Words And Not Much Else: Recent Episodes
Astha Prakash
This podcast is just the whims, fancies, memories and stories of an average woman living in India trying to make sense of this thing called existence. Follow me on IG @asthaprakash
My friend Adam moved to the Czech Republic from the USA 15 years ago. Despite the cloudy weather and European culture shocks, he’s built a beautiful life there. He’s travelled over the world and learned to talk in many tongues. In this episode, we talk about his years living abroad, travelling, philosophy and his love for one of India’s most ancient epics: the Mahabharatha. It’s a goodun! Hope you stick around :)
Have you heard of the Vipassana meditation? It’s one of India’s most ancient mindfulness meditation techniques. But you can’t really do it at home. You need to stay in a special meditation centre, cut all ties from the outside world, and focus completely on what’s happening within. It’s terrifying for a lot of people, but my friend Shubham loved the experience. In this episode, we talk about what he learned and gained from his experience at a Vipassana retreat. Tune in!
Over the last few years, I’ve been through a tough time, mentally and emotionally. The pandemic shifted something inside me and made me face all my demons. That led to depression, anxiety and a darkness I’ve never felt before. It also led to breakthroughs, healing and learning how to love myself. On my 32nd birthday, I share the story of how I came into my own.
Books that helped me:
The Choice by Edith Eger https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30753738-the-choice
The Way to Integrity by Martha N. Beck https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/55481231-the-way-of-integrity
How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50997029-how-to-do-the-work
Write to me at astha.prak@gmail.com Instagram: @asthaprakash
A few months ago my husband and I moved from India to Berlin, Germany and it has been a crazy ride. In this episode, we talk about how it happened, what we’ve learnt, the good and the bad of Berlin, and some shocks and surprises about German culture. Tune in if you’re visiting, moving, or are simply curious!
Do you love how words written on paper can give you goosebumps? Me too. What is it about poetry that makes people listen, ruminate, cherish and feel? My friend Raj is a fellow writer, poet, and the founder of the Twin City Poetry Club in Hyderabad. I talk to him about the sheer joy and power of poetry, why it’s still relevant and why we must never stop writing. Join us as we talk all things poetry and share our love for some of our favourite poems.
Raj’s blog: www.worksofrk.com Twin City Poetry Club: https://bit.ly/35IE8om
We all know we’re supposed to be kind. (At least I hope we do!) But have you ever tried to think about what it really means? What does it mean to be kind? How can we be more empathetic? As friends, as leaders, as people? My friend Vismaya and I talk about kindness today: at workplaces and outside. Join us. Grab a hot cocoa. Or not. ‘cause this conversation is sure to warm your heart.
If you enjoyed listening to this episode and want to share your thoughts, write to me at astha.prak@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!
Music credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vwrgL-XIoo by Yoshinori Tanaka / 田中 芳典
Have you realised how much time we now spend on our phones? I've often wondered about how our dependence on technology is changing us psychologically, and also how the pandemic has forced us to look inwards. In today's episode, my cousin Shreya—a clinical psychologist—and I talk about psychology as a subject, our overuse of social media, the state of mental health in India and why and when we should seek therapy. If you're interested in these topics, you're going to enjoy listening to this one.
Music credits:
Title: As We Go by The 126ers Free Download: https://youtube.com/audiolibrary/music
They say becoming a mother is the single most life-defining moment for a woman. Or is it? In this episode, my sister Sakshi and I dig deep into the struggles and high points of pregnancy, childbirth and understanding what being a mom is all about. If you're a parent, soon-to-be parent, or want-to-be-parent, listen to my sister talk about her experiences and share some important advice. Happy listening!
Music credits:
Acoustic Uplifting Background by RomanSenykMusic. Music Link: https://youtu.be/m0kU_Yhsjx4
As a creative medium, writing is my favourite. As a tool, it makes us good communicators. As art, it can create joy, wonder and magic. Tune in to our conversation as we talk about the beauty of writing, of experiencing life as writers and poets, of finding your voice and your place in the writing community, and of letting your honesty shine through your words. Come on in!
Swathi's website: www.thevirtualparchment.com
My website: www.iflutteredby.com
Music credits: BatchBug - Playing In The Wind License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Download: https://soundcloud.com/batchbug/playing-in-the-wind
Track: Sonhe Music composed and recorded by Oak Studios Creative Commons - Attribution ND 4.0 https://youtu.be/czbnryO3BQk
Have you ever felt the urge to live in another country? I've always found it fascinating when people rebuild their lives in a completely foreign land, and in a way, rebuild themselves as well. Join my friend Dean Lobo and me as we talk about the stories and experiences of his life as an immigrant in Toronto, Canada. We also talk about home, culture, diversity and the many lessons we’ve learnt over the years. Join us!
Stardust by Jay Someday https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/-_stardust Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/3FcdHjZbP3A
We're in the midst of strange times. The kind we'll tell our grandkids about "You kids have it way too easy. You've NO idea how much we struggled." One thing that definitely helps me keep my head above water is reaching out to old friends and talking about how we're living through it. For this episode, I called up three of my closest friends to have a chat about things we've been struggling with and thinking about. The topics range from break-ups to addictions and from love to writing. We'd love for you to join in!
Music credits:
Tokyo Music Walker - Way Home is under a Creative Commons (CC-BY) license. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3lLfvhpPGtwd5qD25cMDcA
Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://bit.ly/way-home-song
My friend Benjie and I have always loved being spontaneous and carpe diem-ing the day every time we've been together. We both believe in grabbing the nowness of moments before they slip away. Him more than me. We're now living in a world that's so unpredictable, it's hard to believe there's a point in always planning for the future. Join us as we talk about the good and bad of being impulsive, making choices and living with depression in an uncertain world.
Music credits:
Prod. Riddiman https://www.beatstars.com/beat/serenity-2890880
Do you feel overwhelmed easily? Weighed down by the noisy, complicated world we live in? Yeah, me too. As I do very often, I turned to my friend Neha for some reflection. She joins us today to share her story of how she got out of a dark place and found the strength to live life with renewed hope. We also talk about meditation, self love, spirituality, existence and ponder over the meaning of life. Listen to this one if you've been looking for that little dose of hope.
Music credits:
Track: Your Gentle Touch — Artificial.Music & Syiphorous [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/5ThbUjaIiDg Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/your-gentle-touch
It's said that when reality becomes too complex, stories help give it form. There's so much talk around stories already, it's almost as if they’re running the world. In our episode today, my friend Laksh and I talk about what it is about stories that makes them so interesting and powerful. We talk about our favourite stories, characters we love and why "storytelling" is everyone's new favourite buzzword.
Music credits:
Sapajou - The Way To You Creative Commons (CC-BY 3.0) License Music Promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://bit.ly/bkc-the-way
Ah, love. How much we want it, how much we pretend we don't, and how little we still know of it. My friend Abira and I know we can't fix the world, but there are still some things we can do to make life just that little bit better. Join us as we talk about the love we share with our parents, friends, romantic partners, ourselves, and the world in general.
Music credits:
Pressure - Riot https://youtu.be/ELksuZkgQsQ
They say music is life itself, and we couldn't agree more. Sometimes you meet people who fuel your passion for music even further and help you discover more artists. Meet my friend, DJ. Not only is he a musician himself, but nothing makes him happier than sharing his favourite music with the world. In this episode, we talk about our favourite bands, songs, and memories from the spellbinding world of music. Come on in!
Music credits:
Wanderlust by Scott Buckley https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/l-wanderlust Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/s3fEbZwiJ94
We've all played games as children, but not all of us keep that spirit alive when we grow up and lead busy lives. In this episode, I talk to my friend Surya about what makes gaming a way of life for him. We discuss our favourite games from the past, and our favourite ones today. Join us as why try to break down why we need stories, characters and imagination even as grown ups. Oh, and be ready to take notes. Some great recommendations throughout the episode!
Music credits:
I'll Meet You There by Sapajou https://soundcloud.com/sapajoubeats Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download/Stream: http://bit.ly/ill-meet-you-there Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/P2mC5i3V0G8
Sometimes friendships blossom in the unlikeliest of places. When you're least expecting it. Those are some of the best ones, aren't they? My friend Rahul and I met at work. But we've never really ever met. Confused? Yeah, me too. Join us as we talk about navigating life as creative professionals in a world that's getting noisier by the day. Psst, Star Wars fans, stick till the end!
