Mixed Emotions with Mihir Oka

About Mixed Emotions with Mihir Oka

Welcome to Mixed Emotions Podcast Embrace the Beautiful Complexity of Life Are you ready to explore the intricate tapestry of human existence? Mixed Emotions is your guide through the nuanced landscape of thoughts, feelings, and experiences that make us uniquely human. We don't claim to have all the answers. Instead, we invite you to join us in asking better questions. Whether we're discussing the psychology behind fashion choices or the philosophy embedded in chair designs, we promise content that will stimulate your mind and touch your heart.

Publisher

Mihir Oka

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 Sept 2024

Latest episode

23 Feb 2025

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Feb 2025

   Don’t Let Brands Steal Your Free Will: Shocking Truths About Consumer Manipulation.

   Stop Believing You’re in Full Control. Your Brain Might Be Working for Someone Else! Guest: Matt Johnson, PHD. Are you truly in control of your decisions? Or are you being subtly guided by forces you do not fully understand? In this deeply insightful episode of the Mixed Emotions Podcast, Mihir Oka sits down with Matt Johnson, PhD, a globally recognized neuroscientist and expert in consumer psychology, to explore the hidden mechanics of human behavior, the mystery of consciousness, and the powerful influence of marketing on our choices. The conversation moves beyond the surface, uncovering how neuronal patterns, predictive processing, and contextual triggers shape our desires, decisions, and perceptions. 🤯 Could it be that brands are engineering the “serendipitous” moments you believe are purely chance? 🤔 Do you genuinely have free will, or are your decisions pre-determined by neural processes and environmental factors? This episode challenges assumptions, bringing together insights from neuroscience, philosophy, and ethical marketing to explain how businesses can connect with consumers on a deeper, more meaningful level, without crossing the line into manipulation. Key Insights from the Episode: 1️⃣ The Neuroscience of Human Behavior How your brain’s neuronal firing patterns predict choices before you are even aware of them. Why certain psychological states, such as jealousy or happiness, are more about neural interactions than conscious decisions. 2️⃣ Marketing’s Deeper Purpose Marketing as an exchange of value that builds genuine relationships between consumers and brands. How successful brands enhance lives by creating products and experiences that feel inherently meaningful. 3️⃣ The Illusion of Free Will If our decisions are influenced by prior causation and context, do we truly have free will? Insights into determinism, consciousness, and the psychological illusion of autonomy. 4️⃣ The Role of Consciousness in Consumer Behavior Understanding predictive processing, where the brain continuously forecasts and experiences future states. How our sense of self is shaped by unconscious neural predictions and how marketers can tap into these processes. 5️⃣ Ethical Considerations in Marketing The fine line between persuasion and coercion. When does marketing cross ethical boundaries? Why transparency and authenticity are essential for maintaining consumer trust. 6️⃣ The Power of Serendipity How brands engineer “happy accidents” that create stronger emotional connections. The science of engineered serendipity and its role in building consumer loyalty. 7️⃣ Brand vs. Product Focus While products solve immediate problems, brands create long-term emotional resonance. How a strong brand allows businesses to adapt, pivot, and introduce new products seamlessly. Time Stamps (00:00) Understanding Neuronal Patterns (01:14) Introduction to the Mixed Emotions Podcast (02:32) Scott’s Background and Expertise (03:14) The Intersection of Neuroscience and Marketing (04:12) Exploring Human Behavior and Psychological States (13:51) The Mystery of Consciousness (23:40) Free Will and Human Autonomy (31:42) The Role of Context and Circumstance (38:35) The Concept of Serendipity (43:16) Engineering Serendipitous Experiences (44:12) The Ethics of Serendipitous Marketing (44:47) Experiments in Creating Serendipity (46:10) Challenges in Digital Serendipity (50:38) Consumer Psychology in B2B vs. B2C (58:34) The Role of Branding in Business Success (01:06:47) Marketing Ethics and Consumer Trust (01:12:00) The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health (01:14:25) The Power of a Great Brand (01:17:53) Innovative Marketing Strategies (01:19:29) Final Thoughts and Reflections Create experiences that resonate with the deepest parts of the human mind.

