“Dancing just created a space for me where I could do what I want and feel what.”

Our conversation with Devika explores the profound influence dance has had in her life.

From dancing to connect to herself, to dancing to lead others and create intimate spaces of trust. From dancing to shape and express parts of her identity to dancing to heal and fulfil––she takes us through the entire experience.

The episode begins by delving deeper into the start of her journey with dance. She shares with us what initially drew her to the Horton technique and outlines her journey to now becoming a certified Horton instructor and teaching classes at The Ailey School, The Ailey Extension and at the Dance Theater of Harlem and WRArts.

She then describes the feeling of connection, openness and accomplishment she's experienced throughout her life because of dance. A teacher who taught her what it means to lead. An NGO that taught her how to create intimate spaces of trust and moments of partnership. Her double major in data science which was easier to get through because of the rigorous focus she’s had to put on her mind and body.

She then very courageously shares the idea of freedom and release through dance and its impact on identity and expression of love. She shares her coming out to her family and sheds a light on how that journey has been.

We end by touching upon the work she does in dance therapy and immersive theater and how she hopes to do more of both. And we part with the thought that just like you can’t choreograph every movement in dance, you can’t choreograph every moment in life and at times the beauty in both life and dance is about the unfold.

Reading Notes and References:

• Horton Technique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11-SMRY2ON0
• True Love Forever, Third Rail Project: https://www.trueloveforever.show/

Devikas’ background:

• She is a certified Horton instructor and has taught classes at The Ailey School, The Ailey Extension, Dance Theater of Harlem and WRArts.
• Master of Science in Data Science at Fordham University.
• Worked with choreographers such as Francesca Harper, Adam Barruch, Andrea Miller and more.

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Ms. Renuka Kirpalani, a trailblazer in the automotive industry. She’s currently the Consulting Editor for AutoCar India.

We begin the conversation by discussing her passion for automobiles––which stems from her upbringing where her father introduced her to the world of car building, racing, and restoration.

She shares with us the pivotal story of entering her first race; a nerve-wracking experience that ultimately propelled her into the competitive realm of motorsports.

Through her experiences, she’s become a symbol of empowerment for women in a traditionally male-dominated field. She advocates for inclusivity and recognition of women's contributions, highlighting initiatives like the Women's World Car of the Year. She actively challenges stereotypes and emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in both advertising and product design.

She sheds light on the historical bias that exists in the crash test dummy design and discusses efforts to address gender disparities in car safety evaluation. She reveals insights from a Korean company's behind-the-scenes approach, which involved testing car accessibility for individuals wearing saris, reflecting a more inclusive design perspective.

The episode also takes an interesting turn where we get her point of view on the infrastructure development in India and electric vehicles (EVs), as well as the evolving landscape of technology in the automotive industry.

On India's infrastructure development:

She applauds initiatives spearheaded by Mr. Gadkari, acknowledging significant improvements in road quality and maintenance, particularly on highways. However, she laments the inconsistent standards observed in urban areas like Mumbai, underscoring the need for sustained investment and maintenance for long-term benefits.

On EVS:

She acknowledges the transformative potential of EVs in shaping the future of automotive technology, emphasizing the need for enthusiasts and consumers alike to adapt to the changing automotive landscape.

On F1:

We also talk about the recent surge in interest in Formula 1 racing, attributed partly to the captivating documentary series "Drive to Survive" and American influence on the sport's marketing.

In essence, she demonstrated to us what it really means to be driven, to just follow your dreams and be confident in what you do.

More resources:

• https://youtu.be/sOw1ZvfB6dk
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5G2z10BISU
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm5KZJF4rX0

Nearly two decades ago, Facebook exploded on college campuses as a site for students to stay in touch. Then came Twitter, where people posted about what they had for breakfast, and Instagram, where friends shared photos to keep up with one another.

Today, Instagram and Facebook feeds are full of ads and sponsored posts. They are stuffed with videos from influencers promoting dish soaps and dating apps. And soon, Twitter posts that gain the most visibility will come mostly from subscribers who pay for the exposure and other perks.

Once upon a time, people joined social media networks so they could connect with one another. That has now been superseded by content from strangers.

Social media is, in many ways, becoming less social.

In this episode with Toya Singh, part two of our discussion with the CNN18 News Anchor, we move from the confines of newsrooms to the glare of social media platforms.

In the chaos of clicks and swipes, she talks to us about the delicate balance between authenticity and digital performance.

She speaks about her experience as a female anchor and the layers of scrutiny involved: from physical perceptions to vocal assertiveness.

She further delves deep into the intersectionality of identity, privilege, and societal norms and the role of social media as a tool for self-expression.