City of Women

In City of Women, we explore the calculated strategies, backdoor negotiations, and often absurd lengths women go to have fun and feel free in their city. Every Indian woman knows that being out in the city comes with rules - rules that determine who gets to be where and what you can and can’t do. But this show is not about those rules. It’s about how they get broken, bent, and jumped over when women decide to do things just for themselves. City of Women is fun, complex, and a bit of a joyride into the minds of women and the streets of Bangalore.

Dadar 06/07/2024

Dadar Former journalist, current writer and perennial Mumbai Girl Janhavi Samant takes us on a walking tour of the Dadar neighbourhood she’s called home her entire life. Our thanks to Janhavi Samant and Saad Janhavi Shaan. You can read more about Janhavi’s relationship with Dadar and Mumbai in her book, Faaltugiri and other Flashbacks. This episode was edited and produced by Ashrita Achar and Menaka Raman. Menaka Raman is our Senior Producer. Yashwanth Vinay is our Sound producer. Ashrita Achar is our Associate Producer. City of Women is executive produced, hosted, and written by Radhika Viswanathan and Samyuktha Varma. City of Women is a Vaaka Media production. Find us on Instagram at @cityofwomenpodcast or on X @thecityofwomen Additional Audio used: Ganpati Visarjan Mumbai 2021 | Ganesh Chaturthi | Lalbagh | Ganpati | Deepankar Kumar by Deepankar Kumar CC BY 3.0 TreinBombay.wav by marwil CC SAMPLING+ 1.0 /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/31642367

The Writer 05/23/2024

The Writer A writer shares how she lives. This episode is a part of our Literary City of Women Series. Thanks to , the writer. To read more of her work, you can find her on Substack at or on X This episode was written, narrated and produced by Radhika Viswanathan. Menaka Raman is our Senior Producer. Yashwanth Vinay is our Sound producer. Ashrita Achar is our Associate Producer. City of Women is executive produced, hosted, and written by Radhika Viswanathan and Samyuktha Varma. City of Women is a Vaaka Media production. Additional audio used: Street Ambience India by guidofm -- https://freesound.org/s/509181/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 -40 SE 4ch DELHI theatre sanskrit play with tabla bells and string music.wav by SoundEnsemble -- https://freesound.org/s/516654/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Movie projector by crooner -- https://freesound.org/s/215741/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 3.0 Find us on Instagram at @cityofwomenpodcast or on X @thecityofwomen /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/31430357

Ladies Special 04/09/2024

Ladies Special What goes into naming a train? The Indian Railways has dozens of trains named after women - good women, strong women, virtuous women and brave women. We go through the list, wonder about the women who travel by trains, sometimes getting lost, and sometimes finding themselves. This episode was written, narrated and produced by Radhika Viswanathan. Menaka Raman is our Senior Producer. Yashwanth Vinay is our Sound producer. Ashrita Achar is our Associate Producer. City of Women is executive produced, hosted, and written by Radhika Viswanathan and Samyuktha Varma. City of Women is a Vaaka Media production. Find us on Instagram at @cityofwomenpodcast or on X @thecityofwomen: /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/30750528

Social Susheela 02/08/2024

Social Susheela Ikyatha Yerasala is a journalist and content creator who has been documenting Kannada and Kanglish slang for the past five years. Her Instagram page Slangaluru is a vibrant space where old slang words are remembered, their meanings sometimes subtly altered for the times we live in, and new slang is coined in collaboration with the community. Listen to Ikyatha share her favourite slang words. TW: Mature themes and language. Listener discretion is advised. Our thanks to Ikyatha Yerasala. Ashrita Achar and Menaka Raman edited and produced this episode. Menaka Raman is our Senior Producer. Yashwanth Vinay is our Sound producer. Ashrita Achar is our Associate Producer. City of Women is executive produced, hosted, and written by Radhika Viswanathan and Samyuktha Varma. City of Women is a Vaaka Media production. Find us on Instagram at @cityofwomenpodcast or on X @thecityofwomen /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/29854943

Personal Best 11/17/2023

Personal Best Menaka always wanted to be one of the cool, sporty girls in her school. As a child she’d play for hours on the street, but as she got older she found herself retreating indoors, a place she was told was ‘safer’. As she grew older, how did she reclaim her right to exercise and play outdoors? Our thanks to Mathangi, Aakanksha, Yamini and Kamala. Written and hosted Menaka Raman. This episode is produced by Radhika Viswanathan. Our Sound producer is Yashwanth Vinay. Our Associate Producer is Ashrita Achar. Our Producer is Menaka Raman. City of Women is executive produced by Radhika Viswanathan and Samyuktha Varma. City of Women is a Vaaka Media production. Find us on Instagram at or on X or at . /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/28685678

Escape 10/10/2023

Escape Sometimes we all want to escape for a little bit: from our homes, our lives, and even our selves. On a solo trip to Jaipur, a woman tries on a new skin and tells the story of what happened. This episode was edited by Ashrita Achar and produced by Samyuktha Varma. Menaka Raman was this episode’s interviewer, story editor and she is City of Women’s Senior Producer. Our thanks to Nisha and Priyadarshini Gogoi. Our Sound producer is Yashwanth Vinay. Our Associate Producer is Ashrita Achar. City of Women is executive produced, hosted, and written by Radhika Viswanathan and Samyuktha Varma. City of Women is a Vaaka Media production. Follow us on Instagram or on X /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/28275032

School of Love 09/04/2023

School of Love Love is a many splendored thing. And so are booty calls. One intrepid woman shares her journey from not wanting a boyfriend, to falling in love to getting on dating apps in search of love. And while she doesn’t always find love, she does find lust. Trigger warning - this episode contains mature themes, listener discretion is advised. This episode was edited by Ashrita Achar and produced by Samyuktha Varma. Menaka Raman was this episode's story editor. Priyadarshini Gogoi was our fabulous guest interviewer. Our senior producer is Menaka Raman. Our sound producer is Yashwanth Vinay. Our associate producer is Ashrita Achar. City of Women is executive produced, hosted, and written by Radhika Viswanathan and Samyuktha Varma. City of Women is a Vaaka Media production. Additional audio credits: vinyl noise by tim.kahn CC BY 4.0 Car - pulling away by manychefsbroth CC BY 3.0 Heartbeat with deep breaths by under_the_hood CC0 1.0 Evil Laugh_1 by NinjaSharkStudios CC0 1.0 Group of children screaming by SpliceSound CC0 1.0 iPhone Texting by MATRIXXX_ CC BY 4.0 Scroll and Tap Foley - Touch Screen Phone or Tablet by UnplugThe Fridge CC0 1.0 Cue Scratch by Racce CC BY 3.0 forest summer Roond 014 200619_0186 by klankbeeld CC BY 4.0 /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/27935817

Aanchal Malhotra 08/17/2023

Aanchal Malhotra Welcome back to a new season of City of Women. As India celebrates her 77th Independence Day this month, we thought it only fitting to begin this season with an interview with oral historian and author . As part of our Literary City of Women series, we speak to Aanchal about collecting stories, specifically women’s stories, and the impact they have on those that share them and those that receive them. Aanchal tells us about what it's like to travel to a foreign city for the first time, the vocabulary of trauma and she also reads from her book The Remnants of Separation. To know more about Aanchal and her writing visit her , and follow her on and . This episode was edited and produced by Radhika Viswanathan. Our Senior Producer is Menaka Raman. Our Sound producer is Yashwanth Vinay. Our Associate Producer is Ashrita Achar. City of Women is executive produced, hosted, and written by Radhika Viswanathan and Samyuktha Varma. City of Women is a Vaaka Media production. Find us on Instagram at or on Twitter . /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/27778809

Salma 11/11/2022

Salma is a Tamil author, poet, politician and activist. Her novel published in 2017 was translated to English by Meena Kandasamy and published as Women, Dreaming. The book takes you into the inner world of women, women who have little opportunity to experience the world outside. Salma spoke to us of the escape books have provided, her desire for freedom and how she transgressed the boundaries laid down for her. Plus a reading from her book. This episode was edited and produced by Samyuktha Varma. Our Senior Producer is Menaka Raman. Our Sound producer is Yashwanth Vinay. Our Associate Producer is Ashrita Achar. City of Women is executive produced, hosted, and written by Radhika Viswanathan and Samyuktha Varma. City of Women is a Vaaka Media production. Find us on Instagram at or on Twitter /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/24979365

Mishti 10/27/2022

Mishti Where do you find those moments of sweet solitude? Adrija shares some of hers. Thanks to Adrija for sharing her story with us! Thank you to Adrijia recording this conversation. This episode was edited and produced by Samyuktha Varma. Our Lead Producer is Menaka Raman. Our Sound producer is Yashwanth Vinay. Our Associate Producer is Ashrita Achar. City of Women is executive produced, hosted, and written by Radhika Viswanathan and Samyuktha Varma. City of Women is a Vaaka Media production. Find us on Instagram at or on Twitter /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/24816465

Unfurling 09/22/2022

Unfurling From hostel gates to Chamanlal: two women talk about their night outs in college. A weekly ritual that begins with deciding where to go and that ends with an unfurling on the dance floor. Thanks to Yashaswini and Priyadarshini. Priyadarshini Gogoi was a guest producer on the episode. Ashrita Achar edited and produced this episode. Menaka Raman is our Senior Producer. Yashwanth Vinay is our Sound producer. Ashrita Achar is our Associate Producer. City of Women is executive produced, hosted, and written by Radhika Viswanathan and Samyuktha Varma. City of Women is a Vaaka Media production. Music used in this episode: Moving Ahead by Derek Stephens (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), Zisko Disco Loop by Zagi2 (CC BY-NC 4.0), Delhi Metro Announcements by Kalhan (CC0), Angel Reveal by MarknKris1996 (CC0). Find us on Instagram at or on Twitter . /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/24457278

Maradona 09/08/2022

Maradona For some women, their world is confined to what lies inside the four walls of their home and their dreams to what others tell them they can and cannot do. A son looks back on his mother’s love for sport and the moment it found expression in a neighbour’s home, and the victories and defeats which became a metaphor for her own unsung talents and missed opportunities. Thanks to Ayan Biswas for sharing his story with us. This episode was edited and produced by Radhika Viswanathan. Our Lead Producer is Menaka Raman. Our Sound producer is Yashwanth Vinay. Our Associate Producer is Ashrita Achar. City of Women is executive produced, hosted, and written by Samyuktha Varma and Radhika Viswanathan. City of Women is a Vaaka Media production. Find us on Instagram at or on Twitter . /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/24308214

Shrayana Bhattacharya 08/23/2022

Shrayana Bhattacharya Literature has always been a source of joy and inspiration for us at City of Women and we wanted to find a way to express that love. We bring to you a new kind of episode in which we talk to and hear from authors about certain moments in their books that explore how women inhabit the cities they live in. In this episode we hear from , author of Desperately Seeking Shah Rukh about fights, friendship and the fandom of Shah Rukh. This episode was edited and produced by Radhika Viswanathan. Our Lead Producer is Menaka Raman. Our Sound producer is Yashwanth Vinay. Our Associate Producer is Ashrita Achar. City of Women is executive produced, hosted, and written by Samyuktha Varma and Radhika Viswanathan. City of Women is a Vaaka Media production. Find us on Instagram at or on Twitter . /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/24139236

Cadets 08/02/2022

Cadets Freezing water, bathrooms from hell and bras designed to torture. Being a part of the National Cadet Corps isn’t fun and games. But there’s also camaraderie, exploration and certain kind of freedom. Two former cadets reminisce (and sing) about their NCC days. Thank you to Abhirami and Swarna for recording this conversation. This episode was edited and produced by Radhika Viswanathan. Our Lead Producer is Menaka Raman. Our Sound producer is Yash Vinay. Our Associate Producer is Ashrita Achar. City of Women is executive produced, hosted, and written by Radhika Viswanathan and Samyuktha Varma. City of Women is a Vaaka Media production. Music: Lips by (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) and Even Happy Day (ID 595) by (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) Find us on Instagram at @cityofwomenpodcast or on Twitter @thecityofwomen. /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/23934066

Afternoon Delight 11/25/2021

Afternoon Delight A summer afternoon, a terrace and laundry = Afternoon Delight. City of Women is created and produced by Vaaka Media. Find us on Instagram at or on Twitter /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/21282032

Bus 618 11/18/2021

Bus 618 How many round trips can a woman take before people notice and take offence? Today on City of Women Minis: Bus 618. City of Women is created and produced by Vaaka Media. Find us on Instagram at or on Twitter /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/21206690

Puppy Shame 11/11/2021

Puppy Shame Can a lifetime of insecurities and shame disappear in 10 seconds? Today on City of Women Minis: Puppy Shame. City of Women is created and produced by Vaaka Media. Find us on Instagram at or on Twitter /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/21131873

First Class 11/09/2021

First Class ‘Such’ things don’t happen in First class. Or don’t they? Today on City of Women Minis: First Class. City of Women is created and produced by Vaaka Media. Find us on Instagram at or on Twitter /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/21099038

