Épisodes

  • Arun Paul on Redefining Senior Living for the Diaspora

    Arun Paul on Redefining Senior Living for the Diaspora
    Oct 13 2026
    "This third stage of life I do believe is when we're at our highest levels... peak powers. You always believe that the best is ahead." — Arun PaulHow do we gracefully care for our aging parents without stripping away their community, serendipity, and human connection? For the South Asian diaspora, traditional joint-family models are colliding with the individualistic, suburban realities of American life—leading to a public health crisis of loneliness.In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, host Dr. Abhay Dandekar sits down with Arun Paul, the founder and CEO of Priya Living. Drawing from his deep background in the resort and hospitality industry, Arun is completely reimagining intergenerational and senior living for the diaspora. Arun opens up about his personal journey of trying to keep his aging parents close in San Francisco, the viral "game of telephone" that sparked Priya Living, and why their communities are designed around public courtyards to foster organic connection. We also explore the staggering science of loneliness, why young Desi professionals are moving into these communities, and what our culture urgently needs to unlearn about elder care.If you are navigating the "sandwich generation" or care deeply about building human connection, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to support the channel!--------------------------CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Welcome & Introducing Arun Paul (Priya Living)04:41 - The "Sandwich Generation" & Starting the Conversation with Aging Parents10:16 - Individualistic US Suburbs vs. Indian Serendipity & Connection14:52 - The Viral "Game of Telephone" That Started Priya Living18:19 - Sponsor Break: Travelopod, Lotus Lane Coffee18:45 - Physical Design: Courtyards, Public Spaces & Human Connection22:31 - Why Priya is a "Hospitality Company," Not an Old Age Home27:42 - How Moving to a Community Can Actually Strengthen Family Bonds31:12 - Intergenerational Living: Why Young Desis Want to Move In34:17 - The Science of Loneliness & Speaking 30% Fewer Words Today37:26 - Sponsor Break: Timberdog Ruffrest37:56 - What the Diaspora Must Unlearn About Senior Care41:48 - Redefining the Concept of "Home"44:16 - Building Trust & Reaching Our "Peak Powers" as We Age46:17 - Outro & Community Resources--------------------------EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS & KEY TAKEAWAYS:• Hospitality, Not Healthcare: Why approaching senior living through the lens of a boutique resort—focusing on joy and connection—changes the entire experience.• The Loneliness Epidemic: Unpacking the physiological impacts of loneliness and the staggering research that we speak 30% fewer words per day than we did 20 years ago.• Intergenerational Magic: Why Priya Living attracts young diaspora professionals seeking the wisdom, warmth, and "adoption" of elders.• A Second Childhood: How allowing parents the autonomy to build their own robust social lives liberates both the senior and the adult child.GUEST & COMMUNITY RESOURCES:🌐 Explore Priya Living: https://www.priyaliving.comSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:✈️ Travelopod — Custom, personalized travel experiences for destinations like Africa, Japan, Antarctica, and India: https://vacation.travelopod.com☕ Lotus Lane Coffee — Rooted in India, Roasted in Columbus:https://lotuslanecoffee.com🐶 Timberdog Ruffrest — Versatile portable dog beds for travel and camping:https://timberdog.com/Trust Me I Know What I'm Doing | Dr. Abhay DandekarA mirror and window for global Indians and South Asians through conversation.Every week, we share chats with artists, leaders, musicians, chefs, experts, change makers, and innovators from the home and diaspora - sharing their journeys and motivations.For enquiries 📧 Email : info@abhaydandekar.comFind us on Instagram/ LinkedIn:https://www.instagram.com/drabhaydandekar/https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhaydandekar/Listen to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform:🎙️ Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZReYDw6ta5zGuN4iLZ8Pt🎙️ Apple Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-me-i-know-what-im-doing/id1635803563?uo=4🎙️ Amazon Music : https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/acec47fd-da0e-4419-aab9-306503ea49c5🎙️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing#ArunPaul #PriyaLiving #SeniorLiving #DesiDiaspora #SouthAsianMentalHealth #ElderCare #LonelinessEpidemic #TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing #AbhayDandekar #IntergenerationalLiving
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    47 min
  • Sujan Sarkar On Modern Indian Cuisine & Michelin Stars

