Episode 33: Sanctuary in Stride: Running Without a Reason

Episode 36: The Epic Episode- The Man himself

In a rare and refreshing role reversal, RunPod Episode 36 turns the spotlight inward. For the first time, Brig J Muthukrishan, SM, VSM—the familiar host and commanding voice of RunPod—steps out from behind the microphone and into the interviewee’s chair. Leading the conversation are two young, dynamic long-distance runners, Medical Cadets Zoha and Chaitanya, whose energy, curiosity, and endurance mirror the very spirit RunPod stands for. Released on the occasion of the New Year, this special episode is more than an interview—it is a celebration of leadership, resilience, mentorship, and the passing of the baton between generations. Through candid questions and thoughtful reflections, listeners gain a rare glimpse into the journey, values, challenges, and philosophy of a leader who has inspired many—both on the track and beyond it. As the year turns, this episode reminds us that growth begins when we listen, learning is lifelong, and every leader is also a runner on a longer path. 🎙️ An epic conversation. A symbolic beginning. A New Year special you don’t want to miss.

Episode 35: Ultra Miles, Unshakeable Minds-The saga of two Medical Cadets

In the 35th episode of RUNPOD, hosted by Brig J Muthukrishnan, we sit down with two exceptional medical cadets—Chaitanya Agarwal and Vikas Kumar—whose journeys exemplify endurance, consistency, and quiet grit. Chaitanya, a multiple-time marathoner and SRTL 100 km finisher, also served as Secretary of the AFMC Marathoners Club (2024–25) and has played a key role in organizing college running events. He believes progress in sport comes from consistency, quality training, and commitment to the process. Vikas has completed multiple marathons, ultra trail runs, including the SRTL 100 km, and a 200 km BRM cycling brevet, finding clarity and resilience through long hours on the trail. For him, running is more than a sport—it is a teacher of discipline, patience, and resilience. He finds clarity in long hours spent alone on the trail, where consistency matters far more than perfection. This episode is a deep dive into the mindset of young endurance athletes in uniform—how running shapes character, leadership, and life beyond the finish line. So tune in now to be mesmerised and motivated by these two young ultras.

Episode 34- “Marooned in Grit: Marching, Medicine & Miles"

In this episode of RunPod, we feature Maj Srishti Khullar, commissioned into the Indian Army Medical Corps in 2015, an Ophthalmologist by training, and a para-qualified officer who’s earned her maroon beret through sheer determination and daring. From the snowy posts of East Sikkim to the surgical lights of AFMC, and from leading the first-ever AFMS contingent at the 75th Republic Day Parade to participating in Operation Brahma—India’s humanitarian mission to earthquake-affected Myanmar in 2025—her journey is one of resilience, leadership, and service. As a runner, soldier, and surgeon, Maj Khullar shares how discipline, endurance, and purpose flow seamlessly through both her profession and her passion. Tune in for a story that is as inspiring on the ground as it is in stride.

Episode 33: Sanctuary in Stride: Running Without a Reason

In Episode 33 of RunPod, we welcome Col Ashish Simalti (Retd), a D2 batch alumnus of AFMC and a seasoned paediatric intensivist, whose relationship with running is refreshingly personal. For him, running is not about mileage, medals, or medical metrics—it’s an indulgence, not an obligation. It's a quiet rebellion against pressure, a return to self when the world turns overwhelming. Over the years, running has become his sanctuary, a space to reflect, to recover, and to just be. This episode is a calming counterpoint to performance-driven narratives—a conversation about running for joy, peace, and presence. It’s about lacing up not to chase time, but to find it.

Episode 32: In the Space Between Strides

In Episode 32 of RunPod, we welcome Maj Pranshu Agrawal, a B3 batch alumnus, long-distance runner, and committed physician whose strides on the road echo far beyond the finish line. For Maj Pranshu, running has been more than a sport—it’s been a teacher. Through countless kilometers, he has embraced the lessons of resilience, patience, and perseverance, qualities that now shape his approach to medicine and life. In this conversation, he reflects on the parallels between pushing physical boundaries during training and navigating the emotional and mental demands of his professional world. Whether you're a doctor, a runner, or someone finding meaning in motion, this episode is a reminder that some of life’s deepest truths come to us one step at a time.