Podcast
Happy & Human
Hosted by Seema Desai & Dinesh Melwani · EN
The podcast for over-educated, busy, and ambitious South Asian professionals and entrepreneurs. In each episode, Seema and Dinesh will dive into the philosophies, strategies, and tools that can help you live happier, healthier, productive, and fulfilled lives with more success.
They will be talking about things that help you think, do, and be better in wide-ranging areas around the five pillars of a good life: health, wealth, love, happiness, and impact — to empower you to reach your highest potential without compromising what’s important.
Dr. Seema Desai is a dentist, certified professional coach, and author of the book, “Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides.” She is also a devoted wife and proud mother to two children, as well as an advocate for creating learning equality in children in underserved countries through her work with Pratham USA.
Dinesh Melwani is a law firm partner, author, speaker, and certified success and results coach. He is an internationally-recognized patent attorney that works with hi-tech clients, ranging from startups to Fortune 100 clients. He also believes deeply in the potential and capability inside of everyone. In addition, he is a loving father and husband.
Join Seema and Dinesh each week as they explore, from the male and female South Asian perspectives, what makes you individually and uniquely happy and human, and what tools and insights allow us to reach that next level and beyond. You will learn how to level up your mindset, develop the needed leadership skills in your career and personal life, and learn how to live up to your potential.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Unleashing the Rainmaker Within with Sejal Patel
Aug 1201:08:06Tap to summarizeSend us a textIn this episode Dr. Seema Desai and Dinesh Melwani have a conversation with powerhouse guest Sejal Patel. She is a lawyer-turned-consultant and author of the newly released Rainmaker Unleashed. What started as a spontaneous writing impulse over Memorial Day weekend quickly became a book that’s already sparking conversation and reshaping how professionals think about building relationships and influence.Sejal shares how years of consulting, self-discovery, and one wildly inspired creative burst led her to distill a different kind of rainmaking, one rooted in authenticity, connection, and practical emotional intelligence. Whether you're an introvert unsure how to “sell” or a seasoned pro rethinking the rules of business development, Sejal’s insights are a breath of fresh air. You’ll leave this episode challenged, inspired, and maybe even ready to send that message you’ve been putting off.About Sejal Patel: Sejal Bhasker Patel is not your typical consultant—and Rainmaker: Unleashed is not your typical book.A former Big Four strategist, Sejal built Sage Ivy Consulting to equip attorneys to turn relationships into revenue—without selling their soul. Her work lives at the intersection of strategy, psychology, and sharp client instincts. She doesn’t do fluff. She builds rainmakers.Sejal partners with law firms ready to invest in their talent—firms that know revenue drives retention, and retention drives revenue. You can’t fix one without the other. Through her Rainmaking Series, she works directly with high-performing attorneys to build client control, visibility, and power.Her strategies have been featured in Above the Law, delivered inside Am Law 100 firms, and quietly implemented by leaders who know that rainmakers don’t just appear—they’re developed.This book is the first step.The real power move? Making it firm-wide.The views expressed in the podcast do not reflect the views of any organization affiliated with the hosts or any guest.Connect with Sejal: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sbpatel Instagram: @sagepatelFB: https://www.facebook.com/sagepatel Links: Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwaniSeema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai
Transcribe →
Medicine, Misinformation, and Modern Parenthood with Dr. Zain Hasan
Jul 2901:02:37Tap to summarizeSend us a textIn this week’s episode, Dr. Seema Desai and Dinesh Melwani sit down with the long-awaited and widely admired Dr. Zain Hasan, anesthesiologist, father, content creator, and fierce advocate for truth in medicine. With refreshing vulnerability and depth, Dr. Hasan opens up about the unique challenges of modern parenthood, the rise of AI in healthcare, and why fatherhood—not medicine—has been the most transformative experience of his life.From calling out groupthink in the medical field to sharing how he’s teaching his young son about artificial intelligence, Dr. Hasan brings clarity, conviction, and compassion to every topic. Whether you're a parent, a healthcare professional, or simply someone trying to make sense of the noise in today's wellness world, this episode will leave you feeling seen, grounded, and inspired to live more intentionally.Dr. Zain Hasan is an Anesthesiologist who simplifies complicated medical lingo.The views expressed in the podcast do not reflect the views of any organization affiliated with the hosts or any guest.Connect with Dr. Hasan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drzainhasan/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drzainhasan Links: Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwaniSeema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai
Transcribe →
Straight Talk on Spine Health with Dr. Jaspal Ricky Singh
Jul 1500:55:11Tap to summarizeSend us a textCan standing up more often really change your life? According to Dr. Ricky Singh, the answer is a resounding yes. In this conversation, Dr. Singh joins Seema and Dinesh for a candid look at spine health, modern tech habits, and the small daily shifts that can make a major difference in how we move and how we age.From marathon training to parenting to the silent strain of “tech neck,” this episode isn’t just about back pain, it’s about taking your health back, literally. Whether you sit at a desk all day, run around with your kids, or scroll your phone more than you’d like to admit, you’ll walk away with inspiration and real tools to keep your body strong and upright for the long haul.The views expressed in the podcast do not reflect the views of any organization affiliated with the hosts or any guest.About Dr. Jaspal Ricky Singh:Dr. Jaspal Ricky Singh is a nationally recognized expert in interventional pain management, sports medicine, and physical medicine & rehabilitation. He serves as a leading physician at Weill Cornell Medicine, where he is Vice Chair in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Director of Interventional Spine at the New York Presbyterian Och Spine Center. He integrates cutting-edge regenerative therapies with a holistic approach to musculoskeletal health. Dr. Singh is known for his work in platelet-rich plasma (PRP), orthobiologics, and non-surgical spine care, helping patients restore function and improve quality of life through personalized, evidence-based treatment plans. With a passion for education and innovation, Dr. Singh is also a sought-after speaker and educator, committed to advancing the field of regenerative medicine and empowering patients to take control of their health.Connect with Dr. Singh: Website: http://www.RickySinghMD.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickysinghmd/ Facebook: http://facebook.com/WCMCRehabMed Links: Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwaniSeema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai
Transcribe →
Ambition without Apology with Rashi Kakkar
Jul 101:07:37Tap to summarizeSend us a textDinesh Melwani and Dr. Seema Desai have the sharp, insightful, and refreshingly real Rashi Kakkar for this week’s conversation that travels across personal ambition, parenthood, identity, and the art of living authentically in a noisy world. Rashi, a former management consultant turned learning and development leader at a top-tier global firm, opens up about what it means to grow, even when life is messy, uncertain, or just plain overwhelming. From her unexpected journey into motherhood to launching her newsletter, Decks and Diapers, Rashi shares how she embraced the “cringe” and found joy in the tension between ambition and presence.This isn’t just another self-help pep talk. It’s a thoughtful, vulnerable exploration of how to chase growth without losing yourself, how to rewrite your story when old scripts no longer serve you, and why joy isn’t a luxury, it’s your birthright. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to start something new, or whether success and fulfillment can truly coexist, this episode will meet you exactly where you are and challenge you, in the best way, to step into more.All opinions expressed are Rashi’s personal opinion and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization that she is associated with.About Rashi: Rashi is a global portfolio leader within McKinsey’s Leadership & Development team. Rashi’s passion lies in building institutional capability through a skills-first approach and applying product management principles to creating human-centered - products, experiences, and services!As a consultant, Rashi has advised Fortune 100 clients on complex strategic, operational, and organizational challenges. She has led digital transformations, enhanced organizational effectiveness, and redesigned operating models. Prior to McKinsey, Rashi worked at a boutique design thinking firm, where she honed her expertise in human-centered design, experience and service design, and product centric thinking.Outside of work, Rashi enjoys writing, she authors a bi-weekly newsletter and has published 80+ opinion pieces in leading global publications. She is an avid golfer, a former varsity tennis player, and a newly minted pickleball enthusiast. She resides in Toronto and holds an MBA from the University of Toronto.Connect with Rashi: Newsletter: https://decksanddiapers.substack.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashikakkar/?originalSubdomain=ca BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/rashikakkar.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@rashi_kakkar8 X: https://twitter.com/rashi_kakkar Links: Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwaniSeema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai
Transcribe →
The Space Between All or Nothing
Jun 1700:13:57Tap to summarizeSend us a textThis episode is a refreshingly honest conversation that feels like a much-needed exhale. Dinesh and Seema take a step back to reflect not just on the rhythm of the show, but on the bigger picture many of us find ourselves in: managing full plates, full lives, and the tension between hustle and intentionality. They explore what it means to give ourselves permission to slow down, recalibrate, and pursue alignment without guilt.This episode is an invitation to examine your own season of life, the pace you’ve set, and whether it still makes sense. If you’ve been feeling like you’re just going through the motions, this episode may be the spark that helps you reconnect with your “why.” Check it out to hear what’s shifting for the podcast this summer and how that shift might resonate with where you are, too.Links: Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwaniSeema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai
Transcribe →
The Imposter Phenomenon
Jun 300:13:13Tap to summarizeSend us a textWhat if the only thing standing between you and the confident, effective version of yourself was simply how you see yourself? In this episode, Seema is exploring the quiet but common feeling of imposter syndrome through the eyes of a high-achieving professional who, despite an impressive resume, still wonders if they truly belong in the room. This is a heartfelt conversation about identity, self-worth, and what it takes to truly own the room.If you've ever doubted your place in a role, wrestled with confidence, or felt like you had to "have it all together" before showing up fully, this episode will speak directly to your heart. In this solo episode with Seema, you’ll hear how mindset shifts, presence, and embracing your true identity can transform the way you lead, parent, or pursue your next big step.Links: Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesaiDinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani
Transcribe →
Unpacking the Asian Leadership Gap with Paraag Maddiwar
May 27, 202501:11:45Tap to summarizeSend us a textIn this episode Seema and Dinesh welcome Paraag Maddiwar. He shares his journey from the hills of Eastern Kentucky to the boardrooms of corporate America, and ultimately, to a life shaped by intentional choice and purpose. More than just a career retrospective, this conversation dives deep into what it means to redefine success, uncover agency within constraints, and confront cultural narratives that often dictate our ambitions before we’ve had a chance to dream for ourselves.From dismantling the myth of luck to exploring the Asian leadership gap, this episode offers a profound look at how cultural identity, privilege, and personal values intersect in the modern workplace. Whether you're an aspiring leader, someone rethinking your professional path, or just in need of a fresh perspective on fulfillment, you’ll walk away with insight, and perhaps a challenge, to ask yourself what success truly means, and whether you're living it.Paraag Maddiwar was born in New York City, raised in rural Eastern Kentucky, holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Columbia University and a master’s degree in business administration from New York University.Prior to taking an early retirement as a Director at Procter & Gamble, Paraag had a highly varied 20-year career spanning the manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain functions across 4 business units and 5 locations.Most recently, Paraag established the Professional program at the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers in service of his mission to build the leadership potential and business impact of the Asian-heritage STEM professional community, in no small part driven by personal experiences with the strong Asian ERG program at Procter & Gamble. Paraag crafted a unique and roundly loved win-win-win business model across SASE, 100+ companies, and 75+ training partners. Paraag’s programs at SASE annually delivered >35,000 hours of programming to >9,000 attendees and more than $1 million of revenue.Paraag lives in Cincinnati, OH, with his partner of 15 years, along with their troop of 3 dogs and 3 cats.The views expressed in the podcast do not reflect the views of any organization affiliated with the hosts or any guest.Connect with Paraag: Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paraag/Website: www.paraagmaddiwar.comLinks: Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwaniSeema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai
Transcribe →
You’re More Creative Than You Think with Karriena Daryanani
