Ansh Sachdev The Podcaster behind Anshism
Ansh is a podcaster based in UK. His Podcast is called Anshism and is available at all leading podcast services. Below you can read an email interview with Ansh.
An Interview with Ansh Sachdev
Early Influences:
Growing up in Delhi within a Punjabi joint family was an incredibly special experience. The warmth and sense of togetherness in family life taught me early on about the value of relationships and community. Bollywood was a huge part of my upbringing, and its music, larger-than-life storytelling, and vibrant culture played a significant role in shaping my imagination. Punjabi music, with its deep cultural roots and energetic beats, was equally influential and connected me to my heritage.
Cricket was my first and greatest passion. It wasn’t just a sport
to me—it was where I truly felt free and alive, stepping out of
the protective cocoon that my parents so lovingly created. My
time at the SB Youth Cricket Club was a formative experience.
Training alongside incredibly talented kids from underprivileged
backgrounds gave me a new perspective on resilience, gratitude,
and the importance of opportunities. It was humbling and eye-opening,
teaching me the value of hard work and the blessings I had in life.
At school, I was far from an academic star, but I was fortunate to attend Delhi Public School, which had a transformative impact on me. The principal’s unwavering support gave me confidence and a sense of belonging that stayed with me. My schoolmates lived relatively privileged lives, much like I did, and it wasn’t until my exposure to cricket that I began to understand the stark contrast of struggles others faced. These two parallel experiences—privilege in school and the grit I witnessed in cricket—helped shape my perspective and character.
Above all, my parents were my greatest strength. They shielded us from any struggles they may have faced and always encouraged me and my brother to pursue our passions. Their love, support, and sacrifices made my childhood truly amazing.
When I was 18, I moved to the UK to pursue a degree in Sport Development and Coaching. My parents were as supportive as ever, offering me financial and emotional support, which made the transition smoother. However, after the initial “honeymoon phase” of being in a new country wore off, I realised how much I missed home. The first few months were unbelievably challenging despite having made some wonderful friends. I missed my family, my schoolmates, and everything familiar.
What kept me going during that period was cricket. It became my anchor, and I threw myself back into the game with all my focus and energy. My love for cricket became the driving force that helped me navigate those difficult times. I vividly remember carrying a massive cricket bag and walking, taking buses, trains, and even taxis across the northwest of England just to play the sport. It was during these long, exhausting journeys that I realised what some of my cricket friends back in Delhi must have gone through to reach the SB Youth Cricket Club. It was a humbling experience and a testament to the lengths one will go for their passion.
Like any other Indian, my love for cricket runs in my blood. I follow the game closely and play for local clubs, though not a t a professional level. Cricket, to me, is much more than a sport; it’s a great leveller, constantly teaching me humility and resilience.
Podcast Journey:
My podcasting journey began during my tenure as the Student Union President at the University of Bolton. The university didn’t have a student radio station, so I decided to create a podcast as a platform for discussing student-related issues. Towards the end of my presidency, I wanted to broaden its scope, covering wider societal topics and sometimes using it as a memoir for my personal journey (though admittedly, that might have been a bit self-indulgent!).
The podcast, ANSHISM, officially launched in early 2021 and has been an incredible learning experience. What I enjoy most about podcasting is the opportunity to connect with inspiring individuals from different walks of life. It has allowed me to learn, grow, and share meaningful conversations with a wider audience. For me, it’s not just about broadcasting stories; it’s about listening and understanding the world through the eyes of others.
For anyone considering starting a podcast, my advice is simple:
Pick a niche and stick to it: Make sure it’s something you’re genuinely passionate about because listeners can tell when someone is authentic.
Invest in good equipment: Clear audio makes a huge difference.
Just start: Don’t overthink it. You’ll figure out the nuances as you go along.
Be curious: Keep reading and learning so you always have something new to bring to the table.
Notable Achievements:
I’ve been fortunate to have some incredible experiences along the way. Becoming the first Indian to be elected as President of the Students’ Union at Bolton University was a proud moment. It gave me a platform to support students in need and raise awareness about various issues.
In 2019, I raised funds for students affected by a fire in their accommodation, working with MPs, councils, and charities to provide support. This effort earned me the Chief Fire Officer’s Award for Outstanding Performance in 2020.
In 2021, I collaborated with Bolton Council to promote vaccinations among young people during the Covid-19 pandemic, a campaign that received recognition. I was also honoured with the Royal Society of St. George award by the Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.
The highlight was being invited to the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2023, a humbling recognition of my contributions to education and student welfare.
Ansh on his 5 favourite podcastes on Anshisms
I must admit that narrowing down my favourites has been incredibly challenging, as I am still learning and developing as a podcaster. However, the following episodes hold special significance for me:
- A Syrian Girl's Journey to London - Advocacy for Brain Cancer Research: This episode was deeply inspiring, sharing a story of resilience and advocacy amidst personal struggles.
- Political Communication & Media Misinformation (ft. Dr. Dannagal Young): A thought-provoking exploration of how media shapes our perceptions and the importance of critical thinking.
- How a Visually Impaired Sculptor Shapes the World (ft. Victoria Claire): This episode highlighted the power of creativity and determination in overcoming physical limitations.
- 'Bado Badi’ FAME Chahat Fateh Ali Khan - Viral Internet Sensation on His Journey (Hindi Episode): A candid and heartwarming look into the journey of a viral internet sensation.
- Why Is India So Unsafe for Women? | The Reality of Rape Culture (ft. Dr. Madhumita Pandey): A poignant discussion on gender issues and the urgent need for change in societal attitudes.
- North Korean Defector on Surviving Trafficking, Starvation, Executions and Escaping Twice: A harrowing yet hopeful tale of survival and courage.
I enjoy listening to a wide range of podcasters and anyone who presents a topic that piques my interest. That said, if I had to name one who I particularly look up to and aspire to emulate, it would be Joe Rogan. His ability to engage in meaningful conversations across such diverse topics is truly inspiring.