AMBEECKA K. MALHOTRA, SMRIDHI GAMBHIR: Could Chess Make Your Child a Better Thinker?

What if enrichment wasn’t about adding more pressure—but helping our kids discover how they think? Kanika sits down with ADD-ED co-founders Ambeecka K. Malhotra and Smridhi Gambhir to talk about chess, critical thinking, personalized learning and raising curious, confident kids. They share the story behind ADD-ED, what makes their teachers different, and the student success stories that keep them going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if brain health became as routine as brushing your teeth? 🧠 Neuroscientist Dr. Jamey Maniscalco, founder of Clario, joins That’s Total Mom Sense to share the personal story behind his brand and how small daily habits can support brain health, focus, and calm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Entrepreneur, investor, father, and author of The 5 Types of Wealth, Sahil Bloom shares how he applies success principles to parenting, the importance of core family values, and how to build wealth in all facets that results in your dream life. Tune in for insights on discipline, structure, and being more present with tangible takeaways you can implement today. Buy His Book: https://a.co/d/fBZjUvv Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: http://www.sahilbloom.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eva Pilgrim has spent her career chasing stories from local newsrooms to ABC News, GMA3, 20/20 and now the anchor desk of Inside Edition, where she became only the fourth host in the show's history after Deborah Norville. But her path into journalism wasn't exactly planned. In college, she was doing website work for “beer money” when one of those sites happened to be connected to a news station—and a career was born. On this episode of That's Total Mom Sense, Eva and Kanika go behind the broadcast: growing up Korean-American in a military family, the stories that changed her, what she learned from legendary journalist Deborah Norville, how motherhood has changed the way she works, and the Korean-mom lessons she carries into parenting. Plus, two broadcasters talk shop about the art of the interview, journalistic integrity, what really happens in a newsroom and why the best interviews aren't about asking the smartest question. They're about creating enough trust for someone to tell you the truth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The start of a new school year brings fresh opportunities—but it also brings packed calendars, shifting routines, earlier mornings, extracurriculars, homework, meal planning, and the mental load of keeping everyone on track. Join us for Back to School, Back to Balance: Creating Routines That Actually Work for Your Family, a practical conversation about preparing your entire family for a successful school year without burning out. We'll explore how to create sustainable routines, reduce household stress, support children's independence, and navigate the transition back to school with more confidence and less chaos. Moderated by Kanika Chadda Gupta, journalist, author, podcast host, and founder of That's Total Mom Sense, this conversation features Dana Haller, founder of The Juggle Economy, and Kelly Hubbell, Founder & CEO of Sage Haus. Together, we'll discuss: Creating routines that actually work (and last) Reducing the mental load of the school year Helping children become more independent Managing after-school schedules without overcommitting Supporting emotional transitions and easing back-to-school anxiety Practical ways to keep the whole family connected during busy seasons Whether you're sending your child to kindergarten or juggling multiple school schedules, you'll leave with realistic strategies to make the school year feel calmer, more organized, and far more manageable. What is Auggie? The most trusted community for parents to find answers. Inside the Auggie app, parents get stage-specific guidance, expert content, on-demand events, and a supportive network that reduces the mental load of figuring everything out alone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could accomplish more by spending LESS time? My dear friend and mentor Fran Hauser joins me to unpack her new book, Twenty Minutes Is the New Hour, and the four hidden time drains stealing our hours: People Pleasing, Perfectionism, Procrastination and Padding. We talk about the 20-minute mindset, messy action, smarter meetings and—most importantly—how to make time for what actually matters. Because busy isn’t the goal. Impact is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you never had to choose between style and comfort again?In this episode of That’s Total Mom Sense, I sit down with Samantha Dong, Founder and CEO of Ally Shoes—the brand redefining what it means to wear heels. Designed by women, for women, Ally’s pain-free heels are engineered for real life: long days, busy schedules, and moments when you need to show up with confidence.We talk about: The problem with traditional heels—and why they hurt How Ally Shoes are designed with podiatrist-approved innovation Samantha’s entrepreneurial journey building a mission-driven brand The intersection of fashion, function, and female empowerment As a mom, speaker, and someone constantly on her feet, I share why Ally has become my go-to for feeling confident and comfortable on stage.If you’ve ever kicked off your heels halfway through an event… this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special AAPI Voices episode presented by Lexus, Kanika Chadda Gupta sits down with yoga teacher and mother of two, Thara Natalie. Best known for her soulful approach to fitness, Thara opens up about her multicultural upbringing, her evolution from performer to wellness warrior, and how she and husband Jay Sean are raising mindful kids in today’s fast-paced world. Recorded at her wellness studio in New Jersey, this heartfelt conversation includes a sound bath session and a rapid fire where Thara shares her favorite memories in the car and the rituals that keep her grounded. Don’t miss this deep dive into identity, intention, and inner peace. MEET MY GUEST: https://www.instagram.com/tharanatalie/?hl=en SPONSORS: ⁠⁠Lexus⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I sit down with admissions expert and author, Sara Harberson, to explore how parents can prepare kids for college at any stage. We discuss key strategies from her new book, Soundbite, on assembling a full proof college checklist, her take on the Varsity Blues scandal, financial aid, and guidance for underrepresented communities. Tune in for an insightful conversation that will help you support your child’s journey navigating higher education with confidence and authenticity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when one of the most powerful voices of our generation becomes a mother? In this intimate, unfiltered conversation, Grammy-winning artist Tori Kelly joins That’s Total Mom Sense to share how motherhood has transformed her identity, creativity, and purpose. From performing at the Knicks Championship Game to navigating the quiet, sacred moments of early motherhood, Tori opens up about matrescence, marriage, and what legacy truly means now. We talk about: The emotional shift from artist to mother How motherhood is reshaping her music and upcoming album Staying connected in marriage through life’s biggest transitions The pressure—and privilege—of evolving in the public eye Plus—don’t miss the moment Tori sings and joins Kanika in a nostalgic throwback impersonation segment you’ll want to replay. This episode is a masterclass in growth, grace, and finding your voice—again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices