Between Us, Make Every Conversation Count ™

Santosh Kumar
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I’ve always believed that meaningful conversations have the power to change the way we see the world, and each other. Born in Calcutta, I grew up surrounded by stories and voices that shaped my earliest understanding of connection. Over the years, that curiosity carried me across India and the U.S ; working with global teams, collaborating with institutions like MIT and Virginia Tech, and supporting Fortune 50 clients including UPS, Microsoft, UnitedHealth Group, Albertsons, Morgan Stanley, all while helping build a learning and design startup from the ground up. Along the way, I wore many hats; sales leader, account manager, project lead, culture carrier, from setting up our U.S. office in Atlanta to bridging clients and cross-border teams. But no matter the role, the mission was always the same: helping people connect better, deeper, and more meaningfully. That spirit now lives in Between Us, Make Every Conversation Count™, a podcast that brings together voices from across sectors and walks of life to explore what truly matters: mental health, sustainability, entrepreneurship, healthcare, identity, and hope. As host and producer, I don’t chase headlines, I hold space. For stories that go deeper. For moments that stay. For people making sense of the world, together. Because in the end, it’s not about spotlighting loud voices. It’s about hearing the ones that often go unheard. If you care about storytelling, community, and change… welcome. Let’s make every conversation count Santosh Kumar Founder & Host, Between Us, Make Every Conversation Count™ Storyteller | Culture-Builder | Global Collaborator

  1. 17 JUL

    Ep 57: Courts of Change: How Rido Sports is Building India’s Sporting Future

    Courts of Change: How Rido Sports is Building India’s Sporting Future | Between Us™ Podcast What does it take to turn a barren patch of land into a space for dreams, discipline, and national pride? In this episode of Between Us™, we sit down with Sandeep Bhola and Siddhant Bhola, the father-son duo behind Rido Sports, one of India’s most respected names in sports infrastructure development. For over 30 years, Rido Sports has been silently transforming schoolyards, stadiums, and communities — one court at a time. But behind every surface they build lies a deeper story: of resilience, generational leadership, and a vision to redefine the future of sports in India. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a sports enthusiast, or someone interested in building with purpose — this conversation will leave you inspired. Timestamps 00:00 – Sneak Peek: What’s Coming 01:39 – The Origin Story: How Rido Sports Began 06:38 – First Big Break: The Project That Changed Everything 09:38 – Lessons from a Father: Foundations of Leadership 16:27 – Engineering Excellence: Crafting with Precision 21:25 – Why Quality is Non-Negotiable 29:00 – Make in India, Rido’s Way 37:00 – Hard Lessons, Real Growth 42:38 – Sports, Education & Social Change 56:52 – Building for the Climate: Sustainability in Sports Infra 01:06:19 – Entrepreneurship Meets Legacy 01:22:50 – Rapid Fire: Grit, Vision & Values 01:42:30 – Closing Notes & Final Takeaways Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful conversations. ️ Listen to Between Us™ on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you stream. Follow Us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andbetweenus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santoshk73/ Website: www.andbetweenus.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The idea of ‘Between Us’ stems from the fact that every conversation matters, especially the one that we have with ourselves. Using podcast as a medium, I am fortunate to bring folks who have made an impact in everyday lives, from diverse backgrounds, to engage in a meaningful conversation. The topics are as diverse and deeply interconnected - from climate justice to big tech to healthcare as a constitutional right to millennial expectations to gender equality and inclusiveness. I warmly welcome you to join me in this journey. Between Us Podcast, Rido Sports, Indian Sports Infrastructure, Sports Entrepreneurs, Family Business India, Father-Son Founders, Startup Journey, Building Sports Courts India, Sandeep Bhola, Siddhant Bhola, Sports Legacy, Indian Entrepreneurs, Sports Development India, #RidoSports #SportsInfrastructure #IndianEntrepreneurs #BetweenUsPodcast #FamilyBusiness #SportsLegacy #MakeInIndia #StartupJourney #CourtsOfChange #PodcastIndia #SportsDevelopment #FatherSonStory

    1h 42m

  2. 17 JUL

    Ep 58: The Startup Catalyst Building the Ecosystem | Between Us™ Bharat Startup Series

