climate action.

Aditi Shah...on being a self-aware learner, on measuring herself as a Peloton instructor, and on preserving trust and promoting the philosophy of yoga and meditation

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 09:58:43 -0700

Abhay is joined by Puma athlete and Peloton yoga/meditation instructor Aditi Shah. They chatted about techniques to deal with frustrations, about understanding foundational philosophies, and feeling 5% more freedom.

Richa Moorjani...on feeling comfortable as a South Asian American in Never Have I Ever, about being an introvert, and about the ongoing questions she asks herself.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 23:46:29 -0700

Abhay is joined by the wonderful actor and activist, Richa Moorjani. They chatted about a lot: Never Have I Ever, activism and using her platform, and her ongoing explorations she's experienced as an actor. Thankfully, one introvert and one extrovert both survived the show!

Shoma Chaudhury...on her compelling arc of journalism in India, on being a fierce defender of free speech, and on the questions she is asking herself these days.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 23:46:25 -0700

Abhay is joined by award-winning journalist Shoma Chaudhury, the co-founder of Tehelka and the host of ENQUIRY, an online conversation show. They chatted about her experiences in meaningful storytelling, about practical listening tips in combating tribalism, about amplifying the role and voice of women in journalism, and about her latest endeavors.

Pooja Phadke-Ghangurde...on the personal impact of public policy, and on building economic strategies around clean energy and transportation

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 22:44:26 -0700

Transportation economist and policy analyst, Pooja Phadke-Ghangurde joins Abhay to chat about building strategies toward decarbonization, about what should motivate us to tackle the climate crisis, and the surprises that she has learned along the way.

Prakash Janakiraman...on his journey in co-founding NEXTDOOR, on building social capital and preventing loneliness, and on what brings him joy

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 22:43:27 -0700

Abhay is joined by Prakash Janakiraman, the co-founder of NEXTDOOR, as they chat about his experience in his own neighborhood growing up in Hayward, about being attentive to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and about building social capital.

Bijay Biswaal on appreciating the art of a train platform, on feeling contentment as an artist, and on celebrating his Indian roots through his work.

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 23:06:08 -0700

Self-taught, born in Odisha and based in Nagpur, visual artist Bijay Biswaal joins Abhay to chat about his journey, about the simplicity and contrasts of his subject material, and the concept of "home".

Raja Kumari on her latest EP H.B.I.C, on feeling empowered and launching her own label, and on thinking about "legacy"

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 23:05:06 -0700

Abhay is joined by rapper and artist Raja Kumari and chat it up about a variety of things, mostly related to her wonderful new E.P - H.B.I.C. They chatted about being an American artist in India, filming a video with Madhuri Dixit, and pushing for South Asian American grammy awards!

Simran Jeet Singh...on what it means to be a Sikh American in 2022, and on his new book "The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life"

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 09:32:20 -0700

Writer, professor, and religious scholar Simran Jeet Singh joins Abhay again to chat about his new book, and about some of the practical and timeless lessons of Sikh wisdom.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi...on organizing and not agonizing, on his "Indian-ness", and on what makes him hopeful about America.

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 09:31:41 -0700

Abhay is joined by Raja Krishnamoorthi, US Congressman from Illinois, as part of the ongoing INDIASPORA series. They chatted about what motivates him these days in politics, and about cultivating trust through problem solving. One day hopefully, they'll attend a Cubs-Dodgers game...

Sarthak Saksena, Aneri Vajani, and Utkarsh Kohli... on making "Phase", on falling in love with the song and shooting a video, and on being optimistic

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 00:14:03 -0700

Abhay is joined by the Sarthak Saksena the musician and songwriter behind the indie song "Phase" as well as Aneri Vajani and Utkarsh Kohli, the actors appearing in the terrific video.

Suraj Patel...on political resiliency, on being a "pragmatic progressive", and on running for congress in New York City.

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 00:13:13 -0700

Abhay is joined by attorney, business ethics professor, and congressional candidate from NYC's 12th district Suraj Patel. They talked about his South Asian American journey, about garnering trust as a congressional candidate, and about building an "abundant society".

Shruti Ganguly...on being guided by sound, on being a global filmmaker to a global audience, and on the collective South Asian excellence in the film industry.

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 09:23:21 -0700

Writer and filmmaker Shruti Ganguly joins Abhay for a conversation, sharing stories about her name, about learning to drive a tractor, and about being informed by her global upbringing.

Sen. Manka Dhingra...on civic engagement as a South Asian American, on campaigning for re-election, and on finding innovations in crisis management.

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 09:22:12 -0700

Abhay is joined by Washington State Senator Manka Dhingra. They talked about Manka's background as an attorney and behavioral health expert, about the challenges of being a woman in politics, and her advice for those entering public service.

Dr. Priyanka Wali...on her unique passions of medicine, comedy, and storytelling, on learning the art of clowning, and on co-hosting the podcast "Hypochondriactor".

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 24 May 2022 23:09:29 -0700

Physician, comedian, and podcaster, Priyanka Wali, joins Abhay for a conversation about merging her passions, about her journey as an extroverted introvert, and on the lessons learned through "Hypochondriactor".

