Best Utsav Mamoria Podcasts (2024)

1
How the Japanese Yakuza birthed the Video Game Industry 11:15

6d ago11:15

11:15

In this episode, we trace the unexpected origins of video games—in the notorious Japanese crime syndicate, the Yakuza. Tune in to find out how a lost Portuguese ship that stumbled on Japanese shores actually sowed the seeds, which when combined with domestic isolationist policies and the enterprising spirit of Japanese entrepreneurs, led to this in…

1
Behind the Japanese Obsession with Perfection 10:00

7d ago10:00

10:00

In this episode, we travel to medieval Japan to trace the origins of Kodawari, or the Japanese pursuit of perfection, that is still proudly held by artists, artisans, fashion designers, and chefs in the country. Does this mean that everything is perfect in Japan? What if the secret lies in having a collective great sense of what could be perfected …

1
The Art of Spying on Whales 10:46

28d ago10:46

10:46

In this episode we talk about the magnificent elusive creatures who can hold their breath for over a hundred minutes, who possess a sound-based navigation system that’s better military systems, and whose evolution has confounded marine biologists and palaeontologists alike: whales! 🐳 Whatever we know about whales today, we’ve learnt with much diffi…

1
The Last Papermakers of Buddhism 8:54

1M ago8:54

8:54

Today, we explore the disappearing art of Buddhist papermaking in India, which is only practised by less than 10 Tibetan households in a remote village in Arunachal Pradesh. Invisible to the observer, each plain sheet of paper, painstaking handmade over several days, carries inscriptions preserving the Monpa tribe's history, memories of migration, …

1
How a 17th Century Couple's Art Found Its Way into Radiohead and Coldplay 10:02

1M ago10:02

10:02

In this episode, we discuss the artistry behind something we across everywhere around us that we don’t pay attention to: fonts. We trace the history of the couple in mid-18th century whose carefully hand-cut “type punchers” gave rise to elegant letters in printing fonts, and the clean and spacial aesthetic used in book production even today. Just a…

1
How Ferment in English Middle Ages gave rise to Google Search 11:00

2M ago11:00

11:00

In this episode, we go back to a time when Science was considered blasphemy, reading was synonymous to reading the scriptures, and a University meant a religious guild, and trace the history of a reference system so simple, yet monumental: the index. We discuss how we could all benefit from having an index of our lives—important memories and learni…

1
The Private Maps of Our Lives 14:00

2M ago14:00

14:00

In this episode, we discuss the fascinating story of Onesimo Pena, Frans Haartman, Jemboa Tran, and Corlis Benefideo—exceptional writers and cartographers; who were actually the same person. And an American student who was obsessed with this man and his work, and ended up discovering this truth, hunting down the elusive author and meeting him. If y…

1
Could Climate Stress Change the World's Greatest Pilgrimages? 10:40

3M ago10:40

10:40

As climate change leads to harsher weather conditions and calamities across the world, the ways we travel are definitely bound to get affected. Will tiny island nations be safe for travel in a few decades? What about resorts on secluded hilltops? In today's episode, we discuss how climate stress could impact the world's biggest pilgrimages like the…

1
What the Greatest Artists in the World Teach Us about Life 9:59

3M ago9:59

9:59

The more you look at the iconic painting The Great Wave off Kanagawa, the more you find in it. Starting off with the explicit nuances of the art that you missed, and then moving on interpretations and meanings to draw from it. In today's episode, we look back into the life of Hokusai, the Japanese artist behind the famed painting who changed his na…

1
How Libraries became Centres of Power 10:30

4M ago10:30

10:30

In a game of finding the common connection, you get: war, imperialism, wealth, and resistance. Would you guess the answer to be books? In this episode, we go back to a time when libraries were treasures that emperors and elites boasted of, and learn the surprising reason why these prized possessions got neglected after a certain point in history. W…

1
Ramayana and the Fundamental Difference between Indian and Western Epics 10:17

4M ago10:17

10:17

In this episode, we understand the difference between Indian and Western narratology by taking a closer look at Ramayana; what makes the epic quite literally timeless and why our ancient stories usually fail the "history test". If you liked this episode, do consider rating the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. You can reach out to me on Instagram:…

1
The Problematic Usefulness of the Travel Guidebook 10:44

4M ago10:44

10:44

I'm sure we've all owned, or seen a copy of a guidebook to a country or a tourist destination. While internet itineraries might have replaced the physical guidebooks today, the concept of 'tourist guides' are still very much around. Did you ever wonder why and when making these guides became a thing? In today's episode, we travel back to a time whe…

1
How a Working Class Woman became the World's Greatest Fossilist 10:56

4M ago10:56

10:56

A baby girl who was miraculously brought back to life after being struck by lightning; a tween girl who obsessively dug up the skeletal remains of a 200-million years old 'fish lizard'; and the woman who ran a fossil-shop that was visited by the King—we dive into the story of Mary Anning's extraordinary life as an unheralded female paleontologist i…

1
How a Humble Geologist Shaped the Industrial Revolution 11:46

5M ago11:46

11:46

In today's episode we talk about a 19th century canals and railways surveyor in England who was obsessed with rocks, fossils, and maps. And how this obsession made the industrial revolution possible, helped make an English professor in the 1990s a successful Champagne baron, and the police partner with geologists to solve a murder mystery nearly 20…

1
The Journey of The 6% Club 1:05:14

5M ago1:05:14

1:05:14

This is not your usual episode of Postcards from Nowhere. But it has everything to do with the show - the genesis of the show almost 5 years ago, and it has led to one of the most significant milestones in my life - The 6% Club. To get the entire story, just tune in. Check out The Six Percent Club: https://www.thesixpercent.club/ Follow Deepak Gopa…

1
What Deep Time can Teach us About Slow Travel 9:52

5M ago9:52

9:52

Hi, I'm Utsav Mamoria and I'm back with another episode of Postcards from Nowhere after a brief hiatus. In this episode, we talk about how Greenland's ice sheets act as time capsules that give us glimpses not only of climate history, but also human history. And the concept of Deep Time, as a reminder for us to slow down and focus on a place's prese…

1
The intertwined destinies of Ramen and Japan - Part 1 8:43

8M ago8:43

8:43

Dive into the fascinating world of ramen with our latest podcast episode! Meet Osaki Hoshiri, a man who eats 800 bowls of ramen a year and has dedicated his life to writing about this iconic Japanese dish. Discover how ramen evolved from a humble meal to a cultural phenomenon, with intriguing origin stories dating back centuries. Join us as we unra…

1
The Social History of Tea 8:16

9M ago8:16

8:16

Explore the captivating journey of tea from its ancient origins to its modern-day significance in India and also we unravel the social, psychological, and poetic effects of this beloved beverage, delving into its rich history, cultural impact, and the rituals that surround it. From the colonial trade routes to the bustling streets of contemporary I…

1
The Strange History of the rise of Beer in Europe 8:09

9M ago8:09

8:09

Unlock the surprising history behind your favorite brew in this episode! Delve into the captivating tale of how two pandemics and the guidance of priests paved the frothy path for beer to become the beloved beverage it is today. Step back in time and discover the fascinating origins of beer that transcend centuries and pandemics alike. Tune in now …

1
Sex, Drugs and Gobi Manchurian 8:19

9M ago8:19

8:19

Delve into Bangalore’s culinary obsession with Gobi Manchurian and explore how language influences our food experiences. Journey back to Calcutta's history of Chinese migration, uncovering the roots of Indian-Chinese cuisine. Discover the intriguing parallels between food and sex, as we uncover the hidden connections that tantalize our taste buds a…

1
Why East Asian food lacks Desserts 8:47

9M ago8:47

8:47

Ever wondered why do East Asian cuisine's lack of desserts. From the subtleties of taste to the deep-rooted philosophies, explore why sugar takes a backseat in Chinese culinary traditions. Discover how genetic predispositions, cultural norms, and historical contexts shape the palate of billions. Through insightful discussions and savory insights, w…

