Something Bigger Talk Show

Rodrigo Canelas

We travel around the world, talking with the best minds in each country and sharing their stories and wisdom with the world. We uncover inspiring stories, untold truths, strategies, and tools to help you live a more meaningful life and become better every day. Join us!

  1. 2D AGO

    Hidden Science Of Hindu Temples, Sacred Energy Centers & Miracles Explained By The Temple Girl

    In this deeply moving episode of Something Bigger, we sit down with Namratha Mohan, popularly known as The Temple Girl. Namratha left a high-powered corporate career at Amazon and JPMorgan to walk a path guided by faith, documenting the hidden spiritual science of India’s most sacred spaces. We explore the profound idea that temples aren't just buildings, but ancient "energy centers" designed for human transformation. From the steep, frozen trails of Kedarnath to the rhythmic, thousand-year-old rituals of Sri Rangam, this conversation reveals how these spaces function as charging stations for the soul. Highlights ✨ Energy vs. Architecture: Most people think the building comes first. Namratha explains how our ancestors identified specific energy centers on Earth and built structures around them to contain and amplify that power. 🏹 The Mirror Ritual: Discover the mystery of Prana Pratishta, where the energy in a deity becomes so intense during consecration that a mirror placed in front of it is said to instantly crack. 🐘 The Sri Rangam Awakening: A firsthand account of the 5:30 AM Vishwarupa Darshanam, where the deity first wakes up to see an elephant, a horse, and a cow before any human being. 💔 The Pilot’s Devotion: A tear-jerking story of a father—a former pilot—performing a sacred temple dance while his son fought for life in a hospital. This is a testament to the power of surrender and duty. 🧘 The "Spiritual Mirror" Effect: How every element of a temple—from hitting the bell to bowing low—is a psychological tool designed to dissolve the ego and align the mind. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction: From Amazon to Temple Girl 05:22 - Survival at Kedarnath: A Journey of Transformation 10:45 - The Secret of Sri Rangam & the 5:30 AM Ritual 18:30 - Common Misconceptions: Why the Energy Comes First 24:15 - A Temple for Every Problem (Mental Health to Visas) 32:40 - The Science of Prana Pratishta (Infusing Life into Stone) 41:10 - A Pilot’s Sacrifice: The Story of Pure Devotion 52:30 - Why We Hide Our Spirituality in the Modern World 01:05:00 - Advice for Parents: Keeping the Roots Strong 01:12:15 - Final Message: The Purpose of Human Life 👇 Connect with The Temple Girl YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetemplegirl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetemplegirl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Temple-Girl-61554364524093/ Website: https://templegirl.com/ 👇 Connect with Rodrigo and Something Bigger Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigocanelas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodrigocanelas Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rodrigo_canelas Web: https://www.somethingbigger.com X: https://x.com/rodrigo_canelas 🎬 Production Team Host: Rodrigo Canelas Video Editor (Long-Format): Rishabh Gupta Video Editor (Short-Form): Vishal Meena Thumbnail design: Aniket Singh Content Producer: Arsh Khan #TempleGirl #AncientIndia #SpiritualScience #TempleArchitecture #Kedarnath #Mindset #SomethingBigger #NamrathaMohan #IndianHeritage #Vishnu

