
The ਸੋਚ (Sōch) Podcast
Ramblings of a Sikh is a history and culture podcast that explores the forces shaping who we are, from forgotten empires and untold revolutions to pop culture, identity, and diaspora. Hosted by Amar Singh, also known as Ramblings of a Sikh, each episode features in-depth conversations with historians, authors, artists, and activists on topics ranging from Partition and protest to music, migration, and memory. Rooted in research and driven by curiosity, it’s a space for honest, critical storytelling that connects the past to the present.
Latest episodes

Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 11min
The Dark Secrets of Museum Exhibits: Theft, Forgery, and Repatriation
🎙️ How Much Museum Art Was Legally Acquired? 🤔Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Prof. Erin Thompson — the world’s first professor of Art Crime at John Jay College (CUNY).We explore:– How museums acquire and label stolen artifacts– The secret world of forgery, smuggling & sacred object theft– Museum cover-ups and colonial legacies– The ethics of repatriation and controversial monuments💬 Prof. Thompson (@artcrimeprof) is a leading voice in museum ethics and cultural heritage protection. She’s worked on major repatriation cases and helped expose how looted objects make their way into museum collections.📚 Her book Smashing Statues: The Rise and Fall of America’s Public Monuments dives into the politics of monuments and the fight over their removal.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into history, art, and heritage theft.

May 15, 2025 • 1h 35min
Not Brown Enough. Not White Enough. Jassa Ahluwalia on Growing Up Mixed
In this powerful episode, we sit down with actor, writer, and advocate Jassa Ahluwalia to dive deep into the experiences that shaped his new book, Both, Not Half. From growing up mixed-race in Leicester to challenging the entertainment industry’s narrow perceptions, Jassa shares how he turned cultural complexity into a strength. 🌍✨

Mar 29, 2025 • 46min
Before the Windrush | John Belcham
🔍 Exploring Liverpool’s Complex Racial HistoryDive into the heart of Liverpool’s historical and contemporary race relations with our in-depth discussion featuring Emeritus Professor John Belchem from the University of Liverpool.📖 Drawing from his extensive research and his book Before the Windrush, Professor Belchem uncovers the racial dynamics of early 20th-century Liverpool, offering a compelling analysis of the city’s cosmopolitan past and evolving challenges of racism.🌍 What You’ll Learn:✔️ The role of Liverpool in the transatlantic slave trade✔️ The formation of one of the UK’s oldest Black communities✔️ How historical legacies shape modern race relations✔️ Liverpool’s ambivalent embrace of diversity over timeFrom colonial influences to present-day multiculturalism, this video sheds light on the untold stories and critical moments that continue to shape the city’s identity.🎥 Join us on this thought-provoking journey through Liverpool’s past to better understand its impact on race relations today.

Feb 15, 2025 • 33min
The Training of the Indian Army in WWII | Alan Jefferys
🎙️ A Deep Dive into the Indian Army’s WWII Training with Dr. Alan JeffreysIn this enlightening discussion, we sit down with Dr. Alan Jeffreys, Head of Collections at the Imperial War Museum and author of Approach to Battle: Training the Indian Army During the Second World War, to explore the crucial yet often overlooked aspect of training the Indian Army during World War II.Dr. Jeffreys delves into the methods, training manuals, and doctrines that shaped the Indian Army, highlighting its significant role in global warfare, particularly in Southeast Asia.With nearly 30 years of expertise studying the Indian Army, he sheds light on its pivotal contributions in campaigns like Malaya and Burma, often underrepresented in historical narratives. This conversation uncovers how training evolved and the lasting impact it had during and after WWII.🔍 If you’re passionate about WWII history, military strategies, or the Indian Army’s role in the global conflict, this video offers a unique perspective!

Jan 4, 2025 • 1h 28min
What G.S. Nawepindiya's Music Career Can Teach You About Sikh History?
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Join us for an exclusive interview with G.S. Nawepindiya, where he shares insights into his vibrant Punjabi music career and the rich heritage of Sikh culture.
In this conversation, he reveals the creative process behind his latest album and offers his thoughts on the evolution of Punjabi music. With captivating discussions about Sikh history, his personal experiences, and the cultural influence of his music, this video is a must-watch for Punjabi music lovers, history enthusiasts, and fans of G.S. Nawepindiya.

Dec 21, 2024 • 1h 16min
What Secrets Lie Hidden Inside the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Exhibition?
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Discover the legendary life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the iconic Sikh warrior and king, in this insightful video featuring co-curator Davinder Singh Toor.
🎥 Take a journey through the exclusive exhibition at the Wallace Collection, highlighting:
The life and legacy of the Lion of Punjab
Opulent treasures of the Sikh Empire
Stories of valour and leadership
Dive into the rich history of the Sikh Empire, exploring its epic battles, strategic military brilliance, and the intricate craftsmanship of its artifacts. This exhibition celebrates Ranjit Singh’s enduring contributions to Sikh heritage and leadership.

Dec 7, 2024 • 1h 10min
Magic Singh: Secrets, Challenges, and Mind-Blowing Tricks
★ Join the Ramblings of a Sikh YouTube Channel ★ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy this podcast a coffee ★Dive into the mesmerizing world of @magicsingh, the magician who has taken the globe by storm with his captivating blend of traditional and modern magic.In this exclusive interview, we peel back the layers of intrigue surrounding Magic Singh's most iconic tricks, uncover the challenges he faces in the limelight, and reveal the unforgettable moments that have defined his illustrious career.With over 2 million followers on TikTok and a global fanbase, Magic Singh's journey from a magic-obsessed child to a world-renowned illusionist is nothing short of spellbinding. Watch as he shares his inspirations, the evolution of his craft, and performs two mind-blowing tricks that will leave you in awe.Don't miss the chance to get up close and personal with the man behind the magic – Magic Singh.Subscribe and hit the bell icon to catch the latest magic revelations and performances that continue to enchant audiences worldwide.

Nov 23, 2024 • 1h 10min
Sri Sarbloh Granth with Jvala Singh
In a captivating discussion, Jvala Singh, a UC Berkeley lecturer and expert on the Sri Sarbloh Granth, reveals the text's rich origins and profound significance. He delves into the debates over its authorship, exploring connections to Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The conversation highlights the Granth's impact on Sikh practices, the themes of good versus evil, and the importance of its manuscripts. Jvala also examines the intricate relationship between the divine feminine and masculine in Sikh philosophy, enriching our understanding of this revered scripture.

Nov 2, 2024 • 39min
The Kaurs of 1984 with Sanam Sutirath Wazir
★ Join the Ramblings of a Sikh YouTube Channel ★ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy this podcast a coffee ★Explore the Untold Stories of Sikh Women Who Survived the 1984 GenocideIn this exclusive interview with Sanam Sutirath Wazir, we delve into the harrowing experiences of Sikh women during the 1984 Sikh genocide in India. This insightful conversation explores the devastating impact of Operation Bluestar and the anti-Sikh violence, revealing the trauma and resilience of women who lived through it.Hear firsthand accounts that highlight the often overlooked voices of Sikh women and the generational effects of this conflict on families. This powerful video uncovers the erasure of women’s stories in history and their strength in the face of unimaginable hardship.A must-watch for those interested in Sikh history, the 1984 genocide, women's survival stories, and human rights violations.

Oct 19, 2024 • 1h 24min
The Truth About 3HO Boarding Schools | Deslippe & Stukin
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In this episode, we are joined by Stacy Stukin, a Los Angeles-based journalist, and Philip Deslippe, a PhD candidate in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. They discuss their comprehensive investigative work on the abuse within the 3HO organization and its associated boarding schools. The conversation addresses various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, offering a deep dive into the troubling practices within 3HO’s boarding schools. Stukin and Deslippe share insights from their years of research, highlighting the rigorous process of evidence collection and analysis. This episode sheds light on the dark aspects of 3HO, providing listeners with a critical understanding of the organization’s history and the impact on its members.