Best Vikram Baliga Podcasts (2025)

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The Birthplace of Dark Academia | Your Urban Legends 107 48:26

2d ago48:26

48:26

We’ve got a variety of haunted places this month for you - a haunted house (classic), a haunted college (love it), a haunted adult store (?????). Also, we explore the birthplace of Dark Academia. And yes, it’s as haunted as you’d think! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of sex, porn, death, homophobia, true crim…

1
152: Documenting the Undocumented through Food with Jill Damatac 30:27

2d ago30:27

30:27

The idea of a pristine kitchen with clean countertops feels distinctively American, or an all-American idealist. However, the concept of the American ideal, or the American dream, desperately needs to be challenged. How better to do that than through food? My guest this week, author and filmmaker Jill Damatac, does just that in her new memoir, Dirt…

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117. Chaos Garden Gremlins, Necessary Context, and Practical Landscapes w/ Sean Patchett 52:56

7d ago52:56

52:56

Send us a text Sean Patchett, known online as Garden Guy Muskoka, shares his multifaceted experience in horticulture, from landscape work to science communication, emphasizing the critical importance of context in gardening advice. • Context is everything when sharing gardening information – advice must be tailored to location, climate, and specifi…

1
Urban Legends of NYC w/ Greg Young of The Bowery Boys 58:47

9d ago58:47

58:47

NYC has a long history, filled with (unsurprisingly) MANY ghosts. So we called in an expert to tell us about them: Greg from The Bowery Boys discusses his favorite ghost stories and urban legends from over 18 (!!!) years of podcasting about the history of NYC! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of death, murder, …

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151: What Can Local and Seasonal Food Networks Look Like? with Colin Fontaine 28:53

9d ago28:53

28:53

Perhaps now more than ever, there’s renewed appreciation for the intricacies of our food systems' deep dependence on a global supply chain. However, that also raises challenges around our relationships with producers and understanding of food value. My guest today, Colin Fontaine, is here to discuss how to reorient American concepts of food and cul…

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Gardening Superstitions 56:09

16d ago56:09

56:09

Spring has sprung, and you’re probably wondering: What should I be planting? How do I make sure my garden is a success? Well, we’ve got all the gardening superstitions and folk magic to make your garden sparkle this year. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of pregnancy, misogyny, menstruation, theft, insects, dea…

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150: Italian Pasta Nights with an American Accent with Renato Poliafito 31:27

16d ago31:27

31:27

Throughout this season, we’ve been exploring immigrant narratives around food: roles in food systems, labour, and diasporic food stories. Part of this is making sense of the “ish” elements to identities through food, which my guest this week, Renato Poliafito, does beautifully. Renato is a James Beard-nominated restaurateur, pastry chef, cookbook a…

1
Riddling Spirits 46:43

23d ago46:43

46:43

Riddles have captivated fiction and mythology alike for thousands of years! From sphinxes and gods to kings and princesses, we’ve been posing riddles to each other for longer than we can remember. But why? That’s the real riddle we’re looking to solve this episode! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of genitalia,…

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149: Unbottling the Problems of Bottled Water with Daniel Jaffee 57:41

23d ago57:41

57:41

A plastic bottle of water powerfully represents the state of our current environmental and health priorities. That water can become commodified while being an essential public service means that who gets access to water can be deeply challenged. How is water justice reached when plastic water privatization has become so embedded in our systems? My …

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116. National Parks, Leaving No Trace, and Touching Grass w/ Cassie Yahnian and Danielle LaRock 1:12:22

29d ago1:12:22

1:12:22

Send us a text Cassie Yahnian and Danielle LaRock share the captivating journey of their podcast National Park After Dark, celebrating four years of exploring the mysteries, histories, and conservation stories of America's public lands. • Former veterinary technicians who bonded over their shared love of outdoor spaces and morbid curiosity • Transf…

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Oops! All Haunted Schools! | Your Urban Legends 106 50:12

30d ago50:12

50:12

Ooops! That’s a lot of haunted schools! Haunted school trips, haunted school theatres, haunted turrets that no child should be crawling up into! Be unruly, be ungovernable, give children nightmares! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of child endangerment, warfare, death, murder, suicide, hanging, and execution. …

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Feed Drop: Queens Podcast - Amina of Zaria 45:08

1M ago45:08

45:08

This week, we give you an episode from our friends at Queens Podcast about the life of Amina of Zaria, a legendary figure in African history. Enjoy this episode capturing the incredible story of a woman who defied the norms of her time! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of warfare, misogyny, slavery, sexual innu…

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148: Masala, Maíz, and Movement - Ingredients for Decolonizing Plates with Norma Listman and Saqib Keval 38:16

1M ago38:16

38:16

On the show today are Norma Listman and Saqib Keval, looking at the solutions and communities that can be built when activism and ethical values are at the forefront of food creation. Norma and Saqib are the chefs and restauranteurs behind Masala y Maíz, which TIME Magazine named as one of the top destinations to visit worldwide, and its slightly m…

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115. Native Landscapes, Lo-fi Dad Jazz, and the Rungs of the Ladder w/ Rooey 58:33

1M ago58:33

58:33

Send us a text Roey, a music industry marketing professional and lo-fi producer, uses his "dad jazz" instrumental music to fund native plant installations across Nashville and beyond. • Growing up in a family of avid gardeners and nature enthusiasts instilled a deep appreciation for native plants and natural spaces • Names his songs after native pl…

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Women of a Certain Age w/ Deanna Raybourn 55:12

1M ago55:12

55:12

Women of a certain age can do anything - whether it’s being assassins, spinning the threads of fate, or doing witchy things in the woods! From the Fates of Greek mythology to Victorian scientists like Margaret Fountaine, author Deanna Raybourn shows us that older women are capable of doing anything and everything. Content Warning: This episode cont…

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Once Upon A Time… 51:13

2M ago51:13

51:13

Every story has to start somewhere. Whether it’s with “once upon a time” or “when tigers used to smoke tobacco”, storytellers have been setting the scene for their audiences in beautiful and interesting ways. Join us as we dig into the origins of story beginnings AND endings! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of…

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147: What Canada Ate - The Role of Cookbooks in Culinary History with Dr. Rebecca Beausaert 34:20

2M ago34:20

34:20

As most historians will tell you, the past can help make sense of a lot of the present, but maybe in unexpected or novel ways—like through cookbooks! We’re living in an intense period (I probably always say this, but it feels particularly challenging right now). With the new Trump presidency, shifts to Canada’s economic stability and food security …

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114. Food Communities, Growing Together, and No-bots w/ Dr. Jessica Tullar Caroom 57:16

2M ago57:16

57:16

Send us a text Dr. Jessica Tullar Caroom returns to the podcast to discuss the evolution of her community food systems work and the importance of building meaningful connections through growing and sharing food. • Growing Together Texas supports gardeners, growers, and cooks as three interconnected parts of a healthy food ecosystem • Creating an on…

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146: Flavour's Role in Food System Fixes with Franco Fubini 36:39

2M ago36:39

36:39

The idea of industrial food systems is flat, heavy, and feels complex to access. It brings up connotations of very bland, hyper-processed foods made to reach a large number of people at a low cost. There are important consequences to these food systems choices, though some are louder ones than others. My guest today, Franco Fubini, tackles an often…

1
Gods of the Nile | Denial Isn’t Just a River 46:18

2M ago46:18

46:18

We’ve reached the end of the river. What an amazing journey. We discuss our final 3 gods of the Nile River: Khnum, Hapy, and Sobek. Fish? They’re agents of chaos. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of warfare, animal death, transphobia, infidelity, animal sacrifice, and animal attacks. Housekeeping - See us LIVE!…

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It’s Giving Hat Man | Your Urban Legends 105 53:24

2M ago53:24

53:24

What if you got to dream of an urban legends episode that never actually existed? Well, it happened! Also featuring several food superstition follow-ups, two grannies blessing marriages, and an off-the-grid ghost! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of bodily functions, hanging, death, war, PTSD, fire, child death…

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145: Exploring the Biodiversity of Climate-Smart Crops with Shreema Mehta 25:39

2M ago25:39

25:39

Industrial food systems tend to use mono-crop and unilinear approaches to supplying the Global North with food. But what happens when we consider more diverse crops? My guest today, Shreema Mehta, will discuss the traditional, climate-smart crops that are overlooked by the industrial food system. She started Climate Cookery selling tamarind hot sau…

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113. Houseplants, Diabolical Weeds, and Fickle Figs- Winter 2025 Q&A 44:30

2M ago44:30

44:30

Send us a text This episode is a delightful exploration of listener-submitted plant questions, offering insights into plant care, specific plant challenges, and the relationship between environmental conditions and plant health. - Overview of the seasonal Q&A format - Discussion on controlling bindweed and morning glory - Humidity’s nuanced effect …

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The Char Man of Ojai w/ Jess from WTF Is That Podcast 47:01

2M ago47:01

47:01

What happens when the very real fear of wildfires meet folklore and urban legends? You get something like The Char Man of Ojai. We’re joined by Jess from WTF Is That Podcast to talk about this prescient urban legend, why cryptids love bridges, and why shouting for help in the woods is a bad idea! Places you can donate: Mutual Aid LA Network, Fire A…

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144: The Rich History of Georgian Wines with Sarah May Grunwald 53:55

2M ago53:55

53:55

When it comes to wine, I have a tendency to retreat and panic: I don’t know anything, and I certainly don’t feel like I have the means to access the knowledge. I often wonder if that’s a common experience for people, based on the connotations that come with its consumption. My guest this week, Sarah May Grunwald, is someone I find quite admirable f…

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Anubis | Denial Isn’t Just a River 57:41

3M ago57:41

57:41

Perky little ears and a terrifying visage, we’re talking this week about the god of mummification, Anubis! Featuring a zoology corner where we learn about jackals that aren’t actually jackals, watch a guy REALLY go through it, and more as we discuss our little rotty prince. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of d…

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143: Unpacking the Absent Food Citizen in Policy with Isabela Bonnevera 39:21

3M ago39:21

39:21

This week, we’re exploring the idea of the food citizen, or perhaps more accurately, the absent food citizen, with Isabela Bonnevera. Isabela is a doctoral researcher at ICTA-UAB, and engages with participatory methods to explore how immigrants are shaping sustainable food transitions in cities. She also examines how sustainable food policies impac…

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112. Gardening, Building Community, and BLT Sandwiches 41:43

3M ago41:43

41:43

Send us a text This episode emphasizes the importance of community, realistic expectations, and small beginnings in gardening. We explore how to nurture connections with neighbors, set achievable goals, and adapt to various living conditions to create a rewarding gardening experience. • Understanding why content creators should be careful with gard…

1
Valentine's Day 58:38

3M ago58:38

58:38

Valentine’s Day has changed over the past millennia or so. From a martyred saint, to a feast day, to courtly love and gifting roses and chocolates, where did our current Valentine’s Day traditions come from? Hint: British postal reforms are more important than you’d think! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of de…

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Ghost Fingers Are the Worst! | Your Urban Legends 104 53:37

3M ago53:37

53:37

It’s confirmed: You can use Spirits as a tool for surviving in the wilderness. Also featuring another appearance of the Hat Man, cryptids from the Ozarks, and a horrifying parade of cats. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of mental illness, gun violence, misogyny, and drug use. Housekeeping - See us LIVE! Buy a …

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See us LIVE in Portland and NYC! 1:23

3M ago1:23

1:23

Join us in Portland on March 23 for a double-header live show! Get your tickets now at spiritspodcast.com/live And if you live in or around NYC, RSVP to our free cocktail popup on February 20 at jointhepartypod.com/popup See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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You Just Lost the Game | Spirits x American Hysteria 1:15:26

3M ago1:15:26

1:15:26

Sorry to tell you, but you just lost The Game. In our first ever crossover episode with American Hysteria, we do a deep dive into the mind game with origins in Cambridge, early internet culture, and other memes of the age like the Cool S. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of 4chan, sexual content, and drug use. …

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The Beast of Gévaudan w/ Gigi Griffis 51:04

4M ago51:04

51:04

Animal attacks on the French peasantry, a mysterious beast, and a years long hunt. We’re joined by author Gigi Griffis as we discuss The Beast of Gévaudan, her book We Are The Beasts, and re-writing monsters as saviors. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of death, child death, animal attacks, animal death, misogy…

1
Food Superstitions 1:02:43

4M ago1:02:43

1:02:43

Have you ever spilled some salt and tossed it over your shoulder? Broken a wishbone with friends and family? Have you ever wondered WHY we blow out candles on birthday cakes? We dig into some of our favorite and curious food superstitions from around the world! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of enslavement, r…

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Fight Off Ghosts, Stay Hydrated! | Your Urban Legends 103 52:05

4M ago52:05

52:05

We can’t buy a minor league baseball team, but we could rebrand one into something spooky with your help! Also featuring your stories of recurring childhood nightmares, another haunted field trip, and the worst thing a kid could say at a sleepover. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of drowning, death, murder, su…

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Bastet | Denial Isn't Just a River 48:01

4M ago48:01

48:01

We’re starting the new year off right: With a goddess who is leading with both her cat face and her titties - Bastet! That’s how we all should enter the new year in my opinion. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of sexual content, nudity, death, child death, animal death, poisoning, pregnancy, birth, and misogyny…

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Hot Frosty | Myth Movie Night 54:45

4M ago54:45

54:45

We return with Myth Movie Night to explore a wild, very silly Netflix Christmas movie: Hot Frosty. We discuss dick scarf physics, bad business practices, Mean Girls references, and the horniest ice sculptor in the world. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of drug use, global warming, illness (cancer), death, sexu…

1
Mari Lwyd 44:01

5M ago44:01

44:01

‘Tis the season for celebration, gathering, and of course, parading horse-skulled figures from door to door. We dig into the tradition of wassailing from Wales, the Mari Lywd! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of body horror, religious persecution, war, and animal death. Housekeeping - Recommendation: This week,…

