Know Time

Learn chess from one of the greatest players in history. In this episode of Know Time, Viswanathan Anand shares practical chess lessons for beginners and experienced players alike, covering openings, strategy, calculation, psychology, and the habits that separate strong players from the rest. What makes a good chess opening? How should beginners study chess? Are openings more important than tactic...

Independent journalism, documentary filmmaking, geopolitics, and nuclear policy - in this episode of Know Time, we sit down with filmmaker and journalist Paul Jay to explore the role of independent media in understanding the world. From the future of journalism and the challenges facing alternative media, to the power of documentary filmmaking, global conflicts, nuclear weapons, and the politics s...

What is quantum computing, and how could it transform the future of technology, encryption, and physics itself? In this episode of Know Time, physicist and author Shohini Ghose breaks down quantum computing, quantum teleportation, chaos theory, entanglement, and the strange logic of the quantum world. We explore how quantum computers work, why quantum mechanics challenges common sense, whether qua...

Why do so many people feel disconnected, anxious, and without meaning in modern life? In this episode of Know Time, cognitive scientist and philosopher John Vervaeke explores the “Meaning Crisis” — the growing sense of confusion, alienation, and loss of purpose in the modern world. We discuss cognitive science, psychology, wisdom traditions, consciousness, attention, religion, AI, mental health, a...

What makes a city truly livable? How should cities balance housing, transport, density, walkability, sustainability and growth? In this episode of Know Time, urban planner and designer Ahmed Al Mulla joins the podcast to explore the fundamentals of urban design, city planning, housing policy and the future of modern cities like Dubai. We discuss why some cities feel human-centered while others fee...

What is a Theory of Everything? Can physics explain reality completely? Where do science, mathematics, consciousness, and philosophy intersect? In this episode of Know Time, Curt Jaimungal joins us for a deep exploration of the biggest questions in physics and philosophy. We discuss Theories of Everything, quantum mechanics, spacetime, consciousness, emergence, the limits of scientific knowledge,...

Cricket coaching is more than technique — it is mindset, discipline, and decades of experience. In this episode of Know Time, legendary cricket coach Lalchand Rajput breaks down the fundamentals of batting, training philosophy, and what makes Mumbai cricket one of the greatest talent-producing systems in the world. From grassroots coaching to producing international-level players, this conversatio...

What goes into building a career across Malayalam cinema, radio, and media? In this engaging conversation on Know Time, actor and radio jockey Meera Nandan shares insights from her journey in Malayalam films, acting, and RJing. From early experiences in the film industry to working as a radio presenter, Meera Nandan talks about performance, creativity, audience connection, and the evolving landsca...

How does the human brain develop, and how do we form memories? In this episode, neuroscientist Shubha Tole breaks down the fundamentals of brain development and explains the science behind memory formation in a clear, accessible way. We explore how the brain evolves from early development, the role of key structures like the hippocampus, and how neural circuits enable learning and memory. Whether...

Explore the untold history of nuclear physics in India, the rise of “Big Science,” and the complex relationship between science, institutions, and innovation. In this episode of Know Time, historian of science and director of Science Gallery Bengaluru, Jahnavi Phalkey, takes us through the development of nuclear physics in India—from early scientific breakthroughs to large-scale national projects...

Nidhi Bisht talks about The Viral Fever, TVF Content like Pitchers, Permanent Roommates & Tripling, acting in movies like Phillauri, Maamla Legal Hai and web content. Nidhi: https://www.instagram.com/ekthapatiger/ SUPPORT: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/knowtime Anchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtime/support Youtube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ-937lA3_s2g5AxdpKQjVg/join PODCAS...

A discussion on architecture, city plan of Bombay, urban planning 101, what is art deco, the history of art deco in Mumbai, urban design of the city, the urban history of Navi Mumbai, purpose of cities, the work of Charles Correa and a national Indian architectural style. Lots of references to Modernism, Bombay Deco, Victorian Gothic, CIDCO, Urbanism, Heritage Conservation and other topics! Mustan...

Pia Sutaria, ballet dancer and founder of Institute of Classical & Modern Dance India, talks about her journey, growing up with Tara Sutaria, ballet 101, musical theatre and challenges with dance in India. Pia: https://www.instagram.com/piasutaria/?hl=en SUPPORT: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/knowtime Anchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtime/support Youtube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/cha...

Sundar Sarukkai, philosopher and author of Water Days & Following A Prayer, talks about the philosophy of ethics, philanthropy, JRD Tata, Mahatma Gandhi, Trusteeship, identities, cities, architecture, spaces, symmetry and the philosophy of math. Chapter one with Sundar: https://youtu.be/qLklNNta3-Q Sundar: https://www.sundarsarukkai.in/ SUPPORT: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/knowtime Anchor...

Rajeev Khandelwal, actor known for Kahin Toh Hoga, Left Right Left, Aamir, Shaitaan & Table No. 21, talks about his journey, acting techniques for daily soaps vs. films vs. reality shows, experience on Kahin Toh Hoga, Left Right Left & Sach Ka Saamna, the business of TV serials and independent films in India and stardom. Rajeev: https://www.instagram.com/simplyrajeev/?hl=en SUPPORT: Patreo...

Manu S. Pillai, historian and author of The Ivory Throne, False Allies, Rebel Sultans and Gods, Guns & Missionaries, talks about the magic of history, paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, his journey, Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, Hindu nationalism, history of Hinduism, politics, power, defiance, princely states, British colonialism and women in Indian history. Manu: https://www.instagram.com/waatcoconut/ SUPP...

Kubbra Sait, actor & emcee known for Sacred Games and Foundation, talks about being a jack of all trades, how to be a good host or emcee, her journey into acting, auditioning for Kukoo for Sacred Games, what she learnt from Anurag Kashyap and Nawazuddin Siddiqui along with how she healed from trauma. Kubbra: https://www.instagram.com/kubbrasait/ SUPPORT: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/knowti...

Owen Flanagan, philosopher and professor at Duke University and NYU Abu Dhabi, talks about the philosophy of happiness, the Happiness Agenda, morality & ethics, the philosophy of Mencius, the Sprout Theory, Xunzi, Lawrence Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development, the Heinz Dilemma, moral nihilism and the philosophy of anger. Owen: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owen_Flanagan SUPPORT: Patreon...

Hansal Mehta, director of Bollywood movies Shahid, Aligarh and shows like Scam 1992 & Scoop, talks about his journey in films, Khana Khazana, filmmaking 101: camera lenses, colour correction, camera angles, creating characters along with the business of Bollywood, cinema vs. OTT and the problems with the industry. Hansal: https://hansalmehta.com/ SUPPORT: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/knowt...

Todd Reisz, architect and author of Showpiece City & Building Sharjah, talks about falling in love with architecture, the history of Dubai, Sharjah and the Middle East along with an architecture & city planning 101 masterclass: how architecture tells the story of these cities, case studies on the National Bank of Dubai, World Trade Center, Sharjah Central Souk, Sharjah Post Office, the cit...

Benny Dayal, singer of Pappu Can't Dance, Bang Bang, Let's Nacho, Ude Dil Befike, Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gayi, Lat Lag Gayi, Badtameez Dil and more, talks about his journey, playback singing 101 masterclass: tone, natural talent, singing dance tracks, the journey of a Bollywood song along with creating a great live show experience. Benny: https://www.instagram.com/bennydayalofficial/?hl=en SU...

Farooq Syed, CEO of Springfield Properties, talks about growing up in Dubai, the evolution of real estate in the city, real estate 101: how do you price a home, intrinsic value vs. speculation, what are real estate bubbles, is Dubai real estate in a bubble along with sales and negotiation tactics. Farooq: https://www.instagram.com/farooq_syd/?hl=en SUPPORT: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/knowtim...

Devaiah Bopanna, co-founder of Moonshot ad agency and former head writer of AIB, talks about his journey into writing from engineering, copywriting for beginners, the history of advertising in India, how to create viral marketing campaigns, the impact of All India Bakchod and Youtube sketch comedy. Devaiah: https://www.instagram.com/devaiah.bopanna/ SUPPORT: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/knowti...

Danae Mercer talks about the 'ideal body types' in women, how social media manipulates reality, her journey, eating disorders, body positivity, criticisms of the movement and women's health. Danae: https://www.instagram.com/danaemercer/?hl=en SUPPORT: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/knowtime Anchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtime/support Youtube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel...

Dr. Sanjeev K. Sharma, doctor of interventional cardiology at Eternal Hospital, Jaipur, talks about becoming a cardiology, the anatomy of the human heart, why heart attacks occur, role of genetics, lifestyle, diet, rising cases in heart disease among young and South Asians and how to become a successful doctor. Sanjeev: https://www.drsanjeevksharma.com/ SUPPORT: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kn...