ELLEN BENNETT: Cutting the Apron Strings: What It Takes to Grow Big Dreams

Cutting the apron strings is never easy — but it’s exactly what Ellen Marie Bennett did to grow a $300 idea into a multimillion-dollar apron & kitchen essentials company, Hedley & Bennett. In this episode, we talk about her Mexican and English heritage, taking imperfect first steps, scaling without outside funding, staying scrappy, and balancing the roles of founder, chef, TV personality, and mom of two. You’ll also hear her top chef hacks for busy parents and how motherhood shaped her leadership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this second installment of Kanika’s interview with Anuradha Nehru, we hear from the team behind Kalanidhi Dance - Executive Director & Artistic Director Daniel Singh, Managing Director Lavanya Thamire, and Assistant Artistic Director Pragnya Thamire. They share how they’re keeping the ancient art form alive with younger generations on why they have devoted their lives to dance. WEBSITE: ⁠Kalanidhi.org⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of That’s Total Mom Sense, host Kanika Chadda-Gupta—herself a trained Kuchipudi dancer—sits down with her revered teacher, Anuradha Nehru, founder and artistic director of Kuchipudi Kalanidhi along with the team. Together, they explore the sacred art of Kuchipudi, the journey of preserving ancient Indian traditions in the modern world, and how the discipline of dance intertwines with motherhood, mentorship, and legacy. Anuradha shares stories of her star students, how she recognizes potential in young dancers, and the profound responsibility of passing on culture to the next generation. Whether you're a parent, an artist, or someone reconnecting with your roots, this conversation will move you—body, mind, and soul. Anuradha Nehru is internationally recognized for her artistry and vision, leading Kalanidhi Dance to become one of the finest Kuchipudi ensembles in the country. Trained in the Vempati style, she has elevated the form with grace and innovation while keeping its classical essence intact. Under her guidance, Kalanidhi has performed across the U.S. and around the world, and regularly collaborates with leading artists and organizations to expand the reach and appreciation of Indian arts and culture. This year, Kalanidhi Dance is proud to announce the Kalanidhi Dance Legacy Gala—an evening dedicated to celebrating Anuradha’s extraordinary impact as founder and artistic director. Taking place on Saturday, September 13th at 6 PM, the gala will feature delicious bites, drinks, and a special performance by the Kalanidhi Company Dancers. On this occasion, the Kalanidhi Board of Directors will also launch the Anuradha Nehru Legacy Fund, ensuring her artistic vision continues to inspire and uplift generations of dancers to come. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening to honor Anuradha—fondly known as Anu aunty or Anu akka—and support the future of the arts. Meet Our Guest: WEBSITE: Kalanidhi.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this very special live recording of That’s Total Mom Sense, host Kanika Chadda Gupta brings together community, culture, and conversation at OASES House in NYC. Joined by Sonam Sangmo (Partner and Creative Director of OASES) and Radhika Batra Shah (Founder of Radhika’s Fine Teas & Whatnots), the panel explores what it means to be authentically South Asian living abroad, while honoring the origins of ancient traditions like yoga, ayurveda, and tea. From creating mindful spaces in a bustling city to preserving the heritage of tea as a ritual for wellness and connection, Sonam and Radhika share their journeys as entrepreneurs, women, and leaders rooted in purpose. Together, they discuss: The inspiration behind OASES and its role as a sanctuary for body, mind, and soul How tea can be more than a beverage — a daily practice of pause and presence Balancing entrepreneurship, identity, and motherhood Rituals, mantras, and lessons that keep them grounded Recorded in front of a live audience, this episode blends intention, tradition, and community — followed by a mindful tea tasting led by Radhika. Meet Our Sponsor: WEBSITE: ⁠Get1stWater.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do we eat healthy when we’re constantly on the go — juggling kids, work, and travel? In this Food for Thought episode, registered dietitian and media personality Brigitte Zeitlin shares realistic, no-BS nutrition strategies for women who want to feel good in their bodies without restriction. Brought to you by 1st Water by Akvile, this conversation is your roadmap to guilt-free, on-the-go wellness. Brigitte Zeitlin is a celebrated women’s nutrition coach, registered dietitian, and media personality. She has worked with hundreds of women and has become the “go-to” nutrition coach for women who want to feel great in their bodies without dieting or restriction. Women flock to Brigitte for her renowned guidance in creating personalized, bullshit-free, real-life wellness plans that get results. She holds a Master’s in Public Health Nutrition and worked at Mount Sinai Medical Center, before opening her private practice, BZ Nutrition. Brigitte’s expertise has been featured in over 20+ national press outlets, including Vogue, Women’s Health, and Glamour, to name a few. And she has consulted on wellness in the workplace for Tiffany’s, Ferragamo, and Well+Good. MEET MY GUEST: WEBSITE: https://bznutritionny.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Women's health is often overlooked — but nature offers powerful tools to support it. Kanchan Koya, molecular biologist and founder of Spicewell, shares how everyday spices can balance hormones, reduce inflammation, and fuel families. Plus, practical tips for cooking with kids and building a healing kitchen. MEET MY GUEST: WEBSITE: https://www.spicespicebaby.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Childhood obesity and eating disorders are on the rise — but there’s a better way forward. Dr. Erika Siegel shares her holistic wellness philosophy, gut-healing food tips, and what every family should know. Plus: the Clean 15, Dirty Dozen, and her favorite remedies from her herbal medicinary. MEET MY GUEST: WEBSITE: https://www.nourishme.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EMBED AUDIO HERE Danielle spent over a decade crafting brands behind the scenes. What came next? Saying yes to her own vision—and learning how to juggle businesses, babies, and boundaries in the realest way possible. Danielle is a designer, creative director, strategist, educator, brand mentor and founder of award winning, California-based branding and packaging studio, Designsake. She started her career in publishing as a photographer, then transitioned to be a visual designer at Benefit Cosmetics where she created brand and product strategy, custom packaging, and global advertising campaigns for six years. In 2014, she launched Designsake and since then has partnered with numerous start ups and legacy brands in the beauty, health and wellness, food and beverage, lifestyle, cannabis, and B2B categories. Then in 2022, her and business partner Lauren Meeker, launched SARDINE, a bold yet wearable eyewear brand that is rich in flavor, high in wearability, and seasoned with style. Since launching, the brand has grown its presence nationwide to 100+ boutiques between US and Canada, has collaborated with coveted brands like Freda Salvador, and even popped up for the summer at the Soul Cycle’s Barn in the Hamptons. Meet My Guest WEBSITE: Sardine.net WEBSITE: DesignSakeStudio.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to lead a global restaurant empire — and raise two daughters with intention and grace? In this episode of That’s Total Mom Sense, Kanika sits down with powerhouse attorney and CEO of Tony Roma’s, Mohaimina “Mina” Haque, who shares her remarkable journey from the White House and DOJ to scaling a global franchise in the UAE and Malaysia. Mina opens up about how AI is transforming the restaurant industry, the realities of being a South Asian woman in the C-suite, and how she navigates her family life. This is a deeply personal and professional conversation about leadership, legacy, and what it truly means to serve — at home and on the world stage. WEBSITE: AttorneyMina.com MEET MY GUEST:  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a child of immigrants, do you feel conflicted about your cultural values and your modern day beliefs? Are you navigating what you want to pass on to your kids and what you want to end with you? Today I’m joined by Sahaj Kaur Kohli, my family friend and a celebrated author, therapist, #WashingtonPost columnist, and founder of @browngirltherapy, the first and largest mental health and wellness community organization for children of immigrants. We dive into the principles and strategies discussed in her book, "But What Will People Say?" with Penguin Life to uncover how to take the best from our immigrant experience and let go of the rest. Meet My Guest: Website: ⁠sahajkaurkohli.com⁠ Instagram:⁠@sahajkohli⁠ X: ⁠@SahajKohli Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices