Respectfully Disagree

When Does Comedy Go Too Far? ft. Anurag Minus Verma

13 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, writer and podcaster Anurag Minus Verma joins us to discuss standup comedy in India, the pitfalls of ‘relatable’ humour, and the differ...

Is Celeb Gossip Unethical? ft. Paromita Vohra

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, filmmaker-writer Paromita Vohra joins us to discuss tabloid culture, celeb gossip in the time of social media, and our shared love for Simi...

RD: The Best, Worst, and Most Bizarre Moments of 2022

22 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss Elon Musk's Twitter takeover, Ranveer Singh's nude photoshoot, Amber Heard-Johnny Depp, and the devolution of discourse in 2022....

Is Sex Positivity Excluding Asexuality?

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, sex positive content creator Leeza Mangaldas joins us to discuss sex positive feminism in India, the Madonna-Whore complex in pop culture, ...

Why Is the Hype Around RRR Problematic?

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, writer and movie buff Divya Kandukuri joins us to discuss the problems with Rajamouli’s fandom, how RRR reinforces caste hierarchies, and...

Can Men Be Good Feminists?

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss allyship, the utility of campaigns like MARD and #HeForShe, and what it means for cis men to hold other men accountable. Respect...

Re-Release: Do Women Need to Be Protected?

24 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we revisit an episode from the archives that speaks to a conversation that's being heavily debated in the news with the Delhi murder case. ...

Why Is the Movie Never as Good as the Book?

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, writer-producer and person behind the bookstagram @readingtheother, Srishti Raj, joins us to discuss dilemmas around representation, ‘sta...

Does Privilege Corrupt People? Ft. The White Lotus

10 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss the link between privilege, corruption and violence through a breakdown of the main characters of the show ‘The White Lotus.’...

What’s Wrong With Being a Quitter?

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss Naomi Osaka, the Great Resignation, and the problems with 'I Quit' memes. Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s weekly p...

Is There a Right Way to Protest Climate Change?

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, climate activist Disha Ravi joins us to discuss the recent controversy around ‘Just Stop Oil’ activists throwing soup at a Van Gogh pai...

Is Feminist Storytelling Becoming Tokenistic? Ft. HOTD

20 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, screenwriter Prthvir Solanki joins us to discuss the depictions of patriarchy and power in the HBO series ‘House of the Dragon,’ the pr...

Are Trauma Narratives Always Exploitative? Ft. 'Blonde'

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, The Swaddle team discusses the Netflix film ‘Blonde,’ disturbing depictions of trauma on screen, and what feminist narratives on sexual...

What’s Missing From Sex Education?

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, sexuality educator Apurupa Vatsalya joins us to discuss good sex education, the accessibility of sex toys, and whether dating apps can teac...

Is There Such a Thing as a Bad Mother?

29 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we discuss Kris Jenner, sexy moms, and why selfish mothers get a bad rap.  ‘Respectfully Disagree’ is The Swaddle Team’s very own po...

Is It Okay To Be a Bad Feminist?

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss 'Fleabag,' 'Blurred Lines,' and what it means to be a bad feminist. ‘Respectfully Disagree’ is The Swaddle Team’s very ow...

Brown Representation Ft. 'Never Have I Ever'

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we debate how Mindy Kaling's 'Never Have I Ever' represents India and desi culture, and what Brown/South Asian representation in Western me...

What Went Wrong with Body Positivity?

09 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, N, a feminist and body positivity advocate joins us to discuss why the body positivity movement needs to evolve beyond physical appearance,...

Can Marriage Ever Be Feminist?

01 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss how marriages are getting rebranded on Instagram, why Indians villainize single women, and what makes a marriage feminist. 'Re...

What's Wrong With Trashy TV?

25 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss our love-hate relationship with 'Koffee With Karan,' what counts as trashy TV, and whether we should be held accountable for our...

Re-Release: Can Kink Help Us Better Understand Consent?

18 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we revisit an episode from our archives about a topic that grows more relevant with time: kink, consent, and the politics of pleasure. Two ...

Can Rom-Coms Be Feminist?

11 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we passionately debate whether ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ is a feminist masterpiece, and how rom-coms impact our ideas of love, roman...

Is ‘Tough Love’ Effective?

04 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss the difference between ‘tough love’ and punishment, why we believe harsh conditions make people great, and teaching accounta...

