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Culture, religion and ideas that matter.
Unscripted dialogues on archaeology and anthropology of South Asia. Join us on journeys into the pasts of the sub-continent as we discuss the rich material culture, artifacts, and archaeological sites. Let us open the treasure trove of a bygone era as hosts Akash and Durga chip away at a new theme every episode. New episodes every 1st and 15th of the month :) Stay tuned!
Cultural Anthropology definition Cover art photo provided by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@nate_dumlao
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Trickster: The Many Lives of Carlos Castaneda
An investigative series into the life & death of Carlos Castaneda.
Physical culture, expressed in the form of dance, theatre, song and martial arts, has a deep and rich tradition in human societies. In this episode, part one of two, we converse with Dr. Kush Dhebar on India's wrestling and grappling culture, its representation and expression in material culture and the concept of masculinity, both in the past and …
How can we create an equitable world of digital heritage? Let's continue exploring more about heritage conservation in the digital world. We are joined by Michael Benhamou, Founder, and President of Focillon. Focillon is a Non-Government Organisation working on digital heritage preservation and curation with a team of experts. Let us hear more from…
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Chippin' Away
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Unlocking the Cabinet of Curiosity: An International Museum Day Special 2022
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Another Museum Day Special! We continue the tradition of virtually touring museums in South Asia, and bring another museum to you! We tour S. L. Bhatia History of Medicine Museum with Radhika Hegde in this episode. And wait for a surprise at the end of today's episode! How do you view museums? Let us know on our socials @chippinawayind, or send a c…
With death close at hand, Castaneda races against the clock to finish what will be his very last book. But in order to complete it, he will need to author the final chapter of his own life. Chapter 13 Closing Music: Paradise by French 79 (Written & Produced by Simon Henner) After listening, be sure to check out: Episode Slide Show: bit.ly/38bJ9Yc O…
Intimating the end, Castaneda decides it is time for him to anoint his successor, the next nagual. His selection is Tony Karam—a student not only of his but also the Dalia Lama. Castaneda informs Tony that has a year to decide whether or not to take the position of the nagual. After listening, be sure to check out: Episode Slide Show: bit.ly/3vA6Ge…
On the occasion of World Heritage Day (18th April), we take a look at what heritage is, what it consists of, and why it is relevant. We dive into the various types of heritage and why we ought to do our best to protect and preserve it! Join us in the discussion on Instagram and Twitter @chippinawayind And support us on ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/chip…
With the start of the ‘80s, Carlos Castaneda has now become the darling of the New Age movement. But while New Agers are busy championing his past work, Castaneda has begun turning his sights to something new—a secretive project unlike anything he's done before. To secure the help needed, Castaneda opens up admission to his circle of followers. Hol…
We continue with our discussion on the application of Queer theory in archaeology with Scott Coleman. We look at various practical examples, such as investigating gender and gender roles, the presence and role of children and even Roman roads! Join us in the discussion on Instagram and Twitter @chippinawayind And support us on ko-fi: https://ko-fi.…
Welcome to Season 3! We inaugurate this season by readjusting our tendency to see the world in binaries. We position queer theory in archaeological practice with our guest speaker, Scott Coleman. From the library to the field we traverse the mine-field of "set paths" to open up our view of the world. Join us in the discussion on Instagram and Twitt…
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Season Finale: A tête-à-tête with the hosts
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"What inspired this podcast?", asked a few of our listeners. We bring a slice of the behind-the-scenes story of the Chippin' Away podcast for you! In this season finale episode, your hosts Akash and Durga are interviewed by a mystery host, with some tongue-twisters, a quiz about the podcast itself, and a generous serving of nuggets from Chippin' Aw…
In search of a creative elixir to bring new life to his flailing film career, the great Italian director, Federico Fellini, pursues his long-cherished dream of adapting Castaneda’s books into films. But on his trip to Los Angeles, in 1984, to meet Castaneda, his dream soon turns into a nightmare. After listening, be sure to check out: Episode Slide…
Let us explore a much "alluded to" topic in our discussion of the past! How the study of languages could help the construction of a past cultural milieu. We introduce the theme of "Archaeolinguistics" or "Linguistic Anthropology" in this episode of our podcast, with our guest speaker Gabrielle Roccella. Gabrielle draws from the world of Indo-Europe…
The story of what put Patricia Partin on the path to Death Valley is a story that ultimately goes back to her childhood. It’s a story of how a devastating family tragedy can alter the whole course of a person’s life. After listening, be sure to check out: Episode Slide Show: bit.ly/3i6WcvW One Extra Thing: bit.ly/3CNEPrJ Discussion Thread: bit.ly/2…
Richard de Mille—son of the famed Hollywood director—makes it his mission to prove that Castaneda has perpetuated the greatest literary hoax of the 20th century. But spurring his investigation to uncover Castaneda’s secrets are secrets of his own. After listening, be sure to check out: Episode Slide Show: bit.ly/3lDVU0u One Extra Thing: bit.ly/2XIe…
Get ready to eat! ...and explore how potatoes and other tubers have influenced the human diet since prehistoric times. Your hosts Akash and Durga discuss tubers - how they were procured, cooked, consumed, and carried with travelling groups across great distances. And while you listen to the fascinating history of potatoes, Akash has but one questio…
