Sushant Pradhan Podcast

Ep: 516 | Air Pollution in Nepal | Why Kathmandu’s Air Is So Toxic | Trailokaya Raj Bajgain | Sushant Pradhan Podcast

Air Pollution in Nepal. Why Kathmandu’s Air Is So Toxic. Air pollution has become one of Nepal’s biggest public health and environmental challenges, and in this episode, Environmental Engineer & Researcher Trailokaya Raj Bajgain breaks it all down with clarity and data. From understanding Kathmandu air pollution to explaining PM2.5, AQI in Nepal, and how pollution levels can feel equivalent to smoking 20 cigarettes a day, this conversation dives deep into the science behind polluted air. We discuss whether Kathmandu is the most polluted city, the role of vehicle pollution, dust particles, and cross-border pollution from India and China. Trailokaya also explains how air quality sensors, funding, and air pollution data in Nepal work, and why accurate data is critical for effective pollution control strategies. The episode explores the health effects of air pollution, the World Bank air pollution report, and whether wearing a mask is truly effective against PM2.5. We also touch on the future of clean air through AI and technology, personal protection methods, and how youth activism and research can drive change. If you want a clear, science-based explanation of Nepal’s air crisis and practical insights on what can be done, this episode is a must-watch.
GET CONNECTED WITH Trailokaya Raj Bajgain:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/trailokaya
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/StoryOfAnOrdinaryHumanBeing/?locale=hi_IN
Website - https://trailokaya.com.np/
Email - trailokayaraj@gmail.com | trailokaya.bajgain@duke.edu
 

Ep: 515 | Is Nepal in Serious Danger? | Hemanta Malla Thakuri x Santosh Kumar Dhakal x Jason Vaidya | Sushant Pradhan Podcast

Is Nepal in Serious Danger?. Nepal’s national security is facing increasing challenges amid rising geopolitical pressure, internal instability, and regional refugee movements. In this in-depth podcast, Hemanta Malla Thakuri, former DIG of Nepal Police and national security expert, Santosh Kumar Dhakal, retired Major General of the Nepal Army, and Jason Vaidya, renowned geopolitical analyst, come together to discuss some of the most critical security threats facing Nepal today. The conversation begins with the Rohingya refugee issue and the possibility of Rohingya refugees entering Nepal. The experts explain what the Rohingya crisis is, whether Nepal is being strategically used, and how refugee movements can impact Nepal’s internal security and national security policy. They analyze whether these developments are coincidental or part of broader South Asian geopolitics. The discussion then expands into Nepal’s national security challenges, including border security, political aggression, diplomatic tensions involving China and the United States, and concerns surrounding voting rights based on residence. The guests also examine Nepal’s social issues, internal unrest, and how governance decisions—such as selling government factories—can affect long-term security. This episode provides rare insights from former top military and police leadership combined with geopolitical analysis, making it essential viewing for anyone interested in Nepal geopolitics, security threats, refugee policy, and political stability.
GET CONNECTED WITH
Hemanta Malla:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hemant-malla-25976920/?originalSubdomain=np
Santosh Kumar Dhakal:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/santosh-dhakal-a6962311/?originalSubdomain=np
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/santosh.k.dhakal?
Jason Vaidya:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.baidya.5/
Twitter - https://x.com/JasonDBaidya
 

Ep: 514 | What Is Subaltern Studies? Explained with Chepang & Dalit Context | Dr. Tara Lal Shrestha | Sushant Pradhan Podcast

What Is Subaltern Studies? Explained with Chepang & Dalit Context. Dr. Tara Lal Shrestha, a renowned Nepali scholar, author, and academic, joins this insightful podcast to explore subaltern studies in Nepal, focusing on the lived realities of Chepang, Dalit, and indigenous communities. Known for his contributions to culture, environmental activism, and marginalized studies, Dr. Shrestha explains the true meaning of subaltern and what inspired his long-term research on excluded communities. The conversation dives deep into the history of the Chepang community, their traditional lifestyle, migration, cave dwelling, religious beliefs, and evolving identity. Dr. Shrestha shares firsthand documentation experiences and discusses why the voices of the Chepang remain unheard, despite their rich cultural narratives. The podcast also examines Dalit aesthetics, caste as a structural problem, and the role of indigenous aestheticism in redefining Nepali society. From understanding the Nepal caste system to exploring why some Chepang communities are turning toward Christianity, this episode highlights the complex intersections of faith, culture, identity, and survival. The discussion sheds light on subaltern voices, unity and division within the country, and why marginalized communities must be represented through their own narratives. This episode is essential for anyone interested in subaltern theory, indigenous studies, Dalit identity, and Nepal’s social issues.
GET CONNECTED WITH Dr. Tara Lal Shrestha:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Tara-Lal-Shrestha-100063579727015/
 

Ep:513 | Inside Nepali Journalism: Censorship, Funding & Politics | Jibram Bhandari | Sushant Pradhan