    1h 13m
  2. MAY 4

    Sitting Is the New Smoking. India Is Dying Quietly ft. Shwetambari Shetty

    In this final episode, we sit down with health and fitness entrepreneur Shewtambari to explore the critical importance of movement, sleep, and nutrition in aging gracefully. We discuss why a sedentary lifestyle is the "new smoking" and how simple, consistent habits can prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Shewtambari shares her own family's experiences, practical frameworks for maintaining long-term health, and why shifting our priorities to value our bodies first is the secret to a high-energy, fulfilling life. Whether you are in your 30s, navigating perimenopause, or simply looking to build sustainable wellness habits, this conversation offers a blueprint for taking control of your physical and mental future. Highlights Sitting is the New Smoking: Prolonged sedentary behavior poses health risks equivalent to smoking. Modern conveniences and lack of movement are leading to a rapid rise in diabetes and heart disease among younger demographics. Sleep-Wake Cycles: Prioritizing sleep recovery is fundamental. Establishing a consistent sleep window is more important for the body's repair than getting varying hours of sleep each night. Balanced Plating: A nutritious diet should be fiber-forward and protein-forward. Balancing traditional carb-centric meals with protein and healthy fats prevents energy crashes and supports gut health. Strength Training stimulus: There is no substitute for strength training, especially for women in their 40s undergoing perimenopausal hormonal shifts, as it preserves muscle and bone density. Long-Term Mindset: Fitness is not just about short-term physical goals. Viewing health as an investment for the next 20 to 30 years ensures consistency through life's turbulence. Timestamps Introduction - 00:00 The Danger of a Sedentary Life - 00:46 Sleep, Recovery, and Circadian Rhythms - 08:02 Nutrition and Proper Plating - 09:30 The Value of Assessments and Blood Work - 17:30 Case Studies: Obesity and Weight Regain - 23:03 Long-Term vs. Short-Term Goals - 32:17 Sleep Routine Implementation - 45:06 Nutrition for Perimenopause and Aging - 51:00 Final Thoughts and Empowerment - 57:15 Connect with Shewtambari Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shweshetty/ Connect with Rodrigo and Something Bigger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigocanelas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodrigocanelas TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rodrigo_canelas Web: https://www.somethingbigger.com X: https://x.com/rodrigo_canelas Production Team Host: Rodrigo Canelas Video Editor (Long-Format): Vishal Meena Video Editor (Short-Form): Vishal Meena Thumbnail Design: Aniket Singh Content Producer: Arsh Khan #Health #Fitness #Longevity #SleepRoutine #Nutrition #WomenHealth #SomethingBigger

    1h 4m
  3. APR 27

    Krishna, Vedanta & the Bhagavad Gita | Indian Monk's Truth About the Human Mind ft. Swami Sukhabodhananda

    In this episode, we sit down with the renowned spiritual teacher and "Corporate Guru," Swami Sukhabodhananda, to explore the profound gap between our external reality and our internal state of mind. We discuss why we often become victims to our own knowledge and how to break free from the "single stories" we tell ourselves. Swami Sukhabodhananda shares ancient wisdom from the Gita, practical frameworks for emotional resilience, and why finding elegance in imperfection is the secret to a life of clarity. Whether you are facing a career setback or a personal crisis, this conversation offers a blueprint for shifting from a victim mindset to one of infinite possibility. Highlights 🧘 Paristhiti vs. Manosthiti’ : Swami Sukhabodhananda explains that your happiness isn't dictated by your situation (Paristiti) but by your state of mind (Monostiti). When you change your internal narrative, you change your reality. 🏹 The "Second Arrow" Principle: Life will inevitably throw challenges at you (the first arrow). However, the psychological suffering, blame, and "why me" mentality (the second arrow) is a choice—and it's optional. 🚀 The B.R.A.V.E. Framework: A practical, step-by-step mental tool to keep your inner climate proactive: Belief, Romance with possibility, Action, Vocabulary, and Emotion. 🌊 Life is Like Surfing: Don't fear the waves of life. Problems are what make you vibrant and alive. Learn to "surf" the difficulty, and remember that even in falling, there is a lesson to be mastered. ✨ Elegance in Imperfection: We often chase a perfect life, perfect partner, or perfect guru. Swami Sukhabodhananda argues that finding beauty in the messy, imperfect reality of existence is the key to true contentment. TIMESTAMPS Introduction - 00:00 The Gita: Paristiti vs. Monostiti - 02:36 Escaping the Trap of Your Own Knowledge - 07:15 Why We Get Stuck in a "Single Story" - 12:12 The Power of Self-Talk and Perspective - 21:50 The Second Arrow: Stop Creating Your Own Suffering - 28:40 The B.R.A.V.E. Framework Explained - 43:30 How to Find Clarity in Chaos - 48:06 Surfing the Waves of Life’s Problems - 01:04:34 Final Message: Elegance in Imperfection - 01:12:48 👇 Connect with Swami Sukhabodhananda Website: https://prasannatrust.org/ Books: https://swamisukhabodhananda.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swamisukhabodhananda/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCzuXSuPTsV6T4VUY-xWbuUg 👇 Connect with Rodrigo and Something Bigger Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigocanelas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodrigocanelas Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rodrigo_canelas Web: https://www.somethingbigger.com X: https://x.com/rodrigo_canelas 🎬 Production Team Host: Rodrigo Canelas Video Editor (Long-Format): Rishabh Gupta Video Editor (Short-Form): Vishal Meena Thumbnail design: Aniket Singh Content Producer: Arsh Khan #Mindset #GitaWisdom #SelfGrowth #MentalClarity #SwamiSukhabodhananda #SpiritualGrowth #OvercomingSuffering

