Best This Week In Nihilism Podcasts (2025)

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Did 2024 Deliver or Disappoint? A Cultural Recap 49:26

Play Pause

10M ago49:26

49:26

For our final episode of Respectfully Disagree this year, we dive into the biggest cultural moments of 2024 — from Taylor Swift's Eras Tour to breakout films this year; to celeb (read:influencer) culture, and a spur of conservative internet phenomenons. Join us as we unpack what made waves, what fizzled out, and what left us questioning everything.…

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Re-release: Can Friends Ever Be Like Family? 39:26

10M ago39:26

39:26

This week, we're re-releasing an episode as the year winds up. Tune in as we discuss friendship boundaries, community living, and if it's realistic to dream about growing old with friends. Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we passionately differ on.Featuri…

1
Is Nihilism the Mood of the Moment? 42:03

10M ago42:03

42:03

What motivates us when everything feels meaningless? This week on Respectfully Disagree, we dive into nihilism as the mood of the moment—from climate catastrophe TikToks to dark humor in TV, and how shared dread has reshaped our culture. Plus, we play a bonus game to unpack this year’s most existentially absurd moments.Credits:-Featuring: Alexa De …

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Is Being 'Woke' Really Broke Now? 59:13

10M ago59:13

59:13

In this week's episode of Respectfully Disagree, we look at how woke culture has evolved, what's changed since last year and why. Besides the general cultural fatigue with sincere discussions around feminism, body positivity, mental health, and inclusion, we discuss 'wokeness' in politics and dissect the real question: is woke culture over?Credits:…

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Are We Holding Space for Viral Weirdness This November? 1:00:13

10M ago1:00:13

1:00:13

From lookalike contests to Ranbir Kapoor's latest faux pas, November gave us plenty to debate. This week on Respectfully Disagree, we ask why people are suddenly “holding space” for everything, dissect the 'Chuttamalle' phenomenon, and try to crown the real Telugu anthem. Is it Ooo Antava or Kissikku? Tune in to find out! Respectfully Disagree is T…

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Will Maharashtra’s Election be a Cultural Gamechanger? Ft. Meghnad 45:32

11M ago45:32

45:32

This week, YouTube creator Meghnad, aka 'Meghnerd,' joins us on Respectfully Disagree to break down Maharashtra's elections. We dive into the state’s political faction splits, how electoral politics has historically shaped Mumbai’s culture, and the myth-making of political personas beyond their ballot promises.Credits:-Co-Producers: Vasudhaa Naraya…

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Is the Situationship Era Here to Stay? 38:18

11M ago38:18

38:18

Whether it’s Sabrina Carpenter's bedroom pop tunes or the OG sadboy Drake's melodies, situationships have turned into a full-fledged pop culture genre. This week, we unpack situationship-inspired music and TV tropes, dating fatigue in 2024 and why women are increasingly choosing celibacyChapter Timestamps:-00:00 - 01:16 - Intro01:17 - 05:04 - Datin…

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Re-release: Is Therapy Speak Harmful? Ft. Farah Maneckshaw 28:38

11M ago28:38

28:38

This week, we're re-releasing our conversation with therapist Farah Maneckshaw who joins us to discuss why Indians struggle with setting boundaries, what it actually means to ‘be triggered,’ and the dangers of seeing therapy as bias-free.Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dis…

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Is Diwali a Pop-Culture Trope on American TV? 33:18

11M ago33:18

33:18

This week on Respectfully Disagree, we discuss whether American TV is in fact making space for South Asian representation with it's Diwali themed episodes, why everyone is in designer clothes this festive season, and whether the commercialisation of Diwali has inadvertently impacted how we celebrate it.Credits:-Featuring: The Savala VadaCo-Producer…

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Can Dark Humour Help Cope With Dystopia? Ft. The Savala Vada 40:35

12M ago40:35

40:35

This week, The Savala Vada joins us to discuss the backhanded compliment from The Onion, how to be funny during end times, the things we don't joke about enough (oppressors), the things we wouldn't ever joke about (the oppressed), and how we might all be hallucinating. Bonus: This is the (somewhat) official voice reveal of The Savala Vada. Credits:…

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Does 'Objective' Journalism Exist? ft. Manisha Pande 1:07:26

12M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

This week, Manisha Pande — Managing Editor at The Newslaundry and host of media criticism show TV Newsance — joins us to discuss media literacy, Tata obituaries, the pros and cons of fixating on terminology in journalism, and whether "objectivity" exists. Credits:-Featuring: Manisha Pande Co-Producers: Vasudhaa Narayanan, Rohitha NaraharisettyEdit …

