The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma cover image

The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma

Latest episodes

undefined
Sep 9, 2024 • 4h 22min

Ep 398: Eve Fairbanks Examines a Fractured Society

Eve Fairbanks, a journalist with extensive experience in South Africa, shares her insights on societal complexities. She reflects on the balance between narrative simplicity and real-world intricacies, discussing her journey researching the nation's dynamics. Eve explores themes of political tribalism, identity, and the challenges of navigating personal connections in a fragmented society. She also delves into the evolving landscape of freedom and expression, offering personal stories that illuminate the intricate interplay of race and identity in post-apartheid South Africa.
undefined
Sep 2, 2024 • 4h 5min

Ep 397: Larry White and the First Principles of Money

Larry White, an expert in free banking and monetary theory, joins the discussion to challenge conventional views on money and banking. He examines the evolution of financial systems and their relationship with personal freedom. White highlights the role of cryptocurrencies as potential disruptors in state-controlled monetary environments. Delving into ethical dimensions, he critiques traditional economic theories and advocates for a rights-based approach. The conversation also touches on the history of banking practices and the nuances of moral hazards in today's financial landscape.
undefined
7 snips
Aug 26, 2024 • 5h 21min

Ep 396: Mohammed Zubair and Pratik Sinha Are Fighting for Us

Mohammed Zubair and Pratik Sinha, dedicated fighters against misinformation, share their journey of activism and the personal costs they've faced. They discuss the evolution of misinformation in the digital age and the complexities of navigating truth amidst social media's challenges. The duo reflects on their organization, the impact of cultural narratives, and the necessity of community support in combating biases and hate speech. They emphasize hope, resilience, and the role of education in fostering critical awareness.
undefined
14 snips
Aug 19, 2024 • 4h 15min

Ep 395: Tanvi Madan Is the Kid Who Asked Why

Tanvi Madan, a renowned foreign policy expert and inquisitive mind, shares her insights on a range of topics. She discusses the evolution of media consumption and the importance of quality analysis in today's info landscape. Madan reflects on her transformative upbringing in Delhi, exploring how her academic journey shaped her curiosity. The conversation also delves into U.S.-India relations, the complexities of foreign policy, and the impact of think tanks on decision-making. Her experiences as an international woman in academia add a personal touch to the insightful discussion.
undefined
Aug 12, 2024 • 2h 54min

Ep 394: Arnold Kling and the Four Languages of Politics

Arnold Kling, a renowned author and thinker on political discourse, dives deep into the polarization of contemporary politics. He discusses his concept of 'slow political thinking,' advocating for thoughtful dialogue over quick judgments. Kling highlights the significance of understanding diverse political ideologies and emphasizes how our identities shape political beliefs. The conversation also touches on the challenges posed by social media and the impact of historical contexts on governance, ultimately urging a more nuanced approach to political discussions.
undefined
35 snips
Aug 5, 2024 • 4h 22min

Ep 393: Amrita Agarwal Wants to Solve Healthcare

Amrita Agarwal, a former high-flying consultant turned healthcare advocate, dives deep into the complexities of India's healthcare system. She discusses the power of first-principles thinking and how personal experiences shaped her journey. The conversation touches on the role of philanthropy, navigating market failures, and the importance of community engagement. Amrita also shares skincare tips and reveals the impact of literature on her life, reflecting on how narratives can challenge societal norms. Get ready to rethink healthcare and wellness!
undefined
83 snips
Jul 29, 2024 • 3h 54min

Ep 392: Biju Rao Won't Bow to Conventional Wisdom

Vijayendra (Biju) Rao, an innovative economist, emphasizes the necessity of integrating sociology and anthropology into economic analysis. He passionately critiques conventional methodologies, advocating for a more human-centered approach to understanding societal challenges. The conversation touches on the importance of cognitive empathy in research, the interplay of democracy and community participation, and rethinking the notions of well-being and welfare. Biju also shares personal anecdotes that shape his unique perspective on economics and the role of mentorship in academic journeys.
undefined
8 snips
Jul 22, 2024 • 4h 21min

Ep 391: Shephali Bhatt Is Searching for the Incredible

Shephali Bhatt delves into topics such as the influence of algorithms on digital experiences, the challenges of digital addiction, the influence of ancient texts on perspective, career evolution in storytelling, and the impact of the creator economy on society.
undefined
4 snips
Jul 15, 2024 • 4h 30min

Ep 390: Sanjiv Sharma Sails Through 45 Years of Indian Entertainment

Sanjiv Sharma, a veteran in Indian entertainment, shares his journey from advertising to pioneering ad filmmaking and television production. Topics include embracing life's journey, family relationships, creativity in filmmaking, adapting international formats for Indian television, and reflections on fame in the industry.
undefined
16 snips
Jul 7, 2024 • 3h 50min

Ep 389: Bhargavi Zaveri-Shah Will Not Wear a Blue Tie to Work

Bhargavi Zaveri-Shah discusses navigating the regulatory state at the intersection of law & economics. Topics include gender dynamics in workplaces, governance and regulation comparisons, central bank independence, challenges in regulatory agencies, childhood in Bombay, interdisciplinary law and economics, bureaucratic process in India, court reforms, and academia-policy expertise.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode