In this Telugu podcast episode, we had one of our amazing conversations with Suma Kanakala, most commonly revered as  the queen of Telugu television, iconic anchor, actress, and household name who has hosted over 2000+ shows. She sat down with us for a  rare and unfiltered conversation. Known for her wit, spontaneity, and unmatched energy, Suma opens up like never before about her journey from Doordarshan serials to becoming Telugu TV’s most celebrated female host.

She shares how her unexpected entry began in the 1990s, her early serials like Geetanjali (the first Telugu show shot in the US), and how Avakkayara changed her life in 2006. Suma recalls her iconic Star Mahila days, shooting five episodes in a single day, and how a non-prime-time show became one of the most successful Telugu programs ever.

The conversation turns emotional as she reflects on the paradox of fame, the cost of being Suma Kanakala, and how she manages to stay kind and composed amid criticism, rumors, and intense public life. She shares how she finds balance between her public persona and private peace, revealing stories from her Palakkad roots to her life in Hyderabad.

From handling divorce rumors and creative burnout to dealing with on-stage pressure during events like Khaidi No.150, Andhrawala, and OG, Suma opens up about surviving exhaustion, emotional breakdowns, and near-death moments at stampede-prone events.

She talks about parenting, women’s career restarts, and how family support kept her grounded. Her stories about being 8 months pregnant during a pre-release event, facing period pain, and still performing show her strength as a working woman in the media.

Suma also discusses her long association with Swarabhishekam, heartfelt memories with SP Balasubrahmanyam, and how years of heavy makeup affected her health. She dives into topics like beauty standards, financial independence, and how she stays relevant despite changing trends.

With humor and honesty, she reveals fun memories from Ravi Teja’s trailer event, fan wars, and Rajiv Kanakala’s influence on her life. She opens up about their relationship, his accident, and her NGO and welfare work that reflect her compassion beyond the camera.

Suma credits her success to her presence of mind, discipline, and theatre background, saying she still observes newcomers and evolves constantly. As she talks about language, matriarchy, and Kerala traditions, it’s clear that Suma Kanakala is not just an entertainer but a symbol of resilience, reinvention, and grace. 

🎧 A heartfelt, humorous, and inspiring conversation that reveals the real woman behind the unstoppable anchor, one who made Telugu households laugh, cry, and believe in persistence.

In this Telugu podcast, we explore the fascinating world of the human brain with Dr. Sri Ram Chandra Damaraju, one of the most respected and leading neurosurgeons with over 30 years of experience. This conversation beautifully connects science, spirituality, and real-life experiences; from his recent Mt. Kailash Yatra and the mystical Manasarovar Lake to the intense precision of awake brain surgeries. Dr. Damaraju explains what happens inside an operation theatre, how patients stay conscious during surgery, why the brain feels no pain, and how neuro-anesthesia makes these extraordinary procedures possible.

We discuss real and unbelievable medical cases, like a skull being stored inside the abdomen during swelling, a child living with only one brain hemisphere, and the rare brain-eating amoeba seen in Kerala. He simplifies complex ideas like how our brain controls speech and memory, why some people can sing but not speak, and how smoking and lifestyle choices affect brain function. He also breaks down the contralateral system, the importance of the golden hour after accidents, and the emotional weight doctors carry while saving lives.

The conversation moves into the psychological and spiritual side of the brain exploring lucid dreaming, déjà vu, sleep paralysis, hypnosis, and memory. Dr. Damaraju explains what happens in the brain during these states, how fits feel to a patient, and why concentration is declining in today’s smartphone-driven world. He also shares practical insights on sleep cycles, afternoon naps, and how digital detox can restore clarity and focus.

There are deeply human moments too, where he reflects on loss, near-death experiences, and the healing power of gratitude, laughter, and mindfulness. He explains how emotions like joy and kindness can reshape the brain, how sugar harms both heart and mind, and how nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids support brain health. He touches on the role of breathing patterns, visualization, and muscle memory in extending life and improving focus, and shares why he personally uses visualization before every surgery.

The episode also covers important topics like child development, late pregnancies, Down syndrome, prion diseases, and the financial and insurance challenges around neurological treatments in India. Dr. Damaraju closes with reflections on his inspirations; from his hardworking mother to his disciplined father and how their values shaped his approach to life and medicine.

This episode is a rare mix of knowledge, compassion, and real stories that make you appreciate the miracle of the brain and the depth of human resilience. If you’ve ever wondered how your brain truly works, why we dream, forget, or feel, and how science and spirituality connect inside us, this conversation will leave you with awe and clarity about the most powerful organ we all carry within.

In this Telugu podcast episode, we sit down for an eye-opening conversation about sales psychology, insurance fraud, consumer behavior, and financial literacy, uncovering the truths behind how insurance is sold, why people fall for mis-selling, and how trust can be rebuilt in a world driven by short-term gains.

Sales. Insurance. Trust. Three words that shape how we earn, spend, and protect our money, yet remain some of the most misunderstood in India. 

We begin with the negative reputation of sales, including pushy mall offers, credit card traps, and the “forceful persuasion” mindset, and explore how Ditto trains its advisors to sell with empathy rather than pressure. From insurance frauds and hospital scams to the patterns in how Indians buy insurance, this episode breaks down why our money mindset is tuned toward instant gratification, the “Marshmallow Test” of finance, and why most people insure everything except their own lives.

You’ll hear stories about how IRDAI’s complaint system works, how unethical agents mis-sell policies, and why understanding your policy coverage, claim ratio, and nominee details can make or break your family’s future. We discuss why trust in India’s financial ecosystem is fragile, why even educated buyers fall for Ponzi schemes, and what habits can build true financial discipline.

From term vs health insurance, to inflation impact, anchoring bias, and dependency factors, we decode the full roadmap for making smarter financial choices. You’ll learn when to buy a term plan, how to calculate ideal coverage, and why being honest during your insurance declaration is the single biggest favor you can do for your loved ones.

The episode also goes behind the scenes of Finshots and Ditto’s journey from rejecting crypto ads and avoiding greed-based marketing to raising ₹4 crore from Nikhil Kamath without ever running paid ads. We explore what it’s like working alongside him, the philosophy of saying no to unethical money, and the next 18-month vision for making insurance simpler and more transparent.

Packed with real-life examples, from family disputes over unclaimed FDs to shocking claim investigation stories, this episode bridges financial awareness, psychology, and ethics. Whether you’re a young earner, a new parent, or just someone trying to understand how money, trust, and insurance really work, this conversation will change how you look at financial protection.

Listen now to decode the world of sales, insurance, and financial truth, because in a society built on mistrust, clarity is the best policy.

In this Telugu podcast episode, we sit down with Vijay Arisetty — Shaurya Chakra awardee, former IAF helicopter pilot, ex-Goldman Sachs Vice President, and the founder of MyGate and Arum, to hear a remarkable story of service, crisis leadership, corporate learning, and product-driven problem solving. Vijay’s journey runs from Air Force service and rescue missions to ISB, Goldman Sachs, and startups that now secure millions of homes.

He explains why helicopters matter: their three-dimensional agility, strict pre-flight protocols for VVIPs, and the pilot’s role in immediate response and covert logistics. He revisited 26 December 2004 in Car Nicobar, when the shoreline vanished and a tsunami struck. Vijay led evacuation sorties, rescued nearly 300 people, witnessed mass casualties, and later briefed Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam; those missions earned him the Shaurya Chakra and left lasting psychological marks.

A shoulder injury ended his flying career and nudged him to ISB and Goldman Sachs, where he learned organisational thinking, reproducible processes, and the power of consistent culture. Corporate rigor became the backbone of his entrepreneurial approach.

MyGate began as hands-on research: months working with security guards, mapping friction in gated communities, and prototyping resilient workflows. When Chennai’s internet faltered in 2017, MyGate proved its resilience and product fit. Vijay recalls Chennai 2017, when homes faced outages and MyGate kept communities connected, and he explains how small product details built lasting user trust. Today the platform protects millions of households and modernises visitor access and community management.

