Dr. Arleen Lamba — physician, former anesthesiologist, and the founder of GLO30 — breaks down exactly what women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s actually need for healthy, glowing skin. From the essentials (Vitamin C, retinol, SPF) to the treatments that really work (and the ones that are hype), Dr. Lamba helps simplify the noise. We also talk hormonal skin changes, perimenopause, budget-friendly routines, and why consistency beats 14-step routines every time. Perfect for moms, entrepreneurs, and anyone aging with intention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After motherhood, our bodies change — but what if that change could be celebrated instead of judged?In this powerful conversation, host Kanika Chadda Gupta sits down with Taryn Brumfitt, founder of The Body Image Movement and Australian of the Year, and Dr. Zali Yager, body image researcher and co-founder of The Embrace Collective. Together, they unpack the motherhood identity shift, why our self-talk shapes our kids’ confidence, and how we can move beyond “body positivity” to genuine body appreciation.You’ll learn small, actionable ways to rewrite the language around food, appearance, and health at home — and discover how two changemaker moms are leading a global revolution in self-worth. 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

You know her as Alice Cullen from the Twilight cult saga, but now you get to see her for all the roles she plays including a women’s health advocate, entrepreneur, and mother. Ashley Greene Khoury is Co-founder of Hummingway, along with her sister Olivia Khoury. The brand is transforming how all women (and anyone with a period) views reproductive health. Hummingway is laser-focused on providing its customers with a suite of innovative, non-toxic, effective products designed to support hormones and make periods less painful. She talks to Kanika about her passion for holistic living and how motherhood has given her a newfound purpose in life. Meet My Guest: Website: Our Hummingway Instagram: @ashleygreene Instagram: @ourhummingway Facebook: @ourhummingway Mom Haul: The Cycle Soother by Hummingway Belly Bandit Compression Mother Tucker Leggings and Biker Shorts Leakproof Underwear by Proof Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, speaker, facial plastic surgeon, and New York Times Magazine “Super Doctor” award winner Dr. Eunice Park talks about the importance of self-care and how we can be truly healthy from the inside out. Activist and entrepreneur Deepti Sharma shares how she launched Food to Eat during the pandemic, connecting immigrant-owned restaurants with catering opportunities with corporates and assisting frontline workers in the process. Jenny Wu of Understood.org helps support parents who have children with learning differences. Journalist and Forbes contributor Amy Shoenthal shares how storytelling can solve society’s problems. Gwendolyn Smith of Aura talks about how we can use cybersecurity and parental controls to keep children safe from the dangers online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rare Disease Day is the last day of February and we’re honored to feature a pioneer in the field, Kinnari Patel, President and COO of Rocket Pharma. 30% of children with rare diseases will not make it to their 5th birthday. Kinnari uncovers the latest in gene therapy being used to treat patients and how their pediatric advancements are transforming lives. Meet My Guest: Website Facebook LinkedIn Press: Rocket Pharma Seeks Gene Therapy Revolution For Genetic Heart Disease MIND THE (PAY) GAP Inspirational Women in STEM and Tech: Kinnari Patel of Rocket Pharmaceuticals On The 5 Leadership Lessons She Learned From Her Experience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kanika opens this episode by sharing her personal story living in the “sandwich generation” as a mom of three (including twins) and caregiving for her mother who has dementia. She is later joined by Danielle Cabral, star of Real Housewives of New Jersey, for an on stage keynote interview to talk about motherhood, fame, and the challenges of being on reality TV. They discuss the importance of support from their tribe and dealing with criticism from fans on social media. Their conversation is real, poignant, funny and heartwarming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kanika interviews Mom 2.0 husband and wife duo John and Carrie Pacini on the genesis of the annual summit and community. During her live podcast with author, educator, and advocate Jen Hatmaker, they discuss her opening keynote which had everyone in the room feeling seen and understood as well as her podcast, For the Love, and cookbook, Feed These People. She also chatted with attendees Frenchi Ferenczi and Tosha Schore on building their thriving coaching businesses catering to women in business and parents raising mindful children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Founder Jamie Kolnick of Jam with Jamie, a nationwide children’s music entertainment and education company, opens up about the loss of her three family members before she turned 30 and how she healed through music, aka “singing in the rain.” She shares her journey as a mother to her three kids and how they continue to teach her to take things in stride. Her inaugural Little Jam Fest music festival taking place on March 3rd in Miami.  Meet My Guest: Website: www.jamwithjamie.com, www.littlejamfest.com Instagram: @jamwithjamie, @jamiekolnick Facebook: jammingwithjamie Press: Modern Loss: How My Dying Mom and I Learned to Meditate Zibby Mag: The Road Home Podcast: Help Honor those We’ve Lost with Jamie Epstein Kolnick Okayest Moms: 169. Music Appreciation in Every Day Life with Jamie Kolnick Jamie Kolnick of Jam With Jamie: “5 Reasons To Be Hopeful During this Corona Crisis” Mom / Dad Haul: What is a product/app/anything you are loving right now?) FAVORITE BOARD GAME TO PLAY WITH KIDS SWEAR BY A TIMER FOR KIDS SO THAT THEY CAN VISUALIZE HOW MUCH LONGER THEY HAVE LEFT TO PLAY AND HAVE A SMOOTHER TRANSITION Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Psychiatrist and Clinical Assistant Professor Dr. Sue Varma’s groundbreaking work shows that “optimism” goes beyond just having a positive outlook – it brings about better outcomes. Optimists tend to achieve more success, report higher incomes and job satisfaction, adopt healthier habits, build stronger relationships, and experience greater overall life satisfaction, ultimately leading to increased happiness. Sue states simply that “optimists may be born, but practical optimists are made.” Practical Optimism is a mindset that can be learned – and Practical Optimism lays out a roadmap to success. Meet My Guest: Website: doctorsuevarma.com Instagram: @doctorsuevarma Twitter: @doctorsuevarma LinkedIn: Dr. Sue Varma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that a child’s first seven years of life is the most critical for their physical and mental development? Dr. Murray Clarke, pediatrician and developer of ChildLife Essentials® blends homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine and clinical nutrition to help patients with hard-to-treat conditions. He covers today’s most common childhood conditions, decline in dietary habits, environmental toxicity, and what vitamins are most important for growing kids.  Dr. Murray Clarke, the developer of ChildLife Essentials®, holds licenses and doctorates in three fields of medicine: naturopathic medicine, homeopathic medicine and Chinese medicine (including acupuncture and herbology). He moved to the United States from New Zealand 35 years ago and has since become a pioneer in the field of holistic pediatrics. He blends a number of medical modalities including homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine and clinical nutrition to help patients with hard-to-treat conditions. He has become the “go-to” doctor for pediatricians whose standard pharmaceutical approaches haven’t been successful. Dr. Murray Clarke continues to focus his experience, treatments and quest for knowledge on how to treat and prevent childhood illness at its root cause. Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: ChildLifeNutrition.com INSTAGRAM: @childlifeessentials LINKEDIN: Childlife Essentials Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is from a live event hosted by That's Total Mom Sense, Fran Hauser (Author, Founder, Book Bound Co, Investor) and Sarah Benken (KNOW Women) at Industrious NYC. Kanika moderates a panel discussion with Former Miss America Nina Davuluri, Writer & Activist Tabitha St. Bernard Jacobs, and Co-Founder of Boss Beauties, Lisa Mayer. They discuss how they drove change by challenging beauty standards, the women's march, and creating space for women in the metaverse.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GoodPods rated #1 podcast in Motherhood, That's Total Mom Sense, is joining Evergreen Podcasts! Aligned with Evergreen's commitment to reaching broader audiences, the show delivers quality content with a mission to be illuminating, inclusive, and inspiring for parents worldwide. Host Kanika Chadda Gupta, former CNN journalist and mother of three, conducts memorable interviews with public figures including Chelsea Clinton, America Ferrera, Kelly Rowland, and Bobbi Brown. In these conversations, Kanika delves into mom guilt, divorce, cycle breaking, life purpose, and the importance of trusting one’s intuition - our ‘mom sense’ and ‘dad sense.’ The discussions take listeners on a journey from tears to belly laughs, offering valuable gems and tangible takeaways along the way. On this episode, Kanika shares her personal journey of how she delved into the field of podcasting. She also reflects on how far the show has come and what's in store for its global audience.  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

Devanshi Garg Sareen is a skincare enthusiast, a 3x founder, and a mother. Hailing from New York City by way of Iran, India, the UK, New Zealand and Germany, almost always an outsider, she learned early on to look at people through the lens of shared human experiences. After 10+ years working in technology services, Sareen worked as an innovation consultant in 2020 for Big Beauty, leading her to reflect on pain points with her own skincare journey and a desire to demand more from the modern brands we use. This eventually led her to launch Motif—a forward-thinking beauty brand that merges real science with customer-centric design—grounded in the desire to connect people through daily progress and growth. Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: MotifSkinCare.com INSTAGRAM: @motifmade INSTAGRAM: @devanshigarg Press HYPEBAE: I Tried This "Facial In a Bottle" Cleanser and Relearned What the Mythical Moment of "Me" Time Meant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tammy Rant is the CEO and Founder of Tushbaby, the single carrier that supports your body, your stuff, and your kids from 0-3. As a mom of three, Tammy was familiar with the usual aches and pains that came with traditional carriers: strollers were too bulky, strap-in carriers were too complicated, and wraps and sacks were too hot and sweaty. She wanted to create a solution that would help parents carry their little ones effortlessly—with something that looked good, felt good, and stored more, freeing them up to do more. Five years later, the Tushbaby Hip Carrier is a best-selling viral sensation that’s convenient, comfortable, and doctor-approved—and loved by thousands of caregivers worldwide. Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: TushBaby.com INSTAGRAM: @tushbaby Press BUSINESSWIRE.COM: Shark Tank Alum Tushbaby Reaches $10 Million in Revenue in 2022 Mom Haul: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode shares the inception story of the iconic label making brand - Name Bubbles. Founder Michelle Brandriss was focused on enhancing label aesthetics and reliability while focusing on top-quality, personalized, waterproof labels for daycare, camp, and school use made in the USA. Michelle values employee morale, a robust business model, and cost-consciousness. She shares the life lessons she’s passing on to her teenage son and how she leans into all things creative, even if there’s risk involved. Use promo code MOMSENSE to receive 25% off at www.namebubbles.com Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: NameBubbles.com INSTAGRAM: @namebubbles TIKTOK: @name_bubbles Special Offer from Our Sponsor: Press: NY TIMES: The Best Labels for Kids School Gear and Clothing PEOPLE: All the Back to School Gear Kids Need to Start the Year Off in Style Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having worked with Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Priyanka Chopra, Anita Chatterjee is a force in the world of public relations. Chosen by Forbes for its Next 1000 list as one of the entrepreneurs redefining the American Dream, she serves as the CEO of A-Game PR, helping to scale brands and build personas with features in top publications like Entrepreneur, Inc, Vogue and more. As a mom in the workforce, she aims to teach her daughter what it means to be resourceful and resilient, and utilizing her leadership skills every step of the way. Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: A-GamePR.com INSTAGRAM: @anitachatterbox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness month, host Kanika Chadda Gupta meets with March of Dimes Director of Maternal & Infant Health Shadie Tofigh to discuss how to reduce risks and complications, learn more about the groundbreaking technology led by the Innovation Fund, and how we can alleviate the health inequities around black maternal health. She also sits down with Erika Nolting Young, an advocate who suffered infant loss and honored her child’s legacy. Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: MarchofDimes.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Farnoosh Torabi is an Iranian-American journalist and one of America’s leading personal finance experts. She is the host of the award-winning podcast So Money that has earned over 30 million downloads. In her book, A Healthy State of Panic, she teaches us how to turn our fears (e.g. #fomo, rejection, failure) into our superpower and use them to catalyze the life we want.  Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: AHealthyStateofPanic.com INSTAGRAM: @farnooshtorabi AMAZON: A Healthy State of Panic: Follow Your Fears to Build Wealth, Crush Your Career, and Win at Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cara Natterson, MD is a pediatrician and New York Times bestselling author; Vanessa Kroll Bennett is a puberty educator and writer. On the show, we talk about having the sex talk with kids of all ages, how to prepare for adolescence which begins much earlier now, and how we keep open lines of communication as parents. Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: MyOomla.com WEBSITE: OrderOfMagnitude.com INSTAGRAM: @spillingthepubertea TWITTER: @ FACEBOOK: / TIKTOK: @spillingthepubertea Mom Haul: AMAZON: This Is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained 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

In this episode, speaker, facial plastic surgeon, and New York Times Magazine “Super Doctor” award winner Dr. Eunice Park talks about the importance of self-care and how we can be truly healthy from the inside out. Activist and entrepreneur Deepti Sharma shares how she launched Food to Eat during the pandemic, connecting immigrant-owned restaurants with catering opportunities with corporates and assisting frontline workers in the process. Jenny Wu of Understood.org helps support parents who have children with learning differences. Journalist and Forbes contributor Amy Shoenthal shares how storytelling can solve society’s problems. Gwendolyn Smith of Aura talks about how we can use cybersecurity and parental controls to keep children safe from the dangers online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During this on stage keynote, moderator Tabitha St. Bernard Jacobs, a Trinidadian-American mom, artist, writer, and thought leader, interviews Austin Channing Brown, NY Times bestselling author of I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness and founder/CEO of Herself Media. Together, they unpack the everyday challenges black mothers face, how we can navigate conversations with our children on race and explain the complexities in our society today. Brown highlights the messy and risky nature of racial justice work, where there are no guaranteed approaches without facing trouble or dislike from others. 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

Kanika opens this episode by sharing her personal story living in the “sandwich generation” as a mom of three (including twins) and caregiving for her mother who has dementia. She is later joined by Danielle Cabral, star of Real Housewives of New Jersey, for an on stage keynote interview to talk about motherhood, fame, and the challenges of being on reality TV. They discuss the importance of support from their tribe and dealing with criticism from fans on social media. Their conversation is real, poignant, funny and heartwarming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kanika interviews Mom 2.0 husband and wife duo John and Carrie Pacini on the genesis of the annual summit and community. During her live podcast with author, educator, and advocate Jen Hatmaker, they discuss her opening keynote which had everyone in the room feeling seen and understood as well as her podcast, For the Love, and cookbook, Feed These People. She also chatted with attendees Frenchi Ferenczi and Tosha Schore on building their thriving coaching businesses catering to women in business and parents raising mindful children.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Racha Narwekar is an accomplished children's educator and a remedial therapist based in Bombay, Kanika’s birth city. Together they share their childhood roots and Rachna walks her through practical ways to engage your child, alternatives to authoritative discipline, and visual reminders that help with emotional regulation. Meet My Guest: INSTAGRAM: @rachnanarwekar LINKEDIN: Rachna Narwekar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Annika Sharma is a jack of all trades and master of...some of them. From healthcare to romcom authorship to podcasting for South Asians to new motherhood, this episode tackles chasing passions, taking risks, and learning lessons along the way. Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: AnnikaSharma.com INSTAGRAM: @annikasharma FACEBOOK: /AnnikaSharmaWrites Press: FORBES: Five Asian American Podcasts That Are Busting The Model Minority Myth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Allie Ticktin is the founder of Play 2 Progress, and author of the book, Play to Progress, where she provides parents with an overview of all 8 (yes, 8) senses and gives them 90 exercises to engage their children in sensory learning. Dr. Allie uses the science of child development and the joy of play to boost childrens’ confidence and enhance development within all areas of their life, from social and emotional to physical and academic. On the show, she shares her personal journey of self-discovery and loss which has informed her work and life today. Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: Play2Progress.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chloe Trujillo is a world renowned artist, designer, musician, and reiki healer. Married to lead guitarist for the legendary band Metallica, Robert Trujillo, they have created a space for their two children to thrive as creative souls in their own right. Chloe shares her inspiration for her works as a native Parisian, her motherhood journey, and her latest venture designing sustainable swimsuits for the US Olympic synchronized swim team.  Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: ChloeTrujillo.com INSTAGRAM: @chloetrujillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Priti Tanna is a creative strategist and author of I Married a Coconut. In this interview, she shares how future generations of the South Asian diaspora can find ways to honor their age old traditions while assimilating with western cultures. She and Kanika talk about values from immigrant parents, growing up in the 80s and 90s, and encouraging children to embrace their cultural roots. Meet My Guest: AMAZON: I Married a Coconut: Stories of an Indian girl growing up in America Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Neha Ruch, CEO/Founder of Mother Untitled, shares her personal journey of taking pauses in her career to discover her purpose as a parent, challenging societal expectations and building a necessary community for mothers. She references the inspiring stories of Shannon Watts and Jessica Me Rivera, who were SAHM turned activists and have driven monumental change in society.  Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: MotherUnited.com INSTAGRAM: @motheruntitled Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski, PsyD is a high energy, creative clinical psychologist who utilizes an eclectic approach to meet the specific needs of his neurodivergent clients. He is proud to serve the Gifted community as a consultant, a professor, an author, and a researcher. He has spoken over 300 times all over the world about supporting neurodivergent kids. Dr. Zakreski graduated from Widener University’s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology (IGCP) in 2016. He is the co-founder of The Neurodiversity Collective. Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: TheNeuroDiversityCollective.com FACEBOOK: /drmattzakreski Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you a frenzied parent who’s craving structure, fulfillment, and harmony at home? Enter Kaitlin Soule, licensed marriage and family therapist, women’s mental health specialist and author of A Little Less of A Hot Mess. We discuss pragmatic tactics and daily routines to manage your sanity and your household. Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: WellNotesForHer.org INSTAGRAM: @kaitlin.soule AMAZON: A Little Less of a Hot Mess: The Modern Mom's Guide to Growth & Evolution 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

