Misadventures of a Sneaker || A Travel Podcast

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 a...

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 turn...

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 e...

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 joi...

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 strang...

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 enthusia...

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 Persepo...

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...

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 cor...

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 ritu...

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome our guest, Harsha Dandibhotla who has an unwavering passion for the great outdoors. Currently on a mission to visit all 63 national parks in the United States, he had explored 37 parks when we recorded—and has already ticked off his 38th since! From trekking and hiking to mountaineering, snowmobiling, biking, kayaking, swimming, and even aerial exploratio...

Imagine traveling to some of the most extreme, remote, and untouched places on Earth—and doing it not just once, but twice, to experience the full contrast of life in different seasons. In this captivating episode, we sit down with a truly unique adventurer and photographer, Atul Prasad, whose journeys are as inspiring as they are bold. Atul’s story begins in the northernmost frontier of Alaska, a...

In this episode, we’re joined by the extraordinary Ramcharan Vijayaraghavan, fondly known as Chari . A true globetrotter with a purpose, Chari has traveled to over 100 countries, dedicating his journeys to research, education, conservation, and making a meaningful impact. From the icy reaches of Antarctica, where he braved the notorious Drake Passage and encountered countless whales, to the breath...

In today’s podcast episode, we journey to the top of Africa with an extraordinary guest: a professional chief guide from Tanzania who has summited Mount Kilimanjaro over 500 times, Athumani Juma from Team Kilimanjaro. Known as the highest free-standing peak in the world, Kilimanjaro poses daunting challenges to climbers, yet this seasoned guide has faced them all with unparalleled skill and resili...

In today's podcast episode, we have an exciting guest, Ms. Smrutha Santhosh, who takes us on a whirlwind vacation adventure she had with her husband and son in Iceland. This family loves taking Christmas trips, but this one was special as they were chasing the Northern Lights for the first time. Their journey, however, got off to a rocky start—literally. They lost a bag in transit, and driving on...

In this episode, we welcome Phalgun Guduthur, a passionate explorer on his third sabbatical, who spent six months uncovering the wonders of South America. Phalgun is a ‘serial traveler’ who thrives on exploring new places, soaking in the local culture, making lasting connections, and, of course, savoring local cuisine and beer with newfound friends. He shares how sabbaticals have become transforma...

In this episode, we’re joined by two fantastic guests who are both history buffs and foodies, as they take us on a fascinating walking tour of Lucknow. We have with us the father and son duo, Mr. A.K. Srivastav and Mr. Vaibhav Srivastav, both authors and fantastic story-tellers. Lucknow, known for its rich Nawabi heritage, Victorian-era architecture, and cultural flair, comes alive through their s...

Join us on this exciting episode as we sit down with a rockstar pro traveler, Ms. Jonty the founder of Detours India—a travel firm known for its immersive historic, cultural, and food walking tours across India, and specializing in Hyderabad. Our guest isn’t just any traveler; she’s a true explorer who dives deep into the essence of every place she visits. In this episode, we delve into Jonty’s fa...

In our upcoming podcast episode, we have the pleasure of hosting an adventurous and confident woman, Ms. Korobi Roy, who explores the world one place at a time, embracing the thrill of solo travel. Her journey began in the serene coastal town of Varkala in Kerala, where she discovered the joy and therapeutic benefits of traveling alone. She shares how solo travel allows her to create her own sched...

Join us on an exhilarating adventure through the captivating landscapes and cultures of Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador in this episode of Misadventures of a Sneaker. We'll take you from the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to the surreal expanses of Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni, and the vibrant biodiversity of these places. We're joined by a wonderful guest Sharique who has travelled extensively...

Get ready for an exhilarating episode of Misadventures of a Sneaker. This week, we welcome a truly inspiring guest, Ms. Sindhuu Govindarajan, who has embarked on some of the most thrilling and extraordinary adventures around the globe. From scaling the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp to scuba diving among sharks and stingrays, this brave and charming traveler has done it all. Jo...

Ready for a heading out on a driving adventure? In today's episode, we chat with a fearless explorer – Swati Das, who joined 40+ women on an all-women driving expedition across the breath-taking Northeast India! This exhilarating journey, organized by the National Commission for Women and the Amazing Namastey Foundation, turned heads and stole hearts, showcasing the power of women taking the w...

In our upcoming podcast episode, we welcome two distinguished authors, Sudeep Krishna and Dr. Purav Gandhi who have penned an inspiring book on the brave men and women of the Indian military services. Their journey to gather material for this book took them to places seldom accessible to civilians, such as the bunkers in Uri and the sites of significant military events. They also had the rare oppo...

Join us for an exhilarating adventure as we sit down with an acclaimed wildlife photographer, Ashok Nair, who has almost-traversed the globe, capturing the raw beauty of nature – wildlife in the wilderness. In this episode, Ashok shares breath-taking tales from the field, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of some of the world's most magnificent creatures. From the icy landscapes of Norw...

Explore the ancient wonders of Egypt in this week's podcast episode as we delve into the historical marvels of this captivating country. Join us as we follow a passionate family of avid readers turned intrepid travellers on their journey through the sands of time. Embark on a mesmerizing adventure with our guests, Devika and Nikhil (a couple accompanied by their son on the trip), who have long...