Vasu Sojitra...on being an adaptive athlete and developing strategies for disability access.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 24 May 2022 23:08:28 -0700

Abhay is joined by adaptive athlete and disability access strategist Vasu Sojitra. They talked about how Vasu is a disrupter, about overcoming fear, and about going beyond empathy when bringing intersectionality to the outdoors.

Rehana Lew Mirza...on being a bhangra "superfan", her own unique South Asian American experience, and the dance musical "Bhangin It"

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 11 May 2022 00:32:13 -0700

Award winning writer and playwright, Rehana Lew Mirza, joins Abhay for a conversation about the dance musical "Bhangin It" , about finding community through bhangra, and about her own unique South Asian American Experience.

DJ Rekha...on the journey as an artist through Basement Bhangra and the pandemic, and connecting with people on the dance floor.

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 11 May 2022 00:31:17 -0700

Abhay is joined by the iconic DJ Rekha. They chatted about the journey of Basement Bhangra, about going back to school after 20 years of DJing, and the responsibility they carry as a musical ambassador.

Sabaa Tahir...on her new book "ALL MY RAGE", on "relaxed fit" racism, and on the soundtrack of her own personal experiences.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 03 May 2022 22:50:20 -0700

Best selling young adult author, Sabaa Tahir, joins Abhay for a conversation about her newest book "ALL MY RAGE" and about her personal experiences manifesting through her writing. Music and socks were both discussed!

Joseph Patel...on winning an Oscar for "Summer of Soul", and on his ongoing work as a writer, director, and producer.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 03 May 2022 22:49:43 -0700

Abhay is joined by 2022 Oscar winner, Joseph Patel. They chatted about his film "Summer of Soul" and about his ongoing journey as a writer, director, and producer.

Lilly Singh... on her book 'BE A TRIANGLE', on nurturing endurance as an artist, and on building foundations

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 00:11:33 -0700

Abhay is joined by the superb entertainer, actress, and author, Lilly Singh, as they chatted about her book "Be a Triangle", about the privilege of having fun, and about advancing equity for women. Fun Fact: combined, Abhay and Lilly have over 40 million social media followers!

Zakir Hussain ... on the reverence of being a tabla artist, musical conversations, and dreaming of tabla beats

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 00:30:21 -0700

Abhay is joined by the world renowned tabla virtuoso, Ustad Zakir Hussain. They chatted about reverence in art, the evolving arc of practice and 'riyaaz', and remembering his first public performanance

M R Rangaswami...on INDIASPORA, on building networks for the global Indian community, and on cultivating a spirit of giving.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 23:06:01 -0700

Abhay was joined for a conversation with M R Rangaswami, angel investor, entrepreneur, and the founder of INDIASPORA. They talked about the pathway to developing networks, about the balancing act facing many global Indians, and on the challenges and optimism of 2022 for the Indian diaspora.

Suchi Reddy...on reverence and nostalgia in architecture and design, on knowing when a project is done, and on being a "serene-ist"

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 23:05:23 -0700

Abhay is joined by award-winning artist, designer, and architect Suchi Reddy. They chatted about her heritage showing up in her work, about working with Ai Weiwei, and about the importance of trust in her work.

ABHANGA REPOST...on their folk fusion expression of a Marathi tradition, and on removing barrier through their music

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 23:07:54 -0700

Abhay was joined for a conversation with the members of the contemporary folk fusion band, ABHANGA REPOST. They chatted about how they chose the traditional expression of Marathi saints as a vehicle for their artistic and musical communication.

Dr. Dave Chokshi...on leading NYC through a pandemic and reflecting on lessons he learned along the way.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 23:05:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by Dr. Dave Chokshi, the 43rd Commissioner of New York City's Department of Health and Mental Hygeine. They talked about personal and professional resilience, about how his values helped steer him forward, and about his advice for the next incoming commissioner.

Meera Deo...on her journey into legal academia and scholarship, on 'race x gender', and on why the term BiPOC fails us.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 23:23:25 -0800

Legal scholar and law professor Meera Deo joined Abhay for a conversation about her pathway to legal scholarship on race and gender. They talked about Long Beach, parenting, and the benefits of a sociology PhD!

Priya Desai...on sports as a connector and mirror of who we are, and on asking deeper questions about race, politics, and culture as they intersect with sports.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 23:22:36 -0800

Abhay is joined by Priya Desai, a journalist and producer working at the intersection of sports, race, politics, and culture. To both their dismay and delight, there was no cussing involved....for now. Priya is a producer on 'Game Theory with Bomani Jones' on HBO and formerly was a correspondent with Sports Illustrated.

Shaan Baig...on being a South Asian American actor and sketch-writer, on the instincts of being a comedian, and element of surprise as a performer.

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 23:58:49 -0800

Comedian and sketch-writer Shaan Baig joins Abhay for a conversation about life as an artist and a dentist, and about the value of instincts and training as a comedian.

Hrish Lotlikar...on how ready we are for SuperWorld and the Metaverse, on "presence" in an immersive environment, and on building trust in an augmented world.

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 23:58:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by Hrish Lotlikar, the co-founder and CEO of SuperWorld, a real-estate platform in the Metaverse. They chatted about his journey and about what's both exciting and still unknown in this virtual new frontier!

Jyoti Chand...on her many roles as a content creator, on living 'warmly' in Chicago, and on being everyone's 'cool mom friend'.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 09:55:25 -0800

Content creator, author, and influencer Jyoti Chand ('MamaJotes') joined Abhay for a conversation about being an LA transplant in Chicago, being a South Asian American 'cool mom friend', and adding labels

Ananya Panday and Dhairya Karwa...on 'Gehraiyaan' , on the value of building trust, on learning from their peers, and the challenge of portraying intimacy.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 09:54:43 -0800

Abhay is joined by Bollywood actors Ananya Panday and Dhairya Karwa, two of the co-stars of the film 'GEHRAIYAAN'. They talked about developing chemistry and trust on a movie set and learning through the eyes of an actor as well as a viewer

Aasif Mandvi... on making new year's resolutions, on the value of instinct as an actor, and on the explosion of brown media content in 2022.

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 11:58:03 -0800

Actor, Podcaster, Writer, and Producer Aasif Mandvi joins Abhay for a conversation about his journey as an actor, about growing up in Britain and how it's informed him, about lessons from The Daily Show, and embarking on new skills. Abhay in no way promotes ageism, and is grateful for peers who are about the same age as he is.

Sujata Day...on her film DEFINITION PLEASE, on the value of peer support and confidence, and on what it takes to to tell South Asian American stories in Hollywood

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 11:56:55 -0800

Abhay is joined again by talented actor and director Sujata Day, whose debut feature movie DEFINITION PLEASE is now on Netflix. They chatted about the patience required to be a filmmaker, about forming a network of peers among women South Asian American filmmakers, and about what barriers need to be removed to see more South Asian American content in Hollywood. Some Bengali may have been spoken and Sujata shares her one word description for her debut film.

Mandar Apte...on building a culture of peace and non-violence, on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s impact and influence, and on tapping into everyone's sense of love and compassion.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 22:00:20 -0800

Abhay is joined by Mandar Apte, a leader in creating a culture of non-violence, healing, and compassionate collaboration. They chatted about Mandar's documentary "From India With Love", which followed 6 Americans impacted by violence on a journey through India inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 1959 trip there to study non-violence, and Mandar's transformational efforts with Cities4Peace.

Supriya Kelkar...on the responsibility of showcasing South Asian American children's stories, on mirrors and sliding glass doors, and on her motivations as an author and illustrator.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 21:58:58 -0800

Award winning children's book author and illustrator joins Abhay to talk about her work, about how her own South Asian American experience informs her writing, and about the diversity of her audience.

Priya Krishna...on nostalgia, on being a food reporter and author, and on mirroring communities through food storytelling.

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 10:28:47 -0800

Abhay was joined by NY Times best-selling author and food reporter , Priya Krishna. They chatted about gaining confidence in the kitchen and as an author, about why we need to have more food-basic conversations with our parents, and on considering more representation in the food writing world. Stainless steel foodware, kadhi, and tacos were all mentioned.

Aftab Pureval...on why Cincinnati is so "dope", on being empathic in politics, and on optimism in his first 100 days of mayoring.

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 10:27:20 -0800

Abhay shared a conversation with Cincinnati's newly elected mayor, Aftab Pureval, about the importance of getting things done and bridging divides. Aftab talked about his Punjabi/Sikh and Tibeten heritage, learning from other leaders, and coming to terms with being tall (6'3") and having a good sense of humor!

Indra Nooyi...on writing her book "My Life in Full", on the many dualities in her life, and her thoughts on mentoring and supporting families.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 20:34:38 -0800

Abhay is joined by former PepsiCo CEO and chair, Indra Nooyi, as she reflects on her journey and her book "My Life in Full: Work, Family, and our Future". They enjoyed chatting about a variety of topics...despite sitting on opposite sides of the Yankee-Dodger rivalry!

Geeta Malik...on making her film INDIA SWEETS AND SPICES, on the state of Indian-American storytelling as a writer and director, and her self-discovery in reflecting on her work.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 22:34:04 -0800

Abhay is joined by writer and director, Geeta Malik, whose latest film is called INDIA SWEETS AND SPICES. They talked about Geeta's journey as a filmmaker, about the challenges and joys of storytelling, and what it means to her to be an Indian-American filmmaker.

Melanie Chandra...on creating films as a South Asian American artist, on making her latest film "HOT MESS HOLIDAY", and her journey in cultivating trust through continual surprise.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 22:33:14 -0800

Abhay is joined by actor Melanie Chandra, as they chatted about her film HOT MESS HOLIDAY , about the foundational effect of her generation of South Asian American actors, and about cultivating trust in her work.

Reena Puri...on the success of AMAR CHITRA KATHA, on being an editor of a comic art institution in 2021, and about her journey as a life-long learner.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 21:08:06 -0800

Reena Puri joins Abhay for a conversation about her journey as the chief editor of Amar Chitra Katha, about addressing storytelling through a modern and equitable lens, and about the joy of leading through learning.

Rooshy Roy....on the philosophy behind AAVRANI, on how her Indian-American and Detroit roots inform her, and on addressing the imperfections of life through beauty.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 21:07:36 -0800

Abhay is joined by Rooshy Roy, the co-founder and CEO of AAVRANI, and Indian-inspired beauty brand. They chatted about Detroit and how Rooshy's roots in Michigan have informed her, about the role of imperfections, and about self-care and the activation of beauty.

Jyoti Pande Lavakare...on being a clean air evangelist in Delhi, on her memoir "Breathing Here is Injurious to Your Health", and on action items for living in an era of climate crisis

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 22:54:08 -0800

Abhay is joined for a post-Divali conversation by Jyoti Pande Lavakare, the co-founder of CARE for AIR, and the author of the powerful memoir, "Breathing Here is Injurious to Your Health". Jyoti is a writer, columnist, and clean air missionary.

Shekar Narasimhan...on holding our elected leaders accountable, on building further civic engagement, and on being "American" first as we showcase our identity.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 22:28:18 -0800

Abhay is joined by the founder and CEO of AAPI Victory Fund, Shekar Narasimhan, as they chatted about building power through planning and policy, about the deep tethered roots to Indian politics and what it means in the US, and sharing personal insights as a business leader and political activist.

Hitha Palepu....on inspiring lessons from Kamala Harris, on empowerment and multitudes, and on unicorn spaces!

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 22:26:32 -0800

Hitha Palepu, pharmaceutical CEO, content creator, and the author of the book "We're Speaking", a collection of inspirations and lessons learned from Kamala Harris, joins Abhay to talk about her journey of empowerment, about the backdrop of what has informed her, and about finding her own personal licensure to create and share. They also together celebrated their mutual enthusiasm for Taco Bell.

Ahir Shah...on developing his career in comedy, describing his craft to aliens, and the role of empathy as a performer.

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 00:32:11 -0700

Abhay is joined by British comedian Ahir Shah, showcased in HBO Max's DOTS and his new tour DRESS, for a conversation about developing his career journey, accelerating trust through his style and range of content, and the therapeutic comfort of performance.

Tan France... on parenthood, building trust and confidence on Queer Eye, fashion and style as a vehicle of joy, and integrating his identity as the sum of many parts.

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 00:31:14 -0700

Tan France shares his experiences as a new parent, the challenges of balancing family and professional life, and the cultural expectations surrounding parenting. He reflects on the emotional bond with his child, the importance of seeking help, and how his identity as a South Asian gay Muslim shapes his perspective. Tan discusses the role of style in self-esteem and empathy, the significance of communication, and the journey of storytelling through his work. He also touches on the complexities of aging and self-acceptance.

Soborno Isaac Bari...on his favorite learning and teaching styles, on how he deals with mistakes, on his life as both a 4th grader and an 8th grader, and on the importance of empathy!

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 23:14:27 -0700

Abhay is joined by 9 year old child prodigy and professor of math and science, Soborno Isaac Bari. They chatted about his book called "The Love", his love for history, learning at two different grade levels, and even the Vygotsky philosophy. He even left Abhay with the joke to end all science jokes.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta...on writing his new book "World War C", becoming a great listener, and cultivating trust in those around him.

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 00:07:35 -0700

Abhay is joined by fellow physician, Sanjay Gupta MD, author of "World War C", and CNN chief medical correspondent. They chatted about Sanjay's experiences during his career and during the pandemic, how his Indian American identity informs him, and the rewards of being a practicing and teaching neurosurgeon. episode note - Steve Gupta was nowhere to be found.

Janani Ramachandran...on running for State Assembly, fighting for equity and vulnerable communities, and lessons from the campaign trail

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 22:52:52 -0700

Janani Ramachandran, an Oakland social justice attorney who recently ran for a California State Assembly joins Abhay to chat about running for office, some of the unwritten rules of politics, and continuing her local grassroots movement as a civically engaged South Asian American.

Raashi Kulkarni...on being a composer and artist after the pandemic, being a student of her past, and music as a vehicle for building relationships.

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 22:49:56 -0700

Abhay is joined by composer and musician, Raashi Kulkarni, who was recently selected to be a part of the 2021-2023 Universal Composers Initiative. They chatted about her journey, playing the DDLJ song on the harmonium, and her outlook as seen through her current work.

Sarina Siddhanti...on RIYA collective, creating access to authentic Indian fashion, and serving as an ambassador of culture.

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 01:35:00 -0700

Abhay is joined by Sarina Siddhanti, the co-founder of RIYA collective, a company whose mission is to preserve and promote sustainable South Asian fashion consumption in the US through access and inclusion of designers in improving circular fashion.

Puneet and Omer Mirza...on BHANGRA EMPIRE, building community, and creating a movement around bhangra

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 01:33:07 -0700

Abhay is joined by the founders of BHANGRA EMPIRE, Puneet and Omer Mirza, as they talk about how to pronounce "bhangra", building a movement from a dance, and creating world-wide relationships through dance.

Pinto and Billo Naravane...on creating Rasa Vineyards, storytelling, and blending art and science as wine makers.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 20:23:43 -0700

Abhay is joined for a journey through the experiences of Pinto and Billo Naravane, the brothers behind Rasa Vineyards. They share their journey as wine makers and the value of storytelling and relationship building through their wine.

Omkar Ranade...on being a South Asian American US Marine Corps officer, his experiences in Afghanistan, and returning shopping carts to their appropriate location.

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 20:19:33 -0700

Abhay is joined by Omkar Ranade, an attorney and USMC captain whose last combat service was in Afghanistan. They chatted about his experiences and journey in the military as a South Asian American.

Raj Girn...on cultivating confidence, on coaching and developing a brand, and making things happen!

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 22:05:44 -0700

Raj Girn, media entrepreneur, coach, and founder of ANOKHI life and OPEN CHEST ACADEMY joins Abhay for a wide ranging chat about developing relationships, building confidence, and their mutual love for intelligent conversation!

Payal Singhal...on rekindling and developing relationships, on capturing emotions as a fashion designer, and on following the turtle on the better path

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 22:05:38 -0700

Abhay is joined by the superb fashion house founder Payal Singhal for a conversation about her journey through fashion design and the range of storytelling that informs her art. They chatted about blending tradition and contemporary fashion and were even joined briefly by Payal's dad!

Abhilasha Sinha...on performing her songs to a virtual audience, on how her lyrics may be metaphors for her career, and on being on a Times Square billboard.

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 10:42:19 -0700

Singer-songwriter Abhilasha Sinha joins Abhay for a chat about writing music in both Hindi and Englis h, about the value of absence or presence in her music, and what she's optimistic about!

Rakesh Chaurasia...on performing bamboo flute music for Janmasthami, on rules and boundaries within classical Indian music, and music as therapy for all of us.

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 10:38:56 -0700

Abhay was joined by bamboo flute virtuoso Rakesh Chaurasia to chat about playing for 24 hours straight during Janmasthami, continuously learning in music, and the spiritual and therapeutic role of music. We were also so grateful that he brought his flute to the show!

Priya Bapat...on lessons in simplicity, perfecting her craft as a Marathi/Hindi/English actor, and being poised, positive, and confident in her roles.

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Award-winning Marathi and Hindi actor Priya Bapat joined Abhay for a conversation about her journey, preparing for various roles, and being bold, confident, and extremely positive! Priya is currently starring in two current web series - City of Dreams Season 2 (Disney Hot Star) and Aani Kay Hava Season 2 (MX Player).

Zarna Garg...on being a Funny Brown Mom, being a screenplay writer, and the merits (and savagery) of an intergenerational audience

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 02:33:03 -0700

Comedian Zarna Garg joined Abhay for a ride through her journey into comedy, presenting "clean" storytelling, and the rigors of creating online content. By the way, oversized baggage is available to be claimed on the side of the carousel.

Kabir Akhtar...on directing with an editor's eye, "toilsome" things, and mentoring other South Asians

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 02:28:53 -0700

Kabir Akhtar joined Abhay to chat about his journey as a director and editor, working on projects with Mindy Kaling, and developing a pipeline for other South Asians. Of note, no Philly sports topics were reviewed.

ADI...on New York, his journey in making new music, and turning 23 years old

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 23:42:47 -0700

Abhay is joined by Rukus Avenue artist Adi to chat about New York, lessons from the pandemic translating to his music, and the release of his EP, Heat of the Moment, as a new 23 year old.

Abhimanyu Mishra...on becoming the youngest ever chess grandmaster

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 23:40:33 -0700

12 year old Abhimanyu Mishra joined Abhay to chat about his journey to becoming the youngest ever chess grandmaster, on what advice he has for future chess grandmasters, and lessons he and his family have learned along the way.

Farhan Akhtar on Toofaan, responsibility, challenge, and confidence!

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 09:59:06 -0700

Abhay is joined by the versatile actor, producer, director, musician, and artist, Farhan Akhtar to talk about his latest movie Toofan, lessons from the pandemic, being a responsible professional, the challenge of various roles, and... confidence!

Manan Khurma

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 02:54:33 -0700

Manan Khurma, the CEO and founder of Cuemath, a global math education platform, joined Abhay to talk about disrupting learning styles, math as a life skill, and how he has developed more empathy as an educational leader.

Ravi Chaudhary

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 02:53:08 -0700

Ravi Chaudhary, a retired Air Force pilot and former presidential AAPI commissioner joined Abhay to talk about South Asian American patriotism, cultivating empathy and leadership, and what his mom has in common with the legendary Gen. Patton.

Shini Somara

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 10:33:24 -0700

Media educator, podcaster, and engineering doctorate holder Dr. Shini Somara chats with Abhay about She joined Abhay to chat about her enthusiasm for education and her journey through science, engineering, and media.

Megha Rajagopalan

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 10:32:43 -0700

Megha Rajagopalan is an investigative reporter, winning the 2021 Pulitzer Prize Award for exposing the scale of internment of Uighur Muslims in China. She joined Abhay to chat about her reporting, about her journey, and about her recent award.

Soniya Saanchi

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 22:34:12 -0700

Fashion Designer and stylist Soniya Saanchi joined Abhay for a conversation about her journey through the creative process, about the artisans and craft behind her designs, and what she's optimistic about.

Neha Dewan

Abhay Dandekar — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 22:33:27 -0700

Neha Dewan, the national director of South Asians for America, joined Abhay to talk about her journey in political advocacy and civic engagement.

Robina Dhindsa

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 00:47:57 -0700

Abhay chatted about reflection and authentic connections with Robina Dhindsa, an expert in bridging spirituality and inner transformation/realization to individuals and teams everywhere.

Rajiv Satyal

Abhay Dandekar — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 00:47:16 -0700

Comedian and host Rajiv Satyal joined Abhay to talk about comedy, politics, the "Indian accent", and everything in between.

Pritesh Shah

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 23:47:01 -0700

Actor, producer, and comedian Pritesh Shah joins Abhay to talk about his Hollywood experience, "The Invisible Brown Man", and concepts of tokenism and representation in the entertainment industry.

Dr. Bindi Naik-Mathuria

Abhay Dandekar — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 23:41:05 -0700

Dr. Naik-Mathuria, a pediatric trauma surgeon from Houston, TX joins Abhay to talk about her ongoing research and experience with gun-violence prevention. She recently was awarded a CDC grant to better understand how to target intervention strategies against community gun-violence.

Shalmali and Sunny M.R.

Abhay Dandekar — Fri, 28 May 2021 23:39:01 -0700

Singer/Songwriter Shalmali and producer Sunny M.R. joined Abhay for a conversation about the debut album "2X - Side A" . They talked about their journey through making this collection of songs.

Anita Chatterjee

Abhay Dandekar — Sat, 22 May 2021 01:52:35 -0700

Anita is a public relations expert and the founder/CEO of A-Game Public Relations. She joined Abhay to chat about PR during a pandemic, growing her passion into a business, and representing female founders.

Nora Ali

Abhay Dandekar — Sat, 22 May 2021 01:52:04 -0700

Nora, a former anchor at Cheddar, the business and tech-focused news network, joined Abhay for a chat about being Bangladeshi from Minnesota, the critical importance of racial equity, music, and what she is optimistic about.

Devika Girish

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 16 May 2021 12:55:26 -0700

Devika is the co-deputy editor at Film Comment Magazine and a writer for the NY Times. They chatted about her journey through film and about life as a film critic.

Sean Desai

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 16 May 2021 12:54:57 -0700

The NFL's first Indian-American coordinator joined the podcast to chat about his approach to coaching, developing trust, and helping Abhay instill the 3-4 defense with 2 high safeties

Vaishali Patel

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 09 May 2021 00:13:24 -0700

Abhay is joined by Vaishali Patel, the founder of SanskarTeaching.com and shares her journey of teaching Desi language and culture to a wide audience, and her thoughts on developing relationships within multiple generations

Ankur Rathee

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 09 May 2021 00:12:26 -0700

The versatile series, film, and theater actor Ankur Rathee joined Abhay to chat about his work , the value of meditation, and as an Indian American artist, does one need to "pick a lane"?

Paula McGlynn and Sarang Sathaye

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 02 May 2021 14:42:37 -0700

Two of the founders of BhaDiPa (Bharatiya Digital Party), Paula McGlynn and Sarang Sathaye, share a fun conversation with Abhay about their journey as Marathi content creators.

Mridu Parikh

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 16:33:59 -0700

Abhay is joined by productivity strategist, Mridu Parikh, who specializes in helping people get organized and gain clarity in their busy lives. She is the founder of Life is Organized and the best selling author of "Accomplish It". They chatted about finding clarity through organizing during and after the pandemic culture.

Maneet Chauhan

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 16:33:34 -0700

The wonderful Maneet Chauhan joined Abhay for a chat about ...(wait for it...)...food! She is an internationally known and award-winning chef, author, and television personality. She has a new book out called "Chaat" and recently won Food Network's Tournament of Champions II.

Kevin Negandhi...on broadcasting and anchoring on ESPN

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 18:08:29 -0700

Abhay chatted with the very cool Kevin Negandhi, who is a sports broadcaster and an anchor on ESPN's Sportscenter. He was the first Indian American to be featured on a national sports network. They talked about Kevin's journey and the impact of his representation. They left the Kobe/Iverson chat for next time.

Sanjena Sathian... on her novel Gold Diggers, a South Asian American 'coming of age' story

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 18:07:22 -0700

Sanjena Sathian joined Abhay to talk about her debut novel called Gold Diggers, offering a magical and satirical coming of age story about the South Asian American experience. The book is being developed for television by Mindy Kaling's Kaling International.

Trisha Sakhuja-Walia

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 00:33:09 -0700

Trisha Sakhuja-Walia is the co-founder and CEO of Brown Girl Magazine and she joined Abhay for a wonderful chat about capturing the pulse of the community, cultivating trust, and what it means to be a Brown Girl in 2021.

Asha Rangappa

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 00:30:59 -0700

Abhay was joined by Asha Rangappa for a great chat. Asha is a lawyer, former FBI special agent, and CNN legal and national security analyst. They talked about her journey, the pace and volume of info in today's news world, and how far we've come from the "Temple of Doom".

Dr. Aditi Nerurkar

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 21:21:33 -0700

Aditi is an integrative medicine physician specialist who has become an expert in resiliency and facilitating great outcomes for individuals and communities. Her work has been highly recognized and is driven by evidence, compassion, and storytelling. She shared her thoughts about resiliency in a pandemic culture, how to cultivate it, and how we can build community.

Reshma Saujani...on advocating for working mothers through the Marshall Plan for Moms, founding Girls Who Code, and cultivating trust through honesty.

