Portrait of Jani Rad
Hosting & acting resume

Niranjani "Jani" Radhakrishnan

On-camera and live-event host, moderator, and storyteller based in Asheville, NC. Ten+ years hosting stages of 50–500+, from red-carpet interviews and citywide 101-series programming to national conference keynotes and a self-produced weekly podcast. Classically trained stage actor, equally at home in drama and comedy, with a particular affinity for comedy and authenticity.

Hosting & emceeing

Live events

Broadcast & podcast hosting

2020 – present

  • What's On Your Mind? (2020–2023) — Creator, Writer, Producer & Host

    Weekly interview podcast; started audio-only in 2020 and evolved into filmed live-audience events at Memphis pop-up locations, including The Arcade Restaurant. Featured local Memphis stories, guests from around the world, and travel-story episodes with her spouse. Guests ranged from local entrepreneurs and artists to national names — including Bachelor Nation's Olivia Caridi, one of the most-streamed episodes.

  • Frequent guest, various podcasts

    Interviewed as a guest across a range of shows, most recently Just Bluffin' (Campfire Collective / WYXR Podcast Network, recorded at University of Memphis), profiled as podcast host, TEDx speaker, and mental health advocate.

  • Host, in-house podcast & video interview series — Regional One Health Solutions

Public speaking & keynotes

Voiceover

Theatre

  • Viola — Twelfth Night (community/regional production)

  • Hermia — A Midsummer Night's Dream (community/regional production)

  • Interactive Theatre Carolina, Office of Student Wellness — UNC Chapel Hill

    Devised, issue-based theatre troupe. Began as a paid ensemble actor, then advanced into a hired Facilitator / Group Leader role, training incoming performers and leading Image Theatre & Theatre of the Oppressed workshops. Rotating repertoire spanned sexual health, heterosexism and racism, body image, street theatre, microaggressions, classism, sexual assault, abusive relationships, depression and suicide, emotional abuse, disordered eating, HIV/AIDS, social media, and stress management.

  • UNC Sex-Ed Squad — "My revolution is to talk"

    Activist theatre for Carrboro/Chapel Hill 9th graders.

  • Facilitator (paid), Image Theatre / Theatre of the Oppressed workshops

    Gender & sexism, race/media, power & privilege, HIV/AIDS & condom negotiation, stress & self-care, alcohol & sexual assault, stereotypes.

  • Facilitator (paid), health equity & social-justice workshops

    LGBTQ wellness & ally training, Black women's health, racism & stress, alcohol awareness, sexual health, interpersonal violence prevention, body image & disordered eating.

  • Duo Interpretation & Duet Improv competitor — Tennessee High School Speech & Drama League

  • Comedy improv team member — high school (1 year)

  • Co-Captain, competitive acting team (forensics) — high school

Jani performing at the Spill It storytelling competition Portrait of Jani Rad

Special skills

Public speaking & improv (10+ yrs) Unscripted / off-book interviewing Live audience management, 50–500+ Choreographed dance & fitness performance Storytelling & narrative facilitation On-camera interviewing Image Theatre / Theatre of the Oppressed

Training

Awards & honors

Reel in progress — clips available on request

Additional hosting, red-carpet, and speaking clips available on request. References available on request.

Email hello@janirad.com