Link To Smit's Work: https://smitdesai.net/ Smit's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smit-desai-6b54bb83/ Smit on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesmitdesai Podcast and Other Links: https://theideasandboxpodcast.com/ Behance Link to My Artwork: https://www.behance.net/theideasandbox Link to Substack Blogs: https://thecuriousnobody.substack.com/ My Trusty Search Engine: https://www.perplexity.ai/ Welcome to the Idea Sandbox! Today, I'm thrilled to introduce our guest, Smit Desai, a PhD candidate at the University of Illinois specializing in Human-Computer Interactions. Smit's groundbreaking research focuses on voice user assistants, like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. He explores how these technologies can take on new roles—such as exercise coaches, storytellers, health advisors, and research assistants—to enrich our learning and daily lives. In our conversation, we dive into the influence of existentialist philosophy on Smit's work. We draw connections to the artistic projects I've been pursuing, highlighting how philosophy and technology intersect in fascinating ways. We then shift gears to discuss the transformative potential of AI. Smit shares his insights on the 'tsunami of changes' AI is expected to bring, especially its impact on India's IT sector, which stands on the cusp of significant AI-driven transformations. Further into our discussion, Smit and I delve into the principles of co-design and design thinking. We emphasize the importance of prioritizing accessibility in product design and advocating for innovative and ethical approaches to creating technology. This episode is filled with enlightening conversations about AI's future and thoughtful design's role in shaping a better world. I invite you to join the dialogue by leaving comments, sharing feedback, or reaching out on Twitter. Let's continue to inspire each other and spread great ideas, one step at a time. Chapters: 0:00:00 Start 0:05:30 Diving Deep into Caste: A Personal Journey 00:22:17 Existentialism Unveiled: A Deep Dive 00:32:20 Existentialism Decoded: Finding Joy in the Abyss 00:34:37 Embracing 'What Will People Say?' with Confidence 00:41:37 From Cricket Dreams to Reality: Smit's Unconventional Path 00:53:44 Intelligence Unpacked: Navigating Research Worlds 01:00:47 Research Revealed: The Qualitative vs Quantitative Debate 01:07:41 CoDesign Explained: Beyond Conventional Use 01:10:23 Prioritizing Accessibility: A Design Revolution 01:15:09 Voice Assistants: The Future of Research Focus 01:17:50 A Turning Point: Why Voice Assistants Became My Passion 01:23:56 AI Directions: Smit's Predictions and Insights 01:28:12 AI Accountability: The Need for Oversight 01:36:57 AI & India: Preparing for the Revolution 01:47:28 Beyond Communal Distractions: Facing the AI Tsunami 01:50:42 India's Legacy of Innovation: A Historical Perspective 02:00:57 Reflecting on India's SelfAwareness Challenge 02:05:21 Debunking IIT Idolization: A Personal Take 02:10:40 The Truth Behind My Journey: A Candid Confession 02:19:27 Exploring Infinity: The Universe's Endless Possibilities 02:22:07 Admiring Europe: A Design-First Approach Love and cheers from the Idea Sandbox.

Join me on a captivating artistic journey as we sit down with accomplished visual artist Preeti Varma. Born in New Delhi, India, Preeti embarked on a successful career that spanned various cities in India. However, in 2009, driven by an unwavering passion for art, she made the audacious decision to leave behind her 16-year corporate tenure and fully devote herself to her artistic calling.

Since 2011, her artwork has graced exhibitions and international art fairs across the United States, Singapore, and India.

In this conversation, we explore Preeti's remarkable career arc, delving into her transition from a structured corporate world to the realm of boundless creativity. Her journey embodies a growth mindset, and she shares insights on being original while drawing inspiration from the world around us.

Whether you're a seeker, an art enthusiast, a creator searching for fresh perspectives, or simply curious about the profound interplay of ideas and visual expression, this conversation is a captivating exploration of creativity's boundless realms.