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 21:20:14 -0700

Abhay was joined by Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code. Reshma is a lawyer and an activist who has been helping empower women and mothers through her courage and bold vision, including a proposed #MarshallPlanForMoms. The conversation included Reshma talking about her journey, empowering mothers, raising her boys, and garnering trust.

Shibani Akhtar...on success and longevity in modeling, acting, and producing

Abhay Dandekar — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 23:41:10 -0700

Abhay is joined by his cousin, the wonderfully talented and authentic Shibani (Dandekar)Akhtar, the Mumbai based Indian-Australian artist, singer, host/anchor, model, and actor. She is soon to be launching a production house. They chatted about family, life in a pandemic, Shibani's journey, and her thoughts on success and longevity in the entertainment industry.

Vick Krishna

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 01:06:27 -0700

Vick Krishna is a New York based actor, director, editor, photographer, and writer. As a digital creator, his smart, clever, and funny content has made him a tiktok favorite. He joined Abhay to talk about his work and his journey, and primarily why he is so hot.

Ashwani Jain

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 01:05:36 -0700

Ashwani Jain is a candidate for Maryland Governor in the 2022 Primary. If elected, he would serve as the nation’s first millennial Governor and Maryland’s first Governor of color. He joined Abhay for a conversation about his work, how is journey has shaped his thoughts on policy, and the importance of connectivity and inclusion among generations.

Pranay Manghirmalani

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 18:11:23 -0800

Pranay is a is a veteran of the California Air National Guard, and serves full time as a firefighter with CAL FIRE. He joined Abhay for a conversation about his journey, about the deep challenges of racism, trauma, and mental health, and about his rich career fulfillment.

Sandhya Jain-Patel

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 18:10:39 -0800

Abhay chats with Sandhya about the importance and evolution of culture and arts as part of the South Asian American experience. Sandhya Jain-Patel is a cultural producer and an internationally known art and culture expert, who sharpened her skills as the Vice President and Department Head of Indian, Himalayan, and Southeast Asian Art at Christie’s New York.

Dr. Sona Bhatnagar

Abhay Dandekar — Sat, 27 Feb 2021 20:49:23 -0800

Sona is an inspiring doctor and author of the critically acclaimed book "Grief Healed", a physician's guide to dealing with grief and thriving, written to share how she navigated through despair in the aftermath of personal tragedy to ultimately find peace, joy, and fulfillment.

Shoba Narayan...on her journey to success on Broadway, early one-woman family nightly variety shows, and leading through performance

Abhay Dandekar — Sat, 27 Feb 2021 20:48:19 -0800

The multi-talented Broadway performer in offerings like Aladdin and Wicked joins Abhay to talk about her pathway to success, the surprising intersections of classical Bharatnatyam and Hamilton, and representing South Asians on Broadway through her performance and leadership. A brief amount of singing may or may not happen at the end...

Geeta Patel and Ravi Patel...on representation, creating with balance, and the challenge of identity

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 22:23:10 -0800

Abhay is joined by the sister and brother duo behind the hit "Meet the Patels". They chatted about representation, the ability to create with balance, and the challenge of Identity. Geeta is an Emmy nominated writer and director, most recently directing episodes for "The Great" a Hulu based comedy/drama. Ravi is an actor, filmmaker, and entrepreneur, most recently with Ravi Patel's Pursuit of Happiness on HBO MAX and Bhaag Beanie Bhaag on Neftlix.

Rajendra Vaishampayan

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 14 Feb 2021 00:09:47 -0800

Abhay is joined by artist and entrepreneur, Rajendra Vaishampayan, as they chat about growing to love Indian classical music, developing his skills to launch a tech and media company, and successfully promoting art and culture through his work.

Snigdha Sur

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 14 Feb 2021 00:08:40 -0800

The CEO and founder of the Juggernaut, a South Asian news publication that focuses on "smart journalism" for the diaspora, joins Abhay for a conversation about the importance of our names, telling the diaspora's stories through a "brown gaze", and her own personal mission statement.

Sri Gopinathan

Abhay Dandekar — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 00:21:42 -0800

Chef Sri Gopinath, who is arguably the most decorated Indian chef in the US today, garnering two Michelin stars for his work at Taj Campton Place in San Francisco, joins Abhay for a conversation about his roots and nostalgia in food, his cooking philosophy, and the trust and role of creating amazing food experiences. His new restaurant in Palo Alto is called Ettan.

Apeksha Dandekar

Abhay Dandekar — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 00:20:45 -0800

The versatile and talented singer and songwriter from Mumbai, who performs in Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, and English, chats with Abhay about the craft of singing, about finding her identity as a vocalist, and the joy of being an everyday artist

Vinisha Umashankar

Abhay Dandekar — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 23:23:22 -0800

A teen innovator from Tiruvannamalai, in southern India, Vinisha won the 2020 Children's Climate Prize for her wonderful project- the solar ironing cart. She joins Abhay to chat about her innovative work and the importance of talking to grandparents!

Sopan Deb

Abhay Dandekar — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 23:22:27 -0800

The NY Times NBA and culture writer, author, and comedian, joins Abhay to discuss what he is grateful for, to reflect on his book Missed Translations, and to share his thoughts as a South Asian journalist. Sopan's new fiction novel The Elm Tree is due out in 2022.

Dilawar Syed

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 24 Jan 2021 00:12:48 -0800

Join us for a chat with this Pakistani American Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur, who is the co-founder of the AAPI Victory Fund, a political action committee that has galvanized the national community with representation and coalition building. We talk about the importance of civic engagement, reflect on the pathways behind and ahead of us, and compare the emotional outcome of this recent presidential election with how he had felt in 2008.

S.V. Date

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 24 Jan 2021 00:10:46 -0800

The intrepid White House correspondent for HuffPost who famously confronted Trump about lying, and is the author of the book The Useful Idiot joins us to talk about reflections after the election, his professional journey, and the concept of being a South Asian journalist

Ami Desai...on being a digital creator, on her role as a South Asian lifestyle influencer, and on parenting during the pandemic

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 23:45:00 -0800

Abhay is joined by digital creator and lifestyle influencer Ami Desai. They chatted about the journey of the pandemic as a creator and a parent, about convincing her parents that she has a real job, and about infusing her South Asian heritage into her work.

Aditya Mukarji...on being a teen climate activist in Delhi, on his quest to eliminate single use plastics, and on galvanizing others to be more socially responsible

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 11:40:06 -0800

Teen climate activist, Aditya Mukarji, joined Abhay to chat about eliminating single use plastics in home town of Gurgaon, near New Delhi. They also chatted about the imperatives of climate change awareness and activating others to become more socially responsible.

Neil Makhija and Amit Jani

Abhay Dandekar — Sat, 02 Jan 2021 22:11:48 -0800

Episode 15 of Abhay Dandekar's talk show, "Trust Me...I Know What I'm Doing".

Sid Mallya and Prashant Lotwala

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 27 Dec 2020 11:16:59 -0800

Episode 14 of Abhay Dandekar's talk show, "Trust Me...I Know What I'm Doing".

Simran Jeet Singh...on his mission to build more empathy, on writing "Fauja Singh Keeps Going", and on elevating the dialogue on race and equity.

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 23:00:00 -0800

Professor Simran Jeet Singh joined Abhay for a wide ranging conversation and about his children's book "Fauja Singh Keeps Going". They chatted about empathy, race, and what makes Simran optimistic.

Shilpa Shah...on the foundation and opportunity of CUYANA, on navigating a business through a pandemic, and on integrating her many roles as a mother, wife, and entrepreneur.

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 22:59:55 -0800

Abhay is joined by Shilpa Shah, the co-founder of the global fashion brand, CUYANA. They chatted about journeying through the pandemic, about integrating many roles as a mother, wife, and entrepreneur, and the meaning of "fewer, better things". They both celebrated the incredible glamour of appearing on the show!

Karsh Kale

Abhay Dandekar — Sat, 12 Dec 2020 20:13:46 -0800

Episode 12 of Abhay Dandekar's talk show, "Trust Me...I Know What I'm Doing".

Urmila Nimbalkar and Prakash Amritraj

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 02:58:43 -0800

Episode 11 of Abhay Dandekar's talk show, "Trust Me...I Know What I'm Doing".

Anusha Dandekar & Sujata Day

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 22 Nov 2020 13:03:50 -0800

Episode 10 of Abhay Dandekar's talk show, "Trust Me...I Know What I'm Doing".

Dr. Paria Hassouri and Dr. Alka Kanaya

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 13:32:38 -0800

Episode 9 of Abhay Dandekar's talk show, "Trust Me...I Know What I'm Doing".

Saleka & Suhag Shukla

Abhay Dandekar — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 11:54:51 -0800

Episode 8 of Abhay Dandekar's talk show, "Trust Me...I Know What I'm Doing".

Ash Kalra and Aashima Gupta

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 20:25:49 -0800

Episode 7 of Abhay Dandekar's talk show, "Trust Me...I Know What I'm Doing".

Mitra Kalita and Parijat Deshpande

Abhay Dandekar — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 22:42:05 -0700

Episode 6 of Abhay Dandekar's talk show, "Trust Me...I Know What I'm Doing".

Ronnie Chatterji and Jaspal Sandhu

Abhay Dandekar — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 23:27:51 -0700

Episode 5 of Abhay Dandekar's talk show, "Trust Me...I Know What I'm Doing".

Jenifer Rajkumar / Manisha Sinha

Abhay Dandekar — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 00:43:21 -0700

Episode 4 of Abhay Dandekar's talk show, "Trust Me...I Know What I'm Doing".

Jeremy Namkung (J-Lately)

Abhay Dandekar — Sat, 03 Oct 2020 12:20:47 -0700

Episode 3 of Abhay Dandekar's talk show, "Trust Me...I Know What I'm Doing".

Sri Preston Kulkarni & Dr. Neela Sethi

Abhay Dandekar — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 23:00:14 -0700

Episode 2 of Abhay Dandekar's talk show, "Trust Me...I Know What I'm Doing".

Mahesh Kale

Abhay Dandekar — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 22:59:19 -0700

Abhay is joined by the terrific Mahesh Kale, a talented artist, teacher, and ambassador of classical Indian music, in a conversation from March 2020. Mahesh talks about the joy of musical performance, his foundation, and the balance of commercialism and art in the modern presentation of Indian classical music.