2. 

   9 Feb 2025

   The Brain Hack Harvard Kept Secret: Why Everything You Know About Memory is Wrong

   Welcome to the Mixed Emotions Podcast With Mihir Oka Featuring Scott Young Guest:Scott H Young Episode:The Brain Hack Harvard Kept Secret: Why Everything You Know About Memory is Wrong In an exploration of human learning potential, Scott Young unpacks the science behind memory and skill acquisition. Drawing from his journey writing "Ultra Learning" and his latest work "Get Better at Anything," Scott shares his deep dive into hundreds of research papers and books, emerging with a revolutionary understanding of skill acquisition. The discussion weaves between cutting-edge memory research and practical applications, challenging traditional notions about how we learn and retain information. The episode takes an inspiring turn as Scott recounts his famous MIT Challenge, where he completed the equivalent of a 4-year computer science degree through self-study. Through this story, he underlines powerful insights about self-directed learning and the untapped potential within each of us. Beyond mere theory, the conversation evolves into an exploration of human behavior, touching on everything from the psychology of habit formation to the deeply personal journey of finding purpose through continuous learning. What sets this episode apart is its seamless blend of scientific rigor and practical wisdom. Scott's insights challenge listeners to rethink not just how they learn, but how they approach personal growth itself. By dismantling common myths about learning and memory, while offering concrete strategies for improvement, the conversation serves as both an intellectual awakening and a practical guide for anyone seeking to unlock their full potential. The discussion ultimately reveals that mastery in any field isn't just about accumulating information, It’s about fundamentally transforming how we think about ourselves, engage, and grow. PODCAST INFO: Podcast website:https://mixedemotions.in Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mixed-emotions-with-mihir-oka/id1762815629 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0NFmZjaMQeGJyN1JfQ77xM?si=138fa69942254a0a RSS:https://www.patreon.com/rss/MixedEmotionsPodcast?auth=-707BxBjvCvJ4gwxwBU--DnmakMU35O3 Full episodes playlist: • Mixed Emotions Podcast with Mihir Oka -  Podcast Clips playlist: • Mixed Emotions Podcast with Mihir Oka -  Shorts • ME Clips Timestamps (00:41) Introduction to the Mixed Emotions Podcast (01:24) Discussing the Book 'Get Better at Anything' (02:52) The Concept of Ultra Learning (04:20) Setting and Achieving Goals (05:38) The Role of Self-Knowledge in Learning (10:37) Theory vs. Practical Knowledge (18:37) The Feynman Technique and Deep Learning (26:48) Challenges in Learning and Self-Efficacy (31:08) Overcoming Psychological Barriers (33:35) Finding Motivation Through Identity (35:07) The MIT Challenge: A Year of Intense Learning (37:08) The Journey of Knowledge Acquisition (41:49) Setting and Achieving Goals (51:42) Building and Maintaining Habits (55:42) Overcoming Addiction and Strong Habits (01:01:00) The Role of Commitment in Achieving Goals (01:02:33) Exploring the Purpose of Life (01:04:39) Final Thoughts and Reflections (01:05:57) Closing Remarks 🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell! Share your thoughts in the comments - I'd love to hear what resonated with you. CONNECT: Subscribe to this YouTube channel LinkedIn:  / Mixed Emotions Podcast Instagram:  / mixedemote X: / @MixedEmoPod Facebook:   / Mixed Emotions Support on Patreon:  / Mixed Emotions Podcast with Mihir Oka #MixedEmotionsPodcast  #podcast #psychology #behaviour #science  #decisions #memorytest #memory #learning If you have any queries / feedback for these episodes kindly fill up the form on this link:https://forms.gle/j1N68E2exepkLqvPA

3. 

   26 Jan 2025

   From SaaS to AI: How to do Marketing in 2025!? with Srinivas Raghavan | Mixed Emotions Podcast

   Welcome to the Mixed Emotions Podcast With Mihir Oka Featuring SRINIVAS VIJAY RAGHAVAN Guest: SRINIVAS VIJAY RAGHAVAN Episode: From SaaS to AI: Marketing Insights with Srinivas Raghavan What happens when a computer science engineer swaps code for marketing strategies? 🔥 In this episode, we explore crossroads of tech, psychology, and creativity with a Srinivas who has spent over a decade navigating the SaaS universe. 🧠 Highlights You Can’t Miss: - Is tech expertise a blessing—or a burden—for marketers? - Can AI obliterate SaaS as we know it—or will it supercharge it? - The unspoken psychology behind why people buy in B2B. - The podcasting gold rush: is it too late, or is the best yet to come? - How niche creators are hacking attention in a crowded market. ⚡ Plus: - A surprising take on imposter syndrome. - Hacks for balancing creative chaos with ruthless focus. - The one thing every founder should know about marketing—yet most overlook. If you’ve ever wondered how to combine tech savvy with creative fire—or what the future of marketing looks like when psychology meets AI—this episode is for you. 📌 Warning: Listening may lead to binge-worthy ideas, sleepless nights, and a newfound obsession with solving human behavior. Timestamps 01:41 Mixed Emotions Intro 01:41 Srinivas Intro 01:45 How much tech knowledge is rquired in marketing? 03:49 Hands on tech knowledge is not required for marketing 06:03 Can AI be a SAAS Killer? 10:19 OTT for corporates Question? 14:36 Companies need to plan better for the customer 18:34 Imposter Syndrome 20:30 Process of Content Creation 22:50 Anything better than zero is good 24:03 What is the future of Podcasting? 27:35 Niche vs No Niche 29:12 How do you find your niche? 37:55 Importance of psychology 41:47 Growth Hack B2B 49:33 Is Selling easier now than before? 51:19 Creative Alter Egos 52:49 Founder Led Marketing 53:54 Should every body have a podcast? PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://mixedemotions.in Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mixed-emotions-with-mihir-oka/id1762815629 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0NFmZjaMQeGJyN1JfQ77xM?si=138fa69942254a0a RSS: https://www.patreon.com/rss/MixedEmotionsPodcast?auth=-707BxBjvCvJ4gwxwBU--DnmakMU35O3 Full episodes playlist: • Mixed Emotions Podcast with Mihir Oka - Podcast Clips playlist: • Mixed Emotions Podcast with Mihir Oka - Shorts • ME Clips 🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell! Share your thoughts in the comments - I'd love to hear what resonated with you. CONNECT: Subscribe to this YouTube channel LinkedIn: / Mixed Emotions Podcast Instagram: / mixedemote X: / @MixedEmoPod Facebook: / Mixed Emotions Support on Patreon: / Mixed Emotions Podcast with Mihir Oka #MixedEmotionsPodcast #podcast #psychology #behaviour #science #startup #decisions #marketing #ai #saas #podcast If you have any queries / feedback for these episodes kindly fill up the form on this link: https://forms.gle/j1N68E2exepkLqvPA

4. 

   10 Dec 2024

   How to build robust Relationships & All weather Leadership Skills! | Mixed Emotions Podcast

   Mihir Oka explores effective leadership skills and robust relationships with Carole Robin, Queen of Touchy-Feely and Stanford GSB instructor, to cultivate growth and success in personal and professional spheres.

5. 

   25 Nov 2024

   Is There A Science Behind Good Business Decisions?

   Behavioral scientist Matt Wallaert joins Mihir Oka to explore how understanding human behavior can inform business decisions and drive better outcomes in startups and beyond.

6. 

