Ctrl Alt Grow
Episodes
We Move On Quicker Than We Let Ourselves Admit
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"Our lives are always in motion, and we rarely realise when a chapter has begun to turn."A quiet reflection on how friendships fade long bef...
The Habit Of Writing People Off
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We often cut people out faster than we realize. This episode explores why we do it, what it costs us, and how staying open can transform our relations...
The Roads We Never Chose
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“Sometimes paths aren’t chosen by passion but by necessity. We show up, carry burdens, endure silent struggles, and keep moving forward, hoping so...
I've Been At The Bottom A Lot, Now I'm Ready For The Top
27 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“After countless falls, I’ve learned resilience, shed fear, embraced every scar as a lesson, and now with open heart and fierce courage, I rise st...
I Hope We Find Clarity
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A reflection on how clarity transforms our lives—cutting through noise, guiding our struggles with meaning, and giving us unstoppable focus once we ...
It Is Not About Me.
25 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores the liberating truth that it's not always about us. By shifting focus from ourselves to others, we cultivate empathy, release eg...
Right Here, Right Now.
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re always chasing moments ahead or behind—forgetting life only happens now. This episode is a reminder to pause, breathe, and fully inhabit the...
Grief Comes In Waves
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Grief isn’t something you overcome—it’s something you carry. This episode explores the quiet, persistent nature of loss, and how we learn to liv...
When It Feels Like Everything Is Falling Apart
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Amidst my pain and questions, I remind myself that storms don’t destroy; they transform. Strength finds me, even when unwelcome. I’ll trust myself...
Every Once In A While, I Disappear
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes, I disappear into solitude to escape life’s relentless pace, rediscovering myself in silence. Letting go of roles and expectations, I fin...
What Does It Mean To Be A Man?
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of CtrlAltGrow is a prayer, a reminder of what it means to be a man. Our duty is not just to protect, but to create a world where protect...
The Higher You Climb, The Harder You Can Fall
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Ctrl Alt Grow, Harsh talks about how the peak we try to reach keeps moving as we continue to climb the ladder. However, he reminds ...
I Wish The World Weren't So Divided
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Harsh talks about how we all hold biases and stereotypes about people we don't understand and things we haven't seen. He pray...
And for the first time, I won.
03 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Harsh talks about the pivotal moment when he decided it was time to be selfish because the world continues to take him for granted. T...
When Life Knocks Us Down
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Harsh talks about the feeling when life defeats us. All our plans suddenly take a hit and we no longer know what to do. You can suppo...
To All The Different Lives I've Lived.
28 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Harsh talks about how we don't just live a single life, but a thousand different ones as each version of ourselves is a distinct ...
An Epilogue of Hope
20 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Harsh narrates a small poem on Hope. In our worst times, hope is all that we hold on to. It's our beacon in the dark. You can su...
To Be A Human
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Harsh exposes the colours of humanity, the ones that make us unjust people and the ones that restore our faith. Being a human is not ...
When Was the Last Time You Looked at the Sky?
13 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Harsh captured a sunset from his terrace, feeling hopeful. Now, lost in memories, he realizes the importance of looking up to embrace...
The Two World Problem
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Harsh explores two contrasting worlds: one of peace and simplicity, the other of ambition and hustle. Torn between these realms, he s...
Someday, I Hope This Temporary Is Forever
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Harsh explores life's highs and lows, risk-taking, dreams, and the journey toward fulfilment. He yearns and hopes that maybe some...
Do You Know When A Person Truly Dies?
17 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the depths of despair at 3 am, battling internal chaos, Harsh Patel explores the slow death of self-worth. Despite hardships, a plea emerges: don&#...
Don't Wait Till You're Successful To Have Fun
11 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Harsh Patel warns against obsessive ambition, encouraging a balance between pursuing dreams and enjoying life. He emphasizes on the risk of sacrificin...
The More You Love Yourself, The Less You Will Need Others To
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Harsh Patel talks about how Self-love liberates us from external validation. He talks about how cultivating a personal garden of self-appreciation hel...
Fate Vs Destiny: A Cosmic Battle
04 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Harsh Patel hosts a riveting clash - Fate vs Destiny. Fate claims inevitability, while Destiny empowers choices. The tie reveals a nuanced dance where...
