Episodes

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 worksho...

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...

💡 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 equity What most menstrual pads are really made of—and why that’s harmful The science behind Aruna’s compostable pads and ethical supply chain Period cups vs. pads: Pros, cons, and finding what works for you How Aruna Revolution is scaling across Canada and beyond The surprising challenges (and joys) of innovating in taboo spaces Plus, d...

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 usag...

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, commu...

Deepti Kharbanda’s Journey to Sustainable Living In 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 imp...

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 vis...

Breaking Barriers with Sukanya Puthambekar, Co-Founder of Breaking In 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 Puthambekar, Ph.D., Co-Founder and CEO of B...

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...

In this special edition of the podcast just in time for Thanksgiving in America, I welcome back Rema Chaari for a heartfelt and thought-provoking discussion on the power of gratitude, especially in challenging times. As the world grapples with crises and injustice, many of us are left questioning how to practice gratitude without feeling disconnected or self-centered. We revisit themes from our previous gratitude episode while diving into deeper, more nuanced reflections. Together, we explore: ...

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 business...

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...

Dive into the world of peri-menopause with 4 women sharing their personal journeys and mental health experiences. Join the #chaiversation for a one-of-a-kind episode.

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 Child On Instagram On Etsy Chaiversations.org

Meet Mrinal Gokhale, an Indian-American writer who embarked on a transformative journey in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the most segregated city in the United States. As a freelance journalist, she immersed herself in reporting on Mental Health Awareness Month events for Hispanic and African-American publications, where she keenly observed the absence of Asian and South Asian representation in these critical conversations. Chaiversations.org You can purchase her books on Amazon

Join us as we delve into the importance of prioritizing maternal mental health, especially within the context of the South Asian community. Through candid conversations and personal anecdotes, we seek to destigmatize discussions around mental health and provide support and resources for mothers in need. Chaiversations.org

Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Shah is dedicated to fostering mental health awareness and education through Various platforms. As a host of the popular Chai Break podcast, she engages in insightful discussions with experts In psychology, self-help, and personal development. Through candid conversations and expert insights, the Podcast provides listeners with valuable tools and perspectives for navigating life's challenges and fostering personal growth.

Join Shwetha and Rema as they delve into the intricate origins of the "Good Girl Syndrome" within Indian culture, uncovering its profound effects on mental health and personalities. This compelling conversation at Chaiversations.org sheds light on the unique challenges faced by Indian immigrants and Indian Americans, exploring the societal expectations and cultural norms that contribute to the perpetuation of this phenomenon. chaiversations.org

Join us on a thought-provoking journey as we delve into the fascinating world of mental health with Kareena Mehta, an Indian-American mental health professional with a rich and diverse background. In this captivating episode of Chaiversations, Kareena shares her journey in the mental health space, offering valuable insights into the distinctions between psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists. chaiversations.org

Highlighting the efforts of South Asian organizations, Rema discusses the groundbreaking work being done to Create databases of therapists and services tailored to the needs of the community. These initiatives play a crucial Role in bridging the gap between individuals in need and culturally competent mental health professionals. We hope you enjoy this episode! You can check out our website chaiversations.org and Subscribe to our monthly Substack Newsletter chaibreakpodcast.substack.com

Embark on a transformative journey into the dynamic realm of mental health with Shwetha and Rema on Chaiversations.org. As Indian-American mental health advocates, Shwetha and Rema bring a wealth of insight and passion to their discussions, particularly focusing on the nuances of South Asian mental health. 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 gues...

In this illuminating conversation, Jashima Wadehra shares insights into her journey as a South Asian entrepreneur and woman in the dynamic world of branding and talent management. Through her company, Ode, she empowers South Asian entrepreneurs and women, providing them with a platform to amplify their voices and showcase their unique talents. chaiversations.org

Dive into the dynamic intersection of finance and South Asian culture with Chandani on Chaiversations. As a multi-talented individual with a background in behavioral psychology, Chandani brings a unique perspective to the conversation surrounding financial wellness. chaibreakpodcast.com

Explore the impactful initiatives led by Amrita Doshi, co-founder of South Asian SOAR, working towards ending gender-based violence in the US South Asian diaspora. Join us in promoting healing and justice for survivors and communities! chaibreakpodcast.com