

Know Time
Know Time
For the ones curious about the world and everything in it, but have know time.
Join me on my quest to share stories from people of all fields, and hopefully learn a bit more about space, science, technology, philosophy, culture, history, movies, music or sport.
Join me on my quest to share stories from people of all fields, and hopefully learn a bit more about space, science, technology, philosophy, culture, history, movies, music or sport.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 15, 2025 • 1h 46min
#139: Indian History, Gandhi, BJP, Modi & Politics ft. Ramachandra Guha
Ramachandra Guha, historian, columnist and author of India After Gandhi, Commonwealth of Cricket, Corner of a Foreign Field, talks about becoming a scholar and historian, tips for aspiring writers, importance of being bilingual, major themes in Indian history, Gandhianism vs. Marxism vs. Leninism, Great Man Theory vs. Marxist historical materialism, whether India will survive as a democracy, permanence of nation states and the influence of cricket on Indian culture.Ram: https://ramachandraguha.in/SUPPORT:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/knowtimeAnchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtime/supportYoutube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ-937lA3_s2g5AxdpKQjVg/joinPODCAST:Anchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtimeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CjRJPktODLDeHavCNDLGAApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/know-time/id1535371851?uo=4CONNECT:Youtube: Subscribe!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knowtimetofly/Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/shalajlawania/Twitter: https://twitter.com/knowtimetoflyTwitter (Personal): https://twitter.com/shalajlawaniaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/knowtimetoflyReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/knowtimetofly/Blog: http://www.sadisticshalpy.com/Producer & Host: Shalaj LawaniaTIMELINE0:00 Introduction1:31 Becoming A Writer, Scholar & Historian6:35 How To Become A Good Writer?14:20 Should A Historian Be Neutral?26:46 The Role of Language32:57 Major Themes in Indian History35:29 Gandhianism vs. Leninism & Marxism41:51 Gandhi’s Non-Violence: Effective?46:32 Was The Partition in India Inevitable?56:52 Will Nation States Survive?1:01:08 Solving The Kashmir Problem between India & Pakistan1:05:45 Why Did India Survive As A Country?1:10:30 Is Democracy The Best Form of Government?1:20:25 Did Power Corrupt Gandhi?1:22:41 Cricket’s Links to Indian History1:27:59 Role of Serendipity in Cricket1:31:12 Lego Interpretation1:31:39 Inspirations (Books, Movies, Role Models) & Legacy1:38:41 Democracy in India & Meaning of Life#indianhistory #indianpolitics

Nov 8, 2025 • 2h 23min
#138: Category Theory 101, Math, Higher Topos Theory in Physics & Philosophy ft. Urs Schreiber
Urs Schreiber, a theoretical physicist and mathematician at NYU Abu Dhabi, delves into the intriguing realms of category theory and topos theory. He explores the philosophical question of whether something can emerge from nothing, linking it to Hegel's logic. Urs simplifies category theory concepts like functors and adjunctions while addressing the applicability of higher topos theory to theoretical physics. He shares insights on the limitations of perturbation theory, his motivations for founding nLab, and his vision for a more interconnected understanding of math and physics.

Nov 1, 2025 • 1h 32min
#137: Acting, Theatre, Raazi, Talvar & Bollywood ft. Shishir Sharma
Shishir Sharma, actor popularly known for Bollywood movies like Raazi, Talvar, Chhichhore, Uri & Dangal, talks about the magic of acting, the benefits of acting in theatre, the genius of Satyadev Dubey, Naseeruddin Shah, Irrfan Khan and behind the scenes on Raazi & Talvar.Shishir: https://www.instagram.com/officiallyshishir/SUPPORT:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/knowtimeAnchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtime/supportYoutube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ-937lA3_s2g5AxdpKQjVg/joinPODCAST:Anchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtimeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CjRJPktODLDeHavCNDLGAApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/know-time/id1535371851?uo=4CONNECT:Youtube: Subscribe!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knowtimetofly/Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/shalajlawania/Twitter: https://twitter.com/knowtimetoflyTwitter (Personal): https://twitter.com/shalajlawaniaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/knowtimetoflyReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/knowtimetofly/Blog: http://www.sadisticshalpy.com/Producer & Host: Shalaj LawaniaTIMELINE0:00 Introduction0:54 Becoming An Actor9:22 Nature vs. Nurture15:30 How My Parents Met27:01 Benefits of Theatre36:38 Acting on Television vs. Theatre46:53 The Genius of Satyadev Dubey56:56 Influence of Personal Relationships in Roles1:00:41 Acting 101 Masterclass: Naseeruddin Shah in Sparsh1:08:23 Acting 101 Masterclass: Talvar Climax Scene1:12:57 Acting 101 Masterclass: Irrfan Khan1:16:02 Acting 101 Masterclass: Raazi & Meghna Gulzar1:22:51 Lego Interpretation1:23:14 Inspirations (Books, Movies, Role Models)1:28:29 Legacy & Meaning of Life#bollywood

Oct 25, 2025 • 1h 31min
#136: Improv & Stand-Up Comedy in Dubai ft. Salman Qureshi, Rushdi Rafeek & Marie Vercruyssen
Salman Qureshi, Rushdi Rafeek and Marie Vercruyysen from the Courtyard Playhouse talk about the evolution of improv and stand-up comedy in Dubai UAE, improv techniques, Keith Johnstone, growth of theatre and arts and the economics of becoming a comedian in the region.Salman: https://www.instagram.com/salmanzq/?hl=enRushdi: https://www.instagram.com/rushdirafeek/?hl=enMarie: https://www.instagram.com/marie_veer/?hl=enCourtyard Playhouse: https://www.instagram.com/courtyardplayhouse/?hl=enSUPPORT:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/knowtimeAnchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtime/supportYoutube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ-937lA3_s2g5AxdpKQjVg/joinPODCAST:Anchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtimeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CjRJPktODLDeHavCNDLGAApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/know-time/id1535371851?uo=4CONNECT:Youtube: Subscribe!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knowtimetofly/Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/shalajlawania/Twitter: https://twitter.com/knowtimetoflyTwitter (Personal): https://twitter.com/shalajlawaniaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/knowtimetoflyReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/knowtimetofly/Blog: http://www.sadisticshalpy.com/Producer & Host: Shalaj LawaniaTIMELINE0:00 Introduction0:39 Getting Into Improv5:17 Evolution of Stand-Up Comedy in Dubai12:47 Evolution of Improv in Dubai18:26 What is Improv?20:34 What Are The Benefits of Improv?30:19 Improv Techniques: Keith Johnstone vs. Del Close43:53 Improv: Art vs. Entertainment vs. Sport?49:51 The Role of the Audience55:19 How Theatre Layouts Can Influence Improv1:00:02 Regret in Improv1:08:33 Economics of Becoming A Stand-Up Comedian in Dubai1:22:30 Lego Interpretation1:23:48 Legacy & Meaning of Life#improvcomedy #dubai

Oct 19, 2025 • 1h 1min
#135: MMA, Coaching, UFC & Wrestling ft. Javier Mendez
Javier Mendez, founder of American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) and coach of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev and Daniel Cormier, talks about MMA, the problems with the UFC, Dana White, jiu jitsu, Dagestani wrestling, Conor McGregor, Khabib, Jon Jones, Islam Makhachev, Khamzat Chimaev and the mindset of a MMA champion.Javier: https://www.instagram.com/akajav/?hl=enSUPPORT:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/knowtimeAnchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtime/supportYoutube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ-937lA3_s2g5AxdpKQjVg/joinPODCAST:Anchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtimeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CjRJPktODLDeHavCNDLGAApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/know-time/id1535371851?uo=4CONNECT:Youtube: Subscribe!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knowtimetofly/Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/shalajlawania/Twitter: https://twitter.com/knowtimetoflyTwitter (Personal): https://twitter.com/shalajlawaniaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/knowtimetoflyReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/knowtimetofly/Blog: http://www.sadisticshalpy.com/Producer & Host: Shalaj LawaniaTIMELINE0:00 Introduction1:02 What Does MMA Mean To You?5:06 Motivations8:10 The Problems With UFC: Entertainment/Business vs. Art16:08 MMA 101: Creating A Fighter From Scratch25:05 Can MMA Coaches Become Delusional?32:09 MMA 101: Mental Warfare38:27 Dagestani Wrestling vs. American Wrestling40:58 MMA 101: Research & Homework43:10 How Do You Fight Jon Jones, Khamzat & Khabib?51:47 Retirement Age54:11 Mindset of a Champion54:58 Lego Interpretation55:33 Inspirations (Books, Movies, Role Models, Greatest Fighter, Coaches)58:33 Legacy & Meaning of Life#mma #ufc

Oct 12, 2025 • 1h 4min
#134: Theatre, Acting, Black, Guzaarish & Bollywood ft. Shernaz Patel
Shernaz Patel, actor known for theatre and Bollywood movies like Black, Guzaarish, Talaash, Rockstar, talks about the magic of theatre, her journey, how to read a script, building stage presence, the importance of theatre in Mumbai and how she prepped for her roles in Bollywood movies.Shernaz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shernaz-patel-888ba5214/?originalSubdomain=inSUPPORT:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/knowtimeAnchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtime/supportYoutube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ-937lA3_s2g5AxdpKQjVg/joinPODCAST:Anchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtimeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CjRJPktODLDeHavCNDLGAApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/know-time/id1535371851?uo=4CONNECT:Youtube: Subscribe!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knowtimetofly/Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/shalajlawania/Twitter: https://twitter.com/knowtimetoflyTwitter (Personal): https://twitter.com/shalajlawaniaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/knowtimetoflyReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/knowtimetofly/Blog: http://www.sadisticshalpy.com/Producer & Host: Shalaj LawaniaTIMELINE0:00 Introduction1:05 Falling In Love With Theatre5:46 Acting 101 Masterclass: Reading A Script & Research15:32 Acting 101 Masterclass: Building A Character19:47 Case Study: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Directing & Black23:46 Case Study: Learning from Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai & Rani Mukherji25:55 Acting 101 Masterclass: Theatre & Stage Presence31:25 Natural Talent vs. Learning Acting34:21 Challenges of Performing Love Letters43:13 Challenges of Theatre in Mumbai49:40 Purpose of Theatre53:01 Lego Interpretation54:05 Inspirations (Books, Movies, Role Models, Greatest Actors, Greatest Film) 59:03 Legacy & Meaning of Life#bollywood

Oct 5, 2025 • 1h 44min
#133: Quantum Physics, String Theory, Quantum Gravity, AdS/CFT & KKLT Mechanism ft. Sandip Trivedi
Sandip Trivedi, theoretical physicist and professor at the Tata Institute for Fundamental Research, talks about the basics of quantum mechanics, gauge theory, quantum gravity, anti-de Sitter space, AdS/CFT Correspondence, Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity, string theory, the KKLT mechanism and the state of scientific research in India!Sandip: https://theory.tifr.res.in/~sandip/SUPPORT:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/knowtimeAnchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtime/supportYoutube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ-937lA3_s2g5AxdpKQjVg/joinPODCAST:Anchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtimeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CjRJPktODLDeHavCNDLGAApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/know-time/id1535371851?uo=4CONNECT:Youtube: Subscribe!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knowtimetofly/Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/shalajlawania/Twitter: https://twitter.com/knowtimetoflyTwitter (Personal): https://twitter.com/shalajlawaniaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/knowtimetoflyReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/knowtimetofly/Blog: http://www.sadisticshalpy.com/Producer & Host: Shalaj LawaniaTIMELINE0:00 Introduction1:58 Falling in Love with Physics7:09 Why is Theoretical Physics Important?9:44 What is Quantum Physics?16:49 Probabilities & Bell’s Inequalities22:32 What is Gauge Theory?30:41 What is Holography & Bekenstein–Hawking Entropy?35:50 What is AdS/CFT Correspondence?39:47 What is Anti-de Sitter Space?42:56 Jackiw–Teitelboim Gravity44:56 What is String Theory?51:50 D3-Branes53:44 KKLT Mechanism1:02:43 Anthropic Principle1:08:26 Supersymmetry1:13:04 The Design Argument & God1:15:31 Problems with String Theory1:23:17 Problems with Research in India1:33:21 Lego Interpretation1:36:33 Inspirations, Mysteries, Legacy & Meaning of Life#quantumphysics

Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 17min
#132: Acting, Munna Bhai MBBS & Bollywood ft. Kurush Deboo
Kurush Deboo, actor popularly known for Dr. Rustom Pavri in Munna Bhai MBBS, talks about the magic of acting, theatre acting vs. acting in commercial films, evolution of acting styles, what makes movies like Sholay and Munnabhai MBBS iconic and behind the scenes stories of Sanjay Dutt and Raj Kumar Hirani. Kurush: https://www.instagram.com/kurushdeboo/?hl=enSUPPORT:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/knowtimeAnchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtime/supportYoutube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ-937lA3_s2g5AxdpKQjVg/joinPODCAST:Anchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtimeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CjRJPktODLDeHavCNDLGAApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/know-time/id1535371851?uo=4CONNECT:Youtube: Subscribe!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knowtimetofly/Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/shalajlawania/Twitter: https://twitter.com/knowtimetoflyTwitter (Personal): https://twitter.com/shalajlawaniaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/knowtimetoflyReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/knowtimetofly/Blog: http://www.sadisticshalpy.com/Producer & Host: Shalaj LawaniaTIMELINE0:00 Introduction1:25 Magic of Acting & Filmmaking8:58 Evolution of Acting14:57 Evolution of Cinema Audiences18:35 Art Films vs. Commercial Films29:11 Making Movies with Iconic Characters40:45 Why Was Munnabhai MBBS Successful?52:46 Acting Case Study: Sanjay Dutt1:04:18 Dialogue Delivery1:14:56 Lego Interpretation & Meaning of Life#bollywood #munnabhaimbbs

