TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING

Abhay Dandekar
  • 5.0 (48)
  • Documentary
  • Updated Weekly

Serving as both a reflective mirror and an open window into the global Indian diaspora and South Asian communities. The conversations led by Abhay Dandekar are informal and informative, adding insights and perspective to our evolving expressions of culture, confidence, and trust. New episodes weekly, on Tuesdays (and some Thursdays). Listen or watch anywhere you get your podcasts, and please rate and review if your enjoying it.

  1. Megha Desai on Building a Dignity Infrastructure

    4d ago ·  Bonus

    Megha Desai on Building a Dignity Infrastructure

    How do we move the needle from simple charity to true, lasting systems change?  Megha Desai, President of the Desai Foundation, joins the podcast to share how they have impacted over 12 million lives by treating dignity as a measurable currency. If you want to catch more deep dives into the global desi and diaspora experience, hit the Subscribe button to join our community! In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, host Dr. Abhay Dandekar sits down with Megha to explore the powerful intersection of big data and human-centered storytelling. From scaling a modest family ethos of abundance into a globally recognized public non-profit, Megha reveals what it takes to operate an impact organization like an entrepreneurial startup. We also dive deep into the global movement for menstrual equity, shifting the narrative from control to care, and what it truly means to build a sustainable infrastructure of dignity across rural India. In this episode, we cover:• Generational Shepherding: Scaling a family ethos of abundance.• The Startup Mindset: Approaching global philanthropy like a venture pitch• The Currency of Dignity: Bridging corporate investors and rural villages• Data vs. Storytelling: Why the story is the arrow tip but data is what pierces through• Menstrual Equity: Confronting global stigmas to drive health, literacy, and GDP------------------------- Chapters:00:00 Introductions and Identities04:00 Generational Shepherding: Scaling a Family Ethos of Abundance05:55 Moving from a Family Foundation to an Entrepreneurial Startup Model09:45 The Currency of Dignity: Bridging Corporate Donors and Rural Villages13:03 Active Listening in Boardrooms and Villages 17:49 Staying Loyal to Beneficiaries 21:26 Sponsor Break: Travelopod23:55 Collaborative Ecosystems and Sharing Information for Greater Impact  25:58 Menstrual Equity: Confronting Global Stigmas 29:46 Unlearning Assumptions, Cultivating Growth, Sustaining Empowerment35:08 Creating True Systemic Change and Finding Personal Connection Connect with Megha Desai & The Desai Foundation:• Website: https://thedesaifoundation.org/• Personal: https://meghadesai.com/ Shout outs this week:• Spelling Bee Champ Shrey Parikh• Air conditioners everywhere• Primary voters across the US and especially in California #TheDesaiFoundation #MeghaDesai #MenstrualEquity #SystemicChange #WomenEmpowerment #TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing #SouthAsianVoices #DiasporaStories #SocialImpact  -------------------------- 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. Support our sponsors: Start your journey with personalized travel support at https://vacation.travelopod.com/ For enquiries 📧 Email : info@abhaydandekar.comAbout TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING:My name is Abhay Dandekar and I share conversations with talented and interesting individuals linked to the global Indian and South Asian community. It’s informal and informative, adding insights and perspective to our evolving cultural expressions, where each person can proudly say “TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING.” New episodes weekly! Find us on Instagram/ LinkedIn:https://www.instagram.com/drabhaydandekar/https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhaydandekar/https://abhaydandekar.transistor.fm/ 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

    40 min
  2. Nikita Banawalikar on Kathak Feeling Like Home

    May 26

    Nikita Banawalikar on Kathak Feeling Like Home

    In this episode, Abhay sits down with dance artist Nikita Banawalikar — a Kathak exponent, choreographer, and scholar who seamlessly bridges the gap between ancient tradition and modern storytelling. Nikita shares why she views Kathak not just as a dance, but as her true "home". She discusses the rigorous journey of becoming a scholar of the arts and offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of choreographing for major films like Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. From finding inspiration in the mundance to the challenge of "unlearning" technical precision for the camera, this conversation explores how to maintain artistic purity while embracing evolution. In this episode, Nikita shares insights on: • How to find inspiration for art in everyday life, architecture, and nature.• The reality of film choreography and making actors shine on screen.• The impact of digitalization on classical arts and the debate between social media reach vs. live experience.• Why "embracing innocence" is the key to staying authentic as an artist. -------------------------Connect with Nikita :https://www.instagram.com/nikkitakathak/ #Kathak #NikitaBanawalikar #BollywoodChoreography #IndianClassicalDance #TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing #DanceEducation #RockyAurRani #ArtisticJourney CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction and Welcome03:13 – Living the Dream: When a Hobby Becomes a Profession05:07 – Finding Inspiration in Nature, People, and even Mumbai Traffic08:17 – The Integrated Life: Does an Artist Ever "Shut Off"?10:08 – The Process of Falling in Love with Kathak13:16 – Building Confidence16:11 – Learning and Growth with Kathak19:21 – Sponsor Break: Travelopod 20:26 – Digitalization: Teaching and Performing Post-COVID22:57 – Live Performance vs. Social Media: The Purist Debate26:46 – Film Choreography: Working on Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani29:53 – Unlearning for the Commercial Screen34:26 – The Future of Kathak: Evolution, Purity, and New Narratives40:09 – Discipline and Observation: How Dance Shapes the Person43:27 – Embracing Innocence and Sensitivity Shout out to my cousins Vaishali Potdar from Nupur Kathak Academy and Vedashri Mahajan in Australia and anyone else out there who is learning, teaching, and promoting this dance art! -------------------------- 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. Support our sponsors: Start your journey with personalized travel support at https://vacation.travelopod.com/ For enquiries 📧 Email : info@abhaydandekar.comAbout TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING:My name is Abhay Dandekar and I share conversations with talented and interesting individuals linked to the global Indian and South Asian community. It’s informal and informative, adding insights and perspective to our evolving cultural expressions, where each person can proudly say “TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING.” New episodes weekly! Find us on Instagram/ LinkedIn:https://www.instagram.com/drabhaydandekar/https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhaydandekar/https://abhaydandekar.transistor.fm/ 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

    46 min
  3. Monica Singhal on Spirituality, Science, and Unlocking Inner Healing

    May 19

    Monica Singhal on Spirituality, Science, and Unlocking Inner Healing

    How does the intersection of science and spirituality unlock your inner healing? Monica Singhal joins the podcast to explain how to reconnect with yourself. In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, we are joined by Monica Singhal, the founder of Hari Om Smiles, to explore the powerful synergy between scientific understanding and spiritual wisdom. If you enjoy these deep dives into the global desi and diaspora experience, hit the Subscribe button to join our community. Monica shares her transformative philosophy that "magic" isn't something to be found outside of ourselves—it is a dormant energy within that we simply need to reconnect with. We discuss how to bridge the gap between our physical experiences and our spiritual identities to find true mental and physical vitality. In this episode, we cover: • The core philosophy of Hari Om Smiles: Blending science with pure spirituality. • Why we are "spiritual beings having a human experience." • How to cultivate trust in yourself to go from "existing" to "truly living." • Practical insights on ensuring the next generation is not "handicapped" by mental or physical blocks. • The "science" of reconnecting with the innate power already inside you. -------------------------- Chapters 00:00  Introduction 05:09  Daily beginnings and  The Journey to Inner Peace09:29  Bridging Science and Spirituality13:53  Transformative Stories of Healing18:10  The Role of Gratitude in Healing22:40  Sponsor Break - Travelopod23:14  Integrating Spirituality into Daily Life25:27  The Burden of Expectation28:11  Gratitude and the Flow of Life30:02  Transforming Fear into Gratitude32:30  The Journey of Unlearning35:03  Hinduism and Spirituality39:54  Engaging with Skepticism46:46  Trusting the Journey of Self-Discovery Connect with Monica:https://hariomsmiles.org/monica-singhal/ Shout outs this week:• Aaron Rai (for Golf History at the PGA)• Anil Kochhar (for Generosity to NC State grads)• Netherlands-India cross-connectivity• Tasveer (for their Cannes Film Festival panel) Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you podcast! TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is proudly brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com

    55 min
  4. Karsh Kale on DUST and making music for his 10-year-old self

    May 5

    Karsh Kale on DUST and making music for his 10-year-old self

    What happens when a musical pioneer finds himself and his artistic voice after a period of disillutionment? In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING, I sit down with musician, composer, and producer Karsh Kale to discuss his latest album, DUST, and the 'silent war' of staying creative in a world driven by algorithms. Karsh opens up about feeling lost after the pandemic and shares what he had to 'unlearn' to find his way back to music—not through a studio, but through a canvas and a paintbrush We dive deep into:  • The Creative Reset: Why Karsh started painting for "no one" to rediscover his childish curiosity.  • The 10-Year-Old Rule: How he stopped chasing trends and decided to make a record specifically for his younger self.  • Lessons from a Legend: What he learned about "permission" and identity while performing alongside Zakir Hussain.  • The Anatomy of Dust: The symbolism of the end of an era and the rebirth that follows.  Whether you’re an artist feeling the weight of the "dopamine cycle" or just someone looking to find more joy in your work, Karsh’s journey back to his "honest truth" is a blueprint for us all.  If you enjoyed this deep dive, please subscribe and share it with someone who may need  a creative spark. --------------------------Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:16 The Evolution of Artistic Expression05:55 Finding Personal Meaning in Music08:37 The Symbolism of 'Dust' and Rebirth11:19 Creating a Mirror for Listeners14:13 Letting Go 15:46 Sponsor Break: Travelopod17:28 The Importance of Authenticity in Art20:21 The Lost Art of the Full Album Experience24:23 Translating Moods into Live Performances27:20 Optimism in the Independent Music Industry29:49 Sponsor Break: Timberdog Ruffrest30:59 The Role of Mentorship and Legacy35:34 Knowing When a Song is Finished36:59 The Intersection of Art and Music38:14 Music as an Escape and a Place to Be Found Learn more about Karsh Kale:https://www.instagram.com/karshkale/ Big shout outs to Yashraj Akashi for connecting and building trust through Tedx and EDGE, and to 7-year-old Ishank Singh for becoming the youngest and fastest to ever swim the Palk straight between Sri Lanka and India. Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon or wherever you podcast! TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is proudly brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com This episode is brought to you by RuffRest by Timberdog.  Learn more at https://timberdog.com/

    42 min
  5. Dr. Priya Jaisinghani on How to Build a Metabolic Health Roadmap

    Apr 28

    Dr. Priya Jaisinghani on How to Build a Metabolic Health Roadmap

    How does metabolic health govern your long-term vitality, energy, and quality of life? Dr. Priya Jaisinghani outlines why monitoring some basic lifestyle actions could prevent so many common chronic diseases. In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, we sit down with NYU endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Priya Jaisinghani to decode the complexities of metabolic health. Forget the quick fixes and diet culture — Dr. Jaisinghani walks us through a science-backed approach to understanding metabolic function as a comprehensive system. We move beyond the scale to explore how muscle mass, cardiovascular health, and hormonal balance dictate your long-term vitality. In this episode, we cover: • Why "metabolic health" is the true metric for longevity and quality of life.• Actionable steps to improve insulin sensitivity and sustain energy levels.• How to navigate health misinformation and advocate for yourself in the medical system. The critical link between your daily habits—like sleep and hydration—and your organ function.Subscribe for weekly conversations that serve as a mirror and window into the global Indian and South Asian experience. -------------------------- Chapters: 00:00 Introductions04:07 Defining Metabolic Health07:29 Personalizing the Approach13:03 Bridging Knowledge Gaps in Health16:43 Healthy Choices for Young Adults19:29 Redefining Fun and Social Activities20:40 Empowering Patients as Advocates22:39 Sponsor Break - Travelopod24:06 Tailoring Health Approaches for South Asians28:15 Dismantling Weight Bias and Stigma31:08 Building a Weight Neutral Approach35:01 Understanding GLP-1 Medications37:30 The Role of Nutrition in Metabolic Health39:09 The Importance of Sleep in Metabolic Health40:51 Building Trust in Patient Relationships Connect with Dr. Jaisinghanihttps://nyulangone.org/doctors/1942738547/priya-jaisinghani Big shout outs to Anagha on her 50th, and to my friend, pediatrician colleague, and adolescent medicine guru Dr. Lauren Hartman,  whose latest book Freeing Children and Young Adults from Shame, Scales, and Stigma is available now. Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon or wherever you podcast! TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is proudly brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com

    44 min
  6. Harini Nilakantan on Dance Heritage in Modern Movement

    Apr 21

    Harini Nilakantan on Dance Heritage in Modern Movement

    How does dance evolve beyond tradition? Harini Nilakantan joins the podcast  to explore movement as a mosaic, bridging Bharatanatyam with modern expression. In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, Abhay chats with Chicago-based dancer and choreographer Harini Nilakantan to discuss the intersection of heritage and innovation. Harini, a movement artist and award winning dancer and choreographer, shares her journey of reimagining ancestral storytelling for the modern stage. Instead of viewing dance as a "frozen" time capsule or a rigid discipline, Harini describes her practice as a "mosaic"—a refractive, evolving language that allows different cultural vocabularies to speak to one another without hierarchy. In this episode, we cover:- Why "purity" can be a problematic label in artistic evolution- How to use traditional move sets, such as Tattamettu, to build new rhythmic dialogues- Navigating the pressures of being a "winner" vs. finding success through honest expression- How Harini’s upbringing in a polyglot, multi-disciplinary household shaped her identity and movement vocabulary -------------------------- Chapters- 00:00 Introduction to Harini Nilakantan 03:29 Defining her identity as a movement artist 06:49 Early dance memories and her "why" 11:52 Reimagining tradition through the art of kintsugi 14:58 Challenging inertia in classical dance forms 17:25 How her dance practice has evolved 20:16 Sponsor break: Travelopod21:37 Unlearning audience preconceptions 27:41 Cultural influences and Harini's upbringing 33:15 Redefining success beyond trophies 36:59 Observer, student, teacher of dance39:35 Building trust and expanding the lexicon Connect with Harini:https://harini-nilakantan.com Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you podcast! TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is proudly brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com

    44 min
  7. Vijay Iyer on Music as a Shared Space: Transcendant and Truthful

    Apr 14

    Vijay Iyer on Music as a Shared Space: Transcendant and Truthful

    How can music serve as both an anchor and a form of political resistance? What does it mean to create art in an age of "cognitive violence"? In this episode of Trust Me, I Know What I’m Doing, host Abhay Dandekar sits down with the legendary Vijay Iyer—MacArthur Fellow, Harvard professor, and one of the most influential pianists and composers of our time. Described as a "social conscience" and "multicultural gateway," Vijay shares a masterclass on the physical and emotional labor required to maintain a creative life over three decades. From the necessity of protecting time against the "colonization of memory" to the humbling experience of being an "eternal student," Vijay discusses the profound "transduction" that happens between an artist and their audience. Vijay's insights on "shared feeling," the mathematics of emotion, and the courage to remain vulnerable offer a roadmap for co-constructing a more intentional future. Key Topics Discussed: The Ritual of the Body: How the sensory, physical connection to an instrument serves as an anchor against modern information overload.The "Eternal Student" Mindset: Lessons from legends like Zakir Hussain on why mastery is a lifelong pursuit of learning.Music as Political Action: How instrumental compositions, like his tribute to Refaat Alareer, engage with the global zeitgeist.The Power of Collaboration: Building a sense of "home" and common cause through cross-cultural artistic partnerships.Mathematics vs. Feeling: Using "similarity relationships" and the physics of sound to evoke unquantifiable human emotions.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction 03:22 Daily Routines and Creative Energy 05:59 The Power of Performance and Humility 10:03 Transduction in Music: Connecting with Audiences 14:18 Exploring the Concept of 'We' in Music 17:18 Unlearning as an Educator 20:11 Sponsor Break: Travelopod and RuffRest 21:23 Contrasts in Musical Expression 22:41 Exploring Similarity in Music and Mathematics 28:12 The Intersection of Politics and Music 32:55 Identity and Belonging in a Global Context 39:43 Music as a Space for Community and Home 42:41 Conclusion Shoutouts to to Gauri for turning 40, to the Artemis crew and Amit Kshatriya for a mission accomplished and job well done, and to artist Naresh Kumar Kumawat for his sculpted statue of Swami Vivekananda being unveiled in Seattle.  Lastly, our collective hearts will always be filled with the songs and music of unforgettable Asha Bhosle - Hari Om Sadgati! Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you podcast! TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is proudly brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com This episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need.  Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

    43 min
  8. Garima Shah on Scaling Beyond the Hustle and Human-Centric FinTech

    Apr 7 ·  Bonus

    Garima Shah on Scaling Beyond the Hustle and Human-Centric FinTech

    In a world increasingly governed by autonomous technology and integrated processes, how do we keep human passion and partnership at the center of leadership? In this episode of Trust Me, I Know What I’m Doing, Abhay sits down with Garima Shah, a 20-year veteran of the FinTech industry and the Co-Founder and President of Biller Genie.  Garima pulls back the curtain on the "challenger mode" mentality common in Indian American and immigrant families and explains why scaling a company teaches you what "hustle" never will. From navigating a startup through the onset of a global pandemic to creating a culture that celebrates the "F**k Up of the Month," Garima shares her framework for intentional growth, building resilient teams, and the necessity of radical trust.  In this episode, you’ll learn: Why "doing it all" is the enemy of true leadership and scale. The difference between working hard (hustle) and working on purpose (scaling). How to utilize a "Happiness Journal" to rewire your brain for daily success. The shared responsibility of startups in governing and democratizing Agentic AI. How to embrace impatience as a "mover" and turn mistakes into fuel for growth.Chapters/Timestamps 00:00 Introductions02:34 The Joy of Building in FinTech05:05 The Importance of Happiness and Positivity07:58 Hustle vs. Scaling: A Shift in Mindset10:28 Embracing Change: The Art of Pivoting13:27 Communication and Team Dynamics in Fast-Paced Environments14:01 Sponsor Break: Travelopod and RuffRest17:07 The Role of Startups in AI Governance19:52 Cultural Identity and Personal Motivation22:41 Embracing Vulnerability and Learning from Mistakes25:18 Parenting Lessons in Leadership28:09 Cultivating Trust and Optimism in Leadership Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you podcast! TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com This episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need.  Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

    31 min
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About

Serving as both a reflective mirror and an open window into the global Indian diaspora and South Asian communities. The conversations led by Abhay Dandekar are informal and informative, adding insights and perspective to our evolving expressions of culture, confidence, and trust. New episodes weekly, on Tuesdays (and some Thursdays). Listen or watch anywhere you get your podcasts, and please rate and review if your enjoying it.

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