Everyday People

It’s been over 5 years now that I slipped on a banana peel and fell head-first into the wonderful hobby of analog, improvised storytelling. It has been truly one of the most liberating experiences of my life to learn that I can just… make stuff. And if somebody finds it good, great. If they don’t, that’s fine too.I’ve built a fantasy world called Zemera, and a lot of it is empty. Maybe I’m the one who’s stupid, but when people say they’re “worldbuilding”, I didn’t realize that they don’t necessary mean a planet.But when you get into D&D, you probably will find your way towards some sort of mapmaking software. So I did, and I used whatever influences I could find in my life plus a few handy name generators, and I slapped down some landmasses and locations and named them all.But when it comes time to use your map, you realize that stories are local by nature, not global. Maps like the one above are no help, because stories are about characters.So you pick one of the dots you put in place of a town and you drill down and make that, and give it yet another bunch of names that don’t mean anything until they’re used. And you then write a bunch more names for people who live in that place and are doing things.It’s just names all the way down.But then the marvelous bit of business happens — you start making those names mean something, one story at a time. You pick a place, and you pick a person, and in your chosen medium of art, you talk about the time they did something, and suddenly that name comes to life. It multiplies in ways you could not think, as the events that do happen imply or even inspire the events that are left unsaid. You create vibrance and harmony, and this name carries all of it forward to all those who partake in that story.In my realization of the need to be local, I picked an island in the archipelago, called Teressa, and I focused on it for a few years. In that time, I’ve told a lot of stories on this island:* A 55-session D&D campaign (2 arcs) over 2.5 years in the Eastern third + the 3 small islands to its south.* A short story from that campaign, set in Farbarin.* A 4-session D&D adventure in The Floating Plains* A 4-session adventure in the Nam Valley (south of the Ashtea Peaks)* A short story in that valley, about the location titled Gudrun’s Door* Several 1-session games in multiple locations* A short story in the Emeraldhide forest and Divyista* A short story in Sin-Duzh (pending publication)* Multiple short stories in Ishash (in drafting)And I plan to keep doing this, and also spread out to the other islands. My first novel (in drafting), Karsica and the Sky Islands, starts on the island called Aves, far to the west of Teressa, and hundreds of years before what is depicted in the following map.So, if you think about it, worldbuilding is easy. You just slap a bunch of names down, either on a map or in a list, and when you get that itch to tell a story, you come back and pick one, and you build it out. All the other stuff we worry about — magic systems, politik, philosophy, meaningful characters, memorable relationships, and more — happen as you keep coming back.Thanks for reading! You can get these posts in your inbox if you like.Personal updateI’m not well, but at this point that’s just the normal course of life and I’ll be okay.I’m enjoying working video-first and then writing a post around it, and I want to see how long I enjoy doing that. In the meantime, my writing-first efforts are focused exclusively on fiction, so I don’t think I’ll be writing essays. My next two short stories are:* Conscious Choices — I won’t give up on this story. It WILL be on this blog site. Please look forward to it.* The Mischievers in the Shadows Part 2 — I want this to be on this blog site, but it’s also intended for something much bigger. There are 5 parts planned plus some fun stuff which I want to publish as an e-book. We’re far from that dream, but we’ll get there, one word at a time.I want to take my time with these stories. Memories of Magnolias resonated with you in a way that Thank You for Coming did not, and I can only assume that the reason is that a lot more time, love, and effort went into the former, so I shall do the same with the upcoming stories.Thanks for reading and/or watching my stuff. I’ve been feeling a little alone lately, so if you see this, leave a comment or at least a like so that I know I’m not throwing stuff into a void. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vaibhavguptawho.substack.com

