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The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma

Amit Varma
India
Public Policy
Economics
Social Media
Journalism
Education
Cultural Identity
China
Advertising
Economic Growth
Creativity
India-Pakistan Relations
South Africa
Misinformation
Terrorism
Delhi
Kashmir
Post-Apartheid Society
Bangalore
Political Landscape

The Seen and the Unseen, hosted by Amit Varma, features longform conversations that aim to give deep insights into the subjects being discussed. Timeless and bingeworthy.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes446Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsSociety & CulturePolitics

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Artwork for The Seen and the Unseen

Latest Episodes

We keep using the terms 'regulation' and 'deregulation' -- and now it's time for a primer. Shruti Rajagopalan joins Amit Varma in episode 442 of The Seen and the Unseen go discuss first principles AND get into the weeds. What is regulation? When do w... more

YouTube

He's one of India's great artists, and a Renaissance man you cannot put inside a box. Ravikumar Kashi joins Amit Varma in episode 441 of The Seen and the Unseen to talk about life and art. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.) Also check... more

YouTube

We are shaped by the people we let into our lives -- and sometimes only realise this in hindsight. Ramachandra Guha joins Amit Varma in episode 440 of The Seen and the Unseen to talk about some of the friends who changed his life. (FOR FULL LINKED SH... more

YouTube

She is a thinker and doer who takes on difficult problems, whether it's maternal care in India or a dangerous ideological cult. Janhavi Nilekani joins Amit Varma in episode 439 of The Seen and the Unseen to chat about her work in healthcare -- and he... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Shruti Rajagopalan
Policy economist and professor; guest in this masterclass on regulation
Episode: Ep 442: A Masterclass on Regulation (and Deregulation)
Ravikumar Kashi
Indian artist and educator, based in Bangalore
Independent artist
Episode: Ep 441: Ravikumar Kashi Is in Play Mode
Ram Guha
Historian and author, long-time guest on the show
Historian and author
Episode: Ep 440: Ram and Friends
Janhavi Nilekani
Founder of Aastrika Foundation and Aastrika Midwifery Centre
Aastrika Foundation / Aastrika Midwifery Centre
Episode: Ep 439: Janhavi Nilekani Threw the Other Shoe
Gautam John
CEO of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and former entrepreneur.
Episode: Ep 437: Gautam John is Figuring it Out
Rukmini S
Data journalist and founder of Data For India
Data For India
Episode: Ep 436: Rukmini and the Numbers
Manoj Kewalramani
China expert in India, launched a podcast exploring the intersection of International Relations and policy.
Takshashila Institution
Episode: Ep 435: A Primer on China
Vasant Dhar
Professor at NYU Stern School of Business and Center for Data Science, expert in AI and author
NYU
Episode: Ep 432: Vasant Dhar's Lifetime in Artificial Intelligence
Ghazala Wahab
Author and editor, expert in defense and journalist
Force magazine
Episode: Ep 431: Ghazala Wahab and the Hindi Heartland

Host

Amit Varma
Host of insightful long-form conversations focusing on societal and cultural issues with thought-provoking guests.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 2.9k ratings
  • Tired of the liberarianism

    I used to listen to this show quite regularly and enjoyed the long chats with thinkers, artists and writers. But I have gotten tired of libertarianism being injected into everything. May I point out that Amit’s enlightened childhood with access to arts, ideas, films etc via his father is the product of a “big government” that funded public arts. Surely the govt should get out of markets but a lot more Indians could use access to public libraries, public parks and publicly funded arts. It just se... more

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Totto1234!
    United States4 months ago
  • WOW

    wow, what do I say, where do I start? I am a fan of Gurucharan Das’ s writings. Enjoyed the podcast. Did it in just two phases.

