Best Podcasts for Public Policy, Governance, and Social Impact Professionals

Sharing a thoughtfully curated podcast that offers sharp insights into the development sector and public policy. It brings grounded perspectives from the field, policy debates, and real-world implementation—definitely worth a listen.

Indian Podcasts

1. Puliyabāzī (पुलियाबाज़ी) is promoted by The Takshashila Institution. It is a Hindi podcast hosted by Pranay Kotasthane and Saurabh Chandra, in association with Takshashila. The podcast discusses politics, public policy, technology, philosophy, and current affairs in a conversational and accessible Hindi style to reach a broad audience.

Where to listen: YouTube, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music and Spotify

2. All Things Policy is The Takshashila Institution’s flagship English podcast, designed as a primer and deep dive into the mechanics of public policy in India and beyond. Hosted by Takshashila faculty and visiting experts, each episode tackles a specific policy arena—such as fiscal federalism, climate regulation, or digital governance—by breaking down foundational concepts, showcasing case studies, and interviewing practitioners from government, academia, and industry.

Where to listen: YouTube, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music and Spotify

3. Decoding Impact with Rathish is a thought-provoking YouTube podcast series hosted by Rathish Balakrishnan, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Sattva Consulting, a leading social impact consulting firm. This channel explores complex developmental challenges and real-world solutions across domains like governance, education, climate finance, agriculture, digital public infrastructure, and social innovation. 

Where to listen: YouTube, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music and Spotify

4. Policy Podcast, IIT Kharagpur focus on how innovation is reshaping policy & governance in India; interviews with experts on electoral politics, public administration, etc.

Where to listen: Policy Podcast, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music and Spotify

5. Policy Beyond Politics is a public policy podcast produced by the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) — an independent think-tank in Kochi, Kerala focused on evidence-based research and actionable ideas for social transformation. The series brings together policy researchers, practitioners, and subject matter experts to discuss contemporary issues in governance, economics, democracy, and institutional reform that shape public life in India and beyond.

Where to listen: Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and Spotify

6. Policy Talks by Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business: Conversations with policy thinkers and leaders about recent challenges & policymaking in India. 

Where to listen: Podcast Republic

7. Urban Planning in India (CEPT / CAU / CUPP): Deep, reflective conversations about urban planning, city development, governance at local levels in Indian context. 

Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Spotify

  

International Podcasts

1. Governance Uncovered is a globally oriented podcast produced by the Governance and Local Development Institute (GLD) at the University of Gothenburg, with support from the Swedish Research Council. Hosted by Professor Ellen Lust, the series dives deep into the complex dynamics of governance, politics, state and non-state actors, and local development processes across diverse regions of the world.

Where to listen: Governance Uncovered - A Podcast by GLD | My new site

2. Building State Capability (Harvard): This podcast features interviews on research & practice in public sector capability, leadership in crises, policy implementation, etc. 

Where to listen: Building State Capability, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Spotify

3. ADB Knowledge & Innovation Talks: This short series features ADB specialists and guest experts sharing practical insights on policy solutions, evidence-based governance, and development strategy. 

 Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music and Spotify

4. Brookings Cafeteria (Brookings Institution): Great for hearing experts discuss public policy problems, governance and development economics around the world, including how governments are (or are not) coping with current challenges.

Where to listen: Brookings, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Spotify

5. Policy Pathways by International Water Management Institute: Focuses on how evidence, complexity and coherence interplay in domains like food, land, water systems. Especially relevant if you’re interested in environment, resource policy, systems thinking.

Where to listen: Policy Pathways, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Spotify

6. The Development Podcast (World Bank) - Focus: development challenges, data, research, policy solutions across sectors. 

Where to listen: World Bank, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music and Spotify

6. Future of Agriculture 

Different Types of Farming Systems

(This is AI generated post for learning only.)

Agriculture today is no longer based on a single approach. Farmers, governments, and markets adopt different farming systems depending on goals such as productivity, sustainability, income security, and climate resilience. Below is a brief overview of the alternate of conventional farming approaches in practice today.

1. Regenerative Agriculture

Regenerative agriculture is a systems-based farming approach that aims to restore and enhance soil health, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and climate resilience, while maintaining or improving farm productivity and livelihoods.

In the Indian context, regenerative agriculture aligns with agroecology and climate-resilient farming, focusing on soil carbon restoration, water conservation, mixed farming systems, and reduced external input dependence, especially for small and marginal farmers.

Key Elements

• Soil regeneration: Increasing soil organic carbon, microbial activity, and soil structure
• Biodiversity enhancement: Crop diversification, intercropping, agroforestry
• Low disturbance: Reduced or zero tillage
• Living roots: Cover crops, perennials
• Integrated systems: Crop–livestock–tree integration
• Climate outcomes: Carbon sequestration and resilience to droughts/floods

Indian Examples / Linkages

• Natural resource management under Watershed Development Programmes
• Agroforestry Mission (Sub-Mission on Agroforestry)
• Climate-smart agriculture initiatives by ICAR and State Agriculture Universities

Regenerative agriculture, while not yet a formal policy category in any state, is implicitly promoted through soil health, agroforestry, watershed development, climate-smart agriculture, and diversified farming systems in states such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, where the emphasis is on soil carbon, water efficiency, biodiversity, and resilience rather than certification.

2. Organic Farming

Organic farming is a production system that excludes synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, GMOs, and growth regulators, relying on biological processes, organic inputs, and ecological balance to maintain soil fertility and crop health. In India, organic farming is a certification-based system regulated under NPOP and PGS-India, emphasizing chemical-free cultivation, on-farm inputs, and market-linked premium produce.

Key Elements

• No synthetic chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides)
• Soil fertility management through compost, green manure, biofertilizers
• Biological pest management (biocontrol agents, botanical extracts)
• Crop rotations and mixed cropping
• Certification and traceability (NPOP / PGS-India)

Indian Examples / Linkages

• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
• Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER)

Organic farming has the clearest policy architecture: Sikkim stands out as the first fully organic state with a complete ban on chemical inputs, while Uttarakhand has institutionalized organic agriculture through a dedicated state act and board. Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra focus on large-scale organic clusters, certification, and branding, supported by central schemes like PKVY and MOVCDNER, with several other states (Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Punjab) integrating organic farming mainly through cluster-based and market-linked approaches.

3. Natural Farming

Natural farming is an agroecological approach that promotes farming in harmony with natural processes, minimizing external inputs and relying on biological cycles, local resources, and soil life. In India, natural farming is largely influenced by Subhash Palekar Natural Farming (SPNF) and traditional practices, emphasizing zero-budget or low-cost inputs, cow-based formulations, and self-reliant farming systems.

Key Elements

• Biological soil enrichment: Use of microbial formulations such as Jeevamrit to stimulate soil life
• Seed treatment: Beejamrit for protection against soil-borne and seed-borne diseases
• Soil cover (Acchadana): Mulching to conserve moisture and enhance soil carbon
• Soil aeration & moisture balance (Whapasa): Emphasis on soil porosity and reduced irrigation
• No synthetic inputs: Complete avoidance of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
• On-farm, low-cost inputs: Dependence on locally available resources (especially indigenous cow-based inputs)

Natural farming has expanded rapidly in recent years, led decisively by Andhra Pradesh, which has mainstreamed Zero Budget / Natural Farming through a state-wide extension and institutional model. Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Kerala, and Haryana have followed with pilots, MSP or procurement support, and farmer training under BPKP and the National Mission on Natural Farming, positioning natural farming primarily as a cost-reduction and risk-mitigation strategy for smallholders. 

Beyond these three approaches, Indian agriculture also recognizes and promotes other farming systems such as conventional chemical farming, integrated farming systems, agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture, precision farming, horticulture-led farming, millet-based farming, mixed crop–livestock systems, terrace and hill farming, and aquaculture-based systems—each addressing specific productivity, nutrition, climate, or livelihood objectives.

4. Precision / Smart Farming 

Precision or Smart Farming is a technology-enabled agricultural approach that uses data, sensors, satellite imagery, GPS, AI, and automation to optimize input use (water, nutrients, pesticides) at a site-specific and time-specific level, improving productivity and resource efficiency. In India, precision farming is promoted as a means to increase yields, reduce input costs, address labour shortages, and improve water-use efficiency, particularly in horticulture, irrigated regions, and high-value crops.

Key elements:

• Data Collection: Collects field-specific soil, weather, and crop data to understand farm variability.
• Geospatial Mapping (GPS/GIS): Maps farms accurately to identify location-wise differences in crop performance.
• Variable Rate Application: Applies inputs like water and fertiliser only where and when they are needed.
• Smart Irrigation: Uses sensors and automation to deliver the right amount of water at the right time.
• Decision Support Systems (DSS): Converts data into timely, actionable advisories for farmers.
• Mechanisation & Automation: Improves precision and efficiency through GPS-enabled and automated machinery.
• Monitoring & Feedback: Tracks crop performance continuously to refine practices each season.
• Digital Platforms & Connectivity: Integrates farm data, advisories, and services through digital tools and apps.
• Sustainability & Resource Efficiency: Reduces input waste while improving soil health and environmental outcomes.
• Farmer Capacity Building: Ensures technology adoption through training and continuous handholding.

State policy examples:

• Tamil Nadu: Precision Farming Project for horticulture clusters
• Karnataka & Maharashtra: Drone-based spraying, digital advisory pilots
• Telangana: Digital agriculture platforms and smart irrigation
• Punjab & Haryana: Precision land leveling and smart irrigation initiatives

5. Integrated Farming Systems (IFS)

Integrated Farming Systems combine multiple farm enterprises—crops, livestock, fisheries, poultry, agroforestry—within a single system to optimize resource recycling, enhance productivity, and reduce risk. IFS is promoted in India as a smallholder-resilient model, enabling income diversification, year-round employment, and efficient use of land, water, and nutrients.

Key elements:

• Integration of multiple farm enterprises: Combination of crops, livestock, fisheries, poultry, horticulture, and/or agroforestry within a single farming system.
• Resource recycling and circularity: Efficient reuse of crop residues, animal waste, and by-products as inputs (manure, compost, feed), minimizing waste and external inputs.
• Diversified income streams: Multiple enterprises generate year-round income, reducing dependence on a single crop and lowering livelihood risk.
• Nutrient-use efficiency: Internal nutrient cycling improves soil fertility and reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers.
• Risk reduction and resilience: Diversification buffers farmers against climate shocks, market volatility, and pest or disease outbreaks.
• Enhanced productivity per unit area: Synergistic interactions between enterprises increase overall system productivity and land-use efficiency.
• Employment generation: Continuous on-farm activities create year-round employment for farm households.
• Soil and water conservation: Improved soil structure, organic matter, and efficient water use through integrated practices.
• Adaptability to smallholder systems: Flexible models tailored to land size, agro-climatic conditions, and household resources.

State policy examples:

• Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand: IFS models under livelihood missions
• Kerala: Homestead-based integrated farming
• Assam & West Bengal: Crop–fish–livestock integration
• ICAR-led pilots across multiple states

6. Agroforestry

Agroforestry is a land-use system where trees are deliberately integrated with crops and/or livestock, enhancing ecological interactions, productivity, and ecosystem services. In India, agroforestry is seen as a key strategy for climate resilience, soil restoration, additional farm income, and timber/fodder security, especially in rainfed and marginal areas.

