Barely Researched Facts: Recent Episodes
ArtNowThus
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus; an arts, events and content company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends.
Welcome back to Barely Researched Facts. And it’s time for the great recap episode! We’ve done so much this year that we’ve been proud of. We've celebrated days special to us and the world; we had guests on; we discussed everything under the sun – and the moon ! From the fascinating to the bizarre, from cults to dictatorships, from the gruesome (Krampus) to the ludicrous (Moonies cult). We’ve done our best to keep things interesting – which wasn’t very hard to do considering the world and indeed humanity’s ability to be downright weird. Here’s what we got up to this year!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a media company based in India. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends.
Getting you right into the holiday spirit, this episode we’ve chosen the word “Holidays”. Ragini jumps right into that holiday spirit with the legend of Krampus, a horned beastly figure from central and eastern Alpine folklore - scaring the poop out of misbehaving kids everywhere since time immemorial. We widen the net and go hunting for the history of holidays, the weekend and how the “Day of Rest” has evolved on the Indian subcontinent and for its many inhabitants.
It's a holiday fact-packed episode, so tune in!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a media company based in India. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends.
This episode, we’ve chosen the word “Number”. Somehow, we’re back on the topic of cults - wait to find out how we’ve managed this. All we'll say is it has something to do with a right triangle, some misattributed discoveries (if you guessed Tesla, you’re wrong) and vegetarians who weren’t really vegetarians, which is a tale as old as time! We also obviously talk about the Fibonacci sequence, what it is, how it came to be and why the golden ratio might not be the all pervasive standard code for all of nature’s beauty.
And finally, a prime conspiracy uncovered!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a content and events company based in India. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends.
This episode, we’ve chosen the word “Chill”. If there’s anything that we or indeed everyone in the world needs right now, it’s a chill pill. And we’ll give you a precise recipe for one - straight from the most medically reliable century in human history - the 1800s! While you’re digesting that recipe, you might experience a hint of piloerection - a common occurrence when listening to any of our episodes - worry not, we’ll explain what that means in the episode. And lastly, we go deeper into why the chillness of longtime friends of Mary Jane is frustrating anaesthetists everywhere. Enjoy!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a content and events company based in India. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends.
We continue our audio drama special episodes with our second short story.
'Hunger' is also a short story written by Shar and narrated by Vidyuth Gargi, an actor and writer from Mumbai. Today's story is... interesting. Struggling to say more without revealing too much, so that's all we'll say. But take a listen.
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a media start-up based in India. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends.
Today's episode is an experiment - we're celebrating World Audio Drama Day, with our own little tribute through storytelling.
'Homecoming' is a short story written by Shar and narrated by Yuki Ellias, a theatre director and actor from Mumbai. We don't want to ruin the story by telling you too much in the blurb, so take a listen and enjoy the tale.
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a media start-up based in India. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends.
Welcome to the seventh episode! This time we’re going the opposite direction to our fifth episode “Moon”. We discuss the importance, or lack thereof of perineum sunning - which is the scientific term for sun’s out, bums out folks! We also talk about that time North Korea landed the first man on the sun in a mere 21 hour long round trip. That happened, obviously. And then there's our newest space investigation superhero - the James Webb Telescope, and its superhero cape. Enjoy the show!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a content and events company based in India. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends.
Part of our collaboration with the amazing Kobo Fermentary - Shar and Ragini bring you the usual bizarre, amazing facts this episode, and Ragini makes the best pun of her life!
More on Kobo Fermentary, their wonderful work and the beautiful chaotic mess that is the fermenting world here:
https://www.artnowthus.in/newsletter/shepherd-of-microbes-an-interview-with-payal-shah
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a content and events company based in India. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends.
The moon’s gravitational pull is at its strongest during the New Moon and Full Moon. Today is a new moon - so you’ve guessed it - the simple creatures at Barely Researched Facts have chosen Moon as the word for today’s episode!
In this episode we discuss the scientific implications of plonking a werewolf on the moon before we spend some time deciding what exactly qualifies an organisation as a cult that ruins lives, breaks up families, and causes havoc in people’s lives. And then we chat about Mooning - the gift of the bare posterior that has given so much to so many over the centuries! Lastly, asking for a friend - Is the moon drifting away from Earth a problem?
Enjoy the show!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a content and events company based in India. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends.
The moon’s gravitational pull is at its strongest during the New Moon and Full Moon. Today is a new moon - so you’ve guessed it - the simple creatures at Barely Researched Facts have chosen Moon as the word for today’s episode!
In this episode we discuss the scientific implications of plonking a werewolf on the moon before we spend some time deciding what exactly qualifies an organisation as a cult that ruins lives, breaks up families, and causes havoc in people’s lives. And then we chat about Mooning - the gift of the bare posterior that has given so much to so many over the centuries! Lastly, asking for a friend - Is the moon drifting away from Earth a problem? Enjoy the show!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a content and events company based in India. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends.
Our word this episode is an Independence Day special. We’re going with revolution - expect all things revolutionary and all things revolving. 15th August is the Indian Independence Day. Which got us thinking - why isn’t the Indian independence movement referred to as a revolution? There’s a little bit about the famous White Revolution in India though, and a very famous ad mascot associated with it.
Also, it turns out Pluto’s done with our solar system and does not want to sit with the rest of the planets anymore. And while we’re in outer space, there’s a little bit about the revolutionary Keplar telescope and how it made Star Wars fans gurgle with childish excitement. Then we bring you crashing down to earth to talk about someone revolutionary to science - Thomas Kuhn. If you know, you know! Actually, if you don’t know, you sorta kinda know. Promise we’ll try to explain that - more than a few times!
Also, an album reco to keep the mood going even after the episode is done. Enjoy!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a content and events company based in India. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends.
This episode had us punning on the fly, talking about a poltergeist from our (and your) collective childhoods, morbid humour in a dictatorship, our favourite redhead Rick Astley along with activist of vegetarianism and little known mathematician Pythagorus and his prank cup!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a content and events company based in India. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends.
It's the anniversary of the last telegram sent, so we did an entire episode on telegrams.
We talk about the last telegram ever sent (obvio), communicating telepathically and telegraphically with big-eared Martians, and why in the world the unstoppable telegram had stops in it. Answers to all your burning telegram questions in the episode right here. Listen in!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Welcome back to Season 2 - and we're starting things off with this power packed episode!
We talk about a gun toting shrimp (not making it up), a broken circle and a vertical stroke, the tapestry of 80s, 90s pop culture that is the Powerpuff Girls and how Iceland heats …. literally everything!
In 2010, the Columbian army ran an audacious rescue mission and sent hidden messages to hostages, using a pop song.
This segment is from Episode 18 - Signal. Scroll down over to take a listen to the full episode.
Going all the way back to our first ever BRF Shorts On Us. Take a listen to Pride...
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
This is a story about the god of Fire and a 1000 year long indigestion. And while that line is a hook, the story is worth the bait!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
What does being a geek say about your personality (apart from the fact that we're geeks)?
Also, why do superheroes wear their underpants outside their pants?
Mysteries unraveled in today's May The Fourth special PodActs edition.
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Where did our grand and not-so-grand birthday traditions begin from? Find out in this short of a short.
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Ragini and Shar record this one in the same room - whaaaat!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
The world's oldest fashion icon - hit that play button to find out all about it!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Since it's Women's Day next week, we decided to drop this episode as our latest PodActs. (still less scary than that time you had to tell your mum you lost her Tupperware on the school bus - again!)
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Happy Valentine's Day! We're celebrating with this delightful and entirely gruesome segment on the sex lives of Octopuses! Enjoy!
Also, we messed up and said this was releasing on a Tuesday, but we know we can trust you to ignore that :)
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Our much beloved segment on the amazing Mary Arnauld Foster and her experiments with dream control. If this name is new to you, this episode is an absolute must-hear!
