TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING

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.  Chapters00:00 Introduction 03:01 The Emotional Journey of a Football Season05:34 Mental Health and Self-Care in Coaching08:28 Communication Styles, the Appeal of Defense and Special Teams13:55 Sponsor Break - Travelopod 14:29 Signature Moments in Coaching Career16:53 Cultural Identity and Coaching Dynamics21:49 Leadership and Coaching Philosophy24:32 Navigating Ambition and Expectations34:46 Sponsor Break - Timberdog35:16 Grounding in Identity and Inner Voice34:43 Influential Coaches and Personal Heroes40:27 Quirks of Coaching and Referee Relationships43:23 The Role of Data and Analytics in Coaching46:34 Measuring Success and ConclusionsA 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!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.comThis episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need.  Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

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

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

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 Roots06:42 Joy, Growth & Handling Losses12:15 Sponsor Break13:28 NBA Grizzlies to WNBA Journey22:06 Data, Instinct & Game Decisions27:18 Break28:17 Indian-American Identity30:57 Seattle Storm Culture & Vision37:29 ConclusionTRUST 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.comThis episode is sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need.  Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

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 Rituals05:55 Immigrant Entrepreneurship: Past and Present08:48 Personal Growth and Letting Go of Superpowers11:53 Connecting the Dots: From Pilot Dreams to Entrepreneurial Success17:59 The Impact of Conversations on Personal Development20:55 Building Community and Access through ASAN25:09 The Vision Behind the American South Asian Network28:12 Balancing Community and Measurable Outcomes32:05 Optimism for the Future of the South Asian Community33:59 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/

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

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

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) ConclusionFor 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

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) ConclusionShout 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.

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

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) ConclusionHappy Diwali to everyone!

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

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) ConclusionShout 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/

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

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 ABDTigoonaMUBHIIntroduction: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!

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) ConclusionLearn 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! 

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) ConclusionLearn 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.

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) ConclusionBig 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.   

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) ConclusionCatch Milan on the Grand Tamasha podcast

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 ConclusionKRANTI 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