We all know and love M. Night Shyamalan as a world renowned director, producer and actor who was labeled “the next Spielberg” by Newsweek in 2002. His films have grossed over $3 billion globally with cult classics like The Sixth Sense which received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, Signs, The Last Airbender, and The Unbreakable Series. We may also be fans of Saleka, his daughter who is a singer songwriter and wrote an original song for his recent release, Old, with a voice smooth as silk reminiscent of old school R&B. But today, I’m honored to interview M. Night’s wife, Bhavna Vaswani Shyamalan, who is the silent strength of the family and is the glue who is keeping it all together. For more than 15 years, Bhavna Shyamalan, PhD, has served in her role as co-founder and vice-president of the M. Night Shyamalan Foundation. The foundation focuses on discovering and supporting grassroots leaders around the world who are moving depressed communities out of poverty and oppression. These global leaders are empowering their communities by supporting social justice, equality, and access to basic needs such as food, water, and education. A deep belief in human-dignity and freedom as a birthright, as well as in our joint responsibility to become participants in the fight for social equity and justice, have been Dr. Shyamalan’s driving force in creating and steering the efforts of the foundation. With an international upbringing and global perspective, Dr. Shyamalan has developed a keen awareness of the power of poverty to determine the life course of individuals, families, and communities by severely limiting opportunity and choice. The foundation leaders work to eliminate those barriers. More recently, Dr. Shyamalan has focused her foundation on helping the most disenfranchised communities; the forgotten and “disposable’ people entrapped and exploited by modern day slavery and human trafficking. Although born in India, Bhavna was raised in Hong Kong before her family moved to the U.S. An immigrant herself, Dr. Shyamalan is keenly aware of the challenges posed to immigrants in any new country. Having travelled widely, however, her exposure to different people and cultures has not only reinforced her belief in the gift diversity brings, but also deepened her commitment to valuing each individual life. Dr. Shyamalan oversees the foundation’s international grants, the implementation of its vision and mission, strategic growth, fundraising, and overall operations. Additionally, DR. B (as she is known in the fitness world) is co-owner at Vibe Vault Fit, a boutique fitness & wellness studio in PA, and has been teaching Dance Fitness classes since 2011. Dr.B’s believes working out can be inspired, and should address health and fitness in all aspects, including body, mind, spirit. In addition to teaching dance fitness classes, Dr. B also manages the “mind” and “spirit” side of Vibe Vault Fit, running workshops, and talking about how to uplift our lives through the Vibe Vault Fit podcasts and blogs. Her vision for Vibe Vault Fit is to promote a warm community, that will walk together toward a healthier, more fulfilling, and extraordinary life. Dr. B sees wellness, like happiness, as a mindset. Her goal is to help you make your own wellness a priority and claim the life that is waiting for you. Earlier in her career, Dr. Shyamalan worked as a therapist in the counseling centers of Swarthmore College and St. Joseph’s University. She earned her doctorate in Clinical Developmental Psychology from Bryn Mawr College and her B.A. in psychology from New York University. Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: MNSFoundation.org WEBSITE: VibeVaultFit.com FACEBOOK: /DrB.DanceFitness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Martial arts is a metaphor for life. Did you ever think about that? It requires a fine balance of the body, mind, and spirit - a keen understanding of people and their intentions, skill, flexibility, wisdom, focus, anticipation, practice, and after you are hit to the ground with this challenge or that level of adversity, you muster up the courage and willpower to stand up and fight again. That is what living is all about. Today, I am joined by a woman who lives by this philosophy more than anyone I know. She is Shannon Emery Lee. She’s famously known as Bruce Lee’s daughter but she is SO much more than that and is carving her path and place in this world in such an authentic way. Across the globe, billions revere her father who made his mark as an incredibly talented martial artist, filmmaker, actor, and philosopher. But to her, he was simply Dad. To say she had big shoes to fill is an understatement, and to think her father’s shoes were never worn again when he died at the age of 32 and little Shannon was just 4 years old. Shannon has been a keen martial artist throughout life in her own way. She’s also an American singer, actress, producer and entrepreneur. After her father’s death, her mother Linda Lee Cadwell left Hong Kong and raised her in California along with her brother Brandon Lee, who also died far too young during an accident while shooting for a film. People tried to tell her that acting was not good for the family but Shannon decided to maintain the legacy of her father and learned martial arts from his students. She then made her debut into film and TV with movies like Enter the Eagles and Martial Law. She endeavours to preserve and promote her father’s legacy as the president of the Bruce Lee Foundation and Bruce Lee Enterprises. Her book Be Water, My Friend pays homage to her father’s life and teachings, and her most important role is being a dedicated mother to her daughter Wren. Welcome to the show, Shannon! Let’s bow in ceremoniously to this interview so that we are both aware and present. Meet My Guest: INSTAGRAM: @therealshannonlee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Isn’t it ironic and kind of sad that having kids can wreak havoc on a marriage and your sex life? Today, get ready to get your mojo back and rekindle the spark with your spouse thanks to renowned licensed psychotherapist and nationally recognized sex counselor Ian Kerner. Ian Kerner, who is a PhD and LMFT specializes in sex therapy, couples therapy and working with individuals on a range of relational issues that often lead to distress. Ian is regularly quoted as an expert in across all media outlets. He’s a regular on the Today Show and in CNN HealthThe Atlantic, The New York Times, The Economist and NPR. He gives lectures on sex and relationships, with recent presentations at NYU, Yale, Princeton, the Ackerman Institute and TED 2021. Ian is the New York Times best-selling author of She Comes First (Harper Collins) which has been translated into over a dozen languages. His new book, So Tell Me About the Last Time You Had Sex was recently published by Hachette. Ian lives in New York with his wife, two sons and two dogs. He maintains a private practice in NYC dedicated to honoring the centrality of sexuality in his patients’ lives. Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: IanKerner.com FACEBOOK: /IanKernerLMFT Mom Haul: CORAL MOBILE APP: Relationship Self-Care App WE VIBE: Couples’ Vibrator OMGYES.COM: The Science of Women’s Pleasure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever thought about going plant based? Could you do it? Do you have the interest and willpower to revamp your refrigerator, your skincare essentials, your clothing, and essentially your philosophy in life. Today, I’m joined by a celebrity who has made this choice as a serial entrepreneur, and is also famous as an actress, influencer, and mom - Daniella Monet. LA native, sitcom actress Daniella Monet, has appeared on numerous television series from CBS' Listen Up alongside Jason Alexander to Nickelodeon’s comedy hit Victorious, and she went on to host 3 seasons of Paradise Run which was filmed in Hawaii. Daniella is a full time ethical entrepreneur having invested in several conscious companies that help make living a plant-based lifestyle more accessible. With millions of engaged followers on Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter, Daniella organically curates content that is fun & relatable. She shared her pregnancy journey on Youtube and is loving being a mom to her babies Gio + Ivry. The actress is vegan and has been plantbased for over 20 years, is an animal advocate from day one and fur-mom to rescued pitbull Jake. Along with her longtime love Andrew, she enjoys quality time at home with their family, often times with a cup of Drew coffee in hand. This ethical entrepreneur has navigated through multiple successful endeavors, which she co-founded herself @Kinderbeautybox. And she’s a fellow podcaster. She and her friend Evanna Lynch, best known for her role as Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter franchise, have launched their very own podcast called A Little Kinder. Let’s dive in to it all now! Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: KinderBeauty.com (Use promo code MOMSENSE20 for 20% off) INSTAGRAM: @daniellamonet FACEBOOK: /daniellamonetofficial Mom Haul: AMAZON: Doona Car Seat to Stroller AMAZON: Boon Silicone Feeder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Simran Sethi, MD, MBA, internal medicine physician and founder of skin by Dr. Simran Sethi & RenewMD Spas, joins me to discuss how BIPOC can best take of their skin with the right ingredients in products and ongoing procedures like chemical peels and microneedling to combat acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, and melasma, and increase luminosity, elasticity, and cell turnover. We also discuss the biggest beauty myths, ayurvedic remedies, and foods that help create healthy skin, hair, and nails. Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: SkinByDrSethi.com INSTAGRAM: @skinbydrsethi FACEBOOK: /renewmdwellness EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Use promo code MOMSENSE20 to receive 20% off at SKIN by Dr. Simran Sethi THE SKIN REPORT: Bonus Episode Press REFINERY29: What Is ‘Melanin Safe’ Skincare — & Is It Really Necessary? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, we are featuring a live event in New York City hosted by the esteemed Asia Society led by Neelam Chowdhary and The Culture Tree, founded by Anu Sehgal. In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, I was asked to moderate a panel with extraordinary South Asian women who have made a lasting impact in their industries and communities - Anu Aiyengar (JP Morgan Chase & Co), Snigdha Sur (The Juggernaut), and psychiatrist Dr. Sue Varma. Together, we celebrate their trailblazing journeys, offering listeners and attendees invaluable insights and inspiration. Episode Links: WEBSITE: AsiaSociety.org VIDEO: South Asian Women Trailblazers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to That's Total Mom Sense, your trusted podcast decoding the world of parenting with the help of expert entrepreneurs, speakers, and authors. We've been away for a few weeks while I had the honor of speaking at The KNOW Summit in Phoenix, AZ and the MOM 2.0 Summit in Scottsdale, AZ. These events have been incredible, providing much inspiration and insight from powerful women making significant strides in their industries. I thoroughly enjoyed these #IRL events and focusing on quality time with my kids as they end their first year of school, and am excited to be back in action with fresh episodes like live panel discussions, one on one interviews, and more. Thanks for your support!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of India's first supermodels. Actor. Cancer survivor. Mother of twins through surrogacy. Woman of no fixed address. Today I am honored to interview cross cultural phenomenon Lisa Ray. She is an internationally acclaimed performer, philanthropist and star with a reputation for taking on challenging issue-oriented films. Raised in Canada by an Indian father and Polish mother, Ray was discovered while on vacation in India and went on to become not only one of the most successful cover models and celebrities in India but also an acclaimed, award-winning actress who starred in Canada’s Oscar nominated film, Water, amongst other prestigious credits. Named one of the ‘Ten most beautiful Indian women of the millenium’ by a Times of India poll, Ray cemented her profile as an iconic figure in India before leaving for drama school in London and opportunities around the world. Along the way, Ray found time along the way to host her own entertainment show in India, filmed a landmark music video for Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and became the enduring brand ambassador for Rado Watches. In 2009, Ray attended the Toronto International Film Festival in support of her work in two films. The event marked an important public announcement, in which Ray chose to share her diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma with media and the public. The outpouring of support was immediate and overwhelming. She also started a blog (‘The Yellow Diaries’) to share her cancer experiences. Her forthrightness and humour in navigating a difficult illness have earned her the attention and respect of people from all corners of the world, as well as ‘The Voice Achievers Award, 2009’ and ‘The Hope Award, 2010’. Ray went on to help raise funds for the establishment of the first research chair for Multiple Myeloma at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. Ray’s philanthropic interests range from taking part in the on-air drive for SickKids Hospital to Ambassador of Plan Canada’s ‘Because I Am A Girl’ campaign, a global movement that supports the rights of girls around the world. In 2019, Lisa released her memoirs Close to The Bone. “An unflinching, deeply moving account of her nomadic existence: her entry into the Indian entertainment industry at sixteen; her relationship with her Bengali father and Polish mother; life on the movie sets and her brush with the Oscars; her battle with eating disorders; being diagnosed with multiple myeloma at thirty-seven; her spiritual quest; lovers and traitors, mentors and dream-makers; and the heartaches and triumphs along the way. It is also about Lisa's quest for love. Funny, charming, and gut-wrenchingly honest all at once, Close to the Bone is Lisa Ray's brave and inspiring story of a life lived on her terms.” Lisa and her husband Jason Dehni have two lovely daughters, Sufi and Soleil. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the adage goes, “Nine months on; nine months off.” It takes about 9 months to put on the baby weight during pregnancy, and roughly that amount of time to lose it. But for many women, it’s not that easy. I know I can relate after having my twins! Now imagine having the added pressure of being in the spotlight on TV, which sadly does add 10 lbs, all while juggling life with a new baby. Today, I’m interviewing someone who has done it all and more, Mara Schiavocampo. She’s a three-time Emmy Award winning correspondent for ABC News based in New York, chart-topping podcast host, and best-selling author of her memoir “Thinspired,” which documents how she lost 90 pounds after her first child. Unbelievable! Mara is a longtime member of the National Association of Black Journalists. She lives in New York with her husband, two children, and their rescue dog. She’s here to tell us her story and give us some tips along the way. Get ready to get thinspired! MEET MY GUEST: WEBSITE: MaraSchiavocampo.com INSTAGRAM: @marasampo TWITTER: @marascampo FACEBOOK: @marascampo PODCAST: Motivated Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2006, Raegan co-founded aden + anais, the baby lifestyle brand globally recognized for its high-quality design driven muslin swaddles and baby products. Raegan continued to work full-time in her sales role at The Economist Group until May 2009 when she left to run aden + anais in a full-time capacity as the brand’s sole owner eventually selling the company in 2013 and continuing on as CEO until 2017.  In 2014 Raegan was named as one of EY’s Entrepreneurs of the Year, considered one of the most prestigious business awards in the world. Raegan now serves as one of the judges on the program. aden + anais was named to SmartCEO’s 2015 Future 50 list, as well as by Crain’s New York Business for three consecutive years on their Fast 50 list. The Fast 50 feature highlights New York’s most successful and innovative companies for their growth, strategies and success. aden + anais was also recognized for a 338% growth rate and a reported revenue of $41.7 million in 2013. Raegan has most recently co-founded Saint Luna, a premium moonshine brand that was released in the United States in March 2019. Raegan sits on the board of directors for Hopeland, a nonprofit created to pioneer innovative solutions and build new partnerships to prevent family separation, reunify children who are separated from their families, and mobilize a movement of families to support children who are growing up outside of family care.  Raegan is the author of What It Takes – the story of her entrepreneurial journey from the kitchen table to a 100 million dollar global business—being published by Portfolio – Penguin Random House in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, May 7th, 2019. Currently, Raegan resides in DUMBO Brooklyn, with her husband and four daughters. LINKS: INSTAGRAM: @raeganmoyajones BOOK: What It Takes: How I Built a $100 Million Business Against the Odds WEBSITE: RaeganMoyaJones.com WEBSITE: Saint Luna WEBSITE: aden + anais 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

When you think "mom fashion," it may sound like an oxymoron because moms are stereotypically viewed as frumpy and disheveled because we are too busy sacrificing for our kids. Hello! But it doesn’t have to be this way. We CAN look like a million bucks and we SHOULD spend time and energy to do so because it does wonders for our confidence and self-esteem, which makes us better as moms, at our jobs, and positively impacts every facet of our life. Katie Kabel is the founder of Kabel Styles and is my personal stylist. After spending over 20 years working in retail, Katie left work to start a family. She always enjoyed working, and knew she wanted to return to work when the time was right. She was eager to get back to doing what she loves; cultivating meaningful relationships, making women and men feel confident and empowered. Working as a personal stylist allows her to fulfill her desire to be productive and creative while still attending to the needs of her young family. Being a personal stylist is so much more than dressing an individual, it’s about a relationship of trust, gratitude, and commitment. Giving someone the confidence to walk into an interview, go on a first date, tackle a new life adventure, or simply putting a smile on their face. That’s why she doesn’t just label herself as a personal shopper/stylist but also as an image consultant. Listen in to Katie's top tips for moms on the staples they should have in their closet and what pieces they should consider that are flattering, functional, fashionable, and fun! Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: KabelStyles.com INSTAGRAM: @kabelstyles TWITTER: @KatieKabelBurg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hitha Palepu is an entrepreneur, investor, and writer. Her blog, Hitha On The Go, reached hundreds of thousands of readers worldwide and became known for its travel and productivity content. Her first book, How To Pack: Travel Smart for Any Trip was published by Clarkson Potter in 2017. It has been released worldwide, translated into German and Italian, and is currently in its 3rd printing with 50,000 copies in circulation. Hitha and the book were featured by the New York Times, People, Travel+Leisure, and Elle. She is also the creator of #5SmartReads, a daily curation of the 5 must-read stories that reaches over 30,000 readers. Through here work and lifestyle content, she aims to provide simple solutions for women to live their best lives. Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: HithaOnTheGo.com INSTAGRAM: @HithaPalepu TWITTER: @HithaPalepu FACEBOOK: /HithaOnTheGo LINKEDIN: /HithaPalepu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Soon after Meenal Lele's first child was diagnosed with multiple food allergies, new research upended decades of allergy advice. The LEAP study found that consistently adding allergenic foods beginning at four months of age could drastically reduce the rate of developing food allergies. The American Academy of Pediatrics subsequently began recommending that parents give allergenic foods to their babies early and often. As Meenal struggled to prepare allergens three times a week for her second child, she realized how hard it was to mix nuts into baby food without exposing his older brother or contaminating the blender. There had to be a better way! She took my background in chemical engineering and worked with food scientists to develop a solution. Lil Mixins is specially prepared to blend smoothly into breastmilk, formula, or baby foods, so it’s simple to give to infants. They use the best quality ingredients and no additives or sweeteners – the same way you would make it yourself, but without the mess. And they've made it so one jar of each product will last from early infancy until your baby can start to eat whole foods. Their goal is to make early introduction easier for busy moms. Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: LilMixins.com INSTAGRAM: @LilMixins TWITTER: @LilMixins YOUTUBE: Lil Mixins FACEBOOK: @LilMixins MOM SENSE PROMO: Use the code momsense15 (all lowercase) for 15% off Lil Mixins Peanut Powder Mom Haul: AMAZON: Stokke Flexi Bath, Heat Sensitive Plug AMAZON: Acko Folding Step Stool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices