TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING
My name is Abhay Dandekar and I share conversations with talented and interesting individuals linked to the global Indian and South Asian community. It’s informal and informative, adding insights and perspective to our evolving cultural expressions, where each person can proudly say “TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING.” New episodes weekly, on Tuesdays/Thursdays. Listen anywhere you get your podcasts, and please rate and review if your enjoying it.
Episodes
Abhay shares a wonderful conversation with Tejal Rao, the chief restaurant critic for the New York Times. They chatted about her journey through food writing, discussing the nuances of restaurant reviews, the balance between nostalgia and new experiences, and the impact of her cultural identity on her work. Tejal reflected on food rituals, the challenges of writing reviews, and even the value of repeat dining experiences....
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 t...
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 th...
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 ch...
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...
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 evol...
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 identi...
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 g...
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, ...
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 heritag...
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
...
Abhay delves into the transformative journey of Shweta Katti, the Director of Education at KRANTI. Discover how KRANTI empowers daughters of sex workers from India's red light districts, turning adversity into strength and resilience. Shweta shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a red light district to empowering girls from similar backgrounds. She discusses the contrasts of love and trauma within her community, ...
Periodically on TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING , we share a SPOTLIGHT conversation and feature brief chats with an individual or a group from the community about a special topic or a unique endeavor.
I grew up in a Marathi American household and even as a born and raised Californian, there was a lot of attention at my house to Marathi film and cinema. So much that the idea of watching Tukaram, Ram Shastri, Simhasan, o...
Abhay is joined by the singular and superb actor, writer, and presenter, Sanjeev Bhaskar, as he shares his artistic journey and navigation through the complexities of identity, success, and creativity with humility, engagement in the present, and humor.
No chuddies were harmed, kissed, or soiled in the making of this episode.
(0:00 - 2:53) Introduction
(2:53) Part 1 - Dinner party intros, confidence and risk taking, plan...
Abhay is joined by award winning filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir, as she discusses her journey in making documentary films, the importance of empathy in storytelling, and the challenges faced by marginalized voices in the industry. She reflects on her personal experiences, the influence of her mentors, and the need for representation and trust. Geeta also shares insights on her latest project, 'The Perfect Neighbor,' which explor...
Abhay chats with Pramod Varma, the visionary technologist who helped architect India’s digital transformation, enabling over a billion people to access digital identity, banking, payments, and verifiable credentials, fundamentally reshaping India’s social and economic landscape.
(0:00 - 3:41) Introduction
(3:41) Part 1 - Describing what he does, transforming India into the transaction economy
(20:34) Part 2 - Verbs ...
Abhay shares a conversation with Kiran Gandhi, also known as the award-winning world stage performer Madame Gandhi, as they discuss her journey of personal growth, the creative process behind her latest album 'Let Me Be Water', and the balance between power and stillness in her life. She reflects on the importance of learning, the challenges of being a multi-faceted artist, and the significance of sincerity in her music. T...
Periodically on TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING , we share a SPOTLIGHT conversation and feature brief chats with an individual from the community about a special topic or a unique endeavor.
Now while we truly should strive for mental wellness all the time, May is mental health awareness month, and there’s no more obvious place to focus our energy than on something we too often take for granted… our breathing. So I’m going t...
Abhay welcomes Sanjay Sharma, founder and CEO of Marginal Media Works, for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about the power of the margins in shaping culture, creativity, and identity.
Sanjay shares his journey from growing up immersed in subcultures like skateboarding, heavy metal, and hip hop, to building a media company dedicated to amplifying voices and stories that exist at the intersections—across race, gen...
Abhay is joined by comedian Amit Tandon for a broad conversation sharing insights into his journey in comedy, discussing the importance of relatability, the art of writing jokes, and the challenges of maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing industry. He reflects on the evolution of his craft, the significance of audience observation, and the balance between content creation and innovation. Amit also talks about the gua...
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