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In this episode Seema and Dinesh welcome Paraag Maddiwar. He shares his journey from the hills of Eastern Kentucky to the boardrooms of corporate America, and ultimately, to a life shaped by intentional choice and purpose. More than just a career retrospective, this conversation dives deep into what it means to redefine success, uncover agency within constraints, and confront cultural narratives that often dictate our ambitions before we’ve had a chance to dream for ourselves.

From dismantling the myth of luck to exploring the Asian leadership gap, this episode offers a profound look at how cultural identity, privilege, and personal values intersect in the modern workplace. Whether you're an aspiring leader, someone rethinking your professional path, or just in need of a fresh perspective on fulfillment, you’ll walk away with insight, and perhaps a challenge, to ask yourself what success truly means, and whether you're living it.

Paraag Maddiwar was born in New York City, raised in rural Eastern Kentucky, holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Columbia University and a master’s degree in business administration from New York University.

Prior to taking an early retirement as a Director at Procter & Gamble, Paraag had a highly varied 20-year career spanning the manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain functions across 4 business units and 5 locations.

Most recently, Paraag established the Professional program at the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers in service of his mission to build the leadership potential and business impact of the Asian-heritage STEM professional community, in no small part driven by personal experiences with the strong Asian ERG program at Procter & Gamble. Paraag crafted a unique and roundly loved win-win-win business model across SASE, 100+ companies, and 75+ training partners. Paraag’s programs at SASE annually delivered >35,000 hours of programming to >9,000 attendees and more than $1 million of revenue.

Paraag lives in Cincinnati, OH, with his partner of 15 years, along with their troop of 3 dogs and 3 cats.

The views expressed in the podcast do not reflect the views of any organization affiliated with the hosts or any guest.

Connect with Paraag: 

Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paraag/

Website: www.paraagmaddiwar.com

Links: 

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

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If you've ever felt the itch to start over, the tug to try something new, or the self-doubt that creeps in when life shifts direction, this episode is for you. Hosts Seema and Dinesh sit down with abstract media artist Karriena Daryanani, whose journey from Hong Kong to California, from fashion design to jewelry to full-time art, is a testament to the power of reinvention. With candid moments, vulnerable truths, and a whole lot of inspiration, Karriena opens up about navigating identity shifts, confronting “head trash,” and embracing creativity as a path to deeper fulfillment.

Whether you consider yourself an artist or not, Karriena’s wisdom on slowing down, staying present, and letting creativity guide you might just reframe how you view your everyday life. And if you’ve ever told yourself, “I’m not a creative person,” this conversation might prove you wrong.

Karriena Daryanani is an abstract mixed media artist originally from Hong Kong, now based in California. She holds a degree in Fashion Design, a degree in Education, and a Master’s degree in Educational Technology. Karriena began her career in the fashion industry, later transitioning into the jewelry world before discovering her passion for art and education. She has launched her creative career twice, once in Hong Kong and again in California — successfully growing her art business while also teaching high school art. She is now a full time practicing artist.

Karriena believes that creativity is for everyone and that integrating it into our daily lives can lead to a better quality of life. Her artwork centers around the often-overlooked “moments” in our day-to-day routines—small, quiet experiences that hold emotional weight and meaning. Through her work, she invites viewers to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the beauty in the everyday.

The views expressed in the podcast do not reflect the views of any organization affiliated with the hosts or any guest.

Connect with Karriena: 

Instagram: @karriena_art  (www.instagram.com/karriena_art)

Website: www.karrienaart.com

Use code HAPPYANDHUMAN10 for a 10% discount on her website 

Links: 

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast

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On this episode, Dr. Seema Desai has a conversation with a truly remarkable guest: Dr. Deepak Kumar, a computer science professor at UC San Diego who also happens to be a playwright, composer, and lyricist. From cybersecurity research to staged readings at the Old Globe, Deepak’s journey is anything but conventional. They have a vulnerable and inspiring conversation that explores creativity, failure, and the emotional depth behind his newest play, House of India, a story set in a small-town Indian restaurant wrestling with legacy, identity, and change.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between practicality and passion, or wondered if it’s too late to start something new, this episode will leave you both challenged and refreshed. Deepak’s reflections on beginner’s mind, detachment, and the joy of rediscovering play are layered with wit and humility, making this a must-listen for anyone seeking to balance ambition with authenticity.

Deepak Kumar is a professor of Computer Science & Engineering at UC San Diego and a playwright, lyricist, and composer. His computing work focuses on how to make Internet systems safer and more secure. His plays tackle the questions that keep him up at night, whether they be about Asianness, technology, youth, board games, or soul-eating demons. His shows have been developed and produced all over, with some highlights including The Old Globe and The Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center. He is a MacDowell Colony fellow and is currently on commission from Audible and Arena Stage.

