I'm Blown

Preparing for a competitive exam can be daunting, especially when the odds are stacked against you. The Indian Railways entrance exam is notoriously tough, with about 30 million applicants vying for a minuscule number of positions. In this episode, Atul & Sid explore the reasons behind the exam's difficulty, including competition levels, syllabus relevance, and preparation challenges.

When it comes to pricing in India, many marketers grapple with a unique phenomenon: the prevalence of low unit price packs, particularly the 5 and 10 rupee categories. Why do these price points hold such significance, and what implications do they have for brands and consumers alike? In this episode, we’ll explore the magic of these price points, uncovering insights from industry experts and providing valuable takeaways for marketers.

Siddarth & Atul talk about the trend in the last two to three years having seen a significant increase in luxury hotels emerging in traditionally religious locations such as Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Tirupati. This is not just a coincidence; it reflects a broader change in how Indians perceive and engage with their cultural and religious heritage.Learn how luxury hotels are reshaping religious tourism in India. From unique experiences to cultural expressions, discover what drives this trend.

In this episode, we explore the magic of technology through personal stories and examples, from VHS tapes to AI chatbots, highlighting how innovations transform our lives and perceptions.

Hosts Siddarth Menon & Atul S Nath explore the emotional and cultural factors driving Indian snack brands like Parle G and Frooti in global markets, with insights into nostalgia, taste prediction, and cultural identity.

With hosts Atul & Sid, discover why D2C brands are thriving in India's CPG space. Learn the driving factors behind this trend and what it means for consumers.In recent years, the direct-to-consumer (D2C) model has gained significant traction in India, especially in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector. But why are consumers increasingly choosing to buy directly from brands rather than through traditional marketplaces like Amazon or local stores?The D2C model allows brands to sell their products directly to consumers, bypassing traditional retail channels. This shift has been particularly noticeable in categories like personal care, food products, and household items. But what has prompted this change?

The hosts explore how cultural influences, sensory experiences, and the depth of language impact consumer behavior and marketing strategies in India. They discuss the challenges of adopting new habits in a society rooted in tradition and the importance of familiarity in driving acceptance of modern products. The conversation concludes with key insights into how marketers can effectively blend tradition with modernity to resonate with consumers.

Hosts Atul S Nath & Siddarth Menon talk about the penetration of Washing Machines in Indian Households vs Air Conditioners, and the stark difference. They talk about the various reasons for this huge gulf and what drives the consumers to buy and not.

In this episode, Atul & Siddarth explore the growing influence of tutors in India, positioning them as significant players in the education sector alongside traditional influencers and celebrities. The conversation delves into the dynamics of social authority, the shift in learning approaches among students, and the potential future of tutoring with the integration of AI. Key takeaways highlight the importance of upward mobility through education and the evolving role of tutors as facilitators rather than just information providers.

In this episode, hosts Siddharth & Atul explore the intriguing phenomenon of late-night online shopping in India, particularly the peak time of 12:27 a.m. They delve into the emotional aspects of shopping, the role of privacy, and how collective decision-making influences purchases, especially in electronics. The conversation also touches on cognitive load, gender differences in shopping habits, and the impact of marketing strategies that drive late-night purchases. The hosts emphasize the intertwining of entertainment and shopping, highlighting how modern consumers are becoming more impulsive in their buying behavior.

In this episode, Siddarth & Atul delve into the surprising dominance in the Indian soft drink market, exploring consumer behavior, brand strategies, and the impact of cultural perceptions on beverage choices.

Welcome to I’m Blown — the podcast where Siddarth Menon & Atul S Nath explore the strange, hilarious, totally unbelievable world of the Marketing Landscape in India.In this first episode, Siddarth and Atul unpack this crazy myth and misguided belief that most people have - that Soouth Indians are Primarily Vegetarian - listen in.Do share your feedback with us and share your favourite consumer oddity and marketing crazy fact about India!

I’m Blown is the podcast that rips open the strange, hilarious, totally unbelievable world of Indian consumer behaviour & marketing.Every week, in a tight, punchy, short episode, we unpack one mind-bending fact, quirk, or cultural oddity that shapes how India buys, behaves, believes, and breaks every marketing rule on the planet.From midnight shopping binges…to Cash-on-Delivery psychology…to why we hoard plastic bags like family gold…to the emotional economics behind “free”…Whether you’re a marketer, founder, strategist, creator, advertiser, or just an amused observer of Indian madness, this show will blow your mind and make you see the consumer landscape with brand-new eyes.Short episodes. Big insights. Real behaviour. Zero sugarcoating.Welcome to the side of Indian marketing nobody talks about but everyone is influenced by.