Carlos Castaneda didn't just write about a Don Juan—he was one. Over the course of his life, his magnetic personality pulled innumerable women into his orbit. Most stayed briefly. Only a few lasted long enough to see all the different facets that lay underneath the surface of his charismatic personality. One of them was Gloria Garvin. And this is h…
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Uncut: In Conversation with Dr. Shilpa Dahake
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Catch the uncut and unabridged edition of our conversation with Dr. Shilpa Dahake on all things rivers, riverscapes and people! Sections from this interview formed the basis of episodes S02E08 and S02E09, A Bridge over Troubled Waters! As always, keep the budding conversation going, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @ChippinAwayIND Or send us…
TIME Magazine’s investigation into Castaneda kicks into high gear as a series of late breaking discoveries reveal a portrait of a past life wholly at odds with Castaneda’s own. Behind the shroud of mystery lie tragedies. Spilling out into the open, Castaneda’s family secrets threaten to capsize both his person and professional life. After listening…
Let us continue our conversation with Dr. Shilpa Dahake, as we discuss rivers, riverscapes and sacred landscapes associated with water bodies. This deep dive into the human-river interaction opens more exciting avenues of discussion! If you haven't already, catch Part 1 of this episode first! As always, keep the budding conversation going, and foll…
In this episode, part one of two, we continue investigating our relationship with the various natural elements - water! We look at how water, in particular rivers, have contributed to human culture and civilisation. Join us in discussion with Dr. Shilpa Dahake as we investigate how rivers have shaped our human world and how we, as agents of change,…
How does the history of art contribute to archaeology? This episode explores a case study of sculptural art in South Asia with Kanika Gupta. We also discuss her new coauthored book "Lupadakhe", which explores the movements of sculptors and their work at various ancient sites in Western India. Ready to pick up the metaphorical chisel and get chippin…
In this, the second episode of 'Elementals', we look at Earth. How can we use the Earth itself to help us date the past? And how have humans modified Earthly processes? Join us, as we converse with Dr. Aayush Srivastava on how he uses sand grains to date the archaeological record (luminescence dating) and what his research into the Thar tells us ab…
On 30th May 1863, the Father of Indian Prehistory, Robert Bruce Foote discovered a handaxe (prehistoric tool) at Pallavaram in Tamil Nadu (India). This discovery put South Asia on the map for the conversations on prehistory and early human activity. Team Chippin' Away marks this day with Prof. Shanti Pappu who continues to work on the prehistory of…
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Unlocking the Cabinet of Curiosities Again!: An International Museum Day Special
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We're back with another Museum Day Special! We discuss a one-of-its-kind museum in India with our guest speaker Miss Sanjana Rangan in this episode. Let's dive in! And don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @chippinawayind and send us a line at chippinawayind@gmail.com Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/chippinawayind)…
...because we're talking about Fire! First in the series "Elementals", we discuss the role of fire. From cooking to protection, and influencing iron-clad habits and modus operandi for humans, fire has influenced all walks of life. Let us know what you think of the power of fire! Twitter and Instagram @chippinawayind And send us a line at chippinawa…
And the story of women in the past continues! In this episode, we explore more data on women in archaeology and the history of South Asia. We discuss the theory from genetics, analyze how some of the stereotypes and first impressions can be misleading, and propose peering beyond the binary of genders in the study of the past to understand the prese…
Hello! We're back with Season 2, right after Women's History Month (March). Your podcast hosts Akash and Durga discuss the representation of women in archaeological, historical, and social contexts as we journey along with the cultural pasts of South Asia. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @chippinawayind And send us a line with co…
By Frank Horton
At the peak of Castaneda's fame in the early 70s, rumors begin circulating about the authenticity of his books and his purported personal history. An all-star team of TIME Magazine journalists go looking for answers. After listening, be sure to check out: Episode Slide Show: bit.ly/2Pzmlb4 One Extra Thing: bit.ly/3c4Y6Jy Discussion Thread: bit.ly/3…
The tremendous success of "The Teachings of Don Juan" will catapult Carlos Castaneda into the pop culture stratosphere and certify his status as a generational icon. But how exactly did a would-be anthropology master's thesis—which seemed destined for a dusty shelf in the UCLA library—become a bestselling bible for the counterculture? After listeni…
As the hippie movement flowered across college campuses in the 60s, Carlos Castaneda kept his hair neatly cut and wore brown, three-piece Brooks Brothers suits. But while his appearance may have been conservative, his approach to anthropology was radical. From the sands of Sonora, he was bringing back to campus mind-bending tales of psychedelic adv…
Before achieving fame and fortune, Carlos Castaneda was once just another graduate student in the UCLA anthropology program. But even back then, his classmates remember him as being anything but ordinary. His megawatt personality and colorful stories left them spellbound; and his secretive research and purposefully veiled past stoked endless fascin…
His reality-shattering books electrified a generation and inspired some of the greatest creative visionaries of our time — John Lennon, Joni Mitchell, George Lucas, Marvin Gaye, Oliver Stone. But who was Carlos Castaneda? A genius writer? A millionaire playboy? An enlightened guru? A shameless conman? And what answers lurk in a dark discovery made …
