Category: Podcasts

Mumbai: As National Parents’ Day draws near, it’s time to celebrate our real-life superheroes who taught us to fly even before we knew how to walk! Just like Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’s famous dialogue “Zindagi mein agar kuch banna ho, kuch haasil karna ho, kuch jeetna ho, toh hamesha dil ki suno, aur agar dil bhi koi jawab na de toh aankhen band karke apni maa aur papa ka naam lo, phir dekhna har manzil paar kar jaoge, har mushkil aasaan ho jayegi, jeet tumhari hogi, sirf tumhari” resonates with our souls, our parents’ love for us echoes through the ages. This 23 July, let’s cherish the guiding light of our lives with a curated list of these Audible titles that beautifully capture the essence of parenthood and offer parenting tips for the new ones embarking on the journey, reminding us of the magic woven by their love.

Ahimsa

Written by: Supriya Kelkar; Narrated by: Zehra Jane Naqvi

‘Ahimsa’ unfolds during India’s struggle for independence, centering around 10-year-old Anjali and her mother’s profound journey. When her mother responds to Mahatma Gandhi’s call to join the freedom movement, Anjali witnesses the sacrifices of parenthood and embraces the values of non-violent resistance, compassion, and inclusivity. When her mother is jailed, Anjali steps up, continuing her legacy and contributing to India’s fight for freedom. This poignant audiobook celebrates the unwavering love and transformative power of parenthood amidst a momentous chapter in Indian history, drawing inspiration from the real-life experiences of the author’s great-grandmother.

Love a Little Stronger

Written by: Preeti Shenoy; Narrated by: Priyanka Rajpal

This audiobook is a delightful collection of true anecdotes. Written with a style that has engrossed readers worldwide, it strikes a chord with anyone who has experienced the joys and challenges of raising children or hold dear memories of their own youth. ‘Love a Little Stronger ‘ reminds us to cherish life’s smallest moments and love with greater strength, making it a must-read for parents and anyone touched by the magic of childhood.

Queen of Dreams

Written by: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni; Narrated by: Deepti Gupta

‘Queen of Dreams,’ is a story of mothers and daughters, their love and cultural identity. It is the tale of Rakhi, a talented painter and devoted single mother who juggles a creative block, raising her daughter by herself, and saving the Berkeley teahouse that she co-owns with her best friend, Belle. A national tragedy turns her world upside down, and Rakhi loses her mother in a car accident. Tune into Audible and listen to this touching story that explores the complexities of love, and loss, leaving you captivated by the extraordinary journey of a woman unearthing the secrets that shaped her identity as she embarks on the path to confront her fears.

Active Parenting 

Written by: RamG Vallath; Narrated by: Sanyam Sharma

Here’s to embarking on a parenting adventure like never before. In this audiobook, join Ramgopal Vallath, as he helps you discover the secret to unlocking your child’s full potential and nurturing their unique abilities. With inspiring stories from his own upbringing and encounters with countless parents, you’ll gain invaluable insights and common guidelines to conquer any challenge that comes your way. With expert advice and touching anecdotes, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate this thrilling roller coaster ride of parenthood!

Pumped Up Parenting | The Best Advice that NO ONE ELSE GIVES YOU about Raising Kids in Today’s World

Written by: Celia Kibler

Buckle up, parents! Being a mom or dad is no easy feat; it’s an exhilarating adventure filled with questions, mysteries, and unexpected twists, but fear not when the ‘Pumped up Parenting’ podcast is here. Led by Celia Kibler, a family and relationship-empowerment coach, this podcast spills the beans on everything you need to know about parenting, even the stuff you didn’t know you needed to know! So tune in to Audible and get ready to laugh, learn, and embrace the incredible rollercoaster ride of parenthood with Celia and her expert squad.

Mumbai: In today’s fast-paced world, working professionals and students often find themselves grappling with an array of challenges that can hinder concentration and induce stress. Well, if you happen to be one of them, we have exactly what you need to get back on track. The realm of meditative ASMR podcasts is the answer to coping with the chaos of modern stress-driven lives. These auditory experiences offer solace, relaxation, and improved focus, paving the way for increased productivity. With these ASMR podcasts from Audible, let the gentle whispers and delicate sounds transport you to a world where tension dissipates, and your performance soars!

