Get Out is a weekly podcast covering inspirational stories of travel, culture, and everyday society from around the world. Hosted by Nikhil Shankar & produced by Wild Orange Circus Studios, the series is a mix of one-on-one interviews, soundscapes & candid conversations between Nikhil & his guests. An avid traveller himself, many of the episodes span well beyond Goa, to tell the stories of interesting people doing inspiring things elsewhere in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar & Thailand.
What inspired you to start a podcast & what was the timeline between initial idea & streaming your first episodes?
I have been exposed to podcasts for close to a decade now, and I love how this medium lends itself well to long-form audio content. I was inspired by listening to people who are doing awesome things, either out in the natural surroundings or following lesser known paths. I was inspired by my friends and acquaintances, especially in the travel and adventure scene. So, I wished to share their stories. Get Out may also document my own explorations out in the world.
Initially, Get Out was supposed to be an independent print magazine with a podcast element online. Later, I decided to stick to just the audio format. Between designing the logo, recording, and releasing the first few episodes, it took me about three months during the monsoon of 2018.
How do you decide who to interview & what are some of your most memorable conversations?
Well, these are casual conversations, and not meant to be considered as interviews. With regard to decisions, I guess, it's instinct. When I come across something that I would like to experience, I read up a bit about the people behind them. I have observed that, usually, these individuals have incredible accounts of how they made it possible. How they got out, or created entities to help us get out. So, I invite them to be on the show. As we learn stuff together over those couple of hours or more, I hope it does strike a chord with whoever is listening.
All my conversations have been memorable, really. I'm humbled because my guests have taken the time to accommodate me in their busy schedules. They didn't have to respond to my request, but they did, which is why I'm grateful that they sat down to chat with me over drinks and dainties.
How has the podcast evolved since its inception & where do you hope to take it in the coming years?
Among other things, the podcast has helped me evolve as a person. If you listen closely, you can trace my personal journey of 'getting out' too, both literally and metaphorically. So, that has led to better conversations across various subjects with diverse people. I'm fortunate that we have covered some important topics while just hanging out. Some of the people on the show have connected with each other, and introduced me to several others as well. A couple of guests have been inspired to start podcasts themselves, which is great for the podcasting culture as a whole. The community is alive.
In the coming years, I hope to continue sharing more stories and my experiences outdoors, while travelling across our planet, and maybe into space!
How has living in Goa influenced your outlook on the world & the stories you want to share?
When not travelling, I currently live between Goa and Bangalore. This is my seventh year since I have moved to the Goan shores, and I call this base camp!
From what I have observed, there is a concentration of mostly like-minded people from different backgrounds who call Goa their home in some form or the other. Whether or not the natives accept 'outsiders' wholeheartedly, I feel Goa is fuelling a distinct cultural ecosystem that is inclusive. I have noticed that people tend to realise their projects here because they feed off of each others' positive vibes, which, I feel translates to a reasonably kind society. I'm not much of a social person, and yet, I have had the privilege of meeting some wonderful humans here. Goa gives you access to a lot of interesting folks and that means more stories to tell!
I'm not sure if living here has had influences on my world views, or, I, like many others, gravitated to Goa because of certain world views.
Similarly, how have your travels & interactions with your guests changed the way you view the world?
The more I travel, the idea of 'home' keeps getting diluted. Maybe, it's about identity. Where do we all actually belong? I have found that engaging with nature and different tribes of people is the best remedy for our inflated egos.
Through the people that I have met, thanks to the podcast, it's clear to me that being outside is a natural thing. It takes effort to stay indoors.
Find a selection of our favourite Get Out episodes from & about Goa below!
Sounds of September
Episode 050 | Monsoon at home
Anika Proença
Episode 043 | Poet & Founder of The Balance Project
Nirmal Kulkarni
Episode 042 | Founder of Herpactive & Chairman of Mhadei Research Centre
Varun Hegde
Episode 041 | Storyteller & Founder of Soul Travelling
Ignatius Camilo
Episode 040 | DJ, & Creator of Cirrus & The Vinyl Ambulance
Rajesh ‘RJ’ Jog
Episode 025 | Guardian of Palolem Island Reserve
Zhen Paintal
Episode 024 | Adventure sports buff & Co-founder of Inspire Crew
Vinod Sreedhar
Episode 023 | Sustainability evangelist & Founder of Journeys with Meaning
Jill Ferguson
Episode 022 | Environmental activist & Co-creator of Vaayu
Puja Mitra
Episode 021 | Conservation practitioner & Co-founder of Terra Conscious
Maria Victor
Episode 013 | Travel curator, & Founder of Make It Happen
John Pollard
Episode 004 | White water rafting veteran & Outdoor enthusiast
Was this your first venture into podcasts, or do you have previous experience in audio / editing?
Yes, Get Out is my first venture at this scale in the world of podcasting.
I have been a fan of audio content since my childhood. Now that I think about this, there seems to be a connection. From listening to radio late into the night and learning to use mixers and microphones growing up, to editing sound samples for college projects and researching how music influences shopping experiences in luxury boutiques for work.
Beyond Get Out, can you suggest a few interesting podcasts or radio shows you think people would also be interested to hear?
There are some amazing podcasts, both as part of networks and as independent productions, in various languages. This list can get exhaustive, but, you can start with these for now, and then explore further, depending on your interests. You cannot go wrong with Joe Rogan Experience. Then, I would suggest StarTalk, The Sporkful, The Trip, My Dad Wrote A Porno, Conan O Brien Needs a Friend, and How Not To Travel. Specific to India, I like Our Last Week, Kaan Masti, Chuski Pop, Musafir Stories, Maed in India, and My Indian Life, among many others. On the radio front, listen to Howard Stern, if you can get your hands on SiriusXM.
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All information kindly contributed by Nikhil Shankar. Imagery sourced via Get Out website & Instagram.