Hello, reader! Wait, this is a Substack video, but also a podcast?! But also a blog post?! Substack, what are you trying to be?!The Parasitic Protean Hotel is the title of a Dungeons and Dragons game that I’m running at Now Boarding Cafe, Bangalore.I was inspired to make a video about it after looking at the beautiful session notes made by one of the players in the test run of the game. I enjoyed making the video so much that I want to do more. Hence, I’m going to try and run games in this setting and flesh it out, and make videos about it.What is Dungeons and Dragons?It’s a collaborative storytelling game played with pencil, paper, and dice. A group of people sit at a table together and share a bedtime story, but crucially, they play the magical heroes in the story. We roll dice whenever a decision needs to be made.Of course, it’s a lot more complex than that, but there’s no point explaining it in a blog post because it’s not relevant to you. If you’d like to play Dungeons and Dragons, either in this story or in a custom story for you and your friends, drop me a DM on Instagram @thoroughandunkempt.The Parasitic Protean Hotel, Episode 1 SummaryWithin the story itself, we discovered the following:* Our story takes place within a premiere hotel called The Protean.* The hotel casino, The Sea Nimbus Lounge, is run by a vampire, Lazlo Marisian.* Ringil Slateslide is a crew member of Lazlo and runs the Baccalette table at the casino.* Désirée Baptiste is a rich, eloquent, and well-built lady who knows some of the players.Player characters:* Tommy AKA T is a fresh-out-of-luck Djinnling who is deeply indebted to The Sea Nimbus lounge. T has caused a stir by vanishing in the middle of the casino, and has gained a strange new ring and home, possibly from a djinn ancestor?* Mia is an author, former thief, and vampire. Her sister Aimé, who worked for Lazlo, recently died under mysterious circumstances.* Vanessa Esmeralda is a rich heiress sent to the hotel party to meet suitors, even though she’s not particularly interested. Lazlo is one of her suitors.* Mia and Vanessa noticed bite marks on Lazlo’s neck, which makes no sense if he’s the leader of his vampiric coven.* Niko Sinclair is a former protege of Lazlo and currently runs his own establishment, The Sinclair. He wants to do something about the vampiric coven.* Niko, Gustavo (the owner of the Protean) and Asta (a young Draconid skilled at counting cards) are still finding a line of action.* Gustavo has had a poor confrontation with T in the presence of Vanessa. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vaibhavguptawho.substack.com

Hi! Thank you for listening. This is episode 130 of Everyday People.Watch on YouTube instead: YouTube.comFollow Rey: https://www.instagram.com/getpokd/Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/vaibhavguptawho/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vaibhavguptawho.substack.com

