This video segment, from Nish’s talk on economics and leadership at Stella Maris College in Dec. 2022, offers a glimpse into what we’re looking at, going forward. If you know someone who could use or draw insights and/or inspiration from this video, share it with them!

Meanwhile, the US and India are reeling from indirect ramifications. What is the personal impact of these developments? What measures are needed to navigate through this morass? This video, which is the sixth segment of Nish’s talk on economics and leadership delivered to university students and faculty at the Stella Maris College Chamber of Economics, addresses these aspects and emphasizes one’s place in the world as a source of interconnectedness. If you know someone who could use or draw inspiration from the insights on this video, share it with them!

How did this almost impossible outcome manifest? Who played a role in stalling the construction of Constitution Pipeline? This video segment (Part 5 of Nish’s motivational talk on leadership at Stella Maris College) reveals how Williams Companies' downfall began and what her journalistic reportage of Constitution Pipeline at S&P Global did to make that happen.

STELLA MARIS COLLEGE ADDRESS | TRANSFORMING ADVERSITY INTO OPPORTUNITY

DEC. 2022 / JAN. 2023

This video is the second part of an hour-long session delivered to undergraduate, an post-graduate economics students and faculty at Stella Maris College. On this segment, Nishs talks about women empowerment, agency, and the cause of inspiring women entrepreneurship as the idea behind her first book, The Voyage to Excellence, which chronicles the rise of 21 women business leaders.

If you know someone who could use or draw inspiration from the insights on this video, share it with them!

STELLA MARIS COLLEGE ADDRESS | EVOLVING AS TODAY’S LEADER

DEC. 2022. (POSTED IN JAN. 2023)

This lecture was delivered to undergraduate and postgraduate economics students and faculty as part of an annual session organized by at Stella Maris College’s Chamber of Economics. This segment poses questions that challenge the status-quo seen in many social and educational settings, offering certain unique insights that inspire the makings of today's leader. If you know someone who could use or draw inspiration from the insights on this video, share it with them!

MENTZA I LEADERSHIP & BEHAVIOR

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 49. THREE TIPS FOR TODAY’S LEADER

JAN. 25, 2023. 28 MINS 57 SECS

Today, the fundamental premises and practices of leadership, no matter what one's areas of focus are, have changed, calling for a blend of approaches that are more aligned to a world which is shifting and morphing every minute. So, what does it take to be a leader today? What are the ingredients for sustained success and fulfilment on one’s journey? This session looks at three key tips for today's leader - tips that, in a broader sense, can be applied in varied contexts, situations, and scenarios. These range from metaphorical thought patterns to evolving paradigms of conflict resolution.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I LEADERSHIP & BEHAVIOR

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 48. TRANSFORMING ADVERSITY INTO OPPORTUNITY

JAN. 18, 2023. 29 MINS 11 SECS

Hinging on a motivational theme, this live session draws upon real-life examples embedded with concepts, principles, and approaches that listeners can apply to their own context for navigating through roadblocks, challenges, and periods of adversity, hardship, and frustration. Some of the concepts you'll hear on this podcast include the prisoner's dilemma, the opportunity cost approach, and the practice of enhancing one's understanding of interconnectedness to view seemingly discrete events as different parts of a collective, global force in terms of their impact on our everyday lives.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I SCIENCE & ENERGY

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 47. BUILDING RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE CHANGE.

JAN. 11, 2023. 28 MINS 55 SECS

All the way from the Russia/Ukraine War to carbon and methane emissions, climate change is becoming an increasingly pressing concern, with many analysts pointing to the possibility of reaching a climate change threshold of 1.5°C by year-end or at least by 2026. This session looks at how we should think about measures to boost our resilience to climate change.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I WORLD

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 46. TOP FIVE PREDICTIONS FOR 2023

JAN. 4, 2023. 29 MINS 01 SEC

2022 wasn't for the faint of heart. Last year, the world saw a plethora of geopolitical, economic, and social developments ranging from the global implications of the Russia/ Ukraine war, the lingering effects of the pandemic, the beginnings of a recession and the U.S. Supreme Court abortion ruling to Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover, the Hijab Row controversy, protests in Iran, and a push for decarbonization as a measure of resistance to climate change. This session lists the top five predictions for 2023 – predictions that are most likely to manifest into reality and change our everyday lives.

a REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I CORPORATE PRACTICES

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 45. HIRING WOES: IS THE CONCEPT OF “RIGHT FIT” OVERRATED?

DEC. 14, 2022. 24 MINS 49 SECS

Based on requests to extend our December 7 discussion, this session addresses whether the concept of ''right fit'' is overrated when it comes to hiring talent across sectors ranging from healthcare and corporate settings to the media. We look into why character, skill, competence, and a sense of fulfillment matter more than checklists that hinge largely on age-old hiring practices. This session additionally touches upon challenges companies face with talent retention as well as the social and economic impact of nepotism on business and government.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I CORPORATE PRACTICES

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 44. DOES TALENT HAVE A PLACE IN TODAY’S WORLD?

