Chai Break

After a brief pause, Chai Break returns with a conversation that feels like a deep exhale.In this episode, Shwetha is joined by Nikita Shah — a multidisciplinary artist, textile designer, educator, and researcher whose work bridges the 3,000-year-old craft of Kalamkari with contemporary storytelling, community, education, and healing.From living and learning alongside weavers in Maheshwar, to studying at NIFT Kannur and FIT, to founding Untitle by Nikita and hosting Fursat, a monthly workshop centered on rest and reflection through textile-making, Nikita’s journey is rooted in patience, presence, and purpose.This episode is a powerful meditation on slow fashion, cultural memory, sustainability, and the quiet resistance of handmade work in a world addicted to speed, trends, and overconsumption.What We Talk About in This EpisodeBeginnings & OriginsNikita’s early relationship with textiles, craft, and sustainabilityLiving within indigenous craft clusters across IndiaHer formative six-month graduation project in Maheshwar, working directly with weaversHow family memory, cotton saris, and lived experience shaped her artistic languageDiscovering KalamkariWhat Kalamkari is — and the pen-based, natural-dye, multi-step process she practicesLearning Kalamkari by living with weavers and printers in Andhra Pradesh for several yearsNavigating language, trust, and lineage in a traditionally gatekept craftWhy Kalamkari chose her — and the responsibility that comes with carrying it forward Untitle by NikitaWhy she founded Untitle by Nikita and what “Untitle” representsWorking with deadstock textiles and memorial fabricsCreating garments in NYC’s garment district as an act of preservation and careHow memory, craftsmanship, and sustainability are stitched into every pieceFursat: Community, Rest & ReflectionWhat Fursat means — and why the concept feels radical todayReclaiming the joy of waiting, tailoring, and intentional creationHow Fursat creates space for personal storytelling, emotional healing, and collective creativityCraft as a practice of rest in a culture obsessed with productivityArt, Healing & SustainabilityThe connection between textile-making and healingTeaching handloom language at FIT and independently at universitiesWhy fashion should begin with textiles — not trendsThe missed opportunity in today’s over-the-top Diwali fashion cultureWhy handloom is still stigmatized as “not cool” — and how we shift that narrativeRelearning how to shop, consume, and dress with intentionThe Sari as IdentityNikita’s love for saris and whether it was a conscious choiceSaris as conversation starters, grounding tools, and cultural anchorsHer involvement in the New York Sari Exhibit at the New York Historical SocietyWhat it meant to see the sari honored in such an iconic space☕ Rapid Fire (Chai Break Style)How Nikita practices sustainability in daily lifeWhat she’s currently readingFavorite seasonHow she takes her chaiHer go-to chai-time snack

In this episode of the Chai Break Podcast, I sit down with Meghana Sharma—serial entrepreneur, style therapist, and founder of some of India’s most creative ventures, including Levitate, The Preloved Co., and now, The Bindi Project.From her early days curating Bangalore’s iconic boho boutique Levitate to co-founding a social enterprise thrift store, Meghana has always believed in making sustainability stylish and accessible. Her latest venture, The Bindi Project, is more than just about bindis—it’s an ode to the feminine divine. By upcycling leather scraps, fabric remnants, and jewelry waste into handcrafted bindis, Meghana is reclaiming cultural identity, empowering women artisans, and proving that fashion can be circular, conscious, and deeply personal.We chat about: Meghana’s journey from Levitate to The Preloved Co. to The Bindi Project Why she believes in circular fashion and how thrifting can spark community changeThe roots of sustainability in South Asian culture—and how it went from way of life to taboo Her philosophy of SDA: Sustainable Differential Advantage—and how it applies to every business Style, maximalism, and finding your authentic fashion voiceThe women and role models who shaped her journeyWhether you’re a fashion lover, a sustainability advocate, or someone curious about how culture and creativity intersect, this #chaiversation will leave you inspired.Grab your cup of chai and join us for a deep dive into fashion, feminism, and the future of sustainability—one bindi at a time.chaiversations.org

💡 In this episode, we talk about:Rashmi's journey pre-Arun Revolution and what led her to leave the corporate world to build a climate solution rooted in equityWhat most menstrual pads are really made of—and why that’s harmfulThe science behind Aruna’s compostable pads and ethical supply chainPeriod cups vs. pads: Pros, cons, and finding what works for youHow Aruna Revolution is scaling across Canada and beyondThe surprising challenges (and joys) of innovating in taboo spacesPlus, don’t miss our fun wrap-up segment, “Spill the Tea,” where Rashmi shares her chai preferences, sustainability rituals, and life mantra.🔗 Links & ResourcesLearn more at: www.arunarevolution.com Follow Rashmi on Instagram: @arunarevolution

In this episode of Chai Break, we dive into the world of regenerative fashion with Aishwarya Lahariya, textile scientist and founder of Jiwya, a 100% plant-based clothing brand based in India. Aishwarya shares how her background in chemistry, sustainability research, and passion for ethical design led her to create a fashion label rooted in zero-waste living, artisan empowerment, and soil-to-soil systems. If you're curious about the real impact of your clothes—from water usage to labor ethics—and want to understand what truly sustainable fashion looks like, this episode is for you.The origins of JiwyaAishwarya’s upbringing, chemistry background, and move from the U.S. to India to build her brandWhy most cotton (even “organic”) is greenwashed—and what truly sustainable sourcing looks likeWhat a soil-to-soil ecosystem really is and how Jiwya’s designs biodegrade in just 60 daysThe reality of fast fashion: mass production, clearance culture, and the “Oops we bought too much” problemWhy ethical pricing still feels "expensive" and how to shift the consumer mindsetThe science behind plant-based dyes that use 1/10th the water of conventional methods—and return nutrients to the soilEmpowering artisans and preserving textile crafts across 100+ clusters in IndiaThe challenge of scaling while staying true to values—and what it means to vote with your walletAishwarya’s thoughts on the future of fashion, the Buy Now documentary, and her work with Nadhi, a women in climate collective

In this inspiring episode of the Chai Break Podcast, I'm joined by Shivani Ramesh—a Strategy & Implementation Analyst at ENGIE Impact, environmental engineer, and passionate sustainability advocate. Shivani takes us on a journey from her roots in India to her career in global decarbonization, offering practical wisdom for anyone grappling with climate anxiety and wondering, “What can I do?”We explore the power of bite-sized climate action—small, intentional steps we can take in our homes, communities, and careers to contribute to a more sustainable future. Shivani shares powerful stories of grassroots activism in her own family, from organizing neighborhood cleanups in Chennai to local government initiatives in Westchester, NY.This episode is for anyone who wants to understand how citizen-led action, climate-conscious careers, and community collaboration can drive change, no matter where you live.🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why tiny, consistent actions can create large-scale impactShivani’s journey from Rishi Valley School to ENGIE Impact and the spark that started it allThe importance of civic engagement and how her mother’s clean-up drives led to launching Citizen Matters in IndiaHow her aunt’s sustainability leadership in Westchester County helped unlock funding for clean energyLocal NYC tips: how to get involved in composting, community gardens, and moreWhy climate anxiety is real—and how to channel it into purposeA behind-the-scenes look at The Soapbox Project, a growing community turning worry into climate actionHow to pivot into a sustainability career or integrate climate-conscious thinking into your current work5 bite-sized actions you can start today to live more sustainably🔗 Resources mentioned in the episode:ENGIE ImpactCitizen MattersThe Soapbox ProjectNYC Composting🎧 Grab your chai and tune in—this is a chaiversation you don’t want to miss.

Deepti Kharbanda’s Journey to Sustainable LivingIn this engaging episode of the Chai Break Podcast,I Shwetha Ravishanakr reconnects with longtime college friend Deepti Kharbanda, Chief Sales Officer at Bare Necessities, as she shares her inspiring journey toward a zero-waste lifestyle and sustainable living. From her early days in Bangalore to becoming a passionate sustainability advocate, Deepti reveals how everyday habits—like carrying a reusable water bottle and composting—can make a big impact on our environment.About Deepti Kharbanda With a background in Human Resources and Computer Science, and nearly two decades of experience in business development and R&D engineering, Deepti blends analytical thinking with a heartfelt commitment to the planet. Her journey into sustainability began with motherhood and has evolved into a powerful mission for social impact.Key Topics Covered:The "Why" behind Deepti’s commitment to sustainabilityOvercoming common misconceptions about eco-friendly livingPractical steps for adopting a zero-waste lifestyleHow sustainable packaging and clean ingredients are changing consumer habitsInnovative initiatives like workshops with Ikea that drive community awarenessSpill the Tea: Deepti also shares fun insights about her love for chai, her favorite pairing, and the influencers who have shaped her path—revealing a side of her that is as warm and engaging as her professional journey.Discover actionable tips and inspiring stories that prove sustainability starts with simple, everyday choices. Learn more about Bare Necessitieschaiversations.org

Samudra, Seaweed, and a Sustainable Future with Joyeeta Das 🌊🌱Hello, hello! Welcome back to the Chai Break Podcast, where we sip chai and spill the tea on the world’s most pressing issues. And today, we’re diving deep—literally—into the future of sustainability.We all know climate change isn’t a far-off crisis; it’s here, now. But what if the key to reversing its effects wasn’t just on land but in the ocean? Enter Joyeeta Das, a powerhouse in deep tech, AI, and climate solutions, and the visionary CEO of Samudra Oceans. Her mission? Harnessing the power of seaweed farming to combat carbon emissions, restore biodiversity, and create jobs in coastal communities.From being a woman in the male-dominated world of ocean tech (where boats literally don’t have toilets for women—seriously?!) to building scalable blue carbon solutions, Joyeeta’s story is one of grit, innovation, and breaking barriers.🚀 In this episode, we talk about:Why seaweed farming is one of the fastest, most scalable ways to capture carbonThe engineering + AI revolution behind sustainable ocean farmingThe Jugaad mindset—stretching every penny to build a climate-conscious futureHer take on female entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and navigating the funding landscapeWhat a sustainable lifestyle looks like (spoiler: minimalism isn’t just for your closet!)Oh, and of course, we end with Spill the Tea—because no Chai-versation is complete without Joyeeta’s go-to chai and book recs!Tune in now and get ready to rethink sustainability from the ocean up. 🌊✨🎧 Listen to this very inspiring #chaiversation and Learn more at samudraoceans.com

Breaking Barriers with Sukanya Punthambekar, Co-Founder of BreakingIn this episode of The Chai Break Podcast, we dive into one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time: plastic pollution. Did you know that humanity has produced over 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic since the 1950s? Only about 9% of that has been recycled, with millions of tons ending up in our oceans each year. On a mission to combat this crisis is today’s guest: Sukanya Punthambekar, Ph.D., Co-Founder and CEO of Breaking.Sukanya brings over two decades of experience in life sciences and biotechnology. She has worked alongside pioneers like Dr. George Church at Harvard Medical School on groundbreaking projects in synthetic biology, sequencing, and protein engineering. Her career highlights include teaching neuroscience, leading collaborative research teams, and earning prestigious awards like the Department of Biotechnology Junior Research Fellowship and the Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award from the University of Michigan. With her Ph.D. in molecular biology, Sukanya has co-authored impactful publications in top journals like Nature and Science.In This Episode:1. Immigrant Story & Entrepreneurial Journey • Sukanya shares how her journey from India to the U.S. shaped her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation.• Founding Breaking: Discover what inspired Sukanya to launch Breaking and the pivotal moments that pushed her to take the entrepreneurial leap.• Challenges as a Woman of Color: Sukanya discusses navigating unique hurdles in the climate-tech space and how she overcame the barriers of VC funding disparities.2. Making an Impact & Sharing Advice• Creating Impact: Sukanya shares the mission behind Breaking and the transformative change she hopes to achieve in combating plastic pollution.• Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Learn how women’s leadership styles can bring fresh perspectives and Sukanya’s key tips for budding women entrepreneurs.• Childhood Memories of Sustainability: Hear Sukanya’s reflections on growing up in India, where sustainable practices were second nature, and how those roots continue to influence her views today.3. Spill the Tea • Sukanya’s chai ritual and her favorite snack pairing • The book she’s currently reading • Her life mantra • Fun facts about her musical background and family connection to the film industryConnect with Sukanya & Breaking:Learn more about Sukanya’s company and their groundbreaking work at Breaking.com.Thank you for tuning into today’s chaiversation! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. Until next time, happy chai sipping! ☕chaiversations.org

