Episode Notes [03:47] Seth's Early Understanding of Questions [04:33] The Power of Questions [05:25] Building Relationships Through Questions [06:41] This is Strategy: Focus on Questions [10:21] Gamifying Questions [11:34] Conversations as Infinite Games [15:32] Creating Tension with Questions [20:46] Effective Questioning Techniques [23:21] Empathy and Engagement [34:33] Strategy and Culture [35:22] Microsoft's Transformation [36:00] Global Perspectives on Questions [39:39] Caring in a Challenging World Resources Mentioned The Dip by Seth Godin Linchpin by Seth Godin Purple Cow by Seth Godin Tribes by Seth Godin This Is Marketing by Seth Godin The Carbon Almanac This is Strategy by Seth Godin Seth's Blog What Does it Sound Like When You Change Your Mind? by Seth Godin Value Creation Masterclass by Seth Godin on Udemy The Strategy Deck by Seth Godin Taylor Swift Jimmy Smith Jimmy Smith Curated Questions Episode Supercuts Priya Parker Techstars Satya Nadella Microsoft Steve Ballmer Acumen Jerry Colonna Unleashing the Idea Virus by Seth Godin Tim Ferriss podcast with Seth Godin Seth Godin website Beauty Pill Producer Ben Ford Questions Asked When did you first understand the power of questions? What do you do to get under the layer to really get down to those lower levels? Is it just follow-up questions, mindset, worldview, and how that works for you? How'd you get this job anyway? What are things like around here? What did your boss do before they were your boss? Wow did you end up with this job? Why are questions such a big part of This is Strategy? If you had to charge ten times as much as you charge now, what would you do differently? If it had to be free, what would you do differently? Who's it for, and what's it for? What is the change we seek to make? How did you choose the questions for The Strategy Deck? How big is our circle of us? How many people do I care about? Is the change we're making contagious? Are there other ways to gamify the use of questions? Any other thoughts on how questions might be gamified? How do we play games with other people where we're aware of what it would be for them to win and for us to win? What is it that you're challenged by? What is it that you want to share? What is it that you're afraid of? If there isn't a change, then why are we wasting our time? Can you define tension? What kind of haircut do you want? How long has it been since your last haircut? How might one think about intentionally creating that question? What factors should someone think about as they use questions to create tension? How was school today? What is the kind of interaction I'm hoping for over time? How do I ask a different sort of question that over time will be answered with how was school today? Were there any easy questions on your math homework? Did anything good happen at school today? What tension am I here to create? What wrong questions continue to be asked? What temperature is it outside? When the person you could have been meets the person you are becoming, is it going to be a cause for celebration or heartbreak? What are the questions we're going to ask each other? What was life like at the dinner table when you were growing up? What are we really trying to accomplish? How do you have this cogent two sentence explanation of what you do? How many clicks can we get per visit? What would happen if there was a webpage that was designed to get you to leave? What were the questions that were being asked by people in authority at Yahoo in 1999? How did the stock do today? Is anything broken? What can you do today that will make the stock go up tomorrow? What are risks worth taking? What are we doing that might not work but that supports our mission? What was the last thing you did that didn't work, and what did we learn from it? What have we done to so delight our core customers that they're telling other people? How has your international circle informed your life of questions? What do I believe that other people don't believe? What do I see that other people don't see? What do I take for granted that other people don't take for granted? What would blank do? What would Bob do? What would Jill do? What would Susan do? What happened to them? What system are they in that made them decide that that was the right thing to do? And then how do we change the system? How given the state of the world, do you manage to continue to care as much as you do? Do you walk to school or take your lunch? If you all can only care if things are going well, then what does that mean about caring? Should I have spent the last 50 years curled up in a ball? How do we go to the foundation and create community action?…
The world is full of stories—some told, some hidden, and some that challenge everything we believe. Call Him Curious is where we bring those stories to life. Hosted by Shikhar Varshney, a seasoned podcaster, radio host, and storyteller from Hindustan Times, this show is about asking the questions no one dares to. From deep dives into Indian culture, art, business, and technology to candid conversations with creators, leaders, and change-makers—we’re here to fuel your curiosity. Hit subscribe and join the journey of curiosity, knowledge, and unfiltered conversations.