Music credits:
Song: Unminus - They say Music promoted by CopyrightFreeMusicToCreate Video Link: https://youtu.be/DJwp5V_MdCI
Oh, to be young, emotional, and alive during a pandemic. This Sunday, I talk to my dear friend Shreya about what has kept her sane as she lives alone in a big city. We also talk about books, writing and the value of friends. Go grab a cup of chai and join us on our couch!
Shreya's newsletter: tinyletter.com/52MidnightSnacks
Music credits:
Song: Solo Acoustic Guitar No Copyright! By Owen Seamus Music promoted by CopyrightFreeMusicToCreate. Video Link: https://youtu.be/BUsP8v2CTek
We all make friends at various avenues in our lives: school, college, workplaces, social groups. But sometimes, we find pure friendship in unlikely places. Meet Ayesha, my digital pen friend from Pakistan. In this episode, we talk about our countries, cultures, and growing up as people who feel too much. Come on in and say hi!
Ayesha's blog: http://psychrant.blogspot.com/
Music credits:
Serenity by Jason Shaw http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jas... Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/serenity-jason-shaw Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/nR_NqJ0leyc
Hello and welcome to season 2 of the podcast! Yay! This season, I'll have conversations with some of my closest friends on the planet. The first one features my house partner and life partner Vignesh. We take a deep dive into his relationship with his father, what brought them so close, and what makes them so special. Come join us!
How often do you talk to your parents? And by talking, I mean having real conversations. Over the last few years, my relationship with my parents has grown and changed with age and distance. No matter how many differences you have, it's never too late to begin to get to know the people they really are. Behind all the parent-y stuff, there are some startling stories and revelations that can change the way you see them.
Track 1
Breakfast in Capri Artist: JOONPOP Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJvf...
• Available on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4OtDX3...
• Get in touch with Free Audio Library: E-mail: flyhigh37@hanmail.net
Track 2
Quiet Resource by Evelyn Stain Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_BrbhRrP6g
I don't think I enjoyed the concept of public parks earlier as much as I do now. Recently, I've discovered a newfound respect for them. I enjoy the peace and quietude of a place so charming and so green. Or maybe I'm just growing old. I recorded the sounds of Lodhi gardens in Delhi last week, and made a note of everything I saw. Come join me?
When you think of your school, what comes to mind? For me, it's mostly white uniforms, stern teachers, scary exams and morning assemblies. We often tend to romanticise our school life, but I associate a lot of if with some not-so-nice memories. This episode is a one-sided conversation between me and my class teacher.
Track 1:
Passage by Whitesand Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj4nXrOixrM Youtube Channel: https://goo.gl/QxgXXy SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/martynaslau
Track 2:
Title: Sad emotional Artist: Naoya Sakamata Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tFe-T7tNMg
Have you ever found yourself in a crowded place wanting to go home and sit in your fluffy pyjamas? Hi, nice to meet you. I relate. This episode is an ode to all the people who always find ways to get out of parties because they had their books, shows and games to get back to. People who can't breathe easy until they're alone at home, munching on their favourite snacks and watching comfort TV. I hear you. And this is for you.
P.S. If you ever feel like ranting about the world, this is a safe space. Promise. Write to me at astha.prak@gmail.com
Music credits:
Track 1: Solo Acoustic Guitar by Jason Shaw
Genre and Mood: Country & Folk + Calm
Track 2: "Juan Sánchez - Luz de Luna" is under a Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) license Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.be/h7fSbXEadzI
Track 3: Karen O & Ezra Koenig - The Moon Song Lyrics (Instrumental/Karaoke)
I grew up in a small town. I never really loved it. In fact, I kinda hated it. All I wanted to do as a teenager, was to run to a big city. Now that I look back, I see why I couldn’t love it it, and I see why I don’t hate it all that much anymore.
Music credits:
Track: Someday Artist: Federico Fabbiano Music provided by Oak Studios https://youtu.be/mHQolnkZ9b0
Track: Fragile Artist: Wayve https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc-lHqc-olQ
As humans, our memories are unreliable. They morph and change shape as we grow older and gain more experience. In this episode, I talk about the misinformation effect and everything I don’t want to forget.
Growing up in the '90s in a joint family in India can be all kinds of crazy. I loved it though. It was mostly because our grandparents were always around, narrating fascinating stories or teaching us something new. My first episode is dedicated to them. In this one, I've tried to talk about their life and times through an unusual perspective: through their voices and sounds of mere existence. Hope you enjoy listening to it!