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A single moment split his life in two: before the heart attack and after the surgery. What followed wasn’t a retreat into caution but a deliberate climb from base zero, two minutes at a time, toward a finish line he couldn’t yet see. We sit down with Dhananjay Yellurkar to unpack how a non-athlete became a seven-continent marathoner by swapping fear for disciplined patience and trading shortcuts for rituals that actually work.

We explore the early days of cardiac rehab, where trust in the body had to be earned slowly and safely. Dhananjay shares how he used heart-rate caps, weekly check-ins, and incremental mileage to rebuild confidence without recklessness. The first unsupported run at dawn, no nurses, no machines, brought fragility into focus, but community and a supportive partner kept the plan intact. Within six months, he crossed a half marathon finish line. Less than a year later, he trained methodically for the New York City Marathon with a 20-week plan, pre-dawn long runs through Mumbai heat and monsoon, and a commitment to show up at work as if the miles didn’t exist.

The conversation moves beyond running. We connect endurance training to life: focus over frenzy, consistency over novelty, depth over dabbling. Dhananjay’s simple system- sleep by ten, wake at five, mostly home-cooked food, hydration, portion control, light strength work, and four weekly runs-became a durable identity. He explains how mindset and preparation carried him through extremes like Antarctica and the Big Five Marathon, where flexibility and pacing trumped ego. We also open his 'emotional first aid box,' a small toolkit of music and pet memories that restores calm when motivation thins, and we frame recovery as trauma-informed rather than trauma-driven.

If you’re rebuilding after a setback, or just trying to create a steadier life, this story offers a blueprint: start from your real baseline, go slowly, respect the data, and let consistency do the heavy lifting. Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs hope, and leave a review telling us the one habit you’ll commit to this week.

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What happens when we slow down enough to truly listen to ourselves? In our chaotic, fast-paced world, the simple act of putting pen to paper has become a revolutionary form of self-care.

Gunjan Adya, founder of Tula Journey and recipient of the Vogue Wellness Award, joins me to explore how journaling can become a gateway to deeper self-understanding. Her journey began unexpectedly when she trained as an art therapist and discovered the transformative power of creative expression. As an empty nester searching for meaning, Gunjan created beautiful journals that merge functionality with artistic design - because as she notes, "I personally do judge a book by its cover."

We delve into Tula's immersive workshops, including the meditative practice of mindful tea drinking, where participants observe brewing leaves and changing colors as a form of presence training. The conversation flows into how our relationship with our cultural roots is evolving, as many Indians rediscover the wisdom and traditions that were once dismissed in favour of Western approaches.

Perhaps the most powerful segment is our discussion about vulnerability. Gunjan shares how workshop participants physically shake when asked to write down their fears, while I explain the psychology behind this resistance - writing something makes it concrete and real. We explore how men are reconnecting with their creative expression after decades of emotional suppression, and the beautiful changes happening as more fathers engage in childcare and rediscover play.

Join us for this gentle reminder that in a world obsessed with speed, slowing down might be the most revolutionary act of self-care.

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What if the secret to bridging cultural divides, securing meaningful employment, and developing empathy isn't found in what we learn - but in how we communicate?

Charles Byrne, Director General of the English Speaking Union, brings a fascinating perspective to this conversation, drawing from his uniquely diverse career spanning philosophy, retail management, and non-profit leadership. His journey to becoming a champion for oracy - the ability to express oneself fluently - began with poetry and travel loving parents and an inspiring teacher who recognized potential beyond his science-focused curriculum.

We explore the recent Oracy Commission's proposal that speaking and listening should join reading, writing, and arithmetic as essential educational pillars. Rather than adding to overloaded schedules, Charles shares practical ways these skills can be woven into existing subjects, addressing the growing disconnect between education and workplace needs. As noted, employers increasingly value ‘agility over ability,’ yet many graduates possess impressive grades but struggle to communicate effectively.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when Charles shares a deeply moving encounter with a World War II veteran who helped liberate a concentration camp. Through careful listening, Charles discovered the man's lingering trauma and guilt, demonstrating how communication can bridge not just cultural gaps but temporal ones, connecting past suffering with present understanding. The story takes a gentle twist when the veteran hears another side of the story through Charles.

English itself emerges as a fascinating case study in communication evolution. Once a colonial imposition, it has transformed into what Charles describes as ‘a shared tool that people use’ while maintaining their local languages and cultural identities. The International Public Speaking Competition exemplifies this balance, bringing together young people who form cross-cultural friendships while preserving their unique backgrounds.

Whether you're a parent concerned about your child's future prospects, an educator seeking fresh approaches, or simply someone fascinated by human connection, this conversation offers valuable insights into how speaking and listening shape not just our careers, but our very humanity.