For more about Preeti and her inspiring artwork, visit her website at preetivarma.com

Instagram profile at instagram.com/preetivarmastudio.com.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Prelude: Glimpses of Preeti's Mind

00:03:54 Conversation Begins

00:06:54 Preeti's Bold Leap: Switching Careers for Art

00:15:48 Rekindling the Canvas: Preeti’s Return to Painting after 15 Years

00:21:30 Abstract Expressionism: Preeti’s Artistic Lens

00:30:06 The Artist’s Journey to Self-Connection

00:41:23 A Tapestry of Connection: Preeti on the Interconnectedness of All Things

00:42:52 From Corporate to Canvas: Preeti’s Shift to an Unstructured Life

00:55:48 Facing the Monetary Void: Life without a Steady Paycheck

00:58:12 Immersed in Art: Preeti’s ‘Fish in Water’ Experience

00:59:53 Shattering Societal Expectations to Live Authentically

01:04:19 The Growth Mindset: Preeti’s Continuous Evolution

01:07:46 The Influence of Consumption on Originality: Preeti’s Perspective

01:11:16 Heeding the Call of Strong Inclinations

01:17:42 Navigating the Angst of Uncertainty

01:18:59 Staying True to Your Inner Compass: Preeti’s Mantra

01:25:36 The Non-Stop Journey of Growth and Evolution

01:28:02 Preeti on the Role and Impact of Art in Public Spaces

01:35:10 Challenging the Notion of Dispensable Art

01:39:590 Preeti's Insight on the Evolution of Art Forms Over Time

01:42:51 The Savior of the Future: Art's Revolutionary Role

01:43:44 The Conclusion: Reflecting on a Journey through Art and Life

Please consider supporting my work at theideasandboxpodcast.com and you can reach me at theideasandboxpodcast@gmail.com. Cheers and Love.

Find more information about the Oslo Architecture Triennale at: https://www.oslotriennale.no/ Link to the Mission Neighborhood book: https://arkitektensforlag.dk/shop/p/mission-neighbourhood Prepare to be amazed by the wonders of Scandinavian innovation. Health, prosperity, and jaw-dropping architecture—these societies have it all. This episode is the result of my curiosity-fueled quest into Norwegian urban planning, and let's just say, I struck gold! Tune in to discover cutting-edge ideas for crafting cities that prioritize health and happiness. Enter Christian Pagh (The Esteemed Curator and Director of the Oslo Architecture Triennale) —a visionary committed to defeating despair with undying hope and optimism. The concept of a 'mission neighborhood' could very well be a game-changer. Placing neighborhood design at the heart of conversations about community health, mental well-being, and cultural integration is revolutionary, yet profoundly logical. Drawing from my own experiences—from bustling Bangalore to serene Midwestern towns—I can attest to the often underestimated link between well-being and our surroundings. As each new day brings gifts from nature, so does Christian bring fresh perspectives on how humanity can thrive. This episode explores the collaborative book 'Mission Neighborhood,' edited by Christian Pagh and Thomas Cook. The book is a treasure trove of interviews and insights from over 35 contributors, including renowned figures like Jos Boys, Camilla van Deurs, Jan Gehl, and many more. We dive into the essence, spirit, and invaluable takeaways that the book offers, broadening perspectives on what it means to live in vibrant, hopeful neighborhoods. This episode exposes the shortcomings of corporate-driven urban planning. We explore the idea that true neighborhood design stems from community insights and practical needs—not just profit margins. While rules and guidelines have their place, the unique personality of each neighborhood should be celebrated, even if the journey to get there is challenging. The endgame? A vibrant, equitable space for everyone. Our talk reveals a potent connection between culture, philosophy, lived spaces, and architecture—particularly in a Scandinavian context. From instant mood shifts to design-induced challenges, personal anecdotes bring these insights to life. Plus, we discuss how cities can be both battlegrounds and playgrounds for solving real-world conflicts. Chapters: 00:00:00 Start

00:05:27 Mission Neighborhood: Blueprint or Inspiration?

00:09:07 The Trinity: Philosophy, Modern Culture, and Architecture

00:13:12 Europe's Love Affair with Aesthetic Design

00:14:09 The Roots of Europe's Design Culture

00:17:23 Embracing the Unfinished: The Beauty of Open-Ended Spaces

00:21:35 Therapeutic Joy: A New Approach to Wellness

00:24:56 Neighborly Love: How Community Shapes Happiness

00:26:15 The Heart of Mission Neighborhood: A Closer Look

00:29:56 ROI of Good Design: The Neighborhood Edition

00:31:12 Corporate Agenda vs. Community Well-being: A Second Look

00:36:10 Mission Neighborhood: A Socialist European Lens?

00:41:08 The Power of Shared Visions: A Romantic Perspective

00:44:45 The Grey Zone: Finding Comfort in Uncertainty

00:48:32 Norway's Natural Beauty: A Plea for Preservation

00:50:32 The Parisian School Makeover: Lessons to Learn

00:57:04 Empowering Grassroots: The Role of Authorities

00:58:44 The Human Instinct for Good: An Optimistic View

01:01:30 Tackling Bangalore's Big Issues: A Potential Roadmap

Thanks for tuning into this enlightening episode.' If you're as passionate about thriving communities and groundbreaking design as we are, don't miss out on more captivating conversations. Follow me on https://theideasandboxpodcast.com for real-time updates and sneak peeks into upcoming episodes. Let's keep the ideas flowing!

This is part 2 of the conversation I had the privilege of having with Dr. Shrikanth KN (FRCS) to discuss various topics related to Healthcare in India, Innovations, Emerging Trends in the domain of Orthopaedic Surgery, Health Illiteracy, and urgent reforms required in the Indian Healthcare system. Dr. Shrikanth KN, a luminary in the field, takes the spotlight again. His expertise transcends orthopedic surgery, encompassing the art of Robotic and Revision Surgery, finely tailored for the challenges posed by Arthritis, Osteoporosis, and Sports Injuries. A testament to his pursuit of excellence, Dr. Shrikanth's training has been honed within the hallowed halls of four out of the five Centers of Excellence in the United Kingdom. Chapters 00:00:00 Start 00:03:17 Why did Dr. Shrikanth move back to India from the UK? 00:13:38 Why does a doctor have to start training from scratch if moving abroad? 00:17:45 Does India have advocacy groups that can advocate on behalf of Doctors? 00:24:07 What drew Dr. Shrikanth toward a Career in Orthopedic Surgery? 00:29:00 Specializing in the Knee Joint 00:30:32 Joint VEDO Technique 00:42:08 What is Arthritis? 00:37:30 Arthritis and “Country Medicine” 00:44:07 Health illiteracy in India 00:47:18 Challenges in the Indian Healthcare System I hope you enjoy the podcast and take away something useful. Cheers and Peace. Please consider supporting my work at: Theideasandboxpodcast.com Dr. Srikanth's Website: www.srikanthkn.com Dr. Srikanth's information if you need to book an appointment with him: https://www.eka.care/doctor/dr-kn-srikanth-orthopedic-bengaluru

