Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav Mamoria

IVM Podcasts

Postcards 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.

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

Why does Japan have no street names?
Jan 18 2024
Why does Japan have no street names?
What if for a moment, I transported you into the heart of Tokyo, and you discover that the city has no street names? And not just Tokyo, all of Japan is like that. And what does that have to do with the 1987 U2 song 'Where Streets Have No Names', written in a completely different context in Ireland? This week, we travel to Japan and ask a simple question - What if we pay attention to the notion of addresses and street names? What if we stop and ask, why are our addresses and street names the way they are? Tune in, and understand why Japan has no street names, and how it links to the languages we speak and write. Till then Check out the other episodes, The strange Polish notion of Holocaust Envy - https://bit.ly/48zECZr The Oak Tree that chronicled Poland's Modern History - https://bit.ly/4b1PlO8 The suprising evolution of Polish food - https://bit.ly/48RUGWe The complicated legacy of Schindler's List - https://bit.ly/3vF9NEi The untold story of Holocaust heroism: 'Under the Eagle' Pharmacy - https://bit.ly/3vEtzzL Two Billion Euros and the Polish Temple of Memory - https://bit.ly/3HjkrmN  You can check previous episodes of 'Podcasts from Nowhere' on https://bit.ly/4b3wOB8  You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @‌whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42  ) Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.  Do share the word with your folks!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Unkindness of History: Lenin in a Theme Park
Nov 30 2023
The Unkindness of History: Lenin in a Theme Park
In 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.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 Gogh and Uzbekistan: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I03d1slNCXMla8VC Secrets of Doors: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=InTTDLzqdrZWSvf5 Train Journeys and Humanity: Part 1: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I2xUGZmKqpNnFmKl Train Journeys and Humanity: Part 2: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I2fOFK5K0YFNLT3F World's most popular snack: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=ImYiIkxnf8vNTFNn For reflections on walking, check out Walking: An Act of Resistance: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=IlhRj0aYOdW8A8Pu You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @‌whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42  ) Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.  Do share the word with your folks!     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two Billion Euros and the Polish Temple of Memory
Nov 16 2023
Two Billion Euros and the Polish Temple of Memory
Embark 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 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 Gogh and Uzbekistan: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I03d1slNCXMla8VC Secrets of Doors: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=InTTDLzqdrZWSvf5 Train Journeys and Humanity: Part 1: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I2xUGZmKqpNnFmKl Train Journeys and Humanity: Part 2: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I2fOFK5K0YFNLT3F World's most popular snack: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=ImYiIkxnf8vNTFNn For reflections on walking, check out Walking: An Act of Resistance: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=IlhRj0aYOdW8A8Pu You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @‌whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42  ) Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.  Do share the word with your folks!     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The untold story of Holocaust heroism: 'Under the Eagle' Pharmacy
Nov 9 2023
The untold story of Holocaust heroism: 'Under the Eagle' Pharmacy
Journey 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 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 Gogh and Uzbekistan: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I03d1slNCXMla8VC Secrets of Doors: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=InTTDLzqdrZWSvf5 Train Journeys and Humanity: Part 1: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I2xUGZmKqpNnFmKl Train Journeys and Humanity: Part 2: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I2fOFK5K0YFNLT3F World's most popular snack: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=ImYiIkxnf8vNTFNn For reflections on walking, check out Walking: An Act of Resistance: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=IlhRj0aYOdW8A8Pu You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @‌whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42  ) Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.  Do share the word with your folks!     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The complicated legacy of Schindler's List
Nov 2 2023
The complicated legacy of Schindler's List
This 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 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 Gogh and Uzbekistan: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I03d1slNCXMla8VC Secrets of Doors: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=InTTDLzqdrZWSvf5 Train Journeys and Humanity: Part 1: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I2xUGZmKqpNnFmKl Train Journeys and Humanity: Part 2: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I2fOFK5K0YFNLT3F World's most popular snack: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=ImYiIkxnf8vNTFNn For reflections on walking, check out Walking: An Act of Resistance: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=IlhRj0aYOdW8A8Pu You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @‌whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42  ) Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.  Do share the word with your folks!     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The surprising evolution of Polish food
Oct 26 2023
The surprising evolution of Polish food
