Best Ali Raja Podcasts (2025)

1
Adil Raja on the Pakistani Military, Afghanistan & Regional Power | The Afghan Eye Podcast 1:03:50

Play Pause

1d ago1:03:50

1:03:50

In this episode of the Afghan Eye Podcast, Sangar Paykhar speaks with retired Pakistani Army Major Adil Raja for a rare, wide-ranging conversation on power, policy, and politics in Pakistan, and what they mean for Afghanistan. Adil Raja discusses Islamabad’s Afghanistan policy, the enduring influence of the intelligence services, the politics of mi…

1
Mohabat ki aik Nazm- Amjad Islam Amjad 1:35

8d ago1:35

1:35

Amjad Islam Amjad (4 August 1944 – 10 February 2019) was one of Pakistan’s most popular and beloved Urdu poets. His poetry captures love, loss, and quiet longing with remarkable simplicity and emotional depth. In this recitation, we listen to one of his enduring poem.

1
Afghanistan's Long Shadow Over Pakistan’s Identity Crisis | Afghan Eye Podcast 1:08:15

14d ago1:08:15

1:08:15

In this episode, Sangar Paykhar speaks with Ahmad-Waleed Kakar, about his latest article exploring Pakistan’s deepening identity crisis. Triggered by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s remark calling Mahmud of Ghazni a “plunderer”, the discussion unpacks how Pakistan is renegotiating its relationship with the very historical figures that once shaped i…

1
Muhammed Enes On How Turkey Really Sees Afghanistan and Pakistan | The Afghan Eye Podcast 50:01

19d ago50:01

50:01

In this episode of the Afghan Eye Podcast, Sangar Paykhar speaks with Muhammed Enes, Chief Editor of MEPA News, about how Turkish foreign policy understands Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the shifting geopolitics of the wider region. Enes explains why Turkish media initially echoed Islamabad’s narrative during the recent tensions along the Durand Line,…

1
Scott Horton on Post-War Afghanistan, Pakistan, and America’s Role | The Afghan Eye Podcast 1:06:56

28d ago1:06:56

1:06:56

In this episode of the Afghan Eye Podcast, host Sangar Paykhar speaks with American author and broadcaster Scott Horton, for a deep dive into the shifting geopolitical landscape of post-US-withdrawal Afghanistan and Pakistan. Horton, known for his libertarian critique of American interventionism and for books such as 'A Fool’s Errand: Time to End t…

1
Waqas Ahmed on Pakistan’s Constitutional Coup and the Rise of Asim Munir 1:00:21

2M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

In this Afghan Eye Podcast episode, host Sangar Paykhar speaks with Pakistani investigative journalist Waqas Ahmed about the 27th Constitutional Amendment, a move that could fundamentally reshape Pakistan’s political future. The discussion explores how this amendment, introduced on 8 November 2025, effectively elevates Field Marshal Asim Munir to a…

1
Pakistan, Trump, and the Road to the Afghanistan–Pakistan War 56:54

2M ago56:54

56:54

In this Afghan Eye Podcast, journalist Ali Mustafa joins Sangar Paykhar to explain how Pakistan’s military courted Donald Trump and how that diplomacy helped set the stage for today’s looming conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Mustafa, a seasoned international journalist who has covered the Global War on Terror, reveals how Pakistan’s gener…

1
U.S. Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi, Shri Thanedar, & Suhas Subramanyam 52:19

3M ago52:19

52:19

U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Representative Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) join South Asian Trailblazers Host Simi Shah for a timely and wide-ranging conversation live from the Impact Summit 2025 in Washington, D.C. WATCH IT ON YOUTUBE. On this special panel concluding Season 8, we dive into:…

1
Ani and Ayan Sanyal, Founders of Kolkata Chai Co. 1:02:00

4M ago1:02:00

1:02:00

Brothers Ani and Ayan Sanyal, Co-founders of Kolkata Chai Co., join Host Simi Shah ahead of National Chai Day for a conversation around building one of the most iconic South Asian brands in America. WATCH IT ON YOUTUBE. What started as a side hustle in 2018 is now an 8-figure empire spanning viral NYC cafés, a booming e-commerce arm, and a cult fol…

1
Karishma Mehta, Founder of Humans of Bombay 42:32

4M ago42:32

42:32

All the way from Mumbai 🇮🇳✈️ our latest LIVE ✨podcast features Karishma Mehta: Founder & CEO of Humans of Bombay, India’s largest storytelling platform. This memorable live conversation from June 2024 is finally here. WATCH IT ON YOUTUBE. Born and raised in Mumbai, Karishma launched Humans of Bombay at just 21. Over the past decade, she has grown i…

1
Kabul City's Water Crisis | Sayedmuhammad Sulimankhil 25:01

4M ago25:01

25:01

Kabul’s water is vanishing and no one is coming to help. In this episode of the Afghan Eye Podcast, host Sangar Paykhar speaks with environmental activist Sayedmuhammad Sulimankhil, co-founder of Samsoor Watan, about the terrifying scale of the water crisis in Afghanistan’s capital. From personal stories of water shortages to broken infrastructure,…

1
Majaaz مجاز 12:31

4M ago12:31

12:31

Majaaz, a key figure in early 20th-century Urdu poetry, is known for blending romanticism with social consciousness. His work addresses themes of love, longing, and existential anguish, resonating with readers and establishing him as a beloved poet. Using simple yet evocative language, Majaaz's poetry is accessible and influential, celebrated for i…

1
Ali Sethi, Musician 1:10:03

5M ago1:10:03

1:10:03

Globally-acclaimed Singer, Songwriter, and Author Ali Sethi sits down with South Asian Trailblazers Host Simi Shah for a deeply personal podcast conversation on the heels of his debut solo album #LoveLanguage. WATCH IT ON YOUTUBE. Born in Lahore, educated at Harvard University and currently based in New York, he studied under acclaimed mentors acro…

1
India’s Afghanistan Strategy EXPLAINED | Dr Shanthie D’Souza 44:31

5M ago44:31

44:31

In this episode, host Sangar Paykhar sits down with renowned Indian scholar Dr Shanthie Mariet D’Souza to unpack India’s evolving strategy towards Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. With decades of fieldwork and policy research experience, Dr D’Souza offers a rare and candid insight into how New Delhi balances engagement with restraint. We explore: 🔹 Why I…

1
Deported from Iran: The Untold Story of Afghan Returnees | Ali Latifi | The Afghan Eye Podcast 57:18

5M ago57:18

57:18

In this powerful episode of the Afghan Eye podcast, host Sangar Paykhar speaks with renown Afghan journalist Ali Latifi about the deepening crisis facing Afghan refugees expelled from Iran. With first-hand reporting from the Islam Qala border and over 15 years covering displacement and migration, Ali shares harrowing testimonies from returnees—many…

1
Operation Sarbakaf’ and the Afghan-Pak Relations | Haq Nawaz Khan 44:15

5M ago44:15

44:15

Join host Sangar Paykhar on the Afghan Eye Podcast as he sits down with veteran journalist Haq Nawaz Khan to unpack the fallout from Pakistan’s recent “Operation Sarbakaf” in Bajaur’s Mamund region and explore the shifting dynamics of Pakistan–Afghanistan relations since the rise of the Islamic Emirate in Kabul. 🔍 In this episode, you’ll hear: How …

1
Vir Das, Comedian & Actor 1:05:36

5M ago1:05:36

1:05:36

On the night his new Netflix special Full Volume hits screens, global comedy icon Vir Das sits down with South Asian Trailblazers Host Simi Shah for an unforgettable podcast live-recorded at the Asia Society of New York. WATCH IT ON YOUTUBE. 🎧 This is Vir Das off-script — raw, real, and as per always, hilarious. Born in Dehradun, raised in Lagos, a…

1
Eldaniz Gusseinov | Termez Dialogue Charts Afghanistan’s Regional Revival 1:10:31

5M ago1:10:31

1:10:31

Join host Sangar Paykhar and Eurasian affairs analyst Eldaniz Gusseinov as they revisit the inaugural Termez Dialogue in southern Uzbekistan. In this episode, they explore how Afghanistan is poised to become the linchpin of trade, commercial growth and geopolitical shifts across Central Asia, Russia and South Asia. Key topics include: * Russia’s re…