    Amazing, learning so much through these podcasts.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    navikusam
    India7 months ago
  • Conversations I wish I could have, being had here

    Amit. You’re beautiful. The honesty with which you’ve been pursuing this is really appreciated. I absolutely love the work you’re putting out into the world, and I’m so glad there’s a lot of people supporting this work and making it worth your while to pursue it full time! Beautiful show!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Hrishi Somani
    India8 months ago
  • The best podcast for your brain

    Such an amazing find :)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AjithNeelakantan0501
    Sweden10 months ago
  • Undoubtedly one of the best podcasts out there. I wouldn't waste time comparing this to other podcasts, but what Amit does well in this podcast is to teach you how to be a good attentive speaker and the art of letting the other person open up. The guests are some of the most interesting personalities I've listened to. Started questioning my social life while listening to these as the quality of conversations I listen here is much better.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    akfeeil
    a year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some feedback mentions occasional disagreements with the host's perspectives, reflecting a diverse spectrum of opinions within the listener community.
Many praise the long-format conversations that allow for in-depth exploration of topics, which sets the podcast apart from others.
Reviews indicate that the host, Amit Varma, is skilled at facilitating engaging dialogues that resonate with the audience's interests.
Listeners appreciate the depth and breadth of discussions, often highlighting the intellectually stimulating nature of episodes.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#232
United Kingdom/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#226
France/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#235
Australia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#53
India/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#3
India/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#11
India/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ep 441: Ravikumar Kashi Is in Play Mode
Q: What is your view on success and the market pressure around art?
He reflects that not seeking wild commercial success has afforded him freedom to explore diverse directions. He acknowledges occasional financial needs but argues that chasing market trends can constrain artistic exploration. He also notes the shifting gatekeeping landscape and the importance of staying true to one's own trajectory while remaining open to external influences.
Ep 441: Ravikumar Kashi Is in Play Mode
Q: How do you balance personal narrative with audience interpretation?
Kashi discusses the calibration of language and visuals to invite multiple readings, the use of incomplete signals, and the idea that context can both reveal and constrain meaning. He emphasizes that while art can be deeply personal, it should also invite viewers to bring their own experiences to the work.
Ep 441: Ravikumar Kashi Is in Play Mode
Q: How did your relationship with materials, especially paper, evolve?
He explains that paper became central not just as a surface but as an active material, with tactile qualities, pulp control, and diverse fiber sources. The shift from printmaking to experimental pulp painting emerged from curiosity, workshops, and access to resources, culminating in a mature body of work where materiality drives meaning.
Ep 441: Ravikumar Kashi Is in Play Mode
Q: What was your childhood like and how did it shape your art sensibilities?
Ravikumar describes a large, culturally rich upbringing in Bangalore with a strong family network, religious and RSS influences early on, and a deep early attraction to art triggered by local workshops, schooling, and community centers. This basement of experiences fostered a lifelong curiosity and a drive to explore materials beyond conventional painting, setting the stage for his later experimental approach to paper and installation.
Ep 439: Janhavi Nilekani Threw the Other Shoe
Q: What shaped your interest in maternal care and how did it lead to founding Aastrika?
Her firsthand experience with poor urban maternity care in India, combined with her background in economics and public policy, motivated her to build institutions that align incentives toward better maternal outcomes.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
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Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Seen and the Unseen

What is The Seen and the Unseen about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Featuring long-form conversations, this podcast engages with various topics, delving into issues pertaining to politics, society, and culture. It often presents insights driven by personal journeys of notable guests and their expertise across fields, including journalism, public policy, economics, and the arts. Listeners can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics shaping contemporary Indian society, as the host facilitates rich discussions that intertwine personal anecdotes and broader societal themes. It stands out for its commitment to thoughtful dialogues and is likely to attract those interested in critical exploration of complex issues.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Seen and the Unseen?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Seen and the Unseen:

1. In Focus by The Hindu
2. Cyrus Says
3. ThePrint
4. 3 Things
5. The Morning Brief

How many episodes of The Seen and the Unseen are there?

The Seen and the Unseen launched 9 years ago and published 446 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Seen and the Unseen?

Recent guests on The Seen and the Unseen include:

1. Shruti Rajagopalan
2. Ravikumar Kashi
3. Ram Guha
4. Janhavi Nilekani
5. Gautam John
6. Rukmini S
7. Manoj Kewalramani
8. Vasant Dhar

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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