Shows
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe Journey of The 6% ClubThis 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 Gopalakrishnan aka Chuck on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chuckofalltrades/?hl=en Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckofalltrades/ Deepak runs a wonderful newsletter called Things...2024-06-201h 05Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaWhat Deep Time can Teach us About Slow TravelHi, 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 present and its people when we travel. If you liked this episode, do consider rating the show on Spotify or Apple podcasts. You can reach out to me on Instagram: @whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/why...2024-06-1309 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe Unkindness of History: Lenin in a Theme ParkIn 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 cat antics, this tale is a rollercoaster of historical oddities. And if you are intrigued about Central Asia, Samosas and Hospitality, check out the episodes on Uzbekistan Beauty of Uzbekistan and the Geometry Box: https://omny.f...2023-11-3008 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaTwo Billion Euros and the Polish Temple of MemoryEmbark 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 generations of the Czartoryski Family and multiple hidden relocations, the collection at the Czartoryski Museum emerges as the memory of the Polish Nation. And if you are intrigued about Central Asia, Samosas and Hospitality, check out the episodes on Uzbekistan 2023-11-1609 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe untold story of Holocaust heroism: 'Under the Eagle' PharmacyJourney 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 lifeline to those in need. Join us to uncover the extraordinary acts of compassion and defiance that history often forgets. In a world consumed by darkness, these unsung heroes illuminated a path to survival. And if you are intrigued...2023-11-0908 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe complicated legacy of Schindler's ListThis 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 cinema shapes our perception of reality and morality, and how we can respond to genocides around us. And if you are intrigued about Central Asia, Samosas and Hospitality, check out the episodes on Uzbekistan Beauty of...2023-11-0210 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe surprising evolution of Polish food1981, 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 Communist Poland. This is the story of the larger arc of Polish food, and how it came to evolve in surpising ways over 15 centuries. And if you are intrigued about Central Asia, Samosas and Hospitality, check out...2023-10-2609 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe Oak Tree that chronicled Poland's Modern HistoryPrepare 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 that bore witness to Poland's fierce struggle for liberty. Join us for a compelling episode on Postcards from Nowhere, as we explore the haunting echoes of a nation's fight for its soul, etched in the annals of time And if you are intrigued...2023-10-1908 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe Strange Polish notion of Holocaust EnvyExplore 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 reveals the disturbing motivations behind historical distortion and its impact on society, past and present. And if you are intrigued about Central Asia, Samosas and Hospitality, check out the episodes on Uzbekistan Beauty of Uzbekistan and the Geometry Box: https://omny...2023-10-1208 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaLove European Cities? You are walking on PoopDiscover 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 architecture and ground levels, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of a European gem. Walk through history and realize that what lies beneath your feet is more than meets the eye. And if you are intrigued about Central Asia, Samosas and Hospitality, check...2023-10-0507 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe Complicated Legacy of TintinWhat 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 travel to the heart of Brussels in Belgium and uncover the complicated legacy of the famous comic book hero Tintin. We also ponder over how we could continue to enjoy any product of popular...2023-09-2809 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe Neuroscience of Trying New CuisinesImagine 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 these two experiences are not very different from each other. This week, we uncover the connection between smell, taste and memory, and discover how our evolutionary brain often stops us from trying new cuisines. Tune in...2023-09-1408 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaSyncing Senses: The Neuroscience of Music, Grunting, and Eating with HandsThink 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? This week, we discover the neuroscience that connects grunting, Indian Classical Music and why we as Indians love eating with our hands. Check out the following Coke Studio Songs Paar Channa De (ft. Strings, Noori and Shilpa...2023-09-0708 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaEndangered Pasts: Decoding Ancient Bonds between Gujarat & Tamil NaduIn 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 do with two endangered species in India - The Asiatic Lion and The Indian Wild Ass. This week, we travel across Gujarat and understand the hidden and endangered connection with a state...2023-08-3107 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaArchitecture as Statecraft: The Story of JaipurThis 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 if you are intrigued about Central Asia, Samosas and Hospitality, check out the episodes on Uzbekistan Beauty of Uzbekistan and the Geometry Box: https://omny.fm/shows/postcards-from-nowhere-with-utsav-mamoria/beauty-of-uzbekistan-the-geometry-box Melons of Samarkand: https://omny.fm/shows/postcards-from-nowhere-with-utsav-mamoria/melons-of-samarkand Vincent Van...2023-08-2408 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaPilgrimage to the Land of the Martyrs ft. Varun Oak-BhakayIf 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. Tune in, and discover this forgotten piece of Indian history. A detailed account of the skirmishes and battles at Hussainiwala on Varun's blog: https://varunbhakay.wordpress.com/2019/01/16/hussainiwala/ You can follow Varun on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com...2023-08-1026 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaHow Salt built the World's Greatest Civilizations - Part 2In 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 they were critical in the process of embalming and mummification. A close cousin of the contents of that vial was also found, and it brought to the fore the importance of this spice in Egyptian civilization. But what if I told...2023-08-0307 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaHow Salt built the World's Greatest Civilizations - Part 1Imagine 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 the remarkable story of the condiment on your dinner table, and how it built one of the greatest civilisations the world has ever seen. And if you are intrigued about Central Asia, Samosas and Hospitality, check out...2023-07-2708 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe Satyagraha for the Soul of Odia CuisineIn 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 you are intrigued about Central Asia, Samosas and Hospitality, check out the episodes on Uzbekistan Beauty of Uzbekistan and the Geometry Box: https://omny.fm/shows/postcards-from-nowhere-with-utsav-mamoria/beauty-of-uzbekistan-the-geometry-box Melons of Samarkand: https://omny.fm/shows/postcards-from-nowhere-with-utsav-mamoria...2023-07-2009 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe story of Milk from the Highlands of TibetBy 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 instiute of Geoanthropology, looking at the teeth of Tibetans buried thousands of years ago? This week, we travel to the Highlands of Tibet and uncover an alternate history of milk. We discover the lessons it holds as we...2023-07-1309 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaCycling through Asia and Europe ft. Pritam SukumarHe 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 6000-8000 kilometres from Tajikistan to Slovenia, become a certified paragliding pilot and mountaineer, and other such cool-sounding stuff. But that is not the only things we will talk about. This week, like our guest...2023-06-2928 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaHDFC Investverse | Balancing Your Work, Finances, and HobbiesDo 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 Postcards From Nowhere. In this episode, we will cover everything from equity investment to the importance of setting long-term and short-term goals, and so much more. Follow HDFC MF...2023-05-2311 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaHDFC Investverse | Balancing Your Work, Finances, and HobbiesDo you want a buy a new car? Or build the house of your dreams? But don’t know how to accomplish that 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 Postcards From Nowhere.
In this episode, we will cover everything from equity investment to the importance of setting long-term and short-term goals, and so much more.|
Follow HDFC MF on all...2023-05-1611 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaShahtoosh: The Wild Story of the World's Most Expensive and Illegal FabricA customs inspection at the Switzerland Italy Border, murders in the Tibetan highlands and a weaving workshop in Srinagar - Kashmir. What connects these disparate places? This week, in the tenth episode of Kashmir Diaries, Utsav brings to you the wild story of Shahtoosh, the most expensive fabric in the world, and completely illegal. Straddling three countries, this story has an innocent animal at the centre of it: The Tibetan Antelope, entwined in an underground nexus of producers, distributors and high end clients. Tune in, and discover what lessons the story of Shahtoosh holds for travellers like you and me. 2021-10-2110 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaSheshnag, Deadly Hikes and A Thousand Year Old TraditionIn the narrative of Kashmir, what often lies forgotten is the origin story. What could a Naga king who ruled thousands of years ago, have in common with a humble Gujjar-Bakrwal man, and what did they have to do with the origin of Kashmir? This week, in the eighth episode of Kashmir Diaries, Utsav narrates the story of a deadly hike at Sheshnag lake, which ended in a rather peculiar way. Tune in, to understand the thousand year old tradition which connected the Naga King and the Gujjar-Bakrwal man, and what lessons it holds for us as travellers today. ...2021-10-0707 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaKargil, Hundarman and the Museum of MemoriesIn the Indo-Pak War of 1971, as the two countries fought bitterly, the fate of a few people change irrevocably - Overnight, they found themselves to be citizens of a new nation. This week, in the fourth episode of The Kashmir Diaries, Utsav takes you to Kargil, which overnight became a household name thanks to the war in 1999. But in the narrative of this most recent war, lies forgotten the story of Hundarman and those few people whose lives changed in 1971. Tune in, and explore the story of the most unique museum, situated in a village abandoned for the last 30 years...2021-09-0910 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav Mamoria2 Years of PFN and A New Manifesto100 Episodes - A reason to celebrate, a reason to reflect. This week, we don’t have a postcard, but a long conversation about travel. Utsav speaks with Chuck, the host of Getting Meta, about slow travel, the evolution of Postcards from Nowhere, and what drives him to travel in the first place. This conversation is about the person, beyond the podcast. Tune in, and discover the new Manifesto of the show, and get a glimpse of what’s in store for the coming weeks. You can check previous episodes of The Kashmir Diaries on IVM Podcasts website : http...2021-09-021h 14
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe Bedouins of Jordan, Hospitality and KaramIn the arid desert landscapes of Jordan, amongst the Balga tribe of Bedouins, is the famous story of the Ibn Khaltan, a man known all over for his incredible generosity, bordering on madness. This week, in the fourth episode of Beneath the Veneer, we travel to Little Petra in Jordan, and understand the intimate aspects of Bedouin hospitality. Tune in, and discover how Utsav had a very memorable experience of this hospitality, and how the bediouns know something, much beyond religion, which could be a guiding light for all us worldwide. Check out the other episodes on...2021-07-2208 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaRed Sea, Tintin and Sunken TanksWhat could the iconic cartoon character Tintin possibly have in common with a marine biologist which kickstarted the global environmental movement. And what could both of them possibly have to do with a small nation in West Asia? This week, starting a new series, Beneath the Veneer, we travel to the Hashemite kingdom of Jordan, where Utsav takes you through his first experience of encountering the Red Sea. Tune in, and discover what secrets the ocean has in store for us. Check out the other episodes on Bombay Colaba, Mark Twain and Dr. Ambedkar: https://ivm.today/342...2021-07-0108 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaMariana Trench, Mt. Everest and Depths of TravelOn January 23, 1960, at a little after one in the afternoon, two men seated on small stainless steel boxes inside a forged steel-alloy cabin, settled gently onto a patch of ivory-coloured silt on the floor of the Mariana trench. At a depth of 35,800 feet, they had achieved every explorers dream. But what has become of the human desire for exploration, especially in pandemic times? This week, join Utsav as he travels to one of the most visited places in India: Goa, and witnesses something unique to come away with an oft ignored insight on human exploration. Tune in, and discover...2021-03-2507 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaBlood Falls, Antarctica and Moons of JupiterErling Kagge, is no ordinary man. In 1992, skiing and walking 1300 kilometres, over 52 days, he reached the South Pole. Alone. A few hundred miles away, there is a waterfall known as the Blood Falls, after the red water which constantly flows out of its parent glacier. But what do Earling and the Blood Falls, have to do with the Moons of Jupiter. In the fifth and final episode of the series, Alien Landscapes, we travel to the most inhabitable place on earth, Antarctica, to uncover the secrets of the cosmos, the earth and the sea. Tune in, and understand what...2021-02-1107 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaAtacama Desert, Mars and InsignificanceDeep into South America, lies a place which is considered barren and inhospitable. And for good reason - how can life flourish in a place which has less than 15 mm of rainfall every year. But its barrenness is its advantage, for it houses some of the most elite and far ranging scientific pursuits known to man. In the fourth episode of the series, Alien Landscapes, we travel to the Atacama desert in Chile, where both above our heads and beneath our feet, science is breaking new ground everyday and what has Mars got to do with it. Tune in...2021-02-0407 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaSvalbard and Syria: Lonely TogetherExtreme temperatures, check. The harsh desert climate, check. One place is an arctic desert in the northernmost part on our planet, the other a hot desert country plagued by a brutal, seemingly unending civil war. Svalbard is a unique lonely place - you cannot be born, die or be buried there. Less than 10% of the place has any vegetation. Outside its capital city, you are more likely to encounter a polar bear rather than a human. However, it has a unique claim to fame, one which rescued a battered and depleted Syria. In the third episode of the series...2021-01-2808 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaDanakil Depression, Ethiopia: Secrets of the CosmosWhat do the father of the nuclear age, the Italian American physicist Enrico Fermi and a young European traveller by the name of Mubarak Bin London have in common? And why would it lead you to one of the most inhospitable and inaccessible places on earth, a place which Fermi hadn't ever set foot in? In the second episode of the series, Alien Landscapes, Utsav takes you to the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia and tells you why it has become a hotbed for an emerging science which could hold the secrets of the cosmos. Tune in, and discover that...2021-01-2107 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaUnderground Caves of Naica and Deep Time58 degree celsius, 100% humidity and pitch dark. This is not Mars, but somewhere on our very own planet. While 2020 killed all our travel plans, I am sure even that would not make you go here. But there was a Spanish man who was waiting for the moment he could visit this place. A place where you would not survive for more than a couple of minutes. This week, starting a new series, Alien Landscapes, it take you deep into the Naica mines in Mexico, and bring to the fore the idea of Deep Time. Tune in, to discover what scientific...2021-01-1406 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaSuperhuman Runners The Rarámuri, MexicoIn the 1928 and 1968 Olympics, Mexico participated in the marathon and failed to get a podium finish. The runners, who came in with a great reputation and a mystic halo around them felt that the 26-mile race was too short. In fact, in 1928, they had to be stopped to tell them that the race was already over. In the last episode of People Unlike Us, Utsav takes you up close to the Raramuri people, who are known to be the ultimate ultramarathoners, running upto 200 miles (!) at a stretch of over 48 hours. Tune in, to discover the life lesson the Raramuri...2021-01-0708 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaBlack Holes and 2020: Reflections on TravelBlack Holes - Those enigmas of the universe we all have conceptually heard of but don't really understand. Taking a break from regular episodes, here comes a 2020 year-ender reflecting on a strange year gone by. This week, join Utsav as he asks us to relook at 2020 in a completely new light, much like the way we need to rethink what black holes are. Straddling the work of Albert Einstein and his failed plans of traveling to Tajikistan, tune in to discover how 2020 can help us reimagine the way we have traveled till now. Find more travel stories...2020-12-3106 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaBushmen of the Kalahari: The First PeopleIn 2016, deep into the heartland of Ethiopia, a herder by the name of Ali Bereino, chanced upon a bone in the goat pen in his backyard. It took an archeologist to determine the significance of Ali's find. In many ways, it was literally the bone the world was waiting for. In the fourth episode of the series, People Unlike Us, Utsav takes you to the vast expanse of the Kalahari desert, to peek into the lives of the San people, the closest descendants of our ancient ancestors. As we look to say goodbye to 2020, tune in to understand what...2020-12-2408 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaWhistled Languages: From Mexico to VietnamWhat if I put a bunch of children from varied countries, from Mexico to Vietnam, in a room. What if I told you that they may eventually develop a common language to communicate? Across the world, there are societies which have independently developed a whistling language: they chat, flirt and hunt through whistling! In the third episode of the series, People Unilke Us, Utsav takes you to a village in Turkey with a 'bird language', a village in Mexico with a strange reason to whistle, and to the Canary islands where whistling is still a part of everyday life...2020-12-1708 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaOkinawa, Japan: Living for a CenturyWhat does the 80's blockbuster film - The Karate Kid, a 17th century poem by an English poet have in common with the people who live for over a 100 years? And what if there are multiple communities of people, right from North America to Asia who live for a century? In the second episode of the series, People Unilke Us, Utsav takes you to Okinawa in Japan, where you are considered 'Young' at the age of 80. Tune in to find their secrets - We already may have one of them in our lives, but we may just be oblivious...2020-12-1007 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaBajau Laut: Last of the Sea NomadsIn a letter dated 14 May 1728, a Dutch East India company official writes to the Governor-General about a group of people camping out in the ocean off the coast of Indonesia. Two hundred years later, marine biologist suggests a theory of our evolution which gets dismissed by the scientific fraternity. So what do these two incidents have in common? In the first episode of a new series, People Unlike Us, Utsav takes you up close to the life of a people who have lived on the sea for over a thousand years - The Bajau Laut, more popularly known as...2020-12-0307 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaFighting Climate Change: Why we Su*k!We've all heard the story - Put a frog in boiling water and it will jump out. Put it in cold water, bring it to a boil and the frog will be toasted to death. In times where the impact and advancement of climate change are not disputable, why are we acting like frogs? Why are we so terrible at fighting climate change? Taking you from the port cities of Surat, Cochin and Malacca to our prediction for sweets, this week, in the last episode of Our Changing World: Stories of