TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING

Abhay chats with Gayatri Chouhan, an online craft artist, as she shares her journey from a childhood hobby to a thriving online community. She emphasizes the importance of simplicity and affordability in crafting, making it accessible for everyone. Gayatri discusses the significance of storytelling in her crafts, the role of mistakes in the creative process, and how she caters to various skill levels. She also touches on the balance between crafting and managing a business, and her desire to explore new materials and share. 

(0:00 - 2:01) Introduction
(2:01) Part 1 - First crafting experiences, simplicity in art, making mistakes and affordability
(11:54) Part 2 - Motion and change, crafting for all occasions
(24:15) Conclusion

Abhay shares a conversation with actor Paras Patel, best known for his standout role as Matthew in the global series "The Chosen."

They chatted about his journey from growing up in Florida to acting,  emphasizing the importance of staying true to one's roots, the significance of mental hygeine, and the responsibility through his portrayals he feels as an ambassador for the neurodivergent community. Paras also reflects on the evolving landscape for Indian American artists and the importance of self-worth over external validation. 

(0:00 - 2:30) Introduction
(2:30) Part 1 - the acting journey, slowly building a sense of purpose
(15:18) Part 2 - lessons learned, identity and being an Indian American actor
(27:36) Part 3 - empowerment in Hollywood, cultivating trust, staying in the moment
(38:50) Conclusion

Happy Diwali to everyone!

Abhay engages in a profound conversation with acclaimed and award-winning Indian lawyer, child rights activist, and founder of Just Rights For Children, Bhuwan Ribhu. They discuss the evolution of child protection laws in India, the challenges of child marriage and trafficking, and the importance of building trust and accountability in advocacy efforts. Bhuwan shares insights on the systemic changes needed for effective child protection and the motivation that drives his work. Their chat highlights the significance of community engagement and the role of justice in preventing child exploitation. Over two decades, Ribhu has championed major legal reforms in India to combat child labor, child marriage, trafficking, and child sexual exploitation, filing more than 60 strategic cases before the Supreme Court and High Courts. His efforts have shaped national policy, triggered landmark Supreme Court judgments, and, in 2025, earned him the Medal of Honour from the World Jurist Association—the first Indian lawyer to receive this global recognition for advancing justice and protection for children.
At the 2025 UNGA meeting in New York, Bhuwan and the Just Rights For Children team were invited to spotlight global leadership and call urgent, justice driven commitments to build a Child Marriage Free World.

(0:00 - 2:43) Introduction
(2:43) Part 1 - Evolution of child protection laws, scaling globally
(10:04) Part 2 - Building trust, securing the role of justice
(23:22) Part 3 - Lessons learned in activism, motivations for the future
(30:41) Conclusion

Learn more about this important work and how to get involved at:
https://www.justrightsforchildren.org/
https://www.justrights.international/

Abhay is joined by Aditi Kinkhabwala, an NFL on CBS sideline reporter, sharing her journey into sports journalism, discussing her unique experiences, the importance of authenticity, and the challenges faced in the industry. She emphasizes the significance and evolution of preparation, and the impact of her identity as an Indian American woman. Aditi also reflects on the role of parenting in her career and the importance of representation in sports media. For you QB's out there, "Kem Cho" or "Chalo Chalo" may be the new "Omaha" or "Here We Go".

(0:00 - 1:43) Introduction
(1:43) Part 1 - First NFL memories, preparation on the sidelines
(13:48) Part 2 - NFL Pundit, controversial takes, halftime interview
(28:00) Part 3 - Parenting and cultivating relationships, representation
(41:25) Conclusion

Shout out to anyone who may be facing an upswing of Indian American hate right now - you’re not alone and check out some of the resources here:
https://stopaapihate.org/

Abhay is joined in conversation with Rich Verma, the former US Ambassador to India, former deputy Secretary of State, and current Chief Administrative Officer at MasterCard. They explore Rich's journey from being a son of Indian immigrants to a prominent leader in both the public and private sectors. They chatted about leadership, the importance of listening and empathy, the complexities of US-India relations, and the evolving definition of American identity in the context of immigration. He even touched on music and his dad coming to America with a few dollars in your pocket. Rich emphasizes the need for continuous learning and the value of diverse perspectives for a strong United States in a global context.

(0:00 - 1:54) Introduction
(1:54) Part 1 - Music, navigating public/private sector transitions
(15:00) Part 2 - Leading upwards, new challenges for the Indian immigrant experience
(27:08) Part 3 - Indian American-ness, new challenges for the US-India relations, cultivating trust
(38:38) Conclusions

Shout out to everyone for a Happy Navratri and to Suman and Preethi at the Indo American Arts Council. 

In this SPOTLIGHT episode, Abhay shares a conversation with Abhijit Bansod, an award-winning designer, discusses his journey as a cultural designer, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, the influence of Indian culture on design, and the continuous evolution of a designer's mindset. He explores the complexities of defining Indian design, the balance between nostalgia and innovation, and the impact of design on identity and confidence in cultural narratives.

