Shows
Decode ThisFrom Indore’s Lanes to GlobalZakir Khan, born in Indore in 1987 into a family of classical musicians, carved his own path from sitar lessons and small-town struggles to becoming one of the biggest storytellers in global comedy. He first gained recognition by winning Comedy Central’s India’s Best Stand-Up in 2012 and popularizing the “Sakht Launda” persona, which resonated with young audiences.Unlike punchline-driven comics, Zakir built his career on narrative-driven, heartfelt storytelling infused with humor, Urdu poetry, and music. His specials — Haq Se Single (2017), Kaksha Gyarvi (2018), and Tathastu (2022) — became cultural touchstones, while his web series Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare and projects...
2025-08-2041 min
Decode ThisIndia-US Tariff War: A Geopolitical RealignmentIn early August 2025, the U.S.–India trade relationship hit its most severe rupture in decades after President Trump imposed a blanket 25% tariff on all Indian imports, explicitly linking the move to India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil. Trump has threatened to raise duties further and hinted at secondary sanctions, framing India’s energy trade as aiding Moscow in Ukraine. New Delhi has rejected the criticism outright, calling the tariffs “unjustified” and refusing to curtail its Russia ties, arguing that cheap oil is essential for energy security. Instead of retaliating with tariffs, India is cushioning exporters...
2025-08-0656 min
Decode ThisInvisible Scars, Inaccessible CareIn this episode, we dive into the growing crisis of youth mental health — and why millions of young people still can’t access the care they need. From the lasting psychological impact of the pandemic to the invisible weight of digital burnout, we explore how today’s social, economic, and geographic barriers are locking vulnerable adolescents out of support systems. With data from India and across the globe, this conversation unpacks the stark urban-rural divide, systemic underfunding, cultural stigma, and the promise (and limits) of digital mental health tools. It’s not just about awareness anymore — it’s about access.
2025-07-3028 min
Decode ThisSamay Raina: The Unfiltered Journey of an Unconventional ComedianSamay Raina rose from an engineering student to a national comedy figure after winning Comicstaan 2. His career exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic when he pivoted to YouTube, creating a cultural phenomenon by streaming chess with a unique blend of humor and chaos that attracted millions of followers and top-tier collaborators. This success led to his popular but controversial show, India's Got Latent, which was defined by its "unhinged," roast-heavy, and dark comedic style. In 2025, the show became the center of a major scandal following a series of of...
2025-07-1921 min
Decode ThisHow technology is controlling your curiosity?Short Summary:Technology has radically transformed how we explore and satisfy our curiosity. On one hand, tools like AI, VR, and instant access to information have expanded the boundaries of what we can question, simulate, and discover. On the other, constant notifications, information overload, and algorithmic shortcuts risk replacing deep inquiry with passive consumption. From virtual classrooms to space exploration robots, technology acts as both a spark and a filter—amplifying curiosity when used intentionally, but dulling it when we rely on it mindlessly. The key lies in designing tech that nudges us to wonder mo...
2025-07-1654 min
Decode ThisHow Two Killers Rewired Pop CultureIn this episode of Murder, Myth & Modern Mysteries, we unravel how two of history’s most notorious unsolved cases—Jack the Ripper and the Zodiac Killer—laid the groundwork for our modern obsession with true crime.We explore how these faceless killers weren’t just murderers—they were mythmakers. From the birth of sensationalist journalism in Victorian London to the cryptic ciphers and coded taunts of 1960s California, the Ripper and the Zodiac shaped the way we talk about crime, fear, and justice. Their stories became media events, cultural artifacts, and community puzzles—echoing in today’s Redd...
2025-07-0728 min
Decode ThisWhy does a MEME go viral?!!In this wildly entertaining pilot of Meme Therapy & Trend React, we unpack the internet’s most iconic—and most ridiculous—moments of 2025. From the possessed Labubu doll frenzy and Zendaya’s Met Gala “Hat Theory” to WWIII memes that helped Gen Z cope with global anxiety, we break down what made these moments viral, weird, and unforgettable.But not every meme stuck. We also dig into the meme flops of the year—like the “meme drought” panic that didn’t land and flop compilations that flopped even harder.Along the way, we explore how memes double as...
2025-07-0232 min
Decode ThisThe Clock’s Still Ticking… But Is the Hustle Still Alive?!!Is the era of 24/7 hustle finally over? In this episode of Decode This, we unpack the rise and fall of hustle culture—from its glorification in the “rise and grind” days to the growing movement toward balance, wellness, and the so-called “soft life.”We explore:What hustle culture really meant and why it thrivedHow the pandemic triggered a cultural resetThe quiet quitting wave and the shift to mindful productivityWhether this new lifestyle is freedom—or just laziness in disguiseJoin us as we decode th...
2025-06-2530 min
Decode ThisIs it you...who's thinking?!!In this episode, we explore why deep thinking has become a rare commodity in today’s world and the high cost of ignoring it. From the rise of convenience-driven technology and social media to an education system that prioritizes memorization over critical analysis, society seems to be opting for shortcuts over meaningful thought. We delve into the psychological impact of groupthink and the echo chambers that silence diverse opinions. The result? Shallow thinking that stifles innovation, poor decision-making, and a loss of individuality. But there’s hope—by practicing critical thinking, questioning the norm, and taking time to ref...
2025-06-1827 min