KAJ Publishing & Writing LIVE

Khudania Ajay

In-depth, unscripted conversations about writing, books, storytelling, and the ideas behind the work — with authors, writers, creators, and people shaping how stories and ideas are brought into the world.   Hosted by Khudania Ajay (KAJ), independent journalist with 2,500+ long-form conversations. Part of the top 1.5% global KAJ Masterclass ecosystem. We explore the craft of writing, the journey of creating a book, storytelling, the realities of bringing ideas to readers, and the wider world around publishing.   Depth over hype. Substance over promotion. Come here for the conversation — not a book pitch. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kaj-publishing-writing-live--7160864/support.

  1. Sep 30

    Writing Is Photography in Reverse: How a 40-Year Photographer Became a Novelist

    A picture is worth a thousand words, so what happens when you reverse the equation? After four decades as a professional photographer, Kirk Voclain found that writing a novel runs the same craft in mirror image: arrange a thousand words well enough and a picture plants itself in the reader's mind. From a spy thriller born of an airport-security scare to a G-rated ranch romance written on a dare, his books are built from real observation — down to the real photography gear and unchallenged gate access his characters exploit. His advice to photographers is the same as his advice to writers: learn the craft before you lean on the tools. Have an idea worth a conversation? Apply to be a guest through the KAJ Gateway: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/work-with-kaj ABOUT KAJ MASTERCLASS MEDIA KAJ Masterclass Media is an independent media business whose ecosystem has hosted 2,500+ conversations with founders, leaders, authors and thinkers. Its shows include The KAJ Masterclass LIVE, in the top 1.5% of podcasts globally, and The Author's Voice with KAJ, in the top 5%. Explore: https://www.kajmasterclass.com   HOST Khudania Ajay (KAJ) is an independent journalist with 20+ years of experience across CNBC India, Reuters and Press Trust of India. About: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaykhudania/ FROM OUR WORLD Ethnics Land: premium Indian handloom sarees. Use code KAJ10 for 10% off: https://www.ethnicsland.com   Music Credit: "Misfits (Instrumental)" by RYYZN Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kaj-publishing-writing-live--7160864/support. MORE FROM KAJ MASTERCLASS MEDIA Unscripted. Real. Human. Our shows, all in one place: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/listen Enjoyed this episode? Follow the show and leave a rating in your podcast app.

  2. Sep 28

    The Story We Choose to Tell: Storytelling in the Age of AI & Short Attention Spans

    What does it mean to bear witness to the darkest corners of humanity — and still find light? That's the question Craig D. Forrest has lived with for more than four decades. An award-winning director and documentary filmmaker, he has covered terrorism, voodoo sacrifices, war zones, and cultic practices across more than 100 countries — and says those encounters have deepened rather than diminished his faith. In this conversation, Craig reflects on what it means to tell stories in a changing world, where technology gives almost everyone the power to tell them, but the responsibility for what we choose to tell remains human. Have an idea worth a conversation? Apply to be a guest through the KAJ Gateway: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/work-with-kaj ABOUT KAJ MASTERCLASS MEDIA KAJ Masterclass Media is an independent media business whose ecosystem has hosted 2,500+ conversations with founders, leaders, authors and thinkers. Its shows include The KAJ Masterclass LIVE, in the top 1.5% of podcasts globally, and The Author's Voice with KAJ, in the top 5%. Explore: https://www.kajmasterclass.com   HOST Khudania Ajay (KAJ) is an independent journalist with 20+ years of experience across CNBC India, Reuters and Press Trust of India. About: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaykhudania/ FROM OUR WORLD Ethnics Land: premium Indian handloom sarees. Use code KAJ10 for 10% off: https://www.ethnicsland.com   Music Credit: "Misfits (Instrumental)" by RYYZN Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kaj-publishing-writing-live--7160864/support. MORE FROM KAJ MASTERCLASS MEDIA Unscripted. Real. Human. Our shows, all in one place: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/listen Enjoyed this episode? Follow the show and leave a rating in your podcast app.

  3. Sep 20

    Write What You Know: How Your Expertise Can Shape Great Fiction

    The strongest stories can begin with knowledge that few other writers possess. For novelist and former pathologist Deven Greene, decades of experience in science and medicine shape the subjects she explores, the possibilities she can imagine, and the way she brings complex science into fiction. She believes that expertise allows her to create stories that are scientifically grounded while remaining accessible to curious readers. Have an idea worth a conversation? Apply to be a guest through the KAJ Gateway: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/work-with-kaj ABOUT KAJ MASTERCLASS MEDIA KAJ Masterclass Media is an independent media business whose ecosystem has hosted 2,500+ conversations with founders, leaders, authors and thinkers. Its shows include The KAJ Masterclass LIVE, in the top 1.5% of podcasts globally, and The Author's Voice with KAJ, in the top 5%. Explore: https://www.kajmasterclass.com   HOST Khudania Ajay (KAJ) is an independent journalist with 20+ years of experience across CNBC India, Reuters and Press Trust of India. About: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaykhudania/ FROM OUR WORLD Ethnics Land: premium Indian handloom sarees. Use code KAJ10 for 10% off: https://www.ethnicsland.com   Music Credit: "Misfits (Instrumental)" by RYYZN Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kaj-publishing-writing-live--7160864/support. MORE FROM KAJ MASTERCLASS MEDIA Unscripted. Real. Human. Our shows, all in one place: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/listen Enjoyed this episode? Follow the show and leave a rating in your podcast app.

    Write What You Know: How Your Expertise Can Shape Great Fiction
  4. Jul 10

    How to Write for Children: From Idea to Self Publishing | Jennifer Ballow

    You have a story in you. The question is: how do you turn it into an actual book – and how do you make it meaningful for the children who will read it? Licensed social worker and children's author Jennifer Ballow shares her journey from writing her first book to self publishing, and why social/emotional learning matters in children's stories. She covers the practical steps of writing, publishing, and illustrating for kids – and how to create stories that help children express their emotions, build imagination, and connect with caregivers. This conversation is for aspiring children's authors, caregivers, and anyone who wants to turn a creative idea into a real book. Khudania Ajay (KAJ) leads the conversation. Have an idea worth a conversation? Apply to be a guest through the KAJ Gateway: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/work-with-kaj ABOUT KAJ MASTERCLASS MEDIA KAJ Masterclass Media is an independent media business whose ecosystem has hosted 2,500+ conversations with founders, leaders, authors and thinkers. Its shows include The KAJ Masterclass LIVE, in the top 1.5% of podcasts globally, and The Author's Voice with KAJ, in the top 5%. Explore: https://www.kajmasterclass.com   HOST Khudania Ajay (KAJ) is an independent journalist with 20+ years of experience across CNBC India, Reuters and Press Trust of India. About: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaykhudania/ FROM OUR WORLD Ethnics Land: premium Indian handloom sarees. Use code KAJ10 for 10% off: https://www.ethnicsland.com   Music Credit: "Misfits (Instrumental)" by RYYZN Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kaj-publishing-writing-live--7160864/support. MORE FROM KAJ MASTERCLASS MEDIA Unscripted. Real. Human. Our shows, all in one place: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/listen Enjoyed this episode? Follow the show and leave a rating in your podcast app.

  5. Jul 9

    You Don't Find the Story. The Story Finds You.

    Adam Mills didn't set out to write about race, small towns, or forbidden relationships. He sat down in a coffee shop in Mexico City with a spiral notebook and no plan — and the story told him what it needed to be. In this conversation with host KAJ, the author of the Patrick Stone series talks about the creative process behind writing four books, the challenge of writing characters whose experience differs from your own, and why a book, like a child, eventually stops belonging to you. He also gets honest about the part most writers avoid: marketing, sustainability, and what it actually takes to let your work be found. Support KAJ Masterclass — help sustain independent editorial work: https://kajmasterclass.com/support   ========================================= About KAJ Masterclass Media KAJ Masterclass Media is home to a video-first, live-first, editorially independent conversation ecosystem exploring leadership, business, AI, careers, health, creativity, and the evolving human experience through thoughtful, unscripted conversations grounded in lived experience, clarity, and real-world insight. This show is part of the KAJ Masterclass ecosystem, which includes The KAJ Masterclass LIVE, The Author's Voice with KAJ, and a growing collection of editorially independent conversation platforms. Every conversation is designed to leave you with something meaningful to think about, understand, or apply. 🌐 https://www.kajmasterclass.com   ========================================= Host — Khudania Ajay (KAJ) Khudania Ajay (KAJ) is an independent journalist and the host of more than 2,500 long-form conversations across leadership, business, technology, media, wellness, authorship, and the future of work. 🌐 https://www.khudaniaajay.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaykhudania/   ========================================= Watch. Listen. Read. 🎬 https://www.youtube.com/@kajmasterclass 🎧 https://www.kajmasterclass.com/listen 📖 https://www.kajmasterclass.com/read   ========================================= Work With KAJ KAJ Masterclass Media welcomes thoughtful conversation proposals from leaders, entrepreneurs, authors, experts, researchers, creators, and practitioners aligned with the ecosystem’s editorial values and audience-first philosophy. Submit your proposal: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/work-with-kaj   ========================================= If this conversation added value, share it with someone who would genuinely benefit from it. ========================================= From Our World  🎁 Ethnics Land — Premium Indian handloom sarees Use code KAJ10 for 10% OFF https://www.ethnicsland.com   ========================================= 🎵 Music Credit: "Misfits (Instrumental)" by RYYZN  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kaj-publishing-writing-live--7160864/support. MORE FROM KAJ MASTERCLASS MEDIA Unscripted. Real. Human. Our shows, all in one place: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/listen Enjoyed this episode? Follow the show and leave a rating in your podcast app.

    You Don't Find the Story. The Story Finds You.
  6. Jul 4

    A Conversation on Epic Storytelling with Author Terrence Rotering

    What does a retired USAF fighter weapon systems officer write after decades at NORAD? Join host Khudania Ajay (KAJ) with author Terrence Rotering as we explore the creation of his ten-book Chronicles Series, an epic multiverse where fantasy, science fiction, and spiritual warfare collide. We discuss the "godwinks" that guided the writing, the unique "egg within an egg" narrative structure, and how his work empowers readers to see they are already equipped for their own battles, unlike the heroes of Tolkien or Lewis. This masterclass unveils the process of building a complete saga and the mindset of a storyteller who has navigated both real-world missions and fictional multiverses.  Have an idea worth a conversation? Apply to be a guest through the KAJ Gateway: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/work-with-kaj ABOUT KAJ MASTERCLASS MEDIA KAJ Masterclass Media is an independent media business whose ecosystem has hosted 2,500+ conversations with founders, leaders, authors and thinkers. Its shows include The KAJ Masterclass LIVE, in the top 1.5% of podcasts globally, and The Author's Voice with KAJ, in the top 5%. Explore: https://www.kajmasterclass.com   HOST Khudania Ajay (KAJ) is an independent journalist with 20+ years of experience across CNBC India, Reuters and Press Trust of India. About: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaykhudania/ FROM OUR WORLD Ethnics Land: premium Indian handloom sarees. Use code KAJ10 for 10% off: https://www.ethnicsland.com   Music Credit: "Misfits (Instrumental)" by RYYZN Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kaj-publishing-writing-live--7160864/support. MORE FROM KAJ MASTERCLASS MEDIA Unscripted. Real. Human. Our shows, all in one place: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/listen Enjoyed this episode? Follow the show and leave a rating in your podcast app.

    A Conversation on Epic Storytelling with Author Terrence Rotering
  7. Jun 28

    Storytelling, Identity & Empathy in a Digital World with Christian Hurst

    Discover how stories help us navigate identity, find authentic connection, and protect our empathy in an algorithmic age. Host Khudania Ajay (KAJ) talks with bestselling author and creative director Christian Hurst about his journey from Mormonism to humanism and the powerful role of storytelling as a tool for personal survival and growth.  Have an idea worth a conversation? Apply to be a guest through the KAJ Gateway: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/work-with-kaj ABOUT KAJ MASTERCLASS MEDIA KAJ Masterclass Media is an independent media business whose ecosystem has hosted 2,500+ conversations with founders, leaders, authors and thinkers. Its shows include The KAJ Masterclass LIVE, in the top 1.5% of podcasts globally, and The Author's Voice with KAJ, in the top 5%. Explore: https://www.kajmasterclass.com   HOST Khudania Ajay (KAJ) is an independent journalist with 20+ years of experience across CNBC India, Reuters and Press Trust of India. About: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaykhudania/ FROM OUR WORLD Ethnics Land: premium Indian handloom sarees. Use code KAJ10 for 10% off: https://www.ethnicsland.com   Music Credit: "Misfits (Instrumental)" by RYYZN Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kaj-publishing-writing-live--7160864/support. MORE FROM KAJ MASTERCLASS MEDIA Unscripted. Real. Human. Our shows, all in one place: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/listen Enjoyed this episode? Follow the show and leave a rating in your podcast app.

    Storytelling, Identity & Empathy in a Digital World with Christian Hurst
  8. 10/19/2025

    From Prison Guard to Novelist: Writing Tenacious Women with Cinda Gault

    How do the untold stories of history's tenacious women shape our understanding of today? Author Cinda Gault, drawing from her unique journey as a prison guard and criminologist, brings these powerful figures to life. Discover how she weaves fact and fiction to explore the adventures of women in the wilderness and the transformative 1970s. Learn why recovering these stories is crucial for understanding our past and inspiring our future. Support KAJ Masterclass — help sustain independent editorial work: https://kajmasterclass.com/support   ========================================= About KAJ Masterclass Media KAJ Masterclass Media is home to a video-first, live-first, editorially independent conversation ecosystem exploring leadership, business, AI, careers, health, creativity, and the evolving human experience through thoughtful, unscripted conversations grounded in lived experience, clarity, and real-world insight. This show is part of the KAJ Masterclass ecosystem, which includes The KAJ Masterclass LIVE, The Author's Voice with KAJ, and a growing collection of editorially independent conversation platforms. Every conversation is designed to leave you with something meaningful to think about, understand, or apply. 🌐 https://www.kajmasterclass.com   ========================================= Host — Khudania Ajay (KAJ) Khudania Ajay (KAJ) is an independent journalist and the host of more than 2,500 long-form conversations across leadership, business, technology, media, wellness, authorship, and the future of work. 🌐 https://www.khudaniaajay.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaykhudania/   ========================================= Watch. Listen. Read. 🎬 https://www.youtube.com/@kajmasterclass 🎧 https://www.kajmasterclass.com/listen 📖 https://www.kajmasterclass.com/read   ========================================= Work With KAJ KAJ Masterclass Media welcomes thoughtful conversation proposals from leaders, entrepreneurs, authors, experts, researchers, creators, and practitioners aligned with the ecosystem’s editorial values and audience-first philosophy. Submit your proposal: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/work-with-kaj   ========================================= If this conversation added value, share it with someone who would genuinely benefit from it. ========================================= From Our World  🎁 Ethnics Land — Premium Indian handloom sarees Use code KAJ10 for 10% OFF https://www.ethnicsland.com   ========================================= 🎵 Music Credit: "Misfits (Instrumental)" by RYYZN  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kaj-publishing-writing-live--7160864/support. MORE FROM KAJ MASTERCLASS MEDIA Unscripted. Real. Human. Our shows, all in one place: https://www.kajmasterclass.com/listen Enjoyed this episode? Follow the show and leave a rating in your podcast app.

    From Prison Guard to Novelist: Writing Tenacious Women with Cinda Gault

About

In-depth, unscripted conversations about writing, books, storytelling, and the ideas behind the work — with authors, writers, creators, and people shaping how stories and ideas are brought into the world.   Hosted by Khudania Ajay (KAJ), independent journalist with 2,500+ long-form conversations. Part of the top 1.5% global KAJ Masterclass ecosystem. We explore the craft of writing, the journey of creating a book, storytelling, the realities of bringing ideas to readers, and the wider world around publishing.   Depth over hype. Substance over promotion. Come here for the conversation — not a book pitch. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kaj-publishing-writing-live--7160864/support.