The views expressed in the podcast do not reflect the views of any organization affiliated with the hosts or any guest.

Connect with Dr. Deepak Kumar: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_kumarde/ 

House of India tickets: https://www.theoldglobe.org/pdp/25-season/house-of-india/#?startDate=2025-05-01&%3FendDate=2025-05-31

Links: 

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast

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When urgency strikes, how do you respond? In this duo episode, Seema and Dinesh discuss the hidden dynamics behind urgency, responsiveness, and people-pleasing. They explore how leadership, clear priorities, and emotional resilience shape the way we navigate unexpected demands, whether it's a client email marked “ASAP” or a personal crisis. They unpack the subtle art of managing your mind instead of letting circumstances dictate your actions.

If you’ve ever felt trapped between competing obligations, struggled with setting boundaries, or simply want to cultivate more calm in a chaotic world, this conversation is packed with insight and encouragement.

Links: 

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast

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Feeling overwhelmed by the non-stop pace of work and life? This solo episode with Seema invites you to pause and consider a simple but powerful tool that could radically shift how you approach your time, your energy, and your presence: the admin day. Seema is discussing the exhaustion that comes from chasing productivity at the expense of fulfillment and shares how reclaiming even small pockets of time can restore clarity, joy, and effectiveness in both your personal and professional life.

Whether you're juggling client meetings, family responsibilities, or just the mental noise of modern adulthood, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the value of slowing down. You'll learn why creating intentional space for yourself, whether it’s a full day, a few hours, or even just five mindful minutes, might be exactly what your soul has been craving.

Links: 

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast

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In this episode, we have Krishnan, a long-time friend, medical educator, and passionate advocate for living fully. They’re sharing memories of basketball and wings to reflections on South Asian identity, evolving life roles, and the deep human need to be seen and known beyond our professions. Krishnan shares more about his journey through family medicine, curiosity as a sustaining force, and what it means to flourish as a whole person in a world obsessed with specialization.

We’re getting into the modern expectations around happiness, tension between tradition and personal growth, and how artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape not just healthcare but the very nature of human connection. This conversation is exploring the richness of a life lived with purpose and reflection. For anyone feeling boxed in by life’s roles, looking to rediscover joy, or wondering how to stay grounded in a rapidly changing world, this episode is for you.

Krishnan Narasimhan MD is a family medicine physician, executive, and educator with a record of national leadership in academic medicine, health policy, and trying to make the health care system work for everyone.

He serves as the Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Stamford Health, leading 75 physicians at 13 locations, oversees all residency training programs, and runs an Artificial Intelligence Innovation Lab.

Previously, he was an Associate Professor at the Howard University College of Medicine, President and Board Chair of Doctors for America, and President of the DC Academy of Family Physicians. He has taken care of underserved populations for many years and led multi-state coalitions on health reform, Medicaid expansion, and covid vaccination. A sought after speaker, he has been Invited to speak at Capitol 3 times. 

His training includes the 6-year BS/MD program at Penn State University and Jefferson Medical College, residency at the University of Connecticut, a health policy fellowship at Georgetown University, and the Association of Departments of Family Medicine LEADS fellowship.

His other roles include being a husband to another physician, father to 3 kids, and being ready to be called up to the NBA any day now. Other hobbies include cooking, music, political junkie, pop culture, and keeping all his friends connected.

The views expressed in the podcast do not reflect the views of any organization affiliated with the hosts or any guest.

Connect with Dr. Krishnan Narasimhan:

www.linkedin.com/in/krishnanmd 

x @krishnanmd

Links: 

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast

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What if rest wasn’t something you earned, but something essential for healing and thriving? In episode, Dr. Seema Desai and Dinesh Melwani sit down with Dr. Sonal Patel, pediatrician and fierce advocate for moms navigating the mysterious and often overlooked “fourth trimester.” But don’t let the parenting focus fool you because this conversation goes beyond childbirth and into the heart of our culture’s obsession with achievement, productivity, and the pressure to prove ourselves.

Whether you’re a parent or not, this conversation explores what it really means to slow down, why so many of us resist rest even when we know we need it, and how reclaiming ancient wisdom, from siestas to Ayurvedic practices, might offer the way forward. 

About Dr. Sonal Patel:

Sonal Patel, MD.  She is a pediatrician, neonatologist, & breastfeeding specialist whose education has been centered on infant nutrition with its impact on development and maternal wellbeing in the 4th trimester.  She founded NayaCare in 2018. NayaCare is a home health clinic focused on improving postpartum care.  She has written several articles on this subject published in Scary Mommy, Kevin MD, and Colorado Sun.  She wrote her first book, The Doctor and Her Black Bag that examines maternal mortality in historical and personal context and solutions to reduce maternal mortality.  She is a TEDx speaker: The Economics of the 4th Trimester.  She is also the co-founder, co-executive director of Center for 4th Trimester Care, a physician-led national nonprofit organization challenging the status quo of maternal healthcare. She has co-created a breastfeeding toolkit helping mothers of premature babies achieve their breastfeeding goals:  Small Steps, BIG Gains. Lastly, since 2018, she has been a member of Good Business Colorado, a nonprofit helping small businesses have a voice in policy. She lent her voice to passing FAMLI, paid family and medical leave in Colorado.  

