In this deeply layered conversation, we speak with Natasha Uppal, founder of Matrescence India, about the invisible, lifelong transformation that accompanies motherhood. Moving sequentially through pregnancy, birth, postpartum depression, relationship rupture and repair, and professional reinvention, Natasha reframes maternal distress not as personal inadequacy, but as a systemic failure of care.

The episode explores matrescence — the biological, neurological, emotional, and identity shift women undergo when becoming mothers — as the missing lens in maternal health, workplaces, and family systems. Natasha reflects on empowered childbirth, postpartum depression despite deep attachment, the collapse of productivity metrics, and the slow rebuilding of self-trust, body awareness, and purpose.

Drawing from her work across socioeconomic contexts, Natasha shows how maternal isolation, sacrifice, and silence cut across class — and why community, language, and systemic redesign matter more than individual resilience.

💡 Why You Should Listen

Listen if you want language for what motherhood changed in you — not just practically, but existentially.This episode will resonate if you’ve:

• Felt confident as a mother but lost as a person
• Loved your child deeply and still felt depleted
• Questioned productivity, ambition, or self-worth postpartum
• Navigated strain in your partnership after childbirth
• Wanted to understand why support systems fail mothers so consistently

This is not advice. It’s orientation.

Notable Quotes from the Guest

• “It didn’t feel like a personal failure. It felt like a system failure.”
• “I was so connected with my child… and still, I felt like an empty shell.”
• “Productivity is inherently capitalistic and patriarchal.”
• “I knew how to take care of my child very well. I didn’t know how to take care of myself at all.”
• “Matrescence is a very real developmental stage. It is not something we should gloss over.”
• “I will not rest till matrescence is a dinner table conversation.”

🛠️ Practical Takeaways for Listeners

• Contradictions are normal: Joy, grief, confidence, and despair can coexist.
• Postpartum distress is not diagnostic of love: Attachment and depression can exist together.
• Rest is biological, not indulgent: Listening to the body is learned — not intuitive.
• External validation is unreliable: Motherhood can rewire how self-worth is measured.
• Partners need frameworks, not goodwill: Equality requires preparation and shared language.
• Matrescence is lifelong: Identity shifts continue across every stage of parenting.

Resources & References

• Matrescence — term coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael
• Matrescence India
• WHO Nurturing Care Framework
• Mama Rising (Amy Taylor-Kabbaz), Australia

🧘‍♀️About the Guest

Natasha Uppal is the founder of Matrescence India, a platform focused on maternal mental health, identity transitions, and systemic care. She is an early childhood development specialist, sociologist, and matrescence coach-in-training (Mama Rising, Australia). Her work bridges lived experience, research, and advocacy to make motherhood visible, supported, and speakable.

Follow Natasha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natcat_5

Follow Matrescence India on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matrescenceindia/

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In this deeply heartfelt and unfiltered episode of Parenthoot with Neha, host Neha sits down with Charu Shankar — acclaimed actor, dancer, theatre director, and pre- & postnatal wellness coach — for a wide-ranging conversation that is equal parts tender, funny, and profound.

From her first moments of motherhood to the creation of her wellness program Bump to Baby, Charu opens up about how parenting her son Agastya transformed her identity, body, relationships, and artistic work. She shares the visceral, almost spiritual experience of giving birth (“everything all together all at once”), the challenges of postpartum recovery, the unspoken struggles of breastfeeding, and the ongoing dance between chaos and grace that defines parenthood.

Over an hour of honest conversation, Charu and Neha explore how movement can be medicine, why mothers must care for their “newborn selves” as much as their babies, and how parenting ultimately becomes a mirror for our deepest selves.

💡 Why You Should Listen

If you’ve ever felt like you’re losing and finding yourself all at once in motherhood — this episode is for you. Charu brings candor, humor, and warmth to conversations that too often stay hidden: body image after baby, identity shifts, emotional exhaustion, and rebuilding from the inside out.

You’ll hear:

• The real story behind Charu’s birth experience and early postpartum journey
• How she turned personal struggle into her life’s work with The Bump to Baby Method
• Insightful reflections on conscious parenting, emotional triggers, and healing your “inner child”
• A reminder that motherhood is both grounding and liberating — and that “just showing up is enough.”

This episode is a masterclass in empathy and resilience for parents navigating the beautiful chaos of raising tiny humans.

🛠️ Practical Takeaways for Listeners

• Honor the postpartum period. Recovery isn’t vanity — it’s physiology. Movement done right can be medicine.
• Challenge the “bounce back” narrative. Your body isn’t meant to go back; it’s meant to go forward, wiser and stronger.
• Conscious parenting starts with self-awareness. When your child triggers you, look inward — they’re mirroring parts of you that need healing.
• Build your village. From friends to in-laws, accept and cherish help. It truly takes a community.
• Create grounding rituals. Simple routines — like bedtime reading or daily walks — can become sacred anchors amid chaos.
• Don’t aim for perfection. Show up as you are; that’s more than enough.

🧘‍♀️About the Guest

Charu Shankar is an actor, dancer, theatre director, and wellness coach known for her performances in Siyasat, Rocket Boys, Animal, and Crew. Beyond the screen, she co-founded The Bump to Baby Method, a movement-based program supporting women through pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

Charu’s work bridges art, wellness, and empathy — empowering women to reconnect with their bodies, embrace motherhood’s transformations, and reclaim their sense of self. She lives in Delhi with her husband Raghav, son Agastya, and their German shepherd, Cyrus.

Follow Charu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shankar.charu

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💬 For updates, reflections, and real talk on parenting, life, and everything in between.

In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, host Neha Garg sits down with Debaleena Biswas — engineer, Six Sigma Black Belt, and founder of Saha, a conscious-parenting initiative — to talk about what happens when life’s most “planned” chapters fall apart.

From a high-pressure corporate role in the oil and gas industry to the chaos of a complicated pregnancy, postpartum anxiety, and a pandemic return to work, Debaleena opens up about losing her professional identity and rediscovering herself through motherhood.

Across this episode, she speaks candidly about systemic workplace biases, guilt and fear, the quiet courage to walk away, and the joyful work of building something meaningful from scratch. Her journey through self-healing, early-childhood psychology, and Waldorf-inspired learning forms the heart of Saha — a space that helps parents choose consciously for their children and themselves.

💡 Why You Should Listen

• To hear a real story of reinvention — how a career setback led to purpose and self-growth.
• To understand the invisible pressures mothers face in workplaces and how flexibility can transform that experience.
• To learn how fear often drives parenting choices and how to replace it with love and intention.
• To discover Saha’s philosophy of slow, natural, open-ended play and mindful parenting.
• Because Debaleena’s honesty and humour remind every listener that you can begin again — gently, bravely, and with purpose.

🛠️ Practical Takeaways for Listeners

• Redefine success after motherhood. Identity can evolve — leaving a job isn’t the end of ambition, it’s the start of alignment.
• Advocate for structural empathy. Companies can support women with flexible hours, pumping rooms, and return-to-work pathways.
• Do the inner work. Daily journaling, meditation, and “feeling check-ins” help regulate emotions and prevent passing anxiety to children.
• Let kids be part of real life. Invite them into cooking, cleaning, gardening, and making — the richest learning happens through imitation.
• Question fear-based choices. Whether it’s school selection or career moves, pause and ask if the decision stems from fear or love.
• Find healing in purpose. Turning pain into something useful for others — like Saha — can be the most profound act of recovery.

🧘‍♀️About the Guest

Debaleena Biswas is an engineer-turned-educator and the founder of Saha, a Pune-based platform that creates sustainable, open-ended toys and clothing inspired by the Waldorf philosophy and promotes conscious parenting practices through its Saha Parenting Circle.

Before founding Saha, she spent a decade in the oil, gas, and process industries, leading manufacturing excellence projects and earning her Six Sigma Black Belt from ISI.

A passionate writer and lifelong learner, Debaleena documents her reflections on early childhood, emotional wellbeing, and self-growth at https://mymonkeymindin.wordpress.com

She lives in Pune with her husband Nikhil and their son Bodhi — her greatest teacher.

Explore Saha: https://discoversaha.com

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discoversaha_official/

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💬 For updates, reflections, and real talk on parenting, life, and everything in between.

In this Parenthoot Spotlight episode, we sit down with Parul Sharma — mother of two, first-generation entrepreneur, and co-founder of Gladful, a proudly Indian, protein-first food brand that’s reshaping how families snack.

What began as a mother’s concern for her child’s health turned into a mission to bridge India’s hidden protein gap. Parul shares how a personal diagnosis — her son’s protein deficiency — sparked late-night kitchen experiments that evolved into a national movement for nutritious, guilt-free eating.

Across this candid and heartfelt conversation, Parul reflects on:

• balancing motherhood with a high-pressure corporate career at Mondelez (formerly Cadbury)
• unlearning assumptions about “healthy eating”
• developing kid-approved snacks that blend taste with real nutrition
• breaking into India’s competitive startup scene as a mother and founder
• redefining how Indian families think about breakfast, snacks, and shared responsibility in the kitchen

Parul’s story isn’t just about food — it’s about courage, curiosity, and the quiet determination that turns maternal instinct into innovation.

“If you’re 100% perfect but late, versus 90% perfect and on time — go for 90%. You’ll improve along the way.” – Parul Sharma

💡 Why You Should ListenWhether you’re a parent, a startup dreamer, or simply someone trying to eat better, this episode offers rich takeaways:

• For parents: Learn how Parul navigated picky eating, nutrition myths, and the realities of modern motherhood.
• For entrepreneurs: A front-row look at what it means to build a food brand from scratch — from disastrous early experiments to scaling a trusted product line.
• For changemakers: Hear how one woman’s personal need grew into a purpose-driven enterprise touching over 2.5 million Indian households.
• For anyone seeking inspiration: Parul’s story reminds us that sometimes the biggest revolutions start in our kitchens — with love, persistence, and a dash of science.

If you’ve ever stood in front of the pantry wondering what your kids should really be eating, this episode will make you think — and smile.

💬 Favorite Quotes from the Episode:

• “Kids are cruel when it comes to feedback.”
• “No matter how progressive we are, 90% of breakfast decisions are still made by a woman.”
• “Normalize failure — because you’ll get that a lot more in life.”

👩‍🍳 About the Guest

Parul Sharma is the Co-Founder and CEO of Gladful, a health-first Indian food brand focused on making protein accessible and tasty for families. After spending over 15 years in leadership roles at Cadbury/Mondelez, Parul left the corporate world to solve a deeply personal challenge — her son’s nutritional deficiency.

Today, Gladful has reached over 2.5 million households, offering snacks and breakfast mixes that combine science-backed nutrition with flavors that kids actually love. Parul is also part of a growing wave of women entrepreneurs reshaping India’s food and wellness landscape.

Connect with Parul on LinkedIn and follow Gladful’s journey on Instagram.

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💬 For updates, reflections, and real talk on parenting, life, and everything in between.

For the golden-jubilee episode of Parenthoot with Neha, we sit down with the legendary children’s author Paro Anand—writer, educator, parent, and grandparent—to explore how stories shape families across generations. From the early days of raising two dramatically different children (“I had a daughter and a mosquito”) to the tender chaos of becoming a grandparent during the lockdown, Paro opens her heart about truth, empathy, and the everyday courage of parenting.

In the episode, she reads aloud from her story Wingless (the bonus you didn't ask for!) and shows how storytelling can teach justice, compassion, and humor in equal measure. She also reflects on writing books like No Guns at My Son’s Funeral, Like Smoke, Being Gandhi and Babies in My Heart, and on her work with children in conflict zones.

🌟 Why You Should Listen

• For parents & grandparents: learn to balance love, honesty, and boundaries across generations.
• For educators & storytellers: discover how literature can dismantle prejudice and spark courage in children.
• For readers & dreamers: hear how Paro’s belief in books as “empathy machines” can re-enchant your family’s reading time.
• For everyone: celebrate fifty episodes of Parenthoot with Neha—a space where stories of parenting become stories of humanity.

🛠️ Practical Takeaways for Listeners

1. Model what you teach. Children learn inclusion, honesty, and empathy by watching you live them.
2. Tell the truth, even when it’s hard. Hiding pain or injustice teaches fear; naming it teaches courage.
3. Honour boredom. Unstructured time is where imagination—and stories—are born.
4. Turn information into knowledge. Guide kids to question online content and form their own values.
5. Keep reading visible. Leave books everywhere; read your child’s books; let them see you read.
6. Loosen control. Let children choose their own stories, even “too-old” or “too-young” ones. Discovery matters more than direction.
7. Bridge generations. Grandparents’ wisdom and parents’ new-age methods can coexist. Bend rules gently, share laughter lavishly.
8. Use stories for empathy. Whether through Wingless or Being Gandhi, stories open hearts where lectures fail.
9. Value everyday heroism. Courage isn’t only in revolutions; it’s in showing up, speaking up, and reading together.
10. Celebrate creative inheritance. Let children and grandchildren see that storytelling—and kindness—run in the family.

📚 Resources & References

Books by Paro Anand:

• No Guns at My Son’s Funeral (India Ink/Roli Books)
• Like Smoke: 20 Teens, 20 Stories (Penguin India)
• Being Gandhi (HarperCollins Children’s Books)
• Babies in My Heart (Red Quill Books)
• Wingless: A Fairly Weird Fairy Tale
• I’m Not Butter Chicken, You Can’t Order Me
• Dil Mein Baccha Hai Ji / Babies in My Heart (Hindi edition)

Mentioned Authors / Books: Harry Potter series (J.K. Rowling), Born Free by Joy Adamson, Gerald Durrell’s wildlife books, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne.

Initiatives: National Centre for Children’s Literature (NBT India); school-based reading programs; Bookaroo Children’s Literature Festival

🧘‍♀️About the Guest

Paro Anand is one of India’s most beloved writers for children and young adults. Her award-winning work—including the Sahitya Akademi Bal Puraskar for Wild Child/Like Smoke—fearlessly addresses identity, conflict, and empathy. Beyond her books, she has built readers’ clubs and rural libraries, performed storytelling worldwide, and continues to mentor young writers. Today, she writes and grand-parents with equal gusto—happily living up to her self-given title, The Never Grumpy Granny.

Follow Paro: https://www.instagram.com/paroanand

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In this episode, we sit down with Arushi Chopra, a California-based consultant and mother to 17-month-old Vani. The conversation unfolds as an honest exploration of how mindful, respectful parenting can reshape family dynamics and parental identity. Arushi shares her journey from being an information-hungry first-time mom to discovering the RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) philosophy — a framework that transformed her understanding of what it means to raise a child as a “whole, capable person.”

The discussion traces her evolution from the anxiety of early motherhood to an intentional, partnership-driven model of parenting with her husband, Alankrit. From solo parenting weeks while balancing full-time work, to creating family rituals like their new “Annual Family Day,” Arushi opens up about the messy, beautiful realities behind parenting abroad without extended family support. The episode blends philosophy with lived experience — showing how slowing down, observing, and communicating with infants can nurture not only confident children but also calmer, more self-aware parents.

🌟 Why You Should Listen

If you’ve ever felt torn between “doing it all” and “being present,” this episode will ground you. Arushi’s reflections offer a refreshingly unfiltered take on modern motherhood:

• Learn how RIE’s respectful parenting principles (founded by Magda Gerber) can be applied at home to cultivate independence and mutual respect from infancy.
• Understand what it means to parent as equals, sharing responsibilities, emotions, and learning curves with your partner.
• Hear candid insights on solo parenting, emotional regulation, and redefining support systems as an immigrant parent.
• Discover how being seen and heard are not only your child’s needs — but yours too.

This episode is especially resonant for working parents, cross-cultural families, and anyone seeking to break free from inherited parenting scripts.

🛠️ Practical Takeaways for Listeners

• Start communicating early: Narrate what you’re doing with your baby, even during diaper changes or meals. It builds trust and language awareness.
• Slow down caregiving: Allow your child to participate — raising their leg for a diaper change or choosing between two outfits are early steps in autonomy.
• Respect boundaries: Avoid asking questions if you can’t accept “no.” Model emotional regulation instead of control.
• Build rituals of connection: Whether it’s a Saturday brunch or a “Family Day,” consistent shared experiences strengthen partnership and family identity.
• Redefine the village: Seek support through other parents, classes, and friendships — especially when extended family isn’t around.
• Prioritize self-regulation: Your calm is your child’s calm. Pause before reacting; presence outweighs perfection.

Resources and References

• RIE® (Resources for Infant Educarers) – www.rie.org
• Magda Gerber, Your Self-Confident Baby
• Janet Lansbury, RIE educator and author – www.janetlansbury.com
• Montessori philosophy – The Montessori Foundation

🧘‍♀️About the Guest

Arushi Chopra is a management consultant and first-time mother based in California. Originally from Delhi, she’s passionate about conscious parenting, cross-cultural identity, and building family rituals that honor both individuality and connection. A practitioner of the RIE® (Resources for Infant Educarers) philosophy, she advocates for raising emotionally aware, self-directed children through mutual respect and presence. Arushi’s reflections have resonated with parents seeking authenticity and balance in modern family life.

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In this episode, we sit down with Japleen Pasricha, founder of Feminism in India, mother, and changemaker, for an unfiltered conversation on the emotional, physical, and social shifts that come with motherhood. Across this deeply honest discussion, Japleen opens up about the postpartum fog, the loneliness of hospital rooms, the constant negotiation between identity and caregiving, and the quiet rebellions that shape feminist parenting.

The episode flows through her birth story, postpartum recovery, body image healing, and her evolving partnership as a parent. Japleen talks about the invisible mental load that mothers carry and how modern motherhood often feels like “performing care while hiding exhaustion.” Together, Neha and Japleen explore how feminist values can live inside everyday parenting—through small acts like teaching consent to toddlers, setting boundaries, or challenging the myth of the “perfect mom.”

🌟 Why You Should Listen

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “doing motherhood right,” this episode will remind you that there’s no single way to mother well—only your own, honest way.

You’ll hear:

• A feminist’s take on redefining motherhood beyond guilt and perfectionism.
• Honest talk about body image and self-acceptance after childbirth.
• Real examples of raising children with respect, empathy, and consent.
• How partners can share emotional labor and show up as equals.
• Why letting go of control (and embracing a little mess) can be freeing for both parent and child.

Japleen’s warmth and humor make the hard parts of parenting relatable and the hopeful parts achievable.

Notable Quotes from Japleen

• “They keep you out for observation, but no one observes your loneliness.”
• “Motherhood teaches you patience—one meltdown at a time.”
• “My daughter kissed my thighs where I saw cellulite. That was the day I stopped saying yuck to myself.”
• “You know who cares about perfect parenting? Instagram.”
• “Babies are resilient. We’re the ones who need to learn kindness—for ourselves.”
• “It’s not the baby—it’s your partner. If you’re not a team, parenting will break you before it builds you.”

Resources and References

• Feminism in India (FII): Japleen’s digital platform exploring gender equality, feminist parenting, and inclusive conversations.
• “The Mental Load: A Feminist Comic” by Emma — on invisible domestic labor.
• Postpartum Support International — for resources on postpartum depression and anxiety.

🧘‍♀️About the Guest

Japleen Pasricha is a changemaker, educator, and founder of Feminism in India, a platform amplifying marginalized voices and advancing gender discourse in South Asia. She has received global recognition for her advocacy, including features in BBC 100 Women and Forbes India’s 30 Under 30, and has won many awards including Laadli and WSA Young Innovator.

Beyond her professional identity, Japleen is a mother learning, unlearning, and redefining what feminist parenting looks like in real life—messy, mindful, and deeply human.

Connect with Japleen:

• Instagram: @japleenpasricha
• Twitter/X: @japna_p
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/japleen-pasricha-8864b348/

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💬 For updates, reflections, and real talk on parenting, life, and everything in between.

In this warm and insightful Parenthoot Spotlight episode, we sit down with JoAnne Saldanha, known fondly as Myth Aunty — an educator, storyteller, and children’s literature advocate whose mission is to bring myths, legends, and stories alive for children and parents alike.

JoAnne speaks about reading not as a skill but as an act of connection — between parent and child, story and self. She shares her deep belief that stories shape empathy, confidence, and imagination, and that the most powerful thing a parent can do is simply start reading aloud.

JoAnne also unpacks what happens when we let go of “right” and “wrong” ways to read, how children’s questions (even the wild ones) reveal comprehension, and why storytelling in your mother tongue anchors cultural identity. Her reflections on contemporary children’s books, Indian publishers, and the joy of finding stories that “click” will leave listeners inspired to rediscover the magic on their own bookshelves.

Why You Should Listen

• For parents discovering the joy of reading aloud. JoAnne demystifies storytelling and reminds us that children love our voices more than perfect pronunciation.
• For educators and book lovers. Her insights on children’s comprehension, story connection, and visual learning will transform how you view literature.
• For anyone overwhelmed by “reading lists.” JoAnne helps you trust your instincts, read what resonates, and avoid comparison-driven choices.
• For cultural connection. She celebrates the power of myths, folk tales, and mother-tongue storytelling as bridges between generations.
• For perspective and laughter. From poking fun at SEO-driven content to heartfelt reflections on storytelling’s rewards, this episode balances humour with wisdom.

Resources and References

Children’s Books Mentioned

• The Tiger Who Came to Tea — Judith Kerr
• Where the Wild Things Are — Maurice Sendak
• We’re Going on a Bear Hunt — Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury
• The Gruffalo — Julia Donaldson
• The Dot — Peter H. Reynolds
• Gajapati Kulapati series — Ashok Rajagopalan

Recommended Indian Publishers and Platforms

• Pratham Books — Affordable multilingual stories rooted in Indian contexts.
• StoryWeaver — Free, open-access platform by Pratham Books.
• Tulika Publishers — Pioneers in bilingual and multicultural children’s books. (https://www.tulikabooks.com)
• Duckbill Books — Engaging Indian fiction for middle-grade readers. (https://www.penguin.co.in/community/about-us/publishing-divisions/childrens-publishing-2/duckbill/)
• Puffin India — Classic and contemporary titles for all ages. (https://www.penguin.co.in/community/about-us/publishing-divisions/childrens-publishing-2/puffin/)
• Bookaroo Children’s Literature Festival — India’s premier celebration of children’s books and authors.(https://www.instagram.com/bookaroolitfest)

Themes and Takeaways

• Storytelling is connection, not performance.
• Reading in your mother tongue deepens identity and emotion.
• Respect children as readers — they deserve quality, not shortcuts.
• Let curiosity guide book choices instead of trends.
• Comprehension is creativity — even “off-topic” questions are insight.
• Reading aloud builds empathy, vocabulary, and memory.
• Joy is the benchmark — if both reader and listener enjoy it, it’s the right book.

Follow The Myth Aunty on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mythaunty and discover more about her storytelling sessions, book recommendations, and resources for families and educators.

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In this candid and layered conversation, we speak with Sukanya Venkatraghavan — author of Dark Things, practicing astrologer, and mother to Katha. Known for her imaginative writing and deep introspection, Sukanya opens up about her journey through adoption, motherhood, self-discovery, and creative identity.

The episode moves fluidly between the personal and the philosophical: from the myths surrounding adoption to the small, tender, and hilarious moments that define parenting. Sukanya reflects on how becoming a mother in her 40s and being diagnosed with ADHD reframed her understanding of balance, rest, and self-worth. Through humour, vulnerability, and sharp insight, she reveals how parenting can be both a mirror and a magnifier—forcing us to grow, soften, and laugh at the absurdities along the way.

She also discusses her spiritual path — from tarot to astrology — and how both motherhood and astrology arrived together, transforming her purpose. Whether she’s talking about a toddler meltdown over a biscuit or explaining the beauty of “using her child to bring wonder back into her life,” Sukanya offers something universal: the recognition that no one truly has parenting figured out, and that’s perfectly okay.

🌟 Why You Should Listen

• If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by parenting or questioned your instincts, Sukanya’s honesty and humour will feel like exhale.
• Her take on adoption dismantles stigma and reframes it through empathy and instinct rather than anxiety or guilt.
• Her discussion on mental health, ADHD, and perimenopause offers comfort and validation for older or neurodivergent parents.
• Her reflections on rest as rebellion invite listeners to rethink the generational scripts around motherhood and self-sacrifice.
• This episode beautifully intersects creativity, spirituality, and parenting — showing how identity evolves when life takes an unexpected but meaningful turn.

Notable Quotes from Sukanya

• “He gets the good bits. I get the spiky bits of parenting.”
• “Terrible twos has got the bad rap. A three-year-old is just a two-year-old with job experience.”
• “You don’t have to earn your rest. I love that my child can see me rest.”
• “It’s a deliberate act of rebellion — breaking the generational pattern of tired mothers.”
• “I very cleverly use my child to bring wonder back into my life.”
• “You’re only as old as your child when it comes to parenting.”
• “I’m a student of astrology, and I’m a student of motherhood.”
• “Kindness above all else — and don’t forget to laugh about something every day.”

🧘‍♀️ About the Guest

Sukanya Venkatraghavan is a storyteller. Formerly the entertainment editor at Marie Claire and a journalist with The Times of India, she has built a literary career rooted in the mystical and mythological. Today, she divides her time between astrology, tarot, writing, and motherhood. Sukanya speaks with unflinching candor about neurodivergence, womanhood, and the fluid meaning of identity — whether as a creator, partner, or parent.

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zooku

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💬 For updates, reflections, and real talk on parenting, life, and everything in between

In this powerful episode, legal scholar, feminist thinker, and writer Sameena Dalwai joins host Neha for a deeply engaging, humorous, and thought-provoking conversation about love, partnership, adoption, and parenting beyond social scripts. Drawing from her lived experiences as a professor, activist, mother of two daughters (one biological, one adopted), and partner in an egalitarian marriage, Sameena brings rare candour and warmth to the complexities of raising children in modern India.

In this conversation, Sameena narrates her unconventional journey — from an impulsive three-month courtship and minimalist wedding to adopting her younger daughter, navigating identity, and balancing activism with motherhood. Her reflections dismantle the romantic myths of love and marriage, question gendered expectations, and celebrate the joyful chaos of authentic parenting. The episode is as much about personal freedom as it is about empathy, equality, and humour in family life.

🌟 Why You Should Listen

• To hear a feminist perspective on parenting that integrates ideology with affection, discipline with laughter, and activism with daily life.
• To understand adoption through love rather than charity, as Sameena normalizes it with grace and practicality.
• To discover how egalitarian partnership and co-parenting actually look in practice — with wit, occasional chaos, and deep mutual respect.
• To learn why “selfless love” doesn’t work, and why parents must retain a sense of self to model integrity and independence for their children.
• To enjoy the rare blend of intellect and humour that makes tough questions feel human, hopeful, and deeply relatable.

Notable Quotes from Sameena

• “Marriage is not connected to love. You marry to share rent, to take out the garbage, to manage logistics.”
• “We must have chemistry and politics — both subjects must match.”
• “Some babies come from mothers’ tummies. Some come from Nagaland. So, these are two types.”
• “They are the kings, little children. We should earn their smiles.”
• “Selfless love does not work. Because if you let go of yourself, there is nothing to actually love.”

🔗 Resources & References

Sameena's Books:

• Bans & Bar Girls: https://www.amazon.in/Bans-Bar-Girls-Performing-Mumbais/dp/9385606247/
• Forthcoming book: Love Jihad and Other Stories of Desire and Politics

Sameena on Social Media

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sameena-dalwai-20546933/
• X/ Twitter: https://x.com/sameenadalwai

Sameena's Podcast:

• Cultural Crossroads: https://open.spotify.com/show/6C6rOhLtEUALydd6qIAIeN?si=560f08f156f7405e

On feminist parenting and equality:

• All About Love by bell hooks
• The Second Shift by Arlie Hochschild
• The Mother of All Questions by Rebecca Solnit

🧘‍♀️ About the Guest

Sameena Dalwai is an Associate Professor of Law and feminist scholar whose work bridges academia and activism. With over two decades of experience in legal education and social justice work, she writes on gender, love, marriage, and minority rights in India. Her upcoming book explores the intersection of politics and intimacy.Sameena is also a mother of two daughters, a partner in a deeply egalitarian marriage, and a podcaster herself. She brings humor, intellectual rigor, and compassion to public discourse, making her a voice of contemporary feminism rooted in everyday life.Follow Sameena’s writings and talks on academic platforms and public forums related to gender, law, and culture.

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🔔 Review & Subscribe: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and family!

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• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenthootwithneha/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parenthoot/

☕ Support Us: https://buymeacoffee.com/gargneha Your support helps keep the show running.

👋 Join our WhatsApp Community!

🔗 https://chat.whatsapp.com/CHdbb6XkpSt5hBR4KN58qQ

💬 For updates, reflections, and real talk on parenting, life, and everything in between.