    1h 14m
  4. APR 20

    “You Have to Be Selfish to Win” Olympic Athlete on Success ft. Ashwini Ponnappa

    In this episode, we sit down with legendary Indian badminton player Ashwini Ponnappa to explore the psychological demands of elite sports. Ashwini shares her personal battle with overthinking and how she mastered the art of mental focus through self-reflection and writing. From the high-pressure environment of the Olympics to the daily grind of training, she emphasizes the necessity of a strong support system and the courage to be "selfish" in pursuit of excellence. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, showing how letting go of mistakes and rediscovering the joy in the process can transform both performance and personal growth. Highlights 🧠 Overthinking is Detrimental: Ashwini explains how overthinking hinders performance and shares her technique of writing thoughts down to clarify the mind and release negativity. 🌟 Focus on Positives: Through consistent mental training, she learned to shift her perspective from past mistakes to current successes, building the confidence needed for high-stakes matches. 💪 The Importance of a Support System: Ponnappa highlights that behind every individual athlete is a network of family and friends crucial for maintaining motivation during the toughest career lows. 🏅 Learning from the Olympics: Reflecting on her Olympic journeys, she discusses the necessity of resilience, adaptability, and why being "selfish" is often required to reach the pinnacle of sports. 🎶 Enjoying the Process: She stresses that focusing solely on outcomes leads to burnout; true longevity in sports comes from maintaining a genuine love and passion for the journey itself. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 00:45 - Overcoming Challenges 01:34 - Training Insights 04:08 - Focus and Mindset 10:04 - Learning from Experiences 13:04 - The Emotional Toll of Competition 16:22 - The Importance of Selfishness 19:32 - Building a Support System 22:55 - Mental Preparation 24:37 - Letting Go of Negativity 25:38 - Enjoying the Process 32:04 - The Importance of Patience 34:12 - Final Thoughts on Growth 44:01 - Conclusion 👇 Connect with Ashwini Ponnappa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p_ashwini/ Twitter: https://x.com/P9Ashwini 👇 Connect with Rodrigo and Something Bigger Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigocanelas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodrigocanelas Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rodrigo_canelas Web: https://www.somethingbigger.com X: https://x.com/rodrigo_canelas 🎬 Production Team Host: Rodrigo Canelas Video Editor (Long-Format): Vishal Meena Video Editor (Short-Form): Vishal Meena Thumbnail design: Aniket Singh Content Producer: Arsh Khan

