Best Manoj Rao Podcasts (2025)

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Breaking Taboos: Yashoda’s Fight for Women’s Agency by Manoj Kumar Rao 40:47

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3d ago40:47

40:47

In this episode of The Literature Lounge Podcast, Mohua Chinappa is in conversation with Manoj Kumar Rao — journalist-turned-author, about his debut book Yashoda: Ek Swayam Prabhastri Ki Vaastvik Kahani. The book chronicles Yashoda’s journey from breaking caste barriers and educating her daughters to pioneering child planning for women in her commu…

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Through a Daughter’s Eyes: Uncovering Pranab Mukherjee’s Inner World with Sharmishtha Mukherjee 37:10

8h ago37:10

37:10

In this episode of The Literature Lounge Podcast, Mohua Chinappa is in conversation with Sharmishtha Mukherjee — author, former politician, and daughter of former President Pranab Mukherjee. Her memoir Pranab, My Father: A Daughter Remembers traces her emotional journey through his personal diaries, discovered after his passing. As she pieced toget…

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Exploring Humour, Resilience, and Storytelling with Jairam N Menon 25:21

6d ago25:21

25:21

In this episode of The Literature Lounge, we meet Jairam N Menon, author of Masala Chai for the Soul. After decades in corporate communications, Jairam turned to writing—using humour and wisdom to craft stories that comfort, entertain, and heal. He reflects on the influences that shaped him—his father’s love for books, the encouragement of friends,…

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From Economics to Enlightenment: Rajeev Balasubramanyam on Writing and Healing 45:20

14d ago45:20

45:20

What happens when a rational economist is forced to confront what logic can’t solve—grief, ego, and the longing for love? In this episode, host Mohua is joined by Rajeev Balasubramanyam, whose acclaimed novel Professor Chandra Follows His Bliss traces the journey of a Cambridge economist stumbling his way toward healing and inner peace. Rajeev refl…

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Exploring the Musical Journey of Shankar Mahadevan with Ashis Ghatak 42:00

28d ago42:00

42:00

In this episode of The Literature Lounge, author and biographer Ashis Ghatak takes us on a musical journey from his beginnings as an English teacher to becoming the voice behind the lives of legendary musicians. At the heart of this conversation is his latest work on Shankar Mahadevan a portrait of the singer-composer whose career spans a serendipi…

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Rewire, Rework, Reclaim: Dr. Rajiv Mehta on Managing Stress 40:03

28d ago40:03

40:03

What if stress wasn’t something to just endure, but something you could unlearn, rewire, and rise above? In this insightful episode, Mohua speaks with senior consultant psychiatrist and author Dr. Rajiv Mehta, whose book Rewire, Rework, Reclaim offers practical, compassionate tools for managing stress—from anxiety and burnout to relationship issues…

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A Tribute to the Legacy of Irrfan Khan with Aseem Chhabra 50:03

1M ago50:03

50:03

In this special episode of The Literature Lounge, celebrated film journalist and author Aseem Chhabra takes us on a deeply personal journey—from his early days in political reporting to becoming one of the most respected voices on Indian cinema. At the heart of this conversation is Chhabra’s moving tribute to the late Irrfan Khan—an actor who redef…

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Find Your Readers: The Author’s Guide to Book Marketing with Namrata 25:39

1M ago25:39

25:39

In this essential episode for authors and aspiring writers, host Mohua is joined by editor, book marketeer, and literary consultant Namrata, founder of Keemiya Creatives and Bookbots India. With years of experience in shaping author brands and championing South Asian voices, Namrata breaks down the what, when, and how of book marketing in a way tha…

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Srikumar Rao on solving modern problems with ancient wisdom 47:32

2M ago47:32

47:32

What if stress isn’t caused by your life—but by how you label it? In this episode, Mohua speaks with Dr. Srikumar Rao, author of Modern Wisdom, Ancient Roots, about why so many of us feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck—and how ancient spiritual traditions offer a radical path to freedom. Drawing from Vedanta, Sufism, and Buddhist thought, Dr. Rao u…

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True Crime in Urban India: The Human Stories Behind the Headlines 16:57

2M ago16:57

16:57

What if every city carried the memory of its darkest moments, and the crimes that shaped them? In this gripping episode, Host Mohua is joined by journalist and author Mayabhushan Nagvenkar, whose latest book Murder in the City: Deadly Crimes that Rocked the Nation uncovers chilling urban murders that left a permanent mark on India’s metro cities. D…

