TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING

How does the intersection of science and spirituality unlock your inner healing? Monica Singhal joins the podcast to explain how to reconnect with yourself.In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, we are joined by Monica Singhal, the founder of Hari Om Smiles, to explore the powerful synergy between scientific understanding and spiritual wisdom.If you enjoy these deep dives into the global desi and diaspora experience, hit the Subscribe button to join our community.Monica shares her transformative philosophy that "magic" isn't something to be found outside of ourselves—it is a dormant energy within that we simply need to reconnect with. We discuss how to bridge the gap between our physical experiences and our spiritual identities to find true mental and physical vitality.In this episode, we cover:• The core philosophy of Hari Om Smiles: Blending science with pure spirituality.• Why we are "spiritual beings having a human experience."• How to cultivate trust in yourself to go from "existing" to "truly living."• Practical insights on ensuring the next generation is not "handicapped" by mental or physical blocks.• The "science" of reconnecting with the innate power already inside you.--------------------------Chapters00:00  Introduction 05:09  Daily beginnings and  The Journey to Inner Peace09:29  Bridging Science and Spirituality13:53  Transformative Stories of Healing18:10  The Role of Gratitude in Healing22:40  Sponsor Break - Travelopod23:14  Integrating Spirituality into Daily Life25:27  The Burden of Expectation28:11  Gratitude and the Flow of Life30:02  Transforming Fear into Gratitude32:30  The Journey of Unlearning35:03  Hinduism and Spirituality39:54  Engaging with Skepticism46:46  Trusting the Journey of Self-DiscoveryConnect with Monica:https://hariomsmiles.org/monica-singhal/Shout outs this week:• Aaron Rai (for Golf History at the PGA)• Anil Kochhar (for Generosity to NC State grads)• Netherlands-India cross-connectivity• Tasveer (for their Cannes Film Festival panel)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 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

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 paintbrushWe 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.--------------------------Chapters00:00 Introduction 03:16 The Evolution of Artistic Expression05:55 Finding Personal Meaning in Music08:37 The Symbolism of 'Dust' and Rebirth11:19 Creating a Mirror for Listeners14:13 Letting Go 15:46 Sponsor Break: Travelopod17:28 The Importance of Authenticity in Art20:21 The Lost Art of the Full Album Experience24:23 Translating Moods into Live Performances27:20 Optimism in the Independent Music Industry29:49 Sponsor Break: Timberdog Ruffrest30:59 The Role of Mentorship and Legacy35:34 Knowing When a Song is Finished36:59 The Intersection of Art and Music38:14 Music as an Escape and a Place to Be FoundLearn 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.comThis episode is brought to you by RuffRest by Timberdog.  Learn more at https://timberdog.com/

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.--------------------------Chapters:00:00 Introductions04:07 Defining Metabolic Health07:29 Personalizing the Approach13:03 Bridging Knowledge Gaps in Health16:43 Healthy Choices for Young Adults19:29 Redefining Fun and Social Activities20:40 Empowering Patients as Advocates22:39 Sponsor Break - Travelopod24:06 Tailoring Health Approaches for South Asians28:15 Dismantling Weight Bias and Stigma31:08 Building a Weight Neutral Approach35:01 Understanding GLP-1 Medications37:30 The Role of Nutrition in Metabolic Health39:09 The Importance of Sleep in Metabolic Health40:51 Building Trust in Patient RelationshipsConnect with Dr. Jaisinghanihttps://nyulangone.org/doctors/1942738547/priya-jaisinghaniBig 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!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

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--------------------------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: Travelopod21:37 Unlearning audience preconceptions 27:41 Cultural influences and Harini's upbringing 33:15 Redefining success beyond trophies 36:59 Observer, student, teacher of dance39:35 Building trust and expanding the lexiconConnect 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!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

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 Introduction03:22 Daily Routines and Creative Energy05:59 The Power of Performance and Humility10:03 Transduction in Music: Connecting with Audiences14:18 Exploring the Concept of 'We' in Music17:18 Unlearning as an Educator20:11 Sponsor Break: Travelopod and RuffRest21:23 Contrasts in Musical Expression22:41 Exploring Similarity in Music and Mathematics28:12 The Intersection of Politics and Music32:55 Identity and Belonging in a Global Context39:43 Music as a Space for Community and Home42:41 ConclusionShoutouts 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!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.comThis episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need.  Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