Ep Swap: Brown Bad Boys from Other Men Need Help 11/04/2021

Ep Swap: Brown Bad Boys from Other Men Need Help If the City of Women ever had a pod sibling, we think it would be , an award-winning podcast that playfully looks at how men present themselves to the world, and what's underneath. Presenting Brown Bad Boys, one of our most favorite episodes from Season 2 of Other Men Need Help. Other Men Need Help is executive produced, hosted, and written by Mark Pagán. Ben Goldberg, Caitlin Mae Burke, and Rebecca Seidel are OMNH's lead producers. Navani Otero is their producer. Cierra Franco and Shaneez Tyndall are their associate producers. Rebecca Seidel is the lead engineer. Ben Goldberg is the lead editor. City of Women is created and produced by Vaaka Media. Find us on Instagram at or on Twitter /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/21049754

Chaperone 11/02/2021

Chaperone A woman recounts going to the cinema, with and without a chaperone. A double bill. Today on City of Women Minis: Chaperone. City of Women is created and produced by Vaaka Media. Find us on Instagram at or on Twitter /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/21023543

Night Cycling 11/02/2021

Night Cycling An empty street. A light breeze. A woman and her bicycle. Today on City of Women Minis: Night Cycling. City of Women is created and produced by Vaaka Media. Find us on Instagram at or on Twitter /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/21023474

Presenting City of Women Minis 10/26/2021

Presenting City of Women Minis Sometimes, you aren’t in the mood for full meals. Presenting City of Women minis: short episodes you can listen to in the time it takes to eat a momo. Episodes release really soon - subscribe now! /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/20942963

Props 12/08/2020

Props A slash of lipstick. A certain bag. Shoes. A book. Props come in all shapes and sizes. We use them when we step out to say something about ourselves, to shield ourselves to signal to others who we are. In this episode, we draw upon our shared experiences and those of the women we know, to tell two interconnected stories about props both animate and inanimate. Created and produced by Radhika Viswanathan and Samyuktha Varma. Our Associate Producer is Menaka Raman. Music, sound, mixing, and mastering by Erwick D’Souza. Many thanks to Asha, Anusha and Radhika, and to our fantastic guest actors, Varun, Avinash and Hollis! We’re going on break for the holidays, and we will see you in January 2021! Till then, stay safe and happy holidays! /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/17109653

Fights 11/13/2020

Fights Have you ever had a fight on the street? As a pedestrian, a driver, a commuter on public transport? What triggered you? Maybe you were already having a bad day. Maybe it was one more motorist going the wrong way on a one way street. Maybe your personal space was being invaded and you decided you just weren’t going to have it anymore. In this episode we trace the history of one woman’s road rage. Written and produced by Samyuktha Varma and Radhika Viswanathan. Our Associate Producer is Menaka Raman. Our Sound Producer is Erwick D’Souza. Thanks to Mahua. Supported by the Google Podcasts creator program and PRX. /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/16800590

An Anthology of Women's Laughter 11/03/2020

An Anthology of Women's Laughter Hi Everyone! We’re not releasing an episode this week, because, well, this is going to be a crazy week. We thought we would leave you with a small taste of an ongoing side project that we’re calling “An Anthology of Women's Laughter”. We’ll be back next week with the regular episode. City of Women is written and produced by Radhika Viswanathan and Samyuktha Varma. Our Associate Producer is Menaka Raman. Music, sound, mixing, mastering by Erwick D’Souza. /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/16667171

Guts 10/21/2020

Guts ‘You’ve got guts yaaa!’ How many times have you been called gutsy or brave for doing something… well normal? An early morning run alone? A solo trip? Moving to a new city? Are they acts of bravery? Or are they normal things that get cast as brave because you’re a woman doing it? And what about all the times you did these things and… nothing bad happened? /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/16494233

Dicks 10/06/2020

Dicks [Trigger Warning] How often have you been walking down the street, running an errand or riding the bus when you see something… and you do a double take. Your eyes keep going back to it and your brain goes into overdrive: ‘Is that What I think it is?’ Yes, it’s EXACTLY that. /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/16296044

Movies 09/21/2020

Movies Whether you mass bunked to catch a first day first show or snuck off alone to escape real life for a few hours, movies have always been a form of escape. In this very first episode of City of Women, we ask what it is about the cinema that makes women feel so free. /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/16097597

Trailer - City of Women 03/01/2020

Trailer - City of Women Every Indian woman knows that being out in the city comes with rules - rules that determine who gets to be where and what you can and can’t do. But this show is not about those rules. It’s about how they get broken, bent, and jumped over when women decide to do things just for themselves. City of Women will take you on a fun, complex joyride into the minds of women and the streets of Bangalore, India. /episode/index/show/cityofwomen/id/13355729

City of Women

TOPICS