Danos was out for a walk, his mind on a hundred things, most of which were Mareya. For the life of him, he couldn't understand why his wife hated him so much. He wasn't built for the mines. Literally! His thin, lanky frame ached from hammering the rocks all day, and his weak constitution left him coughing and choking on the stone dust in the air. Part of him hated this weak body of his, but at the moment he was too righteous and angry to blame himself. Why did Mareya lust after money so much? They could be so much happier if he could take to the stage-"What was that?" he thought, feeling a sudden, creeping tingle on the back of his neck. He turned around and there wasn't anything. The sensation passed, and his thoughts returned to his wife. Honestly, she had changed so much after they were wed. She used to be such a sweetheart, and now she was almost demonic-There it was again! Something was in the alleys. Danos noticed that the streets were unusually empty today. Usually, there'd at least be a couple of urchins running about looking for trouble. Today, nothing. As he looked around, he couldn't figure out where in the city he was. He must have walked farther than he thought.It was then that he saw an open door. For some reason, he felt compelled to walk towards it. Looking around, he saw no one nearby. "Hello?" he called out, but heard nothing back. The door was beckoning him, and as he stepped through, his foot slipped on a wet surface and he felt himself fall. He let out a scream as he fell down a tunnel of sorts. Seconds felt like minutes and minutes felt like eternities as he continued falling, until he passed out.When he awoke, he was still falling, but gently, and after the terror dissipated, he realized he was floating harmlessly in the air. As soon as he realized it though, he felt the floating feeling vanish and he landed with a small thud. Massaging his butt, he stood up. It was pitch dark around him. He felt the urge to call out, but stopped himself at the last second. Something was clearly wrong. Where was he? Why couldn't he see? More importantly, why wasn't he afraid?He brushed around for some sort of light switch or torch and found nothing. As his eyes began to adjust, he felt the edge of the floor near him. As he turned towards that direction, a bright spotlight lit up in his face, blinding him. He shielded his eyes as the burning sear settled. It was only then that he could see that he was standing on a stage of some sort.A thrill ran through his spine. He couldn't tell why he was excited. By all accounts, he should be terrified, but something inside was spurring him on. That's when the voice rang out."Some fresh blood has joined us on stage. Welcome to the night theater! What is your name, young man?""Danos, sir. Who am I speaking to?" he replied."Welcome Danos," the voice said. "You are at the night theater, the premier artistic institution in all of the shadow realm! Be honest with me, have you always had a desire to be a stage performer?""Yes sir," Danos found himself saying without meaning to. "I've always wanted to take the stage, although I don't have much experience to speak of. But I promise I can be a dab hand, sir! Please give me a chance!""My, my. What enthusiasm!" said the voice. "Just what we love!"Danos didn't understand what he was doing. Inside his head, a part of him was screaming at himself to move, to run, something. But this part of him was becoming smaller and smaller as the voice continued, "We have just the part for you. There's a performance later today, and all we need you to do is stand still. You're a... scarecrow, of sorts. A specimen for the performance. But it is the leading role, the one the audience loves the most. Would you like to take it?"His ears perked up at that word - audience. He felt his heart jump as his mind kept yelling at him to run away. "Why, I would jump at that opportunity, sir!""Good, then we're in agreement." A scroll floated down onto the stage, floating in front of Danos' face, alongside a small pin. "If you could just touch that pin, we'll get you prepared."With the voice of reason in his head diminished to a bare whisper, Danos touched the pin, and it nicked the edge of his thumb, drawing a drop of blood that fell onto the parchment of the scroll. "It is done," said the voice, as the scroll folded up and retreated upwards. The pin settled into the breast pocket of Danos' shirt.The gallery lit up, and for the first time, Danos could see beyond the stage. He saw hundreds of blackwood chairs laid out in a semi-circular pattern ascending up the amphitheater, and at the top were plush diwans of carmine fabric, far larger than any one man could sit on. He guessed each seated six people at least.It is then that his senses returned to him, and he fully comprehended what had happened. "The shadow realm?" he thought to himself. "What have I gotten myself into?"With a hurry in his step, he walked to the edge of the stage and got down. Exiting the amphitheater, Danos rushed through the lobby and out the front door. What greeted him sent shivers down his spine as he became despondent. A desolate landscape, with leafless trees and upturned rock as far as the eye could see. Bony, winged creatures flew low in the sky, carrying crude spears and wearing belts of skulls. Near the edge of the horizon, massive pupae slithered slowly towards unknown directions and the winged creatures circled their heads like so many gnats, poking at them.Not knowing what to do, Danos walked back into the theater and sat in a corner, holding his knees and crying softly to himself. "Mareya... where are you? Where am I?"The spotlight shines down on him as his arms were wide open, a huge smile plastered across his face. The crowd erupts - the noise is shocking. The faceless crowd is loud in its cheering. He’s rooted in place, waiting. He can’t close his eyes. He can’t move. “Lo...ve... lo...ve...” A tear escapes his eye and lands on one of the hundreds of pins in his face and thousands in his body. He thinks to himself, "The...y love... me!"A devilish being walks up to him, wearing a torn, maroon silk suit and a top hat too big for its skull, in a mockery of showmanship. Flourishing five more needles to the roar of the crowd, it sticks them into Danos' neck in a spot where twenty pins already fought for purchase. He feels the pins go in, his skin now numb to the point where pain is an afterthought. "Mareya, if only you could see me now!"There was something about the stage, Danos concluded, that was morphing his mind. He didn't feel any fear, and the pain itself was minimal, a small price to pay for the adulation of this demonic crowd. The diwans at the back weren't for six people, as he'd previously thought, but instead for some of the larger demons, who each towered over twenty feet tall. They were nobility, he guessed.His attention was brought back to the stage as eight more pins went into his face. The crowd roared again.Eventually, the performance ended. The theater emptied, its hellish audience getting their kicks from the torturous display. Danos felt the stiffness in his body release as he was able to move, and with the thousands of needles still in his body, he slowly fell backwards to lie down on the stage.The ethereal voice came back, "Wonderful performance, young man! How do you feel?"Taking a moment of silence, Danos smiled. "When is the next show?"Thank you for reading. See other fiction here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vaibhavguptawho.substack.com

Hi! Thank you for listening. This is episode 129 of Everyday People.Follow Sanjana: https://www.instagram.com/_yoursoulfully/Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/vaibhavguptawho/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vaibhavguptawho.substack.com

Hi! Thank you for listening. This is episode 128 of Everyday People.Follow Neha: https://www.instagram.com/that.zany.martian/Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/vaibhavguptawho/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vaibhavguptawho.substack.com

Hi! Thank you for listening. This is episode 127 of Everyday People.Dr Abhinav's Website: https://www.sleepvigilante.com/Dr Abhinav's Talk: YouTube VideoDr Abhinav's Book: https://www.amazon.in/SLEEP-HEAL-Refresh-Restore-Revitalize/dp/1630062340Follow Dr Abhinav: https://www.instagram.com/sleep_vigilante/Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/vaibhavguptawho/My latest short story: https://vaibhavguptawho.substack.com/p/hsalihbas-fascinating-library-trip This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vaibhavguptawho.substack.com

Hi! Thank you for listening. This is episode 126 of Everyday People.Aditya's Blog: https://thesportstales.wordpress.comAditya's Music Recommendation: open.spotify.comAditya's Reading Recommendation: https://medium.com/@bhand-abFollow Aditya: https://www.instagram.com/adi_agrFollow me: https://www.instagram.com/vaibhavguptawhoMy latest short story: https://vaibhavguptawho.substack.com/p/hsalihbas-fascinating-library-trip This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vaibhavguptawho.substack.com

Hi! Thank you for listening. This is episode 125 of Everyday People.Latest story:Follow Nav: https://www.instagram.com/iamnavjain/Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/vaibhavguptawho/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vaibhavguptawho.substack.com

Thank you for listening to Hsalihba's Fascinating Library Trip! To read this short story, please come over to my Substack. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vaibhavguptawho.substack.com

Hi! Thank you for listening. This is episode 124 of Everyday People.Latest blog post: https://vaibhavguptawho.substack.com/p/ive-been-re-exploring-my-relationshipFollow Palash: https://www.instagram.com/palashmax/Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/vaibhavguptawho/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vaibhavguptawho.substack.com

Thank you for listening to Everyday People, and thank you for sharing it with a friend! 😄 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vaibhavguptawho.substack.com

Welcome to Everyday People, where people balance work and life every day.Thank you for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends. 😁 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vaibhavguptawho.substack.com

ForewordIf you're reading this, I may already be long gone... Don't worry, I'm not dead! I'm traveling again, looking for one of the Mischievers.Oh you haven't heard of the Mischievers? Understandable. They're in the shadows after all. And it's a name I came up with! And haven't put out into one of mine publications yet! Completely understandable."Mischiever" is the name I coined for mysterious beings I've encountered, or rather, barely found knowledge of, on my journeys. In a world of gods and celestial monarchs that walk freely in the light of day, there are all sorts of misbehaving entities hiding in the abscesses of darkness.I deal in knowledge, and the secret kind draws my attention the most. Secret knowledge of beings of unknown origin and power is transmitted every day, right under the noses of pompous god-kings too arrogant to turn down their haughty gaze and see; see the Mischievers dancing in the shadows!So far I've found clues of five entities. My encounters have been distant at best, as they're frustratingly elusive, and powerful enough that I'd keep my distance regardless. In this tome herein, I start with the Glutton Queen.On the island of Teressa, there was a small, ominous forest known as the Emeraldhide. On its edge, built atop lowland swamps, was a town called Divyista. It was a plucky little place, known far and wide as "The Artisan Fen".That title came from Dowb the Drinker, who one day wandered out of the Emeraldhide and collapsed in the middle of Mud Square.The nearby shopkeepers were prompt. A splash of water and a stiff slap later, Dowb was awake."W-what happened?" he asked."We should be the ones asking you, old-timer. You came out of the Emeraldhide. What madness came upon you to go in there?" asked a young Kemenari. The sun was behind them and Dowb couldn't see. The silhouetted figure offered a hand, and Dowb sat up. It was then he could make out some more of the figure.They wore a simple white tunic with navy workman's trousers and brown boots. Their hands were covered in thick black gloves, and they had padded goggles perched on top of their head, just below two curved horns. Bright garnet skin shone in the sun as a bead of sweat dripped down the side of their head. Their eyes were lightless expanses of maroon, but were somehow expressive nonetheless. They offered Dowb the bottle of water they splashed him with."Drat!" Dowb said, taking the bottle. "The witch eludes me again. This blasted forest!" He held the bottle by its neck and gently swilled it until the water inside went from clear to a honey amber colour. He quickly necked the whole thing. "Thank you for that, sonny. Who am I speaking to?""My name is [REDACTED]," the young hero replied. "Do you have family nearby who could help you? And you mentioned a witch?""Oh gods no! What would those layabouts do?!" he said. "But yes, boy. I mentioned a witch. Do I have a story for you...""Are you quite sure, sir?" the hero said. "This is very troubling news!"The young Kemenari had brought Dowb to Shanti Sunray, the town elder. Dowb proceeded to tell them about a troubling matter in the Emeraldhide. Dozens and dozens of massive, emerald beetles the size of horses had dug their way out of the marshes and weren't too far from the town itself. They could possibly infest the outer edges of the town within a week."But why were you there in the first place?" asked Sunray. "Surely one would be mad to venture into the Emeraldhide by themselves!""No... no, you don't understand. You kids never understand! It was a matter of great personal interest to me to brave the forest. I was on the hunt for the Glutton Queen! The Silken Mistress!"—he threw his arms up with great circumstance—"Madame Melir herself!"Silence."...who?" said Sunray."I have never heard of such a creature. You told me she's a witch of great power," the hero added. "One that could help with the problem you have presented before us.""Ay, that she is. One of the most powerful beings in all the lands, she hides in the shadows and only appears to a few! Her pink tent is visible only to those she deems worthwhile. It's said that she helps adventurers find their way through many difficult lands, though always at a cost.""Then perhaps she could help us with our other problem. The town's foundation has started to crumble as the marshlands of the Emeraldhide continue to expand. In a handful of years, the buildings of Divyista will begin to crumble. Perhaps your witch could help with that?" said Sunray.Dowb nodded. "If you would grant me this young hero as an escort, I may find the madame within a few days.""What do you think?" said Sunray, turning to the hero. "We've already begun talks with the village of Prerie Nam to migrate there, so we are not at the mercy of the fates. If such a witch does exist though, she could solve our problem altogether. Are you willing to brave the Emeraldhide?""I will admit, elder, I find myself wavering slightly. But with the blessing of the Mercurial Mistress, I should be okay if the town needs me."That night, the hero had trouble sleeping. They tossed and turned over in bed, unable to get comfortable, beads of sweat escaping their brow. Their forehead was scrunched, and their eyes oscillated rapidly behind their eyelids. They would sit up in the night with a startle, not fully conscious, before promptly falling back asleep, multiple times in the night.By the time they woke up, the bed was completely drenched. An unusual fatigue remained in their bones, and even the morning coffee didn't help that much.But when they began to pack their bag to travel, they found a pamphlet in it.Emboldened, they prepared for an arduous journey ahead.The path to the forest was a few hours away. Equipped with supplies for a few days, the hero and Dowb set upon the path to the Emeraldhide forest. The sun gently beat down from overhead, warm on the back of the neck. A light breeze encouraged the travelers, pushing their hair out of their eyes."Master Dowb, you seem like you've seen many journeys," said the hero, hiking up the trail. "Would you be so kind as to share a story? I wish to know why you persist in your love for adventure even at your age.""Very straightforward of you," Dowb noted, shuffling alongside them. He took a moment to think, before beginning. "...Many years ago, when I was a wee boy barely able to scrub his knees, I ran away. The world is a big place, full of different things and different people. Strange animals, stranger folk, and new stories everywhere! You know what's on the other side of the Emeraldhide, correct?""A large desert, isn't it sir?""Not just a desert, but also the Floating Plains - a vast stretch of flat farmland with a handful of settlements, and more importantly, islands floating in the sky above them!""Floating islands in the sky? What fantastical things you speak about, sir!""We're going to magic woods to see a witch and you don't believe floating islands can exist?"The hero laughed. "No sir, I did not mean to cast aspersions on you. Merely that I had not heard of these. Please do tell me more.""The sky islands of the floating plains are the remains of air titans from times gone by. Some look like clouds but feel solid like rock to stand on. Some look like wizard towers that fell over and shattered into large pieces. They're a world unto themselves."Occasionally, pieces fall to the ground below. You should see how the explorers and archeologists swarm in to take them apart. There are entire expeditions across the plains studying the pieces of these sky islands, though none have found a way to go up there themselves.Dowb gave the hero a meaningful look. "Wouldn't it be wonderful to see what is up there?""I do admit sir, it sounds wonderful. Imagine looking down upon the world from such a height. Why, what sights we would see!""I've been up there..."The hero turned to see their travel companion. Dowb was unusually clear-eyed, surveying them. The hero met and held his gaze. They couldn't tell if this old man was lying, but his eyes burned with an intensity they hadn't seen yet."Why do you wish to see this witch, Master Dowb?""I need to make my way back up there," said Dowb. He looked away and stuck his pinky in his ear, cleaning it. "I left something there that means a lot to me."The hero looked ahead to the path. "I see. Well, we shall yet find her, sir.""And what about you? Where is your calling?""I am a simple blacksmith, sir. My calling is to beat metal and create the finest tools and weapons I can. My greatest joy is my hammer"—they flourished their small hammer before stowing it back in a side pocket—" and what it can create. We have some of the best craftsmen in Divyista. I'd put our skill up against anyone." The hero beamed with pride."Can't relate," Dowb said simply.As they crested a low hill, they saw it a few hundred feet away - a pink and white striped tent, standing by the road that led into the forest. A figure stood near its entrance, with a hooked beak and a rainbow plume on the back of its neck.The figure clocked the two and turned around to go into the tent."It seems we're in luck, sir. Shall we proceed?"When they took a step forward however, the tent raised into the air, as if an invisible hand was pulling it up by its flysheet. It spiraled and contorted, and became smaller and smaller, until it flew away into the direction of the forest. The figure seemed to have disappeared. Nobody was underneath, and nothing was left in its space."Well, I guess it was never going to be that easy," Dowb remarked.The thicket grew denser as they made their way up the central road through the forest. Every manner and shade of pine, olive, and mint was visible as the evergreen jungle shone under the sun overhead. The leaves cast disparate shadows, and the air was cool from passing over several lakes.Eventually, the light dimmed as more shadow than sun fell from the trees. The air had an obstinate chill, worming its way through the hero's overcoa

I got a chance to go to a once-in-a-lifetime experience at a WWE show in Hyderabad India. Here's why it meant so much to me. If you like this, come see vaibhavguptawho.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vaibhavguptawho.substack.com

Thank you for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends. 😄All the clips are on my Instagram@thoroughandunkempt. Click a link below. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vaibhavguptawho.substack.com

Welcome to Everyday People, where people balance work and life every day.Thank you for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends. 😄 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vaibhavguptawho.substack.com

Welcome to Everyday People, where people balance work and life every day.Thank you for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends. 😄What’s new with TxUThis past week, I wrote a short blog about my decision to stop trying to read for pleasure. I’m gaming instead, and I discuss why they’re comparable hobbies.I’ve been making week-long to-do lists for a while, but it’s been on-again, off-again. This year, I’m trying to do it weekly, and I thought it’d be interesting to share insights from that here.3 things I learned from Week 2:* I started off hot in the week and then slowed down. Fatigue management is super important, especially as items get added to the list later.* Maybe I should count my habits, because they’re effort items - workouts, journal, and language learning.* The 46% completion seems low, but some of the remaining items are low-effort items that just didn’t get done, while a huge-priority item got done. I should look at balancing the difficulty of items that get added to the list.Thorough and Unkempt is a reader-supported publication. Thanks for becoming a free or paid subscriber!Everyday People with Sourav DasSourav Das is a textile designer and revivalist in the Indian fashion space, and has his own brand, Label Sourav Das.On the influence of art on him:I started like going from my music classes, like vocal classes. I did Hindustani classical music for almost 17 years when I was in schooling. Yeah, that was the time I was simultaneously going for musical classes. I also had a brief introduction to Odissi. I am also a dance practitioner. I love dance and music and designing. Then also I had a diploma in fine Arts.So it was an amalgamation of all sorts of maybe odd mediums which were available at that point of time. So I always have thought of bridging every art form that the soul carries in itself. And then to come up with a sense of aesthetics - getting sensitized to every medium, and creating something which is me, which is mine.On his work experience:So after my post-graduation, I started working with Gaurav, who is also a very affluent textile designer of this country. I worked with him for a couple of years and I got a chance to work with Mr. Sabyasachi Mukherjee. I was a design associate at Sabyasachi for a few years.And then after working for renowned fashion brands of our country, I thought of chasing my idea of designing in my own way, with full liberty. Because I also hold a certain sense of aesthetics, which I didn't get a chance to explore working for other big brands.So I thought of just starting it in a very humble way. Most artistic minds end up doing something of their own because what keeps pushing us is the liberty of chasing art the way we want to. This is why I left and started my own venture. It’s been two and a half years.On being admired and recommended by Geetanjali Gondhale (EP 110):(laughs) I think Geetanjali di is biased about me. Like, we have been more like brother and sister since years. I call her Didi and it's been a beautiful bonding since the time we met. We met at an exhibition in Bombay and then we just had a random chat.I don't know with passing time how this bond has become so strong and firm. Every time we would do some art projects, we would discuss with each other, whether with her jewellery-making or my textile-weaving. We love to discuss our thought process on artistic ideas with each other.It gives us so much satisfaction getting views from one another and implementing those ideas in our process. Because what I see in Geetanjali and probably Geetanjali di also sees in me is the aesthetics, the understanding of aesthetics; the closing your eyes and totally believing in somebody else's work. This is the bonding which has brought us very close together.And that is when they talk about the work. But as a person also, she's like, so perfect. She's the face of perfection to me. And I totally adore her as a person with a good heart. So kind, so compassionate.On balancing hours as an entrepreneur:Well, that's a very corporate way of thinking. Like how many hours you are working and how many hours you’re giving to your personal life. But trust me, me being a creative (or any creative person), it is some sort of work which is never enough. Even though we are not physically working, there would be something which is constantly going on in our mind.So maybe there will be always a doodle diary in front of us, note making. It keeps happening throughout, even though we are munching, we're in a cafe sitting there, talking to friends. Something still goes on [in our mind]. It's never enough - deriving inspiration from everywhere, jotting down notes, implementing.On reviving older styles of textiles:Recently I'm working on something called Charkhana. [It has] the design nuances which have been practiced in Banaras earlier. So today the idea of Banarasi sari is to have some floral or curvy patterns to it. It is mostly about decorative elements which are more curvy and floral.But Chaukara or Charkhana is something which is a design language or design vocabulary, which is very much linear in terms of its pattern and designing. More geometric. So this was something which was there earlier, but very few people have made those.And I thought of recreating those because these weren’t introduced to a wider scale of people, because Banarasi as a cluster, as a textile tradition, was only accessible to the noble class.On adding art to your life:Earth is still a livable place only because of art. Everything is beautiful because an artist exists. He makes a life entertaining and gives us a hope to live again. Otherwise life would have been so materialistic.We are human beings. Even animals enjoy music and whatever artistic is there in nature. So any form of art definitely gives you more willpower, I feel. And I've seen this in many artists - artists of great excellence who have been at this for years and practicing it religiously - they have better willpower than a commoner.Sourav’s Recs:See his work on Instagram: @labelsouravdasSourav recommends the following artists in the Drupad space:* Gundecha Brothers (see below)* Uday Bhavalkar* Pelva NaikLetters to MyselfHello Vaibhav,We’re in the third week of the year, which is where the motivation starts to drop precipitously. I’ve been battling some illness, some long-pending work, and a lot of fatigue.Yesterday, I was getting ready to go to the gym and I fell asleep somehow. I woke up four hours later, drooling over myself, unsure what had happened.And yet, I see things happening. A lot of the show, the journaling, everything I’m doing - these are all reflective in nature. I see things happening because I’m paying attention.It’s so easy to stop trying because we sometimes aren’t able to look past the fatigue of effort and see what has been added back into our lives. I feel very blessed that I’m able to look at myself and see what I am, not just what I’m chasing.Looking ahead constantly,Vaibhav.Last week: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vaibhavguptawho.substack.com

