Courage Talks

Hetal Sonpal

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Self-Improvement
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Inspired by my father's acts of courage in his biography, ⁠Against All Odds⁠, I am inviting guests on my first-ever podcast to talk about their experience with courage. Hear from them about their stories of courage and moments in their personal and professional life that brought out the best in them. Listen to your heroes talk about their own heroes.

1d ago

𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝗦𝟭𝟯𝗘𝟲 Kaamya Karthikeyan

Meet Kaamya Karthikeyan, an 18-year-old mountaineering prodigy, polar explorer, TED speaker, and living proof that age is no barrier to extraordinary courage. At just 17, she became the youngest female in the world to complete the Seven Summits Challenge, standing on the highest peak of every continent, including Everest and Vinson Massif in Antarctica. On 27 December 2025, she skied to the South Pole, becoming the youngest Indian and second-youngest female in the world to do so. 𝗛𝗲𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 “𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁” 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀: • Youngest Indian girl to summit Everest from the Nepal side (16) • Youngest girl in the world to climb Aconcagua (12) • Youngest Asian to summit Denali (14) • Youngest person to ski down from Elbrus (10) • Youngest girl to summit a 6000 m peak (at just 9) All while pursuing a B.Tech in Computer Science at Shiv Nadar University, winning ski-mountaineering medals at the Khelo India Winter Games, and working toward the Explorers Grand Slam (North Pole still to go). Recipient of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Shakti Puraskar and mentioned in the Hon. Prime Minister’s Mann Ki Baat, Kaamya is on a mission (SAHAS) to show that the outdoors can shape focused, purpose-driven lives, and to inspire every young Indian, especially girls, to dream big. Tag someone who needs this reminder that the biggest peaks start with one brave step. #CourageTalks #MissionSAHAS #SevenSummits #SouthPole #YoungAchievers #Mountaineering #Inspiration
Jul 25

Courage Talks S13E5 - Varun Sawant

𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝗦𝟭𝟯𝗘𝟱 — 𝗩𝗮𝗿𝘂𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 Diagnosed with Autism at just two-and-a-half, Varun spent his early years navigating therapies and finding his voice. Today, he is a man of few words, but his actions speak volumes. From pursuing his first dream of becoming a chef and building Varun’s Bake n Flake, to discovering the transformative power of long-distance running in 2016, Varun has consistently redefined what is possible. 𝙄𝙣 2020, 𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙨𝙞𝙖 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙤𝙛 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝘼𝙨𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙢 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚 𝙖 𝙁𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙣. Since then, he has taken on some of India’s toughest endurance challenges and is now chasing the Abbott World Marathon Majors, already conquering Boston (2025) and London (2026), with Berlin and New York City next. • But medals are only part of his story. • Varun runs for inclusion. • He runs to change perceptions. • He runs to show families raising children with autism that dreams can be bigger than labels. Join us on Courage Talks S13E5 as we sit down for a very special discussion with a baker, musician, dancer, and marathon runner who reminds us that the greatest victories are measured not just by finish lines, but by the lives we inspire along the way. Stay tuned. This is one conversation you don’t want to miss. #CourageTalks #VarunSawant #AutismAwareness #Inclusion #WorldMarathonMajors #RunningForInclusion #Inspiration #Neurodiversity
Jul 19

Courage Talks S13E4 Vishwanath Karthikey

🎙️ 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲 | 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝗦𝟭𝟯𝗘𝟰 At just 16, Padakanti Vishwanath Karthikey from Hyderabad became the youngest Indian and the second youngest in the world to complete the legendary Seven Summits Challenge: summiting the highest peak on every continent, including Mount Everest on 27 May 2025. From his first glacier trek at age 11 to standing on top of the world while balancing school, this young mountaineer’s story is a masterclass in courage, discipline, curiosity, and what’s possible when you refuse to let age or doubt define your limits. 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗸 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀: • How a simple trek with his sister sparked a world-record journey • Navigating extreme conditions, family support, and mental toughness at altitude • Balancing elite mountaineering with academics and teenage life • His next chapter, aiming for the National Defence Academy and continuing to push boundaries If you’re a parent, student, or anyone chasing ambitious dreams, this episode will remind you that the biggest peaks often start with small steps and unwavering belief. #CourageTalks #SevenSummits #MountEverest #YoungAchiever #Mountaineering #IndianTalent #Inspiration #Adventure #Resilience #DreamBig
Jul 12

