Hamro Yatra

Adarsh Man Sherchan ✦ On putting in the work and backing yourself 03.03.2025 49min

Namaste and welcome to Ep 5 of Season 2. We’re kicking things off with Adarsh Man Sherchan, a molecular biologist and published author based in Kathmandu, Nepal.An optimist at heart, Adarsh sees every challenge as an opportunity and believes the glass is always half full. After graduating from RMIT, Melbourne back in 2011, he made the decision to move back to Nepal and carve out his path in a niche field of molecular biology. A decade later, he has founded his own company ‘Biome & Ecosystems Solutions’ driven by a passion for learning, growth, and making an impact.In this episode, we chat about his journey; how he goes after opportunities, confidently takes bold steps toward his goals and encourages today’s youth to give back to Neal. His story is a great reminder of what persistence and a growth mindset can achieve. This episode is packed with nuggets of wisdom, something for everyone!As always, if you enjoy these conversations, please follow and subscribe to Hamro Yatra on Apple Podcast, Spotify or whichever app you listen to your podcasts in. You can also support us by leaving us a 5 star review on those apps. Share with your friends and family. Tag us @hamro.yatra on instagram when you’re listening to it, your feedback and shares make my day, so please keep them coming!

Suskihanna ✦ On having big didi energy 30.01.2025 58min

Namaste and welcome to Hamro Yatra. In this fourth episode of season 2, we are joined by Suski, the artist behind the viral hit "Big Didi Energy." Having moved to Hong Kong at an early age, Suski had a difficult time adjusting to a new language and culture. Despite the challenges, she worked her way to graduating from the University of Hong Kong and eventually found herself in a career in teaching, fueled by her passion for educating and helping others. She shares with us her mental health journey, her love for rapping, and the ups and downs that have shaped her into the confident and creative artist she is today. As always, if you enjoy these conversations, please follow and subscribe to Hamro Yatra on Apple Podcast, Spotify or whichever app you listen to your podcasts in. You can also support us by leaving us a 5 star review on those apps. Share with your friends and family. Tag us @hamro.yatra on instagram when you’re listening to it, your feedback and shares make my day, so please keep them coming!

Adhish Gurung ✦ On being independent from early on 24.04.2024 30min

Namaste and welcome to Hamro Yatra. In today’s episode, we chat with Adhish Gurung who you may know as a part of @twosteroo. With a degree in urban planning from New York and Amsterdam, Adhish is back in Kathmandu. In this episode, we chat about his journey back home to Nepal and the decisions that led him there. We also explore the transition that comes with such a significant move. For those interested in urban planning and are keen to network with Adhish, you can reach him on Linkedin or his Instagram. As always, if you enjoy these conversations, please follow and subscribe to Hamro Yatra on Apple Podcast, Spotify or whichever app you listen to your podcasts in. You can also support us by leaving us a 5 star review on those apps. Share with your friends and family. Your feedback and shares make my day, so please keep them coming!

Parakram Rana ✦ On the life of a content creator 27.03.2024 35min

Namaste and welcome to Hamro Yatra 🙏🏽 In this second episode of Season 2, we are joined by Parakram Rana who is currently working as a content creator in Kathmandu, Nepal. With over 80k followers on instagram and over 100k followers on tiktok, I’m sure you’ve come across one of viral tiktok videos, his vlogs on youtube and most recently his first music video ‘Yatra’. In this episode, Parakram takes us on his journey from studying and working in India to returning back to Nepal and how he got started in the field of content creation. We go over his life as a content creator, what that entails and how he has been able to use all his experiences so far. Parakram is full of zest and creativity, making him a perfect match for the dynamic world of content creation. I hope you enjoy listening to his journey as much as I did. As always, if you enjoy these conversations, please follow and subscribe to Hamro Yatra on Apple Podcast, Spotify or whichever app you listen to your podcasts in. You can also support us by leaving us a 5 star review on those apps. Share with your friends and family. Tag us @hamro.yatra on instagram, your feedback and shares make my day, so please keep them coming!