Welcome to Everyday People, where people balance work and life every day.Thank you for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends. 😄What’s new with you, TxU?The blogs have started coming in for the year. This past week, I published the system I use to make New Year’s Resolutions actually useful. I also made a worksheet for you to use to make the system your own!I’ve been making weekly to-do lists for a while, but it’s been on-again, off-again. This year, I’m trying to do it weekly, and I thought it’d be interesting to share insights from that here.3 things I learned from Week 1:* Trying to do 2 list items a day works well for me. This is on top of daily habits.* Accounting for everything you do makes it easier to fit new items into your schedule. You can’t do new things without cutting out something else you’re already doing, even if what you’re already doing is unproductive.* I’m very satisfied with a 68% completion rate. That’s 11 items that I may not have done without my plan. Lists are there to help me, not to make me ashamed of myself for not meeting arbitrary standards of productivity.Thorough and Unkempt is a reader-supported publication. Thanks for becoming a free or paid subscriber!Everyday People with Benoy StephenBenoy Stephen is one of the founders of Y-Ultimate, a non-profit organization that proliferates the sport of Ultimate Frisbee. Benoy himself is an athlete in the sport, and his organization works with communities to give children and young athletes another platform to grow. We had this conversation towards the end of 2022.Highlights from this conversation will be posted on Instagram.com/thoroughandunkempt.This blog post will be updated with highlights shortly.Benoy’s Recs:Follow @yultimate_org on Instagram to see the latest from them.Benoy recommended this Malayali rock song as something that helps him reflect on what is important. The title translates to “Who am I?”From the band’s soundcloud: Njan Aara (who am I?) is a song about ones identity, in this case, while introspecting matters of the heart. In the rhythmic beating of the heart one understands hidden thoughts. When one’s dreams are warmed by love, the mind wishes to awake to all things new. Old thoughts are burnt away like senescent leaves as a fire spreads rapidly through one’s senses.Keep the flame burning. Even when there is no hope and dark thoughts threaten to loom and build a fortress around the mind, even if sunshine is but a distant memory; know yourself and you will be able to find a way to accept a crown of thorns and swim tirelessly in troubled waters.Thorough and Unkempt is a reader-supported publication. Thanks for becoming a free or paid subscriber!Letters to MyselfHello Vaibhav,There’s a very real meta-thread that runs in my head about everything. I think about the way I think, and the energy that I attribute to this show and other things I create takes up a non-zero number of hours every week.I realize that I want to be more specific and share stories here, because even though these are letters to myself, they are out there for others to read, so let’s reflect on a couple of specifics.On Christmas day 2022, I was in Pondicherry on a vacation with my best friend. I got to go into the ocean no less than three times. It was everything.I am a beach guy, always have been. There is nothing as beautiful as the ocean - an infinite expanse right in front of us. The stars are far away, the water is at our feet, calling us in.When I stood in the water, with every retreating wave, it felt like every slight, every emotion, every thought was being pulled away from me, one by one. The Infinite laughs at your problems; it takes them and turns them into salt crystals.At some point in my life, I want to live in a beach city. I want that sometime to be in my thirties, and I think I’m going to start working towards making that happen. I want to let the ocean pull everything out of me. It’ll be exciting to see what emerges afterwards.Oceanchild,Vaibhav.Last week: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vaibhavguptawho.substack.com

Welcome to Everyday People, a show featuring the admirable people all around us. Here are your timestamps:* 00:00 What’s new with you, TxU?* 09:00 Everyday People w. Luvena Rangel* 01:12:16 Letters to MyselfEveryday People — Luvena RangelLuvena Rangel is a yoga teacher-trainer and runs The Curvy Yogi. She’s also a single mother of three. We had a fantastic conversation about the appeal of teaching, being extroverts and communicators, and financial literacy.Highlights from this conversation will be posted on Instagram.com/thoroughandunkempt.Luvena’s Recs:* curvyyogime.wordpress.com* luvenarangel.wordpress.com* luvenasreads.wordpress.com* https://www.facebook.com/curvyyogime/* https://in.linkedin.com/in/luvenarangelThorough and Unkempt is a reader-supported publication. Thanks for becoming a free or paid subscriber!Letters to MyselfHello Vaibhav,Another new year has started, and I am coming into it with a clean bill of health. I feel excited.But my excitement is muted, and I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s just caution. As I enter undisputed adulthood AKA my thirties, I find that all excitement is tempered with caution.I’ve learned this from the people around me, from people on the internet. It feels like it’s taboo to express unfettered enthusiasm because things go wrong so quickly. There’s always a reason to feel bad, or gloomy, or cautious.But for now at least, I have goals again to distract me. I’ve made my New Year Resolutions, I’ve made my quarter plan. I wake up joyous, though sore as s**t. I’m willing to try erasing this taboo of enthusiasm, and instead of caution, approach it with grace.There’s always a reason to feel bad, but by practicing grace, I am ready to feel genuinely excited again.2022 was good to me, and I’m looking forward to reading through my journals and my previous letters, and summarize what I learned. And I’m looking forward even more to new things, new experiences, and new people.Looking forward to new,Vaibhav. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vaibhavguptawho.substack.com