KRISTI LORD & LINDSAY DROZ: The Truth About Toxic Cleaners & Safer Swaps for Your Home

Are the cleaning products in your home helping or harming your family? On this episode of That’s Total Mom Sense, I sit down with Kristi Lord and Lindsay Droz, co-founders of L’Avant Collective, a luxury plant-based cleaning brand that’s changing the way we clean. We dive into the toxic chemicals in everyday products, why parents need to pay attention, and their journey of building a wellness-driven brand rooted in style, sustainability, and science. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sheila Lirio Marcelo, the founder of Care.com and visionary behind Ohai.ai, joins Kanika to discuss how technology can ease the mental load of modern-day caregiving. Sheila opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of creating accessible family care solutions, and how her latest venture uses AI to streamline household management. Whether you’re a parent juggling it all or someone interested in innovation in family care, Sheila’s insights are a must-listen! Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: ⁠https://www.care.com/⁠ WEBSITE: ⁠https://www.ohai.ai/⁠ INSTAGRAM: ⁠@sheilaliriomarcelo⁠ FACEBOOK: ⁠Sheila Lirio Marcelo⁠ LINKEDIN: ⁠Sheila Lirio Marcelo⁠ PRESS: MOUNT HOLYOKE: ⁠Sheila Lirio Marcelo⁠ HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL: ⁠Sheila Lirio Marcelo⁠ STARTUPS.COM: ⁠Timing isn’t everything Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you mix a stargazer’s heart with a scientist’s mind? Meet Dr. Emma Louden — astrophysicist, President of Slooh, and author of Mia and the Martians. In this episode of That’s Total Mom Sense, host Kanika Chadda-Gupta sits down with Emma to talk about her journey into space science, why girls belong in STEM, and how we can encourage curiosity and wonder in our children. From decoding the obliquity of planets to simplifying the night sky for classrooms, Emma is a force of nature who's bringing the stars within reach — one telescope and story at a time.In this special episode of That’s Total Mom Sense, Kanika Chadda-Gupta interviews Dr. Emma Louden, a real-life rocket woman and President of Slooh. With a Yale Ph.D. in Astronomy and a passion for mentoring the next generation of scientists, Emma shares her story — from a curious kid to an internationally recognized astrophysicist. She opens up about challenges in a male-dominated field, writing her children’s book Mia and the Martians, and why access to the universe should be a birthright, not a privilege. Get ready to be inspired by Emma’s brilliance, warmth, and message of “practical hope.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it truly mean to be happy—and how do we make time for it amidst the chaos of daily life? On this episode of That’s Total Mom Sense, I sit down with one of the most influential observers of human nature, Gretchen Rubin. She’s a five-time New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Project, Better Than Before, and The Four Tendencies and host of the beloved Happier podcast. We explore her childhood, family influences, and how she turned her curiosity into a career that's transforming how millions approach habits, relationships, and self-understanding. From practical happiness hacks to the surprising psychology behind everyday choices, this episode will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and ready to reclaim your joy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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