The Curio-city Collective

The Curio-city Collective

In The Curio-city Collective podcast we have conversations with individuals who are already hard at work thinking and taking action on various issues within Indian cities. They tell us not only what the problems are but also share ways in which we – you and I – can do something about it. If you are interested in deepening your understanding of our homes – our cities – and how we can as individuals and collectives be part of the required change and make things better, then this is the podcast to follow! read less

Society & CultureSociety & Culture

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S02E10: On Looking

S02E10: On Looking

In Episode 10, we speak with Aslam Saiyad, photographer and co-founder of Go Hallu Hallu, which conducts walks in the city. He talks about the importance of slowing down, paying deeper attention to our local environment and how that makes room for empathy. Through walks in less 'visible' areas of the city, he re-introduces people to Mumbai's indigenous communities.

Episodes

S02E10: On Looking

S02E10: On Looking

In Episode 10, we speak with Aslam Saiyad, photographer and co-founder of Go Hallu Hallu, which conducts walks in the city. He talks about the importance of slowing down, paying deeper attention to our local environment and how that makes room for empathy. Through walks in less 'visible' areas of the city, he re-introduces people to Mumbai's indigenous communities.

S02E09: A City of Memories

S02E09: A City of Memories

In Episode 9, we speak with two journalists, Yunus Lasania and Serish Nanisetti. Both have a deep connection to the history and heritage of Hyderabad and have brought the city and its bylanes alive through their work. Lasania is the founder of the Hyderabad History Project which organises walks that explore the history of Hyderabad beyond the larger more well known landmarks of the city.

S02E08: Rewilding the city

S02E08: Rewilding the city

In Episode 8, we speak with Vijay Dhasmana, rewilder and eco-restoration practitioner. He tells us the riveting story of how a degraded mining site was converted into the flourishing Aravalli Biodiversity Park in Gurugram and explains why cities urgently need to integrate wild spaces into their planning.

S02Extra03: Reading with Zai

S02Extra03: Reading with Zai

In this bonus episode, Zai Whitaker, writer and one of the founders of the Madras Crocodile Bank, shares what led her to begin writing books for children. She reads excerpts from her book, Boastful Centipede and Other Creatures and from one of her favourites, Kenneth Graham's The Wind in the Willows. Listen to this very special episode with the kids in your life!

S02E07: Living with the wild

S02E07: Living with the wild

In Episode 7, we chat with Zai Whitaker, writer and one of the founders of the Madras Crocodile Bank. She talks about what first drew her to the natural world, the influence of her family and the crucial role of conservation parks like the Crocodile Bank. She also shares how we can all connect to wonder in our very own cities and begin our conservation journey at home.

S02Extra02: Teaching the children

S02Extra02: Teaching the children

In our second extra for the month Sadhana Ramchander, urban tree guide and educator, speaks to us on how we can begin to heal the current disconnection and distance between urban children and the natural world - an important step in the direction towards building a future of renewal and hope.

S02E06: On Befriending Trees

S02E06: On Befriending Trees

In Episode 6, we chat with Sadhana Ramchander and Kobita Dass Kolli, the curators of the Hyderabad Tree Enthusiasts group. They share the joy of discovering urban trees and foliage, the wonders that lie amidst them and the powerful capacity for healing and learning that green spaces hold for city dwellers.

S02Extra1: Birdwatching 101

S02Extra1: Birdwatching 101

Deepa Mohan, birder and naturalist guide, shares the ABC of birding and what it involves in this bonus episode. Listen in to hear how you can begin birding from your balcony, neighbourhood or city, wherever you live. Best of all- it takes no equipment or special effort- just a lively curiosity!

S02E05: A Rendezvous With Birds

S02E05: A Rendezvous With Birds

In Episode 5, we speak to Deepa Mohan, birder and naturalist guide based in Bangalore. She shares her journey of how she began connecting with the natural world and eventually became an integral part of BngBirds, a birding nature group that has become a learning and growing space for children and adults alike to connect not just with birds but with butterflies, trees, flowers and all that they encounter on walks.

