Omelas
Of all the topics in the world, why economics, philosophy, and religion? My name is Aryaman Varma and I was brought up in a conservative Hindu family living in London. My introduction to religion was perhaps a strange one. When I was three, my dad was held hostage by violent religious extremists at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai, India.
My dad was one of the lucky ones, escaping with his life when many others did not. For me, this close encounter with extremism made me question the role of religion in everyday life and how it shapes world economies.
This podcast itself is named after the short utopian essay titled The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas. In this brief fiction, the author, Ursula K. Le Guin, invites readers to picture their own sense of the most happy society. However, the flourishing of the whole society is dependent on the perpetual pain and misery of one (ten) year old child. I began to think of this essay's practical relationship with the real world - e.g. offshoring and child labour in sweatshops. Hence, I am eager to explore the intricate relationship between ethics, economics and justice.
The unusualness of my experiences and the investigation of a niche and a developing topic must make this podcast a fascinating and intellectual listen.
Tune in to the Omelas podcast as I chat with economists, religious leaders and modern philosophers to help shine a light on the dark corners of economics, philosophy, religion and justice. Stream episodes through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, PodBean and more.
Episodes
Episodes
Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
OakNorth Bank CEO and Co-founder Rishi Khosla
Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
Join us as we speak with Rishi Khosla, CEO and Co-founder of OakNorth Bank, to explore the innovative strides and transformative impact his digital bank is making in empowering small and medium-sized enterprises in the ever-evolving world of finance.
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Rev’d Mark Jones on Justice with Liberation Theology
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
In this episode, we delve into the transformative world of liberation theology, exploring how this dynamic theological approach interweaves faith and social justice.
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Languages and Mental Health with Dr Tim Beard
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
In this episode, we delve into the powerful connections between foreign languages, sportsmanship, and the art of poetry with Dr Tim Beard who reveals how these elements coalesce to foster a healthy and resilient mind.
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
Law with King’s Counsel Satvik Varma
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
Join us as we dive into the profound musings of a seasoned legal mind, KC Satvik Varma, who dissects the complex intersections of policy, ethics, and the legal landscape.
Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
French Philosophy with Dr Erick Poul
Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
Explore the hauntingly pessimistic landscapes of Michel Houellebecq's novels with our guest Dr Erick Poul, as we dissect the themes, controversies, and enduring influence of this enigmatic contemporary author.
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
Vedanta Philosophy with Prof. Bhaskar Ramachandran
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
Join us in this episode as we delve into the profound teachings of Vedanta Philosophy, a timeless tradition that explores the nature of reality, self, and the ultimate purpose of existence. Insights and practical applications from Prof. Bhaskar Ramachandran (Vedanta Institute London) await, offering listeners a fresh perspective on their spiritual journey!
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Mythos Unraveled with Author Amish Tripathi
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through the realms of myth and imagination with highly acclaimed author Amish Tripathi.
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
Holistic Health with Reeva Misra
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
Join us as we explore the transformative world of holistic health and education with the visionary founder behind a groundbreaking company, empowering individuals to lead joyful and informed lives.