The world is full of stories—some told, some hidden, and some that challenge everything we believe. Call Him Curious is where we bring those stories to life. Hosted by Shikhar Varshney, a seasoned podcaster, radio host, and storyteller from Hindustan Times, this show is about asking the questions no one dares to. From deep dives into Indian culture, art, business, and technology to candid conversations with creators, leaders, and change-makers—we’re here to fuel your curiosity. Hit subscribe and join the journey of curiosity, knowledge, and unfiltered conversations.
Love isn’t always a fairytale—it’s complicated, emotional, and sometimes heartbreaking. In this Valentine’s Day special episode of Call Him Curious, Shikhar Varshney is joined by Lovely Sharma & Aditya Rao to uncover the real struggles in relationships, marriage, and modern dating. We dive deep into cheating, insecurity, trust issues, and why marriages are failing today. "प्यार में भरोसा सबसे जरूरी है, वरना रिश्ते सिर्फ नाम के रह जाते हैं।" 💔 Why are divorce rates rising? How does jealousy and insecurity impact relationships? Is Bollywood misleading us about love? We explore marriage laws, fake alimony cases, and the psychology of men before & after marriage. "जब प्यार में शक आ जाए, तो रिश्ता टूटने में देर नहीं लगती।" Whether you’re in a relationship, single, or planning marriage, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights and practical advice. And for some fun, we challenge our guests with a Gen Z Dating Terms Game! 🎮 Can they decode today’s relationship trends, or will they be lost in the lingo? 🤔 If you’ve ever searched for ‘relationship advice,’ ‘why marriages fail,’ or ‘trust issues in love,’ this episode is for you! 🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/wFmeAGFM1yo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
In this episode of Call Him Curious podcast, host Shikhar Varshney sits down with Aashi Sahni, a content creator who transitioned from corporate life to digital fame. Aashi shares her journey—from experimenting with TikTok filters during the lockdown to becoming a creator at Let's Droom. She candidly discusses workplace culture, gender biases in the industry, and the power of engaging content in brand marketing. The conversation dives into work-life balance, the evolving debate on long work hours, and how Gen Z prioritizes smart work over traditional hustle culture. Aashi also opens up about her aspirations beyond content creation, her admiration for Bollywood actors like Ranbir Kapoor, and her strategy of recreating old pictures to attract directors. From corporate loyalty and toxic managers to dating red flags and the importance of self-respect in relationships, this episode covers it all with humor and honesty. Tune in for valuable insights on career shifts, content trends, and the realities of digital success. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to Call Him Curious! Follow :- Shikhar Varshney: https://www.instagram.com/shikhar_var?igsh=MW1lbGRkMGVnaHRvNQ== Aashi Sahni: https://www.instagram.com/aashixsahni?igsh=MXdreWQ5bXF0ZjJtdw== _____________________________________________________________________ For more such podcasts log on to https://www.htsmartcast.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/htsmartcast/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/htsmartcast Tweet us on X: https://x.com/HTSmartcast Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ht-smartcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
In the latest episode of Call Him Curious podcast, host Shikhar Varshney is in conversation with author Ami Ganatra who delves into the aftermath of the Mahabharata war, shedding light on the Pandavas' final journey, the roles of Dronacharya, Bhishma, and Parashurama, and the complexities of Karna's character. Discover how Draupadi's portrayal has evolved and unravel the mysteries surrounding Gandhari's 101 children. Gain fresh perspectives on the necessity of the war and the nuanced character of Shakuni. Timestamps: 0:00 - 1:29 - Teaser 1:30 - 4:30 - What happened after the war? 4:31 - 8:20 - Pandavon ka aakhiri ansh 8:21 - 9:37 - Was Dronacharya unfair? 9:38 - 13:13 - Dronacharya vs. Bhishma vs. Parashurama 13:14 - 16:58 - Karna ki kya galti thi? 16:59 - 24:28 - Did Karna have a victim mentality? 24:29 - 28:29 - Did TV play around Draupadi's image? 28:30 - 31:25 - Mahabharat kaise sunayi gayi? 31:26 - 35:35 - How could Gandhari conceive 101 kids? 35:36 - 41:44 - Karna was loyal to himself! 41:45 - 45:05 - Why was the war necessary? 45:06 - 46:50 - Why did Krishna need Hanuman in the war? 46:51 - 53:10 - Shakuni wasn't that bad 53:11 - 57:00 - Kuch toh log kahenge 57:01 - End - Final thoughts Follow Shikhar Varshney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shikhar_var/ Follow Ami Ganatra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amig_insta/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
What goes into managing the biggest names in entertainment? In this episode of Call Him Curious podcast, host Shikhar Varshney chats with Tusharr Kumar, CEO of OML, about the evolving entertainment industry. Tusharr reveals the business of live shows, influencer marketing metrics, and the behind-the-scenes challenges of signing and managing artists. From discussing why Samay Raina went independent to unveiling the revenue streams of top creators, this conversation is a must-watch for anyone curious about the creator economy and live entertainment in India. Whether you're an aspiring artist, a brand looking to collaborate with influencers, or someone interested in the entertainment industry's inner workings, this episode offers valuable insights. Episode Timestamps: 0:00 - Episode Precap 1:40 - OML karta kya hai? 4:00 - What if an artist does not succeed? 5:24 - Why Samay went Independent? 6:28 - Samay’s Creative Genius 7:33 - Why brands should create content? 8:39 - Signing up an influencer 9:55 - Tanmay understands the Internet 11:38 - Live Entertainment Scene 14:28 - How can audiences have a better experience? 16:58 - Math of a live show 19:55 - Revenue sources of an artist 22:07 - Why Spoken Word is still struggling? 23:50 - Artist Management Skills 28:37 - How brands sign influencers? 31:58 - Quick fire 37:47 - Episode Wrap Up 👉 Tune in to uncover the future trends and innovations shaping the entertainment industry today. Know more about Only Much Lounder: https://oml.in/ Know more about Tusharr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tusharr-kumar-2a73a912/ Follow Shikhar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shikhar_var/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
In this episode of Call Him Curious, host Shikhar Varshney chats with @PeepalBaba-Givemetrees, a leading environmentalist who has planted over 20 million trees in India. Peepal Baba discusses urgent environmental issues, the impact of climate change, and the need for a unified approach to ecological challenges in India. He also shares personal stories, including the influence of his teacher and his time at Osho's ashram. The conversation touches on the environmental costs of infrastructure development, the benefits of natural over chemical-based methods, and the wisdom of Osho. Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/o1GKKHIC3x8 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
A full-on gossip episode with Harshita Gupta aka SoHarshi to discuss her journey, life lessons, and her newly released book, "Unloved: The Art of Moving On." From personal stories about trust, love, and self-discovery to her perspective on relationships in the social media era, Harshita opens up with host Shikhar Varshney like never before. Highlights include her take on self-love and happiness, the art of letting go, and the small joys of life in a small town. Tune in for candid anecdotes, powerful insights, and Harshita's ultimate post-break-up guide that will leave you inspired! Timestamps: 0:00 - 1:05 - Episode Montage 1:06 - 1:53 - Don’t talk about my best friend 1:54 - 2:49 - Book release got delayed 2:50 - 4:53 - Purani generation ki galti nahi hai 4:54 - 5:36 - Harshita: The BAHU 5:37 - 8:09 - Happiness is your choice 8:10 - 9:22 - I can’t love again 9:23 - 10:05 - Love is a retrospective feeling 10:06 - 11:25 - I’ll light my own cigarette 