    45 min
  5. APR 13

    "Your Indian Food Is Making You Sick (And You Don't Know It)" ft. Ryan Fernando

    Want to start or grow your podcast? I went from 3k to 400k YouTube subscribers in under 18 months - no ads. I share everything I’ve learned, honestly and practically, in my free newsletter. Subscribe here: https://rodrigocanelas.substack.com/subscribe In this episode, the discussion centers around the unhealthy eating habits prevalent in India, where convenience often trumps nutrition. Ryan Fernando emphasizes the negative impact of consuming outside food, which is typically low in quality and high in harmful ingredients. He urges individuals to take responsibility for their health by being mindful of their food choices, timing meals, and prioritizing nutrition. The conversation also highlights the need for awareness and discipline in eating habits, especially for busy professionals, and the importance of testing for nutritional deficiencies to improve overall health and cognitive performance. Highlights 🍽️ Eating Outside is Risky: Fernando explains that food prepared outside often prioritizes profit over quality, leading to lower nutritional value and higher levels of harmful substances like pesticides. 🧠 Mental Health and Nutrition: The quality of food significantly affects mental health, with poor diets linked to increased anxiety and depression due to imbalances in gut bacteria and nutrient deficiencies. ⏰ Meal Timing Matters: Establishing regular meal times can help stabilize blood sugar levels and improve overall health, making it crucial for busy individuals to plan their meals accordingly. 🧪 Get Tested: Fernando stresses the importance of diagnostic testing to identify nutritional deficiencies, which can guide individuals in making informed dietary choices. 🌱 Choose Organic: Whenever possible, opting for organic foods can reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and pesticides that negatively impact health. TIMESTAMPS Introduction - 00:00 Consequences of Modern Lifestyles - 00:46 The Importance of Self-Care - 03:35 Economic Disparities and Health Awareness - 06:21 Education and Nutrition in Society - 08:21 Overcoming Apathy Towards Health - 10:41 The Impact of Eating Out - 19:53 Mental Health and Nutrition Connection - 23:27 The Role of Sleep and Alcohol - 38:44 Strategies for Better Health - 48:51 Conclusion and Call to Action - 56:28 👇 Connect with Ryan Fernando Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan_nutrition_coach/ LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/in/ryanfernando YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RyanFernandoNutritionist Website: https://www.ryanfernando.in/ Podcast: Nutrition Secrets by Ryan Fernando 👇 Connect with Rodrigo and Something Bigger Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigocanelas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodrigocanelas Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rodrigo_canelas Web: https://www.somethingbigger.com X: https://x.com/rodrigo_canelas 🎬 Production Team Host: Rodrigo Canelas Video Editor (Long-Format): Rishabh Gupta Video Editor (Short-Form): Vishal Meena Thumbnail design: Aniket Singh Content Producer: Arsh Khan Keywords #Nutrition #HealthyEating #MentalHealth

