Small Talk: Work | Play | Build

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Jun 2026

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Careers are rarely just one thing anymore. Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is a fortnightly conversation about the work we do, the things we play with for joy, and the things we build on the side. Hosts Subha Chandrasekaran (executive coach) and Hasita Krishna (brand strategist) talk with leaders, founders, and thinkers about ambition, mid-career pivots, women at work, first-time managers, AI and the workplace, and the passion projects that keep us whole.

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June 6, 2026Episode 3423 min

How Podcasts Shape the Way We Think, Work & See the World | Career Podcast | S7E34

Ever lose track of time listening to a stranger's story? This episode is about why podcasts have that power and what they've quietly taught us about curiosity, belonging, and how we think.We spend a lot of time talking about careers, work, and personal growth. But where do those ideas come from? In this episode, Subha and Hasita take a detour into the medium that has shaped so much of their thinking: podcasts.From true crime and air crash investigations to leadership, psychology, sport, and storytelling, they explore why long-form conversations continue to matter in an age of endless scrolling. They talk about curiosity, rabbit holes, parasocial friendships, contrarian viewpoints, and the unexpected ways podcasts influence how we think, learn, and connect with the world.If you've ever found yourself losing track of time while listening to someone else's story, this one's for you.00:00 Why we can't stop listening to podcasts00:50 The episode that almost didn't happen03:09 Rabbit holes, lectures & air crash investigations04:41 Why long-form listening makes you smarter07:17 Why podcasts feel surprisingly intimate08:51 Contrarian views without the algorithm11:11 Curiosity, boredom & therapeutic listening13:39 Is podcast listening becoming social currency?15:45 What podcasts have taught us as hosts18:24 Permission, belonging & finding your people20:35 Podcasts in pop culture and everyday life22:33 Read Watch Listen: Randy Pausch & The RoosterListen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.What podcast has influenced your thinking the most? Drop your recommendations in the comments.---------------------If this one landed, here's the one thing we'll ever ask: rate Small Talk on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Five seconds. It's the only signal that decides who else gets to hear us. Stay close🎧 Listen everywhere · https://www.pod.link/1531495902📺 YouTube · https://www.youtube.com/@smalltalkpod_wpb📷 Instagram · https://www.instagram.com/smalltalkpod_wpb🌐 https://www.smalltalkpod.com📩 Write to us: smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.com📅 New episodes every fortnightSmall Talk: Work, Play, Build is a fortnightly podcast about careers, leadership, and the things we make outside our day jobs. Hosted by Subha Chandrasekaran (https://www.linkedin.com/in/subhachandrasekaran/) (executive coach, founder of RainKraft) and Hasita Krishna (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasita/) (brand strategist, co-founder of Motley Crew). Seven seasons in, still about what it means to live a life that feels true, at work and outside it.© 2026 RainKraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd.

May 23, 2026Episode 3234 min

AI at Work: Are you staying relevant? S7E32

AI, Layoffs & Relevance at Work: Are We Falling Behind?You may not lose your job to AI. You might just quietly stagnate. Subha and Hasita on the uncomfortable middle ground most of us are sitting in: AI replacing teams, 'good enough' outputs becoming dangerous, and the human skills that suddenly matter more — not less — in 2026.Why are experienced professionals still in demand even as AI tools become more powerful? What happens when companies optimize too aggressively? And how do you stay relevant when the rules change every few months?The conversation moves through vibe coding, AI-generated websites, AI interviewers, consulting, coaching, content creation, and the growing importance of judgment, context, and human nuance.For mid-career professionals figuring out what to keep, what to delegate to AI, and what to learn next.00:00 The Stagnation Trap01:20 Why We Had to Have This Conversation02:43 Building with AI & vibe coding08:03 Why human experience still matters12:11 AI panic, layoffs & workplace relevance15:57 “You may not lose your job, but you may stagnate”19:33 Prompting, judgment & the future of work20:50 AI coaches, interviews & changing careers25:26 Leadership, expertise & navigating disruption29:06 The bigger societal impact of AI33:05 Read Watch ListenRelated episodes:→ S7E25 Who Are You Without Your Job Title? — what happens when AI dissolves your role→ S7E22 Dear 2026 — what we want from AI at work→ S7E20 Power Meets Nurturing with Nirupama Subramaniam — leadership without command-and-controlWhat’s changed most about your work because of AI? Are you optimistic, anxious, experimenting, or somewhere in the middle? Let us know in the comments.#AIatWork #FutureOfWork #CareerPodcast---------------------If this one landed, here's the one thing we'll ever ask: rate Small Talk on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Five seconds. It's the only signal that decides who else gets to hear us. Stay close🎧 Listen everywhere · https://www.pod.link/1531495902📺 YouTube · https://www.youtube.com/@smalltalkpod_wpb📷 Instagram · https://www.instagram.com/smalltalkpod_wpb🌐 https://www.smalltalkpod.com📩 Write to us: smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.com📅 New episodes every fortnightSmall Talk: Work, Play, Build is a fortnightly podcast about careers, leadership, and the things we make outside our day jobs. Hosted by Subha Chandrasekaran (https://www.linkedin.com/in/subhachandrasekaran/) (executive coach, founder of RainKraft) and Hasita Krishna (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasita/) (brand strategist, co-founder of Motley Crew). Seven seasons in, still about what it means to live a life that feels true — at work and outside it.© 2026 RainKraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd.

May 9, 2026Episode 321 hr 54 min

The Mind of an Indian Athlete: A Sports Psychologist Explains | Dr. Chaitanya Sridhar | S7E32

What does sports psychology really do for elite athletes? In this episode of Small Talk: Work | Play | Build, sports psychologist Dr. Chaitanya Sridhar breaks down how mindset, identity and team dynamics shape performance — and why most of what we call ‘motivation’ isn’t the actual job. We unpack what the field looks like in India, where it’s underdeveloped, and how aspiring professionals can build a real career in it.In this episode of Small Talk, we explore the mental side of sport, what actually drives performance when talent, training, and opportunity are already in place.Featuring Dr. Chaitanya, sports psychologist working closely with athletes and teams across levels, this conversation goes deep into mindset, team dynamics, and the often misunderstood role of psychology in sport.From working with elite athletes to navigating team environments, she shares how performance is shaped not just by skill, but by identity, belief systems, relationships, and the ability to handle pressure. We unpack what sports psychology really looks like in practice, why it’s still underdeveloped in India, and the difference between real expertise and surface-level coaching.This episode moves beyond motivation into something more fundamental, how athletes think, how teams function, and what it takes to build sustainable high performance.If you’ve ever wondered what separates good athletes from great ones, or how mental strength is actually built, this conversation will change how you see sport.---------------------This episode is part of our mini-series: The Careers Behind Indian SportsExploring the people, pathways, and professions shaping the future of sport in India, beyond what you see on the field.---------------------Chapters:00:00 Highlights00:52 Intro02:30 Meet the Guest09:10 What Sports Psychology Really Is18:45 Individual vs Team Performance30:20 Mindset, Belief & Early Influences42:00 Transitions, Identity & Athlete Careers55:10 Inside Team Dynamics & Case Studies01:08:30 The Reality of Sports Psychology in India01:18:40 Careers & Pathways in the Field01:28:10 Advice for Aspiring Professionals01:36:00 Read Watch Listen————Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. 📅 New episodes every fortnight📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltalkpod_wpb🌐 Website: https://www.smalltalkpod.com📩 Media enquiries: smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.comCopyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran (https://www.linkedin.com/in/subhachandrasekaran/) Hasita Krishna (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasita/) ---------------------

