Episodes

  • Ritesh Batra on The Lunchbox and Leaving Your Fingerprints

    Ritesh Batra on The Lunchbox and Leaving Your Fingerprints
    Jul 14 2026
    What happens to intimacy, nostalgia, and creative power when a world-class filmmaker decides to step away from the camera and help reimagine their masterpiece for the live stage? In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, I sit down with award-winning filmmaker, writer, and director Ritesh Batra. Celebrated globally for his masterpiece debut feature film, The Lunchbox, Ritesh has spent the last decade crafting incredibly delicate, human-centered stories. Now, he has brought that same quiet magic to the theater stage, serving as the book writer and co-lyricist for the highly successful musical adaptation of The Lunchbox.Ritesh shares unique process of rewriting a beloved indie film for a live theatrical medium. He shares why he deliberately avoided rewatching his own movie to allow a fresh, organic confluence of creative energy to take over with his collaborators. He also shares his personal philosophy on "artistic fingerprints"—explaining why true success in any creative field requires leaving your own distinct, irreplaceable mark rather than chasing past commercial formulas or letting executive gatekeepers dictate the narrative. Ritesh shares insights on:• Nostalgia & Friction: Why he prefers focusing his storytelling on the compelling friction of characters "left behind" by rapid societal changes rather than those keeping up with them. • Stage vs. Screen Intimacy: How the live stage provides a unique canvas to showcase unspoken connection and stillness in ways the cinema camera cannot. • The Fingerprint Philosophy: Why elite artists must own their distinct perspective, and how to protect your creative power in a system obsessed with past commercial formulas. • Songs Hidden in the Seams: The organic process of discovering musical numbers hidden in the quiet, empty spaces between film scenes. • Overcoming the Fear of Collapse: Navigating the intense vulnerability of a production's first week and learning to trust your internal compass. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a theater lover, a creative professional navigating a highly public career, or someone looking to practice deeper mindfulness and trust in your everyday life, Ritesh’s thoughts on artistic conviction provides an invaluable blueprint. If you enjoyed this, please hit that subscribe button, leave a comment, and share this video with someone looking to realize and transform their own vision! --------------------------Chapters-00:00 Introductions02:40 Nostalgia, Change, and Telling Stories of Those Left Behind05:41 Translating the Intimacy of The Lunchbox to the Stage08:04 An Organic Transformation: Working with the Lazours10:09 Finding Songs in Between the Seams of the Story11:43 The Writer's Medium: Curating the Confluence of Creative Energy14:35 Discovering New Skills and Instincts in Musical Theater16:32 Sponsor Breaks - TRAVELOPOD and LOTUS LANE COFFEE17:31 Managing a Public Career: Owning Successes and Failures21:14 Leaving Your Fingerprints Over Everything You Create25:10 Wielding Artistic Power and Collaborating with Actors27:56 Thriving on the Unknown: Ritesh's Operating Mantra29:55 Lessons from Parenting and the Cost of Creative Focus31:42 Quick Hitters: Greatest Fears, Mingling, and Hamnet33:07 Cultivating Trust in Yourself and the Unseen End Goal35:18 Conclusions & Shoutouts#RiteshBatra #TheLunchbox #IndieFilmmaking #SouthAsianRepresentation #Storytelling #TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoingShoutouts:✉️ Mitra Kalita for making this incredible connection happen!🪔 My cousin Hrishikesh Joshi for bringing chemical-free agarbatti to more homes in India!🏈 Vinod Khosla for buying the Seahawks!🎵 Celebrating the timeless and beautiful singing legacy of S. Janaki!❤️ Lots of love and big hugs to Camille and Alpa—Usha Aunty lives strong through the both of you!About TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING:Hosted by Dr. Abhay Dandekar, this show serves as a mirror and window for global Indians and South Asians through conversation. Every week, we share chats with artists, leaders, musicians, chefs, experts, change makers, and innovators from the home and diaspora—sharing their journeys and motivations. Sponsors:Personalized travel journey to destinations like Africa, India, Japan, Antarctica, or the Northern Lights regions with Travelopod at:👉 https://vacation.travelopod.com/ Lotus Lane Coffee — Rooted in India, Roasted in Columbus.👉 https://lotuslanecoffee.com/Connect with Us:📧 Email: info@abhaydandekar.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drabhaydandekar/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhaydandekar/🎙️ Podcast Platforms: https://abhaydandekar.transistor.fm/ Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform:🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZReYDw6ta5zGuN4iLZ8Pt🎙️ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-me-i-know-what-im-doing/id1635803563?uo=4🎙️ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/acec47fd-da0e-4419-aab9-306503ea49c5
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    36 mins
  • Coach Amit Tailor on Winning Hoops with People and Analytics

    Coach Amit Tailor on Winning Hoops with People and Analytics
    Jul 7 2026
    What happens to elite sports analytics, player development, and leadership when the data-driven games of the NBA and NCAA are purposed for human relationship building? In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, I sit down with Queens University of Charlotte Assistant Men's Basketball Coach and Game Plan Strategy Coordinator, Amit Tailor. As a prominent South Asian coach pioneering the integration of data analytics, video film, and AI workflows in hoops, Amit has spent years developing world-class talent at every level, including milestone coaching stints with the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, USA Basketball, and Clemson University. Amit opens up on high-stakes scouting, detailing how modern tools use AI to manage recruitment pipelines and why his guiding operational principle is "if everything is important, then nothing is important". Representing a new wave of Indian Americans in professional sports, Amit challenges traditional cultural archetypes within the South Asian diaspora and outlines a powerful blueprint for true resilience, sports leadership, and South Asian representation.Amit shares insights on:• The Schemes vs. People Paradigm: Why elite coaches compete with basketball schemes but ultimately win games with authentic human connections. • The Data & Video Marriage: How pairing performance metrics with positive visual reinforcement accelerates split-second adjustments behind the bench. • Overcoming 17 Rejections: Why long-term perseverance and optimism are vital• The South Asian Sports Box: Why families need to unlearn strict career boxes tied to traditional earning potential and empower their kids to dream bigger. • Be Seen, Not Heard: Crucial professional positioning advice received from Oklahoma City Thunder Head Coach Mark Daigneault while working under legend Billy Donovan. Whether you’re a coach seeking to optimize your team's tactical strategy, a professional navigating a highly competitive industry, or someone looking for the mental armor to overcome career rejections, Amit’s sports career journey is key listening.If you enjoyed this deep dive, please hit that subscribe button, leave a comment, and share this video with someone looking to scale their own vision!--------------------------Chapters00:00 Introduction & The Data-Driven Game01:35 Welcoming Queens University Coach Amit Tailor02:57 Game Planning the Unexpected Blowouts of New Parenting04:04 The Culture Shift: Tech, Data, and AI in Relationship Building06:36 Translating Game Plans & Identifying Player Superpowers08:58 Real-Time Video Analysis & Giving Feedback Behind the Bench12:29 What Casual Basketball Fans Miss: Spacing & Floor Balance15:24 Sponsor Break - Travelopod, Lotus Lane Coffee, Timberdog16:54 Leading India Rising: Managing Egos, Drama, and Adversity19:03 Core Philosophy: If Everything Is Important, Nothing Is Important21:16 Modern Athlete Reinforcement: Positive Clips vs. 1988 Michael Jordan23:50 Overcoming Stereotypes & Navigating 17 Job Rejections25:28 Unboxing Diaspora Families: Earning Potential vs. Dreaming Bigger31:46 Quick Hitters: Chicago Bulls Heyday, MJ, and Coaching Idols34:12 Final Advice for Future Coaches: Opportunity Is Not a Lengthy Visitor-------------------------#AmitTailor #BasketballAnalytics #CoachingStrategy #BrownBallers #NCAABasketball #TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoingShoutouts:🏀 Brown Ballers for empowering and inspiring future generations through sport! 🌧️ Monsoon rains and the FIFA Gully in Kolkata! 🐻 Huge shoutout to former Cal Bear Jaylen Brown—Go Bears! 🏏 Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's cricket bat! Trust Me I Know What I'm Doing | Dr. Abhay DandekarA mirror and window for global Indians and South Asians through conversation.Every week, we share chats with artists, leaders, musicians, chefs, experts, change makers, and innovators from the home and diaspora - sharing their journeys and motivations.TRAVELOPOD - Start your journey with personalized travel support at https://vacation.travelopod.com/Lotus Lane Coffee — Rooted in India, Roasted in Columbus. https://lotuslanecoffee.com/RuffRest by Timberdog - https://timberdog.com/For enquiries 📧 Email : info@abhaydandekar.comMy name is Abhay Dandekar and I share conversations with talented and interesting individuals linked to the global Indian and South Asian community. It’s informal and informative, adding insights and perspective to our evolving cultural expressions, where each person can proudly say “TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING.” New episodes weekly!Find us on Instagram/ LinkedIn:https://www.instagram.com/drabhaydandekar/https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhaydandekar/https://abhaydandekar.transistor.fm/Listen to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform:🎙️ Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZReYDw6ta5zGuN4iLZ8Pt🎙️ Apple Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-me-i-know-what-im-doing/id1635803563?uo=4🎙️ Amazon Music : https://...
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    36 mins
  • Rashmeet Kaur on Finding the Divine Note, Making Music, and Detachment

