We all want that picture perfect life. A fancy job in a fancy office, a big house, a car, a family. Raunaq never wanted any of that. Ever since he was a kid, he knew he didn't have the same ambitions as most people. He liked to travel, write, play musical instruments, and teach kids. One fine day, he found himself teaching French in a remote village in Andhra Pradesh. There, he found a home, a life, a community that made him stay. In this episode, we talk about his early years, how he fell in love with languages, and how he wound up loving his new village life. Do listen to this one for a fresh perspective :)
My friend Kate, who's also from a small town in the UK, and I sat down for a really honest chat about why we always wanted to leave our towns, living in Berlin, and how we're both trying to figure out what "home" means. We dove into what diversity and inclusion actually means at workplaces (beyond the buzzwords), our unconscious biases and how we're finding our own little corners of belonging and community in this beautiful city. Hope you enjoy listening!
What does urban dating really look like in post-pandemic India? How do you navigate heartbreak, healing, and hope after a divorce? And what role do female friendships play in shaping our lives and identities? In this unfiltered episode, my friend Muskan and I dive deep into the complexities of dating in your 30s, rebuilding life after loss, and the power of sisterhood. We share personal stories, relatable struggles, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you're seeking love, rebuilding after a breakup, or just celebrating your friendships, this episode has something for you <3
My friend Adam moved to the Czech Republic from the USA 15 years ago. Despite the cloudy weather and European culture shocks, he’s built a beautiful life there. He’s travelled over the world and learned to talk in many tongues. In this episode, we talk about his years living abroad, travelling, philosophy and his love for one of India’s most ancient epics: the Mahabharatha. It’s a goodun! Hope you stick around :)
Have you heard of the Vipassana meditation? It’s one of India’s most ancient mindfulness meditation techniques. But you can’t really do it at home. You need to stay in a special meditation centre, cut all ties from the outside world, and focus completely on what’s happening within. It’s terrifying for a lot of people, but my friend Shubham loved the experience. In this episode, we talk about what he learned and gained from his experience at a Vipassana retreat. Tune in!
Over the last few years, I’ve been through a tough time, mentally and emotionally. The pandemic shifted something inside me and made me face all my demons. That led to depression, anxiety and a darkness I’ve never felt before. It also led to breakthroughs, healing and learning how to love myself. On my 32nd birthday, I share the story of how I came into my own. Books that helped me: The Choice by Edith Eger https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30753738-the-choice The Way to Integrity by Martha N. Beck https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/55481231-the-way-of-integrity How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50997029-how-to-do-the-work Write to me at astha.prak@gmail.com Instagram: @asthaprakash
A few months ago my husband and I moved from India to Berlin, Germany and it has been a crazy ride. In this episode, we talk about how it happened, what we’ve learnt, the good and the bad of Berlin, and some shocks and surprises about German culture. Tune in if you’re visiting, moving, or are simply curious!
Do you love how words written on paper can give you goosebumps? Me too. What is it about poetry that makes people listen, ruminate, cherish and feel? My friend Raj is a fellow writer, poet, and the founder of the Twin City Poetry Club in Hyderabad. I talk to him about the sheer joy and power of poetry, why it’s still relevant and why we must never stop writing. Join us as we talk all things poetry and share our love for some of our favourite poems. Raj’s blog: www.worksofrk.com Twin City Poetry Club: https://bit.ly/35IE8om
We all know we’re supposed to be kind. (At least I hope we do!) But have you ever tried to think about what it really means? What does it mean to be kind? How can we be more empathetic? As friends, as leaders, as people? My friend Vismaya and I talk about kindness today: at workplaces and outside. Join us. Grab a hot cocoa. Or not. ‘cause this conversation is sure to warm your heart. If you enjoyed listening to this episode and want to share your thoughts, write to me at astha.prak@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you! Music credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vwrgL-XIoo by Yoshinori Tanaka / 田中 芳典
Have you realised how much time we now spend on our phones? I've often wondered about how our dependence on technology is changing us psychologically, and also how the pandemic has forced us to look inwards. In today's episode, my cousin Shreya—a clinical psychologist—and I talk about psychology as a subject, our overuse of social media, the state of mental health in India and why and when we should seek therapy. If you're interested in these topics, you're going to enjoy listening to this one. Music credits: Title: As We Go by The 126ers Free Download: https://youtube.com/audiolibrary/music
They say becoming a mother is the single most life-defining moment for a woman. Or is it? In this episode, my sister Sakshi and I dig deep into the struggles and high points of pregnancy, childbirth and understanding what being a mom is all about. If you're a parent, soon-to-be parent, or want-to-be-parent, listen to my sister talk about her experiences and share some important advice. Happy listening! Music credits: Acoustic Uplifting Background by RomanSenykMusic. Music Link: https://youtu.be/m0kU_Yhsjx4