Learn more about Abhijit's work here:
Studio ABD
Tigoona
MUBHI

Introduction:
We talk a lot these days about the soft power of India and the effect it has on a global stage. It seems more and more like that cultural power has had a profound impact on hearts, minds, memories, and markets throughout the world. I often have wondered about how this all has been designed, about the vision it takes to create the ideas, and about the execution required to bring tradition to life in a way that both feels new and has lasting impact.  Thankfully, to help guide us, I shared a conversation with Abhijit Bansod, a visionary  designer who has been orchestrating a beautiful harmony between so many elements of everyday Indian life with thoughtful, modern design. Growing up in Nagpur in India, he drew inspiration from daily sights and stories, eventually shaping his path through the National Institute of Design and a decade at Titan Industries, where he helped bring Indian storytelling into watchmaking. After launching Studio ABD in Bangalore, Abhijit committed to creating products that aren’t just functional but tell rich, poetic stories—whether it’s a lamp inspired by street culture or accessories that celebrate Indian craft or offering mobility solutions to local street entrepreneurs. His studio’s philosophy is to blend humor, emotion, and local culture with innovation, making even the simplest objects reminders of Indian tradition and joy. With many honors and accolades, Abhijit is widely respected for work that connects deeply with users and he also serves as a decorated ambassador of contemporary Indian design. He believes that products aren’t just consumable but that they’re animated anecdotes to help connect everyone to a holistic design experience.  As we caught up to chat about everything from trends and nostalgia to thinking like a designer and optimism, I was curious to know how he, as a designer, approaches something as simple as how he first introduces himself to people?

Shout out to Deepa Prahalad Abhyankar for the spark!

Abhay is joined by Shefali Razdan Duggal, the recently retired United States Ambassador to the Netherlands. They explore Shefali's journey as a diplomat, her experiences from Ohio to serving on political campaigns, and her unwavering commitment to authenticity and kindness. Shefali shares insights on breaking cultural norms, the importance of staying true to oneself, and her perspectives on American patriotism in today's global arena. 

(0:00 - 3:04) Introduction
(3:04) Part 1 - kinship as Ambassadors, diplomatic service as a "love story"
(19:47) Part 2 - combating tribalism, Indian Americanism and patriotism
(40:46) Part 3 - staying true to values, "Tulipa Shefali"
(51:57) Conclusion

Learn more at about Ambassador Razdan Duggal's work here - https://www.shefalirazdanduggal.com/

Shout outs to everyone back in school, to Rajeev Ram and Yuki Bhambri at the US Open, and to my San Francisco girl Kirtee Mehta for being such a good fraindt! 

Abhay shares a conversation with virtuoso tabla artist Ojas Adhiya, who shares insights into his life as a musician, discussing the importance of routine, the balance between music and life, and the connection he feels during performances. He reflects on the evolution of his listening skills, the impact of AI on music, and the delicate balance between tradition and innovation in tabla. Ojas also shares personal anecdotes, including his experiences on stage and his fond memories of the late Zakir Hussain, emphasizing the importance of relationship building and openness in music.

(0:00 - 2:35) Introduction
(2:35) Part 1 - routines and practice, missing tabla
(17:55) Part 2 - stage fright, working with other artists, motivations and digital music
(34:19) Part 3 - Gharanas and evolution, preparing for the spontaneous, optimism as a tabla artist
(48:50) Conclusion

Learn more about Ojas at https://ojasadhiya.in/

A couple of quick shout outs in this episode: first to Ganapati Bappa, next to one of the nicest listeners ever in Mrs. Madhuri Kolhatkar and her husband Kaustubh, and last to all you fantasy football people out there as a new season begins and my own team, the Chaddi Patrol sets out to win it all.

Abhay is joined by Chef Vijay Kumar, who shares his journey as the executive chef of SEMMA in New York City, discussing the importance of authenticity in Indian cuisine, the balance between tradition and innovation, and the emotional connections that food creates. Vijay reflects on the challenges and responsibilities that come with recognition in the culinary world, emphasizing the significance of community, family heritage, authenticity, and the need to remain true to one's roots while navigating the expectations of a diverse audience.

(0:00 - 2:40) Introduction
(2:40) Part 1 - morning routine, personalizing experiences, nostalgia
(14:45) Part 2 - recreating tradition, awards and kitchen culture
(26:05) Part 3 - food and judgment, perfectionism, expectations
(40:42) Conclusion

Big shout outs this week to Tommy C for turning 50,  Neerav for turning 52, Rajeev Ram for winning the Cincy open, and to the up and coming Harpal Khambay who is a TV freelancer, blogger, and presenter in London.   

Abhay shares a compelling discussion with Milan Vaishnav, director of the South Asia program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. They chatted about the intriguing shifts in political allegiances among the Indian Americans, the concept of "Modi Democrats," the broader implications of US- India relations, and the optimism he has for continuing to study the global Indian diaspora.

(0:00 - 2:41) Introduction
(2:41) Part 1 - questions to ask today as an Indian American, affirming political movements
(16:40) Part 2 - reform and faith in institutions, personal journey to pursue scholarship, praise and continued blind spots for the Modi government
(36:22) Part 3 - India as a global power, academic roundtables to kitchen tables, optimism
(50:07) Conclusion

Catch Milan on the Grand Tamasha podcast