They were earning ₹5 Lakhs a month. Two IIT degrees. Big corporate jobs. Everything society told them to want. Then they walked away — and built something most Indian couples never even try: a truly equal marriage.
In this episode of The xMonks Drive, host Gaurav Arora sits down with Bibhuti Bhushan and Vipin Yadav — the IITian couple with 224K followers — for the most honest conversation we've ever had about modern Indian marriage, feminism, and what it actually takes to break free from patriarchy.
This is not theory. This is two people living it every single day.

What We Talk About:
Why they quit ₹5 Lakh/month corporate careers and never looked back
What equal marriage actually looks like inside a real Indian home — who cooks, who earns, who does the laundry
How patriarchy hurts men just as much as women — and why men won't admit it
The pressure of the "bahoo" identity and how Bibhuti navigated it after marriage
Why they have chosen not to have kids — and how they handle family pressure about it
How women themselves unknowingly keep patriarchy alive
The emotional cost of living differently from what society expects
What every young Indian man and woman should know before getting married

Timestamps:
00:00 Feminism and Marriage Qs
02:02 Facing Gender Norms
05:18 Building Equal Partners
08:10 Chores and Child Lessons
09:03 How We Split Work
14:19 Why Men Avoid Feminism
17:14 Myths and Labels
18:59 What Went Wrong India
20:32 Cracks After Marriage
24:27 State of the Bahu
26:01 Wedding Patriarchy Reality
28:10 Men Under Pressure
29:54 Women And Patriarchy
32:15 Setting Family Boundaries
36:51 Fatherhood And Equality
38:35 Love Is Not Shielding
40:22 How We Chose Each Other
41:44 Kids Decision And Boundaries
48:11 Advice For Equal Marriage
50:36 Final Thoughts And Thanks

About Bibhuti and Vipin: Bibhuti Bhushan and Vipin Yadav are IIT graduates, former corporate professionals and content creators known for their refreshingly honest take on equal marriage, feminism and modern relationships in India. Bihari married to UPite — and making it work on their own terms.
Follow them on Instagram: @the_iitian_couple | @bibhuti_vipin Business enquiries: bibhuti.vipin@gmail.com

About The xMonks Drive: The xMonks Drive is hosted by Gaurav Arora — real, unfiltered conversations with people who are living life on their own terms. Careers, relationships, identity, purpose — nothing is off limits.
🔔 Subscribe and never miss an episode 👍 Like if this made you think differently about marriage 💬 Comment below: Do you think equal marriage is possible in India?

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#EqualMarriage #IITianCouple #BibhutiVipin #Feminism #IndianMarriage #Patriarchy #GenderRoles #ModernMarriage #ArrangedMarriage #xMonksDrive #GauravArora #IIT #QuitYourJob #FinancialIndependence #WomenEmpowerment #MensmentalHealth #IndianCouple #Bahoo #ChildFree #ContentCreators #RelationshipAdvice #MarriageAdvice #IndianWoman #WorkLifeBalance #ThexMonksDrive

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How to be a man in 2026?
In a world of dating apps, looksmaxxing, loneliness and confusion around modern masculinity — what does it actually mean to be a man today?

In this deep conversation, Rahul Badesra and Gaurav Arora break down the modern masculinity crisis — from confidence and discipline to male loneliness, female validation, grooming culture and the pressure men silently carry.

🔍 In This Episode We Discuss:
• What masculinity really means in 2026
• Why so many men feel lost and directionless
• The male loneliness epidemic
• Confidence vs armour — what real confidence looks like
• Why men chase women and external validation
• The rise of looksmaxxing, jawline obsession & extreme grooming trends
• First impressions, grooming and self-respect
• Soft masculinity vs strength
• Why discipline matters more than dominance
• Sacrificing health for success — is it worth it?
• How money amplifies who you already are
• The one principle every young man should live by

🕒 Chapters
00:00 Why Men Feel Lonely: Discipline, Structure & the Insecurity Trap
00:36 Dating Apps & Validation Loops: They Want Swipes, Not Matches
01:06 Masculinity Reframed: Structure + Discipline + Direction
01:11 Generations of Men: From Survival to Distraction
04:46 COVID Wake-Up Call: Losing Control, Anxiety, and Hitting Reset
06:14 Building Systems: 5AM Routine, Fitness Coaching, and Taking the Startup Leap
07:13 From Grooming Brand to Coaching: The Real Problem Is Implementation
09:10 What Men Are Really Struggling With: Low Awareness, Insecurity & Social Media Pressure
11:37 Health vs Hustle Culture: The Hidden Cost of ‘Grinding’
13:16 Biohacking Role Models vs Basics: The SHREDS Framework
16:39 Life Stages & Identity: Puberty to Midlife Crisis and Beyond
21:20 Look Good, Feel Confident: Grooming, Posture, Style & Real-World Presence
21:53 Beyond Looks: Communication, Exposure, Travel & Civic Sense
25:48 Rooms of Power: Lessons from Bollywood/CEO Circles and Being Prepared
29:20 Escaping Old Identity: Background Insecurity, Partnership, and Designing a Life Calendar
31:59 Commute misery & valuing time over stuff
32:36 Insecurity culture: power gurus, identity change & who you associate with
33:49 Feminism, soft masculinity & unlearning the ‘macho’ script
35:52 Grief, crying, and real mental health vs excuses
36:52 Sexual orientation in India: coming out, parents, and acceptance
39:44 How to respond when someone opens up: listen, don’t judge
43:31 Loneliness epidemic: gaming couples, dating, and lost human connection
45:57 3 relationship non‑negotiables: routines, date nights & money habits
47:29 ‘Trading up’ and the truth about money: it only amplifies who you are
49:38 Testosterone decline & supplement hype: fix lifestyle foundations first
52:16 Nutrition basics & building your ‘operating system’ (protein, fiber, systems)
56:01 Looksmaxxing obsession vs sustainable self‑improvement
57:37 Why grooming matters: first impressions, confidence, and the full upgrade
59:46 Closing thoughts & thanks

🎙 About The Guest

Rahul Badesra is a men’s grooming and confidence coach who works with modern men on presence, discipline and self-improvement. His work focuses on helping men build structure, clarity and self-respect in a world full of noise.

#Hashtags
#Masculinity #ModernMen #SelfImprovement

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Website: https://xmonks.com

In this episode, Mansi Narang opens up about how her breakup changed everything — even her career. Dropping this episode in the heart of Valentine’s Week, we dive into raw conversations about breakup healing, body image struggles, and how heartbreak pushed her to become one of Instagram’s most relatable creators.

💔 “My breakup made me famous.”
❤️ “Heartbreak is a cheat code.”
✨ “You’re not ‘ugly’ — you’re Indian.”

If you’re going through a breakup before Valentine’s Day or struggling with confidence, self-worth, or how you dress for your body type, this episode will hit deep — and leave you inspired. We talk about:
• Healing after heartbreak and moving forward emotionally
• Turning pain into purpose and even a career
• Body positivity, self-acceptance, and style for curvy desi bodies
• Fashion advice that builds confidence (not insecurity)
• What it means to be a creator in today’s world

00:00 Introduction: Embracing Curvy Desi Bodies
02:35 School Days and Body Image Struggles
02:46 Journey into Content Creation
03:55 Heartbreak and Healing
06:03 Therapy and Self-Acceptance
10:19 Navigating Relationships and Trust Issues
21:09 Fashion and Body Positivity
49:52 Balancing Content Creation and Personal Life
51:33 Family Dynamics and Personal Growth
51:55 Future Aspirations and Career Goals
53:03 Conclusion: Overcoming Challenges and Moving Forward

🔔 Subscribe for more soulful conversations and healing stories.
🎯 Watch on Valentine’s week for the support you need — whether you’re single, healing, or learning to love yourself first.

👉 Share this with someone who needs to hear it.