DEC. 7, 2022. 26 MINS 46 SECS

This live session looks at whether skill, talent, competence, and merit are giving way to nepotism, parochialism, bribery, corruption, and bureaucracy, all the way from medical professionals and corporate career contendCers to actors, authors, musicians, and entertainers at large. We look at the impact of nepotism on mental health and socioeconomic productivity, and discuss whether the global marketplace driven by rising consumer awareness is meeting demand by bridging needs-based gaps on the part of lower-income group families and a growing middle class.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I CULTURE AND SOCIETY

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 43. IS INDIA A SAFE COUNTRY TO RAISE CHILDREN?

NOV. 30, 2022. 31 MINS 4 SECS

Right from the limited use of car booster seats and a lack of stroller-friendly public spaces to the risk of electrocution amid negligence on the part of local and civic authorities, the lack of baby-proofing in homes and balconies, and an increased incidence of preventable illnesses and infections, this live session addresses where India ranks in terms of general safety for babies, toddlers, and elementary children, drawing brief comparative analyses of trends, practices, and kid-friendly resources across India, Western Europe, and the U.S..

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I Q&A: RACE, GENDER AND HEALTHCARE

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 42. SPECIAL GUEST OBE DR. PARTHA KAR (NHS ENGLAND): RACISM AND SEXISM IN HEALTHCARE

NOV. 23, 2022. 26 MINS 4 SECS

I am in conversation with OBE (Order of the British Empire) Dr. Partha Kar of NHS England about the influence of racism, sexism, and colorism on hiring decisions and professional advancement opportunities among medical staff and healthcare workers, the imperialist and patriarchal approaches implicit in patient care, and the effects of racial and gender stereotypes on access to medical treatment for women and people of color with autoimmune disorders.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I BUSINESS, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 41. IMPLICATIONS OF ELON MUSK’S TWITTER TAKEOVER FOR THE COMMON MAN

NOV. 16, 2022. 21 MINS 3 SECS

This live session addresses the effects of mass layoffs on free speech, content moderation standards, and the lack of inclusion embedded in Elon Musk's proposals to charge users who wish to obtain verified badges or DM celebrities and influencers. The show additionally touches upon threats to user privacy against the backdrop of a public square driven by a plurality of opinions-led content aimed at shifting social perceptions in ways that could have a positive, negative or neutral impact.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I Q&A: BIOLOGY AND MENTAL HEALTH

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 40. SUPPORTING PEOPLE WITH DIABETES IN THEIR MENTAL HEALTH JOURNEY

NOV. 1, 2022. 22 MINS 33 SECS

On occasion of World Diabetes Day, Padma Shri Dr. V. Mohan, Asia's leading diabetologist, author, and YouTuber comes in as a special guest to provide insights into how people navigating through the complexity of Type 1, Type 2, Type 1.5, or gestational diabetes can regulate their emotions more effectively as well as how family, friends, colleagues, and other people in one's ecosystem can empathize with the mood fluctuations related to the additional time, resources, and day-to-day decisions that come with any of these forms of diabetes.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I LEADEERSHIP & BEHAVIOR

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 39. HOW TO GET OTHERS TO BELIEVE IN YOU

OCT. 19, 2022. 25 MINS 47 SECS

What does it mean to handle rejection, rise above frustration, work through our fears, and follow our instincts to get others to believe in you? This show on Mentza is an extension of my previous session on rejection amid offline requests from some of my listeners who shared their frustrations in getting a 'yes' or a positive response from prospective business partners, agents, talent scouts, patrons, etc. Drawing upon principles of self-love, rejection analysis, and techniques of intuitive decision-making, I address six ways in which believing in yourself can create a positive shift in social perceptions, getting others to believe in you.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I LEADERSHIP & BEHAVIOR

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 38. SIX WAYS TO TURN REJECTION INTO OPPORTUNITY

OCT. 12, 2022. 25 MINS 57 SECS.

What does rejection mean? Where does it come from? What factors drive decisions on the part of those who reject? Do the coping mechanisms we’re seeing among the rejected safeguard mental health? Drawing upon decision analysis, perception studies, and parapsychology, this live session looks at six ways in which various instances of rejection can be transformed into opportunities, ranging from intuition development and the practice of tapping into one’s imagination to an autonomy of one’s lived experiences and the act of being delusional.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I LEADERSHIP & BEHAVIOR

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 37. WHY IS FAILURE CRUCIAL FOR SUCCESS?

OCT. 5, 2022. 26 MINS 23 SECS

This live session looks at six ways in which failure can be turned to success, addressing how and why it's helpful to break free from the fetters of social conditioning which instill beliefs that failure is akin to being a write-off.

We look at dispelling stereotypes and limiting thought patterns in that regard and talk about why failure is inevitable when you want to realize your dreams and make it big.

I also briefly share my own journey as an author and my reaction when HarperCollins acquired my first novel!

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I GENDER AND SOCIETY

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 36. SEXISM IN WOMEN’S FASHION: WHERE ARE ALL THE POCKETS AND SIZES?

SEPT. 28, 2022. 25 MINS 50 SECS

This live session addresses the intersection of patriarchal approaches to women's clothing and a push among retailers to boost sales through clothing and bags that are trendy at the cost of functionality for women. All the way from shapewear, non-inclusivity in clothing sizes, and movement-constraining ensembles to the absence of pockets in women's clothing, and handbags designed for discomfort, this show explores why women are expected to take up "less space" with their bodies, why they must "be pretty" in front of men and whether that culture continues to elicit as much tolerance today.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I Q&A: GENDER AND SOCIETY

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 35. IMPACT OF SOCIOCULTURAL PRESSURES ON MEN (FT. LEADERSHIP COACH UDAY KIRAN)

SEPT. 21, 2022. 26 MINS 3 SECS

Amid patriarchal impositions on men in terms of their expected role as providers, protectors, fighters and primary breadwinners, psychosocial pressures lead to massive socioeconomic consequences ranging from increased crime and depression to loss of productivity and dehumanization of women and other genders. Featuring #1MinuteStories creator and leadership coach Uday Kiran as guest speaker, this session addresses the impact of sociocultural expectations from men on the well being of societies, businesses, and communities.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I PHARMA AND BIOLOGY

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 34. IS BIG PHARMA MAKING PEOPLE SICK?

SEPT. 14, 2022. 25 MINS 40 SECS.

A hunger for profits in the healthcare and Big Pharma sectors has resulted in a pill-popping culture synonymous with detrimental long-term effects on public health and well being. This session addresses the impact of overprescription and polypharmacy on the immune systems and cognitive functions of people in a dynamic where Big Pharma, fueled by insurance carriers, sells more drugs to “set right” the health issues arising from various medications known to cause tumors, cancers, various autoimmune disorders and other chronic health conditions.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I WORLD (RACE AND CULTURE)

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 33. FOOD MYTHBUSTERS: DECOLONIZING OUR PLATES

SEPT. 7, 2022. 26 MINS 1 SEC

This session addresses whether standards of healthy eating and body image need to be reframed in the West to accommodate the food practices of various Eastern, African, and Latin American cultures which have generally been believed to be fattening, unhealthy, and detrimental to weight management. We discuss what decolonizing our plates looks like and whether the acceptable definition of what's considered healthy eating should be broadened to deflect from fat phobia and the Eurocentric standards of beauty that are deemed to enhance opportunity, access, wealth, status, and relationships.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I WORLD

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 32. ARE CURRENT NURSERY RHYMES AND STORIES TOXIC FOR CHILDREN

AUG 31, 2022. 26 MINS 4 SECS

Many contemporary nursery rhymes and stories children are learning are believed to have dark and disturbing origins that promote pessimism, racism, sexism, patriarchy, toxic masculinity, gender inequality and gender-exclusion even if some of those rhymes have been revised or modified from their original versions. This session explores the impact of present-day rhymes on the socialization processes, psyche and mental health of kids, looking at whether children of all backgrounds subconsciously internalize the practice of viewing people of color, women and other genders differently.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I WORLD (RACE)

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 31. IS A CHANGE IN ACCENT REQUIRED TO BLEND IN?

AUG 24, 2022. 25 MINS 58 SECS

This session looks at whether accents matter to people who move to other countries to study, work, start a family, or pursue other opportunities, discussing whether first-world Western world immigrants from emerging nations face pressures to anglicize their accents to avoid discrimination or avail of more opportunities in sectors ranging from law and the media to entertainment and deal-making. This session additionally addresses the need for social integration and effective, non-discriminative approaches to socialization among children.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I CULTURE AND SOCIETY (GENDER)

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 30. IS BREASTFEEDING IN PUBLIC FROWNED UPON?

AUG 17, 2022. 2O MINS 39 SECS

Although public breastfeeding is legal in most countries, the sequestration that’s implicit in the case of women who nurse in public is a pervasive repercussion of social conditioning. On occasion of Breast Awareness Month in August, this live session addresses the controversy around breastfeeding in public against the backdrop of a narrative revolving around the sexualization and fetishization of breasts as a key driver of the ongoing taboo in many parts of the world.

REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I CULTURE AND SOCIETY (GENDER)

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 29. TO HAVE OR NOT HAVE A CHILD: THE BARRAGE OF SOCIAL STIGMA

AUG 10, 2022. 26 MINS 25 SECS

This live episode addresses the social stigma associated with choices related to having or not having a child, including various non-traditional efforts to have a child, ranging from IVF and surrogacy, foster parenting, and adoption. We also look at continued preferences for male newborns, child adoption laws, and evolving social perceptions of pregnancies out of wedlock in India today, and pressures that some married women face from families, friends, colleagues, doctors and/or community/society members to get pregnant.

REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I SPECIAL GUEST FEATURE: CRIME AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 28. CAN CRIMINALS PROFIT FROM SELLING THEIR STORIES?

AUG 3, 2022. 25 MINS 50 SECS

We’re often drawn to movies about serial killers or other types of criminals because we’re curious to know how their minds works. But what if someone commits a crime, writes a book about it and makes a million dollars? What if they sell their story to Netflix or Amazon for a quick buck? Is it legal for a person to commit a crime and then profit from the publicity of it? Moderated by Nish Amarnath, this episode features a human rights lawyer who addresses the legalities and ethics at play in this scenario.

REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I EDUCATION (RACE AND GENDER)

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 27. ARE SCHOOL DRESS CODES UNFAIR FOR GIRLS?

JULY 27, 2022. 25 MINS 55 SECS

School dress codes are increasingly becoming a pretext for policing women’s bodies - a practice that contributes to body dysmorphia, sexual crimes, and loss of lives. This session draws parallels that identify similarities and subtle nuances in how dress code policies manifest and impact young women across India and the U.S, mapping out a striking contrast in the ways in which stigmatization, objectification, marginalization of female bodies occur in educational settings across both countries.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I WORLD

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 26. IS THE REVOLT AGAINST ELITES GLOBAL?

JULY 20, 2022. 26 MINS 28 SECS

Various uprisings, ranging from the overthrow of the Sri Lankan government and attacks in South Africa to farmer protests in the Netherlands and new discoveries emerging with regard to the 2021 U.S. Capitol insurrection, point to a growing dissatisfaction among middle and lower-income civilians protesting against governments, inflation, food shortages, expats, corporate bigwigs, and political and business leaders. This session looks at whether the growth of civil unrest in various pockets of the world marks a global revolt against wealth, authority, power, and capitalistic practices.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I GENDER

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 25. DO APPROACHES TO PATERNITY LEAVE REFLECT ONGOING GENDER STEREOTYPES?

JULY 13, 2022. 26 MINS 14 SECS

Approaches to parental leave in the U.S. and India have a long way to go to catch up with other countries like Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Japan, Canada and the UK. This session looks at whether parental leave policies in the U.S. and India reflect a form of discrimination against men and reinforce gender stereotypes of their partners as primary caregivers of newborns and infants. We also discuss whether men avail of longer paternity leaves provided by certain corporate employers in the U.S., and how workplaces in India can incentivize men to share in their partners’ experience of caring for newborns.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I HEALTH AND EDUCATION

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 24. SHOULD SCHOOLS START LATER THAN 8.30 A.M.?

JULY 6, 2022. 26 MINS 3 SECS

There's some good news for tweens and teens in California: fewer heads down on classroom desks for afternoon siestas. California Gov. Newsom's law, which went into effect July 1, 2022, mandates that high school classes cannot start earlier than 8.30 a.m. and middle schools cannot begin earlier than 8 a.m. Similar bills are under consideration in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, following years of campaigning by parents, not-for-profits and sleep experts who argue that chronic sleep deprivation due to early school start times is harming the health of teens and tweens. This live episode looks at pressures to optimize the economics of bus fleets in terms of the influence of pick-up/drop-off schedules on earlier start times, and the possibility of altering schedules to standardize later school start times across India and the US.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I POLITICS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 23. THE U.S. SUPREME COURT ABORTION RULING: WHAT COMES NEXT?

JUNE 29, 2022. 26 MINS

This session addresses the implications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 24, 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade, which slices away abortion rights that were federally protected for about 50 years. We look at what the Supreme Court decision means for women, families, businesses, healthcare centers, fertility clinics, foster care agencies, social workers, child care institutes, and state governments. We also discuss the increased risk of trafficking and pedophilia if rules and criteria for adoption, as a proposed alternative to abortion, are relaxed.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE. .

MENTZA I BIOLOGY AND MENTAL HEALTH

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 22. “WAIT. AM I FAT?” THE IMPACT OF CULTURE ON BODY IMAGE

JUNE 22, 2022. 26 MINS 1 SEC

This session addresses the impact of culture and society on our relationship with our bodies. We discuss the differences between body positivity, body neutrality, the merits and drawbacks of both ideologies, the backlash we’re seeing against both of these movements, and why compliments about someone’s weight loss or weight gain aren’t appropriate.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I CULTURE AND SOCIETY

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 21. LOVE AND SEX: THE PRICE OF MORALS AND MODESTY

JUNE 15, 2022. 26 MINS 1 SEC

Drawing upon recent instances of honor killings, conversion therapy, abductions, and denial of access to basic rights, this session addresses the prevalence of forced and arranged marriages driven by a stigma of intimacy in the context of continued strictures on dating, premarital sex, cohabitation, same-sex relationships, and sologamy. This episode also touches upon intergenerational trauma, the challenges of queer couples and the illusion of sacrifice imposed on women to validate expectations of their roles in society.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE..

MENTZA I WORLD

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 20. GENIE POPS OUT OF THE BOTTLE: THE ODDS OF A GLOBAL RECESSION

JUNE 8, 2022. 25 MINS 53 SECS.

This live episode looks at the possibility and extent of a global downturn amid the Ukraine War, strict Covid lockdowns in China, food crises, escalating living costs, supply constraints, spending declines, and interest rate hikes. On the back of spillover effects of supply disruptions and a slowdown in the global export cycle, this session also addresses the factors driving a stagflation scenario through a comparative analysis of landscapes in the US, Europe, India, China, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE..

MENTZA I GUN LAWS

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 19. SCHOOLS AS BATTLEFIELDS - BANNING THE GUN (A REPEAL OF THE U.S. SECOND AMENDMENT)

JUNE 1, 2022. 25 MINS 02 SECS.

In the landscape of a distorted political economy governed by a schism on public exploration and true entrepreneurship, gun shows and private dealings are huge sources of profits for weapon manufacturers who are cashing in on a loophole in the federal law around gun sale exemptions at shows, online spaces, and dealings involving private individuals. This session looks at Biden’s renewed push for a ban on assault weapons, offers a glimpse into evolving interpretations of the U.S. Second Amendment and discusses the feasibility of approaches to repealing this amendment.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE..

MENTZA I Q&A: HOMELESSNESS AND MENTAL. HEALTH

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 18. IMPACT OF DISCRIMINATION ON MENTAL HEALTH - SPECIAL GUEST DR. VANDANA GOPIKUMAR (CO-FOUNDER, THE BANYAN)

MAY 25, 2022. 25 MINS 57 SECS.

The impact of racial, gender, and economic discrimination on immune system function and emotional well being continues to be understudied, particularly in the context of how disenfranchisement and marginalization contribute to homelessness. This session addresses the intersectionality of homelessness, class, race / caste, and gender in conjunction with the impact of related forms of discrimination on mental health and implications for mental illness.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I WORLD

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 17. HOW IS THE UKRAINE WAR STOKING A GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS?

MAY 18, 2022. 25 MINS 45 SECS.

Amid soaring grocery prices, supply shortages and rising inflation, about 125 million people worldwide are at a risk of starvation on the heels of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, even as farmers grapple with spikes in fertilizer prices and pressures to charge more for their crops while risking lower yields. This session looks at how the war in Ukraine is threatening global food supply, what India’s ban on wheat exports means for the world, and what alternatives exist to soften the blow of a looming global food crisis.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I POLITICS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 16. WOMEN AND ABORTION: A CHOICE OR A LAW?

MAY 11, 2022. 25 MINS 44 SECS

This session looks at the reproductive choices of women and draws upon perspectives from pro-life and pro-choice activists to offer a comparative analysis of the legal and socio-political landscapes in the U.S. and India against the backdrop of the U.S. Supreme Court’s initial draft majority opinion seeking to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision and the Casey provisions. We also look at whether abortion rights will be codified as an additional amendment - a plan of action which the U.S. Senate is currently gearing up to vote on.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I GENDER (LGBTQ+)

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 15. DO TRANS WOMEN REAP UNFAIR GAINS IN SPORTS?

MAY 4, 2022. 25 MINS 41 SECS

Drawing upon many examples, this session addresses the challenges of trans inclusion in sports, particularly the lack of a level-playing field for cis-women sports players competing with trans women athletes who have a biological advantage, despite hormone therapy, and who have been cleared to compete in women’s teams based on arbitrary parameters like the 10 nmol/L testosterone threshold, which is an inclusion criterion for many sports organizations ranging from the NCAA to the International Olympic Committee.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE EPISODE CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I WORLD (POLITICS, PSYCHOLOGY AND GEOPOLITICS)

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 14. STAR WARS-STYLE JEDI COUNCIL: SCREENIING ASPIRING POLITICAL CANDIDATES

APRIL 27, 2022. 24 MINS 52 SECS

This topic was chosen based on responses to last week’s poll, ahead of Star Wars Day on May 4. This session looks at the need for a #Starwars-style international Jedi Council for evaluating the eligibility of aspiring political candidates to stand for elections - in terms of competency, soundness of mind, and mental fitness for the job. This podcast also draws on analogies with corporate hiring practices to address the need for a level-playing field between civilians and aspiring world leaders.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE EPISODE CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MENTAL HEALTH

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 13. SOCIAL MEDIA AS A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD FOR MENTAL HEALTH

APRIL 20, 2022. 25 MINS 38 SECS

Is social media a double-edged sword for mental health? That's the topic I've chosen based on popular demand by way of responses to my April 2022 poll! All the way from Elon Musk's hostile $43B Twitter takeover bid with an aim to promote free speech to Frank James who posted several videos on YouTube (which some counselors said was a cry for help) weeks before the Brooklyn Subway Attacks in New York last week and his ensuing arrest, this session touches upon various current affairs developments to discuss what social media means for one's relationship with oneself and the world.