    1h 10m
  6. APR 7

    Talking to AI About Your Life Problems? Watch This First ft. Vaibhav Sisinty

    In this groundbreaking episode of the Something Bigger podcast, host Rodrigo Canelas sits down with Vaibhav Sisinty, founder of GrowthSchool. Moving beyond the typical "AI will take your jobs" narrative, Vaibhav shares a deeply personal and practical look at how AI can be used to save lives, manage mental health, and act as a mirror for the human soul. 🧠 Key Highlights & Insights 1. AI as a Life-Saving Medical Advocate :Vaibhav recounts the powerful story of his father's cancer diagnosis. By using AI to cross-reference multiple medical reports, he discovered Immunotherapy, a treatment his initial doctors hadn't suggested. 2. The "Thinking Partner" vs. "Thinking Replacement" A major theme of the conversation is the danger of outsourcing our cognition. Vaibhav distinguishes between two types of users: 3. Privacy & The "Deepest Insecurities" Vaibhav discusses the fear of personal data leaks. He argues that chat logs are more sensitive than bank accounts because they contain our raw, unfiltered vulnerabilities. 4. AI as a Mirror for Self-Awareness Both Rodrigo and Vaibhav use AI for "Monthly Personal Reviews." By feeding AI their thoughts, dreams, and frustrations, they use the machine to identify subconscious patterns, like a fear of failure or a tendency to over-commit—that they couldn't see themselves. 📜 Featured Prompt: The Self-Introspection Test Vaibhav shares a specific prompt to help you learn about yourself through the eyes of the AI you interact with: "Based on all our conversations so far, tell me 3–5 things that I probably don't know about myself. Look for patterns in how I think, what I repeatedly ask, what I avoid, and how I make decisions. Focus on subconscious habits, blind spots, or tendencies, not surface-level stuff.” 👤 About the Guest Vaibhav Sisinty is the founder of GrowthSchool and a leading voice in the practical application of AI. A "non-engineer" who geeks out on technical papers, he represents the new era of the "Always-Learning Human", someone who uses technology to enhance their unique human traits rather than suppress them. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction: How AI saved my Dad’s life 08:50 - Human Intelligence vs. AI: Where do we draw the line? 17:40 - The "Notepad First" rule: Avoiding AI dependency 21:55 - Why AI "sucks" at memory: Understanding Context Windows 33:50 - Privacy First: Running AI locally with LM Studio 42:50 - Case Study: How my 70-year-old father uses AI 54:00 - Using AI as a psychological tool and dream analyst 1:05:00 - The loneliness epidemic and the rise of AI boyfriends 1:15:20 - Why AI is an "unfair advantage" for learners 1:20:10 - Final Thoughts: Staying human in an automated world 👇 Connect with Vaibhav Sisinty Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaibhavsisinty/?hl=en Linkedin: https://in.linkedin.com/in/vaibhavsisinty YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vaibhavsisinty 👇 Connect with Rodrigo and Something Bigger Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigocanelas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodrigocanelas Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rodrigo_canelas Web: https://www.somethingbigger.com X: https://x.com/rodrigo_canelas 🎬 Production Team Host: Rodrigo Canelas Video Editor (Long-Format): Rishabh Gupta Video Editor (Short-Form): Vishal Meena Thumbnail design: Aniket Singh Content Producer: Arsh Khan Keywords: #AI #VaibhavSisinty #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealth #Privacy #Innovation #SomethingBigger #GrowthSchool #Biohacking

    1h 21m
  7. MAR 30

    The Most Unexpected Interview I’ve Ever Done (Not a Celebrity) ft. Dinesh

    This is one of the most powerful and unexpected conversations on the Something Bigger Show. In this episode, a lift operator shares deep lessons on happiness, faith, responsibility, and finding peace even when life gives you very little. His story will change how you think about success, struggle, and what it truly means to live a meaningful life. 👇 About the guest: Dinesh is a lift operator whose life story reflects resilience, humility, and deep inner strength. Despite facing financial and personal challenges, he carries a strong sense of responsibility and maintains a positive outlook on life. Rooted in spiritual practices and guided by values learned from his parents and close relationships, Dinesh represents the voice of everyday wisdom that often goes unheard but holds powerful lessons for all. 👇 Top 5 highlights: ✅ “I Have Nothing, But I’m Happy” "Happiness depends on how you choose to see your life, not on what you have." ✅ The Power of Responsibility "If you don’t take responsibility for your work, you lose your capability." ✅ Faith as a Way to Stay Strong "Whenever my mind is disturbed, I turn to prayer and it calms me." ✅ Balancing Happiness and Sadness "Life is both happiness and sadness, you have to learn to live with both." ✅ Strength Through Simple Living "Even with less, you can live peacefully if your mind is clear." 👇 Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:11 - Always Smiling 1:46 - My job as a lift man 2:41 - Shlokas to calm the mind 3:54 - Definition of Brilliance 4:38 - Work under stress 5:21 - Do you believe in god? 7:24 - About Rodrigo 8:32 - Are you happy in life right now? 10:40 - It felt really good 👇 Connect with Rodrigo and Something Bigger: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigocanelas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodrigocanelas Web: https://www.somethingbigger.com 🎬 Production Team: Host: Rodrigo Canelas Video Editor (Long-Format): Rishabh Gupta Video Editor (Short-Form): Vishal Meena Thumbnail design: Vishal Meena & Rishabh Gupta Content Producer: Arsh Khan Hashtags: #Dinesh #SomethingBiggerShow #LifeLessons #Happiness #Mindset #Spirituality #RealStories #PersonalGrowth #Faith #Inspiration