Today I had the privilege of chatting with Dr. Srikanth K. N., a distinguished Orthopaedic Surgeon based in Bangalore, India, in this enlightening interview. As a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (FRCS) specializing in Trauma & Orthopaedic Sciences, Dr. Srikanth is a leading figure in the field. He is the driving force behind the Sarathi Super Specialty Orthopaedic Centre (SSOC) in Bangalore, where he introduced groundbreaking techniques. Dr. Srikanth's innovative approach includes computer-assisted and robotic knee/hip surgeries, ensuring unparalleled precision and patient safety. Learn about 'The Joint Vedo' Technique, a revolutionary regenerative medicine service designed to tackle arthritis and inflammatory arthropathy. Did you know that Indians rank as the 2nd largest knee pain sufferers in the world, with around 20 million people affected by knee and hip arthritis, equating to one in five? Dr. Srikanth's expertise shines as he discusses his extensive experience, having performed thousands of successful knee and hip replacement surgeries. His passion for perfection and dedication to achieving outstanding patient outcomes is evident in every procedure, especially in complex and minimally invasive knee and hip surgeries. Dr. Srikanth is not only a pioneer in his field but also a fearless advocate for innovative medical technologies, striving to raise awareness about the challenges within the Indian healthcare system. Join us in Part 1 of 2 of the insightful conversation as we delve into the challenges in the world of medical education in India, ground realities with medical equipment, and a discussion on the state of preventive care vs. curative care in India. Chapters: 00:00:00 Start 00:03:48 What are the reasons private medical school education is expensive in India? 00:20:00 Discussion on import of nearly 70-80% of medical equipment in India and the challenges that it brings. 00:31:05 Preventive Vs Curative Healthcare Please subscribe and find my work at: theideasandboxpodcast.com Dr. Srikanth's Website: www.srikanthkn.com Dr. Srikanth's information if you need to book an appointment with him: https://www.eka.care/doctor/dr-kn-srikanth-orthopedic-bengaluru

In this podcast, Shashidhar, a seasoned engineer and very successful entrepreneur from Bangalore, India describes the story behind the inception of Unit Alfa, a thriving business he started that specializes in sheet metal fabrication for all types of industrial applications and in manufacturing components for hydraulic earth-moving equipment. Unit Alfa boasts a vast clientele of very recognizable and successful businesses such as Komatsu, L&T Construction and Kobelco. Shashidhar had an unusual entrepreneurial journey and a challenging one at that. He describes some of the endemic corruption and challenges facing Indian industrialists. On the personal front, Shashi describes his challenging family situation with a brother who suffered from a serious intellectual disability, and an ailing mother both requiring special care. Shashi and I also delve into some of the stubborn social issues facing South Indian communities with regards to religious sensibilities, beliefs, education, awareness and ignorance. Shashi has a very unique and special bond with his wife Roopa which struck me as an example of a collaborative, constructive and loving spousal relationship worthy of showcasing on my podcast platform especially since they're a South Indian couple and have successfully dodged some of the typical negative stereotypes. I hope you enjoy the podcast as much as I did and take away something useful. Love and Peace. The Idea Sandbox. Theideasandboxpodcast.com Chapters: 00:00:00 Start 00:02:46 Shashidhar and me discuss religious symbolisms 00:07:41 Shashi's background and roots 00:13:21 Not caring for society's constructs 00:18:21 What did Shashi's engineering firm produce? 00:25:40 What is the makeup of Shashi's company? 00:30:38 Why aren't there more Naidu community folk in the factory business? 00:32:06 We discuss the challenges facing the Indian business landscape 00:36:03 We discuss endemic corruption in Indian life 00:46:07 Politicians rule the country and not statesmen 00:54:49 Elites have captured the narrative 01:00:08 Shashi's special relationship with his wife 01:05:48 Hindu scriptures and interpretations of it 01:09:15 Propitiation of Gods 01:17:19 West borrowing good ideas from the east and vice versa 01:19:54 Borrowing the method of inquiry, socratic questioning 01:22:53 Shashi elaborates on his special relationship with his wife 01:34:05 My take on Shashi's perceived image in the close family circuit