1
The Ubiquitous Art of Cooking in Leaves 8:44

9M ago8:44

8:44

Ever wondered about the culinary secrets hidden within the folds of nature's humble leaves? Join us on a tantalizing audio journey that delves deep into the heart of global cuisine, where the simple leaf becomes a vessel of culinary creativity and cultural heritage. From the bustling streets of Mumbai's Matunga to the serene temples of Tamil Nadu, …

1
Why we are all Hungarians from Rajasthan ? 7:56

10M ago7:56

7:56

Unveil the enigmatic ties between Rajasthan and distant lands in this trivia-packed Episode ! From the exploits of Paan Singh Tomar to the fascinating history of the Tomar clan, embark on a journey through time and lineage. Explore the tantalizing theories linking Rajasthan's Chauhan kings to the Huns of Hungary, weaving a tale of shared heritage a…

1
Why do we have Addresses at all? 8:18

10M ago8:18

8:18

Did you know that the famous 221B Baker Street, home to Sherlock Holmes, sparked a real-life address feud in London? Dive into the intriguing world of addresses with us this week as we uncover the unexpected drama behind this fictional location. From mysterious letters to a full-time job just to reply to them, the story gets crazier! Tune in for a …

1
Why does Japan have no street names? 8:29

10M ago8:29

8:29

What if for a moment, I transported you into the heart of Tokyo, and you discover that the city has no street names? And not just Tokyo, all of Japan is like that. And what does that have to do with the 1987 U2 song 'Where Streets Have No Names', written in a completely different context in Ireland? This week, we travel to Japan and ask a simple qu…

1
Why dictators love town squares ? 8:22

10M ago8:22

8:22

Embark on a journey from Poland to China in this riveting episode as we explore why dictators are drawn to town squares and how these very squares become the stages of their demise. From Tiananmen Square in Beijing, witness the poignant events of 1989, to the Grand Market in Krakow, a symbol of resilience against Nazi and Communist regimes. Discove…

1
The Unkindness of History: Lenin in a Theme Park 8:31

12M ago8:31

8:31

In this week's episode, join us on a journey to Krakow, Poland, where a statue of Soviet hero Vladimir Lenin undergoes a bizarre journey from a symbol of communism to a casualty of local disdain. Uncover the surprising twists that lead this statue to an unexpected home in a Wild West-themed park in Sweden. From failed bombings to aphrodisiac-laden …

1
Two Billion Euros and the Polish Temple of Memory 9:09

1y ago9:09

9:09

Embark on a riveting journey with this week's episode as we trace the tumultuous odyssey of a priceless painting worth two billion Euros. From Hotel Lambert in 1830s Paris to the clandestine moves during World Wars, this painting, Leonardo Da Vinci's 'Lady with an Ermine,' becomes a symbol of Poland's resilience and identity. Through six generation…

1
The untold story of Holocaust heroism: 'Under the Eagle' Pharmacy 8:26

1y ago8:26

8:26

Journey back in time to Krakow's darkest hours during the Holocaust, where ordinary heroes emerged from the shadows. Explore the remarkable story of Tadeusz Pankiewicz and his team at the 'Under the Eagle' pharmacy, a symbol of hope in a sea of despair. As walls rose around the ghetto, this unassuming pharmacy became an embassy of solace, a lifelin…

1
The complicated legacy of Schindler's List 10:21

1y ago10:21

10:21

This episode takes you on a journey through the complex legacy of Spielberg's Schindler's List. Beyond the heroism, we explore the enigmatic truth behind Oskar Schindler, and why it's not quite what it seems. We also contrast it with The Pianist, a Holocaust film that presents a different perspective - the victim's story. Join us to understand how …