11:26 - 13:19 - Self Love & Jackpot 13:20 - 15:09 - Good Sex = Happy Relationship 15:10 - 16:13 - Social Media is ruining more relationship 16:14 - 17:50 - The TRUST Problem 17:51 - 20:16 - Kya chal raha hai market mein! 20:17 - 22:22 - Right time to get married 22:23 - 24:40 - Make her feel special 24:41 - 25:25 - Woh aur uska rant 25:26 - 30:40 - Shaddi wale qisse 30:41 - 32:38 - Choti Baatien 32:39 - 36:13 - Chote shehr ka sukoon 36:14 - 38:20 - The purpose of writing Unloved 38:21 - 41:24 - Businesswoman Harshita 41:25 - 43:41 - Kuch toh log kahenge 43:42 - 46:04 - Love correctly in your life 46:05 - 46:44 - The ultimate post-break-up guide 46:47 - 48:25 - Harshi recommends 48:26 - 49:39 - Khatam Tata Bye Bye Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the bell icon to stay updated on more intriguing conversations! Follow Shikhar Varshney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shikhar_var/ Follow Harshita Gupta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soharshi_/ #Relationships #SelfLove #Heartbreak #Podcast #CallHimCurious Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
Timestamps: 1:38 - 3:25 – Art is not Mainstream! 3:26 - 5:27 – Attention Span & Art 5:28 - 7:55 – Ayodhya Airport Artwork 7:56 - 8:44 – What’s Special in Patna? 8:45 - 10:15 – The India We Don’t Know 10:16 - 14:19 – India & the World 14:20 - 16:00 – Religion & Logic 16:01 - 17:17 – How art is conceptualized. 17:18 - 23:32 – Museums & Paintings 23:33 - 29:38 – Kalesh Ka Case 29:39 - 32:45 – Ministers Insider 32:46 - 35:04 – Episode Wrap-Up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
Wondering how to take control of your health with simple daily changes? In this episode of Call Him Curious, host Shikhar Varshney chats with nutritionist and social media influencer Ambika Dutt, to unpack critical topics around daily health, nutrition, and fitness. This engaging conversation covers everything from the truth about sugar’s impact on your diet to practical tips on mindful eating, balanced nutrition, and the hidden dangers of processed foods. With a focus on the fundamentals of a balanced diet and how mindful eating practices can transform your health, Ambika shares invaluable insights and actionable steps for a healthier lifestyle. Dive in to learn how you can easily make positive changes in your diet, exercise routine, and mental well-being! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
Struggling with self-identity and mental peace? Join Gauranga Das Prabhu in this enlightening episode of Call Him Curious with host Shikhar Varshney as he dive deep into overcoming an identity crisis through the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and Shri Krishna’s teachings. Learn how spirituality and understanding your "Mann" can positively transform your life and mental health. In this conversation, Gauranga Das Prabhu shares profound insights into navigating life’s challenges by aligning with Dharma, finding balance, and reconnecting with our true self. This episode is a unique blend of spirituality, mental health, and practical wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita to help you handle the pressures of modern life. Whether you’re on a journey of self-discovery or managing the demands of a corporate career, this episode is packed with relatable, impactful guidance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
In this episode of Call Him Curious podcast, host Shikhar Varshney gets into a conversation with Indeep Bakshi and dives deep into one of the most talked-about controversies in the Indian Music Scene—the Honey Singh vs Badshah clash over the hit song Saturday-Saturday. How did this song become a battleground for two of India's biggest rappers? We’ll explore the origin of Saturday-Saturday, Honey Singh’s influence, and his comeback after battling personal challenges. Plus, we’ll uncover how Badshah’s version created waves and why Honey Singh feels exposed by his rival. Watch the full episode on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/qiYEpWFLL2E Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
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