Inside Nepali Journalism: Censorship, Funding & Politics. Jibram Bhandari is one of Nepal’s most respected journalists and news executives, known for his fearless reporting and deep understanding of Nepal’s political and media landscape. In this powerful podcast conversation, Jibram Bhandari shares his journalism journey, starting from the 1990 media environment to reporting during the Nepalese Civil War and navigating censorship, misinformation, and political pressure in modern Nepal. The discussion explores the current media crisis in Nepal, including media funding, the role of NGOs and INGOs, and how journalism can be misused by the government. Jibram Bhandari critically examines secularism in Nepal, the Raja Badi movement, the debate between belief in monarchy versus political parties like the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, and whether Nepal’s system can truly be reformed. This episode also dives into Gen Z protests, misinformation verification, misuse of police power, and controversial incidents like the Tinkune protest. Jibram shares insights on key political figures, including Kul Man Ghising, Harka Sampang, Rabi Lamichhane, and Durga Parsai, while discussing the possibility of new political parties and the future direction of Nepal. If you’re interested in Nepali journalism, Nepali politics, media ethics, and real conversations about power, truth, and responsibility, this podcast with Jibram Bhandari is a must-watch.
GET CONNECTED WITH Jibram Bhandari:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jibram.bhandari.3/
Twitter - https://x.com/jibrambhandari
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jibram.talks?lang=en
 

Ep: 512 | Why Students Are Leaving Nepal for Education | Surendra Subedi | Sushant Pradhan Podcast

Why Students Are Leaving Nepal for Education. Join us in an insightful conversation with Surendra Subedi, a prominent Nepali educator and academic leader, currently serving as Campus Chief of Kathmandu Model College (KMC) and Chairman of Model Institute of Technology (MIT). In this podcast, Surendra shares his journey from initially pursuing law to becoming one of the leading voices in Nepali education reform. He discusses his early days as a program coordinator, balancing his personal life with his professional life, and his enduring passion for education. Discover his thoughts on going abroad for higher education, the challenges students face in the study/work cycle, and the government's perspective on studying abroad. Surendra also explores the shift from the yearly system to a semester system, why the semester system in Nepal is superior, and how American standard education is applied at MIT. He candidly discusses assignment systems, online learning, and strategies for retaining knowledge while studying. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in higher education in Nepal, student life balance, and education leadership. Gain insights on education reform leaders, practical advice for students, and a closer look at the Nepali university system. Don’t miss Surendra Subedi’s unique perspective on transforming Nepal’s academic landscape.
GET CONNECTED WITH Surendra Subedi:
LinkedIn - https://np.linkedin.com/in/surendrasubedi
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/surendra.subedi.75/
 

Ep: 511 | The Untold History of Doti Explained by Ratan Bhandari | Sushant Pradhan Podcast

The Untold History of Doti Explained by Ratan Bhandari. In this insightful podcast episode, renowned Nepalese author and border expert Ratan Bhandari uncovers the untold history of the Doti Kingdom, one of Nepal’s most misunderstood and forgotten ancient kingdoms. Known for his deep research on Nepal’s border issues and historical maps, Ratan Bhandari explains why Doti played a crucial role in shaping Nepal’s political and territorial history. The discussion explores why Doti is important in Nepal’s past, how it differed from what we commonly believe, and whether the multiple regions referred to as Doti were historically connected. The episode also sheds light on who ruled Doti, its governance system, and how power shifted during the era of Baise Rajya and Chaubise Rajya. Listeners gain clarity on the clashes involving Doti and how these events influenced Nepal’s borders. Ratan Bhandari also explains the significance of map correction in Nepal’s currency, offering valuable context on Nepal’s territorial representation. The conversation delves further into Doti's religion, culture, and traditions, revealing how cultural identity shaped the kingdom’s legacy. This episode is essential for anyone interested in Nepal's history, ancient kingdoms, border disputes, and the real stories behind Nepal’s formation.
GET CONNECTED WITH Ratan Bhandari:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ratanbhandariji
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnr3vDYv4dHSqq4oXVk54Cw
 

Ep: 509 | Chumbak Band: 2 Albums in 1 Year & the Story Behind “Josh” | Sushant Pradhan Podcast

Chumbak Band, the rising alternative/indie rock group from Itahari, Nepal, joins us for an in-depth conversation about their creative journey, their unique sound, and the story behind releasing two albums in one year, including their newest project “Josh.” In this episode, the three present members—Anil (Gongba) on vocals, Sahil on guitar, and Suman on bass—break down how Chumbak Band formed from members of Afthyaro, Retro Rocket, and Zero Brains, and how their chemistry shaped the band’s identity. We explore their songwriting process, their approach to building an authentic Nepali alternative rock sound, and how growing up in Itahari influenced their musical direction. The band shares insights into the challenges Nepali bands face, the hunger to create new music, and why they continue to push boundaries in Nepal’s indie rock scene. Whether you're a fan of Chumbak Band, curious about Nepali rock, or interested in the behind-the-scenes process of a band crafting albums back-to-back, this conversation delivers honest stories, new perspectives, and exciting details about the “Josh” album, future plans, lineup shifts, and the evolution of their creative process.
GET CONNECTED WITH Chumbak Band:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Chumbak-band-100078656604843/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgv96ABqVOhWcHxggrL9onw
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chum_bak/
Instagram {Bassist Bibek} - https://www.instagram.com/st_goti/
Instagram {Guitarist Sahil} - https://www.instagram.com/riffl0rd/
Instagram {Vocalist Anil aka. GhongBa Spikes} - https://www.instagram.com/_iam_acrow/
 

Ep: 508 | What Happened After the World Wars? Global Power Shifts Explained | Part 2 | Jason Baidya

In this Part 2 episode, geopolitical analyst Jason Baidya breaks down the major global events, covert operations, and political shifts of the 1960s that reshaped the world. Jason begins with the critical political atmosphere of the early 60s, exploring Operation Gladio, Operation Gibraltar, the Vietnam War, and the hidden power dynamics that influenced global decision-making. He explains how the decade’s conflicts, social movements, and “social fracture” changed societies across continents. We also dive into the early technology era—from floppy disks to emerging information control—before exploring the shifting relationship between the United States and China. Jason provides insight into the 1966 global political landscape, including the 6 Day War, Yom Kippur War, and the expansion of US bases in the Middle East. The conversation continues with major *map shifts, how borders evolved, and how travel shaped culture and geopolitics. Jason then unpacks the geopolitical environment of South Asia, the first mission of RAW, Arab world influence, democratic changes, and the drastic transformation of global politics after 9/11. If you’re interested in Cold War operations, South Asian geopolitics, or the hidden power plays behind world events, this episode delivers a clear, engaging breakdown of the forces shaping modern history.
GET CONNECTED WITH : Jason Baidya
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.baidya.5/
Twitter - https://x.com/JasonDBaidya
 

Ep: 507 | What Happened After the World Wars? Global Power Shifts Explained | Part 1 | Jason Baidya | Sushant Pradhan Podcast

In this episode, geopolitical analyst Jason Baidya breaks down some of the biggest turning points that shaped our modern world. We explore what Nepalis think about geopolitics, the aftermath of World War 1 and World War 2, and how these global conflicts continue to influence our world today. Jason analyzes the Venezuela crisis, the rise of China’s soft power through apps and video games, and how technological advancement has reshaped influence and global strategy. A major part of the conversation dives into the current China–Japan conflict, examining regional tensions and their global impact. We also discuss the push for de-dollarisation, the shifting dynamics of global currency power, and how nations are responding to US dominance. From the Cuban Missile Crisis to Operation Northwoods, we revisit historical moments that reveal how geopolitical strategies evolve. Jason offers a clear and grounded perspective on global power shifts, South Asian geopolitics, and the forces shaping the future. If you’re interested in China’s rise, global currency wars, or a deeper understanding of past and present conflicts, this conversation offers an insightful, easy-to-understand breakdown of geopolitics in today’s world.
GET CONNECTED WITH Jason Baidya:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.baidya.5/
Twitter - https://x.com/JasonDBaidya
 
SPONSOR :
College partner : Model Institute of Technology
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitnepal/
MIT: https://mitnepal.edu.np/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MITechCollege
 

Ep: 506 | Nepal’s Diplomacy and Foreign Relations Explained by Dr. Madan Kumar Bhattarai | Sushant Pradhan Podcast

In this in-depth conversation, we sit down with veteran Nepalese diplomat and respected author Dr. Madan Kumar Bhattarai, former Foreign Secretary and Presidential advisor, to explore his remarkable journey in Nepal’s foreign policy, diplomacy, and geopolitical strategy. Dr. Bhattarai shares stories from his student life, his writing process, and the inspiration behind his influential books, such as Nepalko Pararashtra Sambandha and his biography of Narendra Mani Acharya Dixit. He discusses how a diplomat should carry responsibility, how historical details are collected for his works, and why preserving Nepal’s diplomatic history is essential. We delve into Nepal’s evolving geopolitical situation, national security priorities, and the shifting dynamics of Nepal–India and Nepal–China relations. Dr. Bhattarai offers valuable insights on where Nepal’s foreign minister must focus, the challenges of South Asian diplomacy, and how Nepal can strengthen its global engagement. Packed with expert analysis on Nepal diplomacy, foreign affairs, international relations, and Himalayan geopolitics, this episode is essential for anyone interested in Nepal’s strategic future.
GET CONNECTED WITH Madan Kumar Bhattarai:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/madan.bhattarai.3511
 
SPONSOR :
College partner : Model Institute of Technology
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitnepal/
MIT: https://mitnepal.edu.np/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MITechCollege