Live out her adventures with us, we take you along on some pretty fantastical dream journeys in this one. It's a ride - we promise you that!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
One full year since we started BRF! And as we step away for a bit to take some time to reflect and renew, we leave you with the final word for this season - 'Season' (bit on the nose, this one).
What's a silly season? Hint: it's not the period in the following months without the weekly BRF fix in your life, we promise.
And the poetic beauty behind the names of our seasons!
Speeding towards the new year, this episode sets the tone by starting off with a great segment on speed limits! There's some pretty cute history on this one.
Making things racy - Shar has a little girl crush we explore this episode. Yes, we went there!
Also, if you think men today aren't manly enough (not our words), you must hear this segment about Peter McAllister and his study into the deeply inadequate modern man (again, not our words and truly a legitimate study)
And finally:
- Why do Kenyans run so fast?
- Why is a ship's speed measured in knots?
- And why aren't we all panicking about being hurtled through the deep space as we stand on the ground in gay abandon.
As always, enjoy!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
It's the end of the year and it's our favourite time and we're jumping right on to that festive wagon with our last short of the year - Confetti!
Turns out human beings have always liked chucking stuff at each other - so we take you through all the not so pleasant, ever so gruesome tales about how this played out in the years gone by.
Also, a great tradition around confetti and examinations and words of cautions about confetti canons and the havoc they can wreak. It truly is a celebration!
For something that's meant to facilitate dryness, this word turned out to be anything but!
We start off with one of the most famous roofs in the world - the iconic domed roofs of the Taj Mahal. Architecture aside, we managed to uncover a juicy little archeological conspiracy theory - fun!
Moving west, Shar takes us to the cute little thatched roofs in England. After which we swiftly ran out of regular roof things to talk about, so we come back east to the Roof of the World. This segment is aces for any other anthropology nerds out there - come find us.
Also what does your roofing preference say about your political leanings and what is the true point of the roof of your mouth.
We've clearly covered everything about roofs that we could. And we leave you with this little riddle before you embark on your listening - what is a baby roof called? You know what to do.
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Hopefully, it's lucky number 13 for us and this episode isn't just "okay". We cover the origins and the sauciness of the word OK, or is it Okay? Find out in the episode!
BRF Shorts On Us are mini episodes much more home grown in production than our full length episodes, and therefore slightly varying in quality. Content is aces like always though - so take a listen and enjoy!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
In this episode we discuss all things Mummy - the scary ones and the scarier ones :D
Ever heard about mummy unwrapping parties btw? Quite the banger back in early 20th century with the European genteel. And yes, it is exactly what it sounds like.
In this very cheery episode, we discuss the most famous of modern mummies - Vladimir Lenin; and the stomach churning process of self mummification.
For archeology nuts, there's a segment on the mummies of the children of llullaillaco - it's tragic, but also truly fascinating.
And lastly we tell you exactly when mummies started becoming scary (spoiler alert: it wasn't that time you left the Tupperware in the school bus for the umpteenth time) and why is motherf** such a terrible thing to say.
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Our episode on 'Bling' talks about all things bling - rappers, Nizams and burglars! Obviously.
Listen to the episode for a fascinating bunch of topics!
BRF Shorts On Us are mini episodes much more home grown in production than our full length episodes, and therefore slightly varying in quality. Content is aces like always though - so take a listen and enjoy!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
What would happen if human beings could really fly? Can they ever really fly? Also, how did we ever come to think of angels as humans with wings? Is it an angel or is it an alien? So many questions and one episode to answer them all!
We also cover a fun segment on drunk angels - it happens, and not just according to us.
True crime must always be covered where it can - angels of mercy could not not be mentioned in this episode.
And a truly lovely sculpture that we may all be familiar with but where did it begin - take a listen with us as we tell you the story of the original angel of grief sculpture.
And a little bit about the angels most familiar to us today - hello Victoria's Angels!
Enjoy!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Our episode on 'Signal' left us with a lot of to want for. So we decided to do this little short on the 'Traffic Signal'!
It's really a fascinating history - they've been around longer than we thought btw (think traffic signals for horses - cute!). Also, dyk traffic signals in Japan are (an absolutely lovely) shade of blue? Find out why in this episode - the answer is pretty cool!
Signal turns green... Go!
BRF Shorts On Us are mini episodes much more home grown in production than our full length episodes, and therefore slightly varying in quality. Content is aces like always though - so take a listen and enjoy!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
It's our 20th episode! And to celebrate this milestone, we have an equally celebratory word - Pop!
Can't go an episode on Pop without talking about pop culture. We take you through a surprising study that details out the evolution of pop music - turns out it's not actually getting unbearable as the next generation takes over, that's just us. Also, we pay tribute to one of the biggest contributors to pop culture - Shakespeare.
Ever wondered why soda is called pop? We've got you covered. There's also a segment on the famous nursery rhyme 'Pop Goes The Weasel' and the history of popcorn.
Going out with a pop - why is popping bubble wrap the best thing ever. Find out here!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
We've all heard of trial by combat, and in this episode we tell you about the fascinating legal role played by the humble cake back in the day - introducing trial by cake! (we didn't make this up).
Also, taking you through an extremely important day of international political significance - International Cake Day! (also not making any of that up).
And while we're at it, there's a little bit of cake wars in the present and some royal facts.
Quite a tasty little short we must say!
BRF Shorts On Us are mini episodes much more home grown in production than our full length episodes, and therefore slightly varying in quality. Content is aces like always though - so take a listen and enjoy!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
This episode is anything but quiet - in fact, it's quite a riot!
Ragini and Shar talk about whispering in every form - from whispering to ghosts to whispering to the Gods! Humans are strange, aren't they?
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
On Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, we also celebrate another auspicious day - Mean Girls Day! This episode smooshes two very interesting, very different topics together making a super-quirky short! Enjoy!
BRF Shorts On Us are mini episodes much more home grown in production than our full length episodes, and therefore slightly varying in quality. Content is aces like always though - so take a listen and enjoy!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
What do Geeks have in common with carnivals? The answer is a fascinating insight into the origins of this seemingly innocuous, commonplace word. Listen on!
BRF Shorts On Us are mini episodes much more home grown in production than our full length episodes, and therefore slightly varying in quality. Content is aces like always though - so take a listen and enjoy!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Take a trip down many lanes of great historical significance all the way into outer space with this banger of an episode!
There's a lot in here about ancient systems of signaling in times of war and peace - super fascinating! And to keep things contemporary we also take you through the history of the (truly cathartic to execute) signal of the middle finger!
Also, what does the Columbian army and pop music have in common - listen in for one of our most heartwarming segments ever!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
The origin of dude, the coolest dude, all things dude! From religions to leather boots, this short will make you have a long think about what dude actually means to YOU.
To us? - Fermented Quail Eggs.
Listen to find out more!
BRF Shorts On Us are mini episodes much more home grown in production than our full length episodes, and therefore slightly varying in quality. Content is aces like always though - so take a listen and enjoy!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Today is World Beard Day! And we celebrated by putting together this episode!
Listen in to find out all the wonderful traditions you can now begin annually to celebrate the togetherness of person and beard. As always we have lots of history - stories we never really imagined we'd be talking about, but there you have it. The many medical marvels and perils of that fabulous mop of hair and we unravel the mystery of why the King of Hearts is the only one in the deck without facial hair and why he seems to be stabbing himself in the head (hint: it's not anguish caused from not having a beard unfortunately).
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
What does an 'Indian Summer' actually mean?
Where does the phrase 'Raining Cats And Dogs' come from? Hint: while you might not encounter cats pouring out of the sky, there are some wonderful other creatures you could. Not recommended.
