Welcome to the new season 3 of Come chai with me, once again, hosted by Simmi Arora. On this episode her co-hosts are: Daksha Mistry and Manjusha Malhotra. This episode focuses on understanding and outlining what makes a good conversation. How important is listening in a conversation? Conversation is a mental link that connects humans, it’s an adventure and it gives us a whole new prospective. It can define who we are as humans and can help us make friends out of strangers. It can make peace but can also make war! This podcast is inspired by Celeste Headlee’s Ted talk on 10 ways to have a better conversation: We Need to Talk - the talk gives listeners 10 simple tools to help facilitate better conversations, ranging from the errors we routinely make, for exampling putting down our smartphone when being face to face with someone, to the less obvious blind spots that can sabotage any conversation, including knowing when not to talk, being aware of our own bias and avoiding putting yourself at the centre of a discussion. When your job hinges on how well you talk to people, you learn a lot about how to have conversations and that most of us don't converse very well. Celeste Headlee has worked as a radio host for decades and she knows the ingredients of a great conversation: Honesty, brevity, clarity and a healthy amount of listening. In her career as a National Public Radio host, journalist Celeste Headlee has interviewed hundreds of people from all walks of life, and if there's one thing she's learned, it's that it's hard to overestimate the power of conversation and its ability to both bridge gaps and deepen wounds. In her Ted talk she shares what she's learned on the job about how to have effective, meaningful and respectful conversations in every area of our lives. Now more than ever, Headlee argues, we must begin to talk to and, more importantly, listen to one another - including those with whom we disagree. Conversation is like reading a book, an opportunity to learn from others. In Bill Nighy’s words, ‘Everyone you will ever meet will know something that you don’t.’ As Maya Angelou once said, ‘ I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ We hope that you find this episode interesting and useful.

Trying new experiences not only helps us vanquish some fears but it also allows us to expand our minds and learn. Your brain will thank you for trying. Unless you try new things you may never know your true passion, purpose or power. The more new and fun things you do, the more fulfilling and satisfying your life becomes. Psychological research suggests that, in the long run, experiences make people happier than possessions. That's in part because the initial joy of acquiring a new object such as a car, fades over time. People become accustomed to seeing it all the time. Experts say experiences on the one hand, continue to provide happiness through memories. Another reason for increased happiness long after the event occurred. Another reason for increased happiness in experiences the researchers found was that people felt a a greater sense of vitality or 'being alive' during the experience and in reflection a researcher said, 'As nice as your new computer is, its not going to make you feel alive'. After listening to a variety of podcasts, Manju, Kiki and Simmi discuss their own experiences. They share some ideas on activities both big and small that can be incorporated in everyone's lives. Failure is part of trying something new but...'Life begins at the end of your comfort zone'!

We all love to hear the giggling, cackling and uninhibited screams of joy from children who are out and about playing. Seeing children playing is a joyous moment in itself. It can make us think back to simpler times in our own childhood, if we were lucky enough to have one that included a lot of fun, laughter and play. Play in childhood leads to healthy adulthood. The list of benefits for children is endless from learning social interaction, figuring out how to solve problems without adult intervention, standing up for yourself and even making mistakes and apologising. Research shows that children who are deprived of play can have long term impacts such as isolation, depression, reduced self-control and poor resilience. As adults we often give up play for more serious persuits such as careers, our relationships and our families; all of which are valid pursuits. Play for adults is critical in our busy, stressful lives.  It has been shown to release endorphins and improve brain functionality. Playful characteristics can lead to lower blood pressure. One study found being ‘playful’ makes you more attractive and can help you feel more young and energetic. Simmi, Kiki and Manju agree with a lot of what has been discussed in the associated podcasts and Ted Talks they have listened to about the benefits of play and having fun as an adult. They also talk 8 play personality types and uncover which particular one they fit into! Play isn’t something new that you have to do. It’s tapping back to something that is personal and fulfilling. They share their own thoughts and ideas of what play means and how to incorporate it into everyday life, even if it’s just finding micro-moments of play. Experiment a bit and find out what works for you.  We could all use a bit more play in our responsible, adult lives. 'We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.’ - George Bernard Shaw References: Yolonda Tyler at TEDxBoggyCreek - The Importance of PLAY in adulthood and childhood. Stuart Brown: Book - Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul & his TED Talk - Play is more than fun Commons Copyright observed.

Welcome to Part 2 of 2 where we continue to explore why 'Community’ is central to the human experience. Last month Kiki, Simi and Manju discussed how some communities come together to create phenomenal changes in their own and other's lives. In Part 2 we're joined by our guest Harsha Burton. Harsha guides us through what impact she has had on her local community and her amazing work as run Director for Junior Park Run.

