Melting Pot

Hosted by Payal Nayar

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Episodes

306

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Melting Pot is a podcast by Payal Nayar that brings together inspiring stories and meaningful conversations from around the world. With a focus on culture, art, entrepreneurship, and spirituality, the podcast dives deep into the experiences and perspectives of thought leaders, authors, artists, and changemakers. Each episode uncovers unique narratives that celebrate the richness of global diversity while exploring the universal threads that connect us all. Payal’s engaging style and genuine curiosity create a platform for open dialogue, fostering a space where creativity and ideas can flourish. From motivational journeys of entrepreneurs to the soulful expressions of performing artists, Melting Pot captures the essence of human potential and the spirit of collaboration. Whether you're seeking inspiration, cultural insights, or just a fresh perspective, Melting Pot offers something for everyone. Tune in to explore the stories that unite us, challenge us, and inspire us to think beyond boundaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 15, 202630 min

Carrie Tan & Jared Poon

Why does the mind work so hard to protect us from the truth and what does it take to look anyway? In this episode, we sit down with two very different minds asking the same question. Carrie Tan, former Member of Parliament turned transformation coach, unpacks the micro-moments that quietly sabotage our decisions, relationships, and leadership. Jared Poon, philosopher and author of City of Others , explores how fiction and storytelling reveal the blind spots reality tends to hide. One rooted in real-world leadership, the other in myth and imagination, together, they trace how self-awareness, however we arrive at it, might be the real work. [Self-awareness, Mindset, Subconscious Mind, Mental Blind Spots, Personal Transformation, #Singapore Leadership Coaching, Member of Parliament, Singapore Public Service, Philosophy, Storytelling, Speculative Fiction, Psychology, Philosophy of Mind, Podcast, Payal Nayar, Melting Pot Podcast] #Fictionbooks #Psycology #Storytelling #Author #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 8, 202630 min

Amy Pollack

Amy Meislin Pollack has been telling stories about a fourth-grader named Jelly Bean since 1960, first as a nine-year-old herself, then across 40 years in the classroom, and later with her own children and grandchildren. In this episode, Amy talks about turning six decades of storytelling into her three-book middle-grade series, The Adventures of Jelly Bean, and why she chose to write honestly about the things kids actually deal with, friendship, death, race, addiction and feeling unseen at home. We get into what four decades of teaching taught her about kids navigating change, and why she believes middle-graders are ready for harder conversations than adults often give them credit for. [Jelly Bean Books, Teenage Books, Children's Author, Tween Reads, Parenting Books, Teacher, Parenting Teens, Childhood Grief, Real Talk For Kids, Podcast, Payal Nayar, Melting Pot Podcast] #TeenParenting #ChildrenBehaviour #BooksForTeenagers #AdventuresOfJellyBean #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 1, 202632 min

Phyllis Leavitt

In conversation with psychotherapist and author Phyllis Leavitt, this episode of The Melting Pot explores how childhood trauma quietly shapes who we become as adults. Drawing on over three decades of clinical work with individuals, couples, and families, Phyllis unpacks how early wounds show up in our adult behavior, from the patterns we repeat to the walls we build in relationships. She shares what healing actually looks like, and why understanding our past is often the first step toward reconnecting with the people we love. A grounded, deeply human conversation about trauma, growth, and the ongoing work of becoming whole. [Childhood Trauma, Trauma Healing, Emotional Healing, Generational Trauma, Psychotherapy, Mental Health Awareness, Healthy Relationships,Podcast, Mental Health Podcast, Payal Nayar, Melting Pot Podcast] #MentalHealthAwareness #ChildhoodTrauma #Psychotherapist #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 24, 202636 min

Anoushka Dasgupta Little Andaman Barcelona

What does it take to build a restaurant that stands out in one of Europe's biggest food cities? In this episode, we sit down with Anoushka Dasgupta of Little Andaman, a coastal Indian restaurant in the heart of Barcelona. Anoushka shares how her family opened the restaurant during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges of building recognition in a highly competitive dining scene. She also talks about what makes Little Andaman unique, from its fresh coastal Indian cuisine to its creative cocktails, and how winning Joc de Cartes ' Best Asian Restaurant award became a defining moment in their journey. https://littleandaman.es/home/ [Little Andaman Barcelona, Ankita Dasgupta, Barcelona Restaurants, Coastal Indian Cuisine, Award-Winning Restaurant, Joc de Cartes Winner, Creative Cocktails, Restaurant Business, Melting Pot, Payal Nayar Podcast] #LittleAndaman #BarcelonaRestaurants #IndianRestaurant #Barcelona #Podcast Episode streaming on your preferred streaming platforms and on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 17, 202639 min