Climate Change, Utsav addresses one of the most...2020-11-2607 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaBeginning of the end: World's most beautiful MigrationFor a declining Native American tribe, it's a symbol of future abundance and health. For a whole host of scientists and conservationists, it's a horror story unfolding over the last few decades. Their annual migration is known to be one of the most beautiful in the world. But it's under significant threat. In the penultimate episode of Our Changing World: Stories of Climate Change, Utsav takes you to the world of Monarch Butterflies spanning the US, Canada and Mexico, and talks about one of the most fundamental principles of the world we all need to know to navigate it.2020-11-1907 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe Chernobyl you did not see on TVWhat does an Icelandic composer, a Belarusian author and a Nobel Laureate have in common to do with the Chernobyl disaster? And why are we talking about Chernobyl 34 years after the disaster, and over a year after the world was swept up in the frenzy of the HBO show? In the sixth episode of Our Changing World: Stories of Climate Change, Utsav takes you to the exclusion zone of Chernobyl, beyond where Dark tourists linger, to bring to the fore a story of hope and healing, of how Chernobyl is doing after all these years. Tune in, to understand...2020-11-1207 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaIndonesia to Italy: Art unravels climate change - Part 210th April 1815: On a remote Indonesian island, a volcano, Mt Tambora, erupted. It was no ordinary eruption - largest in recorded human history and the largest of the Holocene (10,000 years ago to present). It ended up having an enormous impact on the climate of the world. But it also impacted writers, artists and painters in a multitude of ways. One of which is now helping us understand how the future is going to look. In the fourth episode of Our Changing World: Stories of Climate Change, Utsav crisscrosses from Mt. Ijen in Indonesia to Athens in Greece, to uncover...2020-11-0506 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaIndonesia to Italy: Art unravels climate changeIn 1993, Dario Camuffo and Giovanni Sturaro started looking at the paintings of two 18th century landscape artists from Italy. However, Camuffo and Sturaro weren't art critics or artists themselves, they were climate scientists. And their interest was purely scientific. But what exactly was it that interested them in the paintings of Venice? In the fourth episode of Our Changing World: Stories of Climate Change, Utsav takes you to a museum in Venice, the labs of scientists and how the use of an ancient lighting technique is helping them map the trajectory of climate change, answering a very real question...2020-10-2907 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaPaneveggio, Northern Italy: Disapperaring Violins and a Silent CityIn January 2019, the city of Cremona in Italy went silent for 5 weeks, for a rather unique reason. But for that, we need to go back over 300 years, to follow the work of a man who created some of the most prized violins in human history - The Stradivarius, the most expensive one being sold for 20 Million dollars. In the third episode of Our Changing World: Stories of Climate Change, Utsav takes you to the forests of Peneveggio in Northern Italy, and how climate change is impacting classical music, and why did the town of Cremona go silent. Join him...2020-10-2207 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaKiribati, Oceania: Weightlifting, Refugees and a Vanishing CountryIn the 2016 Rio Olympics, a wrestler from Kiribati celebrated his performance. But he had not won a medal. In the same year, another man from Kiribati filed a case against the New Zealand government at the UN Human rights council. What do these two men, from the tiny island nation of Kiribati have in common? In the second episode of Our Changing World: Stories of Climate Change, Utsav takes you to Kiribati and asks a pertinent question: How does climate change impact poorer nations? Join him as he busts myths about climate change, against the backdrop of a vanishing...2020-10-1507 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaAral Sea, Karakalpakstan: Surviving the ArmageddonWhat happens when an action from 100 years ago has a profound, unimaginable impact today? How does a sea the size of Himachal Pradesh or the entirety of Croatia simply disappear? If this sounds like science fiction, this week, Utsav takes you to Karakalpakastan, an autonomous republic within Uzbekistan, which is a glimpse of the world ravaged by climate change. This kicks off a new series: Our Changing World: Stories of Climate Change, where we travel to the remote and not so remote parts of the world, understanding how climate change is impacting us in ways we have not imagined.2020-10-0807 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaWhat's in a name - Ask AfricaIn 1840, a Scottish man, David Livingstone arrived in Africa at the age of 27, and went on to become the greatest explorers of the continent, discovering the Victoria falls in current day Zimbabwe. However, his naming of the Victoria falls was only a precursor to what the continent had to see in the coming century. This week, Utsav takes you on a rapid history of names in Africa, and helps you decode the reasons why renaming places is a complicated, slippery issue. Tune in, as we sweep through Nigeria in the West, Sierra Leone in the east to Bombay and...2020-10-0106 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaNorth Sikkim - The Trip that Wasn't?How often have you waited to take a trip, and it does not happen? For the last 5 years, Utsav had been wanting to see Gurudongmar lake in North Sikkim. Just before the pandemic hit, he made his second attempt - but was he successful. This week, tune in, as Utsav documents his struggle to reach a place where the water does not freeze even at -30 degrees, and along the way stumbles upon a legend like no other. Find more travel stories on #PostcardsFromNowhere with Utsav Mamoria. You can reach out to our host Utsav...2020-09-2407 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaWhy We Travel feat. Utsav, Ayushi and RytashaAnd here we are! After sending 50 Postcards from Nowhere, this week, we take a break from our usual storytelling to have 3 adults (or are we) talk about travel. We have Ayushi and Rytasha from Agla Station Adulthood on the show! In this episode - Utsav talks about his foray into travel, the genesis of this podcast and why we travel! Tune in to recap the journey of PFN - 50 Postcards in and many more to go! Find more travel stories on #PostcardsFromNowhere with Utsav Mamoria. You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram...2020-09-1747 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe China Chilli Love AffairRecently, neuropsychologists have uncovered a link between the chili pepper and risk-taking. But what does history tell us? And how does a plant native to South America find itself as the defining element of the cultural identity of Sichuan? This week, on the last episode of China Unseen, I bring to you the fascinating story of how China fell in love with the Chilli - a story of economics, two wars and medical philosophy. Find more travel stories on #PostcardsFromNowhere with Utsav Mamoria. You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @whywetravel42...2020-09-1006 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaGastronationalism - Romancing PotatoesWhat connects the Matt Damon film - The Martian, A restauranter in Beijing and a lady who signs peans to a vegetable? Turns out, its the potato. From the most humble of vegetables, comes the story of China's sweeping ambition to change the food practices of a country which has grown addicted to meat. From Yunnan in the Southwest, to Gansu in the Northwest, across North China and into the Northeast, is the story of the potato, at the crossroads of cultural resistance and The Cultural revolution. Tune in, and discover why for contemporary China, potatoes could change the...2020-09-0307 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe Mistress DispellersThe enemy of marriage is time,” she said, smiling. By the eighth year, the honeymoon period had long given way to “the salt and vinegar of daily life.” “Even the tongue and teeth occasionally get in each other’s way,” Imagine saying this not to a marriage counselor, but to a man who goes by the title of 'Mistress Dispeller'. In the eighth episode of China Unseen, discover the unique phenomenon of women hiring people to get rid of mistresses, instead of divorcing their husbands. What might seem as a weak and unfair choice has complex layers, telling us how a nation...2020-08-2706 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaMiànzi and Girlfriend for RentImagine going home over a holiday, but dreading the whole experience. All because your parents will ask about the lack of your love life i.e. your boyfriend/girlfriend. However, the young Chinese people have come up with an ingenious way of solving the problem. In the seventh episode of China Unseen, Utsav brings to you a foundational idea of Chinese society - Miànzi, and how that drives every single social interaction in China, sometimes even between family. Tune in, to understand why we need to be kinder in our judgements towards new cultures and people, and how t...2020-08-2006 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe Revolution is a Dinner PartyChina came out of the Cultural Revolution and rose to become an economic powerhouse. A starving country in the past today is not only self-sufficient with food, but also is a major exporter. However, the prosperity has come with its challenges. In the sixth episode of China Unseen, Utsav breaks down China's relationship with food, busting many myths along the way, and takes you to a unique restaurant that is subtly changing the way young China views its past. Tune in, to understand why the revolution is now a dinner party. Find more travel stories on #PostcardsFromNowhere...2020-08-1306 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe Evil Cult China BansChina has made tremendous progress in lifting the country out of poverty, The Communist Party takes pride in enabling this and boasts of how many choices the Chinese have today. However, it parallelly bans and actively prosecutes people from a religious order, which combines meditation and slow-motion exercises, very much in line with Taoist principles. In the fifth episode of China Unseen, Utsav takes you on a journey about an upheaval the country is going through, and why it may sweep through China faster than the Party can manage. Tune in, to understand China's greatest fear. Find...2020-08-0606 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe Ant TribeIn the late ’60s and ‘70s, anticipating the devastation of a Cold War-nuclear fallout, Chairman Mao directed Chinese cities to construct apartments with bomb shelters capable of withstanding the blast of a nuclear bomb. In Beijing alone, roughly 10,000 bunkers were promptly constructed. But what has become of those bunkers today? In the fourth episode of China Unseen, Utsav takes you up close and personal into what goes on in those bunkers everyday, and what it has to do with young Chinese people. Tune in, and understand the massive problem the world is sitting on today. Find more trav...2020-07-3007 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe Ghost CitiesBetween 2011 - 13, China used up more cement to build cities than the United States used in the entire 20th century. The new cities became so prevalent that a moniker was assigned to them - Ghost cities because no one really lived there. But what happens to a ghost city many years later? In the third episode of China Unseen, Utsav takes you to a ghost city and tells you what he saw, that surprised him. This week, tune in to discover what lies beneath the veneer of a ghost city. Find more travel stories on #PostcardsFromNowhere with...2020-07-2306 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe China Marriage MarketIn People's Park in central Shanghai, every Sunday afternoon, a congregation of old people shows up religiously, week after week. These are not people enjoying their retirement, they are on a mission. A mission which gives them anxiety, sours their relationship with their kids, and often remains unfulfilled. In continuation of the series China Unseen, this week Utsav takes you to this very park, which reveals a sobering reality of modern China, and maybe even the rest of the world. Tune in, and discover what is common between India and China, and why your host was given two pairs...2020-07-1607 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe Secret Museum of ChinaAn absurd, deeply flawed notion left close to 600 million sparrows dead in China in the late 1950's. But it was only amongst the many missteps which came to define the People's Republic of China. In the new series - China Unseen, join Utsav as he draws upon his experiences of living in the country, and uncovers everyday life in the Middle Kingdom. An intimate look at contemporary China from within, and how the country came to become what it is today. This week, Utsav takes you to a secret museum right in the heart of Shanghai, which chronicles an...2020-07-0906 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaIcebergs, Relativity and RevengeAn iceberg, theoretical physics and an expressionist painting. What could these three unlikely bedfellows have in common, that too spread over two centuries? This week, join Utsav as he takes you to Havana, Buenos Aires and Paris, and brings to light how the gift of hindsight we have today is the curse of foresight from yesterday and how it teaches us a life principle which has stood the test of time. Find more travel stories on #PostcardsFromNowhere with Utsav Mamoria. You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram...2020-07-0206 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaAmalfi, Cairns and PilgrimageIn 1980, Rick Ridgeway, the first American to summit the K2, attempted to climb a high mountain in China. He failed. 