Part 1 of 2 explores why 'Community’ is central to the human experience. Essentially, a community is a social group whose members have something in common such as geographic location, culture, heritage or a shared passion or hobby. Why are communities important? Strong communities are critical because they are often an important source of social connection and a sense of belonging. Participating in a community bonded by attitudes, values and goals is an essential ingredient to enjoying a fulfilling life. Frances Moore Lappe , author of: 'You have the Power: Choosing Courage in a Culture of Fear’ says  'Community for me is nurturing, human connection is our survival. We humans wither outside of community. It isn’t a luxury, a nice thing; community is essential to our well being.’ After listening to podcasts from Johann Hari - Kiki, Simi and Manju discuss how some communities come together to create phenomenal changes in their own and other's lives. A public health study done in Canada even ranked social isolation as a higher risk factor for premature death. We are 'social beings’ so feeling disconnected from others can deeply affect our self-perception and emotional health. In Part 2 we're joined by our guest Harsha Burton. Harsha guides us through what impact she has had on her local community and her amazing work as run Director for Junior Park Run. 

This month Simmi has 2 new guests Dr Savi Arora and Rohin Arora, whilst the regular co-hosts have hopped across the pond (UK to US) to research a future episode that incorporates the delights of Nashville and New Orleans! (Hint: A future episode will be dedicated to music! ). The average human lifespan is absurdly, terrifyingly, insultingly short. But that isn't a reason for unremitting despair, or for living in an anxiety-fuelled panic about making the most of your limited time. It's a cause for relief. You get to give up on something that was always impossible - the quest to become an optimised, infinitely capable, emotionally invincible, fully independent person you're officially supposed to be. Then you get to roll up your sleeves and start work on what's gloriously possible instead. The author Oliver Burkeman recognises that trying to cram more and more tasks into already overfilled adult lives is not effective, and that going in the opposite direction helps one to be truly productive. If you have ever felt that efficiency means that more gets poured into your cup simply because you found a way to drink faster, this could be a helpful manifesto for you. This Podcast discusses if our lives will be truly fulfilled if are able to manage our 'to do' lists better. Can we say that it was purposeful Vs our desires? Should we not try to fulfil our dreams now than leaving it for later.  In other words you cannot give your life more time, so give the time you have more life. References: Oliver Burkeman Ted talk Dr Rangan Chatterjee Feel Better live more - Episode #260 - How to stop feeling overwhelmed with Oliver Burkeman

Is laughter the best medicine? There is strong evidence that laughter can actually improve health and and help fight disease. Intuitively we know that laughter is one of the best tools we have for dealing with stress and science backs that up. In her hilarious You Tube video  'Humour your stress with Loretta LaRoche’ - she has our hosts Simmi, Manju and Kiki in stitches as well as showing how humour can be used in everyday situations to ease stress. In his Ted talk, Daniel Murray discusses how laughter builds up resilience. He talks about his fathers many ailments and the legacy that he left was, 'through laughter we can extend our time here on earth.’  Among the many benefits, laughter is a potent endorphin releaser. This in turn explains why social laughter is so contagious. It is central in forming relationships. Dr Madan Kataria, the founder of Laughter yoga says, 'I have not seen anyone dying of laughter but I know millions who are dying because they are not laughing.’ Our hosts discuss how and why we should bring as much laughter and smiles as possible into our lives. 'Fake it, until we make it.’   'You don’t stop laughing because you grow older. You grow older because you stop laughing.’ - Maurice Chevalier References: Loretta LaRoche: Ted Talk Daniel Murray: Ted Talk Phillip & Holly Try Out Laughter Yoga on This Morning

Everyone keeps saying how important it is to travel. So what’s the fuss about? Why do people travel and love travelling? More importantly, why should we travel more? Why we travel may differ from person to another but people who travel always develop empathy and a deeper understanding of other cultures. Travelling makes you more interesting. Who do you think people want to listen to: guy who spent his vacations at home doing some gardening and reading the newspaper. Or, the woman who spent a week in Cuba, driving an old American car, swimming with dolphins and tasting deliciously spicy food? Travel takes us out of our comfort zones and inspires us to see, taste and try new things. It constantly challenges us, not only to adapt to and explore new surroundings but also to engage with different people. To embrace adventures as they come and to share new and meaningful experiences with friends and loved ones. Travelling let’s you create lifetime memories as well as developing new skills, something as simple as eating with chopsticks. You might run into challenging situations where you need to be resourceful and think differently. This is a sure way of developing a new set of skills that you didn’t suspect you had within you. After listening to a podcast by Rick Steves, an American travel writer, author and T.V. personality, Simmi, Manju and Kiki share what they have learnt. Rick explains what he means by a ‘Travellers Mindset’. A good travellers mindset is positivity, being excited to explore and learn. Saying YES! to new opportunities. The hosts talk about their own experiences and even discuss the reasons why some people do not like travelling at all. Travelling can even make you love your home more. ‘The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave and it feels even better to come back’. You will truly understand the meaning of those words by Wendy Wunder, only upon your return home. There is a quote by Saint Augustine which goes ‘The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page’.