Let's Start Over!
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Harsh Patel talks about how the desire for a fresh start is universal. Age doubts persist, but the message is clear: seize opportunities, reinvent reg...
The More You Think, The Less You'll Do
28 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Indecisiveness leads to lost opportunities. Don't let doubts hold you back; act now, embrace uncertainty, and jump into life's possibilities. ...
Let Life Unfold
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode by the host Harsh, Life is seen as a dynamic story with celebratory, quiet, and dark chapters. Characters, from family to strangers, s...
To All Those Who Don't Want To Explain Themselves
19 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Harsh highlights how we often feel the need to explain our choices to others, facing judgment and pressure. The monologue urges setti...
A Chapter of Growth
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Harsh Patel talks about how in 2023, he navigated a year of personal challenges, felt claustrophobic and contemplated giving up on pursuits. Despite s...
Welcome to Within 5 Minutes
13 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Within 5 Minutes, a podcast by Harsh Patel on self-help and personal development brings into the spotlight a few things that our generation needs now,...
Emotionally Unavailable
13 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Harsh Patel discusses the challenges of guarding emotions in life's roller coaster, hindering genuine connections. Despite friendliness, deep disc...
Male Friendships
10 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Harsh Patel explores the evolution of male friendships, emphasizing shared experiences and loyalty. The piece celebrates the enduring nature of true m...
Surrender Yourself to the Chaos
06 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Harsh Patel explores humanity's desire for control in a chaotic world, highlighting how despite efforts to manipulate external circumstances, the ...
A Conversation Through Time Pt.2
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In "Conversation Through Time Pt.2," Harsh Patel meets their older self in the city, gaining wisdom about living in the present, making fear...
You May Be in Your Darkest Hour
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Season 9 Episode 7 In your darkest hours when it feels like everything is falling apart and your dreams are slipping away, you question your path. You...
Keep Them In Your Life.
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Season 9 Episode 6 This episode underscores the profound impact of people we encounter on our lives, shaping who we become. It challenges the idea of ...
Don't Watch The Clock
06 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Season 9 Episode 5 Time. Time. Time! Time is everything in our lives. We're surrounded and bound to time. Without it, we'd be pretty chaotic. ...
The Salt and the Sea
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Season 9 Episode 4 Sometimes, it feels like the ocean is calling me. As if it's reminding me to take a moment away from my busy life and find bala...
I hope your dream never dies
29 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Season 9 Episode 3 Dreams. Throughout our entire existence, we dream about so many different lives. And somewhere, we lose those dreams. This episode ...
I Yearn for Peace
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Season 9, Episode 2. What do you picture when you think of the word, Peace? Is Peace a state of mind? Is it a feeling? Or is it the freedom from distu...
A Promise to Myself
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Season 9, Episode 1. We spend a lot of time focusing on our problems, but not on life. Each and every day, we scurry through moments in our lives tryi...
This Comeback Is Personal
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We all have our own stories. We've fallen apart, more than we know. But we've also had our comebacks. This episode is a testament to our will ...
The Act Of Letting Go
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the host, Harsh Patel talks about the act of letting go, which is one of the bravest decisions one could ever make. You can listen to...
A Conversation Through Time: What would you tell your younger self?
02 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the host, Harsh Patel, shares a special episode of this season where he imagines a situation where he meets his older version in a pa...
The Magic Behind Showing Up
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the host, Harsh Patel, helps you understand why showing up, every single day, can go a long way in catapulting your life and fulfilli...
Your Dreams Matter!
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the host, Harsh Patel, talks about how our dreams act like the beacon of a lighthouse. They guide you to safe waters and keep you ali...
Celebrate Others' Success Like Your Own
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the host, Harsh Patel, digs into the mindset of winners. We generally think that there is a scarcity of success going around in the w...
Finish Your 5 Minutes Chores, ASAP
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the host, Harsh Patel, talks about a simple life rule to complete all your 5-minute chores, as early as possible. It may seem like an...
Rewind: Fear of Missing Out(Debunked)
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this rewind episode, the host, Harsh Patel, takes us on a relatable journey on how we sometimes worry about the grass being greener on the other si...
Rewind: Love What You Do!
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this rewind episode, the host, Harsh Patel, talks about your passion and career can be two independent parts of your life and how shouldn't liv...
Life Can Only be Understood Backwards
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Most often than not, things make sense when we look back at life. "That had to happen for this to happen to me". We don't really underst...
The Illusion of Control
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever found yourself trying to keep everything under control so that nothing upsets you? We think that by doing things a certain way and creat...
We've Changed And We Don't Even Know It.
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When did you last stand in front of the mirror and notice how much you've changed? Yeah, we tend to point out our flaws so much that we become obl...
To All The Different Identities You've Lived.
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Harsh Patel, sits down to talk about all the different lives and identities we live as humans. Are you only a corporate employee? Or did you also live...
Who Are You Outside Your Job?
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a short take questioning the identity of the current generation of humans outside their job. Who are you beyond your career? Can you i...
Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a short take on all the conflicting feelings we feel when there are words trembling at the tip of our tongues. Are some things better ...
Seasonal Changes
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode talks about how humans are seasonal beings. We have our own winters of hibernation and blossoming springs. Not every day in the year is m...
Time Without Purpose Is A Prison
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode brings forth the idea that time spent without any purpose is time spent in prison. Idle time does not necessarily mean purposeless time, ...
The Seduction Of Pessimisn
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode talks about the human tendency to see the glass half empty because of how familiar we've become with darkness and negative thoughts. Pess...
A Chapter Of New Beginnings
29 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The last episode of 2022 is a little monologue of everything one could have experienced in a year. The highs, lows, ups, and downs. It's been a roller...
Bonus: If I Disappeared Today (Poem)
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If I Disappeared Today is a poem I wrote that expresses the hurting wishes of a partner who was left wounded from a devastating relationship. The part...
The Art Of Doing More
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The 55th episode of the podcast is a little reminder that if you want to be more than what you are today, you have to do more than what you do today. ...
The Friends We've Lost
16 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The 54th episode talks about the friendships we've lost over the course of time. It is such a hard feeling to describe as we balance the boundaries of...
The Power Of Waiting: Delayed Gratification
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We live in a world of instant gratification. The phone rings and you've instantly bombarded with so much information that you're brain never gets the ...
You Deserve Better
26 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The 52nd episode emphasizes the message that you deserve better things. You don't deserve to settle and make compromises. It's possible that you have ...
Like All Things, This Too Shall Pass
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The 6th season of the podcast starts with a very reassuring message that you're doing okay. Everything that is troubling you, will eventually pass. Li...
11:11
11 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On 11/11/21, I released my first episode of the podcast. It's crazy to think that 50 episodes later, I'll be sitting here wondering if the universe wa...
Bonus Episode: The Magnificence of The Mountains
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Technically, it is the 50th episode but it reads bonus episode for a reason! It's not Canon! This episode narrates my experience at a Himalayan Trek, ...
You Only Score The Shots You Take
08 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We keep talking about not being able to have our way with the things we want, but often, it's because we haven't even tried to. Trying is not equal to...
Do You Feel Like Life Is Moving Too Fast?
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ahoy, my pirates. We have reaches the respected lands of the musicians, Gothronoria, where pirates sit under the rain and listen to music. On this occ...
Are You Locked In Your Own Cage?
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ahoy, My dear Pirates. Captain Harsh Septimus brings a bottled message from the lost Island of Archelengels. The secrets hidden in this bottle were lo...
The Irony Of Being Extraordinary
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ahoy! Our friendly neighborhood genie has disappeared since the last episode and it's time for a worthy replacement to take over the reins of this pod...
Just Because You Are Struggling, It Doesn't Mean You Are Failing
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Namaste! You wished it, You get it. Your weekly genie is back with another thought-provoking episode. I hope you know that just because you are strugg...
The Feeling Of Being Disconnected From The World
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Namaste! This brown genie, Harsh Patel, is back with a new episode in the first week of August, a month named after the Roman Emperor, Augustus. This ...
Someday It Will Make Sense
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Namaste, my fellow Hoomans. It your Brown Genie, back again with a new episode. I know that being a genie does not make sense but I promise that this ...
You Suffer More In Your Imagination Than Reality
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Namaste! Did you think that your brown genie wouldn't show up to kill those Monday blues? Nope, I'm right here. This episode portrays how most of your...