REPLAY OF THIS EPISODE CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I Q&A: CULTURE AND SOCIETY (GENDER)

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 12. BOYS DON’T CRY - EMBRACING MALE VULNERABILITY: SPECIAL GUEST UDAY KIRAN

APRIL 13, 2022. 25 MINS 51 SECS

In conversation with leadership coach Uday Kiran about pressures that men face to conform to sociocultural expectations of male dominance and suppressed creative and emotional expression amid gendered processes of socialization and engagement, which reinforce stereotypes of “alpha-male” and “tough-guy.” We discuss the implications of pressures to transmute expressions of emotional suffering into aggression/anger in terms of an impact on social and mental health, touching upon the growing incidence of undiagnosed depression among men.

REPLAY OF THIS CONVERSATTION CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I Q&A: MUSIC AND MENTAL HEALTH

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 11. IMPACT OF MELODY AND RHYTHM ON MENTAL HEALTH: SPECIAL GUEST SUDHA RAGUNATHAN

APRIL 6, 2022. 25 MINS 34 SECS

In conversation with leading musician, vocalist, singer and composer Sudha Ragunathan about the impact of music on mental health in terms of stress reduction, anxiety alleviation, management of depression, and enhanced emotional resilience. Sudha Ragunathan, who has received the Padma Bhushan Award from the Govt. of India, and the Sangita Kalanidhi from the prestigious Madras Music Academy, was recently appointed as board member on the Central Advisory Board on Culture at the Government of India.

REPLAY OF THIS CONVERSATTION CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I CULTURE AND SOCIETY (GENDER)

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 10. THE TOILET SNAG: WHERE DO WOMEN PEE?

MARCH 30, 2022. 26 MINS 3 SECS

Women cab drivers in New York have quit their jobs since they lack access to public toilets. In the UK, which averages 10 male urinals for every ladies’ toilet, women wait in line for public restrooms 34 times longer than men do. Amsterdam has only three public toilets for women, compared to 35 public urinals for men. And in India and China, public toilets, mostly intended for able-bodied men, are built on the premise that pregnant, lactating, menstruating and/or differently abled women do not exist. This session touches upon address the lack of access to toilets for women, all the way from the UK and Netherlands to India and China.

REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I WORLD

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 9. SHOULD MASKS REMAIN MANDATORY ON AIRPLANES?

MARCH 23, 2022. 25 MINS 55 SECS

With many people vaccinated and Covid cases easing in large swaths of the world, this live session, from March 16, 2022, addresses whether face coverings should remain compulsory, in the absence of a new variant, while flying. We will also look into whether airline mask policy may become a permanent change, similar to the smoking ban and other policies that have been introduced over the decades never to be undone.

A REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I Q&A: EDUCATION

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 8. THE SCHOOL FIASCO (PART 2)

MARCH 16, 2022. 26 MINS 3 SECS

A key measure of one’s character in the real world is the ability to adapt to different situations, which are often grey areas rather than black or white spaces which can be graded as “correct” or “wrong.” This session, an extension of the March 9 episode discusses the need for transparent, interactive and collaborative learning environments that enable young people to take ownership of their learning processes and strengthen their emotional resilience and adaptability to different situations for successful and well-adjusted lives as adults.

REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I Q&A: EDUCATION

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 7. SPECIAL GUEST: SAIRA SHAH HALIM: DO SCHOOLS PREPARE YOUNG PEOPLE FOR THE REAL WORLD?

MARCH 9, 2022. 25 MINS 9 SECS

This session addresses the effectiveness of of schools in preparing young people for the real world. Social andpolitical activist Saira Shah Halim, who has been an active voice on various channels and platforms across Indian national television as a panelist, and speaker shares her thoughts on what's working and not working in the school system, and what schools need to do to better align their curricula to real-world twenty-first century skills, and how graduates can be more work-ready and life-ready.

REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I WORLD: CURRENT AFFAIRS

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 6. THE RUSSIA/UKRAINE CRISIS: WHAT ARE THE GLOBAL STAKES?

MARCH 2, 2022. 25 MINS 16 SECS

The stakes are high. And the stakes are personal. This session addresses the social and individual impact of the Russia/Ukraine conflict, covering how disruptions at multiple levels, including global energy supply, exports, supply chain, jet fuel costs, and regional stabilization efforts in Libya and Syria, can impact us personally in our day-to-day lives.

REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I CULTURE AND SOCIETY (COLORISM)

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 5. SKIN COLOR SPOTLIGHT: IS A FIXATION ON FAIR STILL IN?

FEB 23, 2022. 25 MINS 48 SECS

This episode spans existing and evolving discourses on colorism to address whether people with lighter skin and more Euro-centric features are receiving more privileges and opportunities at multiple levels than darker-skinned people. This show additionally looks at the patterns of social conditioning that urge us to more closely align ourselves to colonized standards and notions of beauty.

REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I CULTURE AND SOCIETY (GENDER AND INCLUSION)

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 4. MAKING LOVE WITHOUT LABELS: WHY IT MATTERS (VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL)

FEB. 16, 2022. 24 MINS 30 SECS.

