Off Syllabus

The Brigade Schools
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A platform by The Brigade Schools where experts come together for real conversations about growing up, learning, failing, parenting, identity, and navigating modern childhood. It's part podcast, part YouTube show, and fully aligned with Brigade's belief that every child's journey is unique — and worth listening to. We host conversations — real ones — about parenting in the digital age, student anxiety, learning challenges, friendship, identity, even failure. We feature not just students and teachers, but parents, alumni, and external experts. We listen. We reflect.

  1. 4d ago

    Raising Children in an Addictive World | Dr. Pratima Murthy, Former Director, NIMHANS | Ep 9

    We are raising children in a world designed to capture their attention, fragment their focus, and reward impulsive behaviour. And most of us are doing it without a manual. Dr. Pratima Murthy — former Director of NIMHANS, addiction psychiatrist, and one of India's most respected voices in mental health — joins Off Syllabus for a conversation that is equal parts science, wisdom, and honest reckoning. This is not a conversation about screen time limits or confiscating phones. It goes much deeper than that. Dr. Pratima talks about how the reward circuits in a child's brain are hijacked by digital technology long before parents notice anything is wrong, why the adolescent brain is neurologically wired for risk and what that means for how we parent teenagers, the difference between a child who acts out and a child who goes silent — and why both need equal attention, how adverse childhood experiences leave marks that show up in adult mental health, anxiety, and relationships, what consistent parenting actually looks like and why contradictory messaging between parents is more damaging than most couples realise, the connection between perfectionism, achievement pressure, and addictive behaviour in children, and why emotional neglect — even in loving, well-intentioned families — is one of the most underrecognised risks of modern parenting. She also shares the poem that reframes everything about how we think about raising children. You will want to save it. Practical, research-backed, and deeply human — this is the parenting conversation that should be playing in every school auditorium in India. Off Syllabus is brought to you by The Brigade Schools.

    1h 3m

  2. Season 1, Episode 9 Trailer

    Are We Raising Emotionally Healthy Children? | Dr. Pratima Murthy, Former Director, NIMHANS

    In a world that is moving faster than most of us can process, are our children getting the emotional support they actually need? Dr. Pratima Murthy — former Director of NIMHANS and a leading voice in addiction psychiatry with over three decades of experience — joins Off Syllabus for a wide-ranging conversation on modern childhood, mental health, and what parents are getting right and wrong. She talks about the neuroscience of why teenagers take risks, how digital addiction forms the same neural pathways as substance addiction, why shame and secrecy take root in children when parents are emotionally unavailable, the difference between authoritative and helicopter parenting, how to talk to your child about failure without crushing their confidence, and where to get help when things go beyond what a family can handle alone. Honest, grounded, and deeply practical — this is the parenting conversation we should all be having. Off Syllabus is brought to you by Brigade Schools.

    1 min

  3. May 20

    Ep 8: The Art of Resilience — Ms. Nisha Lobo & Dr. Aloma Lobo on Adoption, Inclusion & Raising Children Who Don't See Themselves as Victims

    When Nisha Lobo was four years old, a woman at a shopping mall spat on her and told her mother she shouldn't bring a child "like that" out in public. Nisha's response, sitting in the car afterwards while her mother cried: "Mama, what she did is her problem, not mine." Nobody taught her that. It was just how she saw it. Nisha was born with lamellar ichthyosis — a rare genetic skin condition that affects approximately one in a million people — and has around 10% vision in one eye. She is also a TEDx speaker, a Satyamev Jayate guest, the subject of the internationally screened Vicks Touch of Care film, and today, a full-time item data specialist at Target who takes a cab to work and argues with her mother about walking on busy roads. In this episode of Off Syllabus, Nisha sits with Dr. Aloma Lobo — her mother, a doctor, and someone who has spent decades working with the placement of abandoned and special needs children — for a conversation that covers a remarkable amount of ground without ever feeling like it's trying to. You will hear about the school that told Dr. Lobo to take Nisha away, and the school whose principal held her hand on the first day. About the classroom where only one hand went up when a teacher asked if anyone didn't have a problem. About the brother who made Nisha a stack of cards that read: "I have ichthyosis. It is not contagious. I am just like you." About the family who saw Nisha and brought their child with Down syndrome back home from an orphanage. And you will hear Nisha herself — calm, funny, entirely unbothered — talk about history being her favourite subject in school, crochet being her current hobby, and why she's been watching detective shows lately instead of anything remotely inspirational. For parents especially, this episode asks a question worth sitting with: are we raising our children to handle the world, or are we handling the world so our children never have to? Off Syllabus is the podcast of Brigade Schools. New episodes explore the conversations that shape children beyond the syllabus.

    55 min

  4. Season 1, Episode 8 Trailer

    Ep 8: The Art of Resilience — Nisha Lobo on Inclusion, Identity & Respond Don't React

    What does it look like when a child grows up never seeing herself as a victim — even when the world occasionally treats her like one? Ms. Nisha Lobo was born with lamellar ichthyosis, a rare genetic skin condition, and has about 10% vision in one eye. She is also a TEDx speaker, a Vicks Touch of Care film subject seen internationally, and today, a full-time professional who goes to work in a cab and argues with her mum about walking on busy streets. In this episode of Off Syllabus, Ms. Nisha and her mother Dr. Aloma Lobo — doctor, child welfare advocate, mother of six — sit down for a conversation that covers everything from school friendships and sibling dynamics to the meaning of real inclusion, the danger of raising children as their diagnosis, and why "respond, don't react" is not just a TEDx title but a daily practice. For parents especially, Dr. Lobo's perspective on letting children fail, find their own direction, and own their identity — without making their challenge the headline — is something worth sitting with. Off Syllabus is the podcast of Brigade Schools. New episodes explore the conversations that shape children beyond the syllabus.

