Does befriending uncertainty brings emotional well being ? Can we unlock the secret to find the space of sustained equanimity? In this episode of 'The Ultimate Inquiry', Marketing professor and happiness researcher Raj Raghunathan explores with Pracheta Budhwar what truly drives emotional well-being at work and in life.

He explains how emotions shape decisions, why uncertainty and even negative feelings are vital to fulfilment, and how conscious choices and not societal expectations - lead to real happiness. Raj also shares practical insights on workplace well-being and the books that have shaped his understanding of personal growth.Books referred in the episode :

• If you're so smart, why aren't you happy? by Raj Raghunathan
• Breath by James Nestor
• Outlive by Peter Attia

Chapters :

00:00 Introduction to Raj Raghunathan

01:11 Happiness in Academia

02:47 The Journey from Engineering to Happiness Research

05:29 The PhD Experience and Its Impact on Happiness

08:42 Influences and Inspirations in Psychology

11:24 The Pursuit of Happiness: A Personal Journey

14:06 Understanding Happiness: A Psychological Perspective

16:52 The Role of Emotions in Happiness

19:23 Collective Happiness vs. Individual Pursuits

22:01 The Misconceptions of Prioritizing Happiness

24:47 The Irony of Happiness in Modern Society

27:52 Cultivating Happiness: A Choice or a State of Mind?

41:10 Cultivating Happiness vs. Pursuing It

48:24 The Underlying Currents of Our Lives

53:09 Values: Constant and Overrated

58:28 Understanding Happiness: Joy, Contentment, and Beyond

01:04:33 Befriending Uncertainty

01:10:45 Workplace Well-being and Employee Happiness

01:15:19 Influential Reads and Closing Thoughts

What if who you think you are has nothing to do with who you truly are? What if you don’t need to fix yourself—just stop identifying with your thoughts?

In this powerful conversation, host Pracheta Budhwar sitsdown with spiritual teacher Jacqueline Maria Longstaff to explore what it truly means to awaken beyond the mind. Jacqueline shares her journey through Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, and how tools like meditation, astrology, and emotional integration can support inner transformation.

This episode dives deep into themes like self-acceptance, surrender, suffering as growth, ego identity, and preparing for a conscious death. If you're on a path of healing, self-inquiry, or spiritual growth - this conversation is a grounded andheart-opening guide.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Jacqueline Maria Longstaff

02:55 The Journey of Self-Discovery

05:15 The Role of Gurus in Spiritual Growth

07:48 Astrology and Free Will

10:26 The Necessity of Suffering for Growth

12:34 Balancing Reality and Spirituality

15:07 Experiences Beyond the Physical Realm

18:10 Eastern vs. Western Approaches to Self-Realization

20:49 Understanding Projections in Relationships

23:35 Embracing Emotions as Part of the Journey

26:00 The Dangers of Spiritual Ego

29:12 Meeting U.G. Krishnamurti

31:36 The Nature of Surrender

33:57 Understanding Astrology and Emotions

36:36 Consciousness and Death

44:56 The Heart as the Center of Spirituality

46:47 The Importance of Consistent Practice

50:43 The Journey of Self-Acceptance

54:00 Awareness and Spiritual Growth

54:49 Understanding Our Roles in Life

57:04 The Role of a Teacher in Spirituality

01:00:00 Tools for Awakening and Meditation

01:02:46 Balancing Solitude and Community

01:04:20 Navigating Life Lessons and Awareness

01:07:37 The Importance of Not Taking Things Personally

01:08:45 Finding Your Own Path to Awakening

In the age of noise, truth has become the quietest voice.What if finding truth in the post-truth era begins with just humility & common sense ?

In this episode of The Ultimate Inquiry, host Pracheta Budhwar sits down with journalist and author Syed Zaigham Murtaza for a deeply reflective conversation on truth, culture, and the evolving role of media.

From his childhood in Amroha to his journey throughjournalism, Murtaza opens up about how community, literature, and lived experiences shaped his worldview.

• This episode is an invitation to question — how do we tellstories responsibly, and what does it mean to seek truth when everyone has their own?

• 🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful dialogue on journalism, ethics, and the human spirit.

• Chapters :

• 00:00 Introduction to Syed Zaigham Murtaza

  01:41 Growing Up in Amroha: A Cultural Mosaic

  04:46 Influences and Inspirations: Family and Education

  11:02 The Pull of Home: Returning to Amroha

  14:36 The Journey to Journalism: A Conscious Choice

  18:55 Books that Shaped a Mind: Early Literary Influences

  22:52 Reflections on Identity and Community

  24:17 The Impact of the 90s on Social Dynamics

  24:57 The Evolution of Religious and Communal Identity

  27:13 The Role of Social Media in Shaping Narratives

  31:46 Maintaining Objectivity in Journalism

  36:25 The Loss of Dignity in Public Discourse

  41:23 The Changing Nature of Community and Responsibility

  45:46 The Essence of Journalism

  47:07 Challenges in Modern Journalism

  49:21 The Need for Ethical Journalism

  51:30 The Impact of Reporting on Society

  59:00 The Complexity of Truth

  01:06:58 Inquiring into Human Nature and Conflict

• 🎧 Tune in for athoughtful dialogue on journalism, ethics, and the human spirit.

  
  

Inclusion is common sense economics, yet a long road to fair representation and rights. In this thought-provoking episode, Parmesh Shahani,an author, inclusion expert, and LGBTQ+ advocate opens up about his journey from growing up in Bombay to becoming a key voice for diversity, equity, and inclusion in India.

In conversation with Pracheta Budhwar, he reflects on how LGBTQ rights have evolved, why intersectionality matters in understanding identity and privilege, and how storytelling can transform hearts and systems.

Through personal stories and cultural insights, this episodeexplores how corporate India, media, and art can move beyond tokenism to embrace genuine inclusion.

More about Parmesh Shahahi :

Instagram : @parmeshshahani

LinkedIn : Parmesh ShahaniMore about host :

Instagram : @theultimateinquiry

Website : The Ultimate Inquiry

YouTube : Pracheta Budhwar Chapters :

00:00 Introduction to Parmesh Sahani

01:47 Growing Up in Bombay: A Queer Perspective

04:25 The Evolution of LGBTQ Inclusion in India

08:23 Intersectionality and Its Importance

10:58 Urban vs. Rural: A Complex Reality

15:28 Cultural Acupuncture: Changing Hearts and Minds

19:47 TheCorporate Landscape: DEI in India

24:32 The Future of Inclusion and Equity in India

26:02 The Unfairness of Justification in Hiring Practices

28:07 The Business Case for Diversity and Inclusion

28:31 Cultural Shifts in Corporate Inclusivity

31:55 The Role of Media in Shaping Perceptions

35:26 Identity Beyond Labels

38:30 The Pursuit of Happiness and Meaning

41:13 Finding Solace in Art and Culture

43:38 Representation in Media: Progress and Pitfalls

46:45 Micro-Revolutions: Everyday Acts of Change

What does it really mean to live an abundant life? How to stay sane in the overstimulated world ?In this episode of The Ultimate Inquiry, Ashwita Goel tracesher path from science to spirituality, sharing insights from her work as a healer, Reiki master, and hypnotherapist. In conversation with Pracheta Budhwar, she unpacks the deeper layers of healing, being, creativity, andabundance.

They also bring forth the common self-help and spirituality myths while reflecting on trust, values, and what it truly means to live a meaningful, awakened life.

More about Ashwita Goel :

Website : Ashwita.com and Reiki-Bangalore.com

Youtube channel : Ashwita Goel

Instagram : @ashwita.goel

More about host :

Website : TheUltimateInquiry and Pracheta.com

Instagram : @theultimateinquiry

Chapters :

00:00 Introduction to Ashwita Goel

01:03 Ashwita's Unique Background and Journey

02:18 Childhood Experiences and Influences

05:47 Navigating Spirituality in a Material World

11:40 The Creative Spirit of Ashwita Goel

13:52 The Importance of Continuous Learning

17:15 Balancing Work, Learning, and Well-being

19:34 Mind-Body Connection and Practical Tips

22:43 Reiki: Myths and Realities

24:35 Affirmations and Manifestation: A Critical View

26:01 Debunking Myths in Spirituality

28:19 Reality vs. Stereotypes in Spirituality

30:16 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

32:14 Finding Solace in Dark Times

35:22 Holistic Healing: Trusting the Process

39:24 Reevaluating Values in Relationships

45:13 The Role of Fiction in Personal Growth

47:43 Understanding True Abundance

49:20 The Illusion of Manifestation

51:27 The Importance of Being vs. Doing

53:43 Grounding in a Fast-Paced World

57:17 Understanding Decision Fatigue

01:00:39 The State of Human Evolution

01:04:00 What Makes Us Truly Human?

01:06:29 Hallmarks of a Life Well-Lived

01:07:22 The Pursuit of Happiness

Does art and science together fuel true creativity? Canreligion and science really coexist? Do spirituality and science offer different, but complementary, ways of understanding the universe?

In this episode of 'The Ultimate Inquiry', host Pracheta Budhwar speaks with Gauhar Raza, renowned scientist, poet, and social thinker. They delve into the fascinating intersection of science, art, literature, and society.

This thought provoking conversation covers shaping ofquestioning mind, the nuanced relationship between science and spirituality, and the critical role of literature in shaping cultural values.

With deep insights into the future of science and technology, Raza challenges us to consider what legacy we leave for the next generation.

Authors & poets referred – Saddat Hasan Manto, IsmatChugtai, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Kabir, Sahir Ludhianvi, Prem Chand, Dostoevsky, Nikolai Ostrovsky, Chekhov, Pushkin, Kafka, John Steinbeck, Krishan Chander andBertolt Brecht.

Books referred - How the steel was tempered, The Grapes of Wrath, The Winter of our discontent, Hum Vehshi Hain,Urdu Ki Aakhri Kitaab.

Also check out :

Gauhar Raza on Twitter/ X

About the host: Pracheta Budhwar

1. Website : The Ultimate Inquiry
2. YouTube : Pracheta Budhwar
3. Instagram : @theultimateinquiry

Spotify chapter :

00:00 Introduction

01:29 Nurturing a Questioning Mind

05:26 The Intersection of Science and Art

09:45 Defining Science and Extra Science

14:37 The Role of Spirituality and Personal Beliefs

19:56 Challenging Societal Norms and Patriarchy

30:12 Generational Entitlement and Responsibility

31:25 The Intersection of Science, Technology, and Commerce

35:36 Reflections on Activism and Missed Opportunities

40:06 Reaching the Masses: Literature and Communication

42:26 Influences of Literature and Poetry on Understanding

52:03 The Art of Definition in Poetry

53:22 Mediums of Expression: Poetry and Film

55:20 The Role of Science in Understanding Society

56:53 Triggers of Creativity: Social Injustice and PersonalExperience

57:58 The Responsibility of Writers and Poets

58:54 Chronicles of Our Times: Literature in the Digital Age

59:40 Disjuncture Between State and People

01:03:39 The Cycle of Learning and Unlearning

01:05:36 Unlearning Nationalism: A Personal Journey

01:08:27 Questions Left Unanswered

01:09:45 Writing for Children: A Formative Responsibility

01:12:43 Legacy for Future Generations

What if anger wasn’t destructive but a catalyst for change? Why women friendships are underrated in the world ? What’s the connection between food and spirituality ?

In this episode of The Ultimate Inquiry, host PrachetaBudhwar speaks with Preethi Herman, a trailblazer in social activism and women empowerment. They explored the concept of 'the personal is political,' highlighting how individual actions can challenge societal norms and contribute to broader social movements.

In this nuanced conversation, Pracheta Budhwar and Preethi Herman also delve into the multifaceted nature of political engagement, social justice, and personal growth.

Authors referred in the episode : Amitav Ghosh, Gabriel García Márquez, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Isabel Allende, Anita Nair and Arundhati Roy.

Also check out :

Preethi Herman on LinkedIn

Preethi Herman's Organization : Nguvu Collective

About the host: Pracheta Budhwar

Website : The Ultimate Inquiry

YouTube : Pracheta BudhwarInstagram: ⁠@theultimateinquiry⁠Chapters

(00:12) Introduction to Preeti Herman

(00:50) Formative Yearsand Childhood Experiences

(04:03) Family Dynamicsand Cultural Influences

(06:58) Early Rebellionsand Personal Growth

(11:46) Empathy andSensitivity Towards Social Issues

(16:05) Activism Journeyand Power Dynamics

(19:35) The Power ofCommunity and Women

(24:16) Self-Reflectionand Personal Growth

(29:08) Latest Venturesand Future Aspirations

(29:16) EmpoweringCommunities Through Protest

(39:08) The Power ofWomen in Leadership

(43:25) Understandingthe Personal as Political

(50:17) Coping withSocial Injustice

(01:01:16) BalancingAnger and Purpose in Activism

(01:06:02) TransformingAnger into Productive Energy

(01:06:42) Finding Hopein Hopeless Times

(01:07:44) The Role ofSpirituality in Personal Growth

(01:13:45) UnderstandingLove and Relationships

(01:20:41) The Power ofFriendship and Community

(01:32:15) The Personalis Political

Who are you without the stories you tell yourself ? Is renunciation painful or blissful? Could life be really that simple ? Join our host Pracheta in conversation with Nithya Shanti. In this enlightening discussion, they cover a wide array of topics from the nature of reality versus perception to the very essence of our being. Also touching upon the illusion of control, the importance of playfulness, and the paradoxes of existence. Also check out :

1. Nithya Shanti on YouTube and nithyashanti.com
2. Nithya's book Unburden: A Book of Joyous Awakenings

About the host: Pracheta Budhwar

1. Website : The Ultimate Inquiry
2. YouTube: Pracheta Budhwar
3. Instagram: @theultimateinquiry

Chapters :

(00:12) Introduction

(01:20) The Significance of Name and Identity

(02:47) Transition from Monastic Life to Modern Living

(05:41) Childhood Reflections and Formative Experiences

(08:42) The Power of Storytelling in Spiritual Teaching

(11:30) The Simplicity of Changing Our Stories

(13:26) Integrating Back into the Modern World

(17:22) The Limitations of Knowledge vs. Knowing

(21:21) The Nature of Renunciation and Letting Go

(27:34) Stereotypes of Spirituality and Authenticity

(35:58) Breaking Stereotypes in Spirituality

(37:37) The Journey of Relationships and Self-Discovery

(38:36) The Diversity of Life Experiences

(41:40) Navigating Sensory Experiences and Presence

(47:41) Accessibility of Ease and Happiness

(54:27) The Playfulness of Existence

(01:02:37) Understanding Happiness Beyond Concepts

(01:06:40) The Essence of Being: Somebody, Everybody, Nobody

(01:08:50) Navigating Contradictions: Unity in Diversity

(01:11:22) Embracing Polarities: The Non-Dual Experience

(01:12:37) Reality vs. Perception: The Nature of Suffering

(01:19:29) The Illusion of Control: Life's Unfolding Journey

(01:24:41) Finding Peace in the Present: The Miracle of Now