In this episode, we sit down with Nehal Shah, the founder of Heart & Soil, a slow parenting and nature-based experiential platform that invites families to reconnect—with the earth, with each other, and with themselves.

From her roots as a full-time media professional in Mumbai to leading children on barefoot treks and strawberry-picking adventures, Nehal shares a deeply moving, practical, and refreshingly honest journey.

If you’ve ever wondered how to bring more presence, nature, and joy into your parenting—without overhauling your entire life—this conversation is your compass.

🎧 Why You Should Listen

• You’re a parent overwhelmed by structured activities and overstimulation.
• You crave meaningful ways to bond with your child—without screens.
• You’re curious about slow, intentional parenting or nature-based learning.
• You want actionable ideas to build empathy and resilience in your kids.
• You need a warm reminder that “doing less” can mean “growing more.”

🔍 Highlights & Time Stamps:

• [02:06] – Nehal’s life in South Bombay and how city parenting sparked a longing for nature.
• [05:35] – The first Heart & Soil event: a leap of faith, a Facebook page, and a bus full of families.
• [08:29] – Heart & Soil's core vision: “Bonding in nature becomes a core memory.”
• [12:29] – How children transform outdoors: no phones, just pebbles, sticks, tents—and joy.
• [14:28] – The barefoot-in-the-mud moment that changed a child’s life (and Nehal’s).
• [16:24] – Why slowness is a superpower in childhood development.
• [19:45] – Addressing parental fears: food, bugs, camping—and how to gently let go.
• [22:24] – “We’re not a magic wand, but if the intent is there, we’re here to help.”
• [24:23] – Sticking to values: Why Heart & Soil won’t do pizza hikes or glamping.
• [26:55] – “We’re not just building holidays. We’re building mindsets.”

• [30:28] – “I did it for my son. But really, it was for my soul.”
• [33:11] – Gently challenging systemic beliefs: Overscheduling, gadgets, and nature deficit.
• [37:15] – The goal is simple: cultivate empathy and compassion.
• [40:30] – You don’t need a forest: start with a caterpillar, a pea pod, or a veggie vendor.
• [46:26] – What’s next: mental health, emotional regulation, and art therapy in nature.
• [50:03] – A quiet dream: raising a generation who protect what they love.

🔗 Resources & References:

• Heart & Soil on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartandsoil.in

• Simple nature ideas to try today:
• Make a caterpillar observation jar: Butterfly Edufields Guide
• Try a barefoot walk in your local park or society garden.
• Visit a local vegetable market with your child: name colors, smells, textures.

👩‍🌾 About the Guest

Nehal Shah is the founder of Heart & Soil, a nature-based parenting community that creates immersive outdoor experiences for children and their families. From strawberry-picking to jungle safaris, her events prioritize bonding, presence, and eco-consciousness over structure, screens, and speed.

Formerly a media professional with Star India, Nehal shifted paths after motherhood awakened in her a desire to reclaim the richness of her own childhood—one filled with balconies, soil, rescued animals, and time. Over nearly a decade, she’s built a trusted community of parents and children seeking something deeper than a weekend plan: connection.

She lives in Mumbai, is happiest with her hands in the mud, and believes the world changes when we choose to walk barefoot—together.

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