My name is Abhay Dandekar and I share conversations with talented and interesting individuals linked to the global Indian and South Asian community. It’s informal and informative, adding insights and perspective to our evolving cultural expressions, where each person can proudly say “TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING.” New episodes weekly, on Tuesdays/Thursdays. Listen anywhere you get your podcasts, and please rate and review if your enjoying it.
…
continue reading
1
Neha Dewan and Sonjui Kumar... Lotus for POTUS and SOUTH ASIANS for HARRIS
23:50
23:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:50
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…
…
continue reading
1
Neera Tanden... Lotus for POTUS and Election 2024
19:56
19:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:56
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…
…
continue reading
1
Gautam Mukunda... on "Picking Presidents" and leadership
1:05:42
1:05:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:42
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…
…
continue reading
1
SPOTLIGHT... on Mangesh Ghogre and constructing crossword puzzles
23:38
23:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:38
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 exhilar…
…
continue reading
1
Rajiv Menon... on curating South Asian art
46:52
46:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:52
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:…
…
continue reading
1
Shruthi Kumar... on student activism and "The Power of Not Knowing"
49:59
49:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:59
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) Pa…
…
continue reading
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 defi…
…
continue reading
1
Ginni Saraswati... on media, podcasting, and more
32:10
32:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:10
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)…
…
continue reading
1
Sanjana Modha... on writing "Sanjana's Feasts" and cooking to be free
37:30
37:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:30
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 th…
…
continue reading
1
SPOTLIGHT... on Dhruv Kulkarni and using A.I. with empathy and human connection
19:33
19:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:33
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 i…
…
continue reading
1
Samhita Mukhopadhyay... on "The Myth of Making It: A Workplace Reckoning"
48:36
48:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:36
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…
…
continue reading
1
Vivek Agnihotri... on his life as a filmmaker
57:48
57:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:48
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…
…
continue reading
1
Saurabh Netravalkar... on USA cricket and his journey
47:20
47:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:20
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 …
…
continue reading
1
Congressman Ami Bera... on governing, campaigning, and American patriotism
38:49
38:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:49
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 cam…
…
continue reading
1
Vikas Khanna...on BUNGALOW and feeling at "home"
39:02
39:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:02
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 profes…
…
continue reading
1
Kani Kusruti... on "All That We Imagine As Light" and her passion for the process
47:04
47:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:04
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…
…
continue reading
1
Raja Choudhury...on making "America's First Guru"
45:09
45:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:09
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 Hind…
…
continue reading
1
Rohini Kosoglu... on national policy and technology
47:38
47:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:38
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 Presid…
…
continue reading
1
SPOTLIGHT...on Varsha Mathur and relationship coaching
26:54
26:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:54
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,…
…
continue reading
1
Rohit Gijare... on dance, choreography, and always learning
48:36
48:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:36
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 …
…
continue reading
1
Raj Lulla... on "The Caring House" and writing about grief
41:39
41:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:39
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 - inconsiste…
…
continue reading
1
Priyanka Kamath...on 100 Girls in Blockch(AI)n and building skill equity
44:08
44:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:08
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 bootca…
…
continue reading
1
W.i.S.H. ...on being an all girl Indian pop group
50:38
50:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:38
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, longev…
…
continue reading
1
Nisha Pahuja...on "To Kill a Tiger" and filmmaking
44:17
44:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:17
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 Ranj…
…
continue reading
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 ar…
…
continue reading
1
Yogendra Puranik...on life as a bureaucrat, educator, and politician in Japan
45:20
45:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:20
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/Ga…
…
continue reading
1
Nimesh Patel...on stand up comedy, pre-show prep, and being irreverant
37:42
37:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:42
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…
…
continue reading
1
Sangita Phadke...on her pastel painting journey, realism, and an "eye" for art
48:29
48:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:29
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…
…
continue reading
1
Anand Deshpande...on creating ecosystems and always learning
56:55
56:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:55
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 - An…
…
continue reading
1
Raveena Mehta...on making music and feeling at "home"
37:32
37:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:32
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 an…
…
continue reading
1
Suhas Subramanyam...on running for Congress in Virginia
38:48
38:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:48
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 - …
…
continue reading
1
Dr. Swati Mohan...on aerospace engineering at NASA/JPL
37:45
37:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:45
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:…
…
continue reading
1
Krish Ashok...on Masala Lab: The Science of Indian Cooking
51:28
51:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:28
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, f…
…
continue reading
1
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal...on being a progressive and an Indian-American woman in Congress
37:03
37:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:03
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…
…
continue reading
1
Anjali Chandrashekar...on being a cartoonist
40:32
40:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:32
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 …
…
continue reading
1
Anita Verma-Lallian...on real estate and making movies
39:20
39:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:20
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) Int…
…
continue reading
1
Advait Shinde...on GoGuardian and using educational technology
35:49
35:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:49
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 …
…
continue reading
1
Hena Doba...on journalism, identity, and trust
35:46
35:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:46
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 identit…
…
continue reading
1
Chandrika Tandon...on love, light, and laughter
46:23
46:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:23
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 - str…
…
continue reading
1
Aditya Kakodkar...on being the Marathi Kaka/Brewkenstein and uplifting culture as a creator
46:28
46:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:28
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 …
…
continue reading
1
Rukmini Vijayakumar...on bharatnatyam and a journey of ongoing learning
47:12
47:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:12
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 (2:5…
…
continue reading
1
Vidya Balan...on being relatable and trusting herself
35:34
35:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:34
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…
…
continue reading
1
Sameer Gadhia...on Young the Giant, the journey of music, and feeling at home
43:21
43:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:21
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…
…
continue reading
1
Krystle Kaul...on running for US Congress in Virginia
30:36
30:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:36
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 natio…
…
continue reading
1
SPOTLIGHT on Rimjhim Gour and empowering rural communities
29:29
29:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:29
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 …
…
continue reading
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, …
…
continue reading
1
Magic Bus and Prince's Trust International...on childhood to livelihood
37:33
37:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:33
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 Inte…
…
continue reading
1
JAZZY B ...on life as a Punjabi music artist
39:17
39:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:17
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: sp…
…
continue reading
1
#SaveOurHearts...a roundtable discussion on cardiovascular health in our community
35:33
35:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:33
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 Hea…
…
continue reading
1
Rahul Mishra...on slow fashion and the power of participation
48:41
48:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:41
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 …
…
continue reading