Roque-Galeria Cortina Barcelona

For over four decades, Galería Cortina has been a part of Barcelona's vibrant art scene, bringing Modern, Contemporary, and art to collectors and visitors from around the world. In this episode, Roque shares what it takes to run a gallery beyond the exhibitions we see. From curating collections and working with artists and collectors to managing the logistics behind every show, he offers an honest look at the dedication involved. We also explore what makes Galería Cortina unique, how it has built its niche over the years, and why creating a meaningful gallery experience is about much more than simply displaying great art. https://www.galeriacortina.com/ [Barcelona Art Gallery, Contemporary Art Gallery, Modern Art, Fine Art, Art Collection, Gallery Management, Art Exhibitions, Curation, Barcelona Art Scene, Melting Pot Podcast, Galeria Cortina, Art World Insights, Payal Nayar] #Galeriacortinabarcelona #Barcelonaart #Artgallery #Podcast Episode available on all podcast streaming platforms and on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 10, 202619 min

Marta Labori-Ceramist

Ceramic artist and founder of Labori Ceramics, Marta Labori shares her journey into the world of porcelain and how a workshop years ago changed the direction of her creative life. She talks about discovering a material she instantly connected with, the inspiration behind her handcrafted pieces, and how experimentation plays an important role in her process. Marta also reflects on how her thoughts, emotions, and everyday observations influence what she creates, allowing each collection to evolve naturally over time. This conversation offers a thoughtful look into craftsmanship, creativity, and the patience behind making objects that are designed to be both beautiful and meaningful companions in everyday life. [Labori Ceramics, Marta Labori, Porcelain Ceramics, Ceramic Artist, Handmade Ceramics, Barcelona Ceramic Artist, Porcelain Workshop, Ceramic Workshop, Creative Career, Melting Pot, Payal Nayar, Podcast] #LaboriCeramics #Ceramics #Artist #CeramicStudio #Barcelona #Podcast Episode streaming on your favourite podcast streaming platform and on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 3, 202629 min

Esther Maré- Founder ate bonita

Esther Maré's creative journey is a story of embracing change and trusting the creative process. After beginning her career as an economist and later working in graphic design, she followed her passion to create Ate bonita, a handcrafted accessories brand rooted in originality and craftsmanship. She shares how discovering polymer clay opened up new creative possibilities, the importance of experimenting with materials. From changing careers to building a brand by hand, this conversation offers an honest look at creativity, craftsmanship, and the value of making something meaningful at your own pace. https://www.atebonita.com/ [Esther Mare, ate bonita, Handmade Jewellery, Polymer Clay Jewellery, Polymer Clay Artist, Jewellery designer, Creative Journey, Career Change, Graphic Designer, Independent Designer, Craftsmanship, Barcelona, Podcast, Payal Nayar, Melting Pot] #atebonitha #handmadejewellery #clayjewellery #Podcast Episode streaming on your favourite podcast streaming platforms and on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 13, 202631 min

Takisha Purcell

Takisha Purcell, spiritual guide, healer and author, shares the pivotal moment that transformed her perspective forever. A single documentary on spirituality sparked a deep inner awakening, challenging everything she had been taught and leading her on a journey of healing, self-discovery, and spiritual truth. She also shares how an inner voice inspired her to write Understanding The Truth About God Written in The Hearts of Men , turning years of reflection into a powerful memoir about faith and finding God within. If you've ever questioned your beliefs or searched for deeper meaning, this inspiring conversation is one you won't want to miss. [Spiritual awakening, Inner voice, God, Faith, Spirituality, Author, Podcast, Melting Pot, Payal Nayar] #Spirituality #God #Podcast #Meltingpot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 11, 202639 min

Gloria Vanderhorst

What if emotional expression didn’t need words? Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst explores this powerful idea through her decades of experience in psychology, her career journey, and her unique approach to emotional understanding. She shares insights into early childhood development, highlighting how boys and girls often process emotions differently, and why father–son relationships play such a crucial role in shaping emotional growth. She also introduces her thoughtfully designed journal with intentionally blank pages, encouraging individuals to express themselves freely through writing, lines, or drawings. This episode offers a nuanced perspective on connection, care, and emotional awareness, inviting you to reflect, feel deeply, and rethink how we understand expression. [Emotional Development, Emotional Expression, Emotional Awareness, Child Development, Early Childhood Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Human Behavior, Podcast, Melting Pot] #Mentalhealth #emotions #Humanbehavior #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 23, 202631 min

Rachel Pereira -Mog restaurant Barcelona

For Rachel, opening a restaurant wasn't just about serving great food, it was about creating a space that reflects culture, memory and connection. In this episode, she shares the story behind building her restaurant from the ground up, the careful process of shaping its menu and her mission to introduce people to the diverse and deeply rooted coastal cuisines of India, which often remain overshadowed by the country's more familiar North Indian dishes. From the inspiration behind individual dishes to the philosophy that guides the entire experience, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at food as a way of preserving heritage and bringing people together across cultures. https://www.mogbarcelona.com/ [ Mog, Goan Cuisine, Coastal Indian Cuisine, Southeast Asian Flavors, Indian Food Culture, Restaurant Stories, Chef Stories, Restaurant Founder, Barcelona, Podcast, Melting Pot, New Episode, Payal Nayar ] #Mogrestaurant #Seafood #Barcelona #Barcelonarestaurant #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.