Stories Seldom Told with Smita Tharoor
True stories of resilience & rediscovery — celebrating the strength it takes to be human.
In Stories Seldom Told, Smita invites guests from around the world to share the untold moments that have shaped their lives — stories of challenge, growth, & rediscovery. From Kabul to Mexico, Moscow to Mumbai, each episode explores how our experiences define us — or how we choose to redefine ourselves through them.
Through heartfelt conversations Smita unpacks one timeless question: Who are we, really, & how can we live fully and happily, no matter what life brings.
What do you do when life forces you to press pause?In this moving episode of Stories Seldom Told, Smita Tharoor speaks with former French teacher Sarbari Sen, whose life has been shaped not only by two primary cancer diagnoses but by an unwavering belief in the joy of living.For more than three decades, Sarbari inspired generations of students with her love of French, literature and learning. Today, while undergoing chemotherapy every two weeks for pancreatic cancer, she lives by a simple philosophy, some days demand that we pause, but whenever we can, we must press play.Together, Smita and Sarbari explore what it means to embrace uncertainty without surrendering to it. They talk about family, friendship, teaching, becoming a grandmother, finding humour in the darkest moments, and why she refuses to "die every day" before death arrives.This is not a conversation about cancer. It is a conversation about resilience, gratitude and choosing to love life, even when life becomes fragile.If you've ever faced uncertainty, loss, illness, or simply wondered how to keep moving forward when life changes course, Sarbari's story offers wisdom, warmth and hope in equal measure.Because sometimes the most courageous thing we can do is simply press play again.
Podcast: Stories Seldom Told
Host: Smita Tharoor
Guest: Sarabari Sen
Produced by: Abhishek Bhatnagar
Connect with Smita TharoorInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/smitatharoor?igsh=MXRqaXlsaHpiMmk2OA==
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/smitatharoor_storiesseldomtold-podcast-sonaligupta-activity-7463913591788716032-9_2e?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAHUJwoBHR47npoT_WF37rEixlVIGKlB65YConnect with Sarabari Sen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarbari2238/?hl=en
Watch more heartwarming conversations here:https://www.youtube.com/@UCOoPdYQWFaJODbhweo_ujsg
#storiesseldomtold #podcast #cancer #chemotherapy #livinglife
15 Jul 2026
Learning to See Through Another's Eyes: A Father's Journey Beyond Autism
What does it really mean to understand someone whose mind experiences the world differently?
In this episode of Stories Seldom Told, Smita Tharoor speaks with advertising executive and author Debasish Paul, whose greatest education came not in the boardroom, but through raising his autistic son, Noel.
Drawing on deeply personal stories from his book I Have Autism and I Like to Play Bad Tennis, Debasish shares the lessons that transformed him as a father. From recognising the importance of emotional safety and structure to understanding why seemingly small moments can leave lifelong impressions.
This isn't a conversation about diagnosing autism. It's about learning to see the world through another person's eyes. Honest, compassionate, and practical, it offers valuable insights for parents, educators, employers, and anyone who wants to build more understanding in their relationships.
Because sometimes the greatest lesson isn't teaching someone else how to fit into our world—it's learning how to step into theirs.
Podcast: Stories Seldom ToldHost: Smita TharoorGuest: Debashis PaulProduced by: Abhishek BhatnagarConnect with Smita TharoorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/smitatharoor?igsh=MXRqaXlsaHpiMmk2OA==Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/smitatharoor_storiesseldomtold-podcast-sonaligupta-activity-7463913591788716032-9_2e?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAHUJwoBHR47npoT_WF37rEixlVIGKlB65YConnect with Debashis PaulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/debashispaul2004?igsh=Nno3ejF0YzFqOGNlWatch more heartwarming conversations here:https://www.youtube.com/@UCOoPdYQWFaJODbhweo_ujsg
#StoriesSeldomTold #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity #Learning #Parenting #Podcast
18 Jun 2026
The Day Surrender Saved Me
What happens when the thing you rely on to cope becomes the thing that almost destroys you?
In this episode of Stories Seldom Told, I speak with writer, filmmaker and creative entrepreneur Benji Thomas about his journey through addiction, recovery, and rebuilding a life with purpose. From working in London’s nightlife scene as a teenager to experiencing withdrawal seizures, multiplerock bottoms, and eventually entering rehab in South Africa, Benji shares his story with remarkable honesty and insight.
We explore the nature of addiction, the illusion of control, the role of grief and anxiety, and why recovery is about far more than simply giving up alcohol. Benji reflects on surrender, connection, creativity, and the importance of finding something worth living for. Today, three years sober, hechannels those hard-won lessons into storytelling, filmmaking, and building communities that help people feel seen. This is a conversation about resilience, vulnerability, second chances, and the extraordinary possibility ofstarting again.
Podcast: Stories Seldom ToldHost: Smita TharoorGuest: Benjij ThomasProduced by: Abhishek BhatnagarConnect with Smita TharoorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/smitatharoor?igsh=MXRqaXlsaHpiMmk2OA==Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/smitatharoor_storiesseldomtold-podcast-sonaligupta-activity-7463913591788716032-9_2e?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAHUJwoBHR47npoT_WF37rEixlVIGKlB65YConnect with Benji Thomas:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benakt?igsh=MTd4cGlqcm5taWdzNw==Watch more heartwarming conversations here:https://www.youtube.com/@UCOoPdYQWFaJODbhweo_ujsg
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Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
8 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
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