May 20, 202500:55:34Tap to summarizeSend us a textIf you've ever felt the itch to start over, the tug to try something new, or the self-doubt that creeps in when life shifts direction, this episode is for you. Hosts Seema and Dinesh sit down with abstract media artist Karriena Daryanani, whose journey from Hong Kong to California, from fashion design to jewelry to full-time art, is a testament to the power of reinvention. With candid moments, vulnerable truths, and a whole lot of inspiration, Karriena opens up about navigating identity shifts, confronting “head trash,” and embracing creativity as a path to deeper fulfillment.Whether you consider yourself an artist or not, Karriena’s wisdom on slowing down, staying present, and letting creativity guide you might just reframe how you view your everyday life. And if you’ve ever told yourself, “I’m not a creative person,” this conversation might prove you wrong.Karriena Daryanani is an abstract mixed media artist originally from Hong Kong, now based in California. She holds a degree in Fashion Design, a degree in Education, and a Master’s degree in Educational Technology. Karriena began her career in the fashion industry, later transitioning into the jewelry world before discovering her passion for art and education. She has launched her creative career twice, once in Hong Kong and again in California — successfully growing her art business while also teaching high school art. She is now a full time practicing artist.Karriena believes that creativity is for everyone and that integrating it into our daily lives can lead to a better quality of life. Her artwork centers around the often-overlooked “moments” in our day-to-day routines—small, quiet experiences that hold emotional weight and meaning. Through her work, she invites viewers to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the beauty in the everyday.The views expressed in the podcast do not reflect the views of any organization affiliated with the hosts or any guest.Connect with Karriena: Instagram: @karriena_art (www.instagram.com/karriena_art)Website: www.karrienaart.comUse code HAPPYANDHUMAN10 for a 10% discount on her website Links: Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwaniSeema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesaiHappy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast
Transcribe →
Plays, PhD's, and the Beginner’s Mind with Dr. Deepak Kumar
May 13, 202500:46:33Tap to summarizeSend us a textOn this episode, Dr. Seema Desai has a conversation with a truly remarkable guest: Dr. Deepak Kumar, a computer science professor at UC San Diego who also happens to be a playwright, composer, and lyricist. From cybersecurity research to staged readings at the Old Globe, Deepak’s journey is anything but conventional. They have a vulnerable and inspiring conversation that explores creativity, failure, and the emotional depth behind his newest play, House of India, a story set in a small-town Indian restaurant wrestling with legacy, identity, and change.If you’ve ever felt stuck between practicality and passion, or wondered if it’s too late to start something new, this episode will leave you both challenged and refreshed. Deepak’s reflections on beginner’s mind, detachment, and the joy of rediscovering play are layered with wit and humility, making this a must-listen for anyone seeking to balance ambition with authenticity.Deepak Kumar is a professor of Computer Science & Engineering at UC San Diego and a playwright, lyricist, and composer. His computing work focuses on how to make Internet systems safer and more secure. His plays tackle the questions that keep him up at night, whether they be about Asianness, technology, youth, board games, or soul-eating demons. His shows have been developed and produced all over, with some highlights including The Old Globe and The Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center. He is a MacDowell Colony fellow and is currently on commission from Audible and Arena Stage.The views expressed in the podcast do not reflect the views of any organization affiliated with the hosts or any guest.Connect with Dr. Deepak Kumar: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_kumarde/ House of India tickets: https://www.theoldglobe.org/pdp/25-season/house-of-india/#?startDate=2025-05-01&%3FendDate=2025-05-31Links: Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwaniSeema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesaiHappy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast
Transcribe →
When Everything Feels Urgent
May 6, 202500:34:55Tap to summarizeSend us a textWhen urgency strikes, how do you respond? In this duo episode, Seema and Dinesh discuss the hidden dynamics behind urgency, responsiveness, and people-pleasing. They explore how leadership, clear priorities, and emotional resilience shape the way we navigate unexpected demands, whether it's a client email marked “ASAP” or a personal crisis. They unpack the subtle art of managing your mind instead of letting circumstances dictate your actions.If you’ve ever felt trapped between competing obligations, struggled with setting boundaries, or simply want to cultivate more calm in a chaotic world, this conversation is packed with insight and encouragement.Links: Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwaniSeema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesaiHappy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast
Transcribe →