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Is Indian Reality TV Failing to Entertain? 49:47

12M ago49:47

49:47

The Tribe just dropped, and The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives is on its 3rd season. But do these shows fail to entertain? This week we discuss whether the new crop of Indian reality tv feels too scripted, and whether they miss the authenticity and drama required to keep viewers hooked. Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcas…

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How are GenZ and Millennials Shaping Internet Culture? 40:57

1y ago40:57

40:57

Adam Brody is having a big resurgence, thanks to Nobody Wants This, and shows like The OC, and One Tree Hill are making a comeback. In this week’s episode of Respectfully Disagree, we discussed all things Gen Z and Millennial, particularly on the internet; and whether these two generations have more in common than we thought.Respectfully Disagree i…

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Is Concert Culture Out Of Touch? Ft. Josh Fernandez 48:42

1y ago48:42

48:42

The Coldplay concert ticket scarcity crisis had rich-ish kids thinking about capitalism, as the reselling rates skyrocketed to the lakhs. Diljit Dosanjh's gig on the other hand just has expensive tickets by default. Is concert culture in India out of touch? This week, Josh Fernandez aka JBABE and lead singer of the F16s, joins us to discuss what an…

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Re-Release: Do We Need Four-day Workweeks? 30:37

1y ago30:37

30:37

This week, we discuss the pros and cons of a four-day workweek, work cultures in India, and the problem with how we measure productivity.Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we passionately differ on.Credits: Co-Producers: Shrishti Malhotra, Rohitha Naraharis…

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Does Fun Still Exist? 49:32

1y ago49:32

49:32

Charli XCX gave us brat summer and Boiler Room is happening in Mumbai -- but is anyone really having fun? This week, we discuss whether anything's fun anymore, "organic" mehfils, the red solo cup party-cool aesthetic available on Swiggy, blurry photos, and why always being documented has ruined actual fun.Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s…

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Did 'brat' Summer Bring Skinny Back? Ft. Urooj Ashfaq 1:06:12

1y ago1:06:12

1:06:12

Ozempic knock-offs have wormed their way into India and brat summer has glamorized thinness and cigarettes. Did everyone secretly want to be skinny all along? This week, comedian Urooj Ashfaq joins us to discuss whether fashion is over body positivity, if desiring skinny is a pop culture aesthetic and whether the Kardashians are a 'true' representa…

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Is the Hema Committee Report MeToo's Second Wave? Ft. Parvathy Thiruvothu and Nidhi Suresh 51:48

1y ago51:48

51:48

The Malayalam film industry is going through an upheaval for the second time with the Hema Committee report's revelations. This week, actor Parvathy and journalist Nidhi, who have both been at the forefront of respectively organizing and reporting on the "power mafia" in Mollywood, discuss the learnings from the first wave, the idea of imperfect fe…

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Are Doctors Failing to Protect Their Own? Ft. Dr. Aqsa Shaikh 1:05:12

1y ago1:05:12

1:05:12

This week, Dr. Aqsa Shaikh, a professor and community medicine specialist, joins us to discuss the deep-rooted issues in India’s healthcare system exposed by the RG Kar case, the overlooked intersectionality in gender-specific protests, and the current state of health workers in the country.Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podca…

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Do We Really Need Women Leaders? Kamala vs Hasina ft. Tanaïs 50:12

1y ago50:12

50:12

This week, award-winning American novelist Tanaïs joins us to discuss their Bangladeshi roots, Sheikh Hasina's politics, the South Asian experience with women heads of state, and Indians hijacking desi representation. Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we p…

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What Is the Point of Sports? 53:07

1y ago53:07

53:07

This week, we’re discussing all things controversial and heartbreaking in sports. From Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification to gender discrimination inherent to Olympic history, and why men aren’t synchronised swimming as yet.Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues …

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Is Kamala Brat or Is Intersectionality Dead? Ft. The Polyester Podcast 55:21

1y ago55:21

55:21

This week, Ione and Gina from The Polyester Podcast join us to discuss Venn Diagram enthusiast Kamala Harris, whether she’s brat, Charli XCX’s endorsement tweet, and whether ‘intersectionality’ has disappeared from our collective consciousness.Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss a…

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Eat the Rich, or Are the Rich Eating? Elite Queer Slang ft. Katyayini Saksham 54:01

1y ago54:01

54:01

This week, Katyayini Saksham joins us to talk about everyone suddenly mothering and serving, why celeb culture overlaps with queer lingo so much, and why people in Bandra need to vogue. Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we passionately differ on.Featuring:…

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Is Pan Indian Cinema Secretly Queer? Ft. Humhu 49:41

1y ago49:41

49:41

This week, Humhu -- who plays Krane in 'Kalki 2898 AD' -- joins us to discuss Kalki as a queer dystopia, homoerotic undertones in RRR, how 'Pushpa' reminds us of the surprising roots of wrestling, and whether the queer undertones in blockbusters can make up for their hypermasculinity. Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast ser…

1
What Defines Rodent Men? 40:14

1y ago40:14

40:14

This week, we discuss 'Hot Rodent Men', standards and cultural perceptions around male beauty and why we inevitably categorise people into cookie cutter templates on the Internet. Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we passionately differ on.Credits:Featurin…

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Is Art Dead? Ft. Ayesha Parikh 37:51

1+ y ago37:51

37:51

This week, we are joined by Ayesha Parikh, curator and founder of Art and Charlie, to discuss artistic freedom, the workings of the art world, and the internet culture of today that’s shaping our views of what art may be.Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues w…

1
Is Diversity a Dud? Ft. Priyanka Mattoo 50:18

1+ y ago50:18

50:18

This week, we are joined by Priyanka Mattoo, filmmaker and writer of the upcoming memoir Bird Milk and Mosquito Bones, to discuss diaspora identity, the rise of indie-desi films, Payal Kapadia's win at Cannes, and mainstream South Asian representation. Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to …

1
Are We Tired of Bridgerton? 42:23

1+ y ago42:23

42:23

This week, we intellectualise and gossip about the latest pop culture phenomenon, Bridgerton. We discuss #polin, the Sharma sisters outfits, and how much we love Nicola Coughlan.Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we passionately differ on.Credits:Featuring:…

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Re-Release: Tollywood Versus Bollywood 49:48

1+ y ago49:48

49:48

'Kalki 2898 AD' is getting a lot of buzz. Amid the hype around yet another pan-India affair that really looks a lot like a Telugu film dubbed in other languages, we're re-releasing an older episode in which we're battling out an age-old debate: Tollywood versus Bollywood. We discuss Vijay Dinanath Chauhan, Vijayashanti, and the troubling gender pol…

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What Does 2024’s Election Mean for India? 52:08

1+ y ago52:08

52:08

This week, we are joined by Balram Vishwakarma, while we attempt to break down what this election means to us, its effect on our media landscape, and why we have all ended friendships with Telangana and Karnataka.Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we passio…

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Are Love Triangles Still Interesting? 36:28

1+ y ago36:28

36:28

This week, we discuss the Challengers love triangle, how Twilight shaped us growing up, and how most love triangles are really just love corners.Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we passionately differ on.Credits:Featuring: Vasudhaa Narayanan, Shrishti Mal…

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Would You Rather Be Stuck With a Man or a Bear? 36:18

1+ y ago36:18

36:18

This week, we weigh in on the viral 'man or bear' TikTok debate, and why the internet can't seem to have a civil discussion about itRespectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we passionately differ on.Credits:Featuring: Vasudhaa NarayananCo-Producers: Neha Shetty, …

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Is It Good That the Rom Com Is Dead? 47:44

1+ y ago47:44

47:44

This week, screenwriter Devika Bhagat joins us to discuss the process of writing a good rom com, why friends-to-lovers is the superior trope, and whether we're disillusioned with modern love now. Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we passionately differ on.…

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Is the Daddy Issues Trope Outdated? 36:27

1+ y ago36:27

36:27

This week, filmmaker Ruchi Narain joins us to discuss 'daddy issues,' portrayals of father-daughter relationships, and how girlhood is depicted in Indian films. Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we passionately differ on.Credits:Featuring: Ruchi Narain, Sh…

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Can Friends Ever Be Like Family? 39:26

1+ y ago39:26

39:26

This week, we discuss friendship boundaries, community living, and if it's realistic to dream about growing old with friends. Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we passionately differ on.Featuring: Vasudhaa Narayanan, Shrishti MalhotraCo-Producers: Neha She…

1
Can We Be Friends With Our Siblings? 26:39

1+ y ago26:39

26:39

This week, we discuss sibling relationships, whether we can grow into seeing our siblings as people, and if birth order really does matter.Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we passionately differ on.Featuring: Vasudhaa Narayanan, Shrishti MalhotraCo-Produc…

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What Are the Limits of Feminist Activism? 49:34