This session explores how we can change the narrative of inclusivity in love, romance and dating. The scope of inclusivity discussed in this circle spans individuals who are queer, differently-abled, old, young, big, small, married, divorced, widowed, single parents, those with mental illnesses and/or chronic medical conditions, and more.

REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I CRYPTO & HUMAN RIGHTS

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 3. BITCOIN - AN ESCAPE HATCH FROM CRUELTY

FEB. 9, 2022. 24 MINS 46 SECS.

This session addresses whether Bitcoin is effective in boosting democracy, sidestepping corruption, and regaining freedom from authoritarian and/or dictatorial regimes, all the way from police brutality in Nigeria and tight sanctions in Cuba to the Russia/Ukraine crisis, which saw more than $4M raised by Ukrainian charities and volunteer groups through cryptocurrencies since the start of the Russian invasion. .

REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I GENDER AND INCLUSION (LGBTQ+)

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 2. SEX ED PART 2: CRUSHING IN PRIVATE: LGBTQ+-INCLUSIVE SEX EDUCATION.

FEB. 2, 2022. 25 MINS 41 SECS.

Based on the enthusiasm and high engagement we had during our first session on sex ed, we're doing some Sex Ed Part 2, which will focus exclusively on LGBTQ+ aspects, spanning gender identity, sexual orientation, gender neutrality, gender fluidity, pansexuality, what it means to be non-binary, and more!Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

MENTZA I CULTURE AND SOCIETY

CHANNEL: PEOPLE WHO SEE

EPISODE 1. SEX ED PART 1: SHOULD SEX EDUCATION BE MANDATORY IN SCHOOLS?

JAN. 26, 2022. 27 MINS 12 SECS

Is it just about the biological mechanism of sex? Or is it also about the moral and psychological aspects of embracing one's sexuality + recognizing various genders + honoring the importance of informed consent + understanding the differences between gender identity and sexual orientation + practicing gender neutrality + so much more! Do schools need to step in to play a role in helping children develop healthy attitudes toward sex, relationships, gender recognition and sexuality?

REPLAY OF THIS LIVE SHOW CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

NANO MEETUPS. JULY 25, 2020

POEMS AND SONGS WITH NISH AMARNATH

A live show that combines poetry-reading and music hosted by Sugat Shanker on @nano_talks.

SONGS

‘Song reveals’ of my own compositions, Distorted, Incarnation and Seesaw.

POEMS READ:

Rainbow Whispers

Cyrus and Bree

Groundswell

NANO MEETUPS. JULY 11, 2020 (LIVE Q&A)

LOVE IN THE TIME OF CORONA

Stories That Heal: Battling Depression

On this interview on Nano Meetups, I discuss the role of an integration-based ‘collective consciousness’ approach to equality and improved mental health among people of color, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdowns. I also field questions about my upcoming novel, TWIN FLAME, which features mixed-race protagonists, and the influence of my personal journey through depression on my writings.

Additionally, I touch upon the role of South Asian support for the Black Lives Matter movement and the importance of addressing nepotism in the context of the suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput.

KEYWORDS: Black Lives Matter, Fiction, Storytelling, Depression, Mental Health, Sushant Singh Rajput, Twin Flames, Coronavirus, Lockdown 2020, COVID-19.

THE INDIAN AWAZ AUTHOR AWARDS (LIVE VIDEO). MAY 2020

10 SUREFIRE WAYS OF SUCCESS WITH PUBLISHING AND READERSHIP.

More than 3,200 viewers joined in live from around the world. On this interactive 55-minute video, I’ve presented ten pointers to capture readership as a fiction author and elicit the interest of a publisher. On this live event, I’ve also read excerpts from my next novel, TWIN FLAME as examples to demonstrate in practice the approaches that I've shared with viewers.

NEW YORK WRITERS WORKSHOP - CRIME WRITING AND READING SERIES.

RED ROOM NYC, OCT. 2019

Sharing my voice at the New York Writers Workshop's First Thursday Reading Series at a session on crime writing and crime literature.

SEGMENT 1:

On this video segment, I discuss VICTIMS FOR SALE as a crime novel that combines humanistic and feministic approaches to lend an additional dimension to the #MeToo movement and the push for women empowerment.

The Poets & Writers Association pitched in to support this New York Writers Workshop initiative and all speakers were offered an honorarium.

#books #thrillers #novels #crimefiction #crimenovel #NYC #mysteryfiction #psychologicalthriller #suspensereads #bestsellers

NEW YORK WRITERS WORKSHOP - CRIME WRITING AND READING SERIES.

RED ROOM NYC, OCT. 2019

SEGMENT 2: THE ETHICAL DILEMMA

On this video segment, I’m demonstrating how common and critical the experience of an ethical dilemma is among journalists, particularly those handling risky and sensitive issues that often place them in the heart of danger.

As a case in point, I read a scene from my latest book, VICTIMS FOR SALE, where teenaged BBC stringer Sandy must navigate through the morass of a conflict, where there is no black and white answer…no right or wrong…And what she chooses to do will have an impact on several lives and the forces driving them.

#books #thrillers #novels #crimefiction #crimenovel #NYC #mysteryfiction #psychologicalthriller #suspensereads #bestsellers

ALGONKIAN NYC WRITERS’ CONFERENCES. NEW YORK. MARCH 2019

VIDEO SEGMENT 1 - CHANNELING ESCAPISM: This video segment looks at how the intrinsic human desire for escapism can be channeled into developing powerful narratives.

Keywords: Algonkian Writer Conferences, fiction, novels, authors, novelists, writingtips

ALGONKIAN NYC WRITERS' CONFERENCES. NEW YORK. MARCH. 2019

VIDEO SEGMENT 3 - WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT AS AN AUTHOR? What inspires you to take ownership of your own critical thinking and learning processes? On this video segment, I try to urge authors and novelists to dig beneath the surface and look into themselves more deeply.

Keywords: writing, writers, authors, novelists, workshops, fiction, interactive, storytelling

ALGONKIAN NYC WRITERS' CONFERENCES. NEW YORK. MARCH 2019

VIDEO SEGMENT 4: BEING ON THE LITERARY RADAR - On this video segment, I address how fiction writers can build their voice across multiple platforms and contribute to ongoing debates and discussions revolving around social, cultural, economic and political issues. 

Keywords: Algonkian Writer Conferences, literary, fiction, authors, novelists, writers, gettingpublished

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP - EMOTIONAL LEARNING AND STORYTELLING

HINDUSTAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (CAMBRIDGE IGCSE). JAN. 19, 2019

This video segment offers a glimpse into the process of emotional learning for middle and high-school students (grades five through nine) who are taken on a journey of story-building and narrative development.

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP - EMOTIONAL LEARNING AND STORYTELLING: IMPROMPTU PORTRAIT SKETCH

HINDUSTAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (CAMBRIDGE IGCSE). JAN. 19, 2019

On this video segment, I can be seen sketching a simple portrait aimed at guiding the children/ teens through a creative and emotional learning process of coming up with different stories and interpretations of what they see on the whiteboard 

Keywords: Art, Creativity, Learning, Stories, Interpretations, Classroom learning

‘ART ENTREPRENEURSHIP’ KEYNOTE SEGMENT PARK 1: INNOVATION & FAILURE

MADRAS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (AN AFFILIATE OF THE ALL INDIA MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, DELHI). JAN. 18, 2019

This video segment of the keynote focuses on failure as a critical component of improvisation, a key aspect of innovation and social change.

‘ART ENTREPRENEURSHIP’ KEYNOTE SEGMENT PART 2: ADAPTABILITY

MADRAS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (AN AFFILIATE OF THE ALL INDIA MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, DELHI). JAN. 18, 2019

This video segment focuses on adaptability and the why the practice of straying away from rules and norms is instrumental in facilitating social change.

‘ART ENTREPRENEURSHIP’ KEYNOTE SEGMENT PART 3: UNCONVENTIONAL COLLABORATIONS

MADRAS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (AN AFFILIATE OF THE ALL INDIA MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, DELHI). JAN. 18, 2019

This video segment focuses on the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to the unconventional collaborations that are fixtures in the life of an art entrepreneur.

‘ART ENTREPRENEURSHIP’ KEYNOTE SEGMENT - PART 4: TRANSLATING ADVERSITY

MADRAS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (AN AFFILIATE OF THE ALL INDIA MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, DELHI). JAN. 18, 2019

This video segment of the 'Art Entrepreneurship' keynote focuses on the need for corporate leaders to draw upon the art entrepreneur's ability to translate adversities into opportunities.

‘ART ENTREPRENEURSHIP’ KEYNOTE SEGMENT - PART 5: LATERAL THOUGHT AS A MANAGEMENT TOOL

MADRAS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (AN AFFILIATE OF THE ALL INDIA MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, DELHI). JAN. 18, 2019

On this video segment, I share my experiences of fieldwork in Europe for my next book, Twin Flame and talk about the criticality of lateral thought and creative thinking for budget and time management (on the part of art entrepreneurs).

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‘ART ENTREPRENEURSHIP’ KEYNOTE SEGMENT PART 6: SENSITIVITY AND EMPATHY

MADRAS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (AN AFFILIATE OF THE ALL INDIA MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, DELHI). JAN. 18, 2019

This video segment looks into how high levels of overexcitability encourage empathy. Additionally, I point to a 'Theory of Mind' research experiment where people who read literary fiction were found to more accurately interpret the gestures of random strangers that they saw on photographs. 
.

‘TOPIC: ‘BOOKHOUSES OF BOMBAY—ARABIAN SEA HOPSCOTCH’]

GRANTH - JUHU, MUMBAI. JAN. 9, 2018