April 24, 2026Episode 3139 min

The Watercooler Gap: What Hybrid Work Quietly Killed | S7E31

What if hybrid work quietly destroyed the part of your job that taught you everything? Subha and Hasita unpack what we traded away for Zoom efficiency - the overheard mentorship, the meetings you weren't meant to learn from, the senior leader you watched and thought 'that's who I want to become.The Watercooler Gap at Work: What We Lost in the Race for EfficiencyWe’ve optimized work for speed, productivity, and endless Zoom calls. But in the process, did we quietly lose the part of work that helped us grow?The overheard conversations. The unexpected mentorship. The joke that made a hard day easier. The meeting you weren’t meant to learn from, but did. The senior leader you observed and thought, that’s who I want to become.In this episode of Small Talk, Subha and Hasita unpack the hidden cost of hybrid work, remote culture, and hyper-efficiency. Why do so many people feel disconnected at work today? Why are younger professionals missing skills no one formally teaches? And why can’t free pizza, team outings, or office perks solve a much deeper problem? If you care about leadership, career growth, workplace culture, employee engagement, hybrid teams, or the future of work, this conversation will change how you think about what work is really for.00:00 Highlights01:22 Intro02:57 What the workplace gave us06:04 Learning by osmosis10:27 Who is losing the most12:00 Early career lessons16:40 Efficiency vs human connection19:06 How organizations should respond29:13 Designing better in-person work37:24 Read Watch Listen---------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. 📅 New episodes every fortnight📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltalkpod_wpb🌐 Website: https://www.smalltalkpod.com📩 Media enquiries: smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.comCopyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran (https://www.linkedin.com/in/subhachandrasekaran/) Hasita Krishna (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasita/) ---------------------

April 10, 2026Episode 3032 min

S7E30 Career Transition: The Safe Career Lie Is Over

The 'safe career' is over. Promotions vanish overnight, AI is rewriting half the job market, and the LinkedIn playbook from 2019 doesn't work anymore. Here are Subha and Hasita on how to transition without blowing up your life - bridge roles, financial cushions, identity shifts, and why waiting for clarity is what's actually holding you back.The idea of a “safe career” sounds reassuring, but it’s quickly falling apart. In this episode, we unpack what happens when that certainty disappears and you’re left asking: what now?We get into the quiet panic of feeling replaceable, the identity shift that comes with change, and why waiting for clarity can actually hold you back. This is a real look at career transitions—how to experiment without blowing up your life, what trade-offs to expect, and why you don’t need a perfect plan to start moving.If you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure about your next step, this conversation might help you see it differently.00:00 Highlights01:02 Intro02:26 Career uncertainty today06:20 When to start transitioning08:39 Learning and experimentation12:16 Exploring new paths15:03 Financial planning for transitions17:05 Bridge roles explained18:33 Ego and identity shifts20:51 Experimentation mindset25:36 Redefining career identity30:27 Read Watch Listen ---------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. 📅 New episodes every fortnight📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltalkpod_wpb🌐 Website: https://www.smalltalkpod.com📩 Media enquiries: smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.comCopyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran (https://www.linkedin.com/in/subhachandrasekaran/) Hasita Krishna (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasita/) ---------------------

March 28, 2026Episode 291 hr 33 min

Inside India's Sports Industry: Careers, Funding & Pathways| Saumil Majmudar & Deepthi Bopaiah S7E29 [Sports Mini-Series]

Why are most careers in Indian sport invisible — and what does it actually take to build a champion? Subha and Hasita talk with Saumil Majmudar (Sports Village) and Deepthi Bopaiah (ex-CEO, GoSports Foundation) about the real system behind Indian sport: grassroots participation, elite performance, funding, and the dozens of careers nobody tells you about.In this episode of Small Talk, we go beyond athletes to unpack the real system behind sport, from grassroots participation to elite performance, and the careers that power it all. What does it actually take to build champions? Why do most sports careers remain invisible? And is India thinking about sport the right way?Featuring Saumil Majmudar, Co-founder & CEO of Sports Village, building large-scale school sports ecosystems, and Deepthi Bopaiah, Board Member and Ex-CEO of GoSports Foundation, enabling Olympic and Paralympic athletes through high-performance pathways.From the myth of “sports vs education” to the reality of funding, risk, and opportunity, this conversation reveals why sport is not just a career, it’s an ecosystem shaping health, leadership, and society itself. If you’ve ever thought about working in sport, returning to it, or understanding its true impact, this episode will change how you see the game.--------------------This episode is part of our mini-series: The Careers Behind Indian SportsExploring the people, pathways, and professions shaping the future of sport in India, beyond what you see on the field.--------------------00:00 Highlights00:51 Intro02:43 Meet the Guests11:01 Access, Privilege & Early Sport23:15 Careers in Sport: Myths vs Reality41:22 Global Models & What India Gets Wrong55:25 Education, Risk & Choosing Sport01:10:29 Parents, Pressure & Pathways01:20:17 Mid-Career Entry into Sports01:31:24 Read Watch Listen--------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. 📅 New episodes every fortnight📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltalkpod_wpb🌐 Website: https://www.smalltalkpod.com📩 Media enquiries: smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.comCopyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran (https://www.linkedin.com/in/subhachandrasekaran/) Hasita Krishna (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasita/) ---------------------