1
Sandeep Acharya, Founder and CEO of Octave Health 42:46

9M ago42:46

42:46

On today’s episode, I’m joined by Sandeep Acharya — Founder and CEO of Octave, a company that’s quietly but powerfully transforming how we experience mental health care in America. WATCH IT ON YOUTUBE. Under his leadership, Octave has partnered with major insurers to make high-quality, affordable therapy accessible across 23 states. It’s been named…

1
Dilawar Syed, U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Deputy Administrator 52:00

9M ago52:00

52:00

On the nostalgic grounds of their shared alma mater, Wharton, Simi speaks with Dilawar Syed, the Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). A role he was nominated into by President Biden, Administrator Syed was the highest-ranking Muslim official in the U.S. Government at the time of this recording. WATCH IT ON YOUTUBE. …

1
SiF 44: Rob Parker - CFO, MediMatch 1:10:05

10M ago1:10:05

1:10:05

Joining me today is Rob Parker. Rob started out in audit with EY on what would now be recognised as a “school leaver scheme” but in Rob’s era was reasonably uncommon. After completing the ACA, he moved into industry with Volkswagen group, where he spent over 10 years with Volkswagen and Audi in operational roles before taking on an FD position with…

1
South Asian Trailblazers at The Oscars: Mindy Kaling, Charithra Chandran, Manish Dayal, Deli Boys 25:22

10M ago25:22

25:22

South Asian Trailblazers at the Oscars 🏆 WATCH this episode HERE. Founder & Host, Simi Shah, takes us inside a celebration of South Asian excellence at the 2025 Academy Awards. She speaks with trailblazers across generations and genres about their journeys to the hallowed halls of Hollywood. Join us for interviews with and speeches from this Oscars…

1
SiF 43: Charlie Heald - Commercial Finance Director 1:05:09

11M ago1:05:09

1:05:09

Joining me today is Charlie Heald. Charlie started his career with KPMG, where hespent 3 years during his ACA qualification, before transitioning into something more commercial as a Finance Analyst with Sky. Over 4.5 years, Charlie progressed to FC level before moving across to Softcat. Charlie spent almost 9 years with Softcat, joining the busines…

1
SiF 42: Azmina Airi - Group FC, Channel 4 1:00:50

11M ago1:00:50

1:00:50

Joining me today is Azmina Airi.Azmina started out her career with PwC, where she gained the ACA before spending 2 years with Halliburton in Internal Audit. Azmina then moved to Sky as a Senior Analyst, where she spent 8 years, progressing to FC level. Dow Jones then approached Azmina about an EMEA FD role. She progressed to VP level with Dow Jones…

1
SPECIAL LIVE: Gurbir S. Grewal, Director of the SEC's Division of Enforcement 1:21:00

1y ago1:21:00

1:21:00

In this special edition of South Asian Trailblazers, Simi Shah hosts a LIVE podcast with Gurbir S. Grewal — the Director of the SEC's Division of Enforcement and former Attorney General of New Jersey — at the law offices of Morrison Foerster in New York City. WATCH this episode on YouTube. This event was proudly hosted in partnership with global la…

1
SiF 41: Chris McQuaid - Finance Transformation Lead, Dentsu 45:04

1y ago45:04

45:04

Joining me today is Chris McQuaid. Chris started his career as an Accounting Assistant with British Heart Foundation before joining Landor as a Credit Controller. He then spent 6 years with Cohn & Wolfe, progressing to Divisional Accountant level before moving to Carat where he became Finance Manager. Chris has spent a number of years within the De…

1
SPECIAL LIVE: Jay Sean, Multi-platinum Artist, Entrepreneur, & Record Label Executive 1:22:00

1y ago1:22:00

1:22:00

In this special, LIVE-recorded edition of South Asian Trailblazers, Host Simi Shah kicks off Season 8 with Jay Sean — multi-platinum artist, entrepreneur, and record label executive. WATCH this and EVERY FUTURE episode on YouTube. South Asian Trailblazers is an award-winning media platform, community, and agency dedicated to elevating leading South…

1
Analysing Shoigu's Visit and Its Impact on Afghan Relations 1:01:05

1y ago1:01:05

1:01:05

In this compelling episode of the Afghan Eye Podcast, host Sangar Paykhar sits down with Mir-Ali Askerov, a political scientist from the Higher School of Economics in Saint Petersburg, to discuss the recent high-level Russian delegation visit to Kabul, led by Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia's Security Council. Together, they dive deep into the h…