ASMR & Chill: Rest, Relax, Meditate

Written by: ASMR & Chill

Looking for the ultimate podcast for relaxation and rejuvenation? ASMR & Chill is the one you should be tuning in to. Each week, this curated collection of top-quality ASMR tracks invites you to help unwind, meditate, study, or focus on work. Immerse yourself in enchanting melodies, whispered poetry, and a sensory experience like no other. Join the podcasters as they accompany you on this transformative expedition, letting ‘ASMR & Chill’ inspire you with relaxing sounds and leaving you feeling refreshed.

Calming Nature Sounds with Relaxing Music for Healing, Meditation, and Sleeping

Written by: Yella A. Deeken; Narrated by: Ian Brannan

Nature’s sounds have always captivated us, providing an escape from daily worries and helping us let go. This ASMR podcast transports you to serene environments through meticulously crafted audio landscapes. The soothing sounds of rustling leaves, flowing water, and chirping birds will enthuse you, thereby helping in stress reduction and increased focus.

Sound Meditation Podcast

Written by: T On 1 Radio

Enhance your overall well-being with the practice of sound meditation, embracing the calming sounds of nature, gentle bells, serene music, and guided breathing. This meditation method centers on harnessing the profound impact of sound on the mind, leading to reduced stress, managing anxiety, and promotion of emotional, mental, and physical health. Experience the ultimate benefit of full body alignment and balance through the art of sound meditation.

Spiritual Sound Bath – Transform Your World Through Listening

Written by: Abhamani Ajash, Lhamo Sarepa; Narrated by: Ian Brannan

Escape the cycle of wandering thoughts and stress by harnessing the power of sound for your mind, body, and spirit. This collection of vibrations from metal bowls, ‘Om’ mantra chants, and healing sounds offers a myriad of benefits. With 17 soothing soundscapes spanning over 11 hours, these time-tested sounds have been used for centuries to induce profound meditative states, fostering mental clarity and heightened intuition.

Tibetan Meditation: Visualization and Mantra

Written by: Tarthang Tulku; Narrated by: Arnaud Maitland

Unlock the potential of your mind and embrace positivity with the guidance of Tarthang Tilku. Through visualization and mantra recitation, you can cultivate confidence in your creative abilities while leaving behind destructive thoughts. Join Arnaud Maitland, your audio guide, as he leads you through enlightening lessons in meditation and visualization exercises, creating a relaxing and liberating experience that leaves room for personal interpretation and growth.

Healing Sounds of Nature with Relaxing Music for Mental Well Being, Stress Relief, Tranquility, and Focus

Written by: Yella A. Deeken; Narrated by: Ian Brannan

This audiobook offers a perfect blend of natural sounds and soothing melodies to help you achieve deeper relaxation and relieve stress. No matter how busy your lifestyle is, this audio guide empowers you to find tranquility anytime, anywhere. Immerse yourself in this world of limitless relaxation, free yourself effortlessly from stress and anxiety, and experience a calming journey with this audiobook.

Incorporating meditative ASMR podcasts into your daily routine can be a game-changer for balancing stress and boosting productivity. These Audible podcasts offer experiences to help working professionals and students find their calm to improve focus and enhance overall well-being.

 

Mumbai: Honouring South Africa’s first black president and global icon on his birthday  – here are interesting excerpts from his prison letters to family, fellow activists, government officials, academians, and friends. Arrested in 1962 as South Africa’s apartheid regime intensified its brutal campaign against anti-apartheid activists, 44-year-old lawyer and African National Congress activist Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in the penitentiary. Extracted from Audible’s –  The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela, these accounts provide an intimate portrait of his long walk to freedom.

The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela became the world’s most famous prison graduate after receiving his LLB degree in Pretoria prison

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela earned his first degree, a BA, through UNISA in 1942. He studied through UNISA (University of South Africa) during his imprisonment on Robben Island and at Pollsmoor. Unisa awarded him an LLB in 1989 and an Honorary Doctorate in Law in 1995. “Dear Professor W.J. Hoston, I thank you for your letter on the 5th of December 1998 in which you advised that I have completed the LLB degree. It was fitting that you should be the first to congratulate me on this achievement. I firmly believe that without your support, my request for exemption from the languages would probably not have succeeded. The accomplishment will further strengthen my ties with UNISA and enable me to join scores of men and women, inside and outside South Africa whose ability to serve their respective communities has been considerably enhanced by obtaining this degree.”

Nelson Mandela fancied writing letters to his wife Winnie from prison and labeled them as – ‘Special Letters’

Nelson Mandela immensely loved his second wife, Winnie Mandela, and would frequently write to his wife from prison. He strived to make her feel heard, valued and appreciated. Also, it was of utmost importance to him that she knew of the developments in his legal proceedings. In one such letter written to his wife in 1996, he instructs her on a message she has to convey to their well-wishers. “Darling, I should be pleased if you would kindly instruct Mrs.Haymond and Aaronson not to proceed with the action against prison authorities. On the 8th of February 1996, I had an interview with the Chief magistrate of Capetown who came on the instruction of the secretary for justice. He asked me to give him an affidavit relating to any complaints or representations that I wish to make regarding my treatment. I was unable to give him an affidavit, but I gave him a written statement. On the 14th of February, I had another interview this time with the commissioner of prisons. In the course of this, he promised to put my requests to the Minister of Justice. I should therefore request If you kindly advise Mrs. Haymond about the arraignment and instruct her not to proceed. Tell her that I am very grateful for her prompt action and I shake her hand very warmly. You also acted with equal speed for which I compliment you.”

Nelson Mandela’s political beliefs were an amalgamation of pro-socialist and nationalist ideals

Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president was instrumental in global political progress and taking charge against oppression. He reveals in this prison letter that he firmly believes that socialist ideals can regulate an equal society alleviating poverty, disease, and illiteracy. “I have always regarded myself first and foremost as a nationalist, throughout my career I have always been influenced by the ideology of African nationalism. My one ambition in life is and always has been to play my role in the struggle of people against oppression and exploitation by whites. I fight for the right of African people to rule themselves in their own country, although I am a nationalist I am by no means a racialist. That all people irrespective of the national group they belonged to are entitled to live a full and free life on the basis of fullest equality. I have read Marxist literature about the idea of a classless society, I am firmly convinced that only Socialism can do away with the poverty, disease, and illiteracy that are prevalent amongst my people.”

Mandela yearned to meet his children and family during his imprisonment:

Mandela struggled in prison as he was not allowed to see his children for the longest time. Mandela lost his oldest and favorite son Henry during his imprisonment. A father of five young children when he was first taken into prison, Mandela was not allowed to see his children in custody till they were 16 years old. In an official letter of complaint to officials 12 years into his imprisonment, Mandela wrote “I sometimes wish science could invent miracles and make my daughter get missing birthday cards and have the pleasure of knowing that her Pa loves her, thinks of her and makes efforts to reach her whenever necessary. It is significant that repeated attempts on her part to reach me and the photos she has sent me have disappeared without a trace whatsoever.” The most painful of Mandela’s letters is the series of special letters quota, written after the death of his beloved mother Noqaphi Nosekeni in 1968, and of his firstborn son –  Madiba Thembekile Mandela a year later. Forbidden from attending their funerals, he was reduced to consoling his children and other family members in letters through this harrowing time.

Tune into Audible to learn about the incarcerated life of one of the most inspiring political figures of the twentieth century on The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela.

Mumbai: World Listening Day celebrated every year on 18 July marks a global initiative that invites us to take time to listen and appreciate the art of listening. In a world filled with constant noise, this day serves as a reminder of the importance of actively engaging with our auditory environment. So, plug in your earphones, and get ready to embark on an interesting auditory journey as we delve into an array of audiobooks, podcasts, and audio series on Audible that should definitely be on your must-listen list this World Listening Day.  

Desi Down Under

Written by: Mithila Gupta and Narrated by: Prajakta Koli, Taaruk Raina, Adarsh Gourav

An immersive 9-episode series, Desi Down Under is set on the shores of Sydney and is the coming-of-age story of a trio from Mangalore crossing oceans to learn surf life-saving skills at picturesque Coogee Beach in Australia. The series has an amazing ensemble cast of actors with Prajakta Koli, Adarsh Gourav, and Taaruk Raina voicing the titular characters. The plot revolves around these 20-something-year-olds realising their purpose in life, finding love, and facing their biggest fears all while emerging victorious in their pursuit. Packed with adventure, humor, romance, and inspiration – Desi Down Under is an ideal fit for your binge list this World Listening Day. 

