Parenthoot with Neha

Karan, Regional Marketing Director at Duolingo, shares his deeply personal journey through parenthood and life’s complexities in this episode. A storyteller at heart, Karan draws on his experiences as a father to Ziyah, his five-year-old daughter, and a partner to Reety, a molecular biologist at CRISPR-Bits. Together, they’ve created a life filled with rituals, humor, and deep introspection. In this conversation, Karan candidly discusses the joys, challenges, and transformative lessons he’s encountered while juggling his roles as a parent, partner, and professional.

This episode dives into the essence of modern parenting, exploring themes like boundary-setting, unlearning societal pressures, and finding beauty in the mundane. Karan also reflects on how his partnership with Reety has evolved over nearly two decades and how they’ve managed to keep the spark alive while growing individually.

Key Highlights

Why You Should Listen

This episode is a heartfelt mix of practical wisdom and endearing anecdotes. Whether you’re a parent seeking inspiration, a professional balancing work and home life, or someone navigating relationships, Karan’s reflections will leave you with valuable takeaways.

References & Recommendations

Memorable Moments:

About the Guest

Karandeep is the Regional Marketing Director at Duolingo, known for his wit, leadership, and storytelling abilities. With a knack for balancing professional demands with his personal life, Karan brings a unique perspective on parenting, marriage, and finding joy in the small moments. His wife, Reety, a molecular biologist, complements his creative approach with her scientific rigor, and together, they are raising Ziyah in a home filled with love, laughter, and curiosity.

Follow Karan:

Join the Conversation

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

Follow Us:

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

In this episode, we sit down with Arundhati Kumar, an entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, and single mother to a spirited teenage daughter. Through her lens, parenting isn’t about perfection but rather about persistence, patience, and embracing life’s unpredictability.

Arundhati opens up about her journey of navigating co-parenting, fostering resilience in the face of challenges, and her unwavering commitment to sustainability. With her honest reflections and inspiring anecdotes, she encourages listeners to find beauty in life's short stories and redefine the traditional narratives of family, success, and personal growth.

Whether you’re a parent seeking guidance, a professional juggling roles, or someone passionate about creating a better world, this episode is brimming with wisdom, practical insights, and heartfelt stories you won’t want to miss!

Why You Should Listen

This episode isn’t just about parenting; it’s a heartfelt exploration of what it means to live authentically, embrace imperfection, and create an impact.

References & Recommendations

About the Guest

Arundhati Kumar is an entrepreneur and former founder of Studio Beej, a sustainable bag brand. Over five years, she built the brand with passion and purpose, advocating for eco-conscious living. Today, Arundhati is stepping into the world of consulting, helping organizations and individuals adopt climate-conscious behaviors and sustainable strategies.As a single mother, Arundhati shares a profound connection with her 14-year-old daughter, Ikvira, and her two dogs, Buddy and Leah. Her journey of co-parenting and resilience has shaped her into a powerful advocate for leading with love, embracing imperfection, and fostering positive change in both family life and society.

Follow Arundhati's work:

Listener Takeaways

Join the Conversation

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.

Follow Vaishnavi's work:

Why You Should Tune In

References

Books:

Birth Practices:

Join the Conversation

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

Follow Us:

Support Us: Buy me a Coffee! Your support helps keep the show running.

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.

Follow Mahima’s work:

Join the Conversation

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.

Key Highlights:

References:

About the Guest

Social Media Links:

Theme & Tags:

Join the Conversation

#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.

Join the Conversation

#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.

Join the Conversation
Review & Subscribe: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and family!
Follow Us: Instagram | LinkedIn
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.

Join the Conversation

#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.

Join the Conversation

#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.

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

Follow Us: Instagram, LinkedIn

Support Us: Your support helps keep the show running!