   4 Nov 2024

   How Behavioral Science Can Transform Your Business - Insights from Matt Wallaert

   Unlocking Behavioral Science with Matt Wallaert A Deep Dive into Applied Behavioral Strategies In this episode of the Mixed Emotions Podcast, Host Mihir Oka and Matt, discuss about Applied Behavioral Strategies. The conversation explores how behavioral science can be utilized to: Make better business decisions. Drive better outcomes. Change behavior effectively. Matt shares insights from his extensive career, including his work at Microsoft and his contributions to sustainability projects. He also discusses the ethical considerations and the necessity of accountability in applying behavioral science. The episode is rich with real-world applications and examples, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the subtle nuances behind decision-making processes. TimeStamps 02:03 What is Behavioral Science? 04:41 How do you apply Behavioral Science to Business? 07:35 Behavioral Science throws out the idea of making products from experience? 10:23 User Behavior vs User Potential vs Market Research 12:47 What people get wrong about market research? 16:46 How do you apply Behavioral Science in Startups? 22:17 Is Everyone a Behavioral Scientist? 25:46 Can you become a scientist without being an expert? 29:08 What do we get from Academia in Behavioral Science? 32:29 Behavioral Science is a Process 33:57 Generalist vs Specialist 36:55 T Shaped People 41:06 S.I.D.E. 47:49 When does Behavior Science become Un Ethical? 53:41 How do You design Behavior Interventions? 01:00:54 How do you define a good Feedback System? 01:12:32 It's not the System's fault! 01:18:49 What is the purpose of life? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell! 🔔 Share your thoughts in the comments - I'd love to hear what resonated with you. #behavior #MixedEmotionsPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/mixedemotionspodcast) If you have any queries / feedback for these episodes kindly fill up the form on this link: https://forms.gle/j1N68E2exepkLqvPA (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbENxNnRKVHFYYWh1ZXFtR2F0WFRIbm9JTVhjUXxBQ3Jtc0tuWDBIa3RtVi10Q1JwaWJ6M2o4eUpFM0pMMU50S1ZtbVdkeTVGcHBUWTRnY2NOV2RfRHp0X0ZkMi1tTWVzZTNTSVNESmNBdGluQWowSWlqZHAxc3B3bnU5SUZtQmIyNnBOVUNMSFdUb3BqU3Jub29YZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.gle%2Fj1N68E2exepkLqvPA&v=CKLKF-nXEWE)

7. 

   14 Oct 2024

   How to Deal With Adult ADHD & ALL Its Myths!

   Conquering Adult ADHD: Boosting Focus, Resilience & Emotional Understanding of your Brain! Join host Mihir Oka on the Mixed Emotions Podcast as he converses with J. Russell (“Russ”) Ramsay, PhD, ABPP, a leading expert in cognitive behavioral therapy for adult ADHD. This episode covers personalized treatment approaches, tackling common misconceptions, and the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy tailored for adults. Learn about the distinction between adult and child symptoms, the challenges in diagnosis, and the potential for symptom remission. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Mixed and Motions Podcast 00:30 Meet Dr. Russel Ramsey: A Pioneer in ADHD Research 02:11 The Journey into ADHD: A Personal Story 03:58 Understanding ADHD: Misconceptions and Progress 07:35 Challenges in ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment 31:33 When is the right time to diagnose for Adults? 40:53 Emotional regulation is an executive function 44:13 Self-Regulation Techniques for ADHD 45:53 Misconceptions of ADHD 48:42 Research Insights on ADHD Persistence 01:00:57 Should you take medicine for ADHD? 01:03:08 Strategies for Managing ADHD and Procrastination 01:18:18 Making Informed Decisions: Balancing Responsibilities and Joy 01:20:14 The Role of Experience in Understanding ADHD 01:23:29 The Impact of ADHD on Relationships and Social Interactions 01:27:32 Strategies for Self-Regulation and Task Initiation 01:37:45 Reflections on ADHD Research and Personal Insights All links related to the science spoken in the episode are mentioned in the first comment. The discussion explores effective strategies to manage ADHD-related depression, anxiety, and self-regulation through medication, behavioral techniques, and practical tools like planners. Get practical advice on improving day-to-day life, leveraging working memory, and enhancing focus, resilience, & empathy. Understand how breaking tasks into manageable steps, developing routines, and setting realistic goals can aid those with ADHD in navigating relationships and everyday challenges. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell! 🔔 Share your thoughts in the comments - I'd love to hear what resonated with you. #MixedEmotionsPodcast #adhd #anxiety #adhdrelief If you have any queries / feedback for these episodes kindly fill up the form on this link: https://forms.gle/j1N68E2exepkLqvPA