1
Qateel Shifai قتیل شفائی 30:50

1y ago30:50

30:50

Qateel Shifai

1
SiF 40: Ali Greatbatch - Transformation Director, CBRE 54:04

1y ago54:04

54:04

Joining me today is Ali Greatbatch. Ali started his career in practice with Grant Thornton, before landing at Fujitsu where he held international roles in Singapore and Thailand. He then moved to Dubai with Aegion before relocating back to Europe, as Director of Accounting & Compliance with Walgreens Boots Alliance. Ali then returned to the UK, und…

1
Afghanistan and BRICS: What the 16th Summit Means for Afghanistan's Global Position and Future 58:50

1y ago58:50

58:50

In this episode of the Afghan Eye podcast, hosts Sangar Paykhar and Ahmed-Waleed Kakar dive into the implications of Afghanistan’s attendance at the recent 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan. We discuss Afghanistan’s potential strategic interests, regional cooperation, and the impact of BRICS on a multipolar world order. Amid ongoing economic sanctions, po…

1
Exciting Updates: Upcoming Events, Season 8, and our Agency 2:55

1+ y ago2:55

2:55

Happy AAPI Heritage Month from South Asian Trailblazers! 👋🏼 In this short soundbite, I’m sharing exciting updates about events we’re hosting around the world(!), Season 8, and our Agency. The highlights: Season 8 goes live this Fall! But we couldn’t wait to share a sneak peek with you…which is why you can enjoy our latest LIVE recording with the es…

1
Eid. عید 19:09

1+ y ago19:09

19:09

While we celebrate this happy occasion, let's look at some other aspects of this experience.

1
Understanding Pakistan's Repeated Attacks on Afghanistan with Ali Mustafa 58:11

2y ago58:11

58:11

On 18th March 2024, Afghanistan's remote and southeastern Paktika province found itself subject to aerial bombardment. The airstrikes, carried out in the early hours of the morning, were conducted by Pakistani military planes from across the Durand Line. A statement soon released by Islamabad confirmed the airstrikes, claiming these were in respons…

1
How Pakistan's Instability Impacts Afghanistan 1:08:15

2y ago1:08:15

1:08:15

Qatar again has served as the location for Afghanistan-centred gatherings. As a UN-convened conference kicked off, representatives from different countries, international bodies as well as Afghan civil society gathered in Doha as part of what was supposed to be a discussion on how to transition Afghanistan out of its state of diplomatic and legal i…

1
Mohabbat 29:51

2y ago29:51

29:51

Let's talk about love and its myriad faces.

1
Amol Shah, Go-To-Market at OpenAI 50:00

2y ago50:00

50:00

For our Season 7 Finale, we catch up with Amol Shah from OpenAI, one of the world's leading artificial intelligence companies and the creator of ChatGPT. Amol's career spans roles at tech giants like Facebook and TikTok, and more recently, he served as the Chief Revenue Officer for blockchain startup QuickNode. Before his foray into the tech c-suit…

1
Is The Taliban's International Legitimacy Growing? 52:26

2y ago52:26

52:26

Pakistan concluding fiercely contested elections amidst turmoil and mass claims of irregularities is only the latest development in an eventful 2024. The year has been similarly eventful for Afghanistan's foreign relations. On 29th January, the Taliban-led Afghan government organised an unprecedented conference in Kabul attended by the representati…

1
Nishant Roy, Chief Communications & Impact Officer at Chobani 1:03:00

2y ago1:03:00

1:03:00

In this episode, we meet Nishant Roy, Chief Communications and Impact Officer at Chobani. Chobani is one of the fastest-growing food companies in the world and has been a pioneer in the natural food movement for the last decade. Nishant has an incredibly variegated career to date. He began his career with distinguished service in the United States …

1
Akash Mehta & Niki Mehta, Founders of Fable & Mane 52:00

2y ago52:00

52:00

In this episode, Simi welcomes our first-ever sibling founder duo: Akash and Nikita Mehta, Co-Founders of Fable & Mane. Fable & Mane is an Ayurveda-inspired hair wellness brand. Akash is a British entrepreneur and influencer. He graduated from Imperial College London with a degree in electrical engineering. His professional journey spans roles at B…

1
Raja Kumari, Rapper, Singer, Songwriter 47:00

2y ago47:00

47:00

Simi speaks with the revered RAJA KUMARI. Born Svetha Rao, Raja Kumari is a Grammy-nominated, international singer, songwriter, and rapper. With over 43 million monthly Spotify streams, she has launched multiple hit singles and albums and collaborated with John Legend, AR Rahman, Iggy Azalea, and Fall Out Boy. Drawing from her Indian roots, she is …

1
Reviewing 2023 and Afghan-Pakistan Relations | Ahmed-Waleed Kakar | The Afghan Eye Podcast, S.2 E.5 20:21

2y ago20:21

20:21

Amidst deteriorating relations between Kabul and Islamabad, news emerged on 18th December. The Afghan ambassador to Pakistan confirmed that an invitation had been extended to Pakistani politician Maulana Fazlur Rahman to visit Kabul. The visit, according to many sources, was intended to defuse tensions between the neighbours; Fazlur Rahman, an infl…

1
Nikhil Saboo, Broadway Star and Actor 47:00

2y ago47:00

47:00

Joining us on South Asian Trailblazers is Actor and Broadway Star, Nikhil Saboo. Most recently, Nikhil played the iconic Connor Murphy in the National Tour of Dear Evan Hansen, becoming the first South Asian to ever take on the Tony-nominated role. He also performed in the 1st National Tour of Hamilton: An American Musical and in the original Broad…

1
Has China Officially Recognised the Taliban? | Ahmed-Waleed Kakar | The Afghan Eye Podcast, S.2 E.4 23:05

2y ago23:05

23:05

On 1st December 2023, the Taliban's ambassador was greeted by an official at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bilal Karimi formally presented his credentials to and was received by Hong Lei: the Director General of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Protocol Department. The picture was shared triumphantly by the Taliban on X (formerly known as …

1
Afghan Exiles Gather In Moscow | Ahmed-Waleed Kakar | The Afghan Eye Podcast, S.2 E.3 19:45

2y ago19:45

19:45

On 24th November 2023, a conference was convened in the Russian capital of Moscow. Attendees included Russian politicians and an Iranian government representative. The conference was also attended by a number of exiled Afghan politicians: Shukria Barakzai, Fawzia Koofi, Muhammad Muhaqqiq, Ahmad Wali Massoud, and Ahmad Massoud. The event follows mon…

1
Is The USA Upgrading Ties With The Taliban? | Ahmed-Waleed Kakar | The Afghan Eye Podcast S.2 E.2 24:53

2y ago24:53

24:53

On 6th November 2023, senior and former American diplomat Annie Pforzheimer wrote an article for World Politics Review. In the article, Pforzheimer, who has previously worked extensively as an American diplomat in Afghanistan, highlighted the signs that the Biden Administration was mulling widening and upgrading its ties with the Taliban, now the g…

1
Priya Singh, Chief Strategy Officer & Senior Associate Dean at Stanford Medicine 52:00

2y ago52:00

52:00

For our mid-season finale, Simi is joined by Priya Singh — Chief Strategy Officer, Senior Associate Dean, & Vice President of Stanford Medicine. Stanford Medicine encompasses a $13 billion preeminent academic health center comprised of the Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford Health Care, and Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. Priya first began …

1
بے سبب اداسی Bey Sabab Udasi 26:09

2y ago26:09

26:09

Winter blues- autumn, poetry, ghazals, coffee, reading books by the fireside-missing someone dearly to share all the sensuous details of this profoundly nostalgic season.

1
Pakistan Expels Millions of Afghan Refugees | Ahmed-Waleed Kakar 33:05

2y ago33:05

33:05

On 2nd October 2023, Pakistan's Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti announced that illegal immigrants residing in the country would be given one month to return to their home countries. Whilst not explicitly aimed at Afghans, the majority of projected deportees, roughly numbering 1.73 million, would be Afghans. Since 1st November, with the passage of …

1
Nora Ali, CEO and Co-Founder of Mason Media 49:00

2y ago49:00

49:00

Simi is joined by Nora Ali, the CEO and Co-Founder of Mason Media, a full-service production company and brand studio, which she co-founded alongside MLB all-star Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod) and tech billionaire Marc Lore. With a degree in Statistics and Quantitative Finance from Harvard, Nora began her career by building a foundation in capital markets…