1+ y ago49:34

49:34

This week, we discuss Sri Reddy, the pressures of being the face of a movement, progressive activism, and if there is such a thing as the 'perfect feminist.'Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we passionately differ on.Read Rohitha's profile of Sri Reddy her…

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Why Have Trad Wives Become Cool Again? 36:36

1+ y ago36:36

36:36

Why are trad wives internet icons? This week on 'Respectfully Disagree,' we discuss the phenomenon of trad wives, feminism in the kitchen, and the lack of wholesome husband content.Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we passionately differ on.Credits:Featuri…

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What Makes Us Enjoy Rich People Dramas? 39:44

1+ y ago39:44

39:44

This week, we discuss class, opulence, and the optics of wealth. Why do we love Schitt's creek and why does The Menu miss the mark?Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we passionately differ on.Credits: Featuring: Shrishti Malhotra Co-Producers: Neha Shetty, …

1
Why Do We Love Flawed Characters? 40:16

1+ y ago40:16

40:16

This week we discuss Euphoria's reboot, unlikeable women, and why Anne Hathaway is the queen of our hearts.Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we passionately differ on.Credits: Featuring: Shrishti Malhotra Co-Producers: Neha Shetty, Rohitha NaraharisettyCov…

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Re-Release: Are Royal Families Relevant Anymore? 44:18

1+ y ago44:18

44:18

As the world reels from Kate Middleton's disappearance, we revisit an episode from our archives where we discuss the relevance of royalty in India, and how our obsession with dynasty impacts Indian society and culture.Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we p…

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Is True Crime Exploitative? Ft. Nandita Gupta 53:27

1+ y ago53:27

53:27

This week, documentary filmmaker Nandita Gupta joins us to discuss our fascination with true crime, the crazy stories from behind the scenes of making true crime films in India, and what an ethical true crime story looks like. Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the is…

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Have Romance Novels Ruined Love? Ft. Anuja Chauhan 36:13

1+ y ago36:13

36:13

This week writer Anuja Chauhan joins us to discuss the pride, the prejudices, the sense, and the sensibilities behind consuming romantic literature, what an ideal relationship is like, and most importantly - would Mrs. Bennet make a good dinner party guest? Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get togethe…

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Does Indian TV Get Feminism Right? Ft. Gul Khan 46:15

1+ y ago46:15

46:15

This week, we invite writer, director, producer and all-around renaissance woman Gul Khan, to debate the ins and outs of creating a feminist character, what we feel about unlikeable women, and why it's important to give our characters a moral compass. Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to d…

1
Is It Okay to Enjoy Luxury? 36:52

1+ y ago36:52

36:52

This week, we discuss the return of indie bollywood, discourse fatigue (read: Dune premier, celeb relationships), and if it's okay to enjoy luxury during these end times.Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we passionately differ on.Credits: Featuring: Shrish…

1
Is It Okay to Prioritise Love Over Your Career? 42:41

1+ y ago42:41

42:41

This week, we discuss selling out to Valentine's Day, love languages, Tylor-Travis, and if it's right to prioritise romance over work. Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we passionately differ on.Credits: Featuring: Shrishti Malhotra Co-Producers: Neha Shet…

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Re-Release: Are We All 'Pick-Me' Girls? 26:19

1+ y ago26:19

26:19

This week, we discuss Jennifer Lawrence, the ‘cool girl’ monologue from ‘Gone Girl,’ TikTok pick-me girl discourse, and whether the trope of the ‘pick me’ girl is unfeminist. Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we passionately differ on.…

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Love in the Time of Capitalism 36:47

1+ y ago36:47

36:47

This week, we discuss relationship tests, feminist marriages, and why Sylvia Plath is the perfect dinner party guest. Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss and dissect the issues we passionately differ on.Credits: Featuring: Shrishti Malhotra Co-Producers: Neha Shetty, Rohitha Narah…

1
Can Pop Culture Be Separated From Politics? 38:17

1+ y ago38:17

38:17

This week, we discuss Barbie's Oscars nomination , disorienting social media content, and a certain temple consecration.By Shrishti Malhotra, Neha Shetty, Rohitha Naraharisetty

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Are Bollywood Talk Shows Dead? 40:15

1+ y ago40:15

40:15

This week, we discuss all the pop culture that has been dominating our feeds: 'Annapoorani’s' big ban, the Vanga-Kashyap bromance, the 'Fighter' trailer, and most importantly, how even Zeenat Aman’s charisma couldn't salvage Koffee with Karan. Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own podcast series, in which we get together to discuss a…