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Of Murders, Myths, and a City on Edge: Prasun Roy on Writing ‘Devi’ 25:07

2M ago25:07

25:07

What happens when mythology meets murder and the city becomes a character in the crime? In this episode, Mohua sits down with author Prasun Roy to explore Devi: Mystery of the Kolkata Murders, a genre-blurring novel that unfolds during the chaos and colour of Durga Puja. Part thriller, part social satire, and part love letter to Kolkata, Devi is mo…

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Seeing with the Inner Eye: A Journey into Indian Art and Philosophy 43:02

2M ago43:02

43:02

What if art wasn’t just meant to be seen, but experienced through a deeper inner eye? In this evocative episode, Mohua is joined by Dr. Harsha V. Dehejia, physician, poet, scholar of Indian aesthetics, and author of The Third Eye of Indian Art. With over 30 books and a life devoted to the beauty of Indic traditions, Dr. Dehejia invites us into a wo…

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More Than a Star: The Many Lives of Soumitra Chatterjee 44:04

3M ago44:04

44:04

What if the artist you grew up watching on screen was also a fierce thinker, a cultural rebel, and a man of great vulnerability? In this moving episode, Mohua sits down with journalist and author Sanghamitra Chakraborty, whose new biography Soumitra Chatterjee and His World paints a deeply layered portrait of the legendary Bengali actor. But this c…

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Seasons in the City: Anuradha Jain on Mapping Delhi Through Trees and Time 22:55

3M ago22:55

22:55

What if the city you rush through every day is actually alive, with seasons, stories, and sacred rhythms waiting to be noticed? In this soul-stirring episode, Mohua sits down with Anuradha Jain, author of Delhi: A Nature Journal. From the blooming of seasonal flowers to the return of sparrows in balconies, their conversation is a gentle reminder th…

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From Getting Fired to Finding Purpose: Rohan Raj on Books, Failures, and New Beginnings 33:48

4M ago33:48

33:48

What do you do when life throws you off course, twice? For Rohan Raj, the answer was simple: go back to what he loves most, books. In this honest and warm episode, Mohua sits down with Rohan Raj, the heart behind Book Nerds, a thriving book community he co-founded with his wife Neha Raj. What started after two job rejections has grown into a moveme…

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A High-Stakes Thrill Ride in Goa’s Casinos 32:50

4M ago32:50

32:50

In this gripping episode, Mohua sits down with author and master storyteller Anurag Tripathi to discuss his latest thriller, The Goa Gambit—a novel that plunges readers into the glamorous yet dangerous world of Goa's casinos. Set against this high-stakes backdrop, The Goa Gambit is more than a casino caper. It's a fast-paced tale woven with suspens…

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From Fabric to Memoir: Stitching Together a Life of Meaning 26:22

5M ago26:22

26:22

In this soulful episode, Mohua speaks with Shailini Sheth Amin—architect, designer, and the founder of Moral Fibre, an ethical fashion company rooted in Gandhian philosophy. Their conversation begins with Shailini’s work in sustainable fashion and expands into a moving exploration of her debut memoir, Fit In, Stand Out, Walk: Stories from a Pushed …

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Remembering Nissim Ezekiel: A Centennial Tribute in Verse and Memory 21:34

5M ago21:34

21:34

In this reflective episode, poet and editor Vinita Agrawal takes us through Nissim Ezekiel, Poet & Father: A Centennial Celebration (1924–2024)—a rich and intimate anthology she curated to mark the hundredth birth anniversary of one of India’s most iconic modern writers. Vinita shares how the anthology came together through heartfelt tributes, crit…

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Writing the Cholas: On History, Heritage and Home Ft. Siddharth N. Vijayaraghavan 32:28

5M ago32:28

32:28

In this engaging episode, Siddharth N. Vijayaraghavan shares the remarkable journey behind Empire of the Cholas, a debut novel he began at just 13. Now an author, musician, and anthropologist in training, Siddharth reflects on how curiosity, cultural roots, and a deep love for storytelling converged to bring this sweeping historical narrative to li…

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Define Your Orbit: A Framework for Intentional Living 39:35

5M ago39:35

39:35

In this thought-provoking episode, Manish Panchal reflects on his writing journey and the powerful ideas behind his book Define Your Orbit. Drawing from decades of experience in business, consulting, and mentoring, he shares how the book emerged from a deep desire to help individuals lead intentional, meaningful lives by defining their own paths. M…

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Everyday Spirituality: Finding Meaning in Daily Life 50:47

5M ago50:47

50:47

In this profound episode, Dr. Badrinarayan Shankar Pawar takes us on a deeply reflective journey through his book Everyday Spirituality: Lessons from the Ordinary Life of a Mother. He challenges the idea that spirituality requires rituals or renunciation. Instead, he highlights how true enlightenment is found in the way we fulfill our daily respons…

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Transformed By India: Stephen Huyler on Culture, Spirituality and Craft 53:15

6M ago53:15

53:15

How on earth did Stephen Huyler find himself pedalling a bicycle rickshaw through the Indian border on his twentieth birthday? Intriguing stories like this define the life of art historian and cultural anthropologist Stephen Huyler who came to India 52 years ago, traversing the subcontinent to explore and document its subcultures. His latest book T…

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Stories That Spark Change With Anirban Bhattacharyya 40:51

6M ago40:51

40:51

In this powerful episode, author and social impact advocate Anirban takes us on a heartfelt journey through his book In Pursuit of a New Dawn, a compelling collection of short stories exploring resilience, social change, and the human condition. Inspired by real people and experiences, Anirban shares how his writing draws from encounters with margi…

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Muses Over Mumbai: Murzban Shroff on Writing, Resilience, and the Spirit of the City 40:04

6M ago40:04

40:04

In this insightful episode, celebrated author Murzban Shroff takes us on a journey through the soul of Mumbai as captured in his latest book, Muses Over Mumbai. With a deep passion for storytelling rooted in social realism, Murzban shares how his work is shaped by extensive research, real-life experiences, and an unwavering commitment to capturing …

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Rising 2.0: 20 More Women Who Changed India - Women’s Day Special 21:45

6M ago21:45

21:45

In this inspiring episode, celebrated author and journalist Kiran Manral takes us through the extraordinary journeys of India’s trailblazing women as captured in her book, Rising 2.0: 20 More Women Who Changed India. Through compelling narratives, she brings to life the grit, determination, and achievements of women who defied conventions and carve…

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Power, Politics, and Autocrats: Insights from Ex-Ambassador Rajiv Dogra 40:32

7M ago40:32

40:32

In this profoundly insightful episode, diplomat-turned-author Rajiv Dogra takes us on a compelling journey through the intricate world of geopolitics, diplomacy, and history. As the author of acclaimed works on India's foreign policy and international relations, he brings a wealth of experience and deep analysis to the conversation. His latest book…

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Street Food: The Heart and Soul of India | Priya Bala and Jayanth Narayanan 35:39

7M ago35:39

35:39

In this deliciously captivating episode, food writer Priya Bala and restaurateur Jayanth Narayanan take us on a mouthwatering journey through India's vibrant street food scene. As co-authors of Bazaar Bites, they share the stories behind the street-side delights that define our cities, from Lucknow's Tunde Kebabs to Madurai's legendary Ban Parotta.…

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Aunties of Vasant Kunj by Anuradha Marwah: The Comedy & Tragedy of Being a Woman 33:23

7M ago33:23

33:23

Episode Summary In this delightful and thought-provoking episode, author Anuradha Marwah takes us on a journey through her novel, Aunties of Vasant Kunj. Don’t be misled by the title—these women are anything but conventional. From Buddhist chanting to activism and a fondness for fermented drinks, they redefine sisterhood in the heart of Delhi. A re…

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#11 Nutrition with Dr. Varuna Rao 29:25

4+ y ago29:25

29:25

Hello there, we're back with a brand new episode & hope to continue with regular programming here on out!. This episode, we speak about all things nutrition with Dr. Varuna Rao. Dr. Varuna is a nutrition & wellness expert, a phd certified one at that & also a diabetes educator. She also runs a blog on all things nutrition called Beyond Nutrition, y…

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#10 Mohit gets his wings 1:02:52

5y ago1:02:52

1:02:52

This episode, our co-host turns guest on the show. Mohit recently got his private pilot's license. We chat with him to understand what it takes to get a pilots license & he shares his experience and the process of getting one. Credits: Episode artwork by Renu. @ray_ngk on instagram.By Boiled Egg Labs

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#9 Cloud Kitchens with Sehaj 59:33

5y ago59:33

59:33

Today, we speak about Cloud Kitchens. What is a cloud kitchen?, cloud kitchens are the restaurant brands that you love & order from on your food aggregator platforms like Swiggy & Zomato but you never see a storefront in real life. These brands are basically delivery only restaurants forming a new segment of the F&B industry called dark kitchens or…

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#8 Football fanaticism - With Manoj & Vivek 1:24:35

5y ago1:24:35

1:24:35

This episode, we speak with 2 lifelong football fans & followers of the beautiful game as it called and try to understand what is it about football that has creates such passionate fans & following irrespective of geography, age or socio-economic status. We discuss the rise of the English premier league into the mainstream and chat about some of th…

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Banter #1 - Biking with Jonathan 17:34

5y ago17:34

17:34

We chat with Jonathan in this episode. Jona is a close friend, fellow biking enthusiast, musician, audio engineer amongst multiple other hats he wears. We speak about what got us hooked to biking. Follow Jonathan on instagram: @jbrainrd Jonathan is also taking part in a contest by KTM India. Please show him some love by voting for him here: https:/…

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#7 Women in sports & the IPL with Tazeen 1:06:26

5y ago1:06:26

1:06:26

This episode we speak with Tazeen, a life long sports fan with a prominent career in the sports marketing industry. She shares her insights on women in sports, we discuss how the IPL generates its revenue & the challenges in sports marketing in the post Covid era.By Boiled Egg Labs

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#0 Introducing Banter 1:17

5y ago1:17

1:17

Introducing Banter - Our short form weekly podcast release. Banter is simple, it is light hearted conversation amongst the three of us or with guests, or topical discussions that really don’t need a long form format, but something that we still find interesting enough to share with you. While we continue to release a long form format of the podcast…

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#6 Fitness - With Prasanna (Part II) 52:34

5y ago52:34

52:34

In this episode, we speak to Prasanna, an ACE certified fitness coach, tri athlete & an all round fitness enthusiast who has engaged in multiple physical disciplines. He shares his fitness journey, discuss various fitness regimens & all things fitness. You can find Prasanna on instagram as @prassi.tolasati…

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#5 Fitness - With Prasanna (Part I) 48:06

5y ago48:06

48:06

In this episode, we speak to Prasanna, an ACE certified fitness coach, tri athlete & an all round fitness enthusiast who has engaged in multiple physical disciplines. He shares his fitness journey, discuss various fitness regimens & all things fitness. You can find Prasanna on instagram as @prassi.tolasati…

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#4 Coveddings - Weddings in the time of Covid 1:04:55

5y ago1:04:55

1:04:55

This episode… We discuss briefly about the state of the wedding industry in the times of Covid & speak with our friends Nayana & Shashank who tied the knot during the lockdown. They share their unique perspective and a fun conversation detailing their crazy experience of putting their wedding together in 48 hours.…

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#3 The news & How we consume it (Part -II) 37:36

5y ago37:36

37:36

This episode... We have our first guest on the show. Priyankaa is a dear friend, she & her family own and operate The Daily Hindi Milap, a daily Hindi newspaper publication based out of Hyderabad. It is one of India's oldest Hindi News publication, in operation for over 50 years. Was awesome having her on, it was a great conversation, clearing out …

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#2 The news & How we consume it (Part -1) 48:13

5y ago48:13

48:13

In this episode... We finally introduce the show ('Cos we totally missed it in episode 1 :/) We discuss what each of our news consumption patterns are & how we have moved to social media & specific apps as the primary source of news. We also discuss quite a bit about how news & new reporting has changed over the years and how reporting is moving mo…

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#1 Remote Work 59:25

5y ago59:25

59:25

In our first episode, we discuss remote work & how it is affecting people, both professionally & personally. We also talk about the future of remote work. Links to tools referred to in the episode http://airmeet.com/ https://unremot.com/ Link to the article mentioned where India has lower death rate.…

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VSP-009: About Writing Bravely 3:34

5+ y ago3:34

3:34

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VSP-008: About Impostor Syndrome 2:46

5+ y ago2:46

2:46

7+ y ago1:18:09

1:18:09

Welcome to the Void Star Podcast Series. This episode contains my conversation with Steve Rostedt. Steve is a Linux Kernel Programmer and he’s one of the most prolific contributors in the Linux Kernel Community. He has authored several features in the Linux Kernel including the super popular ftrace, trace-cmd, kernelshark, localmodconfig, ktest. He…