Casting the Line

BY GRACE CLARKE

There’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.

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 venue scouting, making sure we find the perfect location for each show. Coordinating with multiple vendors is a big part of my job, as I oversee everything from sound and lighting to marketing, ensuring that each concert runs smoothly and is a memorable experience for the community.

What inspired you to start your podcast ‘Aman’s Unfiltered’

The inspiration behind starting Aman’s Unfiltered came from my love for candid conversations and the desire to talk about real-life issues that often get swept under the rug. I’ve always been drawn to topics that spark debates or make people uncomfortable, but that’s where the growth and learning happen. After working in PR and marketing, I realised how much people appreciate raw, unfiltered stories, and I wanted to create a 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 the community.

Your podcast focuses on untouched truths – why do you think it’s important to have uncomfortable conversations, and how do you prepare to tackle them in your podcast?

I think challenging conversations are where the real breakthroughs happen. So much of our lives are spent skimming the surface, avoiding deeper issues that actually shape our experiences. By tackling those untouched truths on Aman’s Unfifiltered, I’m hoping to challenge perceptions, encourage critical thinking, and create a space where people can reflect on things they might usually shy away from.

To prepare for these topics, I research thoroughly, pulling in diverse perspectives so the conversation doesn’t feel one-sided. I also try to balance sensitivity with boldness – knowing when to push the envelope and when to approach a topic with care. It’s all about being genuine and open, so people feel they’re not just being lectured but included in the dialogue.

In your opinion, why do people tend to shy away from talking about issues like inequality or failure?

These conversations can be deeply unsettling and confrontational. Inequality forces us to acknowledge privileges or disadvantages we may not want to admit, while discussing failure hits on personal fears of inadequacy or judgement. There’s a social pressure to project success and positivity, which makes admitting failure or engaging with difficult issues feel vulnerable.

Many also avoid these topics because they don’t want to rock the boat or fear how others might react. But the truth is, avoiding these conversations only reinforces the very issues we’re trying to escape from. Opening up about them, however difficult, allows for chan empathy, and ultimately growth—both individually and as a community.

How do you select the issues and topics to cover on your podcast, especially when so many are considered taboo or controversial? Do you have a brainstorming process?

When selecting topics for Aman’s Unfiltered I’m always drawn to issues that provoke 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 life – conversations with friends, trending social issues, or even personal experiences. I also keep an eye on cultural dynamics within communities, especially in Asian or Indian settings, where certain topics like divorce or mental health are still considered off-limit

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 societal norms. The goal isn’t just to be controversial for the sake of it, but to push the envelope in a way that sparks meaningful dialogue. Sometimes, I even test ideas with close friends or collaborators to see their reactions and tweak the angle based on that feedback.

How do you decide which guests to bring on the show, and what’s your approach to preparing for interviews with guests?

When deciding on guests for the podcast, I look for people who can offer unique perspectives on the topics I’m exploring It’s important that they’re not just knowledgeable but also open to having candid, sometimes thought-provoking, conversations. I try to bring on guests who either have direct experience with the issue or a viewpoint that challenges conventional thinking, which keeps the discussions dynamic and insightful.

As for preparing for interviews, I do thorough research on the guest’s background and their stance on the topic. I create a set of key questions but also leave room for spontaneity, as the best conversations often happen when things go off-script. I focus on asking questions that get the guest to share real stories and personal insights, not just textbook answers. My goal is to make them feel comfortable while also pushing them to open up in ways they might not have elsewhere. It’s about balancing respect with curiosity, which leads to those honest, unfiltered moments I aim for in every episode.

How do you see Aman’s Unfiltered evolving in the future?

I see it evolving into a larger platform for bold, meaningful conversations that reach beyond just the podcast. My vision is to dive deeper into more diverse and global issues, expanding the range of topics while keeping the heart of the show focused on unfiltered, honest dialogue. I’d love to incorporate more guest perspectives from different cultures, professions, and walks of life, creating a truly inclusive space for discussion.

As the podcast grows, I can see it branching into live events, panels, or even collaborations with other platforms, allowing listeners to engage more directly with the topics we cover. I also envision using multimedia, like video content, to give the audience an even more immersive experience. Ultimately, I want Aman’s Unfiltered to be known as the go-to space for tackling the tough conversations that need to be had, while always staying true to its raw, unfiltered roots.

What advice would you give to people of the community who want to start sharing their thoughts and perspectives on a public platform?

Start by being authentic. Your unique perspective is your strength, so embrace it! Don’t be afraid to tackle topics that resonate with you, even if they’re considered controversial or taboo.

It’s these conversations that can lead to real connections and meaningful change. Prepare to face criticism or pushback; not everyone will agree with you, and that’s okay. Use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Engage with your audience genuinely, listen to their feedback, and be open to evolving your views as you navigate discussions. Finally, remember that vulnerability can be a powerful tool. Sharing personal experiences or struggles can create a sense of community and encourage others to open up. Just go for it – your voice matters, and there’s always someone out there who will benefit fro hearing what you have to say!