Melting Pot

David Singer drove a cab through the streets of New York and hours later, walked onto the stage at Carnegie Hall. The Grammy-winning clarinetist opens up about a childhood marked by an abusive father and depressed mother, his Jewish family's history, and the years of freelancing and hustling to survive in New York's classical music world. From performing at the White House for two presiden...

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 ,...

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 abou...

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 wh...

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 sce...

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...

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,...

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 experim...

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 Go...

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...

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 overshado...

Behind every spoonful of tiramisu is a story worth telling. Valentina shares how her grandmother Pasqualina's treasured recipe inspired her to create a space where every dessert carries a sense of home and every detail is filled with intention. She opens up about the challenges of starting from scratch, taking on countless roles herself and preserving a piece of her Italian heritage while living f...

This conversation with Emilio, the founder of Emilio’s Barcelona, is about exploring the story behind one of the city's most charming artisan ice cream shops. From his first job to the moment he realized he wanted to create something of his own, Emilio shares the experiences that shaped his journey. He talks about why he chose ice cream over everything else, not just as a business, but as somethin...

In this episode, Lyn Lozano Galicia shares her inspiring journey from moving to Barcelona to building a successful business that supports international families and professionals. As the Founder and CEO of BCN Ideal Services, Lyn recognized a growing need for trusted household and lifestyle support, leading her to create a company that provides personalized services tailored to the needs of its cl...

  Nicla Diceglie, an Italian biophilic interior designer and the founder of Studio Nicla, explains the world of biophilic design and how our surroundings affect the way we feel every day. Nicla shares how colour, natural materials, light, and a deeper connection with nature can help reduce stress, improve focus and create spaces that feel calm, energising and personal. We also talk about movi...

  What does it really take to lead meaningful change in today’s fast-moving world? In this episode, strategic consultant, leadership expert, and author Angnieszka Wolińska-Skuza shares insights from her journey working with global organizations including Google, IBM, Citi Bank and more. From developing the MasConsulting Delivery Framework and Design Thinking methodology to combining creativit...

In this episode our guest Nadia Pace, shares her thoughts drawn from years of leadership experience and her work helping organisations navigate change. In this conversation with Payal, she talks about the deeper cultural and structural factors that still shape leadership spaces, especially for women. Rather than quick fixes, she focuses on how companies can create environments that truly support d...

In this episode of Melting Pot , Payal speaks with marketing strategist and founder of  Era of Influence,  Brielle Tamez about the evolving creator economy. Brielle shares how her experience in corporate influencer marketing led her to support micro creators, who often have higher engagement despite smaller followings. She explains how success metrics have shifted from follower count to...

This episode takes you into the world of Di Ví Wine Shop Barcelona , where host Payal speaks with Jordi Avellaneda about the culture and craft of wine. From the vineyards of Catalonia to the nuances of grape farming, Jordi shares insights into how wine is grown, selected,and experienced. The conversation also explores the art of wine tasting from understanding flavors and aromas to creating meanin...

In this Melting Pot episode, we have Luca Alberto Izzo, the owner of Hemingway Cocktail Bar, for a conversation about passion, craft, and the story behind the bar. Luca shares why he named the bar after Ernest Hemingway, a writer known for his love of cocktails and vibrant bar culture. The conversation explores the bar’s dedication to quality using premium spirits, fresh ingredients, and daily-pre...

In this episode of Melting Pot, host Payal Nayar speaks with Nika Brunet Milunovic, Founder of Calm Nest Collective and host of The Pink Nest Podcast, about well being, inclusion, and what it truly means to create humane experiences. Drawing from over a decade in the international events and music industry, Nika shares the realities behind high-pressure environments burnout, overstimulation, and e...

Conversations around aging often focus on care, but rarely on purpose. In this conversation on Melting Pot, host Payal explores these ideas with Cherry Thian, founder of Little Changemakers, a social enterprise creating experiences that foster empathy, resilience, and connection. Cherry reflects on her work with seniors, caregivers, children, and individuals with special needs, sharing why meaning...

In this episode, Payal talks to Caleb Matthews about purpose, faith, and inner guidance. Caleb reflects on a powerful dream he had at just six years old and how that experience stayed with him, shaping the work he does today. Together, they explore how dreams, intuition, and spiritual awareness can offer clarity during uncertain moments. Caleb also shares his perspective on the connection between...

Communication is at the core of effective leadership, especially in today’s diverse workplaces. In this episode of melting Pot  Payal speaks with María Garaitonandia, Interpersonal Intelligence Strategist and author of  Untangling Communication , about helping leaders move beyond technical expertise to build clarity, trust, and connection. Drawing from over 20 years of experience ac...

Leadership isn’t just about strategy, it’s about choices, values, and navigating uncertainty with intention. Host Payal is joined by Dave Chauhan, leadership consultant and author of  Captain, Set, Sail , for a thoughtful conversation shaped by real-world experience. With 17+ years across industries, Dave shares his journey into leadership, the stories behind his book, and how the Nautical Le...