What's the Backstory?

Sri Lanka's recent history has been shaped by the Aragalaya movement, a people’s uprising that captured global attention. The protest, fuelled by economic collapse, corruption, and political dysfunction, forced the resignation of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. But as the country prepares for its first election since this monumental movement, the question looms—will it lead to lasting chang...

Genghis Khan's death in 1227 marked the end of an era, but the Mongol Empire didn't lose its momentum there. His successors, particularly his sons and grandsons, continued to expand the empire using the strategies and tactics he had perfected throughout his lifetime. Here's the 'T' you've come looking for. You can find all that and other side quests if you're interested...

The Paris 2024 Olympics were not just a showcase of athletic prowess, but also a stage for extraordinary stories of triumph, resilience, and controversy. From record breaking performances to unexpected setbacks, these games were defined by the unforgettable journeys of athletes like Simone Biles, Mijaín López, and Gabby Thomas. Each of these 10 athletes brought something unique to the competition—...

Strap on your armour and get ready to ride into the battlefield with the most feared leader of all time—Genghis Khan. In this explosive episode of "What's the Backstory," we look at the ruthless tactics, ingenious strategies, and relentless drive that propelled Genghis Khan from the steppes of Mongolia to the gates of Europe. From psychological warfare to revolutionary military mobil...

Ready for a wild ride through history with the original bad boy of the steppes? In this episode, we dive into the epic rise of Genghis Khan and the absolute madness that ensued when Aladin Muhammad II of Khwarazm decided to poke the bear. Spoiler alert: it didn't end well for him. Temujin, who you may know better as Genghis Khan, didn’t just build an empire with sheer brutality—he also used cu...

Welcome back, history buffs! Ever wondered how a nation's longest-serving leader can go from the pinnacle of power to fleeing amidst chaos? Join me as I unravel the dramatic saga of Sheikh Hasina—Bangladesh's indomitable leader, from her tumultuous childhood and relentless rise to power to her recent ousting and flight to India. Discover the twists and turns of her political journey, the l...

🎙️ What's the Backstory? delves deep into the windswept steppes of Mongolia, unearthing the beginnings of a legend. Genghis Khan: Mastermind or Monster? - in this episode, we trace the footsteps of a young boy named Temüjin, who would one day reshape the world. From harsh beginnings to unparalleled conquests, get ready to journey through a story that challenges myths and showcases the makings...

Unveiling Manipur's Turmoil: Join us as we unravel the roots of violence, exploring ethnic clashes and geopolitical complexities on "What's the Backstory?"

Join me on a journey through the history and experiences of Australia's Aboriginal community. From the trauma of the Stolen Generations to the ongoing fight for recognition and justice, this podcast explores the complex and often painful history of Indigenous Australians and their resilience in the face of adversity. Pragadish Kirubakaran

The Global Country of World Peace is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting inner and outer peace through innovative programs and initiatives. Founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the country advocates for a unified world government and promotes meditation and mindfulness as tools for achieving global harmony. In this episode, we'll explore the controversies and legal challenges the Glo...

On this week's episode, we capture the urgency and severity of the US government's money-printing strategy and its devastating impact on the global economy. The dark side of the Dollar highlights the gravity of the situation and emphasises the need for action. Please give it a listen and let me know what your thoughts are. You can DM me on Instagram Pragadish Kirubakaran

Operation Mincemeat was a highly classified mission that occurred during World War II. The mission involved planting false information on a fake corpse in order to deceive the enemy. This operation played a vital role in the Allied victory during the war. In this podcast, you will learn about the strategic thinking and ingenuity that went into planning and executing Operation Mincemeat. This gripp...

In today's episode, we'll embark on a nostalgic journey back to 1948, as we revisit the iconic film that continues to captivate audiences to this day - Chandralekha. In this epic tale of love, adventure and valour, we will not follow the fearless princess Chandralekha as she takes on a treacherous journey to save her kingdom from the clutches of evil, you will also learn about SS Vasan, th...

In northeast India, a rare ecological phenomenon occurs every 50 years, triggering the sudden blossoming of tropical bamboo species and the explosion of the rat population. This phenomenon, called Mautam, causes a terrifying spiral of crop devastation and food shortages, leading to famine and violent insurgency. The last time it happened was in 2008, and which will likely occur again between 2025-...

In this episode of 'What's the backstory?' we take a hilarious look at how bathroom breaks changed the world. From the death of Kings and the fall of empires to all-out wars. Let's discuss some of the most hilarious bathroom episodes and what they reveal about human behaviour. It's a podcast that's both entertaining and enlightening, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!  Get in touch with...

In today's episode of 'What's The Backstory?,' we explore the fascinating yet cautionary tale of Delhi's Cobra Effect, where a well-intentioned policy to reduce the city's cobra population ended up creating a perverse incentive that led to an increase in the very problem it was meant to solve. Let's discuss the dangers of using incentives as a tool for policy-making and how even the best intention...

Join us for a wild ride on this week's episode of 'Volvo-geddon' -where we'll delve deep into the bizarre incident of international car theft. We'll be exploring the jaw-dropping story of how North Korea conned Sweden out of 1,000 Volvos, leaving the Scandinavian country scratching their heads and wondering how they fell for such a ridiculous scheme. Was it the allure of a great deal that swayed t...

Join us in this episode as we unravel the absurdity of the Great Emu War - a comical conflict that arose in Australia when its military attempted to battle the destruction caused by emus. Discover the bizarre story and the impact it left behind in this short and engaging episode. Get in touch with me here on Instagram pragadish_kirubakaran

Get ready to discover the fascinating story of India's coffee history in today's episode, "Brewing India's History: Tracing the Origins of Coffee." Let's take a journey through the lush hills and valleys of India, exploring the origins of coffee and its journey from its roots in Ethiopia to the shores of Malabar (although it didn't first grow there). We will also delve into the legendary tale of B...

In this podcast, allow me to take you on a journey through the rich history of the LIC building in Chennai, a towering edifice that has stood the test of time and become an emblem of the city's spirit. From its construction in the 1950s to its modern-day significance, we will explore the stories and personalities behind the making of this landmark story of a vision and a visionary. Join us as we u...

When were coffee seeds smuggled out of Africa? What is the fancy sedan that North Korea stole from Sweden? Was Chennai’s LIC really the tallest building in India? And what is Xi Jinping’s most deadly sin? Find out all this and more in the new 'What's the Backstory?' podcast releasing every Wednesday at 6 PM (IST). Get in touch with me here on Instagram pragadish_kirubakaran