TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING (Abhay Dandekar)

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

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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. 

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

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)

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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'.

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!

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
 

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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