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In this episode, I’m talking to Chhavi Sachdev. She’s an independent podcast producer, consultant, and coach. Basically one-stop-shop for podcast production. She is also the most experienced podcaster in India; she has been making podcasts since 2008.

She is also a multimedia journalist and has worked with names like BBC, PRI and NPR. When she moved back to India from the US almost 10 years back, she saw almost nobody in India was working with the new intelligent medium of storytelling which was podcasts. So she embarked on this long journey of making the Podcast medium relevant in India. Like smart and intellectual radio stations.

Meanwhile, Chhavi worked on interesting projects and co-founded IVM which is a big podcast production company now, but she left after a short stint and eventually founded Sonologue which is her own podcast production company. She has worked on a wide array of projects in Audio and it reflects in her production value.

Chhavi has also been conducting regular workshops for individuals, colleges, corporates, as well as NGO’s. Her 4-hour crash course in podcasting is fairly popular.

In this conversation, we cover many of the things about podcasting, the state of radio industry in India. Her productive routine, tools and tips about podcasting.

I had a blast having this conversation with Chhavi.

So without further adieu, please enjoy this conversation with Chhavi Sachdev.

Links and references from the episode –

People mentioned –

• Arghya Lahiri – Theater person Chhavi Worked with while creating audio tours experience
• Sam Harris – Mentioned by Himanshu in reference to Meditation
• Tara Brach – Mentioned by Chhavi in reference to Meditation
• Kristin Neff – Mentioned by Chhavi in reference to Meditation/Affirmation
• Kenneth Soares – Mentioned by Chhavi in reference to sleeping Meditation
• Marc Silver – Editor in NPR

Podcasts Chhavi is listening to –

• Hello from the Magic Tavern – improvisational comedy (NSFW)
• Dirty John – True Crime
• Victoriosity – Steampunk Sci-Fi
• The World from PRI
• The Daily from the New York Times

Books she recently read –

• Maybe you should talk to someone by Lori Gottlieb
• The lost city of the monkey god by Douglas Preston

Quotes mentioned –

• (In the context of Podcasting with an exclusive platform) If you are going to bed with somebody, then either you be in it and be getting something from it, or you don’t and make yourself available everywhere.
• Sometimes, you need to say No to people, it’s necessary.
• There are people who will help you amplify your voice without tamping it down.
• I feel like going to a counsellor is like taking your car for maintenance. Everybody should go.

Interesting references –

• H1B Visa
• Green Card
• Podcasts mentioned-
  • The LSD Cast
  • Tall tales take away
  • Maed In India
  • Cyrus says
• 9/11 incident – the day when she graduated her masters.
• Audio Compass – The company which designed audio experiences as tours for historic or heritage places.
• The footsteps of the Raj – Gateway of India
• Kala Ghoda (Black town and White town divide)
• Old women’s island
• Oval Maidan – Until the early 20th century the vast expanses of the Oval Maidan, Azad Maidan, Cooperage Ground and Cross Maidan formed the area known as Esplanade.
• Anchor podcast app
• Luminary podcast platform
• Dolly Parton Challenge
• Audio Book mentioned by Himanshu – Good Omens
• Neil Gaiman Podcast episode mentioned by Himanshu – in context of Fountain pens

The ways you can connect with Chhavi –

• Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Sonologue Links –

• Website
• Instagram
• Twitter

Indie Pod Collective Group Links –

• Facebook Group
• WhatsApp Group
• Slack Channel Admission Request

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