Neurologist Dr. Vinit Banga explains stress, sleep, stroke symptoms, brain health, and the effects of pollution on the brain in this powerful podcast episode with Gaurav Arora.

This episode covers:
•Stress symptoms and how chronic stress damages the brain
•Deep sleep and why sleep is essential for brain repair
•Stroke warning signs (FAST symptoms) and why minutes matter
•Brain fog, memory loss, cognitive decline, early dementia signs
•Delhi pollution / AQI effects on brain ageing and intelligence
•Migraine triggers, headaches, and dangerous neurological red flags
•Doctor-patient trust, Practo ratings, healthcare commercialization in India

00:00 Impact of Delhi's Pollution on Brain Health
00:37 Stress and Its Effects on Health
01:39 Air Quality and Brain Aging
03:24 Blood-Brain Barrier and Pollution
06:03 Memory Issues and Aging
07:04 Understanding Memory Formation
12:20 Sleep Disorders and Brain Health
13:35 The Importance of Deep Sleep
16:09 Stress: The Silent Disruptor
46:38 Doctor-Patient Trust and Ethical Concerns
55:14 Commercialization in Healthcare
01:04:15 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

Dr. Vinit Banga is Director & Head of Neurology & Neurovascular Intervention at Fortis Escorts, and shares life-saving insights on preventing stroke, protecting brain function, and understanding modern neurological risk factors.

Keywords: neurologist podcast, brain health India, stress and stroke, sleep and brain, stroke symptoms, stroke warning signs, Delhi pollution brain damage, brain fog, dementia signs, migraine, Fortis neurologist, Dr Vinit Banga, Gaurav Arora podcast.

#Stress #Stroke #BrainHealth #Sleep #Neurology #Podcast #DrVinitBanga

🔗 Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com

He had five months of money left.

School fees. Home loan EMIs. Responsibilities.

And one decision to make.

In this deeply honest conversation, Ankur Warikoo opens up about the moments that shaped him. Not the highlight reels, but the failures, insecurities, and turning points that most people never hear about.

This isn’t a typical “success podcast.”

It’s the real story behind the person India thinks it knows.

⸻

🎙️ In This Episode, Ankur Talks About:
• The ambition spiral that quietly consumes high-performers
• The academic failures that stayed with him (IIT, CAT, career setbacks)
• Building Nearbuy, raising millions… and still falling apart
• The emotional weight of laying people off
• The books and music that helped him heal
• What “freedom” actually means beyond money
• Why slowing down might be the biggest form of growth

⸻

📌 One of the Most Powerful Moments:

“We had only five months of money left…
and yet, we were excited about starting a new life.”

That single moment changes how you see everything.

⸻

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Initial Reflections
00:22 Chasing Ambitions and Insecurities
01:47 Life as a Student and Educator
03:35 Realizations and Changes in Life
06:49 Overcoming Personal Challenges
15:24 Dealing with Professional Setbacks
25:44 Finding Solace in Books and Music
30:09 Underrated and Overrated Traits
33:25 Myths About Entrepreneurship
34:36 Debunking Entrepreneurial Myths
36:33 Mindset Shifts from Corporate to Startup
37:22 The Reality of Startup Growth
40:15 Embracing Slow and Deliberate Growth
40:35 Surprising Facts About Ankur Warikoo
43:36 Dealing with Online Trolls
47:10 Realizing You Have Enough
53:28 The Meaning of Money and Freedom
55:00 Perspectives on Wealth Creation
01:01:36 Staying Grounded Amidst Success
01:07:21 Final Thoughts and Reflections
⸻

🎧 About The xMonks Drive Podcast

The xMonks Drive is hosted by Gaurav Arora, featuring long-form conversations with India’s most influential founders, creators, and leaders, on life, failure, ambition, mindset, and meaning.

⸻

🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations!

Ankur Warikoo podcast, Ankur Warikoo failure story, Nearbuy startup, financial freedom India, Indian entrepreneurship, mindset and ambition, Gaurav Arora podcast

⸻

#AnkurWarikoo #IndianPodcast #EntrepreneurshipIndia #xMonksDrive

🔗 Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com

“UPSC is self-inflicted torture on all levels.”
In this explosive Hindi conversation, Ira Singhal (IAS) — UPSC CSE Rank 1 and the first differently-abled woman to top UPSC — breaks down the real truth of UPSC, IAS power, and the system.

On The xMonks Drive Podcast, Gaurav Arora speaks with Ira about everything aspirants and Indians want to know but rarely hear openly — from pressure, privilege, coaching culture, and attempts… to what it actually takes to become an IAS officer and survive inside the bureaucracy.

Ira doesn’t hold back. She says it straight:
✅ “Why are you in situations that make you unhappy?”
✅ “Happiness cannot be at the cost of someone else’s unhappiness.”
✅ “If you’re scared, then don’t come. These roles are not meant for such people.”

This episode covers the most talked-about topics in the UPSC world right now:
• UPSC ka sach: is it really the best measure of merit and intelligence?
• IAS ki power: real power vs politicians, status, and optics
• Coaching ka dhanda: what the coaching ecosystem doesn’t tell aspirants
• Reservation vs merit: the debate India keeps fighting
• Attempts & age limit: when should an aspirant move on?
• Mental health during UPSC preparation and public service
• Corruption: “necessary evil” or a dangerous excuse?
• What it means to serve India with real integrity

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Achievements
00:03 The Mental and Emotional Strain of UPSC Preparation
01:49 Career Shift and Motivation
03:19 Challenges and Perseverance
08:34 Disability and Inclusivity
13:00 Professional Experiences and Impact
16:38 Leadership and Systemic Change
20:01 Personal Insights and Reflections
27:06 Embracing Imperfections in Children
28:29 Cultural Richness and Acceptance
29:35 The Exodus of Wealthy Indians
31:53 Corruption in India: A Necessary Evil?
35:07 Inclusivity and Transgender Rights
37:43 Rapid Fire Questions on UPSC
39:21 Mental Health and UPSC Aspirants
42:45 The True Identity of Ira Singhal
43:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you’re a UPSC aspirant, a parent, a student, or simply curious about how India actually runs, this is one conversation you should not miss.

🎧 Watch till the end — Ira’s closing thoughts on fear, power, and service will stay with you.

🎙️ Guest

Ira Singhal (IAS)
UPSC Rank 1 | IAS Officer | Disability Rights Advocate

🎧 Host

Gaurav Arora
Founder, xMonks

📌 Keywords / Topics

UPSC • UPSC 2025 • IAS Officer • Civil Services • UPSC Preparation • UPSC Coaching • UPSC Attempts • UPSC Motivation • Reservation • Merit • Privilege • IAS Power • Bureaucracy vs Politicians • Corruption in India • Mental Health • Disability & Inclusion • Hindi Podcast • Indian Podcast

🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations on mindset, leadership, society & India

(Weekly episodes on The xMonks Drive Podcast)

🔥 Hashtags

#UPSC #IraSinghal #IAS #UPSC2025 #CivilServices #UPSCPreparation #IASOfficer #UPSCMotivation #HindiPodcast #PodcastIndia #GauravArora

🔗 Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com

In this episode of The xMonks Drive Podcast, Gaurav Arora sits down with Vishal Bhasin — a Criminal Profiling & Forensic Psychology professional and one of India’s leading experts on Workplace Sexual Harassment (PoSH Act).

This is a raw, high-impact conversation on how workplace harassment cases actually happen, how they are investigated, how evidence is evaluated, and why power dynamics can completely change outcomes.

If you’ve ever wondered where the line is between “normal behaviour” and harassment, how cases are proven without clear proof, or what really happens inside an Internal Committee inquiry — this episode will change how you see workplaces forever.

✅ In this episode, we cover:
• What counts as Workplace Sexual Harassment in India (PoSH explained)
• How intent vs impact is judged in real workplace cases
• The role of evidence: chats, screenshots, calls, and digital trails
• Why “zero complaints” is not always a good sign
• How power & hierarchy influence workplace behaviour
• False complaints vs unproven complaints (and the real numbers)
• The “court of public opinion” vs what’s legally fair
• Modern workplace boundaries: late-night chats, work friendships & blurred lines
• What companies should do to build truly safe and respectful cultures

This episode is especially relevant for:
✅ Employees
✅ Founders & managers
✅ HR professionals
✅ Internal Committee members
✅ Anyone working in corporate India or startups

🎧 Watch till the end for Vishal’s most practical advice on handling sensitive workplace situations with clarity, fairness, and accountability.

⸻

Guest: Vishal Bhasin

Criminal Profiling | Forensic & Investigative Psychology | Workplace PoSH Expert

Host: Gaurav Arora

Founder, xMonks | The xMonks Drive Podcast

⸻

📌 Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Workplace Harassment
00:37 Meet Vishal Bhasin: India's Leading PoSH Expert
02:24 Case Study: False Allegations and Investigation
11:13 Understanding PoSH Act and Its Implications
15:58 Power Dynamics and Workplace Relationships
29:25 Case Study: Misuse of Power and PoSH Complaint
35:23 Misuse of Power and Its Consequences
37:04 AI and Its Impact on Evidence
37:59 Power Dynamics in Workplace Relationships
41:30 False Complaints and Legal Challenges
43:17 Consensual Relationships and Their Complications
50:02 Forensic Evidence in Harassment Cases
54:15 Psychological Patterns of Predators
56:14 Gender Neutral Policies and Male Victims
01:02:48 Women to Women Harassment Cases
01:05:36 Public Opinion and Organizational Policies

🔗 Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com

In this powerful episode of The xMonks Drive, Gaurav Arora sits down with Geetanjali Pandit — former CHRO of the India Today Group, Indian Express, and Zee Media, and bestselling author of Buddha at Work and Buddha in Love — for a deep, honest conversation on Buddhism, work stress, relationships, burnout, leadership, and modern life.

This is not a feel-good spiritual talk.
This is practical Buddhism for people dealing with pressure, toxic work cultures, emotional pain, broken relationships, and inner conflict.

Geetanjali shares her lived experiences from the corporate world, her personal struggles, and how Buddhist wisdom helped her navigate abuse, stress, anger, trauma, leadership challenges, and emotional healing — both at work and in love.

In this episode, we explore:
• How Buddhism applies to modern work life
• Why stress, burnout, and disengagement are rising globally
• What Buddhism says about anger, greed, ignorance, and suffering
• How unresolved issues create toxic workplaces and relationships
• Why leaders struggle with emotional maturity and responsibility
• How to manage work pressure, anxiety, and inner chaos
• What Buddhism really teaches about happiness, pain, and effort
• Why Buddhism matters more at work and in relationships than most people realise

Timestamps
00:00 A Life-Changing Rescue
00:13 Discovering Buddhism and Inner Peace
03:46 The Power of Chanting for Happiness
05:30 Finding Happiness Before Success
06:31 The Importance of Gratitude
15:55 Buddhism's Three Poisons
17:28 Toxicity and Unresolved Issues
21:32 Navigating Office Politics
25:01 Managing Expectations in Relationships
26:13 Understanding Anger and Its Impact
27:09 Insights from 'Just Chill' Show
29:37 Values and Compatibility in Relationships
32:46 Dealing with Disappointment and Expectations
35:07 Belief in Coincidences and Personal Stories
40:54 Levels of Consciousness in Buddhism
48:56 Rapid Fire Round and Final Thoughts

This conversation is especially relevant for:
• Professionals dealing with work stress and burnout
• Leaders and managers navigating people problems
• Anyone struggling with relationships, emotional pain, or inner conflict
• Viewers interested in Buddhism, mindfulness, leadership, and personal growth
• Fans of long-form conversations like The Ranveer Show, Jay Shetty Podcast, Gaur Gopal Das, and BK Shi

🔗 Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com

In this episode of The xMonks Drive, Gurudev Sri Anish shares a rare, deeply reflective story about meeting the Dalai Lama, and what silence, presence, and inner stillness revealed in that moment.

A former CEO who walked away from the corporate world to spend a decade in deep spiritual practice in the Himalayas, Gurudev Sri Anish speaks candidly about leadership, fulfilment, and why even the most successful people often feel empty inside. Drawing from his personal journey and spiritual insights, he explores how modern ideas of success, ambition, and competition have shaped a generation and what’s missing beneath it all.

This conversation goes beyond motivation and self-help. It touches on:
- What silence teaches that words cannot
- Why achievement without inner stillness leads to burnout
- How the Dalai Lama embodies presence and awareness
- The difference between action and aggression in leadership
- Why fulfilment cannot be outsourced to success, money, or titles

Timestamps
00:00 Meeting the Dalai Lama: A Profound Connection
02:21 Acknowledging Presence: A Deeper Understanding
13:52 The Essence of Consciousness and Spirituality
23:56 The Faulty Template of Modern Life
51:20 The Power of Non-Doing and Inner Stillness
59:05 India's Role and Global Collaboration
01:04:51 Message to the Youth: Building a Better World

Hosted by Gaurav Arora, founder of xMonks, this episode is a slow, thoughtful exploration of consciousness, leadership, and the inner life — especially relevant for founders, leaders, and seekers navigating pressure, purpose, and meaning in today’s world.

🎧 Watch till the end for Gurudev Sri Anish’s message to the youth on purpose, freedom, and living consciously.

Guest: Gurudev Sri Anish
Spiritual Teacher | Leadership Mentor | Founder, Saadho Sangha

Host: Gaurav Arora
Founder, xMonks

🔔 Subscribe for more long-form conversations on leadership, consciousness, and inner growth.
💬 Share your reflections in the comments. What did this conversation stir in you?

Hashtags:
#DalaiLama #GurudevSriAnish #ConsciousLeadership #InnerStillness #ThexMonksDrive

🔗 Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com

In this episode, we speak with Vaidehi Subramani, child rights activist, former Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), and POCSO trainer, about how child abuse cases are handled in India and how the child protection system actually works.

Drawing from decades of frontline experience, she explains what happens when a child reports abuse — from the first complaint to the system’s response — and why many cases never reach court. The conversation looks closely at child abuse within families, the role of POCSO law and juvenile justice, and the gaps that continue to put children at risk.

The discussion covers:
• What happens in the first 24 hours after a child reports abuse
• Why most abuse cases involve people the child knows
• How Child Welfare Committees and Juvenile Justice Boards function
• Why children are often not believed when they speak up
• Digital abuse and online exploitation of children
• What parents, schools, and institutions need to understand about child safety

This episode offers a clear, grounded look at child protection, law, and accountability in India, intended for parents, educators, policymakers, and anyone seeking to understand the system beyond headlines.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Child Tr*fficking in Delhi
00:50 Meet Vaidehi: The Child Rights Warrior
02:33 Challenges in Child Protection
03:51 Case Study: Afghan Children in Delhi
06:11 Understanding Juvenile Justice
11:19 Rehabilitation and Reintegration
23:28 Factors Leading to Juvenile Crimes
26:18 The Role of Family and Society
32:00 Exploring the Impact of Violent Upbringings
32:52 Digital Fasting Experiment
33:54 Impact of Digital Deprivation on Children
36:38 Parenting Styles and Challenges
39:51 Child Tr*fficking and Exploitation
52:00 Digital Abuse and Its Consequences
59:49 Emotional Reflections and Conclusion

⸻

Guest: Vaidehi Subramani
Child Rights Activist | Former CWC Chairperson | POCSO Trainer

Host: Gaurav Arora
Founder, xMonks

🔗 Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com

2026 astrology predictions in Hindi, real Vedic astrology, money, career, rashifal, remedies and the truth about fake astrologers – sab kuch is one deep podcast.

In this special episode of The xMonks Drive Podcast, host Gaurav Arora sits down with celebrity Vedic astrologer ShivaAmit Khanna to decode 2026 through real astrology, not fear-based drama.

✅ What you’ll learn in this episode:
•2026 astrology predictions for all 12 zodiac signs (money, career, direction)
•The difference between real Vedic astrology vs fake astrology on social media
•2026 rashifal explained in simple language
•Astrology remedies for 2026 success – money, work, stability, inner peace
•How to know if your astrologer is lying or guessing
•Why just sun-sign horoscopes are not enough & how moon sign / lagna matter

If you’ve ever searched “2026 astrology predictions”, “2026 rashifal”, “real astrology vs fake”, “astrology remedies for money and career” – this conversation will help you understand astrology properly and use it in a practical way.

⭐ About ShivaAmit Khanna
ShivaAmit Khanna is one of India’s most sought-after Vedic astrologers, guiding celebrities, business leaders and thousands of people worldwide with his accurate predictions and practical remedies. In this episode, he breaks down 2026 with honesty, clarity and deep spiritual insight.

🎧 About The xMonks Drive Podcast
Hosted by Gaurav Arora, The xMonks Drive explores coaching, spirituality, psychology and leadership with some of the most insightful teachers, mystics and thinkers from India and around the world.

🔔 If this episode helps you:
•Like the video
•Comment your rāshi / zodiac sign and what hit you most
•Share it with someone who keeps watching random 2026 prediction videos 🙂
•Subscribe for more real conversations on astrology, spirituality and inner growth

Hashtags:
#2026Astrology #Rashifal2026 #VedicAstrology #AstrologyPodcast #FakeAstrologers #RealAstrology #ShivaAmitKhanna #xMonksDrive #GauravArora #HindiPodcast

🔗 Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com