Ageing is beautiful! As many people would say "what’s the alternative?" There’s a lot of pressure in our society, especially on women, to age gracefully. What does that even mean? Do we have to dress in a certain way to please others? Do we have to ‘act our age?’ Do we turn invisible after a certain age? The Queen, aged 95, recently turned down the "Oldie of the year award" because she says "you are only as old as you feel." Dolly Parton, aged 75, says "I don’t think about my life in terms of numbers."  "First of all, I ain’t never gonna be old because I ain’t got time to be old. I can’t stop long enough to grow old" - The Oprah Conversation - November 2020 Yoko Ono said "Some people are old when they’re 18 and some people are young when they’re 90." "You can’t define people by whatever society determines as their age. Time is a concept that human beings created."  - The Guardian February 2012 Ageing at all, is most definitely a privilege and the accumulation of experience and wisdom should not be feared. There are two factors affecting the way we age:  intrinsic factors - caused by the genes we inherit and extrinsic (external or environmental) factors, such as exposure to the sun’s rays, smoking, lack of exercise and poor nutrition. Most of us know the importance of keeping mentally and physically healthy. Maintaining a sense of humour and fun are qualities in themselves that are a recipe for staying youthful. In the song by Frank Sinatra "Young at Heart" there are some very wise words to take note of... "For it’s hard you will find, to be narrow of mind If you’re young at heart For as rich as you are, it’s better by far To be young at heart" There’s no doubt that there are some parts of the vitality of youth that we want to retain or re-capture as we get older. On one of the episodes of Mindset Mentor titled "How to Reverse ageing and live to 150!" Our hosts learned some valuable insights into how to keep young and healthy. It’s good to start young but it’s never too late to start at any age. Dr David Sinclair, biologist, professor of genetics and Co-director of the Paul F. Glenn Centre for the Biology of Ageing at Harvard Medical school discusses his pivotal studies on the human ageing process.  If you are looking for the "fountain of youth",  Simmi, Kiki and Manju  talk about their knowledge and experiences. Fasting, hot/cold therapies, stressing the body out through the process of Hormesis and smiling and laughing a lot are just a few of the things that can contribute to achieving a younger looking and healthier body. Looking and feeling younger is all about taking care of yourself, inside and out. We hope the tips on offer help keep you on track and stay ‘ young at heart.’ "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter." Mark Twain DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for a fitness instructor, professional medical / food advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor / nutritionist or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.

Meditation and mindfulness have become quite popular in recent years. Yet, most people can’t really define meditation, understand its purpose or appreciate what meditation is good for. Simmi, Manju and Kiki discuss their own varied experiences. Our guest this time is Mindi, a seasoned meditator. She answers questions about how meditation has helped in her life. She talks about the emotional benefits which include gaining a new perspective on stressful situations, focussing on the present and reducing negative emotions. It could be said that meditation is to the mind what physical exercise is to the body. It is a mental exercise that involves relaxation, focus and awareness. Originally, the word ‘meditate’ actually means to think deeply about something. When eastern practices were ‘imported’ to Western culture, meditation has taken on the meaning of ‘focussing attention’ rather than to reflect deeply. In Christianity, meditation is a type of contemplative prayer that creates a sense of union with God, or the contemplation of religious themes. In Buddhism, meditation is one of the core practises for the purification of mind and attainment of Nirvana. After watching some episodes of ‘Headspace’ on Netflix our hosts discuss the various techniques of meditation that can benefit different aspects of life, from coping with stress and anxiety to understanding the importance of Gratitude. Headspace co-founder, Buddhist monk and best selling author Andy Puddicombe leads the way with personal stories and tips. The three of them found this approach enjoyable and enlightening. Andy also shares scientific research that shows the positive impact of meditation on the brain. Believe it or not, with continued practice meditation can even reduce your body age by a significant number of years. So don’t worry about sitting cross legged on a hard floor. Find a comfortable chair and get meditating! DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for a fitness instructor, professional medical / food advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor / nutritionist or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.