In this episode, we’re joined by Vaishnavi—mom, entrepreneur, and candid storyteller—who takes us through her transformative journey as a parent. From navigating the early turbulence of raising her first child, Meera, to finding empowerment through the birth of her second child, Advait, Vaishnavi’s story is one of resilience, introspection, and growth. Along the way, she opens up about the joys and challenges of co-parenting with her husband, Vishwanathan, and the life-changing impact of prioritizing self-care.

Whether you’re navigating the complexities of parenting or looking for inspiration in finding balance, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom and heartfelt insights.

Key Highlights

About the Guest

Vaishnavi is the proud mother of two children, Meera (9) and Advait (2.5). She is also the founder of Nestery, an online marketplace for premium maternity and children’s brands, where she combined her entrepreneurial drive with her passion for creating meaningful resources for families.Vaishnavi’s parenting journey is a masterclass in resilience and growth. She candidly shares how her children have shaped her perspective: Meera, with her empathetic nature, taught her to advocate for herself and others, while Advait’s high-energy personality brought lessons in patience and adaptability.Beyond her parenting role, Vaishnavi is a staunch advocate for equitable partnerships in marriage. She describes her husband, Vishwanathan, as an equal partner and co-parent who brings calmness, support, and humor into their lives. Their dynamic reflects the evolving roles of modern parenting, where mutual respect and teamwork take center stage.

Currently on a self-care sabbatical, Vaishnavi has dedicated the last few months to prioritizing her physical and mental health through therapy, fitness, and introspection. She is exploring new opportunities while enjoying a more present and mindful approach to parenting.

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In this candid and empowering episode, I sit down with Mahima Vashisht, a development sector professional, writer, podcaster, and mother. Mahima shares her deeply personal experiences with parenting, mental health, and self-discovery. From navigating the challenges of early motherhood, postpartum depression, and trauma to advocating for self-care as a parenting cornerstone, Mahima’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and intentionality.This conversation is an eye-opener for anyone navigating the highs and lows of parenting while juggling the many hats life demands.

Why You Should Listen

This episode is for every parent feeling the weight of societal expectations, for every person striving to balance self-care with caregiving, and for anyone curious about breaking toxic cycles and embracing the messy beauty of parenting. Mahima’s story is raw, relatable, and incredibly empowering.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

Pop Culture References

About the Guest

Mahima Vashisht is a development sector professional, writer, podcaster, and a passionate advocate for gender equality. She is the creator of Womaning in India, a popular newsletter that explores the nuances of gender, parenting, and self-care. Mahima lives with her husband, Salil, and their five-year-old son in a quiet, green city in India, where she continues to write, parent, and inspire.

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In this candid conversation, Arun Gupta delves into his parenting philosophy, sharing lessons from raising two resilient daughters. From balancing career and family to supporting his daughter's nonprofit journey, Arun reflects on doing what's right over what's easy. Listeners will find relatable insights, heartwarming stories, and practical advice for navigating parenthood with purpose and love.

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#13: Core Memories and Quiet Miracles: Finding Joy in Parenting

About the Guest

Apoorva is a mother, creative professional, and firm believer in parenting as a journey of self-discovery. Through her experiences raising two children, she has navigated the chaos and beauty of early motherhood, learning to embrace imperfection and patience along the way. Apoorva’s reflections on balancing growth as a parent and as an individual offer valuable insights for anyone walking the parenting path.

In This Episode

Apoorva joins us to talk about the transformative power of parenting—how it challenges us, changes us, and teaches us more about ourselves than we ever imagined. From sleepless nights to joyous core memories, she reflects on her journey of raising two children while growing into her unique parenting style. We explore:

Apoorva’s candid insights will resonate with parents and non-parents alike, offering wisdom about patience, resilience, and embracing life’s natural rhythms.

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#12: Growing Together: When Parents Become Friends and Siblings

About the Guest
Priya Lobo is the CEO at Ormax Compass, a parent, an advocate for intentional family living, and a firm believer in parenting with honesty and authenticity. As a mother of an only child, Priya brings a unique perspective to parenting, emphasizing the importance of embracing imperfection, nurturing mutual growth, and creating a bond that evolves over time. With her candid reflections and heartfelt anecdotes, Priya reminds us that parenting is not just about guiding children—it’s about growing alongside them.

Social Media Links:
Instagram | LinkedIn

In This Episode
In this episode, Priya Lobo joins us to share her refreshingly honest approach to parenting. Priya’s journey as the mother of an only child has taught her invaluable lessons about growth, connection, and resilience. From acknowledging that “parents are not perfect” to discovering how the parent-child bond can sometimes feel like a sibling relationship, Priya’s insights are both relatable and deeply insightful.

We discuss:

Through her warm and candid reflections, Priya inspires parents to let go of external expectations and focus on what truly matters: love, honesty, and mutual growth within the family.

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Support Us: Your support helps keep the show running! Share this episode, tag us on social media, and let us know your favorite moments from the conversation with Priya.

#11: No Salary, All Sacrifice: The Unpaid Labor of Motherhood

About the Guest

Genesia is a mother, writer, and outspoken advocate for the honest, unfiltered realities of motherhood. Known for her wit, resilience, and refreshing candor, Genesia shares her journey through parenting’s ups and downs, including the hard-to-talk-about moments of exhaustion, self-doubt, and the unglamorous side of raising kids. Balancing humor with wisdom, she encourages parents to embrace imperfection, acknowledge their own needs, and redefine what it means to be a “supermom” in today’s world.

Social Media Links: Instagram

In This Episode

In this episode, Genesia Alves joins us for a raw and humorous look at the realities of motherhood. From the “decade of diapers” to managing burnout and self-expectations, Genesis dives into the complexities of being both a mother and an individual with dreams and ambitions. She discusses the emotional toll of parenting, the myths surrounding “supermoms,” and the importance of setting boundaries and taking time for self-care. Genesis’s stories are not only relatable but also serve as a reminder that while parenting is tough, there’s power in vulnerability and laughter. This episode is a must-listen for any parent looking to embrace the messy, rewarding journey of raising kids while staying true to themselves.

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#10: Beyond Perfection: Sibling Bonds, Social Media, and Single Parenting

About the Guest

Guest Name: Diyasree Chattopadhyay

Profile/Bio: Diyasree is a single mother, writer, and editor known for her thoughtful and grounded approach to parenting in today’s fast-paced world. With a deep belief in fostering independence, honesty, and authenticity, Diyasree reflects on raising her child to appreciate differences and navigate life with resilience. Her insights are both practical and philosophical, resonating with parents looking for a balanced and meaningful way to nurture the next generation.

Social Media Links: Instagram

In This Episode

Episode Summary: In this episode, Diyasree opens up about her journey as a single mother and the values she’s chosen to pass on to her child. She shares her reflections on the importance of teaching kids to appreciate “otherness,” finding joy in the ordinary, and resisting societal pressures for perfection. Diyasree’s grounded perspective offers a refreshing take on parenting, highlighting the balance between teaching, letting go, and allowing children the space to develop into independent, thoughtful individuals. This conversation explores themes of love, patience, and self-acceptance in both parenting and personal growth, leaving listeners with insights to reflect on in their own journeys.

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#09: Raising Balanced Kids Without Losing Yourself (or Your Marriage), ft. Kalpana Mohan

Guest Name: Kalpana Mohan
Profile: Kalpana Mohan is a writer, mother of two adult children, and a seasoned empty nester who brings humor, insight, and wisdom to the realities of parenthood. Known for her wit and refreshing self-deprecation, Kalpana candidly shares the joys, struggles, and lessons learned from raising her children into adulthood. She emphasizes the importance of cultivating a lasting connection with your spouse and finding fulfillment beyond parenting, as well as the strength required to gracefully handle life’s transitions.

Social Media Links: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter (X)

Episode Summary: In this episode, Kalpana Mohan joins us for a delightful, unfiltered conversation about the journey of motherhood, marriage, and what it’s really like to be an empty nester. She discusses her evolution as a parent, sharing heartwarming stories filled with humor and hard-won insights. Kalpana’s experiences reveal the importance of building a strong relationship with your spouse, the challenges and rewards of letting go, and the unique joy of seeing adult children find their way in the world. With her sharp wit, Kalpana reflects on the imperfection of parenting, the evolving bond between parents and grown children, and the art of balancing love, independence, and humor.

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We sit down with Gauri Malik—founder of Sirohi—a sustainable luxury brand empowering women artisans from rural India—and mother of two vibrant daughters, Ida and Diya, in this episode. Gauri offers an unfiltered glimpse into the unique challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood with a high-powered entrepreneurial career.

From candid anecdotes about missing milestones to crafting a life template that brings clarity amidst chaos, this conversation is an honest reflection on modern motherhood, personal ambition, and the pursuit of purpose. Whether you’re a parent, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone juggling multiple roles, Gauri’s story will leave you inspired and introspective.

Why You Should Listen:

References and Resources Mentioned:

About the Guest:

Gauri Malik is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of Sirohi, a brand dedicated to sustainable luxury and empowering women artisans in rural India. Beyond her professional achievements, Gauri is a proud mother of two, balancing the joys and challenges of parenthood with her entrepreneurial journey. Her story is a testament to the resilience, ambition, and creativity of modern mothers redefining what it means to “have it all.”

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Episode 7

Deepti Naithani takes us through her profound, challenging and joyful journey of becoming a mother, with the early arrival of her son, Ivaan, and the hurdles they faced including his stay in the NICU due to jaundice and the subsequent COVID-19 lockdown. Her experience of navigating these trials reveals the true essence of resilience and the power of familial support.

Deepti shares her meticulous preparations and the emotional rollercoaster of dealing with preterm birth, the stress of lockdown, and the struggles of managing a newborn with limited external help. Her narrative is not just about overcoming obstacles but also about the strength found in familial bonds and personal perseverance. The episode highlights the emotional and practical aspects of early parenthood, offering comfort and wisdom to those in similar situations.

Listeners will benefit from Deepti’s candid reflections on parenting challenges, including dealing with a crying baby and the impacts of lockdown on new parents. Her journey serves as a source of inspiration and practical advice for navigating the complexities of early parenthood with grace and resilience.

This episode is essential for new and expectant parents looking for support and real-life insights into the early stages of parenthood. Deepti’s story provides a comforting perspective on overcoming difficulties and underscores the importance of family and resilience in the parenting journey.