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.

--------------------------------------

Follow Boyang on LinkedIn

--------------------------------------

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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠misadventuresofasneaker@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@misadventuresofasneaker⁠⁠⁠⁠

Blog: misadventuresofasneaker.substack.com

-----------------------------------------------

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.

---------------------------------------------

Follow Prabal on Instagram || LinkedIn

---------------------------------------------

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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠misadventuresofasneaker@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@misadventuresofasneaker⁠⁠⁠⁠

Blog: misadventuresofasneaker.substack.com

---------------------------------------

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.

---------------------------------------------

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

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

---------------------------------------------

Click here to pick up a copy of the Travel Journal

(DM on our Instagram page or Email misadventuresofasneaker@gmail.com, for bulk order discounts)

---------------------------------------------

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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠misadventuresofasneaker@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@misadventuresofasneaker⁠⁠⁠⁠

Blog: misadventuresofasneaker.substack.com

---------------------------------------

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.

---------------------------------------------

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

---------------------------------------------

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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠misadventuresofasneaker@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@misadventuresofasneaker⁠⁠⁠⁠

Blog: misadventuresofasneaker.substack.com

-----------------------------------------------------

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

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.

---------------------------------------------

Follow Ellie on Instagram

---------------------------------------------

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

---------------------------------------------

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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠misadventuresofasneaker@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@misadventuresofasneaker⁠⁠⁠⁠

Blog: misadventuresofasneaker.substack.com

-------------------------------------------------

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.

---------------------------------------------

Follow Sharique on Instagram | LinkedIn

---------------------------------------------

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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠misadventuresofasneaker@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@misadventuresofasneaker⁠⁠⁠⁠

Blog: misadventuresofasneaker.substack.com

---------------------------------------

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!

---------------------------------------------

Follow Grinny on Instagram

---------------------------------------------

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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠misadventuresofasneaker@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@misadventuresofasneaker⁠⁠⁠⁠

Blog: misadventuresofasneaker.substack.com

---------------------------------------

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