Deeya Pun ✦ On the quest for fulfillment 13.03.2024 44min

Namaste and welcome to Season 2 of Hamro Yatra. I am super excited to be back with a brand new season. Our first guest is Deeya Pun, a nurse, an actress, and a mountaineer. Hot off the press from recent movie Dayarani, Deeya Pun is humble and persistent in achieving her goals. In this episode, we explore her childhood in Nepal and the UK and her journey to become a qualified nurse. We also discuss the juggle between her professions while climbing the world's tallest mountains. Deeya inspires us to believe that anything is achievable if you set your mind to it. We also delve into her positive outlook on life, how she stays grounded, and her resilience during the darkest periods of her life. I hope you enjoy this episode as much I did.

Season 2 - We're back!! 06.03.2024 1min

Hello everyone 👋🏽 I'm back with Season 2 and I'm so excited to take you on this journey. This season, we're focusing on the Nepali diaspora who have returned back to Nepal after living overseas. I want to get a deeper understanding of our guests' experiences, their journey of readapting back to the Nepali way of life and building a career back in Nepal. Season 2 will be a shorter season with about 8-10 guests only. As always, episodes will be released every fortnight starting 14th March 2024, so not long to go. In the meantime, follow us on Spotify, apple podcasts, or any other app that you listen to your podcast in so you don't miss out on any new episodes when they come through. You also have 32 episodes to binge on while you wait for us 😉. So stay tuned!

Suprina Thapa // On the complexities of representation 18.12.2021 47min

In today’s episode we have Suprina Thapa, the first Nepali mainstream TV presenter in the UK. Most of my guests are born in Nepal and have moved overseas at some point in their lives, so it was interesting to hear Suprina’s story of being a third generation British Nepali, the differences and similarities we share. In this episode we explore Suprina’s love and drive for presenting, how she got started in this field and where she sees this path taking her. She walks us through how she processes setbacks, hate messages and most importantly uses every opportunity and roadblock to grow and progress. She has a good head on her shoulders and I am personally very excited to see her kicking goals. As always, if you enjoy these conversations, please share with your friends and family. Remember to follow our instagram page @hamro.yatra for updates, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave us a 5-star review. You can also financially support us on thisishamroyatra.com/support.

Sneha Shakya Shrestha // On seeking the bigger picture 29.09.2021 43min

In today’s episode we are joined by Sneha Shakya Shrestha, the youngest as well as the only female Nepali barrister in the UK. Sneha was born in Kathmandu, Nepal as an only child for an extended period of time. In this episode, Sneha shares with us the joys and challenges of being the first child in the family and how this has helped shape her personality and the career path she has chosen. Sneha is highly ambitious, confident and diligent. We go over how she got into pursuing law as a career, the challenges and highlights in her field and the importance of not rushing. I hope this episode helps you to let go of your fears and continue to seek the bigger picture in your life. Sneha has also been generous to offer advice to anyone looking to get into law, so don’t hesitate to reach out to her. As always, if you enjoy these conversations, please share with your friends and family. Remember to follow our instagram page @hamro.yatra for updates, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave us a 5-star review. You can also financially support us on thisishamroyatra.com/support.

Anjali Lama // On breaking barriers 08.09.2021 43min

Today’s episode has been a long time in the making and I’m glad we were finally able to do this interview with none other than model, activist and actress Anjali Lama. Born in Nuwakot, Nepal, Anjali comes from a big family of nine. In this episode, we discuss Anjali’s life in her village and what growing up in a big family was like for her. We go over her resilient journey from her village ploughing fields to building her identity and community in Kathmandu and then modelling for top Indian designers in India. Anjali is strong and adaptable to say the least and it is this with this grit that she persisted on her journey and became the first transgender model to walk Lakme Fashion Week in 2017. Her path has been anything but rosy however you can find Anjali always focused on the positives, taking matters on her own hands and persistently working hard towards her goals. This mantra has helped her appear in Calvin Klein’s campaign, countless magazine covers and most recently a Hollywood anthology. She is the epitome of hardwork and continuous progress. I hope this conversation inspires you to break your barriers and make your dreams come true. As always, if you enjoy these conversations, please share with your friends and family. Remember to follow our instagram page @hamro.yatra for updates, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave us a 5-star review - this helps other listeners find us. You can also financially support us on thisishamroyatra.com/support.

Jerusha Rai // On going back to your roots 20.08.2021 34min

Today we are joined by artist & activist Jerusha Rai. Born in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jerusha’s love for music started early – be it playing in bands or church choirs, music has always been a safe haven for them. They have always been interested in people, how societies work and you can tell this curiosity has carried over into their music as well. In this episode, we go over Jerusha’s childhood and the pressure they felt to conform to the individualized, western idea of society. At 19, they moved to UK where they connected with artists of Nepali diaspora – to whom they credit their knowledge and growth as an artist. Currently living in NYC, Jerusha also shares with us the personal elements that have played into making of each of their albums, which I believe has made their music special to their audience. We discuss their involvement in ‘Haatemalo Collective’ – a volunteer led organization and the instrumental work they are doing in raising awareness and funds for the Dalit-bahujan movement. You can support them here. Jerusha is humble and soulful, it was a pleasure getting to hear their story and I hope it inspires you to take some time to reflect and go back to your roots to heal and liberate yourself. As always, if you enjoy these conversations, please share with your friends and family. Remember to follow our instagram page @hamro.yatra for updates, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave us a 5-star review. You can also financially support us on thisishamroyatra.com/support.

Aastha Pandey // On self-acceptance 06.08.2021 40min

Our guest for this episode is Aastha Pandey. Born in Kathmandu, Nepal, Aastha moved to Beijing with her family when she was only 2 months old. Fluent in Mandarin amongst other languages, Aastha is a strong and confident woman who is unapologetically herself. In this episode, we go over Aastha’s childhood growing up in China and the intricate duality we all face of being brought up in a different culture yet trying to hold on to our Nepali heritage. We dive deeper into the idea of beauty taking into account Aastha’s very own experiences with beauty pageants. While talking about our insecurities, Aastha drives home the importance of self-acceptance more than anything else. As always, if you enjoy these conversations, please share with your friends and family. Remember to follow our instagram page @hamro.yatra for updates, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave us a 5-star review. You can also financially support us on thisishamroyatra.com/support.

Ayesha Giri // On having empathy 23.07.2021 36min

Today we have with us Ayesha Giri, our first guest from New Zealand. With a degree in Hospitality and Events Management, Ayesha has worked tirelessly to build a career in Marketing but she will always be a musician at heart. The only female leading a band during the second season of Sprite Band Challenge back in 2010 Kathmandu and winning the second runner up award, Ayesha is a force to reckon with. In this episode, we deep dive into Ayesha’s childhood, her growing up in a conservative family and breaking through societal barriers. We also discuss how therapy has helped her and the importance of it. Having gone through different life adversities, it is uplifting to hear Ayesha be so positive and still have the drive to build her empire. I can’t thank Ayesha enough for trusting me with her story and being so open & vulnerable. I hope her journey inspires you to have more empathy and be kinder to yourself and others. As always, if you enjoy these conversations, please share with your friends and family. Remember to follow our instagram page @hamro.yatra for updates, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave us a 5-star review. You can also financially support us here.

