What does it mean to be a childist? How can stories be a way of being rather than just a performance? In this soulful, stirring conversation, Rituparna Ghosh sits down with the multi-faceted Valentina Trivedi – writer, educator, performer, TEDx speaker, and one-half of the storytelling duo behind Aao Suno Kahani.
From telling stories to a single child under a tent to adapting Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne as a Dastangoi performance, Valentina’s storytelling journey is filled with wonder, deep insight, and fierce joy. Like Rituparna, she feels compelled to share stories with her audience. Valentina unpacks her philosophy of storytelling as presence, vulnerability, and listening—and her belief in leading with the child.
This is a conversation not just for storytellers and educators, but for anyone seeking to slow down, listen deeply, and let stories fall on them like rain.
Takeaways
Storytelling is a powerful tool for connecting with children.A child's attention is a sacred privilege for storytellers.Vulnerability enhances the storytelling experience.Adults often fear looking foolish when telling stories to children.Storytelling should be a natural and spontaneous act.The joy of storytelling comes from sharing and giving.Translation of stories can be a meditative and enriching experience.Listening is as important as telling in storytelling.Podcasts are a vital medium for sharing stories today.Stories help individuals understand themselves better.
About Valentina Trivedi
Valentina Trivedi is a writer, educator, performative storyteller, and TEDx speaker whose life is steeped in stories. Her work spans scripting and directing films, editing, translating, adapting classics, and performing across stages and screens. She is the creative force behind Aao Suno Kahani—a beloved storytelling podcast and YouTube channel that brings timeless tales to life in Hindi.
Valentina scripted and directed a biopic on the legendary yoga guru B.K.S. Iyengar and has reimagined iconic narratives such as Satyajit Ray’s Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne into Urdu-Hindustani Dastangoi performances for children—complete with translated songs and rich theatricality.
As an education consultant, she is a passionate advocate for the child’s point of view, conducting workshops for parents and teachers, and speaking at international forums on learning and storytelling. She is also a trailblazer in education governance, serving as the first alumna on the Board of Governors of The Doon School.
Listen to Valentina’s Podcasts | Treasures from the Puranas | Prabha Prasad ki Kahaniya
Connect with Valentina | Instagram | LinkedIn
Connect with Rituparna | LinkedIn | Instagram
Listen to Golpo: Stories from Around the World
Visit www.yourstorybag.com Write to us at podcast@yourstorybag.com
Season 1 of The Storied Way Perspective