The views expressed in the podcast do not reflect the views of any organization affiliated with the hosts or any guest.

Connect with Dr. Sonal Patel: 

Dr. Sonal Patel (@nayacare)

NayaCare

Sonal Patel, MD - Independent Business Owner - NayaCare | LinkedIn

Tiktok: @sonalpatel4tridoc

Links: 

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast

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This week we’re diving into a raw and inspiring conversation with DJ Nish, a London-based artist who’s not only rocked dance floors across the globe but also found her footing in the midst of personal transformation. From BBC radio host to unforgettable festival sets, Nish opens up about her unexpected journey into music, the pressures and double standards of the industry, and why she chose to walk away from a marriage that no longer reflected who she was.

This conversation is about much more than nightlife and career. It’s a vulnerable look at resilience, boundaries, self-worth, and rediscovering joy on your own terms. Whether you’re navigating your own season of change, wrestling with outside expectations, or just need a reminder that it’s okay to start over, this episode might be what you didn’t know you needed. 

About DJ Nish:

DJ Nish is a highly skilled and accomplished DJ with  a strong reputation in the UK and beyond. With over  15 years of experience, she is widely recognized as  one of the most sought-after DJs in the industry. With  a weekly radio show on BBC Asian Network, as well  as performing globally in cities such as Delhi,  Santorini, Hamburg, and Oslo, DJ Nish creates an energetic atmosphere that keeps the party going all night long. 

DJ Nish is known for her exceptional ability to  seamlessly blend various genres with her extensive  knowledge of diverse musical styles, allowing her to  cater to audiences of all ages and cultures. Her sets  feature a dynamic mix of genres including Bhangra,  Bollywood, Arabic, Chart, House, Dancehall, and  Afrobeats, ensuring that everyone on the dance floor  is engaged and entertained. DJ Nish's genuine  passion for music shines through in every performance, as she takes pride in reading the crowd  and adjusting her music to create an unforgettable  experience for all. With a knack for producing  captivating mixtapes and mashups of trending songs  and beats, DJ Nish has established herself as a trendsetter in the industry. 

Additionally, she has released two Bhangra singles accompanied by music videos shot in Punjab, India.

Connect with DJ Nish: 

Mixcloud: www.mixcloud.com/officialdjnish 

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@officialdjnish 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialdjnish 

Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/Nishradio 

Additional links: linktr.ee/officialdjnish 

Links: 

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast

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Seema and Dinesh are back with another duo episode and diving into a question they hear all the time: "What's the one thing I should do to grow?" But instead of giving a simple hack or shortcut, they’re challenging the very premise of the question itself. 

Through personal stories, like an unexpected journey to barbecue school, Dinesh explores how embracing new challenges without overanalyzing can lead to an epic and fulfilling life. Seema reflects on the power of shifting our mindset, choosing joy over stress, and recognizing that how we show up for anything is how we show up for everything. 

If you're looking for a fresh perspective on growth, this conversation will leave you inspired to rethink the way you approach opportunities, challenges, and even your daily mindset.

Links: 

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast

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In this episode, Dinesh and Seema have a conversation with entrepreneur and visionary Sameer Dhar for an inspiring and deeply insightful conversation. From being named one of Canada's top young leaders to founding a successful health tech startup, Sameer’s journey is anything but conventional. He takes us behind the scenes of his bold decision to live in nursing homes for a year, his drive to revolutionize healthcare accessibility, and the personal challenges of navigating identity and purpose after a major startup exit.

This is so much more than a business success story, it's a conversation about resilience, mindset, and what it means to truly be present in the journey of life. Sameer opens up about the power of intergenerational friendships, the lessons learned from stepping into the unknown, and why he believes resolve is the word that will define his year. This conversation is packed with thought-provoking moments that will leave you rethinking your own path.

Sameer is the Co-Founder & CEO of NiaHealth, a Canadian health-tech company making proactive healthcare accessible. Previously, he founded and sold the elder-tech startup Sensassure to Essity, spending a year living in nursing homes to better understand the industry. Sameer previously studied as a Schwarzman Scholar and was named one of Canada’s Top 20 Under 20.

Connect with Sameer: 

https://www.niahealth.co/ 

Links: 

Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani

Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai

Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast