Shows
The Closet Writer ChroniclesAnisha Lalvani & Poornima Rajamani: Politics & Identity In FictionThe show opens with Anisha and Poornima talking about what writing and creativity means to them. They share their earliest memories of writing and how each of them decided to pursue it seriously. We chat about the similarity of themes in their manuscripts and delve into literature in politics and identity, sprinkled with some great book recommendations! We talk about censorship and what each of them is exploring with their respective manuscripts. Later, we chat about the Emerging Writers Residency, their writing routines and more book recommendations! The episode ends with excerpts from Anisha and Poornima’s manuscripts narrated by...2025-07-191h 51
The Pivot ProjectWhat’s the Other F*cking Option? With Jordan StachiniAt 30, most people are told to settle down. Jordan Stachini did the opposite. In this unfiltered episode, the founder of Co&Co Marketing Agency shares what it really means to blow up your life, on purpose. From radically transforming her body, to walking away from a relationship, to rebuilding her career on her own terms, Jordan proves that bold and ballsy moves aren't reckless, they are necessary. This is a story about choosing yourself, backing your instincts, and asking the question we all should when we’re stuck: What’s the other fcking option?2025-07-101h 19The Pivot ProjectA Creative Career Is Like a Bowl of Spaghetti” with Danny FarheyIn Part 2 of our powerful conversation with Danny Fahey, we explore the unpredictable path of building and winding down a successful creative agency. Danny reflects on what it really means to stay authentic, let go at the right time, and redefine what purpose means to you.As Danny puts it, “a creative career is like a bowl of spaghetti” and knowing when to close a chapter to start a new one is a skill in itself.2025-07-0457 minThe Pivot ProjectFrom Hustle to Healing: Danny Fahey on Creative Grit, Growth & Letting GoIn this powerful episode of The Pivot Project, Dika sits down with creative industry veteran Danny Fahey — a mentor, artist manager, and founder of The 30 Pound Gentleman (TPG). With over 30 years of experience in music, events, and cultural consultancy, Danny opens up about his journey building a seven-figure creative agency, the highs and heartaches of managing artists, and the personal toll of success.From club nights and brand campaigns for Nike and the BBC, to managing visionary artists and navigating burnout, Danny shares:How TPG evolved from a digital idea into a cultural agencyLess...2025-06-3057 minThe Pivot Project“You don’t know what you don’t know” with Danny Fahey (PART 1)In this episode of The Pivot Project, Devika sits down with Danny Fahey — a creative force who's spent over 20 years in the entertainment industry as an artist, mentor, and cultural leader. From his early start in the UK rap scene to breaking into the industry before web 2.0 was ever present, Danny shares what it really took to be heard. He talks about his transition into youth work, creative leadership and building a life rooted in impact. This isn’t just a story about music, it’s about knowing when to walk away, redefining success, and listening for the signs when i...2025-06-091h 05The Pivot ProjectBelieve in Yourself with Ben DuffyIn this episode of The Pivot Project, host Devika Kapoor, chats with Ben Duffy, founder of Duffy’s Barbers in Ancoats, Manchester. Starting his career at just 15, Ben walks us through the pivots that shaped his journey—from small-town beginnings to building a brand rooted in values, service, and legacy.He opens up about the power of manifestation, what it really takes to run your own business, and why believing in yourself is the ultimate foundation for success. We also explore barbering became a gateway to helping others feel better.If you're in a moment of transition or thinking about...2025-05-2742 minThe Pivot Project"You Make Time for What You Want to Make Time For” with Liam HeeleyIn this episode of the Pivot Project Podcast, we sit down with Liam - a photographer, creative connector, and founder of Heads, a Manchester-based platform bridging creatives and brands. From livestreaming on Twitch as a teen to photographing global campaigns and launching a thriving creative community, Liam shares his journey of navigating transitions, building confidence, and pivoting with purpose.We talk about:- The evolution from freelancer to founder- The power of networks, self-belief, and long-term vision- How staying grounded fuels sustainable successWhether you're in a season of change or seeking...2025-05-071h 15The Pivot Project'Act Like You've Been Here Before' with G2Season 2, Episode 1. We’re kicking off Season 2 with everyone's favourite DJ, G2 - known for his infectious personality and banging music taste, G2 has become a favourite among A-list artists and fans alike. But his journey wasn't always glamorous...Starting at just 16 years old picking up glasses in clubs, G2 spent the first two years learning his craft from other DJ's in the game. In this episode, we dive into his come-up story, what it takes to make it in the music world, and how he stays grounded despite the rooms he enters.'Act Li...2025-04-211h 11The Pivot Project‘You fail forward and you fail fast’ with Carlton RoachIn this episode of The Pivot Project, I sit down with Carlton Roach, founder and CEO of Variety Mode, a functional mushroom blend brand. From a self-proclaimed “not-so-great employee” to building a business that’s helped tens of thousands of people, Carlton opens up about his decade-long journey in sales, his background in psychology, and the bold leap into e-commerce.We talk about building from scratch, the reality of walking away from stability, and when the path ahead is unclear, the only way out is through — and yes, you fail forward and you fail fast.2025-03-311h 04The Pivot Project"From Self-Doubt to Self-Worth: Shay’s Journey of Transformation" with Shay MatthewWhat happens when you spend years chasing success but still feel like something is missing? In this episode of The Pivot Project, we sit down with Shay, a former marketing and communications professional who spent 17 years helping charities raise awareness—only to realize she needed to embark on her own journey of self-discovery. Shay opens up about her struggles with self-worth, the pivotal moments that forced her to change, and how she now helps women rewrite their own stories. Get ready for an honest, raw, and deeply inspiring conversation about identity, healing, and the power of transformation2025-03-241h 01The Pivot Project"I Want to Live Off What I Love Doing" with Meg HuriaIn this episode of The Pivot Project, host and Life Design Coach Devika Kapoor sits down with presenter, host, and content creator Meg Huria to explore her journey of reinvention. From a corporate marketing career in New Zealand to taking a leap of faith and moving to the UK, Meg opens up about navigating career transitions, embracing uncertainty, and the power of persistence in crafting a career that aligns with her passions.With humor, honesty, and actionable insights, Meg dives into the realities of freelancing, the role of social media in shaping opportunities, and her viral moment...2025-03-1753 minThe Pivot Project‘Sooner Or Later Things Will Come To You’ with Savanna DarnellIn this powerful episode of The Pivot Project, Life Design Coach Devika sits down with singer, dancer, entrepreneur, and all-around powerhouse Savanna Darnell to talk about the highs, lows, and wild pivots that have shaped her journey. From dancing on world tours to a rollercoaster stint on Love Island, hitting rock bottom, and rebuilding herself through Savvy Heels, Savanna gets raw about the realities of self-doubt, reinvention, and chasing dreams.Expect real talk, and plenty of laughs as Savanna opens up about:💥 The struggle of being an independent artist & wea...2025-03-101h 01The Pivot Project‘You have to invest in yourself’ with Abnormal SleepzIn this episode of The Pivot Project, host Devika sits down with Abnormal Sleepz, a multi-talented artist, producer, and DJ, to unpack his incredible journey—from spitting bars in the playground to headlining sold-out shows and making an international impact.Sleepz shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career:🔥 Trusting his gut and deciding not to go to university🔥 Turning work experience into a career-changing opportunity🔥 The Ibiza call that changed everything at 21🔥 How his mixtape went viral worldwide—with no industry backing🔥 Why inves...2025-03-031h 31The Pivot ProjectI Just Flipped the Switch: From Nurse to Aesthetic Entrepreneur with Paigee EmileeIn this episode, we sit down with Paigee Emilee, a former nurse turned successful business owner, who now runs her own thriving aesthetics clinic. Paigee shares the unique journey of transitioning from healthcare to beauty, highlighting how the skills she honed in nursing have seamlessly translated into her work in aesthetics. She opens up about her mission to empower women, enhance their natural beauty, and boost confidence through her services. Tune in for a conversation on the intersection of healthcare and beauty, and learn how Paigee is making a positive impact on women’s lives, one treatment at a ti...2025-02-2458 minThe Pivot ProjectThe Power of Full Circle Moments: Lessons from Melissa SteelIn this episode of The Pivot Project, we sit down with platinum-selling, MOBO-nominated artist Melissa Steel. Best known for hits like Kisses for Breakfast and I Loved You, Melissa opens up about her journey in the music industry—from early YouTube fame and chart-topping success to an unexpected hiatus due to health struggles and motherhood.Now, with a fresh perspective and a new single, Over You, Melissa shares how she’s reclaiming her sound, navigating the industry as an independent artist, and proving that a career pivot can be the most powerful comeback.2025-02-1747 minThe Pivot ProjectWhy Quitting Can Lead to Success: Insights from IzzieIn this episode, we sit down with Izzie, a UGC content creator who opens up about the power of quitting and the journey to self-validation. She shares her personal experiences of walking away from things that no longer served her, how she navigated self-doubt, and the importance of finding confidence from within rather than seeking external approval. Whether you’re at a crossroads in your career, personal life, or creative journey, this conversation will inspire you to embrace change, trust yourself, and redefine success on your own terms. Tune in for an honest and empowering discussion!2025-02-031h 06The Pivot Project"Do It for the Plot" – How Cait Senior Turned Passion into SuccessFrom University Dropout to Workshop Queen. In this episode, we're joined by the amazing creator behind Create and Craft Workshops, Cait Senior. After dropping out of university twice, she turned her passion into a thriving business, running creative workshops all across the UK. From working with major brands like Pretty Little Thing to inspiring others to embrace creativity, her journey is. proof that success isn't always found on the traditional path. Tune in as we dive into her inspiring story, the lessons she learned along the way, and how she's empowering people to craft their own success. Don't forget...2025-01-2749 minThe Pivot ProjectFeeling Stuck? Start Before You're Ready – Georgia Rae Jasmin’s StoryIn the first episode of The Pivot Project, we have serial entreprenur Georgia Rae Jasmin sharing her story, from dancing on cruise ships, to creating an award winning skin care brand, she now spends her time as an international business consultant, helping women to excel in business.2025-01-0628 min
Life and Art from FT WeekendBooks that help with election anxietyIt’s a big year for voting! There are national elections in 64 countries, affecting more than half the world. And many of us are anxious about an uncertain future. FT Weekend columnist Nilanjana Roy had a good idea in the midst of her own election fever: to find perspective, she turned to literature. Today, Nila shares what she came away with, and recommends books that can help reframe how we think about elections, no matter where we live. -------We love hearing from you. Lilah is on Instagram @lilahrap. We’re on X @lifeandartpod and on em...2024-06-2417 min
Love of CinemaEpisode 39: Monsoon Wedding (2001) - with Rakhee SandilyaHi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Rakhee Sandilya co-wrote and directed the engaging 2017 drama Ribbon, starring Kalki Koechlin and Sumeet Vyas. She joins us for the next installment in our series of deep dives with screenwriters/filmmakers on their favorite films. Rakhee chose Mira Nair's celebrated 2001 drama Monsoon Wedding.We tried to unpack why Monsoon Wedding was such a bold and important film, and how it was a triumph of weaving together multiple strands of narrative. Rakhee elaborated on her favorite scenes, Mira Nair's style, the wonderful casting...2022-02-171h 10
Adapt or PerishEmma, Part 2 (Ep. 86)It's still February, and that means we're still talking about Jane Austen's Emma! In Part One, we looked at five of the more traditional television and movie adaptations, but in Part Two, we're stepping away from the traditional. In this episode we discuss: Clueless (1995), written and directed by Amy Heckerling, and starring Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, and Brittany Murphy Aisha (2010), directed by Rajshree Ojha, written by Devika Bhagat and Ritu Bhatia, and starring Sonam Kapoor and Abhay Deol Emma Approved (2013–2014), created by Bernie Su, and starring Joanna Sotomura, Brent Bailey, and Dayeanne Hutton The Emma Agenda (2017), wr...2021-02-231h 32