Is Mental Health Leave Essential?

28 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss whether the state should mandate mental health leaves, why company therapists might be a bad idea, and what it means to create w...

Is It Okay To Aspire To Be Rich?

21 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss why the rags-to-riches trope is flawed, if leisure requires money, and whether aspiring to be rich stands in the way of an equal...

Should We ‘Fix’ Our Partners?

14 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss the 'bad boy' trope, why we’re drawn to people we view as ‘damaged,’ and whether a fixer-fixee dynamic is sustainable. 'R...

What Went Wrong With Wokeness?

07 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, artist and activist Jyotsna Siddharth joins us to unpack the evolution of wokeness in India, the rise of social media activism, and what it...

Is Stan Culture Ruining Society?

30 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss the origins of stan culture, why fans want celebrities to run them over, and how the internet has fundamentally changed the natu...

Does Stability In Relationships Kill Passion?

23 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we discuss why steamy romances are short-lived, how boring relationships can be cool, and the problem with viewing passion and stability in ...

Which Women Do We Believe?

16 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Christina Dhanaraj, feminist writer and co-founder of Dalit History Month, joins us to discuss the problems with how we perceive the Amber ...

Is Emotional Cheating Worse Than Physical Cheating?

09 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss what emotional cheating means, whether we believe in monogamy, and what 'Before Sunset' got wrong about summer love. ‘Respectf...

Re-Release: Is It Time We Stop Worshipping Our Elders?

02 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we revisit an episode from early RD days, where we discuss problems with the Baghban model of parent-child relationships, myths about India...

Is Self-care Inherently Selfish?

26 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss skincare routines, meditation apps, and the radical roots of self-care. Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s very own ...

Is Too Much Optimism a Bad Thing?

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss optimism and whether it makes you hopelessly naive or smarter than others might think. Also: ‘The Sound of Music,’ and who g...

Can Exes Be Friends?

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss healthy breakups, the lines we draw between romance and friendships, and why ‘relationship anarchy’ can be a good thing. Re...

Should Looks Matter?

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss ‘dad bods,' the tension between our ideologies and desires, and the importance of interrogating physical appearance based pref...

What’s Wrong With PDA?

28 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss where to draw the line with PDA, how we define what is and isn’t appropriate in public, and why public displays of affection a...

Has Social Media Ruined How We Communicate?

21 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss 'good morning' messages on WhatsApp, the nostalgia of home landlines, and setting boundaries on social media. 'Respectfully Dis...

Are Long-Distance Relationships Doomed to Fail?

14 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss the importance of physical proximity in a relationship, why long-distance relationships get a bad rap, and the infamous ‘my bo...

Do We Need to Give Back to Our Parents?

07 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Parents: love them or hate them, you can't ever leave them -- mostly. This week we talk about giving back to our parents, transactional relationships,...

What Do We Owe Our Sexual Partners?

01 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss whether the people we have sex with need to know about our sexual histories, health conditions, and personal beliefs, and whethe...

How Important Is It to ‘Check Your Privilege’?

24 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is talking about our privileges necessary, or self-important? This week, we discuss Twitter bubbles, Badhai Do, and what checking our privilege actual...

The 'Strong Independent Woman': Still Relevant, Or Outdated?

17 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is the ‘strong independent woman’ narrative stifling or empowering? This week, we discuss the need for women to be financially independent, the im...

Beauty: Feminist or Not?

10 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is beauty oppressive or can it be empowering? In this week’s episode, we discuss Rihanna and Fenty Beauty, Naomi Wolf’s ‘The Beauty Myth,’ and...

Is Productivity Unhealthy?

03 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss where our ideas of productivity come from, and whether the pressure to be productive can become toxic. 'Respectfully Disagree' ...

Do Dysfunctional Families Damage You for Life?

24 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, writer-director Shakun Batra joins us to discuss the problems with how we define dysfunctional families, how childhood traumas shape us, an...

Should Women Self-Censor for Their Safety?

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss the ways in which we police ourselves as women, how class and caste impact our ideas of safety, and whether the onus of change s...

Can Het Romance Be Feminist?

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, economist and author Shrayana Bhattacharya joins us to discuss whether heterosexual romance can ever be truly feminist. 'Respectfully Disag...

Can Fighting With Friends Be Healthy?

