What makes a traveler who’s been to over 60 countries, keep returning to one place, year after year? For our guest today, Boyang Xue, the answer is simple: Japan.

In this episode, we dive into his unforgettable gap year in Japan—learning Japanese at the same university where Murakami once studied, biking for a week between Tokyo and Izu peninsula, camping under starlit skies, hopping slow trains all the way to Hokkaido, and hiking through landscapes that few tourists ever see.

Charming and full of stories, he shares not just adventures from Japan, but also tales from Colombia, Italy, Switzerland, and beyond. But no matter where he goes, Japan remains his true travel love.

Join us for an episode filled with adventures, mishaps, slow travel magic, and a whole lot of inspiration for anyone dreaming of exploring Japan differently.

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To pick up copies of our journal, click here

Like our work? Follow, Like & Subscribe to our podcast from wherever you are listening in. We would also love to hear from you, so do write to us at:

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@misadventuresofasneaker⁠⁠⁠⁠

Blog: misadventuresofasneaker.substack.com

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00:00:00 Trailer

00:02:00 Episode & Guest intro

00:08:30 Early travel stories

00:11:30 A crazy trip to India     

00:16:37 LATAM stories

00:25:05 What’s special about Japan

00:29:51 Spending a ‘gap’ year in Japan

00:40:37 Bike trip in Japan         

00:54:01 Onsen experiences

00:59:04 Slow train trip in Japan

01:04:00 Volcano erupting during the trip

01:07:03 Train hack in Japan

01:12:56 Japanese food

01:16:03 Japanese culture imbibed

01:23:51 Lesser known places in Japan

01:37:45 Settling down – Japan?

01:47:23 Trip that went above and beyond

01:53:43 Toodles and see you again soon

What happens when your first-ever multi-day trek turns intoa full-blown adventure? In this episode, my guest, Prabal Chakraborty — a passionate traveller on a mission to do 50 countries before 50 — takes us through his dramatic, hilarious, and unforgettable journey to Roopkund in the Himalayas.

From sudden hailstorms to getting lost, scrapes and bruisesto endless bowls of Maggi, and strangers turning into lifelong friends — this trek had it all. Oh, and did I mention he was trekking with his then-girlfriend, now wife?

With his fantastic knack for storytelling, he makes Roopkundsound like more than just a tough Himalayan trail — it’s a tale of chaos, laughter, friendship, and love. If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind those perfect trekking photos, this episode is for you.

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To pick up copies of our journal - click here - India orders / International orders - DM here

Like our work? Follow, Like & Subscribe to our podcast from wherever you are listening in. We would also love to hear from you, so do write to us at:

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@misadventuresofasneaker⁠⁠⁠⁠

Blog: misadventuresofasneaker.substack.com

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00:00:00 Trailer

00:03:21 Episode & Guest intro

00:07:18 Early travel stories

00:22:15 Legendry train stories 

00:28:00 How did you choose Roopkund

00:21:24 Day0 – Kathgodam to Wan village

00:43:26 Day1 – Wan to Didna

00:45:03 Day2 – to Bedmi Bugyal

00:50:00 Accident at Great Lakes Trek

00:58:16 Ali Bugyal & Trishul view

01:07:37 Roopkund’s eerie stories

01:11:50 Day3 – to Patharnachni

01:08:31 Break

01:19:22 Day4 – to Bhagua Basa (base-camp)

01:30:45 Day5 – to Roopkund

01:37:45 Descent & getting lost

01:49:49 Bedmi to the end

01:55:00 Love for travel

01:57:11 Recalling the Kodai hike

02:00:33 Thanks & Toodles

What do you get when a management consultant turns fashion designer and lands on the red carpet at Cannes? A story you definitely won’t find on your Instagram explore page.

In this episode, I’m joined (again!) by my friend and a fashion boss, Smrutha Santhosh —the first British Indian fashion designer to showcase her fashion and walk the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. We chat about everything from outfit drama and red carpet jitters to random celebrity run-ins and what it really feels like to be at Cannes when you’re not a Bollywood superstar (but might be bumping into one).

If you’ve ever stared at Cannes photos and wondered, “But what’s it actually like?”, this one’s for you.

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• Follow Smrutha on Instagram || Facebook || LinkedIn || Website https://wowvastra.com/

• Smrutha’s episode on vacationing is Iceland – here S2 Ep15

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Click here to pick up a copy of the Travel Journal

(DM on our Instagram page or Email [email protected], for bulk order discounts)

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To support our team and donate generously, please click ⁠⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT ⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Like our work? Follow, Like & Subscribe to our podcast from wherever you are listening in. We would also love to hear from you, so do write to us at:

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@misadventuresofasneaker⁠⁠⁠⁠

Blog: misadventuresofasneaker.substack.com

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00:00:00 Introduction

00:03:22 How and Why Cannes

00:15:39 Cannes Festival & celeb spotting

00:20:23 Experience in Cannes 

00:24:11 Cannes is a Feel good event

00:25:41 Walking the Red Carpet

00:28:17 Making Sales at Cannes

00:30:00 Ensemble concept

00:39:39 Planning the ensemble

00:42:24 Logistics for Cannes

00:44:23 Other fashion events

00:45:47 History of Cannes festival

00:49:09 Fashion in Travel Q&A

00:58:20 Connect with Smrutha

01:01:00 Thanks & Toodles

What happens when a food scientist with marathon-level stamina and an insatiable appetite turns his love for local food into a community movement? You get Thindi Capital — a one-of-a-kind food collective in Bangalore led by a man who runs across the city just to reach his favourite darshini. Meet Dr. Ajit Bhaskar!

In this episode, we dive into the world of street-side magic, lesser-known food joints, and the joy of chasing flavour over fame. Ajit talks about what draws him to a perfectly crisp Vada-pav, or perfectly cooked Shavige bath, or the juiciest Roshogolla, the quiet genius of local cooks who repeat greatness every day, and why food isn’t just about taste, but also method, memory, and community.

From Bengaluru to Kolkata and Mumbai, London to Kenya, he shares stories of eating curiously, cooking experimentally, and always making room for one more plate.

This is a celebration of food in all its forms — shared, savoured, and chased down with a hungry heart. Whether you eat to live or live to eat, this episode will leave you hungry — for more stories, more flavours, and maybe just one more idli.

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Follow Ajit Bhaskar on Instagram || LinkedIn || Twitter/X

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To support our team and donate generously, pleaseclick ⁠⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT ⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Like our work? Follow, Like & Subscribe to our podcastfrom wherever you are listening in. We would also love to hear from you, so do write to us at:

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@misadventuresofasneaker⁠⁠⁠⁠

Blog: misadventuresofasneaker.substack.com

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To order a copy of the Travel Journal here (DM us for placing a larger order)

What does it take to ski alone for 51 days across one of the most unforgiving yet breathtaking terrains on Earth?

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Mr. Satish Gogineni, the first Indian to ski unguided and unassisted to the South Pole. Over 51 solitary days on the Antarctic ice, Satish pulled his sled through freezing winds, cooked every meal himself, and found companionship in the strangest places—his harness, his socks, even the silence.

As he opens up about the surreal beauty, the solitude that he often enjoyed, and the mental resilience required for such a feat, Satish takes us deep into what it means to embrace true stillness. He describes the surprising sadness he felt on reaching the South Pole—the goal he had chased for years—because it also meant the end of an experience that felt absolutely perfect.

Beyond Antarctica, Satish is a mountaineering legend, having summited Everest, Lhotse, Annapurna, and more—often as the fastest Indian to do so. But it’s his reflective honesty and quiet strength that makes this conversation unforgettable.

Tune in for stories of survival, triumph, and the kind of adventure that changes you forever.

