Imagine a thoughtfully curated dinner party where you get to handpick the most fascinating minds to share a conversation with—that's exactly what you can expect here.
Welcome to “Work in Progress with Sim & Ko”, a podcast that features frank, funny and meaningful conversations with people that inspire us.
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In a world obsessed with self-discovery and self-optimization, personality has become a billion-dollar obsession. From dating apps to hiring decisions, courtroom strategies to TikTok therapy-speak, we’re constantly trying to decode ourselves—and each other. But how well do we really understand what makes us us? This week, we sit down with Dr. Sanna Balsari Palsule—psychologist, behavioral scientist, and co-creator of a wildly original game called Who Are You? that helps people reflect on their inner lives. With a background in personality psychology and a mind deeply attuned to the nuances of human behavior, Sanna guides us through the surprising history of personology, the rise of personality testing as a cultural phenomenon, and what the science actually says about traits like introversion, extroversion, and everything in between. We explore why the most popular personality tests are often the least accurate, how personality is both shaped and distorted by culture and social media, and whether “authenticity” is now just another form of performance. Can you fake it till you become it? Do we have different personalities online and offline? Is your workplace self the real you—or just a highly adapted version? And when people say they want to “change,” what are they really trying to change? We also dive into the psychological and physical toll of pretending to be someone you’re not, and ask: Can personality actually evolve over time, or is who you are mostly fixed? And what does it take to shift? This is an episode for anyone who’s ever taken a personality test, second-guessed who they are, or wondered if change is possible—or even desirable. Recommended for listeners curious about: The science and myth of personality Identity in the age of social media Authenticity and self-expression Behavioral psychology and everyday life About Dr. Sanna Linnea Balsari-Palsule: She is a psychologist, researcher, and creator whose work reshapes how we understand personality in an age obsessed with self-optimization. With a background in cognitive science and a Ph.D. in personality psychology, her research interrogates how identity is formed, performed, and reimagined—online, at work, and in our most intimate relationships. She is the creator of Who Are You, an award-winning card game that invites players to reflect on the tensions between authenticity, aspiration, and adaptation in modern life. Her insights have been featured in The Atlantic, BBC News, Refinery29, Psychology Today, and Fast Company, where she speaks to a generation fluent in therapy-speak but still searching for grounded ways to make sense of themselves. Whether she’s exploring the curated selves of social media or the psychological cost of work personas, Dr. Balsari-Palsule offers a rare combination of intellectual rigor and deep empathy—inviting us to consider not just who we are, but who we’re becoming.
Indian specialty coffee is at a turning point—gaining global recognition, yet deeply rooted in tradition. In this episode, we sit down with Pranoy Thipaiah, fifth-generation steward of Kerehaklu Estate, to explore how coffee, climate, and culture are evolving in India’s Western Ghats. At his 250-acre estate, coffee plants grow under ancient fig trees, local microbes fuel experimental fermentations, and leopards roam the same paths as farmers. But Pranoy’s work goes beyond cultivation—it’s about balancing ecology with innovation, protecting biodiversity, and challenging industry norms. We dive into: The global perception of Indian coffee—and the myths that need breaking The future of farming in a changing climate—and how Kerehaklu is leading by example What India can learn from global coffee cultures—from Colombia to Australia The challenges of legacy, colonial narratives, and global trade inequalities The business of coffee—building a brand that blends storytelling with sustainability Pranoy also shares his perspective as a consultant, educator, and entrepreneur, offering insight into what it takes to grow not just great coffee, but a movement. This is a conversation about coffee’s future, India’s role in the global market, and what it means to build a truly sustainable coffee culture.
