Decisions The Podcast

Amitoj Singh

Journalist Amitoj Singh speaks with experts and extraordinary individuals, combining lived experience with evidence-based thinking to bring decision-grade clarity to choices across money, health, careers, technology, relationships and purpose. An extension of his nearly two decades in journalism, it creates room to explore questions beyond the daily news cycle. Backed by Samar Capital, Decisions examines the forces that shape wealth and life long before an investment is made.

Episodes

  1. Oct 13

    Should a Child Pursue Sport Without Becoming a Professional Athlete? | Vedika Anand x Amitoj Singh

    Should your child pursue sport seriously even if the chances of becoming a professional athlete are small? In this episode of Decisions, former competitive tennis player and sports professional Vedika Anand joins journalist Amitoj Singh to examine what choosing sport really demands from children and their families. They discuss when a young athlete should specialise, how parents can distinguish talent from ambition, the sacrifices behind elite sport and whether privilege makes the gamble safer. The conversation also explores college scholarships, careers beyond playing, athlete management, strength and mental conditioning, Indian tennis governance and India’s ambition to become a major sporting nation. At its heart, the episode asks a larger question: should families bet only on creating a professional athlete, or can sport become the foundation for an entire life and career? Would you encourage your child to pursue sport seriously? Share your view in the comments. If this conversation helped you think differently, like the episode, share it and subscribe to Decisions, The Podcast. CHAPTERS 00:00 Preview01:03 Meet Vedika Anand03:12 Bet or Wait? The First Sporting Decision04:10 Early Specialisation and Burnout05:47 Pursuing Sport Without Turning Professional09:12 Careers in Sport Beyond Playing11:05 What Indian Tennis Gets Wrong14:55 How Much Should a Family Risk?17:57 College Tennis as an Alternative Route21:17 From Athlete to Sports Professional24:22 Can a Career in Sport Really Pay?28:18 Sports Careers: Opportunity or Oversold?29:39 The Sacrifices Behind Elite Sport31:50 Parents, Pressure and Choosing a Sport34:48 Does Money Make the Bet Safer?36:33 Why India Struggles to Produce Champions38:54 Who Should Build a Career in Sport?42:23 India’s Missing Strength and Conditioning Culture46:03 The Reality of Sports Management in India47:29 Should India Bet on the 2036 Olympics?49:25 Talent, Reflexes and Mental Conditioning53:54 Bet on the Athlete or a Life in Sport?55:38 Is Badminton a Better Bet Than Tennis?56:51 Lessons from Somdev Devvarman59:22 Reforming Indian Tennis62:11 The State of Sports Broadcasting64:36 Final Thoughts DECISIONS, THE PODCAST Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decisionsthepodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DecisionsThePodcast VEDIKA ANAND Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fit.with.ved/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fitwithvedX: https://x.com/vedikanandWebsite: https://vedika-anand.vercel.app/ AMITOJ SINGHHost of Decisions, The Podcast X: https://x.com/amitojInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnnyamitoj/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitojsinghcolumbia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnnyAmitoj #DecisionsThePodcast #YouthSports #SportsCareers #IndianSports #ParentingDecisions

  2. Oct 5

    India, Money and the Future: What Should You Prepare For? | Jayant Mundhra x Amitoj Singh