March 13, 2026Episode 2840 min

The First-Time Manager Identity Crisis S7E28

You got promoted because you were a high performer. Now your job has nothing to do with the work that got you here — and nobody told you how to manage former peers, give hard feedback, or stop doing everything yourself. Subha and Hasita on the first-time manager identity crisis: the first 90 days, imposter syndrome, and what makes managers future-proof in the AI era.The day you become a manager, your job changes completely. You were promoted because you were a high performer. Suddenly, your role is no longer about doing the work — it’s about getting work done through others.In this episode, we unpack the real challenges first-time managers face: letting go of control, managing former peers, giving difficult feedback, and navigating imposter syndrome. We also explore how leadership expectations shift in remote workplaces, AI-driven environments, and India’s hierarchy-heavy corporate culture.We discuss:• The identity shift from individual contributor to manager• Why the skills that got you promoted can now hold you back• The first 90 days skills every new manager must learn• Delegation, feedback, and managing up• What makes managers future-proof in the age of AI• A simple self-review framework for first-time managersIf you’re a new manager, aspiring leader, or high-performing professional stepping into leadership, this conversation will help you navigate the transition with clarity.Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, careers, and professional growth.#FirstTimeManager #Leadership #CareerGrowth #ManagementSkills #NewManager #futureofwork --------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. 📅 New episodes every fortnight📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltalkpod_wpb🌐 Website: https://www.smalltalkpod.com📩 Media enquiries: smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.comCopyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran (https://www.linkedin.com/in/subhachandrasekaran/) Hasita Krishna (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasita/) ---------------------

February 27, 2026Episode 2734 min

S7E27 Mid-Career Crisis or Crossroads?

At some point, if you’re paying attention, you look up and ask yourself: now what?Mid-career isn’t just about being in your 40s. It’s not a milestone defined by age or tenure. It’s that moment when the promotions have happened, the validation has come in, and yet something feels unfinished. Or unclear.In this episode, we explore what mid-career really means today. What happens when you don’t want the CXO title everyone assumes you’re chasing? What ambition looks like in a world of multiple careers. Why discomfort, impostor syndrome, and identity shifts are often signs of growth rather than failure.We talk about linear ladders that no longer exist, building your own path, redefining success, and the role of community when things feel uncertain.If you’ve ever felt restless despite doing well, unsure whether to pivot or persist, or quietly questioning the script you’ve been following, this conversation is for you.Mid-career may not be the middle of something. It might be the moment you finally get to choose.Chapters00:00 What Do We Mean by Mid-Career?01:01 Age, Tenure, or Identity?04:47 Multiple Careers and Non-Linear Paths06:37 The Shift from Manager to Leader09:42 What If There Is No Ladder?15:17 What If I Don’t Want to Be CXO?16:39 Redefining Ambition21:06 The Role of Community26:03 Autonomy vs Workplace Reality28:11 Living with Discomfort32:24 Read Watch Listen--------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. 📅 New episodes every fortnight📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltalkpod_wpb🌐 Website: https://www.smalltalkpod.com📩 Media enquiries: smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.comCopyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran (https://www.linkedin.com/in/subhachandrasekaran/) Hasita Krishna (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasita/) ---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)

February 13, 2026Episode 261 hr 45 min

The Silent Crisis Among Men:Strong, Successful, Still Alone with Srini Ramaswamy & Nikhil Damle S7E26

What happens when men can't afford to be vulnerable? Successful, capable, in-charge — and quietly, privately, isolated. Subha and Hasita speak with Srini Ramaswamy (Men's Circle India) and Nikhil Damle (Iridium Coaching) on why so many men appear strong but feel alone — at work, at home, and inside gender expectations that haven't caught up to reality."For years on this podcast, we’ve explored ambition, leadership, and the realities women navigate at work. But growth isn’t one-sided. If workplaces and relationships are changing, so are the men inside them.This week, we turn the lens gently in another direction. We’re joined by Srini Ramaswamy, (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sriniramaswamycdp/) Co-Founder of Men’s Circle India, who has facilitated honest conversations with hundreds of men across the country, and Nikhil Damle, (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhilsdamle/) Founder of Iridium Coaching, who works closely with high-performing professionals navigating identity, pressure, and emotional blind spots.What happens when men are taught to provide, perform, and persist, but not to process?Why do so many men appear confident and capable, yet privately feel isolated?What shifts when gender roles evolve faster than emotional tools do?This conversation doesn’t take sides. It expands the frame. Because if we care about healthier workplaces, stronger partnerships, and more grounded leadership, we have to understand what’s happening beneath the surface for everyone involved.Listen with curiosity. You might hear something you didn’t expect.00:00 – Highlights and Intro03:19 – The Quiet Crisis Facing Men at Work17:51 – What Are Boys Hearing Today?21:53 – From Bedroom to Boardroom: The Pressure to Perform24:08 – The Only Time Men Switch Off33:31 – When Vulnerability Feels Forced52:03 – Why Most Men Aren’t Virat Kohli1:12:01 – Put Your Oxygen Mask On First1:30:22 – The Loneliness Data We Can’t Ignore1:40:38 - Read Watch Listen --------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. 📅 New episodes every fortnight📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltalk_wpb🌐 Website: https://www.smalltalkpod.com📩 Media enquiries: smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.comCopyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran (https://www.linkedin.com/in/subhachandrasekaran/) Hasita Krishna (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasita/) ---------------------

January 30, 2026Episode 2543 min

S7E25 Who Are You Without Your Job Title?

From the moment we enter the education system, we’re sorted into lanes- science kid, commerce kid, arts kid. Soon after, those lanes turn into job titles. Banker. Engineer. Marketer. Manager.But what happens when the role disappears? When layoffs hit, when AI reshapes work, when burnout creeps in, or when the identity you carried for years no longer fits?In this episode of Small Talk: Work, Play, Build- Subha and Hasita unpack the uneasy truth many of us are sitting with: how deeply our sense of self is tied to work, and why learning to decentre our job title might be the most important career skill of the next decade.This is a conversation about career fluidity, loyalty, burnout, sabbaticals, parallel identities, and the courage it takes to ask a hard question: who am I beyond what I do?00:00 Highlights01:33 Why career identity feels so fixed04:50 Education, labels, and early narrowing07:40 Losing old identities and adopting new ones10:30 Layoffs, AI, and roles disappearing14:00 Long hours, 9-9-6 culture, and lack of real choice18:05 Loyalty, pressure, and parallel identities23:50 Burnout, boundaries, and learning to disconnect33:20 Decentring work without throwing it away41:28 Read | Watch | Listen--------------------Small Talk: Work, Play, Build is the latest season of Small Talk. As a business podcast in its fifth year of production now, we look forward to having many conversations with you on what it means to live a life that feels true to each of us, both at work and outside of it. 📅 New episodes every fortnight📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltalk_wpb🌐 Website: https://www.smalltalkpod.com📩 Media enquiries: smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.comCopyright © Rainkraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. No segment of this episode or its accessories may be reproduced for commercial use without explicit written permission from the creators.Small Talk: Work, Play, Build Subha Chandrasekaran (https://www.linkedin.com/in/subhachandrasekaran/) Hasita Krishna (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasita/) ---------------------If you made it this far, thank you for being such an ardent supporter! Please send us a DM on Instagram to claim your Small Talk goodie. :)