Courage Talks S13E3 Jahnavi Dangeti

🚀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁: 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝗦𝟭𝟯𝗘𝟯 – 𝗝𝗮𝗵𝗻𝗮𝘃𝗶 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗶: 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗸𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗔𝗦𝗔 & 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 – 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴 𝗔𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘂𝘁! 🌌 What does it take for a young woman from a small town in Andhra Pradesh to train like an astronaut at NASA facilities, become the first Indian to complete AEXA’s International Air & Space Program, and set her sights on being among the first Indians on Mars? Meet Jahnavi Dangeti – Analog Astronaut, Scientist-Astronaut Candidate, advanced scuba diver, TEDx speaker, and unstoppable STEM force. 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲, 𝗝𝗮𝗵𝗻𝗮𝘃𝗶 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁: • Becoming the first Indian selected for AEXA’s IASP at NASA’s Space & Rocket Center, serving as Mission Director for an international team that successfully launched a mini-rocket. • Training as the youngest foreign girl in Poland’s AATC Lunar Analog Mission – living in isolation, conducting robotics, aquaponics & human performance experiments. • Geology field training in Iceland’s volcanic highlands, walking the same paths as Apollo astronauts. • Completing the Astronaut Candidate Program with spacesuit training, hyperbaric altitude simulations, and full mission sims. Making a provisional asteroid discovery using PAN-STARRS data, building a lunar sample collector (now launched into space), and tackling NASA challenges in hydroponics, rovers & more. Balancing extreme ocean conservation dives with her mission to inspire the next generation through ISRO outreach, NIT lectures, and mentorship. Jahnavi’s story is proof that courage, curiosity, and relentless preparation can turn childhood dreams into real space-ready skills. 🎙️ Tune in to hear how she’s breaking barriers, making science accessible, and paving the way for India’s future in deep space exploration. #CourageTalks #AnalogAstronaut #WomenInSTEM #SpaceExploration #ISRO #NASA #MarsMission #IndianAchiever #STEMinspiration #TEDxSpeaker #AnalogMission
Jul 4

Courage Talks S13E2 Anshuman Jhingran

🌊 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝗦𝟭𝟯𝗘𝟮 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘! Meet Anshuman Jhingran, one of India’s most extraordinary young athletes and an open-water swimming prodigy who is rewriting what’s possible. Born in Delhi and raised in Mumbai, Anshuman went from being a national-level pool swimmer (bronze medalist & Singapore Nationals competitor) to conquering some of the world’s most dangerous channels. A cycling accident during lockdown that left him with a broken hand and multiple surgeries became the unexpected catalyst for his ultra-endurance journey. • At just 18, he became the Youngest Person in the World to swim the brutal North Channel (Ireland to Scotland), earning a Guinness World Record. • He is also the Fastest Asian to swim the Catalina, Cook Strait, and Molokai (Kaiwi) Channel, and has completed 6 out of 7 Oceans Seven swims. 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲, 𝗔𝗻𝘀𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁: • The life-changing cycling accident that pushed him into open water • His record-breaking 207 km of swims in just one month (Indian Record) • The mental battles, jellyfish, freezing waters, and what it takes to swim 15+ hours alone in the ocean • Balancing college (Psychology student) with chasing history • The role of courage, resilience, and family support in chasing impossible dreams If you want to be inspired by raw determination, mental fortitude, and what the human spirit can achieve, this episode is a must-watch. Drop a 🏊‍♂️ in the comments if Anshuman’s story moved you. What’s one “channel” in your life you’re trying to cross right now? Huge respect and congratulations to Anshuman on his incredible journey! #CourageTalks #OpenWaterSwimming #OceansSeven #GuinnessWorldRecord #IndianAthlete #Mindset #Resilience #Swimming
Jun 27

Courage Talks S13E1 - Renee Noronha

🎙️ Courage Talks S13E1 - Young Achiever’s Special is NOW LIVE! In this powerful opening episode of Season 13, I sat down with Renee Noronha, the 20-year-old endurance athlete who has become the Youngest Indian Female to qualify for the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, and is on a mission to become the youngest woman in the world to finish an IRONMAN on all six continents. From training 8 hours a day as an elite artistic gymnast to switching gears at 16 with zero swimming or cycling background… to crossing the finish line in New Zealand at just 18 and hearing “You are an Ironman”, Renee’s journey is pure courage in motion. She’s also a student at IIT Madras (Data Science), a Boston-qualified marathoner, Hyrox winner, and someone who’s balancing insane training loads with academics while chasing massive dreams, including Kona and the Comrades Marathon. This conversation is for every young girl (and woman) who’s been told her dreams are too big. Renee’s message is clear:Don’t be afraid to dream boldly. You are far more capable than you think.If you want to feel inspired, motivated, and fired up to chase your own impossible goals, this episode is a must-listen. Tag a young dreamer who needs to hear this! #CourageTalks #YoungAchievers #IRONMAN #ReneeNoronha #WomenInSports #IITMadras #DreamBig #EnduranceAthlete #IndianWomenInSports
Jun 20

Courage Talks S12E6 Munish Jauhar

🚀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝗦𝟭𝟮𝗘𝟲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Munish Jauhar, a powerhouse entrepreneur, prolific angel investor, ultra-runner, and one of the most thoughtful leaders I know. Munish is the Founder & CEO of GrayCell Technologies, an award-winning digital agency, and through GrayCell Ventures, he has invested in 120+ startups. Former Chair of NASSCOM Chandigarh & Punjab, Past President of TiE Chandigarh, and a man who brings the same discipline and depth to ultra-running as he does to building businesses. 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲, 𝘄𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼: • The heartbreak of missing Spartathlon due to malaria and how he bounced back • What it really takes to run 100 miles (and win races like Sahyadri Hills 100K) • Why ultra-running is the ultimate training ground for leadership and life • The future (and challenges) of sustaining ultra-running as a sport in India • Balancing entrepreneurship, family, investing, birding, heavy metal, and pushing personal limits at 50+ Munish’s wisdom, humility, and refreshing honesty make this one of my favourite conversations of the season. If you’re an entrepreneur, athlete, or someone who loves stories of resilience and lifelong growth, this episode is for you. Drop a 🔥 if you’re inspired to push your own limits. What’s one lesson you’ve learned from endurance, in sport or in business? Big thanks to Munish for the wonderful conversation! #CourageTalks #UltraRunning #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Mindset #UltraRunner #ChandigarhStartups
Jun 13

Courage Talks S12E5 Kim Levinsky

🎙️ 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟮 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝟱 𝗶𝘀 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘! From college athlete (basketball & softball) to ultrarunner, race director, and mental health advocate, this episode is a powerful reminder that the trails can heal, connect, and transform us. Meet Kim Levinsky Founder & Trail Party Director of Sassquad Trail Running (New Jersey) | Ultrarunner | FKT Holder Kim turned her love for running into a mission: building an inclusive, welcoming trail community where everyone, regardless of pace, background, or experience, feels they belong. Her journey includes: Founding Sassquad Trail Running in 2018 — now one of the most vibrant grassroots trail racing organisations in the NY/NJ area Setting the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the 358-mile Long Path (first woman to do so), captured in the powerful documentary The Long Path: A Journey of Becoming Racing ultras up to 200+ miles while openly sharing her mental health journey Creating events that prioritise joy, accessibility, and community over competition In this heartfelt conversation, Kim opens up about courage, vulnerability, the power of inclusive spaces, and how running became her path to healing and helping others. If you’re a runner, race organiser, or someone who believes movement can be medicine for the mind and soul, this episode will inspire you to lace up and show up. Tag a runner, a friend who needs community, or anyone on their own journey of becoming 👇 #CourageTalks #UltraRunning #TrailRunning #SassquadTrailRunning #MentalHealth #FKT #LongPath #WomenInUltra #InclusiveRunning #CommunityThroughRunning

Inspired by my father's acts of courage in his biography, ⁠Against All Odds⁠, I am inviting guests on my first-ever podcast to talk about their experience with courage. Hear from them about their stories of courage and moments in their personal and professional life that brought out the best in them. Listen to your heroes talk about their own heroes.

Creator

Hetal Sonpal
Years Active

2023 - 2026
Episodes

82
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Hetal Sonpal
Show Website

Courage Talks