Marvel’s Wastelanders: Star-Lord (Hindi Edition)

Written by: Marvel & Benjamin Percy and Narrated by: Saif Ali Khan, Vrajesh Hirjee, and Sushant Divgikr among others

Did you know Marvel’s Wasterlanders: Star-Lord is Saif Ali Khan’s first-ever audio project? Set in a post-apocalyptic future, season 1 of Marvel’s Wastelanders: Star-Lord unfolds the shadowy alternate future of the Marvel Universe featuring Saif Ali Khan as Peter Quill, Vrajesh Hirjee as Rocket, and Sushant Divgikr as Cora, Anangsha Biswas as The Collector, Maninee De as Emma Frost and Harjeet Walia as Kraven the Hunter. Unlock thrilling action sequences in a world where supervillains defeat the heroes and seize control, accompanied by a captivating audio score that will definitely leave you asking for more. 

Don’t Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight

Written by: Rujuta Diwekar and Narrated by: Richa Sayal

Revolutionising the way Indians think about their diet, lifestyle, and exercise one audiobook at a time, Rujuta Diwekar has yet again returned with another game changer – ‘Don’t Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight’ on Audible.  This audiobook proposes that we must return to our traditional ways of life, especially with eating – to manifest healthy and timely weight loss. Rujuta guides us with simple steps we can take towards maintaining a healthy and proper diet and understanding the nutritional requirements of one’s body. 

Durga 

Written by: Kevin Missal and Narrated by: Preeti Gupta

A modern-day fictitious parable, Durga by Kevin Missal encapsulates the journey of nine incorrigible women, as they fight a behemoth Mahisha ruling the kingdom of Jambudvipa with an iron fist. After usurping a once prosperous kingdom from Aryas, the demon king turns it into devil’s paradise teeming with crime, sin, greed, and incredulous people. Durga teams up with her patronage of women, consisting of a royal companion, a maid, a mercenary, and a  pirate to avenge the death of her parents by the demon-king Mahisha. This fierce female-centric mythological fiction is the perfect modern-day feminist classic that audio entertainment enthusiasts must tune into.  

Pilani Pioneers 

Written by: Gaurav Mandlecha, Durjai Sethi and Narrated by: Anindya Chakravorty

The Pilani Pioneers sums up the lives of 25 accomplished BITS Pilani graduates, including startup founders, entrepreneurs, and CEOs, who have forged an indelible mark on the Indian and global business landscape while tactfully dealing with the ups and downs of life. It highlights the stories of perseverance and success of business mavericks including Bharat Forge chairman, and MD Baba Kalyani; BigBasket co-founder, and CEO Hari Menon; Tata Sons brand custodian Harish Bhat; Dabur’s longest-serving CEO Sunil Duggal, and more. This inspiring audiobook is an essential listen for anyone looking to find their niche and build a prosperous business life.

Classified

Written by: J. Rajasekharan Nair and Narrated by: Sundip Ved

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was rocked by a spy case in 1994, booking six ISRO personnel, including S. Nambi Narayanan with the accusation of passing critical rocket technology to a neighboring nation. Classified exposes the hidden truths behind the controversial story and how it highlighted the fractures of our premier institutions. It shows us how the intriguing case stripped the credibility of members of the organisation due to the clandestine efforts of the state agencies such as the CIA attempting to bury the wreckage of a failed operation.

Mumbai: In a move that is being watched with great anticipation, Earshot Digimedia (www.earshot.in), an award-winning podcasting platform led by some of India’s senior most journalists, and celebrated TV face Bhupendra Chaubey, have joined hands to create some compelling new format vodcast and podcast content IPs for the Indian and the global audience.

The first of these vodcast IPs will roll out soon.

Speaking on the development, Chaubey said, “I am very excited to collaborate with Earshot Digimedia. In a pre-election year and the year of G20, there is a huge vacuum in the media space for creation of credible and informative content. We believe that by doing high value and impactful Vodcasts backed by top media technology, we can cater to a world-wide audience hungry for information on India. We intend to lead the next wave of media revolution.“

Earshot Digimedia co-founder and editor-in-chief Abhijit Majumder said, “Bhupendra brings with him years of experience as an ace broadcaster. We have some exciting new IPs lined up for the coming months. Earshot is making podcasting Indian; telling immersive stories from the ground in the language of the people. And we produce these stories with state-of-the-art technology.”

Earshot Digimedia co-founder and CEO Gaurav Choudhury said, “Bhupendra comes on the backdrop of iconic brands like NDTV and Network 18. The world over, the media is becoming more tech focused. Podcast listening and vodcast viewing will continue to grow rapidly in India. It is also emerging as a very effective communication tool for insights and political and corporate thought leadership. With Bhupendra and his team joining hands with Earshot, we now move to the next stage of growth with global ambitions.”