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/Timestamps00:00 Introductions02:34 The Joy of Building in FinTech05:05 The Importance of Happiness and Positivity07:58 Hustle vs. Scaling: A Shift in Mindset10:28 Embracing Change: The Art of Pivoting13:27 Communication and Team Dynamics in Fast-Paced Environments14:01 Sponsor Break: Travelopod and RuffRest17:07 The Role of Startups in AI Governance19:52 Cultural Identity and Personal Motivation22:41 Embracing Vulnerability and Learning from Mistakes25:18 Parenting Lessons in Leadership28:09 Cultivating Trust and Optimism in LeadershipSupport 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.comThis episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need.  Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

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 Bopanna04:22 – Early years: Resilience, rituals, and the junior-to-pro transition07:26 – The Art of Doubles: Building trust and collaboration with partners11:34 – The Growth Mindset: Discipline, recovery, and learning from losses16:40 – The Coorg Mindset: Gratitude, humility, and staying in the moment19:30 – Sponsor Break: Travelopod20:30 – Longevity in Sport: Mental resilience and aging gracefully22:28 – The New Chapter: Transitioning to coaching, data, and mentorship26:28 – Building a Sustainable Future: The vision for Indian tennis36:24 – Final thoughts on legacy, passion, and purposeLearn 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 FoundationEmail 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!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

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/Timestamps00:00 Introduction 03:04 Exploring the Role in 'Didn't Die'06:03 Navigating Humor and Grief08:49 The Art of Stand-Up Comedy11:35 Identity and Representation in Hollywood14:01 Sponsor Break - Travelopod14:46 Navigating Identity in Performance20:26 Unlearning and Evolving22:02 The Role of Humor in Coping22:58 Sponsor Break - RuffRest23:32 JoySuck, Cultural Expectations, and Artistic Freedom28:58 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/B07XYZ1234It'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!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

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/Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to AmBika03:09 – 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: Travelopod16:42 – Effort and Effortless Style 20:34 – Redefining Success Beyond Fame and Money 25:18 – Sevasphere: Bringing Dignity to Community Service 35:07 – Sponsor Break: Timberdog35:45 – Rapid Fire: AI in Fashion & Celebrating Heritage37:47 – Red Carpet Thoughts and InspirationLearn 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.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

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 / Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Girija Oak, nostalgia, and connecting art to real life03:45 – The myth of “switch on–off” acting & the magic of live theatre10:30 – Language, Gujarati–Marathi backlash, and the beauty (and politics) of words17:15 – Sponsor Break - Travelopod17:49 – Exams, moving finish lines & redefining success beyond the hustle26:55 – Playing nurses, systems, and building empathy through roles31:20 – Aging gracefully on screen, relevance, and bridging “massy” and “meaningful” cinema38:20 – Producing dreams: why India deserves iconic live musicals43:50 – Parenting, unconditional love, and Rasik Maibap humility toward audiencesSpecial 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/

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Abhay and Poorva02:30 Poorva's Journey into Animal Rights06:54 The Importance of Empathy and Awareness10:50 Strategies for Animal Advocacy14:07 Sponsor Break - Travelopod15:27 Unlearning and Building Compassion19:46 The Accessibility of Veganism Today21:33 Channeling Anger into Positive Change25:13 Cultural Practices and Animal Rights in India28:48 Sponsor Break - Timberdog30:03 The Role of the Compassion Economy32:36 Leveraging Technology for Animal Advocacy35:41 Understanding PETA's Controversial Tactics39:53 Euthanized Animals and Ethical Considerations43:53 Staying Optimistic in Animal Activism45:58 Conclusion and Shout OutsBig 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.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

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 matters01:47 – Conifer’s mission to replace 1 billion gas engines03:39 – 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 world15:36 – Raising capital for hard tech and telling an unconventional, big vision story18:13 – Sposor Break: Travelopod18:48 – Selling electrification: cool, fun, and affordable vs. abstract climate consciousness25:08 – From big tech to startups: patience, humility, and real-world feedback loops33:08 – Indian American founder, education, parenting, and the Bhagavad Gita on action and legacy39:09 – What Ankit wants Conifer to stand for: trust, honesty, and long-term impactShout 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!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

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. ​Chapters00:00 Introduction02:48 Procrastination Reveals Values and as a Science05:50 Productivity Syndrome Trap08:14 Good vs Bad Morality Myth11:44 Sponsor Break - TRAVELOPOD12:42 We Are Each Other's Alarm Clocks16:14 Unlearning for Wisdom20:02 Pain ≠ Automatic Wisdom23:28 Wisdom in Unexpected Places26:19 Sponsor Break - Timberdog27:12 Poetry as Peace Language33:23 Asking Growth Questions37:54 Embody Wisdom Daily38:19 ConclusionCheck 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 JollaTRUST 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 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!