Local Heroes with Mirang Manek: Recent Episodes
TSM Media
My name is Mirang Manek aka the Stressed Moron, certified crazy since 2005 (my mother had me tested! Welcome to the Local Heroes, a show based of people we see as ordinary, sometimes even passing by but have spent some extraordinary moments with us. These regular folks come in and out of our lives broadening our horizons, changing the way we think and collectively making us better people.
In today’s special episode, we sit down with one of India’s most celebrated comedians, Sahil Shah aka Sahil Bulla, a true master of stand-up who fills theaters with laughter, yet behind the curtains, battles the complexities of fame and the digital world. From the highs of his career to the personal lows, and navigating the tumultuous waves of mental health, he shares an unfiltered glimpse into the life that lights up the stage. Join us as we explore the journey, the joy, and the jolts of a comedian who makes us laugh, reminding us that behind every joke, there's a story waiting to be told.
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Meet the Local Hero who changed the course of Local Heroes!
If you want to start a podcast, you've reached the right episode. Mae needs no introduction. A pioneer in the audio space, she is the personal inspiration of many, including me. Her creativity is unmatched & her innovation in the podcast space has paved the way for so many young creator to live the breathe their dreams!
Mae opens up about ideating and starting a podcast, her dilemmas with entrepreneurship, her failures and success. This is an extremely important episode as this is the Local Hero responsible for the Podcast you all love and share!
If you haven't already listened to Maed in India, give it a listen asap!
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Embrace the Power of Progress: A journey from seeking perfection to celebrating growth. Join [Your Name] as they share powerful insights and practical steps to shift your mindset and appreciate the beauty of progress in your own life. Let go of perfectionism, cultivate self-compassion, set meaningful goals, build a supportive community, and practice gratitude.
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How often are we told to 'Be Consistent' or 'Practice makes perfect'?
From hypotheticals to real life - discover the transformative power of consistency. Explore why consistency is crucial for success and learn practical strategies to incorporate it into your life. From building momentum and trust to boosting self-confidence, consistency holds the key to achieving your goals. Join us as we uncover the profound impact of consistency and empower you to create lasting change. Tune in now and unlock the secrets to success through unwavering consistency.
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From conquering peaks to riding Mountains, Vivek opens up about what keeps him going and what really goes behind living a life where fitness isn't a chore or task. It's a lifestyle. Taking a peak into his professional life, I learnt a lot about partnerships, relationships as well as friendship. When it comes to the work life balance, this Local Hero has a take on things that will resonate with almost everyone! What is it like to balance being on top of the corporate ladder, stay fit and do it all with a smile?
Listen to Vivek's take on things and we will probably see you at the next Ironman! ;)
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From playing in packed stadiums of thousands of fans to quitting it all to move to the corporate world. How did Koco get back to the thing he loved most?
Brutally honest and a an optimist of the highest level, Koco opens up about his music, his life, the tragedies that made him the man he is today, his exciting plans for the future as well as the impact his divorce had on his son.
Speaking with him made me realise to own your mistakes and the power of positive thinking. I've always known this rockstar to have a heart of gold, and now I finally know what keeps that big heart beating. A lot of us look at him as the pioneer of Indian rock (although he hates being called that), but tune in to catch the brutally honest chronicles of the lead guitarist of Angnee!
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How a young Orthopaedic redefined the traditional image of a doctor and spread hope to millions.Who is a doctor? Are they just people who cure the ill? Are they gods who heal those in need? Are they scapegoats you attack when you’re sad? Can they be more? Should they be more?Social media is the hub of misinformation and todays guest is a doctor who has taken a new age approach to spreading wellness and health. He is living proof that doctors can be more than stressed out humans in a clinic. They can be stressed out humans in front of a camera, smiling and making a difference to millions with messages of truth by being advocates of happiness.You’ve liked his reels on instagram. You’ve shared his content on stories. But today we are going to dive deep into who Dr. Manan Vora really is. He opens up about growing up in a family of doctors, bullying in medical schools, his journey of content creation, his biggest low and a lot more!Get ready to get inspired!--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/tsm-media/message
It doesn't matter if you have the best products in the world if you aren't able to tell your brand's story and reach people. Marketing and Advertising isn't a task, it's an art. Today's Local Heroes, Rakshit Jain & Vedang Jain are the second gen pioneers from Prachar Communications who are carrying on the legacy from their fathers (the founders of Prachar & game changers in the industry) and are redefining business as well as they way the world perceives modern story telling, previously known as advertising.