Joining Bhupendra on this journey will be his old and trusted teammate Sudeep Mukhia, former managing editor of CNN News 18 and a talent with multi-genre skill set.

India has the third largest podcast listenership in the world, behind the US and China. The nation’s monthly podcast listenership had crossed 95 million in 2021, according to research firm RedSeer, and is projected to grow to 176.1 million in 2023 according to consulting and audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Earshot Digimedia, which went live in 2020, has emerged as the most credible destination for audio originals. It has produced more than 10,000 hours of original content in Hindi, English, Bengali, Assamese and Bhojpuri. It is adding more languages and in a few months, should become among the world’s largest in language expanse for original audio content.

The content architecture spreads across a wide range-from history, culture, news & politics, business and finance, law, environment, entertainment, lifestyle and health, sports, and fictional storytelling in multiple genres.

It is led by some of the media industry’s senior-most and well-known editors and audio-video professionals and a passionate bunch of consummate storytellers with distinguished pedigrees from Bennett & Coleman (The Times of India Group), Network 18 group, Big, Star, Hindustan Times, India Today Group, and BBC, among others.

Many well-known global and Indian brands including ITC, American Express, Apollo Indraprastha Hospitals, Spotify, Better India, Equitas Small Finance Bank, Housing.com, Mediatek, Rainbow Children’s Hospital and BCG, among others, have engaged Earshot Digimedia for a range of podcasts and audio visual content.

Mumbai: Mahendra Singh Dhoni has captivated the world of cricket for 18 years and more than a billion Indians with his incredible ingenuity as captain, wicketkeeper, and batsman. Former Indian Captain affectionately known as Maahi celebrates his birthday today. Let’s celebrate his birthday this year with lesser-known facts from his childhood, personal life, and cricketing career. Tune into The Dhoni Touch on Audible and unravel the Ranchi boy’s ways of life, leadership, strategy maneuvers, and tactical play.

Mahi was an ardent football player before he switched to cricket

Maahi was a devoted soccer player before he discovered his love for cricket. His coach,  Coach Banerjee badly needed someone to fill in the position of a cricketer in the team, as school children often prioritized their academics over sport once they passed 9th or 10th grade. He discovered Dhoni’s sporting skills on the football field and convinced him to join cricket. “Perhaps the most fascinating part of how Banerjee and Dhoni came across each other is how cliched it is. Banerjee’s need was dire; he needed to fill a vacancy of a long-term candidate, DAV’s wicketkeeper at that point happened to be in class 11, and less than a year of school cricket was left in him. Mahi was in 6th, and Banerjee just dragged him into cricket as he seemed like the perfect fit in so many ways.”

Dhoni’s impeccable observational skills enabled him to spot people anywhere in a stadium

His friend Chotu shares his observation of how his friend could spot his shy father watching him bat far away in the crowd. “He can spot things even in the crowd, in the biggest stadiums of the world, and even remember a few faces. In his Ranji debut when Dhoni was batting, Dhoni made 68  runs in the second innings in that game. His father as usual was peeping through one of those crowds on the boundary wall and he spotted his father despite the pressure of playing his first high-level knock”. His close friends claim that Dhoni’s knack for observation makes him even a good judge of character. He is capable of reading people quickly and correctly.

Dhoni’s ability to ace all the obstacle courses at the National Defence Academy

Dhoni aspired to join the noble profession of a jawan and serve his country. His early success in cricket endeavors did not allow him to take the first step toward his aspiration. However during many instances, he managed to interact with the Indian Army Regiments and take part in the army drills

“As his cricket career advanced, Dhoni was lucky enough to experience a few brushes with the military and a few of their establishments like the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Military Academy (IMA), places he could only dream of visiting as a young man. It was with the Indian team in the mid-2000s and he visited the IMA with a friend. Then came his first encounter with a parachute regiment in 2006, when the then-Indian coach Greg Chapel decided to take the Rahul Dravid-led team to its training center in Bangalore. By all accounts, Dhoni topped all the obstacle courses and proved to be better than even some of the jawans”.

Embodying a magnanimous spirit, MS Dhoni never shied away from sharing even when he had little

The cricketer came from a humble background and is known for his generosity even when he didn’t earn much. The former Indian Cricket Captain has sprawling mansions, and a vast collection of bikes and cars, yet has remained consistent in being generous since his railway job days. “Coach Banerjee recalls that when Dhoni was working at CCL (Central Coal Limited), he would be paid Rs 1500 as a stipend. He would somehow manage his entire month’s expenditure with that money. He never worried about the struggle, he never seemed to think even a step beyond the one he was taking at the moment.  He used to come back to Ranchi during his  Railways job with Rs. 100 and still spend that on his close friends. He never bothered about whether he will have anything left today, he is probably smarter than any Indian cricketer when it comes to investing money”.

Transforming Indian cricket with every move, Dhoni challenged the authorities and ensured they never got the better of him

Former Indian cricketer and BCCI chairman Kiran More believes that while Dhoni never changed who he was, his entry into Indian cricket and subsequent rise caused everyone around him to change the way they functioned and most of it was for the good. “Dhoni changed the way training sessions were held and made it a more flexible process. While Dhoni was at the helm even BCCI had to change its act because of the invisible wall the captain always seemed to be surrounded by. He never allowed the administration despite his closeness to Srinivasan to get the better of him.  He never let them compromise on the free hand he sought as the leader of the team.”

The internationally acclaimed cricketer with an 18-year-long career in the game, left an incredible legacy that inspired millions of fans around the world. His sensible personality, impeccable character, discipline, and dedication to the sport never cease to amaze us. Funny, candid, and peppered with delicious anecdotes, The Dhoni Touch on Audible reveals an ordinary man living an extraordinary life.

 

Mumbai: With the advent of technology and the unpredictable Covid-19 impositions,  digital consumption and frequent exposure to screen time have impacted countless young lives. According to a survey conducted in 2022, 57 per cent of children prefer watching TV. As a result, children spend a lot of their free time glued to digital screens which can be attributed to the increase in accessibility of kid-friendly engaging content on OTT and TV. However, excess screen time is not good for their eyes and overall development. Therefore, encourage your kids to listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and audio series. From literary classics, folk and fantasy tales, celebrity-narrated fables, and kid’s yoga books to a compilation of inspiring stories, find these interesting audiobooks only on Audible.

Little Baby Bum: Time To Dream (Series 1)

Written by: Angela Salt and Narrated by: Sian Brooke, and Scott Reid

Gently drift off your young ones to sleep with Audible’s Little Baby Bum: Time To Dream, with soothing nursery rhymes welcoming little ones into a peaceful night’s sleep. These quintessential nursery rhymes on Audible are perfect for parents who can’t always make time for a bedtime storytelling session for their kids. Curated for children aged one-two, these narrations transport listeners into a magical world of tranquil soundscapes with calming scores and lulling ambient sounds.

Lellobee City Farm: Grandma Mei’s Fantastic Folktales (Series 1)

Written by: Allan Plenderleith and Narrated by: Louise Mei Newberry

Kids love tales passionately and this Audible podcast is an adventurous treat for your children. In Lellobee City, best friends Ella and Rishi play together on Lellobee City Farm and enjoy the company of their wonderful Grandma Mei who narrates to them fantastic folktales collected from her travels around the world! Transport your children into the alluring and picturesque stories set in a Brazilian rainforest narrated by Grandma Mei complemented with realistic atmospheric background scores used in this podcast.

Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Makes It Big

Written and Narrated By: Dolly Parton

The exemplary music singer Dolly Parton accounts a story about her god-dog, a French bulldog ‘Billy the Kid’ who is trying to make it big as a country music star in Nashville, Tennessee. This audiobook is a delightful interpretation of standing up to people who put you down and finding the drive to achieve your dreams. Billy has a scuffle with his fellow barking friends and is dismayed due to his melancholic condition. This led him to rely on his favorite country music and the singer Dolly Parton to regain his self-confidence. This motivational tale with a pet protagonist will inspire your young ones to face their challenges head-on as they embark on their journey to achieve their dreams.  

The Islands of Elsewhere

Written by: Heather Fawcett and Narrated by: Mia Hutchinson-Shaw

Mixed with magic and plenty of adventure, this seaside story of siblings on a treasure hunt is perfect for fantasy fans. The Snolly sisters discover three islands in their backyard while vacationing in their grandfather’s seaside property, The Misty Coven for the summer. Bee Snolly and her sister begin to believe in magic as these mysterious islands withhold a secret that helps the siblings assist their ailing grandfather on the path of recovery. This is a wonderful allegory to teach your children the values of faith, gratitude, and responsibility, so make sure to tune into The Islands of Elsewhere on Audible.

10 Most Inspiring Stories for Kids

Written by: Hans Christian Andersen and others Narrated by: Katie Haigh

Classic tales and stories are fundamental to children’s cognitive and creative development, as they awaken the imagination and bring essential teachings. These stories inspire children through important archetypes and symbolic imagery; they help children envisage fantastic worlds, full of possibilities and wonders. This specially designed compilation includes classic folk tales, and famous stories by Hans Christian Andersen and provides children with a formative overview of the best of children’s classics. The audiobook is an impeccable compilation of classic literature you must indulge your kids in.

Mumbai: India’s premiere podcast network IVM Podcasts has collaborated with SBI Life, one of India’s leading life insurance companies for a podcast, ‘Apne Liye Apno Ke Liye’. The famous audio personality and actor, Rohini Ramanathan has been brought on board to host the podcast.

‘Apne Liye Apno Ke Liye’ offers listeners a unique opportunity to explore the inspiring stories of achievers who have managed to excel in their respective careers while nurturing the dreams and aspirations of their families. The podcast features heartfelt conversations with remarkable individuals who have struck a perfect equilibrium between personal and professional success. With guests like financial expert like Pranjal Kamra, digital content creator Ramneek Singh, entrepreneur and social reformer Slum Soccer Vijay Barse founder Aditya Tiwari, renowned actor Spruha Joshi, the show will bring forth a diverse range of accomplished individuals who have made a profound impact both in their careers and in the lives of their loved ones.

With a strong focus on customers and a steadfast dedication to ensuring financial protection and security, SBI Life is committed to empowering individuals in their pursuit of fulfilling lives. In collaboration with IVM Podcasts, renowned for its exceptional storytelling through podcasts, SBI Life has presented this podcast which encourages individuals to actively pursue their passions while fostering deep and meaningful relationships with their loved ones. IVM Podcasts has formed numerous partnerships of this nature, enabling brands to share significant narratives that resonate with their core values and reach a broader audience by harnessing the compelling power of storytelling.

Commenting on the partnership, Amit Doshi, Head, IVM Podcasts- Pratilipi said “We have seen great demand for motivational podcasts that not only inspire but also actively contribute to personal growth. Our partnership with SBI Life aims to cater to individuals who actively seek content that elevates their lives. Through such collaborations, our objective is to create impactful content in the form of podcasts, enabling brands to effectively engage with their audiences by delivering relatable and engaging narratives.” IVM Podcasts has established a name for itself in the podcast market for its strong concept driven podcast portfolio across comedy, motivational, entertainment, finance genres to name a few.

Listeners can tune in to ‘Apne Liye Apno Ke Liye’ on SBI Life Insurance Youtube channel.

Mumbai: Audible, a leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, and Marvel Entertainment has premiered the opening season of multi-language productions of Marvel’s Wastelanders, which will be available on Audible channels throughout 2023 and 2024.

Based on the popular English language series, the six-season epic audio adventure has been reimagined in five different languages including Hindi, Italian, Japanese, German and French, to provide an immersive and truly localised experience to fans in each location.

“We are delighted to bring our customers these dramatic tales from the Marvel Universe in multiple local languages, starring local talent,” said Audible’s chief brand and international officer Susan Jurevics. “This exciting collaboration between Audible and Marvel Entertainment combines the strength of global storytelling and best-in-class production qualities whilst uniquely tailoring each season to local audiences.”

Sharing his excitement at the launch of his first audio project, actor Saif Ali Khan said, “Star-Lord is a fan-favourite character in the Marvel universe. To bring this character and his inspiring story to life through my voice has been a novel and exciting experience. Marvel’s Wastelanders on Audible has allowed us to reimagine Star-Lord’s journey in a unique way, where each listener has the freedom to paint their own vivid picture of this extraordinary tale. I look forward to hearing what the audiences have to say because I have thoroughly enjoyed myself playing a SuperHero.”

The highly-anticipated Marvel’s Wastelanders: Star-Lord, launched yesterday at 10 AM IST and features a star-studded line up of revered Indian talent including Saif Ali Khan as Peter Quill, Vrajesh Hirjee as Rocket, Sushant Divgikr as Cora, Anangsha Biswas as The Collector, Maninee De as Emma Frost and Harjeet Walia as Kraven the Hunter in the first instalment of the series.

The ten-episode scripted localised podcast will be available at no additional cost to all Audible.in members, with all episodes available on release day.

Following today’s launch of Marvel’s Wastelanders: Star-Lord, Hawkeye the second season in the series will launch in September 2023. Black Widow, Wolverine, Doom and Marvel’s Wastelanders will follow throughout the course of 2023 and 2024, each in French, German, Hindi, Italian, and Japanese editions.

Mumbai: Looking to indulge in new and tantalising flavours this Eid? Yearning for dishes that will truly awaken your taste buds? Look no further! ‘Desi Delicacies’ on Audible is an anthology of food writing that explores the rich history and culture of Muslim South Asian kitchens. Written by Claire Chambers, this collection features essays, stories, and recipes from renowned writers, historians, and chefs. Discover the transformative power of South Asian kitchens in the audiobook with these three appetising dishes for you to embark on a culinary adventure this Eid. Follow these recipes and savour the burst of flavours with your family and friends!

Tehsildari Korma

Ingredients:

500 gm mutton

Two onions (fried, then ground to a paste)

Two tbsp ginger garlic paste

One-fourth cup yoghourt

One-fourth cup of cream

Two tbsp khoya, grated (you may use ricotta if khoya is unavailable)

One-fourth cup of condensed milk

Half ltr of milk reduced to one-fourth by boiling

Pinch of nutmeg powder

Pinch of maize powder

Two tbsp red chilli powder or to taste

One-half tsp of salt or to taste

Four tbsp oil

Method:

Heat oil in a pan and add the onion paste. Fry for five to six minutes till it turns golden brown.

Add the ginger garlic paste and fry for another three to four minutes.

Now add the mutton pieces and saute for eight to ten minutes on medium flame.

Beat the yoghurt with a spoon and add to the pan. Stir immediately.

Then one by one add the red chilli powder, salt, cream, khoya, and condensed milk. Mix well and cook for five to six minutes.

Add half a cup of water. Cover and cook on a low flame for 20 to 30 minutes till the mutton is completely cooked. 

Once the mutton gets cooked, sprinkle the nutmeg powder and maize powder over it.

Switch off the flame and serve.

Vegetarian Bun Kebab

Ingredients:

Half kg potatoes (peeled and boiled)

One medium white onion

One  small red onion

One  green chilli, chopped

Salt to taste

Two tsp garam masala

Two tbsp lemon juice

Half tsp ground coriander

Two eggs

Three tbsp mayonnaise

Lettuce leaves and tomatoes, for garnish

100 gm of yoghourt

One tsp fresh or dried mint leaves

One-fourth tsp garlic paste

Method:

In a bowl, mash the peeled and boiled potatoes together with the chopped red onions, white onion, green chilli, salt, lemon juice, ground coriander and half the garam masala.

Now make burger patties-sized cakes or kebabs out of the mixture.

Beat the eggs and dip these potato cakes in it. Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry these cakes. Flip in the middle so you heat on each side until golden brown. Take them out and place them on a plate.

For the yoghurt dip, in a bowl, add the yoghurt, salt, mint, the other half of the garam masala, and the garlic paste. Mix well.

Spread some mayonnaise on one side of the potato kebab and on top, layer the sliced tomato and sliced lettuce. Cover it with the burger buns, and serve with 1 tbsp of yoghurt mixture at the side of the plate for dipping.

Sweet Rice Zarda with Orange Peels

Ingredients:

Two cups of uncooked white rice

One-fourth tsp orange food colouring

Two tsp grated or julienned orange zest

Four to six whole cardamoms 

One tbsp vegetable oil

One and a half cups white sugar

One-half tbsp double cream

One  tbsp raisins

One tbsp chopped walnuts

One tbsp slivered almonds

Method:

Cover the rice with water in a bowl and leave to soak for about an hour before draining off the water.

Bring a large saucepan of five cups of water to a boil. Then add the food colouring and half the cardamom pods. Stir in the rice, reduce the heat, and cover and simmer until this is tender (about 20 minutes).

Fry the remaining cardamom pods in oil in another large pan over low heat for two minutes. Then, stir in the cooked and drained rice along with the sugar.

Cover the pan and cook for five minutes. 

Remove from the heat and stir in the cream, raisins, walnuts, almonds, and orange zest. Serve immediately.

This Eid, unleash your cooking superpowers with these recipes…but wait, there is more! Explore ‘Desi Delicacies’ on Audible for other such fantastic dishes intertwined with stories from renowned personalities across Muslim South Asian nations. Happy feasting!