I’m very excited to share the conversation I had with the renowned abstract painter Hariraam Veeraraghavan at his place in Bangalore. He unveiled his latest masterpiece "Blue". Hariraam and I discuss spirituality, the infinite, and love among other very interesting topics that we got into. This is Hariraam’s second appearance on the podcast. Hariraam Veeraraghavan is a well-known abstract painter hailing from India. His works are known for their colorful, vibrant compositions that invite the viewer to indulge in their own interpretations and emotions. Veeraraghavan's technique involves layering colors and textures on the canvas to create multi-dimensional, dynamic pieces. He has stated that his inspiration comes from his surroundings and experiences, as well as from his fascination with the intersection of science and art. In addition to his abstract paintings, Veeraraghavan has also explored other mediums such as film and installation art. His pieces have been exhibited in various prestigious art shows and galleries around the world, cementing his position as a prominent name in the contemporary art scene. Overall, Veeraraghavan's work is a celebration of the power of art to evoke emotions, inspire imagination, and create a connection between the viewer and the artwork. 00:00:00 Start 00:01:17 Some of Hariraam’s Internationally Recognized Works 00:02:45 Getting something off my chest 00:08:41 Living Consciously/Marriage 00:15:22 How does Hari define Success 00:20:30 Hariraam's Journey to Becoming an Abstract Painter 00:29:43 Sharing Thoughts about Natural Medicine with Hari 00:35:54 How does Art Affect a Person? 00:49:48 Talented Vs Genius 00:54:11 How does Hari keep evolving? 01:06:09 Dealing with Depression 01:14:58 Where do you see me? The universe is inside you 01:15:45 Karma Discussion 01:23:01 Being and becoming more conscious, social contagions discussion 01:28:22 Living a life of greater consciousness 01:40:08 Dealing with Fear of Judgement 01:44:04 Abstraction is Total Consciousness 01:49:27 Abstract Paintings & Meaning 01:53:29 Accumulating Wealth Vs Living your Fullest Life 01:56:36 Examining yourself, seeking answers 02:06:19 Watermelon Vs Balloon 02:09:29 Should more of us do art? 02:16:44 Aprameya Swamy Temple 02:23:05 4 Levels of Abstract Painters Instagram: instagram.com/hariraamveeraraghavan/?hl=en Hope you enjoy the podcast as much as I did. Peace and Love. theideasandboxpodcast.com

I had the privilege and honor of sitting down for an informal chat with the dynamic, charismatic, strong, and very successful businesswoman Nina Reddy in her office at Hotel Savera. Nina is the Joint Managing Director of Hotel Savera, Chennai, India - an iconic landmark in Chennai, the Director of Shyam Group of Restaurants, the Founder of Nivi Group of Restaurants and Farms, the Founder of the Duchess Club, and the Managing Director of O2 Health Studios. Many of these successful businesses are spread across India. Nina talks about her entry into the world of business, restaurants, and the wide array of businesses she founded and currently runs, her special relationship with her late Husband (Vijay Kumar Reddy) and his family, her philosophy on diet and fitness, being bold and expressive with your style, aggressive yet broadminded approach to running large organizations, her views on feminism and a whole range of topics that we managed to get into. Hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did and take away something useful. Cheers and Love. Please support the channel at: theideasandboxpodcast.com 00:00:00 Start 00:01:39 Why did I start the podcast? 00:10:08 How did Nina enter the world of business? 00:17:21 Relationship stereotypes 00:19:31 Nina and Vijay’s story of helping each other grow and evolve 00:21:13 The only fight Nina and her husband ever had 00:28:49 Nina’s Roots of Creativity 00:32:47 Andhra culture of dressing well 00:35:15 Holding your own with style 00:37:42 Duchess Club 00:39:12 Hotel Savera History 00:43:05 Nina’s first business owner 00:47:54 Ambition of running a 100 restaurants 00:48:24 Reddy culture of being a prolific business community 00:49:37 Money shouldn’t be the only driving factor in business 00:52:31 Philosophy of helping each other 00:56:24 Women in business 01:00:45 Inviting ideas from all corners of the organization 01:02:57 Nina’s Health, fitness, and diet philosophy 01:15:18 Nina’s current projects and projects on the horizon 01:21:42 Pursuing your dreams and aspirations 01:25:40 Wrapping up Cheers.