    India is growing. But growth alone does not tell you what to do with your money, career or future. In this episode of Decisions, journalist Amitoj Singh speaks with Jayant Mundhra about the economic choices facing Indians today. Together, they unpack what India’s growth numbers reveal, what they may conceal and how larger economic shifts eventually reach your salary, savings and everyday expenses. The conversation explores the cost of free UPI, the possibility of a weaker rupee, India’s competition with China, the impact of AI on jobs and the difficult relationship between taxation and public trust. It also turns to the financial decisions many of us are already making: Should you buy a home or rent?Is property still a better investment than equity?Does gold protect wealth or simply feel safe?How should you prepare for inflation and retirement?And how much of your future should depend on India’s growth story? This conversation offers no easy predictions. It brings together evidence, competing perspectives and practical questions to help you make your own decisions with greater clarity. After listening, tell us in the comments: what are you most optimistic about, and what still makes you cautious? If you like what we’re doing, please follow the show and share this episode. CHAPTERS 00:00 — Highlights01:50 — Introduction02:16 — Does India’s growth story add up?05:14 — What shaped Jayant Mundhra’s worldview?09:12 — Who really pays for free UPI?21:45 — Can India sustain its growth?25:44 — India vs China39:00 — Why Indians leave and return45:54 — Could the rupee reach ₹150?54:18 — Stress-testing India’s economy56:09 — AI and the future of Indian jobs01:06:59 — Should you buy or rent a home?01:12:15 — Taxes, black money and public trust01:22:13 — Property vs equity01:24:27 — Does gold belong in your portfolio?01:25:57 — Planning for retirement01:27:13 — Are Indians paying too much tax?01:28:45 — The real impact of inflation01:36:16 — GDP vs GVA01:44:26 — Does India need more deregulation?01:46:25 — Investing in India’s growth01:48:31 — Education and India’s priorities01:51:36 — Closing thoughts DISCLAIMER This episode is intended for information, education and discussion only. It does not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Please consult an appropriately qualified professional before making financial decisions. DECISIONS, THE PODCAST Instagram: @decisionsthepodcastYouTube: @DecisionsThePodcast JAYANT MUNDHRA Instagram: @marketswithjayantLinkedIn: Jayant Mundhra AMITOJ SINGH X: @amitojInstagram: @johnnyamitojLinkedIn: Amitoj SinghYouTube: @JohnnyAmitoj Music from #InAudio: inaudio.org #DecisionsThePodcast #IndianEconomy #IndiaGrowth #Investing #PersonalFinance

  3. Sep 27

    The Man Behind Naukri and India’s Startup Boom | Sanjeev Bikhchandani x Amitoj Singh

    Often called the Father of Indian Startups, Sanjeev Bikhchandani helped shape India’s internet and startup ecosystem long before entrepreneurship became a mainstream career choice. He left a secure job to build Naukri.com at a time when India had limited internet access, no established startup culture and very little support for first-generation entrepreneurs. What followed was the creation of Info Edge and early investments in companies such as Zomato and Policybazaar. In this episode of Decisions, journalist Amitoj Singh speaks with Sanjeev Bikhchandani about building Naukri.com, recognising promising founders, taking calculated risks and creating businesses that can survive beyond the initial excitement. The conversation also explores whether an MBA is still valuable, why work experience matters before business school, how AI could reshape employment and what young professionals must do to remain relevant. This is a conversation about entrepreneurship without the glamour. It examines uncertainty, patience, failure, conviction and the difficult decisions behind companies that eventually become institutions. CHAPTERS 00:00 — Highlights01:11 — Introducing Sanjeev Bikhchandani02:30 — Life and career after graduation04:25 — Is an MBA still relevant?10:30 — What an MBA can actually offer19:02 — Leaving security behind20:18 — Building Naukri.com24:42 — Recognising Zomato’s potential34:10 — Should you work before pursuing an MBA?42:42 — Will AI replace jobs?46:10 — Staying relevant in a changing world51:50 — Startup mistakes and lessons57:42 — Making decisions in the age of AI58:18 — Closing thoughts DISCLAIMER This episode is intended for information, education and discussion only. It does not constitute business, investment, education or career advice. Listeners should consider their individual circumstances and seek appropriately qualified professional guidance before making significant decisions. DECISIONS, THE PODCAST Instagram: @decisionsthepodcastYouTube: @DecisionsThePodcast SANJEEV BIKHCHANDANI X: @sbikh AMITOJ SINGHHost of Decisions, The Podcast X: @amitojInstagram: @johnnyamitojLinkedIn: Amitoj SinghYouTube: @JohnnyAmitoj #IndianStartups #Entrepreneurship #Naukri #MBA #DecisionsPodcast #FutureOfWork