Dr. Kristina Gauchan // On adapting to change 09.07.2021 41min

Today we have with us Dr Kristina Gauchan. Born in Nepal, Kristina moved to England with her family when she was only 6 years old. A dentist by profession, Kristina enjoys her job and the impact it has in her patients. In this episode, we go over how Kristina got interested in pursuing dentistry, her experience working as a dentist in England and how she dealt with having to uproot her life to move to the States and get qualified all over again to practice dentistry again. For those who have been through this, knows it isn’t an easy process, but, with a smile, a positive attitude & a strong support network, Kristina has now graduated from University of Boston with a Doctorate of Medicine in Dentistry. Kristina is persistent and sees every obstacle as an opportunity to learn more. I’m excited to see Kristina continue her journey in the West Coast of US later this year and have no doubt that she will be able to overcome any challenge that comes her way, with a smile on her face. You can follow her journey here. As always, if you enjoy these conversations, please share with your friends and family. Remember to follow our instagram page @hamro.yatra for updates, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave us a 5-star review. You can also financially support us on thisishamroyatra.com/support.

Mili Adhikari // On being your authentic self 25.06.2021 43min

For today’s episode we have Mili Adhikari, menstrual health advocate and activist. Based in the US, Mili has a degree in Public Health and is the director of the North American Chapter of ‘Dignified Menstruation’. She has also recently received admission to UC Davis School of Medicine. In this episode, we go over what it means to be a girl in our society, moving from Nepal to the States, the application process for medical schools and her drive to become a holistic medical practitioner. She educates us on the power imbalance between menstruators and non-menstruators and how this discrimination has helped shape her passion in the field of reproductive health. Mili is grounded, knows her worth and emphasises the importance of being your authentic self. As always, if you enjoy these conversations, please share with your friends and family. Remember to follow our instagram page @hamro.yatra for updates, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave us a 5-star review. You can also financially support us on www.thisishamroyatra.com/support.

Arati Subba // On always trying 07.05.2021 45min

Today’s guest is the wonderful Arati Subba. Born in Urlabari and eldest of three, Arati is a people’s person and full of life. A hustler from her childhood, Arati is the kind of person to churn a lemon factory when life gives her lemons. In this episode, we deep dive into the journey she has taken to follow her passion in fashion, what her jobs entailed and eventually what led her to leave her full-time job to travel the world with her boyfriend. Currently stuck in Kathmandu, Nepal, we also go over how she has been spending her days during COVID lockdown, the importance of always trying and why yellow is her favourite colour. You don’t want to miss this one! It’s been a pleasure speaking with such a resilient and beautiful human. I wish Arati all the best and look forward to witnessing her growth even more in the future. You can follow her personal journey here, while this leads you to her travel page and details on her new venture 'Kipat Kipat' can be found here. As always, if you enjoy these conversations, please share with your friends and family. Remember to follow our instagram page @hamro.yatra for updates, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave us a 5-star review. You can also financially support us on www.thisishamroyatra.com/support.

Alena Gurung // On believing in yourself 23.04.2021 32min

Our guest for today is the lovely Alena Gurung. Born in Nepal, Alena has moved quite a bit living in Hongkong and Brunei before finally settling in the UK with her family. She comes from generation of family members working in the army, which has eventually led her to finding her own career in the British Army as well. In this episode, we go over Alena’s love for acting impersonating Disney characters as a child, her teenage years in the pageantry & modelling world to now being in the British army as a single mum. We explore what life is like working in the British army and the changes motherhood has brought in her life. Through the ups and downs of her life, it is inspiring to see the gratitude Alena brings along in her day and the positivity she marches forward with. You can tell from our conversation that Alena now has a depth to her from all her life experiences and a beautiful son around whom her life revolves. You can follow her journey here. As always, if you enjoy these conversations, please share with your friends and family. Remember to follow our instagram page @hamro.yatra for updates, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave us a 5-star review if you're feeling generous. This really helps other listeners find our podcast. Thank you 🙏🏽