A trigger warning: This episode contains discussions around mental health, anxiety and suicide. So I suggest that you - my gentle listener is mindful of your own mental health and that you take breaks if needed. Alternately, if you’re not in a good mental space, you might consider skipping between the timestamps of:

01:00:03 to 01:02:40 and 01:43:00 to 01:55:00 minute. We've also listed a few trusted mental wellbeing resources below. Never hesitate to ask for help, you're not alone.

1. https://www.helpguide.org/find-help
2. https://www.iasp.info/crisis-centres-helplines/

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Follow Satish on Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

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To support our team and donate generously, please click ⁠⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT ⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Like our work? Follow, Like & Subscribe to our podcast from wherever you are listening in. We would also love to hear from you, so do write to us at:

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@misadventuresofasneaker⁠⁠⁠⁠

Blog: misadventuresofasneaker.substack.com

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00:00:00 Trailer

00:02:00 Intro

00:06:52 Most excited about on completion

00:08:58 Fastest Indian to double-summit Everest and Lhotse     

00:10:46 Most special expedition

00:14:54 South Pole expedition categories

00:17:15 Beginnings of the adventurer

00:29:12 Early Training – Denali/Everest/Lhotse

00:34:57 Inspiration from Polar Preet

00:40:44 Planning the South Pole expedition – phase1

00:43:40 Training in Baffin islands and Greenland.

00:46:28 Qualifying for the expedition

00:51:06 Sponsorship

00:52:17 Training Schedule

00:54:00 Acquiring funds for the expedition

00:57:14 Mental prep for the 51 day expedition

01:00:03 Mental health journey

01:02:40 The expedition story

01:22:12 About South Pole

01:25:53 Food, Snacks & Chill

01:33:12 Touchdown South Pole

01:37:55 Future plans & Project Malli Mastan babu

01:43:31: Mental Health & Project Spandana

01:55:07: Concluding thoughts

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Ms. Ellie Penner, an art historian whose work has taken her across the globe—from studying Himalayan art forms in Nepal and Ladakh to exploring ancient sculptures at Ajanta and Ellora, and observing masterpieces in the museums of the U.S. But beyond her deep love for centuries-old art, Ellie is an adventurer at heart. Raised in Colorado, she’s an outdoors enthusiast who jumps at any chance to head into the mountains.

And that’s exactly what she did—on a 32-day, 483-milethru-hike on the breathtaking Colorado Trail, accompanied by two of her best friends. What followed was a trail full of stories: hitchhiking into nearby towns, camping under the stars, weathering hailstorms, naming each other with quirky trail nicknames, dodging wildlife, and pushing through sore,blistered feet—all while laughing nonstop.

This episode is full of warmth, adventure, and some seriously hilarious moments. I don’t consider myself a hiker, but after talking to Ellie, I found myself itching to plan a trip like this with my best friends. Come along for the ride—you’ll laugh as much as I did.

Tune in and get inspired—whether you’re an art lover, anaspiring hiker, or just here for the wild stories.

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Follow Ellie on Instagram 

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To buy yourself a copy of the travel journal, click here: Travel Journal (currently shipping within India only)

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To support our team and donate generously, please click ⁠⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT ⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Like our work? Follow, Like & Subscribe to our podcast from wherever you are listening in. We would also love to hear from you, so do write to us at:

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@misadventuresofasneaker⁠⁠⁠⁠

Blog: misadventuresofasneaker.substack.com

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Episodes referred to in the episode:

1. Episode on Spain: S02 Ep12

In this episode of Misadventures of a Sneaker, I’m joined by Sharique Chishti, a traveler, storyteller, and someone who has a knack for noticing the little things most of us miss.

This time, he takes us through the heart of Iran. From the busy streets of Tehran to the spiritual calm of Qom, the postcard-perfect bridges of Isfahan, the mountain village of Abiyaneh, and the ancient ruins of Persepolis—this journey spans centuries, cultures, and empires.

We talk about Persian gardens and bathhouses, sip tea in cozy chaikhanas, wander through colorful bazaars, and reflect on the poetry, kindness, and layered history that shape the soul of Iran.

