The Big Small Talk, is a podcast helmed by Anuj Sawhney, Managing Director of Swiss Military and a former Bollywood actor, with Manav Subodh, Founder of 1M1B (One Million for One Billion)
In this exclusive chat, Anuj Sawhney, talks about the show and his dynamics with co-host Manav Subodh.
Excerpts:
When and why did you decide to start The Big ‘Small’ Talk Podcast?
Anuj Sawhney: The idea for The Big Small Talk podcast had been brewing within me for years, stemming from a frustration with the lack of open dialogue on topics that truly matter in our day-to-day lives. Despite delving into spiritual pursuits, I found little solace in them when facing the practical challenges of existence. It wasn’t until reconnecting with my childhood best friend that the idea began to take shape. Sharing our stories reignited the spark, leading us to create a platform where authenticity and relatability reign supreme. Launching it on my 50th birthday felt like the perfect timing, marking a new chapter in our lives dedicated to meaningful conversations. The inspiration behind the podcast struck during a pivotal moment in my life, transitioning from Bollywood to the corporate world at the age of 36. Amidst the uncertainties of starting anew, I found solace in fearlessness and whole-hearted dedication. Sharing my experiences with my friend Manav unearthed a wealth of shared stories and journeys waiting to be explored. Together, we realized the rarity of genuine, heart-to-heart conversations in today’s society, sparking the inception of The Big Small Talk. Our mission is clear: to create a sanctuary where no topic is taboo, fostering introspection, connection, and collective growth through open dialogue and shared experiences.
How do you decide on the topics?
Anuj Sawhney: For The Big Small Talk podcast, we select topics and guests to offer a diverse exploration of the human experience. Our curated topics reflect the intricacies of daily life, covering a broad range of themes such as “Fake it…to Make it!” or “The Role of Abuses in Everyday Life,” etc. Drawing inspiration from societal trends and everyday encounters ensures our discussions resonate with our audience, tackling subjects that each of us goes through today but no one has the time or the inclination to discuss or even ponder given the time constraints in our day-to-day lives. In guest selection, diversity takes precedence. We prioritize individuals from varied backgrounds and experiences, aiming for a mosaic of perspectives. Whether experts or ordinary individuals with extraordinary stories, our guests enrich discussions with insights that captivate and resonate with listeners. Our podcast aims to entertain, enlighten, and inspire, fostering introspection and understanding of ourselves and the world. Through thought-provoking conversations, we aspire to ignite curiosity and reflection among our audience, weaving together a tapestry of topics and voices.
As co-hosts, do you practice or rehearse a given topic? Have you encountered any creative differences while discussing topics or recording?
Anuj Sawhney: As co-hosts, Manav and I approach our podcast with a blend of preparation and improvisation. While we don’t rehearse specific topics, we engage in discussions beforehand to ensure we’re both on the same page. Our long-standing friendship allows for open conversations, where differences of opinion arise naturally but never escalate into disagreements. Maintaining authenticity is paramount to us, so we aim for natural and candid conversations during recording, offering our audience a real glimpse into our lives. We shoot the entire episode in one go with a multi-camera setup and keep all fumbles and slips as part of the conversation like we would in any real-life situation to make it both authentic and relatable! Recording the podcast is a joyous experience filled with moments of revelation. Each topic we explore unveils a shared human experience, resonating with our listeners in unexpected ways. It’s incredibly gratifying to witness the universality of our stories, sparking recognition and relief among our audience members who realize they’re not alone in their struggles. Through our conversations and interactions with diverse individuals, we strive to create a space where authenticity thrives, fostering connection and understanding among our listeners.
What is one thing about each other that you absolutely admire, and one thing that you would like the other to improve?
Anuj Sawhney: Manav is downright honest and grounded. I am yet to come across someone who can call a spade just that without mincing words and without an agenda attached. It is this very quality in him that made him my best friend and also prompted me to have him as my co-host for the show. This is also the very quality that at times gets him into trouble and I have to step in to douse the fire at hand!
He always told me that he loves my methodical approach to things and my attention to detail to the finest grain plausible. I oversee every small thing and may be a tad bit of a pain when it comes to executing with perfection, which may be overbearing when it comes to working in a creative medium.
A live podcast does require a lot of preparation. Which one of you is the hard taskmaster or follower of rules, and which one always improvises on the spot?
Anuj Sawhney: In the realm of live podcasting, preparation is key to success. While both of us share responsibilities in tackling the myriad tasks involved, I tend to take on the role of the hard taskmaster, ensuring that all necessary groundwork is meticulously laid out. From selecting relatable topics to researching them from multiple perspectives, I strive for a comprehensive approach that resonates with our audience. Additionally, I am proactive in building our audience base through social media strategies and networking to secure engaging guests.
On the other hand, my co-host Manav excels in improvisation, adeptly navigating unforeseen challenges and injecting spontaneity into our live recordings. His ability to think on his feet adds a dynamic energy to our podcast, keeping our discussions lively and engaging. Together, we strike a balance between careful planning and on-the-spot creativity, allowing us to navigate the complexities of live podcasting with confidence and flair. Through teamwork, adaptability, and a shared commitment to excellence, we’ve forged a successful path in the vibrant world of podcasting.
Please share memorable moments or episodes from the podcast
Anuj Sawhney: One standout aspect is the realisation that despite the individual nature of our experiences, many of us share similar challenges and triumphs. It’s a profound revelation when listeners join in and express solidarity, acknowledging that they too have encountered similar situations and wish they had addressed them earlier. This sense of collective understanding fosters a powerful sense of community and support.
Another memorable aspect is the diversity of people I encountered during my research for the show. Across various strata of society, individuals resonated with the topics I had in mind, sharing their own experiences that mirrored mine. Witnessing their smiles of recognition and relief as they connected with our stories reaffirmed the universal nature of human experiences. Inspired by these encounters, I was driven to turn ‘The Big Small Talk’ into a reality, realising it as my dream project. These moments of connection and resonance highlight the transformative potential of authentic storytelling and open dialogue, propelling our podcast forward with purpose and passion.
Watch now: http://www.youtube.com/@TheBigSmallTalk
What are your plans and aspirations for The Big ‘Small’ Talk Podcast?
Anuj Sawhney: Very soon we are commencing a new section under the brand umbrella of ‘The Big Small Talk’, titled the “Big Small Talk SuperHeroes”. This new section will showcase people who have undergone extreme trauma in their day to day lives, but emerged as winners showcasing the true triumph of the human spirit and serving as a big motivation to people to deal with even severe adversity with a positive attitude and outlook.
In the journey ahead for ‘The Big Small Talk’ podcast, we envision an array of exciting opportunities. Our ambition is to curate a dynamic selection of topics that delve into the intricacies of daily existence, from societal norms to personal trials. Each episode promises fresh perspectives and profound insights, navigating life’s subtleties with sincerity, wit and humour. Our objective remains to ignite meaningful discourse and introspection, presenting listeners with engaging dialogues that resonate with their own lives.
In the forthcoming episodes, we eagerly anticipate hosting guests who offer diverse viewpoints and compelling narratives. From experts shedding light on pressing societal concerns to individuals sharing their personal odysseys, our guests will enrich our discussions with their unique perspectives. Whether probing the impact of adversity in everyday life or unravelling the intricacies of authenticity and achievement, each episode will be a welcome addition to our listeners’ podcast playlists.
Stay tuned for more captivating conversations on ‘The Big Small Talk,’ where each episode invites you to embark on a new journey of exploration into the depth and breadth of the human experience.
