WIT CAST: Recent Episodes
Nanda
WIT CAST is all about
CULTURE - Music, Dance, Literature SELF IMPROVEMENT - Advaita, Meditation, Self-help topics TECHNOLOGY - Latest trends in science, AI & UFO's - yes, UFO's
Every week we feature guests in the know; some famous, some not-so-famous but who have content to share that is useful in enriching our lives. Knowing is one thing, but being able to present it in a way that is understood is vital.
It's all about the content and how it is presented. Presentation is the key and given the lifestyle we are in, we are expected to do so many things at the same time!
Listening to podcasts is simple and effective. It lends itself to multi-tasking. Play it on your speakers, a smart device, or listen with your headphones and you can do the dishes, cook, work out or almost anything while listening to the spoken word!
Thats probably why the spoken word is gaining over the written word or the visual media. In fact, it’s estimated that 70 percent of the US population is now aware of what a podcast is – up from 64 percent in 2018
We are always looking for interesting people. If you would like to be a guest on our show, and you have expertise or experience in any of our core topics, please email me at dan.nayar@icloud.com
The spoken word is very empowering. Go ahead, empower yourself.
We would appreciate your support either by making a small donation to support the podcast or by sharing it with your friends.
Thank you!
Dr. Asha Menon is the author of the novel TAME THE MIND: AN EXPLORATION OF LOVE, SEX, HAPPINESS. This book is a conversation starter between men and women about these very topics and many more! She is a physician and an avid reader who loves to listen to human stories, delve into 'how the mind works,'--get insights into the pain behind human experiences. As a teenager, it was her uncle who after reading one of her letters asked her to become a writer. Then life happened and she was told that 'writing was not a stable career path' and she joined the Medical school. Much as she enjoyed medicine, she continued to write stories. She wrote for school and community magazines. A work of fiction, this novel is the culmination of some of the human narratives she wrote over the past years. When she is not treating patients or writing, she loves to sing, travel, enjoy the outdoors, read, and socialize. Please note: She has not mentioned that she loves to cook! Support this podcast
Samson Raj, is one of India’s finest keyboard player, well known in the film industry. Jaipal as he is known to friends, was a contemporary of the now famous music director, A R Rehman, Ben Surinder, Vijay Manuel. His father Shri. A B Raj is a very successful director who directed more that 70 movies in Malayalam and about 10 movies in Sinhala. He was also the first AD for the movie Bridge on the River Kwai. During his early days he started with the legendary music director M.S. Viswanathan, and then on to the duo Shanker-Ganesh. After that it was into a whole lot of directors; Vidyasagar, Keeravani, amongst others. He recalls how he worked for the popular song Malare Mounama and sequenced the awesome bass pattern. The most surprising thing is that during our conversation, we realized that we were in the same college in Chennai. Now, how surprising is that! Support this podcast
Regi was with the Indian Railways for almost 26 years. He started of as a fireman on steam locos and is now a Transit Operator with the Toronto Transit Commission. This podcast is purely driven by my interest in trains and when I asked Regi to be my guest on WIT CAST, he readily agreed. With almost 33 years of experience as an engineer, he piloted steam engines, electric locos, and diesel locos! When most of us play around with toy trains, he actually piloted them from the driver's seat. Now, how awesome is that! Regi recalled how it was to pilot the trains at night, and his encounters with train robbers! Scary stuff. He had also some quaint incidents how village folk with assemble at small stations enroute for hot water from the engine! If you thought steam engines and diesel locos were fascinating for kids, think again. He recalled a story of how a business man would wait at the station during peak hour, just to watch trains whizz past. This is something I would do to and I accept any ridicule that may come my way! Trains are part of our culture. If I was asked do you want a ride on the space shuttle or in the cabin of a loco, the answer would be......no prizes for guessing that one. Support this podcast
He wrote the song 'https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ9C07m9Mt0 (Stranded on the Streets)' in the movie Nala Damayanti starring Kamalahaasan and Madhavan. He's probably the second https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=120&v=UiXy9iEjbPE&feature=emb_logo (Indian artist to release an English album) under the HMV label. There is a lot to this man - he's an engineer with a masters degree in management. He's a passionate musician with good tastes - only because his choices happens to be mine too (!) His first career choice was to be a cricketeer until a mini bike put and end to that by giving him a shoulder injury. His fall back (no pun intended) was music and that took him down the path of several Indian and international companies like HMV, now known as The Gramophone Company of India, and then onto Sony Music where he was part of the start-up team. By forging a symbiotic relationship with AVM audio, he opened up the huge South Indian Market to Sony. He introduced the Sony Nad (naad=primordial sound) brand for classical and devotional music. He is now the Regional Business Head of the Muscat Media group, which is Oman's leading media group; better known for it's flagship brand, the Times of Oman. His books, https://www.amazon.com/Capillary-Effect-Other-Short-Stories-ebook/dp/B00E9QPERK (The Capillary Effect and other stories), and https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46016753-i-duryodhana (I, Duryodhana) have been received well, world over. Presenting to you, the man, Pradeep Govind. Support this podcast
http://www.kalapradarshini.com (Kalaimamani Parvathi Ravi Ghantasala) is an established practitioner, versatile choreographer, teacher, able festival curator, a loving mother and wife. Parvathi Ravi Ghantasala, started learning Bharata Natyam at a very young age under Kalaimamani Smt. Krishnakumari Narendran, Padmabushan Smt. Kalanidhi Narayanan and Shri. Bagavathulu Sitharam Sharma. She has performed solos in various venues, and has participated in festivals in India & abroad. AWARDS Kalaimamani - Conferred by Govt., of Tamil Nadu Honorary D. Lett - 2017 Aacharya Choodamani - Sri Krishna Gana Sabha Trust - 2017 Naatiya Thendral - Doordarshan Kendra Chennai - 2017 Best senior dancer Award - Naradagana Sabha Kala Seva Bharati - Bharat Kalachar Life Time Achievement Award - Presented by former Governor His Excellency Dr. K Rosiah Eminent Woman Achiever - 2011 (Rajalakshmi Engineering College) "Naatya Ilavarasi" - Shanmukha Fine Arts, New Delhi Acharya Kala Vipanchi from Vipanchi Cultural Academy - Chennai Best "Naatyacharya", Indian Fine Arts Association - Chennai Padma Sadhana, Padma Sarangapani Trust, Chennai Naatya Ratna, Indo American Culture and Religious Foundation USA Naatya Mayuri, Chaitanya Theatre & Samaiyka Bharati-Hyderabad Mahati Awards Hyderabad Vocational Excellence Award, Rotary Club - Chennai Naatya Kalashiromani - Nungambakkam Cultural Academy - Chennai Honours from Legislative Assembly of Alberta - Calgary-West Honoured by DTA Michigan - USA - 2014 Honoured by CATS Washington D.C Honoured by Telugu Association Of South California Honoured by Word Telugu Federation Chennai 2017 Honoured by Telugu Literary and Cultural Association-NewYork Ministry of Labour and Employment Govt., India achievement honour for the year 2015 Support this podcast
Ranjani Iyer Arumugam is a practicing dental surgeon in Chennai. She graduated from the Madras Dental College and went on to do her master's from the same college. She has always found people interesting and her profession gives her ample opportunity to meet people with different personalities. Apart from writing, Ranjani is passionate about everything 'food': reading about it, writing about it, cooking and even naming her pets after it! Married to Dr. Arumugam, also a Maxillofacial surgeon, the couple has two sons Siddharth and Rohit and the family lives in Chennai with their dogs Suki and Coco and cats Sushi and Sashimi. Support this podcast
A Freewheeling Chat With Mr. G. Gururaj, Retired Station Director, All India Radio, Delhi. Mr. Gururaj was instrumental in mooting the idea of a National Channel. He succeeded in covering 55% of the country but it was later abandoned. In this freewheeling chat, he talks about newsreaders of his time, and the artist ratings procedure. Listen to him to know some surprising details about some top musicians and actors, how he persuaded Ustad Nizar Hussain Khan to give a concert at the Rampur Station of All India Radio, and his insights into the selection process of artistes and also what makes a good newsreader. Support this podcast
Ms. Radha Ganesan is a post-graduate and a certified educator from the Rehabilitation Council of India. She has over 25 years of experience of working with children who have special needs. Ms. Radha provides the overall guidance for effectively managing and running the school. She has also been part of several campaigns and awareness programs to increase understanding among the communities about autism. She is involved in counselling parents whose children have special needs. Further, she endeavors to help persons with disabilities to be placed in a suitable job, so as to enable them to be economically independent. Support this podcast