And the surprising origins of the phrase 'Buttering Someone Up'.
Take a listen and level up your idiom game with this very fun short!
BRF Shorts On Us are mini episodes much more home grown in production than our full length episodes, and therefore slightly varying in quality. Content is aces like always though - so take a listen and enjoy!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
This episode is on Fire! (pun :D)
What happens when the God of Fire gets indigestion? What happens to fire in space? Can the human body spontaneously combust on its own? Does pyrokinesis exist? Also, is that the correct term for it? And how do dragons breathe fire?
We answer all these and other burning questions. Also, as a treat - find out the very literal origins of the phrase 'You Are Fired'. The Apprentice can thank us later.
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
BRF Shorts On Us are mini episodes much more home grown in production than our full length episodes, and therefore slightly varying in quality. Content is aces like always though - so take a listen and enjoy!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
History, Politics, Medicine, Astronomy, Psychology - this episode really took us places!
Find out where it all began, the amazing journey of the Indian fairytales book the Panchatantra across the world, the dark historical story that inspired a much told tale and some expert psychological and medical diagnosis for our favourite fairy characters!
Listen and live happily ever after...
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
What is this strange word you ask - listen to the episode to find out!
Find out about our holiest saviour, the Flying Spaghetti Monster and the devoutness of his followers. Ramen to that!
BRF Shorts On Us are mini episodes much more home grown in production than our full length episodes, and therefore slightly varying in quality. Content is aces like always though - so take a listen and enjoy!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
From the expected - like where the word 'Pasta' comes from and the history of this fascinating dish - to the absolutely unexpected, this episode covers so much ground. Take a listen to explore the creep-tastic internet world of Creepypasta, pasta wars, punny pasta religions and the latest in pasta shapes!
Also, if anyone has a better explanation for what lictorian means, please do let us know.
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Happy Birthday to Ragini! We decided to do a fun little short on birthdays right from the history of these special days to birthday traditions around the world. And Shar spills the beans on some stories about Ragini - all of which gave birth to this amazing podcast! So more than one birth day being celebrated on this one today.
Happy listening!
Our first ever guest episode and this one's a tasty one!
Find out about the history of cake, and a charming little story of how a little town in southern India grew to become a global hotspot for Christmas cakes. There are stories about conjoined twins, examination practices at Oxford and folklore from China. Also a really fun segment on some totally bizarre world cake records! And we rechristen Red Velvet cake.
Packed with flavour and information!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
June 26th is celebrated as Rat Catcher's Day in the town of Hamelin in Germany. This episode we take you through the disturbingly true stories that inspired some of our much beloved fairytales - including the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin that inspires the celebrations today!
There's also a fun little music video about the Three Little Pigs. You can find the link to the video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtffv9bpB-U
And a story about how two little girls kept an international hoax going for 65 years!
BRF Shorts On Us are mini episodes much more home grown in production than our full length episodes, and therefore slightly varying in quality. Content is aces like always though - so take a listen and enjoy!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Our word for this episode: Palm!
From experts who predicted their own death to Ragini's newly acquired palm-reading skills, to Los Angeles and its infamous arboreal mascot, this episode is short but packs a punch!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Our first ever BRF Shorts On Us! Mini episodes where we pick words, phrases, idioms and tease them out for you.
This episode features the word 'Pride'. We take you through the evolution of this very topical word - it's had a fascinating journey! And of course, there's a fair bit on Pride in its political use today. Jump in!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Our word for this episode: Dream!
In this episode, dreams were a royal road indeed - to super interesting facts! Our chosen word for this episode took us from the supernatural to the surreal!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
We chose a listener-submitted word to dissect this episode and boy, did it deliver! Thank you to Akshai for suggesting “Octopus”. We have to admit – at first, it didn’t seem very promising but that’ll just teach us to trust in our listeners from now on, because it was quite the opposite in the end!