Key elements:

• Integration of trees with crops and/or livestock: Deliberate inclusion of woody perennials within agricultural landscapes to create productive and ecologically balanced systems.
• Species diversity and multi-layered systems: Use of timber, fruit, fodder, and nitrogen-fixing trees alongside annual crops to optimize space, light, and nutrients.
• Soil health improvement: Enhanced soil organic matter, nutrient cycling, and microbial activity through leaf litter, root biomass, and reduced erosion.
• Water conservation and microclimate regulation: Improved water infiltration, reduced runoff, windbreak effects, and moderation of temperature extremes.
• Carbon sequestration and climate resilience: Long-term storage of carbon in biomass and soils, contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Livelihood diversification: Multiple outputs (timber, fruits, fuelwood, fodder, NTFPs) that spread risk and provide stable farm income.
• Reduced input dependence: Lower reliance on synthetic fertilizers and external inputs through biological nutrient recycling.
• Landscape and biodiversity enhancement: Improved habitats for birds, pollinators, and beneficial organisms, strengthening ecosystem services.
• Long-term farm planning and tenure security: Tree-based systems require planning for longer production cycles and supportive land and tree tenure policies.

State policy examples:

• National Agroforestry Policy (2014) guides all states
• Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab: Poplar/eucalyptus-based systems
• Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra: Agroforestry in tribal and rainfed areas
• Karnataka & Telangana: Tree-based farming incentives

7. Millet / Nutri-cereal Farming

Millet farming involves cultivation of small-seeded cereals that are drought-tolerant, nutrient-dense, and well-suited to low-input environments. In India, millet farming is promoted for nutrition security, climate resilience, and dryland livelihoods, especially after the International Year of Millets (2023).

Key elements:

• Low water and input requirements
• High nutritional value (iron, calcium, fiber)
• Suitability for rainfed and degraded lands
• Traditional seed systems and mixed cropping

State policy examples:

• Odisha: Odisha Millet Mission (flagship model)
• Karnataka: Siridhanya Mission
• Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh: MSP and PDS inclusion
• Rajasthan & Telangana: Millet clusters and value chains 

8. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)

Climate-Smart Agriculture is an approach that simultaneously increases productivity, enhances climate resilience, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.  In India, CSA is integrated into climate adaptation, natural resource management, and sustainable livelihoods, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions.

Key elements:

• Climate-resilient crops and varieties: Drought-, flood-, heat- and salinity-tolerant seeds
• Water-efficient practices: Micro-irrigation, rainwater harvesting, SRI/DSR, watershed management
• Soil health enhancement: Conservation agriculture, residue management, carbon sequestration
• Risk reduction & diversification: Crop diversification, integrated farming systems, agroforestry
• Climate information services: Weather advisories, early warning systems, digital decision tools

State policy examples:

• Maharashtra: Climate-resilient agriculture under watershed missions
• Bihar & Odisha: CSA pilots with flood/drought adaptation
• Rajasthan: Dryland climate-smart practices
• Kerala: Climate-resilient farming under state action plans

Good interview questions for Social Impact / Development Sector

Preparing for interviews isn’t about memorizing answers—it’s about clarity of thought and structured reflection. I’ve curated 45 high-impact interview questions, clearly split into must-prepare and situational, along with crisp frameworks to respond with confidence.

MUST-PREPARE (You should have polished, confident answers)

1. Tell me about yourself
2. What are your strengths?
3. What is your weakness?
4. Why should we hire you?
5. Why do you want this role?
6. Where do you see yourself in five years?
7. Why are you leaving your current or previous job?
8. Why have you changed jobs multiple times?
9. What do you know about our organization?
10. How do you measure success or impact in your work?
11. Describe a major challenge or toughest decision you’ve faced
12. Tell me about a time you failed or missed a deadline
13. Can you handle high-pressure situations?
14. How do you prioritize tasks?
15. Describe your work style
16. What does leadership mean to you?
17. How do you balance speed vs quality in execution?
18. What would you do in your first 90 days in this role?
19. What are your salary expectations?

SITUATIONAL (Prepare frameworks + 2–3 strong examples)

1. How do you manage multiple deadlines or multitasking?
2. How do you deal with conflict or disagreement in a team?
3. Describe your management style
4. Tell me about a time you took initiative
5. Tell me about an idea or innovation you introduced
6. What steps did you take to implement your idea?
7. Describe a process problem you identified and improved
8. Describe a project implemented largely because of your efforts
9. Tell me about a time you went beyond expectations
10. Describe a situation where you positively impacted someone
11. How do you motivate an unmotivated team?
12. How do you ensure accountability in large or distributed teams?
13. Tell me about a time you influenced stakeholders without authority
14. Describe a decision taken with incomplete information
15. Tell me about a time you had to say “no” to a senior stakeholder
16. How do you react to setbacks or failure?
17. How do you stay motivated after setbacks?
18. Which role satisfied you the most and the least, and why?
19. What are your career and life goals?
20. How easy is it for you to change your mind when you’re wrong?
21. How much do you learn from failure?
22. How quickly do you learn new things?
23. How comfortable are you letting others take the lead?
24. How long will you push a project before pivoting or stopping?
25. What processes or techniques help you be effective?
26. What is your ideal work environment or culture?

Happy Reading from HBR: How to respond to “So, Tell Me About Yourself” in a Job Interview

Circular Economy - Introduction 101

The circular economy is rapidly emerging as a transformative approach to sustainability, reshaping how we design, produce, utilize and consume resources. A highly insightful course on this topic is offered by Dr. Gordana Kierans on Udemy. 

Key Learnings from the Course: 

Definition: Products and services that maximize use and reuse of materials and other resources can be both growth opportunities and sustainability measures. [Source]

1. Circular economy is opposite of linear economy as it focuses on preserving resources rather than consuming them for growth.

2. Circular innovation applies to diverse sectors like textile sector, e- waste, coffee processing, food wastage, packaging, electronics, toys, automtive industry, sportswear, and more.

3. The Circular Cities Network was launched in 2016 by 12 pioneering cities with the aim to move cities towards circular systems that reuse, recycle, and reduce waste and resource consumption

Business Models

1. Closed-Loop Recycling: Use materials from discarded products to create new ones; e.g., North Face’s program collecting and recycling polyester fabric.
2. Upcycling: Transform used materials into higher-quality products; e.g., Pentatonic makes furniture from smartphone screens or cigarette butts.
3. Downcycling: Convert materials into products of lower quality; e.g., Nike’s reuse-a-shoe program turns old athletic shoes into sports surfaces.
4. Lock-In: Sell a product with necessary consumables that force repeat purchases; e.g., Diapers with reusable covers and compostable inserts.
5. Local Loop: Bring production and consumption closer, using local currency and markets to retain economic value; e.g., Findhorn Eco-Village’s local currency.
6. Industrial Symbiosis: One company's waste becomes another’s resource, creating economic and environmental benefits; e.g., Kalundborg Symbiosis in Denmark.
7. Collection Services: Business model based on collecting used products for recycling or reuse; e.g., Beijing Subway’s recycling incentive program gives transportation credits.
8. Product as a Service: Customers pay for product usage, not ownership; e.g., Philips’ Pay per Lux lighting service with long-term contracts and product responsibility retained by provider.
9. Personalisation: Customize products based on user data, encouraging returns and recycling; e.g., Lyf’s 3D printed modular customizable shoes with QRCodes for lifecycle tracking.
10. Modularity: Design products in easily replaceable modules to extend lifespan; e.g., electric toothbrushes with swappable heads.

Book Recommendations: According to Jim Kwik, a survey of top CEOs revealed that they each read an average 60 books per year. Reading just 45 minutes a day can unlock the lifetime knowledge authors have distilled, helping circle entrepreneurs stay informed and inspired in this rapidly evolving field. Starting a journey into the circular economy can be greatly enhanced by reading foundational and inspiring books. Sharing top recommended reads (too costly for Indian student, better to use library):

1. "Confessions of a Radical Industrialist" by the late Ray Anderson of Interface, an inspiring story of sustainability leadership
2. "The Circular Economy: A Wealth of Flows" by Ken Webster, offering deep insight into circular system thinking
3. The Circular Economy Handbook by Peter Lacy, Jessica Long, and Wesley Spindler, detailing practical organizational strategies for circular transition
4. "Waste to Wealth" by Peter Lacy and Jacob Rutqvist, exploring circular business models in industry

Website Recommendation: EntrepreneurCircle.World is your ultimate membership platform to dive deeper into the circular economy. It offers a vibrant community where entrepreneurs and investors committed to circular economy principles connect, learn, and grow together. Members gain access to exclusive workshops, seminars, networking events, and an extensive library of practical resources to support their circular business ventures.  Please also find LinkedIn Group for Circular Entrepreneurs. 

Books Recommendations on Investing by School of Intrinsic Compounding (SOIC) - Expert

SOIC (School of Intrinsic Compounding) is a leading Indian education platform founded by Ishmohit Arora and a team of dedicated analysts. Their mission is to empower retail investors through in-depth investing education, financial research, and practical resources, with a special focus on fundamental analysis and value investing.

I have been a subscriber to their channel for the last 3 years. SOIC frequently shares top book recommendations to build a strong foundation in investing and personal growth. Part 1 and Part 2 of Books Recommendations on Investing by School of Intrinsic Compounding (SOIC) is already published on the blog. Here is the list of SOIC-recommended books for technical investors:

Category 1: Fundamentals

1. Interpretation of Financial Statements by Mary Buffett and David Clark - A comprehensive guide to interpreting corporate financials.
2. Understanding Michael Porter by Joan Magretta - Insights into Michael Porter's business strategies.
3. The Five Rules for Successful Stock Investing by Pat Dorsey - Key rules for successful stock market investing.
4. Competition Demystified by Bruce C. Greenwald and Judd Kahn- Simplifies competitive strategy for investors.
5. One Up On Wall Street by Peter Lynch - Investment advice from a legendary fund manager.
6. Value Investing and Behavioral Finance by Parag Parikh - Combining value investing with behavioral finance.

Category 2: Technical Analysis

1. How to Make Money in Stocks by William O'Neil - Techniques to profit in stock markets.
2. Secrets for Profiting in Bull and Bear Markets by Stan Weinstein - Strategies for navigating bullish and bearish markets.
3. Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard by Mark Minervini - Advanced trading methods from a top market trader.
4. Technical Analysis Explained by Martin J. Pring - An introduction to technical analysis concepts.

Category 3: Philosophy of Investing

1. Masterclass with Super Investors by Vishal Mittal and Saurabh Basrar - Investment lessons from successful super investors.
2. Market Wizards by Jack D. Schwager - Wisdom from renowned market wizards.
3. The Little Book of Behavioral Investing by James Montier - Behavioral investing principles in a compact guide.
4. The Little Book That Builds Wealth by Pat Dorsey - Building wealth with behavioral investing strategies.
5. Richer, Wiser and Happier by William Green - Lessons on becoming wealthier and wiser.
6. The Lucky Formula: How to Stack the Odds in Your Favor and Cash In on Success: Mark LaChance and Kary Oberbrunner- How to improve investment odds effectively.

4: Understanding Market Cycles

1. Bulls, Bears and Other Beasts by Santosh Nair - Explores the dynamics of market cycles and beasts.
2. Bull by Maggie Mahar - Analysis of bullish market trends by Maggie Mahar.
3. Capital Returns by Marathon Asset Management - Study of returns on invested capital.

Part 5: Mental Models

1. Parables of Perception by Max Gunther - Stories to enhance perception and decision-making.
2. The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli - A guide to clear and critical thinking.
3. The Great Mental Models by Farnam Street series - Compilation of important mental models for investors.
4. Zurich Axioms by Max Gunther - Principles for risk-taking in investment.
5. Trading in the Zone by Mark Douglas- Focus on trading psychology and discipline.