Writer and Geek Show
74 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsWe are Writer and Geek, we make our listeners get excited about boring stuff one episode at a time. Writer and Geek Show is a science and tech podcast and we love geeking about tech, history, science, music and any other topic they can think of. In this show, we discuss a variety of topics and ramble on and on about them.
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Episodes
074: Oh beer, oh beer!
November 24, 2019 06:00Beer is undoubtedly the most popular drink around the world. Today, we are trying to get some insights into the origins of beer; discuss the methods of preparation and debunk some myths while bouncing off some fun facts about the drink. The study of Beer is known as Zythology. The term Beer originated from Latin, which means “to drink”. It has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word “beuwoz”, derived from “beuwo”, which means barley. At any given time, 0.7% of people in the world are drunk. ...
073: Why do we remember things?
November 08, 2019 13:30In this episode we talk about how memory works.
072: Serial Killer Files Part 7 - Cyanide Lady
October 25, 2019 10:25Kerala was recently shocked to the news of a series of murder suspected by using cyanide by a lady. In this episode, we talk about Jolly Joseph and the mystery surrounding the deaths around her. As of today, she has confessed of having committed the crimes. Image: Unsplash
071: Cosmic Time Measurement In Hinduism
October 04, 2019 18:00In this episode, we talk about time measurement in Hindu culture.
070: Renting A House
September 20, 2019 17:58In this episode, we talk about what you need to know while renting a house in India.
069: '69'
September 13, 2019 17:54We are back after a break! To celebrate our 69th episode, we are gonna talk about human orgasm and sex related stuff. Episode is explicit, listner descretion is adviced. Mary Roach’s TED Talk Photo by Wendy van Zyl from Pexels
068: Water Crisis In Bangalore
June 22, 2019 17:51Click here to watch the episode on YouTube Introduction: The population in bangalore was 1.62 million back in the 1970s. Now there were nine million people in Bangalore in 2012. The count went up to eleven by 2018 and it is expected to reach 20 by 2030. In the period of 1970-2000 (30 years), the population has grown by 244%. And from 2001-2011, it has grown by 47%. The need for water has gone up with the increase in the number of people in the city. Causes: There were over 280 water bo...
067: History Of Money
June 05, 2019 17:29Barter System Barter system has been in existence since 6000 BC Earliest forms of barter system had livestock trade (sheep, cattle, vegetables, grains) It was first recorded in Egypt Mesopotamia to Phoenicians and the Babylonians improved the system Goods were exchanged for food, tea, weapons, and spices. Even human skulls were used. Salt was a very important trade commodity that Roman soldiers were paid with it. Middle ages, Europeans traded crafts and fur for silks and perfumes. Mus...
066: Dyatlov Pass Incident
May 26, 2019 17:26To the east of the Ural mountains, in Yekaterinburg city cemetery, there is a group grave of 9 members from a hiking group who died mysteriously. Timeline Arrived by train at Ivdel a town at the centre of the northern province of Sverdlovsk Oblast on 25th January 1959. Took a truck ride to Vizhai (last settlement towards the north). Hikers purchased and had loaves of bread when they were in Vizhai to keep energy high. Started trek towards Otorten from Vizhai on 27th January. Yuri Yudin...
065: More horror featuring Indian Noir
May 17, 2019 17:21Here is the second part of our conversation with Nikesh Murali, the producer of Indian Noir about horror and why humans are fascinated with the genre. Find Nikesh online: Indian Noir Nikesh’s website unsplash-logosebastiaan stam
064: Why Is Horror So Fascinating? Featuring Indian Noir.
May 10, 2019 17:18In this episode, we sit down and chat with Nikesh Murali, the producer of Indian Noir about horror and why humans are fascinated with the genre. Find Nikesh online: Indian Noir Nikesh’s website unsplash-logosebastiaan stam
063: Is Ejection Seat A Better Alternative?
March 16, 2019 17:14What is ejection seat? The ejection seat is a safety mechanism primarily used in aircraft to save a pilot or a passenger by propelling the seat out of the disabled aircraft. An explosive charge or rocket is used to propel the seat to a safe distance and a parachute takes care of the rest of the journey down to the ground. Everald Calthorp who earlier had invented parachutes devised an ejection seat that used compressed air. Romanian inventor Ananstase Dragomir proposed the modern layout ...
062: Beer Talk: Life 'N' Stuff
March 08, 2019 17:11This week, the boys sit down to discuss life 'n' stuff.
061: Personal Finance Ft. Naga From Passion People Podcast
February 12, 2019 17:06In this episode, Vishnu is joined by friend and fellow podcast producer Naga Subramanya from The Passion Poeple Podcast to discuss personal finance. Vishnu is a noob and Naga is an expert when it comes to personal finance. Enjoy their conversation, there are many gems of knowledge in this one. Some of the stuff we discuss: Power of compounding Mutual funds Saving then spending Credit Cards and Debt Loans Insurance and why term insurance. You can reach out to Naga here: The Passion P...
060: Cholanaikkans: The Lost Tribe
January 22, 2019 17:02The Cholanaikkans are an ethnic group of India, primarily inhabiting the southern Kerala State, especially Silent Valley National Park. They are one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes of the region. Population: 190-200 (2001 census: 360~) Found in the late 1970s Live in caves and rely on hunting and gathering Do not cultivate due to the destruction of produce by animals such as elephants Said to have moved to South due to natural disasters such as floods or fleeing due to thei...
059: The Humble Toilet
January 09, 2019 16:58History of toilets Toilets and sewers came into being as early as 3000 B.C. Mohenjodaro had earliest forms of toilet which resembled western toilets. Waste was deposited into pits or drains. In Harappa, a primitive form of water cleaning toilet was used which utilised flowing water to remove waste. Indus valley civilisation is well known for its network of sewers built under the ground. In the west, toilets that used water were built in the Orkney Islands on the northern tip of Scotland...
058: Serial Killer Files Part 6 - The Gangster From Madras
December 29, 2018 16:55Auto Shankar is the nickname of an Indian serial killer Gowri Shankar. Shankar and his gang were found guilty of six murders, committed over a period of two years in 1988–1989. Name: Gowri Shankar Known as: Auto Shankar DOB: January 21, 1954, Place: Kangeyanallur village, Vellore Number of victims: 6 Cause of death: Hanging Death: April 27, 1995 Crime Spree: 1988-1989 Fancycrave
057: The Wonderful Chocolate
December 18, 2018 16:52Chocolate Chocolate is a magic stuff made of roasted ground cocoa seeds. One of the most popular dessert ingredients. Needs no introduction, of course, chocolate can be used in a solid, liquid (choco syrup) and in many other forms. The word chocolate comes from the Nahuatl word chocolātl. Nahuatl was spoken in the valley of Mexico during the Spanish conquest of Aztec in the 16th century. Chocolate has been very popular in desserts and other forms of food and African countries are leading ...
056: The Monolithic Wonder
November 20, 2018 16:48Shravanabelagola is one of the most sacred Jain centres in South India. The holy land is abundantly rich with centuries of history, glorious traditions and culture, distinctive religious nature and practices, and architecture. The place boasts a rare combination of diverse features which makes it a prominent place of pilgrimage and tourism. The town is bundled between the two hills of Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri and it is well known for its scenic beauty. Pratyk321 [CC BY-SA 4.0], from Wiki...
055: Why Is A Dog A Dog And Not Wolf?
November 07, 2018 16:44Evo… what? Evolution The theory of evolution states that chemicals randomly orgnaised themselves into a self replicating molecule. The simple self-replicating molecule then underwent mutation and formed the complex organisms that ever existed on the earth. The theory consists of basicaly three parts: It is possible for the DNA of an organism to occasionally change, or mutate. The change brought about by a mutation is either beneficial, harmful or neutral. As mutations occur and spread ov...
054: Is Smoking Cool?
October 30, 2018 16:33The origin of tobacco can be traced back to 6000 BC, in the American continent. It was considered medicinal and used as a painkiller. Smoking cannabis can be traced back to 2000 BC, India. It is also mentioned in Atharvaveda. Cannabis smoking in the middle east was common, especially Hookah. Even women took part in it privately. Christopher Columbus played a big part in getting it to the European continent 1531 - first tobacco cultivation in Europe. By 1600, tobacco became an integral p...
053: Get yourself a tattoo!
October 09, 2018 16:29What is a tattoo? Body modification where ink, dye or pigment is inserted into the dermis layer of the skin to change the colour. Was considered uncivilised in the west until recently, tattoos carried symbolic meanings in many societies and culture since early ages. By 20th century, tattooing became more popular art in the west. The word tattoo, or tattow in the 18th century, from the Samoan word tatau, meaning “to strike”. History In Europe, tattooing is speculated to have been practi...
052: The History Of Vaccum Cleaner
September 16, 2018 16:26Vacuum Cleaner A vacuum cleaner, also known as a sweeper or hoover, is a device that uses an air pump to create a partial vacuum to suck up dust and dirt, usually from floors, and from other surfaces. Basically, it is a device which sucks your home tidy. Timeline 2300 B.C. - First rudimentary forms of broom and cleaning tools came into existence 1797 - Levi Dickenson devised a broom with the use of sorghum bristles. The sorghum broom business exploded and by 1860 sorghum got the name bro...
051: Ice-Cream
September 09, 2018 16:23Ice and cream No introduction required. It is a colloidal emulsion which is made into a foam by incorporating air and then frozen. Ice cream is a mixture of water, ice, milk fat, milk protein, sugar and air. The mixture is stirred well to incorporate air and is cooled below the freezing point and stored as semi-solid foam stored at low temperatures. The accepted composition of ice-cream in the US according to Wikipedia (all percentages by weight): Greater than 10% milkfat and usually b...
050: Cryptography Ft. Rupen Paul
August 26, 2018 16:16That’s 50! In the 50th episode, we sit down and talk with Rupen Paul, the star stand up comedian and upcoming podcaster about cryptography. This was a pleasant evening with rain, coffee and snacks. Occassional chewing noises are to be expected. Sit back and enjoy our version of cryptography! Rupen’s Right Room Rupen is also the host of an amazing podcast and we think that you should definitely check it out! The Right Room Podcast Books mentioned Please note that these are affiliate li...
049: Serial Killer Files Part 5 - Cyanide Mohan
August 19, 2018 14:56Mohan Kumar, infamously known as Cyanide Mohan is a serial killer who targeted women by offering them marriage. Details: DOB: 1963 Place: Mangalore Marital status: Married thrice Span of crime: 2005-2009 Number of victims: 20 Date of apprehension: October 2009 Crime history Cyanide Mohan worked as a primary school teacher from 1980 to 2003. He was fired from his job for allegedly pushing a woman off the Nethravathi when she refused his marriage proposal. The motive of the murders ...
048: Jet Engines
August 12, 2018 14:46Love ‘em planes ✈️ Jet engine is a type of internal combustion engine that produces thrust based on a fast moving discharge of hot gases, widely used on airplanes. History Hero of Alexandria built Aeopile which was the earliest for of jet engine dating back to 1st century A.D. It was a steam turbine which rotated when a central water container is heated. Much like a lawn sprinkler. Was more of a curiousity thing and did not have practical application. Chinese invented rocket fireworks ...
047: Pizza
August 05, 2018 14:39It’s mighty! Pizza is undoubtedly one of the most loved food in the world. About 7 billion pizzas are consumed across the world every year. History: Its history can be traced back to the streets of Naples, Italy in the Dark Ages. The introduction of tomato and mozzarella cheese revolutionised the art of pizza making. The first pizzeria was set up in 1830 and is called Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba. Yes, it still exists. As per legend, Margherita Pizza was invented by Raffaele Esposito in 1...
046: Deconstructing Formula One
June 03, 2018 14:35The top notch Formula one is the highest class of racing sanctioned by FIA. The inaugural season was in 1950. A season consists of races called Grand Prix (Grand Prize in French). “Formula” is set of rules to be followed by the manufacturers and the drivers. One of the fastest type of races owing to the aerodynamic design of cars. History Grand Prix Motor Racing: A precursor to the modern day Formula One racing. Started in France in 1894. Involved racing from one town to the next. E...
045: Pioneer 10 - The Lost Traveller
May 27, 2018 14:29Note: NASA was established in 1958 as opposed to 1959 as mentioned by Shankar. Pioneer 10 (Pioneer F) was the first aircraft to give humans an insight into the planet Jupiter and its moons. It was the first mission to Jupiter. It was part of the Pioneer program, a series of United States unmanned space missions launched between 1958 and 1978. Objectives: Document Jupiter, its environment and its moon (mainly Europa, Callisto, Io, Ganymede) through photographs (Jovian System) Study the sol...