If you have a start up, a small business or even an established company looking to expand, this is the episode for you. Let's explore the world of conventional and digital story telling and marketing together! Want to find out the biggest mistakes companies make? Or do you want tips to grow your Start Up? Listen to Rakshit & Vedang & find out!
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Michelle Philip is a TEACHER in every definition of the word. She has seen the change in generations as well as the introduction of Social Media and what it presently means to students and where it's going. Michelle opens up about growing up as a 'fat kid' and overcoming the negativity with her super power. At an age where people like to slow down, she has has taken up the mic both as a podcaster and a stand up comic!
This episode is important for both, students as well parents and will give you a different perspective and hopefully a sense of mutual respect that is much needed to bridge the gap between generations!
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Cancer can shake the foundations not only of a patient, but of a family, forever. It's a chapter in someone's life that is a roller coaster of emotions, pain and strength. Todays Local Hero is a write, adventurer and survivor. Roopa opens up about her family and how her 6 year old daughter suddenly grew up in a day when she was starting death in the eyes. Everyone's story of survival is different and difficult and this one just reinstated my belief of human strength.
Everyone around you tells you 'It will be okay' but can they really know? Listen to someone who has actually fought Cancer and triumphed and then tell me what you think.
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Ayesha Lobo, first and foremost is a friend, mentor and Local Hero. She has worn the Indian Flag across the globe and inspired Indians to take up sailing not only as a hobby, but as a competitive sport as well as a profession. She's a self taught boss lady and a fierce competitor. Her journey and perspectives as a sportsman have changed my views over time.
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He started out as a Radio Jockey in the 90's at the age of 14 and hasn't looked back since. From voiceovers to television to hosting events, Siddharth Kannan is the undisputed king. He didn't join the party, he created a revolution. He learnt to embrace himself and created a niche that made him untouchable. Today, after almost 3 decades, he is still the most sought out host and interviewer and is breaking the internet with his content.
It's not been all fun and games for Siddharth. Being different and reinventing the wheel comes with its own sense of insecurities and battles. It's taken a while but Siddharth opens up about how he finally learnt to be his own best friend and live life to the fullest, one victory at a time!
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From struggling with dyslexia to winning in a world chaos, Benaisha Kharas Dongre has a heart of gold. An image consultant and counsellor by profession, Benaisha's life and the Local Heroes around her have taught her to change the narrative. It's taught her to move forward. I threw everything at her in this conversation and as negative as I was in the beginning, her patience, calmness and positivity put my derailed train of self sabotaging thoughts back on track. Her personal experiences take you through a turmoil of emotions that all lead to once place - self realisation and positive thinking.
This is one episode that you will definitely want to listen to till then end. Just like a post credit scene in super hero movies, this one will blow your mind!
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Do your best, dump the rest - such a simple line, yet so difficult to practice. Ayesha Adlakha is a VJ, and actress as well as a digital marketing priate, but most importantly, a friend. A friend with a loyal and a pure heart. She opens up about living her life on the internet, the persona's she created for herself as well as the ones she had to create. This unfiltered conversation digs through the deepness of living 'social' and coming to terms with the insecurity created as well as the constant panic. What does it take to be a creator who keeps creating creative content?
If you are a creator, no matter where you are in your journey, this one hits home. It's surely helped me get back on track!
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A lot of people have asked me what I do to get rid of stress. The answer is...
