RareErth Podcast

Manoj Radhakrishna
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Bimonthly

Ever wonder what makes people take the leap and follow their dreams? That's what RareErth Podcast is all about. I sit with people who followed an idea into the unknown. Founders, artists, tinkerers, and quietly brilliant misfits. Some have Wikipedia pages; many don't. All of them changed how I see the world. Learn more at https://www.rareerth.com/podcast

  1. Jun 14

    Melanie Ambler - Music at the Bedside: Cello, Mortality, and the Art of Being Present

    Some people don't choose their calling, they get rerouted into it. My guest in this episode is Melanie Ambler, a professional cellist and a Stanford-trained physician whose work lives at the rare intersection of music and medicine. She studied neurobiology at Brown, researched music and dementia on a Fulbright in France, and then, when the pandemic pulled her out of that research life, found a new calling at the bedside: improvising live, personalized cello for people facing serious illness and the end of life. This episode is a little different from the deep-dive interviews you may have already heard her give. We don't retrace every chapter of her story. Instead, we sit with the texture of the work itself, what she reads in a room before she plays a single note, what the dying have taught her about living, and why grief and love are closer than we think. Along the way, Melanie improvises a piece live on the show, the first musical performance ever on RareErth. Core Ideas: The pandemic as a turning point: from researching music and dementia in France to improvising cello at the hospital bedside.The "musical fingerprint": reading a person's comfort, history, and emotional state before choosing a single note.Why grief and love sit on the same spectrum, and what people near the end of life reveal about living fully."Sonder": the realization that every random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.Protecting your art when it becomes your work: boundaries, "night float," and making the practice sustainable.Musical Rounds: turning consented bedside recordings into a weekly podcast of patient stories and improvised soundtracks.Connect with Melanie: Website Musical Rounds Show notes for this episode can be found here.

    1h 9m

  2. May 8

    Anjali: Roots, Resilience, and the Second Life After Leukemia

    Meet Anjali, co-founder and Chief Product Officer at 78Health, a leukemia survivor, a polymath, and someone whose story found me through one of the more unlikely routes: a voice on Air Chat, a mixtape I made from it without asking, and Naval Ravikant somewhere in the middle of it. In this episode, Anjali traces her path from a first-generation immigrant childhood in the Bay Area, through more than two decades in tech, to a 2019 leukemia diagnosis that put her in the hospital for 80% of that year, reshaping  how she thinks about  a few things that came after. We get into her roots, her parents, the books that keep her grounded, the near-death experiences she describes as a soft light lullaby, and the company she's now building with her cofounders to fix the gaps in care she lived through. Expect honest reflections on faith, fear, the things people get wrong when someone they love is sick, and what it actually means to feel unafraid. Core Ideas Roots are not where you were born, they're what you carry. Anjali says it’s like being a moving tree.Why "why not me?" is a more useful question than "why me?" when life turns upside downThe single most important thing you can do for someone who is sick and the one thing you should stop saying to them.How a single thread of purpose can pull you through 10 months of chemo when nothing else can.Reading as a mood, not a task and why no book has to be finished.Building a healthtech company in a market where Amazon, Google, and OpenAI have just arrived and what differentiates 78HealthThe redefinition of health after illness: stop punishing your body for how someone makes you feel.Why the most essential skill nobody calls a skill is simply liking other people for no reason other than that they made it here too. Anjali says: “making an effort to see the best in others is a superpower “Anjali X (Twitter)Company website: 78HealthEmail: info@78health.comCompany LinkedIn: 78HealthPrimary on Apple StorePrimary on Google Play Listen to Dastan here

    1h 37m

  3. Apr 11

    Harsha Venkatesh: From Semiconductor Engineer to Value Investor: Building Wealth, Companies, and a Life of Curiosity