    13 min
  8. MAR 23

    If You Feel Lost in Life, This Might Change How You See Everything ft. Nitika Chopra

    This episode of the Something Bigger podcast features Nitika Chopra, a chronic illness advocate and founder of Chronicon. In this raw and deeply moving conversation, Nitika opens up about her 35-year journey living with severe psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and a neuromuscular disease. She explores the grueling intersection of physical pain and mental health, offering a bridge for those feeling isolated by their bodies. Nitika shares profound insights into the "self-help" trap, the biological reality of the nervous system, and her revolutionary definition of self-love. She recounts her lowest moments—from being bedridden in her 20s to losing the ability to speak—and explains how becoming the "observer" of her own life allowed her to stop abandoning herself in moments of suffering. 👤 About the Guest Nitika Chopra is a world-renowned advocate for the chronic illness community and the founder of Chronicon, a platform dedicated to connection and empowerment for those with health challenges. Diagnosed at age 10, Nitika spent decades navigating debilitating pain before becoming a certified life coach and a leading voice in the wellness space. She is celebrated for her "brutal honesty" regarding the reality of illness and her commitment to helping others reclaim their agency. ✨ Highlights The Self-Help Critique: Nitika discusses why "positive thinking" can feel like an insult to those in physical pain and how to honor the body’s reality while still seeking a broader outlook. The Body Keeps the Score: An exploration of how trauma and chronic stress are physically stored in the fascia and nervous system, requiring more than just "cognitive understanding" to shift. Redefining Self-Love: Why self-love isn't about spa days, but a "moment-to-moment commitment" to prioritize your peace over your suffering. The 3-Step Healing Process: A practical framework for navigating a "flare" or mental breakdown by naming the moment, creating a non-pain physical experience, and taking loving action. The Power of the Observer: How creating distance between your "Self" and your "Symptoms" can physically shift the body from fight-or-flight to a parasympathetic state. The "Health Flex" of Boundaries: Why learning to say "no" and articulating your emotional needs is a critical (and often overlooked) form of chronic illness prevention. ⏳ Timestamps 0:12 – Being bedridden and the physical reality of severe psoriasis. 1:38 – How getting sick at a young age consumes your identity. 3:26 – Physical vs. Mental pain: Navigating the "edges" of fear. 5:31 – The 2022 diagnosis that "knocked her off her feet." 7:36 – The day she couldn't open a cereal box at age 19. 14:14 – Why "cognitive understanding" of trauma isn't enough for the body. 28:04 – Nitika’s definition of self-love: Choosing peace over suffering. 30:56 – How to become the "Observer" to calm a spiraling nervous system. 37:05 – Using cold water and weighted blankets to shift out of fight-or-flight. 42:55 – A letter to her younger self about being "different." 54:17 – The connection between overriding your needs and chronic illness. 58:33 – Something Bigger: Seeing the whole universe in another person’s eyes. 👇 Connect with Nitika Chopra Website: https://www.nitikachopra.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nitikachopra/ Chronicon: https://www.chronicon.co/ 👇 Connect with Rodrigo and Something Bigger Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigocanelas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodrigocanelas Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rodrigo_canelas Web: https://www.somethingbigger.com X: https://x.com/rodrigo_canelas 🎬 Production Team Host: Rodrigo Canelas Video Editor (Long-Format): Rishabh Gupta Video Editor (Short-Form): Vishal Meena Thumbnail design: Aniket Singh Content Producer: Arsh Khan Keywords: #NitikaChopra #Chronicon #ChronicIllness #SustainedHealing #SelfLove #NervousSystem #MentalHealth #SomethingBigger

    1h 1m

About

We travel around the world, talking with the best minds in each country and sharing their stories and wisdom with the world. We uncover inspiring stories, untold truths, strategies, and tools to help you live a more meaningful life and become better every day. Join us!

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