#breakup #heartbreak #ValentinesWeek #healing #bodyconfidence #curvystyle #selflove #MansiNarang

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Website: https://xmonks.com

Neurologist Dr. Vinit Banga explains stress, sleep, stroke symptoms, brain health, and the effects of pollution on the brain in this powerful podcast episode with Gaurav Arora.

This episode covers:
•Stress symptoms and how chronic stress damages the brain
•Deep sleep and why sleep is essential for brain repair
•Stroke warning signs (FAST symptoms) and why minutes matter
•Brain fog, memory loss, cognitive decline, early dementia signs
•Delhi pollution / AQI effects on brain ageing and intelligence
•Migraine triggers, headaches, and dangerous neurological red flags
•Doctor-patient trust, Practo ratings, healthcare commercialization in India

00:00 Impact of Delhi's Pollution on Brain Health
00:37 Stress and Its Effects on Health
01:39 Air Quality and Brain Aging
03:24 Blood-Brain Barrier and Pollution
06:03 Memory Issues and Aging
07:04 Understanding Memory Formation
12:20 Sleep Disorders and Brain Health
13:35 The Importance of Deep Sleep
16:09 Stress: The Silent Disruptor
46:38 Doctor-Patient Trust and Ethical Concerns
55:14 Commercialization in Healthcare
01:04:15 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

Dr. Vinit Banga is Director & Head of Neurology & Neurovascular Intervention at Fortis Escorts, and shares life-saving insights on preventing stroke, protecting brain function, and understanding modern neurological risk factors.

Keywords: neurologist podcast, brain health India, stress and stroke, sleep and brain, stroke symptoms, stroke warning signs, Delhi pollution brain damage, brain fog, dementia signs, migraine, Fortis neurologist, Dr Vinit Banga, Gaurav Arora podcast.

#Stress #Stroke #BrainHealth #Sleep #Neurology #Podcast #DrVinitBanga

🔗 Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv

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Website: https://xmonks.com

He had five months of money left.

School fees. Home loan EMIs. Responsibilities.

And one decision to make.

In this deeply honest conversation, Ankur Warikoo opens up about the moments that shaped him. Not the highlight reels, but the failures, insecurities, and turning points that most people never hear about.

This isn’t a typical “success podcast.”

It’s the real story behind the person India thinks it knows.

⸻

🎙️ In This Episode, Ankur Talks About:
• The ambition spiral that quietly consumes high-performers
• The academic failures that stayed with him (IIT, CAT, career setbacks)
• Building Nearbuy, raising millions… and still falling apart
• The emotional weight of laying people off
• The books and music that helped him heal
• What “freedom” actually means beyond money
• Why slowing down might be the biggest form of growth

⸻

📌 One of the Most Powerful Moments:

“We had only five months of money left…
and yet, we were excited about starting a new life.”

That single moment changes how you see everything.

⸻

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Initial Reflections
00:22 Chasing Ambitions and Insecurities
01:47 Life as a Student and Educator
03:35 Realizations and Changes in Life
06:49 Overcoming Personal Challenges
15:24 Dealing with Professional Setbacks
25:44 Finding Solace in Books and Music
30:09 Underrated and Overrated Traits
33:25 Myths About Entrepreneurship
34:36 Debunking Entrepreneurial Myths
36:33 Mindset Shifts from Corporate to Startup
37:22 The Reality of Startup Growth
40:15 Embracing Slow and Deliberate Growth
40:35 Surprising Facts About Ankur Warikoo
43:36 Dealing with Online Trolls
47:10 Realizing You Have Enough
53:28 The Meaning of Money and Freedom
55:00 Perspectives on Wealth Creation
01:01:36 Staying Grounded Amidst Success
01:07:21 Final Thoughts and Reflections
⸻

🎧 About The xMonks Drive Podcast

The xMonks Drive is hosted by Gaurav Arora, featuring long-form conversations with India’s most influential founders, creators, and leaders, on life, failure, ambition, mindset, and meaning.

⸻

🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations!