S02E04: In Her Voice

S02E04: In Her Voice

In Episode 4, we speak to Swarnlata Mahilkar from EMpower India, a global philanthropy focused on supporting at-risk youth. She facilitated the research process for the Covid: In Her Voice Report--a girl-led and centred participatory research study. Along with her is Shireen Ansari, one of the young women researchers and a powerful advocate for what policy changes need to be made for adolescent girls and young women to fulfil their dreams and aspirations.

S02E03: Reframing Adolescent Mental Health

S02E03: Reframing Adolescent Mental Health

In Episode 3, we speak to Dr. Praveetha Patalay, Professor at University College London, who studies adolescent mental health and well being. In our conversation she explains the importance of understanding adolescent mental health in greater depth, the pivotal role it plays in defining our health through our lifetime and the impact the pandemic has had on children.

S02E02: Unpacking Gig Work

S02E02: Unpacking Gig Work

In our second episode of Season 2, Sowmiya Ashok, a journalist and one of the fellows of the 2020-21 China-India Visiting Scholars Fellowship at Ashoka University, talks about the gig economy, the rights of gig workers, what changed through the period of the pandemic and where each of us can fit in as those who access key services provided by gig workers.

S02E01: Rethinking Work In The City

S02E01: Rethinking Work In The City

In our first episode of Season 2, four professionals working in different sectors and cities of India reflect on what the pandemic brought up for them in relation to their work lives--how and why they have chosen to do things differently and what it portends for the future in the role work plays in the larger tapestry of life.

S01E18: Nurturing Transformative Change

S01E18: Nurturing Transformative Change

In Episode 18, we revisit the theme that underpins all our conversations this season - transformative change and action. We unpack why this is more urgent than ever and how every action from the individual to the collective carries tremendous potential for change and creating well-being.

S01E17: A Question Of Well-being

S01E17: A Question Of Well-being

In Episode 17, we circle back to talk about well-being and the city--the theme that led us to begin this podcast. Through a conversation on the multi-dimensionality of well-being and our reflections and learnings from the past season, we talk about why it is more crucial than ever to build collective well-being.

Extra 10: Parenting During The Pandemic

Extra 10: Parenting During The Pandemic

In a conversation with Jehanzeb Baldiwala, Director-Mental Health Services at the Ummeed Child Development Centre in Mumbai, we talk about how the pandemic has affected children, warning signs of distress parents can watch out for and how to respond and build safe spaces that support children's well-being.

S01E16: Children And The New Normal

S01E16: Children And The New Normal

In Episode 16 we talk to kids and their parents in three metro cities to understand what the pandemic induced ‘new normal’ for children looks like. Through conversations on daily schedules and outdoor play, we get a glimpse of how this time is affecting children. We also hear from parents on how they are responding, coping strategies and the everyday wisdom they have turned to. (Read transcript) Listen now!

Extra 09: Creating Space for Play

Extra 09: Creating Space for Play

In a conversation with Kavitha Krishnamoorthy, founder of Chennai-based NGO Kilikili, we talk about creating inclusive play spaces for children of all abilities and why that's something all cities should envision and plan for. We also talk about the impact the pandemic has had on play and what parents and caregivers can do to bring fun to the everyday lives of children.

S01E15: No Child Left Behind

S01E15: No Child Left Behind

In Episode 15 we speak with Radhika Alkazi, founder of Delhi-based NGO ASTHA, who has been working with children with disabilities. She talks to us about how the pandemic has made children who were already on the margins, even more invisible. She also tells us about what's working, what support looks like and how safe spaces can be created for children so that they can access their rights.

Extra 7: Rethinking Public Hospitals

Extra 7: Rethinking Public Hospitals

In a conversation with Dr. Abraham Thomas, a Ratan Tata fellow in public health based in Kodur, Andhra Pradesh, we reflect on the need to rethink the design and approachability of the Public Health System in India, in light of the pandemic.