TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING

Abhay is joined by bharatnatyam dance artist and choreographer, Rukmini Vijayakumar.  They chatted about everything from sharpening her observational skills to being a spiritual artist to the effect that her bharatnatyam vocabulary has on her.
Rukmini directs the Radha Kalpa Dance Company and the LshVa artistic space.
(0:00 - 2:55) Introduction
(2:55) Part 1 - observation, reverance, practicing Bharatnatyam through neutrality
(18:09) Part 2 - describing her persona, versatility in dance, spirituality and innovation
(33:02) Part 3 - being self-aware in performance, developing and evolving as an artist
(45:41) Conclusion

Abhay is joined by actor Vidya Balan for a conversation about relatability, defining success, trusting herself and much more!
(0:00 - 2:14) Introduction
(2:14) Part 1 - First impressions, success as an actor, feeling liberated 
(14:12) Part 2 - disruption and women in Indian films, feeling content, re-invention
(25:50) Part 3 - privacy in the public space, framework of celebrity, turning 45 years old
(34:02) Conclusion

Sameer Gadhia, the lead singer of YOUNG THE GIANT joins Abhay for a conversation about his musical journey, expressions of identity, parenting, performance, Point of Origin, and even lessons in leadership. It should be noted that the words "Vyasa" and the "rizz" were both mentioned in this episode - discretion is advised.
(0:00 - 2:52) Introduction
(2:52) Part 1 - Performing and touring, American Bollywood
(14:18) Part 2 - Finishing art, identity and expression, feeling at "home"
(29:25) Part 3 - Point of Origin, evolving as an artist, teamwork and sharing
(41:26) Conclusion

Abhay chats with Congressional candidate Krystle Kaul, who is running for office in Virginia's 10th district.  They chatted about everything from being able to understand the needs of her unique district, to her upbringing and background as an Indian American, to her deep experiences and how they may resonate strongly with voters. Krystle is a national security and defense expert, having served in many roles both in and out of the Pentagon, as well as a small business owner and MIT course facilitator.  You can also learn more about her campaign at www.krystleforcongress.com and here.

(0:00 - 2:38) Introduction
(2:38) Part 1 - uniquely resonating with voters, everyday relatability, experience that matters
(14:51) Part 2 - Indian American upbringing, women who lead, unlearning and humility, opening doors
(28:40) Conclusion

To contact Krystle:

Krystle Kaul

Democratic Candidate for Congress, Virginia 10th District (VA-10)
VA-10 includes Loudoun County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fauquier County, Rappahannock County, parts of Fairfax County and Prince William County.
[email protected] | (703) 910-1547

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystle-kaul/

Website: www.krystleforcongress.com

Donate here: Krystle for Congress VA-10 

SPOTLIGHT episodes of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING feature brief chats about a unique topic or cause.

Rimjhim Gour is the founder of GRAMYA, a digital grassroots audio platform that facilitates two-way conversations on policy-related matters within rural communities.  With GRAMYA, they have hosted over 50,000 conversations. These discussions have not only facilitated a deep "knowledge transfer" among villages and groups of women but have also unveiled numerous inspiring stories of individuals who have achieved extraordinary feats despite limited resources.  She also founded and leads Sapiens Research and Analysis, a political consultancy which works on empowering villages and creating a diverse network of grassroots surveyors to gather unbiased and candid local perspectives while building a trusted ecosystem of grassroots consultants, and help drive the narrative on everything from social mobility and governing policy to political action. Currently, she has 7000+ grassroots consultants working with her across 5500+ local councils in India and South Asia, and aspires to build the largest network of rural consultants across the world. Particularly with a lens on women, Rimjhim believes in placing the power right in the hands of female nurturers of the country, affecting change for issues around women’s health, digital and financial literacy and female entrepreneurship. 

Abhay is joined again by fusion artist, songwriter, rapper, and performer RAJA KUMARI, as she embarks on her North American tour.  They chatted about everything from some spiritual reset moments, to different artistic personas, and to what she’s searching for both personally and professionally.  
(0:00 - 2:59) Introduction
(2:59) Part 1: reflections, spiritual discovery, collaborations this past year, being a fan, reintroducing herself to the diaspora
(24:36) Part 2: persona as an artist, being Svetha and Raja, making "The Bridge"
(38:27) Part 3: personal and professional fulfillment, finding someone and finding herself, peace and power
(51:11) Conclusion

Abhay chats with Matthew Spacie, founder of Magic Bus, and Will Straw, CEO of Prince’s Trust International.  As three people committed to improving the lives of children and young people, they chatted about the complexity and opportunity that comes with creating change, about the important ongoing work in India that Magic Bus and Prince's Trust International are partnering with, lessons learned and surprises along the way, and building trust!
In 2023 Magic Bus will work with about 1 million children and will place 120,000 young people in grey and white-collar jobs in India and South Asia.  Prince's Trust International works to deliver education, employability and enterprise programmes to young people around the world.  Together,  they are accelerating pathways from childhood to livelihood.
(0.00 - 3:04) Introduction
(3:04) Part 1 : Nearly 25 years of Magic Bus, scaling empathy driven work
(12:04) Part 2: Defining and appreciating success, place-based work, building ladders
(25:43) Part 3: Giving from afar, history and building trust, surprises
(35:59) Conclusion

Abhay is joined by Punjabi music artist JAZZY B, as he reflects on life and his journey.  They talked about everything from parenting to reverance to spirituality and connecting with youth.  
(0:00 - 2:48) Introduction
(2:48) Part 1: feeling at home, reverance
(13:36) Part 2: lessons from youth, Ishq Di EP and his persona, parenting
(26:03) Part 3: spirituality and Punjabi culture, mental health, thinking of legacy
(37:39) Conclusion

Abhay is joined by Prince Bhojwani (ASANA Voices), Sarah Shah (Indian American IMPACT), and Annika Sharma (That Desi Spark), three of the leaders behind the SAVE OUR HEARTS campaign. Indians and South Asians make up over 60% of the world’s heart disease cases and half of the world’s cardiovascular deaths.  This past summer, The South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act was introduced in the US Congress by Representatives Pramila Jayapal and Joe Wilson, as a bipartisan effort to fund and place a new focus on specific research and health promotion strategies for our own Indian and South Asian communities.  The #SaveOurHearts campaign aims to catalyze change and drive attention toward this issue and improving heart health for everyone.  If you are so inclined, Abhay, Prince, Sarah, and Annika also actively encourage everyone to get active and take at least a "faster uncle jog" while listening. Check out the links above on ways to get involved or donate.
(0:00 - 3:20) Introduction
(3:20) Part 1 - finding a framework, mobilizing around policy, storytelling for traction
(16:57) Part 2 - building coalitions, priority actions, asking further questions
(34:33) Conclusion

Abhay is joined by fashion designer Rahul Mishra for a conversation about slow fashion, the power of participation, and mindful luxury.  They talked about everything from patience to sustainability to his persona as a leader and a parent, to the rhythms of nature to his latest fashion theme of "We The People".  
(0:00 - 3:02) Introduction
(3:02) Part 1 - group dreaming, curiosity and parenting, problem-solving as a designer
(15:53) Part 2 - Indian fashion at Paris couture show, blending art and science, leadership, mindful luxury
(32:40) Part 3 - profit and participation and people, technology, cultivating trust, generational fashion
(46:53) Conclusion