In this episode of the Chai Break Podcast, we dive into the transformative power of education with Sumana Shetty, co-founder of Commit2Change. Sumana shares her inspiring journey from her early days in Bangalore to leading a nonprofit focused on empowering underprivileged girls in India and South Asia. Through innovative programs and a custom curriculum, Commit2Change is creating sustainable change, one girl at a time.Key Highlights:Sumana’s journey from Bangalore to the United States and her inspiration to co-found Commit2Change.How her experiences volunteering in India shaped her mission.Building Commit2ChangeThe story behind Commit2Change and its focus on empowering girls through education, healthcare, and economic development.The significance of "sustainable change" and how C2C ensures impact through their programs.The 4 C’s CurriculumLearn how Commit2Change’s custom curriculum helps girls master English and math in record time while fostering creativity, confidence, and communication.Success stories that highlight the ripple effects of educating girls in rural India.Education and Climate ChangeHow climate change disrupts education for vulnerable children in rural areas.Insights into C2C’s upcoming mobile tech lab initiative, bringing digital education to underserved communities.Collaboration and Community SupportThe importance of partnerships with local NGOs, government bodies, and community leaders in scaling impact.Lessons learned from working in diverse cultural and economic landscapes.Closing ReflectionsSumana discusses the intersection of her roles as a General Counsel and nonprofit leader.Rapid-fire fun: Sumana shares her favorite book, chai preferences, and more!Resources and Links:Learn more about Commit2Change: Read the World Bank report: The Impact of Climate Change on EducationGet InvolvedInspired by today’s episode? Here’s how you can support Commit2Change:Donate to fund education programs for underprivileged girls.Volunteer your skills or resources.Spread the word about C2C’s mission to create sustainable futures through education.Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review. chaiversations.org

Welcome to Season 4 of the Chai Break Podcast.In this episode of the Chai Break Podcast, we dive into the world of climate-conscious gifting with Prateeksha Chandraghatgi, founder of Greenr Gifts. With a tech background at industry giants like Yahoo and Microsoft, Prateeksha shifted her path to build a business rooted in sustainability and meaningful impact. Greenr Gifts enables climate-positive gifting by partnering with reforestation organizations worldwide, allowing individuals and businesses to plant trees in their loved ones’ names.Introduction to the episode/seasonPrateeksha’s Background – From Yahoo and Microsoft to eco-friendly entrepreneurship.Roots in Sustainability – Growing up in a culture of mindful living and its influence on Greenr Gifts.Diary of a Founder – Prateeksha’s reflections on purpose and pace, and what inspired her shift from tech to entrepreneurship.Launching Greenr Gifts – How Greenr Gifts started and what it offers as a climate-positive gifting service.Customer Journey & Emotional Impact – Exploring the meaningful experiences Greenr Gifts creates for its users.Corporate Gifting for Impact – The response to Greenr Gifts’ new corporate offerings and its potential for broader climate action.Insights for Women Entrepreneurs – Challenges of funding, building a small but powerful team, and advice for other female founders.Community Support and Future Goals – How listeners can support Greenr Gifts and what’s next for the company.Rapid Fire Round – Fun insights about Prateeksha’s chai preferences, favorite book, and how she spends her downtime.Join us for an inspiring chaiversation on innovation, purpose, and building a business that nurtures the planet. For more on Greenr Gifts, visit greenr.gifts.Here's the link to the Climate Solutions Prateesksha mentions: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnpej4pQF7UPnt0nkZEa8sxR9TmWR1B&si=6LKPqc9jNqFk5jguchaiversations.org

We're in #chaiversation with Ektha Aggarwal, a licensed clinical health worker, Ektha is a distinguished mental health leader, pioneering holistic therapies at Shakti Therapy and Healing Services, and addressing the unique needs of the South Asian community as the Founder of Jiva Mental Health. She combines ancient Eastern practices with modern science to deeply heal and transform lives, focusing on sustainable mental wellness rather than temporary solutions.We talk to her about her "holistic mental health" approach and what it constitutes"Love" as an emotionMisconceptions about "holistic mental health" A fun rapid fire round you don't want to miss! To discover more about Ektha's transformative approach or to schedule a consultation, visit www.shaktitherapyhealing.com or email [email protected]. Join a community where healing is integrated, respected, and celebrated.chaiversations.org

4 women, 4 unique experiences - this episode is unlike anything we've done in the past.To begin, Shwetha hadn't even heard of peri-menopause until Rema, who's actively in the throws of it, mentioned it to her. It was then that it occurred to us that this is yet another swept-under-the-rug, rarely talked-about phenomenon and that we need to hear from more women.In this episode, we feature:The lovely founders of the very popular NRI Woman Podcast, Bettina Tauro & Ninorah Fernandes Brookshire, volunteered to join our #chaiversation and share their raw, real experiences.Arti Dussane Rao, a finance professional who's on a much-needed career breakThey, each share their unique journeys with peri-menopause and its effects on their mental health.Our hope with this episode is for you to experience the warmth of sisterhood, unwavering support, and a space where judgment is left at the door. You can join the #chaiversation on Instagram or email us at [email protected]

We're in #chaiversation with Seema of the Mindful Parent and Child Journals. Seema shares with us why she started this venture, her self-publishing journey, and how the journal can benefit you, your child, and the overall harmony of your home and family dynamics.You can find The Mindful Parent and ChildOn InstagramOn EtsyChaiversations.org

Meet, Mrinal Gokhale, an Indian-American writer who began her career as a freelance journalist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the most segregated city in the United States. She reported on Mental Health Awareness Month events for Hispanic and African-American publications as part of her work. She realized that these conversations were lacking in Asian and South Asian representation. To increase education and acceptance of mental health among South Asian generations, while also showing non-South Asians how intersectionality looks in the diaspora, she went on to author 2 books, both anthologies, the first one in 2021, called “Saaya Unveiled” and “Taboo: South Asian Mental Health Stories” published in 2023.Chaiversations.orgYou can purchase her books on Amazon

So far in this season, we have been talking about normalizing conversations around mental health and we’ve also talked about the fact that seeking professional help isn’t always tied to big life events.In this episode, we talk to Shruthi Bharath about one of the biggest life-changing times in a woman’s life - motherhood. We delve into those vulnerable, often loney moments of early motherhood and the challenges it presents.Here are some of the topics we discussEarly motherhood challenges and how it impacts mental health and well-beingWe’re 3 women on this episode, all of us mothers, each of whom have had their unique, yet common struggles being new mothers - we discuss identity crisis, feeling lonely in those early months of motherhood and so much moreAs a platform, what are the various elements of early motherhood that you envision on the platform, and where does maternal mental health fit in?Chaiversations.org

Dr. Monica Shah is a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist based inManhattan. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy(DBT), and rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT).

Chapter 1: What is Good Girl Syndrome? How the phrase "good girl" is ingrained in the vocabulary of our Indian culture and where it stems from? Shwetha & Rema share anecdotes from their personal experiences.Chapter 2: The personality and mental health implications of "good girl syndrome"Chapter 3: Shwetha & Rema answer a series of questions to find out if they have Good Girl Syndrome and you can play along too.chaiversations.org

Our guest today is Kareena Mehta, a mental health professional with a B.A. in Psychology from Bryn Mawr College and further education from Teachers College, Columbia University, where she earned an Ed.M. in Mental Health Counseling and an M.A. in Psychological Counseling.Kareena brings with her a plethora of cross-cultural experiences, both from her own personal life growing up in Belgium, moving to India and then the USA; as well as professionally, wherein her clients are spread throughout the globe from Africa to India, USA, Cannada and beyond.We talk to her about:Her forray into the mental health spaceThe basic differences between a psychologist, psychotherapist and psychiatristThe differences she experiences being a mental health professional in India vs here in the USAThe most common mental health challenges in India and the USAThe gaps in the mental health space5 things everyone can do to work on their mental well-being on a daily basisCheck out the full episode and Subscribe to our monthly Substack newsletter atchaiversations.org

We discuss the barriers we faced whilst trying to access mental health services in the US, and South Asian organizations that are doing the groundwork in creating databases of a network of therapists and services, Plus, Rema shares a few ground-breaking mental health books that were a huge part of her journey.We hope you enjoy this episode! You can check out our website chaiversations.org and Subscribe to our monthly Substack Newsletter chaibreakpodcast.substack.com

We, Shwetha & Rema, address the elephant in the room - mental health and well-being by sharing our own personal journey of how/why/what got us to seek professional help. It's raw, it's real and it's just the beginning of a power-packed season of personal stories, chaiversations with expert guests, and continuing the chaiversation online via Instagram and the launch of our Substack Newsletter.Sign up for our newsletter via our website chaiversations.org or at chaibreakpodcast.substack.com for your monthly fix of exclusive behind-the-scenes of the world of podcasting, exclusive guest interviews, the latest episode drops and so much more.