In this episode, I sit down with Ayesha Broacha from Mumbai, an illustrator, photographer, triathlete and mother of two. She talks about how sport has enriched her creative journey and life.
We talk about her early love for art, how she got into triathlons, the friendships she’s built through sport, and how she balances training, work and family.
Ayesha’s story is a great reminder that it’s possible to pursue multiple passions at any stage of life, and that sport can bring unexpected joy, resilience and community.
If you enjoy this conversation, do subscribe to the channel for more such stories on the No Shortcuts podcast.

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00:00:00 Introduction to Ayesha Broacha: Illustrator & Triathlete
00:01:50 The No Shortcuts Podcast's Mission
00:03:22 Ayesha's Early Life and Introduction to Sport
00:05:29 Discovering Cycling During COVID-19
00:08:05 Challenges of Cycling in Mumbai
00:11:00 The Intersection of Sport and Creativity
00:17:28 Lessons from the Goa Ironman
00:20:02 The Impact of Cycling on Fitness and Aging
00:22:51 Encouraging Women in Sport
00:25:25 The Importance of Community and Safety in Cycling
00:27:10 Reflections on Education and Childhood
00:41:18 Rapid Fire Questions

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In this episode of the #NoShortcuts podcast, we speak with Ashwini Kapila, who spent 28+ years in the corporate grind before a wake-up call led him to run, cycle, and reclaim his health.

One day, he asked himself:
• Will my health outlast me?
• Will my wealth outlast me?
• Will I have four friends to say goodbye?

That moment became a turning point.

Through running and cycling, Ashwini not only reversed lifestyle conditions but also found deeper meaning in building community.
Today, he leads @getsetup.india, an initiative helping people age actively through learning, movement, and connection.

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In this Episode of the NoShortcuts podcast, we have Parashuram Chenji from Hyderabad. Parashuram is a 2x National Road cyclist medalist who is now a full-time personal coach and football trainer. Since he has been there, done that and understands the value of the the right guidance, he is now guiding aspiring young adults to help achieve their sporting dream. In this episode of the #NoShortcuts Podcast, we unravel Parashuram's journey and bring out the life lessons he has to share for someone who is looking out to become big in sport. He talks about

• his early days
• what it takes to become an athlete
• how to deal with injuries
• Football coaching & Personal Trainer
• His message to viewers
  & a lot of humour in between.

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In this episode of the #NoShortcuts Podcast, we sit down with Corina Van Dam, a Dutch endurance athlete and sports advocate who has been based in Mumbai since 2016, working with the Maitrayana Foundation.

Her mission? To bring more women into sports and use it as a powerful tool for transformation.

We unravel her incredible journey—from her early days as a football coach to working in mental health for over 20 years, volunteering in Kenya, and now leading impactful initiatives in India. Corina passionately shares her belief in the power of sports to drive social change and uplift communities.

Without further ado, tune into this inspiring conversation!

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What does it take to defy the odds, embrace challenges, and inspire others? Meet Huafrid Billimoria, an endurance triathlete living with dystonia—a rare neurological condition. Despite the hurdles, Huafrid has become an Ironman, proving that resilience and determination can overcome any obstacle. 💪 In this episode of #NoShortcuts, Huafrid opens up about his incredible journey. He shares how he fought his way through life with an iron will, why he does what he does, and what keeps him going. From breaking barriers to redefining endurance sports, Huafrid highlights the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and equity in every step of his journey. 🏅 Huafrid’s Achievements:

• FIRST individual with dystonia in the world to swim 10 km in open waters back-to-back within a year.
• FASTEST person with dystonia to complete a Full Ironman.
• FIRST person with a disability in the world to bag 3 Ironman podium finishes in the PC category.
• FASTEST Indian with a disability to complete a Half and Full Ironman.
• Only the second Indian with a disability and second in the world with dystonia to complete an Ironman.
• FIRST person in the world with dystonia to swim nonstop for 12 hours, covering 17.3+ km.
• First Para Tri-athlete to bag an Asian Championship Podium, creating history for India.