In the Season Finale for Season One, we journey into the present which holds the key to understanding and unlocking hidden facets of the past, through the lens of ethnography and its archaeological avatar, ethnoarchaeology. We are also treated to an insight into Durga's research work which incorporates ethnography in practice to study the past of W…
Getting the rock game on for this episode, your hosts Akash and Durga discuss bits and pieces (or shall we say rocks and pebbles?) of the Stone Age in South Asia. In this penultimate episode for the season, join us on our journey going back a few million years! There is so much more to discuss, and this is just a tiny sliver of our discussions on r…
The jingle of coins in your pocket is a rare occurrence - now that we have moved to plastic money and e-currency. But coins hold a special place for the study of the past, and also for our nostalgia! Let's invest in the introduction of numismatics - the field of study of coins, with examples from India and Sri Lanka. We have with us Chitramala Thar…
"The narratives that reached South Asia with the Portuguese sailing on the high seas, continue to influence the quotidian life to this day". - We don't want to get wrapped up in jargon! So let's board the metaphorical boat again, for a plunge into the Portuguese influence along the West coast of India. We continue our journey with part three of the…
All hands on deck? Let's sail to South Asia of the 1500s to explore the vicissitudes of colonial powers in South Asia. We hear/read/discuss British Colonialism, and let's shift our focus to peel the layers of the Portuguese presence in South Asia. The boats reached ashore, and a firm banner of Portuguese rule is planted over Indian soil. What next.…
Pakistan and India celebrate the days of independence on August 14th and 15th respectively. Independence from European powers and freeing away from the yoke of colonial power is the reason to celebrate - indeed! But let us step beyond the precipice to discuss what is colonialism as seen through various colonialisms in the South Asian subcontinent. …
We are not talking about inscriptions and alphabet etched on stone! But about the narratives that are a part of intangible culture, expressed in tangible form. Too much jargon!? Fear not, just tune into the episode to learn about embedded myths in landscape and geology as a part and parcel of archaeology... Send us more myths and narratives that yo…
We speak of knowledge as a Public domain and when it comes to culture, heritage, and the study of the past, it becomes a public endeavour. History, Archaeology, and Anthropology cannot be fully understood from individual ivory towers. This is what Latha, the Founder of Chai With History, discusses with us in this episode. Join us, to know more abou…
Dogs have been our best friends and companions for over 20,000 years at least, and in this episode, we trace the journey of this relationship - from how a humble grey wolf became everybody's good girl/boy! :) Follow us on Twitter and Instagram (@ChippinAwayIND) and do email us (chippingawayind@gmail.com) to keep the conversation going! Support the …
Instead of chippin' away today, let's stack some stones! ;) What does the Iron Age in South Asia look like? What do we collectively know about the ancient cultures that built imposing monuments with big rocks and boulders? Let's journey into the iron age of South Asia, and the megalith culture of the subcontinent. We are joined by Dr. Oishi Roy who…
The past necessitates a point of reference, which we experience as time. In this episode, your hosts Durga and Akash take you on a journey of time itself (time travel, if you will), through the ways we measured time in the past, as well as how we evaluate time in our present. Are we conning time? Have we templated time? Or is it just a futile exerc…
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Unlocking the Cabinet of Curiosities: An International Museum Day Special
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We heard you, all museum enthusiasts, and students of culture and heritage! Here's to you all; the die-hard muses of the cabinet of curiosities. Some more behind-the-scenes in a museum! Here's a special episode for the International Museum Day. An extended version of the interview with Ms. Ruta for our episode #4: Acquire, Inquire. You know that on…
Museum Day is (almost) here! Join your hosts Akash and Durga on a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of museums. A brief history of museums in South Asia followed by a special guest interview will peel the layers of how a museum works. Ms. Ruta, the Assistant Curator at Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai (India) speaks about the nuts and bolts of a museum ex…
Yes, the archaeologists carefully plan and then excavate sites. But there are some chance finds...or as we say, lady luck smiles upon us! Hosts Durga and Akash take you on a whirlwind tour of such chance finds in archaeology that changed the way we look at the past. Do you know any such chance finds? Give this episode a listen and keep the conversa…
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Fantastic Fields (and where to find them)
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Why do archaeologists need to traverse from the library to the laboratory!? Let's discuss the various stages of envisioning an archaeological project from asking the research question to shovelling the earth, in this second episode of Chippin' Away. Your hosts Durga and Akash take you on a 15-minute audio journey of field methods in archaeology wit…
Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/chippinawayind)By Akash and Durga
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Virtue in the Wasteland Podcast
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Ep 326 What We Learned: The Final Episode
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I am exhausted, emotionally and otherwise... hey all, Dan here... just posted this last episode with calls from listeners, and a song at the end with a story that wraps into ViW... So, this is it. Thank you all. Check out virtueinthewasteland.com for where you can find us, now that the curtain has descended on this episode of our life. Make sure yo…
