On my first SOLO episode, I talk through my reactions to the trailer for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and some other thoughts from NYCC.
I attended Day 1 of New York Comic Con last week, primarily to get this sneak peak at the new trailer and hear from the creator of this world and author of A Song of Ice and Fire, Fire and Blood, and Dunk and Egg, George R. R. Martin himself. He was joined by the showrunner Ira Parker alongside the two leads, Peter Claffey and Dexter Ansel. You can view this full panel at the link below, but be warned that George drops a MAJOR spoiler in the middle.
I absolutely adore the worlds that George has built, and am obsessed with Game of Thrones, particularly the first five season. I've also read the books for GoT and AKOTSK, and have visited at least five filming locations because that's what I do for fun :).
Just based off the trailer and the panel, I have high hopes that this show will make people fall in love with this world again, from a different angle, since its less about dragons and thrones and more about the oft-overlooked "smallfolk".
Enjoy, and see the links below for the full panel, the trailer, and a deep dive breakdown by my favorite nerds over at the Ringer!
Links
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Trailer
In this episode, I chat with my good friend Apoorv Bhargava, CEO of WeaveGrid. WeaveGrid is a technology platform that optimizes EV integration with the grid to benefit drivers, ratepayers, and utilities. Today, they have many partnerships and programs with EV OEMs and utilities around the country such as Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Rivian, SoCalEdison, and Dominion.
On this episode, I chat with my old friend Kaptain (Stephen Kaplan), a very talented electronic music producer and performer. I've been good friends with Stephen since middle school, where he was prolific in multiple instruments and bands, and I've watched his growth as an artist over the past two decades. We did a pod over Zoom back in 2021 and it was fun to run it back with him in person.
We first talk about his new full video set that was just released on YouTube, Kaptain: Live Electronic Set at Spectra Art Space, which showcases his artistry and skill. We also get into a bunch fun and silly tangents on marching band, YouTube rabbit holes, and more.
Links
On this episode, I talk to my good friend Mish Thadani about his company Rhizome that he started in 2022. Rhizome uses AI and machine learning to help utilities address climate risk more accurately.
We talk about his prior experience and how he landed on this business idea, how to prioritize building what your customers actually need, and balancing life, relationships, health, and work.
Links
Social/Contact
Welcome to the first episode of Heating Up!
After a four-year break, I wanted to revamp this podcast passion project, and my life coach Danny was the perfect first guest. I've changed so much since starting Just Kidding, in 2020 and Danny has played a key role in my growth and evolution.
On this episode, we talk about our own spiritual journeys, different practices for grounding into the body, how we've healed challenging relationships, and more.
Links
www.instagram.com/srijononthebeat/ (Intro Music)
Guess who's back! After a four year hiatus, we are back with a special epsiode where me and my brother Nitin share our instant reactions to Tyler, the Creator's concert at Capital One Arena here in DC.
We captured our live reaction on video (which will come out later) and this was my first time recording in person, which was extra special. Hope the audio doesn't suck ass, but even if it does the next ones will be better.
Links
Tyler Flog Gnaw Set: https://youtu.be/XutD0u4W2p8?si=ul4TJouBugmZw4vY
Dissect Doechii Interview: https://youtu.be/jml_NyEN3Rk?si=qDNj3qA8bcr9A_TS
New Magic Wand Live 2020 Grammy's: https://youtu.be/IJilkMPqvs0?si=olPkSaG43f-nFwdu
Turning the Tables Chromakopia Review: https://youtu.be/oyvR3dqHocE?si=kUMuxR3mO3_-qud6
^We didn't discuss this in the episode, but love this podcast and definitely an inspiration for this conversation
This week, I talk to my friend and fellow Buddhist Nile Ross. Nile has been making hip-hop music for over ten years, and his style ranges from hype, catchy party music to very conscious and political topics. Nile and I talk about his pivot from football to music, his artistic family, Buddhism, as well as his strong feelings on the BLM movement and the need for reparations. Stick around till the end to hear a clip from his powerful song, Second Chances.
Enjoy!