    Rashmeet Kaur on Finding the Divine Note, Making Music, and Detachment
    Jun 30 2026
    What happens to tradition, personal identity, and creative freedom when an artist decides to completely rewrite the rules of the musical game in real time? In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, I sit down with the phenomenal award-winning Indian singer and musician, Rashmeet Kaur. Known widely for her boundary-pushing fluid artistry, Rashmeet has carved out a completely unique sonic footprint by effortlessly bridging centuries-old traditional Punjabi root music with contemporary house, techno, hip-hop, and Afro beats. Rashmeet pulls back the curtain on her creative philosophy and what keeps her deeply in love with the limitless nature of music. She explains why she actively practices spiritual detachment from her studio work to protect her creative sanity, and why chasing safe commercial "hit records" is a dangerous trap that completely kills artistic experimentation. We also dive deep into what the modern music industry must urgently unlearn to create safe and empowering spaces for independent creators, the divine raga-driven origin story behind her debut hit "Kahaan," and how she is fiercely connecting with her live audiences to genuinely live in the moment. Rashmeet shares insights on:• The Power of Detachment: The harsh realities of Bollywood playback singing and why learning to let go of creative attachments anchors her independent career. • The "Hit Song" Trap: Why she refuses requests for sequels to hits like "Ishq Nachaawe" or "Bajre Da Sitta" in order to keep her artistic intimacy fresh. • The Divine Roots of "Kahaan": How she channelizes Sarang Raag to build an emotional environment that transforms a deeply personal journey into a live pop community. • Vocal Cord Preservation: Bouncing between high-energy stage extroversion and entering a strict, isolated "mute mode" to protect her instrument. • Unlearning the Hustle Trap: Why industry gatekeepers need to stop replicating past hardships and instead build safe, accessible community spaces for the next generation. Whether you’re an aspiring artist trying to navigate the modern digital music landscape, a fan of cutting-edge global fusion, or someone looking to practice deep mindfulness in a hyper-connected world, Rashmeet’s masterclass in creative conviction provides an invaluable blueprint. If you enjoyed this deep dive, please hit that subscribe button, leave a comment, and share this video with someone looking to scale their own vision! --------------------------Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome02:35 Backstage Rituals and Introversion/Extroversion05:29 The Early Training: Learning from the Gurus and Finding Endless Limits07:55 Unlearning Playback Attachments & Finding Independence in Songwriting10:17 What the Music Industry Must Unlearn to Provide Free, Safe Spaces12:11 Escaping the "Hit Song" Trap: Embracing Imperfection and Experimentation15:02 Sponsor Break: Lotus Lane Coffee and Travelopod16:01 Preserving Musical Intimacy 21:12 Storytelling, On-Stage Comedy, and the Heavy-Light Balance22:46 The "What's Next" Mindset & Reimagining the Kaura Live Sessions23:32 Singing for Her Pets: The Eager Listeners and Longest Companions24:52 Allowing Your Audience to Live in the Moment26:51 Conclusions and Shout Outs🌐 Guest Info: Check out Rashmeet’s tour dates and updates on her official social media platforms. #RashmeetKaur #IndependentArtist #PunjabiFusion #IndianMusic #TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoingShoutouts from this episode:🎂 Happy 50th birthday to Supriya!🇺🇸 Happy 250th birthday to America!🇨🇦 Shoutout to the Malhotras for "Canucking" as a pioneering father and son duo in Vancouver!🏏 Better luck next time to the incredible Indian men's and women's national cricket teams! --------------------------About TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING:Hosted by Dr. Abhay Dandekar, this show serves as a mirror and window for global Indians and South Asians through conversation. Every week, we share informal and informative chats with talented artists, leaders, musicians, chefs, experts, change-makers, and innovators from the home and diaspora—sharing their journeys, motivations, and evolving cultural expressions. Support Our Sponsors:Start your personalized travel journey to destinations like Africa, India, Japan, Antarctica, or the Northern Lights regions with Travelopod at https://vacation.travelopod.com/Lotus Lane Coffee — rooted in India, Roasted in Columbus. https://lotuslanecoffee.com/Connect with Us:📧 Email: info@abhaydandekar.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drabhaydandekar/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhaydandekar/🎙️ Podcast Platforms: https://abhaydandekar.transistor.fm/
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    28 mins
  • Pia Dandiya on How to Cut Through Political Dysfunction