    1 min

  5. May 6

    Girls, Grit, and Growing Up - Off Syllabus Episode 7 - Featuring Ms. Swetha Subbiah

    In this episode, we welcome Ms. Swetha Subbiah, a Coorg-born athlete and co-founder of Sisters in Sweat, to discuss the vital role of sports in a girl's upbringing. Swetha joins our host to explore how we can stop the "teenage drop-off" and encourage girls to occupy space rather than shrink away from it. What’s "Off Syllabus" in this conversation: Role Models at Home: The profound impact of a parent's fitness routine and diet on a child’s psychology. The Biology of Strength: Debunking myths about lifting weights and "becoming bulky". Consistency over Perfection: Why a 20-minute walk or a quick YouTube workout is more valuable than a "militant" gym schedule. The Father's Role: Why the father’s encouragement and "permission" remain a critical catalyst for daughters in traditional households. Navigating Social Media: Moving away from the "before and after" weight loss culture toward a "movement mindset". At the Brigade Schools, we advocate for sports as a main subject for life, helping children develop the cognitive skills and emotional regulation they need to succeed. Follow Off Syllabus to join the conversation on raising resilient, strong, and empowered children.

    55 min

  6. Season 1, Episode 7 Trailer

    Raising Strong & Resilient Girls with Swetha Subbiah | Off Syllabus Ep. 7

    Can a sport-filled childhood actually be the secret ingredient to academic success? In this episode of Off Syllabus, we explore the intersection of physical strength and mental resilience with one of India’s most influential fitness leaders, Ms. Swetha Subbiah. As the co-founder of Sisters in Sweat and a Nike-certified coach, Ms. Swetha joins us to unpack why teenage girls often drop out of physical activities and how the language we use at home—specifically the "mother’s voice"—shapes a child’s inner world. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The "Shrinking" Phenomenon: Why we tell girls to "be careful" while boys are told to "go for it," and the lifelong impact of that messaging. The Mother-Daughter Mirror: How a parent's relationship with food and fitness serves as the primary "textbook" for their children. Fitness as an Ally: Moving past the myth that sports are a distraction from academics to seeing them as a tool for cognitive growth. Building Real Grit: How falling down on the field prepares a girl to stand up in the boardroom. At the Brigade Group of Schools, we believe education isn't just about what's in the syllabus—it's about building the character and confidence to navigate the world. Join us for a conversation that moves beyond the scale and focuses on building strength for life. Follow Off Syllabus to stay updated on how we’re redefining parenting and education, one conversation at a time.

    1 min

  7. Apr 23

    Ancient Wisdom, Modern Choices - Off Syllabus Ep 6 (ft. Ms. Roopa Pai)

    Can ancient philosophy solve modern-day anxiety? In this episode of Off Syllabus, we talk to Roopa Pai, the author who made the Bhagavad Gita accessible to a whole new generation. We dive into the "Hero’s Journey," exploring how parents can help children move away from the toxic trap of comparison and toward a life of purpose and Dharma. From the power of storytelling to the secrets of Bangalore’s history, Roopa explains why education must focus on building "inner resources" rather than just chasing external rewards. Key Takeaways: Why the Gita is the oldest self-help book in the world. How to help children handle failure with a "cyclical" mindset. The role of parents in modeling curiosity over control. A must-listen for parents and educators looking to ground the next generation in values that last a lifetime. Brought to you by The Brigade Schools—pioneering holistic excellence in education. Follow us for more deep dives into the topics that matter outside the textbook. #ParentingPodcast #TheBrigadeSchools #RoopaPai #BhagavadGita #LifeSkills #Education #Storytelling #IndianAuthors #OffSyllabus

    1h 37m

  8. Season 1, Episode 6 Trailer

    The Hero’s Journey: Parenting, Purpose & The Gita with Ms. Roopa Pai | Off Syllabus Ep 6

    "Success and failure are both impostors. Focus on the effort, not the outcome." 🌿 In Episode 6 of Off Syllabus, we dive deep with celebrated author Ms. Roopa Pai on a mission to make ancient wisdom accessible for the modern child. From the corridors of history to the high-pressure world of 10th-grade exams, Roopa explains how the teachings of the Gita can help our children live without fear. As leaders in the education space, The Brigade Schools is committed to fostering more than just academic excellence—we’re nurturing "old souls in young bodies" to become empathetic, resilient, and critical thinkers. Are we teaching our children to chase likes, or to chase the "long high" of inner peace? #OffSyllabus #TheBrigadeSchools #RoopaPai #ModernParenting #AncientWisdom #EducationLeader #Storytelling #GitaForKids #BangaloreSchools #ResilientKids #NewEpisode

    1 min
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A platform by The Brigade Schools where experts come together for real conversations about growing up, learning, failing, parenting, identity, and navigating modern childhood. It's part podcast, part YouTube show, and fully aligned with Brigade's belief that every child's journey is unique — and worth listening to. We host conversations — real ones — about parenting in the digital age, student anxiety, learning challenges, friendship, identity, even failure. We feature not just students and teachers, but parents, alumni, and external experts. We listen. We reflect.

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  • Creator
    The Brigade Schools
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Brigade Schools
  • Show Website
    Off Syllabus