    Sujan Sarkar On Modern Indian Cuisine & Michelin Stars
    Oct 6 2026
    How do you take traditional regional Indian flavors—from Kolkata street food memories to comfort dishes like Khichdi—and reimagine them for global fine-dining spaces without losing their cultural soul?In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, host Dr. Abhay Dandekar sits down with Chef Sujan Sarkar, the Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur behind Indienne (Chicago & New York), Baar Baar (LA), Tiya (San Francisco), Nadu and Swadesi Cafe (Chicago) and several others.Chef Sujan opens up about his journey from first meals at a street food stall during Durga Puja in Kolkata to earning a Michelin star and James Beard Award nomination. He shares his perspective on why he identifies as "an Indian chef cooking in America," how he bridges nostalgia and innovation to unite three generations at one table, and why hospitality and storytelling are just as crucial as what’s on the plate.If you love conversations exploring food, culture, heritage, mentorship, and modern South Asian identity, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE!--------------------------CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Welcome & Introducing Michelin-Star Chef Sujan Sarkar02:37 - Durga Puja Kiosk to Culinary School: The Early Days in Kolkata05:19 - "I'm an Indian Chef Cooking in America": Defining His Culinary Identity08:54 - Creating Experiences Beyond the Plate: Building Indienne & Baar Baar12:02 - Learning & Unlearning: The Science of Flavor over Theater14:42 - Creative Tension: Nostalgia, Heritage & Newness in Food19:25 - Sponsor Break: Travelopod and Lotus Lane Coffee19:50 - Beating Kitchen Monotony: Reimagining Khichdi & Hyperlocal Ingredients22:37 - Mentorship, Leadership & Partnering with Family in San Francisco27:52 - Is Indian Food Unifying? Regional Diversity & Food Tourism30:31 - Sponsor Break: Timberdog Ruffrest31:00 - Michelin Stars & James Beard: Cooking with Joy, Not Pressure34:21 - Changing the Global Narrative: Design, Hospitality & Mocktail Pairings38:06 - The Guest Journey: Why Service & Warmth Complete the Meal41:01 - "Complex, Not Complicated": Accessibility & Giving Value to Diners43:11 - Outro & Community Shoutouts--------------------------EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS & KEY TAKEAWAYS:• Complex, Not Complicated: How Indian food can leverage diverse regional ingredients and modern technique without losing its fundamental comfort.• Three Generations at One Table: Why the true measure of modern Indian cuisine is creating dishes that resonate with grandparents, parents, and diaspora youth alike.• An Indian Chef in America: Chef Sujan's distinction between "elevating" food versus bringing a personal, globally informed perspective to Indian heritage recipes.• Beyond the Plate: Why atmosphere, service, and storytelling are just as vital to a memorable restaurant experience as the food itself.GUEST & RESTAURANT RESOURCES:🍽️ Explore Indienne (Chicago & NYC): https://www.indiennechicago.com🍽️ Explore Tiya (San Francisco): https://www.tiyasf.com🍽️ Explore Baar Baar (Los Angeles / New York): https://www.baarbaarlosangeles.com🔗 Connect with Chef Sujan Sarkar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sujansarkar1/SHOUT OUTS:• Everyone at KASH Cafe in Berkeley, CA https://www.bykashco.com/• Koolfi Creamery in San Francisco, CA (Try their Mysore Pak ice cream!) https://koolficreamery.com/• Everyone standing up against Indian and South Asian racism and hateSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:✈️ Travelopod — Custom, personalized travel experiences for destinations like Africa, Japan, Antarctica, and India: https://vacation.travelopod.com☕ Lotus Lane Coffee — Rooted in India, Roasted in Columbus:https://lotuslanecoffee.com🐶 Timberdog Ruffrest — Versatile portable dog beds for travel and camping:https://timberdog.com/Trust Me I Know What I'm Doing | Dr. Abhay DandekarA mirror and window for global Indians and South Asians through conversation.Every week, we share chats with artists, leaders, musicians, chefs, experts, change makers, and innovators from the home and diaspora - sharing their journeys and motivations.For enquiries 📧 Email : info@abhaydandekar.comFind us on Instagram/ LinkedIn:https://www.instagram.com/drabhaydandekar/https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhaydandekar/Listen to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform:🎙️ Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZReYDw6ta5zGuN4iLZ8Pt🎙️ Apple Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-me-i-know-what-im-doing/id1635803563?uo=4🎙️ Amazon Music : https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/acec47fd-da0e-4419-aab9-306503ea49c5🎙️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing#ChefSujanSarkar #Indienne #ModernIndianCuisine #MichelinStarChef #AbhayDandekar #TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing #DesiDiaspora #IndianFineDining #IndianFood #BaarBaar
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    44 min
  • Dr. Apurva Bhatt on Youth Mental Health & Breaking Diaspora Stigma

    Dr. Apurva Bhatt on Youth Mental Health & Breaking Diaspora Stigma
    Sep 29 2026
    How do we break the silence around youth mental health in South Asian and Indian American communities? Why do so many high-achieving youth suffer from internal burnout, and how can parents identify subtle warning signs before a situation becomes a crisis?In this vital episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, host Dr. Abhay Dandekar sits down with Dr. Apurva Bhatt, a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist at Stanford Medicine. Dr. Bhatt specializes in early identification of psychosis, suicide prevention strategies, school mental health integration, and culturally responsive care for South Asian diaspora families.Dr. Bhatt breaks down the "model minority myth," unpacks the intergenerational trauma and communication gaps between immigrant parents and second/third-generation youth, challenges the pervasive fear of "what will people say?" (Log Kya Kahenge), and shares practical tools for families—including digital media wellness plans, gamifying mental hygiene, and building community-based support systems.If this conversation helps you or someone you love, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to support mental health awareness across our global community!--------------------------CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Welcome & Introducing Dr. Apurva Bhatt (Stanford Medicine)03:21 - Growing Up Indian-American: Navigating Identity & Complexity06:19 - Subtle Red Flags vs. Labeling Kids "Lazy" or "Spoiled"09:11 - Why Families Wait Until Crisis & Intergenerational Trauma11:24 - High-Achieving Youth, Bay Area Pressure & Internal Burnout14:43 - Actionable Steps for Parents: Modeling Breaks & Checking In17:55 - Sponsor Break: Travelopod & Lotus Lane Coffee18:20 - Immigrant Parents & Diaspora Youth: Bridging the Cultural Gap25:24 - Deconstructing the Model Minority Myth & Digital Isolation28:16 - Digital Wellness Plans, Sports, & Gamifying Mental Hygiene31:36 - Sponsor Break: Timberdog Ruffrest32:06 - Overcoming Stigma & "What Will People Say?"35:20 - Community Action, Storytelling (RCOZ) & Culturally Responsive Care39:50 - Key Takeaways: "Mental Health IS Health" & Hope for Recovery42:50 - Building Trust with Families & Empowering Youth Advocacy46:58 - Outro, Crisis Resources (988) & Community Shoutouts--------------------------EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS & KEY TAKEAWAYS:• Mental Health IS Health: Why shifting our foundational belief from viewing mental illness as a flaw to treating it like physical health changes everything.• Recognizing Early Red Flags: Moving beyond labels like "lazy" or "burnt out" to spot subtle behavioral, mood, and sleep changes early.• Deconstructing the Model Minority Myth: Why high achievement does not protect youth from internal anxiety, depression, or loneliness.• Actionable Prevention: Utilizing the AAP Family Digital Plan, encouraging real-world movement (sports, Garba, Bhangra, dance), and creating open check-in routines at home.CRISIS & MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:If you or someone you know is in distress or experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for immediate support:🇺🇸 USA: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)🇮🇳 INDIA: Call Tele-MANAS at 14416 or 1-800-891-4416🇬🇧 UK: Call 111Recommended South Asian Mental Health Organizations:🌐 RCOZ : https://www.rcoz.org🌐 Mental Health Initiative for South Asians (MHISA): https://www.mhisa.org🌐 South Asian Mental Health Initiative and Network (SAMHIN): https://samhin.org🌐 South Asian Therapists Directory: https://www.southasiantherapists.orgSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:✈️ Travelopod — Custom, personalized travel experiences for destinations like Africa, Japan, Antarctica, and India: https://vacation.travelopod.com☕ Lotus Lane Coffee — Rooted in India, Roasted in Columbus:https://lotuslanecoffee.com🐶 Timberdog Ruffrest — Versatile portable dog beds for travel and camping:https://timberdog.com/Trust Me I Know What I'm Doing | Dr. Abhay DandekarA mirror and window for global Indians and South Asians through conversation.Every week, we share chats with artists, leaders, musicians, chefs, experts, change makers, and innovators from the home and diaspora - sharing their journeys and motivations.For enquiries 📧 Email : info@abhaydandekar.comFind us on Instagram/ LinkedIn:https://www.instagram.com/drabhaydandekar/https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhaydandekar/Listen to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform:🎙️ Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZReYDw6ta5zGuN4iLZ8Pt🎙️ Apple Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-me-i-know-what-im-doing/id1635803563?uo=4🎙️ Amazon Music : https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/acec47fd-da0e-4419-aab9-306503ea49c5🎙️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing#ApurvaBhatt #YouthMentalHealth #SouthAsianMentalHealth #DrApurvaBhatt #StanfordMedicine #AbhayDandekar #TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing #MentalHealthAwareness #DesiDiaspora #ParentingInTheDiaspora
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    48 min
  • Abhay Sehgal on Contemporary Surreal Art, Nostalgia, and Identity

    Abhay Sehgal on Contemporary Surreal Art, Nostalgia, and Identity
    Sep 17 2026
    "When you're creating, you can be fearless. But fear is what makes your pieces more interesting." — Abhay SehgalHow do you go from studying fine art at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago to building a global surreal art brand, launching the streetwear label Code BRWN, and capturing modern Indian identity through memory and chaos?In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, host Dr. Abhay Dandekar sits down with contemporary surreal artist, SAIC alumnus, and Code BRWN founder Abhay Sehgal. Abhay shares his journey from experimenting with darker art and Salvador Dalí-inspired surrealism to returning to Delhi, where he weaves memory, psychology, and Indian culture into a globally recognized aesthetic. Abhay chats about his philosophy on why emotional tension and fear give art its depth, how disruption and travel spark his best conceptual work, why he prefers keeping his personal identity separate from his art, and the idea of fine art accessible to a new generation across India and the diaspora. We touched also on the challenges of this past year through allegations of plagiarism, mimicry, and AI art, and how he has grown tremendously as an artistIf you enjoy deep conversations on art, culture, identity, creative risk, and South Asian storytelling, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE!--------------------------CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Teaser: "Fear is what makes your pieces more interesting"01:05 - Sponsor Break: Travelopod01:24 - Welcome & Introducing Contemporary Surrealist Abhay Sehgal02:49 - The Meaning of "Abhay": Fearlessness in Creative Expression04:22 - Dark Art, Mental Health & Balancing Cheerfulness with Tension06:21 - Personality vs. Art: Why Keeping Identity Secondary Matters10:16 - From SAIC Chicago to Delhi: Falling in Love with Surrealism12:23 - Nostalgia, Heritage & Memory as Creative Anchors16:12 - Sponsor Break: TRAVELOPOD and Lotus Lane Coffee16:37 - Routine vs. Disruption: Why Chaos Multiplies Creativity19:36 - Bridging Two Worlds: Why Diaspora Audiences Connect with Surreal Art24:35 - Code BRWN & Streetwear: Making Fine Art Accessible27:19 - Sponsor Break: Timberdog Ruffrest27:48 - Redefining Trust, Inspiration & Growth After a Year of Creative Challenges33:09 - Fine Art, Public Spaces & The Power of Community Art36:20 - Redefining Success, Social Media & Staying Authentic41:01 - "Walk Ten Miles in My Shoes": Triggering Nostalgia in Viewers42:37 - Outro & Community Shoutouts--------------------------EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS & KEY TAKEAWAYS:• Fear as Tension: Why true creativity requires fearlessness in execution, but emotional tension to make visual art compelling.• Nostalgia & Identity: How living in Chicago and Delhi shaped Abhay's surrealist lens on modern Indian identity and heritage.• Navigating Chaos: Why breaking away from mundane routines and embracing disruption sparks new artistic breakthroughs.GUEST & HOST RESOURCES:🎨 Explore Abhay Sehgal's Art & Code BRWN: https://artbysehgal.com/https://www.codebrwn.comRiyaaz and Rebirth showing in the SF Bay Area Sept 18th-19thShout outs:• Artists everywhere creating boldly• South Asian and Indian-origin students in Texas• Former guest Rajeev Ram for a legendary career of tennis excellence• Better food labeling standards in Indian and everywhereSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:✈️ Travelopod — Custom, personalized travel experiences for destinations like Africa, Japan, Antarctica, and India: https://vacation.travelopod.com☕ Lotus Lane Coffee — Rooted in India, Roasted in Columbus:https://lotuslanecoffee.com🐶 Timberdog Ruffrest — Versatile portable dog beds for travel and camping:https://timberdog.com/Trust Me I Know What I'm Doing | Dr. Abhay DandekarA mirror and window for global Indians and South Asians through conversation.Every week, we share chats with artists, leaders, musicians, chefs, experts, change makers, and innovators from the home and diaspora - sharing their journeys and motivations.For enquiries 📧 Email : info@abhaydandekar.comFind us on Instagram/ LinkedIn:https://www.instagram.com/drabhaydandekar/https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhaydandekar/Listen to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform:🎙️ Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZReYDw6ta5zGuN4iLZ8Pt🎙️ Apple Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-me-i-know-what-im-doing/id1635803563?uo=4🎙️ Amazon Music : https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/acec47fd-da0e-4419-aab9-306503ea49c5🎙️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing#AbhaySehgal #CodeBRWN #Surrealism #IndianContemporaryArt #SAICChicago #AbhayDandekar #TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing #DesiDiaspora #IndianStreetwear #ModernIndianIdentity
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    43 min
  • Shireen Hafeez on How Deaf Kids Code Is Unlocking STEM Talent

    Shireen Hafeez on How Deaf Kids Code Is Unlocking STEM Talent
    Sep 9 2026
    "If my child is going to break the mold and not be a statistic, the number one quality that I had to embed in him was a belief system in himself. If you can take ownership of what makes you different, then you are unstoppable." — Shireen HafeezHow do you go from receiving a late hearing loss diagnosis for your child and fighting insurance companies to founding an international movement that empowers tens of thousands of deaf youth through computer science?In this SPOTLIGHT episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, host Dr. Abhay Dandekar sits down with Shireen Hafeez, Founder of Deaf Kids Code. Shireen shares her powerful journey from parent advocate lobbying state legislatures for hearing aid coverage to building a zero-barrier, completely free global program that transforms visual-spatial talent into high-demand STEM, coding, and design thinking skills.Shireen helps us confront the shocking statistic that 75% of people with disabilities remain out of the job market, tackles the cultural taboos around disability within South Asian communities, discusses embedding AI literacy into special education, and explains why true accessibility means building WITH the community, not FOR them.If you believe in bridging equity gaps, empowering marginalized youth, and expanding human potential, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE!--------------------------CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introduction03:46 - The Diagnosis & Fighting Insurance "Cosmetic Device" Labels07:42 - Legislative Advocacy & The 75% Disability Unemployment Statistic12:06 - Founding Deaf Kids Code: Defiance, Scale & Zero-Barrier Access14:29 - Sponsor Break: TRAVELOPOD, Lotus Lane Coffee, & Timberdog Ruffrest15:24 - Overcoming Apathy, Human Arrogance & Building Belief Systems20:06 - Micro-Impacts, Deaf Role Models & Evangelizing Greatness24:35 - South Asian Cultural Stigma, Unlearning Silence & True Allyship29:20 - AI Literacy, Accessibility Coalitions & "Build WITH the Community"32:24 - A Message for Parents & Educators: Unlocking Human Potential36:20 - Conclusions, Deaf Awareness Month & Community Shoutouts--------------------------EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS & KEY TAKEAWAYS:• Defying the 75% Statistic: How Deaf Kids Code is actively countering workforce exclusion by preparing deaf and hard-of-hearing youth for modern STEM careers.• Zero-Barrier Access: Why Deaf Kids Code provides its coding, robotics, and hardware workshops entirely free to schools, educators, and families.• Overcoming Cultural Stigma: Breaking down the shame, silence, and "otherness" surrounding disability within South Asian and global communities.• AI & Accessibility: Why disabled leaders must sit at the forefront of AI development to prevent algorithmic bias and unleash accessible innovation.GUEST & HOST RESOURCES:🌐 Learn more & get involved with Deaf Kids Code: https://www.deafkidscode.org🔗 Connect with Shireen Hafeez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shireenhafeez/Shout outs:• September is Deaf Awareness Month — Learn, grow, and foster inclusion in your local communities!• Varsha Dandekar — For a lifetime dedicated to working with children with special needs.• Tanuja Sheth — For sparking this episode.• Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi — For his ongoing efforts to combat hate crimes against South Asians.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:✈️ Travelopod — Custom, personalized travel experiences for destinations like Africa, Japan, Antarctica, and India: https://vacation.travelopod.com☕ Lotus Lane Coffee — Rooted in India, Roasted in Columbus:https://lotuslanecoffee.com🐶 Timberdog Ruffrest — Versatile portable dog beds for travel and camping:https://timberdog.com/Trust Me I Know What I'm Doing | Dr. Abhay DandekarA mirror and window for global Indians and South Asians through conversation.Every week, we share chats with artists, leaders, musicians, chefs, experts, change makers, and innovators from the home and diaspora - sharing their journeys and motivations.For enquiries 📧 Email : info@abhaydandekar.comFind us on Instagram/ LinkedIn:https://www.instagram.com/drabhaydandekar/https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhaydandekar/Listen to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform:🎙️ Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZReYDw6ta5zGuN4iLZ8Pt🎙️ Apple Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-me-i-know-what-im-doing/id1635803563?uo=4🎙️ Amazon Music : https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/acec47fd-da0e-4419-aab9-306503ea49c5🎙️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoingSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:✈️ Travelopod — Custom, personalized travel experiences for destinations like Africa, Japan, Antarctica, and India: https://vacation.travelopod.com☕ Lotus Lane Coffee — Rooted in India, Roasted in Columbus: https://lotuslanecoffee.com🐶 Timberdog Ruffrest — Versatile portable dog beds for travel and camping: https://timberdog.com/#ShireenHafeez #DeafKidsCode #DeafAwareness #STEMeducation #DisabilityInclusion #...
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    37 min
  • Priyanshi Sharma on Unbiased News & Independent Journalism at PEEK TV

