Sarah Benken: Building a 7-Figure Brand & Community

This AAPI Heritage Month, That’s Total Mom Sense has teamed up with Lexus to celebrate visionary women who are blending culture, creativity, and courage. Meet Megha Rao — fashion founder, culture creator, and proud mom. As the force behind HoliChic, Megha is revolutionizing South Asian style with bold, modern designs that empower women to take up space and own their stories. Join host Kanika Chadda Gupta as she chats with Megha from her New Jersey home to talk about motherhood, heritage, and what it means to design a legacy — one powerful outfit at a time. MEET MY GUEST: https://holichic.com SPONSORS: Lexus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elisa Donovan, best known as Amber from the cult classic Clueless, joins Parenting in the Digital Age with Sam & Kanika brought to you by Meta to talk about raising kids in a tech-driven world that Cher and Dionne could never have imagined. From social media pressures to AI’s role in education, Elisa shares how she navigates modern parenting with her daughter while keeping a healthy balance between the digital and real world. Sam and Kanika dive into the challenges of screen time, online safety, and the importance of staying tech-savvy without feeling totally clueless. Plus, Elisa takes on a hilarious rapid-fire round of “AI vs. As If!” to test just how digitally connected she really is. Tune in for an insightful, nostalgic, and fun conversation on raising kids in the modern day!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on That’s Total Mom Sense, we’re kicking off our Design Series with Julie LaFranco, Owner and President of California Closets of Northern New Jersey, who shares how her family-run business helps parents transform everyday chaos into calm through smart, functional home design. From streamlining morning routines to creating personalized storage solutions, California Closets is all about designing with intention to make life easier for busy families. Sponsored by California Closets, this inspiring episode is packed with real-life stories, expert tips, and design insights to help you create a space that truly works for your lifestyle. Tune in now and start your journey toward a more organized, harmonious home. MEET MY GUEST: Website:  https://www.locations.californiaclosets.com/nj/northern-new-jersey  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/design_nj/p/DBHILoCpEOJ/ SPONSORS: California Closets  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can parents keep up with the ever-changing digital world while ensuring their kids stay safe and informed? In this episode in the Parenting in the Digital Age with Sam & Kanika (brought to you by Meta) series, we sit down with Nicole Lopez, Global Director of Youth Safety Policy at Meta, to explore the intersection of AI, education, and online safety. We discuss how kids are using AI tools like ChatGPT for homework, the importance of digital fluency for parents, and the latest Meta initiatives—like Screen Smart and Teen Accounts—designed to protect young users. Nicole shares invaluable insights on balancing tech use at home, staying ahead of digital trends, and fostering healthy online habits for families. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on how to embrace AI and social media while staying screen smart!  #ParentingInTheDigitalAge #ScreenSmart #AIandEducation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode titled “Motherhood & Modern Design: Creating Spaces for Families,” interior design meets intentional parenting with renowned designer Nina Magon, Founder and Principal of Nina Magon Studio. From creating luxurious spaces for celebrity clients to raising two children, Nina shares how she balances high-end design with real-life functionality. She opens up about her career pivots, design philosophy, and how motherhood has shaped both her personal and professional life. Listeners will gain valuable tips for designing family-friendly interiors, learn about durable yet beautiful materials, and explore how to create versatile spaces that evolve with growing families. Whether you’re looking to renovate your home or simply gain inspiration from a powerhouse woman in design, this episode offers a thoughtful and empowering conversation that blends creativity with everyday living. MEET MY GUEST: Website - https://ninamagon.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ninamagonstudio/?hl=en Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NinaMagonStudio LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/nina-magon-studio-inc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parenting in the digital age is no joke—but thankfully, today’s guest is an expert at finding the humor in the chaos. In this episode of Parenting in the Digital Age with Sam & Kanika brought to you by Meta, we sit down with the hilarious and trailblazing Zarna Garg! From stay-at-home mom to stand-up sensation, Zarna shares her journey of breaking barriers in comedy, parenting kids across the social media revolution, and navigating screen time, online safety, and digital literacy—all while keeping family at the heart of it all. Her kids were the ones who got her on social media after all! Plus, we dive into her upcoming CBS show, her must-read memoir This American Woman, and how she helps her kids embrace social media without fear. Get ready for laughs, wisdom, and real talk about raising kids in the age of IG reels and ChatGPT. Don't miss this one—hit play now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fran Hauser is passionate about leveling the playing field for women and creating content and products that help us live our best lives. She does this through her investing, writing, and speaking. Fran has invested in over 30 female-founded companies across consumer tech, CPG, media & publishing, and wellness. She is the best-selling author of The Myth of the Nice Girl: Achieving a Career You Love Without Becoming a Person You Hate, which has been translated into six languages and was named “Best Business Book of the Year, 2018” by Audible. Fran’s second book, Embrace the Work, Love Your Career, is quickly becoming the go-to for women seeking more joy and fulfillment in their careers. Named one of the “6 Most Powerful Women in NYC’s Tech Scene” by Refinery29, Fran regularly speaks at conferences and organizations to help women build careers they love while staying true to themselves. Much of her current work is informed by 15 years spent in media, where she rose through the ranks at Time Inc. to President of Digital. Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: FranHauser.com INSTAGRAM: @fran_hauser FACEBOOK: /franhauserofficial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us as we chat with Angela Chee—Communication Coach, Keynote Speaker, Podcast Host, and Author of The Power Of The Only—on owning your voice, breaking barriers, and standing out with confidence. From navigating the media industry to overcoming self-doubt and managing energy as a leader and parent, Angela shares powerful insights to help you Own Your Only™ and be YOU, Amplified!®. MEET MY GUEST: WEBSITE: www.angelachee.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on That's Total Mom Sense, Kanika Chadda Gupta is joined by Diego Perez, author and meditation expert, for an insightful conversation about Breaking Generational Cycles for Good. Diego shares his transformative journey from overcoming poverty and addiction to discovering healing through meditation. He opens up about how being radically honest with himself changed his life and how these tools can help us love better, both with ourselves and in our relationships. With powerful insights on self-love, communication, and healing, this episode offers practical guidance for anyone looking to break free from negative patterns and build healthier relationships. Tune in for a conversation that’s all about healing, growth, and love. MEET MY GUEST: WEBSITE: https://yungpueblo.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of That’s Total Mom Sense, host Kanika Chadda Gupta sits down with Upasna Gautam, a tech leader at CNN, investor, and advisor. They explore personal branding, financial independence, and career growth in today’s dynamic world. Upasna shares insights on building wealth, negotiating your worth, and leveraging your unique value to break barriers. Tune in to discover how to step into your full power and create lasting impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices