Decoding Wisdom

Sachin Jha

Decoding Wisdom is your ultimate melting pot for the greatest hits of ancient, modern philosophy and modern-day strategies for living a high-performing and meaningful life. Hosted by Sachin Jha, this podcast takes timeless wisdom and blends it with actionable insights to help you unlock your potential and crush your goals. From wisdom to lessons from today’s top thinkers, every episode is designed to inspire, challenge, and equip you to perform at your best. Ready to elevate your game? Let’s dive in.

  1. 2D AGO

    052. James Hinchcliffe - From Getting Impaled In IndyCar To Driving An F1 Car

    James Hinchcliffe is a Canadian former IndyCar race winner, 2016 Indianapolis 500 pole sitter, and current Formula 1 TV analyst and commentator. In 2015, James survived a near-fatal crash at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during a Indy 500 practice run that left him impaled and bleeding out - only to return to racing four months later. In 2025, he became one of the very few drivers in history to have driven both an IndyCar and a Formula 1 car, testing for Haas F1 at Mugello. In this episode, James breaks down what 230mph actually feels like inside your body, the mental strategies that allowed him to return to racing after being told he almost died, the physical brutality of driving without power steering at 5G, and what it's really like to drive a Formula 1 car compared to an IndyCar. We also dive into the 2026 regulation changes for both Formula 1 and IndyCar series, his predictions for who will win the championships, and the one decision that saved his life. This is a raw, technical, and deeply human conversation about resilience, elite performance, and what it takes to push beyond fear. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Trailer 01:51 — What 230mph Feels Like Inside Your Body 04:37 — IndyCar G-Forces: Your Organs Move Inside You 07:05 — No Power Steering at 240mph 10:47 — Racing Drivers Are Wired Like Fighter Pilots 12:08 — The Margin For Error at Indy 14:28 — Road Course vs Oval Sensitivity 19:08 — Why The Indy 500 Is Different 24:13 — The Aura of Indianapolis Motor Speedway 27:55 — How Athletes Eliminate Noise 30:13 — You're Either Born With It or Not 31:42 — Do You Feel Fear at 230mph? 36:08 — The 2015 Crash Explained (Interactive) 38:28 — I Got Impaled By My Own Car 40:55 — 1000 Things Had To Go Right 43:44 — When I Learned How Close It Was 45:48 — Why I Convinced Myself It Was Just a Car Accident 49:24 — Getting Back In The Car 4 Months Later 52:16 — How I Compartmentalized The Trauma 57:24 — Taking Pole Position One Year After The Crash 59:06 — Indy 500 Qualifying: The Scariest Thing We Do 01:04:37 — Racing Is About People Not Cars 01:07:41 — How The Haas Formula 1 Drive Happened 01:13:07 — Getting A Custom F1 Helmet Made 01:18:41 — What Driving A Formula 1 Car Actually Feels Like 01:21:35 — Wet vs Dry F1 Tires: The Braking Was Shocking 01:25:48 — Like The Hand of God Pressing The Car Down 01:28:00 — Why F1 2026 Regulations Might Actually Work 01:32:20 — IndyCar vs Formula 1: The Real Difference 01:38:00 — 2026 IndyCar Season Predictions 01:42:20 — 2026 Formula 1 Championship Predictions 01:45:44 — If I Could Race One More Time 01:46:56 — Was Racing About Winning or Discovery? Follow James Hinchcliffe: Instagram: @hinchtown His podcast: Off Track with Hinch and Rossi Follow me: My motorsports Instagram: @sachthef1guy Motorsports Youtube channel: @sachthef1guy Decoding Wisdom Instagram: @decodingwisdom My Instagram: @sachthepodcaster Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠sachin@decodingwisdom.com⁠ Watch IndyCar on FOX Watch Formula 1 on F1 TV *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in this podcast are my own and do not represent those of any employer, organization or affiliate. I am not a licensed expert, and all discussions are based on personal experiences, insights, and publicly available information. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always do your own research and seek guidance from qualified professionals where necessary. Listener discretion is advised.

    1h 52m
  2. FEB 2

    051. The F1 Racing Prodigy: "Lewis Hamilton Was Right - Only Rich Kids Make It Now"!

    Zac Stimpson is 15 years old. He's a 2x national karting champion in the UAE. He's fast enough to race in Formula 4 right now - but he's not. And it's not because of talent. Lewis Hamilton once said: "There are only wealthy kids coming through in motorsport... I'll be the last of my generation." He was right. In 2026, it costs $200,000-$300,000 for ONE SEASON of Formula 4—the first step from karting to F1. Most families spend over $1 MILLION just to get their kid to the potential of reaching Formula One. Zac's competitors from karting? They're already racing in F4. Not because they're faster. Because they can afford it. His mum is a teacher. His dad is between jobs. And Zac's dream is on hold. In this episode, Zac shares: - What it feels like watching your competitors live your dream - The real cost breakdown of junior motorsport ($365K/year) - Why Formula 1 is "dying at its roots" - How he stays motivated despite the impossible barriers - His encounters with Lando Norris and what keeps him going "I felt like I should be there competing with them. I just wanted to go and have lunch and not watch the races at all, because it was quite upsetting to see them go around without you." This isn't just Zac's story - it's the story of how motorsport has become a sport for the rich and elite only. Someone watching this could be Zac's Ron Dennis (the man who discovered Lewis Hamilton at 10 years old and changed his life). 📧 Want to help? Email: zacstimpson19@yahoo.com 📱 Instagram: @zacstimpson19 🎙️ This is Decoding Wisdom Host: Sachin (@thepodcaster) Guest: Zac Stimpson (@zacstimpson19) 💡 If this episode made you feel something, DO SOMETHING about it. Share it. Tag someone who can help. Be part of changing this story. Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not. Get in touch in the comments below or head to... Instagram: ⁠@sachthepodcaster Email: ⁠sachin@decodingwisdom.com *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in this podcast are my own and do not represent those of any employer, organization or affiliate. I am not a licensed expert, and all discussions are based on personal experiences, insights, and publicly available information. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always do your own research and seek guidance from qualified professionals where necessary. Listener discretion is advised. #F1 #Formula1 #LewisHamilton #Motorsport #ZacStimpson #FormulaOne #Racing #Karting #DreamChaser #F4 #FerrariF1 #LandoNorris

    58 min
  3. JAN 18

    050. Samir Chaudry - Why Most Creators Burn Out (And the Mindset That Makes You Last on Youtube)

    Samir Chaudry is the co-founder and co-host of Colin and Samir - one of the most influential shows in the creator economy, watched by millions of creators learning how to grow, evolve, and last online. This conversation marks the 50th episode of the Decoding Wisdom podcast - and there was no better guest to explore what it truly takes to build something that lasts. In this episode, Samir breaks down why most creators don’t fail because of talent or discipline - they fail because they build an identity that can’t survive change. We discuss what it really means to stay consistent when nobody’s watching, when numbers stop motivating you, and when the internet demands a version of you that isn’t sustainable. In this conversation, we explore: • Why persistence only works if you genuinely love the process• The dangerous trap of chasing views instead of purpose• Samir’s concept of Relative Zero - and why success can start to feel like failure• Why identity comes in seasons (and why resisting change leads to burnout)• The difference between authenticity and sustainability• How creators redefine “failure” as they grow• Why building a small team protects creativity• The difference between being a creator and running a media company• How Samir would start a podcast from scratch in 2026• Why short-form content is the fastest way to find your voice Samir also shares why creators who scale too fast often burn out - and how longevity is often a result of restraint, not speed. If you’re a creator, podcaster, or entrepreneur struggling to stay consistent when progress feels invisible - this episode will fundamentally change how you think about growth, identity, and success. Get in touch in the comments below or head to... Instagram: ⁠@sachthepodcaster Twitter: ⁠@sachin_jha23⁠ Email: ⁠sachin@decodingwisdom.com *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in this podcast are my own and do not represent those of any employer, organization or affiliate. I am not a licensed expert, and all discussions are based on personal experiences, insights, and publicly available information. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always do your own research and seek guidance from qualified professionals where necessary. Listener discretion is advised.

    7 min
  4. JAN 5

    049. They Called Me a ‘White Indian’ - Identity, Belonging & Living Between Worlds

    I filmed this episode from a hotel patio in New Delhi - and that alone felt strange to say. I hadn’t really been in India like this for almost six years. In that time, I moved countries, built a career, left a stable job, and quietly questioned who I was more times than I can count. On this trip, someone casually called me a “white Indian.”They didn’t mean it harshly -but it hit me harder than I expected. In the West, I’m Indian.In India, I’m foreign. And somewhere along the way, I realised I’d been living between identities, constantly adapting, softening parts of myself, and editing who I was just to fit in. This episode isn’t about answers - it’s about realisations. We talk about: What it feels like to be a “foreign Indian” in your own country Code-switching, accents, and editing yourself to belong Why living between cultures isn’t a weakness - it’s perspective A Māori concept about roots that finally made sense to me in India Seeing your parents’ past not as pressure, but as a launchpad Why family is the hardest - and most important - relationship And the realisation that you don’t find identity… you decide it Get in touch in the comments below or head to... Instagram: ⁠@sachthepodcaster Twitter: ⁠@sachin_jha23⁠ Email: ⁠sachin@decodingwisdom.com *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in this podcast are my own and do not represent those of any employer, organization or affiliate. I am not a licensed expert, and all discussions are based on personal experiences, insights, and publicly available information. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always do your own research and seek guidance from qualified professionals where necessary. Listener discretion is advised.

    12 min
  5. 12/29/2025

    048. A Year of Taking the Leap: Lessons, Gratitude & What’s Next

    In this episode of Decoding Wisdom, I sit down for a casual, unscripted reflection on what this past year has been - filmed while covering F1 testing and moving through a season of change. I talk about what taking a leap of faith taught me about myself, the unexpected lessons that came from starting something new, and how opening up space in my life led me to meet people with rare intellect, curiosity, and perspective. I also share my gratitude for the people who’ve been part of this journey - from those who believed early, to those who challenged me in ways I didn’t expect. Finally, I reflect on what I’m carrying forward into 2026 - not as a rigid plan, but as a clearer sense of direction, intention, and trust in the process. This episode isn’t about quitting anything - it’s about choosing alignment, staying in motion, and learning as you go. Get in touch in the comments below or head to... Instagram: ⁠@sachthepodcaster Twitter: ⁠@sachin_jha23⁠ Email: ⁠sachin@decodingwisdom.com *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in this podcast are my own and do not represent those of any employer, organization or affiliate. I am not a licensed expert, and all discussions are based on personal experiences, insights, and publicly available information. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always do your own research and seek guidance from qualified professionals where necessary. Listener discretion is advised.

    17 min
  6. 12/22/2025

    047. Maryna Zanevska - What Being a Pro Tennis Player Really Costs | WTA Tennis Pro

    Maryna Zanevska is a former WTA professional tennis player who reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 62 and competed at the highest level of the sport, including the US Open. In this episode, Maryna opens up about the unseen reality of professional tennis - from financial insecurity and extreme external pressure at a young age, to identity loss, sponsorship disputes, and the psychological cost of chasing elite performance. It’s an honest look at what life is really like beyond rankings, prize money, and centre-court matches - and how reclaiming self-belief changed everything. Key topics discussed: • The hidden financial struggle of professional tennis and why only the top players truly survive • Signing a sponsorship contract at 11 and the pressure it placed on her family • A legal dispute that escalated into real-world threats• Growing up playing tennis for others, not herself • Why motivation can become a trap at elite levels • Losing self-belief - and how she slowly rebuilt it • Identity crisis after retirement and life beyond tennis • Why mindset, not talent, ultimately extended her career Follow Maryna here: @marinazanevska Get in touch in the comments below or head to... Instagram: ⁠@sachthepodcaster Twitter: ⁠@sachin_jha23⁠ Email: ⁠sachin@decodingwisdom.com *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in this podcast are my own and do not represent those of any employer, organization or affiliate. I am not a licensed expert, and all discussions are based on personal experiences, insights, and publicly available information. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always do your own research and seek guidance from qualified professionals where necessary. Listener discretion is advised.

    1h 47m
  7. 12/17/2025

    046. Deepak Sharma - Indian Identity in the West, Bollywood Reality & the Rise of Personal Branding

    Deepak Sharma is an Australian creative and entrepreneur who has worked closely with the Bollywood industry while building his career outside India. We dive into what it really means to be Indian in the West - the silent identity crisis many people of Indian origin face while balancing cultural expectations from home with life abroad. We talk honestly about Deepak’s experience navigating Bollywood as an outsider, the pressure to fit into multiple identities, and why so many Indians living overseas feel caught between cultures. We also explore why personal branding and employee-generated content (EGC) are becoming essential for individuals and companies today, and how showing up authentically online can open doors that traditional careers no longer do. Finally, we break down why grooming, self-respect, and how men carry themselves still matter - not from a vanity perspective, but as a signal of discipline, confidence, and identity. Key topics discussed: Being Indian in the West and the identity crisis no one talks about Deepak Sharma’s experience working around Bollywood as an Australian Cultural expectations vs reality for Indians living abroad Why personal branding is more important than ever How companies can leverage employee-generated content (EGC) Grooming, masculinity, and carrying yourself with confidence Deepak' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its.deeps.s/ Get in touch in the comments below or head to... Instagram: ⁠@sachthepodcaster Twitter: ⁠@sachin_jha23⁠ Email: ⁠sachin@decodingwisdom.com *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in this podcast are my own and do not represent those of any employer, organization or affiliate. I am not a licensed expert, and all discussions are based on personal experiences, insights, and publicly available information. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always do your own research and seek guidance from qualified professionals where necessary. Listener discretion is advised.

    1h 20m
  8. 12/08/2025

    045. Kumar Erramilli - The Truth About AI: What Elon & Sam Get Wrong...

    Kumar Erramilli is a technologist and founder who has spent years building at the frontier of AI. In this conversation, he explains how AI agents will reshape business, why legacy companies won’t survive the next technological shift, and why capital is flowing into AI at unprecedented speeds. We explore the existential risks, the utopian possibilities, and the uncomfortable reality that AI will accelerate AI, creating a future where machines build machines faster than humans can understand. We discuss: – Why most people misunderstand AGI – What Elon Musk and Sam Altman are right, and wrong about – The companies that will dominate the next decade – Where the “void” in current AI models is – What Gen Z must do to survive the next wave of technological disruption This episode is a roadmap to the future - and a warning. Get in touch in the comments below or head to... Instagram: ⁠@sachthepodcaster Twitter: ⁠@sachin_jha23⁠ Email: ⁠sachin@decodingwisdom.com *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in this podcast are my own and do not represent those of any employer, organization or affiliate. I am not a licensed expert, and all discussions are based on personal experiences, insights, and publicly available information. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always do your own research and seek guidance from qualified professionals where necessary. Listener discretion is advised.

    1h 42m

About

Decoding Wisdom is your ultimate melting pot for the greatest hits of ancient, modern philosophy and modern-day strategies for living a high-performing and meaningful life. Hosted by Sachin Jha, this podcast takes timeless wisdom and blends it with actionable insights to help you unlock your potential and crush your goals. From wisdom to lessons from today’s top thinkers, every episode is designed to inspire, challenge, and equip you to perform at your best. Ready to elevate your game? Let’s dive in.