03 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss whether fighting with friends is a sign of closeness, the line between friendly and unsolicited advice, and what a healthy frien...

How Much Does Money Matter in Relationships?

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we talk about gendered expectations around money, how money impacts who we’re friends with, and why it's important to discuss money in re...

Does Motherhood Hurt Women's Careers?

21 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss the truth behind the kids v/s career dilemma, and why mothers seem to always become the default caregivers. Respectfully Disag...

Can Hookup Culture Be Empowering?

13 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss our hangups about casual sex, who shapes hookup culture in India, and why we question the notion of ‘no strings attached’ se...

Do People Deserve Credit for Being Allies?

06 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss the problem with aspiring to be an ‘ally,' performativity in social movements, and the difference between solidarity and allys...

Can Kindness Be Unconditional?

30 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss the notion of unconditional kindness and whether it’s more harmful than it seems. Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’...

Have Influencers Ruined Entertainment?

23 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss the problems with influencer led content, star culture v/s influencer culture, and whether influencers have negatively impacted ...

Do We Need Role Models?

16 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss whether role models should be held up as aspirational ideals despite their flaws. Respectfully Disagree is The Swaddle Team’s...

Should People With Political Differences Be Friends?

09 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In an increasingly polarised world, is it possible to have a healthy relationship with someone whose politics don’t align with ours? Respectfully D...

Is There Such a Thing as ‘Laziness’?

03 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss why laziness is seen as such a vice, the origins of cultural stereotypes around laziness, and rest as a form of resistance. Res...

Are Office Romances Ethical?

25 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss the thrill of office romances, navigating power dynamics at work, and what it means to approach workplace relationships ethicall...

Have Dating Apps Ruined Dating?

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss ‘relationshopping,’ the art of flirting, and whether apps have ruined dating forever. Note: At around 14.00, we say ‘Befo...

Does It Pay To Be Nice?

12 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss the problems with what we call niceness, and the potential of radical kindness. 'Respectfully Disagree' is The Swaddle Team’...

Do We Need Four-day Workweeks?

04 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss the pros and cons of a four-day workweek, work cultures in India, and the problem with how we measure productivity. Respectfully...

What Makes Someone a Bad Friend?

28 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss our expectations from friends, how to break up with a bad friend, and whether you can ever recover from being a bad friend to so...

Is It Wrong to ‘Use’ People?

22 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, we debate whether all relationships are inherently transactional, and if there is such a thing as unconditional love. Res...

Is There a Generation Gap in Feminism?

14 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, special guest Genesia Alves joins us to discuss consent, new feminist lingo, and whether a generational divide among feminists is hurting t...

Is It Okay to Not Want a Career?

07 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With girlboss and hustle culture being critiqued left, right, and centre, is wanting a successful career even sexy anymore? This week, we break down w...

Is Social Media Activism Effective?

01 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss MeToo, performative activism, and what it means to bring about change through social media.

What’s Wrong With Being ‘Single’ for Life?

23 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss social pressures to get married, where the need for long-term companionship comes from, and what being ‘single’ really means...

Do You Need To Show Off To Get Ahead?

16 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we explore why people brag, the depictions of bragging in pop culture, and whether shameless self-promotion actually works.

What Is the Point of Awards?

10 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the team discusses why awards have been such an important part of our culture, and what purpose they serve on an individual and social leve...

Is Western Culture Bad for Indian Values?

02 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss the East/West binary, and what we’re really critiquing when we say Western culture is a bad influence on young Indians.

Are Sports Too Commercialised?

26 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the Tokyo Olympics Games coming to an end this month, The Swaddle team dissects competitive sports and questions what we lose when sport becomes ...

How Much Can You Blame Your Childhood for How You Are?

20 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss how our upbringing shapes us in adulthood, and how much we should hold our parents/guardians responsible. Respectfully Disagre...

What's Wrong with Getting Cosmetic Surgery?

13 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss the Zoom boom in cosmetic plastic surgeries, and the roots of our discomfort with women choosing to surgically alter their appea...

What’s Wrong With Being 'Vanilla'?

30 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Being vanilla — both sexually and otherwise — has always attracted jokes, criticism and even disdain. This week on Respectfully Disagree, The Swad...

Is Surveillance Ever Okay?

22 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, The Swaddle team debates the use and misuse of digital surveillance in the modern world, and if snooping is ever justified. Credits: Co-P...

What’s So Great About Fame?

15 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, The Swaddle team dissects the concept of fame and questions its revered place in society. Credits: Co-Producers: Shrishti Malhotra, Rajvi...

Do Women Need To Be Protected?

09 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss 'Love Jihad,' Rani Mukerji’s self-defence advice, and the problems with how we talk about women’s safety. Credits: Co-Prod...

Do Our Films Need a Censor Board?

02 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As filmmakers challenge highly controversial amendments to the Cinematograph Act, The Swaddle team discusses the history of the censor board in India,...

Does the 'Dream Job' Exist?

24 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss how rom coms depict dream jobs, “I don’t dream of labour” memes, and the downfall of girlboss culture. Credits: Co-Prod...

Is Cheating the System Okay?

18 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As Indians come down on Nikhil Kamath for beating Vishwanathan Anand at chess with the help of a computer, The Swaddle team dissects what we think of ...

Does the World Need More Children?

10 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we discuss birth strikers, climate change, and the ethics of having more children. Credits: Co-Producers: Shrishti Malhotra, Rajvi Desai ...

Do We Really Need School Exams?

04 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As class 12 board exams get cancelled around the country, we discuss Math test nightmares, the pressures attached to exam scores, and whether there is...

Does Trauma Make You Stronger?

27 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss depictions of trauma in pop culture, the difference between adversity and trauma, and why we're quick to dismiss people's trauma...

What Does Sensitive Media Coverage of Sexual Violence Look Like?

20 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we sat down with journalists Kalpana Sharma and Ragamalika Karthikeyan to discuss their experiences of reporting on sexual violence, and wh...

What’s Wrong With Rebound Relationships?

13 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we unpack why people don't take a ’rebound' seriously, and the problems with how we label romantic relationships. Respectfully Disagree ...

Is Escapism During a Crisis Okay?

06 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss our instinct to flee during a crisis, and whether there can be a responsible way to check out. Credits: Co-Producers: Shrishti...

Is Blame Constructive In Times of Crisis?

30 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss our need to apportion blame in a crisis, and whether it leads to true accountability. Credits: Co-Producers: Shrishti Malhotr...

Do We Need Celebrities To Be Activists?

22 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we debate the dilemmas around celebrities amplifying social justice issues, and what it means to be an 'apolitical' influencer. Credits: ...

Can We Speak Ill of the Dead?

15 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss Prince Philip, Kobe Bryant, and Rishi Kapoor, and unpack the debates around when it’s okay to speak ill of the dead. Credits:...

What’s Wrong With Having a 'Type'?

08 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss whether it’s okay to have a ‘type,' and when having a type crosses into harmful stereotyping. Credits: Co-Producers: Shri...

Can Pop Culture Nostalgia Be Harmful?

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss our love-hate relationship with pop culture from the '90s and early 2000s. Credits: Co-Producers: Shrishti Malhotra, Rajvi De...

Should We Reject All Sanskars?

25 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss ripped jeans, value education in schools, and how mainstream cinema portrays Indian cultural values. Credits: Co-Producers: Sh...

Do Children Need To Be Protected From Sex in Media?

18 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss the moral panic over Bombay Begums, and whether children need to be protected from onscreen depictions of sex. Credits: Co-Pro...

Are Royal Families Relevant Anymore?

11 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As the world reels from the Meghan and Harry interview, we discuss the relevance of royalty in India, and how our obsession with dynasty impacts India...

Is There Anything Good About Consumerism?

04 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss conspicuous consumption at Indian weddings, shopping as aspiration, and whether anyone can truly be an ethical consumer. Credit...

Is Reality TV All Bad?

26 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss gym culture, conflating thinness with fitness, and the class connotations of a 'fit' body. Check out our website: https://thesw...

Should We Stop Glorifying Gym Bodies?

18 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss gym culture, conflating thinness with fitness, and the class connotations of a 'fit' body. Credits: Co-Producers: Shrishti Mal...

How Important Is Sex in a Romantic Relationship?

11 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss pop culture's obsession with “spicing up your sex life,” how much sex is enough, and the benefits of other forms of intimacy...

Is Showing Vulnerability a Sign of Weakness?

04 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss our perceptions of public vulnerability, from politicians' tears to athletes' anger on the field. Credits: Co-Producers: Shri...