    The Startup Catalyst: Building the Ecosystem with Ashish Garde | Between Us™ Podcast What does it really take to create a thriving startup culture in India’s small towns? In this episode of Between Us™, we sit down with Ashish Garde, Director of MAGIC Incubator, and one of the most influential figures quietly reshaping India’s startup ecosystem. From mentoring women entrepreneurs to empowering rural innovators, Ashish shares what it means to support startups that don’t always come from Silicon Valley-like cities — but from Tier II and Tier III Bharat. This isn’t just about incubation — it’s about inclusivity, economic transformation, and building the future from the grassroots up. In This Episode: How incubators create new markets, not just support themMAGIC’s model for mentoring Tier II & rural foundersThe untold stories of underrepresented entrepreneursStartups as tools for job creation, innovation, and equalityAI, climate, and grassroots innovation — the trends to watch Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more. Watch now & subscribe for more real conversations from the heart of India’s transformation. Let us know your biggest takeaway from the episode in the comments. Timestamps 00:00 – Coming Up 01:49 – Introduction 03:12 – Personal Journey 04:26 – What Matters 15:40 – Tier 2 & 3 Startup Challenges 24:36 – Empowering Women & Rural Entrepreneurs 28:17 – How MAGIC Supports Innovators 29:47 – Stories from the Ground 32:56 – Bridging the Entrepreneurial Gap 40:22 – Social Impact of Startups 46:10 – Challenges as an Incubator 48:40 – What’s Brewing 54:18 – The Copy-Paste Problem in Startups 1:12:37 – Rapid Fire 1:21:46 – Final Thoughts & Outro Between us ™️ Podcast links Website: www.andbetweenus.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betweenuspodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5HD4qrh7B76uTJxVT81aQu?si=RFuQ844FTQyF7j2sop_6xA Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/between-us-make-every-conversation-count/id1693184962 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The idea of ‘Between Us’ stems from the fact that every conversation matters, especially the one that we have with ourselves. Using podcast as a medium, I am fortunate to bring folks who have made an impact in everyday lives, from diverse backgrounds, to engage in a meaningful conversation. The topics are as diverse and deeply interconnected - from climate justice to big tech to healthcare as a constitutional right to millennial expectations to gender equality and inclusiveness. I warmly welcome you to join me in this journey. Tags: between us podcast, ashish garde, magic incubator, startup india, grassroots innovation, women entrepreneurs india, rural startups india, startup mentorship, inclusive innovation india, tier 2 startups, startup growth india, startup ecosystem india, economic transformation india, incubators in india, indian entrepreneurs, leadership in startups, podcast for founders, make in india, build in bharat, startup trends india, startup funding, regional innovation india, incubator success stories #AshishGarde #MAGICIncubator #BetweenUsPodcast #StartupIndia #GrassrootsInnovation #WomenEntrepreneursIndia #Tier2Startups #IndianEntrepreneurs #StartupMentorship #MakeInIndia #BuildInBharat #StartupEcosystem #PodcastIndia #InclusiveInnovation #StartupCatalyst

    1h 21m

  3. 30 APR

    Shaping the Future of Indian Education In Conversation with Dr. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of NAAC

    "Teachers build nations. Vision shapes education. Conversations spark change." Welcome to another episode of Between Us: Make Every Conversation Count™ In this landmark episode, we are joined by Dr. Anil Sahasrabudhe, one of India’s most respected education leaders and the former Chairman of AICTE. Together, we dive into the future of Indian education and what it truly means to reimagine learning in the 21st century. In this episode, we explore: • Empowering teachers as leaders and changemakers • Integrating Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into modern pedagogy • Role of startups, EdTech, and innovation in education • Creating flexible and inclusive learning pathways under NEP 2020 • Reaching underserved regions and communities • Blending tradition and technology for resilient institutions This conversation is an invitation to rethink the purpose, process, and impact of education—from policy to classroom, from startup hubs to rural schools. Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe Hit the to stay updated on our latest episodes! For more such conversation visit our website: www.andbetweenus.com You can also listen to the Audio on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Hubhopper and many more... https://hubhopper.com/podcast/between-us-make-every-conversation-count/445847 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5HD4qrh7B76uTJxVT81aQu?si=RFuQ844FTQyF7j2sop_6xA Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/between-us-make-every-conversation-count/id1693184962 Follow our host: Santosh Kumar (IG - @andbetweenus) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andbetweenus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santoshk73/ Guest: Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anil-sahasrabudhe-701b7325/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The idea of ‘Between Us’ stems from the fact that every conversation matters, especially the one that we have with ourselves. Using podcast as a medium, I am fortunate to bring folks who have made an impact in everyday lives, from diverse backgrounds, to engage in a meaningful conversation. The topics are as diverse and deeply interconnected - from climate justice to big tech to healthcare as a constitutional right to millennial expectations to gender equality and inclusiveness. I warmly welcome you to join me in this journey. #BetweenUsPodcast #DrAnilSahasrabudhe #NEP2020 #IndianEducation #FutureOfLearning #IKS #EducationLeadership #EdTech #PolicyToPractice #InnovationInEducation #TeachersOfIndia #MyGovIndia #MinistryOfEducation #NAAC

    2h 1m

  4. 22 APR

    Education that Heals, Science that Listens: Prof Bhushan Patwardhan on IKS & Integrative Health

    What if the answers to tomorrow’s challenges lie in India’s ancient knowledge? In this compelling episode of Between Us: Make Every Conversation Count™, we sit down with Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan — renowned biomedical scientist, global health advisor, and former Vice Chairman of the UGC — to explore how Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), Ayurveda, and the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) are transforming the landscape of education, policy, and global innovation. In this episode, we explore: - How IKS can be integrated into higher education - The role of Ayurveda in sustainable development and public health - The philosophical and scientific underpinnings of NEP 2020 - Bridging tradition and technology through storytelling and policy - Why India’s civilizational ethos is more relevant than ever This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a blueprint for reimagining India’s future. For more such conversation visit our website: www.andbetweenus.com You can also listen to the Audio on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Hubhopper and many more... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5HD4qrh7B76uTJxVT81aQu?si=RFuQ844FTQyF7j2sop_6xA Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/between-us-make-every-conversation-count/id1693184962 Follow our host: Santosh Kumar (IG - @andbetweenus) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andbetweenus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santoshk73/ Guest: Prof Bhushan Patwardhan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhushanpatwardhan/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The idea of ‘Between Us’ stems from the fact that every conversation matters, especially the one that we have with ourselves. Using podcast as a medium, I am fortunate to bring folks who have made an impact in everyday lives, from diverse backgrounds, to engage in a meaningful conversation. The topics are as diverse and deeply interconnected - from climate justice to big tech to healthcare as a constitutional right to millennial expectations to gender equality and inclusiveness. I warmly welcome you to join me in this journey. #BhushanPatwardhan #IndianKnowledgeSystems #IKS #NEP2020 #AyurvedaPolicy #AyurvedaEducation #EducationReformIndia #AncientWisdomModernWorld #BetweenUsPodcast #HigherEducationIndia #IKSInPolicy #GlobalScienceIndia #IndigenousInnovation #FutureOfLearning #BharatiyaGyaan

    1h 23m

  5. 9 APR

    The Startup Shift: Sustainability, Innovation & Social Impact

    What does it take to build a business that not only scales — but matters? In this powerful episode of Between Us, we sit down with Sameer Panda, a founder and changemaker who’s rewriting the rules of entrepreneurship. From bootstrapping ventures to aligning profits with purpose, Sameer shares his journey of building startups at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and social good. What to Expect • The real stories behind launching purpose-led ventures • Navigating systemic challenges and personal growth • Redefining success through impact and long-term vision • Insights into building with empathy, ethics, and ecosystems in mind This isn’t just a conversation — it’s a call to action for future founders, innovators, and impact-driven leaders. For more such conversation visit our website: www.andbetweenus.com You can also listen to the Audio on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Hubhopper and many more... https://hubhopper.com/podcast/between-us-make-every-conversation-count/445847 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5HD4qrh7B76uTJxVT81aQu?si=RFuQ844FTQyF7j2sop_6xA Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/between-us-make-every-conversation-count/id1693184962 Follow our host: Santosh Kumar (IG - @andbetweenus) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andbetweenus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santoshk73/ Guest: Sameer Panda Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sameerpanda19/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santoshk73/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The idea of ‘Between Us’ stems from the fact that every conversation matters, especially the one that we have with ourselves. Using podcast as a medium, I am fortunate to bring folks who have made an impact in everyday lives, from diverse backgrounds, to engage in a meaningful conversation. The topics are as diverse and deeply interconnected - from climate justice to big tech to healthcare as a constitutional right to millennial expectations to gender equality and inclusiveness. I warmly welcome you to join me in this journey. #SameerPanda #BetweenUsPodcast #SantoshKumarPodcast #SustainableStartups #SocialImpact #StartupIndia #FounderStories #ImpactEntrepreneurs #InnovationForGood #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessWithPurpose #StartupJourney #IndianEntrepreneurs #PurposeDrivenBusiness #SocialInnovation

    1h 38m

  6. 3 APR

    Building Lives, Not Just Careers - A Conversation with Dr. Mohan B Rao #betweenuspodcast #education

    The Teacher. The Mentor. The Visionary. Some people build careers. A rare few build legacies. In this special episode of Between Us, we sit down with Dr. Mohan B. Rao—Chairman of CII WR Education Taskforce and Advisor at SIWS Group of Institutions—whose journey from industry to academia has inspired thousands across generations. From boardrooms to classrooms, Dr. Rao has spent decades shaping young lives. But who is the man behind the resume? What You’ll Discover in This Episode: His early life, values, and what shaped his journey His transition from corporate leadership at Godrej and Datamatics to transformative work in academia Why mentorship matters now more than ever His bold ideas for fixing the gaps in our education system Insights on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), startups, AI, and the future of learning Personal reflections, regrets, triumphs—and what still fuels his passion Whether you're a student, educator, policymaker, or curious learner—this episode is a masterclass in leadership, learning, and living with purpose. Timestamps: 00:00 Coming up 01:50 Introduction 06:24 How can we have seamless marriage between Education & Entrepreneurship 08:45 What is Mentoring and what does it involve 13:15 How to close the gap between the education and real world skills 17:34 How do we prepare today's student for AI 18:35 Key 5 impactful features of NEP 2020 23:42 Role in CII 31:08 What is your role in helping the startups driving innovation 36:00 How can Indian Knowledge System help in today's startups? 45:56 What Motivated you to leap from corporate to teaching? 47:44 His Journey (Experience working in Godrej) 01:01:12 What is his advice for young generation? 01:03:40 His Journey in Datamatics 01:05:45 Importance of Human Connections 01:14:57 Why do learn the lesson after something happens? 01:18:40 Personal Journey (Growing up years) 01:25:20 How we all are interconnected but are we closely connected with each other? 01:28:00 What is your legacy? 01:32:14 His Learnings from his working abroad 01:36:40 Rapid Fire Questions 01:41:34 Closing Remarks Don’t forget to like, share, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that matter. Tag someone who needs to hear this today. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The idea of ‘Between Us’ stems from the fact that every conversation matters, especially the one that we have with ourselves. Using podcast as a medium, I am fortunate to bring folks who have made an impact in everyday lives, from diverse backgrounds, to engage in a meaningful conversation. The topics are as diverse and deeply interconnected - from climate justice to big tech to healthcare as a constitutional right to millennial expectations to gender equality and inclusiveness. I warmly welcome you to join me in this journey. #BetweenUs #Podcast #DrMohanBRao #EducationLeadership #MentorshipMatters #IndianKnowledgeSystems #FutureOfEducation #CII #LearningWithPurpose #TeacherMentorVisionary #InspiringConversations #LifeLessons

    1h 43m

  7. 14 MAR

    Empowering the Startup Ecosystem: Unlocking India's Potential.

    At Between Us, we're passionate about nurturing the startup ecosystem in India, particularly in Tier 2 and 3 cities. To take this ecosystem to the next level, we need to look beyond funding and focus on key elements like mentorship, resource accessibility, and fostering a collaborative culture. In today's era of collaboration, we believe that together, we can create a thriving startup ecosystem that benefits everyone. International investors are already bullish on Indian startups, drawn by our country's growing market, talented workforce, innovative solutions, and government initiatives supporting entrepreneurship. As we navigate the ups and downs of the startup journey, transparency and open communication with investors are crucial. Embracing setbacks as opportunities to learn and pivot is vital, and rejection can often be a stepping stone to success. Timestamps: Dive into the world of technology with me! Watch as I share my journey and insights: 2:22 - Introduction 3:34 - What inspired me to pursue a career in technology 7:23- Three main segments. 7:36- What matters. 19:15- Key elements beyond funding that make Ecosystem Robust. 21:07- Define good mentorship. 23:10- How mentorship actually helped! 38:07- Ease of doing Business. 48:46 - How do we build meaningful connections 53:30- Best way to Retain talent. 1:17:14 - How world economy shaped? 1:24:40 - Startup should align mission or not? 1:34:10 Advice on Indian startup. 1:43:33 - Role of Investors 2:02:34 - Conclusion Our vision for Bharat Startup? A vibrant ecosystem where startups thrive, driven by collaboration, innovation, and a passion for solving real-world problems. Let's work together to make this vision a reality! What role do you think you can play in shaping the future of India's startup ecosystem? #BharatStartup #StartupEcosystem #Collaboration #Innovation #BetweenUs

    2h 2m

  8. 25 FEB

    Balance the five elements with Vastu for a blissful life!!