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He came to Mumbai with a ticket and a dream. A dream to live the life that millions aspire to live in the multibillion rupee film industry. His story is worthy of a biopic and his thoughts stick with you, forever. An actor by profession, a story teller by heart, you’ve seen him in films like Shershah and shows like Guilty minds and Salt city. Pranay opens up about what it really means to be in the Indian Film Industry as well as the emergence of OTT. He speaks about leaving home to live and fulfil his dreams and the real power of rejection.
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They say that divorce is nothing more than a piece of paper. It's just a break up. Then why is it such a big deal? Today's episode is something we need to listen too. We live in a bubble. Are divorced women really impure? Are we really still living in a society that harass' families? Are divorced women untouchable? What's wrong with them? A few days back, I would have called the above pure fiction. Today, my bubble has been burst. This is an episode that you need to listen to. It doesn't matter where you come from. All that matters is that we work towards change. Akansha has been brave enough to open up about her life. Are you brave enough to facilitate social change?
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It all started with a promise she made to herself when she was 6 years old. From jamming with the biggest rock icons across the globe like Michael Jackson, Carlos Santana, Carrie Underwood, Alice Cooper, Ritchie Sambora (and the list goes on), to being a rockstar of her own right, her albums have gone multi platinum and her music is sensational.
As special as her music is, her story is extraordinary. Orianthi opens up about losing her confidence to perform because of being bullied in school to actually playing alongside legends who she would listen to on vinyl and whose concerts she'd never miss! From looking up to icons, Orianthi has herself become one.
Orianthi opens up about her time with Michael Jackson and gives us a glimpse of what it was like performing for the King of Pop as well as her relationship with Carlos Santana, who's like a father to her.
What does the road from passionate to legendary look like? Listen to Orianthi in this very special episode or Local Heroes & find out!
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Is 'Acceptance' an Art, a Virtue or a Sign of Weakness? Is it something that helps us move on or helps us surrender? Time is one of the most cruel mistresses that heals in the most beautiful of ways, only if you let it! Only when you come to terms with situations, you can create a platform to BOUNCE BACK!
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Staying true to yourself in an every changing environment is difficult, specially when quick trends and short format content trump the thumb. How you sustain a career that spans over 3 decades? How do you maintain your spot at the top when the world is hell bent on pulling you down? How can you succeed when your biggest opponent is yourself?
Hrishikesh Kannan is a pioneer of Indian Radio. He started his careers in All India Radio and has today become a house hold name and is admired not only for his smooth voice, but for being a compassionate human being. His insights on life, the media and how he goes about his work give you a perspective on the nature of hard work and hustle. His take on burning the midnight oil is something I will never forget.
Hrishikesh Kannan's answers and honesty left me truly speechless. He is a true Local Hero from humble roots clearly defining the term 'self made man'.
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Social media is now the most toxic place on the planet with violence, bullying, trolling and a lot more. Is it worth spending your time there? Between the morphed photos and fake news, is there any good left on the web?
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From winning tennis tournaments at the international stage to now filling a huge gap in the athletic space and consulting with the biggest names in sports about their nutrition, Krushmi Chheda (Sports Scientist & Nutritionist) is a fighter. She is an out right winner. Her attitude has been shaped by years of learning to never give up. She opens up about the most vulnerable time of her life when all felt lost and how her local heroes stood by her.
If you feel your dreams have been shattered or your plans are ruined, this Episode is for you.
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This is a question that has haunted me. Seriously, what is the purpose of life? Are we born with a purpose, do we make our own purpose or is it just an illusion? Is happiness really a purpose for someone’s life or is that make believe too? What do you think? Hit me up on Instagram and let me know!
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You've seen him on TV, you follow him on social media. You love his hair and his quirks. If you've been to Comic Con, chances are that his 'Joker' was probably the scariest thing around. Friend, VJ, Celebrity and fellow Geek, I am so proud to introduce one of my best friends of 15 years who was actually the one to coin the term and this meaning of Local Heroes.
This episode opens our eyes to a whole new different side and a new thought process of generations to come, their feelings behind money and what they want in life. Zerxes may be a 90's baby but that doesn't differentiate him for the Gen Z!