Huafrid's story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose, and it will leave you inspired to push your own boundaries. 🚴‍♂️

Chapter Markers-
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:22) - Early Life and Childhood Challenges
(04:10) - Overcoming Academic Obstacles
(08:44) - Experiences with Bullying and Abuse
(12:37) - Turning Disability into Ability
(14:34) - Diagnosis of Dystonia
(17:22) - Hotel Management and Physical Challenges
(20:27) - Navigating Job Opportunities and Discrimination
(22:54) - Turning Point and Discovering MMA
(25:14) - Transition to Endurance Sports and Initial Challenges
(28:36) - Achievements in Swimming and Open Water Challenges
(31:04) - Mental Health Struggles and Resilience
(33:25) - The Ironman Journey Begins
(35:20) - Cycling Challenges and Support
(38:11) - Ironman Achievements and Recognition
(40:02) - The Full Ironman Experience in South Africa
(43:54) - Representing India and Winning Bronze
(46:39) - Overcoming Obstacles in Uzbekistan
(48:54) - Message to Specially-Abled People
(51:54) - Promoting Inclusion in Society
(54:48) - Call for Support and Sponsorship
(57:39) - Final Thoughts and Gratitude

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In this episode of the #NoShortcutscuts podcast, we delve into a conversation with Dr. Anant Joshi, a leading Indian surgeon and a pioneer in Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine. As the founder of SportsMed, a renowned center specializing in orthopedic and sports medicine, Dr. Joshi brings over 30 years of expertise to the table. Dr. Joshi, a renowned surgeon with a national and international presence, has served as a medical consultant to various sports bodies. Beyond his professional achievements, he's an avid sportsman himself, often cycling to work. In this engaging chat, we explore his cycling journey, uncover valuable advice, and learn about his remarkable cycling expeditions. Sit back and enjoy this insightful episode!

Chapter Markers-
00:00 - Promo 01:16 - Intro on Arthroscopic Surgery
02:51 - Procedures implemented on patients who come with athletic injuries
05:01 - How Dr. Anant Joshi fixed Nigel's knee pain
06:19 - Sports that influenced Dr. Anant Joshi's life
08:36 - Impact on Body- Racquet Sports vs Cycling
09:51 - How Dr. Anant Joshi got into cycling
12:48 - How Tour Of Nilgiris changed Dr. Anant's perspective into cycling
15:13 - Dr. Anant Joshi's experience with bikepacking
17:04 - Training requirement to ride on the Himalayas
19:32 - Interlude 19:54 - Prepping for the next adventure
21:12 - How training for bikepacking looks like
23:10 - How to get the most out of indoor cycle training
26:32 - Why bikefit is necessary?
30:34 - How cycling helps in avoiding injuries
35:03 - Message for today's youth
36:12 - Is stretching really required?
38:21 - Next on the bucket list
40:31 - Dr. Anant's #NOSHORTCUTS philosophy
43:25 - Outro

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On today’s episode of the NoShortcuts Podcast, we’re joined by the legendary *Aastad Palkhiwalla*! With over 40 years of bicycle racing experience, Aastad comes from a family of cycling champions—his parents and sibling are national champions, too! 🏆 He’s a multiple-time *National Track Cycling Champion, a recipient of the **Chhatrapati Shivaji Award*, and a true icon in Indian cycling. 🚴‍♂️✨ But that’s not all—Aastad balanced his cycling career with a 25-year stint as a full-time pilot for Air India. ✈️ Talk about dedication and no shortcuts!

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Known as The CYCLING MAN OF WADA, Ved Nikam discovered his love for trails during the pandemic when he and a few of his friends were bored in their hometown Wada- A rural town on the outskirts of Mumbai.

What started as a craziness to ride cycles from the perspective of his fellow villagers, quickly turned into a medium to explore the waterfalls, deep trails and the hidden beauty of Wada.
Envious of Ved's outdoor adventures during the pandemic, several elders and his friends bought cycles and joined Ved on his adventures.
This community development gave an idea to empower kids of his village to aid them in their academics by crowdsourcing the cycle through his initiative called "The Bicycle Project"!

Learn how Ved is transforming the lives of his hometown!

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