Big on Small Talk - Podcast

Anuj Sawhney & Manav Subodh

There are podcasts and then there are life changers. Big on 'Small' Talk is a show about nothing, yet practically everything...and everyone!  The basic theme of the show discusses varied "seemingly insignificant" situations everyone faces in their daily lives. These circumstances faced are sometimes humorous, at times confusing, even frustrating or seldom detrimental to one's well being as most of us are clueless as to how to handle them. Sharing these 'small' situations or thoughts becomes increasingly significant as they invariably affect our subconscious state of well being and hence 'big' in every sense of the word. These 'trivialities' bottle up within us in the form of perpetual confusions and frustrations, thus forming a vicious cycle where all of us end up playing the guessing game hoping we picked the 'apt' way of handling the unforeseen situation at hand. And yet none of us either have a vent for such experiences or a medium to find answers as to how to handle them on their recurrence, let alone offer a yardstick on how these situations were dealt by us in the first place. The show attempts to analyze these situations in a humorous yet non judgemental way to see the lighter side of things. It also encourages viewers to share their viewpoints in order for everyone in the community to gain from varied opinions & individual experiences finally being brought into the limelight.  And you would be surprised to know as to how many others would resonate with the same situations or thoughts, we always believed were 'small' to be even brought about into the open!!

  1. 22/12/2025

    SUPERHERO EPISODE 6 Audio

    In this inspirational 6th episode of SUPERHEROES by Big On ‘Small’ Talk, host Manav Subodh sits down with Peepal Baba — Swami Prem Parivartan, the legendary environmentalist known as the man who planted a forest.  Known far and wide for his lifelong mission to heal the Earth, Peepal Baba’s story is not just about trees — it’s about roots: of nature, of community, and of human purpose. Born Azad Jain in Chandigarh, his journey from a curious youngster planting his first sapling at age 11 to the founder of Give Me Trees Trust is nothing short of awe-inspiring.  For over 47 years, Swami Prem Parivartan and his volunteers have planted and nurtured millions of trees — including more than 1.25 crore Peepal trees and over 20 million trees across 202 districts in 18 states of India — transforming barren land into thriving green landscapes.  In this heartfelt conversation, Peepal Baba shares: Why good work attracts good people — and why patience and perseverance are the true virtues. His candid views on modern society: how the average Indian youth today shies away from farming, nature and physical toil — preferring a life in malls over meaningful, grounded labor with a shovel in hand. Why he never attends global summits or debates abroad, choosing instead to invest every resource into planting another acre of forest that directly benefits life on Earth. This episode is a breath of fresh air — a reminder that change doesn’t happen overnight, and true progress begins when we reconnect with our roots — in nature, in work, and in our communities. Tune in to rediscover: What it truly means to care for our planet. Why tree planting is more than an act — it’s a promise to the future. How one person with purpose can inspire an entire movement.  The Logical Indian “If you do good work, good people will surround you.” — Peepal Baba Watch, listen, and let his wisdom on life, nature, and perseverance change the way you see the world. Don’t miss this eye-opening episode — it might just plant a seed of change in YOU.

    24 min
  2. 27/10/2025

    Ep:17 | Double Standards | Big on Small Talk

    Double Standards | Big On Small Talk Podcast | Ft. Anuj, Manav & Guests The episode that calls out what everyone’s thinking but few dare to say. “She’s career-focused? Neglecting family.” BUT "She is family-oriented? Is she a gold digger who failed school and can't earn her own living?" "Men need to be in touch with their emotions more." BUT "Why does this guy keep crying and complaining, so pathetic." Parents will scold their child for using phones while eating meals, but those same parents will watch TV on full volume during those same meals. Sound familiar? In this brutally honest and thought-provoking episode of Big On Small Talk, hosts Anuj and Manav sit down with a few special guests to strip down the everyday hypocrisy we see — in families, relationships, workplaces, and society at large. From gender expectations to professional favoritism, from parental double standards to cultural contradictions — this conversation hits where it hurts. But more importantly, it asks why we continue to normalize it all. In This Episode: The unspoken double standards that shape Indian households Why “different rules for different people” exist at work How we judge others for the same things we excuse in ourselves The mental toll of living under society’s contradictory expectations Real stories from guests who’ve lived both sides of the coin This episode isn’t just a conversation — it’s a mirror held up to our collective contradictions. Expect laughs, uncomfortable truths, and those “wait, I do that too” moments

    16 min
  3. 17/10/2025

    The Fear of Breast Cancer Screenings | Butterfly Effect | Hidden Gems Ep 16 | Big on Small Talk

    Why do so many rural women in India still struggle to access life-saving breast cancer screening?  In this deeply moving episode of The Butterfly Effect on the Big On Small Talk Podcast, host Manav Subodh, founder of 1M1B (One Million for One Billion), speaks with Sneha, a passionate 1M1B Future Leader on a mission to bridge the healthcare gap for women in rural India.  Her Journey: From Awareness to Action Growing up witnessing the silence around women’s health, Sneha took it upon herself to create change. Through awareness drives, digital health initiatives, and on-ground community outreach, she’s helping rural women access vital breast cancer screening and break the stigma surrounding health checkups.  The Challenges and the Change From cultural taboos to limited access to technology and healthcare infrastructure, Sneha faced it all—but her determination never wavered. With mentorship from 1M1B and support from local changemakers, she’s turning barriers into bridges, empowering women to take control of their health and their futures.  Sneha’s story is a testament to what happens when compassion meets action. Her journey reminds us that awareness saves lives—and that empowering women means empowering entire communities.  Tune in now to be inspired by Sneha’s courage, creativity, and unstoppable drive to make rural healthcare accessible for all.

    11 min
  4. 17/10/2025

    The Dead "End" - Episode 4: "Breaking Bad Habits"

    Welcome back to The Dead “End”, where hosts Anuj and Dilip take a hard look at the chaos we’ve normalized — from traffic violations and animal neglect to desensitization and digital distraction. In “Breaking Bad Habits,” they confront the uncomfortable truth: it’s not just our systems that are broken — it’s our behavior. Full Throttle: Thought Experiment What if, for once, everyone actually followed the rules? Anuj and Dilip explore how small acts of discipline — from obeying signals to respecting others’ space — could transform not just our roads, but our mindset as a society. U-Turn: Renewable Goals Breaking bad habits isn’t just about personal change — it’s about creating a sustainable future. The hosts dive into how civic sense and environmental consciousness go hand in hand, proving that accountability starts with awareness. Rearview Mirror: History A look back at how cultural patterns, historical influences, and modernization shaped our current “anything goes” mentality — and why understanding our past is key to reshaping our future. Backseat Driver: Featuring Manvi Ghosh Guest Manvi Ghosh joins for a powerful discussion on human psychology, empathy, and the ripple effect of small positive choices. Together, they unpack what it means to truly unlearn and rebuild. Crossroads: Collaborative Solution Can individuals, communities, and systems work together to reverse the damage? The trio explores collective responsibility — because meaningful change starts when everyone takes the wheel.

    22 min
  5. Nazar ka Dhanda | India's Most Viral Beliefs | Big on Small Talk Podcast | #Ep 15

    11/07/2025

    Nazar ka Dhanda | India's Most Viral Beliefs | Big on Small Talk Podcast | #Ep 15

    In the 15th episode of Big on Small Talk, “Nazar ka Dhanda” , hosts Anuj and Manav peel back the layers on one of the most mysterious and culturally entrenched beliefs—the evil eye, or nazar. But this episode isn’t just about superstition. It’s about how fear becomes commerce, how belief is turned into business, and how the “nazar” industry is thriving in both overt and subtle ways. Whether it’s lemon-chili charms hanging on doorways ️, black threads worn for protection , or overpriced nazar remedies sold online , we explore the booming market built around an ancient fear. Where does belief end and manipulation begin? In this candid and eye-opening conversation ️, Anuj and Manav investigate how people are sold comfort in the form of rituals and objects—and how often this comfort comes at a cost. Is it culture or con? Faith or fear-mongering? ️ We dive into the psychological and emotional impact of believing in nazar, and how businesses—from small-time spiritual vendors to influencers and even major brands—have learned to capitalize on it. The episode also features personal stories, cultural anecdotes, and surprising stats about the growing nazar economy. We challenge the idea of blind belief and ask: is it really the buri nazar we should fear—or the fear being sold in its name? From astrology packages , mystical “cleansing” sessions ‍️, to AI-generated nazar dosh reports —this episode explores the bizarre, the believable, and the blatantly opportunistic. Join us as we question, laugh, and unpack the economy of superstition in “Nazar ka Business” Subscribe to Big on Small Talk for more bold, thoughtful, and often surprising conversations that challenge everyday thinking and spark meaningful dialogue. Let’s continue to turn small talk into BIG impact. ️ ️ Podcast captions are now available in multiple languages: Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and Gujarati. Follow us on... Instagram:  / bigonsmalltalk   Facebook:  / bigonsmalltalkshow

    24 min
  6. 11/07/2025

    Naaz's Journey as a Trans Woman | Superheroes Ep 5 | Big On 'Small' Talk Podcast

    In Episode 5 of SUPERHEROES by Big On 'Small' Talk, host Anuj Sawhney sits down with Naaz, a transgender woman whose life journey challenges stigma, shatters myths, and redefines courage in the Indian context. Naaz was born in a biologically male body, but she always knew she was a woman. In a society where gender roles are rigid and deeply enforced, her truth came at a cost—rejection, ridicule, and real danger. But her story isn’t just about survival—it’s about authenticity, strength, and self-acceptance. This episode takes a raw, honest look at what it means to be transgender in India—beyond headlines, beyond stereotypes. Naaz opens up about growing up feeling invisible, the trauma of being misunderstood by her own family, and the long journey of embracing her identity with pride. Together with Anuj, she explores the realities of the hijra community—often feared, misunderstood, or fetishized. The conversation peels back layers of myth and misinformation, revealing the humanity, culture, and inner lives of India’s third gender. What does it mean to live a truth that society denies you? Why is acceptance still the most painful battle for many trans individuals? And how can we shift our perspective—from judgment to empathy? Naaz’s resilience is not just inspiring—it’s revolutionary. Her voice offers hope to many who still live in silence, and her presence reminds us that being seen for who you truly are is the most powerful act of all. Tune in to Episode 5 for a moving, myth-busting conversation that will open your heart, challenge your assumptions, and celebrate the right to live, love, and be—freely.

    18 min

About

There are podcasts and then there are life changers. Big on 'Small' Talk is a show about nothing, yet practically everything...and everyone!  The basic theme of the show discusses varied "seemingly insignificant" situations everyone faces in their daily lives. These circumstances faced are sometimes humorous, at times confusing, even frustrating or seldom detrimental to one's well being as most of us are clueless as to how to handle them. Sharing these 'small' situations or thoughts becomes increasingly significant as they invariably affect our subconscious state of well being and hence 'big' in every sense of the word. These 'trivialities' bottle up within us in the form of perpetual confusions and frustrations, thus forming a vicious cycle where all of us end up playing the guessing game hoping we picked the 'apt' way of handling the unforeseen situation at hand. And yet none of us either have a vent for such experiences or a medium to find answers as to how to handle them on their recurrence, let alone offer a yardstick on how these situations were dealt by us in the first place. The show attempts to analyze these situations in a humorous yet non judgemental way to see the lighter side of things. It also encourages viewers to share their viewpoints in order for everyone in the community to gain from varied opinions & individual experiences finally being brought into the limelight.  And you would be surprised to know as to how many others would resonate with the same situations or thoughts, we always believed were 'small' to be even brought about into the open!!