Pave your way into the Nuclear Industry | Chemical Engineer to Pageant Queen

Pave your way into the Nuclear Industry | Chemical Engineer to Pageant Queen

What does a chemical engineer actually do? And how does someone working in the UK's nuclear sector become Ms Asia Empress UK 2026? In this episode of Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth speaks with Poonam Gehlot, a chemical engineer, technical leader, women in STEM advocate, and Ms Asia Empress UK 2026. Poonam shares her journey from choosing chemical engineering at university to working on major projects in the nuclear industry. We discuss university applications, industrial placements, graduate careers, engineering leadership, problem-solving, and the realities of working in a highly technical field. We also explore confidence, personal growth, and why she decided to step onto the pageant stage after building a successful engineering career. Whether you're a student exploring STEM careers, a parent guiding career choices, or a professional considering a new challenge, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration. Topics covered: • Chemical Engineering • Nuclear Industry Careers • Women in STEM • University Applications & Clearing • Industrial Placements • Engineering Leadership • Problem Solving Skills • Confidence & Personal Growth • Ms Asia Empress UK 2026 • Career Advice for Students [Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineer, Women in STEM, STEM Careers, Engineering Careers, Nuclear Industry, Nuclear Energy, Engineering Leadership, Technical Leadership, Graduate Careers, University Applications, Clearing UK, Industrial Placement, Career Guidance, Career Podcast, Women in Engineering, Female Leadership, Problem Solving, Personal Growth, Confidence Building, Mrs Asia Empress UK 2026, Poonam Gehlot, Engineering Management, Students, Career Advice, Unblur the Path]

From Radio Jockey to Actor: The Reality of Acting, Theatre, Auditions & Rejection with a Radio Jockey turned Actor

What does it really take to build a career in acting? In Part 2 of this conversation with Ashwini Kinhikar, we explore her journey from Radio Jockey to actor, theatre artist, model, writer, and presenter. Ashwini shares how she completed 100 monologues in 100 weeks, landed her first acting roles, navigated auditions and agents, handled rejection, and built a creative career in the media industry. We also discuss the differences between theatre and film acting, the importance of mentors, confidence, resilience, modelling at London Fashion Week, and why waiting for validation can hold us back from pursuing our dreams. Whether you're interested in acting, media, theatre, broadcasting, or simply curious about unconventional career paths, this episode offers an honest look behind the scenes of a creative profession. Topics covered: • Acting careers • Theatre vs film acting • Auditions and agents • Handling rejection • Radio presenting • Modelling and London Fashion Week • Mentorship and personal growth • Building confidence • Creative careers and media industry Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: From Radio Jockey to Actor 02:11 The Pandemic, 100 Monologues & Finding Acting 08:14 Breaking into Acting: Agents, Auditions & Rejection 20:05 Films, Theatre & Life as a Working Actor 25:39 Theatre vs Film Acting: Skills, Preparation & Mindset 32:30 Mentors, Writing & Personal Growth 42:26 London Fashion Week, Reinvention & Following Dreams 57:55 Final Reflections: Validation, Success & Life Lessons [acting career, actor, theatre actor, theatre career, film acting, acting auditions, acting agents, radio jockey, radio presenter, media career, creative careers, modelling, London Fashion Week, personal growth, career podcast, career guidance, career exploration, women in media, resilience, mentorship, Unblur the Path, Ashwini Kinhikar, storytelling, broadcasting, entertainment industry, creative professions, acting journey, career change, following your dreams, confidence building]

The Reality of Working in Radio | Conversations with a Radio Jockey

What does a career in radio and media really look like behind the microphone? In this episode of Unblur the Path, Ashwini Kinhikar shares her journey from becoming a news anchor at just 18 to building a career as a radio presenter, MC, voiceover artist, storyteller, actor, and writer. We explore the skills required for a career in media, what happens behind the scenes of a radio show, how presenters connect with audiences, the importance of communication skills, handling mistakes on air, and the role of empathy in broadcasting. Ashwini also shares a powerful story about how a message delivered during one of her radio shows helped change someone's life. Whether you're considering a career in media, radio presenting, acting, public speaking, voiceovers, or content creation, this conversation offers an honest and practical look at the profession. Topics covered: * Radio presenter career * News anchoring * Media industry insights * Communication skills * Public speaking * Voiceover careers * Storytelling * Confidence building * Career breaks and reinvention * Behind the scenes of radio 🎙️ Part 1 of a two-part conversation with Ashwini Kinhikar. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Ashwini Kinhikar & Media Careers 03:02 Wearing Many Hats: Actor, RJ, MC, Voiceover Artist & Storyteller 04:15 Childhood Dreams and Becoming a News Anchor at 18 06:07 The Skills Required for News Anchoring 09:45 Balancing Studies, Jobs and Media Work 12:28 Marriage, Family Life and a 13-Year Career Pause 15:16 Finding Her Way Back Through Community Anchoring 17:02 How the Radio Journey Began 19:41 What Radio Presenters Actually Do Behind the Scenes 20:55 The Radio Show That Helped Save a Life 26:11 Connecting with Listeners Through Empathy and Communication 32:09 Mistakes, Growth and the Reality of Working in Radio [media careers, radio presenter, radio jockey, RJ career, news anchor, media industry, communication skills, public speaking, voiceover artist, acting career, storytelling, broadcasting, career guidance, career podcast, women in media, content creator, presenter, anchoring, confidence, Unblur the Path, Ashwini Kinhikar, Lakshmi Seth, career exploration, career journeys, jobs explained, media professional, radio career, communication, personal growth, career change, career development]