  4. Sep 21

    Music Saved My Life | Hari & Sukhmani x Amitoj Singh

    How do you turn a love for music into a career that lasts nearly two decades? Hari and Sukhmani take journalist Amitoj Singh inside their journey from performing at Chandigarh lounges to building a distinctive sound that blends Punjabi folk with electronic music. They share how weddings became an unexpected turning point in their career, what it is like performing at celebrations for Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra, Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal, and the Ambani family, and why success still depends on reading the room and connecting with the audience. The conversation also explores the business of music, creative disagreements, the challenges musicians face in being taken seriously as professionals, and the many careers available in the industry beyond singing. Along the way, Hari and Sukhmani demonstrate how one melody can express completely different emotions, preview music from their evolving live set, and reveal the unexpected story behind “Baaghi.” Hosted by journalist Amitoj Singh. Chapters: 00:00 Opening preview01:31 Meet Hari and Sukhmani02:45 Why music deserves to be taken seriously05:24 Mantras, frequencies and the science of sound08:30 Finding music in nature09:00 Is pursuing music a waste of time?11:23 The story behind “Put the Fan On”14:49 Turning passion into a profession16:30 How weddings transformed their career18:42 Eighteen years of Hari and Sukhmani19:00 Performing at celebrity weddings24:24 The moment they felt they had arrived26:40 Career highlights and the energy of live performance32:35 Rapid fire: where music belongs in life35:49 Music, health and emotional wellbeing39:27 Can music help us process difficult emotions?41:17 Music, memory and emotional connection44:48 How music became Hari’s career47:51 Bringing Punjabi folk into a modern sound49:15 How Hari and Sukhmani became a duo51:00 Why musicians were not treated as professionals53:00 Sukhmani’s earliest musical influences54:38 One melody, three emotions57:20 Inside their new music60:00 Designing a live set for different audiences63:20 The unexpected story behind “Baaghi”69:48 Live Punjabi folk performance71:29 Personal rapid fire75:00 Building a career in music without being a singer75:59 The teacher who shaped Hari’s musical journey77:18 Closing jam78:15 Final message This episode is intended for information, education and discussion only. The views and personal experiences shared belong to the speakers. DECISIONS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decisionsthepodcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033WEh8YouTube: @DecisionsThePodcast HARI & SUKHMANI Musicians, performers and producers known for blending Punjabi folk with contemporary electronic music. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harisukhmani/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HariSukhmaniWebsite: https://harisukhmani.com/ AMITOJ SINGH Host of Decisions, The Podcast Twitter: https://x.com/amitojInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnnyamitoj/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitojsinghcolumbia/YouTube: @JohnnyAmitoj #HariAndSukhmani #PunjabiFolk #IndianMusic #MusicIndustry #DecisionsPodcast