044: Bizarre History Of Birth Control
May 20, 2018 14:26Birth control is a method or a device that is used to prevent pregnancy. Though safe and effective birth control came into existence only in the 20th century, ways to prevent pregnancy have been devised since ancient times. Birth control has been the centre of many controversies as well. For pregnancy to occur, sperm must flow up the vagina, through the cervical opening into uterus into one of the fallopian tubes. If an egg is present in the tube, one sperm could fertilise it. Contraceptive...
043: Beer Talk: Why Learn History?
May 13, 2018 14:23Why learning history is important In this episode, we talk about the importance of history and why we should learn. We also take a look at how history is taught and why there is a need to reform it with the use of current technologies. Thomas Ketchell’s talk
042: History Of Timekeeping
May 06, 2018 14:16Definition of time A second The duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between two hyperfine levels of ground state of the Cesium 133 atom. That’s lovely, but what does it mean? Hang on tight, we’ll come to that. But before that, let’s go back in history, few thousand years. To the land of mighty Egyptians. Yeah, you just thought of Pyramids and the movie Mummy, didn’t you? Yeah, moving along! Sun to the rescue Timekeeping became a necessity w...
041: Coffee Rules The World
April 29, 2018 14:11World runs on coffee Coffee is one of the most popular beverages on the planet alongside water and tea. It is the second most traded commodity after oil. Coffee has also given rise to a culture of coffee shops or coffee houses which seems to be a recent phenomenon. But are they really a thing of 21st century or do they have some history? Let’s find out. Beverage of choice Coffee is a magical drink of choice. Its ever-increasing popularity can be attributed to its versatility and of course...
040: Serial Killer Files Part 4 - DC Sniper
April 15, 2018 12:22The DC Sniper was a series of coordinated shooting on civilians at random during October 2002 which were perpetrated by John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo. Duration: Preliminary shooting: 16 February 2002 - 26 September 2002 Sniper shooting: 02 October 2002 - 24 October 2002 Perpetrators: John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo Casualty: 17 deaths and 10 injuries Location: Arizona, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Motive: Anger, Greed, Revenge Date apprehended: 24 October ...
039: Why Do The Continents Move
April 08, 2018 12:15Continental Drift The idea first put forward by Abraham Ortelius in 1596 and also by Francis Bacon in 1620 mostly due to the apparent similarities in the outlines of the continents. This was the period when maps were surfacing and gave a clearer view of continents. Alfred Wegener further developed it in 1912. Stated the continents are moving away from poles due to the bulge towards the equator. Though these forces exist, they are too weak to push the continental plates. Wagner suggested t...
038: Beer Talk: Facebook, Google And Online Privacy
April 01, 2018 12:10Facebook, Google and privacy In this pilot episode of “Beer-Talk” - a short conversation on current affairs and/or life topics, Vishnu and Shankar discuss online privacy and why Vishnu deleted his Facebook account. The tweet being discussed: Want to freak yourself out? I'm gonna show just how much of your information the likes of Facebook and Google store about you without you even realising it — Dylan Curran (@iamdylancurran) March 24, 2018
037: The Race To The South Pole
March 25, 2018 12:04The Race to the South Pole Expedition Number One: Leader: Roald Amundsen Expedition Name: Amundsen’s South Pole Expedition Reached on 14 December, 1911 Expedition Number Two: Leader: Robert Falcon Scott Expedition Name: Terra Nova Expedition Reached on 17 January, 1912 Amundsen’s South Pole expedition (1910-1912) ###Key people: (Total 19) Thorvald Nilsen, a navigator who would be second-in-command Hjalmar Fredrik Gjertsen, expedition doctor Kristian Prestrud, a naval officer Os...
036: Blockchain Primer
March 18, 2018 11:50The Blockchain Funda According to Hubspot research, one of the most confusing emerging technology. Blockchain is a digital method of economic transaction record-keeping – also known as a ledger. Security keeps it differentiated from other technologies. Records are kept open within a network but no one can edit or delete. It is like a database that can be updated only through solving a complex mathematical problem. The chain is linked through hash from the previous block and the chain co...
035: The Match Fixing Scandal Of 2000
March 11, 2018 10:50The Match Fixing Scandal of 2000 Summary 1996 - Mohd. Azharuddin introduced Hansie Cronje to Mukesh Gupta - a bookie. 1996 Kanpur test - final day fixing - $30,000 - Mukesh Gupta Scorecard $50,000 for team information, weather forecats and pitch report Fixed matches: 1999-2000 Ind vs SA ODI Series - Results Hansie Cronje, Herschelle Gibbs, Nicky Boje, Henry Williams, and Pieter Strydom said to be involved in fixing the matches 5th ODI - Gibbs asked to score less than 50 and Williams a...
034: Life As A Comic With Rupen Paul
March 04, 2018 10:44Interview with a comic: Rupen Paul Note from Shankar Music was the reason why I acquainted with Rupen back in 2010 at Christ University. We were part of two college bands namely Zilch and Raaga. The acquaintance grew into friendship over the course of our college life, though our musical dreams died. He is an aspiring stand up comedian who is sure to have his own Netflix special in the near future. So, tune in and get to know about the journey of one of the funniest comic Bangalore has ev...
033: Submarines
February 18, 2018 10:38Submarines What a submarine is: It is an underwater vehicle used mostly for military purpose in the current day and age. Civilian uses mostly for science (marine biology) Cylindrical in shape with conical edges. Bridge structure called Fin in Europe and Sail in America. Houses periscope and stuff. Powered by a propeller or pump jet and has fins on the rear to control the level of the submarine. Along with this also uses ballast tanks which are filled with compressed air to ‘surface’ the...
032: Restaurant Roundup - 02
February 11, 2018 10:30For the love of food! We love food! Bangalore has some really good restaurants some of which we have had the pleasure of checking out. Here are few of our favourite places. Do check them out, for love of food yo 🤘 The Roastery: Amazing coffee place! Frozen Bottle: Awesome milkshakes! Menchies: Really good frozen yogurt. Appears to be temporarily closed. Cold Stone: Amazing ice cream mixed over a cold stone. Apparently there are seven outlets in Bangalore. Biergarten: The best Sunday br...
031: Serial Killer Files Part 3 - The Green River Killer
February 04, 2018 10:25Highway Lured them using his family man personality and the picture of his son Took them to secluded areas and strangled them to death He used his hand in the beginning but began using ligatures to avoid injuries Most of the murders were committed in the woods, his truck or his room Close calls: He was arrested in 1982 and 2001 with regards to prostitution One of his victims, Rebecca Gardey escaped from his chokehold Sketches made during the eighties matched Ridgway, but no arrests w...
030: To Moon And Back - Part 5
January 28, 2018 10:21Episodes This is part of a series of episodes on NASA’s Mission to the Moon. To Moon and Back - Part 1 To Moon and Back - Part 2 To Moon and Back - Part 3 To Moon and Back - Part 4 To Moon and Back - Part 5 Post Apollo 11 In this episode we go back To Moon and Back. We talk about the missions that took place after the Apollo 11 voyage. Image: Pixabay
029: History Of Motion Pictures: Part 1
January 21, 2018 10:13Motion Pictures Motion Pictures are fascinating inventions. Not only is it a big industry but is also a powerful form of art for humans to express their ideas. In this episode we trace back the origin of what lead to the movies of today. Danish’s SoundCloud account First ever photograph called View from the Window at Le Gras Image: Pixabay
028: Evolution Of Languages: Dravidian - Part 1
January 12, 2018 10:06The Language Language is what sets humans apart from other species. Language evolved as a way of communication many thousands of years ago. Today it is a form of art. Music and literature is a part of every culture across the world. In this episode we talk about the evolution of languages starting with the Dravidian languages of southern India. We start with Kannada. Image: Pixabay
027: History Of The Toothbrush
January 05, 2018 10:01The Toothbrush We talk about the history of toothbrush and few other interesting things. Listen till the end of the episode, our coversation wanders quite a bit! Image: Pixabay
026: Serial Killer Files Part 2 - The Real Psycho
December 29, 2017 09:57Episodes This is part of a series of episodes on Serial Killer Files. Serial Killer Files Part 1: The Night Stalker Serial Killer Files Part 2: Ed Gein - The Real Psycho Serial Killer Files Part 3: The Green River Killer The Real Psycho Sir Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho was a movie well ahead of it’s time. But more intresting fact is that it was based on a real person - Ed Gien. In today’s episode, we look into a life that was lead digging up corpses and murdering people. Be advised, it ai...
025: The Genographic Project (Human Migration)
December 22, 2017 09:52The Genographic Project Genographic Project is an initiative by Nat Geo and IBM to trace the migration of humans from Africa into other regions by studying the DNA samples from across the world. Dr Spencer Wells led this project from 2005 - 2015, Image: Pixabay