Are You Respecting Yourself Enough?
16 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
*Poof* The brown genie has actually turned blue because of a throat infection but I still got myself to release this episode because I didn't want to ...
The Brighter The Light, The Darker The Shadow
10 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Namaste! Your weekly brown genie is back with another thought-provoking episode from inside the lamp. We're almost nearing the end of this season with...
Phonecall Through Time. Pt 3
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Your weekly genie does make dreams come true. Imagine you had the privilege of talking to your younger self. As much as you'd like to tell him/h...
People Will Never Forget How You Made Them Feel.
04 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Namaste! Your average brown genie, Harsh Patel, is back with another episode a day earlier than scheduled. While I was making this episode...
You Need To Stop Over Apologizing
01 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Namaste! Your brown genie, Harsh Patel, is back with an essential episode for all of us who sometimes get into a habit of over-apologizing. ...
Stop trying to be happy
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Namaste! Your weekly genie, Harsh is back after a short break to take care of his personal health and life. Now that I'm back from my creative rest,...
The spotlight Effect: High time we stop feeling so self-conscious.
17 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Namaste! This is Harsh, a 22-year-old, who's producing self-help content for all the amazing hoomans out there. I hope you like what you hear and woul...
Stop trying to find yourself. Create yourself.
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hello, my fellow hoomans, This is Harsh, the host of this fairy podcast, Within 5 Minutes. May the gods shower you with good luck if you read this des...
Keep Showing Up
10 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hey There! This is Harsh Patel, the host of this podcast, Within 5 Minutes, with another episode this week. I plan to increase my episodes' freq...
Do You Feel Like Nothing Is Going Right?
08 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hi There! I'm back again this weekly Wednesday to bring you a very personal episode that is almost a letter to everyone out there. When it feels like ...
Are You Judging Others or Are You Judging Yourself?
01 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hi There. We're back on track with weekly Wednesday episodes. This episode is one that I could listen to time and time again to remind myself that whe...
Why Do Strangers Support You More Than The People You Know
26 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hi There. This is Harsh Patel, the host of this podcast, Within 5 Minutes, with a new episode. This episode was in the making for quite a bit of time ...
Bonus: The Silence of the Rain(Poem)
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hey there. Thanks for always remembering to tune into the podcast. As a midseason bonus, I am releasing a small poem I had written during my free time...
For Moments When You Feel Left Behind Everyone Else
13 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hey There! This is Harsh Patel, the host of the podcast, Within 5 Minutes, with a new episode. It has been quite a long week and I have reduced the fr...
You Need To Leave Your Den
30 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hi There! This is Harsh, the host of this podcast, Within 5 minutes, with a new episode, You need to leave your den. This is a weekly podcast that rel...
Your Life As A Game
13 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hey There. This is Harsh. This episode is a part of my podcast, Within 5 Minutes. If you like what you hear, please make sure to give your review on t...
Stop Chasing the Next Best Thing
06 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hi There! This is Harsh Patel, the host of this podcast, Within 5 Minutes, with a new episode titled, Stop chasing the next best thing. If you h...
Phonecall through Time Pt 2
30 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hey There. This is Harsh Patel, back with another phone call to the past. These are some of my favorite episodes to make because it feels like I'm rol...
Breaking Stereotypes
26 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hi There! This is Harsh Patel, the host of the podcast, Within 5 Minutes with the new episode, titled, Breaking Stereotypes. For any suggestions...
Never Go Back On Your Word
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hi There! This is Harsh Patel, the host of this podcast, Within 5 Minutes with the new episode titled, Never go back on your word. If you have any sug...
Yin and Yang
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hi There! This is Harsh Patel, the host of this podcast, Within 5 Minutes, with a new episode on the famous concept of Yin and Yang. You can reach out...
The Nova Effect(good luck in tragedy)
02 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hi There! This is Harsh Patel, the host of this podcast, Within 5 Minutes. This episode talks about how what seems bad to you now will someday feel li...
Do it for yourself (Ft. Anirudh Chandroth)
23 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a special episode where I call my special friend, Anirudh Chandroth, as we speak about how doing something for yourself plays an important rol...