    Vastu, Astrology & Home Energy - How Your Space Shapes Your Destiny. You don’t have to believe in Vastu Shastra for it to work—just like you don’t have to believe in gravity for it to keep you grounded. Your home is more than just walls and a roof; it’s a living energy field that directly influences your health, relationships, and success. Many dismiss Vastu as mere superstition, but those who have witnessed its impact know otherwise. Every space carries energy, and the alignment of your home with the five elements (Panch Tattva), planetary influences, and cosmic vibrations can determine the flow of opportunities, wealth, and overall well-being in your life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The science behind Vastu Shastra—how it connects with nature, astrology, and your personal energy field How directional energies (north, south, east, west) influence your success, relationships, and mental peace The hidden link between chakras, planetary alignments, and major life events Real-life Astro-Vastu case studies—stories of how home energy shaped people’s destinies Why identical apartment layouts don’t always bring the same results—how Astro-Vastu changes everything The impact of blocked directions, open west-facing homes, and unbalanced elements in modern urban spaces Simple yet powerful Vastu tips to bring prosperity, balance, and positive energy into your home Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction to the episode 3:13 - what is Vastu shastra? 5:06 - Impacts of vastu 5:40 - Seperation of Relationships 6:21 - What is Spiritual & origins of vastu? 7:18 - What are the five Elements of Vastu shastra 8:45 - Which home facing is good? 12:05 - How to build house with the help of Architect? 18:50 - When did you first enter in the Vastu shastra? 20:32 - What are the Elements of Supersition. 26:40 - Do these things really matter? 30:34 - What's Brewing? 38:40 - What you have gain from vastu? 41:05 - Is there any aspect of vastu which people completely undersestimate? 42:50 - Rapid fire questions? Does Your Home’s Direction Matter? Many of us have heard elders say, “Always choose an east-facing home over a south-facing one.” But why? Just as our body is deeply connected to nature—through water, fire, air, earth, and space—our home is, too. A blocked north, for instance, can disrupt the flow of water energy, affecting health, emotions, and financial stability over time. Real-Life Proof That Vastu Works A woman moved into a new apartment and suffered a tragic loss—her husband passed away soon after. A Vastu expert later found that her home had an open west, ruled by Saturn (Shani), which can cause separation, loneliness, or major disruptions. Just one floor above, another woman’s husband had to relocate to Dubai for work. Different situations, yet a common theme—separation. This is how Vastu operates in subtle but powerful ways—shaping your life, even when you don’t realize it. How Can You Align Your Space for Success? Even if you live in a high-rise apartment or a compact urban space, there are ways to adjust and balance your home’s energy. By understanding the principles of Graha (Planets), Tattva (Elements), Dasha (Time Cycles), Disha (Directions), and Devata (Divine Energies), you can create a harmonious and prosperous environment. Don’t leave your destiny to chance. Align your space, align your soul. #Vastu #VastuShastra #Astrology #HomeEnergy #PositiveVibes #AlignYourEnergy #EnergyAlignment #SpiritualWisdom #Jyotish #Ayurveda #SacredSpace #VastuForSuccess #VastuForHome

    55 min
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About

I’ve always believed that meaningful conversations have the power to change the way we see the world, and each other. Born in Calcutta, I grew up surrounded by stories and voices that shaped my earliest understanding of connection. Over the years, that curiosity carried me across India and the U.S ; working with global teams, collaborating with institutions like MIT and Virginia Tech, and supporting Fortune 50 clients including UPS, Microsoft, UnitedHealth Group, Albertsons, Morgan Stanley, all while helping build a learning and design startup from the ground up. Along the way, I wore many hats; sales leader, account manager, project lead, culture carrier, from setting up our U.S. office in Atlanta to bridging clients and cross-border teams. But no matter the role, the mission was always the same: helping people connect better, deeper, and more meaningfully. That spirit now lives in Between Us, Make Every Conversation Count™, a podcast that brings together voices from across sectors and walks of life to explore what truly matters: mental health, sustainability, entrepreneurship, healthcare, identity, and hope. As host and producer, I don’t chase headlines, I hold space. For stories that go deeper. For moments that stay. For people making sense of the world, together. Because in the end, it’s not about spotlighting loud voices. It’s about hearing the ones that often go unheard. If you care about storytelling, community, and change… welcome. Let’s make every conversation count Santosh Kumar Founder & Host, Between Us, Make Every Conversation Count™ Storyteller | Culture-Builder | Global Collaborator

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