Kalaimamani Smt. Priya Murle, is a senior disciple of Padmashree Prof. Sudharani Ragupathy and was a senior teacher at Shree Bharatalaya, prior to founding Shri Silambam Academy of Fine Arts. Intense training and commitment to the art form have marked Priya's career in Bharatanatyam. Priya has a multi- dimensional approach to dance. A versatile performer, choreographer and teacher, she also has a keen interest in Music, Nattuvangam and Sanskrit. She has done research in the field of aesthetics and has worked on the Rasa Theory as part of her M.Phil. Dissertation. She has numerous performances to her credit and is particularly well known for her powerful rendering of Jathis. She has performed in all the major Sabhas of Chennai and other places in India. She performs regularly in both solo and group presentations. She has travelled extensively to Spain, Russia, United States, Canada, Switzerland and Norway, giving performances, lectures, demonstrations and conducting dance workshops. She is also been to the Reunion Islands as a Jury of Bharathanatyam examination and given Priya was also part of the editorial team of Shree Bharatalaya and assisted in bringing out the Handbook on Bharatanatyam, titled “LaghuBharatham”: Volumes I, II and III. Priya was the convenor for Natyadharshan conference (2018 and 2019) conducted annually by Karthik Fine Arts. Titled “Kadamba”, the flowering path, the conferences received rave reviews in its first year. The Government of Tamilnadu has awarded Priya Murle the title “Kalaimamani” for the year 2017, for her tremendous contribution to the classical dance field. She has also received senior scholarship for dance awarded by the Department of Culture (Govt. of India), Bharat Kala Ratna Award by Trinity Fine Arts of India, Narthaki award by Brahma Gana Sabha, Yuva Kala Bharathi title by Bharath Kalachar, Nadanamamani title and Shriram Award of Excellence by Sri Kartik Fine Arts amongst many the awards and accolades. Priya also serves as the Vice President of ABHAI (Association of Bharatanatyam Artistes of India). Support this podcast
Prof. Dr. T. Unnikrishnan is a well known Vocalist and Internationally reputed voice trainer. He is a multifaceted personality as a Researcher, Administrator and Performer. He has done intensive study and research in Voice Modulation and developed many rare techniques to increase the quality of voice and also to eliminate various voice related problems. He has developed many rare techniques and exercises to prepare singers with increased range and a flexible voice. He is regularly invited in seminars of otolaryngology associations and ENT departments to deliver lectures on voice issues and ways for natural cure for functional voice disorders.
A large number of singers from 16 countries have received online training through his website http://voicecultureindia.com (www.voicecultureindia.com) which includes professional vocalists, teachers and playback singers.
He is holding Ganabhuhanam & Sangeet Vidwan Diplomas in Vocal Music, M.A in English Literature, Clinical Psychology and Doctorate in Music. Presently he is Senior Professor, Music Faculty at Indira Kala Sangit University, Khairagarh. He has also served the University as Registrar and Vice Chancellor. He is an expert member for UGC and many Universities. He is a visiting voice expert in ITC Sangeet Reearch Academy, Kolkata for the scholars of Hindustani Music. He has also served in Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, Indian High Commission, Mauritius as a faculty on deputation by Govt. of India. Unnikrishnan has also guided many scholars pursuing their Ph D in music, voice modulation and related topics.
He has widely travelled in India & many countries for vocal performances and workshops. He has sung for few South Indian movies. He is author of two books ‘The Singing Voice’ & ‘Institutionalized Teaching system of Carnatic Music’ and many articles. He is recipient of many awards like ‘NavarasaSangitaChakravarthy’ from Varanasi, Tagore Memorial’ award from Chattisgarh and ‘Sangeetha Bhaskara’ award from New Delhi.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wordintime/support (https://anchor.fm/wordintime/support) Support this podcast
Kalaimamani Gopika Varma - a brief description
https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/dance/crowning-glory/article28785046.ece (Sangeet Natak Academy Award), Kalaimamani award, Nritya Choodamani award from Krishna Gana Sabha - a student of Guru Kalayna Kutti Amma, Guru Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair, and Kavalam Narayana Panicker - not to mention the training she received from Smt. Girija and Smt. Chandrika Kurup, both senior students of Smt. Kalyani Kuttyamma, and also from Kalyani Kutti Amma's daughter https://www.facebook.com/gurusreedevirajan/ (Smt. Sreedevi Rajan.)
She is married to Prince Poorurttathi Thirunal Marthanda Varma ,descendent of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal of the ancient Travancore family, that is very well known for patronage of the arts. Maharaja Swathi Thirunal is deemed to have resurrected Mohiniattam and restored the wonderful art form to its right place.
She considers every dance of hers as an offering to the divine; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padmanabhaswamy_Temple (Sri Padmanbhaswamy), the tutelary deity of the Travancore Royal family.
She runs a school called Dasyam, in Chennai, India.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wordintime/support (https://anchor.fm/wordintime/support) Support this podcast
Fif Fernandes, in her own words:
"As director and founder of MeDiClown Academy (a registered activity of the Auroville Foundation) , I ignite the power of human potential, sparking well being through laughter, love, joy and play. I design and implement retreats, courses, seminars and workshops in healthcare, hospitals, education and organizations to alleviate mental illness and stress. We focus on happiness and relaxation to enhance productivity, creativity and gain a greater sense of inner and outer peace.
I have been a Specialist Advisor, Trainer and Examiner for Physicians, Medical Students and Foreign Trained Physicians for 28 years. I have worked in paediatric and adult acute, urgent care settings as a Therapeutic / Medical Clown with children and adults in Oncology, Emergency, Intensive Care, Palliative, and other inpatient and outpatient wards. My specialized work and avant garde approach in the hospitals has led to invitations to present keynote addresses and workshops at international conferences.
I have received my BFA (Drama) Specializing in Theatre for Young Audiences from the University of Calgary, holds certificates as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher, Certified Yoga Teacher and I am a Humor Academy Graduate (HAG) from the Association of Applied Therapeutic Humor in the USA. Also, as a television and stage director, producer, writer and actor, I received over a dozen national and international awards; most recently "Friends of India Brand India" globally in the field of Heath and Fitness and "YES! i am the CHANGE" - YES Bank Foundation."
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/s/13f2d984/podcast/sponsor/acugj9/url/https%3A%2F%2Fanchor.fm%2Fapp (https://anchor.fm/app)
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wordintime/support (https://anchor.fm/wordintime/support) Support this podcast
Born in India, Ajitha currently lives in the United States of America. Her educational background is a Bachelors in Architectural Engineering & Masters in International Business. While serving as Senior Vice President at a multinational bank, she is also pursuing her passion for being an entrepreneur. QUOTE "I am also a creative, visual & performing artist. Music, Singing, Art (Painting, Jewelry Making, Drawing) and Dancing are my passions since childhood. Above all, being a conduit for witnessing healing in others, give me a sense of deeper purpose. I am equally, if not more, passionate about serving and helping others in ways that I can.
This website is my conduit to the world where I share my passions as a service to you! I am also available for speaking opportunities. Please send me a message on ajithas@innovagaia.com or via the "Contact" page. Love to hear from you!" END QUOTE
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/s/13f2d984/podcast/sponsor/acugj9/url/https%3A%2F%2Fanchor.fm%2Fapp (https://anchor.fm/app)
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wordintime/support (https://anchor.fm/wordintime/support) Support this podcast
Padma Srinath has been in the Early Childhood field for well over 4 decades. She believes strongly in following the children's developmental needs to frame a curriculum which has more of talking rather than chalking.
Maya Nayar, is a certified school psychologist and learning disabilities teacher consultant in the US public education system.
In my conversation, I asked Padma, amongst other things, if all children are born equal. She had a very direct answer to this question.
Listen to the podcast to know what she said.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wordintime/support (https://anchor.fm/wordintime/support) Support this podcast
A chat with Dr. A.R. Ramdas
Hailing from Trichur, the cultural capital of Kerala in southern India, Dr. A. R. Ramadas is the medical director of of http://www.vaidyagrama.com (Vaidyagrama). He is also a founding member of Punarnava Ayurveda Trust. He inherits a strong family line of Ayurveda practitioners, serving the sick for more than half a century.
Dr. Ramadas completed his B.A.M.S. (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) from Ayurveda College in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, then underwent 3 years’ training in Nethra Chikitsa/Ophthalmology under the guidance of Manakunnath Gopalan Vaidyar. He then trained under the well-known pediatrician C.N.S. Gangadharan Vaidyar. He also has an M.S. Psychotherapy and Counseling from Institute of Behavioral and Management Sciences in Chittur, Andhra Pradesh. In 1992, he joined as consultant physician in his family firm Rajendra Pharmacy and R.P.M. Ayurvedic Nursing Home, which he headed for a while. He managed the first overseas center of Punarnava in Vietnam in 2007.
In more than 3 decades of practice, he has treated over 50,000 patients from various parts of India and abroad for conditions relating to neuro-musculo-skeletal, endocrine, skin, gastro-intestinal, respiratory, cardiac, psychiatric and reproductive health systems. One of his patients describes him as “a soft and kind soul, full of compassion and an inborn healing ability.”
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/s/13f2d984/podcast/sponsor/acugj9/url/https%3A%2F%2Fanchor.fm%2Fapp (https://anchor.fm/app)
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wordintime/support (https://anchor.fm/wordintime/support) Support this podcast
Kalaimamani Parvathi Ravi Ghantasala is an established practitioner, versatile choreographer, teacher, able festival curator, a loving mother and wife. Parvathi Ravi Ghantasala, started learning Bharata Natyam at a very young age under Kalaimamani Smt. Krishnakumari Narendran, Padmabushan Smt. Kalanidhi Narayanan and Shri. Bagavathulu Sitharam Sharma. She has performed solos in various venues, and has participated in festivals in India & abroad.
In 1998, she renamed her mother’s institution ( Nava Nandini Kalalayam ) to Kala Pradarshini with a vision to sustain world class Bharata Natyam artists.
In 2018, she spread her wings and started a school in Annanagar to reach out to more students.
A graded and empanelled artist with Indian Council for Culture Relations (ICCR) , she is also a member of the International Dance Council (CID, UNESCO) and has served as a Vice President & Secretary and presently as a Committee member for Abhai forum.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/s/13f2d984/podcast/sponsor/acugj9/url/https%3A%2F%2Fanchor.fm%2Fapp (https://anchor.fm/app)
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wordintime/support (https://anchor.fm/wordintime/support) Support this podcast
Suhir Ponncchamy is the director of ‘On Path to Liberation’ and several other features and short films. A Sri Lankan by birth, and an American by choice, Suhir is an amalgam of multi-cultures.
We quote what he said in an interview with a prestigious magazine: "I am the best at casting. I know how to choose the right people. For me, it is the intelligence that is needed. Then comes screen presence. If a person is beautiful, the audience would watch him/her for some time. But after a point, they need more. But if a person is talented and can get into the skin of the role, maybe the audience would get bored for a minute. But, real talent attracts the audience and connects with them. So, that is why the audience never forgets talented people. But beauty fades away very soon".
Well said Suhir!
He learned his craft from the Tisch School of the Arts. His movie Ahead Xing is available on Amazon Prime.
Here is a small chit-chat with Suhir, exclusive for the listeners of WIT CAST!
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/s/13f2d984/podcast/sponsor/acugj9/url/https%3A%2F%2Fanchor.fm%2Fapp (https://anchor.fm/app)
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wordintime/support (https://anchor.fm/wordintime/support) Support this podcast
The COVID19 virus has forced the schools to shut down and it is amazing how the teachers were able to cope so well with it. Overnight, they were asked to do online lessons and apart from a few tech glitches, far and few, they have been able to do an admirable job so far. Here is one teacher's perspective of the challenge. She is a teacher in one of the largest public school systems in NJ, USA and also a Learning Disabilities Teacher consultant and a qualified school psychologist as well.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/s/13f2d984/podcast/sponsor/acugj9/url/https%3A%2F%2Fanchor.fm%2Fapp (https://anchor.fm/app)
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wordintime/support (https://anchor.fm/wordintime/support) Support this podcast