When I started  Chai With Ilachi , I thought I was creating a podcast.This year showed me something much bigger I was sitting across from  real people carrying real dreams, real fears, and real battles . Different guests. Different industries. Different journeys. Yet, underneath every conversation, I kept hearing the  same truths repeating in different voices . Here are 10 lessons I learned as a host this year, lessons that stayed with me long after the cameras stopped roll

In a world obsessed with LinkedIn bios, Instagram highlights, and endless to-do lists, it's easy to assume we all have our personal narratives down pat. You know your career milestones, your biggest heartbreaks, your wildest dreams for the future. What if I told you that self-discovery through storytelling isn't about reciting facts it's about peeling back the layers no one's ever dared to touch? That's the magic (and the mess) I've witnessed time and again on  Chai With Ilac

When I started hosting Chai With Ilachi , I had one recurring realization: social media has completely changed the way actors build their careers. A few years ago, auditions were limited to casting offices and personal networks. Today, every scroll on Instagram or YouTube is an open casting call. Whether it’s a 30-second reel, a monologue, or a short film clip, social media has become the biggest stage for anyone who dreams of being seen. I’ve had countless conversations with