    Priyanshi Sharma on Unbiased News & Independent Journalism at PEEK TV
    Sep 2 2026
    How do you go from anchoring primetime news on NDTV to leaving mainstream television, co-founding India's first short-form digital news platform, and bringing old-school editorial rigor to Gen Z — all while fighting algorithms and online polarization?In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, host Dr. Abhay Dandekar sits down with award-winning independent journalist, former NDTV primetime anchor, and PEEK TV Co-Founder Priyanshi Sharma. Priyanshi shares her journey from mainstream television newsrooms to corporate business school at ISB, and her decision to build a new media model focused on unbiased, unsensational, fact-based reporting for global digital audiences.Priyanshi also breaks down her philosophy on why "every generation deserves old-school journalism," how the definition of the "informed Indian youth" shifted from apolitical to deeply engaged, why the boundaries between journalism, activism, and social media influencers must remain distinct, and how PEEK TV is detoxing online discourse to keep the global Indian diaspora connected to true ground realities.If you enjoy deep conversations on journalism, digital media, Indian democracy, technology, and identity across the global South Asian community, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE!--------------------------CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introductions and welcoming Priyanshi03:43 - The Journalist's Detox & Managing 24/7 News FOMO09:54 - The Informed Indian Youth: From Apolitical to Deeply Engaged15:15 - Delusion vs. Hope: How Youth Protests Re-Energized Indian Citizenship18:28 - Sponsor Break: TRAVELOPOD20:28 - Journalism vs. Activism & Influencers: Why Credibility Matters24:31 - Building PEEK TV: Short-Form Digital News Beyond Mainstream TV28:13 - Sponsor Break: Lotus Lane Coffee & Timberdog Ruffrest29:28 - Storytelling, Misinformation & "Detoxing the Discourse"37:52 - Algorithmic Polarization & Unlearning the "TV Anchor Tone"45:03 - Connecting the Global Indian Diaspora to Ground Realities48:01 - Hope, Dissent, and the Future of Independent Indian Media52:29 - Outro & Diaspora Community Shoutouts--------------------------EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS & KEY TAKEAWAYS:• Old-School Journalism in Short-Form: How PEEK TV brings rigorous editorial standards and fact-based reporting to short-form digital video platforms.• Journalism vs. Activism: Why maintaining strict independence and objectivity is vital for stories to retain public credibility.• Detoxing the Discourse: Overcoming algorithmic polarization, echo chambers, and sensationalism to deliver balanced perspectives.• The Diaspora Connection: How independent digital media bridges the gap for global Indians seeking reliable, unvarnished news from the ground.GUEST & HOST RESOURCES:📰 Follow PEEK TV: India's first short-form digital news video platformhttps://www.peektv.in/🔗 Connect with Priyanshi Sharma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyanshis/Shout outs:• Rakshabandhan — Celebrating siblings everywhere• Dr. Pramod Varma — Celebrating 10 years of India's UPI revolution• World Alzheimer's Month — Raising awareness and challenging stigma around Alzheimer's and dementia at https://www.alzint.org/get-involved/world-alzheimers-month/• Nepal Flood Relief — Sending support to everyone recovering from the recent floods in Nepal. Please help by visiting:https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/https://pmdrf.nchl.com.np/SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:✈️ Travelopod — Custom, personalized travel experiences for destinations like Africa, Japan, Antarctica, and India: https://vacation.travelopod.com☕ Lotus Lane Coffee — Rooted in India, Roasted in Columbus: https://lotuslanecoffee.com🐶 Timberdog Ruffrest — Versatile portable dog beds for travel and camping: https://timberdog.com/Trust Me I Know What I'm Doing | Dr. Abhay DandekarA mirror and window for global Indians and South Asians through conversation.Every week, we share chats with artists, leaders, musicians, chefs, experts, change makers, and innovators from the home and diaspora - sharing their journeys and motivations.For enquiries 📧 Email : info@abhaydandekar.comFind us on Instagram/ LinkedIn:https://www.instagram.com/drabhaydandekar/https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhaydandekar/Listen to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform:🎙️ Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZReYDw6ta5zGuN4iLZ8Pt🎙️ Apple Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-me-i-know-what-im-doing/id1635803563?uo=4🎙️ Amazon Music : https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/acec47fd-da0e-4419-aab9-306503ea49c5🎙️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing#PriyanshiSharma #PEEKTV #IndependentJournalism #NDTV #IndianMedia #DigitalNews #Journalism #AbhayDandekar #TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing #SouthAsianJournalists #DesiDiaspora #IndianAmerican #Desi
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    53 min
  • Kashyap Deorah on Startup Exits, VC Buybacks, and Tech Realities