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Shiv Panditt lives life with the simplest of ideologies. These are secrets that all of us need to listen to and follow. He opens up about his time living with the brave hearts of the country during the filming of his film Shershah: the Indian Army. His first hand experience gives us a whole new perspective on the true courage of our soldiers. His story reminds us that being Indian isn’t political. It’s a emotion. A beautiful emotion. Shiv’s perspective on life is simple. He opens up on the ultimate dream of millions: being a celebrity in the Indian film industry. Is it worth it? How should you go about it? And what is the ultimate mantra to living a truly peaceful life free of insecurity?
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When we see something with destructive abilities our first instinct is to run, and our second instinct is to try and contain it. You will get burnt when you play with fire but master the art, and things get magical. There are only 2 ways that I found anger to be channeled positively. I don't believe that 'weaknesses' pull you down but they are actually opportunities to get better.
What I love the most about this particular episode (yes I'm patting myself on the back) is the fact that I could open up and talk to you about something so close to me. It's not easy talking about your failures but I truly believe that my anger, my rage has made me a much better person!
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A lot of people believe that they believe in no regrets but are still victims of one of the biggest lies of the universe: WHAT IF! What if's are easy to live because they are not real. We have a habit to glorify moments, create memories and vicariously live them in our heads as some kind of escapes from tough realities. We somehow believe that 'What If's' are lost opportunities but the truth be told, it’s nothing but another timeline. Another life that we imagine to be better than ours.
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We've all looked up to him as an older brother and and friend as he inspired and taught us how to create incredible art that was beyond our understanding. He proved that the unconventional careers are a way of life. ROB opens up about his time hosting ROB, his YourTube career and his incredible journey that has risen above doubt, self doubt and rising above. Join us and dive into the conversation of this incredible human being who almost left his art to become a doctor!
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She's a woman of Substance, an actor, a parliamentarian, a mother, a wife, an inspiration. You've seen her and loved her as Sita Ma in the original Ramayan series as well as her iconic role in films. She's a trend setter in the Indian Film Industry and a hero to us all. Honoured to have this epic chat with Mrs. Dipika Chikhilia Topiwala!.
Dipika speaks about her time on the screen as Sita, the impact the show and the role has had in her life and how she's progressed from reel roles to real life roles from an actor to a parliamentarian to a wife and a mother. She opens up about success and her unique journey towards a life that she lives on her terms.
Don't miss this iconic chat. Her final advice to us all will leave you in inspired, in chills!
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What is it about dads that leaves such a huge impact in our lives? My dad gave me everything I ever needed. He taught me everything I know and more. And then I got married and got to call another incredible human being Dad. Both these humans drive me to be better. They knowingly and unknowingly teach me things I could never otherwise have thought was important. Dear Dads, you are the ULTIMATE Local Heroes!
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From being an ad student with a passion for films, Abhiraj's hard work and relentlessness led him to helming his own film Loveyatri under the Salman Khan Films banner! He's worked with some of the greats of the Indian Film Industry like Yash Chopra, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma, John Abraham and many more! His advise for aspiring film makers, actors and professionals seeking to get into the industry is nothing short of priceless.
I am proud to have gone to college with you Abhiraj. Truly inspiring to see you grow the way you have! Full power to you!
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Coming from a traditional Marwari family, Vinita Jain has been a positive change driver in culture, a messiah for young women and has tread the way for all professionals looking to make it into advertising. She opens up about being a woman with a government cliental, setting up one of the most successful creative teams and pioneering some of the most iconic campaigns! Let's take a walk in her shoes!
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Why doesn't positivity work? Where are those miracles that made us great? The truth is that positivity today is broken. Our scars don't let us heal. That's when something hit me. Something from my childhood. Something that helped me survive.