  5. Sep 6

    He Quit as Global MD at 50 to Become a Writer — Gurcharan Das on Why

    At 50, Gurcharan Das was at the top of corporate life. He had risen through Procter & Gamble, was earning well and was on exactly the trajectory ambitious people spend their lives chasing. Then, in a meeting about selling more Pampers, he looked out of the window and thought: “There must be more to life than selling an extra case of Pampers.” So he walked away — and became a writer. In this episode of Decisions, Gurcharan Das — former CEO of Procter & Gamble India, former Managing Director at P&G’s global headquarters, bestselling author of India Unbound, The Difficulty of Being Good and Another Sort of Freedom — reflects on the biggest decisions of his life and what they taught him. The conversation moves through career, money, marriage, parenting, morality, freedom and India — told through the stories that shaped him. He explains why he abandoned engineering at Harvard for philosophy, why he spent decades writing on weekends while building a corporate career, and why he believes telling young people to simply “follow your passion” can be misleading. He also takes us inside one of the hardest ethical decisions of his business career: refusing to pay a ₹50,000 bribe even when a new factory, hundreds of jobs and significant investment were at risk. And we ask the broader questions: How much should money influence your biggest life decisions? Are Indian parents over-planning their children’s lives? Should young Indians leave the country — or bet on India? Gurcharan’s final message is simple: don’t sleepwalk through life. Question the defaults. There is far more you can influence than you think. And perhaps his clearest philosophy of all: Take your work seriously. But don’t take yourself too seriously. Chapters: 00:00 - 02:45 - Introduction 02:46 - 08:45 - Quitting as CEO & global MD at 50 08:46 - 15:38 - Meeting Dr. Manmohan Singh & Narasimha Rao 15:39 - 18:35 - Meeting Prime Minister Modi 18:36 - 23:37 - Liberal vs. Classical Liberal vs. Libertarian 23:38 - 30:05 - Where does India stand today 30:06 - 35:55 - India's manufacturing vs. AI 35:56 - 39:49 - Why Gurcharan came back from the US 39:50 - 54:02 - Marrying against convention, Philosophy, Harvard 54:03 - 1:02:45 - Mouse merchant story 1:02:46 - 1:08:02 - Purpose, Vicks, Writing 1:08:03 - 1:10:04 - First Indian to win the Lifetime Libertarian Award 1:10:05 - 1:18:42 - Krishna's Guile, Does the end justify the means 1:18:43 - 1:23:05 - Profit's a dirty word? 1:23:14 - 1:28:34 - Corporate culture and leaving his job 1:28:35 - 1:38:04 - Moral philosophy, dharma, not paying a bribe 1:38:05 - 1:44:06 - Leaving India for a life abroad 1:44:07 - 1:47:04 - Modi and Rahul Gandhi 1:47:05 - 1:50:09 - Don't sleepwalk through life #DecisionsThePodcast Instagram - / decisionsthepodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033WEh8... YouTube: @DecisionsThePodcast #GurcharanDas Author, Former MD P&G Twitter/X: @gurcharandas Instagram: @gurcharanDas LinkedIn:   / gurcharan-das-a7b7375   Website: www.gurcharandas.org #AmitojSingh Host of Decisions, The Podcast Twitter: https://x.com/amitoj Instagram: / johnnyamitoj LinkedIn: / amitojsinghcolumbia YouTube: @JohnnyAmitoj The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and host in the context of a wide-ranging conversation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional, financial, legal or other advice.

  6. Aug 25

    What Kargil Taught Me About Discipline — and What It Can Teach All of Us | General V.P. Malik

    #DecisionsThePodcast #GeneralVPMalik #AmitojSingh How do you stay disciplined when one bad decision can cost lives? And what can the rest of us learn from someone who had to do exactly that?General V.P. Malik, the Army Chief who oversaw India’s victory in the Kargil War, joins Decisions to explore the importance of discipline — not just in the military, but in everyday life.Through Kargil, he explains what discipline really means when facing uncertainty, fear, casualties and enormous responsibility: when to obey, when to question, when to intervene and when to trust others. He reflects on intelligence failures, courage versus recklessness, punishment, leadership, media responsibility during war and the decisions he still thinks about today.At its heart, this is a conversation about something all of us struggle with: how to build the discipline to do what needs to be done, especially when nobody is forcing us to do it.Chapters:00:00 - 02:25 - Introduction 02:26 - 05:45 - One lesson on discipline from Kargil05:46 - 09:25 - Fog of war, jihadis, unknowns09:26 - 17:08 - Intelligence failure17:09 - 23:01 - Discipline in armed forces & life23:02 - 26:45 - Court martial, right or wrong26:46 - 29:38 - Courage vs. discipline in army 29:39 - 32:21 - Rapid fire32:22 - 35:50 - Regret of not crossing LOC35:51 - 37:51 - Discipline in India37:52 - 39:15 - An unsung soldier 39:16 - 41:05 - Discipline to not intervene41:06 - 42:25 - To shout or not to shout42:26 - 43:40 - "I felt very bad"43:41 - 54:40 - Barkha Dutt & media responsibility54:41 - 58:25 - Enforcing discipline now vs. then in army58:26 - 1:05:53 - General VP Malik's legacy#DecisionsThePodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decisionsth...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033WEh8...YouTube: @DecisionsThePodcast#GeneralVPMalikFormer Army Chief, Author Twitter/X: @VedMalik1#AmitojSingh Host of Decisions, The PodcastTwitter: https://x.com/amitojInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnnyamito...LinkedIn:   / amitojsinghcolumbia  YouTube: @JohnnyAmitojThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and host in the context of a wide-ranging conversation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional, financial, legal or other advice

