College students like free food and interesting thoughts. 

Free Food for Thought provides a platform for exclusive, accomplished experts to reach a wider audience beyond the attendees of their live speeches. By offering downloadable podcasts through Spotify, Soundcloud, and iTunes, Free Food for Thought ensures that engaging content is accessible to all. The unique podcast format allows speakers to delve into their areas of expertise, experiences, and stories in a down-to-earth, organic, and engaging flow that transcends prepared remarks. By delving more into each speaker's background, personality, and dynamic perspectives, Free Food for Thought fosters a meaningful and personal connection between students and the speakers. These are the messages of experts on the go, available anytime, to feed your curiosity.

Shivani Pandya

Founder, Director Emeritus

Shivani CM ‘18 is from Sugar Land, Texas. Her interest in people and podcasts led her to start Free Food for Thought in early 2016. On campus, Shivani was also Technology/Data Manager of the Rose Institute of State and Local Government. In her free time, Shivani enjoys watching her beloved Packers win, reading books about World War II, and watching anything created by Joss Whedon and Aaron Sorkin. 

Leadership

Luke Carfaro

Co-DIRECTOR

Luke Carfaro is a senior studying International Relations, focusing on international development. In his free time, he enjoys running, calisthenics, bodysurfing, hiking, reading, and advocating for animal rights. His favorite podcast is Philosophize This.

Natalie Chen

Co-Director

Natalie is a Senior at CMC from Orange County, studying Philosophy and Public Affairs. She enjoys all things outdoors, tennis, and reading about topics ranging from the roots of the coffee industry, to the makeup of the human soul.

Members

Daniel Bazmi

Daniel Bazmi is a Public Policy and Economics dual major at Claremont McKenna College. He is a part of CMC's Model United Nations team, is a research assistant at Valley Fever Institute of Kern Medical, and has participated in various other activities on campus. He has a strong foundation in leadership and a passion for the intersection of science and business. Additionally, he is interested in film, sports, and politics.

Caleb Rasor

Caleb Rasor is a sophomore dual majoring in economics and mathematics at Claremont McKenna College. He is a frequent listener to such podcasts as Freakonomics, Planet Money, The Ezra Klein Show, and The Dispatch, all of which have inspired his passions for economics and politics. In his free time, he also enjoys listening to all genres of music (yes, including country), hiking, and playing tennis with friends.

Tudor Galan

Tudor is a Class of 2027 student from Romania, with a dual major in Economics and Neuroscience. With over four years of experience as a Podcast Host, he is equally excited to be leading Free Food For Thought and recording impactful episodes. In his free time, he enjoys swimming and playing tennis.

Kimmy Doan

Kimmy Doan is an Economics and International Relations major with an interest in classical literature and storytelling through film and language. She is learning Mandarin and ballroom dance and loves to embroider. Through compelling discussions at FF4T, Kimmy is excited to help share ideas and stories that inspire!

Caren Ensing

Caren is a sophomore studying international relations and environmental science. Her expertise is in government and American history, and she has served a research assistant on faculty research projects and at the Salvatori Research Institute. She also has a passion for the outdoors as a collegiate national freestyle skiing champion, ski instructor, state triathlon medalist, and avid club athlete. She is interested intravel, reading, and all things outdoors.

Abby Niquette

Abby Niquette is a sophomore at CMC studying International Relations from Burlington, Vermont. She grew up skiing recreationally and is an avid historical fiction reader. She speaks Spanish and is interested in South American culture and politics.

Rohan Mathew

Rohan Mathew is a sophomore studying history and economics and is excited to work with the FF4T Podcast to bring exciting conversations to CMC’s campus. He is interested in fiction writing and is looking forward to interviewing authors and poets at the Athenaeum. He is also interested in international affairs and has worked with the Keck and Mgrublian centers, researching nuclear weapon programs and linguistic nationalism. Rohan loves board games, reading novels, and hopes to be a historical fiction author someday.

Avi Rangarajan

Avi is a sophomore at CMC studying Mathematics and Economics from the Bay Area. His favorite podcast is the Huberman Lab podcast, and learning about anything science-related. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and photography.

Daniella Reyes

Daniella is from Elizabeth, New Jersey, and is a sophomore at CMC studying Government. Two of her favorite podcasts are Consider This and Casefile, which she often listens to while painting. Daniella also loves singing two-act musicals and writing in her free time.

Grace Zhao

Grace is a freshman at CMC from Sacramento, California. She’s exploring studying public policy and her favorite podcast is The Ezra Klein Show. In her free time, she enjoys reading The New Yorker, swimming recreationally, and journaling.