Best A. Shantha Podcasts (2025)

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Ground invasion of Gaza City begins (w/ Dimitri Lascaris) | West Asia Series #1 38:07

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31m ago38:07

38:07

This is the first episode of our new West Asia series, which is dedicated to covering the latest developments out of Palestine and the Arab-Iranian region more broadly.Please support:Lifeline4Gaza: https://lifeline4gaza.com/One of the Sameer Projects several campaigns across the Gaza Strip: https://linktr.ee/thesameerproject/In this episode, we cov…

1
80 Years Since the Victory Against Fascism in Asia (w/ Qiao Collective) 2:05:10

40m ago2:05:10

2:05:10

In this episode, I’m joined by 2 members of the Qiao Collective to discuss a number of things related to the 80th anniversary of the victory against fascism in Asia. We first discuss the new Chinese film ‘Dead to Rights’ whose story looks at the Nanjing massacre, a key moment of World War 2 in China. We then discuss China’s broader role in WW2 and …

1
India's Place in a Multipolar World (w/ Radhika Desai) 1:10:32

10d ago1:10:32

1:10:32

In this episode, I am joined by renowned Marxist scholar Radhika Desai to discuss India’s place in the world today, and particularly among the global south. We start off the conversation assessing the US threat of tariffs against India for purchasing Russian oil, why this has caused crisis among Indian political circles, why India’s economy is vuln…

1
Why China's Socialist Development Threatens the West (w/ Carl Zha) 32:17

16d ago32:17

32:17

In this episode, Carl Zha and I discuss the long trajectory of China’s socialist development, struggles within the Communist Party of China, as well as the US’ attempts so far to ‘contain’ China’s development trajectory. Carl Zha (⁩@carlzha) hosts the Silk and Steel podcast on his Youtube channel; check it out if you haven't already. Journal of Int…

1
Building an Internationalist Left in a New Era of Global Politics (w/ Breht O'Shea from Revolutionary Left Radio) 1:55:55

1M ago1:55:55

1:55:55

In this latest episode, I'm joined by Breht O'Shea (who many of you will know as the host of Revolutionary Left Radio) for a pretty wide-ranging discussion. We talk about the state of the left in the global north amidst the Gaza genocide and its inability to effectively do something about it, we talk about broader global shifts taking place at the …

1
India: A History of the Left Movement and Class Struggle (w/ Jyotishman Mudiar) 1:50:16

1M ago1:50:16

1:50:16

Jyotishman Mudiar, host of India & Global Left, joins me this episode to discuss the history of the communist movement and the left in India. We discuss the labour and peasant agitations during the colonial period, the splits between the different Indian communist parties, the Maoist movement in India, the successes of people-oriented reforms at th…

1
The Long Transition Towards Socialism and the End of Capitalism (w/ Torkil Lauesen) 1:39:49

1M ago1:39:49

1:39:49

In this episode, we look at the history of class struggles on a world scale – including movements for decolonization and building socialism – and how to understand this history from our current moment. We discuss the changes that took place during the neoliberal period, how to understand our current political moment, and how to carry on the process…

1
Situating the Gaza Genocide in Anti-Colonial History (w/ Raven from In Defense of Liberation) 1:06:56

2M ago1:06:56

1:06:56

In this episode, we look at recent developments in Gaza and the region – including the state of famine imposed by the israeli regime – and attempt to contextualize it within a broader history of colonialism/anti-colonialism. We also discuss the so-called 'ceasefire negotiations' that appear to pop up every now and then, giving people hope, but that…

1
Mark Carney's First 100ish Days as Prime Minister: A Paradigm Shift? (w/ Blueprints of Disruption) 1:48:48

2M ago1:48:48

1:48:48

In this episode, Jessa McLean of Blueprints of Disruption and I discuss recent developments in Canadian politics since the election of Mark Carney's Liberal government. We start by discussing Carney's two signature bills so far: the colonial and pro-fossil fuel Bill C-5 and the anti-migrant and pro-surveillance Bill C-2. We then discuss Canada's ne…

1
The Global Struggle for Peace and Socialism (w/ Vijay Prashad) 53:13

2M ago53:13

53:13

Vijay Prashad joins me on this episode of the International Solidarity podcast for a wide-ranging discussion that covers the Iran-Israel conflict, the India-Pakistan conflict, Zohran Mamdani’s recent Democratic primary win, and the tasks of the global left today and prospects for socialism. Journal of International Solidarity Links Instagram: https…

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A Decolonial Perspective on 'Canadian Multiculturalism' 17:53

3M ago17:53

17:53

This episode features a recent presentation podcast host Ashwin gave at an academic conference earlier in June. The presentation takes a Marxist approach in analyzing how 'Canadian multiculturalism' as a phenomenon came about, its relationship to settler colonialism, what its contradictions are today, and what it reveals about decolonization on thi…

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China's Path in the 21st Century (w/ Tings Chak) 1:08:57

4M ago1:08:57

1:08:57

Tings Chak joins me on this episode of the International Solidarity Pod to have a wide-ranging discussion on China's path in the 21st century. We discuss the poverty alleviation campaign in China and how it was conducted, the question of women’s liberation in China, and the future of the One Country, Two Systems policy in Hong Kong and Macau. "Serv…

1
The Politics of Liberation in Times of War (w/ In Defense of Liberation) 1:07:48

5M ago1:07:48

1:07:48

Raven from In Defense of Liberation joins me this episode for a wide-ranging conversation that covers the ongoing ge-nocidal war in Palestine and the global history of resistance and liberation struggles, among other things. In Defense of Liberation Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-defense-of-liberation/id1484422538 Journal of Inte…

1
Canadian Electoral Politics and the State of the Left (w/ Dimitri Lascaris) 55:45

5M ago55:45

55:45

In this latest episode of the pod, I was joined by lawyer and journalist Dimitri Lascaris to discuss the 2025 Canadian federal election. We touch on Canada’s place in the world, particularly as it relates to both the US and the genocide in Palestine, issues of housing and immigration in Canada, and the state of the Canadian left, and more. Reason2R…

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The Global Rise of Hindutva and Contesting Hinduism from the Left (w/ Pranay Somayajula) 57:56

5M ago57:56

57:56

Pranay Somayajula of Hindus for Human Rights joins me to discuss the global rise of Hindutva and contesting Hinduism from the left. We discuss Islamophobia, the growing connections between Zionism and Hindutva, as well as the caste system and Brahminical patriarchy within Hinduism, among other things. - Hindus for Human Rights: https://www.hindusfo…

1
China vs. India – Divergent Paths of Development (w/ India & Global Left) 57:00

5M ago57:00

57:00

Jyotishman from India & Global Left joins me this episode to discuss how China and India – two countries with many similarities – ended up developing so differently. We discuss their liberation struggles, patriarchy and class, the agrarian question, neoliberalism, Hindutva, and more. Check out India & Global Left's channel: https://www.youtube.com/…

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Imperialist War and Feminist Resistance in the Global South 1:12:05

6M ago1:12:05

1:12:05

This episode, we discuss how how western imperialism wages hybrid-war against women in the global south, and how this is resisted by them. Guests: Pilar Troya Fernandez, Harleen Kaur (Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research) REPORT (Imperialist War and Feminist Resistance in the Global South): https://thetricontinental.org/dossier-imperialist…

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Marxism and the Global South (w/ Vijay Prashad) 48:15

6M ago48:15

48:15

In this episode, we look at the legacy of Marxism across the global south as an ideology and practice of national liberation against imperialism, as well as the challenges faced by the global south today. In doing so, we cover Palestine, China, India, the Alliance of Sahel States in Africa, and more. Tricontinental Institute for Social Research: ht…

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Origins of Canadian Settler Colonialism and Whiteness (w/ Dr. Phil Henderson) 1:34:37

6M ago1:34:37

1:34:37

In this first episode of the International Solidarity Pod, Dr. Phil Henderson discusses the how the confederation of Canada in 1867 marked a new trajectory for the dispossession of Indigenous peoples on the continent, and that the creation of 'whiteness' was an important development at this time. A central takeaway from this conversation is that 'C…

1
Why Indians Must See Themselves in Palestine (Pt. 1): A Common History of Colonialism 38:23

1y ago38:23

38:23

Part 1 of this series outlines the common history of colonialism between Palestine & India, and demonstrates that Indian colonial history serves as a basis to unite with Palestinians. This series is based on an article I wrote on my Substack which can be found here. Follow my Instagram here.

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Emperor Of Good Times - For The Best , By The Best! Ft. Kapil Chopra Part2 - Founder The Postcard Hotel & Eazy Diner. Also Our Fabulous Season Sponsor. 20:31

3+ y ago20:31

20:31

For our Season Finale - Welcoming our season sponsor and someone who was most supportive of my endeavour. I admire Kapil Chopra - His contribution to Luxury Hospitality notwithstanding , his humble demeanour makes him a truly magnificent gentleman. He knows his luxury, style and what it takes to be on the top A company that is designed to provide a…

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Emperor Of Good Times - For The Best , By The Best! Ft. Kapil Chopra Pt1 - Founder The Postcard Hotel & Eazy Diner. Also Our Fabulous Season Sponsor. 21:16

3+ y ago21:16

21:16

For our Season Finale - Welcoming our season sponsor and someone who was most supportive of my endeavour. I admire Kapil Chopra - His contribution to Luxury Hospitality notwithstanding , his humble demeanour makes him a truly magnificent gentleman. He knows his luxury, style and what it takes to be on the top A company that is designed to provide a…

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STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART FT. BIBHOR SRIVASTAVA - MANAGING DIRECTOR ITP MEDIA INDIA 26:44

3+ y ago26:44

26:44

We at The Damn Fine Life Show With Rinku Madan are so thrilled to announce the fifteenth episode of our podcast, “Straight From The Heart”, which dives deep into the details of Luxury Media . ITP Media - Bibhor Srivasatva has become synonymous with luxury media and has built up a cult following around his numerous publications - like Boutique Hotel…

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‘Believe’ Ft. Shantha De Silva Ceo - Hotels at Pro-Invest Group 29:10

3+ y ago29:10

29:10

In this week's episode, Shantha De Silva joins Rinku Madan to discuss his newly released book, Believe. They talk about the story behind the book's name, his Sri Lanka days, IHG's impact on his career, And what attracted him to the great IHG to stay with them for over 35 years . Hear him now, on The Damn Fine Life PODCAST.…

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Around The World In My Fedora Ft. Sjefke Jansen - Chairman Jakarta Hotel Association 27:01

3+ y ago27:01

27:01

Sjefke Jansen is one of those admirably passionate hoteliers who has time for the world and as the Chairman of the Jakarta Hotel Association, for all the Luxury Hotels in Indonesia as well - A role he carries admirably and with alot of grace. His philosophy - Community can be a sense of real belonging, or just a group of people you really feel conn…

1
Adventures Of Riss Guardian Of The Brand & Chief Commercial Officer at Soneva FT . Carissa Nimah 30:37

3+ y ago30:37

30:37

Celebrating 25 Glorious Years. Guardian of the Brand & CCO- Soneva - Carissa Nimah speaks to Rinku Madan for the latest instalment of The Damn Fine Life Show With Rinku Madan. Soneva islands are based in The Maldives . Founders and Pioneers of Luxury in the Maldives - the very fine Sonu Shivdasani and his wife Eva , have nurtured and fine-tuned the…

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Alessio Secci And A Family History Written In Wine 26:26

3+ y ago26:26

26:26

Starting this weeks episode with some wine trivia - Did you know that the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra had her own private wine club , and that it was used against her to bring down her empire!! Alessio Secci is the Co - Founder and Partner of the Fratelli Winery, in India . Alessio describes his first moments with wine, tasting wine with his father an…

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Ruling The Skies Ft. ROHIT KAPUR - President Jet Hq 30:05

3+ y ago30:05

30:05

Rinku is joined by one of the titans of Private Aviation, Rohit Kapur. Private aviation has become a much more viable alternative for high-end travelers, and for those with specific needs. Rohit Kapur - President Jet Hq comes by the show to talk about private jet travel and how the role it plays in the future of aviation and reducing carbon footpri…

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The Hospitality Doctor Ft. Max Hitchins 24:37

3+ y ago24:37

24:37

In this weeks episode Rinku Madan speaks with the very unassuming , down to earth and extremely accomplished Max Hitchins , who is also known as - “The Hospitality Doctor, because of his ability to give life to ailing hospitality companies. He tells us about the Principle of Zebra Marketing , from his book - The Hospitality Jungle ; which talks abo…

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The Accidental Hotelier Ft. Sanjay Sethi - Managing Director & Ceo Chalet Hotels ltd. 23:42

3+ y ago23:42

23:42

Rinku chats with the man whose colourful shirts and bright disposition has lit up the hotel world for the better part of two decades, Sanjay Sethi - MD & Ceo Chalet Hotels ltd. Rinku Madan and Sanjay Sethi discuss his early days, Sanjay's passion for sports, how music and beaches are his retirement plan and more.…

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#Passionista FT. Edie Rodriguez, Member of the Board of Directors at Gaucho Group Holdings and Member of the Board of Directors for the Saudi Tourism Authority 29:57

3+ y ago29:57

29:57

Luxury is often associated with material and sensory pleasures - expensive cars, fine jewellery and private yachts. But some of life's true luxuries are about unique experiences. In this super come back episode Rinku Madan speaks with Edie Rodriguez - Member of the Board of Directors for the Saudi tourism Authority , Former Brand Chairwoman for the…

1
Farms to Palaces - King of Grandeur Ft. Cherian Ramapuram 30:48

4y ago30:48

30:48

Rinku Madan chats with Cherian Ramapuram , who came to hotels from the outside world, namely the plantation business . What makes him an authority to building some of the finest Luxury Resorts in the world . An all-round storyteller Ramapuram tells us about the opulence he creates in equally offbeat locations like their magnificent palace in the UN…

1
The Luxurious Hotelier FT. Ronen Nissenbaum 28:23

4y ago28:23

28:23

Rinku Madan chats with President & CEO Dan Hotels Israel . An all-round polymath, Ronen Nissenbaum. They speak about the iconic Kaete Dan Tel Aviv Hotel, one of the - Leading Hotels of the World, also a favorite of international VIPs including Bill and Hilary Clinton, Paul McCartney, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, U2 and Lady Gaga etc. He tells us hi…

1
Beyond banking - FT Manoj Adlakha 29:46

4y ago29:46

29:46

Rinku is joined by genius banker - Senior Vice President & CEO of American Express, Manoj Adlakha, for a conversation so wide ranging. From telling us how relevant a millennial or a centurion card could be, to receiving words of leadership advice early in his career , to being inspired by sheer simplicity and hard work , to his travel stories .....…

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The Queen of Wines & The Wine of Kings FT. Valentina Abbona 29:11

4y ago29:11

29:11

There are certain brands that are synonymous with the term 'luxury'. One of those brands is the House of Marchesi Di Barolo Wines, a name that immediately evokes images of grandeur with that iconic full bodied red. This really is a brand that needs no introduction, and it is setting new benchmarks for the high-end Wine industry with beautiful bespo…

1
Spirituality and The King of Numbers Ft. Anuraag Bhatnagar 29:20

4y ago29:20

29:20

Rinku is joined by master strategist and hotelier extraordinaire Anuraag Bhatnagar. They talk about Anuraag's journey from F&B manager to the most successful COO in Leela's history. Always an admirer and follower of the underdog Karna from the Mahabharata, he shares what makes his brand differ from its contemporaries.…

1
Ma Boutonniere Ft. Filip Boyen 30:35

4y ago30:35

30:35

Rinku is joined by Ceo Forbes Travel - Dapper Dresser, Chef and Luxury hospitality stalwart Filip Boyen. They chat about what it takes to be a Forbes inspector & the many stories and journeys in his career. What it's like to travel in luxury as a full-time job, how luxury travel is growing globally, and the special things on his bucket list…