    Pia Dandiya on How to Cut Through Political Dysfunction
    Jun 23 2026

    What happens when a former high school principal and White House fellow steps into the political arena to challenge the status quo?

    In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, I sit down with educator, leader, and congressional candidate for Florida's 22nd district, Pia Dandiya. From founding a high school in Harlem with an 86% poverty rate and sending 100% of its students to college, to running a tight political operation in a competitive toss-up seat, Pia brings a refreshing, execution-focused perspective to modern governance.

    Pia breaks down her core framework for societal growth—detailing why we must legislate for stability first before we can unlock true opportunity for the next generation. She opens up about the realities of modern political fundraising, the necessity of building a high-functioning policy shop on day one, and how her background as a South Asian woman raised in Florida shapes her deep appreciation for American democracy.

    We also dive into the future of education in the age of AI, the power of real-time community listening, and the personal unlearning it takes to shift from a pure focus on execution to leading with authenticity and a strong heart.

    Pia shares insights on:

    • Stability First, Opportunity Second: Why tackling immediate cost-of-living and housing supply challenges is the essential first step before implementing long-term workforce development programs.

    • The 80% Rule of Bipartisanship: How focusing on the vast common ground shared across political party lines can cut through performative politics to deliver true progress.

    • AI and Personalized Education: Why AI will never replace classroom teachers, but how it can empower them to become individualized facilitators of critical thinking.

    • Competence vs. Authenticity: The powerful leadership lesson of shifting from standard execution metrics to embracing vulnerability and human connection.

    • The Spark of Public Service: A moving look back at a life-changing summer teaching in India that defined her calling to fight for human dignity.

    If you enjoyed this deep dive, please hit that subscribe button, leave a comment, and share this video with your friends and family!

    --------------------------

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction & Vision for the Future
    03:19 Navigating Florida's New 22nd District
    04:42 Problem Solving Lessons From a Harlem Principal
    07:44 Rebuilding Voter Trust & Overcoming Frustration
    11:19 Stability First: Tackling Housing & Cost of Living
    13:44 Job Skills & Workforce Training in the AI Era
    17:33 Bipartisan Leadership & The 80% Rule
    19:38 Sponsor Break: Travelopod
    20:13 Competence vs. Authenticity in Leadership
    22:05 What American Patriotism Means in 2026
    24:29 A South Asian Perspective on US Democracy
    25:53 Finding My Purpose: A Summer Journey to India
    28:57 Balancing Short-Term Needs With Long-Term Policy
    32:20 The Reality of Political Fundraising & Authenticity
    34:55 Turning Individual Power Into Civic Action
    37:43 Episode Wrap-up & How to Get Involved

    Get to know Pia Dandiya
    https://piaforcongress.com/

    #PiaDandiya #BipartisanLeadership #EducationReform #FloridaPolitics #TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing

    --------------------------

    Trust Me I Know What I'm Doing | Dr. Abhay Dandekar
    A mirror and window for global Indians and South Asians through conversation.
    Every week, we share chats with artists, leaders, musicians, chefs, experts, change makers, and innovators from the home and diaspora - sharing their journeys and motivations.

    Support our sponsors: Start your journey with personalized travel support at https://vacation.travelopod.com/

    For enquiries 📧 Email : info@abhaydandekar.com
    About TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING:
    My name is Abhay Dandekar and I share conversations with talented and interesting individuals linked to the global Indian and South Asian community. It’s informal and informative, adding insights and perspective to our evolving cultural expressions, where each person can proudly say “TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING.” New episodes weekly!

    Find us on Instagram/ LinkedIn:
    https://www.instagram.com/drabhaydandekar/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhaydandekar/
    https://abhaydandekar.transistor.fm/

    Listen to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform:
    🎙️ Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZReYDw6ta5zGuN4iLZ8Pt
    🎙️ Apple Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-me-i-know-what-im-doing/id1635803563?uo=4
    🎙️ Amazon Music : https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/acec47fd-da0e-4419-aab9-306503ea49c5
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    39 mins
  • Deepali Vyas on Why the Traditional Resume is Dead and Standing Out in the AI Era