Sep 27, 2025 • 1h 11min
#131: Neuroscience, Stress, Trauma, Depression & Psychedelics ft. Vidita Vaidya
Vidita Vaidya, neuroscientist and professor at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, talks about her love for the life sciences, biology & neuroscience, nature vs. nurture, her grandfather's stories of the Indian Independence movement, how the human brain develops, how early life stress affects brain development, how anti-depressants like Prozac work, the history of serotonin, what happens when we take a psychedelic and how psychedelics can treat stress and anxiety.Vidita: https://x.com/ViditaVaidyaSUPPORT:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/knowtimeAnchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtime/supportYoutube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ-937lA3_s2g5AxdpKQjVg/joinPODCAST:Anchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtimeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CjRJPktODLDeHavCNDLGAApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/know-time/id1535371851?uo=4CONNECT:Youtube: Subscribe!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knowtimetofly/Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/shalajlawania/Twitter: https://twitter.com/knowtimetoflyTwitter (Personal): https://twitter.com/shalajlawaniaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/knowtimetoflyReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/knowtimetofly/Blog: http://www.sadisticshalpy.com/Producer & Host: Shalaj LawaniaTIMELINE0:00 Introduction1:39 Falling in Love With Life Sciences, Biology & Neuroscience6:48 Nature vs. Nurture10:51 Stories of the Freedom Struggle15:08 How Does The Human Brain Develop?22:10 What is Early Life Stress & Trauma?27:07 How Does Early Life Stress & Trauma Affect Brain Development?34:54 What is Serotonin?40:08 How Do Anti-Depressants Work?45:40 What Happens Inside Your Brain When You Take A Psychedelic?50:40 How Psychedelics Can Treat Stress52:06 The Ban on Psychedelics in India55:39 Consciousness1:01:35 God1:04:39 Lego Interpretation1:05:15 Inspirations, Mysteries, Legacy & Meaning of Life#neuroscience

Sep 20, 2025 • 1h 50min
#130: Acting 101 Masterclass, Filmmaking, Politics & Bollywood ft. Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub
Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, Bollywood actor known for roles in Article 15, Shahid, Raees, Zero, Tubelight, Raanjhanaa, Scoop, Tanu Weds Manu and Tandav talks about finding the truth through movies, an acting masterclass for beginners, portraying high status vs. low status, conveying the invisible with acting, breaking the stereotypes for the 'hero ka dost' roles, whether actors should get political and the problems with Bollywood and the Hindi film industry.Zeeshan: https://www.instagram.com/mohdzeeshanayyub/?hl=enSUPPORT:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/knowtimeAnchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtime/supportYoutube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ-937lA3_s2g5AxdpKQjVg/joinPODCAST:Anchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtimeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CjRJPktODLDeHavCNDLGAApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/know-time/id1535371851?uo=4CONNECT:Youtube: Subscribe!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knowtimetofly/Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/shalajlawania/Twitter: https://twitter.com/knowtimetoflyTwitter (Personal): https://twitter.com/shalajlawaniaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/knowtimetoflyReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/knowtimetofly/Blog: http://www.sadisticshalpy.com/Producer & Host: Shalaj LawaniaTIMELINE0:00 Introduction1:34 Creating Truth From Lies9:58 Why Zeeshan Fell in Love With Movies18:01 Acting 101 Masterclass: High Status vs. Low Status35:45 Acting 101 Masterclass: Conveying the Invisible43:33 Acting 101 Masterclass: The Invisible Hero52:55 Acting 101 Masterclass: Finding The Key of a Character56:57 Acting 101 Masterclass: Breaking the Hero Ka Dost Stereotype1:03:30 Should Actors Take A Political Stance?1:25:59 The Problems in Bollywood1:31:46 Lego Interpretation1:32:34 Inspirations (Books, Movies, Role Models)1:44:15 Legacy & Meaning of Life#bollywood


