The Story Bar

Mark Bennington: Hollywood to Bollywood & Everything In Between

In this raw and candid conversation with Garima, Mark takes us through some of the most meaningful chapters of his life — starting from his early days and family influences, to the unexpected path that led him into theatre, film, and photography. He talks about what he really wanted to be when he was younger, the films that first sparked his passion, and the art forms that continue to inspire him today. We also get into his experiences working in both the US and Indian entertainment industries, what he loves most about India, and the roles that have left a lasting impression on him. About Mark Bennington: Mark Bennington is an American actor, photographer, and author who has made a notable mark in Indian cinema and OTT. His screen credits include Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran, Rocket Boys, Kesari – Chapter 2, Angrezi Medium, RRR, Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo, Heeramandi, and many more, as well as popular TV series like Star Trek: Voyager, Titans, and NYPD Blue, in Hollywood. He has also directed and performed in productions such as The Mumbai Terror Attacks and Devika Rani: Goddess of the Silver Screen. Known for his versatility, Mark has earned recognition across both Indian and international platforms. He is also recognized for his photography, particularly his work on the project "America 2.0" about Muslim youth in NYC and the book "Living the Dream: The Life of the 'Bollywood' Actor". Mark's work has been published in The Atlantic, The Huffington Post, UpWorthy, CNN, PDN, GQ India, Varity, Forbes, The Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, Times of India, Boston Globe, and many more.

The Legacy of Davangere Benne Dosa with Viren Dharwar

A deep love for food and a dream to serve the best Benne Dosas – that's how Viren's journey began with Davangere Benne Dosa in Bengaluru! Join Viren as he shares his incredible journey into the food industry. In this conversation with Garima, he opens up about the challenges he faced, the inspiration behind his passion for authentic food, and the dedication it took to keep the essence of this legendary dish intact. Watch the story unfold and get a closer look at the man behind the iconic Benne Dosa's journey. Discover what sets his outlet apart from the rest — whether it's the rich flavors, the dedication to quality, or the exceptional customer experience that keeps people coming back for more. Viren shares the pillars of his success and why his passion for authentic Benne Dosas continues to drive him forward, creating an unforgettable dining experience for all who visit. Watch the interview on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYULtsYPROQ&t=851s

The Journey Before, Beyond & From Laapataa Ladies to Dupahiya with Bhaskar Jha

In this insightful interview on The Story Bar, actor Bhaskar Jha reflects on his transformative journey from a small-town upbringing to stepping into the magical world of Indian cinema. He walks us through his childhood, detailing how early experiences and challenges shaped his resilience and passion for storytelling. Bhaskar credits his theater days as the foundation of his acting, highlighting how theatre deepened his understanding of what it really means to get into the skin of a character, and what role formal training plays in the evolution of an actor. We discuss his role in 'Laapataa Ladies,' a film that garnered critical acclaim and was India's official entry to the Oscars. He reflects on the film's exploration of patriarchy and gender roles, and how portraying Pradeep allowed him to delve into complex emotional terrains. Bhaskar mentions works that blend compelling narratives with profound social commentary, aligning with his belief in the power of good storytelling and writing. He attributes his motivation to the desire to bring authentic stories to the forefront, aiming to challenge societal norms and provoke thought. Looking ahead, Bhaskar expresses excitement about exploring diverse roles and collaborating with visionary directors. Join us in this episode as Bhaskar Jha offers a candid glimpse into his life, shedding light on the experiences that have shaped his career and the aspirations that continue to drive him forward. And don't miss his heartwarming performance in Dupahiya on Amazon Prime. Subscribe to The Story Bar podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify!

The Heart & Hustle Behind Better Batter

In this episode of The Story Bar, Garima sits down with Nidhi Kalani, the passionate baker behind Better Batter, a homegrown bakery that started as a lockdown experiment and has since won hearts with its handcrafted treats. But this story isn’t just about baking—it’s about resilience, family, and the power of customer love. Nidhi shares how her mother— the true chef and hero of Better Batter — brought the vision to life while she considers herself just an employee. We dive into the challenges of scaling up, maintaining consistency in customer experience, and why a personal bond, not just transactions, drives true loyalty. From navigating safety concerns while running a street-side stall late at night to handling negative experiences and language barriers, Nidhi opens up about the realities of being a young entrepreneur. We also explore the magic of customization, the fundamentals of a timeless brand, and why baking is more than just making cakes—it’s about crafting memories. Plus, if you’ve ever wondered how a 10-year-old could start a bakery, Nidhi has some words of wisdom! Tune in for an inspiring conversation about balancing passion with a full-time job, the role of family and friends in entrepreneurship, and why ownership is key to building something bigger than yourself. Listen now—because every story matters.

A True Human-AI Collaboration in Marketing with Gillian Utesch

AI is changing the way we market — but can it tell a great story? In this episode, we sit down with Gillian Utesch, Founder and SheEO of Broken Glass Ceiling Marketing, to explore how AI and human creativity can work together to craft powerful, authentic marketing narratives. Gillian’s journey will resonate with many entrepreneurs – starting with relentless energy, chasing growth, and pushing for more, only to realize that burnout is real. Reflecting on her father’s advice — “Don’t fight the ocean; learn to move with it” — she embraced a smarter way to market. Today, she helps brands find better, cooler, and more efficient ways to do old things — without losing their voice. Join us as we discuss: 1. The evolving role of storytelling in an AI-driven marketing world 2. How AI can enhance, not replace, human intuition and creativity 3. The “lazy marketing” approach—leveraging AI to do less but achieve more 4. Real-world examples of brands using AI to scale storytelling without losing authenticity Great marketing isn’t just about automation—it’s about connection. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or a skeptic, this episode will reshape the way you think about the future of storytelling in marketing. Hit play and let’s dive in! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for more insights and inspiration.  Check out Broken Glass Ceiling Marketing here: https://brokenglassceilingmarketing.com/ [https://brokenglassceilingmarketing.com/]  Connect with Gillian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gumoney/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gumoney/]