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The struggle doesn't care about how beautiful the dream really is but the goal does take into account when your determination doesn't let you give up.. You've seen her on YouTube in your favourite Girliyapa sketches. You've seen her make Alia Bhatt jealous in Gully Boy and she stole your heart with her stand out performance as she shared the screen with Ayushmann Khurrana & legendary Amitabh Bachchan in Gulabo Sitabo. And now, after listening to her heart felt conversation, her goals, what she goes through every day without cracking under the pressure and her confidence, you will realise that she stands strong fro talent all around!
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From being a mere character to a movement of change, Alexis Manenti is no stranger when it comes to create social change. Alexis has won awards at Cannes, Golden Globe, Oscar Nominated, Cannes & Caeser Award winner Alexis Manenti on Traumatic & Real Roles. He opens up about his role as a police officer who's not black or white. Pink in his language. He talks about disparity in France and talks about something that we are all so accustomed to. We look at this as a way of life. But things need to change.
List of Awards won by Alexis Manenti:
Côté Cour de Pantin Festival 2019: Male interpretation award for Nicolas Chauvin's Glorious Acceptance Speech 6
Lumières International Press Awards 2020
Best male hope for Les Misérables Best screenplay for Les Misérables César 2020
César award for best male hope for Les Misérables
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My mother taught me how to give. How to have passion. She showed me what strength really looked like. She showed me what love really looks like.
When was the last time you told your mom that you cared? I wish I could.
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This episode is dedicated to you.
When you get the chance to sit it out or dance, what do you do?
I've spoke about Local Heroes being all around us but right now, you don't even need to look around. They are right in front of our eyes. This podcast, the very idea of Local Heroes stems from the belief that we can be bigger that who we are. In the midst of despair there's a very special kind of good. We all have a part to play in every situation and even the smallest ripple can create a chain reaction in the community adding a base to rebuild a system that has collapsed. We are the system. We are the messengers of change. We need to be better because you cant fix another broken person while you are shattered.
I hope you dance.
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The last year has shown us a revolution in digital content but the question arises, can online content be classified as a full time job? Is there money or merely just survival? From being an assistant director to big budget films, todays local Hero pioneered content online as we know it and paved the path for creators across the country. She’s the example young directors give their parents. She’s their symbol of hope. Her name is Akanksha Dua!
Akanksha talks about what it takes to stand a chance in such a competitive industry and opens up about her decision for moving towards digital content as opposed to the usual route of Feature Films! She gives us a glimpse into her journey, difficulties with her parents when it came to her career, her lowest moments and moments that make things just right! Truly an episode that leaves your enriched and fills that pocket of positivity that we all need!
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What is reckless optimism? Should it really be your mantra to facing life? Fahad Pathan talks about his journey from a call centre representative to winning a Cannes! He's lived his life from one leap of faith to another and opens up about his unapologetic search for personal development, success & happiness!
Watch Fahad's Cannes award winning AD Film Vicks – One In A Million #TouchOfCare on YouTube!
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In our candid conversation, Alexx O'Nell opens up about his most painful memory that lead him to the path that made him who he is. He gives us an inside look on the different personas and faces of the Indian Film Industry, working with stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Rajkummar Rao, Janhvi Kapoor and more. He says success isn't finite and talks about the dangers of chasing happiness. Don't miss both the exclusive acoustic performances of his HIT SINGLES! Following your dreams is a dream itself for many. We look at people who have followed their calling , jumped over pot holes and made their mark. Following your dreams, although aspirations, doesn’t come without risk. What about happiness? Is that risk worth it? How great can the reward really be? How different is the destination? Download this podcast and hit play and hopefully, all your questions will be answered!
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Local heroes are ordinary people who come into our lives and spend extraordinary moments with us! This series so dear to me. It's a combination of anecdotes, stories that I’ve shared with these incredible human beings as well as conversations with guests, achiever’s that we can all learn from as they share their journey, thoughts and inspiration with us. Today, on my first episode, I want to talk about a phrase we’ve all heard a lot. You only live once. It’s true. Yet, the Hindu marriage ceremony ties you to your partner for 7 lives and cats are known to have 9. They say you should live everyday like it is your last because life is short and cowards die many times before their deaths. Wake up.
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