1
The surprising evolution of Polish food 9:31

1y ago9:31

9:31

1981, Communist Poland At the peak of the Soviet rule in Poland, the country had run into enormous economic hardships. Food became scarce, and citizens marched on the streets protesting against hunger. Everything became rationed, and even then, sometimes the rationed needs could not be met. But this is not the story of the food shortages of Communi…

1
The Oak Tree that chronicled Poland's Modern History 8:52

1y ago8:52

8:52

Prepare to be transported to the heart of Krakow, Poland, where an ancient Oak tree holds secrets of a nation's tumultuous history. Step back in time to November 6, 1939, when shadows of tyranny descended upon Poland, targeting its intellectual backbone. Unveil the riveting account of sacrifice, resilience, and a silent sentinel the Oak of Freedom …

1
The Strange Polish notion of Holocaust Envy 8:44

1y ago8:44

8:44

Explore the chilling tale of Cywia Asterblum, a student condemned in 1936 Poland for protesting anti-Semitism, setting the stage for a dark period in history. The episode navigates through the haunting realities of Auschwitz and unveils the controversial 'Memory Laws' in modern Poland. Delving into the eerie concept of Holocaust Envy, the episode r…

1
Love European Cities? You are walking on Poop 7:36

1y ago7:36

7:36

Discover Krakow's dramatic transformation from devastation to grandeur after the Mongol invasion of 1241. Join us as we delve into the secrets buried beneath its cobbled streets witness the rise, struggles, and innovative solutions of a medieval city grappling with waste management. Uncover how the echoes of the past resonate through its architectu…

1
The Complicated Legacy of Tintin 9:25

1y ago9:25

9:25

What could possibly be wrong or complicated about the legacy of the one of the most loved boy detectives in the world? Tintin has been and will continue to be a part of the childhood of millions, including mine. But what did a visit to Brussels in Belgium, home to Herge the creator of Tintin, mean for the adult Utsav reading Tintin? This week, we t…

1
The Neuroscience of Trying New Cuisines 8:08

1y ago8:08

8:08

Imagine the last time you had some horrendous food. Like the kind which not only tastes bad, but also gives you a recoiling diarrohea. The one you take almost a week to properly recover from. Now imagine walking into your home after being drenched in the rain, and being greeted with smell of crisp frying pakoras and piping hot ginger tea. Turns out…

1
Syncing Senses: The Neuroscience of Music, Grunting, and Eating with Hands 8:26

1y ago8:26

8:26

Think Tennis and Taekwondo. Two sports which could not be more different from each other, but they have one aspect in common. Grunting. But what's the big deal about grunting in sports? And if you thought these two were unrelated, may I introduce Indian classical music in the mix? What could possible connect grunting and Indian classical music? Thi…

1
Endangered Pasts: Decoding Ancient Bonds between Gujarat & Tamil Nadu 7:39

1y ago7:39

7:39

In July 2023, Coke Studio Bharat dropped a song, Khalasi. It took only a few days for it to rake up over 20 Million listens on YouTube, making it an instant hit. It was a bunch of firsts - A Gujarati song, that too one which is not a Garba song, and comes from a completely different musical tradition. But what if told you that it had something to d…

1
Architecture as Statecraft: The Story of Jaipur 8:33

1y ago8:33

8:33

This week on "Postcards from Nowhere. we unveil the hidden power of architecture in Jaipur's streets and discover how food-named lanes were tools of statecraft, intricately designed to influence politics and trade and explore how history's complexities defy simplistic narratives, as we delve into the strategic fusion of architecture and power. And …

1
Pilgrimage to the Land of the Martyrs ft. Varun Oak-Bhakay 26:06

1+ y ago26:06

26:06

If you consider yourself patriotic, do you know about Hussaniwala? It's a small village on the border of Indian Punjab and Pakistan and has a fascinating history that shaped both pre and post-independence India. This week, on the eve of our independence day, we speak with Varun Oak-Bhakay, who travelled to Hussainiwala, the Land of the Martyrs. Tun…