Arum arose from another need; insured, tamper-resistant vaults for homes where traditional lockers failed. Named after gold’s element symbol to signal trust, Arum blends hardware, insurance partnerships, and tamper-evident design to create insurable household vaults. Vijay describes field research: interviewing police, analysing theft patterns, and speaking with people who had lost valuables to build practical countermeasures. He explains why traditional bank lockers could not be insured due to opaque failure modes and mysterious disappearances, and how Arum negotiated insurance partnerships and applied tamper-evident engineering to make household vaults insurable.

On privacy and ethics, Vijay is blunt: early GDPR compliance mattered for consumer trust. He explains how access logs and photo captures were implemented to protect residents while minimising intrusion, and why transparency matters more than opaque convenience. He also points out that early GDPR compliance became a competitive advantage when onboarding cautious customers.

The episode mixes entrepreneurial gyaan with human reflection: how to spot problems users cannot name, why live research beats theorising, and how operational discipline scales products. Vijay reflects on the psychological cost of rescue work, leadership under pressure, and civic obligations from ambulance coordination to urban security design. He also discusses growth trade-offs, investor expectations, and ethical boundaries for founders. In a rapid-fire segment he names overrated industry jargon, three disciplines everyone could learn from armed forces training, and the personal inspirations that kept him moving forward.

This conversation blends defence experience, humane product thinking, and offers clear, practical takeaways for builders, policymakers, and citizens alike., organisational design, startup From serving in the armed forces to strategy, or the ethics of technology in homes, Vijay Arisetty’s story is a masterclass in resilience, curiosity, and practical innovation. Tune in for actionable frameworks on crisis leadership, product instincts and civic tech lessons.

In this Telugu podcast episode, we sit down with Niharika NM, one of India’s most loved digital creators turned actors, for an honest and entertaining conversation about life, fame, and everything in between. From creating viral sketches in her bedroom to acting alongside legends in mainstream cinema, her story is one of courage, self-discovery, and creative evolution. We trace the story behind “NM” in her name, how an unexpected YouTube upload in 2015 changed her life, and the early Facebook days that set the stage for her rise. Niharika shares how Tanmay Bhat’s early recognition pushed her forward and how she became a household name through Instagram Reels and relatable storytelling.

She reflects on the shift from the creator world to the movie industry and how both spaces differ in pressure, pay, and creative control. While the move to films has been exciting, she admits it came with challenges: unpredictable schedules, sudden fame, and finding balance between authenticity and attention. With her signature wit, Niharika discusses how creators are often used to promote films or brands and why she believes audiences connect more to honesty than to virality.

The conversation gets personal as she talks about being bullied in school, dealing with performative kindness, and using humor as a defense mechanism. Niharika opens up about body image issues, unrealistic beauty standards, and the extra scrutiny women face online. She shares how she learned to stay confident through authenticity, not perfection, and how she handles online hate, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome when numbers drop or criticism rises.

Niharika also dives into the economics of both worlds, comparing pay scales between creators and actors. She believes creator-led brands are the future because of their personal connection with audiences, though she admits the career is unstable and brutally competitive. She recalls working with Yash, A.R. Rahman, and Mahesh Babu, sharing how each collaboration shaped her understanding of professionalism and presence.

From gender bias and misplaced anger online to brand ethics and controversies, Niharika’s take on the influencer space is refreshingly real. She talks about the kind of deals she avoids, why transparency matters, and how the internet can both build and break an image overnight. Her thoughts on Gen Z humor, changing audience behavior, and how creators build influence rather than just reach offer valuable insight into today’s digital world.

As the episode unfolds, she discusses how she picks movie scripts, her process for shaping characters, and why executing comedy on screen is harder than writing it. She shares stories about Brahmanandam garu and Ravi Teja, her content towards Little Hearts movie success, and what it takes to stand out in a world that constantly wants more.

Candid, self-aware, and full of laughter, this episode captures the real Niharika NM beyond the screen. Whether you’re a young creator, a film enthusiast, or just curious about how social media fame blends with cinema, this conversation is filled with lessons, humor, and heart. It’s a reminder that behind every viral video is a person learning, evolving, and trying to stay grounded in a fast-changing digital world.

In this Telugu podcast episode, we step into the world of law with Pavan Kumar Duvva, Advocate and Partner at The Law Chambers  as he reveals the realities behind one of India’s most respected yet misunderstood professions. From his first courtroom experiences to the truth about how much young lawyers actually earn, he explains why law is both rewarding and punishingly difficult. A fresh graduate may begin with a modest salary, but with skill and persistence some go on to command astronomical fees. That gap between promise and struggle sets the stage for a raw conversation about the profession.

He reflects on how society’s view of lawyers has changed. Once dismissed with suspicion and stereotypes, lawyers are now regaining respect as people see their importance in disputes, contracts, and daily life. But Pavan was candid about the flaws too...nepotism, corruption, and why casual judgments from the outside rarely capture courtroom depth. Asked whether he ever wanted to be a judge, he notes that it means sacrificing almost 80% of social life and income, requiring a completely different mindset.

The discussion dives into advocacy’s dilemmas: what if you know your client is guilty, how intention matters in crime, and why every case is a unique puzzle. Referencing Ram Jethmalani interviews and high-profile cases like Sahara and Agri Gold, Pavan explains how loopholes are exploited, how backend manoeuvres unfold, and why advocacy is never simple logic. He also shares how lawyers face client conflicts, threats, and even strange requests from people seeking advice on fraud.

From the famous Disha case to everyday tenancy disputes and corporate law for entrepreneurs, Pavan brings ground realities alive. He highlights jurisdiction errors, with nearly 10% of cases lost at the very first step and the crushing burden of pending cases. For him, “justice delayed is justice denied” is not a slogan but a daily battle. He also compares cinema with reality, pointing out what *Jolly LLB* gets right about courtroom strategy and what it dramatizes.

The episode brims with anecdotes: how lawyers prepare for multiple cases in a day, why voice and body language matter as much as statutes. He shares candid views on the Nirbhaya case, the juvenile sentence, the police’s investigative role, and why cooperation between police and advocates is essential.

Beyond litigation, he offers practical advice for businesses: why valuation matters, common fundraising mistakes, and traps every founder should avoid. He critiques sensational media trials, showing how narratives form before facts are proven, often harming both justice and society. His reform wishlist includes better infrastructure for heritage courts, stronger police manpower, and law education in schools so citizens know their rights and duties.

Through it all, his passion shines. He admits he draws inspiration not from one figure but from the craft itself , its challenges, unpredictability, and social impact. What excites him is that advocacy is intellectually demanding and never repetitive; what frustrates him are endless delays and adjournments. With humour, seriousness, and clarity, he paints law as it really is; difficult, messy, and deeply human.

If you’ve ever thought law is irrelevant unless you’re in trouble, this episode will change your mind. By the end, you’ll see how law shapes every aspect of life, why lawyers matter far more than stereotypes suggest, and why knowing even the basics can empower us all.

Sid Sriram – Singer, Composer, and PerformerThis one’s a new attempt — The Raw Jam - unlike our usual conversations, this episode is mainly in English and takes the form of a free-flowing jamming session.In this special episode, Sid Sriram opens up about his journey through music, the deeper purpose behind his art, and why he still doesn’t speak Telugu despite being loved by millions here. He shares his honest take on the controversy around his Telugu pronunciations, his opinion love and alot more.Between these heartfelt conversations, we jammed — a lot, with the entire team. 🎶From spontaneous tunes to emotional melodies, every note came from a place of truth and raw emotion.Sid reflects on how his upbringing shaped his sound, how he balances commercial success with artistic authenticity, and what keeps him grounded amidst fame and constant scrutiny. This episode is filled with warmth, depth, and the kind of honesty you rarely get to hear from artists at his level.If you’ve ever connected with Sid’s music, this one will feel personal.A raw, musical, and soul-stirring conversation that goes beyond just words.

In this Telugu podcast episode, we sit down with Siddhu Jonnalagadda, one of the most versatile actors and writers in the Telugu film industry, to uncover the real man behind the cult one-liners, witty characters, and bold career choices. From his most expensive regrets to the punchlines that made him a fan favorite, Siddhu opens up about the highs, lows, and lessons of his journey so far.

He reflects on nearly 15 years in cinema—moments when budgets spiraled, projects tested his patience, and expectations weighed heavy. Yet not once did he think of quitting. Being self-made, he says, leaves no space for the luxury of flops—financially, mentally, or emotionally. With refreshing honesty, Siddhu compares the ease and difficulty of acting versus writing, and how switching between the two keeps him grounded.