In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Tulsi Mehrotra Menon, a Cultural and Digital Anthropologist, to unravel the intricate relationships between work, identity, and technology in today's ever-evolving world. Born and raised in Bangalore, Tulsi brings a unique anthropological lens to the corporate sphere, helping brands move beyond surface-level strategies to truly understand the human motivations and cultural contexts that shape consumer behavior. We dive into: The Anthropology of Business: How Tulsi applies cultural insights to brand and business strategies, pushing for a shift from brand-centric to human-centric approaches. The Multitudes of Identity: Exploring how selfhood is constructed in 2025—and what it might look like in 2050—as work, technology, and personal expression intersect. Human vs. Machine: What does the future of work hold as AI and algorithms increasingly influence our choices, relationships, and identities? The Authenticity Paradox: In an era of curated personas and performative authenticity, how do we distinguish what’s real—and what does this mean for brands trying to connect with their audiences? Cultural Glasses and the Three C’s Model: Understanding people's behaviors through the lens of context, conditions, and choices—and how this model helps resolve everyday conflicts and inform better business decisions. The Evolution of Connection: From fandoms to online communities, how are tribes forming in India versus the rest of the world—and what lessons can brands learn? Women and Work: Balancing unpaid caregiving with personal ambition—how can workplaces create unconventional spaces for women to explore their multidimensional identities? Leading for the Future: What leadership looks like in a world shifting from linear career paths and CV-based hiring to skill-driven, imagination-fueled environments. Whether you're a brand strategist, business leader, or someone simply curious about how human behavior evolves, this episode offers fresh insights and a bold reimagining of the future. Listen now and step into the fascinating world of digital tribes and algorithmic lives with Tulsi Mehrotra Menon.
The way we produce and consume protein is changing. With the global demand for meat at an all-time high and set to double by 2050, the need for sustainable alternatives has never been more urgent. Alternative proteins—whether plant-based, cultivated, or fermentation-derived—offer a way to feed more people with fewer resources, reduce environmental impact, and build a more resilient food system. In this episode, we explore the future of food with Devika Suresh, a champion for alternative proteins in India. Passionate about the intersection of technology and sustainability, Devika has been instrumental in advancing smart protein education, research, and innovation. She works to build pathways for young Indians to shape this growing industry and drive meaningful change in how we think about food. What to Expect in This Episode: The Basics of Smart Protein: What exactly is alternative or smart protein, and why should anyone care? Devika breaks down the essentials and explains the impact on food security, climate change, and planetary health. India's Path to Net Zero: Can India realistically achieve its 2047 Net Zero target, and how have policies like BioE3 contributed to the positive momentum? The Bioeconomy Movement: With terms like "Bioeconomy" gaining traction globally, Devika explains what this means for India and the world. Consumer Perceptions: We tackle common misconceptions around alternative proteins and explore strategies to shift the narrative from niche to mainstream. Cultural Nuances and Market Dynamics: Why is India strategically positioned to lead in this sector? Devika discusses cultural factors, market drivers, and setbacks, and how to avoid another "organic" déjà vu. Regulatory Landscape: How has the FSSAI’s framework supported this industry, and what lessons can be drawn from other countries? The Role of Big Brands: With major corporations entering the space, why is mass acceptance still a challenge, and when can we expect a shift in consumer attitudes towards taste, price, and process? Future Predictions: What innovations and products could be game changers in the next 10-20 years? We also explore Devika's vision for the future—what food we want on our plates by 2050, and how India can play a pivotal role in feeding a growing global population sustainably. Tune in to hear her insights, predictions, and her passion for reshaping the future of food. Whether you're curious about sustainable eating or looking to understand the business of alternative proteins, this episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of food, technology, and climate action.
For episode 9, we had the pleasure of speaking with Neha Vyaso and Kanak Garg – Founders of Brave Spaces • Intimacy Coordinators • Actors • Creators. Titled 'Building Boundaries & Breaking Barriers' - this is one of our most powerful, heartfelt and intense episodes. We uncover a wide range of topics, as highlighted below: What is the story behind brave spaces? What does an intimacy coordinate facilitate? What does a day in your work look like? What does creating a 'Culture of consent', mean? Does it exist in India? How are brave spaces created? What are the values that guide you? How is a workshop conducted? How can we think of gender, sexuality and sex in an inclusive, simplistic manner? Why are pronouns so confusing for everyone? Is social media helping or dividing? Why is everyone so scared about cancel culture? How can we create brave and not just safe spaces? What is the future you imagine for a more inclusive tomorrow? Barriers are things that are holding you back from living a wholesome life - being the human you are. Boundaries must empower you - knowing about your boundaries, knowing what works for you, what doesn’t and understanding that those boundaries also evolve.” Tune in to this episode to hear more such empowering and insightful snippets and of course, to hear - what makes them a work in progress?