TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING

Abhay Dandekar
  • 5.0 (48)
  • DOCUMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Serving as both a reflective mirror and an open window into the global Indian diaspora and South Asian communities. The conversations led by Abhay Dandekar are informal and informative, adding insights and perspective to our evolving expressions of culture, confidence, and trust. New episodes weekly, on Tuesdays (and some Thursdays). Listen or watch anywhere you get your podcasts, and please rate and review if your enjoying it.

  1. Karsh Kale on DUST and making music for his 10-year-old self

    MAY 5

    Karsh Kale on DUST and making music for his 10-year-old self

    What happens when a musical pioneer finds himself and his artistic voice after a period of disillutionment? In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING, I sit down with musician, composer, and producer Karsh Kale to discuss his latest album, DUST, and the 'silent war' of staying creative in a world driven by algorithms. Karsh opens up about feeling lost after the pandemic and shares what he had to 'unlearn' to find his way back to music—not through a studio, but through a canvas and a paintbrush We dive deep into:  • The Creative Reset: Why Karsh started painting for "no one" to rediscover his childish curiosity.  • The 10-Year-Old Rule: How he stopped chasing trends and decided to make a record specifically for his younger self.  • Lessons from a Legend: What he learned about "permission" and identity while performing alongside Zakir Hussain.  • The Anatomy of Dust: The symbolism of the end of an era and the rebirth that follows.  Whether you’re an artist feeling the weight of the "dopamine cycle" or just someone looking to find more joy in your work, Karsh’s journey back to his "honest truth" is a blueprint for us all.  If you enjoyed this deep dive, please subscribe and share it with someone who may need  a creative spark. --------------------------Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:16 The Evolution of Artistic Expression05:55 Finding Personal Meaning in Music08:37 The Symbolism of 'Dust' and Rebirth11:19 Creating a Mirror for Listeners14:13 Letting Go 15:46 Sponsor Break: Travelopod17:28 The Importance of Authenticity in Art20:21 The Lost Art of the Full Album Experience24:23 Translating Moods into Live Performances27:20 Optimism in the Independent Music Industry29:49 Sponsor Break: Timberdog Ruffrest30:59 The Role of Mentorship and Legacy35:34 Knowing When a Song is Finished36:59 The Intersection of Art and Music38:14 Music as an Escape and a Place to Be Found Learn more about Karsh Kale:https://www.instagram.com/karshkale/ Big shout outs to Yashraj Akashi for connecting and building trust through Tedx and EDGE, and to 7-year-old Ishank Singh for becoming the youngest and fastest to ever swim the Palk straight between Sri Lanka and India. Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon or wherever you podcast! TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is proudly brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com This episode is brought to you by RuffRest by Timberdog.  Learn more at https://timberdog.com/

    42 min
  2. Dr. Priya Jaisinghani on How to Build a Metabolic Health Roadmap

    APR 28

    Dr. Priya Jaisinghani on How to Build a Metabolic Health Roadmap

    How does metabolic health govern your long-term vitality, energy, and quality of life? Dr. Priya Jaisinghani outlines why monitoring some basic lifestyle actions could prevent so many common chronic diseases. In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, we sit down with NYU endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Priya Jaisinghani to decode the complexities of metabolic health. Forget the quick fixes and diet culture — Dr. Jaisinghani walks us through a science-backed approach to understanding metabolic function as a comprehensive system. We move beyond the scale to explore how muscle mass, cardiovascular health, and hormonal balance dictate your long-term vitality. In this episode, we cover: • Why "metabolic health" is the true metric for longevity and quality of life.• Actionable steps to improve insulin sensitivity and sustain energy levels.• How to navigate health misinformation and advocate for yourself in the medical system. The critical link between your daily habits—like sleep and hydration—and your organ function.Subscribe for weekly conversations that serve as a mirror and window into the global Indian and South Asian experience. -------------------------- Chapters: 00:00 Introductions04:07 Defining Metabolic Health07:29 Personalizing the Approach13:03 Bridging Knowledge Gaps in Health16:43 Healthy Choices for Young Adults19:29 Redefining Fun and Social Activities20:40 Empowering Patients as Advocates22:39 Sponsor Break - Travelopod24:06 Tailoring Health Approaches for South Asians28:15 Dismantling Weight Bias and Stigma31:08 Building a Weight Neutral Approach35:01 Understanding GLP-1 Medications37:30 The Role of Nutrition in Metabolic Health39:09 The Importance of Sleep in Metabolic Health40:51 Building Trust in Patient Relationships Connect with Dr. Jaisinghanihttps://nyulangone.org/doctors/1942738547/priya-jaisinghani Big shout outs to Anagha on her 50th, and to my friend, pediatrician colleague, and adolescent medicine guru Dr. Lauren Hartman,  whose latest book Freeing Children and Young Adults from Shame, Scales, and Stigma is available now. Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon or wherever you podcast! TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is proudly brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com

    44 min
  3. Harini Nilakantan on Dance Heritage in Modern Movement

    APR 21

    Harini Nilakantan on Dance Heritage in Modern Movement

    How does dance evolve beyond tradition? Harini Nilakantan joins the podcast  to explore movement as a mosaic, bridging Bharatanatyam with modern expression. In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, Abhay chats with Chicago-based dancer and choreographer Harini Nilakantan to discuss the intersection of heritage and innovation. Harini, a movement artist and award winning dancer and choreographer, shares her journey of reimagining ancestral storytelling for the modern stage. Instead of viewing dance as a "frozen" time capsule or a rigid discipline, Harini describes her practice as a "mosaic"—a refractive, evolving language that allows different cultural vocabularies to speak to one another without hierarchy. In this episode, we cover:- Why "purity" can be a problematic label in artistic evolution- How to use traditional move sets, such as Tattamettu, to build new rhythmic dialogues- Navigating the pressures of being a "winner" vs. finding success through honest expression- How Harini’s upbringing in a polyglot, multi-disciplinary household shaped her identity and movement vocabulary -------------------------- Chapters- 00:00 Introduction to Harini Nilakantan 03:29 Defining her identity as a movement artist 06:49 Early dance memories and her "why" 11:52 Reimagining tradition through the art of kintsugi 14:58 Challenging inertia in classical dance forms 17:25 How her dance practice has evolved 20:16 Sponsor break: Travelopod21:37 Unlearning audience preconceptions 27:41 Cultural influences and Harini's upbringing 33:15 Redefining success beyond trophies 36:59 Observer, student, teacher of dance39:35 Building trust and expanding the lexicon Connect with Harini:https://harini-nilakantan.com Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you podcast! TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is proudly brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com

    44 min
  4. Vijay Iyer on Music as a Shared Space: Transcendant and Truthful

    APR 14

    Vijay Iyer on Music as a Shared Space: Transcendant and Truthful

    How can music serve as both an anchor and a form of political resistance? What does it mean to create art in an age of "cognitive violence"? In this episode of Trust Me, I Know What I’m Doing, host Abhay Dandekar sits down with the legendary Vijay Iyer—MacArthur Fellow, Harvard professor, and one of the most influential pianists and composers of our time. Described as a "social conscience" and "multicultural gateway," Vijay shares a masterclass on the physical and emotional labor required to maintain a creative life over three decades. From the necessity of protecting time against the "colonization of memory" to the humbling experience of being an "eternal student," Vijay discusses the profound "transduction" that happens between an artist and their audience. Vijay's insights on "shared feeling," the mathematics of emotion, and the courage to remain vulnerable offer a roadmap for co-constructing a more intentional future. Key Topics Discussed: The Ritual of the Body: How the sensory, physical connection to an instrument serves as an anchor against modern information overload.The "Eternal Student" Mindset: Lessons from legends like Zakir Hussain on why mastery is a lifelong pursuit of learning.Music as Political Action: How instrumental compositions, like his tribute to Refaat Alareer, engage with the global zeitgeist.The Power of Collaboration: Building a sense of "home" and common cause through cross-cultural artistic partnerships.Mathematics vs. Feeling: Using "similarity relationships" and the physics of sound to evoke unquantifiable human emotions.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction 03:22 Daily Routines and Creative Energy 05:59 The Power of Performance and Humility 10:03 Transduction in Music: Connecting with Audiences 14:18 Exploring the Concept of 'We' in Music 17:18 Unlearning as an Educator 20:11 Sponsor Break: Travelopod and RuffRest 21:23 Contrasts in Musical Expression 22:41 Exploring Similarity in Music and Mathematics 28:12 The Intersection of Politics and Music 32:55 Identity and Belonging in a Global Context 39:43 Music as a Space for Community and Home 42:41 Conclusion Shoutouts to to Gauri for turning 40, to the Artemis crew and Amit Kshatriya for a mission accomplished and job well done, and to artist Naresh Kumar Kumawat for his sculpted statue of Swami Vivekananda being unveiled in Seattle.  Lastly, our collective hearts will always be filled with the songs and music of unforgettable Asha Bhosle - Hari Om Sadgati! Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you podcast! TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is proudly brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com This episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need.  Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