As a creative medium, writing is my favourite. As a tool, it makes us good communicators. As art, it can create joy, wonder and magic. Tune in to our conversation as we talk about the beauty of writing, of experiencing life as writers and poets, of finding your voice and your place in the writing community, and of letting your honesty shine through your words. Come on in! Swathi's website: www.thevirtualparchment.com My website: www.iflutteredby.com Music credits: BatchBug - Playing In The Wind License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Download: https://soundcloud.com/batchbug/playing-in-the-wind Track: Sonhe Music composed and recorded by Oak Studios Creative Commons - Attribution ND 4.0 https://youtu.be/czbnryO3BQk
Have you ever felt the urge to live in another country? I've always found it fascinating when people rebuild their lives in a completely foreign land, and in a way, rebuild themselves as well. Join my friend Dean Lobo and me as we talk about the stories and experiences of his life as an immigrant in Toronto, Canada. We also talk about home, culture, diversity and the many lessons we’ve learnt over the years. Join us! Stardust by Jay Someday https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/-_stardust Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/3FcdHjZbP3A
We're in the midst of strange times. The kind we'll tell our grandkids about "You kids have it way too easy. You've NO idea how much we struggled." One thing that definitely helps me keep my head above water is reaching out to old friends and talking about how we're living through it. For this episode, I called up three of my closest friends to have a chat about things we've been struggling with and thinking about. The topics range from break-ups to addictions and from love to writing. We'd love for you to join in! Music credits: Tokyo Music Walker - Way Home is under a Creative Commons (CC-BY) license. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3lLfvhpPGtwd5qD25cMDcA Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://bit.ly/way-home-song
My friend Benjie and I have always loved being spontaneous and carpe diem-ing the day every time we've been together. We both believe in grabbing the nowness of moments before they slip away. Him more than me. We're now living in a world that's so unpredictable, it's hard to believe there's a point in always planning for the future. Join us as we talk about the good and bad of being impulsive, making choices and living with depression in an uncertain world. Music credits: Prod. Riddiman https://www.beatstars.com/beat/serenity-2890880
Do you feel overwhelmed easily? Weighed down by the noisy, complicated world we live in? Yeah, me too. As I do very often, I turned to my friend Neha for some reflection. She joins us today to share her story of how she got out of a dark place and found the strength to live life with renewed hope. We also talk about meditation, self love, spirituality, existence and ponder over the meaning of life. Listen to this one if you've been looking for that little dose of hope. Music credits: Track: Your Gentle Touch — Artificial.Music & Syiphorous [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/5ThbUjaIiDg Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/your-gentle-touch
It's said that when reality becomes too complex, stories help give it form. There's so much talk around stories already, it's almost as if they’re running the world. In our episode today, my friend Laksh and I talk about what it is about stories that makes them so interesting and powerful. We talk about our favourite stories, characters we love and why "storytelling" is everyone's new favourite buzzword. Music credits: Sapajou - The Way To You Creative Commons (CC-BY 3.0) License Music Promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://bit.ly/bkc-the-way
Ah, love. How much we want it, how much we pretend we don't, and how little we still know of it. My friend Abira and I know we can't fix the world, but there are still some things we can do to make life just that little bit better. Join us as we talk about the love we share with our parents, friends, romantic partners, ourselves, and the world in general. Music credits: Pressure - Riot https://youtu.be/ELksuZkgQsQ
They say music is life itself, and we couldn't agree more. Sometimes you meet people who fuel your passion for music even further and help you discover more artists. Meet my friend, DJ. Not only is he a musician himself, but nothing makes him happier than sharing his favourite music with the world. In this episode, we talk about our favourite bands, songs, and memories from the spellbinding world of music. Come on in! Music credits: Wanderlust by Scott Buckley https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/l-wanderlust Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/s3fEbZwiJ94
We've all played games as children, but not all of us keep that spirit alive when we grow up and lead busy lives. In this episode, I talk to my friend Surya about what makes gaming a way of life for him. We discuss our favourite games from the past, and our favourite ones today. Join us as why try to break down why we need stories, characters and imagination even as grown ups. Oh, and be ready to take notes. Some great recommendations throughout the episode! Music credits: I'll Meet You There by Sapajou https://soundcloud.com/sapajoubeats Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download/Stream: http://bit.ly/ill-meet-you-there Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/P2mC5i3V0G8