It’s not just a trip across a country—it’s a journey throughtime. This is one of those episodes that will make you wanna plan your visit to Iran - NOW. So dive in.

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Follow Sharique on Instagram  | LinkedIn

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To support our team and donate generously, please click ⁠⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT ⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Like our work? Follow, Like & Subscribe to our podcast from wherever you are listening in. We would also love to hear from you, so do write to us at:

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@misadventuresofasneaker⁠⁠⁠⁠

Blog: misadventuresofasneaker.substack.com

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00:00:00 Trailer

00:01:34 Episode intro

00:03:38 What’s up + book reco

00:07:34 Recent trip to Japan    

00:12:32 Introducing Iran

00:21:24 Touchdown Tehran

00:32:50 Qom & it’s mosques

00:50:52 Kashan & it’s Persian gardens

00:58:16 Isfahan: restaurant in a bathhouse

01:01:09 Break

01:02:00 Abyaneh – the hillside town

01:05:38 The grand Isfahan

01:22:16 Yazd & the windcatcher towers

01:30:28 Understanding Persian

01:30:56 Zurkhane: Persian gyms

01:34:24 Pasargade – Cyrus and Darius

01:38:13 Persipolis – city of ruins

01:27:08 Tandem cycling – world record

01:46:34 Shiraz – chill city

01:52:43 Highlights from Iran

01:55:32 Ideal number of days & tips

01:57:56 Local friends

01:59:34 Movies/Podcasts/books on Iran

02:03:01: Thanks & Toodles

Join us for an exhilarating conversation with Grinshina Kartik (known to the world as Grinny), a trailblazing ultra-cyclist who has conquered some of the toughest endurance rides across the globe—from the scorching heat of Spain and the suffocating humidity of Thailand to the freezing nights of France and the wild, winding ghat roads of India.

As the first Indian woman (and often the first Indian ever) to complete grueling 2000km+ races, she’s shattered records, including a world record in tandem cycling. But beyond the accolades, Grinny’s journey is packed with unforgettable stories—like dodging wild elephants, outrunning packs of stray dogs, dancing on her bike to stay motivated, and pushing through brutal sunburns, crashes, and sleepless nights.

In this episode, she opens up about the mental and physicalgrit it takes to thrive in ultra-cycling, the kindness of strangers in remote villages, and how she turns pain into power. Whether you’re a cyclist, an adventurer, or just someone who loves underdog triumphs, Grinny’s infectiousenergy and raw honesty will leave you inspired to chase your own limits. Strap in—this one’s a wild ride!

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Follow Grinny on Instagram 

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To support our team and donate generously, please click ⁠⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT ⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Like our work? Follow, Like & Subscribe to our podcast from wherever you are listening in. We would also love to hear from you, so do write to us at:

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@misadventuresofasneaker⁠⁠⁠⁠

Blog: misadventuresofasneaker.substack.com

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00:00:00 Trailer

00:01:27 Episode intro

00:03:54 Question from listener

00:09:28 Our guest        

00:10:49 Early Sports life

00:19:43 Yoga-Dancing-Cycling days

00:23:41 1st 100 km – exhausting

00:25:23 First Solo

00:26:36 Randonneuring & Audax world Clubs

00:32:59 1st 200-300-400-600 km

00:43:34 Paris Brest Paris event 2019

00:50:02 Thailand 2000 Km LRM

01:00:11 Cycle riding style

01:03:34 1st cycling race

01:05:16 Covid events & Everesting

01:09:12 Break

01:10:06 2023 Paris Brest Paris event

01:12:08 Prepping & Packing for event

01:20:08 Cycle, parts & repairs

01:24:43 Spend time solo-cycling

01:27:08 Tandem cycling – world record

01:32:46 Unsupported event – Spain to Italy

01:47:48 Supported event – racing in Sri Lanka

01:48:54 India events

01:53:22 Animal encounters

02:00:03 Personal victories

02:02:13 Plan ahead

02:04:08: Thanks & Toodles

In this episode, we embark on a mesmerizing journey through Banaras, guided by a guest who has spent a large part of his life in this ancient, enigmatic city – Mr. Pushpendra Kumar. With deep love and passion, he takes us through its vibrant streets, hidden temples, and timeless legends ofthe city.

From the grandeur of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to thelesser-known shrines tucked away in quiet corners, from the bustling chaat houses (yes, he confidently crowns Banaras as the Chaat Capital of India!) to the meditative calm of Sarnath, where Buddhism took root—this episode is a trueode to the city’s layered history and culture.

We explore life at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and IITBHU, institutions that have shape generations of thinkers. We talk about Banaras' unique traditions—Shivratri, Holi, Devdeepavali, bhaang, and even the unexpecteddelight of ramen in Banaras!

This isn’t just a conversation; it’s an invitation to experience the oldest living city in the world through the eyes of someone who calls it home. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a traveler enchanted by places that exist beyond time, this episode is for you.

Tune in, and let’s wander through Banaras together.

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Follow Pushpendra on Instagram  || LinkedIn

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To support our team and donate generously, pleaseclick ⁠⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT ⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Like our work? Follow, Like & Subscribe to our podcastfrom wherever you are listening in. We would also love to hear from you, so dowrite to us at:

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@misadventuresofasneaker⁠⁠⁠⁠

Blog: misadventuresofasneaker.substack.com

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Show Notes:

• Lucknow with the Srivastavas: Here

In this mouth-watering episode, we sit down with our guest, Mr. Suhail Khan, an avid traveler and passionate foodie whose journeys revolve around tasting and experiencing the local cuisine of every place he visits. From bustling street food stalls to intimate home-cooked meals and Michelin-starred restaurants, Suhail embraces it all. But for him, it’s not just about the flavors—it’s about the rituals, the culture, and the history that shape every dish.

Join us as we dive into fascinating food stories from across the world. We explore the meticulous preparation of Turkish coffee, the slow-cooked Bedouin Zarb in Jordan, and the deep-rooted connections between dishes like Pho and the Vietnam War. We uncover the culinary linkages that span continents—from Uzbek Plov to Indian Biryani, from Samosas to Dumplings. Suhail shares his insights from conversations with locals, unveiling the histories, traditions, and hidden stories behind the meals that define cultures.

Get ready for a flavorful journey through Uzbekistan, LatinAmerica, Iran, Jordan, India, Morocco, Portugal, Vietnam, Ethiopia, and beyond. If you love food, travel, and the stories they tell, this episode is a feast for the senses!

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Follow Suhail on Instagram || LinkedIn

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To support our team and donate generously, please click ⁠⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT ⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Like our work? Follow, Like & Subscribe to our podcast from wherever you are listening in. We would also love to hear from you, so do write to us at:

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@misadventuresofasneaker⁠⁠⁠⁠

Blog: misadventuresofasneaker.substack.com

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Show Notes:

• South America with Sharique: Here

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00:00:00 Trailer

00:01:53 Episode intro

00:04:01 Suhail & early travel stories

00:23:43 Food vacation

00:26:52 Coffee collection

00:29:23 Legendary Ethiopian Coffee

00:40:06 Comfort Food & Pho

00:48:59 Empanadas in S. America

00:50:44 Pastel De nata in Portugal

00:53:58 Food Links & Biryanis

00:58:00 Iran’s Isfahan Beryan

01:00:47 Plov in Tashkent

01:03:50 Food for the masses

01:07:31 Jordan food stories

01:09:13 Türkiye food stories

01:12:49 Coffee’s of the world

01:15:00 Uzbekistan food stories

01:25:13 Role of yogurt

01:27:54 Morocco food stories

01:37:13 Fruits of the world

01:42:40 Exotic meats

01:46:31 Pizzas of the world

01:55:04 Community eating practices

02:03:09 Street food stories

02:07:44 Star restaurants

02:09:39 Where next?

02:12:08 Toodles