Ankur Warikoo podcast, Ankur Warikoo failure story, Nearbuy startup, financial freedom India, Indian entrepreneurship, mindset and ambition, Gaurav Arora podcast

⸻

#AnkurWarikoo #IndianPodcast #EntrepreneurshipIndia #xMonksDrive

🔗 Connect with us:

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com

“UPSC is self-inflicted torture on all levels.”
In this explosive Hindi conversation, Ira Singhal (IAS) — UPSC CSE Rank 1 and the first differently-abled woman to top UPSC — breaks down the real truth of UPSC, IAS power, and the system.

On The xMonks Drive Podcast, Gaurav Arora speaks with Ira about everything aspirants and Indians want to know but rarely hear openly — from pressure, privilege, coaching culture, and attempts… to what it actually takes to become an IAS officer and survive inside the bureaucracy.

Ira doesn’t hold back. She says it straight:
✅ “Why are you in situations that make you unhappy?”
✅ “Happiness cannot be at the cost of someone else’s unhappiness.”
✅ “If you’re scared, then don’t come. These roles are not meant for such people.”

This episode covers the most talked-about topics in the UPSC world right now:
• UPSC ka sach: is it really the best measure of merit and intelligence?
• IAS ki power: real power vs politicians, status, and optics
• Coaching ka dhanda: what the coaching ecosystem doesn’t tell aspirants
• Reservation vs merit: the debate India keeps fighting
• Attempts & age limit: when should an aspirant move on?
• Mental health during UPSC preparation and public service
• Corruption: “necessary evil” or a dangerous excuse?
• What it means to serve India with real integrity

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Achievements
00:03 The Mental and Emotional Strain of UPSC Preparation
01:49 Career Shift and Motivation
03:19 Challenges and Perseverance
08:34 Disability and Inclusivity
13:00 Professional Experiences and Impact
16:38 Leadership and Systemic Change
20:01 Personal Insights and Reflections
27:06 Embracing Imperfections in Children
28:29 Cultural Richness and Acceptance
29:35 The Exodus of Wealthy Indians
31:53 Corruption in India: A Necessary Evil?
35:07 Inclusivity and Transgender Rights
37:43 Rapid Fire Questions on UPSC
39:21 Mental Health and UPSC Aspirants
42:45 The True Identity of Ira Singhal
43:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you’re a UPSC aspirant, a parent, a student, or simply curious about how India actually runs, this is one conversation you should not miss.

🎧 Watch till the end — Ira’s closing thoughts on fear, power, and service will stay with you.

🎙️ Guest

Ira Singhal (IAS)
UPSC Rank 1 | IAS Officer | Disability Rights Advocate

🎧 Host

Gaurav Arora
Founder, xMonks

📌 Keywords / Topics

UPSC • UPSC 2025 • IAS Officer • Civil Services • UPSC Preparation • UPSC Coaching • UPSC Attempts • UPSC Motivation • Reservation • Merit • Privilege • IAS Power • Bureaucracy vs Politicians • Corruption in India • Mental Health • Disability & Inclusion • Hindi Podcast • Indian Podcast

🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations on mindset, leadership, society & India

(Weekly episodes on The xMonks Drive Podcast)

🔥 Hashtags

#UPSC #IraSinghal #IAS #UPSC2025 #CivilServices #UPSCPreparation #IASOfficer #UPSCMotivation #HindiPodcast #PodcastIndia #GauravArora

🔗 Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com

In this episode of The xMonks Drive Podcast, Gaurav Arora sits down with Vishal Bhasin — a Criminal Profiling & Forensic Psychology professional and one of India’s leading experts on Workplace Sexual Harassment (PoSH Act).

This is a raw, high-impact conversation on how workplace harassment cases actually happen, how they are investigated, how evidence is evaluated, and why power dynamics can completely change outcomes.

If you’ve ever wondered where the line is between “normal behaviour” and harassment, how cases are proven without clear proof, or what really happens inside an Internal Committee inquiry — this episode will change how you see workplaces forever.