  7. Aug 10

    Trailer: Can Rational Thinkers Believe Jyotish Astrology? | Bani Singh Chadha x Amitoj Singh

    #DecisionsThePodcast #BaniSinghChadha #AmitojSingh Should a rational thinker take Jyotish Astrology seriously?This trailer offers a glimpse into a rigorous conversation—not a defence or dismissal—exploring evidence, skepticism, free will, karma, prediction, AI, wealth, and why millions, including highly educated people, continue to rely on an ancient system outside modern scientific consensus.Watch the full episode now:    • Can Rational Thinkers Believe Jyotish Astr...  #DecisionsThePodcast Instagram - /   / decisionsthepodcast   #BaniSinghChadhaBani Singh Chadha - Jyotish Astrology Acharya and TeacherInstagram - /   / banisinghchadha   #AmitojSingh Host of Decisions, The PodcastTwitter: https://x.com/amitojInstagram:   / johnnyamitoj  LinkedIn:   / amitojsinghcolumbia

  8. Aug 5

    Weight Loss Drugs & Protein: What's Worth Believing? | Nutritionist Mitushi Ajmera x Amitoj Singh |

    Should you take a weight-loss drug? Should you be eating more protein? Or have we become trapped in one of the biggest wellness crazes of our time? Weight-loss drugs are transforming medicine, protein has become a billion-dollar industry, and social media is overflowing with conflicting advice. Yet the biggest questions remain: If GLP-1 drugs work so well, why are many coaches and nutritionists still sceptical? If protein is essential, who genuinely needs more of it? And if the weight returns after stopping medication, what have you really achieved? In this episode of Decisions, journalist Amitoj Singh speaks with wellness coach, sports nutritionist and dietitian Mitushi Ajmera to separate evidence from hype. Mitushi argues that these medications can be valuable for people with obesity, metabolic risk or a genuine inability to lose weight despite sustained effort—but they are not an aesthetic shortcut, and suitability must be determined by an endocrinologist. Her perspective is deeply personal: at 34, she lost approximately 22 kg through severe calorie restriction and excessive exercise, but the resulting back and knee injuries led her to rebuild her body around strength, rehabilitation and sustainable fat loss—allowing her, at 48, to squat, sprint and run. Mitushi Ajmera is India’s first certified Pilardio instructor, an ISSA-certified fitness coach, FTI Australia–certified fitness trainer, EREPS-registered Pilates instructor, TEDx speaker and author of The Fearless Diet. With 14 years of coaching experience, she specialises in sustainable weight loss, strength and rehabilitation. Chapters: 00:00 - 02:30 - Introduction 02:31 - 05:45 - How to think about taking a weight-loss drug 05:46 - 08:14 - Benefits vs. side effects of weight-loss drugs 08:15 - 10:00 - Why losing 5–10 kg is different from needing to lose 30–50 kg 10:01 - 11:29 - Muscle loss, meeting protein needs, and balanced exercise 12:30 - 19:35 - Why muscle loss cannot be eliminated, but can be minimised 19:36 - 23:36 - Doctors & pharma companies vs. nutritionists on weight loss drugs 23:37 - 26:15 - Social reality of people trying hard to lose weight 26:16 - 30:05 - How Mitushi's weight-loss journey is personal 30:06 - 31:45 - Why is my body eating my muscle and not my fat? 31:46 - 34:30 - Can a weight-loss drug guarantee a switch to sustainable habits? 34:31 - 37:32 - Why being perfect from Monday to Friday can lead to overeating on weekends 37:33 - 39:10 - The market trends of weight-loss drugs 39:11 - 46:02 - The challenge of eating enough protein and selecting the right one 46:03 - 51:39 - Local seasonal foods vs new forms of protein intake 51:40 - 53:29 - The underestimated benefits of protein vs. muscle 55:01 - 55:59 - Why women should not be afraid of becoming stronger 56:00 - 59:49 - The future of India's protein market 59:50 - 1:02:15 - Whether intermittent fasting works alongside GLP-1 medication 1:02:16 - 1:07:22 - Mitushi's personal injury story and protein as a vegetarian This episode is intended for information, education and discussion only. It does not constitute medical or nutritional advice. Weight-loss medication should only be considered and used under the supervision of an appropriately qualified medical professional. #DecisionsThePodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/decisionsthepodc... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033WEh868Oyh... YouTube: @DecisionsThePodcast #MitushiAjmera Wellness Coach, Sports Nutritionist & Dietitian Twitter: @CoachMitushi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_mitushi/ LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/in/mitushi-ajmera-... YouTube: @MitushiAjmera #AmitojSingh Host of Decisions, The Podcast Twitter: https://x.com/amitoj Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnnyamitoj/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitojsinghcol... YouTube: @JohnnyAmitoj #weightloss #GLP1 #Protein #StrengthTraining #Nutrition #DecisionsPodcast #AmitojSingh #SamarCapital

  9. Jul 30

    Can Rational Thinkers Believe Jyotish Astrology? | Bani Singh Chadha x Amitoj Singh | Decisions

    One of the world's oldest decision-support systems is also one of its most controversial. In the first episode of Decisions, former journalist and Jyotish Acharya Bani Singh Chadha joins Amitoj Singh to ask a simple but difficult question: Should a rational thinker take Jyotish Astrology seriously?This is neither a defence nor a dismissal of Jyotish. It's a rigorous conversation about evidence, skepticism, free will, karma, prediction, AI, wealth, and why millions — including highly educated people — continue to rely on an ancient system that sits outside modern scientific consensus. If better decisions begin with better questions, this is where the conversation starts. Chapters: 00:00 - 01:35 - Introduction 01:36 - 06:14 - Believing in Jyotish Astrology 06:15 - 08:14 - Using Jyotish as a Decision Support System 08:15 - 11:44 - Difference between Western Astrology & Jyotish Astrology 11:45 - 14:29 - Can Jyotish help us make decisions? 14:30 - 17:59 - Bani's transition from NDTV anchor to Jyotish Astrology 18:00 - 19:59 - How Jyotish was used for India's Independence Day 20:00 - 22:44 - Should Jyotish be used as a tool to make decisions around wealth 22:45 - 30:59 - The intersection of Jyotish, Karma, and Wisdom 31:00 - 35:59 - The 'RabbitHole' fear of Jyotish or its remedial measures 36:00 - 39:44 - Studying birth charts and positive communication 39:45 - 42:59 - Good character and its impact on Jyotish 43:00 - 47:59 - The Vedas and Jyotish 48:00 - 50:49 - Why people use Jyotish but don't openly admit it 50:50 - 54:29 - Is Jyotish foolproof? 54:30 - 55:59 - Bespoke guidance based on personal restraints 56:00 - 59:49 - The importance of finding the right Guru #DecisionsThePodcast Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/decisionsthepodcast/ #BaniSinghChadha Bani Singh Chadha - Jyotish Astrology Acharya and TeacherInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/banisinghchadha/ #AmitojSingh Host of Decisions, The Podcast Twitter: https://x.com/amitoj Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnnyamitoj/ LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/in/amitojsinghcolumbia

  • 1 Trailer
    8 Episodes

Trailer

About

Journalist Amitoj Singh speaks with experts and extraordinary individuals, combining lived experience with evidence-based thinking to bring decision-grade clarity to choices across money, health, careers, technology, relationships and purpose. An extension of his nearly two decades in journalism, it creates room to explore questions beyond the daily news cycle. Backed by Samar Capital, Decisions examines the forces that shape wealth and life long before an investment is made.

Information

  • Creator
    Amitoj Singh
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Amitoj Singh
  • Show Website
    Decisions The Podcast