Guest Links
Host Links
5/15: The Ugly Mug, DC
Four years ago, I suffered a tennis injury that led to two years of chronic leg and lower back pain. After seeing almost a dozen medical professionals including PTs, doctors, and chiropractors, I finally met Elaine Oyang. She is a certified yoga therapist, and after just four sessions with her, she gave me a simple sequence of yoga poses that helped me finally become pain-free. Her philosophy is that she can give her students the tools and framework to succeed, so that they are not ultimately dependent on her for their health. She specializes in chronic pain, but also is trained in Meditation, Guided Relaxation, Ayurveda, and Holistic Nutrition.
I talk to Elaine about how she pivoted from Biology to Yoga Therapy, and the differences between standard group yoga classes and Yoga Therapy. We also talk about Eastern vs. Western philosophy of health and the power of lifestyle change.
Enjoy!
Guest Links
After a short break, we are back with a new episode! This week, I talk to Indigo Ross, a comedian, voice actress, and fellow Buddhist. We talk about how she overcame her struggles with unemployment during the pandemic by using her Buddhist practice and ended up landing her first-ever voice-over gig for an animated series! We also talk about finding a mentor, being single during quarantine, and dating apps.
Enjoy!
Guest Links
References
How Billionaires Got $637 Billion Richer During the COVID-19 Pandemic
New PPP Loan Data Reveals Most Of The $525 Billion Given Out Went To Larger Businesses
This is a good one! In episode 13, I talk to comedian and podcaster Joel Byars, whose show Hot Breath has helped guide me and thousands of other new comics around the world to learn about the craft and business of stand-up comedy.
Joel has been doing stand up for 11 years, and he has recorded over 300 podcast episodes with big names in comedy like Andrew Schulz, Mark Normand, Sean Patton, Jeff Foxworthy, and many more! He's also self-produced his own comedy special and set up his own road tour. Through Hot Breath, he's building a global community of comics helping each other write jokes and improve their craft.
I'm inspired by Joel's attitude of taking initiative in his career and not waiting for success to find him. His philosophy is something I share, and one that resonates with Buddhist and Stoic teachings: "Focus on what you can control". This is great advice not just for comedy and the arts, but for all aspects of life.
Enjoy!
Guest Links
In response to GameStop Mania and the countless Reddit posts, memes, CNBC segments, and Wall Street Journal articles, I decided to do my own investigating into the madness. I decided to talk to my friend Matt (last name redacted) since he is an Investment Analyst and analyzes the market for a living.
We talk about what actually happened when Robinhood shut down trading (hint: it's not a conspiracy), and share some thoughts on the market and economy overall. We also get into Matt's advice on investing vs. trading, and how to build good investing practices and habits that can help you build a strong financial future (and hopefully retire early).
P.S. We recorded this before the Super Bowl, so congratulations (and also fuck you) to Tom Brady for winning his 7th ring. I'm not even mad...I'm just impressed.
References
What's the DTCC and How Did It Stop Gamestop Mania?
I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
This week, I have a deep conversation about comedy, meditation, happiness, and purpose with Rishi Mathur. He's an old friend who has been very active in the NY comedy scene and also has his own podcast called Guilty Conscience with Alex Payne.
If you're a fan of comedy and deep conversations, this is the episode for you!
Guest Links
This week, I talk to the funny and talented Steve Lipman! Steve is a Philly kid who has been doing stand up since he was 11 years old! Today, he lives in New York and writes and podcasts about the Sixers in between acting gigs, and is waiting, like many of us, for stand up to return in the post-COVID world.
In this episode, we shoot the shit about basketball, including the Sixers performance this year, as well as the huge Nets James Harden trade. We also talk about Steve's early start in stand up comedy, and how he eventually got into acting. His most recent movie Antarctica is a powerful dark comedy about the pain and struggles of being a teenager. Check it out!
Guest Links
Happy New Year! For my first episode of 2021, I talk with my old friend and self-proclaimed Healthcare Thinkboi, Nikhil Krishnan.
Nikhil's current main project is Out-of-Pocket, an endeavor to make the healthcare industry more accessible and understandable via funny newsletters, memes, a children's book, and even a playing card game. We talk about his pathway into healthcare as an outsider, and how he wanted to shake up the stiff, professional world of healthcare by bringing light and humor into it.
I've always admired Nikhil for his passion for side projects, which include a retired music newsletter (RIP NikTunes), a social community building project called Get Real, as well as his strong presence on Twitter.
In this episode, Nikhil breaks down how the US healthcare system came to be the way it is, and how all these inefficiencies have come to light and been exacerbated by COVID-19. He offers unique insights into why your billing and customer service is so shitty (hint: you are not the real customer, your employer is). And we even talk a little bit about Medicare for All, and what that could look like if the US went in that direction.
Enjoy :)
Links
Nimesh Patel is a comedian, writer, and more recently, voice actor based in NYC. He's been in the comedy game for over ten years, and has been a regular at NY clubs like the Comedy Cellar and Eastville Comedy Club, as well as clubs around the country. He's also written for the Oscars and Weekend Update, and worked as a field producer for Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.
Nimesh has been hard at work over quarantine, recording and releasing lots of stand up while also creating and voice-acting in Zooidiots, an Youtube animated series about animals in quarantine.
We talk about his process of creating this show, his high comedy standards and aspirations, as well as his journey from doing open mics with Michael Che to becoming a well-regarded stand up and comedy writer.
Links
Neel Nanda is one of the hottest young stand-up comics in the game. Born and raised in Atlanta, he moved to LA early in his career and quickly started running his own show at the Westside Comedy Theater. Since then, he's performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Adam Devine's House Party, Hulu's Coming To The Stage, and Viceland's Flophouse. He's been releasing lots of comedy over quarantine, and has a lot of exciting projects cooking right now!
Neel and I talked for a while (almost 90 minutes) about how he used quarantine to improve his piano skills, who we consider the GOAT comedians, and his experience doing comedy abroad in the UK and India. We close out with another Judgement Free Zone where we share some bit ideas we've been working on. If you're a fan of comedy, you will love this episode.
Links
Dylan Owen is a rap artist from New York. With his own brand of confessional, heart-on-sleeve storytelling, he has built an undeniable fan following who relate to the meaning and life experiences captured in his songs.
Dylan left Cornell University in 2011 to develop as an artist in New York City, and since then has he has shared stages with artists such as Mac Miller, Watsky, Wiz Khalifa, Yelawolf, Ceschi, Chiddy Bang, Shwayze, and Logic.
In this conversation, we dive into Dylan's artistic goals to create music that is honest, meaningful, and encouraging. He has a deep connection to his fans, as shown by the multitudes of ones who have tattoos of his lyrics!
I have a special guest host this episode, my good friend and Dylan's freshman year roommate, Ricky Sandoval. I also share some dumb hip hop joke ideas at the end, as well as a new preview trailer of Dylan's newest track, A Time To Move On. Enjoy!
Guest Links
References
Stephen Kaplan, AKA Kaptain, is a talented EDM producer based in Denver, CO. He's also one of my oldest friends, and has always been a creative inspiration for me.
He started producing electronic music over ten years ago and has now played at major venues across California and Colorado, as well as a secret Electric Forest After Party Set in 2017 that I had the good fortune of attending. Kaptain has opened for artists like Lettuce, Break Science, The Funk Hunters, Big Wild, and Late Night Radio, and brings a unique brand of live music mixed with funky soulful EDM to his high-energy live shows. \\
In this episode, we discuss the creative process, the mindset of a creative, how to improve at your craft, and how to balance your passions with your day job. At the end of the episode, I also share a sneak preview of his latest unreleased track, Strawberry! Enjoy :)
Guest Links:
https://www.instagram.com/iamkaptain/
Show References
Ira Glass on the Creative Process
Eddie Murphy Impersonating Richard Pryor
Pretty Lights - Live at Red Rocks
Friends You Should Follow
Vanika Jethwa - Nutrition Coach