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Happy & Human
The podcast for over-educated, busy, and ambitious South Asian professionals and entrepreneurs. In each episode, Seema and Dinesh will dive into the philosophies, strategies, and tools that can help you live happier, healthier, productive, and fulfilled lives with more success.
They will be talking about things that help you think, do, and be better in wide-ranging areas around the five pillars of a good life: health, wealth, love, happiness, and impact — to empower you to reach your highest potential without compromising what’s important.
Dr. Seema Desai is a dentist, certified professional coach, and author of the book, “Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides.” She is also a devoted wife and proud mother to two children, as well as an advocate for creating learning equality in children in underserved countries through her work with Pratham USA.
Dinesh Melwani is a law firm partner, author, speaker, and certified success and results coach. He is an internationally-recognized patent attorney that works with hi-tech clients, ranging from startups to Fortune 100 clients. He also believes deeply in the potential and capability inside of everyone. In addition, he is a loving father and husband.
Join Seema and Dinesh each week as they explore, from the male and female South Asian perspectives, what makes you individually and uniquely happy and human, and what tools and insights allow us to reach that next level and beyond. You will learn how to level up your mindset, develop the needed leadership skills in your career and personal life, and learn how to live up to your potential.
Happy & Human
Plays, PhD's, and the Beginner’s Mind with Dr. Deepak Kumar
On this episode, Dr. Seema Desai has a conversation with a truly remarkable guest: Dr. Deepak Kumar, a computer science professor at UC San Diego who also happens to be a playwright, composer, and lyricist. From cybersecurity research to staged readings at the Old Globe, Deepak’s journey is anything but conventional. They have a vulnerable and inspiring conversation that explores creativity, failure, and the emotional depth behind his newest play, House of India, a story set in a small-town Indian restaurant wrestling with legacy, identity, and change.
If you’ve ever felt stuck between practicality and passion, or wondered if it’s too late to start something new, this episode will leave you both challenged and refreshed. Deepak’s reflections on beginner’s mind, detachment, and the joy of rediscovering play are layered with wit and humility, making this a must-listen for anyone seeking to balance ambition with authenticity.
Deepak Kumar is a professor of Computer Science & Engineering at UC San Diego and a playwright, lyricist, and composer. His computing work focuses on how to make Internet systems safer and more secure. His plays tackle the questions that keep him up at night, whether they be about Asianness, technology, youth, board games, or soul-eating demons. His shows have been developed and produced all over, with some highlights including The Old Globe and The Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center. He is a MacDowell Colony fellow and is currently on commission from Audible and Arena Stage.
The views expressed in the podcast do not reflect the views of any organization affiliated with the hosts or any guest.
Connect with Dr. Deepak Kumar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_kumarde/
House of India tickets: https://www.theoldglobe.org/pdp/25-season/house-of-india/#?startDate=2025-05-01&%3FendDate=2025-05-31
Links:
Dinesh Melwani http://www.dineshmelwani.com, IG @dineshmelwani
Seema Desai http://www.drseemadesai.com, IG @dr.seemadesai
Happy and Human Podcast on IG @happyandhumanpodcast