1981, 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 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 Gogh and Uzbekistan: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I03d1slNCXMla8VC Secrets of Doors: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=InTTDLzqdrZWSvf5 Train Journeys and Humanity: Part 1: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I2xUGZmKqpNnFmKl Train Journeys and Humanity: Part 2: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I2fOFK5K0YFNLT3F World's most popular snack: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=ImYiIkxnf8vNTFNn For reflections on walking, check out Walking: An Act of Resistance: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=IlhRj0aYOdW8A8Pu You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @‌whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42  ) Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.  Do share the word with your folks!     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Oak Tree that chronicled Poland's Modern History
Oct 19 2023
The Oak Tree that chronicled Poland's Modern History
Prepare 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 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 Gogh and Uzbekistan: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I03d1slNCXMla8VC Secrets of Doors: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=InTTDLzqdrZWSvf5 Train Journeys and Humanity: Part 1: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I2xUGZmKqpNnFmKl Train Journeys and Humanity: Part 2: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I2fOFK5K0YFNLT3F World's most popular snack: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=ImYiIkxnf8vNTFNn For reflections on walking, check out Walking: An Act of Resistance: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=IlhRj0aYOdW8A8Pu You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @‌whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42  ) Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.  Do share the word with your folks!     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Strange Polish notion of Holocaust Envy
Oct 12 2023
The Strange Polish notion of Holocaust Envy
Explore 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.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 Gogh and Uzbekistan: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I03d1slNCXMla8VC Secrets of Doors: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=InTTDLzqdrZWSvf5 Train Journeys and Humanity: Part 1: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I2xUGZmKqpNnFmKl Train Journeys and Humanity: Part 2: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I2fOFK5K0YFNLT3F World's most popular snack: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=ImYiIkxnf8vNTFNn For reflections on walking, check out Walking: An Act of Resistance: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=IlhRj0aYOdW8A8Pu You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @‌whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42  ) Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.  Do share the word with your folks!     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Love European Cities? You are walking on Poop
Oct 5 2023
Love European Cities? You are walking on Poop
Discover 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 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 Gogh and Uzbekistan: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I03d1slNCXMla8VC Secrets of Doors: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=InTTDLzqdrZWSvf5 Train Journeys and Humanity: Part 1: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I2xUGZmKqpNnFmKl Train Journeys and Humanity: Part 2: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I2fOFK5K0YFNLT3F World's most popular snack: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=ImYiIkxnf8vNTFNn For reflections on walking, check out Walking: An Act of Resistance: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=IlhRj0aYOdW8A8Pu You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @‌whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42  ) Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.  Do share the word with your folks!     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Complicated Legacy of Tintin
Sep 28 2023
The Complicated Legacy of Tintin
What 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 culture, while dealing with its problematic creators and their ideologies. Tune in to think about Tintin in a new light. 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 Gogh and Uzbekistan: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I03d1slNCXMla8VC Secrets of Doors: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=InTTDLzqdrZWSvf5 Train Journeys and Humanity: Part 1: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I2xUGZmKqpNnFmKl Train Journeys and Humanity: Part 2: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I2fOFK5K0YFNLT3F World's most popular snack: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=ImYiIkxnf8vNTFNn For reflections on walking, check out Walking: An Act of Resistance: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=IlhRj0aYOdW8A8Pu You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @‌whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42  ) Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.  Do share the word with your folks!     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Neuroscience of Trying New Cuisines
Sep 14 2023
The Neuroscience of Trying New Cuisines
Imagine 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, and discover why and how we must fight this evolutionary impulse, to make the most of our travels 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 Gogh and Uzbekistan: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I03d1slNCXMla8VC Secrets of Doors: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=InTTDLzqdrZWSvf5 Train Journeys and Humanity: Part 1: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I2xUGZmKqpNnFmKl Train Journeys and Humanity: Part 2: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=I2fOFK5K0YFNLT3F World's most popular snack: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=ImYiIkxnf8vNTFNn For reflections on walking, check out Walking: An Act of Resistance: https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/show/e?eid=IlhRj0aYOdW8A8Pu You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @‌whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42  ) Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.  Do share the word with your folks!     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.