8. 

   30 Sept 2024

   Navigating Business, Emotions, and Deep Tech Innovation with Amit Gu

   🎙️ Welcome to the Mixed Emotions Podcast with Mihir Oka Episode: Navigating Business, Emotions, and Deep Tech Innovation with Amit Gupta In this episode, we sit down with Amit Gupta, a seasoned entrepreneur and venture facilitator who's made waves across India, the US, and Europe. Buckle up for a candid conversation that dives deep into the emotional side of business success! 🔥 Episode Highlights: - The secret sauce of building genuine connections in business - Emotional rollercoaster: Amit's journey through startup culture - Cracking the code of venture capital - tips straight from the expert - India's evolving deep tech landscape - where are we headed? - The real deal on work-life harmony (forget about "balance"!) - Debunking the influencer economy myth - Luck vs. Hard Work: What really drives success? 🤔 We also get philosophical, exploring: - The true meaning of happiness in business and life - Why your legacy matters more than you think - Finding purpose beyond the paycheck Timestamps.. 00:00 Introduction to the Mixed Emotions Podcast 00:43 Amit Gupta - Factoryal 01:34 The Importance of Human Emotions in Business 05:52 Balancing Soft Skills and Hard Skills 09:48 The Role of Emotions in Business Transactions 14:14 Challenges and Resilience in Startups 19:38 Deep Tech and Innovation 22:20 The Ecosystem of Deep Tech in India 26:52 The Role of Collaboration in Deep Tech 31:26 The Journey of Startups 35:37 Timing and Experience in Entrepreneurship 41:27 Imposter Syndrome and Confidence 43:13 The Problem with Influencer Culture 43:43 The Illusion of Quick Fixes 45:59 The Importance of Authenticity 48:17 Balancing Emotions in Life and Business 52:53 Work-Life Harmony vs. Balance 57:36 The Role of Education and Cultural Evolution 01:04:59 The Concept of Luck and Consistency 01:06:47 Spirituality and Universal Energies 01:12:20 Approaching Venture Capitalists 01:16:09 The Purpose of Life 01:18:03 The Pursuit of Happiness Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned business pro, or just curious about the intersection of emotions and success, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell! 🔔 Share your thoughts in the comments - I'd love to hear what resonated with you. #MixedEmotionsPodcast #EntrepreneurshipJourney #DeepTechInnovation #StartupLife #venturecapital If you have any queries / feedback for these episodes kindly fill up the form on this link: https://forms.gle/j1N68E2exepkLqvPA

9. 

   15 Sept 2024

   Entrepreneurship & The Art Of Letting Go!

   Welcome to the Mixed Emotions Podcast with Mihir Oka. Episode: Entrepreneurship & The Art of Letting Go! Uncovering Business Insights with Nitin Kanchan | (Forgive the audio for a couple of episodes) Today's Episode is with Nitin Kanchan around Entrepreneurship and Decision Making! In this episode of the Mixed Emotions Podcast, host Mihir Oka is joined by Nitin Kanchan, who shares his extensive experience of over 35 years across various fields including investment banking, entrepreneurship, and marketing. The discussion is about decision-making, handling failures, self-development, and the balance between discipline and creativity. Nitin emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey, the role of fate in success, and maintaining a positive mindset. The conversation also explores cultural differences in global business practices and strategies for young entrepreneurs to navigate the complexities of starting and sustaining a business. Insights on accepting uncertainties, learning from experiences, and the nuances of effective marketing and selling across different industries are discussed in this episde, TimeStamps 04:46 Intro (You can Skip :p) 05:53 Discipline 09:07 Road not taken 18:23 Jack of All Trades 19:53 There is also a place called Life 21:35 What should freelancers do? 23:01 Own the customer, not the skill 25:18 But the Job market is different! 27:02 Not one solution fits all 30:16 How do you invest in a startup? 32:30 Hardskill of Numbers vs Softskill of Tenacity 34:46 How do you do Emotional management? 37:59 Easier said than done. 39:15 You have to tailor everything to people! 42:02 What is a business? 45:26 How do you sell? 48:41 What is Social Media? 54:11 Is there a right way to market anything? 59:41 How do you deal with stress? 01:02:54 What would be your advice to people just staring out? 01:07:04 Rationalizing your emotional quotient. Discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, dealing with stress, and the importance of enjoying life. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.

10. 

    1 Sept 2024

    Suicides, Prevention, How Do You Become A Better Listener?

    Welcome to the Mixed Emotions Podcast with Mihir Oka Episode: Suicides, Prevention, How Do You Become A Better Listener? In this episode of the Mixed Emotions Podcast, Mihir Oka hosts Sachin Chitambaran, founder of Connect Hub and lead trainer at Samaritans Mumbai (Unkahee Foundation), a suicide prevention helpline. Sachin discusses his lifelong career in mental health, emphasizing the importance of listening, breaking down biases, and understanding self-harm as more than just attention-seeking behavior. He shares insights from his global experience, the training process for volunteers, the challenges during COVID-19, and common myths associated with mental health. The podcast underscores the crucial need for empathy, proper training, and support systems in addressing mental health issues. Sachin gets into the challenging topics of suicide prevention, nuances of running prevention helplines and the art of becoming a better listener. Time Stamps 02:11 Intro 06:36 Let them Vent! 06:44 Offer a Listening Ear 10:29 Who is a Good Listener? 11:41 Are Children better Listeners? 13:04 How to Bring Self Awareness? 14:48 What does Suicide prevention Training Look Like?w 17:19 Training to prevent mental distress 18:35 How do you add Listening as a skill? 21:43 How to give feedback? 22:40 How many calls do you get? 25:19 Why is it anonymous? 28:12 What allows sharing!? 30:29 How do you select Volunteers? 32:02 Do you get Inappropriate Calls? 33:34 How do You Destress after calls 38:10 What happened in Covid? 39:39 How do you run a 24/7 Helpline 44:25 How do you Listen without Judgement? 47:05 We are not logical beings! 49:55 What is the illusion of Control? 52:27 Different forms of Self harm? 53:48 Myths 57:12 Labels of attention seeking 58:54 How do you unlearn? 01:01:35 There is no Moral High Ground! 01:02:53 We have made listening complicated 01:06:16 There is no privilege in doing this. 01:11:41 Becoming Self aware 01:12:53 Relationship building Why This Matters: The simple act of truly listening can be lifesaving. This episode aims to equip our listeners with the knowledge to be there for others in their moments of greatest need. Listener Advisory: This episode contains discussions about suicide that some may find distressing. If you're struggling, please reach out for help. You're not alone. Suicide Prevention Helplines: SamaritansMumbai: +91 84229 84528 / +91 84229 84529 / +91 84229 84530 AASRA: +91-9820466726 TISS - ICall: 022-2552111 / +91 52987821 If you have any queries / feedback for these episodes kindly fill up the form on this link: https://forms.gle/j1N68E2exepkLqvPA

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

19,496

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Podcast Authority Score: 50 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

69

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

0

Contact Mixed Emotions with Mihir Oka

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.