Antarctica, Everest & the Psychology of Extreme Exploration | Satyarup Siddhanta | Part 2

In Part 2 of my conversation with mountaineer and explorer Satyarup Siddhanta, we venture into some of the most remote places on Earth. Satya shares what it is really like to ski towards the South Pole, climb volcanic summits, survive in Antarctica, manage fear in extreme environments, and make critical decisions when resources are limited. We also discuss the realities of funding expeditions, the lessons mountains teach about resilience, the role of parents in supporting unconventional dreams, and why exploration is ultimately about personal growth rather than records. Whether you are interested in mountaineering, adventure, leadership, resilience, or simply pursuing ambitious goals, this conversation offers insights that extend far beyond the mountains. Topics covered: • Antarctica and the South Pole • Volcanic summits around the world • Expedition planning and survival • Fear, resilience and risk management • Everest and extreme mountaineering • Funding large dreams • Personal growth through adversity • The mindset of an explorer Guest: Satyarup Siddhanta Host: Lakshmi Seth Podcast: Unblur the Path Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:34 Antarctica: A World Without Life 05:06 Alone on the Way to the South Pole 08:20 The South Pole Was Not What I Expected 13:13 Chasing Volcanoes Around the World 15:43 Exploring Mountains No One Has Climbed 21:53 How Explorers Survive in Extreme Conditions 29:28 Why I Started Winners and Achievers 34:31 The Truth About Funding Big Dreams 40:35 What Mountains Taught Me About Life 47:55 The Day I Thought My Dream Was Over 54:20 Dream Big. Then Chase It. [Satyarup Siddhanta, Antarctica, South Pole, Mount Everest, mountaineering, exploration, adventure, extreme sports, volcanic summits, resilience, mental toughness, leadership, personal growth, survival stories, adventure travel, expedition planning, risk management, Guinness World Record, explorers, mountaineer podcast, Indian mountaineer, overcoming fear, inspiration, life lessons, outdoor adventure, endurance, dream chasing, Unblur the Path, Lakshmi Seth, motivation podcast]

From Asthma to Everest: Satyarup Siddhant’s Extraordinary Journey (Part 1)

What does it take to go from being an asthmatic child to climbing Mount Everest and earning a Guinness World Record? In this episode of Unblur the Path, Satya Roop Siddhant shares his remarkable journey from software engineering to mountaineering. He talks about overcoming asthma, discovering a passion for the mountains, funding ambitious expeditions, surviving setbacks, and learning resilience through both success and failure. This conversation goes beyond records and summits. It explores courage, calculated risk-taking, mental strength, and the mindset required to pursue a dream that seems impossible. In Part 1, we discuss: • How mountaineering found him • The transition from corporate life to adventure • The 2015 Nepal earthquake and its impact on his Everest dream • Overcoming asthma and limiting beliefs • Training, preparation, and funding major expeditions • The lessons mountains teach about resilience and purpose Part 2 will explore Antarctica, skiing expeditions, and life beyond the world's most famous peaks. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: From Asthma to World RecordsMeet Guinness World Record holder and mountaineer Satyarup Siddhanta. 02:44 – The Accidental MountaineerHow a software engineer unexpectedly found his calling in the mountains. 05:24 – Everest, Career Choices & the 2015 Nepal EarthquakeLosing an expedition, losing funding, and rebuilding a dream. 16:28 – Living with Asthma & Discovering EverestThe trek that changed everything and sparked an extraordinary goal. 27:38 – Training for the MountainsFitness, mountaineering courses, preparation, and what aspiring mountaineers should know. 31:32 – Funding the Seven SummitsCredit cards, loans, crowdfunding, sponsorships, and relentless persistence. 39:35 – Fear, Failure & Mental StrengthCalculated risks, resilience, turning back when necessary, and learning from setbacks. 48:34 – Surviving Extreme Cold & High AltitudeAntarctica preparation, altitude adaptation, and life in the death zone. 54:35 – What's Coming in Part 2Antarctica, polar expeditions, volcanoes, and the untold side of mountaineering. [mountaineering, mount everest, everest expedition, satya roop siddhant, guinness world record, limca book of records, seven summits, adventure sports, mountain climbing, high altitude climbing, everest climber, mountaineer, resilience, mental strength, overcoming fear, growth mindset, risk taking, leadership, perseverance, personal development, inspirational stories, motivational stories, career journey, unconventional careers, software engineer to mountaineer, entrepreneurship, winners and achievers, expedition funding, crowdfunding, nepal earthquake 2015, everest avalanche, mountaineering training, physical fitness, endurance, outdoor adventure, extreme expeditions, life lessons, purpose driven life, student career guidance, unblur the path podcast]