Must-Watch Nikhil Kamath Podcasts for Young People to Learn, Create, and Build

ikhil Kamath, the co-founder of Zerodha and one of India’s youngest billionaires, has become a beacon of inspiration for young entrepreneurs and creators through his podcast series, WTF is with Nikhil Kamath and its extension, People by WTF.

With a unique blend of curiosity, authenticity, and a knack for asking simple yet profound questions, Kamath’s podcasts dive into topics that resonate deeply with young people eager to learn, innovate, and build their futures.

From technology and entrepreneurship to personal growth and societal challenges, his conversations with industry giants, innovators, and thought leaders offer actionable insights for the next generation.

In this blog, we’ll explore why Nikhil Kamath’s podcasts are a must-listen for young people and highlight the best episodes that encourage learning, creativity, and building.

Why Nikhil Kamath’s Podcasts Resonate with Young People

Kamath’s WTF is podcast stands out for its ability to break down complex topics into relatable, digestible discussions. His approach is refreshingly unfiltered, often asking the “basic” questions that many hesitate to voice, making his content accessible to beginners and seasoned professionals alike.

As noted by Isha Sinha on Medium, “Each of his podcasts dissects topics as if they are explaining to a 5-year-old,” making it a goldmine for young listeners looking to grasp big ideas without feeling overwhelmed.

Moreover, Kamath’s focus on diverse topics—ranging from artificial intelligence and venture capital to politics and content creation—encourages young people to think broadly, take risks, and explore new fields.

His guests, including luminaries like Bill Gates, Sam Altman, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, share stories of resilience, failure, and innovation that inspire listeners to chase their dreams and build something impactful.

Here are some of the best WTF is and People by WTF podcast episodes that young people can learn from to fuel their journey of learning, creating, and building.

Top Podcast Episodes for Young People

Episode with Sam Altman: AI Playbook for 25-Year-Olds

Why It’s Great for Young People: In this episode, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, shares an optimistic outlook for young entrepreneurs in the age of artificial intelligence. When asked what a 25-year-old in Mumbai or Bengaluru should study or build, Altman emphasizes that AI tools empower individuals to execute ideas that once required large teams or decades of experience. He says, “This is probably the most exciting time to be starting out one’s career, maybe ever.”

Key Takeaways:

1. Leverage AI to develop startups or creative projects with minimal resources.
2. Focus on learning practical skills that complement AI advancements.
3. Embrace experimentation, as the barriers to entry in tech are lower than ever.

Why Listen: This episode is a call to action for young people to harness AI’s potential, encouraging them to create innovative solutions and stay relevant in a fast-changing world.

Episode with Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Leadership and Risk-Taking

Why It’s Great for Young People: In his first-ever podcast appearance, PM Modi shares candid insights into his journey from a small town in Gujarat to leading India. He emphasizes the importance of taking risks, learning from failures (like the Chandrayaan-2 mission), and staying mission-driven rather than ambition-driven. His advice to young people entering politics or any field: “Good people should become politicians… They should come with a mission, not just ambition.”

Key Takeaways:

1. Treat challenges as part of the journey, not as roadblocks.
2. Stay focused on a larger purpose to overcome fear of failure.
3. Leadership requires 24/7 dedication and integrity, not just qualifications.

Why Listen: This episode inspires young people to think beyond conventional career paths, take bold risks, and contribute to society with purpose.

Episode #22: WTF are Craft Beverages?

Why It’s Great for Young People: Featuring founders of innovative Indian beverage brands like Blue Tokai, Subko, Svami, and Mossant, this episode dives into the challenges and opportunities of building a brand in a competitive market. The discussion highlights how these entrepreneurs disrupted a tea-dominated industry by educating consumers and creating demand for specialty coffee, kombucha, and premium mixers.

Key Takeaways:

1. Building a brand requires patience, consumer education, and persistence.
2. Innovate in niche markets by addressing unmet needs.
3. Overcome logistical and financial hurdles through creative problem-solving.

Why Listen: For young creators and entrepreneurs, this episode showcases how to turn passion into a scalable business, even in a price-sensitive market like India.

Episode with Nandan Nilekani: Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs

Why It’s Great for Young People: Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys, discusses the unprecedented opportunities available to young people today. He notes, “The ability for young people today to create successful companies has never been higher,” but warns of the “tyranny of choice” due to abundant possibilities.

Key Takeaways:

1. Focus on a specific problem to avoid being overwhelmed by choices.
2. Use technology to scale ideas quickly and efficiently.
3. Stay adaptable in a rapidly evolving entrepreneurial landscape.

Why Listen: This episode motivates young people to seize opportunities in India’s startup ecosystem while offering practical advice on navigating decision fatigue.

Episode with Bill Gates: Hacks for Young Entrepreneurs

Why It’s Great for Young People: In this People by WTF episode, Bill Gates shares practical advice for young entrepreneurs, including leveraging AI platforms like Google and Microsoft to build businesses. When Kamath asks what he’d do with $100,000 in India at age 25, Gates emphasizes starting small and using technology to scale impact.

Key Takeaways:

1. Use accessible tech tools to amplify your ideas.
2. Focus on sustainable development and global challenges for long-term impact.
3. Philanthropy and business can align to create meaningful change.

Why Listen: Gates’ insights inspire young people to think big, start small, and use technology to create solutions with global relevance.

How These Episodes Inspire Learning, Creativity, and Building

Nikhil Kamath’s podcasts are more than just interviews—they’re masterclasses in curiosity and resilience. Here’s how they encourage young people to grow:

• Learning: Kamath’s ability to ask open-ended, thought-provoking questions, as highlighted by Nirbachan Pattanaik on Medium, encourages listeners to dive deeper into topics like AI, politics, and consumer trends. His episodes with experts like Sam Altman and Nandan Nilekani provide a roadmap for continuous learning in high-growth fields.
• Creativity: By showcasing diverse industries—from craft beverages to entertainment (e.g., the episode with Netflix’s Ted Sarandos)—Kamath inspires young people to think creatively about solving problems and disrupting traditional markets.
• Building: Guests like PM Modi and Bill Gates emphasize the importance of mission-driven work and taking risks, motivating young listeners to build businesses, careers, or initiatives that create lasting impact.

Tips for Young Listeners to Maximize Learning

Take Notes: As suggested in a Player.fm review, grab a notepad while listening to episodes like the one with marquee venture capitalists to soak up insights equivalent to a “college semester.”

Act on Insights: Apply lessons from episodes, like using AI tools (Sam Altman) or focusing on niche markets (craft beverages), to your own projects.

Engage with the Community: Join discussions on platforms like LinkedIn or Reddit to share takeaways and connect with others inspired by Kamath’s podcasts.

Explore Diverse Topics: Don’t limit yourself to one industry—listen to episodes on policing, education, or philosophy to broaden your perspective and spark interdisciplinary ideas.

Why Nikhil Kamath’s Approach Stands Out

Kamath’s podcasting style is a lesson in itself. His active listening, as praised by listeners on Apple Podcasts, allows guests to share unfiltered insights, creating authentic conversations that resonate.

He doesn’t shy away from vulnerability, as seen in his candid exchange with PM Modi, where he admits to feeling nervous. This authenticity makes his content relatable and encourages young people to embrace their curiosity, even when they don’t have all the answers.

Nikhil Kamath’s WTF is and People by WTF podcasts are a treasure trove for young people looking to learn, create, and build.

Whether you’re inspired by Sam Altman’s AI playbook, PM Modi’s leadership lessons, or the craft beverage founders’ entrepreneurial grit, these episodes offer practical wisdom and motivation to take action. As Kamath himself demonstrates, asking the right questions can unlock a world of possibilities.

So, plug in your earphones, tune into these episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts, and start your journey of learning and building today.