All we know is – whether they’re having weird sex, taking pictures of schoolchildren, taking drugs, or being the subject of fetishes, octopuses deserve our respect, love and admiration. Too bad our (human beings and octopuses’) evolutionary journeys split over 700 million years ago. We’re still a bit butthurt about that.
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Riddle us this dear listeners...
In this episode we answer why that statement leaves you feeling like you're the champion of the world or in a broken pile of anxiety on the floor. To put things in perspective, especially if you're one of the latter - we also take you down the history of riddling, where a mess-up on the answer could lead to public humiliation or certain death. So no pressure there.
And because we're so cultured, we've also brought in a little bit about storing your wine appropriately and beautiful walks through the city of Dublin. Stroll in...
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Our word for this episode: Mirror!
In this episode, we take listeners through the history of the mirror and ponder the magpie-like nature of humans in their obsession for shiny things. We journey from the sands of the Egyptian civilization to a janitorial closet in an American club - what a ride!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Our word for this episode: Memory!
This one's going to be a hard one to forget. And if you do, we'll tell you exactly why that happened in this episode. From setting world records to some crazy stories about some crazy memories - newly self appointed Drs. Shar and Ragini take you through some incredible facts about all that we remember.
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Our word for this episode: Geek. Bite the head off a chicken and get ready for a "galloper" of an episode!
Since our word for the episode is "Geek", it's obvious we bring up carnivals, right? Right! We go through a range of emotions with this one. From talking about early American carnivals to Geek culture, to Don Quixote this "Ding Show" would be far from having "Mr. and Mrs. Wood and All the Little Woods". If you think that's gibberish, you haven't heard Ragini's "P" language yet and you haven't listened to the episode, which we strongly encourage you to do!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Our word for this episode: Ash!
Disclaimer: the content in this episode may not be suitable for everyone.
Volcanic erections, hacks to keep your pets flea-free and your chickens parasit free and more! This episode, we talk about all things ash - some predicatable and some unpredictable. We did have to cover the obvious - crematorial practices but we take you down a road that's hopefully more interesting than it is morbid. We also covered how scientists and archaeologists in France have found hope in the tragic fire at Notre Dame before making a quick stopover across the channel to talk about our personal favourite topic - cricket! PS: What's the emoji for heavy sarcasm?
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Our word for this episode: Echo!
From mythology to ancient civilizations to astronomy, this episode takes us on a comprehensive journey through time - as much as you can in twenty eight minutes anyway!
Does a duck's quack echo? Can a human echolocate? Do we play the card game bridge? Is the Big Bang speaking to us across space from the past over time? (Or however someone knowledgeable about astronomy would phrase that question!) We kind of answer all these questions in this week's episode.
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
This episode features an abrupt great segue into talking about the plague, the miasma and germ theories in science, rotting organic matter (Yay!), mask wearing in the western medical world in the 1900s and a fifteen minute long death scene! Intrigued yet? Well how about a guest appearance by one of our mums? Now that's a clincher!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Hats have evolved from being integral to protect against the elements to having ceremonial significance and now primarily as a fashion accessory. We discuss hats, hat pins, magic hats, significant hats and mercury poisoning (obvs). We journeyed from the oldest hat in circa 3500 B.C. through to 9th century Scandinavia, 19th century North America, 20th century England and beyond as we uncover some of the interesting stories and facts we came across in our research.
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
Barely Researched Facts is a facts-based show (barely) brought to you by ArtNowThus, a Mumbai-based experiential arts company. Born out of the infamous lockdown of 2020, the show is a trip down dissection lane – of words. Every episode, the hosts Ragini and Shar choose one word and deep dive into it. Every interesting fact we can find, we research – somewhat casually – and bring to you, pairing it with some good humour and casual chat between two friends. Come take a listen!
In this pilot episode, thanks to our word of the day 'Pepper', we learn a lot about this very important and historic spice and its (notably very extremely Indian) origins. Its journey from the nostrils of poor old Ramses the Great in 2000 B.C to the dinner tables of most of the contemporary western world is interesting to say the least!