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Ghost Cat Distribution System | Your Urban Legends 102 55:54

5M ago55:54

55:54

Sometimes you move into a new place and there’s a cat waiting for you. Sometimes that cat is a ghost. Who are you to question why that is? We’re also haunted in this episode by nurses, pranksters, and a creepy boy in a “tiny attic”. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of car accidents, earthquakes, sexual innuendo…

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Sekhmet | Denial Isn't Just a River 47:07

5M ago47:07

47:07

Hair? Perfect. Bloodlust? Raging. Titty? Adorned. You know what that means: it’s time to dive deep into the story of everyone’s favorite lioness! Sekhmet is a goddess of destruction but also protection, as you’re about to learn in this latest installment of “Denial Isn't Just a River In Egypt, It's What We've Been Doing by Keeping an Egyptian Mytho…

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Plant Folklore w/ Dr. Vikram Baliga, The Plant Professor 52:58

5M ago52:58

52:58

Trees of life, magical trees, immortal trees! We’re joined by horticulture expert and podcast extraordinaire, Dr. Vikram Baliga, as he walks us through the fascinating world of plants and their importance in mythology and folklore! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of death, car accidents, colonialism, and misog…

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142: What Role Does Food Play in Fiction Writing? with Margaux Vialleron 32:23

5M ago32:23

32:23

One of the most frustrating parts of watching Gossip Girl growing up was witnessing the elaborate breakfast spreads that the families had each morning, only for the main characters to grab a piece of toast and run away with anguish. When we think about fiction, food isn’t always central to how a story is told. But what happens when it is? My guest …

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I’m Looking For an Apparition | Your Urban Legends 101 54:06

6M ago54:06

54:06

I’m looking for an apparition. 5’5”. Brown hair. Spooky vibes. Also, a visit from Ma Winchester AND Mother Goose? We are blessed AND scared, the best of both worlds. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of sexual content, abusive relationships, death, urination, enslavement, illness, and dementia. Housekeeping - Re…

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141: Uncovering Medieval Pictish Foodways through Paleobotany with Dr. Shalen Prado 33:10

6M ago33:10

33:10

Oftentimes, when we think about plant-human relationships, we’re thinking about our contemporary lives and how plants factor into it – be it North American plant-based diets or what we’re growing in our apartments. But our relationship with plants goes back for millennia, and accessing this historical and prehistoric knowledge is a glimpse into wha…

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Idle Hour and the Royal Fraternity of Master Metaphysicians 52:05

6M ago52:05

52:05

Since it’s nearing Thanksgiving, Julia presents a hyper local cult that’s been fascinating her - The Royal Fraternity of Master Metaphysicians and their attempt to raise an Immortal Baby. That’s all we’re giving you. Buckle up. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of colonization, eugenics, cults, racism, fire, dea…

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140: Recovering from Restrictive Online Diet Myths with Dr. Sarah Ballantyne 42:29

6M ago42:29

42:29

Diet culture on the internet is excellent at sensationalizing our food to the point of panic. I’m sure many of you have seen the videos across TikTok and Instagram where someone positions themselves as an expert and demonizes strawberries, bread, or my beloved potatoes. But what happens when we take a more proactive and less restrictive approach to…

1
We’re Not Going Anywhere 2:20

6M ago2:20

2:20

Mythology and folklore aren’t just history. They’re essential roadmaps to what’s next. Free Multitude Discord: https://discord.gg/RMuRENyhA5 Free Multitude newsletter: https://multitude.productions/community Spirits Patreon, where you can follow us for free: https://patreon.com/spiritspodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cali…

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Hathor | Denial Isn't Just a River 50:56

6M ago50:56

50:56

This goddess is giving mother. Literally. This many-named deity, Hathor, is the goddess of love, sex, makeup, and even hangovers. You can see why we’re excited to talk about her. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of sex, genitals, childbirth, death, blood, and colonization. Housekeeping - Recommendation: This we…

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139: What Makes for Good Food Policy? with Chef Joshna Maharaj 48:32

6M ago48:32

48:32

One downside I find when I spend too much time on the internet is that there’s an overwhelming viewpoint that the system is broken and there’s not much we can do to change that – or that food, in general, is disconnected from all other components of our lives. But I think these attitudes forget that a lot of empowerment comes through advocating for…

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Out Clubbing During a Haunting | Your Urban Legends 100!!! 50:26

6M ago50:26

50:26

100 spooky urban legends episodes. Who would have thought? We celebrate that number with the coolest cryptid mom ever, the worst building material ever, and GHOSTLY VIDEO EVIDENCE! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of animal/pet death, human death, racism, sexual harassment, hospitalization, injury, and burns. H…

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Vikram Baliga Podcasts

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