Chhimmi Gurung // On not putting too much pressure on yourself 02.04.2021 35min

Today we are joined by bridal makeup artist and a rising influencer Chhimmi Gurung. Born in Kathmandu, Nepal, Chhimmi has been into the arts from early on. She has taken this passion for creativity into the world of bridal makeup here in the UK. When the COVID-19 lockdowns started last year, Chhimmi’s wedding makeup business took a big hit but she has been able to turn the situation around and start building her personal brand online. It has been such a pleasure to witness her growth over the year and gain the momentum she truly deserves. In this episode, we go through various challenges Chhimmi went through to start her bridal makeup business. We also deep dive into how she has been able to pivot during the year of uncertainty and come out of it stronger than ever. You can follow her journey here. As always, if you enjoy these conversations, please share with your friends and family. Remember to follow our instagram page @hamro.yatra for updates, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave us a 5-star review if you're feeling generous. This really helps other listeners find our podcast. Thank you! Until next time 👋🏽

Santosh Shah // On setting life's formula 19.03.2021 46min

Today’s episode comes highly requested and it is with none other than Chef Santosh Shah. One of my highlights from last year was seeing Santosh Shah in national TV representing Nepali cuisine in Masterchef UK 2020, so it has been an absolute pleasure talking to him and learning about his journey so far. Born in Karjanha village, Nepal, Santosh Shah has been hardworking & entrepreneurial from an early age. He has over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry and from his presentation in Masterchef, we also know he is super creative. In this episode we go over Santosh’s journey from Nepal selling pauroti and plastic bags to moving to India at the age of 15, working his way to being an executive chef and moving to the UK. Santosh reminds us that you are the master of your own life & that no one knows you better than yourself. He believes that you are never too old to learn and grow either. You can see this drive from the positivity he radiates in everything he does. I hope this conversation inspires you to set and tweak your life’s formula accordingly to receive the outcome you want. You can follow Santosh on his Instagram here. As always, if you enjoy these conversations, please share with your friends and family. Remember to follow our instagram page @hamro.yatra for updates, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave us a 5-star review if you're feeling generous.

Sujan Shakya // On saying 'Yes' to Life 05.03.2021 46min

Namaste & welcome back to Hamro Yatra. On our first episode of 2021, we have TV personality Sujan Shakya. Based in Seoul, South Korea, Sujan is kind and down to earth. He is also the youngest Nepali to be recognised & given the ‘Honorary Seoul Citizen’ award for his contributions in bridging the gap between Seoul and Nepal. In this episode, we will go over Sujan’s journey from Nepal to South Korea, his own struggles learning a new language and finishing university while supporting himself. Taking Oprah as a role model, Sujan has been inspired to say ‘yes’ to life which has helped him land the opportunity to be involved in local television and has changed his life trajectory. His journey so far is such a great example of how you never know what lies ahead of you and all you can do is be patient, continue working hard and be ready for any opportunities life throws at you. You can follow his journey here. As always, if you enjoy these conversations, please share with your friends and family. Remember to follow our instagram page @hamro.yatra for updates, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave us a 5-star review if you're feeling generous.

Varsha Thapa // On embracing your shadows 18.12.2020 1h 3min

On our final episode for the year 2020, we have none other than international fashion model, and singer songwriter Varsha Thapa. Born in Kathmandu, Nepal, Varsha has walked countless runways in cities all over the world and appeared in prestigious magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Harpers Bazaar amongst many. A true Sagittarius at heart, Varsha is spontaneous, values her freedom and is unwavering in identifying and reaching her goals. With life as her mentor, her experiences and learnings can be heard in her first song ‘Maaya’ and her newly released EP ‘Adhuro’. In this episode we go over Varsha’s childhood and how her curious nature has guided her to where she is today. Amidst our love for pahelo daal, we explore her journey to self-love and drive to achieve what most of us would call impossible. I hope this episode encourages you to embrace your own shadows and create the life you want wherever you are. As always, if you enjoy these conversations, please share with your friends and family. Remember to follow our instagram page @hamro.yatra for updates, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave us a 5-star review if you're feeling generous.