    Kashyap Deorah on Startup Exits, VC Buybacks, and Tech Realities
    Aug 25 2026
    How do you go from seeing the Google website load for the first time on a campus computer screen in Mumbai to building and exiting three tech ventures, writing The Golden Tap, and buying back your company from VCs — all while navigating the rapid rise of AI?In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, host Dr. Abhay Dandekar sits down with serial entrepreneur, investor, author, and HyperTrack Founder & CEO Kashyap Deorah. Kashyap shares his journey across changing tech cycles, from falling in love with the internet at IIT Bombay to building and exiting three tech ventures, capturing the Indian tech ecosystem in his bestselling book The Golden Tap, and making the bold decision to buy back HyperTrack from venture capital investors to become a management-owned company. Kashyap also breaks down his philosophy on why "technology accelerates human behavior rather than equalizing opportunity," how startup scaling accelerated from 0-to-1M in 18 months to 0-to-100M in 18 months, why high school dropouts building AI-native tools are outperforming legacy pivots, and why deep emotional connection and empathy remain the core operating system for tech leaders. If you enjoy deep conversations on entrepreneurship, venture capital, technology, and identity across the global South Asian community, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE! --------------------------⏱️ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Teaser: Why Technology Accelerates Human Behavior01:46 - IIT Bombay, Google & Falling in Love with Entrepreneurship06:32 - The Accelerated Startup Pace: AI-Native Founders vs. Legacy Pivots09:53 - Building HyperTrack: Gig Workforce Logistics & Field Automation15:54 - Sponsor Break: TRAVELOPOD and Lotus Lane Coffee16:52 - Capital Concentration & Shifting Venture Capital Dynamics19:53 - Why We Bought Back Our Startup From VCs24:35 - Hard Truths for Founders: M&A Realities, Valuations & Misalignment28:58 - Sponsor Break: Timberdog Ruffrest29:25 - Tech Polarization, Vipassana Meditation & Consciousness36:00 - Reconnecting Feeling with Thinking in Tech Leadership43:32 - Outro & Diaspora Community Shoutouts --------------------------EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS & KEY TAKEAWAYS:• The Core Operating System: Why human relationship building, empathy, and active listening remain constant anchors despite hyper-accelerating tech cycles.• Buying Back Your Startup: How HyperTrack realigned with investors to buy back VCs/PEs and transition to a profitable, management-owned business.• Tech Accelerates Human Behavior: Why technology doesn't automatically equalize opportunity, but rather accelerates existing human tendencies and polarization.• Leading with Feeling: How Vipassana meditation and connecting at an emotional level help founders make better decisions in an AI-driven world.GUEST & HOST RESOURCES:📖 Read The Golden Tap by Kashyap Deorah🌐 Learn more about HyperTrack: https://www.hypertrack.com🔗 Connect with Kashyap Deorah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdeorah/Shout outs:• Pia Dandiya — Winning her Democratic primary in Florida• California State Assembly members Darshana Patel & Ash Kalra — Helping California pass its official Diwali resolution• Maharashtra FDA — Banning high fat, salt, and sugar foods in and around schoolsSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:✈️ Travelopod — Custom, personalized travel experiences for destinations like Africa, Japan, Antarctica, and India: https://vacation.travelopod.com☕ Lotus Lane Coffee — Rooted in India, Roasted in Columbushttps://lotuslanecoffee.comTimberdog Ruffresthttps://timberdog.com/Trust Me I Know What I'm Doing | Dr. Abhay DandekarA mirror and window for global Indians and South Asians through conversation.Every week, we share chats with artists, leaders, musicians, chefs, experts, change makers, and innovators from the home and diaspora - sharing their journeys and motivations.For enquiries 📧 Email : info@abhaydandekar.comFind us on Instagram/ LinkedIn:https://www.instagram.com/drabhaydandekar/https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhaydandekar/Listen to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform:🎙️ Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZReYDw6ta5zGuN4iLZ8Pt🎙️ Apple Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-me-i-know-what-im-doing/id1635803563?uo=4🎙️ Amazon Music : https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/acec47fd-da0e-4419-aab9-306503ea49c5🎙️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing
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    44 min
  • Aditya Suhas Jambhale on Directing Article 370 and Disrupting Indian Cinema

    Aditya Suhas Jambhale on Directing Article 370 and Disrupting Indian Cinema
    Aug 18 2026

    How do you go from an introverted engineering student in Goa to winning two back-to-back National Film Awards and directing hit films like Article 370 and Baramulla — all without ever working as an assistant director?

