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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.

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Boman Irani's warmth and wisdom shine throughout this captivating conversation that explores the intersection of acting craft, psychological insight, and authentic storytelling.

The renowned actor—beloved for iconic roles in films like Munna Bhai MBBS and 3 Idiots—shares the unconventional journey that led him to Bollywood in his 40s after fourteen years in theater.

"Actors are lying," Boman reveals with disarming candor, before explaining his paradoxical approach to performance: finding deep truth within pretense. This philosophy permeates his craft as he describes the ability to be "truthful in the lie" while maintaining the psychological discipline to "unlie" himself after intense scenes. Rather than focusing on expressions, Boman emphasizes feeling—allowing audiences to experience what the character experiences rather than merely observing a performance.

His reflections on what makes characters unforgettable offer profound insights for storytellers and psychology enthusiasts alike. "Characters who are dark but show potential for change" create the strongest connections with audiences, he explains, because they offer hope: "If this guy could change, maybe I can change too." This perspective illuminates why his portrayals of complex characters like Dr. Asthana resonate so powerfully across generations.

The conversation takes a heartwarming turn when Boman shares the contents of his "emotional first aid box"—family unity for oxygen, humor for medicine, and forward planning for healing. This proactive approach to happiness extends to his professional relationships, where he actively creates inclusive environments on set.

When asked about character development, he offers a principle that bridges storytelling and life philosophy: "The protagonist is the architect of his own misery or happiness."

Join us for this enriching dialogue that reveals why Boman Irani remains one of Indian cinema's most thoughtful and beloved artists.

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Dr. Sanat Phatak, a clinical immunologist and rheumatologist, joins us for a fascinating deep dive into the complex relationship between our mental state and immune function. We explore the nuanced ways stress impacts immunity—revealing that while chronic stress can suppress certain immune functions, it can paradoxically promote inflammation elsewhere. Dr. Sanat explains that it's a two-way street: inflammation itself can suppress mood and cognitive ability, creating a feedback loop that connects our psychological and physical health.

The conversation illuminates the remarkable concept of "immune memory"—how individual cells remember past encounters with pathogens and respond more efficiently when those threats return. Dr. Sanat suggests this cellular memory system may be even more impressive than neurological memory, evolving earlier and functioning without a centralized organ. This mechanism underpins vaccination and explains why exposing ourselves to a wider variety of antigens strengthens our immune response.

We tackle common misconceptions about "boosting immunity," with Dr. Sanat challenging the notion that immune health works like muscle building. Instead, he emphasizes that balance is key—not too little, not too much—and that consistent sleep, regular exercise, and proper nutrition trump trendy supplements.

Throughout our conversation, we see how the lines between mental and physical health blur, highlighting the importance of validating patients' experiences and addressing health through an integrated lens. Whether you're curious about how social media affects your immune system or wondering if those "immunity boosters" actually work, this episode offers evidence-based insights that will transform how you think about your body's defense system.

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What happens when our love for reading becomes a performance rather than a personal journey? In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Kinjal Goyal sits down with Shreya Punj—publishing industry insider, head of e-commerce at HarperCollins Publishers India, and the mind behind the popular Instagram handle @theeditorrecommends.

Shreya brings refreshing candor to the discussion as she challenges the literary elitism that pervades both publishing houses and reader communities. "When a book becomes too popular, there's this undercurrent of dismissal—“Oh, it's selling well, but is it literature?” she notes. This prejudice creates artificial barriers that keep potential readers from discovering the joy books can bring. The good news? Fiction sales in India are rising 20-30% annually, with readers exploring everything from science fiction to literary masterpieces.

For parents wondering how to raise readers in a digital age, Shreya offers counterintuitive wisdom: let children choose their own reading material without judgment. "Forcing good literature on children is the fastest way to kill their love for reading," she explains, sharing how her own gateway to passionate reading came through a slightly forbidden Sidney Sheldon novel. The conversation takes fascinating turns through discussions of format preferences (physical books vs. digital), the psychological impact of casual "therapy speak" in modern language, and what makes a perfect mental first aid box for Shreya.

Whether you're a lifelong bibliophile or someone who hasn't picked up a book in years, this conversation invites you to reconsider your relationship with reading. Books aren't meant to be status symbols—they're portals to empathy, entertainment, and expanded horizons. Ready to reclaim the pure joy of reading without pretense? Listen now, and maybe pick up that "chatpata" masala read you've been secretly eyeing.

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Ever wondered how 2 lakh rupees can transform into a diverse business empire? Join us as Mr Sanjay Ghodawat, a visionary entrepreneur, reveals the secrets behind his meteoric rise from humble beginnings to establishing a thriving conglomerate across consumer products, education, and aviation. Mr Ghodawat's journey is not just about financial success; it's a testament to the power of learning, creativity, and the unwavering belief that success is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Discover how he turned around a struggling educational institute into a bustling hub of 21,000 students, underscoring his commitment to education as a source of personal satisfaction and societal impact.

In a candid conversation that touches on the often unspoken, we tackle the topic of men's emotional health and the vital link between physical fitness and financial stability. Through personal anecdotes and lessons from past failures, we highlight the importance of emotional openness and resilience. As we share amusing stories and insights, we showcase the transformative impact of maintaining both mental and physical well-being to support a fulfilling life. Prepare to be inspired by Mr Sanjay's tales of perseverance, the role of teamwork, and the unwavering support of family as cornerstones of his success.

Finally, we explore the profound messages behind societal perceptions of wealth and the essence of meaningful success. Mr Sanjay shares his wisdom on navigating life's challenges, emphasizing the need for a learner’s mindset, positive influences, and continuous growth. We discuss the concept of a mental first aid box, filled with inspiring books like Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" to guide us through life's hurdles. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom, filled with insights on living a joyful, truthful, and powerful life, encouraging listeners to embrace failures as stepping stones to a brighter future.

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Prepare to unravel the complexities of finance and tax with our distinguished guest, Dr. Vardhaman Jain, a celebrated chartered accountant from Pune, India. Dr. Jain takes us through his intriguing journey into finance, sharing how his affinity for numbers led him to a thriving career in the field. Together, we explore how money's role as a symbol of power and status complicates its societal perception, and dissect the nuances between tax evasion and tax avoidance amidst growing trends toward financial transparency and compliance.

This episode also sheds light on the intersection of creativity and financial literacy. We emphasize why mastering financial skills is just as crucial as investing in personal health and wellness. With a keen focus on the evolving role of women in financial management, particularly those who were previously excluded, we discuss how financial education can serve as a powerful tool for empowerment. Dr. Jain and I challenge the common hesitancy to seek financial expertise, advocating for the long-term benefits of financial literacy as part of holistic well-being.

Finally, we navigate the psychological and emotional dimensions of finance, revealing how fear and greed often drive financial decisions. Dr. Jain offers his wisdom on balancing stress and empathy in financial advising and the importance of maintaining emotional well-being amidst financial pressures. We wrap up with insights on building financial credibility through consistency and daily commitment, drawing parallels to maintaining physical health. This episode is packed with insights to inspire you toward informed financial decisions and emotional resilience on your financial journey.

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