From DJ Tillu to his latest ventures, he shares fan-favorite dialogues, the prep rituals that keep him sharp, and how meeting with friends every fortnight keeps characters alive. He laughs at how social media paints travel as glamorous, contrasting it with the reality of family trips, airport chaos, and food experiments—from sushi to Chinese platters. He even unpacks the FOMO culture around food and lifestyle, balancing it with the humor of his middle-class upbringing.

The conversation dives into his bond with Jr. NTR, filled with brotherhood, gym promises, and stories that reveal Tarak’s ability to talk about anything under the sun. Siddhu also addresses the heavier side of the industry—caste allegations in promotions, sensationalism in interviews designed to go viral, and the overwhelming pressure of standing out in a world drowning in content. With his film Telusu Kada, he believes he’s redefining a genre, while stepping into one of the darkest roles attempted in Telugu cinema with his another cinema.

Beyond films, Siddhu speaks about spirituality, survival mode, and the middle-class dinner-table conversations that shaped him. He reflects on humor born from pain, the unfairness of men’s everyday struggles, and who he turns to when the lows hit hardest. He candidly decodes unforgettable roles like Bunny in Ala Vaikunthapuram and the raw energy of Pushpa, while questioning how audience perceptions shape an actor’s image. He doesn’t skip over the hidden costs of “hero maintenance,” the brand obsession after DJ Tillu 1, and what it really takes to keep up in the industry.

From childhood experiences with his mother, his earliest roles in web series, and roasting sessions at home, to his views on luck, opportunity, and the fear of missing great scripts, this episode is as raw as it gets. Siddhu reveals his inspirations, the advice that shaped him, and why happiness, to him, can mean both ten rupees and crores.

Unfiltered, witty, and deeply relatable, Siddhu Jonnalagadda speaks about life, cinema, and survival with rare honesty.

Whether you’re a fan of his films, a dreamer chasing your own path, or simply someone curious about what it takes to thrive in today’s content-heavy world, this conversation will leave you inspired, entertained, and thinking differently about success.

In this Telugu podcast episode, we sit down with Dr. Bhaskar Rao Bollineni, one of India’s leading cardiothoracic surgeons and the visionary founder behind KIMS Hospitals, to trace an extraordinary journey that begins in the unlikeliest of places. Before he wore the doctor’s coat, he was a sarpanch in the 1990s but then life pulled him in a different direction. Influenced by a local RMP doctor and a deeply personal incident involving his sister. He says he chose medicine, not for money, but out of respect for the profession and a burning desire to save lives. Why cardiac? Because the heart, to him, represented both the fragility and resilience of human existence.

He opens up about the evolution of Aarogyasri, the landmark health scheme launched by YSR, the real intent behind it, and how he came to be part of its initiation. With candid honesty, he discusses the allegations of misuse, how the rich often exploited benefits meant for the poor, and why the insurance premium model needs a serious rethink. He also explained how co-payment can change the way people look at health care in India; Dr. Bhaskar Rao takes us through the economics of healthcare & employment generation. His insights turn into practical advice for every listener—why money spent on health is not an expenditure but an income, how small rechecks in our budget can save us from becoming poor. His brutally honest examples will make you rethink how you view your health & security.

The conversation goes deeper into what it truly means to be a doctor. His practical advice for young students…a personal SWOT analysis, being an observer in the field before committing, the real meaning of education beyond degrees, the widening gap between education & employment, the dignity of labour that’s celebrated in developed countries but often overlooked in India. He then recalls unforgettable medical cases, the dilemma of handling critical patients with little chance of survival, and the emotional toll of explaining death to grieving families. With empathy, he highlights why quality of life matters more than mere quantity and how end-of-life care must be treated with dignity.

We also explore the nuts and bolts of running a large hospital chain; the unsung role of paramedics and hospital staff, the urgent need for reskilling, the pay disparities, and the importance of continuous training. As a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon, he walks us through the sheer complexity of organ transplants, the magic of preserving hearts at sub-zero temperatures, and the drama of green channel operations that use chartered flights to save lives. He sheds light on the story behind KIMS--one of India’s most accessible and quality-driven hospital networks, and even expanding into Afghanistan. He responds to allegations about corporate hospital pricing, and demystifies advanced technologies like Gamma Knife, MRgFUS, robotic surgeries, and the economics behind them.