    Meet Harsha Venkatesh, an investor, engineer, and serial entrepreneur who has lived across three continents and built a life at the intersection of technology and finance. In this opening episode of Season 4, Harsha traces his journey from childhood visits to the Bangalore Stock Exchange with his father, through a decade-long semiconductor career spanning Germany and the US, to becoming one of India's top-performing portfolio managers. We dig into his investment philosophy shaped by Buffett, Munger, and Pabrai, the low point of navigating SEBI regulations as a first-time fund manager, and his deeply practical approach to teaching his children about money. Expect sharp thinking on India's economic future, the changing face of warfare through drones, and why the best investment you can make is in the people around you. Core Ideas: The power of curiosity as a compounding asset and why being an all-rounder is an edge in investing. How cloning the best investors' frameworks (not their stock picks) builds a durable investment practice. Why the people around you-spouse, friends, business partners are the single most important factor in long-term success. India's non-threatening positioning on the global stage as a structural economic advantage. The intersection of AI and wealth management and what it means for the next generation of investors. Teaching children money management from age five through pocket money, incentives, and real stock portfolios.

    1h 48m

  4. 09/27/2024

    Finding Light in Darkness: Siphiwe on Faith, Connection, and Purpose

    In this inspiring and joy-filled episode, I sit down with my good friend Siphiwe, a software developer from Cape Town, South Africa, whose ability to spread laughter and joy is unlike anyone I've ever met. Siphiwe shares with me his incredible journey of resilience, faith, and connection. We explore his experiences growing up in Soweto during the apartheid era, overcoming significant challenges, and how his unwavering faith guided him through life's darkest valleys. From his initial struggles with education to his transformation into a passionate learner and developer, we discuss the importance of meaningful relationships, the concept of Ubuntu, and his commitment to uplifting others. Throughout our conversation, glimpses of his unique humor and joy shine through, making this episode both enlightening and heartwarming. Join me as we delve into topics of spirituality, personal growth, and the power of embracing one's humanity with a friend who truly knows how to light up a room. In this episode, we explore: Siphiwe's journey from Soweto during apartheid to tech success His spiritual rollercoaster and unwavering faith The power of Ubuntu and meaningful connections How laughter helped him overcome life's challenges His mission to uplift others and unlock human potential Personal anecdotes and rapid-fire fun facts Experience the warmth, wisdom, and humor of a truly remarkable individual as we discuss resilience, personal growth, and the power of embracing one's humanity. This conversation promises to leave you feeling inspired and seeing the world through a brighter lens. Show Notes: RareErth

    1h 25m

  5. 08/16/2024

    Priyata -A Systems Biologist on Merging Ancient Wisdom with Cutting-Edge Science, Blockchain in Healthcare, and the Art of Conscious Living

    Welcome to a fascinating episode , where we explore the intersection of science, philosophy, and personal growth with a guest who embodies the spirit of interdisciplinary thinking and constant evolution. My guest is Priyata, a systems biologist whose journey spans from the bustling cities of India to the cutting-edge research labs of Germany. Priyata brings a unique blend of Eastern philosophy and Western scientific rigor to her approach to life and work. With a background in bioinformatics and a PhD in systems biology, she's at the forefront of modeling drug actions in the body and developing innovative healthcare technologies. But Priyata's expertise extends far beyond the lab. In this wide-ranging conversation, we delve into topics as diverse as blockchain technology in healthcare, the underground metal music scene, and the teachings of philosophers like Krishnamurti. Priyata's insights on self-awareness, personal growth, and navigating life's complexities offer a glimpse into a holistic approach to living that combines analytical thinking with deep introspection. We discuss Priyata's groundbreaking work in systems biology, her experiences in startups, and her thoughts on the future of personalized medicine. But we also explore her personal journey of constant learning and self-improvement, including her practices for physical and mental resilience. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in: The future of personalized medicine and healthcare technology Practical applications of Eastern philosophy in modern life Balancing specialization with broad, interdisciplinary thinking Cultivating self-awareness and challenging your own thought patterns Navigating cross-cultural experiences and personal growth The unexpected lessons from diverse interests like metal music and blockchain Whether you're a scientist, a philosopher, an entrepreneur, or simply someone interested in living a more examined and purposeful life, this conversation with Priyata offers valuable insights and practical wisdom. Tune in for an episode that might just change the way you think about your own potential for growth and innovation. Show Notes: RareErth

