Shows
On Second Thought with Komal MiraniTalented’s PG Aditiya on Where Advertising Still Feels AlivePG Aditiya is the Co-Founder and CCO of Talented, one of India’s sharpest and most awarded creative agencies, built on the belief that great work begins with great people.Titles, however, only partly describe his role. His thinking extends well beyond the mechanics of advertising, shaped by a deep reverence for craft, an archival curiosity for its history, and a visible pride in the people behind the work.In this episode of On Second Thought, he reflects on the changing agency model, the thinking behind Talented’s internal handbook, and why talent density - rath...
2025-12-181h 03
On Second Thought with Komal MiraniOn Curation, Craft, and Taste w/ Malini Malik | Co-Founder, General Items • Founder, Come AwayWhat does it mean to live a life guided by curiosity, taste, and intuition?In this episode, I sat down with Malini Malik, co-founder of General Items in Bangalore and founder of Come Away, to explore a life shaped by art, travel, and trust in the process.Growing up as an army kid, Malini’s world was defined by movement: each new place leaving behind textures, colors, and memories that quietly built her aesthetic sensibility. With a background in art history and textile design, she began her career at Chumbak, working at the intersection of de...
2025-10-2453 min
On Second Thought with Komal MiraniThe Business of Doing Good: How to Make the World Slightly More Just w/ Siddhartha Menon, Tiny MiraclesMost people talk about changing the world. A few try to redesign it: system by system, person by person, story by story. Siddhartha Menon is one of those few.As Head of Mission at Tiny Miracles, Siddhartha helps lead a social enterprise with a clear, ambitious goal: enable communities to get themselves out of poverty and stay out. Their model moves beyond short-term aid to tackle systemic change through five interconnected pillars: education, health, livelihood, social awareness, and happiness. At its core, it’s about dignity, agency, and designing systems that last.In this conversation, we...
2025-08-081h 03
On Second Thought with Komal MiraniHow Do You Design for Life, Not Just Work? w/ Kritika Trehan | Founder and Creative Head, Studio Ping PongWhat Does It Take to Design a Creative Life? In this episode, we explore what it really means to live the process: to design with intention, to lead with taste, and to build brands and studios that are both joyful and durable. Kritika Trehan opens up about the creative pursuit behind Studio Ping Pong.We cover:🧒🏽 Origins: Growing up between Kolkata and Bangalore, early sparks of creativity, and the people and places that shaped her way of seeing 🎨 Philosophy: How her design instincts evolved, the principles she returns to, and how s...
2025-07-231h 02
On Second Thought with Komal MiraniSo, You Want to Build Culture? Varun Patra on The Creative Economy and Infrastructure That Holds It TogetherIn a world where culture became a commodity, Varun Patra is working to make it personal again.He’s the co-founder and CMO of Homegrown, one of India’s most influential youth culture platforms. What began as a passion project questioning mainstream narratives has evolved into a multi-dimensional ecosystem—part publication, part creative agency, part community builder—helping shape the voice of India’s creative economy.Alongside his sister and co-founder Varsha Patra, Varun has spent the last decade building the creative infrastructure powering India’s next generation of cultural entrepreneurs: real-world experiences like HG Street, tale...
2025-07-0857 min
On Second Thought with Komal MiraniWhat If We Taught Children to Express, Not Just Excel? Manasi Mehan on Educating the Heart through ArtIn this episode of On Second Thought, I speak with Manasi Mehan — co-founder and CEO of Saturday Art Class, an organisation bringing He(art) back into education through visual arts and social-emotional learning (SEL).I’ve spent the early years of Saturday Art Class alongside them — sometimes up close, sometimes from afar — but always as someone who deeply believes in the world they’re building. Which is why this conversation, with Manasi as my second (and most special) guest, means so much.We trace the arc of Saturday Art Class: from a scrappy, volunteer-led classroom experiment...
2025-06-2533 min
On Second Thought with Komal MiraniWe’re All Creators Now. What Happens Next? Shephali Bhatt on Content, Identity, Algorithms and the Future of Indian MediaWe’re all creators now. So what happens when content is infinite, and attention isn’t?For the first episode, I’m speaking with Shephali Bhatt—one of the sharpest cultural reporters I know. She writes long-form stories at the intersection of technology, media, pop culture, and digital subcultures, with a kind of clarity and depth that’s increasingly rare.We explore how the Indian internet is evolving:Is it fragmented, unified, exhausted, or just in transition?What key shifts (from Jio to Reels to the TikTok ban) have shaped the...
2025-06-141h 31
On Second Thought with Komal MiraniIntroducing: On Second ThoughtJoin Komal Mirani as she explores the ideas and innovations reshaping our world.On Second Thought is a podcast about what’s emerging at the edges—technologies, movements, and cultural shifts that are quietly (and not so quietly) changing how we live, work, and make sense of the future.Through conversations with the people imagining, building, and questioning what’s next, the show makes the future feel a little more tangible—something you can understand, participate in, and help shape.
2025-06-1300 min
Work in Progress with Sim & KoMovement, Mindset, Nutrition & Community: A Deep Dive into Coach Mishti Khatri’s Fitness Journey From Learning to LeadingIn this episode, we sit down with Nike Running Coach and Sport Nutritionist Mishti Khatri to unpack her transformative journey through fitness, coaching, and her mission to empower women through movement.Alongside her coaching career, Mishti is a dedicated researcher currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Nutrition. She holds an MSc in the same field and is certified by both the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the International Fitness and Aerobics Academy (IFAA).From her early days in fitness to becoming a coach and nutritionist, Mishti shares the insights that...
2025-04-301h 27
Work in Progress with Sim & KoWhat Makes You, You? The Puzzle of Personality Through Science and Play with Dr. Sanna Balsari-PalsuleIn a world obsessed with self-discovery and self-optimization, personality has become a billion-dollar obsession. From dating apps to hiring decisions, courtroom strategies to TikTok therapy-speak, we’re constantly trying to decode ourselves—and each other. But how well do we really understand what makes us us?This week, we sit down with Dr. Sanna Balsari Palsule—psychologist, behavioral scientist, and co-creator of a wildly original game called Who Are You? that helps people reflect on their inner lives. With a background in personality psychology and a mind deeply attuned to the nuances of human behavior, Sanna guides us thr...
2025-04-111h 13
Work in Progress with Sim & KoBrewing a New Legacy: How Kerehaklu’s Pranoy Thipaiah is Rethinking Coffee, Culture, and ClimateIndian specialty coffee is at a turning point—gaining global recognition, yet deeply rooted in tradition. In this episode, we sit down with Pranoy Thipaiah, fifth-generation steward of Kerehaklu Estate, to explore how coffee, climate, and culture are evolving in India’s Western Ghats.At his 250-acre estate, coffee plants grow under ancient fig trees, local microbes fuel experimental fermentations, and leopards roam the same paths as farmers. But Pranoy’s work goes beyond cultivation—it’s about balancing ecology with innovation, protecting biodiversity, and challenging industry norms.We dive into:The global perception of Indian...
2025-03-2053 minWork in Progress with Sim & KoAlgorithmic Lives, Digital Tribes: Tulsi Mehrotra Menon on Work, Identity, and the Human-Machine FutureIn this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Tulsi Mehrotra Menon, a Cultural and Digital Anthropologist, to unravel the intricate relationships between work, identity, and technology in today's ever-evolving world. Born and raised in Bangalore, Tulsi brings a unique anthropological lens to the corporate sphere, helping brands move beyond surface-level strategies to truly understand the human motivations and cultural contexts that shape consumer behavior.We dive into:The Anthropology of Business: How Tulsi applies cultural insights to brand and business strategies, pushing for a shift from brand-centric to human-centric approaches.The Multitudes of Identity...
2025-02-271h 13Work in Progress with Sim & KoSmart Protein, Smarter Future: How Alternative Proteins Can Transform Food, Climate, and Health – with Devika SureshThe way we produce and consume protein is changing. With the global demand for meat at an all-time high and set to double by 2050, the need for sustainable alternatives has never been more urgent. Alternative proteins—whether plant-based, cultivated, or fermentation-derived—offer a way to feed more people with fewer resources, reduce environmental impact, and build a more resilient food system.In this episode, we explore the future of food with Devika Suresh, a champion for alternative proteins in India. Passionate about the intersection of technology and sustainability, Devika has been instrumental in advancing smart protein education, rese...
2025-02-0358 minWork in Progress with Sim & KoBuilding Boundaries & Breaking Barriers with Neha Vyaso and Kanak Garg, Bollywood's First Intimacy Directors | Founders, Brave Spaces For episode 9, we had the pleasure of speaking with Neha Vyaso and Kanak Garg – Founders of Brave Spaces • Intimacy Coordinators • Actors • Creators. Titled 'Building Boundaries & Breaking Barriers' - this is one of our most powerful, heartfelt and intense episodes. We uncover a wide range of topics, as highlighted below:What is the story behind brave spaces?What does an intimacy coordinate facilitate? What does a day in your work look like?What does creating a 'Culture of consent', mean? Does it exist in India?How are brave spaces created...
2024-09-011h 20Work in Progress with Sim & KoIndia's FinTech Story: On Driving Financial Inclusion with Mikhil Innani | Managing Director & CEO at Apollo FinvestMikhil Innani is the Managing Director at Apollo Finvest, a public listed internet first transactional NBFC. He has 8+ years experience of building products from scratch to an unprecedented scale of 100+ million monthly active users. He is currently building the "AWS for Lending" platform which helps fintech's start lending in a matter of hoursPrior to Apollo Finvest, Mikhil headed consumer products at Hotstar (India’s largest OTT platform) and CouponDunia (Acquired by Times Internet) and co-founded PharmEasy (India’s largest, series C funded, online medicine delivery startup) Mikhil holds a Master's degree in Information Systems from Carnegie Mell...
2024-08-101h 07Work in Progress with Sim & KoRevolutionising Women's Healthcare: Achitha Jacob | Founder, Proactive For Her Vaginismus! STI's! Puberty! PCOS! and all things Sexual, Menstrual and Mental Health!In this episode, we speak with Achitha Jacob, the founder of Proactive for Her. A health-tech startup that's revolutionising women’s healthcare and creating a safe space for care without judgement.Episode Structure:Introducing 'Proactive For Her'Achithas’ personal journey–her background, experiences, reason and passion for founding PFH as well as her learnings from the founding team, market and consumers.Stories and personal experiences from consumers/friends/strangers that have greatly impacted the way Proactive For Her is set-up, communicates and de...
2024-07-2051 minWork in Progress with Sim & KoAn Accessible World is an Inclusive World: Siddhant Shah | Founder, Access For All“Accessibility should be a habit, not a virtue. And more importantly, we need to move from a space of sympathy to a space of empathy.” - Siddhant ShahIn this episode of Work in Progress, we speak with Siddhant Shah, an Indian Heritage Architect who specializes in designing spaces that are inclusive. Siddhant is a Stavros Niarchos Scholar and completed his Master's in Heritage Management in Greece from the University of Kent.His journey began at home when he realized the difficulties his partially-sighted mother faced when trying to visit museums and public art...
2024-06-2652 minWork in Progress with Sim & KoOn The Dance of Life: Devika Chandnani | Performing Artist and Educator“Dancing just created a space for me where I could do what I want and feel what.”Our conversation with Devika explores the profound influence dance has had in her life. From dancing to connect to herself, to dancing to lead others and create intimate spaces of trust. From dancing to shape and express parts of her identity to dancing to heal and fulfil––she takes us through the entire experience.The episode begins by delving deeper into the start of her journey with dance. She shares with us what initially drew her to the Ho...
2024-03-1823 minWork in Progress with Sim & KoShifting Gears with India's Fastest Woman: Renuka Kirpalani | Consulting Editor, Autocar IndiaIn this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Ms. Renuka Kirpalani, a trailblazer in the automotive industry. She’s currently the Consulting Editor for AutoCar India. We begin the conversation by discussing her passion for automobiles––which stems from her upbringing where her father introduced her to the world of car building, racing, and restoration. She shares with us the pivotal story of entering her first race; a nerve-wracking experience that ultimately propelled her into the competitive realm of motorsports. Through her experiences, she’s become a symbol of empowerment for women in a...
2024-03-0558 minWork in Progress with Sim & KoMore Social, Less Media: Toya Singh | News Anchor, CNN18Nearly two decades ago, Facebook exploded on college campuses as a site for students to stay in touch. Then came Twitter, where people posted about what they had for breakfast, and Instagram, where friends shared photos to keep up with one another.Today, Instagram and Facebook feeds are full of ads and sponsored posts. They are stuffed with videos from influencers promoting dish soaps and dating apps. And soon, Twitter posts that gain the most visibility will come mostly from subscribers who pay for the exposure and other perks.Once upon a time, people joined...
2024-02-2632 minWork in Progress with Sim & KoAll The News That's Fit To Sell: Toya Singh | News Anchor, CNN18Trust in the news media has been declining steadily ever since the 1970s.The market forces that drive the news is not news. The industry has changed since the internet and social media have matured and become integral to modern life.Whether a story appears in print, on television, or on the Internet depends on who is interested, its value to advertisers, the costs of assembling the details, and competitors' products.In this episode with Toya Singh, we learn and discuss the intricacies of a news room; how it works, how its run...
2024-02-1949 minWork in Progress with Sim & KoBeyond Buzzwords and Bullshit: Pratap Raju | Founding Partner, Climate Collective Network“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”In our first episode we delve into the remarkable journey of Pratap Raju, an entrepreneur who’s been a pioneer in the climate and clean tech space since 2019. From Wall Street to the streets of Bombay, his story is marked by pivotal moments of exploration and adaptation fueled by an undying passion to build a better world. What we discuss:00:00 Intro03.52 On His Journey From Wall Street to Bombay 08:50 On His Switch To Solar As A Busines...
2024-02-081h 06Work in Progress with Sim & KoOn The Dance of Life: Devika Chandnani | Performing Artist and Educator“Dancing just created a space for me where I could do what I want and feel what.”Our conversation with Devika explores the profound influence dance has had in her life. From dancing to connect to herself, to dancing to lead others and create intimate spaces of trust. From dancing to shape and express parts of her identity to dancing to heal and fulfil––she takes us through the entire experience.The episode begins by delving deeper into the start of her journey with dance. She shares with us what init...
2024-01-3123 minWork in Progress with Sim & KoShifting Gears with India's Fastest Woman: Renuka Kirpalani | Consulting Editor, Autocar IndiaIn this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Mrs. Renuka Kirpalani, a trailblazer in the automotive industry. She’s currently the Consulting Editor for AutoCar India. We begin the conversation by discussing her passion for automobiles––which stems from her upbringing where her father introduced her to the world of car building, racing, and restoration. She shares with us the pivotal story of entering her first race; a nerve-wracking experience that ultimately propelled her into the competitive realm of motorsports. Through her experiences, she’s become a symbol of empowerment for women in a...
2024-01-3158 minWork in Progress with Sim & KoMore Social, Less Media: Toya Singh | News Anchor, CNN18Nearly two decades ago, Facebook exploded on college campuses as a site for students to stay in touch. Then came Twitter, where people posted about what they had for breakfast, and Instagram, where friends shared photos to keep up with one another.Today, Instagram and Facebook feeds are full of ads and sponsored posts. Twitter posts that gain the most visibility come mostly from subscribers who pay for the exposure and other perks.Social media is, in many ways, becoming less social.In this episode with Toya Singh, part of our discussion with the...
2024-01-3132 minWork in Progress with Sim & KoAll The News That's Fit To Sell: Toya Singh | News Anchor, CNN18Trust in the news media has been declining steadily ever since the 1970s.The market forces drive the news is not news. The industry has changed as the internet and social media have matured and become integral to modern life. Whether a story appears in print, on television, or on the Internet depends on who is interested, its value to advertisers, the costs of assembling the details, and competitors' products. In this episode with Toya Singh, we learn and discuss the intricacies of a news room; how it works, how its run and...
2024-01-3149 minWork in Progress with Sim & KoBeyond Buzzwords and Bullshit: Pratap Raju | Founding Partner, Climate Collective NetworkAbout Pratap Raju:Pratap Raju has been in the climate and clean tech space since 2019. From being one of the pioneers in solar in the early days of National Solar Mission, he has pivoted to supporting climate and clean tech startups throughout South Asia. He also leads other programs like the Climate Launchpad program across South Asia as well as Uzbekistan and Israel. A graduate from Harvard and then Oxford University, Pratap Raju has been an entrepreneur for the past 20 years in IT, media, renewable energy, and now climate.About The Climate Collective Network:
2024-01-301h 06Work in Progress with Sim & KoIntroducing: Work in Progress 3..2..1, here we go!What started as an urge of sense-making given the chaos around us, eventually turned into conversations with (mostly) strangers that have had real impact.This adventure has been a string of little moments with big impact.Here's a little teaser of what you can expect and discover the journey of being a work in progress.
2024-01-2300 min