19 years later, he returned with a young 20 year girl, but the purpose was changed. It was a pilgrimage of sorts. What eventually decided the fate of this pilgrimage was the same thing which saved Utsav and his partner from a potentially disastrous hike in Amalfi. This week, join Utsav as he brings to the fore a pre-historic practice, seeped in kindness, silently helping mountaineers and hikers all over the world. Find more travel stories on #PostcardsFromNowhere with...2020-06-2506 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaGalileo, The Divider and MemoryFrom the Indian mathematician Bhāskara II to the Italian inventor Da Vinci, this enigma confounded intellectuals for seven centuries. In a casual museum visit to Florence, he also understood a lesser fascinating enigma - the actual use of the divider! (yes, the one in your geometry box).This week, join Utsav as he uncovers a timeless driver of human excellence, and what an endless pursuit can teach us about how we must spend our time on this planet. Find more travel stories on #PostcardsFromNowhere with Utsav Mamoria. You can reach out to our host U...2020-06-1806 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe War that Never EndedWhat is a war doing in a travel podcast? And that too a war that has never ended? We don't really know when it began, but we know for sure it has never ended. It's so every day that we don't (or choose not to) see it. A realization that began in walk in Naples led me to coursing its history, and witnessing a global movement. This week, I take you to the war in 16th century Rome, modern day Chile and your own backyard, maybe even your own home. Trigger Warning: Please note that this episode contains references...2020-06-1106 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaNaples, Grit and HemingwayIn late 2018, archaeologists working at the Pompeii site discovered Grafitti which recalibrated the events around the explosion of Mount Vesuvis. The graffiti itself was emblematic of an intensely Italian passion - Food. This week, traveling in time, Utsav connects the dots in the city of Naples, spanning the deadly LTTE, Ernest Hemingway, Italy's most prolific food export, and another unlikely food which encapsulates the way we should see Naples. Find more travel stories on #PostcardsFromNowhere with Utsav Mamoria. You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42)2020-06-0407 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaCitrus, Science and The Sicilan MafiaOn 20th May 1747, a doctor aboard HMS Salisbury did something that changed the course of Italian history. But all he did was give lemons and oranges to the sailors. What could that have to do with the Sicilian Mafia, and what lessons do they hold for us travellers? This week, Utsav takes you through the story of Citrus spread over two centuries, and tells you why Citrus is more than just food and fragrance in Italy. You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42) You can...2020-05-2806 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaFinding our KollektivschuldIn 1946, post the defeat of Germany in World War II, the psychoanalyst Carl Jung coined a word which turned into a national emotion. Travelling through Armenia and speaking to young and old alike took me back to Turkey. Specifically, Gezi Park in Taksim Square, Istanbul. But how are Germany, Turkey and Armenia connected? This week, Utsav takes you on a journey which made him feel the very emotion which the Germans felt post World War II, and maybe one which we all need to feel today. You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @whywetravel422020-05-2105 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaWalking: An Act of ResistanceTiblisi, the capital of Georgia is one of the few places in the world where the Sunni and Shia Muslims pray together in the same mosque. Armenia is a country with the highest per capita chess grandmasters in the world. But how are these two facts connected? This week, walk with Utsav and understand why entangling ourselves in the places we go to is a great way to travel, and why walking is an act of resistance to the mass manufactured realities of travel. You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @whywetravel42 (https...2020-05-1405 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaEntire World in a RoomThere is a room on the 2nd Floor of the Palazzo Vecchio, the civic palace of Florence. The room, known as Sala delle Carte Geografiche, fits the entire world. The artifacts in this room belong to the 16th century, and yet they reveal our world today in myraid ways. This week, Utsav talks about the eccentricities of map making and mankind's love affair with maps. Join him to discover a part of your childhood, which got lost on the bumpy road to adulthood. You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @whywetravel42 (https://www...2020-05-0706 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe Last of the Good Times?Through Airbnb, Utsav ended up booking a place in a dangerous neighbourhood of northern Paris. But what we were not prepared for was our Airbnb host, who was unlike anyone we had met before. In a Covid world, it seems that we have already lived the last of our good times? Or maybe not? This week, Utsav brings to you an unlikely story of finding hope in the most dire times. If you are feeling low, we highly encourage you to listen to this. You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @whywetravel42 (https...2020-04-3006 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaSunlight - Europe vs AsiaThe iconic American stand up comic George Carlin once made a strong case of worshipping the sun, as it is indeed omnipresent! But it was only during a trip to Rome did I realise how the sun and sunlight have indelibly influenced architecture. This week, Utsav talks about how both Europe and Asia have used sunlight in fascinatingly different ways, both giving rise to beauty that leavs us in awe. You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42) You can listen to this show and other...2020-04-2306 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe Impossible DomeFor 40 years, the Duomo or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, sat fully constructed barring a dome. The Florentines had become so embarrassed by their failure to complete the dome announced a contest for the ideal dome design, with a handsome prize of 200 gold florins—and a shot at eternal fame. Leading architects of the age flocked to Florence and presented their ideas. This week, Utsav takes you to Florence and uncovers the story of the man who did the impossible, and why we all have it in ourselves to do it. You can reach ou...2020-04-1605 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaWorld's Most Visited NecropolisIn Paris, lies the Père Lachaise Cemetery, where you find the remains of a woman and two men. The Cemetery of the East, is the final resting ground of people from all walks of life in France. And yet, these three stand out. Away from crowds at the Eiffel, away from all the glitz and glamour of Paris, is the story of these three, who left an indelible impact on the world. But for the longest time, a dark secret haunted them. This week, Utsav brings to you that secret, which unfortunately is the fate of many today.2020-04-0906 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaCuisine you've never tastedKanta Prasad is 64, but his childhood memories are vivid. If he ever discovered that an animal is going to be slaughtered nearby, he would run holding a wide-mouthed container to collect the blood, the intestines and the offal, all parts that the upper castes discarded. The rakti, coagulated blood, was and still is a Dalit delicacy. This, week Utsav talks about a cuisine most of us have never even tasted. And if you were a Dalit, would you still celebrate your cuisine if it was trauma on your plate, day after day after day? Special thanks to Rajyashri Goody...2020-04-0205 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaIndia's Widow CuisineNear the end of the 18th and final of her pregnancies, Hiranmayi Ghatak, became a widow. Her body had withstood a whirlwind of miscarriages and stillbirths, which resulted in a total of eight living children by the time she was 37. For the rest of her life, much like countless women before her, she was forced to live very frugally and eat minimally. This week, Utsav brings to the fore a cuisine which is celebrated as a culinary achievement but was borne out of sheer exploitation - India's Widow Cuisines. You can reach out to our host Utsav...2020-03-2605 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaChai: Colonising the ColonisersIf there is one beverage which our country unabashedly loves, its Chai. We cannot imagine an India without Chai, and yet what you may not know is that Chai is less than 2 centuries old in India. This week, Utsav narrates the fascinating story of how chai became a part of our DNA and reflects on the absurdity of food origin debates. You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42) You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android...2020-03-1906 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe beloved Udupi jointIn 1922, fed up of his family squabbles, K Krishna Rao, left his home in Udupi, Southern Karnataka and moved to Chennai to work as an attendant at a restaurant. He eventually moved up and gave rise to a whole subculture of Indian food - Udupi restaurants. This week, Utsav talks about a success story of internal migration, but one that is laced with a discriminatory remanent of the past. You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42) You can listen to this show and other awesome...2020-03-1206 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaThe Story of Two BengalsIf you've been a fan of Bengali food like I've been, you may be surprised to know that there exists a whole other kind of Bengali food you may not have even heard of. It's a friendly food rivalry known to all Bengalis but it is a story of how our climatic conditions, geography and economic conditions shape our food. Join Utsav, as he walks you through this dichotomy of Bengali food, and gives us a simple tip on where to find the best food in any place you travel to. You can reach out to our...2020-03-0507 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaCaste, Class & GlassWhat can the cult classic Gangs of Wasseypur teach us about Indian food, and the religious and caste underpinnings of it? In this episode, Utsav revisits a scene in the film, and talks about how we need to introspect and evaluate if we are unknowingly practicing discrimination, not only abroad, but more importantly at home. You can follow Utsav on his Instagram handle: @whywetravel42 https://instagram.com/whywetravel42?igshid=1h7y2srg5qqbx You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: https://ivm.today/android...2020-02-2704 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaDark Truth About Indian FoodWe all love Indian food and swear by it. A few weeks abroad is all it takes for a desi food craving to kick in. However, there is a dark aspect about our food which we all know, but seldom talk about. We see it everyday, but have chosen to ignore it. Join Utsav as he walks you down memory lane, and pushes you to have a conversation you may have avoided altogether. You can follow Utsav on his Instagram handle: @whywetravel42 You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM...2020-02-2004 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaWorld's Most Popular SnackYou have eaten this snack, guaranteed. But in all probability, you have no idea that it is the world's more popular snack. Traversing countries, religions and centuries, this humble snack is loved all over the world. Dive in for a fascinating food story, a trip in nostalgia land and an immersive travel experience. You can follow Utsav on his Instagram handle: @whywetravel42 https://instagram.com/whywetravel42?igshid=1h7y2srg5qqbx You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: https://ivm.today/android or iOS...2020-02-1305 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaTrain Journeys and Humanity - Part 2You have eaten this snack, guaranteed. But in all probability, you have no idea that it's the world's more popular snack. Traversing countries, religions and centuries, this humble snack is loved all over the world. Dive into this episode where host Utsav will narrate a fascinating food story, a trip in nostalgia land and an immersive travel experience. You can follow Utsav on his Instagram handle: @whywetravel42 You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: https://ivm.today/android or iOS: https://ivm.today/ios, or...2020-02-0604 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaTrain Journeys and Humanity - Part 1During his time in Uzbekistan, Utsav decided to rough it out and travel in a second class compartment on a 17 hour train journey. What he wasn’t prepared for was his interaction with the locals. Not with one or two, but an entire compartment, all wanting to talk at once? Join him in this two part series, where he narrates his experiences of this slice of Uzbeki life. You can follow Utsav on his Instagram handle: @whywetravel42 https://instagram.com/whywetravel42?igshid=1h7y2srg5qqbx You can listen to this show and other aw...2020-01-3006 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaSecrets of DoorsOn a random stroll in the streets of Bukhara, Uzbekistan Utsav overheard a conversation about doors. Yes, the humble home door. What secrets could the design of a simple door hide? And what if that secret can be found in India as well? Tune in to the episode, as Utsav decode the secrets of culture hidden in the humble door. You can follow Utsav on his Instagram handle: @whywetravel42 https://instagram.com/whywetravel42?igshid=1h7y2srg5qqbx You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app...2020-01-2304 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaMelons of SamarkandWhat connects the famous traveller Ibn Battuta in the 14th century, the Mughal Emperor Babur in the 18th century, and your poor podcast host Utsav in the 21st century? A fruit! And not just any fruit, the absolute pinnacle of agricultural glory. In Episode 14, he goes deep into the experience of eating a Melon from Samarkand. You can follow Utsav on his Instagram handle: @whywetravel42 You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: https://ivm.today/android or iOS: https://ivm.today/ios, or any other podcast app. 2020-01-0905 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaBeauty Of Uzbekistan & The Geometry BoxHow often have you turned up at a place and found yourself in awe of its beauty? We often associate beauty with talent, ingenuity and brilliance. Arriving in the historic city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan, Utsav stumbled upon the surprising simplicity of beauty and the unsung hero of all human achievement. Tune in to Epsiode 13 to discover how the most stunning architecture has to do with your orange yellow 6th grade geometry box. You can follow Utsav on his Instagram handle: @whywetravel42 You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM P...2020-01-0205 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaMonk and Mental KnotsOn a long walk in the Himalayas, Utsav met with an 80 year old monk who was learning to drive a Jeep. If you are wondering why would a man, who is devoid of worldly desires, was learning to drive, tune in to the Episode 12, where we listen to the monk who gives a startlingly simple insight into how we should live our lives. You can follow Utsav on his Instagram handle: @whywetravel42 You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: https://ivm.today/android or iOS: http...2019-12-2606 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaHappiness vs. SatisfactionEveryone wants to be happy in their lives but sometimes the endless search for happiness leave us unsatisfied. This week on Postcards from Nowhere, Utsav talks about happiness vs. satisfaction, and what is common between Nobel Prize winning economist, Daniel Kahneman and Dolma Aunty, the amazing caretaker of the cottage where he spent a month alone in the Himalayas. You can follow Utsav on his Instagram handle: @whywetravel42 https://instagram.com/whywetravel42?igshid=1h7y2srg5qqbx You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on A...2019-12-1904 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaBury Your CynicismAs Utsav set out to solo travel for 3 months to Bosnia & Herzegovina, Armenia, and Georgia, he constantly questions about safety and his ability to survive in remote places. Indeed, as the world becomes more xenophobic, narrow minded and inward-looking, it may come across as a pertinent question. Tune in to episode 10, where Utsav not only puts this question but also tells you why you should never have such worries again. You can follow Utsav on his Instagram handle: @whywetravel42 You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts a...2019-12-1206 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaShifting Your GazeIn the spring of 1790, a 29-year-old Frenchman wrote the weirdest travelogue one could ever imagine. He was so pleased with his writings, that he went on to write another one in 1798, which was no less weird. He pioneered an ingenious way to travel everyday, which should have made him world-famous. Now you may not be able to quit your job and travel the world, but you could definitely follow the tips of this Frenchman. In Episode 9, Utsav talks about a simple way in which you can travel everyday! You can follow Utsav on his Instagram...2019-12-0505 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaChinese Tourists and EmpathyHow many times have you encountered large groups of Chinese tourists, who literally take over a place and kill it for others? We all feel annoyed with them, and Utsav was no different till he ended up living in Shanghai, China for 6 months. This week, he talks about the slow realisation of why the Chinese ended up like this, and what it means for us as travellers. Aided by a crash course in contemporary Chinese history, he discovers the value of empathy - the emotion in short supply. You can follow Utsav on his Instagram...2019-11-2807 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaCouchsurfing and HumanityHow do you travel and live in a city for Free? Yes, not Cheap but Free. In Shanghai, Utsav decided to try out Couchsurfing. He started out a social experiment lasting 6 months where he hosted close to 40 people, eventually became a way to reaffirm his faith in humanity. Tune in to episode 7 to find out how he crossed paths again with one of his Couchsurfers 2 years later. You can follow Utsav on his Instagram handle: @whywetravel42 You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: htt...2019-11-2104 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaArt doesn’t have to be boringHow many times have you been to an art gallery and found it utterly boring? How many times have you left a gallery in haste promising never to bore yourself with art again? This week on Postcards from Nowhere, Utsav talks about a new perspective on art and to ensure that art doesn't have to be boring. You can follow Utsav on his Instagram handle: @whywetravel42 You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: https://ivm.today/android or iOS: https://ivm.today/ios, or any othe...2019-11-0705 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaSolo Travel- Is it for you?This week on Postcards from Nowhere, Utsav talks about why it is ok not to travel solo, even though it is recommended by everyone. He investigates it from a lens of anthropology and behavioural science, and draws upon his decade long experience of travelling solo. He also talks about the closeted realities of solo travel, which most travel bloggers and influencers won't talk about. Tune in to discover an easy and practical way to figure out if solo travel is indeed for you! You can follow Utsav on his Instagram handle: @whywetravel42 You can listen t...2019-10-3107 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaCurating your TravelIn a very 'Zindagi na Milegi Dobara' style, Utsav and his friends ended up a two week trip to Turkey where they realized different ideas about traveling. This week, host Utsav talks about how we can make our trip one of the most memorable and fun experience. They also share tips and tricks to understand how you can curate your travel. You can follow Utsav on his Instagram handle: @whywetravel42 You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: https://ivm.today/android or iOS: https://ivm.toda...2019-10-2406 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaJijivishaA month alone spent in a one-room cottage in the Himalayas sounds like an ideal way to unwind and relax. This week, host Utsav Mamoria talks about his trip to Hampta where he stayed with the 70-year-old cottage caretaker Dolma Aunty and her dog Rambo which gave him a guiding philosophy of life, an idea which we could all embody. You can follow Utsav on his instagram handle: @whywetravel42 You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: https://ivm.today/android or iOS: https://ivm...2019-10-1706 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaWhat is Slow Travel"In the most reviled parts of Bombay, living in the butt of a joke - Sakinaka, I decided to take a walk from my home to the Sakinaka junction. Only to discover that it is called Dr. Datta Samant Chowk." - Utsav Mamoria In June 2018, Utsav Mamoria took a 3-month sabbatical from his full-time job to slow travel the less explored parts of the world. Soon he realized he has something in common with a two time Pulitzer prize-winning journalist who is on the longest journey of his lifetime? Tune in to episode 1 to understand...2019-10-1006 min
Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav MamoriaIntroduction to Postcards From NowherePostcards from Nowhere is a travel podcast that takes you on journeys exploring culture, history, food and people in the form of stories. With over a decade of travel stories in his kitty, Utsav Mamoria narrates the stories of the strange, obscure and fascinating things about the world, often interspersed with practical tips and deep realizations, which would shape the way you travel. Tune in to the new episode every Thursday. You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: https://ivm.today/android or iOS: https://ivm.today/ios...2019-10-0401 min