    1h 32m

  6. 07/20/2024

    The Business Artist: Petri Kajander on Philosophy, Technology, and the Future of Work

    In this episode, I sit down with Petri Kajander, a fascinating Finnish entrepreneur, author, and self-proclaimed "business artist." Our conversation takes unexpected turns as we explore the intersection of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge technology. Petri shares insights that left me pondering long after our chat ended. Highlights include: The surprising link between Eastern philosophy and modern entrepreneurship Why Petri believes social media might be on its deathbed A thought experiment: How would you live if you had 1000 years? The unconventional reason Petri switched to barefoot running A security tip that might make you rethink your password manager Petri's intriguing take on why feeling down might just be about what you ate yesterday From practical tech advice to mind-bending philosophical musings, this episode is a rollercoaster of ideas that will leave you seeing the world a little differently. Join us for a conversation that bridges past and future, offering a unique lens on how to navigate our rapidly changing world. Show notes: RareErth

    1h 16m

  7. 07/05/2024

    Keith Harmon: Professional Skydiving to CFO’ing to Teaching a Million Kids Math

    In this episode I have conversation with Keith Harmon, a man whose life journey defies convention. From his early days as an engineer to his thrilling experiences as a competitive skydiver, and his long tenure in the hospitality industry, Keith's story is one of resilience, passion, and a relentless pursuit of meaningful connections. Keith shares the transformative moments that shaped his outlook on life, including a near-fatal skydiving accident that tested his limits and his deep-seated commitment to teaching mathematics. Now, with an ambitious goal to teach a million children math, Keith aims to revolutionize how we perceive and approach education. Join me as Keith delves into: His dynamic career transitions and the skills he acquired along the way. The life lessons learned from bartending and how genuine hospitality can impact lives. The importance of empathy, service, and human connections. His passionate belief in the power of education and his vision for a better way to teach math. This episode is not just about Keith's adventures and achievements but also a masterclass in living a purposeful life filled with kindness and dedication. Tune in for an inspiring dialogue that will leave you reflecting on your own journey and the impact you can make in the world. Show Notes: www.rareerth.com

    1h 15m

  8. 06/16/2024

    Bruce Lee, Jeet Kune Do & the Art of Self-Discovery with MICKY (Firebird)

    In this episode I sit down with the multi-talented MICKY, also known as Firebird. From his deep dive into martial arts and Bruce Lee's philosophy to an incredible journey in the music industry, MICKY’s story is one of transformation and relentless pursuit of passion. We touch on Micky's surprising transition from studying music business to performing over 400 shows in a year, which skyrocketed his career. He also shares an intriguing personal revelation that led to profound changes in his life and creative direction. Micky discusses his entrepreneurial ventures, including a startup that connects artists and producers, and how he's now focusing on exciting new projects that blend creativity with self-improvement. Don't miss his thoughtful insights on creativity, self-discovery, and collaboration, plus a special performance of his song "Sideways." Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with unexpected twists, deep reflections, and inspiring moments. Highlights: Micky’s journey from martial arts to music The impact of performing over 400 shows in a year An intriguing personal revelation and its impact Entrepreneurial ventures in the music industry Current projects blending creativity and self-improvement Thoughtful insights on creativity and collaboration A special musical performance of "Sideways" For Show notes, Links and Resources: RareErth

    1 hr
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About

Ever wonder what makes people take the leap and follow their dreams? That's what RareErth Podcast is all about. I sit with people who followed an idea into the unknown. Founders, artists, tinkerers, and quietly brilliant misfits. Some have Wikipedia pages; many don't. All of them changed how I see the world. Learn more at https://www.rareerth.com/podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Manoj Radhakrishna
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Manoj Radhakrishna
  • Show Website
    RareErth Podcast