Editor's Note:
Ameya Nagarajan is a self-described “cook and cat lady who can be usually found reading”—a passion that served her well when she was a commissioning editor for Penguin India. She was previously in charge of Indian Express’ podcast division, and now co-hosts a brilliant podcast called ‘Fat. So?’ (Photo: Suraaj Ajithakumar)
Over to Ameya...
I came to podcasts mainly because I was in business school, and I had no spare time that didn't go in homework, socializing or chores. This meant I had no time to read, but I really missed reading. Enter podcasts, which I could listen to while I was sweeping behind the bookshelf or scrubbing the bathtub. I started with the old faithfuls, Freakonomics, This American Life, Radiolab. But then I discovered the wonderful world of non-American podcasts, and I have never looked back.
No Such Thing As a Fish: This is my favorite podcast of all time, ever. This is four researchers (the QI Elves) getting together with a fact they have each learned the preceding week, and then talking about them. Prepare for extremely British humour, lots of puns, a whole host of completely bizarre and hilarious trivia.
The Infinite Monkey Cage: is another podcast I love since I'm a total nerd. A comedian and a theoretical physicist host panels that talk about science. Funny and informative, the episodes are rarely more than 30 minutes long, which works well for me and my non-commuting life.
That Classical Podcast: is an outlier in my listening. Two young people who love classical music explain a couple of composers each week and introduce some of their music. I always thought classical music was too complicated to understand, but this show helped me understand why so many love it. Also: It's oddly addictive.
Parting note: With Indian podcasting bursting to life, there are two podcasts I love. Uncle, Please Sit is a chill conversation between two bros about some of the ridiculous things we think and do in Indian society, and Women in Labour with Aditi Mittal and Christina MacGillivray is a really good exploration of women and working in India. And, of course, Pallavi's and my podcast, Fat. So?
Note: This is NOT sponsored content. We use this section to spotlight the recommendations of people we trust and admire.
