Page 22 - Masala Lite Issue 167 November 2024

22 IN FOCUS

here’s something undeniably thrilling about diving into someone’s personal story
or getting a front-row seat to their innermost thoughts. You know that electric
buzz you feel when indulging in juicy celebrity gossip, catching up with friends over

coffee, or a cosy storytelling session reminiscing about school? It’s that universal thrill
of stepping into someone else’s shoes, even if just for a fleeting moment. For me, this

rush has always been magnetic – whether it’s the spark of a fresh perspective, a much-
needed mental escape, or just the pure joy of hearing someone else’s narrative unfold.
When the endless stretch of downtime hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, I stumbled
upon the magic of podcasts – a well of stories and voices that turned isolation into a
vibrant sense of connection. What started as a way to kill time quickly morphed into
a daily habit. I found myself soaking up one to three hours a day of conversations with
people I’d never met but who, somehow, felt like old friends. This newfound love not only
kept me entertained, but challenged my ideas and became a bonding ritual with friends,
swapping stories about episodes that made us laugh, cry, or even side-eye.
One voice that understands this allure is Amanpreet Kaur Kalra, the powerhouse behind

Aman’s Unfiltered as well as the founder and Events/Marketing Director at VSK Presents.
Aman’s bold, unvarnished approach to tackling taboo topics sparks conversations that most
people tend to avoid. Her fearless ethos is a reminder of the magic of raw, open dialogue – proof
that one candid conversation can shift perspectives and leave lasting impacts.
Masala recently caught up with Aman at SparQ Spaces, where we delved into her
journey on her podcast. “I’m not one to shy away from the tough topics most might
tiptoe around; those are the ones that make us feel seen and understood,” she quipped,
perfectly embodying the fearless energy that propels her forward. She gave us more of

her unfiltered take.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
VIEW VIDEO
Well, I’m a multitasking mum of two, married to a doctor, which, believe me, means I
have to schedule time with him like he’s a celebrity! I’m originally from Malaysia and

settled here back in 2005, graduating from Raffles Design Institute. I spent years in
hospitality as a PR and Marketing Director before diving into entrepreneurship. Now, I
juggle running an events company with two fantastic partners and hosting my podcast,

Aman’s Unfiltered, where I spill all the tea!
Tell us about your role at VSK Presents. What is it like working to bring in artists for
the community here to enjoy?
At VSK Presents, my role is all about connecting the dots between the artists, their
management, and our team here in Bangkok. I work closely with the artists’ teams to
ensure their needs are met, from technical requirements to hospitality. I also handle
In your opinion, why do people tend to shy away from talking about issues like
venue scouting, making sure we find the perfect location for each show. Coordinating

inequality or failure?
with multiple vendors is a big part of my job, as I oversee everything from sound and
These conversations can be deeply unsettling and confrontational. Inequality forces us
lighting to marketing, ensuring that each concert runs smoothly and is a memorable
to acknowledge privileges or disadvantages we may not want to admit, while discussing
experience for the community.
failure hits on personal fears of inadequacy or judgement. There’s a social pressure to
What inspired you to start your podcast ‘Aman’s Unfiltered’? project success and positivity, which makes admitting failure or engaging with difficult

The inspiration behind starting Aman’s Unfiltered came from my love for candid issues feel vulnerable.
conversations and the desire to talk about real-life issues that often get swept under the
Many also avoid these topics because they don’t want to rock the boat or fear how others
rug. I’ve always been drawn to topics that spark debates or make people uncomfortable,
might react. But the truth is, avoiding these conversations only reinforces the very issues
but that’s where the growth and learning happen. After working in PR and marketing, I

we’re trying to escape from. Opening up about them, however difficult, allows for change,

realised how much people appreciate raw, unfiltered stories, and I wanted to create a
empathy, and ultimately growth—both individually and as a community.
space where I could bring those discussions to the forefront. Plus, it’s a great platform
to express myself, connect with others, and give voice to subjects that matter to me and How do you select the issues and topics to cover on your podcast, especially when so
the community. many are considered taboo or controversial? Do you have a brainstorming process?

Your podcast focuses on untouched truths – why do you think it’s important to have When selecting topics for Aman’s Unfiltered, I’m always drawn to issues that provoke
uncomfortable conversations, and how do you prepare to tackle them in your podcast? strong opinions or are considered taboo. I want to cover what people are thinking but
not necessarily saying out loud. My brainstorming process starts with observing everyday
I think challenging conversations are where the real breakthroughs happen. So much
life – conversations with friends, trending social issues, or even personal experiences. I
of our lives are spent skimming the surface, avoiding deeper issues that actually shape also keep an eye on cultural dynamics within communities, especially in Asian or Indian

our experiences. By tackling those untouched truths on Aman’s Unfiltered, I’m hoping
settings, where certain topics like divorce or mental health are still considered off-limits.

to challenge perceptions, encourage critical thinking, and create a space where people
can reflect on things they might usually shy away from. Once I have a potential topic in mind, I ask myself if it has enough depth for an open and

honest discussion, whether it will resonate with my audience, and if it could challenge
To prepare for these topics, I research thoroughly, pulling in diverse perspectives so the societal norms. The goal isn’t just to be controversial for the sake of it, but to push
conversation doesn’t feel one-sided. I also try to balance sensitivity with boldness – knowing the envelope in a way that sparks meaningful dialogue. Sometimes, I even test ideas
when to push the envelope and when to approach a topic with care. It’s all about being with close friends or collaborators to see their reactions and tweak the angle based
genuine and open, so people feel they’re not just being lectured but included in the dialogue. on that feedback.
MASAL A LITE ISSUE 167 - NOVEMBER 2024