Sanjay Sharma... on margins and mainstream in media and storytelling

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, gender, sexuality, and more. Together, Abhay and Sanjay explore how “the coolest shit happens in the margins,” why authenticity matters in an era of rapid commercialization, and how intersectionality and fluid identity are transforming both the business and art of storytelling.

The discussion touches on reimagining classic genres through new perspectives, the evolving landscape of representation in Hollywood, and the challenges and opportunities of navigating today’s shifting sociopolitical climate. Sanjay also reflects on the importance of pattern recognition, staying connected to emerging trends, and the ongoing need to redefine what it means to belong—both on screen and off.
(0:00 - 3:13) Introduction
(3:13) Part 1 - prioritizing margins, politics and the moving margins
(20:45) Part 2 - centers of capital and power, intersections of tech and media
(34:10) Part 3 - labels and identity, optimism

Don't forget to subscribe, review, follow along, and share!