TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING

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

Avani Modi Sarkar,  is the co-founder of MODI TOYS and has used her own parenting experiences as well as the power of playing with toys to keep Hindu culture and tradition alive for many other families across the globe. Avani noticed a few years ago, especially as a new parent, that kid-friendly play-based elements that spoke to the heritage that she cared about weren't representative of the evolving community of South Asian, Hindu, and multicultural families. Along with her brother, she launched Modi Toys in 2018 to 'diversify the toy box' and connect families better through items like plush toys that sing mantras representing Hindu deities,  as well as educational books and rangoli kits - all ethically and sustainably made in India. 

Abhay chats with DJ and producer, Krunal Ghorpade, also known as KRATEX, who blends house music and Marathi music together.  They talked about how "M-House" got started, the value of making music that matters most to him, about connecting generations, and about the discoveries and surprises along the way.  From 120bpm to a Tutaari to "Baatlibaai",  the party is on!
(0:00 - 2:17) Introduction
(2:17) Part 1 - Surprises of Marathi House Music, expressing Marathi culture in a new way

(12:51) Part 2 - Making M-House work, finding music and culture all around you

(29:43) Part 3 - scaling and collaborating, being content and happy with the art

(38:58) Conclusion

Abhay is joined by athlete and baseball player, Arjun Nimmala, who as a new Toronto Blue Jay, is looking to become the first player of South Asian descent to play in an MLB game.  They talked about the draft, his transition as a rookie, his playing style, and even his thoughts on the pitch clock and the best shortstop of all time!
(0:00 - 2:55) Introduction
(2:55) Part 1 - transition from the draft to rookie ball, being a student of the game
(15:26) Part 2 - different pathway to baseball, drive and competitiveness, being an Indian American player
(31:25) Part 3 - individual and team achievements, baseball training and preparation, legacy
(42:17) Conclusion

Abhay is joined by 3rd generation coffee roaster, Tanya Rao, the founder and owner of Kaveri Coffee Works, among the only women owned Indian coffee companies in the US.  From monsoon coffee to the tradition and routine of South Indian filter kaapi to starting a business, they chatted about it all.  
(0:00 - 3:05) Introduction
(3:05) Part 1 - routine and anchors, growing up in a family with a coffee business tradition
(14:33) Part 2 - lessons from parenting and parents, pride and values of Kaveri coffee, finding a community and developing a new Indian coffee tradition in America
(30:03) Part 3 - coffee nostalgia vs coffee innovation, building a new legacy
(44:18) Conclusion

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

Nilam Patel is an author and an artist  bringing readers into a world of profound introspection and self-discovery through her unique and captivating voice. In the pages of “Finding Her Being Her: A Journey of Poems,” Nilam's empathic narrative inspires readers to halt in life’s tumult and explore their thoughts and emotions. Initially written as a means of personal healing, this book evolved into a beacon of inspiration and empathy for young girls and women in all stages of life. Each carefully crafted poem serves as a gateway to introspection, leaving readers lost in thought as they reflect on their experiences. With chapters dedicated to femininity, grief, relationships, self-love, and motherhood, this collection unveils the complexities and beauty of womanhood. Nilam aims to guide readers in overcoming life’s obstacles and instilling the belief that they possess the strength to triumph over any challenge.

Abhay is joined by singer, activist, and content creator, Avanti Nagral.  They chatted about connecting many themes, communicating with several generations, measuring success, and what questions she's asking herself these days.
(0:00 - 2:47) Introduction
(2:47) Part 1 - finding herself, music as sanctuary, talking with her Aaji
(16:43) Part 2 - reflecting on empathy, measuring success, privacy
(32:53) Part 3 - staying relevant,  maturing gracefully, asking questions that cultivate trust

Abhay is joined by the co-founder, CEO, and chef of the Chai Pani Restaurant Group, Meherwan Irani.  They chatted about his ongoing experiences with nostalgia, learning from the American South, and cultivating a food and spice empire.
(0:00 - 3:11) introduction
(3:11) Part 1: being a romantic, that classic American "bhel puri" story
(14:24) Part 2: "andaaz", living in the American South, strategy/consistency
(29:29) Part 3: letting go, cooking with professional patriotism, the descriptive word jumble
(40:46) Conclusion

Abhay hosts a conversation with members of the world's first and premiers South Asian a capella group, PENN MASALA. Raghu Raman, Prateek Adurty, and Gaurish Gaur joined Abhay to chat about their recent India tour, to college life as students, to energizing as a group!
(0:00 - 2:50) Introduction
(2:50) Part 1 - Suprises from the recent India tour, preparation as a group
(13:07) Part 2 - fusing multiple genres, re-energizing with down time, and student life as a PENN MASALA member
(28:36) Part 3 - musical relevance, alumni, and what they hope audiences yearn for
(39:41) Conclusion

Abhay is joined by Prachi Shevgaonkar, climate activist and the founder of the COOL THE GLOBE app and startup. 
If you ask the question, “what can I do about climate change?”, Prachi has an answer for you and her remarkable aim has been to help people set targets, take action, and track progress. 
They chatted about unlearning, influencing policy, and personal empowerment. 
(0:00 - 2:34) Introduction
(2:34) Part 1 - letting go of norms, capital and carbon
(14:36) Part 2 - combating futility, Prachi's personal journey toward COOL THE GLOBE
(21:40) Part 3 - leading with empathy, individual empowerment
(29:06) Conclusion

Abhay is joined by political commentator and public interest attorney, Kaivan Shroff.  They talked about everything from longevity in the political news cycle to two Indian American Republican presidential debaters to mentorship.  
(0:00- 2:13) Introduction
(2:13) Part 1 - newscycle longevity, centrism, democrat strategy
(14:43) Part 2 - Ivy league merit, identity, Republican debate, surprising validators
(37:54) Part 3 - identity politics for Indian American candidates
(45:46) Part 4 - over-woke cancel culture warriors, mentorship lessons