Stepwell Radio

Ever thought about what we call “classical” and whether it’s really as ancient or untouched as it seems?Society often presents traditions like Bharatanatyam as timeless and unchanging, passed down intact from a distant past. Tradition, however, can’t be reduced to simple inheritance; and neither is the question of who shapes it a new one.Join us as we trace Bharatanatyam’s journey from temple rituals and devadasi traditions to the modern stage and ask the uncomfortable but fascinating questions that come with it: who decides what becomes “heritage”? What gets preserved, and what quietly disappears?

What do we really mean when we talk about intelligence? Is it an inherent trait, a measurable ability, or a concept shaped by society itself?In this episode, we trace the evolution of intelligence as an idea beginning with the early 20th century work of Alfred Binet and Théodore Simon, who designed intelligence tests to support children’s learning, not define their potential. Over time, however, intelligence came to be viewed as fixed and hereditary, often intertwined with notions of race, geography, and genetic “fitness.”This discussion critically examines how scientific concepts like intelligence are not developed in isolation, but are influenced by social hierarchies, political contexts, and cultural frameworks. How did a tool for educational support transform into a marker of inherent ability? And what does this shift reveal about the relationship between science and society?

We’ve traded intuition for instructions and aesthetics for reality. This week, we’re looking at how "finishing" became the enemy of "learning" and how "beautifcation' of food and standarization of education interlap. From the sterile precision of modern recipes and supermarket food to the transactional nature of the 4-year degree, we discuss why the obsession with the end goal is stripping the art out of our lives. Is it possible to find the joy again? Let’s get back to the "why" and leave the "how-to" behind.

We like to believe that every purchase we make is logical and well thought out but is it really? In this episode, we step into the world of behavioural economics to uncover why people often buy things they don’t actually need. Challenging the idea of the “rational consumer,” we explore how our decisions are shaped not just by price or utility, but by emotions, habits and subtle psychological triggers.From impulse buys to brand loyalty, we break down how cognitive biases, social influence, and even the way choices are presented can quietly steer our decisions. Whether it’s a limited time offer or the fear of missing out, every purchase has a story behind it and it’s not always as rational as it seems.

What if the "flaw" you noticed this morning wasn't really yours to notice? We live in a world where images, ideals, and ideas about perfection surround us constantly, be it in our social media feeds, in ads, or in the quiet suggestion that who we are right now isn't quite enough. This episode asks: Where do these feelings come from?Blending psychology with the world of marketing, Behind every purchase explores how beauty standards, self-improvement culture, and the concept of confidence itself are quietly shaped by what we're repeatedly shown. It's not about rejecting the products we love or the ways we choose to care for ourselves, but about understanding the deeper forces at play, and becoming a little more conscious of the currents pulling at our attention every day.