Episode Overview
Guest: Valentina Trivedi
Host: Rituparna Ghosh
Podcast: The Storied Way Perspective
Duration: ~55 minutes
🌿 About the Episode
What does it mean to be a childist? How can stories be a way of being rather than just a performance? In this soulful, stirring conversation, Rituparna Ghosh sits down with the multi-faceted Valentina Trivedi — writer, educator, performer, TEDx speaker, and one-half of the storytelling duo behind Aao Suno Kahani.
From telling stories to a single child under a tent to adapting Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne as a Dastangoi performance, Valentina’s storytelling journey is filled with wonder, deep insight, and fierce joy. She unpacks her philosophy of storytelling as presence, vulnerability, and listening — and her belief in leading with the child.
This is a conversation not just for storytellers and educators, but for anyone seeking to slow down, listen deeply, and let stories fall on them like rain.
🎙️ About Valentina Trivedi
Valentina Trivedi is a writer, educator, performative storyteller, and TEDx speaker whose life is steeped in stories. Her work spans scripting and directing films, editing, translating, adapting classics, and performing across stages and screens. She is the creative force behind Aao Suno Kahani — a beloved storytelling podcast and YouTube channel that brings timeless tales to life in Hindi.
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Scripted and directed a biopic on the legendary yoga guru B.K.S. Iyengar
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Reimagined Satyajit Ray’s Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne into Urdu-Hindustani Dastangoi performances for children, complete with translated songs and rich theatricality
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As an education consultant, advocates for the child’s point of view, conducts workshops for parents and teachers, and speaks at international forums on learning and storytelling
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First alumna on the Board of Governors of The Doon School
🎧 In This Episode
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Why storytelling to children is a spiritual act
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The meaning of being a childist in today’s muddled adult world
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Why “looking foolish” is essential for true connection
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The difference between being a performer and being a giver
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How stories shaped Valentina’s identity — from performer to writer to translator
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Bringing Satyajit Ray’s Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne to life as Dastangoi
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Behind the scenes of Aao Suno Kahani and her podcast on Puranic tales
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Why stories are not for teaching — but for awakening
🌟 Quotable Moments
“Having a child’s attention while telling a story is as close to God as you can be.”
“You are not just telling a story. You’re communicating with a child in their language — of play, of wonder.”
“Stories must fall like rain. Gently. Freely. Without agenda.”
“Be like Krishna’s flute — stay hollow for the music to pass through.”
🎧 Listen If You
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Work with children or wish to connect more meaningfully with them
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Are a parent, educator, or storyteller seeking deeper purpose
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Want to embrace your own vulnerability, imagination, and child-like curiosity
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Love folktales, Dastangoi, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of creative processes
🔗 Explore More
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Aao Suno Kahani – A podcast of translated world literature in Hindi
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Valentina’s Puranic Podcast – Treasures from the Puranas
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Prabha Prasad ki Kahaniya – Valentina’s aunt’s stories in a podcast
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Golpo – Golpo – Stories from Around the World by Rituparna Ghosh
🧡 A Note from Rituparna
We’re taking a short season break to gather more stories and conversations. Meanwhile, if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who would be moved by it. Write in with your thoughts, or suggest a guest whose story the world needs to hear.
Connect with Valentina
Connect with Rituparna
LinkedIn |
✉️ Write to us at podcast@yourstorybag.
Listen, Subscribe & Share
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Listen our website: The Storied Way Perspective
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