    In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, host Dr. Abhay Dandekar sits down with acclaimed writer and director Aditya Suhas Jambhale. Aditya shares his incredible journey of disruptive self-belief, turning down an associate director offer on a 400-crore film (Ashwathama) to bet on his own voice, overcoming the "blame game" in engineering school, and entering the directing space from Marathi theater to short films to feature films.

    Aditya also breaks down his philosophy on why "doing a project in the industry is easy, but doing cinema is tough," how he crafted high-stakes emotional storytelling in Article 370 and Baramulla, and why artists have a responsibility to make art valuable.

    If you enjoy deep conversations on cinema, storytelling, resilience, and identity across the global South Asian community, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE!

    --------------------------

    CHAPTERS:
    00:00 - Teaser: "To do a project is easy, to do cinema is tough"
    01:16 - Welcome to Trust Me I Know What I'm Doing
    01:35 - Introducing Director Aditya Suhas Jambhale
    03:02 - Falling in Love with Cinema: Watching Titanic in Goa
    05:13 - The Cricket & Engineering Detour
    07:44 - The Mentorship Mirror: Stopping the Blame Game
    10:04 - An Introvert's Journey: Becoming an Accidental Director
    12:13 - Self-Taught Vision: The large Audience Spectacle of 'Vande Mataram'
    14:45 - Back-to-Back National Awards & Meeting Aditya Dhar
    15:42 - Turning Down Ashwathama: The Audacity to Bet on Himself
    21:30 - Sponsor Break: Travelopod, Lotus Lane Coffee
    22:15 - Crafting High-Stakes Storytelling in 'Article 370' & 'Baramulla'
    30:11 - Sponsor Break: Timberdog Ruffrest
    35:40 - Cinema vs. Industry: Why Emotional Connection is Everything
    42:15 — Navigating Scale & Budget
    48:10 — The Artist’s Responsibility
    56:20 — Uncompromising Self-Belief: Maintaining creative independence
    1:05:10 — Building Evolving Narratives: How theater roots in Goa shaped Aditya's visual and audio storytelling style.
    1:12:21 — Closing Reflections

    --------------------------

    EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS & KEY TAKEAWAYS:
    • The Mentorship Mirror: How stopping the "blame game" in engineering school transformed Aditya's career.
    • Betting on Yourself: Why Aditya turned down an associate director position on a 400-crore film to direct his own vision.
    • The Disruptor's Responsibility: How independent theater and short films built a bold, uncompromising directorial voice.
    • Cinema vs. Industry: Why true filmmaking relies on audience empathy and emotional value over massive production budgets.

    GUEST & HOST RESOURCES:
    🎬 Watch Article 370 & Baramulla on Netflix
    https://www.instagram.com/adityasuhasjambhale/?hl=en

    Shout outs:
    • Happy Independance Day to India!

    SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:
    ✈️ Travelopod — Custom, personalized travel experiences for destinations like Africa, Japan, Antarctica, and India: https://vacation.travelopod.com
    ☕ Lotus Lane Coffee — Rooted in India, Roasted in Columbus
    https://lotuslanecoffee.com
    Timberdog Ruffest
    https://timberdog.com/

    Trust Me I Know What I'm Doing | Dr. Abhay Dandekar
    A mirror and window for global Indians and South Asians through conversation.
    Every week, we share chats with artists, leaders, musicians, chefs, experts, change makers, and innovators from the home and diaspora - sharing their journeys and motivations.

    For enquiries 📧 Email : info@abhaydandekar.com

    Find us on Instagram/ LinkedIn:
    https://www.instagram.com/drabhaydandekar/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhaydandekar/

    Listen to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform:
    🎙️ Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZReYDw6ta5zGuN4iLZ8Pt
    🎙️ Apple Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-me-i-know-what-im-doing/id1635803563?uo=4
    🎙️ Amazon Music : https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/acec47fd-da0e-4419-aab9-306503ea49c5
    🎙️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing

    #AdityaJambhale #Article370 #Baramulla #IndianCinema #BollywoodDirector #NationalAward #AbhayDandekar #TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing #SouthAsianFilmmakers #DesiDiaspora
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    1 h et 14 min