1
How Salt built the World's Greatest Civilizations - Part 2 7:27

1+ y ago7:27

7:27

In 1922, The tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered in the Valley of the Kings by excavators led by the Egyptologist Howard Carter. It was the first known largely intact royal burial from ancient Egypt and became one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century. Inside the tomb, amongst thousands of objects, two vials stood out, for…

1
How Salt built the World's Greatest Civilizations - Part 1 8:01

1+ y ago8:01

8:01

Imagine the badlands of Chambal in the 70's, the setting of Sholay and Kaalia pleading to Gabbar for his life - Sardar, maine aapka namak khaya hai. Now imagine the greatest philosopher from China, Confucious reflecting about the nature of that very namak, and how should rulers rule with morality. What connects the two is Salt. This week, we trace …

1
The Satyagraha for the Soul of Odia Cuisine 9:20

1+ y ago9:20

9:20

In this episode of we delve into the little-known Salt Satyagraha in Odisha, which took place before Gandhi's famous Dandi March. Join us as we explore the fight to save the soul of Odia cuisine, uncovering the historical significance of salt and its impact on the region's traditional dishes. Discover the rich culinary heritage of Odisha. And if yo…

1
The story of Milk from the Highlands of Tibet 9:26

1+ y ago9:26

9:26

By some counts, at its peak, the Mongol Empire stretched nearly 31 million square kilometres, an area of land roughly the size of the African continent. But what did this Empire led by Genghis Khan eat during the long conquests over highland passes and treachrous mountains? And what could it have to do with a bunch of scientists from the Max Planck…

1
Cycling through Asia and Europe ft. Pritam Sukumar 28:22

1+ y ago28:22

28:22

He quit his cushy job at Amazon and travelled from 2015 to 2019. He has jumped into lakes and seas in Argentina (more than a few times), watched soaring condors while trekking in the South of Chile (well, one condor but a really majestic one), walked from the end of Switzerland to the end of France, motorcycled for more than a year in India, cycled…

1
The Legendary Biryanis of Tamil Nadu 10:48

1+ y ago10:48

10:48

1957 - Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. A humble betel nut seller decides to start a 4 seater Biryani hotel, with a recipe from his wife. Over 60 years later, that tiny hotel is a sprawling business valued at over 860 crores. So what is so special about the Biryani from Dindigul? Or for that matter of that from Ambur and Chennai? This week, we travel across N…

1
How Sangam Landscapes shaped Tamil Food 11:45

1+ y ago11:45

11:45

27 Women poets, 102 anonymous and a total of 473 poets over centuries created a body of work, which came to define Tamil culture. And then most of it falls into oblivion for much of the second millennium AD. They were preserved by and rediscovered in the monasteries of Hinduism, particularly those related to the Shaivism sect, near Kumbakonam, by c…

1
How the Ice Age shaped Indian food 7:39

1+ y ago7:39

7:39

In the evolution from primates to humans, we lost our hair and developed a layer of fat. But as science is discovering now, we also lost our ability to synthesis a few compounds which were critical for the long term survival of humans. But what if I told you that the last Ice Age had a lot to do with it? This week, we uncover the fascinating story …

1
How India developed a tense relationship with Alcohol 8:24

1+ y ago8:24

8:24

This week, we travel through time, through stories of Lord Buddha, and verses of Arthashastra to modern times, and understand how India developed a tense relationship with Alcohol. Till then Check out the other episodes, Anne Frank, Lootera and Endless Life of Trees The Trees that built Venice Elm Trees, National Revolutions and Modern Paper Europe…

1
HDFC Investverse | Balancing Your Work, Finances, and Hobbies 11:51

1+ y ago11:51

11:51

Do you wish to buy a new car? Or build the house of your dreams? But don’t know how to plan for your goals financially. Well, worry no more we got you. In today’s episode of Investverse, an investor education initiative by HDFC MF, Anupam will be in conversation with Utsav Mamoria, a consumer insights expert, traveler, and host of the podcast Postc…

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