    Deepali Vyas on Why the Traditional Resume is Dead and Standing Out in the AI Era
    Jun 16 2026
    What happens to career strategy, leadership, and professional growth when the traditional rules of the corporate game are rewritten in real time? In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, I sit down with executive search expert, leadership advisor, and host of the Corporate Confessions podcast, Deepali Vyas. Known widely as the "Elite Recruiter," Deepali has spent 25 years advising Fortune 500 companies, hedge funds, and high-growth AI organizations on executive hiring and leadership strategy. Deepali pulls back the curtain on the "unwritten rules" of hierarchical organizations and explains why the traditional chronological resume is completely dead in today's attention-deficit economy. She introduces a modern framework for career positioning, detailing how professionals can build "The Signal"—a powerful one-page personal narrative—and why tying your outcomes directly to the dollar is essential for survival. We also dive deep into the rising era of the "Company of One," the crucial differences between mentorship and true sponsorship, and how human skills like storytelling and judgment become your ultimate agency in the age of Agentic AI. Deepali shares insights on:• The Death of the Traditional Resume: Why a chronological autobiography fails to get noticed, and how to capture an employer's attention in six seconds using "The Signal". • The "So What" Filter: A simple, high-impact framework to flip your resume bullet points from passive tasks into quantifiable business value. • Advisor vs. Mentor vs. Sponsor: Delineating these three fluid yet distinct roles, and why assuming your manager is your mentor by default is a common career trap. • The "Company of One" Era: How new graduates and professionals can use portfolio careers and skill-stacking to build independent influence and security. • Overcoming the Intelligence Paradox: Why highly accomplished individuals frequently fall into analysis paralysis, and how executive judgment thrives under ambiguity. Whether you’re a recent graduate navigating an unstable market, an executive looking to pivot, or someone trying to protect your human agency in an automated world, Deepali’s masterclass in career literacy provides an invaluable blueprint. If you enjoyed this deep dive, please hit that subscribe button, leave a comment, and share this video with someone looking to scale their own vision! --------------------------Chapters-00:00 Introduction01:32 Deciphering Success in a Disrupted World04:05 The Unwritten Rules of Corporate Culture07:35 Post-Pandemic Workforce and Changing Rules09:23 Why the Traditional Resume Is Dead12:11 Tying Your Value to the Dollar: Modern Resume Metrics14:14 Falling into Recruiting: Cowardly Resignations & Indian Parents15:49 Navigating Wall Street & Standing Out at Goldman Sachs17:30 Sponsor Break: Travelopod19:18 Advisor vs. Mentor vs. Sponsor: Delineating the Roles23:47 Learning from Mentorship Mistakes and taking action28:49 Sponsor Break: Timberdog29:19 Overcoming the "Intelligence Paradox" & The "So What" Filter32:53 Identity, Seasons of Career, and Merit36:55 Portfolio Careers & The Era of the "Company of One"40:50 Cultivating Trust & Why AI Will Never Replace Human Connection42:44 Wrap-up & Shoutouts🌐 Guest Website: Check out Deepali's work at https://deepalivyas.com/ --------------------------Shoutouts from this episode:🎓 To all the new graduates out there entering the big world—don't forget to touch some grass once in a while! 🎂 Happy 20th birthday to Chaitanya and happy 55th birthday to Shashank! 👨‍👦 A huge shoutout to all the incredible dads out there! 🧠 Shoutout to my niece, Meera Krishnan, for bringing so much wit and knowledge straight from the dome! About TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING:Hosted by Dr. Abhay Dandekar, this show serves as a mirror and window for global Indians and South Asians through conversation. Every week, we share informal and informative chats with talented artists, leaders, musicians, chefs, experts, change-makers, and innovators from the home and diaspora—sharing their journeys, motivations, and evolving cultural expressions.Support Our Sponsors:Start your personalized travel journey to destinations like Africa, India, Japan, Antarctica, or the Northern Lights regions with Travelopod at https://vacation.travelopod.com/. Connect with Us:📧 Email: info@abhaydandekar.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drabhaydandekar/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhaydandekar/🎙️ Podcast Platforms: https://abhaydandekar.transistor.fm/🌐 Guest Website: Check out Deepali's work at https://deepalivyas.com/ #DeepaliVyas #CareerStrategy #ResumeTips #CompanyOfOne #TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing
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    44 mins
  • Sheel Tyle on Why He Bought an NBA Team

    Sheel Tyle on Why He Bought an NBA Team
    Jun 9 2026

    What happens when a venture capitalist steps out into the front office of a major sports franchise?

    In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, I sit down with entrepreneur, VC, and the new co-owner and alternate governor of the Portland Trail Blazers, Sheel Tyle. We break down the massive shifts happening at the intersection of global technology, venture capital, and professional sports.

    Sheel pulls back the curtain on why an NBA franchise is less like a legacy asset and more like a fast-scaling tech startup. He opens up about the reality of being a local team owner, the "external rate of return" that matters more than profit maximizing, and how a new generation of tech-forward owners are preparing for an AI revolution in basketball.

    We also dive deep into what it means to be a first-generation Indian-American sports owner, challenging the traditional immigrant path toward stable careers to take massive risks that can shape a community.

    Sheel shares insights on:

    • The Reality of Local Ownership: Navigating the public eye in Portland alongside his wife, Oregon’s Secretary of Health.
    • The True ROI of Sports: Why building a civic anchor matters far more than just looking at profit margins.
    • The Tech Revolution in the NBA: Lessons learned from fellow owners like Steve Ballmer and Mark Lore on how AI will reshape player analytics and fan experiences.
    • Redefining Risk for First-Gen South Asians: Honoring our immigrant parents' hard work by having the courage to make bold, unconventional bets. • The Mindset of a Champion: Why contentment does not mean stasis, and lessons on the grind from Damian Lillard's 6:30 AM gym sessions.

    Whether you’re a sports fanatic, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone navigating your own "quantum leaps" in life, Sheel’s framework for mission-driven leadership offers a compelling blueprint. If you enjoyed this deep dive, please hit that subscribe button, leave a comment, and share this video with someone looking to scale their own vision!

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction
    03:28 Local Ownership in the Portland Community
    05:22 The True ROI: Purpose Over Profit Maximization
    07:41 Is the NBA a Startup? Global Expansion & Asia Markets
    12:53 The Tech-Forward Owner
    15:09 Solving Massive Challenges: Lessons from CelTel & NALA
    20:46 Sponsor Break: Travelopod
    22:24 Data vs. Emotion: Navigating the Noise of Fans and DMs
    25:19 Embracing Risk as a First-Gen Indian-American Leader
    32:54 Leadership, Parenting, and Damian Lillard's Work Ethic
    37:09 Why Contentment Does Not Mean Stasis

    #SheelTyle #PortlandTrailBlazers #VentureCapital
    #SouthAsianExcellence #TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing #NBA

    Shoutouts from this episode:
    - to the Spurs, the Knicks, and their fans for holding the space until my Lakers are ready to play June basketball again!
    - to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for stepping up in the T20.
    - to Nithya Raman for closing the gap as those votes are still being counted.

    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
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    40 mins
  • Megha Desai on Building a Dignity Infrastructure

    Megha Desai on Building a Dignity Infrastructure
    Jun 2 2026

    How do we move the needle from simple charity to true, lasting systems change? Megha Desai, President of the Desai Foundation, joins the podcast to share how they have impacted over 12 million lives by treating dignity as a measurable currency.

    If you want to catch more deep dives into the global desi and diaspora experience, hit the Subscribe button to join our community!

    In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, host Dr. Abhay Dandekar sits down with Megha to explore the powerful intersection of big data and human-centered storytelling. From scaling a modest family ethos of abundance into a globally recognized public non-profit, Megha reveals what it takes to operate an impact organization like an entrepreneurial startup. We also dive deep into the global movement for menstrual equity, shifting the narrative from control to care, and what it truly means to build a sustainable infrastructure of dignity across rural India.

    In this episode, we cover:
    • Generational Shepherding: Scaling a family ethos of abundance.
    • The Startup Mindset: Approaching global philanthropy like a venture pitch
    • The Currency of Dignity: Bridging corporate investors and rural villages
    • Data vs. Storytelling: Why the story is the arrow tip but data is what pierces through
    • Menstrual Equity: Confronting global stigmas to drive health, literacy, and GDP
    -------------------------

    Chapters:
    00:00 Introductions and Identities
    04:00 Generational Shepherding: Scaling a Family Ethos of Abundance
    05:55 Moving from a Family Foundation to an Entrepreneurial Startup Model
    09:45 The Currency of Dignity: Bridging Corporate Donors and Rural Villages
    13:03 Active Listening in Boardrooms and Villages
    17:49 Staying Loyal to Beneficiaries
    21:26 Sponsor Break: Travelopod
    23:55 Collaborative Ecosystems and Sharing Information for Greater Impact
    25:58 Menstrual Equity: Confronting Global Stigmas
    29:46 Unlearning Assumptions, Cultivating Growth, Sustaining Empowerment
    35:08 Creating True Systemic Change and Finding Personal Connection

    Connect with Megha Desai & The Desai Foundation:
    • Website: https://thedesaifoundation.org/
    • Personal: https://meghadesai.com/

    Shout outs this week:
    • Spelling Bee Champ Shrey Parikh
    • Air conditioners everywhere
    • Primary voters across the US and especially in California

    #TheDesaiFoundation #MeghaDesai #MenstrualEquity #SystemicChange #WomenEmpowerment #TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing #SouthAsianVoices #DiasporaStories #SocialImpact

    --------------------------

    Trust Me I Know What I'm Doing | Dr. Abhay Dandekar
    A mirror and window for global Indians and South Asians through conversation.
    Every week, we share chats with artists, leaders, musicians, chefs, experts, change makers, and innovators from the home and diaspora - sharing their journeys and motivations.

    Support our sponsors: Start your journey with personalized travel support at https://vacation.travelopod.com/

    For enquiries 📧 Email : info@abhaydandekar.com
    About TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING:
    My name is Abhay Dandekar and I share conversations with talented and interesting individuals linked to the global Indian and South Asian community. It’s informal and informative, adding insights and perspective to our evolving cultural expressions, where each person can proudly say “TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING.” New episodes weekly!

    Find us on Instagram/ LinkedIn:
    https://www.instagram.com/drabhaydandekar/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhaydandekar/
    https://abhaydandekar.transistor.fm/

    Listen to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform:
    🎙️ Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZReYDw6ta5zGuN4iLZ8Pt
    🎙️ Apple Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-me-i-know-what-im-doing/id1635803563?uo=4
    🎙️ Amazon Music : https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/acec47fd-da0e-4419-aab9-306503ea49c5
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • Nikita Banawalikar on Kathak Feeling Like Home

    Nikita Banawalikar on Kathak Feeling Like Home
    May 26 2026

    In this episode, Abhay sits down with dance artist Nikita Banawalikar — a Kathak exponent, choreographer, and scholar who seamlessly bridges the gap between ancient tradition and modern storytelling.

    Nikita shares why she views Kathak not just as a dance, but as her true "home". She discusses the rigorous journey of becoming a scholar of the arts and offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of choreographing for major films like Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. From finding inspiration in the mundance to the challenge of "unlearning" technical precision for the camera, this conversation explores how to maintain artistic purity while embracing evolution.

    In this episode, Nikita shares insights on:

    • How to find inspiration for art in everyday life, architecture, and nature.
    • The reality of film choreography and making actors shine on screen.
    • The impact of digitalization on classical arts and the debate between social media reach vs. live experience.
    • Why "embracing innocence" is the key to staying authentic as an artist.

    -------------------------
    Connect with Nikita :
    https://www.instagram.com/nikkitakathak/

    #Kathak #NikitaBanawalikar #BollywoodChoreography #IndianClassicalDance #TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing #DanceEducation #RockyAurRani #ArtisticJourney

    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 – Introduction and Welcome
    03:13 – Living the Dream: When a Hobby Becomes a Profession
    05:07 – Finding Inspiration in Nature, People, and even Mumbai Traffic
    08:17 – The Integrated Life: Does an Artist Ever "Shut Off"?
    10:08 – The Process of Falling in Love with Kathak
    13:16 – Building Confidence
    16:11 – Learning and Growth with Kathak
    19:21 – Sponsor Break: Travelopod
    20:26 – Digitalization: Teaching and Performing Post-COVID
    22:57 – Live Performance vs. Social Media: The Purist Debate
    26:46 – Film Choreography: Working on Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
    29:53 – Unlearning for the Commercial Screen
    34:26 – The Future of Kathak: Evolution, Purity, and New Narratives
    40:09 – Discipline and Observation: How Dance Shapes the Person
    43:27 – Embracing Innocence and Sensitivity

    Shout out to my cousins Vaishali Potdar from Nupur Kathak Academy and Vedashri Mahajan in Australia and anyone else out there who is learning, teaching, and promoting this dance art!

    --------------------------

    Trust Me I Know What I'm Doing | Dr. Abhay Dandekar
    A mirror and window for global Indians and South Asians through conversation.
    Every week, we share chats with artists, leaders, musicians, chefs, experts, change makers, and innovators from the home and diaspora - sharing their journeys and motivations.

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    For enquiries 📧 Email : info@abhaydandekar.com
    About TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING:
    My name is Abhay Dandekar and I share conversations with talented and interesting individuals linked to the global Indian and South Asian community. It’s informal and informative, adding insights and perspective to our evolving cultural expressions, where each person can proudly say “TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING.” New episodes weekly!

    Find us on Instagram/ LinkedIn:
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    https://abhaydandekar.transistor.fm/

    Listen to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform:
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    46 mins