    43 min
  5. Garima Shah on Scaling Beyond the Hustle and Human-Centric FinTech

    APR 7 ·  BONUS

    Garima Shah on Scaling Beyond the Hustle and Human-Centric FinTech

    In a world increasingly governed by autonomous technology and integrated processes, how do we keep human passion and partnership at the center of leadership? In this episode of Trust Me, I Know What I’m Doing, Abhay sits down with Garima Shah, a 20-year veteran of the FinTech industry and the Co-Founder and President of Biller Genie.  Garima pulls back the curtain on the "challenger mode" mentality common in Indian American and immigrant families and explains why scaling a company teaches you what "hustle" never will. From navigating a startup through the onset of a global pandemic to creating a culture that celebrates the "F**k Up of the Month," Garima shares her framework for intentional growth, building resilient teams, and the necessity of radical trust.  In this episode, you’ll learn: Why "doing it all" is the enemy of true leadership and scale. The difference between working hard (hustle) and working on purpose (scaling). How to utilize a "Happiness Journal" to rewire your brain for daily success. The shared responsibility of startups in governing and democratizing Agentic AI. How to embrace impatience as a "mover" and turn mistakes into fuel for growth.Chapters/Timestamps 00:00 Introductions02:34 The Joy of Building in FinTech05:05 The Importance of Happiness and Positivity07:58 Hustle vs. Scaling: A Shift in Mindset10:28 Embracing Change: The Art of Pivoting13:27 Communication and Team Dynamics in Fast-Paced Environments14:01 Sponsor Break: Travelopod and RuffRest17:07 The Role of Startups in AI Governance19:52 Cultural Identity and Personal Motivation22:41 Embracing Vulnerability and Learning from Mistakes25:18 Parenting Lessons in Leadership28:09 Cultivating Trust and Optimism in Leadership Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you podcast! TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com This episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need.  Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

    31 min
  6. Rohan Bopanna on Tennis and the Art of Longevity

    MAR 31

    Rohan Bopanna on Tennis and the Art of Longevity

    What does it take to reach the World No. 1 ranking at the age of 43? In this episode of Trust Me, I Know What I’m Doing, host Abhay Dandekar sits down with recently retired Indian tennis legend Rohan Bopanna. A two-time Grand Slam champion and Padma Shri Award winner, Bopanna shares the "secrets" behind his storied multi-decade career: a relentless cycle of rebuilding, reinvention, and rejuvenation. From his early days in the coffee-growing region of Coorg to the pinnacle of the ATP rankings, Rohan discusses the mental fortitude required to survive the "lonely" grind of the professional tour. He also reveals the pivotal moment Iyengar Yoga saved his career after he was told he had no cartilage left in his knees. Whether you are an athlete looking for a competitive edge or a professional navigating your own "reincarnation," Bopanna’s insights on patience, trust, and the "Coorg mindset" offer a masterclass in aging gracefully while staying at the top of your game. Key Topics Discussed: The transition from Junior to Pro and the power of rituals.The "Doubles" mindset: Building trust and collaboration with partners.The discipline of recovery and mental resilience in high-pressure moments.The future of Indian tennis and the Bhoomi Program for under-resourced youth.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Welcoming Rohan Bopanna04:22 – Early years: Resilience, rituals, and the junior-to-pro transition07:26 – The Art of Doubles: Building trust and collaboration with partners11:34 – The Growth Mindset: Discipline, recovery, and learning from losses16:40 – The Coorg Mindset: Gratitude, humility, and staying in the moment19:30 – Sponsor Break: Travelopod20:30 – Longevity in Sport: Mental resilience and aging gracefully22:28 – The New Chapter: Transitioning to coaching, data, and mentorship26:28 – Building a Sustainable Future: The vision for Indian tennis36:24 – Final thoughts on legacy, passion, and purpose Learn more about Rohan and his ongoing work with mentoring present and future young tennis athletes as well as the terrific grassroots work he is leading with youth from underresourced backgrounds through the  Rohan Bopanna Tennis Development Foundation Email rbtennisacademy@gmail.com for information on how to donate and support!Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you podcast! TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com

    37 min
  7. Kiran Deol on "Didn't Die": Owning Her Humor and Feeling Good

    MAR 17

    Kiran Deol on "Didn't Die": Owning Her Humor and Feeling Good

    Actor, writer, comedian, and filmmaker Kiran Deol joins Abhay to talk about leading the new indie film Didn’t Die, navigating grief in a zombie apocalypse, and why humor is her sharpest tool for both survival and joy. She shares how playing Vinita—a podcaster in the middle of a black‑and‑white biter outbreak, losing family while chasing career—stretched her as an artist and forced her to embrace risk, unlikability, and deep trust with her director. They dive into perfectionism in South Asian culture, the pressure to be excellent, and her intention this year to prioritize fun, play, and what feels good in her work. Kiran breaks down how stand‑up, the Hysteria podcast, and her comedy special JoySuck (free online and streaming on Amazon Prime) help her reframe anger and sadness, find optimism in grim times, and get those metaphorical “dicks off our backs.” She and Abhay also unpack internet trolls, the realities of algorithms, why not everyone has to like you, and how artists can be braver about calling things out instead of staying passive.​ Chapters/Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:04 Exploring the Role in 'Didn't Die'06:03 Navigating Humor and Grief08:49 The Art of Stand-Up Comedy11:35 Identity and Representation in Hollywood14:01 Sponsor Break - Travelopod14:46 Navigating Identity in Performance20:26 Unlearning and Evolving22:02 The Role of Humor in Coping22:58 Sponsor Break - RuffRest23:32 JoySuck, Cultural Expectations, and Artistic Freedom28:58 Crafting Your Own Narrative Kiran Deol on IMDb - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1234567/Didn't Die (Film) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1234567/JoySuck (Comedy Special) on Amazon Prime - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XYZ1234 It's March, so shout out to Ishan Sharma and (Coach) Amit Tailor and all the College Hoops fans out there. Let the madness of those brackets begin.  Remember to please be smart, be safe and be kind, especially to each other and to the planet. TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING is 100% human - no bots allowed! TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com This episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need.  Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

    32 min
  8. AmbiKa 'B' Sanjana on Style With Purpose: From Red Carpet to Skid Row

    MAR 10

    AmbiKa 'B' Sanjana on Style With Purpose: From Red Carpet to Skid Row

    AmBika 'B' Sanjana, a premier Los Angeles–based South Asian American stylist and creative director, joins Abhay to talk about what it means to “author” your own style. From styling Hollywood’s elite and NBA All-Stars to serving as the CEO and founder of the impactful nonprofit SEVASPHERE, Ambika shares how fashion is a narrative tool that bridges cultural heritage with modern identity while centering community service. In this deep dive, Ambika chats about her style‑based “social experiment” involving labels vs fit, the power of comfort as a baseline for confidence, and how she’s combating food and housing insecurity in Los Angeles with dignity and community. Whether creating an ongoing blueprint for style and fashion or living a more meaningful life, this conversation explores how to leave a “sparkle” in every space you enter through inspiration. Chapters/Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to AmBika03:09 – Style as Authorship: Telling Your Story 05:47 – The Philosophy of Comfort and Confidence 07:42 – The Label Experiment: Brands vs. Personal Taste 12:17 – Evolving Through Eras: Styling for Life’s Seasons 16:09  – Sponsor Break: Travelopod16:42 – Effort and Effortless Style 20:34 – Redefining Success Beyond Fame and Money 25:18 – Sevasphere: Bringing Dignity to Community Service 35:07 – Sponsor Break: Timberdog35:45 – Rapid Fire: AI in Fashion & Celebrating Heritage37:47 – Red Carpet Thoughts and Inspiration Learn more at:https://www.styledbyambika.com/https://www.sevasphere.org/ Big shout outs this week to 2026 Oscar nominee and previous guest Geeta Gandhbir for her film The Perfect Neighbor which is on Netflix now, to T20 cricket and spring training, and to everyone who hopefully enjoyed a safe and happy holi. TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com This episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need.  Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

    41 min
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About

Serving as both a reflective mirror and an open window into the global Indian diaspora and South Asian communities. The conversations led by Abhay Dandekar are informal and informative, adding insights and perspective to our evolving expressions of culture, confidence, and trust. New episodes weekly, on Tuesdays (and some Thursdays). Listen or watch anywhere you get your podcasts, and please rate and review if your enjoying it.

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