✅ In this episode, we cover:
• What counts as Workplace Sexual Harassment in India (PoSH explained)
• How intent vs impact is judged in real workplace cases
• The role of evidence: chats, screenshots, calls, and digital trails
• Why “zero complaints” is not always a good sign
• How power & hierarchy influence workplace behaviour
• False complaints vs unproven complaints (and the real numbers)
• The “court of public opinion” vs what’s legally fair
• Modern workplace boundaries: late-night chats, work friendships & blurred lines
• What companies should do to build truly safe and respectful cultures

This episode is especially relevant for:
✅ Employees
✅ Founders & managers
✅ HR professionals
✅ Internal Committee members
✅ Anyone working in corporate India or startups

🎧 Watch till the end for Vishal’s most practical advice on handling sensitive workplace situations with clarity, fairness, and accountability.

⸻

Guest: Vishal Bhasin

Criminal Profiling | Forensic & Investigative Psychology | Workplace PoSH Expert

Host: Gaurav Arora

Founder, xMonks | The xMonks Drive Podcast

⸻

📌 Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Workplace Harassment
00:37 Meet Vishal Bhasin: India's Leading PoSH Expert
02:24 Case Study: False Allegations and Investigation
11:13 Understanding PoSH Act and Its Implications
15:58 Power Dynamics and Workplace Relationships
29:25 Case Study: Misuse of Power and PoSH Complaint
35:23 Misuse of Power and Its Consequences
37:04 AI and Its Impact on Evidence
37:59 Power Dynamics in Workplace Relationships
41:30 False Complaints and Legal Challenges
43:17 Consensual Relationships and Their Complications
50:02 Forensic Evidence in Harassment Cases
54:15 Psychological Patterns of Predators
56:14 Gender Neutral Policies and Male Victims
01:02:48 Women to Women Harassment Cases
01:05:36 Public Opinion and Organizational Policies

🔗 Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com

In this powerful episode of The xMonks Drive, Gaurav Arora sits down with Geetanjali Pandit — former CHRO of the India Today Group, Indian Express, and Zee Media, and bestselling author of Buddha at Work and Buddha in Love — for a deep, honest conversation on Buddhism, work stress, relationships, burnout, leadership, and modern life.

This is not a feel-good spiritual talk.
This is practical Buddhism for people dealing with pressure, toxic work cultures, emotional pain, broken relationships, and inner conflict.

Geetanjali shares her lived experiences from the corporate world, her personal struggles, and how Buddhist wisdom helped her navigate abuse, stress, anger, trauma, leadership challenges, and emotional healing — both at work and in love.

In this episode, we explore:
• How Buddhism applies to modern work life
• Why stress, burnout, and disengagement are rising globally
• What Buddhism says about anger, greed, ignorance, and suffering
• How unresolved issues create toxic workplaces and relationships
• Why leaders struggle with emotional maturity and responsibility
• How to manage work pressure, anxiety, and inner chaos
• What Buddhism really teaches about happiness, pain, and effort
• Why Buddhism matters more at work and in relationships than most people realise

Timestamps
00:00 A Life-Changing Rescue
00:13 Discovering Buddhism and Inner Peace
03:46 The Power of Chanting for Happiness
05:30 Finding Happiness Before Success
06:31 The Importance of Gratitude
15:55 Buddhism's Three Poisons
17:28 Toxicity and Unresolved Issues
21:32 Navigating Office Politics
25:01 Managing Expectations in Relationships
26:13 Understanding Anger and Its Impact
27:09 Insights from 'Just Chill' Show
29:37 Values and Compatibility in Relationships
32:46 Dealing with Disappointment and Expectations
35:07 Belief in Coincidences and Personal Stories
40:54 Levels of Consciousness in Buddhism
48:56 Rapid Fire Round and Final Thoughts

This conversation is especially relevant for:
• Professionals dealing with work stress and burnout
• Leaders and managers navigating people problems
• Anyone struggling with relationships, emotional pain, or inner conflict
• Viewers interested in Buddhism, mindfulness, leadership, and personal growth
• Fans of long-form conversations like The Ranveer Show, Jay Shetty Podcast, Gaur Gopal Das, and BK Shi

🔗 Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334

Website: https://xmonks.com