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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, explores how fiction and storytelling reveal the blind spots reality tends to hide. One rooted in real-world leadership, the other in myth and imagination, together, they trace how self-awareness, however we arrive at it, might be the real work. [Self-awareness, Mindset, Subconscious Mind, Mental Blind Spots, Personal Transformation, #Singapore Leadership Coaching, Member of Parliament, Singapore Public Service, Philosophy, Storytelling, Speculative Fiction, Psychology, Philosophy of Mind, Podcast, Payal Nayar, Melting Pot Podcast] #Fictionbooks #Psycology #Storytelling #Author #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 about the things kids actually deal with, friendship, death, race, addiction and feeling unseen at home. We get into what four decades of teaching taught her about kids navigating change, and why she believes middle-graders are ready for harder conversations than adults often give them credit for. [Jelly Bean Books, Teenage Books, Children's Author, Tween Reads, Parenting Books, Teacher, Parenting Teens, Childhood Grief, Real Talk For Kids, Podcast, Payal Nayar, Melting Pot Podcast] #TeenParenting #ChildrenBehaviour #BooksForTeenagers #AdventuresOfJellyBean #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 what healing actually looks like, and why understanding our past is often the first step toward reconnecting with the people we love. A grounded, deeply human conversation about trauma, growth, and the ongoing work of becoming whole. [Childhood Trauma, Trauma Healing, Emotional Healing, Generational Trauma, Psychotherapy, Mental Health Awareness, Healthy Relationships,Podcast, Mental Health Podcast, Payal Nayar, Melting Pot Podcast] #MentalHealthAwareness #ChildhoodTrauma #Psychotherapist #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 scene. She also talks about what makes Little Andaman unique, from its fresh coastal Indian cuisine to its creative cocktails, and how winning Joc de Cartes' Best Asian Restaurant award became a defining moment in their journey. https://littleandaman.es/home/ [Little Andaman Barcelona, Ankita Dasgupta, Barcelona Restaurants, Coastal Indian Cuisine, Award-Winning Restaurant, Joc de Cartes Winner, Creative Cocktails, Restaurant Business, Melting Pot, Payal Nayar Podcast] #LittleAndaman #BarcelonaRestaurants #IndianRestaurant #Barcelona #Podcast Episode streaming on your preferred streaming platforms and on YouTube.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 look at the dedication involved. We also explore what makes Galería Cortina unique, how it has built its niche over the years, and why creating a meaningful gallery experience is about much more than simply displaying great art. https://www.galeriacortina.com/ [Barcelona Art Gallery, Contemporary Art Gallery, Modern Art, Fine Art,  Art Collection, Gallery Management, Art Exhibitions, Curation, Barcelona Art Scene, Melting Pot Podcast, Galeria Cortina, Art World Insights, Payal Nayar] #Galeriacortinabarcelona #Barcelonaart #Artgallery #Podcast Episode available on all podcast streaming platforms and on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, emotions, and everyday observations influence what she creates, allowing each collection to evolve naturally over time. This conversation offers a thoughtful look into craftsmanship, creativity, and the patience behind making objects that are designed to be both beautiful and meaningful companions in everyday life. [Labori Ceramics, Marta Labori, Porcelain Ceramics, Ceramic Artist, Handmade Ceramics, Barcelona Ceramic Artist, Porcelain Workshop, Ceramic Workshop, Creative Career, Melting Pot, Payal Nayar, Podcast] #LaboriCeramics #Ceramics #Artist #CeramicStudio #Barcelona #Podcast Episode streaming on your favourite podcast streaming platform and on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 experimenting with materials. From changing careers to building a brand by hand, this conversation offers an honest look at creativity, craftsmanship, and the value of making something meaningful at your own pace. https://www.atebonita.com/ [Esther Mare, ate bonita, Handmade Jewellery, Polymer Clay Jewellery, Polymer Clay Artist, Jewellery designer, Creative Journey, Career Change, Graphic Designer, Independent Designer, Craftsmanship, Barcelona, Podcast, Payal Nayar, Melting Pot] #atebonitha #handmadejewellery #clayjewellery #Podcast Episode streaming on your favourite podcast streaming platforms and on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 God Written in The Hearts of Men, turning years of reflection into a powerful memoir about faith and finding God within. If you've ever questioned your beliefs or searched for deeper meaning, this inspiring conversation is one you won't want to miss.  [Spiritual awakening, Inner voice, God, Faith, Spirituality, Author, Podcast, Melting Pot, Payal Nayar] #Spirituality #God #Podcast #Meltingpot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 in shaping emotional growth. She also introduces her thoughtfully designed journal with intentionally blank pages, encouraging individuals to express themselves freely through writing, lines, or drawings. This episode offers a nuanced perspective on connection, care, and emotional awareness, inviting you to reflect, feel deeply, and rethink how we understand expression.[Emotional Development, Emotional Expression, Emotional Awareness, Child Development, Early Childhood Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Human Behavior, Podcast, Melting Pot] #Mentalhealth #emotions #Humanbehavior #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 overshadowed by the country's more familiar North Indian dishes. From the inspiration behind individual dishes to the philosophy that guides the entire experience, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at food as a way of preserving heritage and bringing people together across cultures. https://www.mogbarcelona.com/ [ Mog, Goan Cuisine, Coastal Indian Cuisine, Southeast Asian Flavors, Indian Food Culture, Restaurant Stories, Chef Stories, Restaurant Founder, Barcelona, Podcast, Melting Pot, New Episode, Payal Nayar ] #Mogrestaurant #Seafood #Barcelona #Barcelonarestaurant #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 far away from it. Along the way, you'll discover the true meaning of tiramisu "lift me up" and why, for Valentina, it's so much more than a dessert. It's a memory, a connection and a way of bringing people together. https://valentinaepasqualina.com/ [ Valentina e Pasqualina, Barcelona Cafe, Tiramisu, Grandmother Recipes, Tasting, Coffee, Italian Dessert, Family recipes, Food Stories, Podcast, Melting Pot, Payal Nayar ]  #Barcelona #Barcelonacafe #Tiramisu #ValentinaePasqualina #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 something that brings people together and creates moments of happiness. We also dive into the philosophy behind Emilio’s Barcelona, its handcrafted flavors, homemade waffle cones, and the passion for quality and genuine customer experience that defines every visit. https://www.instagram.com/emiliosbarcelona/?hl=en   [ Emilio’s Barcelona, Barcelona Life, Barcelona Cafes, Gelato, Dessert, Founder Story, Behind The Business, Food Culture, Podcast, Melting Pot, Payal Nayar ]   #Podcast #Barcelona #Gelato #Caffeinebarcelona Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 clients. Lyn also discusses her work as President of the Barcelona Women’s Network, a community that brings together women from diverse backgrounds through friendship, support, and meaningful connections. From entrepreneurship and leadership to community building, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating opportunities, fostering relationships  and making a positive impact in Barcelona.   [Lyn Lozano Galicia, Barcelona, Expat Life, Entrepreneurship, Female Founder, Entrepreneurship, Community Building, Lifestyle Services, Expats In Barcelona, Podcast, Payal Nayar, Melting Pot ] #Barcelona #WomenInBusiness #BCNIdealServices #FemaleFounder #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 moving beyond “safe” interiors and designing spaces that truly reflect identity and wellbeing. Whether you love interiors or are simply curious about how design impacts mental health, this conversation offers a fresh and inspiring perspective on the spaces we live and work in.  https://www.studionicla.com/ Episode streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, You Tube or wherever you may listen to podcasts.   [Interior design, Biophilic Design, Color Psychology, Space Design, Mental Health, Home, Design philosophy, Podcast, Melting Pot, Payal Nayar]   #InteriorDesign #DesignPsychology #BiophilicDesign #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 creativity, mindset and innovation in business transformation, she brings a deeply human perspective to leadership and growth. We also explore the role of emotional intelligence, human potential, and why sustainable success begins with inner balance. A thoughtful conversation on strategy, innovation and creating impact that lasts.  https://awolinskaskuza.com/ Episode streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcast, YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts.     [Angnieszka Wolińska-Skuza, Consultant, Leadership, Design Thinking, Innovation Strategy, Business, Strategic Thinking, Consulting Frameworks, Business Growth, Podcast, Melting Pot, Payal Nayar]   #Leadership #DesignThinking #Innovation #Management #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.