Beyond medicine and management, Dr. Bhaskar Rao shares his thoughts on everyday health; food, exercise, and discipline. He reflects on how values must be built in childhood, and how his own upbringing shaped his worldview. From 108 ambulances to civic responsibility, from private equity pressures to doctor poaching, no subject is off the table in this raw and eye-opening discussion.

Whether you’re a student, a doctor, a policymaker, or simply someone who cares about health and life, this conversation with Dr. Bhaskar Rao Bollineni will leave you inspired, informed, and questioning how we as a society value healthcare.

In this Telugu podcast episode, we sit down with Satish Babu Garu, senior journalist with over four decades of experience in Telugu media. Known for his fearless programmes Dharmapeetam and Journalist Diary, he takes us through untold stories, rare encounters, and unforgettable moments with towering leaders like NTR, YSR, KCR, Jayalalitha, Chandrababu Naidu, Nadendla Bhaskar Rao, Renuka Chaudhary, and others.

Produced with his own money, nearly ₹14 lakhs, Dharmapeetam became a landmark show at a time when private electronic media was just taking shape. Without fear or compromise, the show gave a way to ask the questions no one else dared to. From delicate issues to personal truths, the programme redefined Telugu journalism.

He recalls his powerful memories with NTR, the journey from Gemini office to Dharmapeetam in NTR’s favorite Maruti 800, the leader’s habit of never using black ink, and the heartfelt appreciation he received after the show. The episode, shot in October and telecast on January 15th, became historic. A few days later, on January 18th, 1996, NTR passed away suddenly, making that telecast one of the last candid conversations with the legendary leader.

Satish Babu also shares insider perspectives on YSR’s meteoric rise--how TV amplified his popularity, why his death triggered an emotional wave across Andhra Pradesh, and the rare culture of devotion that led to suicides after his passing. He highlights the role of media in building leaders, and the personal connection his own family felt during that time.

From Jayalalitha’s humiliation in the Tamil Nadu Assembly and her vow to become CM, to Chandrababu Naidu’s bomb blast episode, Satish Babu analyzes how leaders face crises, and what journalists must learn from such moments. He recalls the attack on IPS Umesh Chandra, naxalite encounters, and the balance required to report injustice on both sides.

The podcast then travels into the Telangana agitation: KCR’s hunger strike, the Million March at Tank Bund, and the role of electronic media in intensifying the movement. Satish Babu reflects on why movements succeed, when they lose control, and why KCR eventually faced defeat after a decade of power.

Beyond politics, we see Satish Babu the person; camera-shy, preferring to stay behind the scenes, sometimes battling alcohol, yet brutally honest about its effect on his career. He opens up about facing hate comments, accusations of bias, corruption allegations, and why a journalist’s job is to reveal truth regardless of party lines.

Drawing inspiration from Karan Thapar’s fearless interviewing style, he explains the difference between seeing and truly observing. From covering disturbing bomb culture stories in Kadapa, to calling Justice Waghray directly for NTR’s case while still in his twenties, to recording voices of constables in Adilabad encounters, Satish Babu’s career shows what fearless journalism looks like.

Along the way, he remembers unusual incidents: a temple shut down after Dalit entry, Gandhi Hospital negligence case, his first computer bought with a 1-lakh loan (20 MB hard disk, 2 MB RAM), and acting cameos in films like Ganesh and Yatra.

In this episode, Satish Babu also talks about family, women’s role in his life, profit vs. principles in journalism, and advice for the next generation of creators. For him, contributions may feel “negligible,” but his legacy of courage speaks volumes.

Whether it is Dharmapeetam’s 50 bold episodes, the final interview with Gaddar just before his attack, or the emotional truths of Telangana politics, Satish Babu Garu’s journey reminds us why journalism matters.

If you’re someone curious about Telugu politics, fearless interviews, the evolution of journalism, leadership stories, and insider perspectives on NTR, YSR, KCR, Jayalalitha, and Chandrababu Naidu, this episode is a must-listen.